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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832
    Was out and about running a couple errands during lunch today and saw this on the lot at the local BMW dealer. https://www.bmwlynnwood.com/used-Lynnwood-2015-BMW-X3-xDrive28d-5UXWY3C55F0F83929

    Good heartbreaker for someone.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    @qbrozen From a purchase standpoint, I feel like the Toyota might give you more upside potential unless interest is strong on the auction. The Honda is probably more of a sure thing in terms of the speed at which you could turn it around.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907

    Was out and about running a couple errands during lunch today and saw this on the lot at the local BMW dealer. https://www.bmwlynnwood.com/used-Lynnwood-2015-BMW-X3-xDrive28d-5UXWY3C55F0F83929

    Good heartbreaker for someone.

    That's nice.

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  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    I like the diesel! With the miles, though, it's probably ready for something major.... if not the EGR, then either DPF, SCR parts, or both. :/
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907
    Not bad miles for a 9 year old diesel, though.

    It's really loaded with options.

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  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832
    edited March 2024
    One owner - clearly bought it, loved it, traded it - my guess is likely a custom order of some kind given the options.

    Still going to be a heartbreaker. As @xwesx says - going to be due for a lot.

    If it were available with the CarMax warranty that'd be another story....
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    After staring at it for a while, I backed off the Honda. The condition wasn't wow'ing me. Usually a 4 is very good but rarely do I see it with a C grade interior and C exterior.

    The Toyo doesn't go off till tomorrow night.

    Meanwhile... I came upon 2 other interesting vehicles. A '96 Volvo 850R with seats I've never seen before and a blue I don't think I've seen before (without bidding, I won't know if it is original). I'd post a pic if I could (but the seats look like the tan version of these: https://elwoodindustries.com/850Rseats.html). Miles are quite low at less than 45k. I bet it goes for a pretty penny, though. It is, however, RHD. I likely won't bother, but it is nice to see a clean low-mileage R.

    The other is not in a condition I'd ever bid on, save for the fact this is really rare. A '95 Fiat Panda 4x4 manual trans. Blue with a red rollback top. This also happens to be LHD. About 75k'ish miles. It is an R, meaning accident history, and current condition is a C/C. It doesn't look bad in the low-res pics, and the plaid seats are snazzy. They look like the ones in this example: https://ruylclassics.nl/ClassicCars/fiat-panda-4x4-jan-2002/?taal=EN
    I'm really considering this one, even in the questionable condition. I'll probably punk out, though.


    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297

    Found this cool old sign in Seymour, Indiana my travels yesterday. Apparently there were more than one of these stores. One of my childhood friends owns the building where another store was located in Madison.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    edited March 2024
    @qbrozen - That 850R sounds interesting. I seem to remember that the T5-R was only available in black or yellow, production was extremely limited, and I think all the interiors were black, but I think the 850R came later and was more widely available.
  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    edited March 2024
    If I am going to get a Maverick, the dealer I’m using says it’s a 4 month lead-time now. That means within the next 30-45 days I’ve got to make my decision and place my order. Not that he’s going to hold me to it if I change my mind.

    So today I drove of all things, a 4Runner. Is it old school and analog? Yes. A little crude and rough? Yes. But I have to say, it wasn’t bad. I was able to get comfortable which had been a problem with Toyotas and their flat floor. The old V6 and 5spd automatic isn’t going to win any races but it’s fine. MPG estimates are terrible though, 17-19. Rode well and very roomy on the inside. This was an SR5 Premium 4x4 and stickered for $51k with a bunch of SE Toyota add on BS. I don’t think I’d kick it out of the garage. I like the tougher, truckier look of it over the Pathfinder. I think there is a redesign for ‘25 so maybe they will start incentivizing the ‘24’s.

    Not hearing of any deals on the new Tacoma or Frontier right now.

    I did get an email from Chrysler Financial or whatever they call themselves today with a copy to the dealer saying I have equity to roll into another Jeep. I know at best I am even but I still sent a note to the dealer “hey I’m interested” but heard nothing. As I said, I wouldn’t kick a JGC out of the garage either.

    The Maverick is certainly the cost and value leader in this game. Even a Lariat is going to come very well equipped at ~$40k which I am not touching in any of the SUVs above.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384

    I like that panda. Might change if I drove it though. and getting parts I imagine is a big issue.

