Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

explorerx4

I don't recommend taking the Church street shortcut.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

I like to take Spear st. from Farrisburgh so I can see the covered bridge.

————————————————
What’s going on in here? Maybe Edmunds should change the name of this place to CCBA and Geography.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

The Shelburne Museum sounds interesting, I've added it to my list of places to visit.

It’s kinda neat. They even have a steamboat and old railroad locomotives.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I like to take Spear st. from Farrisburgh so I can see the covered bridge.

————————————————
What’s going on in here? Maybe Edmunds should change the name of this place to CCBA and Geography.

jmonroe

Ok ok but if you buy a car at Burlington Subaru you can have lunch at Union Jack’s deli right across the street while waiting for the paperwork to be done. Rated high on the Enterprise driver’s restaurant guide.

tifighter

This week’s rental car. I have to admit that I like it more than I thought I would. The air suspension makes it feel like a pillow over rough roads. Of which there are plenty here.

au1994

I love the Wagoneer. I know I profess my dislike for uber large vehicles but the Waggy a favorite.

nyccarguy

@tifighter - nice shot of the scenery.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I like to take Spear st. from Farrisburgh so I can see the covered bridge.

————————————————
What’s going on in here? Maybe Edmunds should change the name of this place to CCBA and Geography.

jmonroe

Ok ok but if you buy a car at Burlington Subaru you can have lunch at Union Jack’s deli right across the street while waiting for the paperwork to be done. Rated high on the Enterprise driver’s restaurant guide.

————————————————
Sounds good to me. I haven’t been to a good deli since I was in Delray Beach a few years ago. They’re swarming down there.

Hard to believe that a city the size of the Burgh doesn’t have a really good kosher deli. I remember back in the day there were a couple in the Squirrel Hill section of the Burgh alone. Times have changed and for the worse regarding that around here.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

I spotted this online:
https://www.hillsboroford.net/vehicle/1FTLR4FE5APA02994/Used--2010--Ford--Ranger--Truck----Hillsboro--NH/

Low mileage immediately caught my eye but otherwise no information. So I type in the “ask for information” box: What’s the price?

Dealer: I see you have expressed some interest in our 2010 Ford Ranger, great news that the vehicle is still available. We still need to put it through our shop to see if it takes a New Hampshire State inspection sticker. Do you have any specific questions about the Ranger I may answer for you? When are you planning on coming in to take a look at it?

Me: Just want to know the price before I drive 100 miles.

Dealer: The Ranger looks like it is going to be sold AS IS wholesale to the public and I wanted to see if it is still of interest? Please let me know if you have any questions.

Me: It’s possible I would be interested but I would like to see some photos. Particularly areas prone to rust like the rear spring mounts, frame and rockers. Last time I checked there were none on your website. Also, you still haven’t quoted me a price. I understand that as-is means no warranty but does it also mean you are selling to the highest bidder? I’m confused.

Dealer: Radio silence.

Is this guy trying to be deliberately obtuse?

cdnpinhead

Ya think?

laurasdada

Perhaps your new bestest friend is a bot...

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

I spotted this online:
https://www.hillsboroford.net/vehicle/1FTLR4FE5APA02994/Used--2010--Ford--Ranger--Truck----Hillsboro--NH/

Low mileage immediately caught my eye but otherwise no information. So I type in the “ask for information” box: What’s the price?

Dealer: I see you have expressed some interest in our 2010 Ford Ranger, great news that the vehicle is still available. We still need to put it through our shop to see if it takes a New Hampshire State inspection sticker. Do you have any specific questions about the Ranger I may answer for you? When are you planning on coming in to take a look at it?

Me: Just want to know the price before I drive 100 miles.

Dealer: The Ranger looks like it is going to be sold AS IS wholesale to the public and I wanted to see if it is still of interest? Please let me know if you have any questions.

Me: It’s possible I would be interested but I would like to see some photos. Particularly areas prone to rust like the rear spring mounts, frame and rockers. Last time I checked there were none on your website. Also, you still haven’t quoted me a price. I understand that as-is means no warranty but does it also mean you are selling to the highest bidder? I’m confused.

Dealer: Radio silence.

Is this guy trying to be deliberately obtuse?

————————————————
Sounds like it to me.

I’d say something like, “I was looking to buy a truck like that but you just killed my interest. I’d thank you for your time but that would make me just as dishonest as you are.”

jmonroe

kyfdx

laurasdada said:

Perhaps your new bestest friend is a bot...

This right here

stickguy

Or they got a look and know it won’t pass inspection so they won’t sell it.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Or they got a look and know it won’t pass inspection so they won’t sell it.

