Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

I don't know if someone has posted this before, but it's deadly accurate:

au1994

stickguy said:

sda said:

I have purchased several vehicles whose MSRP has been $40-$50k. The Q5 was right at $50k. But these were not new, generally 2 yrs old with low mileage. The most I’ve paid was $26.5k which was for the Q5 less any money down. I am in sticker shock when I see 3 year old cars which should be in the high teens lower 20s going for 30 or more.

the RDX was actually stickered at $44k+. but I negotiated it down to just under $40k (back when you could still do that kind of thing!) and the trade in value on the 2013 RDX was much higher than expected, so I really only paid $23k for it (at least in my mind I did!)

Way back in 2020…ah the good old days.

roadburner

If I didn't already have a garage queen I would have a very hard time resisting this.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

Now that you can actually earn real money on cash, it makes it harder to part with.

That is the idea…

sda

This is a great card that was sent to us.

henryn

The most I've ever spent for a car or truck was $33.5k. That same truck would run about $54k now, 5 years later, and I'm just not prepared to do that. I might go as high as $45, maybe, but over $50 is just not going to happen.

I think a lot of older people, myself included, have a problem with the relative value of money. My first house cost $21k, my first new car cost $10k.

roadburner

My wife sends out a traditional card while I always send an automotive themed card. This is my 2022 card:

Michaell

You all sound like my dad, 20 years ago. At the time, the last new car my mom had was bought in 1973, and she demanded she get one more brand new car (they were in their early 60's at the time).

My dad was appalled at how expensive new cars had become. He ended up spending around $17K for the Sonata GLS V6 that is still in the family, with less than 50K miles on it.

Sandman6472

TJC, we all like smaller vehicles with the A3 being the largest right now, anything larger than a Civic would just be too big for the three of us. Just wish there was more of a selection for me to choose from. I do think 2024 will be the year that I replace the Golf as I'm finally ready to let it go. And am about 100% sure that I'm going to get another hatchback as I do like the versatility. Hoping by the latter part of 2023, inventory levels will be back to normal so I can drive what's on the short list back to back to make my final decision.

breld

It wasn’t all that long ago that my wife and I agreed we didn’t need to spend more than $35k to get the cars we liked (generally used). That was like a decade ago, so it was sort of true at the time. I believe the X5 PHEV is still the most I’ve spent on a car to date. If I end up taking delivery of the Polestar 3 that will take its place.

But to that end, I’m currently obsessed with the Ioniq 5. The quirky retro cool hatchback style combined with the efficient use of space on the inside is appealing.

Sandman6472

And I'm still having issues gong past the $25K mark! But think I'm going to have to up that figure to about $30K going forward. And doubt that I'd even look at a CPO unit to be honest. We just prefer a new vehicle at this point though I have bought 3 pre-owned vehicles over the years. We've had our current vehicles for just 8 years this month and I'll probably go one more year if it behaves. With the Audi, think she'll go out to 10 years with everything in proper working order. A vehicle is just an appliance to her while it's so much more to me like the rest of you in here.
Speaking of the A3, it goes into Audi on the 26th for some sort of recall. We also got a recall notice for the Hyundai but was told that once the part comes in locally, we'll be notified about how to proceed. Luckily, both dealerships are right here where we live.

ab348

Just saw a TV ad for the BMW I7. Amidst all the ugly new BMWs, this one takes the cake. What were they thinking? Looks like something the Chinese auto industry might have made 20+ years ago. Just atrocious.

jmonroe1

@xwesx said:
That's not exactly what I said (I'm too cheap for the taxidermy costs). More precisely, I said, "Okay, then I'm just going to stuff you in the shed."

