Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

New M2 even more “interesting” with M performance parts. That exhaust. Ugh

Normally there are at least a couple of M Performance accessories I'd consider adding to my car- but not in the case of the G87...

Michaell

Naturally. Tonight we got the email from VW to confirm the order for the ID.4 we had reserved back in April.

However, as previously mentioned, my job status is up in the air, and it wouldn't be prudent to take on any new debt at this time. Therefore, we will not move on to the next step.

It's a bummer, but we can always revisit the issue if things change next year.

stickguy

what is the next step? It seems like you have no real exposure until you actually buy it. if it shows up on the lot and you don't want it I assume they would be more than happy for you to walk away so they can mark it up. It works for Mavericks!

and when is it supposed to arrive, in relation to knowing about the job?

Michaell

stickguy said:

what is the next step? It seems like you have no real exposure until you actually buy it. if it shows up on the lot and you don't want it I assume they would be more than happy for you to walk away so they can mark it up. It works for Mavericks!

and when is it supposed to arrive, in relation to knowing about the job?

Next step woud be to give VW another $400 to lock in the order, which we aren't inclined to do.

Based on what I'm seeing posted on FB, it looks like delivery would be next spring, at the earliest. I'll know about the job by the end of the year.

Also, I think we are more serious about putting the business up for sale in the next 1-3 years, so no debt would be better for us, all around.

ab348

explorerx4 said:

Rodney's comment on theM2 styling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phagxOal7_A

Classic scene, and hilarious. And appropriate, except the hat looks better.

laurasdada

Perhaps BMW employed a Kardashian to style the rear end...

stickguy

@Michaell said:
Next step woud be to give VW another $400 to lock in the order, which we aren't inclined to do.

Based on what I'm seeing posted on FB, it looks like delivery would be next spring, at the earliest. I'll know about the job by the end of the year.

Also, I think we are more serious about putting the business up for sale in the next 1-3 years, so no debt would be better for us, all around.

Makes sense. I assume though that whatever money you have into it to hold the spot is fully refundable?

mjfloyd1

Hyundai recalls and stops sale on six DCT models…

https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a41575775/hyundai-recalls-six-models-with-dual-clutch-transmission-problems/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_aut&utm_medium=email&date=101422&utm_campaign=nl29375231&utm_term=AAA -- High Minus Dormant and 90 Day Non Openers

graphicguy

roadburner said:

graphicguy said:

qbrozen said:

graphicguy said:

breld said:

I was browsing local inventory of Mustang Mach-Es and came across an available GT model. Clicked on the “unlock price” option which resulted in a schedule that clearly outlines the MSRP, and the “your price” which was equal to MSRP.

So, thought I may go check it out…could be a good deal at MSRP and you’d get the “old” tax credit. Made an appointment with a salesperson for yesterday afternoon, got a call in the morning from a sales manager to confirm the appointment. Got there promptly at 4:00. The salesperson has information available on the available new GT and a slightly used one they have in the showroom. Then he mentions something about markups on available units that customers had backed out on. Huh? Oh yeah…$10k markup on Mach-E GTs.

Man, do I hate that. I think I may have had a conversation with the SM for wasting my time.

100%. And I would have had the printout showing "my price."

Ford has been cracking down on markups, so I'm sure they'd like to hear if the dealer wasn't honoring their own quoted price with ADM.

I reported the dealership to Ford. Ford sent a nice note back stating they would check into it and that they value me as a customer (although it’s been a few years since I was a Ford owner). Got a standard note back from Cronin Ford’s owner/GM stating how the market is setting pricing. I sent a note back stating lying is never acceptable in business, and his dealership lied. I never heard anything back.

As I've said several times in the past, with the exception of Kings Ford in Cincinnati, it has been the Ford dealers that have stood between me and buying a Mustang Bullitt or Mach 1. Although I will in all fairness note that the email correspondence that I have had with Mike Castrucci Ford in Alexandria KY was fine- the price has been the issue...

I like KINGs. I used to have my previous Cobra serviced there. Bought my son’s ill-fated Fiesta there.

They were sympathetic to that car’s transmission woes, and even offered to help with the buy backs that Ford was forced to offer on them. But, by then, he had already moved on to his much loved GTI.

