Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

michaellno

It's advertised at a good price (no haggle dealership)

Must be Schomp. If you go, ask for John Friend .. I stopped by there a couple of months ago and drove a Z4. Nice guy - he's stayed in touch with me to see where I'm at in my purchase process.

Short answer ... June at the earliest, and I'm looking for something pretty rare. Minimally optioned Z4 cabrio with stick and any color other than gray or silver.

However, I have thought more about a 3-series coupe. This would be the 'fun' car - I've got the ION for pizza duty and the wife's VUE for family chores.

ronsteve

That the VW dealer is on the far end of town, and I didn't hear about the $2k being knocked off all his TDIs. I've been lusting after a Jetta SportWagen TDI for a while now. The soon-to-be wife has also lusted after the sedans, so maybe it needs to be a his-and-hers adventure whenever she's ready to trade up.

For now I'll continue to enjoy my V70 and the joy of no car payment.

breld

Yup, I figured you'd know it was Schomp. I've always liked their philosophy (whether it be the BMW, Mini or Honda side), though I have yet to actually purchase a car from them. That's where I had my 5-series serviced, and I came pretty close to buying a Z4 from them last spring, before I decided on the Miata. I'll make sure to ask for the salesperson you recommended if and when I go in.

akangl

That there doesn't seem to be much for rebates on anything. I remember the days of 3-5k rebates on lots of cars. Lately I'm seeing $500-1000 but mainly special financing instead of rebates.

When I bought my 06 Ram we not only got employee pricing but a hefty rebate as well, brought a $50k truck down to around $38k. I miss those days!

kyfdx

Colorado .. there are more xi 3-series than there are RWD only for sale around here.


I think that's almost anywhere they get 4-seasons... If I surveyed the local dealer in Cincinnati, I'd guess that of all BMWs that have AWD optional, the percentage with AWD would be 80% or higher....

qbrozen

the pondering continues. Getting offered some great deals, but the negative equity is what prevents us from doing anything about it. And we're not willing to compromise. I mean, we can get a new SE with rear entertainment and moonroof added for less than $24k. But I'm pretty darned sure I would regret getting the old 3.8 liter engine.

fezo

Not to mention how bad an idea a new car is to a car flipper such as yourself.....

stickguy

I am in south jersey (near philly). Yeah, we have winter and get some snow (most years). But we aren't talking Alaska weather here. And even when we do get snow, it is usually not on the roads long.

but still, you can't find a RWD lexus in stock (on models where AWD is an options, like an IS). And almost every (if not all) BMW 3 and 5 series are AWD. if you want RWD as God intended the car to be, you pretty much have to order it special.

Sandman6472

Can I assume correctly that most Lexi products are front wheel drive?

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stickguy

actually, no they aren't.

The IS, GS and LS are all RWD cars (the 1st 2 at least can be had as AWD also).

The ES is a FWD (camry) as is the RX (camry wagon).

they have some truck things (LX and something else) that are based on RWD toyota trucks.

and some niche hybrid (fancy Priii) that are also FWD, and probably sold about 10 of each.

jimbres

I'd make just one correction to stickguy's post: the LS is available with AWD.

Let me also point out that where you live makes a difference in what your local dealer carries. For example, I live in NY, & none of the dealers in my area carry the FWD version of the RX 350 - only the AWD version. If, for some reason, you wanted the FWD version, you'd have to place a special order.

That's largely true throughout the snow belt.

tjc78

What's funny is you don't even need the RX in AWD. My mother had the RX's lowly cousin the Highlander and in V6 FWD form and trac/VSC it went through anything.

She went to a Camry and now back to a RAV4 and this time got the 4Wd. I asked if it felt any different in the snow and she said no.

jimbres

I'm sure you're right, but around here, no one buys a 2WD (front or rear) car if an AWD version is available. That's true across the board - Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, etc.

Drivers are absolutely convinced that they must have AWD, even though our winters are usually on the mild side. (Not the current one, though.) I've even heard people argue that they need AWD to handle a summer thunderstorm.

kyfdx

LOL.. I have a RWD car with winter tires that have already seen three seasons on another vehicle... We've had two 5-inch storms already this year... No sweat...

What's wrong with me?

qbrozen

Yes, yes it is. Still... seems like a good deal at $10k off. However, further research and searching has led us to now be seeking out a preowned one with the 4.0 engine and all the bells and whistles. There is an '08 T&C Limited with 23k miles for $23k about 90 minutes away, so I'm going to look into that.

stickguy

here is one. bet they will negotiate on it.

http://www.cherryhilldodge.net/certified/Chrysler/2008-Chrysler-Town+&+Country-c- 9fd820f0a0a000201a485155294674e.htm

From what I have been reading, it seems like the new models have vastly improved interiors from Chrysler. Not sure though if they redid the TC like they did the Journey.

actually, the new Journey sounds nice. Cheaper than a TC? smaller though.

stickguy

new ones seem to have a lot more goodies. Not that much more $ from asking on the 2008 to sticker on the 2011. Much better powertrain too. I assume this one does not have a moonroof though.

http://www.cherryhilldodge.net/new/Chrysler/2011-Chrysler-Town+&+Country-10b79bb- - f0a0a0064017d3308f1e0d926.htm

or go back to the pacifica for a 4.0. cheaper too. I like this color combo. and not even far from you.

http://www.lucaschryslerjeepdodge.com/used/Chrysler/2007-Chrysler-Pacifica-272d0- 1d30a0a006401cc55fbeee59e6e.htm

roadburner

I've even heard people argue that they need AWD to handle a summer thunderstorm.

