Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I am only 7% good news! I thought it was 8% but that was probably because of my son mentioning it, and he lives in Albany county.

explorerx4

I feel like we are living in the big time. The city has a 1% income tax.
Not sure when we are going to get a property tax bill that includes the house.
Realtor said it could take up to 2 years. We are saving up for it in case it's retroactive.
We paid 8% sales tax on the Corsair, credit given for the trade in.

qbrozen

@28firefighter said:
I can’t do the EQS. I’d love the thrill of the hack and the win for like a week. Then I’d remember I am stuck with driving a flashy jelly bean for 23 months and 3 weeks more.

Exactly. My 4xe at ~$340 was a far far more appealing deal to me, and I didn’t even keep that.

andres3

akangl said:

So my fellow car geeks. If one (not me I swear) wants a sedan with some nice HP, used with low miles in the sub $50k range what would you suggest?

I'd recommend the bulletproof B8.5 S4 ('14-'16). Nice HP, ultimate AWD system, and unless something (say a HPFP) starves your engine of oil....or someone installs a windshield miserably terribly, bulletproof!

Is 60K miles low?

ab348

Some may recall my posting about the wall button for the garage door opener no longer working as of a couple of weeks ago. Since it has been persistently cold here, the only thing I tried to do as a fix was to unscrew the button housing from the wall, disconnect the wires from the screw terminals and touch them together, and when that had no effect, reassemble it all. A few days ago I was out there and my neighbor came over to chat. I mentioned it to him, and he tried the button a few times with zero effect.

(Cue music from The Twilight Zone)

Today I came home from an errand and for some unknown reason when I was exiting the garage, something made me decide to push the button. It worked. I tried it again and it continued to work. I did absolutely nothing to it aside from what I described above. Bizarre.

28firefighter

@tifighter someone posted MMR values in the low 50s. Before the price drop they were in the mid 60s

roadburner

breld said:

I forgot I meant to post these sad pics from lot browsing a few weeks ago…

The owner can find some comfort in the fact that his car was bloody ugly to start with..

nyccarguy

So count me in as not a fan of the nose of the 4 series coupes & convertibles. I saw a Black Coupe today without badges with black wheels and very dark tinted windows. It looked great.

roadburner

I took the C43 on a bit of a road trip today; over 472 miles it averaged 29.4 mpg at an average speed of 61 mph. I have to admit I'm liking what Mercedes calls Distronic Plus with Steering Assist; I encountered stop and go traffic several times and it was nice to be able to just let the car deal with it. At the opposite end of the spectrum the C43 is really quick off the line and feels as if it's dawdling at 80+ mph. In fact, it reminds me of the 2007 B7 I drove for a couple of weeks in that it's a comfortable cruiser that is also capable of carving up a twisting two lane when placed in Sport+ mode. I can't wait to hit the drag strip in a few weeks.

fintail

tifighter said:

A few peeps in the Tesla world have picked up EQS leases because they were giving them away. Most of the leases I saw reported were 7500 miles/year.

What kind of deals? Even the dealer here has had a few, so there must be a backlog - not the most Spokane vehicle.

Michaell

I think a screen shot was posted (somewhere) showing ~$400-450/mo for 24 months. Not too much cash up front, either.

28firefighter

It varies based on model, new vs loaner, sedan vs suv but anywhere from $450-$750/month.

au1994

https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D5622AQG2IGNPqKRpBg/feedshare-shrink_2048_1536/0/1680754301054?e=1683763200&v=beta&t=1Um6qBVH_Qzcp6hjTlSeN0CewWhZbQ2d7rW8HmVfoSc

I found this in LinkedIn of all places but it’s eye opening. And sad.

stickguy

I don’t see why. It’s the style people want.

Is it because they look similar because same basic shape? Because do this with sedans or station wagons from the old days and it would be the same result.

qbrozen

Bulletproof S4. That’s freakin hilarious. A little late for April Fools, though.

au1994

stickguy said:

I don’t see why. It’s the style people want.

Is it because they look similar because same basic shape? Because do this with sedans or station wagons from the old days and it would be the same result.

I think in the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s there was definite distinction between makes and models. It wasn’t until the big 3 got into the cost cutting/badge engineering era that things begin to look same same. Especially with GM offerings of that era.

I found the initial offerings from Toyota, Honda and Nissan to be easy to distinguish from each other and certainly were never confused with anything domestic.

