Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

@stickguy - Schultz Ford in Nanuet says they have 16 Mavericks in stock. Every one of them has a sticker price of under $30K.

https://www.schultzford.net/new-inventory/index.htm?status=1-1&model=Maverick

stickguy

Ford is weird, their inventory system tends to show customer order cars incoming as stock units. I highly doubt that they have many (if any) actually on the lot. There really have not been any dealer stock units built. Anything they actually have to sell is something a customer did not take.

I would bet that a lot of those are a fleet order. seems suspicious that most of them are white XL models.

Good deals though at sticker, if you don't need all the bells and whistles!

corvette

Still pleased with mine (and also pleased with the fact that the loan balance is already under $20k)!

stickguy

I am still waiting to get my registration and title in the mail since the dealer ended up insisting that they do it. Waiting for that before I put my plates back on to make sure they did not screw up the transfer and end up doing a new registration.

also got the Acura title in the mail yesterday. A NJ title, so trying to get ahold of someone at NY DMV to confirm I need to take that in to get exchanged.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

Mavericks still seem hot. At least carvana is moving them even at their premium prices.

Last time I checked (last week) they had 33 lariats with a bunch in process of selling. Today they are down to 23 with 10 in process.

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How many of those are you working on?

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Mavericks still seem hot. At least carvana is moving them even at their premium prices.

Last time I checked (last week) they had 33 lariats with a bunch in process of selling. Today they are down to 23 with 10 in process.

Carvana seems to move everything at premium prices. They seem to have tapped into the population of “gotta have it” buyers who care less about price than acquisition.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

@stickguy - Schultz Ford in Nanuet says they have 16 Mavericks in stock. Every one of them has a sticker price of under $30K.

https://www.schultzford.net/new-inventory/index.htm?status=1-1&model=Maverick

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Yikes, for a while there that dealer almost sounded like Henry Ford…you can have any color you want as long as it’s Oxford White.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Ford is weird, their inventory system tends to show customer order cars incoming as stock units. I highly doubt that they have many (if any) actually on the lot. There really have not been any dealer stock units built. Anything they actually have to sell is something a customer did not take.

I would bet that a lot of those are a fleet order. seems suspicious that most of them are white XL models.

Good deals though at sticker, if you don't need all the bells and whistles!

I just wasted some time talking to the text chat on the dealer's website. Finally caved and gave them some information so they can follow up

nyccarguy

Got a call from a sales person who informed me that all 17 Maverick's listed as "in stock" at their dealership have been sold to a fleet customer.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

Got a call from a sales person who informed me that all 17 Maverick's listed as "in stock" at their dealership have been sold to a fleet customer.

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Our resident Maverick guru (@stickguy) called that one.

jmonroe

stickguy

I have a lot of experience in this field!

stickguy

Made the Maverick official today. UPS showed up with the registration and temp inspection sticker so I put my license plates back on instead of the temp tag it came with. Now just have to stop at the repair shop and get the inspection sticker on. Looks like they gave me one of those too so hopefully I don't have to pay for it, just have it stuck on the windshield!

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

Got a call from a sales person who informed me that all 17 Maverick's listed as "in stock" at their dealership have been sold to a fleet customer.

I hate that when they list sold vehicles on websites. I’ve made calls on a number of cars listed on dealer’s websites or places like Car Gurus only to find the vehicle was sold weeks before. Is this a version of the “come on down” newspaper ads?

explorerx4

A lot of dealer websites are updated weekly.
Some definitely leave sold vehicles on there until there is an inquiry.
Also, sometimes the price changes once there is an once info is requested.
Has happened to me several times.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

A lot of dealer websites are updated weekly.
Some definitely leave sold vehicles on there until there is an inquiry.
Also, sometimes the price changes once there is an once info is requested.
Has happened to me several times.