    I can only imagine my wife’s face if I brought that home.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806

    @corvette said:
    Found this cool old sign in Seymour, Indiana my travels yesterday. Apparently there were more than one of these stores. One of my childhood friends owns the building where another store was located in Madison.

    Were you born in a small town - like Johnny Cougar Mellencamp in Seymour IN?

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689

    One owner - clearly bought it, loved it, traded it - my guess is likely a custom order of some kind given the options.

    Still going to be a heartbreaker. As @xwesx says - going to be due for a lot.

    If it were available with the CarMax warranty that'd be another story....

    Is that car actually black? For some reason, it strikes me as dark blue, but the description claims black.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806

    Carbon black has a lot of metallic in it and it is a chameleon in different lighting.

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339

    Was out and about running a couple errands during lunch today and saw this on the lot at the local BMW dealer. https://www.bmwlynnwood.com/used-Lynnwood-2015-BMW-X3-xDrive28d-5UXWY3C55F0F83929

    Good heartbreaker for someone.

    ————————————————
    As long as it ain’t yours.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    Carbon Black Metallic is an amazing color on that X3.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217

    Was out and about running a couple errands during lunch today and saw this on the lot at the local BMW dealer. https://www.bmwlynnwood.com/used-Lynnwood-2015-BMW-X3-xDrive28d-5UXWY3C55F0F83929

    Good heartbreaker for someone.

    Ouch, that mileage. Somebody must have enjoyed driving it but then again that’s only 12k miles a year.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    corvette said:


    Found this cool old sign in Seymour, Indiana my travels yesterday. Apparently there were more than one of these stores. One of my childhood friends owns the building where another store was located in Madison.

    such a good looking trucklet.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    that X3 is pretty sharp. I love the interior.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    AU, have you had a chance to get some real wheel time in a Maverick?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    corvette said:


    Found this cool old sign in Seymour, Indiana my travels yesterday. Apparently there were more than one of these stores. One of my childhood friends owns the building where another store was located in Madison.

    such a good looking trucklet.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339

    One owner - clearly bought it, loved it, traded it - my guess is likely a custom order of some kind given the options.

    Still going to be a heartbreaker. As @xwesx says - going to be due for a lot.

    If it were available with the CarMax warranty that'd be another story....

    ————————————————
    Then that’d be another 3 grand.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    qbrozen said:

    such a good looking trucklet.

    Thanks! It was dirty in that picture (and still is), but you can't really tell. I've grown to love the steel wheels. It very much punches above its weight and price class. Hate to admit it in this group, but I hope to keep it around for a long while.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    In other news, it appears Chevrolet has extended the warranty for the battery ECM in the Volt--likely to avoid being forced to recall them, which is slightly reassuring. Once the Maverick is paid off (late 2025), I may consider replacing the Volt with a pure EV.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    qbrozen said:

    corvette said:


    Found this cool old sign in Seymour, Indiana my travels yesterday. Apparently there were more than one of these stores. One of my childhood friends owns the building where another store was located in Madison.

    such a good looking trucklet.
    Looks even better in blue!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    I've been reading about the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53; a PHEV with 576 hp and a pure EV range of about 40 miles. I wish that they would fit that powertrain into the C Class, as I'm not all that enamored with a four cylinder cranked up to 11.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,726
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • clm8clm8 Member Posts: 75
    mjfloyd1 said:

    @corvette said:

    Found this cool old sign in Seymour, Indiana my travels yesterday. Apparently there were more than one of these stores. One of my childhood friends owns the building where another store was located in Madison.

    Were you born in a small town - like Johnny Cougar Mellencamp in Seymour IN?


    That's where I was born, my wife too. She grew up there, I moved a little north.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506

    @au1994 said:
    If I am going to get a Maverick, the dealer I’m using says it’s a 4 month lead-time now. That means within the next 30-45 days I’ve got to make my decision and place my order. Not that he’s going to hold me to it if I change my mind.

    So today I drove of all things, a 4Runner. Is it old school and analog? Yes. A little crude and rough? Yes. But I have to say, it wasn’t bad. I was able to get comfortable which had been a problem with Toyotas and their flat floor. The old V6 and 5spd automatic isn’t going to win any races but it’s fine. MPG estimates are terrible though, 17-19. Rode well and very roomy on the inside. This was an SR5 Premium 4x4 and stickered for $51k with a bunch of SE Toyota add on BS. I don’t think I’d kick it out of the garage. I like the tougher, truckier look of it over the Pathfinder. I think there is a redesign for ‘25 so maybe they will start incentivizing the ‘24’s.

