Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

@tjc78 said:
Unless you pony up for a Speed Queen they all suck.

You know, it’s funny. I wanted a speed queen a few years ago before we got the Maytag. I was told by multiple sources that Speedqueen “changed” something in the last couple of years and weren’t what they used to be.

@corvette - they are in our basement and don’t have to match.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

@tjc78 said:

Unless you pony up for a Speed Queen they all suck.

You know, it’s funny. I wanted a speed queen a few years ago before we got the Maytag. I was told by multiple sources that Speedqueen “changed” something in the last couple of years and weren’t what they used to be.

@corvette - they are in our basement and don’t have to match.

————————————————
Our unmatched pair are in the laundry room off the kitchen but we do have a laundry room door.

BTW, I’d hate walking into a wide open basement and seeing an unmatched pair.

jmonroe

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:

@tjc78 said:
Unless you pony up for a Speed Queen they all suck.

You know, it’s funny. I wanted a speed queen a few years ago before we got the Maytag. I was told by multiple sources that Speedqueen “changed” something in the last couple of years and weren’t what they used to be.

@corvette - they are in our basement and don’t have to match.

The TC5 is built like a tank. If you shut off the mandated eco function it fills to the brim with water and is as old school as it gets.

breld

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

ab348

nyccarguy said:

@tjc78 said:

Unless you pony up for a Speed Queen they all suck.

You know, it’s funny. I wanted a speed queen a few years ago before we got the Maytag. I was told by multiple sources that Speedqueen “changed” something in the last couple of years and weren’t what they used to be.

I recall reading something along those lines as well. Seem to remember it had something to do with saving water or some eco feature. No idea if it still applies.

You can apparently still buy a Maytag commercial washer if you want to pay the significant price. Built old-school, electromechanical controls, not electronic, etc. Not sure a promise of dependability is worth the price. If you visit the Wirecutter site they have some good recommendations for washing machines.

corvette

tjc78 said:

The TC5 is built like a tank. If you shut off the mandated eco function it fills to the brim with water and is as old school as it gets.

My parents bought Speed Queens the last go round. No complaints.

corvette

Anyone looking for an E9x? This one has that Wagon Queen Family Truckster look, minus the green paint.

stickguy

I actually, kinda don't hate it. Looks kinda sweet.

roadburner

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of the Mustang. I know all of us here are in the "I'd never get a Mustang without a V8." Myself included.

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

I want this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/1f1ac589-54ab-433b-a432-5e3f5cd9212b/

Me too. I’m only about $80k short.

That makes 2 of us

3 of us.

4...

breld said:

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

Oxmorons Mazda played that game with the Mazdaspeed 3 back in 2007; I showed up in a 5 Series.
Idiots.

tifighter

Always liked the T. It would be plenty for me…> @breld said:

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

It’s because of your boyish good looks. It’s sort of a compliment.

qbrozen

@breld said:
Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

So was that the end of the story? No test drive?

stickguy

@qbrozen said:

@breld said:
Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

So was that the end of the story? No test drive?

He bought the dealership and fired the manager.

venture

roadburner said:

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of the Mustang. I know all of us here are in the "I'd never get a Mustang without a V8." Myself included.

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

I want this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/1f1ac589-54ab-433b-a432-5e3f5cd9212b/

Me too. I’m only about $80k short.

That makes 2 of us

3 of us.

4...

breld said:

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

Oxmorons Mazda played that game with the Mazdaspeed 3 back in 2007; I showed up in a 5 Series.
Idiots.

Similar thing at Hunt Valley Acura. My son and I showed up to buy a TLX Type S that I spied on their web site. He was driving his Land Rover.

A salesman who was walking by when we were getting out (the only one we saw) asked us if we were looking at new or used cars, with his nose turned up. I guess because we were dressed in jeans and t-shirts.

We asked to see the black Type S with red interior. He never came back.

I never bought an Acura and probably never will.

tjc78

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

tjc78

@stickguy said:

@qbrozen said:

@breld said:
Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

So was that the end of the story? No test drive?

He bought the dealership and fired the manager.

And then test drove the car!!

kyfdx

About three weeks ago, we were headed out to dinner, and I remarked to my wife: This is the first time I've worn pants since May..

breld

Yeah, I'm not gonna jump through hoops for a test drive.

Silly on their part...what's gonna get someone more motivated to close a deal than going out on a test drive in a fun performance car?

Carmax has an almost identical Mustang but with fewer miles (like 2k miles - who does that? ) and non-Recaro seats, which I think I'd prefer. I could pay a nominal fee to have that shipped in from Omaha for a test drive, and could even buy it and return it within 30 days...but this place wouldn't let me take theirs around the block.

carnaught

“I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.”

@breld, they obviously do not know to whom they are speaking - that being royalty!

28firefighter

CarMax has rules for sports cars, too, but they waive it easily based on their manager’s or salesperson’s judgment. I think in theory the M240 had some rules about it but no one ever said anything to me and I showed up in gym shorts and a Phillies t-shirt to buy it.

venture

tjc78 said:

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

Agreed, but what did you wear when you first looked at it? I always dress that way when car shopping.

