Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

If I needed something right now a 27 month lease would be perfect logistically. Too bad we would have no interest in a GX!

tjc78

If my truck lease was up … I’d consider a strong lease on a GX.

kyfdx

I just went on Medicare, this year. But, my wife has been on it for two years now. We are very healthy. Seems like we'd be the poster children for an Advantage plan.

4 months ago, my wife diagnosed with breast cancer. Outpatient surgery for a lumpectomy. All is well.
About $40K in charges, so far. Medicare contracts knock that down to $12,500. Medicare has paid $10K and her supplement policy has picked up the other $2500.

Not one penny out of pocket.

With your typical Advantage plan, you'd have a deductible, co-pays and a max OOP. (just like your typical ACA plan your job pays for). She'd be out $5000 this year, already (depending on the Advantage plan).

Seems like a good deal for the $115/mo. she pays for the supplement.

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

I just went on Medicare, this year. But, my wife has been on it for two years now. We are very healthy. Seems like we'd be the poster children for an Advantage plan.

4 months ago, my wife diagnosed with breast cancer. Outpatient surgery for a lumpectomy. All is well.
About $40K in charges, so far. Medicare contracts knock that down to $12,500. Medicare has paid $10K and her supplement policy has picked up the other $2500.

Not one penny out of pocket.

With your typical Advantage plan, you'd have a deductible, co-pays and a max OOP. (just like your typical ACA plan your job pays for). She'd be out $5000 this year, already (depending on the Advantage plan).

Seems like a good deal for the $115/mo. she pays for the supplement.

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's breast cancer diagnosis. I wish her a speedy recovery.

kyfdx

@nyccarguy She's fine. Thanks!

My post was more about insurance, though. Advantage plans make a ton of money for insurance companies, mostly by restricting access, and having the policy holder pickup a lot of the costs. That's why they advertise the hell out of it. It's generally a bad deal, all the way around, for the consumer.

Also, if you think you can extrapolate your healthcare needs into your senior years, by how it's gone before that, then there is a great chance you'll be unpleasantly surprised.

Sandman6472

Our health insurance is a government employees plan and it became our "secondary" once Medicare kicked in. Most plans are "supplemental" but I do not know the difference between the two, but there are some I'm guessing. Since our same company is offering this new advantage plan, lady said we can go back if we're unhappy with coverage. Already getting hospital bills for my three day stay in November, with me owing $0.00, but we're already past $41K!! Probably going to hit around $75K when we're4 all done I'm betting. Ridiculous!!!

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

If my truck lease was up … I’d consider a strong lease on a GX.

I keep playing with the LH calculators on it trying to figure out how to make it work for me as well. It is a great truck on a short lease, but between the gas cost, the close to $1,000 personal property tax bill I'd get from my town in July, & the fact that I don't think it is any bigger on the inside than my Highlander makes it a hard pass

Sandman6472

After three days, the wife seems happy with the Kona, even though she really needs to look at the owner's manual to figure some issues out. I've been parking outside and the last couple of days, I've directed her out as if not, I'd have a rather large crease down the passengers side of my Golf. She really does need to drive a smaller vehicle. My daughter even pulled me aside & told me to not let mom drive at night if possible. Think she'd do very well having a personal driver to be honest! But, she doesn't like doing it and sees it as just a means to get from Point A to Point B!

Starting to get that itch I know you guys get from time to time. Last time, 2014, we bought new vehicles within a week of each other. Figure sooner then later, I'll be going on a few test drives just to see. I did like that Buick Encore GX truth be told and also the Kia Seltos but if I go Korean, rather get the Hyundai Kona as the dealer is so close and like the look a bit better. Think the Mini Cooper Countryman is off the list as it really is tiny inside and not sure I would be happy with one for the next eight to ten years. But, will be off next Wednesday and Thursday so if feeling better, might be a good time to do a few. Will have to start looking at used car finance offers out there as I'd have to finance some. I could "loan" myself a bit from my savings account in the bank where my pension goes even though I'd be read the riot act from you know who but I just can't write a check for $25K right now.

corvette

@kyfdx - glad your wife is fine! And you raise a good point--a high deductible health plan works well for me now, but may not continue to be appropriate as I age.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
I keep playing with the LH calculators on it trying to figure out how to make it work for me as well. It is a great truck on a short lease, but between the gas cost, the close to $1,000 personal property tax bill I'd get from my town in July, & the fact that I don't think it is any bigger on the inside than my Highlander makes it a hard pass

In all reality the Highlander is the better family vehicle.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

@kyfdx - glad your wife is fine! And you raise a good point--a high deductible health plan works well for me now, but may not continue to be appropriate as I age.

