Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

@oldfarmer50 - but if you BUY A TOYOTA you will NEVER HAVE A DEAD BATTERY, so long as you do this ONE SIMPLE TRICK!

Speaking of which, my better half’s 2020 Camry SE Nightshade got us from NOLA to Orange, TX over the past week without incident, and averaged MPGs in the mid-30s (despite her highway driving style involving a decent amount of riding the brakes, but we won’t go there)... The eight (?) speed auto was reluctant to grab the highest gear, but it was very responsive and powerful enough for a four cylinder. Luggage for two people for a week pretty much filled the trunk, with the caveat that we both packed multiple clothing options due to the fluctuating weather.

She was very much not amused at my suggestion that we try to find a hiking trail in the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and didn’t like driving on the gravel roads:

corvette

Bonus: pics of a Toyota Hiace on I-10. Please excuse the cracked windshield, it started out as a chip a couple of weeks ago and got much worse thereafter.

breld

qbrozen said:

@breld said:

After some snow in the middle of the week, this weekend brings 50 degree weather and sun, so decided to go look at some fun car options to fill the gap until the Integra Type S hits the market.

Wife and I looked at a used Golf R (2022 w/10k miles). They had pulled it into the showroom, so I didn’t bother to have them pull it out for a drive…at $5k more than original MSRP, they can keep it there.

Instead, we looked at a similarly used 2022 GTI…at $15k less. At least that was $5k less than original MSRP. Nice test drive on our own…overall it feels just like the last GTI we had, which is to say it felt quick and refined. VW’s haptic controls are annoying, but I’m sure you get used to it.

Also tried out a new WRX. Styling isn’t a strong suit, but I was surprised at how much more refined it felt compared to the last couple times I drove one (previous gen, like Q’s). Still engaging, but not as raw as the previous version, which I enjoyed, but I would guess turn off fans of all previous WRXs.

Finally familiarized myself with a Miata RF…sure is a tight fit for my height, but once you’re driving there’s not much else like it.

I could be patient and just keep the garage space open until the Acura is released, but what’s the fun in that?

‘23 WRXs are being discounted a fair amount in some places, so I’d avoid it in your case since you’ll want to sell it in a couple of weeks and get killed on depreciation. I believe mine is now worth more than a new ‘23, technically.

Where are the ‘23 WRXs being discounted (I’m not opposed to a road trip)?

I’ll likely keep it more than “a couple of weeks” but truth is the models I’m looking at would be a tweener car by design…any suggestions on what is holding values the best? Sounds like a 2021 WRX may be a better way to go if they’re not losing value. You have a base trim, right? Are the lower trims a better sweet spot for value?

Open to other suggestions on a fun car to enjoy until the Integra comes is.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

Sorry, I had to flag you because that video contained a prohibited individual. I know it hurts but I don’t make the rules.

happy to be flagged.

stickguy

breld said:

qbrozen said:

@breld said:

After some snow in the middle of the week, this weekend brings 50 degree weather and sun, so decided to go look at some fun car options to fill the gap until the Integra Type S hits the market.

Wife and I looked at a used Golf R (2022 w/10k miles). They had pulled it into the showroom, so I didn’t bother to have them pull it out for a drive…at $5k more than original MSRP, they can keep it there.

Instead, we looked at a similarly used 2022 GTI…at $15k less. At least that was $5k less than original MSRP. Nice test drive on our own…overall it feels just like the last GTI we had, which is to say it felt quick and refined. VW’s haptic controls are annoying, but I’m sure you get used to it.

Also tried out a new WRX. Styling isn’t a strong suit, but I was surprised at how much more refined it felt compared to the last couple times I drove one (previous gen, like Q’s). Still engaging, but not as raw as the previous version, which I enjoyed, but I would guess turn off fans of all previous WRXs.

Finally familiarized myself with a Miata RF…sure is a tight fit for my height, but once you’re driving there’s not much else like it.

I could be patient and just keep the garage space open until the Acura is released, but what’s the fun in that?

‘23 WRXs are being discounted a fair amount in some places, so I’d avoid it in your case since you’ll want to sell it in a couple of weeks and get killed on depreciation. I believe mine is now worth more than a new ‘23, technically.

Where are the ‘23 WRXs being discounted (I’m not opposed to a road trip)?

I’ll likely keep it more than “a couple of weeks” but truth is the models I’m looking at would be a tweener car by design…any suggestions on what is holding values the best? Sounds like a 2021 WRX may be a better way to go if they’re not losing value. You have a base trim, right? Are the lower trims a better sweet spot for value?

