Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

Just found something very very interesting. Will report back in 20 mins when the "auction" ends. I put that in quotes because, it would seem in every case, the seller has to approve the high bid.

stickguy

just here hitting refresh....

qbrozen

nope. I just can't keep up with these dealers who don't want to earn a profit.

So it was a really sharp looking blue 2006 Trailblazer SS with 115k. O2 sensors all throwing codes. I know these are pretty well regarded and can fetch some bucks, but I think we're talking $15k asking and maybe $14k taking. I pushed to $11.5k and bailed.

corvette

One of the guys sometimes in JR’s videos had a Trailblazer SS (RWD because apparently the AWD system can’t handle additional horsepower or something). I seem to remember him saying he had put multiple engines in it… wouldn’t you begin to think about turning the boost down after the second or third engine blew up?

stickguy

Josh. His cars tend to take Mo Powa to new levels. Has a Fox body Mustang with an absurd engine too.

Not sure if the older engines were boosted. Or just upgraded!

qbrozen

Something special arrived today. No, it doesn’t look like this. I’ve covered some numbers in case any of youse gets any bright ideas.

corvette

...in case any of youse gets any bright ideas.

*opens Photoshop app*

explorerx4

Opens up Georgia 'How to file complaints against a registered dealer'.

corvette

explorerx4 said:

Opens up Georgia 'How to file complaints against a registered dealer'.

*furious typing* dude sold me a lemon ML63 ...

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Something special arrived today. No, it doesn’t look like this. I’ve covered some numbers in case any of youse gets any bright ideas.

How does that play in NJ?

explorerx4

@corvette,
That was just asking for shenanigans.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

How does that play in NJ?

I'll let ya know.
Don't think I'll be using them for anything other than gaining access to auctions.

stickguy

wasn't the big incentive to get a dealer plate, and not have to pay sales tax on what you buy?

ab348

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

How does that play in NJ?

I'll let ya know.
Don't think I'll be using them for anything other than gaining access to auctions.

How does that work? Do you wear it on a big chunky gold chain around your neck like a rap star when you walk in?

qbrozen

stickguy said:

wasn't the big incentive to get a dealer plate, and not have to pay sales tax on what you buy?

Didn't necessarily need a dealer plate for that. I already had the biz registered and a tax certificate. Problem was/is that the conglomerate (Manheim, Adesa, and others) has some very weird rule that your dealer's license isn't good enough and you need the "master plate" to register with them. This ACV Auction online place didn't require that tidbit.

28firefighter

So, Q, you’ve been dabbling in the JDM space. Are you looking to start buying/selling particular types of cars that you buy from manheim? Certain price points?

qbrozen

@28firefighter said:
So, Q, you’ve been dabbling in the JDM space. Are you looking to start buying/selling particular types of cars that you buy from manheim? Certain price points?

Trying to stay “interesting.” So you’ll likely not find me selling standard fare CamCords or ElanVics. At least not something that you can find at any corner dealer. Definitely sub $20k for now.

Sandman6472

My cousins live in Westport, my uncle & aunt right on the sound. Retired doctor & lawyer so they can well afford it & the daughter lives in town, a doctor also. Have enjoyed my few visits there.
We fell in love with New Hampshire when our son went to PEA for his last two years of high school. I'd love to have a summer place up there but right now, it won't work financially. And we both are still working.But has always been a dream of mine to spend summers in New England as we did as kids at summer camp. The cooler evenings are a real blessing as after all these years living in South Florida, I've had enough. And how cool would that be to leave once hurricane season begins! Hopefully we'll win the lottery soon so we can pay for this dream!

laurasdada

Picked up the M240 yesterday, cleaned up nicely (yes, notably, steering wheel!). Salesdude said second key would be coming this week, awaiting prior owner to send it to them. If not, he'll have a new one made. As noted, new winter mats, too. Maybe a couple of BMW hats as each time I visited I wore a different marque hat, noting, "If only I had a BMW hat..."

I did have to square up all the tire air pressures this am, reset the TPMS. But, all seems well. Now loading CDs into the juke box, so glad it has a CD player. Although, most of my music is on the thumb drive (and, my iPhone) I plugged into the lone USB port.

Wife was surprised, but she seems happy. Of course, they gave her the key and she hopped right in the driver's seat, pix were taken with me as a passenger..

And, big red bow on the hood, kinda fulfilling a fantasy as I'm 0 for life in finding a new car in the driveway with a big red bow for my bday or Xmas. The only problem with this scenario, I had to pay for the car!!!
And, it is pouring rain now, weather is to be similar all week. So, wife said it's mine to drive until the sun comes out. I've nicknamed her, "Nor'easter" for that is the only time during which I'll likely get to drive her!

Sad sight, though, A7 now an outdoors resident much of the time. Car jockeying to come to charge the thousands of AAA batteries now depleted.

explorerx4

@uplanderguy,
This video is mostly about the 2024 Z06 and E Ray but there is some good info in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnuMMrDFxq0

stickguy

nice blue.

