Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50

sda said:

The nonsense continues. (https://us.v-cdn.net/5021145/uploads/editor/yh/xcwyq3lxic1m.jpg "")

I guess if you don’t ask, you don’t get but they’d never get it from me.

That “lifetime nitrogen” sounded like a bargain though.🤬

stickguy

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

that is one of the bigger concerns to us about just packing it in and retiring early. how expensive it is to cover health insurance. At least for the first year when the income basis (I believe it is a look back year?) takes ACA out of the picture.

18 months of COBRA should get you past the income issue.

well, at about $15k per year for the 2 of us, it isn't helping by much. And that is before the $2k/person deductible!

kyfdx

stickguy said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

that is one of the bigger concerns to us about just packing it in and retiring early. how expensive it is to cover health insurance. At least for the first year when the income basis (I believe it is a look back year?) takes ACA out of the picture.

18 months of COBRA should get you past the income issue.

well, at about $15k per year for the 2 of us, it isn't helping by much. And that is before the $2k/person deductible!

I think you'll find that $1250/mo is pretty cheap. Before my wife qualified for Medicare, we were paying about $2400/mo.

stickguy

at those prices she can keep working another 4 years!

Michaell

When my company sponsored COBRA premiums expire at the end of this month, the medical portion for the wife and I will run over $1300/mo. Here's hoping I can get hired before then!

fintail

sda said:

The nonsense continues. (https://us.v-cdn.net/5021145/uploads/editor/yh/xcwyq3lxic1m.jpg "")

If I'm paying that, I better darn well be getting TrueCoat.

fintail

oldfarmer50 said:

cdnpinhead said:

In case you're wondering how things are paid for by those who either can't/won't pay or who don't have insurance. Those colossal amounts are absorbed by someone, be it tax payers, those who actually pay for insurance, or others.

Ain't no free lunch.

Not always. When my wife had a stroke we had no insurance because we couldn’t afford it. The $50k bill was padded an extra 10% by NYS to (get this) pay for people who had no insurance. I asked them why I didn’t qualify and was told “sell you house”. I didn’t mind paying for my lunch just not somebody else’s.

Infuriating. If only an ideal existed where medical stuff wasn't linked to financial ruin.

explorerx4

When my job was offshored, I was able to pay my COBRA using my HSA.

breld

The Si markups/add-ons are crazy. The "cheaper" one in my area is around $36k all in at this point and it's been sitting for a while.

Took my 18 year old car shopping a little over the weekend. Looked at the Mazda CX-30, Crosstrek and Kona N-line.

The Mazda impresses with it's styling, inside and out. The interior is particularly impressive at this price point. The infotainment seems fine to me...I personally prefer a dial control instead of a touchscreen. This was a non-turbo version, so the n/a 4 cylinder is slow off the line, but is more than adequate once you get going. Definitely an option.

They only had a used 2020 Crosstrek available to look at and drive. The interior feels dated (a refresh is coming soon for 2024) and the CVT takes some getting used to. The Mazda feels richer for sure.

Then I thought he should look at the Kona, which you can get with the 1.6T at this price point. They had an N-line model which fits the bill well. Compared to the Mazda and Subaru, my son and I both preferred the extra power offered by the Hyundai. I'd say it's a little pokey, but I think you'd get used to modulating the throttle to smooth it out. And even though a completely new model is due out this summer, the Kona interior still feels quite modern.

Right now, the Hyundai is the top choice. We still need to take some time to look at a Civic (non Si of course).

breld

Also took my son out to continue his lessons on driving a manual, now that we have the WRX.

He did well - I'm finding that I don't articulate well when explaining certain aspects of driving the manual, when it's all more second nature for me. We actually swapped for a little bit with me driving, and then I'd realize what I need to teach him.

sda

Mom claims I was born knowing how to drive. Having a couple of motorcycles before getting a car, driving a manual was pretty much second nature.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

henryn said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

@xwesx said:

It might be better to just let nature take its course like it did with the others. That's a dangerous shape for a typical chainsaw cutting; those aren't called widowmakers for nothing. When you cut them, they have a reasonable chance of landing such that they can spring backward toward the stump... which is in the immediate area of where the cutter is standing!

