Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fezo

Sandman - how about a nice CPO Volvo? As long as you you stay at an s60 or better you'll have the best seat in the world.

Wait, I think we went down this road before - still, hard to beat them.

stickguy

yeah, a cpo S60 should be reasonable enough. Also look at a prior generation TSX. Fantastic seats in that baby too. And modest size.

mark156

Beautiful color combo!!!! Getting a new Honda every four years just might be the ticket for you! :P

Post pics ASAP!

Mark156

stickguy

actually, since you want small and like the mazda, you can now get a grand touring model 3 with power leather seats.

akangl

Beautiful color combo!!!! Getting a new Honda every four years just might be the ticket for you!

Post pics ASAP!

Somehow I think hubby is expecting more then 4 years out of this new Pilot. He gave me a pretty stern lecture about how I am going to keep this car for a long time. He's had a deathgrip on the checkbook lately so I think he's serious.

My new Pilot should be here by the middle of January. I'm going to get winter tires/wheels and Husky liners before it gets here so I have everything to swap on to it for winter time the day I pick it up.

Hubby is now looking at old truck campers to put on the truck so he can go hunting next summer. Men.

Sandman6472

Y'all spend so much $ buying so many cars...your jobs must be great to finance all these changes. Guess we're more practical with our $ choices. Neither is right or wrong...just different ways of living I guess.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

anonymousposts

We dropped by the Honda dealer "just to look" at the new Odyssey. We drove a redesigned Sienna a few months back and wanted to compare the Odyssey to it. We are in love with the new Odyssey. The driving position is incredible. The seats, even in leather, did not have the lumbar bulge we hated in our 09 Accord. It was quiet and the stereo was amazing. The dealer we went to only had LX,EX, and EX-L models. If you step up to the Touring Elite you get a 650-watt stereo, HID's, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Soooo. .... time to sell the 08 Odyssey and wait for the dealers to get a supply of the new Elites. We are also selling the IS250 so we will free up a lot of cash along the way.

stever

How much? $40k?

Sandman6472

How many cars will y'all be down to when those 2 cars are gone? How about all the fees y'all incur with each new purchase. Have you guys ever sat down & added up all the registration & insurance additional payments? Bet the total will knock your socks off! Are y'all planning on leasing the Odyssey or buying it? Have always loved your car choices!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

jimbres

Y'all spend so much $ buying so many cars...your jobs must be great to finance all these changes.

I enjoy lurking here, but I'll never qualify for CCBA membership; my wife & I have bought a grand total of 6 cars in 25 years for 2 drivers. We typically keep a car for at least 8 years.

Sandman6472

In 29 years of marriage, my wife has had 5 new vehicles and I've had 3 new cars and 1 used one. We also tend to keep our vehicles longer than many folks as we tend to be a bit more fiscally responsible than the general public and I definitely do preventive maintenance on all vehicles. Would love to buy more often, but since we pay cash, we like to save up as much for the next purchase as possible.

Right now my Civic will hit 30k by February but the bad thing is that the wife's Mazda3 is already at about 83k...she will probably buy sometime in 2012 or early 2013 if the car doesn't have any major issues.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

jayrider

You're much too fiscally responsible, sandman, paying cash for your cars. Haven't you heard about the 72 month loans ? Get your dream car now and join the rest of the "mortgage your future to get want you want today club." It's a great club with lots of members. I've got no regrets --- I've heard that you can't take it with you and am doing my best to leave with zero in the bank.

mark156

I do pretty good to keep my membership up to date. My Uncle on the other hand is 83 yrs old and has had 6 new cars over 61 yrs, all bought new.

1) 1949 Chevrolet (4 dr) black
2) 1953 Chevrolet BelAir (4 dr) green with white top
3) 1963 Chevrolet Impala coupe, blue with white top
4) 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger coupe, blue with white vinyl top
5) 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity (4 dr), dark blue
6) 2002 Chevrolet Impala, brown

I told him when he turns 90, he can move up to a Buick. :P

I remember the '53 BelAir as I was a car admirer even as a small kid (born in '58).

Mark156

stever

Us too, but it's fun to live vicariously through everyone else's checkbooks. We're also on car number 6 since we met in 1980.

There is a lot to be said for dying broke though.

fintail

What is it they say...you've planned well if the check to the undertaker bounces?

Now that I am in my 30s I sense some automotive cheapness creeping up...I'm pretty sure I am going to drive my current car until it drops dead or expires otherwise. Nothing out there tempts me enough to want to spend the money when I can save the car payment balance and travel more at the same time. But I do already own a car I've had since I was 18.

tifighter

Try $43k, Steve. Ouch.