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Close enough.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

We always send out a simple "Seasons Greetings" card as this way, we hit everything. Not everyone celebrates the same holiday so as not to leave anyone out, we just use the generic greeting above and leave it at that. Have no idea why some folks in the past needed to make this such a big deal to be honest, a happy holiday greeting at this time of year should be taken with the happiness behind it, end of story. This is always such a nice time of year and things should always be positive!
Since Hanukkah starts tomorrow evening, Happy Hanukkah to those of us who do celebrate. Took down the menorah last night to do a light check and naturally, one bulb had bitten the dust. Luckily, I found one generic brand clear night light bulb in the junk drawer, so all is working again. We are now ready to say the prayer as we light the menorah for 2022.

jmonroe1

@tifighter said:

@breld said:
Not saying it’s a good deal or anything, but this Aventurin Red M4 with that cognac interior is BEAUTIFUL!

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/used-2022-bmw-m4-base-rwd-2dr-car-wbs53az07nch75502/

If that isn’t worth a test drive, then I don’t know what is.

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I agree but for him test drives usually turn out to be expensive.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Like the Ioniq 5 also but it's a longer vehicle than one would think. Definitely won't fit on my side of the garage. The Kia Niro looks like it might fit my size parameters. Just looked at the website and it is indeed a very nice looking vehicle! Definitely something I could like as my d d! The Snow White Pearl is stunning, I just love a pearl paint, with the Fire Orange Metallic also very attractive. $26,500 as a starting MSRP ain't bad either though I'd be spending a bit more as I have to have their best audio system, think it's a H/K system but not totally sure. A moon/sun roof I would be willing to forgo but draw the line on the audio, the extra $ spent is well worth the enjoyment it gives. I know my other half could care less about either option but I like my tunes sounding their best when I drive. I'm from that generation that puts the music on first thing before I pull into "R"...goes on right after the seat belt!

jmonroe1

@roadburner said:
Until the 2 Series, the most I've paid-new or used-was $28k. I'm trying to stay under $60k for my next purchase.

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Keeping up with inflation can cause a step change like that.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Had to deal with AT&T last night about our cell phone plan and it took a few hours and a few phone calls to get what I had asked for in the first place. Don't understand why it played out the way it did. I told the store what I wanted multiple times as clear as could be but, the customer service kid screwed things up regardless. I was very clear on my request and she still got it all screwed up. Had to call the loyalty department outside the store & then another lady when I got home to get things fixed. We'll have to see in the next few bill cycles if all the charges and credits due work out as I was told.
Companies seem to make things way too difficult to make a small change. My stress level was at almost 100% when we finally got off the phone last night. And it didn't have to get to that point if the lady at the local AT&T store had just did what I asked!

qbrozen

The Sprinter takes the crown for us. It was north of $74k. Next highest MSRP at something like 64, but the incentives drove it under 50. The Jeeps were up there but they were leases, so they don’t quite count the same in my mind. Just like the TRX. I forget the sticker on that but it was up there. I wanna say 80?

tjc78

I’ve only “bought” one new car; my 98 Olds 88. I think the MSRP was 27ish. Everything else since has been leased. Wife’s Volvo had the highest MSRP at just shy of 60K. The truck is pretty close to at 58 and change.

Like Q mentioned with leases the MSRPs don’t seem to matter quite as much as you are only looking at payment and any inceptions

breld

Looks like we’re good for one last punch for the year…this morning my wife brought up a JCW that her MINI salesperson let her know came in. I encouraged her to at least get numbers on the trade/upgrade and we got close enough to be comfortable with it.

She’s on her way up to do it as I write. I can’t join in on the fun…we had a water softener installed yesterday so I have a drywall repair guy patching up all the holes.

jmonroe1

breld said:

Looks like we’re good for one last punch for the year…this morning my wife brought up a JCW that her MINI salesperson let her know came in. I encouraged her to at least get numbers on the trade/upgrade and we got close enough to be comfortable with it.

She’s on her way up to do it as I write. I can’t join in on the fun…we had a water softener installed yesterday so I have a drywall repair guy patching up all the holes.

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Why are you throwing in the towel so early?

Good luck with it.

jmonroe

corvette

@laurasdada - I don't think I've always aspired to the cost of car under 50% of annual income rule, but the Maverick XL very comfortably checks that box!