Everyone's situation is different, you are single. A few years ago, when my wife lost her job, my business picked up the tab for our insurance. Looking at the difference of the premiums for our family of 5, there was a significant difference between plans. At the time, were were ALL very healthy and only saw doctors for regular visits. Things changed very quickly as my son got a concussion playing hockey and all the sudden we had numerous specialists to see and a deductible to meet. After that I vowed to NEVER take the cheapest health plan available. Either you pay now or you pay later. My wife's insurance was great last year. We still have hospital bills and such, but they are a fraction of what they could have been. She switched jobs recently and even though the insurance will only go from September - December, they want you to meet the full year's deductible in those 3 months.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

I keep playing with the LH calculators on it trying to figure out how to make it work for me as well. It is a great truck on a short lease, but between the gas cost, the close to $1,000 personal property tax bill I'd get from my town in July, & the fact that I don't think it is any bigger on the inside than my Highlander makes it a hard pass

In all reality the Highlander is the better family vehicle.

I agree. It is a good vehicle. It is just the space that bothers me. This weekend we've got a lot of driving to do. 1 1/2 - 2 hours out to my MIL's house on Long Island for Chanukah on Saturday night and back. 3 hours to a baby naming in MA on Sunday and back. No luggage, just there is going to be an argument over who sits in the 3rd row and when...

pensfan83

The MDX doesn't lease well, discounts don't (usually) reach

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

I keep playing with the LH calculators on it trying to figure out how to make it work for me as well. It is a great truck on a short lease, but between the gas cost, the close to $1,000 personal property tax bill I'd get from my town in July, & the fact that I don't think it is any bigger on the inside than my Highlander makes it a hard pass

In all reality the Highlander is the better family vehicle.

MDX is also a bad lease, minimal discounts, minimal incentives, high money factor. Find a CPO that will likely have an incentivized rate through AFS and it becomes a better value proposition.

au1994

tjc78 said:

If my truck lease was up … I’d consider a strong lease on a GX.

I like the GX but suspect it would be too large for the wife’s liking.

stickguy

My wife would not enjoy driving something like the GX.

she also would likely be perfectly happy to have me drive her around forever. She has no real desire to. She also does not like driving at night now either (I just don’t like night in the rain, that stinks).

au1994

Sigh…this is why dealers continue to get the rep they do. I’ve been contacted by phone multiple times today despite listing email or text as my preferred method. “When can you come down and take a drive” is stated before virtually any information is shared, other that “its available.”

This is the list of add ons for a VW Atlas: Window tint $599, Appearance Protection $699, Dent protection $699, 3M Door Edge Guards $395. And a $699 doc fee.

stickguy

That’s a load of nonsense right there.

tifighter

Isn't the Atlas larger than a GX?

jmonroe1

au1994 said:

Sigh…this is why dealers continue to get the rep they do. I’ve been contacted by phone multiple times today despite listing email or text as my preferred method. “When can you come down and take a drive” is stated before virtually any information is shared, other that “its available.”

This is the list of add ons for a VW Atlas: Window tint $599, Appearance Protection $699, Dent protection $699, 3M Door Edge Guards $395. And a $699 doc fee.

————————————————
So, how many of those did you tell the guy you wanted. He’ll still try to sell you the others when you get there so be prepared. Just trying to help a poster buddy.

jmonroe

au1994

tifighter said:

Isn't the Atlas larger than a GX?

I don’t think so. The Atlas is still probably too large, just casting a wide net at this point.

venture

jmonroe1 said:

au1994 said:

Sigh…this is why dealers continue to get the rep they do. I’ve been contacted by phone multiple times today despite listing email or text as my preferred method. “When can you come down and take a drive” is stated before virtually any information is shared, other that “its available.”

This is the list of add ons for a VW Atlas: Window tint $599, Appearance Protection $699, Dent protection $699, 3M Door Edge Guards $395. And a $699 doc fee.

————————————————
So, how many of those did you tell the guy you wanted. He’ll still try to sell you the others when you get there so be prepared. Just trying to help a poster buddy.

jmonroe

When I bought this Subaru the F&I guy actually got angry when I told him I didn't want any of the garbage he was trying to sell me. It actually made me laugh which only got him more upset.

I fight them every step of the way.

explorerx4

The GX is about the same size as a 4Runner. They might even be related.

au1994

explorerx4 said:

The GX is about the same size as a 4Runner. They might even be related.

They are related. I think the GX is just a little taller and longer.