I have a cousin who was struck by such a tree when he cut it, and he barely lived to tell the tale (and has said on multiple occasions that he wished he wouldn't have survived).

I agree, even when a tree is on the ground it might roll or snap in an unexpected manner.

Not as dangerous as changing your own oil.

==============end quoted material===================

I don't follow that one, you're going to have to explain it to me. If you put the car up on ramps, or jack stands, the danger of it falling on you is very close to nil. What other dangers are you thinking of?

It’s an inside joke. Ask roadburner.

It is almost as dangerous as attempting to change an automotive fuse yourself.

Sandman6472

I usually get an alignment whenever they did the oil change as they had the vehicle there anyways and the 3 years were already paid for. But now, no policy yet as the old one expired and the front driver side tire is wearing a bit. Guess the next order of business is to buy the 3-year policy & have them do it. Just wonder how much it's one up. I once paid $99 plus 3 free oil changes. Next time, it went up to $119 plus 2 oil changes & the last time was $129 and that was it. that happened in November of 2019. So, who knows where it'll be now but hoping to still get the $129 deal. And if I need to replace a tire, I'd have to get two of them since the tread wouldn't be the same on that axle so would need two of them. Hoping it won't be necessary to buy any new tires!

Sandman6472

Interesting that the 2024 Kona is going to be a whole new model. That changes the game for me at this point. Since I've waited this long, think I'll just wait a little longer & see what the new model looks like & go from there. Would hate to get the old model at this point as I'd always feel I should've waited a bit longer. And with a new model, betting the infotainment system would be different & more up to date. Which might also mean USB-C hook-ups in the front & rear. Sure, my current iPhone is a 12 which still uses the lightning charger but there will be a way to get mine to work through the aftermarket. Sites like Wish.com & a few others I know & use will have this issue rectified in no time.
So thank you Breld for giving me this great news. Since the Hyundai Kona is my #1 choice on the short list, things have just gotten more interesting. So very glad I'm not rushing into anything quite yet as waiting is still the best policy for me. Have waited this long, so a little longer won't hurt. And if I really don't like the new model, could always try to snag an outgoing model for maybe a better price...who knows! And another Hyundai in the fleet isn' such a bad thing really since the dealer is so close!!!

xwesx

breld said:

They only had a used 2020 Crosstrek available to look at and drive. The interior feels dated (a refresh is coming soon for 2024) and the CVT takes some getting used to. The Mazda feels richer for sure.

I find that hilarious! Man, perspectives.... the interior on our 2018 Crosstrek (first year of the generation that includes 2020) still feels futuristic to me! LOL

breld

Sandy - here’s the link from Hyundai’s site regarding the 2024 Kona, due out this summer. It looks to be a very nice update.

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/2024-kona

stickguy

Sandy, USB C in the car will only mean you need a different lighting cord. the new phones still have a lightning plug for the phone, but the end that plugs into the power block or car/computer USB plug would be smaller (for the C).

most likely it would have both an old style and the C. My Maverick had that set-up.

corvette

stickguy said:

the new phones still have a lightning plug for the phone...

For now. Supposedly, Apple kowtowed to government tyranny and the next generation of iPhones will be afflicted with USB-C connectors on the phone end, as well.

The USB-A to Lightning cable in the Maverick works well, though. I also have a couple of USB-C to USB-A adapters, which I'm assuming would work with my USB-A to Lightning cables.

stickguy

but that doesn't matter for the car end. It needs a C (or A) for that end, but does not matter what is on the other end for the device.

and yeah, the way they keep changing plugs, adapters are key!

henryn

corvette said:

stickguy said:

the new phones still have a lightning plug for the phone...

For now. Supposedly, Apple kowtowed to government tyranny and the next generation of iPhones will be afflicted with USB-C connectors on the phone end, as well.

The USB-A to Lightning cable in the Maverick works well, though. I also have a couple of USB-C to USB-A adapters, which I'm assuming would work with my USB-A to Lightning cables.

That would be European "government tyranny", nothing to do with the US government.

henryn

stickguy said:

Sandy, USB C in the car will only mean you need a different lighting cord. the new phones still have a lightning plug for the phone, but the end that plugs into the power block or car/computer USB plug would be smaller (for the C).

most likely it would have both an old style and the C. My Maverick had that set-up.