The first time I heard some poor fool tell me that they needed AWD for rainy weather I honestly thought that they were joking. It's scary to know that we share the road with such incompetents. They need to have their OLs pulled and replaced with bus/subway tokens.

Sandman6472

I personally just liked that I could "slide right over into" the drivers seat instead of "falling into" what we currently own...just easier for my bad spine. Our Versa has it also but I'm not a fan of the CVT for my dd, that's all. And since I'm only driving maybe 30 miles/week, nothing for me is going to change. Unfortunately the wife, who's next in line for a car, won't consider any car larger than a compact. But if I were driving more & in the market, I'd check a used RX330 out.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stickguy

I tweaked my lower back the other day (no idea how) so I have been creaking around this weekend. So, decided to take my wifes Odyssey today when we went out shopping just because it is easier to get in and out (effectively climbing into it, vs. dropping down into my Accord). Just easier on the lower lumbar.

isellhondas

"What's wrong with me"?

Nothing. You know how to drive in the snow unlike us So.California transplants who panic when a rare snow hits here.

Not that rare lately though...

And, of course. all of our steep HILLS don't help either!

jimbres

That kind of thinking is an outgrowth of the leasing mentality. People who turn their cars in every 3 years or so rarely, if ever, shop for new tires & so have no idea how much difference tires make.

I pointed out to one of my neighbors, who leases his cars, that the tires are the only parts of the car that actually touch the ground. He looked at me as if I had just divulged the secret of eternal youth.

andre1969

I like that Pacifa, and love that "Magnesium" color. I don't think Chrysler uses it anymore, but I used to love the 300's and Chargers in that color. I don't have any real need for an SUV or crossover, but I've always liked the looks of the Pacifica.

qbrozen

Thanks for that black one. That is on the list now. We have 3 total to consider at the moment. An '09 Routan with 20k miles and now 2 '08 T&Cs. We both like the red T&C better than the black, and the red has fewer miles, and is priced lower. But gotta keep those options open.

As for the new one, there is actually a huge price difference. The options add up quick. Take that $31k model, add $2k for rear dual DVD thingy, $1k NAV, $2k for leather and trim, something like $200 for bluetooth, $500 for the power liftgate or whatever, this and that and the kitchen sink, and you are at $40k for all the stuff found in the '08 Limited you linked.

We've decided against the Pacifica and R350 because they just don't add enough utility over the Mazda5 to justify the jump. So I'm pretty sure we've zeroed in on our target here (T&C/Routan), it is just a matter of making the right deal on the right one.

Did I mention I test drove both the 3.8 and 4.0 last night? Both are very quick off the line, but the big difference for me was the harshness level. The 3.8 makes me grit my teeth in agony when I heard it in the higher rpms. The 4.0, on the other hand, sounds great. It is a beast attached to the 6-spd. I wonder how that new 3.6 is, and I wonder why the 4.0 was so short-lived.

stickguy

if I get bored tomorrow, I can wander over to cherry hill and look at the black '08. Not far from me (and if I had known yesterday, I went right past the dealership!). If it helps, I can haggle for a bit and low ball them, and if they bite tell them know, but at least you will know where they are willing to go!

just keep your guard up if you go there. This is part of the infamous "triplex", which has a bit of a reputation (but at least if your credit stinks, they don't care!) Doesn't bother me though, since it is all about the car.

qbrozen

Thanks for the offer, but let's hold off on that. First choice is still the red one. There is now a blue one the wife found very close to us at a Honda dealer. So I think the order is red T&C, black routan, blue T&C, black T&C.

akangl

I personally just liked that I could "slide right over into" the drivers seat instead of "falling into" what we currently own

I'm the same way, probably why I talked myself out of a car, I knew after a couple months I would hate it. My back bothers me a lot when I have to get in and out of the Civic. The truck isn't too bad, but climbing up into it can be a bear depending on how its sitting and how much snow is on the ground.

Couple more weeks and I will have something that actually fits in the garage.

michaellno

.... this past weekend and, as usual, stopped by the local BMW dealer on Sunday to see what's what.

The '03 Z4 is still there; I think there was a price tag of $14,988 on it now. If I had the means, I'd offer $12K flat and see what they said. However, not quite ready to pull the trigger, and, it's not really a color I'm looking to have this go around.

They also had this on the lot - I'm guessing it's a bit of a rare beast? Not CPO, so no warranty of any sort available. I'm guessing that the price is still too high?

tjc78

I went right past the dealership!).