Now for a non car person they probably can’t tell the difference between an Accord, Camry or Malibu.

explorerx4

To me, most modern sedans look alike without looking closely.
Mostly in profile or from the back, I can't tell the difference between a BMW, Honda, Hyundai or Toyota.

jmonroe1

explorerx4 said:

To me, most modern sedans look alike without looking closely.
Mostly in profile or from the back, I can't tell the difference between a BMW, Honda, Hyundai or Toyota.

————————————————
Watch it. Admitting to something like that will get you drummed outta here before you know it. Unfortunately I know what you mean.

jmonroe

roadburner

I’m glad my C43 blends in; to my eye it’s just about the ultimate sleeper.

au1994

It blends in…till you crank it

roadburner

A guy on one of the Mercedes forums bought a C43 with the AMG performance exhaust and was complaining about how loud it was- he also moaned about how it popped and burbled. I resisted the urge to suggest that he go yell at the kids to get off his lawn...

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

A guy on one of the Mercedes forums bought a C43 with the AMG performance exhaust and was complaining about how loud it was- he also moaned about how it popped and burbled. I resisted the urge to suggest that he go yell at the kids to get off his lawn...

————————————————
Why buy it if it ain’t music to your ears?

jmonroe

corvette

No lowballers! I know what I got!

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/10/owner-crushes-his-rare-1970-dodge-charger-to-teach-lowballers-a-lesson/#Echobox=1680219277

jmonroe1

corvette said:

No lowballers! I know what I got!

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/10/owner-crushes-his-rare-1970-dodge-charger-to-teach-lowballers-a-lesson/#Echobox=1680219277

————————————————
I never saw a fork truck/smashing machine with racing slicks before.

jmonroe

andres3

I just came back from an HPDE weekend where the TTS did wonderfully. Pahrump NV. Spring Mountain Motorsports ranch is looking to be the Nurburgring of the USA; building tracks up and down, left and right. The new 2.78 mile Charleston Peak is 1st class. Fun times.

I was disappointed during one session in the late afternoon (but only 70-72 degrees out) it went into limp mode when the motor oil read 250 F. The computer turned off the turbo boost!!!! for about 7.5 to 10 seconds, which is an eternity on the track. Seems the TTS could use slightly better cooling system at my current tune.

andres3

corvette said:

No lowballers! I know what I got!

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/10/owner-crushes-his-rare-1970-dodge-charger-to-teach-lowballers-a-lesson/#Echobox=1680219277

Seems to me he's the one wasting everyone's time by saying it's for sale when it's clearly not. For sale means you intend to sell. He is intending to recycle.

corvette

$3,998 current bid would be about my limit on one of these. Very blah color, too.
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9ab0zD0P/2001-pontiac-aztek-gt-awd

I've seen a couple of VW ID.4s in blue and burgundy, and they look nice!

andres3

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3g4pNdMz/2020-volvo-v60-t8-polestar-engineered

would the top speed really be a lowly 112 MPH for this?

stickguy

that is a really cool car. I would love one of those. But what an awful color combo for it.

and top speed is only 112 if the computer wants it to be (sounds like tire limited since IIRC 112 is the limit for one of the tire speed ratings). Unlimited I assuming it would push 150 with that much power and the gearing.

explorerx4

This part of the Volvo history is kind of scary.
Blown head gasket?
January 2021 (3,196 miles): Recommended maintenance performed, antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed, fuel system cleaned/serviced, computer reprogrammed, spark plug(s) replaced, thermostat replaced, engine oil and filter changed

tifighter

@andres3 said:
I just came back from an HPDE weekend where the TTS did wonderfully. Pahrump NV. Spring Mountain Motorsports ranch is looking to be the Nurburgring of the USA; building tracks up and down, left and right. The new 2.78 mile Charleston Peak is 1st class. Fun times.

I was disappointed during one session in the late afternoon (but only 70-72 degrees out) it went into limp mode when the motor oil read 250 F. The computer turned off the turbo boost!!!! for about 7.5 to 10 seconds, which is an eternity on the track. Seems the TTS could use slightly better cooling system at my current tune.

But Audis are for hot weather- https://youtu.be/lqJDuZIcQ34

tifighter

@28firefighter said:
I can’t do the EQS. I’d love the thrill of the hack and the win for like a week. Then I’d remember I am stuck with driving a flashy jelly bean for 23 months and 3 weeks more.

If there was a really strong deal on the EQS SUV, I’d consider it. I have no shame.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

No lowballers! I know what I got!

