Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

Almost done. Gotta put new tires on and the dang snow has to melt outside. It ain’t perfect but at least it looks better, especially from a distance. ;b

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I can’t tell from here, so what side do you think is the best or maybe it’s the front or rear? Do you plan to give the buyer the left over material?

When do you plan to do it again?

jmonroe

qbrozen

Probably the right and rear wound up best. Hood is worst. I really don’t want to do it again. And, yes, was thinking I’d throw in what I have left.

@tjc78 , I fit, so anybody here would.

stickguy

I think it is cool. just would not want to deal with RHD.

like your shelving. I was just shopping that stuff today for my new basement. Stuff can get expensive!

28firefighter

Trip report.

We left home to head up to Crystal Mountain resort for skiing this weekend (rented a cabin nearby). I’ve been afraid of skiing for 30 years but decided with my wife we would try it - made it from no skis to down the discovery slope 3x with only a few falls (always in or near the crowded lift line). Really fun time and can’t wait to get back out again. Was real fun for my soon-to-be 7 year old to buzz past us during his lessons - for us and him!

Total Distance roundtrip: 220 miles
Elevation Traveled: 4500ft
Temperature Range: 29 to 41 F
Start Charge: 100%
End Charge: 22%

I was really impressed all around, especially given the elevation and cooler temps, and lack of anywhere to plug-in overnight or during the day. I could have tried for an EV charger on the mountain, but meh.

laurasdada

Congrats on joining the wonderful world of skiing!
Falling is just a ski fact of life, no matter how good you are (or think I am!).

Yours,
King of the Yard Sale

qbrozen

@stickguy said:
I think it is cool. just would not want to deal with RHD.

like your shelving. I was just shopping that stuff today for my new basement. Stuff can get expensive!

Thanks. Yes, it can! But after a great deal of searching, I wound up finding a great deal on Amazon. I guess maybe they figured it out because now I don’t see this size available, and they are charging $250 for the 48” W. I got a total of 12’ across. That would be $750 plus tax with those smaller units.

qbrozen

@28firefighter said:
Trip report.

We left home to head up to Crystal Mountain resort for skiing this weekend (rented a cabin nearby). I’ve been afraid of skiing for 30 years but decided with my wife we would try it - made it from no skis to down the discovery slope 3x with only a few falls (always in or near the crowded lift line). Really fun time and can’t wait to get back out again. Was real fun for my soon-to-be 7 year old to buzz past us during his lessons - for us and him!

Total Distance roundtrip: 220 miles
Elevation Traveled: 4500ft
Temperature Range: 29 to 41 F
Start Charge: 100%
End Charge: 22%

I was really impressed all around, especially given the elevation and cooler temps, and lack of anywhere to plug-in overnight or during the day. I could have tried for an EV charger on the mountain, but meh.

I used to ski a fair bit as a kid and young adult. We last went when my little one was maybe 4 or 5. So like 10 years ago. It is a shame.

stickguy

Thanks Q. I saw that brand while looking. Looked like what I want (48'x24x72) runs between $125-$170/unit depending on quantity discount, and which brand (and wire vs. board shelves). I don't need anything super heavy duty, so when it is time I will get whatever seems to be the best value then. Tractor supply has a good deal on 36"x18" version of the nice stuff.

what I have now (built in, came with the house, formerly store shelves) is only 18" deep so that is probably fine too. I think I will look to get 24' (so 6 units of the 48"). Unless I can get the wife to cut back on stuff to go on it!

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

Thanks Q. I saw that brand while looking. Looked like what I want (48'x24x72) runs between $125-$170/unit depending on quantity discount, and which brand (and wire vs. board shelves). I don't need anything super heavy duty, so when it is time I will get whatever seems to be the best value then. Tractor supply has a good deal on 36"x18" version of the nice stuff.

what I have now (built in, came with the house, formerly store shelves) is only 18" deep so that is probably fine too. I think I will look to get 24' (so 6 units of the 48"). Unless I can get the wife to cut back on stuff to go on it!