Congrats to Mrs. @breld on what I believe is the 40th punch of the year, if we're counting @qbrozen's flip cars.

nyccarguy

@corvette said:
@laurasdada - I don't think I've always aspired to the cost of car under 50% of annual income rule, but the Maverick XL very comfortably checks that box!

Congrats to Mrs. @breld on what I believe is the 40th punch of the year, if we're counting @qbrozen's flip cars.

40 punches for Mrs @breld ? I’m impressed!

nyccarguy

@corvette said:
@laurasdada - I don't think I've always aspired to the cost of car under 50% of annual income rule, but the Maverick XL very comfortably checks that box!

Congrats to Mrs. @breld on what I believe is the 40th punch of the year, if we're counting @qbrozen's flip cars.

We absolutely have to count @qbrozen ‘s cars he bought for resale

breld

nyccarguy said:

@corvette said:
@laurasdada - I don't think I've always aspired to the cost of car under 50% of annual income rule, but the Maverick XL very comfortably checks that box!

Congrats to Mrs. @breld on what I believe is the 40th punch of the year, if we're counting @qbrozen's flip cars.

We absolutely have to count @qbrozen ‘s cars he bought for resale

No question about it.

stickguy

NY, I think we need a ruling on that. Seems that cars bought for a dealership business wouldn't count.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

NY, I think we need a ruling on that. Seems that cars bought for a dealership business wouldn't count.

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But I don’t think he’s a dealer yet.

jmonroe

28firefighter

He isn’t officially a dealer yet.

nyccarguy

@stickguy said:
NY, I think we need a ruling on that. Seems that cars bought for a dealership business wouldn't count.

Because you guessed low?

laurasdada

The A7 is the highest MSRP car I've yet to purchase. But, with the discount I negotiated from that haughty MSRP (read, I probably left a grand over "invoice" I probably still could have gotten...), the Audi rebate, the Costco rebate, the 0% financing and the $6712 tax credit, it was still very expensive (for me).
Oh, well.
For the second time in a couple of weeks, some thoughtful soul improperly parallel parked behind the A7, forcing me to do the classic 8 point turn to leave my space. Big beast.

mjfloyd1

RS7 sticker 119k for 98k was my worst.

au1994

breld said:

Looks like we’re good for one last punch for the year…this morning my wife brought up a JCW that her MINI salesperson let her know came in. I encouraged her to at least get numbers on the trade/upgrade and we got close enough to be comfortable with it.

She’s on her way up to do it as I write. I can’t join in on the fun…we had a water softener installed yesterday so I have a drywall repair guy patching up all the holes.

Dude…its only the 17th. Don’t give up so easy.

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

Because you guessed low?

Hey, hey. Let's keep it above the belt!

au1994

I think the X6 stickered for $67k back in ‘15? My wife still wants that one back. I remind her that we have a nice 21 ft Sea Ray in its stead but she is not giving up.

ab348

stickguy said:

NY, I think we need a ruling on that. Seems that cars bought for a dealership business wouldn't count.

Better get the Commissioner to make a ruling or this could get nasty. 😄

Michaell

@kyfdx and I will review the tape from New York, and come back with a ruling.

venture

Sandman6472 said:

Had to deal with AT&T last night about our cell phone plan and it took a few hours and a few phone calls to get what I had asked for in the first place. Don't understand why it played out the way it did. I told the store what I wanted multiple times as clear as could be but, the customer service kid screwed things up regardless. I was very clear on my request and she still got it all screwed up. Had to call the loyalty department outside the store & then another lady when I got home to get things fixed. We'll have to see in the next few bill cycles if all the charges and credits due work out as I was told.
Companies seem to make things way too difficult to make a small change. My stress level was at almost 100% when we finally got off the phone last night. And it didn't have to get to that point if the lady at the local AT&T store had just did what I asked!

When I wanted to buy a new phone, I had to visit three different Verizon stores to find one that would do what I wanted - just to replace my phone.

They all wanted my phone number. I told them they didn't need my phone number - I just wanted a new phone.

Sure enough, when I gave them my number, they quoted me a monthly rate. Exactly what I didn't want and exactly what I told them I didn't want.