That’s what I was assuming and knowing that NH will fail for rust that’s why I asked for pictures.

NH dealers can sell as-is without warranty or inspection so that makes me think it has mechanical problems as well.

I’m often puzzled by dealers. They want you to “come on down” but they annoy you to the point you don’t want to. Do they then figure to use their magical powers to steer you into something else? Do a lot of people fall for that?

Update: the guy just called and as I feared the truck is a rust bucket that couldn’t even be driven. He said I’d have to tow it off the lot.

Another victim of the salt monster.

tjc78

@tifighter said:

This week’s rental car. I have to admit that I like it more than I thought I would. The air suspension makes it feel like a pillow over rough roads. Of which there are plenty here.

I rented one in Vegas earlier this year. Loved it

Drove just like my Ram .. which makes sense as they are the same platform.

Sandman6472

Drove a couple at work...an impressive vehicle to say the least. But call me crazy, I like the Jeep Compass...a lot! It's a good size though not sure if it would fit my length requirements. But I like them and we have plenty at work...we have plenty of Jeeps. The Wranglers are a bit of problem for me & other drivers have said the same thing. They seem to be all over the road! Not sure if it's the tires or what but the vehicle needs constant correction from the steering wheel which gets tedious real quickly! Noticed the same issue driving the Jeep Gladiator also, the need for constant steering correction to keep it going straight in it's lane. Big reason I'd never consider one...but the Compass, if it fit, I could commit!

Sandman6472

Hit 74,900 in the Golf an hour ago when we went to BJ's for petrol. Tomorrow is my last day of membership and have yet to get any offers on my phone. Last year, got a $35 offer & just as I finished signing up, got a $25 with a $25 gift card offer...really pissed me off! If I had waited like 5 minutes, I could've gotten my membership for free. But this year...crickets! And I' wouldn't mind signing up for another year, but not at $55...I see no value in it at that price. Might stopover there tomorrow to see what kind of promotions, if any, they have right now. But, I can wait a bit. And then there's also Costco. They have a newer location west of us which could work. Will have to check their website to see if they have any membership specials. Would think at this time of year, they'd all have some kind of specials.
Golf needs a bath as it hasn't had one for a long while. The water still beads up on the finish which is also very shiny, folks at work think it's a new vehicle! I had a ceramic coating put on both cars about 5 years ago and never followed up the following year as I was instructed. Still looks good so haven't even waxed it in awhile.

roadburner

I don't know what's wrong with those rental Wranglers. The steering is not precise like my 3er or C43, but it certainly doesn't require "constant correction." My TJ did require that you pay attention at highway speed, but I drove the 4xe to a movie after work and it felt completely comfortable at 75-80 mph.

tifighter

@Sandman6472 said:
Drove a couple at work...an impressive vehicle to say the least. But call me crazy, I like the Jeep Compass...

You’re crazy.

tifighter

@tjc78 said:

@tifighter said:

This week’s rental car. I have to admit that I like it more than I thought I would. The air suspension makes it feel like a pillow over rough roads. Of which there are plenty here.

I rented one in Vegas earlier this year. Loved it

Drove just like my Ram .. which makes sense as they are the same platform.

This particular one is a series 3, and seems well equipped. It drives nicely in spite of the mismatched tires that Enterprise has on it. We drove around 25 miles of forest service roads outside of Sedona to get to a hiking trail yesterday and it handled it like a champ. Ground clearance was good. I bet one with the off road package and A/T tires would be surprisingly capable.

roadburner

For those keeping score, my November 2023 electric bill was $4.75 more than my November 2022 bill. The 4xe is proving to be a real boondoggle...

tjc78

@tifighter said:

@tjc78 said:

@tifighter said:

This week’s rental car. I have to admit that I like it more than I thought I would. The air suspension makes it feel like a pillow over rough roads. Of which there are plenty here.

I rented one in Vegas earlier this year. Loved it

Drove just like my Ram .. which makes sense as they are the same platform.

This particular one is a series 3, and seems well equipped. It drives nicely in spite of the mismatched tires that Enterprise has on it. We drove around 25 miles of forest service roads outside of Sedona to get to a hiking trail yesterday and it handled it like a champ. Ground clearance was good. I bet one with the off road package and A/T tires would be surprisingly capable.