Looked at a Mustang GT at Castrucci 3-4 years ago. Liked them, too. But, the one I had my eye on had an automatic, and I wanted a manual. Sales guy called me every time he got another one in, but never a manual. Never pulled the trigger.

Michaell

stickguy said:

@Michaell said:

Next step woud be to give VW another $400 to lock in the order, which we aren't inclined to do.

Based on what I'm seeing posted on FB, it looks like delivery would be next spring, at the earliest. I'll know about the job by the end of the year.

Also, I think we are more serious about putting the business up for sale in the next 1-3 years, so no debt would be better for us, all around.

Makes sense. I assume though that whatever money you have into it to hold the spot is fully refundable?

Right now, it's a whopping $100 - but yes, it's refundable.

tifighter

Just ordered up some new tires for the M2. It seems that any Michelin in the front tire size is backordered until at least new years, so I'm going Continental this time. Wish me luck.

nyccarguy

delete

stickguy

Bradd, how's the Jeep flip coming? any decent offers? At some point that merry go round was going to stop. Hopefully not before you get your ride!

but if you need a lease takeover, I live in snow country now so could probably use one!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Bradd, how's the Jeep flip coming? any decent offers? At some point that merry go round was going to stop. Hopefully not before you get your ride!

but if you need a lease takeover, I live in snow country now so could probably use one!

The Red Rubicon looks fantastic in my garage:) It seems like the flip will take longer than I expected. I made quite a few phone calls to some local dealerships last week. I got different answers from different dealerships. The general consensus was that it is "too new." With no comps (2023 4Xe Rubicons) going through the auction, a few were hesitant to even offer me more than my current payoff. A Jeep dealer was confused that I even had a 2023 Rubicon 4Xe AND was able to purchase it under MSRP. The best offer I got was from a local Acura dealer who offered me $1000 more than my payoff.

Since it has been over a week, I officially added to my signature line

andres3

tifighter said:

mjfloyd1 said:

The rear bumper on the red M2 looks much better than the same bumper on a light blue one, believe it or not.

Yeah, but...

I like it. Fighter jet like. I'll take 100 of these rear ends before a single new M4 front end.

tifighter

Overall, I'm okay with the looks on the M2. I don't love the back in photos but I haven't seen it in person yet. I'm sure, like most cars, that it will grow on everyone once it's out on the road. It's not instant love, but it's fine.

I'm not loving the dashboard, however.

It's hard to argue with the pricing. Seems like good value. I wish there was more color selection, but with these now being made in Mexico for the first time, maybe they are trying to keep the options limited until it's up and running. Time will tell.

andres3

tifighter said:

Overall, I'm okay with the looks on the M2. I don't love the back in photos but I haven't seen it in person yet. I'm sure, like most cars, that it will grow on everyone once it's out on the road. It's not instant love, but it's fine.

I'm not loving the dashboard, however.

It's hard to argue with the pricing. Seems like good value. I wish there was more color selection, but with these now being made in Mexico for the first time, maybe they are trying to keep the options limited until it's up and running. Time will tell.

Made in Mexico??? OK then, the price should be reduced.

ab348

mjfloyd1 said:

Hyundai recalls and stops sale on six DCT models…

Not the best of times for H/K. Aside from the DCT woes and the ongoing engine failures/fires, I was reading today about the entire “Kia Boyz” craziness. For those out of the loop, on the scourge called TikTok there was a video going around showing how to start/steal H/K models that still use a metal twist key start by smashing open the steering column surround and making use of a USB cable somehow. Since H/K never installed a vehicle immobilizer (pinching pennies) such vehicles could be driven away. Apparently all the kool kids began doing that for fun. The story today said H/K decided on some 3rd party software as a fix but was charging customers several hundred dollars for it plus dealer labor. Interestingly, they do install an immobilizer here in Canada because the Feds here mandate it.

stickguy

those immobilizers are often a huge pain on an older car. They can totally brick one that needs anything fixed related to a key or the ECU.

andres3

stickguy said:

those immobilizers are often a huge pain on an older car. They can totally brick one that needs anything fixed related to a key or the ECU.