My '23 Silverado has USB-A and USB-C side by side on the lower dash.

tjc78

@henryn said:
My '23 Silverado has USB-A and USB-C side by side on the lower dash.

Same with my Ram.

qbrozen

Sprinter has nothing but C ports. But it does have 6 of them.

ab348

I don't have a single device with C ports. Must be behind the times.

ab348

Sandman6472 said:

I once paid $99 plus 3 free oil changes. Next time, it went up to $119 plus 2 oil changes & the last time was $129 and that was it. that happened in November of 2019. So, who knows where it'll be now but hoping to still get the $129 deal. And if I need to replace a tire, I'd have to get two of them since the tread wouldn't be the same on that axle so would need two of them. Hoping it won't be necessary to buy any new tires!

Up here an alignment is $120 at the dealer, $100 at indie shops, both in worthless Canadian dollars of course. I'd be shocked if you can find a deal similar to what you used to have.

stickguy

I have none that have a C on the device. Just for some reason, Apple switched to a lightning cord with a C fitting at the power end for newer stuff (my iPhone 13 has that, and I think my newer iPad). I did not even notice on the pad since it came with a charger block, but the phone only had a cable. so to use that cable, I needed to buy a new charger block (which is supposed to work quicker) because the only C outlet was in my truck.

so I did the only logical thing. I just used all my old lightning cords that were already plugged in all over the house and in the other car!

nyccarguy

A pro Toyota video from the Wizard for your viewing pleasure:

https://youtu.be/gVgIQ_ccWJQ

stickguy

perfection is you don't could good mileage or any sort of driving enjoyment on your must have list!

breld

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

kyfdx

breld said:

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

4XE

tifighter

On the MDX, just make sure it doesn't have that transmission shifting hesitation issue. I think you can see it on the long term savagegeese video on youtube. Otherwise, nice car.

stickguy

whichever one you prefer to drive.

just not sure why you are even looking at these particular options.

breld

tifighter said:

On the MDX, just make sure it doesn't have that transmission shifting hesitation issue. I think you can see it on the long term savagegeese video on youtube. Otherwise, nice car.

I saw that video. Interesting and definitely worth considering, though given the particular situation where they had that issue, I'm not sure I'd ever be doing that.

breld

stickguy said:

whichever one you prefer to drive.

just not sure why you are even looking at these particular options.

Well, yes, clearly it comes down to personal preference, but I thought I'd get others' thoughts for fun.

And why are you still asking the question on why I'm looking?

stickguy

I know why you are looking. Just not why these choices instead of what you have. But I guess for 3 months won’t really matter.

I’ll miss the Mercedes though!

I did drive an MDX loaner. Compared to the RDX I found it to be a big barge.

nyccarguy

breld said:

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

Since this isn't going to be a long termer, I'd say go with the MDX. '22 GC 4xe is going to depreciate A LOT in the 12 months.

breld

I have a co-worker turning to me for advice on a truck purchase. Trucks certainly aren't my area of knowledge.

Over the weekend, he looked at a 2020 RAM "Warlock" edition w/21k miles that was about $34k at an Echopark. He didn't pull the trigger right away and it sold. He's currently in a very base Mitsi Outlander Sport (with a manual!) and is ready to get back into a truck. He'd like to stay around $30k, but would go more for lower miles (like the one he missed out on).

Any suggestions on what to look for?

[Deleted User]

breld said:

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

GC

xwesx

breld said:

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

First though, Forksy, just to get a license plate that says as much. LOL

I'd have to actually drive each to make a choice if I was really choosing between them.

au1994

breld said:

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

4xe

corvette

Tough call... I think you've had at least one MDX before, but the GC might be something new?

mjfloyd1

breld said:

Lightly used 2022 models, roughly the same price: MDX Type S (Advance Package) versus 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve.

What's your choice?

I’d buy whichever you like

mjfloyd1

I’d buy whichever you are least fond of. That way you can trade again earlier 😂

mjfloyd1

Always best to give @breld choices

28firefighter

@mjfloyd1 harnessing his inner me, myself, and I to support his recommendations.

