Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

au1994

Take out 2 sets of tires at a conservative 800/set and its not bad at all.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

turned out that Maverick ownership, in addition to being very convenient (I will likely always have a truck in the fleet now of some sort) was also quite profitable. Based on some quick math, I leased for 14 months (6,500 miles) for $-340/mo. Yes, I was effectively paid over $300 to drive it. Not a bad side hustle!

After everything I had in it (otd cost to buy + the spray in bed liner) I cleared about $4,800 on this flip. Once I finally roll it into the next one, I should still be about $2,000 ahead of the game (while gaining 1 MY, 14 months of warranty, and a bunch of features we didn't have in the old one).

Of course, if I was smart, and it was possible to do, I would find a cheap older truck to have for utility duty, and plow the rest into a Miata or some other fun car. Too bad the "cheap" trucks are $20,000 100k miles rust buckets now!

You did very good.

stickguy said:

On 9 just south of 155. No clue about an amusement park but it is next to a swimming pool place.

I’ve never been along that stretch before. Not our normal haunts.

Yep, that’s the former Goldstein Chrysler which moved a few miles north on 9. The amusement park was Hoffman’s Playland. Ask anyone, they’ll know it. There’s also a Burger 21 across the street that’s very good I hear.

Enterprise is a few miles west of there off 155.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

On the 24th of February, our 2022 Highlander officially turned a year old. 21,000 miles and counting.

I’ll probably put just about that many miles on my Kia on it’s 4th anniversary next month.

The Outback celebrates its 8th birthday with us tomorrow. I celebrated a day early by filling up the gas tank.

It has less than 55,000 miles on the odometer and we've spent less than $5K in maintenance and repairs to keep it on the road (that includes 2 sets of tires). It's done everything we've asked of it, and as much as I'd like to trade it in on something new, it still looks darn good after it gets washed. Interior is holding up, as well, though I did notice today that the glove box is slightly misaligned on the right side.

It's got a dealer appointment scheduled for tomorrow - the rear washer nozzle isn't working again, and I plan to get new wiper blades installed, front and back. I'll ask them to take a quick look at the glove box, as well.

I could get used to this not working thing some of you have going - but, not quite ready to retire. I'm hoping another 7-9 years, once I find honest work again, should do it.

Man, that’s got to be the toughest point in a career to be looking for a management job. When I got dumped in my late 30’s it was very difficult getting a job, one of the reasons I left professional employment in my field and went into blue collar work. Fortunately, there’s never been any difficulty getting work there. You’ll have trouble matching your old white collar income though.

stickguy

I crossed the big 6-0 last year. So definitely not in prime territory to be looking for a career type job.

breld

nyccarguy said:

glove box is slightly misaligned on the right side.

the rear washer nozzle isn't working again, and I plan to get new wiper blades installed, front and back. I'll ask them to take a quick look at the glove box, as well.

Plug it into Carvana & CarMax. See what the dealer will give you for it. I smell a nice lease on a leftover 2022 WRX Limited:)-

I was just about to say...a misaligned glove box AND it needs new wiper blades?!!?? What are you waiting for?

I picked up a couple parts for my WRX yesterday and that Limited I passed on is still sitting there.

breld

@stickguy - just wanted to add by congrats on a great job on the Maverick flip!

breld

One of the parts I picked up from the Subie store yesterday was the padded, extendable armrest. The stock one is too low to provide any sort of comfort, and is made of hard plastic. It cost about $200 and I installed it this morning in about 10 minutes (it would have taken 5 minutes had I not dropped on of the screws and had to retrieve it).

I mentioned this to @michaell and @jpp75 earlier this weekend, but an extendable armrest is not a "normal" accessory to offer, like all weather floormats or an auto-dimming mirror. If you know the armrest sucks and have a solution, why not just put it in the car to begin with?

breld

@mjfloyd1 - I figured you'd appreciate this...I keep staring at the chrome Subaru and WRX badges on the trunk, just barely holding back ordering a black badge.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

glove box is slightly misaligned on the right side.

the rear washer nozzle isn't working again, and I plan to get new wiper blades installed, front and back. I'll ask them to take a quick look at the glove box, as well.