Our families' '95 Camry had a "chip" authentication installed by the dealership that never broke or failed in many years and miles. A failure would be "catastrophic" though as you can't start the car without it.

roadburner

My Club Sport had a BMW immobilizer system called EWS. Each key contains an EPROM and every time that the key is used the car loads a new security code into the key. The system also keeps track of all the keys assigned to the car and their respective codes(3 keys came with the car and up to 7 more can be ordered). The system wasn’t all that problematic but it can cause a no start condition that is a real devil to track down. A lot of owners just rig up a bypass to fix the problem.

corvette

The modules on my Maverick "popped" and I can now see the coding on Ford's online service website, which I think means it's either built or close to being built. Weirdly, the window sticker still shows a "blend date" of 10/7 but Ford's customer service chat told me it was scheduled to be produced yesterday. Now we (continue to) wait for it to be marked "awaiting shipment."

fintail

LOL, IIRC MB didn't reduce anything when some AMG models were made in the USA, BMW won't be different.

Oh why can't people think of the plight of the beleaguered abused institutional shareholder who gives so much and takes so little.

andres3 said:

tifighter said:

Overall, I'm okay with the looks on the M2. I don't love the back in photos but I haven't seen it in person yet. I'm sure, like most cars, that it will grow on everyone once it's out on the road. It's not instant love, but it's fine.

I'm not loving the dashboard, however.

It's hard to argue with the pricing. Seems like good value. I wish there was more color selection, but with these now being made in Mexico for the first time, maybe they are trying to keep the options limited until it's up and running. Time will tell.

Made in Mexico??? OK then, the price should be reduced.

jmonroe1

laurasdada said:

Perhaps BMW employed a Kardashian to style the rear end...

————————————————-
I’d say you’re right. The exhaust pipes are very well exposed.

jmonroe

sda

Three new Id.4s at the VW dealer. I assume they are available as they had the addendum sticker that listed the mop and glo and mark up.

Michaell

sda said:

Three new Id.4s at the VW dealer. I assume they are available as they had the addendum sticker that listed the mop and glo and mark up.

Probably orders that were cancelled by folks who learned they couldn't get the tax credit.

These are likely 2022 models, built in Germany.

2023's from Tennessee are just now trickling onto the dealer lots.

Sandman6472

We picked up a bunch of new VW Taos CUV's the other day. Had the 1.5 turbo under the hood and they accelerated very nicely with no noticeable turbo lag. Looked in the back and wasn't that big and guessing it would just fit on my side of the garage. The add-on sticker had some ridiculous charges on it & hopefully, Enterprise got a fleet discount of some kind.

henryn

sda said:

Three new Id.4s at the VW dealer. I assume they are available as they had the addendum sticker that listed the mop and glo and mark up.

Strictly out of idle curiosity, how much "mark up"?

Michaell

henryn said:

sda said:

Three new Id.4s at the VW dealer. I assume they are available as they had the addendum sticker that listed the mop and glo and mark up.

Strictly out of idle curiosity, how much "mark up"?

I'll guess $5-10K, though I've seen reports of folks being able to pick them up at MSRP. The 2022's will start to accumulate at the dealers.

corvette

@Sandman6472 - don’t worry about whether Enterprise got a discount… they know their way around a dollar bill.

stickguy

Taos is about 176" long. so I assume about the same as a Tucson?

ab348

I have yet to see a Taos out in the wild but VW is advertising them heavily on TV right now . Looks like a decent offering.

stickguy

I don't recall seeing one either now that you mention it. or just did not notice it since looks like a slightly smaller Tiguan.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

henryn said:

sda said:

Three new Id.4s at the VW dealer. I assume they are available as they had the addendum sticker that listed the mop and glo and mark up.

Strictly out of idle curiosity, how much "mark up"?

I'll guess $5-10K, though I've seen reports of folks being able to pick them up at MSRP. The 2022's will start to accumulate at the dealers.

Why in the world would you pay that kind of outrageous rip off? You’d have to know that soon you would be so upside down on your loan that you could never sell it.

This is what infuriates me, the government and media are beating the drum for everyone to convert to EVs but the dealers make them out of reach of anyone who didn’t win the Power Ball.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

@Sandman6472 - don’t worry about whether Enterprise got a discount… they know their way around a dollar bill.