Finally, at the third place, the guy got it and ordered me the phone I wanted. When it came in, he even moved everything over to the new phone.

corvette

@venture - I've used MVNOs for many years (currently with Mint Mobile) and just order a new unlocked phone directly from Apple when the time comes. I try to replace at the time new models come out, although I know that isn't always an option in every instance.

breld

I’ve never been particularly envious of any of my wife’s MINIs, but this one gets close…

Michaell

That is sharp, and contrasts nicely with the Mach-E

corvette

Very nice! Those front seats look very supportive, and I dig the white color and the diamond pattern on the inset part of the leather.

henryn

corvette said:

@venture - I've used MVNOs for many years (currently with Mint Mobile) and just order a new unlocked phone directly from Apple when the time comes. I try to replace at the time new models come out, although I know that isn't always an option in every instance.

I'm with you on the MVNO's. I used Mint for a couple of years, and have used RedPocket CDMA (Verizon network) for the past 2 years. And I buy new Pixels or Motorola phones, usually the previous year's model at a hefty discount.

tifighter

The Model X was the biggest car purchase over here. The window sticker was, ahem, ludicrous. But as a demo back in the “will Tesla go bankrupt?” days, there was a 10 day end of quarter fire sale and deals were to be had. If the sticker could be believed, it was a $53k discount. They revised prices down in the second half of 2019.

corvette

@henryn - RedPocket would be ideal for my parents, since they are on Verizon now, and the $5/month plan looks tempting, but they sometimes use more than 500 MB a month in data. Do you know whether it slows down after that point, or does the data just cut off completely?

ab348

breld said:

I’ve never been particularly envious of any of my wife’s MINIs, but this one gets close…

Good thing you got pictures to remember it by, since I think we both know it won’t be around very long.

Michaell

ab348 said:

breld said:

I’ve never been particularly envious of any of my wife’s MINIs, but this one gets close…

Good thing you got pictures to remember it by, since I think we both know it won’t be around very long.

Do you know how many volumes of photo albums they have at home, just filled with pictures of the cars they've bought/leased over the years?

An entire bookcase, I should think.

qbrozen

I don’t mind one way or the other, of course. BUT, there are only 3 bought from Japan for resale so far, so not a big impact. The question, however, if we exclude those, what about the lease flips several of us have had this year? That would fall under the same umbrella. And then we get terribly close to excluding most of Breld’s since they can’t seem to keep them for more than a couple of months. We could say, “if a car was bought for resale purposes,” but it could be a slippery slope is all I’m sayin.

In any case, to clarify now, if basing on intent, I got one 4xe, one TRX, the Gloria, and the Alto all intentionally for resale. I think that covers it.

tjc78

@breld I love that interior. Congrats.

tjc78

@Sandman6472 said:
And I'm still having issues gong past the $25K mark! But think I'm going to have to up that figure to about $30K going forward. And doubt that I'd even look at a CPO unit to be honest. We just prefer a new vehicle at this point though I have bought 3 pre-owned vehicles over the years. We've had our current vehicles for just 8 years this month and I'll probably go one more year if it behaves. With the Audi, think she'll go out to 10 years with everything in proper working order. A vehicle is just an appliance to her while it's so much more to me like the rest of you in here.
Speaking of the A3, it goes into Audi on the 26th for some sort of recall. We also got a recall notice for the Hyundai but was told that once the part comes in locally, we'll be notified about how to proceed. Luckily, both dealerships are right here where we live.

If you want a new car you should buy a new one. Life is too short and you’ve been financially prudent your whole life based on your posts.

Gonna go off on a tangent here, but I’ve lived through enough things at my relatively young age (44) that changed my perspective on things.

My Dad passed at 40, my wife’s dad before 50, and my Stepdad passed right after he retired. None of them got to do things they wanted. I’ve also already had cancer.

So…. If I want a car and I can afford it. I buy it. When the wife wanted a shore house, we bought it. Yes we finance a lot but there is money left over for savings every month and we both contribute to our retirement and kid’s accounts.

TLDR: Our time here is short, live your life.