Open to other suggestions on a fun car to enjoy until the Integra comes is.

Drive the mini. It probably just sits in the garage most of the time anyway.

stickguy

Sandy, my theory is, people should enjoy life and do what makes them truly happy. If your one passion is a nice car, treat yourself to a good one even if it costs a little more. Assuming of course it is not going to cause any financial hardship.

the passion advice particularly applies to things with potentially a short window. How long do you think you will really be able to drive? 5 years? 10? So if not now, when. same if your passion is travelling around Europe while you can, flying, whatever.

TL/DR: Don't settle, do what will make you truly happy, and don't let other people take it away from you.

stickguy

not a car, but we did finally find a new recliner that we both agreed on, and placed an order. Wife was shocked, she never thought it would happen (I am very picky about chair comfort!)

no engine, but it has a powered headrest (yes, the top goes in and out via a motor) plus powered footrest.

we will be picking it up (warehouse is only about 5 minutes from us) and the wife kept mentioning how it would be easier to have my truck still (we won't, chair arrives mid-March). I told her it comes in a box (back not attached) and I could fit it in her car. and if not I would wing it.

for some reason, I am fine cutting my truck lose for a few months, but she is really upset by it!

ab348

stickguy said:

Sandy, my theory is, people should enjoy life and do what makes them truly happy. If your one passion is a nice car, treat yourself to a good one even if it costs a little more. Assuming of course it is not going to cause any financial hardship.

the passion advice particularly applies to things with potentially a short window. How long do you think you will really be able to drive? 5 years? 10? So if not now, when. same if your passion is travelling around Europe while you can, flying, whatever.

TL/DR: Don't settle, do what will make you truly happy, and don't let other people take it away from you.

I fully agree. Get what makes YOU happy at this stage of life, Sandy.

Sandman6472

Thanks guys, totally the right advice here. Not spending now just because I fear I won't have it later is something I need to get over. We've been ingrained for so long to save for the future, wait for that rainy day to arrive, that I don't quite know when to jump. And leaving the kids a little less is something that will happen, as there's no rule a parent has to pass on anything.
Think if I were to just jump this moment, the Mini Cooper CountrymanS would be in first place. Sat in one at work yesterday and just sat there, looking around & touching all the surfaces. I liked everything I saw & felt...a lot! I could see me in one very easily. On the other hand, the new Hyundai Kona N is in a close second place. The ones I've driven check all my boxes & ergonomically, it just works. I like the white pearl paint color but the red is also very striking to be truthful. They could both be a lot of fun if I were to jump in the near future.
So, time to do some research and see what kind of inventories they have and if the prices have stabilized a bit. At the Toyota store today, they just didn't have that much in stock which surprised me. And last time I checked online, the Hyundai store was a bit barren also. But, that was a couple of months ago. Hopefully, Mini Cooper has dropped those ridiculous administration fees, something I would just ignore anyways. A total deal breaker!

Michaell

@Sandman6472 - like others have said, if not now, when?

My folks went 30 years between buying new cars. 1973 was a Toyota Corona, which was bought on my dad's birthday (August 12). We kept that car until I totaled it in an accident when I was in HS around 1980 or 1981. Mom drove a series of used cars after that, until 2003 when she finally put her foot down and demanded that my dad buy her one last new car. He was 68 at the time, and mom was 65. Dad did his research and bought a 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 - burgundy with a beige cloth interior. My mom was over the moon, and they took great care of that car, even though they didn't drive it much.

That car is still in the family, 20 years later. My youngest nephew is now driving it, and I think the car may have finally eclipsed 50,000 miles (huh - look at that - 2500 miles a year).

My point - and others - is that you aren't going to live forever, you've denied yourself nice things to save "for later". Well, my friend, later is now. Go find a nice Countryman, or Kona Limited with the 1.6T engine, trade in the Golf and enjoy yourself.

Because the day will come where you will be unable to drive, and money in the bank is nothing compared to the regret you may have for not pulling the trigger on this.

My .02 on the subject.

One last thought on all of this - "Perfect is the enemy of good". There is no such thing as the perfect car, so quit trying to find it. Our MINI will be 9 years old this April, is just now approaching 60,000 miles, and hasn't bankrupted us or left us stranded on the side of the road. That's a sample of one, but I think the new MINI will run rings around the Golf, plus all the latest and greatest tech - both safety and convenience.

qbrozen

@breld said:
Where are the ‘23 WRXs being discounted (I’m not opposed to a road trip)?