[Deleted User]

Not related is how the GX's tailgate opens, not a big deal to most, but could be a consideration.

jmonroe1

venture said:

jmonroe1 said:

au1994 said:

Sigh…this is why dealers continue to get the rep they do. I’ve been contacted by phone multiple times today despite listing email or text as my preferred method. “When can you come down and take a drive” is stated before virtually any information is shared, other that “its available.”

This is the list of add ons for a VW Atlas: Window tint $599, Appearance Protection $699, Dent protection $699, 3M Door Edge Guards $395. And a $699 doc fee.

————————————————
So, how many of those did you tell the guy you wanted. He’ll still try to sell you the others when you get there so be prepared. Just trying to help a poster buddy.

jmonroe

When I bought this Subaru the F&I guy actually got angry when I told him I didn't want any of the garbage he was trying to sell me. It actually made me laugh which only got him more upset.

I fight them every step of the way.

————————————————
When I bought the ‘15 Genny the F&I gal was relentless until I said if I hear one more word about the extended warranty the sale is off and you can tell the salesman why. That ended the upsell talk.

When I left that office and was waiting for them to wipe the car dry, the salesman came over and thanked me for not killing the deal. I asked him how he knew what happened and he told me the F&I gal told him. He went on to say she was their best F&I person but admitted she was pushy. I guess it works or she wouldn’t do it. Sometimes you have to know when to shut up and keep the sale.

jmonroe

stickguy

when you are on commission, you need to remember your ABCs.

always be closing.

Sandman6472

I'd really hate those rear doors! just awful really. That's what I don't get about Toyota, they do bonehead moves like this or no making the Corolla a better vehicle. Have no clue why they think they have nothing to do to make it a better vehicle. Especially when compared to the Civic or even the Elantra, both much better vehicles in the same class. Just is really stupid marketing! I drove a couple on Tuesday, brand new ones, and they barely got the job done. Antiquated infotainment system, lack luster driving dynamics...drove like an APPLIANCE in every way. They need to offer the customer something more exciting, more appealing with some quotient of fun. It's like driving our washing machine as I tell my wife. I've had a couple so when starting out, they were just perfect but now, just an awful vehicle which just gets the job done of people moving from Point A to Point B. Sad that Toyota has fallen so far!!!

explorerx4

That SUV was originally designed for the RHD market, so the left side is the curb side.

Sandman6472

Noticed that I'm not leaving the Golf with a full tank of gas lately like I normally do. When it gets to around a half, usually fill it back up but now, making sure I have only a half of a tank just in case I make a move. Basically, I've told my head and my heart I'm really ready to let it go, a big move for me. I've always liked to make a move during the last month of the year and we're almost at, the end of the year! Think I might make a move when Janet does up to St. Augustine the third week of December. And really do want to drive the 2024 Kona just to see how it compares to our 2023 model.

Since I haven't looked, what are the current new car rates for the new Kona, Seltos and the Encore GX? Sure the lease rates pretty much suck but would think on these slow movers, there would be some extra incentives to move them off the lots right about now. That usually seems to be the issue, I'm finally ready to buy and the 0% rates seem to disappear!

tjc78

Sandy - I just don’t see you being happy with those choices coming from the Golf (especially the vintage you have). They just don’t drive the same.

Which Encore are you looking at? The Avenue trim does look well equipped but they are very slow. Even the more powerful 4cyl is 8.8 to 60. Only the AWD comes with a regular transmission, the FWD is a CVT

tjc78

Is a Cadillac XT4 too big? So much more vehicle than a loaded GX for a few thousand dollars more

There is 2K rebate on it too (at least in my area)

au1994

tjc78 said:

Is a Cadillac XT4 too big? So much more vehicle than a loaded GX for a few thousand dollars more

There is 2K rebate on it too (at least in my area)

I’ll give it a look. I like them but she who must be obeyed, not so much. The other problem with trying to find something off the lot in December is she is 4 square against black interior.

tjc78

I’m sorry AU I was actually responding to Sandy comparing the XT4 to an Encore GX.

But … maybe the XT4 or 5 is a nice choice for your wife too.

Black interior was always an instant no from me. Now I own two. As long as there is some other color inside I can live with it. My truck has the deep orange/red accents and the Mercedes has a very large area of light wood and light grey suede to break it up.

venture

jmonroe1 said:

venture said:

jmonroe1 said:

au1994 said:

Sigh…this is why dealers continue to get the rep they do. I’ve been contacted by phone multiple times today despite listing email or text as my preferred method. “When can you come down and take a drive” is stated before virtually any information is shared, other that “its available.”