Stick,

That is too funny, I was right in that area yesterday too. I was at Lumber Liquidators looking at flooring for the kitchen remodel

. This is part of the infamous "triplex

I've never been in there, but I've heard more than a handful of stories.

fezo

I bought my old Sebring convertible at Cherry Hill Dodge but that was back in 99 or 00. They were a much smaller place than they are now. I paid more than I should have but not outrageously so.

Every so often I'll get something from the salesman from back then - mostly to tell me he's not there anymore and where he is which I forget now.

breld

That 325xi wagon has caught my eye as well on-line. How did it look in person? That's really close to what I was prepared to order a few years back, except I would have equipped it a bit better. It doesn't look to have any of the three packages (cold, premium or sport).

Given that it's light on options and not a CPO, the price seems a tad high, but low $20's for an e90 with reasonable miles doesn't seem that bad to me. Is it just me, or do BMWs seem to carry a little premium here in Colorado compared to other regions? Some of the listings that are posted on this forum seem so much better than what we see here in CO.

On that Z4, if it's not a color you like, it's probably not worth it. I justified my way through the color on my Miata, and definitely have a healthy amount of regret over it.

breld

I've had my eye on this 3: link title

I've never had a black car, but I like the combo with the Terra leather. It has the sport, premium and cold weather packages, plus nav and the optional wheel upgrade from the sport, which is my favorite wheel on the e90 (and fairly rare it seems).

Pricing seems a little high, as a local no-haggle dealer has a very similar one, but a model year newer and CPO, but without the nav, for about $500 more.

stickguy

3 series wagon is what I really want someday. ALthough I hate white cars. And no power seats could be a problem. I assume it at least has a moonroof though, right? that would be a deal breaker.

the only thing I want out of those packages really is heated power seats.

stickguy

black one looks nice. Not a big fan of black cars, but I could live with it. And love the interior.

I would be perfectly happy though with a RWD version. and for that price I would want it to have a CPO warranty (although quite possibly I am living in a dream world as to prices).

breld

A good friend of mine is strongly considering selling his '09 328i wagon - rwd, manual, premium and sport package, gray over black. Sounds right up your alley.

stickguy

sounds nice. Don't want black insides again, but sometimes on used cars you have to compromise!

I actually prefer not having the sport package. Roads around here stink (potholes galore) so I prefer taller sidewalls, and don't need a stiffer suspension.

that must be very rare in a wagon, especially in Colorado (rwd and a stick is rare anywhere).

only problem is likely to be the price!

fintail

If this was 50% off and I maybe received a little raise, I would consider it...I have a paid off car now and am not in the market, but I'll admit I look for odd things every day

tjc78

I've gotta say that is one nice machine. 507 HP, could get in a wee bit of trouble with that!

fintail

I wouldn't complain about that either, although the mileage and insurance might be tough.

Those are fairly rare cars, which attracts me too - I like to have something that is unusual. But, that car is a bit out of my league.

akangl

507 HP

My driver's license would never survive that! I get scared everytime I drive.....all it would take is one tiny ticket.... :sick:

roadburner

Not bad. It's at the same dealer that had the track-ready M3 that sold the day before I was supposed to test drive it.





It has a few Dinan bits:

crkyolfrt

What?! No shock tower brace??!!

j/k btw :shades:

Gosh it has a desireable looking office..

corvette

It can't hurt to look, right?

stickguy

looks just like the 2000 I found for you in NJ. 1 year older, but 4K less miles, and a few K $$ cheaper. Oh, and it has a tan interior which might be an issue for you!

http://www.burlingtonchevy.com/Philadelphia-Chevrolet-2000-BMW-5+Series-M5-WBSDE- 9347YBZ94354-used.html

stickguy

It can't hurt to look, right?

famous last words in this forum!

akangl

It can't hurt to look, right?

famous last words in this forum!

Pretty much, lol.

I got a call from the salesguy at acura of seattle the other day, I had checked with them back in december before I ordered. I figured he forgot to get me the requested info, so I went with the local acura dealer. He asked if I bought anything, I told him not yet, but probably in a week or two. Now of course he's trying to steal the local acura dealer's customer.

I did notice he has a CPO 07 RDX on his lot, looks good too, not many miles, 1 owner.....could save $20k over the new MDX. Its tempting to look further at it, but I don't know, that would mean a trip to Seattle and a 2300 mile drive home if I bought it.

michaellno

Am I the first person to note that the pictures show a manual, but the description in the ad says automatic?

What kind of BMW dealer screws up the transmission type when putting an ad on the 'net?

jimbres

The pictures are correct. The E39 M5 was available only with a 6-speed stick.

28firefighter

I thought you said you felt that the CR-V wasn't comfortable for you, so I'm not sure I see how an RDX would be a better fit for you.

Why not just buy what you REALLY want instead of settling for something? I know that is blasphemy in these parts, but I've had my car almost 6 months and can't imagine driving anything else.

graphicguy

Not to interfere with the thread. but firefighter and akangl...I've driven the RDX several times as a loaner. Probably one of the best mid-size SUVs/crossovers I've ever driven.

That turbo-motor is a real gem.