I was looking for a used car for my son several years ago and found one dealer who listed over 30 of the model I was looking for on Autotempest. I called and was told that those were all old listings and they actually had none. Needless to say, when I see anything listed by that dealer I ignore it and move on. It might be a game or it might be laziness but I won’t give my business to a store like that.

stickguy

I know that the internal site is populated by Ford. I assume the dealer can update it with pictures and a sales price but do t think they control incoming cars (including customer orders) being listed.

stickguy

Dealer by us has 3 mavericks listed as on lot, immediate delivery. This might be around a while since their online price is $10k over sticker at $46,000!

https://www.windowsticker.forddirect.com/windowsticker.pdf?token=iBh0uZl7h5IGqjZdAqy2qK1S6YMP2ABtkWr34Q3Pzx2/kVSpZYjOr6lTkEqpEm6J5qRuPf2DrC1U9rZzsTWLZeVNDCJufWE62bcqfqrXhXd6YjMK9tS/au9fyFd5WaBCElxheZi0C/2muwfGFtoUj/JyUPB0uC3gGasFOqkq9KU=&cguid=SH-0ef918e1-55b5-19b9-0002-456453843069

corvette

Update on the ADS-B tracker... After a few false starts, I have it up and running and feeding to FlightRadar24, which is my better half's preferred flight tracking app. I do have to admit that I am no longer at the top of my game regarding a lot of this custom hardware and Linux configuration stuff.

I initially bought a Raspberry Pi Zero W board and case along with a software defined radio receiver and installed the DietPi command line Linux distribution (which was super easy to set up). Things ground to a halt when I discovered that the Zero W I purchased had only a 32-bit processor, and the flight tracking setups appear to currently support only 64-bit hardware. The Pi Zero 2 W has a 64-bit chip, but is not readily available at its $15 retail price, nor are the newer full-fledged Raspberry Pi single board computers.

I ordered a Libre Le Potato, which has the same form factor as several of the Raspberry Pi boards, and a slightly different feature set, which arrived today. The first hurdle I encountered was that it won't run the official Raspbian OS, you have to download a compatible fork from Libre's website. Then I wondered why it wasn't connecting to my wifi, despite including my wifi settings in a configuration file, as instructed. Surprise fact which I had noticed a while back and promptly forgot: the Le Potato does not have onboard wifi. Luckily, I had a compatible "nano" USB wifi dongle in the parts bin which was compatible. Also, the case I ordered was for a Raspberry Pi 4 and doesn't properly fit the Le Potato, which has the form factor of the older full size RPi boards, so I've ordered the correct case and am returning the wrong one to Amazon.

However, the ADS-B feeders installed without much drama, and I'm extremely impressed with the range of reception--close to 100 miles in some cases, and that's with a mediocre antenna sitting next to a TV, computer, and monitor in the upstairs of my house, so there is also a roof, insulation, and walls attenuating the signal. I'm excited to try repositioning the antenna. Here are some screenshots of the built-in web server, which shows only the aircraft from which my box is receiving a signal:

kyfdx

@corvette Seems like you and your SO were made for each other.

jmonroe1

corvette said:

Update on the ADS-B tracker... After a few false starts, I have it up and running and feeding to FlightRadar24, which is my better half's preferred flight tracking app. I do have to admit that I am no longer at the top of my game regarding a lot of this custom hardware and Linux configuration stuff.

I initially bought a Raspberry Pi Zero W board and case along with a software defined radio receiver and installed the DietPi command line Linux distribution (which was super easy to set up). Things ground to a halt when I discovered that the Zero W I purchased had only a 32-bit processor, and the flight tracking setups appear to currently support only 64-bit hardware. The Pi Zero 2 W has a 64-bit chip, but is not readily available at its $15 retail price, nor are the newer full-fledged Raspberry Pi single board computers.

I ordered a Libre Le Potato, which has the same form factor as several of the Raspberry Pi boards, and a slightly different feature set, which arrived today. The first hurdle I encountered was that it won't run the official Raspbian OS, you have to download a compatible fork from Libre's website. Then I wondered why it wasn't connecting to my wifi, despite including my wifi settings in a configuration file, as instructed. Surprise fact which I had noticed a while back and promptly forgot: the Le Potato does not have onboard wifi. Luckily, I had a compatible "nano" USB wifi dongle in the parts bin which was compatible. Also, the case I ordered was for a Raspberry Pi 4 and doesn't properly fit the Le Potato, which has the form factor of the older full size RPi boards, so I've ordered the correct case and am returning the wrong one to Amazon.

However, the ADS-B feeders installed without much drama, and I'm extremely impressed with the range of reception--close to 100 miles in some cases, and that's with a mediocre antenna sitting next to a TV, computer, and monitor in the upstairs of my house, so there is also a roof, insulation, and walls attenuating the signal. I'm excited to try repositioning the antenna. Here are some screenshots of the built-in web server, which shows only the aircraft from which my box is receiving a signal:

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Huh? Almost as clear as mud to me. What do you do for fun?

jmonroe

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
You might be able to find a bargain pickup at this type of auction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlv6THhXMHw

stickguy

Corvette, you said a lot of seemingly important stuff. I am proud of you, even though I understood very little of it.

stickguy

a surplus auction up here, every truck would be completely rotted out.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

Corvette, you said a lot of seemingly important stuff. I am proud of you, even though I understood very little of it.