Plug it into Carvana & CarMax. See what the dealer will give you for it. I smell a nice lease on a leftover 2022 WRX Limited:)-

Need I remind you that I am jobless at the moment?

I did get an updated quote from Carvana a week or so ago - around $15-16K. Down $3500 from a few weeks prior.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

congrats, @stickguy

Michaell said:

The Outback celebrates its 8th birthday with us tomorrow. I celebrated a day early by filling up the gas tank.

It has less than 55,000 miles on the odometer and we've spent less than $5K in maintenance and repairs to keep it on the road (that includes 2 sets of tires). It's done everything we've asked of it, and as much as I'd like to trade it in on something new, it still looks darn good after it gets washed. Interior is holding up, as well, though I did notice today that the glove box is slightly misaligned on the right side.

It's got a dealer appointment scheduled for tomorrow - the rear washer nozzle isn't working again, and I plan to get new wiper blades installed, front and back. I'll ask them to take a quick look at the glove box, as well.

I could get used to this not working thing some of you have going - but, not quite ready to retire. I'm hoping another 7-9 years, once I find honest work again, should do it.

I realize it is 8 years, but $5k for 55k miles seems like A LOT for an outback.

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Michaell

breld said:

@mjfloyd1 - I figured you'd appreciate this...I keep staring at the chrome Subaru and WRX badges on the trunk, just barely holding back ordering a black badge.

That way they would match the fender flares!

I like that idea.

corvette

@Michaell said:
That way they would match the fender flares!

Installation of fender flares is easier and faster than armrests.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

kyfdx

@breld Debadge

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

I’m loving it. Just hate having to think about spending Money. That’s an adjustment. Otherwise I would have a serious itch to be out shopping. Too much temporary money in the bank account now.

————————————————
If you’re up to it I can arrange a session for you with Mrs. j. She never thinks about spending money, she just spends it. Like I’ve said before, we have a 50/50 relationship, I make it and she spends it.

jmonroe

stickguy

If I start making I will start spending again!

tangent note, since a number of you old guys are officially retired, but I believe what I have heard that the hardest part for a lot of people is recalibrating your mind to accept that it is OK to be a net spender instead of saver.

kyfdx

@breld Debadge

stickguy said:

If I start making I will start spending again!

tangent note, since a number of you old guys are officially retired, but I believe what I have heard that the hardest part for a lot of people is recalibrating your mind to accept that it is OK to be a net spender instead of saver.

You need a real plan for your assets, and how you plan on taking distribution. You can make big mistakes that you can't fix. Negative cash flow is fine, but your retirement funds should be growing faster than your net spend rate, especially if you are only 60.

One advantage, with a lower income, it's a good time to convert tax-deferred retirement funds to Roths, at lower income tax rates. You have a nice window before you start drawing SSA at full retirement age.

jmonroe1

breld said:

One of the parts I picked up from the Subie store yesterday was the padded, extendable armrest. The stock one is too low to provide any sort of comfort, and is made of hard plastic. It cost about $200 and I installed it this morning in about 10 minutes (it would have taken 5 minutes had I not dropped on of the screws and had to retrieve it).

I mentioned this to @michaell and @jpp75 earlier this weekend, but an extendable armrest is not a "normal" accessory to offer, like all weather floormats or an auto-dimming mirror. If you know the armrest sucks and have a solution, why not just put it in the car to begin with?

————————————————
I agree, but probably to keep the production lines moving for both the car and arm rests.

I know it’s too late now but it would have been nice to see a before and after pic.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

@breld Debadge

Or better yet, get a gigantic STi sticker for the back window:)-

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

I crossed the big 6-0 last year. So definitely not in prime territory to be looking for a career type job.

Someone suggested to me that it might be easier to apply to a small company, even a recent start up where your experience would be better appreciated. When they’re just looking for competent workers rather than someone who fits a particular corporate culture box.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

If I start making I will start spending again!

tangent note, since a number of you old guys are officially retired, but I believe what I have heard that the hardest part for a lot of people is recalibrating your mind to accept that it is OK to be a net spender instead of saver.