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Talk to our poster buddy @tjc78, I’m pretty sure he deals with stuff for retail stores. He might be able to direct you to some surplus units or scratch and dent units that no longer meet the safety requirements for retail stores.

jmonroe

stickguy

If I still lived 15 minutes from him, I would! Prior owner told me the stuff that came with the house was surplus from a retail operation of some kind.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

If I still lived 15 minutes from him, I would! Prior owner told me the stuff that came with the house was surplus from a retail operation of some kind.

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If it was the right price it could be worth paying to have it shipped or maybe rent a U-Haul.

If going the U-Haul route buy enough to fill the truck. Then sell what you don’t want to your new neighbors. They’ll need storage racks too. That should easily pay for the truck rental with money left over to put towards your new garage. And you might even want some of those storage racks for your new garage. All you need is some time.

jmonroe

qbrozen

@stickguy said:
Thanks Q. I saw that brand while looking. Looked like what I want (48'x24x72) runs between $125-$170/unit depending on quantity discount, and which brand (and wire vs. board shelves). I don't need anything super heavy duty, so when it is time I will get whatever seems to be the best value then. Tractor supply has a good deal on 36"x18" version of the nice stuff.

what I have now (built in, came with the house, formerly store shelves) is only 18" deep so that is probably fine too. I think I will look to get 24' (so 6 units of the 48"). Unless I can get the wife to cut back on stuff to go on it!

Aren’t you moving? Or am I mixing people up?

au1994

Was just quoted 4 month lead-time for a Maverick.

jmonroe1

au1994 said:

Was just quoted 4 month lead-time for a Maverick.

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So, are you going to get in line for that or try to steal one from @corvette or @stickguy today?

jmonroe

au1994

No, just deciding on color. Probably will end up with the Lariat trim.

Atlas Blue, Hot Pepper Red and Terrain are the colors I am considering.

stickguy

I have atlas blue in my lariat. Really looks good on the maverick IMO.

stickguy

@qbrozen said:

@stickguy said:
Thanks Q. I saw that brand while looking. Looked like what I want (48'x24x72) runs between $125-$170/unit depending on quantity discount, and which brand (and wire vs. board shelves). I don't need anything super heavy duty, so when it is time I will get whatever seems to be the best value then. Tractor supply has a good deal on 36"x18" version of the nice stuff.

what I have now (built in, came with the house, formerly store shelves) is only 18" deep so that is probably fine too. I think I will look to get 24' (so 6 units of the 48"). Unless I can get the wife to cut back on stuff to go on it!

Aren’t you moving? Or am I mixing people up?

I am. Probably June. Just planning ahead.

jmonroe1

au1994 said:

No, just deciding on color. Probably will end up with the Lariat trim.

Atlas Blue, Hot Pepper Red and Terrain are the colors I am considering.

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I notice that you didn’t list Old Man’s Gray.

jmonroe

explorerx4

@au1994,
This guy has some info on ordering a Maverick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmjt1lklisM

[Deleted User]

I just went to Vroom to see if my appraisal was there yet, got this instead:



Who knew???

kyfdx

I was just coming on here to say that..

Out of business!

cdnpinhead

The worm has turned.

stickguy

that should dump a lot of inventory into the auctions. Or maybe Carvana will just pick it all up at a discount!

explorerx4

I came here to post the news about Vroom but old news now.
When I sold my F150 to them, their offer was 5K more than anyone else's.

pensfan83

They also gave me the highest offer on Tacoma #1.

corvette

Got my tag renewal in the mail for the Maverick. In KY, we pay a tax based on the value of the vehicle:
My purchase price in 2022: $22,605
Assessed value in 2023: $31,550
Assessed value in 2024: $27,125

Maybe if I keep it long enough, they will assess it for less than I paid for it!

kyfdx

explorerx4 said:

I came here to post the news about Vroom but old news now.
When I sold my F150 to them, their offer was 5K more than anyone else's.

pensfan83 said:

They also gave me the highest offer on Tacoma #1.