I do like that Sienna SE, though. Sorta looks like a Yakuza van.

anonymousposts

The Touring Elite has a MSRP of $43,000. We will wait to purchase until we can get one for around $40,000.

Once we sell the Lexus and the Odyssey we will be down to the Camry only. There aren't too many fees involved with car purchases in Georgia and we are fickle purchasers who only buy when the deals are right. We bought our Lexus new 19 months ago for $31,000. We should be able to sell it for $26,000-$27,000. We bought our Odyssey for $16,300 and were offered $18,500 on trade for a new Sienna, which they were selling at invoice. We figure we should be able to get $19,000 or so out of the Odyssey in a private party sale.

We will more than likely lease the Odyssey and then buy it at the end. We prefer leasing at first because it gives a defined way out if we decide we don't like the car. Also, if someone hits it and diminishes the value we are not stuck with a $43,000 van that is now only worth $25,000.

anonymousposts

We thought we would like the Sienna SE but it has a few deal-killers. It has an axle for a rear suspension and the SE models have an old-school antenna that is located on the front fender. I can't understand why a modern van doesn't have a fully-independent suspension with an integrated antenna.

michaellno

... and all I can say is:

Oh
Emm
Gee

I know you aren't supposed to (or can't) love an inanimate object, but I've got a serious case of infatuation for this.

Took it for a test drive. Although the normal temp for the end of October is probably in the high 50's or low 60's, today it's 75 and absolutely gorgeous. So, before the engine was turned on, I had the salesdude put the top down.

What a blast it is to drive. Sweet, sweet clutch, power all up and down the tach. The dealership has only one road that leads into it, and apparently they built it with a couple of nice sweepers to hook you in the first 2 minutes of the test drive. Sales guy kept telling me to go faster as we drove the neighborhood (suburban 4 lanes and light industrial area), but I kept it below 70 - on a short stretch of interstate. Tach was under 3K at 70MPH in 6th, so it will cruise nicely.

Best of all, unlike the Miata I sat in recently, I fit. Can see out the windshield nicely and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes so I can get into a comfy position.

For all you guys who kept pushing the Z4 on me - you were totally right. Now, if only I can hit the lottery tonight....

stever

Good point about the diminished value.

My wife likes the idea of the Prius minivan but the spy photos make it look more like a wagon. That would be ok too, but we sure like our sliders and the somewhat higher seating position.

akangl

What is it they say...you've planned well if the check to the undertaker bounces?

LOL, I like that saying! As for debt, the only real debt we have is the a low interest loan on the Civic and we don't owe much on that.

Got to finally haul hay with the truck today, so nice not having to ask a friend to do truck things for me. Do need to buy winter tires for the truck, although with the summer tires it does really well. I love long wheelbase trucks, so slow to do anything bad.

stickguy

michael, go for it. especially if it is CPO. You deserve it man, you know you do. Just no delivering pizzas with it.

I love that car. except for the color. Do not like black. In or out. And no chance in Hades that I get a black leather interior convertible!

make it dark blue over tan, and I will fly out to Colorado to get it, and have a nice drive home. And I really can't afford it!

and from AK and Anony, it sounds like with the newest designs, Honda might be at least fixing the issue with the lumbar on the seats. Although it never bothered me on our odyssey, or my accord (both leather).

Actually, I found it to be much more obtrusive on the cloth seats, and hideous on ones that were not adjustable.

corvette

I like the old-school Honda lumbar bulge, so I guess it's impossible to fit everybody.

stickguy

the problem with the bulge was that full in was what full out should have been! I could not imagine ever setting mine to anything but the minimum.

And I imagine that you will still know it is there if you extend it out a bit.

roadburner

Well, I kept thinking I'd hang on to the Mazdaspeed, but the sled is getting on my last nerve. In the past month I've had to replace the EGR valve and now at 72K miles the rear shocks are blown. Anyway, we were up in Cincinnati so I checked out an independent used BMW dealer as well as the BMW Store. The indie place has a bunch of cars that photograph well but are less than impressive in perso. Can't put my finger on it but the cars gave me a bad vibe. In contrast, the BMW Store had a lot full of clean Bimmers, but there were no used M cars or or Sport Package 3 Series equipped with a stick. I may end up with a used 911 or Cayman S sooner than later...

stickguy

sounds like you are more than ready. But hold out for what you really want. Settling is bad. Not that a Porsche is a penalty of any kind, but if it isn't really what you need or want in any way, could lead to regrets.