I’ll likely keep it more than “a couple of weeks” but truth is the models I’m looking at would be a tweener car by design…any suggestions on what is holding values the best? Sounds like a 2021 WRX may be a better way to go if they’re not losing value. You have a base trim, right? Are the lower trims a better sweet spot for value?

Open to other suggestions on a fun car to enjoy until the Integra comes is.

Yes, base model is always the best bet.
Maybe if you can get a great deal on a 23? I dunno. I’ll PM you.

mjfloyd1

@corvette- I don’t feel so bad about my cropping now😂

ab348

qbrozen said:

Yes, base model is always the best bet.

That may be true if you are talking specifically about Subaru, I dunno.

I have found in driving several base models of other brands that for me they are usually best avoided.

mlevine

I am starting to realize I should get a vehicle I like and not necessarily wait for the future. I had an interest at some time of driving certain sports cars. Now hard getting in and out of these cars and not comfortable. No sports cars for me anymore. Sandy, enjoy something you want to drive now as other members have suggested.

stickguy

mlevine said:

I am starting to realize I should get a vehicle I like and not necessarily wait for the future. I had an interest at some time of driving certain sports cars. Now hard getting in and out of these cars and not comfortable. No sports cars for me anymore. Sandy, enjoy something you want to drive now as other members have suggested.

Not sure I will ever hit the financial target for the Porsche, but I know what you mean about getting the low slung sports car later in life when you are not so limber! I still want one even if I need to help my wife out of the thing.

qbrozen

ab348 said:

I have found in driving several base models of other brands that for me they are usually best avoided.

But we're talking about resale.
Options most often depreciate more than the base vehicle. There are some exceptions but they are few and most common on upper brands.

tjc78

The WRX isn’t really a base model anyway. It’s a heavily upgraded Impreza, so it’s a little different in my eyes.

henryn

qbrozen said:

ab348 said:

I have found in driving several base models of other brands that for me they are usually best avoided.

But we're talking about resale.
Options most often depreciate more than the base vehicle. There are some exceptions but they are few and most common on upper brands.

I have found this to be true, in pretty much all cases. There are, as always, exceptions. I remember once trying to trade in a Cadillac, and getting low-balled because it didn't have a sunroof.

Sandman6472

Totally agree here with what folks have been saying. And I have to agree as I've been very frugal my whole life but now with the better part of it over, if I'm not good to myself now, what good was all that scrimping & saving for? And all it means is that I'll be leaving that much less to our three kids...and there's no rule that says one has to do that! Some guys at work tell me that their kids are doing so much better than they ever had & that they plan to spend every last dime on themselves. And I saw this in my own family with my older two siblings who both passed before I could give them their small inheritance from our dad! Their spouses & kids got the proceeds to enjoy instead of them as they tried so hard to take my quarter share, that it took years to settle and by that time, both were dead! A big wake up call for me.
A lot for me to think about & one thing...I will eventually get something I'm going to enjoy!

roadburner

On another automotive forum there is a guy who recently retired and bought a used Corvette as a "reward." The thing is, for decades he owned Corollas, racking up astronomical mileages. His last one was a 2004 with 420k miles on it. I don't think many people could do that without experiencing an overwhelming urge to jump off the roof of a very tall building...

explorerx4

Part 1.
About 4 weeks ago, the check engine light went on in my wife's 2016 MKC.
Brought it in to the dealership Quick Lane service department and had them change oil, rotate tires and do a diagnostic on the light.
The agreement was that if the repair was covered, I wouldn't have to pay for the diagnostic charge.
They did the test, said it looked like a turbo problem and they needed to ship over to the main service department to see if repair qualified for our extended warranty.
It took a while to get approved but repair ended up being covered and we paid $181 for all services.
Got it back last Wednesday and warranty expired Saturday.
Repair done and it runs good.
To be continued shortly.

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

Part 1.
About 4 weeks ago, the check engine light went on in my wife's 2016 MKC.
Brought it in to the dealership Quick Lane service department and had them change oil, rotate tires and do a diagnostic on the light.
The agreement was that if the repair was covered, I wouldn't have to pay for the diagnostic charge.
They did the test, said it looked like a turbo problem and they needed to ship over to the main service department to see if repair qualified for our extended warranty.
It took a while to get approved but repair ended up being covered and we paid $181 for all services.
Got it back last Wednesday and warranty expired Saturday.
Repair done and it runs good.
To be continued shortly.