Pretty sure that’s what I had too. It didn’t have the fancy extra screens or the McIntosh audio but seemed to have everything else.

qbrozen

@Sandman6472 said:
Drove a couple at work...an impressive vehicle to say the least. But call me crazy, I like the Jeep Compass...a lot! It's a good size though not sure if it would fit my length requirements. But I like them and we have plenty at work...we have plenty of Jeeps. The Wranglers are a bit of problem for me & other drivers have said the same thing. They seem to be all over the road! Not sure if it's the tires or what but the vehicle needs constant correction from the steering wheel which gets tedious real quickly! Noticed the same issue driving the Jeep Gladiator also, the need for constant steering correction to keep it going straight in it's lane. Big reason I'd never consider one...but the Compass, if it fit, I could commit!

I gotta be honest, I’ve been taken with the Compass since the redesign. Haven’t driven one, though.

I agree something may be wrong with the Wranglers. I’d suspect overinflated tires. The old platform drove terribly on the road, IMHO, but the newest drove very well. It also could be the 4xe drives better with the added weight, but I never actually tested that theory and drove a gasser.

qbrozen

Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

tjc78

@qbrozen said:
Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

Good luck. Sucks about the repair bill. Our little 6 unit association doesn’t have a ton of reserves, so a major repair would need to come out of our pockets for sure.

If I handled the finances I’d raise the dues a little bit to start padding the account more. I’m going to suggest that next year, and I’m sure I’ll be the a-hole for suggesting it.

It’s bad enough when we moved in, I called out that our common insurance was way under where it needed to be. It wasn’t a huge premium hike, but probably was 10 years overdue. Ugh

Sandman6472

I see a lot of Jeep Compasses on the roads down here, so there must be many "crazy" people like me who like them. And that's why we have so many makes & models because everyone is different and like different things. No one is right...as no one is wrong, it's just we like different things. Ti, I could say you're crazy for having four vehicles for two drivers, something I don't understand. But I wouldn't because it ain't my call here. We find one vehicle per driver works for us. Did I want a "toy" back in 2013, sure did, but it was really illogical at the time and I don't miss it at all.

As Sly said many years ago, "different strokes for different folks" which still rings true today. Well, off to see my primary doctor and hoping he releases me for work. I'm definitely ready to go back!!!

qbrozen

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:
Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

Good luck. Sucks about the repair bill. Our little 6 unit association doesn’t have a ton of reserves, so a major repair would need to come out of our pockets for sure.

If I handled the finances I’d raise the dues a little bit to start padding the account more. I’m going to suggest that next year, and I’m sure I’ll be the a-hole for suggesting it.

It’s bad enough when we moved in, I called out that our common insurance was way under where it needed to be. It wasn’t a huge premium hike, but probably was 10 years overdue. Ugh

Same here with just 8 units. They finally opted to raise the fee, but since they waited so long, it is rather large. We are going from 400/mo to 550 as of 1/1/24. The repair bill is 4500 out of pocket for each unit. And that’s with only fixing those in dire need.

tjc78

@qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:
Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

Good luck. Sucks about the repair bill. Our little 6 unit association doesn’t have a ton of reserves, so a major repair would need to come out of our pockets for sure.

If I handled the finances I’d raise the dues a little bit to start padding the account more. I’m going to suggest that next year, and I’m sure I’ll be the a-hole for suggesting it.

It’s bad enough when we moved in, I called out that our common insurance was way under where it needed to be. It wasn’t a huge premium hike, but probably was 10 years overdue. Ugh

Same here with just 8 units. They finally opted to raise the fee, but since they waited so long, it is rather large. We are going from 400/mo to 550 as of 1/1/24. The repair bill is 4500 out of pocket for each unit. And that’s with only fixing those in dire need.

Ouch. That’s a big hit. Our fees are very low at $450/qtr per unit. The only expenses are the insurances, fire prevention and common area electric (just exterior lighting). The rest goes for any improvements/repairs we want to do.

We pay our own water/sewer etc.

breld

Sandy, I think Ti was just making a joke in response to you saying, “call me crazy…”.

On another note, any 4xe owners here affected by the recall due to risk of fire? Sounds like a mere 1% of sold units are affected. Curious what the issue is to only have that few be part of the recall?

roadburner

breld said:

Sandy, I think Ti was just making a joke in response to you saying, “call me crazy…”.

On another note, any 4xe owners here affected by the recall due to risk of fire? Sounds like a mere 1% of sold units are affected. Curious what the issue is to only have that few be part of the recall?

I haven't received a notice yet, but apparently the fix is either a software update or replacement of the battery...

tifighter

@Sandman6472 said:
I see a lot of Jeep Compasses on the roads down here, so there must be many "crazy" people like me who like them. And that's why we have so many makes & models because everyone is different and like different things. No one is right...as no one is wrong, it's just we like different things. Ti, I could say you're crazy for having four vehicles for two drivers, something I don't understand. But I wouldn't because it ain't my call here. We find one vehicle per driver works for us. Did I want a "toy" back in 2013, sure did, but it was really illogical at the time and I don't miss it at all.

