Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

nyccarguy said:

breld said:

explorerx4 said:

The GR86 is not real popular. The engine has no torque. Less than 12K were sold in 2023.

I'm not sure it hasn't been popular, unless you're comparing sales figures to a more mainstream vehicle. This new model introduced for 2022 addressed much of the torque issue, and they're not languishing on dealer lots. Used ones are still retailing for higher than new MSRP. And I believe 12k units is pretty respectable for a niche sports car. If I understand right, Mazda sold just under 9k Miatas in 2023.

But point being, given you can't walk out onto the dealer lot and pick one of these up, I was surprised to see the auction be so unsuccessful. Gives me hope some of the craziness is dying down.

What is it that you (or your wife) has an eye on? Whatever you are eyeing, what will it replace?

Nothing right now, if you can believe it. Both our EVs on are 2-year leases, so we're probably set there regardless.

Given I went with the Corvette, I still give thought to something with a manual, like an Si (or the GR86/BRZ twins).

kyfdx

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

breld said:

explorerx4 said:

The GR86 is not real popular. The engine has no torque. Less than 12K were sold in 2023.

I'm not sure it hasn't been popular, unless you're comparing sales figures to a more mainstream vehicle. This new model introduced for 2022 addressed much of the torque issue, and they're not languishing on dealer lots. Used ones are still retailing for higher than new MSRP. And I believe 12k units is pretty respectable for a niche sports car. If I understand right, Mazda sold just under 9k Miatas in 2023.

But point being, given you can't walk out onto the dealer lot and pick one of these up, I was surprised to see the auction be so unsuccessful. Gives me hope some of the craziness is dying down.

What is it that you (or your wife) has an eye on? Whatever you are eyeing, what will it replace?

Nothing right now, if you can believe it. Both our EVs on are 2-year leases, so we're probably set there regardless.

Given I went with the Corvette, I still give thought to something with a manual, like an Si (or the GR86/BRZ twins).

GTI?

breld

kyfdx said:

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

breld said:

explorerx4 said:

The GR86 is not real popular. The engine has no torque. Less than 12K were sold in 2023.

I'm not sure it hasn't been popular, unless you're comparing sales figures to a more mainstream vehicle. This new model introduced for 2022 addressed much of the torque issue, and they're not languishing on dealer lots. Used ones are still retailing for higher than new MSRP. And I believe 12k units is pretty respectable for a niche sports car. If I understand right, Mazda sold just under 9k Miatas in 2023.

But point being, given you can't walk out onto the dealer lot and pick one of these up, I was surprised to see the auction be so unsuccessful. Gives me hope some of the craziness is dying down.

What is it that you (or your wife) has an eye on? Whatever you are eyeing, what will it replace?

Nothing right now, if you can believe it. Both our EVs on are 2-year leases, so we're probably set there regardless.

Given I went with the Corvette, I still give thought to something with a manual, like an Si (or the GR86/BRZ twins).

GTI?

Wanting to trade it back to me?

With my son having a Tiguan and daughter with her Jetta, we've had some frustrating experiences with one of the local VW dealerships, which has somewhat turned me off of the brand.

explorerx4

@breld,
It's quite a leap to forecast a market trend from a single auction result but you are more than welcome to do it and can act accordingly.

au1994

Any sense of what Maverick lead-times are right now? I know I could check with a dealer but I’m not ready for that level of commentary right now.

Leaning toward that to replace the Jeep when it goes back in September and trying to back into when I need to place an order.

qbrozen

@breld said:
Nothing right now, if you can believe it. Both our EVs on are 2-year leases, so we're probably set there regardless.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

I just got the notice that my car insurance renewal docs arrived. Now I’m afraid to look. Car is 6 month policy, bundled house is 12. This is the off cycle period. Since we are moving before the next renewal I’ll shop the bundle then. Maybe being old will help!

All joking aside, I think it does up until a certain point. My Dad said when he turned 75, his umbrella policy increased they said: "due to his advanced age."

You’d think they would give older people a break since many don’t drive as much as they used to. I probably drive my four vehicles less than a total of 10k miles per year. You’d think I could get a break.