And I gotta figure that maintenance and running costs on the Porsche will be higher?

michaellno

michael, go for it. especially if it is CPO. You deserve it man, you know you do. Just no delivering pizzas with it.

I love that car. except for the color. Do not like black. In or out. And no chance in Hades that I get a black leather interior convertible!

make it dark blue over tan, and I will fly out to Colorado to get it, and have a nice drive home. And I really can't afford it!

Stick, I wish!

I won't be ready, financially, until next summer at the earliest, when the ION will be paid off. Nice salesman, told him what I was looking for and what my time line is, he promised he would keep me informed via email as to what comes in off-lease.

What's funny is that I found the original Monroney sticker and warranty book in the trunk. I think the MSRP was just under $40K and the car was originally sold in Connecticut! Interesting that it found its way to Colorado.

I'm not thrilled about the color, either - personally, I'm looking for anything other than black, gray or silver. The ION is Storm Gray, the VUE is Techno Gray and the MINI is silver, so I'm a bit burned out on those shades.

Yes, blue over tan would be a fantastic combo. I wouldn't mind red or white, either. We'll see - beggars can't be choosers when it comes to used cars.

One other thing - to be fair, it's leatherette rather than leather on the inside.

fintail

My E55 is in for its last warranty claim today - warranty expires in December and I won't be free much next month, so I took it in last week for an inspection. How the car behaves in the year after warrenty expiration will determine how long I keep it. I'd like to be able to drive it until it's pretty worn out...but that isn't very good for this thread.

michaellno

My E55 is in for its last warranty claim today - warranty expires in December and I won't be free much next month, so I took it in last week for an inspection. How the car behaves in the year after warrenty expiration will determine how long I keep it. I'd like to be able to drive it until it's pretty worn out...but that isn't very good for this thread.

A few questions:

You've gotten your money's worth on the warranty, haven't you?

How many miles are on it?

What would you replace it with?

fintail

The warranty was a great investment, it has paid for itself and then some. It's a good way to get the bugs ironed out - although the older E55s are known to be pretty solid, they have some quirks. So I'll be getting a car with no issues when the warranty is finished.

It's at about 46K miles now, not too many for a soon to be 9 year old car.

If it did die or get hit etc, I don't know what I would do...I'd debate either buying an older simple MB (I love W124 500E, maybe a nice W126, I'd even look at old W123 diesels) or just lease a normal car, as I don't drive a whole lot and I don't know if purchasing something new is a good deal with so many subsidized leases out there. I doubt I would replace it with another late model used highline car - I'd just rather use the money for other things. I see E63s that I could afford now, but I don't like them enough to want to open my wallet.

michaellno

Well, with only 46K on the clock, I doubt that it will die anytime in the near future.

Heck, my wife's '08 VUE and my '06 ION have almost as many miles.

So, I'm guessing that the only reason why you might be thinking about a replacement is due to repair costs that are no longer covered by the warranty. With your car, I don't think it's a matter of being nickled and dimed to death, but rather large bunches of $20, $50 and $100 bills smothering you.

I agree, with the low number of miles you seem to drive, a low mileage subsidized lease may make the most sense for you.

fintail

Yeah, these cars don't have little repairs, when they break, they break big. If repairs end up costing as much as a car payment, I might jump ship...but hopefully it won't be the case. The car is know to be one of the least troublesome aging but not old MB, and it is fairly pristine, in a good color with high options, so it does have something going for ir. I also just bought a $1300 set of tires 2 months ago, so I might want to ride those out too.

roadburner

But hold out for what you really want. Settling is bad. Not that a Porsche is a penalty of any kind, but if it isn't really what you need or want in any way, could lead to regrets.

Buying a 911 or a Cayman wouldn't be settling; I've always planned on getting one after. my son heads off to college.

roadburner

2004 M3- one owner
18,900 miles
Silver Gray/Black Cloth
Xenons
Heated Manual Seats
H-K Audio
No Sunroof(WOO-HOO!!!)
Brembo Big Brake Kit front/rear(@$7,000 in parts alone)
Dinan Stg. 1 Suspension



Now, if the dealer will only knock $3,000 off the current asking price of $29,990...

stickguy

seems steep for a 2004 anything. Do those aftermarket changes really up the value that much? Enough to offset what most people want (leather, power and a moonroof)?

That has to be a serious niche car with a select group of people interested.

But, my theory is, when you want something rare, sometimes you gotta pay a little extra even if it hurts, because who knows when it will come around again.

stickguy

awesome looking car. If it had a moonroof, it would be perfect for me!