This is the list of add ons for a VW Atlas: Window tint $599, Appearance Protection $699, Dent protection $699, 3M Door Edge Guards $395. And a $699 doc fee.

————————————————
So, how many of those did you tell the guy you wanted. He’ll still try to sell you the others when you get there so be prepared. Just trying to help a poster buddy.

jmonroe

When I bought this Subaru the F&I guy actually got angry when I told him I didn't want any of the garbage he was trying to sell me. It actually made me laugh which only got him more upset.

I fight them every step of the way.

————————————————
When I bought the ‘15 Genny the F&I gal was relentless until I said if I hear one more word about the extended warranty the sale is off and you can tell the salesman why. That ended the upsell talk.

When I left that office and was waiting for them to wipe the car dry, the salesman came over and thanked me for not killing the deal. I asked him how he knew what happened and he told me the F&I gal told him. He went on to say she was their best F&I person but admitted she was pushy. I guess it works or she wouldn’t do it. Sometimes you have to know when to shut up and keep the sale.

jmonroe

They have a skinny guy and a chubby guy doing the F&I. I alternate between them so they both get the pleasure of my company.

Every time I tell them I'm not going to sign a paper saying I didn't want to buy something. How silly. The skinny guy wouldn't let it go so I signed it "Rat Face". He was too angry by then to even look at it.

I didn't get an insurance card so after a week I called my insurance guy and gave them the info so I could get my ID card. I asked my sales guy what happened and he said they don't do that any more. That takes care of the "I" part of F&I. I didn't finance it so that takes care of the "F" part. I asked for my money back since they didn't do anything.

jmonroe1

venture said:

jmonroe1 said:

venture said:

jmonroe1 said:

au1994 said:

Sigh…this is why dealers continue to get the rep they do. I’ve been contacted by phone multiple times today despite listing email or text as my preferred method. “When can you come down and take a drive” is stated before virtually any information is shared, other that “its available.”

This is the list of add ons for a VW Atlas: Window tint $599, Appearance Protection $699, Dent protection $699, 3M Door Edge Guards $395. And a $699 doc fee.

————————————————
So, how many of those did you tell the guy you wanted. He’ll still try to sell you the others when you get there so be prepared. Just trying to help a poster buddy.

jmonroe

When I bought this Subaru the F&I guy actually got angry when I told him I didn't want any of the garbage he was trying to sell me. It actually made me laugh which only got him more upset.

I fight them every step of the way.

————————————————
When I bought the ‘15 Genny the F&I gal was relentless until I said if I hear one more word about the extended warranty the sale is off and you can tell the salesman why. That ended the upsell talk.

When I left that office and was waiting for them to wipe the car dry, the salesman came over and thanked me for not killing the deal. I asked him how he knew what happened and he told me the F&I gal told him. He went on to say she was their best F&I person but admitted she was pushy. I guess it works or she wouldn’t do it. Sometimes you have to know when to shut up and keep the sale.

jmonroe

They have a skinny guy and a chubby guy doing the F&I. I alternate between them so they both get the pleasure of my company.

Every time I tell them I'm not going to sign a paper saying I didn't want to buy something. How silly. The skinny guy wouldn't let it go so I signed it "Rat Face". He was too angry by then to even look at it.

I didn't get an insurance card so after a week I called my insurance guy and gave them the info so I could get my ID card. I asked my sales guy what happened and he said they don't do that any more. That takes care of the "I" part of F&I. I didn't finance it so that takes care of the "F" part. I asked for my money back since they didn't do anything.

————————————————
I wouldn’t complain about not getting “F”ed in an office like that.

jmonroe

tjc78

The paper protects them so that you can’t come in after a major out of warranty repair and say you weren’t offered coverage.

In the grand scheme not a big deal to sign off saying you don’t want it. That’s the last thing about the car buying process I would stress over.

explorerx4

A couple months ago, when I bought my Explorer, they asked me to sign a paper that stated I didn't buy an electric vehicle.
Maybe some people were claiming the credit even though they bought an ICE vehicle or maybe a hybrid?

tifighter

tifighter said:

Isn't the Atlas larger than a GX?

Just to answer my own question -
Lexus GX - 192.1"
VW Atlas - 200.7"

tjc78

I’d wager the Atlas is much bigger inside than the GX despite not being all that much longer.

stickguy

to me, length is not the biggest issue when not being comfortable with the size of a vehicle. It is how big and bulky the front end is. and the width. So to me, my Maverick or our old Odyssey (both +/- an inch of 200") do not seem "big". and drove just fine. But a high hood bulky thing like a 4 runner, or a new Explorer (also about 200" long) seem like huge vehicles that are not comfortable to maneuver.

corvette

I'd totally do a cheap lease on the old-school GX if I needed a vehicle right now. Of course, I also leased an old-school Tundra when I needed a vehicle!