Michaell

The insurance on the Outback jumped up around $100 or so per year, with this latest renewal.

I've been with State Farm forever - my first agent in Colorado retired, and her book of business was transferred to another agent, who has been pretty good to work with.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

I just got the notice that my car insurance renewal docs arrived. Now I’m afraid to look. Car is 6 month policy, bundled house is 12. This is the off cycle period. Since we are moving before the next renewal I’ll shop the bundle then. Maybe being old will help!

All joking aside, I think it does up until a certain point. My Dad said when he turned 75, his umbrella policy increased they said: "due to his advanced age."

You’d think they would give older people a break since many don’t drive as much as they used to. I probably drive my four vehicles less than a total of 10k miles per year. You’d think I could get a break.

————————————————
C’mon man, the only break you’ll get from an insurance company is them breaking your piggy bank.

jmonroe

pensfan83

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

breld said:

explorerx4 said:

The GR86 is not real popular. The engine has no torque. Less than 12K were sold in 2023.

I'm not sure it hasn't been popular, unless you're comparing sales figures to a more mainstream vehicle. This new model introduced for 2022 addressed much of the torque issue, and they're not languishing on dealer lots. Used ones are still retailing for higher than new MSRP. And I believe 12k units is pretty respectable for a niche sports car. If I understand right, Mazda sold just under 9k Miatas in 2023.

But point being, given you can't walk out onto the dealer lot and pick one of these up, I was surprised to see the auction be so unsuccessful. Gives me hope some of the craziness is dying down.

What is it that you (or your wife) has an eye on? Whatever you are eyeing, what will it replace?

Nothing right now, if you can believe it. Both our EVs on are 2-year leases, so we're probably set there regardless.

Given I went with the Corvette, I still give thought to something with a manual, like an Si (or the GR86/BRZ twins).

I'm very much a Honda person but I don't think you would be happy with a Civic Si.

stickguy

@au1994 said:
Any sense of what Maverick lead-times are right now? I know I could check with a dealer but I’m not ready for that level of commentary right now.

Leaning toward that to replace the Jeep when it goes back in September and trying to back into when I need to place an order.

For an eco boost, not too bad (especially if not going for a cheap XL). I’ve heard that 2-3 months is pretty common at this point. Always pending some commodity constraint, and your dealer having allocations. But the order bank is still open.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
Did you tell your agent or insurance company how little you drive?
Most of your vehicles should be classified as Pleasure Vehicles(not for commuting).

au1994

stickguy said:

@au1994 said:

Any sense of what Maverick lead-times are right now? I know I could check with a dealer but I’m not ready for that level of commentary right now.

Leaning toward that to replace the Jeep when it goes back in September and trying to back into when I need to place an order.

For an eco boost, not too bad (especially if not going for a cheap XL). I’ve heard that 2-3 months is pretty common at this point. Always pending some commodity constraint, and your dealer having allocations. But the order bank is still open.

I think an XLT Eco Boost would work for me.

ab348

tjc78 said:

Our car insurance went up a bit, but skyrocketed when we swapped the XC90 for the Electric Benz.

It was $1200/ year more. One of my next projects is to re-quote to double check that number. I certainly questioned it when I added the car.

From what I gather the huge replacement cost of EV batteries if one gets damaged in an insurable incident means the vehicle is a write-off. That has to mean premiums will be high.

corvette

@au1994 - the XLT’s interior is noticeably nicer than the XL. I dig the two tone seats and door panels.

tifighter

Speaking of tempting auctions-

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-bmw-m2-cs-31

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@oldfarmer50,
Did you tell your agent or insurance company how little you drive?
Most of your vehicles should be classified as Pleasure Vehicles(not for commuting).

I know I asked if there was a discount for driving low miles awhile ago and they said no. I’m not sure if any of the cars are listed for commuting.

roadburner

Still loving the 4xe; on the latest fill up it returned 53.4 mpg. The overall average fuel consumption since I purchased it is 49.8 mpg.

stickguy

au1994 said:

stickguy said:

@au1994 said:

Any sense of what Maverick lead-times are right now? I know I could check with a dealer but I’m not ready for that level of commentary right now.

