Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

anyway, of that list, my favorites I think are the Crosstrek limited (I have always really liked these), the Kona limited (for the drivetrain and all the goodies on it), the Lexus (great mileage) and the Mini. My guess, the wife would pick the BMW with the Mini a dark horse contender.

I am surprised that Acura has not entered this class yet. Maybe they come out with something on the HRV platform? Unless they try to shrink the RDX.

breld

Does it have to be AWD? Cause the new Integra could be a fun option. I don’t get the sense they’re all that challenging to get.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

anyway, of that list, my favorites I think are the Crosstrek limited (I have always really liked these), the Kona limited (for the drivetrain and all the goodies on it), the Lexus (great mileage) and the Mini. My guess, the wife would pick the BMW with the Mini a dark horse contender.

I am surprised that Acura has not entered this class yet. Maybe they come out with something on the HRV platform? Unless they try to shrink the RDX.

I found the Crosstrek to be underpowered but otherwise a nice ride. If your wife isn’t a speed demon it might fit the bill.

kyfdx

@stickguy
I'd add Mazda CX-30
Maybe, the Seltos in turbo form

The HR-V and non-turbo Kona would be very doggy.

roadburner

stickguy said:

anyway, of that list, my favorites I think are the Crosstrek limited (I have always really liked these), the Kona limited (for the drivetrain and all the goodies on it), the Lexus (great mileage) and the Mini. My guess, the wife would pick the BMW with the Mini a dark horse contender.

I am surprised that Acura has not entered this class yet. Maybe they come out with something on the HRV platform? Unless they try to shrink the RDX.

The X2 M235i is reasonably quick and a hoot to drive- a hot hatch with a lift kit. Other than that I'd go with the CX-30.

ronsteve

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

anyway, of that list, my favorites I think are the Crosstrek limited (I have always really liked these), the Kona limited (for the drivetrain and all the goodies on it), the Lexus (great mileage) and the Mini. My guess, the wife would pick the BMW with the Mini a dark horse contender.

I am surprised that Acura has not entered this class yet. Maybe they come out with something on the HRV platform? Unless they try to shrink the RDX.

I found the Crosstrek to be underpowered but otherwise a nice ride. If your wife isn’t a speed demon it might fit the bill.

I think it was 2021 that Subaru started putting the 2.5 in the higher trim lines of the Crosstrek. Not a stellar plant, I know, but at least less underpowered than the 2.0.

stickguy

Thanks for opinions.

Looking to stick with AWD so we have one car with that now that we live in hilly snow country. Integra is an interesting option though, but the wife is not a fan of low cars and would rather have something that sits higher (for ease of getting in/out and the view). She’s also used to it. Plus the Integra is just almost as long as the RDX, though 2.5” narrower. So not helping much. Besides, I’d want the stick version!

Our daughter has a CX-30, and I decided to exclude that.

Farmer, you probably drove the base Crosstrek with the 2.0l. Top model has the bigger 2.5l and is much quicker. Certainly speedy enough for us.

I don’t think she would bite on a Seltos and I’d rather avoid Kia. We did drive a Kona last year and she seemed to like it ok. I would only get the turbo version of the Kona.

We looked at an x2 before getting the RDX. she did like that, it was just too small at the time but that’s no longer an issue. The 235 would be massive overkill for her. She doesn’t need, or even want, that much power. The RDX is more than fast enough for her so a 2.0 BMW is plenty of power.

Anything we get will be a higher line model (if a mainstream car like Hyundai or Subaru, they would be limiteds). But a BMW would be a little more basic version.

roadburner

The dealer that sold me my M235i just got a Hockenheim M2C manual- but with a hole in the roof. Meh. Even so, $13k more than the 2018 I found.

sda

@stickguy said:
Thanks for opinions.

Looking to stick with AWD so we have one car with that now that we live in hilly snow country. Integra is an interesting option though, but the wife is not a fan of low cars and would rather have something that sits higher (for ease of getting in/out and the view). She’s also used to it. Plus the Integra is just almost as long as the RDX, though 2.5” narrower. So not helping much. Besides, I’d want the stick version!

Our daughter has a CX-30, and I decided to exclude that.

Farmer, you probably drove the base Crosstrek with the 2.0l. Top model has the bigger 2.5l and is much quicker. Certainly speedy enough for us.