As Sly said many years ago, "different strokes for different folks" which still rings true today. Well, off to see my primary doctor and hoping he releases me for work. I'm definitely ready to go back!!!

I can’t even…

qbrozen

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:
Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

Good luck. Sucks about the repair bill. Our little 6 unit association doesn’t have a ton of reserves, so a major repair would need to come out of our pockets for sure.

If I handled the finances I’d raise the dues a little bit to start padding the account more. I’m going to suggest that next year, and I’m sure I’ll be the a-hole for suggesting it.

It’s bad enough when we moved in, I called out that our common insurance was way under where it needed to be. It wasn’t a huge premium hike, but probably was 10 years overdue. Ugh

Same here with just 8 units. They finally opted to raise the fee, but since they waited so long, it is rather large. We are going from 400/mo to 550 as of 1/1/24. The repair bill is 4500 out of pocket for each unit. And that’s with only fixing those in dire need.

Ouch. That’s a big hit. Our fees are very low at $450/qtr per unit. The only expenses are the insurances, fire prevention and common area electric (just exterior lighting). The rest goes for any improvements/repairs we want to do.

We pay our own water/sewer etc.

Insurance is absurdly expensive there. And the pool maintenance is crazy, too. Supposedly the health board requires daily cleaning on shared pools. If I was a full-time resident, I’d happily have the HOA pay me to maintain it.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:

Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

Good luck. Sucks about the repair bill. Our little 6 unit association doesn’t have a ton of reserves, so a major repair would need to come out of our pockets for sure.

If I handled the finances I’d raise the dues a little bit to start padding the account more. I’m going to suggest that next year, and I’m sure I’ll be the a-hole for suggesting it.

It’s bad enough when we moved in, I called out that our common insurance was way under where it needed to be. It wasn’t a huge premium hike, but probably was 10 years overdue. Ugh

Same here with just 8 units. They finally opted to raise the fee, but since they waited so long, it is rather large. We are going from 400/mo to 550 as of 1/1/24. The repair bill is 4500 out of pocket for each unit. And that’s with only fixing those in dire need.

Ouch. That’s a big hit. Our fees are very low at $450/qtr per unit. The only expenses are the insurances, fire prevention and common area electric (just exterior lighting). The rest goes for any improvements/repairs we want to do.

We pay our own water/sewer etc.

Insurance is absurdly expensive there. And the pool maintenance is crazy, too. Supposedly the health board requires daily cleaning on shared pools. If I was a full-time resident, I’d happily have the HOA pay me to maintain it.

————————————————
Why not try it? Maybe they’ll let you hang a shingle that reads, “@qbrozen Motors and Pool Scrubbing”.

jmonroe

tjc78

@qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:

@tjc78 said:

@qbrozen said:
Received and accepted an offer on the Daihatsu from a TX buyer with a strong ebay feedback profile. Fingers crossed. We are in need of the $$ right now as the MB condo complex has a large repair bill for rotted columns.

Good luck. Sucks about the repair bill. Our little 6 unit association doesn’t have a ton of reserves, so a major repair would need to come out of our pockets for sure.

If I handled the finances I’d raise the dues a little bit to start padding the account more. I’m going to suggest that next year, and I’m sure I’ll be the a-hole for suggesting it.

It’s bad enough when we moved in, I called out that our common insurance was way under where it needed to be. It wasn’t a huge premium hike, but probably was 10 years overdue. Ugh

Same here with just 8 units. They finally opted to raise the fee, but since they waited so long, it is rather large. We are going from 400/mo to 550 as of 1/1/24. The repair bill is 4500 out of pocket for each unit. And that’s with only fixing those in dire need.

Ouch. That’s a big hit. Our fees are very low at $450/qtr per unit. The only expenses are the insurances, fire prevention and common area electric (just exterior lighting). The rest goes for any improvements/repairs we want to do.

We pay our own water/sewer etc.

Insurance is absurdly expensive there. And the pool maintenance is crazy, too. Supposedly the health board requires daily cleaning on shared pools. If I was a full-time resident, I’d happily have the HOA pay me to maintain it.

Pools kill you in small HOAs especially in the shore towns. We don’t have one. Kinda wish we did, but it significantly raise our costs.

xwesx

Sunrise this morning was a real stunner. I thought I'd share:



(best viewed FULL SCREEN!)

jmonroe1

xwesx said:

Sunrise this morning was a real stunner. I thought I'd share:



(best viewed FULL SCREEN!)