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/10/owner-crushes-his-rare-1970-dodge-charger-to-teach-lowballers-a-lesson/#Echobox=1680219277

I guess he showed them. He could have at least parted it out.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

$3,998 current bid would be about my limit on one of these. Very blah color, too.
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9ab0zD0P/2001-pontiac-aztek-gt-awd

I've seen a couple of VW ID.4s in blue and burgundy, and they look nice!

Once I win the lottery I’m going to corner the market on those and store them in a warehouse until Breaking Bad reruns make them the next hot collectible.

fintail

Michaell said:

I think a screen shot was posted (somewhere) showing ~$400-450/mo for 24 months. Not too much cash up front, either.

That's pretty amazing even if not a loaded car. Must be some built up stock. Would be tempting if I had a charger and didn't have a payment on the wagon lol

kyfdx

fintail said:

Michaell said:

I think a screen shot was posted (somewhere) showing ~$400-450/mo for 24 months. Not too much cash up front, either.

That's pretty amazing even if not a loaded car. Must be some built up stock. Would be tempting if I had a charger and didn't have a payment on the wagon lol

That was a service loaner.. with a $22K discount before then incentives.

xwesx

Bleh. -10F here this morning. I think spring forgot about us this year.

ab348

fintail said:

Michaell said:

I think a screen shot was posted (somewhere) showing ~$400-450/mo for 24 months. Not too much cash up front, either.

That's pretty amazing even if not a loaded car. Must be some built up stock. Would be tempting if I had a charger and didn't have a payment on the wagon lol

Those things start at $136K Canadian up here. Don't think I can get one for $450/month.

jmonroe1

xwesx said:

Bleh. -10F here this morning. I think spring forgot about us this year.

————————————————
Really? What else is new?

jmonroe

kyfdx

ab348 said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

I think a screen shot was posted (somewhere) showing ~$400-450/mo for 24 months. Not too much cash up front, either.

That's pretty amazing even if not a loaded car. Must be some built up stock. Would be tempting if I had a charger and didn't have a payment on the wagon lol

Those things start at $136K Canadian up here. Don't think I can get one for $450/month.

The example we had was $115K USD MSRP

nyccarguy

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

————————————————
You should get top buck for it now as a trade in.

FWIW, I’m not so sure we want to see that bill.

jmonroe

pensfan83

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

I know you've been eager to get it road worthy and you can now enjoy it.

tifighter

kyfdx said:

ab348 said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

I think a screen shot was posted (somewhere) showing ~$400-450/mo for 24 months. Not too much cash up front, either.

That's pretty amazing even if not a loaded car. Must be some built up stock. Would be tempting if I had a charger and didn't have a payment on the wagon lol

Those things start at $136K Canadian up here. Don't think I can get one for $450/month.

The example we had was $115K USD MSRP

Stop tempting me. The only good thing, if you can call it that, is that NW dealers are usually off the back when it comes to being pricing competitive. A local dealer is advertising $1199/mo + tax and fees for a $116K msrp car, $5K due at signing. Just an ad, no I haven't talked to them.

oldfarmer50

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

I know you've been eager to get it road worthy and you can now enjoy it.

Yesterday would have been a good time to take it down through NJ. It was 84 degrees just past Elizabeth but only 50 in Albany. Top down convertibles were everywhere.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

good news. now go out and enjoy driving it.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

I know you've been eager to get it road worthy and you can now enjoy it.

Yesterday would have been a good time to take it down through NJ. It was 84 degrees just past Elizabeth but only 50 in Albany. Top down convertibles were everywhere.

former co workers have been rubbing it in about how nice it is in SJ. I walked today after lunch and needed a winter coat, knit hat, and gloves.

laurasdada

I live atop a ridge, there's a fairly constant wind. And, it ain't Aruba-like... But, it will be for those glorious few weeks of summer!

pensfan83

oldfarmer50 said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

I know you've been eager to get it road worthy and you can now enjoy it.

Yesterday would have been a good time to take it down through NJ. It was 84 degrees just past Elizabeth but only 50 in Albany. Top down convertibles were everywhere.

I was in NJ and just south of Elizabeth for the latter part of last week for work. Weather was pretty good then too, albeit in the 50s temp wise. My co-workers introduced me to a great Portuguese restaurant in South River this trip.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news folks. My Prelude is done (for now) and roadworthy. All of the suspension issues (perches, sway bar bushings, end links, alignment) have been taken care of as well as new rear bearings, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, and new tires. Once I get the itemized bill, I will share my financial sorrows with you. Thanks for your support!

good news. now go out and enjoy driving it.

————————————————
It probably gets pad locked once he sees the bill. Might have to sell his first born to get it on the road again.

jmonroe