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I didn’t even understand that much.

jmonroe

laurasdada

I believe what corvette was saying was, "If man were meant to fly, he'd have been born with wings."
You're welcome.

ab348

I don't think I've ever tasted raspberry pie. Might be good with ice cream though.

qbrozen

More facebook fun.




And this one... what I don't understand is how he didn't know about the transport issue before reaching out in the first place. What would have happened had I accepted the first offer?

Sandman6472

Dropped Accent off at Hyundai. Major construction going on so the place was a mess. No more shuttle driver like I was at Toyota...use Lyft instead it seems. So glad I live right across the street as the ride was under 5 minutes in a ratty Jeep Compass. A good interior/exterior cleaning would do a world of good for this driver!! Guessing many dealerships are going the Lyft route instead of hiring dedicated shuttle drivers for some reason. Would rather go in a dealer shuttle with a dealer employee when all is said & done to be honest.
Will be interested to see how this Hyundai store turns out after the construction is over. The piece of land they're on isn't huge by any means and they also have a Genesis and Subaru store on the same property but in their own buildings. But, it is close for us, a big reason we buy there. So, we'll just see in a year or two when the new Kona is out for awhile. Hoping for 0% financing at that time as it would make my decision that much easier to make. Put a few grand on my credit card and pay the rest off at 0% and I'm good.
In the pictures, saw a nice dark grayish blue that looked really good on the vehicle. As much as I like a white pearl paint, their dark blue color captivated me and if can be had in a pearl finish, so much the better. A black interior is a no go for me, either make it gray or two tone like the Toyota I was in on Tuesday.

Sandman6472

Asked for volunteers to work yesterday but for once, I declined! As much as I would've liked the extra 8 or so hour of pay, I was just so tired & in pain, so said no. Felt bad at first but sleeping in yesterday, I knew I made the right choice. Stayed home all day as had no where to go & plenty to eat in the house. Only went out this morning to drop off the Accent at Hyundai for the recall or again, I would've just stayed in. Gave a lot of thought yesterday about maybe tweaking my schedule sooner than later. When I'm hurting like I am these past couple of days, quitting just makes sense to me. But when I'm feeling more like me, think I'd go nuts not working at all. No sense talking to the family about it as I know where they all stand. At this point, working the 3 days each week is a good compromise as I do like the job. And again, the extra income is nice to have. Especially if I do get a new ride, I'll need those extra funds to pay for it all.

nyccarguy

A few weeks ago, I posted about a coolant leak in my Prelude. I brought it to my mechanic by work who works on our box truck. He put my car on the lift, saw the leak was coming from an original hose clamp, he installed a new one and I was on my way.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

More facebook fun.




And this one... what I don't understand is how he didn't know about the transport issue before reaching out in the first place. What would have happened had I accepted the first offer?

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I would have been tempted to answer his first question with…”can you do 2000 tomorrow”?

jmonroe

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
A few weeks ago, I posted about a coolant leak in my Prelude. I brought it to my mechanic by work who works on our box truck. He put my car on the lift, saw the leak was coming from an original hose clamp, he installed a new one and I was on my way.

My kind of fix!

nyccarguy

I know there are a few of you Volvo guys here in edmunds land. I know very little about Volvos. What's the skinny on the S60 B5 AWD?

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

I know there are a few of you Volvo guys here in edmunds land. I know very little about Volvos. What's the skinny on the S60 B5 AWD?

Same engine, as far as I know, just with a 48v system added. What I think is odd is that it has slightly less output than the previous T5 and gains an insignificant amount of efficiency. So the same result could have been gained through slight detuning and forego the 48v system.

xwesx

corvette said:

Update on the ADS-B tracker...

Holy cow; that's a lot of air traffic in such a small area!

Great trouble-shooting to get it rolling, though.... and you were able to further justify the old parts bin's continued existence!