Well, gee... I can't figure out why they're going out of business...

stickguy

explorerx4 said:

I came here to post the news about Vroom but old news now.
When I sold my F150 to them, their offer was 5K more than anyone else's.

so, it's your fault?

au1994

They gave me 1300 over payoff on my Crosstrek way back at the beginning of this madness.

au1994

corvette said:

Got my tag renewal in the mail for the Maverick. In KY, we pay a tax based on the value of the vehicle:
My purchase price in 2022: $22,605
Assessed value in 2023: $31,550
Assessed value in 2024: $27,125

Maybe if I keep it long enough, they will assess it for less than I paid for it!

Can you dispute that same as property (home) value?

stickguy

I can't remember where they came in when I was shopping cars. I know they must not have been highest since I didn't use them! I do recall they were the least desirable in terms of how they paid.

explorerx4

Speaking of property taxes, we don't have to pay them on vehicles. I decided check to see if my tax amount was updated after the country sent out a guy to review my house square footage assessment.
The property tax lookup was disabled. My wife picked up the mail and the tax bill was in there.
Coincidence? I doubt it. Guessing the newly approved school impact is in there.

kyfdx

au1994 said:

corvette said:

Got my tag renewal in the mail for the Maverick. In KY, we pay a tax based on the value of the vehicle:
My purchase price in 2022: $22,605
Assessed value in 2023: $31,550
Assessed value in 2024: $27,125

Maybe if I keep it long enough, they will assess it for less than I paid for it!

Can you dispute that same as property (home) value?

You could try. But, KY takes it right out of the NADA guide, so there’s not much you can do. Plus, the state controls the values vs. the county PVA for real estate.

Michaell

Please be kind if you decide to comment.

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

au1994 said:

corvette said:

Got my tag renewal in the mail for the Maverick. In KY, we pay a tax based on the value of the vehicle:
My purchase price in 2022: $22,605
Assessed value in 2023: $31,550
Assessed value in 2024: $27,125

Maybe if I keep it long enough, they will assess it for less than I paid for it!

Can you dispute that same as property (home) value?

You could try. But, KY takes it right out of the NADA guide, so there’s not much you can do. Plus, the state controls the values vs. the county PVA for real estate.

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I’m sure if you had a car that was in rough shape you could dispute their assessment. The state probably has an appeal process but they more than likely would make it as difficult as they could including a short appeal time limit.

jmonroe

ab348

Michaell said:

Please be kind if you decide to comment.

I didn’t realize that was a link at first and was concerned it was a shot across our bow before this discussion was closed like another recently was.

corvette

au1994 said:

Can you dispute that same as property (home) value?

Yes. I did, last year, and nothing happened. Apparently, "the books you use are wrong" isn't a compelling argument to a bureaucrat.

This year, I tried to submit another challenge. New argument (which they actively encourage): the vehicle was damaged in an accident and needs $1,400-ish in repairs. Their system wouldn't let me submit it because it said there was already an active case under the same VIN. I emailed to complain and attempt to register my appeal, but I doubt it will help. And knocking $1,400 off the assessment still leaves it insanely high.

qbrozen

Worked late tonight and just saw vroom news. Came here to post it. Late to the party.

qbrozen

This has my wheels (in my brain) spinning.
https://www.rvlifemag.com/chryslers-300-sedan/

28firefighter

Can’t say I’m surprised about Vroom. The VC backed model just doesn’t work as well with “fixed” assets that are easily subject to market whims - look at Zillow and Redfin home flipping business, Vroom with cars, etc.

Much easier to fudge and keep afloat with investor money when you’re effectively helping make the market like some startup disruptors.

stickguy

Michaell said:

Please be kind if you decide to comment.

rip the bandaid off!