I don’t think she would bite on a Seltos and I’d rather avoid Kia. We did drive a Kona last year and she seemed to like it ok. I would only get the turbo version of the Kona.

We looked at an x2 before getting the RDX. she did like that, it was just too small at the time but that’s no longer an issue. The 235 would be massive overkill for her. She doesn’t need, or even want, that much power. The RDX is more than fast enough for her so a 2.0 BMW is plenty of power.

Anything we get will be a higher line model (if a mainstream car like Hyundai or Subaru, they would be limiteds). But a BMW would be a little more basic version.

VW Taos AWD, SE with panoroof?

au1994

I really enjoyed the Crosstrek Limited I had. This was the 2.0 so it was FAR from speedy but in typical Subaru fashion is was loaded for the $, right about $30k on the sticker if I remember. With the 2.5 it should be quite adequate.

28firefighter

The Crosstrek Limited with the 2.5 is a phenomenal value. The thing that appeals about the Kona for normal humans is the warranty.

stickguy

The powertrain is really good too. As long as it isn’t catching on fire. Plus it’s really short!

She might actually love a countryman, assuming I want to get involved with a mini. Probably something in the past I would lease, but not these days.

stickguy

sda said:

@stickguy said:

Thanks for opinions.

Looking to stick with AWD so we have one car with that now that we live in hilly snow country. Integra is an interesting option though, but the wife is not a fan of low cars and would rather have something that sits higher (for ease of getting in/out and the view). She’s also used to it. Plus the Integra is just almost as long as the RDX, though 2.5” narrower. So not helping much. Besides, I’d want the stick version!

Our daughter has a CX-30, and I decided to exclude that.

Farmer, you probably drove the base Crosstrek with the 2.0l. Top model has the bigger 2.5l and is much quicker. Certainly speedy enough for us.

I don’t think she would bite on a Seltos and I’d rather avoid Kia. We did drive a Kona last year and she seemed to like it ok. I would only get the turbo version of the Kona.

We looked at an x2 before getting the RDX. she did like that, it was just too small at the time but that’s no longer an issue. The 235 would be massive overkill for her. She doesn’t need, or even want, that much power. The RDX is more than fast enough for her so a 2.0 BMW is plenty of power.

Anything we get will be a higher line model (if a mainstream car like Hyundai or Subaru, they would be limiteds). But a BMW would be a little more basic version.

VW Taos AWD, SE with panoroof?

Taos could work. On the long side for this group. Bigger issue is the wife hates VWs. Don’t ask me why. And too bad they ditched the 6 year BtoB warranty.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

The Crosstrek Limited with the 2.5 is a phenomenal value. The thing that appeals about the Kona for normal humans is the warranty.

Is that Crosstrek 2.5 available with a stick? or just the 2.0?

stickguy

Just the 2.0. Assuming they still even make that. Wife would want the automatic anyway.

ab348

Coming out of a RDX I think it might be a stretch that she would find a Crosstrek adequate. Plus you're only saving a couple of inches in width and maybe a foot in length with the Subie. Is that enough to make a real difference?

I'm still trying to understand why you are floating the idea of replacing the RDX as an alternative to doing something with the offending steps. A short ship's ladder would be a lot cheaper! What is the total height you need to scale here?

stickguy

Yes that space would help. There isn’t really any viable options to move the steps. Just figuring out how to wedge both cars in without hitting anything.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Yes that space would help. There isn’t really any viable options to move the steps. Just figuring out how to wedge both cars in without hitting anything.

I back into my space, so that we both get out in the middle of the garage. That allows us to park closer to the wall on each side.

Not as helpful for you, as your stairs are on the side.

On my car, she always gets out, before I back in. On hers, either one of us can usually get out the passenger door.

stickguy

I never have before but might try backing in. Especially if get close to anything since that gives me mirrors and camera to aim with!

Me car on the left side pulled in will be fine for getting in and out. That way she gets out in the middle. Her car, passenger would probably get out before pulling in.

jmonroe1

au1994 said:

I really enjoyed the Crosstrek Limited I had. This was the 2.0 so it was FAR from speedy but in typical Subaru fashion is was loaded for the $, right about $30k on the sticker if I remember. With the 2.5 it should be quite adequate.