Sandman6472

Hyundai home from the recall, and it even got a nice bath! For what it is, it really is the perfect vehicle to get from Point A to Point B. So easy to drive with normal knobs and buttons where they should be. Nothing fancy at all which I like. Add into the mix the great reliability plus the long warranties, it is a perfect vehicle for many. I'm ready to go back to Hyundai, eventually, but still enjoying what I've got!
The oil leaks under the A3 have stopped since the last oil change it seems. Strange, but no longer finding any oil drops on the garage floor every few days. Not complaining by any means here, very happy to be honest. We're just doing our normal driving and things are going fine. Might bump up the oil change/rotation for the Golf by a month or two since I'm really not driving it much at all...more like more severe driving as I'm usually at my destination within 5 to 10 minutes whenever I use it. So bumping up the time frame a bit won't hurt it. Found a good coupon at a local place I've heard good things about which has been around for a long time so figure, hey, why not.

28firefighter

The 2018 M240i I had transferred up to Seattle arrived today. I currently have it out on a 24 hour test drive. The car is immaculate in and out, with the exception of one small knick/scrape on the under side of the driver's side skirt. Brakes are reported good for another 2 years, brake fluid was just changed, only thing it needs is an oil change in November according to self report. Tires are in great shape, no scuffs on the wheels, etc.

I took it for a short test drive for 20 minutes and it's solid - no rattles or anything. Goal for today is to get my son's seat into it and let him ride around for a bit - see how he does with it.

tjc78

@qbrozen said:
Same engine, as far as I know, just with a 48v system added. What I think is odd is that it has slightly less output than the previous T5 and gains an insignificant amount of efficiency. So the same result could have been gained through slight detuning and forego the 48v system.

Exactly. I don’t get the change from the regular T5. I’m sure it gets around just fine as the T5 S60 I test drove at one point was more than adequate.

jmonroe1

28firefighter said:

The 2018 M240i I had transferred up to Seattle arrived today. I currently have it out on a 24 hour test drive. The car is immaculate in and out, with the exception of one small knick/scrape on the under side of the driver's side skirt. Brakes are reported good for another 2 years, brake fluid was just changed, only thing it needs is an oil change in November according to self report. Tires are in great shape, no scuffs on the wheels, etc.

I took it for a short test drive for 20 minutes and it's solid - no rattles or anything. Goal for today is to get my son's seat into it and let him ride around for a bit - see how he does with it.

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Good luck with your new ride. It’s alway satisfying when you buy a used car and its what you were hoping it would be.

I never knew a child’s car seat was meant for the drivers seat. I guess it doesn’t hurt to start them early. Let us know how he did.

jmonroe

28firefighter

I did not buy yet - for now it's on 24 hour loan so I can see how it actually works for us. If it works, I'll probably buy it.

jmonroe1

28firefighter said:

I did not buy yet - for now it's on 24 hour loan so I can see how it actually works for us. If it works, I'll probably buy it.

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My bad. I thought you bought the car. I never heard of test driving a used car for 24 hours before deciding if you want it. Especially a car that was shipped from out of state. If you decide you don’t want it and it has to be shipped back, who pays for the shipping?

jmonroe

stickguy

Carmax, so they probably just keep it at the local branch. Their cars float around the country at times.

kyfdx

Prospective buyer pays the shipping, upfront, if bringing in from another location.

sda

Do they credit the shipping back if the car is purchased by the person who initiated the transfer?

28firefighter

Nah. But it was a couple hundred bucks. Nothing catastrophic if I say no.

I’m still very much on the fence about doing this, and what is to CarMax is to CarMax, I haven’t felt any pressure.

tifighter

@28firefighter said:
The 2018 M240i I had transferred up to Seattle arrived today. I currently have it out on a 24 hour test drive. The car is immaculate in and out, with the exception of one small knick/scrape on the under side of the driver's side skirt. Brakes are reported good for another 2 years, brake fluid was just changed, only thing it needs is an oil change in November according to self report. Tires are in great shape, no scuffs on the wheels, etc.

I took it for a short test drive for 20 minutes and it's solid - no rattles or anything. Goal for today is to get my son's seat into it and let him ride around for a bit - see how he does with it.

Pics or it isn’t happening…

corvette

sda said:

Do they credit the shipping back if the car is purchased by the person who initiated the transfer?

No.

28firefighter

Getting it ready for the afternoon pickup.

tjc78

That car seat is cozy back there!

Gorgeous interior! Fingers crossed it works out for you.

kyfdx

Can't beat white w/red