Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Just spoke with my best friend in San Diego who has two EV vehicles and just loves 'em. Both BMW's I think right now. They love them and is encouraging me to get one next time I do get a new vehicle. Says there's nothing like them and once I do get one, I'll never go back. I can see her point of the easy to charge aspect as one just plugs it in when home. As long has enough range, just depends how far they go that particular day. In my case, charging up once a week would be more than enough really. This last week alone, I did 37 miles as I had a few errands to run on Thursday that took me out of the way. My car sat yesterday in the garage as we went out at about 8 at night to BJ's to fill the Audi's tank. Think we're gong out for dinner about 5 so I'll drive & take the Golf. Gotta be home by 7:45 as she has a class at 8 pm tonight.
Am off tomorrow since still waiting to see about my change of schedule being accepted. Nothing planned yet but am sure going to Publix will be happening. Might want to get something for lunch on Tuesday, something I never do since I usually just pick up a burger somewhere on the road.

cdnpinhead

henryn said:

I was born in 1950, in East Texas, and it was indeed a different time and place.

Damn straight.

When I got my Aquarena job for the summer in '59 when I was eleven it wasn't that unusual in TX. I got a SS card and worked just like I did for the next 60 years. After that job I went to work for the local weekly newspaper and job printing shop in San Marcos, but by that time I was up to 0.45/hr.

FWIW, the "minimum wage" in those days was $1.25/hr, but that only applied to federal stuff.

A different tIme indeed.

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

Only about $1500 more than original MSRP but it does have those rare Ricardo seats:

That looks like fine Corinthian leather

I see MSRP of that Mach 1 as $65,580 after adding the options

Yeah, those “options” push the price up quite a bit. The one I was looking at was only about $60k so I wonder what other things were put on that one.

You’d think a Mach 1 would come with a handling package standard. Then two grand more for painted calipers ($10 can of Rustolum) and seats (which I find too constraining).

$450 for a car cover? Geeze Louise!

mjfloyd1

oldfarmer50 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

Only about $1500 more than original MSRP but it does have those rare Ricardo seats:

That looks like fine Corinthian leather

I see MSRP of that Mach 1 as $65,580 after adding the options

Yeah, those “options” push the price up quite a bit. The one I was looking at was only about $60k so I wonder what other things were put on that one.

You’d think a Mach 1 would come with a handling package standard. Then two grand more for painted calipers ($10 can of Rustolum) and seats (which I find too constraining).

$450 for a car cover? Geeze Louise!

I suspect the handling package is for those who would actually use it on a track. I suspect those are lighter and stronger forged wheels. Different axle, adjustable strut top mounts to set it up for the track and rear spoiler. The automatic transmission doesn’t make much sense (to me) for track duty but shifting is rarely taught these days

fintail

I guess they thought $`1.50/hr was too much?

In my area you could buy old houses all day long for 4 figures then, too.

henryn said:

fintail said:

henryn said:

My first regular paid job was working in a gas station. I worked 72 hours a week (6 p.m. to 6 a.m., 6 nights a week). Gross pay before taxes was $45, which works out to $0.625 per hour. But the work really wasn’t bad at all, I mostly just read books and sat around. I did have to clean out the restrooms and wash down the driveway early before everyone showed up in the morning.

Man, how old are you? I mean, minimum wage in 1950 was 75 cents per hour.

I was born in 1950, in East Texas, and it was indeed a different time and place. Grown men were working for that $45 a week in 1965, not just teenage kids. In 1966, the Corps of Engineers started work on the Lake Livingston dam just down the road from me, and Brown and Root (the principal contractors) started hiring. They were paying $1.50 an hour for labor, which was the federal minimum wage at that time. The Chamber of Commerce sent a delegation to talk to Brown and Root, and claimed they would ruin the local economy by paying those kind of wages. Brown and Root just laughed at them.

breld

Sandy - I could see a Chevy Bolt being a good fit for you. Nice size, nice price, and the acceleration would get you grinning.

250 miles of range should be way more than enough as long as you have a home charger.

fintail

On a CCB note, my friend with the CT6 has...drumroll please...decided to keep it.

No kidding . I am just about to tell him to not talk about purchases unless he has signed on the dotted line.

I guess he put more down on it than I thought, and feels invested in it - and can't find anything he likes, even though the size of it irritates him. I told him to enjoy it - it's a nice rare car.