I stopped at the BMW dealer in State College (where the Nittany Lions play) and wandered around in their showroom for quite a while. There were a few guys sitting at their desks and they looked at me, but never approached or spoke.

I went to Johnstown (where the flood was) and they have been happy to sell me 2 BMW's.

ab348

carnaught said:

@breld, they obviously do not know to whom they are speaking - that being royalty!

Perhaps they mistook him for @roadburner. 😁

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

CarMax has rules for sports cars, too, but they waive it easily based on their manager’s or salesperson’s judgment. I think in theory the M240 had some rules about it but no one ever said anything to me and I showed up in gym shorts and a Phillies t-shirt to buy it.

Phillies fan thing probably scared them..

tjc78

@venture said:
Agreed, but what did you wear when you first looked at it? I always dress that way when car shopping.

I stopped at the BMW dealer in State College (where the Nittany Lions play) and wandered around in their showroom for quite a while. There were a few guys sitting at their desks and they looked at me, but never approached or spoke.

I went to Johnstown (where the flood was) and they have been happy to sell me 2 BMW's.

Never checked it out or drove it. Broker deal. All done via emails and texts.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

@qbrozen said:

@breld said:

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

So was that the end of the story? No test drive?

He bought the dealership and fired the manager.

And then test drove the car!!

————————————————
Then put it back on the lot because it didn’t do anything for him plus he still had a lingering bad taste in his mouth.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

venture said:

tjc78 said:

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

Agreed, but what did you wear when you first looked at it? I always dress that way when car shopping.

I stopped at the BMW dealer in State College (where the Nittany Lions play) and wandered around in their showroom for quite a while. There were a few guys sitting at their desks and they looked at me, but never approached or spoke.

I went to Johnstown (where the flood was) and they have been happy to sell me 2 BMW's.

————————————————
Sure, not too many guys are willing to buy flood cars.

jmonroe

roadburner

tjc78 said:

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

At BMW I never pre-qualified a customer; it's short-sighted and stupid.

oldfarmer50

breld said:

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

Maybe it was your watch. I read on this board years ago that salesmen judge you on the quality of your watch. Maybe leave the Timex at home next time.

oldfarmer50

venture said:

roadburner said:

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of the Mustang. I know all of us here are in the "I'd never get a Mustang without a V8." Myself included.

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

I want this.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/1f1ac589-54ab-433b-a432-5e3f5cd9212b/

Me too. I’m only about $80k short.

That makes 2 of us

3 of us.

4...

breld said:

Went and checked out that Mustang Mach 1 this afternoon. It’s at a Carmax-like place. Called ahead to make an appointment to see it and was told ahead of time that since it’s a “high-performance” vehicle a test drive would require working numbers and getting pre-qualified. I kinda scoffed but figured I still wanted to check it out.

Get there and was reminded of their “policy.” And the young salesman also made it a point to let me know that it is a manual, in case that’s an issue. Oh boy.

He told me he could talk to a manager about “making an exception” for a test drive, or maybe he could at least drive me around in it. I’m trying to be nice.

I just tell him I’m not that close to pulling the trigger as to bother them for “an exception” but did say it was really off-putting that a test drive of a used vehicle with 8k miles is such an issue. I mean, if I’m an 18-year old young man coming in I kinda get it. But c’mon, I drive up in my 840i, being all middle-aged and all…sheesh.

Oxmorons Mazda played that game with the Mazdaspeed 3 back in 2007; I showed up in a 5 Series.
Idiots.

Similar thing at Hunt Valley Acura. My son and I showed up to buy a TLX Type S that I spied on their web site. He was driving his Land Rover.

A salesman who was walking by when we were getting out (the only one we saw) asked us if we were looking at new or used cars, with his nose turned up. I guess because we were dressed in jeans and t-shirts.

We asked to see the black Type S with red interior. He never came back.

I never bought an Acura and probably never will.

I remember asking to sit in a BMW 2 series at an auto show once to see if I fit and the salesman very nicely let me know that I wasn’t good enough to sit in a BMW.

When I went to buy the Eclipse the salesman scoffed at my request for the zero interest financing because “that’s only for people with top credit”. (My credit score was around 800).

Maybe I should dress better.😫

fintail

roadburner said:

tjc78 said:

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

At BMW I never pre-qualified a customer; it's short-sighted and stupid.

A wise idea, especially in some areas. For example, around Seattle there are plenty of ~30 year olds with good Tech or Fintech jobs pulling in a decent 6 figures and often with little or no debt - they can buy anything on the lot. They aren't going to dress up to look at cars. Fortunately, I think most salespeople there realize it. I never had an issue looking at driving cars when showing up in a t-shirt and jeans. However, pulling up in a MB might help.

cdnpinhead

venture said:

tjc78 said:

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

Agreed, but what did you wear when you first looked at it? I always dress that way when car shopping.

I stopped at the BMW dealer in State College (where the Nittany Lions play) and wandered around in their showroom for quite a while. There were a few guys sitting at their desks and they looked at me, but never approached or spoke.