————————————————
My Jenny is a 2015 with the 420 HP V8. Needless to say that car has plenty of power. Far more than I need and it will take off pretty good when I tell it to.

Mrs. j’s car is a 2018 Legacy Limited with the 3.6R engine just like 2012 that she had. Very peppy engine but they don’t make that engine anymore. I wouldn’t hesitate getting another Subie but I’d have to get the largest engine they make for the model I buy.

I’ve spoiled myself with engines ever since my first and second cars were used Chevy’s with a straight 6 cylinder engine I had while in the Navy. After that I swore up and down I’d never own another small engine car again.

Back in the mid 60’s and later I only had the largest GM V8’s that they made for the cars I bought. Never once regretted that promise I made to myself. Gas mileage be damned.

jmonroe

Batyachamp

Good day guys!
Do you know if it's better to do at the beginning or at the end of a month, when shop for your car trade-in value on all the online platforms?

Thank you!

andres3

breld said:

tifighter said:

@breld said:

I mentioned a used M240i convertible a while back in mineral gray with oyster leather.

I was mistaken on the interior - it’s cognac. They finally posted pics…that’s a beautiful car.

Nice car. Tall price.

100% agreed. Same dealer had a 2021 M2C in a manual with super low miles. Listed for $73k. The listing is gone. They also have a 2018 M2 with like 16k miles and are asking $56k.

I'll be keeping an eye on the 'vert listing to see if it gets adjusted as we enter the Fall season.

What's the usual 'vert upcharge all other things being equal?" I have my eye on a ;'18 17K mile white m240i coupe and it's under $40K now (app says "great price.").

andres3

roadburner said:

The dealer that sold me my M235i just got a Hockenheim M2C manual- but with a hole in the roof. Meh. Even so, $13k more than the 2018 I found.

An M2 with a hole in the roof should be against the law. The ceiling is already low enough as it is; especially in the rear.

andres3

So what would make a wife angrier... trading in the 4-door for a 2-door, or buying another car without even trading any in?

jmonroe1

Since @qbrozen is on vacation this would be a good time to talk behind his back. How long do you think it will take him once he’s back home to put the Sprinter up for sale? I don’t think it will take very long. Might even be listed before he unpacks all the luggage.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

andres3 said:

So what would make a wife angrier... trading in the 4-door for a 2-door, or buying another car without even trading any in?

————————————————
I guess @breld is disqualified since Mrs. @breld is an enabler.

jmonroe

Batyachamp

@Batyachamp said:
Good day guys!
Do you know if it's better to do at the beginning or at the end of a month, when shop for your car trade-in value on all the online platforms?

Thank you!

Can anyone share their experience with those?

qbrozen

jmonroe1 said:

Since @qbrozen is on vacation this would be a good time to talk behind his back. How long do you think it will take him once he’s back home to put the Sprinter up for sale? I don’t think it will take very long. Might even be listed before he unpacks all the luggage.

jmonroe

Don't tell him I said so, but I think maybe it waits around until the JWL arrives. No build date scheduled on that yet.

tifighter

andres3 said:

So what would make a wife angrier... trading in the 4-door for a 2-door, or buying another car without even trading any in?

First time, huh?

breld

Took some time this afternoon to drive down to the BMW dealership with the M240i vert. Had a really nice test drive…highway and streets. I was impressed and a bit surprised at how comfortable it was…I know it’s “just” an M performance model but I thought it might be harsher. Put the top down on the way back to the dealership, which included 70-80 mph on the highway…with the windows up it was quite comfortable. Definitely tolerable for short stints on the highway. For me, it feels like a great update to the couple E46 convertibles I’ve had.

CPO w/25k miles. Looks pretty much brand new. But as pointed out, they’re asking price is a bit dear. We’ll see if it happens to sit and they adjust the pricing.

breld

Lots of fun toys at that dealership. Salesperson pointed out a brand new M3 Comp that was available…apparently the guy who ordered it was all set to trade in his Tesla Model S Plaid, but the trade offer dropped by $30k over the past couple months, so he backed out. $86k for the M3, plus a $5k dealer markup.

They also had a 2021 M3 base with a manual, but w/17k miles and priced higher than the brand new Comp (or at least more than the Comp’s MSRP).