Sandman6472

Busy day Monday, worked till about 6:35 but were sent up to car sales in Ft. Pierce around 3:10 from the PBI lot. After getting out a few buried vehicles, jump starting a couple & two drivers needing petrol, the crew was on its way. Hit traffic coming back on I-95, so switched over to the turnpike which was even worse. I'm usually the go to guy about arriving at home base so I said 6 pm with my lead driver insisting on 6:30, which of course...he won. Hit traffic just after the Bee Line Highway exit and didn't let up too much until almost Delray Beach. Dark when we pulled up to the office and naturally, the last crew in for the night. Figure that if we're already working past 5, might as well get as much time as possible. So I was good with working past sundown. I'd be happy doing three 10 hour days every week as not many weekend hours anymore. The extra income is nice as I'd like to pay cash for as much as a new car as I can in 2024

Starting to get a bit more excited about swapping out the Golf now. Keeping the fuel gauge at around 1/2 a tank. The hard part will be finding the correct vehicle that I'll like as much as my Golf. The Mini Cooper has suddenly jumped into first place followed by the Hyundai Kona. The Bolt again is leaving a meh feeling but I do need to go test drive one to be sure. Wednesday should be the first Bolt test drive & then we'll go from there. There must be a reason as to why the dark gray 1LT unit at Miami Lakes Chevy is at that price. Maybe leasing one is the way to go as it would only be a 3 year commitment and walk away with nothing. Too many unanswered questions with owning one. And a hybrid could be the best alternative here. Lots of homework & seat time to come up with any kind of plan right now so best to just get 'er done. Would love a 2LT model with the alloys off a 1LT but that might cause all kinds of chaos. On the other hand, a totally doable scenario as far as I'm concerned. I want what I want this time & will not settle for anything less

qbrozen

@28firefighter said:
Can’t say I’m surprised about Vroom. The VC backed model just doesn’t work as well with “fixed” assets that are easily subject to market whims - look at Zillow and Redfin home flipping business, Vroom with cars, etc.

Much easier to fudge and keep afloat with investor money when you’re effectively helping make the market like some startup disruptors.

I think we all knew it was just a matter of time. I thought Carvana would be first, though.

My wife asked me last night why such a place failed. I said it was because there was no responsible, experienced car buyer making the purchasing decisions. You can’t have a bunch of kids running around with an algorithm in an ipad buying up inventory willy nilly. Imagine buying stocks in the same manner without understanding the peaks, troughs, and trends. Nobody ever said “buy high, sell low.”

explorerx4

@qbrozen,
Towing that trailer with that car seems risky. That must be an old article, the 3.5 has been gone for a while.

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

@qbrozen,
Towing that trailer with that car seems risky. That must be an old article, the 3.5 has been gone for a while.

article isn't new, but the writer mentions they bought a used 3.5 (after using a 5.7 model for 4 years) and that the 3.6 is the current engine.

I came upon the article when searching for the towing capacity. Oddly, I can't seem to find a solid answer. I have found 1000 lbs, 2000 lbs, and as much as nearly 2000 kg! etrailer sells a hitch that can handle 8000 lbs for it.

Not saying I want to tow a crazy amount, but I'm kinda curious how it would handle about 3500 lbs of braked trailer.

stickguy

Probably just fine. A maverick is rated for 4k

ab348

Just saw an article on C&D about the 2025 Chevy Equinox (not the EV version), which has been refreshed. Somewhat new styling, new glass dash, new model hierarchy, but the same old 1.5T engine. That's a shame.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a46491580/2025-chevrolet-equinox-revealed/

corvette

20.2 seconds to get from 0-60 km/h with the trailer attached sounds dangerously slow. It's not good, even if they meant mph.

corvette

Got the plates for the Volt. Of course, they expire in March since my birthday is in March. I guess I should expect a renewal notice in the mail shortly.

qbrozen

corvette said:

20.2 seconds to get from 0-60 km/h with the trailer attached sounds dangerously slow. It's not good, even if they meant mph.

I drive kei cars. 60 mph isn't even feasible most times. lol.