As long as I never take those wheels/tires out on the streets of NJ or Philly.

roadburner

seems steep for a 2004 anything. Do those aftermarket changes really up the value that much? Enough to offset what most people want (leather, power and a moonroof)?

Well, KBB puts a value of $29,900 on it
Edmunds TMV is $23,780
According to Autotrader there are three other '04 M3 coupes with less than 30K miles for sale in the US.
They are priced at $28,900, $30,990, and $33,990.
This car was on eBay and bidding ended at $24,988. So maybe the price will come down to my level...

jimbres

I WANT IT!

stickguy

well, dealers always tend to price high (at least here they do!) And they pretty much just had the market rate set for them.

so they are asking 30. The market said 25. Split the difference and you are right about the 27K you want to pay.

Drive it, and if it is all there, offer the take or leave 27K, and it would be surprising if they let you leave without it.

guss

Wow! That is super low miles for an '04, it was probably only driven on the track on Sundays. :P

If it is close and you really wanted, I bet $27k would get it done. My rule of thumb is to always take at least 10% off the dealers asking price.

roadburner

Wow! That is super low miles for an '04, it was probably only driven on the track on Sundays.

The owner is a tech at the selling dealership; the word is that he is very meticulous(bordering on OCD) about the car and that it has never seen the track- although I'm currently checking on that through other channels. I can't believe someone would install @$7,000 worth of monstrous brakes if the car was never going to be driven at HPDEs...

kyfdx

No sunroof and a $7K brake kit?

I guarantee that's been to the track.... maybe for all 18K miles.. lol..

tjc78

What kind of money would it be for say a set of front brake pads on that thing? I am still having a tough time with a 7K brake upgrade! I couldn't see myself doing that. Is there that much of a performance advantage?

qbrozen

If it is truly flawless, Galves market ready price is $21,775 (are those 19" wheels? if so, then add another $500).

So even $26k is alot to pay, but not completely unreasonable if you can't live without it.

Aftermarket stuff adds nothing, of course. Hell, I would probably deduct for it, personally, as it makes it a tougher sell. No moonroof and cloth manual seats? Yeah, I think its pretty safe to say that could be sitting there awhile.

28firefighter

So after only 2 months with 2004 330xi, it may be headed for the chopping block so to speak. It has an unknown cause of misfires in 5 cylinders, after having been to 3 different mechanics so far. Car idles roughly and is extremely low on power. Spark plugs, ignition coils all replaced, as well as several vacuum tests that show no air leaks of any kind. No issues appear with any sensors. Car is now at the best mechanic in the tri-state area for this, and I'm still waiting to hear.

A car that I can't drive doesn't do me much good, as much as I love it.

Will you keep you posted.

tifighter

Wow. So what would you do with it? If its that down on power and drives poorly, you can't really trade it in, at least without taking a major bath on it.

28firefighter

Really not sure at this point. I'm going to take a bath one way or another it seems. If, for some reason it needed a new block (which is worst case scenario but has been mentioned by more than one mechanic), it would probably cost me upwards of 1/3 of the value I paid for it. Not sure thats worth it. Frankly I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do here, but I'm waiting to hear from this mechanic to see. I'm hoping its something that they just haven't thought of at previous mechanics, and is as silly as a sensor messing things up.

roadburner

What kind of money would it be for say a set of front brake pads on that thing? I am still having a tough time with a 7K brake upgrade!

Front pad prices range from reasonable(Centric Posi-Quiet Ceramic- $68.00) to OMG(Ferodo DS1.11 Endurance Race Pads- $494.00). Me, I'd probably go with Hawk HPS($129.00) for the street and Hawk HPS($175) for the track.

Is there that much of a performance advantage?

It's massive overkill for street use, but it's a killer setup for fast tracks like Mid Ohio or Watkins Glen. You'd have to be a total bonehead to induce any fade.

qbrozen

Like you said, possibly a bad sensor. Sounds alot like an air leak, though. But what really troubles me is anyone jumping to the conclusion of a bad block. More like bad mechanic. There are dozens of things ABOVE the block that could cause this. Has anybody tried ye ole method of spraying carb cleaner around the intake hoses and manifold? Seems like these old school methods have been all but lost.

tjc78

Front pad prices range from reasonable(Centric Posi-Quiet Ceramic- $68.00) to OMG(Ferodo DS1.11 Endurance Race Pads- $494.00). Me, I'd probably go with Hawk HPS($129.00) for the street and Hawk HPS($175) for the track.

The $494 is outrageous, but for fantastic performance on a course I could see the $175. I honestly thought you were going to something like $1000 or higher!

It's massive overkill for street use,

Unless you live in NJ or NY...