They also had three examples of low mileage Z3 and Z4 M coupes in the showroom. Two were owned by the owner of the dealership, and one was actually for sale….

https://www.winslowbmw.com/used/BMW/2001-BMW-Z3+M-for-sale-in-Colorado-Springs-CO-85ff50e70a0e081d55203adcb275a124.htm

oldfarmer50

Batyachamp said:

@Batyachamp said:

Good day guys!

Do you know if it's better to do at the beginning or at the end of a month, when shop for your car trade-in value on all the online platforms?

Thank you!

Can anyone share their experience with those?

The market is so crazy these days that there’s no telling what would be the best time to get a value for your trade. I would assume that any time of the month would be equally good to get a valuation. I guess that the old rule that says buy at the end of the month still holds true as salespeople still have monthly incentive bonuses to meet.

tifighter

I posted it earlier, but since M cars came up, this M4 seems very tasty-

https://autogroup.theshopclubs.com/inventory/bmw/m4/h19724/

The Individual custom color is… All for the price of a forgettable black on black 3 year old 718 Cayman S in base spec.

stickguy

what OldFarmer said. offers are all over the place and can swing up or down any given day. So any traditional rules (such as go to the dealer to buy on the last day of the quarter) are pretty much useless now.

roadburner

The dealer that has the 2018 M2 also has a Cardinal Red AMG C43 sedan; my wife really likes it- but to me the C43 is more an "AMG Lite" much like the M340i is not a true M car. Plus, at the ripe old age of 65 I can't wrap my mind around owning a car with a column shift- at least not for 10-15 more years.

laurasdada

With a house full of relatives from 7 months to 82 yo, car shopping really wasn't on the list this week. But, I had a plan, after test driving the TT vert last Friday...

As the Malfunction Indicator Light had lit last Friday (yellow steady, so likely not a huge worry) on the A7, and the earliest appt. I could get was this past Wednesday, I was going to try to kill two IRA accounts with one visit. While the A7 was getting reviewed, sit down and try to play Let's Make a Deal with sales-dude on the TT.
But, as I had hoped would happen, after ~100 miles of driving, the MIL extinguished so I cancelled the service appt. Which meant no trip to the dealer to wheel and deal. And, as oft happens, it appears that the TT sold that day. So, twas not meant to be.

And, wife's son has been driving her CX-5 while here, he's (a car guy, successful executive in car-related industry; drives a '22 Golf R) announced that the CX-5 was too slow with sloppy steering for her. He recommends that she immediately trade for an Audi Q3. Which, I don't think would be her cup of oil (too small), we did the GLC300 (my choice), X3 and Q5 shopping late last year. Q5 was her choice, but in plug-in guise, which is difficult to come by these days (new). Neighbor has a Q3, so I'll have her take a look at that one. Plus I just waxed the CX-5 and she had the oil changed. So, gotta keep it a little longer, right?

laurasdada

Oh, and I've read that for '23, there will be no A7 PHEV. Likely as Audi et al tilt towards the all electric fleet. I wonder if that makes mine more valuable?

roadburner

I think that all of the manufacturers that are going all-in on the electrification of their product lines will be caught out when the transition takes much longer than planned.
BMW stylists are almost certainly vision impaired but their engineers are smart to keep their options open by designing some platforms that can be powered with IC motors, IC/Electric, or pure electric.

sda

I am not thrilled about the sudden surge to go all in on EVs. I will be shocked if the transition goes well and is readily accepted by the buying public. Don't get me wrong, EVs have advantages and their place in the market but not to the degree that is being forced upon us.

nyccarguy

sda said:

I am not thrilled about the sudden surge to go all in on EVs. I will be shocked if the transition goes well and is readily accepted by the buying public. Don't get me wrong, EVs have advantages and their place in the market but not to the degree that is being forced upon us.

I'm quite happy with my partial electric vehicle. I'm averaging around 35 mpg including charging. Besides being a 4 door, 4WD, Convertible, it is by far the most fuel efficient vehicle I've ever owned (leased). I'm not ready to go all electric either.

stickguy

I was supposed to look at a 2007 Miata yesterday, right in town. But when I pinged the guy he had just sold it. Snooze you lose as always. Still need to find one for a test sit! No rush, probably better to wait for the first frost when snow will be coming soon, and it’s time for toys to go into hibernation. If there will ever be a deal to be had, that’s the time! And probably fewer buyers competing.

laurasdada

I'm of the same thought, NYC. I dig having the electric range to run daily errands without waking the sleeping stegosaurus. And, the overall mpg I've been averaging for a tank of dino of ~50mpg.