Leaning toward that to replace the Jeep when it goes back in September and trying to back into when I need to place an order.

For an eco boost, not too bad (especially if not going for a cheap XL). I’ve heard that 2-3 months is pretty common at this point. Always pending some commodity constraint, and your dealer having allocations. But the order bank is still open.

I think an XLT Eco Boost would work for me.


I was too spoiled to ever go back to using a physical key and remote fob. Plus the Lariat has a much better stereo and interface, among other goodies.

corvette

Louisville folks - I'm guessing we don't have a new car show this year? Or, at least, I can't find anything about it.

roadburner

corvette said:

Louisville folks - I'm guessing we don't have a new car show this year? Or, at least, I can't find anything about it.

I haven't heard anything.

Sandman6472

I asked today about lowering the driving limit as I keep a somewhat small record of miles driven since I started with Enterprise in December of 2019. Guess since we live so close to the office, 3.3 miles, just wanted to keep track of my actual miles driven. A lot better then the 29 mile one way trip I had while working for Hertz. And that first year of being an independent contractor, I'd either park right near Ft. Lauderdale airport, a good 25 miles away, and then in West Palm Beach next door to PBI, a 38 mile one way trip. That gig only lasted about four months as it got exhausting to drive home late at night which usually was the scenario. Luckily our oldest lived right near so I'd crash there if I had back to back work days.

I put on about 13k each year, give or take, and after seven years of that nonsense, found work closer to home. A much better fit as on some days, can be there within five minutes or so!

Sandman6472

Saw my pain doc today and as we were talking, we figured possibly out when the vertigo started...and why. Definitely not my fault, the local walk-in clinic seems to be the ones bearing the responsibility. The use of high pressure water to clean the wax out of my ears seems to have disrupted the crystals in there resulting in the BPPV vertigo. Even he agreed this is something that didn't just happen on it's own...something had to trigger it. And now we think we know when & where it happened. Luckily my current ENT doc agrees that what they did was totally wrong and he uses a different method to clean them out. And now, we've gone down to an appointment every four months in stead of twice a year.

With that said & done, it doesn't help me much as it keeps coming back unlike the usual six months schedule it had been following. This last blast has been with me since early October and won't go away. Doc definitely agreed with me about when not to drive as it is a safety hazard. Agreed that my calling out when the room is really spinning is the only option I have right now to avoid any accidents. And I'm lucky my boss understands why I do it when I do...won't out him or me in a bad situation as we're both libel I suspect if I did have a fender bender. He trusts me to know when not to come in & drive and when I feel well enough to drive. Makes it so much easier on me as I hate to let my team down by calling out but am doing it with the best intentions. And I really do like this job & have no issues going in if I'm feeling well. Kind of miss it when I'm homebound and not able to drive.

au1994

stickguy said:

au1994 said:

stickguy said:

@au1994 said:

Any sense of what Maverick lead-times are right now? I know I could check with a dealer but I’m not ready for that level of commentary right now.

Leaning toward that to replace the Jeep when it goes back in September and trying to back into when I need to place an order.

For an eco boost, not too bad (especially if not going for a cheap XL). I’ve heard that 2-3 months is pretty common at this point. Always pending some commodity constraint, and your dealer having allocations. But the order bank is still open.

I think an XLT Eco Boost would work for me.

I was too spoiled to ever go back to using a physical key and remote fob. Plus the Lariat has a much better stereo and interface, among other goodies.


I know exactly what you mean on the physical key and still MAY consider a Lariat. To be honest, and I know it’s 99% cosmetics, I really like the look of the Tremor package but it’s just not worth the $$. Trying to be somewhat sensible and frugal as by the time this transaction goes down we will have one heading off to college. The XLT is still a lot of trucklet for the money.

All things being equal, I think the Canyon AT4 is a cool looking truck but jeez, they push or exceed $50k!

ab348

Automotive News reports today that vehicle inventories have reached a 3-year high.