Sandman6472

Breld, am coming to that same conclusion, myself. Size is perfect, price is something very doable and the acceleration of an EV can be intoxicating, that immediate burst of speed is something one must experience for themselves. Have only driven a Tesla and a Polestar and both had that wonderful acceleration that I could get very used to. Think I'm comfortable getting a 2024 model at this point and think that ordering one by October of this year might be the right time. Taking delivery by the last week of December would definitely work for me as that's when I like buying if I can.
Do want to drive one first which has been the main issue for me. No one has one to test drive up to now. When I drove the Corolla Cross last week, I didn't get that feeling, that feeling I got within 5 minutes behind the wheel of my Golf. I did get it when I drove the Tesla and again after a few minutes in the Polestar. Guessing it's that acceleration that gets to me. Now, if I get it once I try the Bolt, that will definitely be the sign I'm looking for! Interesting how our gut feeling is usually right...so that's what I'm counting on.

jmonroe1

@henryn said:
I think I could live without the Ricardo seats for $1,650. And I would have to look hard at the “MACH 1 HANDLING PACKAGE” for $3,750. That’s a lot of money for a “handling package”. And then there’s the $495 for the “red painted brake calipers”. Nice to have, but $495?

————————————————
Don’t they have rattle cans in Texas?

jmonroe

henryn

jmonroe1 said:

@henryn said:

I think I could live without the Ricardo seats for $1,650. And I would have to look hard at the “MACH 1 HANDLING PACKAGE” for $3,750. That’s a lot of money for a “handling package”. And then there’s the $495 for the “red painted brake calipers”. Nice to have, but $495?

————————————————

Don’t they have rattle cans in Texas?

jmonroe

I think that would have to be special heat resistant paint, not the "rattle can paint" that you buy at Home Depot. Still and all, $495 is a lot of money.

stickguy

It's $10 for the paint. And $485 for knowing how to take the wheels off and not spray it all over the pads and rotors.

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
It's $10 for the paint. And $485 for knowing how to take the wheels off and not spray it all over the pads and rotors.

————————————————
Probably.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

On a CCB note, my friend with the CT6 has...drumroll please...decided to keep it.

No kidding . I am just about to tell him to not talk about purchases unless he has signed on the dotted line.

I guess he put more down on it than I thought, and feels invested in it - and can't find anything he likes, even though the size of it irritates him. I told him to enjoy it - it's a nice rare car.

Maybe he overpaid so much for it last year that the amount he’s underwater is kind of a reverse sticker shock. I think a lot of people who paid those obscene ADMs are going to find that their cars aren’t anyway near what they hoped.

oldfarmer50

mlevine said:

Needed another car as we had 3 cars for 4 drivers but one son leaving home in a few weeks. Picked up yesterday a 20202 MB E 350 off lease with 6100 miles. I looked around recently to lease as I have my car I bought about 1.5 years ago off lease, one son owns his car, and wife leases her car. Lease deals were ridiculous. Thought I would share experience. Thought and comments appreciated.

Is that a 2020 or a 2022? Regardless, that sounds like a nice low mileage acquisition. 3 cars for 4 drivers isn’t too bad. Not as crazy as my family where we have 5 cars for 2 drivers.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Drove a GMC Terrain I think the other day with the HUD display. Had like a plastic clear cover coming out of the dash covering the display. Touched the edge and it was on there pretty tightly. Enhanced the look of the speedo and actually liked it...a lot! My son-in-law has an HUD speedo on his windshield and he likes it. Have driven vehicles with a few but this one was the nicest take on them all. Doesn't interfere with one driving forward one bit...like it should be there. Not sure I'd order one on my vehicle if offered but was nice to have.
That's the best part of my job at Enterprise, except for one lead who insists on choosing who drives what for some reason, we usually drive what we want as long as it's able to go there. All the other leads let us take what we like. Makes for a good day. Also, best way for me to test drive what's out there now. Have my own test drives whenever I go to work!