Sandman6472

Just read that the Chevy Bolt is gone after this year. I was very close to getting one last year as I do like the size and all but worried about the batteries and what will be after like 8 to 10 years. And still not sure if they've taken care of the fire risk they seem to have! Even though I'm the perfect candidate for an EV right now, just don't think the infrastructure in America is ready for it. Think getting a hybrid is the logical next step to be honest. Am hoping the new Hyundai Kona will still have a hybrid model so I'll have something to compare with the regular Kona.

corvette

GM "burned" whatever brand equity it had with the Bolt brand after the exploding battery fiasco. The Equinox EV will replace the Bolt and Bolt EUV lines.

qbrozen

whoops! Bought the Maserati.

au1994

May God have mercy on your soul

nyccarguy

LOVE THE BLACK!

jmonroe1

au1994 said:

May God have mercy on your soul

————————————————
You got that right. No time for running around with wild women now.

jmonroe

rayains

qbrozen -
"whoops! Bought the Maserati. "
Wow.
Great! Enjoy the experience!
[ And report here, please? ]
- Ray
- Too scared of such a purchase.....

laurasdada

15 year old Maserati... sure, I owned Jags for 10 years; but I'm not insane!
Congrats, enjoy it till you flip it!

tifighter

@qbrozen said:
whoops! Bought the Maserati.

This should be your company’s new t shirt.

pensfan83

It's a bold move Cotton, let's see if it pays off.

explorerx4

"I bought the cheapest Maserati on the internet".
Good luck, I hope you can make some money on it.

nyccarguy

explorerx4 said:

"I bought the cheapest running, driving, & stopping Maserati on the internet".
Good luck, I hope you can make some money on it.

In all seriousness @qbrozen, I do wish you make a fortune on this and every car you sell.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

LOVE THE BLACK!

I hate it, so you can keep it!

Q, good luck with this one. you are going to need it.

tjc78

Good luck Q. Beautiful car.

au1994

Yeah, kidding aside, with Q’s skills he can probably come out unscathed.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

In all seriousness @qbrozen, I do wish you make a fortune on this and every car you sell.

Hey, you buying the 325i for your son?
I should have the title any minute.

roadburner

Sounds intriguing, but I don't see her anywhere...

corvette

Saw this in my FB feed. Comparison of 2000 vs. 2019 Denver.

Michaell

corvette said:

Saw this in my FB feed. Comparison of 2000 vs. 2019 Denver.

I saw the same picture.

All of that development in the foreground between downtown and I-25 is now known as the "RiNo" (River North) district.

The shorter black building 3 blocks to the right of Coors Field in the upper photo was where I worked when I first moved to Denver in 1993.

corvette

The auto climate control in the Maverick is a little weird. It keeps switching the A/C on even after I've manually turned it off. I think I need to take it out of auto mode during these 60-ish degree days we've been having, which I assume will stop it from overriding my turning off the A/C.

Several people in the office are out for Thurby and Oaks this Thursday and Friday. I'm out Friday, but it's so I can go see Warren Buffett on Saturday. First real overnight road trip in the Maverick besides the trip home from the dealer. It will get to ride on I-80 again!

stickguy

I never once pushed the auto button, so can't weigh in on this feature!

kyfdx

The A/C is probably kicking on, due to humidity in the vehicle, to keep your windows from fogging up.
My BMW had perfect auto HVAC, and I learned to ignore the A/C light.

roadburner

I leave the Auto HVAC mode on in all my cars.

tjc78

Yeah I never take mine off auto unless I need full defrost.

explorerx4

I never turn on the cooling /heating unless I need it.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

In all seriousness @qbrozen, I do wish you make a fortune on this and every car you sell.

Hey, you buying the 325i for your son?
I should have the title any minute.

Interesting you should bring that up. He's getting MUCH better, but he's not ready for his road test yet. I'm starting to see a few things pop up here and there that seem good. Over the weekend i saw a FB marketplace ad for an '09 Accord LX with a stick. Under 110K miles. Price seemed ok. I honestly don't remember what it was White over beige. Looked incredibly clean. Red flag number 1 is that it was located not that far from my store with no plates, so obviously a curbstoner. I checked his profile and noticed he had quite a few other mid to late '00 Hondas for sale. Haven't seen it since, so I assume it is gone.

Was at a friend's house yesterday evening returning the THULE roof rack he lent us. He was chatting with me about cars. He's been eyeing a Tesla model Y for a while now. Noticed the price drop recently and thought it would be a good candidate for their 1st EV. His wife isn't too excited about that, so he also likes the RAV4 Prime. His wife drives a '19 or '20 Ascent. He drives a '12 Camry LE Hybrid. It is Black on Grey (UBER SPEC) with only 112K miles. They bought it from his wife's parents who bought it new. There are a few bumps and scrapes, but it is in nice shape overall. I asked if he'd be willing to part ways with it as it would make an excellent 1st car for Andre.

nyccarguy

Size comparison between my Prelude and my Dad’s Tahoe

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Size comparison between my Prelude and my Dad’s Tahoe

Is that a Mazda 3 in front of the Prelude? The Honda looks small even compared to that.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

Size comparison between my Prelude and my Dad’s Tahoe

Is that a Mazda 3 in front of the Prelude? The Honda looks small even compared to that.

Yes it is.