Sandman6472

I know our local Toyota store has their whole outer lot filled with new inventory. But last time we were there, a couple month ago, most of their inventory still had that ridiculous "$3995 Adm. Fee" or whatever they're calling it now. Totally absurd thing to do and sours me on any Toyota product right now. And I'm only slightly interested in the Corolla Cross Hybrid to be honest. Drove a Corolla hybrid and liked the acceleration so hoping the C C will drive similarly.

Speaking of hybrids, want to check out the new Kona Hybrid just to see if it's a viable alternative to a regular Limited model. Granted, for the amount of miles I drive, why spend the extra for a hybrid but since I'm thinking any new vehicle could possibly be my last one, want to make a smart decision when the time comes.

stickguy

Still does not mean too much since January 2021 was likely all time low since wwII ended!

Sandman6472

The tint on my windows is bubbling on some of the back windows and it's all a purplish color now. Am seriously considering having it taken off and not having it re-installed, just need to price it all out. Found a guy driving around in the area that does mobile service so that could work. Need someone who knows what they're doing so the rear window defroster doesn't get compromised. But think it's time to have it all removed. Have none on the Kona except the factory stuff & doubt she'll have any installed. The tint on the A3 really bubbled on the rear window & was a real safety issue especially at night. Since we used the same guy who came to the house, we had similar results. And even his lightest tint was a bit too dark for us.

But with the cooler temps now, think the time has come to have it removed once & for all. And depending on the cost, might do it again, but doubt I will.

sda

I may be wrong, but I think if you use the rear window defroster much, the heat from the defroster grid tends to make the tint bubble. We have the same issue with the TL as it is kept outside and in the winter we have to frequently defrost the glass. Also, if the car is parked outside in the sun a lot, I think this also is a factor. The Passat is garage kept and the tint is bubble free. I can't remember last when I used the rear defrost. I also park in a covered parking garage at work.

mlevine

At one time Toyota vehicles were selling for MRSP +. I think Southeast Toyota did not like this. This is where the administration fee now comes into play.

ab348

stickguy said:

Still does not mean too much since January 2021 was likely all time low since wwII ended!

Well, it means inventories are better than they have been for the last 3 years and are trending upwards. Never knew you were a glass-half-empty kind of guy.

ab348

In other news, Hertz is reporting they plan to sell off 20,000 units of their EV fleet as they transition back to more of a gasoline-powered fleet.

nyccarguy

@Sandman6472

Thanks for keeping us up to date on your condition. I hope you get better.

"the local walk-in clinic seems to be the ones bearing the responsibility."

I know these Urgent Care places are all over the place and especially in South Florida. I think the only benefit they offer the patient consumer is the fact that you don't have to wait hours in the hospital ED or days/weeks for an appointment with your MD. The quality of medical care you get at these places is sub par at best. They get paid MORE by your insurance company than your MD would.

@ab348

This doesn't shock me. What does is that dealers still try to get away with trying to charge MSRP & MSRP +. I think they are waiting for the manufacturers to throw a lot of incentives their way. In reality, they've been lining their pockets with these MSRP+ deals, sky high marked up interest rates, inflated extended warranties & maintenance packages, plus they figured out how to do this with less staff for a period of time. They are going to have to start offering deep discounts.

kyfdx

Spotted a personalized plate, yesterday. Honeymooners/3 Stooges reference.

Sandman6472

Hardly ever use the defroster down here and the Golf is in the garage 99% of the time actually. Since I have the a/c air handler and the water heater in front of where I park, I lose that whole lip of space which means I have to have a smaller vehicle. Not a real problem as we prefer smaller vehicles but hate to be constricted like this. I did see the local VW store has a nice blue GTI in stock but not sure I want to go down that rabbit hole again. The specs are the same as my current Golf so I know it'll fit on my side perfectly. Don't like the one piece front seats and hear that the infotainment system is confusing with the number of windows one must go through to get what one wants...my current system is totally dumbed down and super easy. But, going German again is not the cheap to keep" that I'm looking for going forward.