...and the repair was .... ?

explorerx4

@qbrozen,
Turbo was replaced. It's a unit that has the turbo, exhaust manifold and wastegate packaged together.
Code P0299 underboost condition.
Repair would have been $2100 excluding oil change and tire rotation.

sda

Though hardly cheap I would have thought that repair would have been $2500+. Was that the 5/60 factory powertrain warranty that covered the repair? Glad you were able have it break in the nick of time!

explorerx4

@sda,
We had purchased a 7 year top tier factory warranty about a year after buying the MKC.
Was just over $1500.
It was our 2nd claim. First was to replace the driver door window switch panel($99 part) about a year ago.

explorerx4

My wife decided she wanted to test drive a Corsair today, so stopped at the Lincoln dealer while we were out running some errands.
They didn't have a black over black which she wanted but she drove another one to see how she liked it.
While we were out on the test drive with the salesguy, I asked if they accepted Xplan, which is a fixed price affiliate plan. He said they had just started accepting it again as they finally had inventory.
When we got back I asked if they did any dealer trades with their other location.
He said they did and would see if they had what my wife was looking for.
I had had my eye on a particular unit which had been the the dealer location we were at, but it was no longer there.
It was however at the other location, so they are going to bring it back.
We let them give us an appraisal on our current vehicle and I told him I'm going to be upfront with you, we just had the turbo replaced and I think that's good news because it should be good for another 7 years.
There was a nice surprise when he came back with the numbers. It was not the trade in number.
We qualified for $750 in owner loyalty on top of another $500 general rebate.
Edit: It looks like $1250 owner loyalty and no general rebate.
They offered 15k for the MKC, 2016 with 70k miles. I told them I had gotten some online offers and he asked for the best one and I told him 16,500, the truth.
He asked I if I had ever sold a car to any of the online companies and I told him yes to Carmax, Carvana and Vroom.
They came back with 16K and pointing out the tax advantage. Ohio give you trade in credit when calculating the sales tax.
I asked my wife if she was ok with 16 as a trade in. She said she was, we shook hands all around, she put down a deposit, he took some personal and financial info and the deal was done.
It should be in the garage tomorrow or Wednesday.

au1994

Congratulations @explorerx4. All deals should be this easy. No games, no BS, no 4 square, no quoting (ridiculous) payment numbers etc

tifighter

@roadburner said:
On another automotive forum there is a guy who recently retired and bought a used Corvette as a "reward." The thing is, for decades he owned Corollas, racking up astronomical mileages. His last one was a 2004 with 420k miles on it. I don't think many people could do that without experiencing an overwhelming urge to jump off the roof of a very tall building...

Yeah, but let’s not knock his act of atonement.

tjc78

@explorerx4
Nice! Congrats. Post pics when you get it.

roadburner

explorerx4 said:

My wife decided she wanted to test drive a Corsair today, so stopped at the Lincoln dealer while we were out running some errands.
They didn't have a black over black which she wanted but she drove another one to see how she liked it.
While we were out on the test drive with the salesguy, I asked if they accepted Xplan, which is a fixed price affiliate plan. He said they had just started accepting it again as they finally had inventory.
When we got back I asked if they did any dealer trades with their other location.
He said they did and would see if they had what my wife was looking for.
I had had my eye on a particular unit which had been the the dealer location we were at, but it was no longer there.
It was however at the other location, so they are going to bring it back.
We let them give us an appraisal on our current vehicle and I told him I'm going to be upfront with you, we just had the turbo replaced and I think that's good news because it should be good for another 7 years.
There was a nice surprise when he came back with the numbers. It was not the trade in number.
We qualified for $750 in owner loyalty on top of another $500 general rebate.
Edit: It looks like $1250 owner loyalty and no general rebate.
They offered 15k for the MKC, 2016 with 70k miles. I told them I had gotten some online offers and he asked for the best one and I told him 16,500, the truth.
He asked I if I had ever sold a car to any of the online companies and I told him yes to Carmax, Carvana and Vroom.
They came back with 16K and pointing out the tax advantage. Ohio give you trade in credit when calculating the sales tax.
I asked my wife if she was ok with 16 as a traded in. She said she was, we shook hands all around, she put down a deposit, he took some personal and financial info and the deal was done.
It should be in the garage tomorrow or Wednesday.

Nice!