Yes, I tend to hoard it but my wife is trying to break me of that habit.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

mjfloyd1

breld said:

@mjfloyd1 - I figured you'd appreciate this...I keep staring at the chrome Subaru and WRX badges on the trunk, just barely holding back ordering a black badge.

Oh yeah. Then slam that sucker and add a fart can mufflers. Don’t forget to add camber to the alignment for the perfect stance. 😂

But I’m sure the next owner will like the black badges…

mjfloyd1

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

It has two timing chains.

They must have changed the blinker fluid and the muffler bearings 😂

Michaell

mjfloyd1 said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

It has two timing chains

Ah ha!

Thanks for filling me in on that.

mjfloyd1

@Michaell said:
Ah ha!

Thanks for filling me in on that.

Did it maybe have oil consumption issues that needed fixed?

qbrozen

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

whoa whoa. Now I need to know. What was done at 60k for $2300?

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

whoa whoa. Now I need to know. What was done at 60k for $2300?

According to my notes ....

Brake flush, Brake pads and rotors (F & R), cabin air filter, engine air filter, spark plug replacement, oil change, transmission secondary pressure sensor replacement, replace serpentine belt, 4 wheel alignment

andres3

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

On the 24th of February, our 2022 Highlander officially turned a year old. 21,000 miles and counting.

I’ll probably put just about that many miles on my Kia on it’s 4th anniversary next month.

The Outback celebrates its 8th birthday with us tomorrow. I celebrated a day early by filling up the gas tank.

It has less than 55,000 miles on the odometer and we've spent less than $5K in maintenance and repairs to keep it on the road (that includes 2 sets of tires). It's done everything we've asked of it, and as much as I'd like to trade it in on something new, it still looks darn good after it gets washed. Interior is holding up, as well, though I did notice today that the glove box is slightly misaligned on the right side.

It's got a dealer appointment scheduled for tomorrow - the rear washer nozzle isn't working again, and I plan to get new wiper blades installed, front and back. I'll ask them to take a quick look at the glove box, as well.

I could get used to this not working thing some of you have going - but, not quite ready to retire. I'm hoping another 7-9 years, once I find honest work again, should do it.

still on original battery or is the 2nd battery part of that $5K maintenance/repair cost total?

tjc78

I could easily see how that rolls up to $2300.

It is American black truck day here at my Daughter’s gymnastics class.

xwesx

Ouch. Dealerships.

andres3

I SWITCHED from shopping TTRS' suddenly to a commuter car.

So I thought I'd share my prospects:

1. 2017 Volvo V60 Wagon T5 Premier - Looks dated and the interior looks like it's from 20th Century.
   
2. 2020 Volvo V60 Wagon T5 Momentum - Looks 10X better exterior and interior updated to 2023 standards.
   
3. 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 Sedan - because it's green and has over 40K miles.
   
4. 2015 Acura TLX Tech V6 FWD - Because Acura, Blue, and under 80K miles which is the break in period for Acura.
   
5. 2019 Golf R 28,775 Miles (white) Not far from me and meets the Wife's 4-door rule for commuter.
   
6. Various 2020M240i Coupes or 2017 or 2018 M2's
   
7. 2022 A6 Allroad $$$$ Soho Brown with light interior (gorgeous)
   
8. 2018 Golf Alltrack beige interior, 37K miles, Carmax
   
9. 2008 Audi A3 Blue with Beige interior only 100K miles.
   

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

@Michaell said:

Ah ha!

Thanks for filling me in on that.

Did it maybe have oil consumption issues that needed fixed?

I was driving a BMW X3 yesterday and just before I got to my destination it flashes in two locations that I’m low a quart of oil and I better put some in “promptly”. Never had a car tell me I was a quart low before.

qbrozen

andres3 said:

I SWITCHED from shopping TTRS' suddenly to a commuter car.

So I thought I'd share my prospects:

1. 2017 Volvo V60 Wagon T5 Premier - Looks dated and the interior looks like it's from 20th Century.
   
2. 2020 Volvo V60 Wagon T5 Momentum - Looks 10X better exterior and interior updated to 2023 standards.
   
3. 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 Sedan - because it's green and has over 40K miles.
   