Ha ha, we have a couple of those “personalities” up here too. Fortunately, I usually don’t have to work with them. One guy has the been nicknamed “The King” for being such a control freak.

mlevine

Oldfarmer50
It is a 2020 off lease. The 3 cars worked for awhile but older son is now moving out of house and needs a vehcle. I remeber when he went to college he had to depend on others for rides such as grocery store and even coming home. Needless to say brought up his car to school. Now younger son has his car to go to school. Basically it is really 3 drivers for 2 cars. I tired holding out as much as I could.

stickguy

Given how little my wife drives since we moved we basically have 2 cars for 1 driver. And the rare time she drove I was staying home so really didn’t need 2 at the same time

Actually before my maverick arrived we had gone about 15 months just having one car (at the old house) and she did sometimes go out during the day taking it. Really surprised me how easy it was to get along with one.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Given how little my wife drives since we moved we basically have 2 cars for 1 driver. And the rare time she drove I was staying home so really didn’t need 2 at the same time

Actually before my maverick arrived we had gone about 15 months just having one car (at the old house) and she did sometimes go out during the day taking it. Really surprised me how easy it was to get along with one.

Exactly! I was telling @breld at lunch the other day that I can’t see myself getting a car for me only; I’m more likely to replace the Subaru with something a bit nicer and more fun, but still practical.

stickguy

don't tell my wife. it will blow my plan to add a 3rd (fun) car.

actually, once I do that, the more logical move is get rid of the Acura or Maverick and use the toy as the spare (at least for 9 months of the year!)

roadburner

We will sell off the Clubman in approximately 2 years. Four cars for the two of us is the sweet spot.

qbrozen

I like 5 vehicles. A daily and a toy for each, then a shared utility vehicle.

henryn

qbrozen said:

I like 5 vehicles. A daily and a toy for each, then a shared utility vehicle.

I couldn't afford it. Even if you gave me the cars, I couldn't afford the insurance.

tifighter

Apparently, we're on the five car plan too. But I have two cats, so I can justify it.

Sandman6472

Almost got a toy about 10 years back. Wanted a convertible in the worst way and found a decent 325i that could've worked...a black over tan leather vehicle for a decent price with good miles from a dealer. Got told "no way" so stopped looking. Think if we had a 3-car garage, would've been an easier sell but having to keep one outside all the time wasn't going to work.

Sandman6472

The Audi car wash is finally up & running today so just got back from there. A3 looks so much better cleaned up. I don't look for perfection because one won't find it there but since it's supposed to be done after each service, wanted it done. Think Audi really needs to go study the Lexus model to learn about true customer service. Forget VW, there's is really bad for some reason. I usually do every other oil change there just so they see I'm spending some money there. My mechanic does a better job for a slightly lower price so would rather go to him. For the last many months, the Golf has been behaving though it did have a tire patched last week. But besides that, it's driving nicely wit no drama.
After just getting home with the Audi, didn't notice any turbo lag whatsoever but with mine, it's usually there. Finally, the Audi has more mileage than the VW, 75,050 as compared to 72,400. Guess I wouldn't have a problem switching vehicles to be honest though I would miss the hatchback. Might have an issue with the black seating surfaces though but not doing anything for the time being anyways.

sda

I guess I'm fortunate as the Audi and VW dealer that I visit are top notch. I have yet, over many years with the VW dealer, to have any issues with the service or customer experience they've provided. They may be a little more expensive but not by much.

henryn

Sandman6472 said:

The Audi car wash is finally up & running today so just got back from there. A3 looks so much better cleaned up. I don't look for perfection because one won't find it there but since it's supposed to be done after each service, wanted it done. Think Audi really needs to go study the Lexus model to learn about true customer service. Forget VW, there's is really bad for some reason. I usually do every other oil change there just so they see I'm spending some money there. My mechanic does a better job for a slightly lower price so would rather go to him. For the last many months, the Golf has been behaving though it did have a tire patched last week. But besides that, it's driving nicely wit no drama.
After just getting home with the Audi, didn't notice any turbo lag whatsoever but with mine, it's usually there. Finally, the Audi has more mileage than the VW, 75,050 as compared to 72,400. Guess I wouldn't have a problem switching vehicles to be honest though I would miss the hatchback. Might have an issue with the black seating surfaces though but not doing anything for the time being anyways.

Have you considered a performance chip or tune for that Golf? It can make a real difference with turbo lag and throttle response. With the right tune, your Golf will leave the A3 in the dust.