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

My wife decided she wanted to test drive a Corsair today, so stopped at the Lincoln dealer while we were out running some errands.
They didn't have a black over black which she wanted but she drove another one to see how she liked it.
While we were out on the test drive with the salesguy, I asked if they accepted Xplan, which is a fixed price affiliate plan. He said they had just started accepting it again as they finally had inventory.
When we got back I asked if they did any dealer trades with their other location.
He said they did and would see if they had what my wife was looking for.
I had had my eye on a particular unit which had been the the dealer location we were at, but it was no longer there.
It was however at the other location, so they are going to bring it back.
We let them give us an appraisal on our current vehicle and I told him I'm going to be upfront with you, we just had the turbo replaced and I think that's good news because it should be good for another 7 years.
There was a nice surprise when he came back with the numbers. It was not the trade in number.
We qualified for $750 in owner loyalty on top of another $500 general rebate.
Edit: It looks like $1250 owner loyalty and no general rebate.
They offered 15k for the MKC, 2016 with 70k miles. I told them I had gotten some online offers and he asked for the best one and I told him 16,500, the truth.
He asked I if I had ever sold a car to any of the online companies and I told him yes to Carmax, Carvana and Vroom.
They came back with 16K and pointing out the tax advantage. Ohio give you trade in credit when calculating the sales tax.
I asked my wife if she was ok with 16 as a trade in. She said she was, we shook hands all around, she put down a deposit, he took some personal and financial info and the deal was done.
It should be in the garage tomorrow or Wednesday.

So is that a '23? Which trim and engine?

stickguy

I can't keep Lincoln straight. Is the Corsair an Escape, Edge or Explorer?

explorerx4

@stickguy,
Corsair is Lincoln Escape and it has a 2.0 which is the only choice other the PHEV.
It's a 22 Reserve level with Pano Roof, Elements Pkg(heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, rain sensing and defrost wipers) and a spare tire. 23's are not out yet.

Michaell

@explorerx4 - congrats on the new Lincoln. My sister was interested in those when she was car shopping a year or so ago, but she couldn't find any to test drive.

Sandman6472

Always nice to get a new vehicle...exciting as all get out...until the first payment is due! But seriously, nothing beats that feeling of driving off in your new vehicle. Puts a big smile on your face!! Congrats!

stickguy

sounds like a nice ride. and well equipped with goodies.

I really like the 2.0T Ford EB in the Maverick. pretty quick and impressive MPG.

ab348

So there are people who actually prefer black on black vehicles? I always figured they just took them because they were cheaper for the factory to produce, so they got a better deal.

Congrats to Mrs. Explorerx4.

roadburner

tifighter said:

@roadburner said:

On another automotive forum there is a guy who recently retired and bought a used Corvette as a "reward." The thing is, for decades he owned Corollas, racking up astronomical mileages. His last one was a 2004 with 420k miles on it. I don't think many people could do that without experiencing an overwhelming urge to jump off the roof of a very tall building...

Yeah, but let’s not knock his act of atonement.

I would but for the fact that when you look up "self-righteous prig" you see that guy's picture...

corvette

roadburner said:

I would but for the fact that when you look up "self-righteous prig" you see that guy's picture...

Let me guess: jorts, white New Balances and white knee-high socks, and a gold chain or three? Did he buy a California Car Duster for the 'Vette?

corvette

@explorerx4 - congrats on the Corsair! I think they may also offer the 2.3 liter turbo four in that application, but I'm not sure how common it is. I'm still loving the 2.0T in the Maverick!

venture

corvette said:

@explorerx4 - congrats on the Corsair! I think they may also offer the 2.3 liter turbo four in that application, but I'm not sure how common it is. I'm still loving the 2.0T in the Maverick!

Is that 3 this year so far - not counting what QB has going on? My BMW, Henryn's Silverado, and Explorers Lincoln.

stickguy

I am on the clock for one in a few months!

breld

I’m working on one as we speak.

sda

breld said:

I’m working on one as we speak.

Who knew…:)

Michaell

sda said:

breld said:

I’m working on one as we speak.

Who knew…:)

We've been getting a play by play via text message most of the day...

I'm sure all will be revealed in due time...

breld

Q knows too…he gave me an assist in pricing.

breld

I’m not a fan of the drawn out suspense…I’m pulling the trigger on a WRX.

About to sign paperwork, so I’ll update more later.

jmonroe1

@explorerx4, congrats on the new car. Don’t pay any attention to @ab348, no one else does.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
I am on the clock for one in a few months!

————————————————
Since you’ve already gone through the Maverick dance, you of all people should know better than to count your chicken before it’s hatched.

jmonroe

stickguy

true. worst case, the deal falls apart, and I go shopping for something else eventually.