4. 2015 Acura TLX Tech V6 FWD - Because Acura, Blue, and under 80K miles which is the break in period for Acura.
   
5. 2019 Golf R 28,775 Miles (white) Not far from me and meets the Wife's 4-door rule for commuter.
   
6. Various 2020M240i Coupes or 2017 or 2018 M2's
   
7. 2022 A6 Allroad $$$$ Soho Brown with light interior (gorgeous)
   
8. 2018 Golf Alltrack beige interior, 37K miles, Carmax
   
9. 2008 Audi A3 Blue with Beige interior only 100K miles.
   

Just scratch all FWDs off the list.
For the Volvo, go T6 or go home.

I honestly can't believe you continue to shop Audis.

How much is the Stinger?

xwesx

Why the shift to the shopping of dailies? I sense a story that needs telling on this one....

andres3

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

I SWITCHED from shopping TTRS' suddenly to a commuter car.

So I thought I'd share my prospects:

1. 2017 Volvo V60 Wagon T5 Premier - Looks dated and the interior looks like it's from 20th Century.
   
2. 2020 Volvo V60 Wagon T5 Momentum - Looks 10X better exterior and interior updated to 2023 standards.
   
3. 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 Sedan - because it's green and has over 40K miles.
   
4. 2015 Acura TLX Tech V6 FWD - Because Acura, Blue, and under 80K miles which is the break in period for Acura.
   
5. 2019 Golf R 28,775 Miles (white) Not far from me and meets the Wife's 4-door rule for commuter.
   
6. Various 2020M240i Coupes or 2017 or 2018 M2's
   
7. 2022 A6 Allroad $$$$ Soho Brown with light interior (gorgeous)
   
8. 2018 Golf Alltrack beige interior, 37K miles, Carmax
   
9. 2008 Audi A3 Blue with Beige interior only 100K miles.
   

Just scratch all FWDs off the list.
For the Volvo, go T6 or go home.

I honestly can't believe you continue to shop Audis.

How much is the Stinger?

but FWD's get good gas mileage

I believe T6 Volvo's will increase the search radius dramatically.

All my "new" Audi's are and have been fine, including the current '16 TTS which has almost as many miles as the S4, of course, probably should change that battery at the next upcoming service.

As far as "used" Audi's I'm 1 for 2, though I didn't keep the 1 for long, and I did use the CPO warranty for the evaporator coil. The 2022 with under 10K miles is almost "not used."

They are asking $38,990 for the Stinger but I think low 30's takes it (Nissan of Sacramento)

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

I could easily see how that rolls up to $2300.

It is American black truck day here at my Daughter’s gymnastics class.

————————————————
That one in the middle is a sorry a s s jacked-up job. If you’re doing it do all of it, like tires. That thing looks as bad as a sedan with donut tires.

jmonroe

andres3

xwesx said:

Why the shift to the shopping of dailies? I sense a story that needs telling on this one....

Ahh yes.. only posted in the Cars & Conversations, I'll give a quick recap:

Saturday evening the S4 went nuts, berserk, and most definitely haywire. Every electrical accessory was flickering on and off, on and off, and this is with the car parked and off.

It had a bad battery, an old battery from 2016 or 2017 so we crossed our fingers a new battery would do the trick.

Monday morning, new battery put in by my shop and they tell me a fog light, a turn signal light, and headlight refuse to go off. The only way to turn them off is to disconnect the battery completely.

Diagnosis: Control Module

AGM batteries are not cheap either.

Work has yet to be performed as shop is booked through the week.

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@Michaell said:

Ah ha!

Thanks for filling me in on that.

Did it maybe have oil consumption issues that needed fixed?

I was driving a BMW X3 yesterday and just before I got to my destination it flashes in two locations that I’m low a quart of oil and I better put some in “promptly”. Never had a car tell me I was a quart low before.

I put 2 Solo cups of oil in the TTS to top her off after various hard canyon runs. Used the old dip stick method.
Anyone convert Solo red party cups into liters quarts?

Michaell

xwesx said:

Ouch. Dealerships.

Surprisingly, this was at a local franchise chain of independent shops that have a good reputation here in the area. I'll only use the dealer for brand specific work ....