Michaell

henryn said:

Sandman6472 said:

The Audi car wash is finally up & running today so just got back from there. A3 looks so much better cleaned up. I don't look for perfection because one won't find it there but since it's supposed to be done after each service, wanted it done. Think Audi really needs to go study the Lexus model to learn about true customer service. Forget VW, there's is really bad for some reason. I usually do every other oil change there just so they see I'm spending some money there. My mechanic does a better job for a slightly lower price so would rather go to him. For the last many months, the Golf has been behaving though it did have a tire patched last week. But besides that, it's driving nicely wit no drama.
After just getting home with the Audi, didn't notice any turbo lag whatsoever but with mine, it's usually there. Finally, the Audi has more mileage than the VW, 75,050 as compared to 72,400. Guess I wouldn't have a problem switching vehicles to be honest though I would miss the hatchback. Might have an issue with the black seating surfaces though but not doing anything for the time being anyways.

Have you considered a performance chip or tune for that Golf? It can make a real difference with turbo lag and throttle response. With the right tune, your Golf will leave the A3 in the dust.

That's not a bad idea - a quick Google search turned up some stage 1 tunes for around $500-700. I'm sure there is a reputable go-fast shop somewhere in South Florida that could help.

(hey, maybe Tej's shop is still open!)

stickguy

just leave it in sport mode and problem solved. I assume the tune is going to require premium fuel too.

stickguy

I actually don't think it is turbo lag, after driving the Jettas enough times. More likely gearing or how the throttle response is programmed (which explains why sport mode feels different since it is highly unlikely the turbo is spooling up any faster). The Audi is probably tuned slightly differently.

corvette

“Sport mode” on the GLI I had basically kept the transmission one gear lower than it would otherwise be in, which improved responsiveness. I don’t think it changed throttle mapping.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I actually don't think it is turbo lag, after driving the Jettas enough times. More likely gearing or how the throttle response is programmed (which explains why sport mode feels different since it is highly unlikely the turbo is spooling up any faster). The Audi is probably tuned slightly differently.

On the GTI, you can adjust throttle response, which is really great. It's easy to kill the engine in normal throttle response mode, but after adjustment, it's Honda-like.

xwesx

stickguy said:

explorerx4 said:

Epidemic of Hyundai's and Kia's being stolen in Cleveland area.
"In Cuyahoga County alone, authorities say more than 800 such vehicles have been stolen over the last two months."

my daughter's BF is from Milwaukee. he was telling us at Xmas that his brother had a Kia lease (not sure what model) that got stolen by some kids and used as a mobile hangout/drug house. managed to get it totaled when they found it, and he got a replacement unit (I am ballparking the exact details, but I think he got a different car not the same one back). about 2 days later, it got stolen too (or again). Not sure what happened after that, other than their insurer dropped (or tried to drop) them.

The magic of social media. One numbnut makes a post about exploiting a manufacturer weakness, and every wanna be thug out there decides they gotta try it! A great example of insufficient penalties for such behavior.

explorerx4

The Kia Boys have chapters in multiple cities now.
I posted a few days ago how over 800 H/K's were stolen in 2 months in the county next to where I live.

roadburner

@sda said:
I guess I'm fortunate as the Audi and VW dealer that I visit are top notch. I have yet, over many years with the VW dealer, to have any issues with the service or customer experience they've provided. They may be a little more expensive but not by much.

I can’t say the same for the Louisville area, sadly.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Almost got a toy about 10 years back. Wanted a convertible in the worst way and found a decent 325i that could've worked...a black over tan leather vehicle for a decent price with good miles from a dealer. Got told "no way" so stopped looking. Think if we had a 3-car garage, would've been an easier sell but having to keep one outside all the time wasn't going to work.

Maybe get a fun car and hide it down the block, like a secret mistress.🤫

oldfarmer50

One of my son’s Lyft customers was complaining to him because his $500 Hyundai that he just bought was costing him more to repair than it cost to buy. Go figure.

Sandman6472

There is a very good Audi/VW indie right down the street actually. I get my windshield wipers there and they are always busy. Guess keeping it in "S" mode all the time would work but I'd be using more petrol though...a slight price to pay for no more issue though. Spending on a chip might be a little overkill now. If it were a year or to old, of course I'd go that route. But being over 8 now, not so sure. Like changing out for those newer Jetta alloys I really like, is it really worth spending the $ to upgrade the look? I think it is, the crazy side of my brain, but the more practical side is saying I'd be nuts to spend that same amount of cash on new rims! But I've learned to never say never as I might just say wtf and do it! Would give the Golf a whole new look though.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
I actually don't think it is turbo lag, after driving the Jettas enough times. More likely gearing or how the throttle response is programmed (which explains why sport mode feels different since it is highly unlikely the turbo is spooling up any faster). The Audi is probably tuned slightly differently.