At dinner Wednesday night, I parked behind a parallel parked Celica Convertible (!). Owner came out with his take out food, looked at my car and asked, "What the heck is that!" Told him, he complimented it's beauty (alas, not mine). He got into the Celirag and lurched forward and stalled it. Second try, sputtered to life and off he went into the Yarmouth night.

andres3

breld said:

Lots of fun toys at that dealership. Salesperson pointed out a brand new M3 Comp that was available…apparently the guy who ordered it was all set to trade in his Tesla Model S Plaid, but the trade offer dropped by $30k over the past couple months, so he backed out. $86k for the M3, plus a $5k dealer markup.

They also had a 2021 M3 base with a manual, but w/17k miles and priced higher than the brand new Comp (or at least more than the Comp’s MSRP).

They also had three examples of low mileage Z3 and Z4 M coupes in the showroom. Two were owned by the owner of the dealership, and one was actually for sale….

https://www.winslowbmw.com/used/BMW/2001-BMW-Z3+M-for-sale-in-Colorado-Springs-CO-85ff50e70a0e081d55203adcb275a124.htm

$30K lost in 2 months? He should have traded it in and got a car that's priced more stable. $30K is a lot to lose in 2 months.

breld

@andres3 said:
$30K lost in 2 months? He should have traded it in and got a car that's priced more stable. $30K is a lot to lose in 2 months.

Apparently a broker was gonna buy his S Plaid for $130k in March and the dealer encouraged him to “pre-trade,” but he held on and the recent offer was $100k.

Can’t say the brand new M3 Comp in Brooklyn Gray available for sale wasn’t a little tempting.

xwesx

sda said:

If you are still in the area the Packard proving grounds/museum is worthwhile.

I'll keep that in mind for the next run to that area! Detroit is a really short jaunt north from Toledo, and we have to drive through Toledo whenever we go to or from our place here. Also, my wife has a close friend who lives in Detroit, so she's always tempted to go that way.

xwesx

tjc78 said:

Well after all the craziness it’s here and we can officially count the punch.

They told me no way it would be here before Wednesday so I told them to deliver it to my shore house. Low and behold I get a call that they want to deliver today. Of course I’m not there. Spoke to the driver and they were more than happy to deliver to my home address since their other delivery was 10 minutes away. I lucked out for once.

Pics or of course it didn’t happen.

Nice! Quite the contrast (in every possible way) to your other/prior vehicles! For a dark interior, they did a fantastic job on the details there. Enjoy it!

xwesx

Michaell said:

corvette said:

@Michaell - that kind of looks like an old-school design Lexus dealership (early 1990s to early 2000s), but with some modern touches like the second floor above the service bay. Nice looking XC40, though!

Went back to the dealer after my sister got off work. Naturally, this went to the top of the list.

Now to get her husband on board. Uphill battle, me thinks.

This is my whip for the week:

Best view of that car! To be honest, I was expecting it to actually look like a 20-year-old Hyundai. That thing is as nice as one of those ever was! I like it.

tjc78

@xwesx said:
Nice! Quite the contrast (in every possible way) to your other/prior vehicles! For a dark interior, they did a fantastic job on the details there. Enjoy it!

Yeah definitely a major change in vehicles. I only have 140 miles so far but I’m really enjoying it.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

I was supposed to look at a 2007 Miata yesterday, right in town. But when I pinged the guy he had just sold it. Snooze you lose as always. Still need to find one for a test sit! No rush, probably better to wait for the first frost when snow will be coming soon, and it’s time for toys to go into hibernation. If there will ever be a deal to be had, that’s the time! And probably fewer buyers competing.

For that reason I’d keep my summer toy over the winter and sell it in the spring. You could get lucky though, find someone who lost their winter storage or needs the cash for heat bills.

corvette

Turned in the Tundra this afternoon, super easy process, just needed to sign the odometer disclosure. As luck would have it, I also hit up Ford's chat system, and my Maverick is scheduled for production the week of October 10 and has a VIN assigned. So, that's progress! I was strongly considering switching to an XLT if it got bumped to a 2023, but this saves me having to make that decision.