I went to Johnstown (where the flood was) and they have been happy to sell me 2 BMW's.

I visited exactly one BMW dealer over the past 40 years. I had finally achieved enough progress in the corporate situation that I could consider a . . . BMW! It was during my lunch break in ~'98. I was dressed in my typical slacks and polo and was ignored completely in south Scottsdale. I've never darkened the door of a BMW dealership since. I'm sure they give a $hit.

Either way, it wasn't a good first impression. Then, since '98, the cars have lost all appeal to me. I don't think it's sour grapes, but one never knows.

stickguy

Always seemed funny to me that I have been most ignored in mainstream brand dealers like Chevrolet and sometimes Honda. But always greeted promptly at BMW and other fancy places.

venture

roadburner said:

tjc78 said:

What you wear to a dealer should never matter… I picked up my Mercedes in cargo shorts and a polo.

At BMW I never pre-qualified a customer; it's short-sighted and stupid.

It really is a bad idea, although they do it all the time. They don't really know how many sales they lose.

I was looking at a Fusion quite a few years ago. I had a friend who sold cars at the particular dealer I stopped at. He gave me the Fusion demo he was using to drive, and had a young girl go along with me. The brakes were shot and it was almost out of gas.

Needless to say, I went away without buying anything. A self-fulfilling prophecy. He said later that I wasn't a serious buyer.

I bought a Regal 2 days later. That's fairly serious.

laurasdada

I'm more oft than not ignored at dealerships, no matter the make. I don't mind, eventually I just say loudly, "Who wants to sell me a car today!" That works.
And I tend to wear a watch that would indicate I likely may be able to afford their wares. Or they figure it's a fake...
Cars and watches, yeah, I could've picked cheaper desires.

stickguy

Most people don’t wear watches now. I have an Apple Watch.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Most people don’t wear watches now. I have an Apple Watch.

Well, that should have them falling all over you.

roadburner

stickguy said:

Most people don’t wear watches now. I have an Apple Watch.

Tag Heuer for me; gifts from my bride...

nyccarguy

Dropped the Highlander off for an oil change and tire rotation. 40,000 miles in 20 months.

stickguy

42 months on the RDX. just turned 22K

venture

nyccarguy said:

Dropped the Highlander off for an oil change and tire rotation. 40,000 miles in 20 months.

I don't know why you are afraid to drive your cars.

laurasdada

I think traditional watches are making a comeback (if they ever really went out of style?); just a casual observation. I have an old apple watch, I only wore when running for logging distance/time and listen to music. Wear it to the gym for music. But, I do see a lot of magic watches on wrists, too.

Tag was my first Swiss automatic, I've still got it. Nice piece, it didn't open the floodgates but, like cars, every so often I reward myself with a new Swiss watch. I've been having the urge again lately, same for a Porsche.

tjc78

I’ve started ditching my Apple Watch for nights out, etc. and wearing my nicer watches, otherwise I’m too used to it not to wear it

nyccarguy

Curious to see if any of you have any recommendations of a good source for a used Lexus Right Side Passenger Mirror Assembly (power folding w/ blind spot, heated). The other day while my Mom was driving home from work, some jerk on a bicycle wasn't paying attention and came flying out of the bike lane and crashed into her. The pedal made a nice 18" - 24" long scratch on the passenger side rear door, and knocked her right side mirror off.

She pulled over immediately and asked the guy if he was ok. He stood up, said no. She said, ok I'm going to call the police and ambulance. He started walking around, then walked in front of a bus and crossed the street.

MY poor mother was besides herself.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
Curious to see if any of you have any recommendations of a good source for a used Lexus Right Side Passenger Mirror Assembly (power folding w/ blind spot, heated). The other day while my Mom was driving home from work, some jerk on a bicycle wasn't paying attention and came flying out of the bike lane and crashed into her. The pedal made a nice 18" - 24" long scratch on the passenger side rear door, and knocked her right side mirror off.

She pulled over immediately and asked the guy if he was ok. He stood up, said no. She said, ok I'm going to call the police and ambulance. He started walking around, then walked in front of a bus and crossed the street.

MY poor mother was besides herself.

Try Car-part .com. It is a database of junkyards.

tjc78

And what a crappy situation for her. I’m sure she was shook up.

tjc78

I think she has an RX … looked it up really quickly and appears to be some available

roadburner

@tjc78 said:
And what a crappy situation for her. I’m sure she was shook up.

Agreed. There are always a few bicyclists who ride and/or act like jackasses.

tjc78

@roadburner said:

@tjc78 said:
And what a crappy situation for her. I’m sure she was shook up.

Agreed. There are always a few bicyclists who ride and/or act like jackasses.

You should see it in the summer at the shore. It’s beyond wild.

venture

...then walked in front of a bus...

roadburner

A few years ago what passes for a daily newspaper in Louisville published a guest opinion from some goofball that argued that bicyclists should not have to follow the rules of the road.

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

A few years ago what passes for a daily newspaper in Louisville published a guest opinion from some goofball that argued that bicyclists should not have to follow the rules of the road.

————————————————
Could be a carry-over for how he/she drives.

jmonroe