Sandman6472

Then I've got a big issue if none on my short list are going to make me happy...a really big issue. Got to put my thinking cap on for this one folks. A GTI is the last thing I'd purchase at this point so not sure what's left for me. I do need something "fun" to drive like my Golf or I ain't getting rid of it. Did think a Mini Cooper might work but not so sure actually. So, someone in here, please help me out here as there's got to be something small that I would love to own, there's got to be! I had tossed around the Lexus UX as it's small and a hybrid so it could work. A bit on the pricey side but maybe at months end they'd be willing to do a deal just to move one more unit.

At the post office this morning, pulled a nail out of the sidewall of my front drivers side door. So far, so good but will know better in the morning. That would suck as I've got four brand new tires on there, Tire Plus's home brand which I really don't mind. Just don't want to go through the hassle of it all right now. Therapy was rough today as my regular guy called out & this different guy had me do too much...think it would've been better to just postpone for a week truthfully. Am scheduled for three more weekly sessions & then who knows after that. I was down all afternoon actually so going to bed soon as tomorrow is a work day. So tired of not feeling well!!!

stickguy

my suggestion for Sandy is to forget the car for now and expedite the house swap. and make sure that it has 2 normal sized garage bays! then get whatever he wants without being constrained by length.

and separate doors instead of one double door. More odds of taking off a mirror, but less change of taking out the other car!

stickguy

being up in salt country (they have salted more than once already, it is awful) I hate taking the car out. So instead of getting a 3rd car winter beater, getting a low mile lease to replace one of the cars (probably the RDX) and just using that for winter duty when there is evil salt spray stuff on the roads, and in 3 years when it is already getting crusty, just give it back.

Sandman6472

So Corvette, what says you on something for me? Anyone else, please step up if you have any good choices. Price wise, would like to stay around $30K plus whatever mine could bring as I don't think I can really spend much less to get something I'd really like. I gotta be happy or why bother going through it all? Just keep the Golf & repair as needed...end of story. But, know I'm reaching my limit and think I could only do another year with it. Doubt I'd want to go over ten years of ownership with anything really...I'm ready for a "fun" change right now! HELP folks!!!

Sandman6472

Stick, some call me that at work due to my using a cane while Citizen Cane has become a favorite of many. While gone, the van dedicated the song "Dizzy" to me, which gave me a chuckle. Totally nice folks I work with who I guess did miss me being there.

As to your suggestion, that actually might be what happens. Talked with Janet again last night, seriously, about what she was thinking of our future down here in South Florida? I'm ready to seriously start searching for a new location in Northern Florida, hopefully closer to the coast. It's going to take me some time to get rid of stuff but once I know she's serious, I'll get moving in warp speed, for me, won't be that fast as I'm just not that capable anymore. And I've already started on it a bit. But, I'd like a more serious discussion sooner then later! Worst comes to worse, I go first and stay with the kids...they've already posed this scenario before I even thought about it. Of course, I'd say "no", but nice for them to have asked anyways.

ab348

Sandman6472 said:

Then I've got a big issue if none on my short list are going to make me happy...a really big issue. Got to put my thinking cap on for this one folks. A GTI is the last thing I'd purchase at this point so not sure what's left for me. I do need something "fun" to drive like my Golf or I ain't getting rid of it. Did think a Mini Cooper might work but not so sure actually. So, someone in here, please help me out here as there's got to be something small that I would love to own, there's got to be! I had tossed around the Lexus UX as it's small and a hybrid so it could work. A bit on the pricey side but maybe at months end they'd be willing to do a deal just to move one more unit.

Sandy, I’ve never seen you mention the Mazda 3 hatch. It’s 175” long so should fit in your garage. It seems to get good reviews.

stickguy

the Mazda is nice. Actually I like the Kona Limited. not exactly the same as his wife's car since it is the redesign. A FWD limited MSRP is about $32,500, and that is really loaded. Has the nice 1.6t engine that is pretty quick. all the goodies, small package. long warranty. could be perfect.

oldfarmer50

What do you guys think of the 2024 Nissan Titan pick up? I drove a brand new one on a trip today and it averaged a ghastly 9 mpg! I know it’s a pretty big 5.6L V-8 but really? $51k sticker including destination.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
I think you answered your own question.