.... like today. Rear washer nozzle not working. Dealer says it's failed and I need a new part. Will take two days to get here. $231 for part and installation.

Grrr.

stickguy

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

whoa whoa. Now I need to know. What was done at 60k for $2300?

According to my notes ....

Brake flush, Brake pads and rotors (F & R), cabin air filter, engine air filter, spark plug replacement, oil change, transmission secondary pressure sensor replacement, replace serpentine belt, 4 wheel alignment

2 sets of tires and brakes all around in that many miles? What are you doing with the thing, auto crossing it?

stickguy

Andre, for a daily driver commuter mobile, FWD should be fine. I do like the new style V60. Also somewhat unique since you seem to appreciate that in a car.

can't go wrong with a TLX either. and don't discount the 4 cyl. Great powertrain, still pretty peppy, and better handling than the V6 model (and a better transmission). And really good MPG to boot.

jmonroe1

Michaell said:

xwesx said:

Ouch. Dealerships.

Surprisingly, this was at a local franchise chain of independent shops that have a good reputation here in the area. I'll only use the dealer for brand specific work ....

.... like today. Rear washer nozzle not working. Dealer says it's failed and I need a new part. Will take two days to get here. $231 for part and installation.

Grrr.

————————————————
I don’t know how accessible that nozzle is but I did a quick search online and that part doesn’t even cost 25 bucks and that was for an OEM Subie part. After market unit was a good bit less. It might be worthwhile to look at it since it appears you could save a good bit of money.

jmonroe

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

The tires were close to $2K, and I spent $2300 in late 2021 for the 60K service, which included a small repair or two.

So, I don't feel like it's that much of an outlay. YMMV.

Was that a t-belt service?

Guess I'm too spoiled doing things myself.

No on the timing belt. I'm following the recommendations from the owners manual. I'll have to look and see when that gets done. Or even if it needs to be done - I've got the 3.6 boxer 6, and I don't know if it has a timing chain or belt.

whoa whoa. Now I need to know. What was done at 60k for $2300?

According to my notes ....

Brake flush, Brake pads and rotors (F & R), cabin air filter, engine air filter, spark plug replacement, oil change, transmission secondary pressure sensor replacement, replace serpentine belt, 4 wheel alignment

2 sets of tires and brakes all around in that many miles? What are you doing with the thing, auto crossing it?

The OEM Bridgestones were terrible tires; barely got 20,000 miles out of them.

As to the brakes, I don't really have a good explanation. I don't think I'm too hard on them, and the wife has driven the car maybe 3 times in the last 2 years.

tjc78

@Michaell said:
The OEM Bridgestones were terrible tires; barely got 20,000 miles out of them.

As to the brakes, I don't really have a good explanation. I don't think I'm too hard on them, and the wife has driven the car maybe 3 times in the last 2 years.

I had a set of Bridgestone on my 06 Avalon. 27K and they were toast. If I got 50K out of set of brakes I’d be ecstatic. I just had to have new rotors installed due to warping at 14K on the XC.

ab348

If Andres buys that Kia, I pray to all that is holy that he gets 2 key fobs with it.

tifighter

@breld said:
@mjfloyd1 - I figured you'd appreciate this...I keep staring at the chrome Subaru and WRX badges on the trunk, just barely holding back ordering a black badge.

Maybe just skip the middle man and put black Integra badges on it.

tifighter

@andres3 said:

They are asking $38,990 for the Stinger but I think low 30's takes it (Nissan of Sacramento)

Nearly $40k for an over-40k mile Kia. I know I’m biased, but I’d rather buy a new Model 3 at that point.

qbrozen

andres3 said:

but FWD's get good gas mileage

I say it because, given your proclivities, you will get bored with it quickly. Doesn't matter that it is a DD because even a DD should be fun and enjoyable. Although a GTI is quite fun. I suppose maybe I should say just rule out any Japanese FWD 4-doors. lol. I don't recall ever meeting one of those that truly stood up to the fun test.

nyccarguy

@andres3 - the prospect of buying a used Kia, especially from a Nissan dealer doesn’t give off good vibes.