I’ve said this before. I don’t believe it’s turbo lag either. I think it’s either throttle mapping or the transmission program.

Michaell

Sandman6472 said:

There is a very good Audi/VW indie right down the street actually. I get my windshield wipers there and they are always busy. Guess keeping it in "S" mode all the time would work but I'd be using more petrol though...a slight price to pay for no more issue though. Spending on a chip might be a little overkill now. If it were a year or to old, of course I'd go that route. But being over 8 now, not so sure. Like changing out for those newer Jetta alloys I really like, is it really worth spending the $ to upgrade the look? I think it is, the crazy side of my brain, but the more practical side is saying I'd be nuts to spend that same amount of cash on new rims! But I've learned to never say never as I might just say wtf and do it! Would give the Golf a whole new look though.

Cheaper than a new car!

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

One of my son’s Lyft customers was complaining to him because his $500 Hyundai that he just bought was costing him more to repair than it cost to buy. Go figure.

Yeah, buying a car for $500 is great recipe for that equation to hold true.... yet it still doesn't mean it was a bad economic decision! I paid $800 for my 1998 Escort, put less than $3,000 into it over the four years (and 40,000 miles) I owned it, then sold it for $1,200. Try owning any other car for less than that!

kyfdx

In 2016, I bought a 2013 Audi TDI for $16K, and sold it for $25,700, just five months later..

roadburner

@oldfarmer50 said:
One of my son’s Lyft customers was complaining to him because his $500 Hyundai that he just bought was costing him more to repair than it cost to buy. Go figure.

I think I have mentioned the 1967 Riviera I bought for $5 back in 1979(a Memorial Day promo gone wrong). A new starter solenoid got it running and I drove it all summer. Whenever it needed something I’d tell my friend at the local auto parts store that the part cost more than the car.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

One of my son’s Lyft customers was complaining to him because his $500 Hyundai that he just bought was costing him more to repair than it cost to buy. Go figure.

Yeah, buying a car for $500 is great recipe for that equation to hold true.... yet it still doesn't mean it was a bad economic decision! I paid $800 for my 1998 Escort, put less than $3,000 into it over the four years (and 40,000 miles) I owned it, then sold it for $1,200. Try owning any other car for less than that!

I’ve paid low prices for any number of used cars but for anyone to think they can get a reliable car for $500 these days they must have been living under a rock.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

One of my son’s Lyft customers was complaining to him because his $500 Hyundai that he just bought was costing him more to repair than it cost to buy. Go figure.

I think I have mentioned the 1967 Riviera I bought for $5 back in 1979(a Memorial Day promo gone wrong). A new starter solenoid got it running and I drove it all summer. Whenever it needed something I’d tell my friend at the local auto parts store that the part cost more than the car.

You should have kept that car. With appreciation of a classic like that you could have easily doubled your money.😂

corvette

qbrozen

When you don’t have a large enough filter wrench on hand for your JDM diesel truck and your monster channel lock pliers are MIA and daylight is almost gone:

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

One of my son’s Lyft customers was complaining to him because his $500 Hyundai that he just bought was costing him more to repair than it cost to buy. Go figure.

I think I have mentioned the 1967 Riviera I bought for $5 back in 1979(a Memorial Day promo gone wrong). A new starter solenoid got it running and I drove it all summer. Whenever it needed something I’d tell my friend at the local auto parts store that the part cost more than the car.

————————————————
How wrong could it have been to buy a car for 5 bucks?

There has to be a story about that.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

When you don’t have a large enough filter wrench on hand for your JDM diesel truck and your monster channel lock pliers are MIA and daylight is almost gone:

————————————————
Yep and some folks would still be playing around with duct tape when the sun came up.

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:
When you don’t have a large enough filter wrench on hand for your JDM diesel truck and your monster channel lock pliers are MIA and daylight is almost gone:

I have shoved a screwdriver through one and use that to turn it and get it off. Kinda messy though