Sat in the regular Mini Cooper at the dealer on Tuesday and it was a bit low, getting out wasn't easy. The Countryman is a better fit in that respect but again, it ain't "cheap to keep" I'm assuming. Think with the new 2024 Kona, I'll be able to have the easiest ingress/egress which is something which is important as I get older. Size is just a bit longer then my Golf and think I'll get similar driving dynamics that I have now with one. Not sure if the hybrid is out yet on the Limited model as that's what I'd probably get. As of now, plan to just keep the petrol a about half a tank going forward because who knows when I might just decide to throw caution to the wind & get one. Should really start checking finance rates at certain institutions to see who has the best rates. Who knows, Hyundai might have better rates when I'm ready to pull the trigger. Definitely need something that drives similar to my current Golf or I know I'll be unhappy. It's not that I drive fast or anything like that but I want the power ready to go if I need it and not have to worry about turbo lag. Anything with tepid acceleration will bore me quite quick and I want this next vehicle to be super fun no matter the cost! If they keep raising the insurance rates, want something fun to drive then.

kyfdx

kyfdx said:

Spotted a personalized plate, yesterday. Honeymooners/3 Stooges reference.

Y I OTTA

nyccarguy

@kyfdx said:
Y I OTTA

Much better than all the Tesla plates with some sort of pun or reference to the fact that’s it’s electric

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx said:
Y I OTTA

Much better than all the Tesla plates with some sort of pun or reference to the fact that’s it’s electric

Agreed!

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx said:

Y I OTTA

Much better than all the Tesla plates with some sort of pun or reference to the fact that’s it’s electric

Agreed!

or electrk, or 3lctrik, gaslol, luvelon...

kyfdx

@tifighter

Another one
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-bmw-m2-cs-30/

sda

nyccarguy said:

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx said:

Y I OTTA

Much better than all the Tesla plates with some sort of pun or reference to the fact that’s it’s electric

Agreed!

or electrk, or 3lctrik, gaslol, luvelon...

Some of those were kind of clever when EVs first rolled out over 10 years ago. Today, nope.

fintail

nyccarguy said:

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

@kyfdx said:

Y I OTTA

Much better than all the Tesla plates with some sort of pun or reference to the fact that’s it’s electric

Agreed!

or electrk, or 3lctrik, gaslol, luvelon...

It's not a cult, nope. But better than this one I saw some years ago:

xwesx

What, do I have to spell it out for you?!

au1994

And in case you are really slow, it even has the model name on the plate frame.

xwesx

Oh, that's funny! I didn't notice the plate frame. That owner is the polar opposite of the debadging crowd!

tifighter

I did see one on a Leaf many years ago that wasn’t too bad - LOVE HZ

tifighter

@kyfdx said:
@tifighter

Another one
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-bmw-m2-cs-30/

I saw this one too. Guessing it will be a different story to the last as the previous one was no reserve. I’d guess that owner is still upset about that selling price.

kyfdx

tifighter said:

@kyfdx said:
@tifighter

Another one
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-bmw-m2-cs-30/

I saw this one too. Guessing it will be a different story to the last as the previous one was no reserve. I’d guess that owner is still upset about that selling price.

Ah.. missed that part.

roadburner

This morning BMW texted me and advised that the Club Sport was ready. About 30 minutes later the KY Governor closed all state offices (due to expected high winds and severe storms). I used the afternoon off to pick up the car. In addition to the oil service I had the plugs, fuel filter, front main seal, and oil filter housing gasket replaced. Total cost? $0.00- thanks to my BMW Mastercard.

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

This morning BMW texted me and advised that the Club Sport was ready. About 30 minutes later the KY Governor closed all state offices (due to expected high winds and severe storms). I used the afternoon off to pick up the car. In addition to the oil service I had the plugs, fuel filter, front main seal, and oil filter housing gasket replaced. Total cost? $0.00- thanks to my BMW Mastercard.

————————————————
That’s a vey good price. But, without your perks what do you think that kind of service would have cost?

jmonroe