————————————————
Now, if there was an ocean at the horizon instead of that white stuff it would be even more stunning.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

@roadburner said:
I haven't received a notice yet, but apparently the fix is either a software update or replacement of the battery...

You can check your VIN or log in to the Jeep app to find out if yours is affected

mjfloyd1

@breld said:
Sandy, I think Ti was just making a joke in response to you saying, “call me crazy…”.

On another note, any 4xe owners here affected by the recall due to risk of fire? Sounds like a mere 1% of sold units are affected. Curious what the issue is to only have that few be part of the recall?

Both of mine are affected. No software available yet (that I am aware of). Apparently if the revised software makes it throw a diagnostic trouble code, then they have to change out the high voltage battery. This could get interesting.

I just called the local Jeep dealer service department and verified that no software is currently available. They said it would a a first quarter 2024 availability. Hmmmm

stickguy

@xwesx said:
Sunrise this morning was a real stunner. I thought I'd share:

(best viewed FULL SCREEN!)

Took that at lunch time?

nyccarguy

@xwesx - gorgeous photo!

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

@Sandman6472 said:

Drove a couple at work...an impressive vehicle to say the least. But call me crazy, I like the Jeep Compass...a lot! It's a good size though not sure if it would fit my length requirements. But I like them and we have plenty at work...we have plenty of Jeeps. The Wranglers are a bit of problem for me & other drivers have said the same thing. They seem to be all over the road! Not sure if it's the tires or what but the vehicle needs constant correction from the steering wheel which gets tedious real quickly! Noticed the same issue driving the Jeep Gladiator also, the need for constant steering correction to keep it going straight in it's lane. Big reason I'd never consider one...but the Compass, if it fit, I could commit!

I gotta be honest, I’ve been taken with the Compass since the redesign. Haven’t driven one, though.

I agree something may be wrong with the Wranglers. I’d suspect overinflated tires. The old platform drove terribly on the road, IMHO, but the newest drove very well. It also could be the 4xe drives better with the added weight, but I never actually tested that theory and drove a gasser.

The Wranglers I’ve driven have what I’d call quick steering, that is, small inputs on the wheel results in quicker than average response. No real neutral spot. Driving one compared to other cars might seem like it was wandering.

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner said:

I haven't received a notice yet, but apparently the fix is either a software update or replacement of the battery...

You can check your VIN or log in to the Jeep app to find out if yours is affected

I've checked both; either the recall hasn't rolled out yet or my 4xe isn't included in the recall.

xwesx

stickguy said:

Took that at lunch time?

NO! It was only 10 am!

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

The Wranglers I’ve driven have what I’d call quick steering, that is, small inputs on the wheel results in quicker than average response. No real neutral spot. Driving one compared to other cars might seem like it was wandering.

I feel like our Crosstrek, which has electric power steering, is the same way. It is super-jumpy to steering inputs.

mjfloyd1

@roadburner said:
I've checked both; either the recall hasn't rolled out yet or my 4xe isn't included in the recall.

It was just updated 11/29/2023 so if you checked before then, you won’t see it.

venture

roadburner said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner said:

I haven't received a notice yet, but apparently the fix is either a software update or replacement of the battery...

You can check your VIN or log in to the Jeep app to find out if yours is affected

I've checked both; either the recall hasn't rolled out yet or my 4xe isn't included in the recall.

* * * *

How did your credit score fiasco turn out?

28firefighter

I'm coming up on 6 months of ownership with the M240. I've said this about a lot of cars, but I really do love this one - even with the top up, commuting in the rain. It's comfortable, it's fast, and extremely well balanced. What I like most is that it can go from sedate commuter to absolute monster with absolutely no effort or lag to it. Plus I like the sound of the engine when I give it the beans.

I will say though, the "comfort" mode is absolutely useless - turns it into a loaner car and I have no idea why I would want that. Sport mode is really ideal for day-to-day driving.

Edit to add: My wife has also pointed out that it hasn't broken yet - which makes it a-ok in her book.

corvette

28firefighter said:

I will say though, the "comfort" mode is absolutely useless - turns it into a loaner car and I have no idea why I would want that. Sport mode is really ideal for day-to-day driving.

I'm pretty sure that's the standard line you have to say so that @roadburner doesn't revoke your BMW ownership privileges.

roadburner

venture said:

roadburner said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner said:

I haven't received a notice yet, but apparently the fix is either a software update or replacement of the battery...

You can check your VIN or log in to the Jeep app to find out if yours is affected

I've checked both; either the recall hasn't rolled out yet or my 4xe isn't included in the recall.

* * * *

How did your credit score fiasco turn out?

It seems that they ran the check after I had bought the car- so the new loan was the red flag.