Up here for months we’ve been paying sticker. I suppose in today’s market, that’s a discount.

fintail

Just for laughs, this was in the glovebox of the National Gladiator I rented last Christmas (I bet they paid it, too):

oldfarmer50 said:

corvette said:

@Sandman6472 - don’t worry about whether Enterprise got a discount… they know their way around a dollar bill.

Up here for months we’ve been paying sticker. I suppose in today’s market, that’s a discount.

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

henryn said:

sda said:

Three new Id.4s at the VW dealer. I assume they are available as they had the addendum sticker that listed the mop and glo and mark up.

Strictly out of idle curiosity, how much "mark up"?

I'll guess $5-10K, though I've seen reports of folks being able to pick them up at MSRP. The 2022's will start to accumulate at the dealers.

Why in the world would you pay that kind of outrageous rip off? You’d have to know that soon you would be so upside down on your loan that you could never sell it.

This is what infuriates me, the government and media are beating the drum for everyone to convert to EVs but the dealers make them out of reach of anyone who didn’t win the Power Ball.

Whoa - I wasn’t going to pay anything above sticker on mine. Got an email from the dealer GM to that effect.

It’s the cars that make it to the dealer after an order is cancelled that has the markup.

stickguy

Sarah likes the new Z. the way the market is evolving, it is almost a new car and a retro model at the same time. Old school big V6, RWD, manual trans. I like it. Not the price of course. Gauges are cool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQsu4YoofUg

ab348

The one thing about the Z I don’t like is that rectangular front grill. It looks like they forgot to actually design anything and had to jury rig a piece of grid material in there at the last minute.

stickguy

still looks like a Z. and better than what BMW and Lexus come up with these days.

tjc78

Grille is similar to some older Aston Martin models.

graphicguy

^^^^^^^^

What the hell is this?

tjc78

@graphicguy said:
^^^^^^^^

What the hell is this?

kyfdx

Quick 400 mile R/T, this weekend. One observation: Multiple Ford Fusions being driven by jerks. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, insistent on driving 90 mph.. I don't think I've ever noticed a Fusion on the road, in the last few years, but at least 8 of them with a death wish, in the last two days.

Really weird.

corvette

Sounds like they have Big Altima Energy.

stickguy

hit a mileage milestone this weekend. at 9.5 months old, the Maverick rolled over 5,000 miles. most of it running back and forth to NY from NJ when moving. Going on slower now, mostly running around on weekends, sharing that duty with the Acura.

Speaking of that car, it clicked over 17.000 miles this weekend. 2 years, 7 months old.

interestingly they are averaging almost exactly (6,300-6,400) annual miles so far. Obviously we don't drive that much (and for 15 months the Acura was an only car). and now with fewer road trips might not break 10K between them.

explorerx4

@stickguy,
You and your wife WFH? I hope you have them listed as low mileage pleasure vehicles on your insurance.

andres3

Sandman6472 said:

We picked up a bunch of new VW Taos CUV's the other day. Had the 1.5 turbo under the hood and they accelerated very nicely with no noticeable turbo lag. Looked in the back and wasn't that big and guessing it would just fit on my side of the garage. The add-on sticker had some ridiculous charges on it & hopefully, Enterprise got a fleet discount of some kind.

The 1.5 is assisted by a top of the line DSG transmission. Spared no expense, but probably done to eek out the extra mile or 2 per gallon over making people like me happy about the driving experience.

The Tiguan is given a slushbox 8-speed. I miss the All Track!!! Good thing it's my wife's vehicle.

andres3

kyfdx said:

Quick 400 mile R/T, this weekend. One observation: Multiple Ford Fusions being driven by jerks. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, insistent on driving 90 mph.. I don't think I've ever noticed a Fusion on the road, in the last few years, but at least 8 of them with a death wish, in the last two days.

Really weird.

Sorry, a Fusion is all Enterprise had available to rent.

mjfloyd1

@ab348 said:
The one thing about the Z I don’t like is that rectangular front grill. It looks like they forgot to actually design anything and had to jury rig a piece of grid material in there at the last minute.

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/list/top-gears-top-9-big-grilles-we-actually-edition