28firefighter

Also 4xE would be my vote.

Sandman6472

Well, that makes sense since the old standard is the USB-A and the new, USB-C. I also read that Europe is the blame here & not Uncle Sam for any folks who like to follow those crazy theories floating around out there...and I think we know who they are. Am sure Apple isn't very happy about this new development anymore than iPhone 14 & earlier owners. Have also read that the iPhone 15 will have the USC-C connector, so that change will be here before years end. I just don't get why many android companies have already switched to the USB-C connector & why Apple has been resisting this change? And it can't only be about money here though Apple does charge a lot for their accessories which I think is so wrong in so many ways.
DO think the smart phone business has gotten way out of control. The prices for the top tier units are obscene right now & think all smart phones should work for getting the most features for the price. I know in my case, I started out with an android phone but found that all the companies didn't do the upgrades at the same time like Apple does. Also found their phones a bit clunky & needing an additional storage card to store data. Was just silly to me. So switched to Apple, and never looked back. I used to get a new model every couple of years but to save some, I tended to get the year old devices. Have had the iPhone 12 for almost two years now & plan to keep it at least for the next year, if not longer. The iPhone 14 getting the USB-C connector cable is a big plus for me but for now, my 12 is working just fine even though it's only got 64 gigs of which I am already using half. I'll wait the year or two unless I start to run out of space. Then I'd go for the 128 gig iPhone, which ever unit is out. Trading in my iPhone XR to Apple did get me a $230 rebate which I applied to the newer iPhone 12 at the time. Not sure how much Apple will give me for my current phone but will see once the new 15 comes out & go from there. I've also gotten rid of a few apps I never use & pairing down some of my photos to free up some extra storage room. Having the newest iPad now, don't see the need to rush to go buy the latest phone.

stickguy

apple always liked to do it's own thing. and did have a habit of changing plugs/chargers fairly often which made your old stuff obsolete when you upgraded!

changing for lightning to USB C does not seem like a big deal to me, other than (like many people) I have a ridiculous number of lightning cords floating around. So would have to make an investment on new ones to have spares. and probably a few adapters. Other than that won't really change much (not like when they got rid of the home button!)

Sandman6472

Ended up in Belle Glade today to pick up some Chevy Silverado's that were leased to a company out there. We picked up 6 white one's that had 4 by 4 capability. All had lots of miles starting from around 98K up to mine which had almost 180K on the clock. More than a few had an engine light on and some needed air in the tires. One wouldn't get out of first gear, so they left it & took the only one left. All white & all needed a head to toe detail in order for them to be sold. But the air in mine was cold & the FM radio worked. For such a high mileage vehicle, it drove nicely yo be honest. Someone will be getting a decent truck for probably a very cheap price.
That's the best part of this Enterprise job. We never know where we're going to go to either deliver or pick up vehicles. Since our crew is the largest, we have 6 permanent drivers, we usually get the longer trips that usually have multiple vehicles to deal with. And that's a big reason why I wanted on this crew, when I'm at work, I want to work...period! I want to work at least eight hours, but I'd rather work up to ten since I'm there anyways. Don't send me home at 4:30, as that's only eight hours of work & am more than willing to do more. Got off at 6:20 tonight which was fine with me. And sure, have to be back there at 8 tomorrow morning, but then I get two days off so a win/win for me. I think this is the job I love the most out of all that I've done in my life. For the first time, am at a job where I choose to be there...not like at my postal job where I really had to be there to raise our family. Knowing that I choose to do this puts a whole different spin on things, sure the extra income is nice, but we'd be just as fine without it. It just gives me that extra cushion I want right now to save for the future & when I won't be able to work anymore. I never want to depend on my children or anyone else to provide for us in our old age so continuing to work now will ensure that will never ever happen. Must be hard to be old & not have enough money...probably much easier to be young & not have a lot. But to be older & not have enough to live on, that must be horrible. And having to ask others for help must be humiliating & something I plan never to do!

stickguy

I tell my 2 kids it is a contest to see which one is nicest to us. And that we will go live with the other one when we need someone to take care of us!

and yes, that is a joke.

I agree though that running out of money when you are retired must be terrible. but it does happen.