    Not hearing of any deals on the new Tacoma or Frontier right now.

    I did get an email from Chrysler Financial or whatever they call themselves today with a copy to the dealer saying I have equity to roll into another Jeep. I know at best I am even but I still sent a note to the dealer “hey I’m interested” but heard nothing. As I said, I wouldn’t kick a JGC out of the garage either.

    The Maverick is certainly the cost and value leader in this game. Even a Lariat is going to come very well equipped at ~$40k which I am not touching in any of the SUVs above.

    I’m very curious to see if you can get your hands on a Limited. The Limiteds have the adaptive TSS suspension that the GX has. I love the look of the 4Runner.

    The PA broker that @corvette and I have both leased from has been advertising thousands off sticker on 4Runners and leasing numbers in the $5s. Although those might have been leftover 2023s. Might be worth it for you to buy up north and have it shipped so you don’t have to deal with SET?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806

    @clm8 said:
    That's where I was born, my wife too. She grew up there, I moved a little north.

    Columbus? I work there a couple of days a month.

    I grew up in Vincennes- now in Bloomington

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • clm8clm8 Member Posts: 75
    mjfloyd1 said:

    @clm8 said:

    That's where I was born, my wife too. She grew up there, I moved a little north.

    Columbus? I work there a couple of days a month.

    I grew up in Vincennes- now in Bloomington


    Yes, Columbus. Went to IU.
  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806

    How did you let that one get away?

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,726
    @roadburner,
    That thing looks like a Pep Boys dream car.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,471
    OK, I need all y'alls help.

    A friend of a friend had her car blow up over the weekend. 2010 Hyundai Accent, bought within the last year with 120K on it, for $3K. Had it inspected by a mechanic, came back clean.

    Timing chain broke (current odometer reading is around 133K) and, being an interference engine, the pistons and cylinders danced an unnatural dance. Preliminary estimate is north of $2K to fix.

    Should she bite the bullet and invest the money in a repair, or should she hunt for a replacement? Finding anything under $5K is a challenge, as you all know, but I've found several candidates with similar mileage. She's not picky about what she gets, though she did mention she'd like something that can "handle snow better".

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    mjfloyd1 said:

    I grew up in Vincennes- now in Bloomington

    Then you're qualified to answer... Bobe's Pizza - worth a trip? And if so, which one?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    @Michaell - if this person has decent credit, it might be time to finance something newer and move up the automotive food chain. Sinking over $2k into a 14 year old vehicle you bought a year ago and probably don't know the full history of doesn't sound like a win to me.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    @nyccarguy @au1994 - I'm not sure what it costs to ship, but it's super easy to fly into the Philly airport, take the train (which drops you off across the street from the Toyota dealer), and drive back, which is what I did.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    $2k sounds like a drop in the bucket for an interference engine that was trashed. Likely could end up well above that I would think. Really depends on how comfortable with the estimate you are, and more importantly, how is the rest of the car? Not worth spending the money on the engine if the tranny is on the way out the door.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506

    @Michaell said:
    OK, I need all y'alls help.

    A friend of a friend had her car blow up over the weekend. 2010 Hyundai Accent, bought within the last year with 120K on it, for $3K. Had it inspected by a mechanic, came back clean.

    Timing chain broke (current odometer reading is around 133K) and, being an interference engine, the pistons and cylinders danced an unnatural dance. Preliminary estimate is north of $2K to fix.

    Should she bite the bullet and invest the money in a repair, or should she hunt for a replacement? Finding anything under $5K is a challenge, as you all know, but I've found several candidates with similar mileage. She's not picky about what she gets, though she did mention she'd like something that can "handle snow better".

    It’s a tough spot to be in for sure. Anything she finds under $8K is going to need something. Whether it is now or in 6 months all depends on how well the car was treated. Is the damage estimate $2K or is it going to be $3,500 when it’s all said and done. Get the car fixed and at least she’ll know it was repaired properly? Better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don’t?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    corvette said:

    @Michaell - if this person has decent credit, it might be time to finance something newer and move up the automotive food chain. Sinking over $2k into a 14 year old vehicle you bought a year ago and probably don't know the full history of doesn't sound like a win to me.

    While I fully agree with this, I would also offer the caveat that replacing the engine, if it can be done for under $3K, is preferable to rolling the dice on another $5K vehicle.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    for under 3K you are getting a junkyard unit so entirely possible you go through this again soon because those engines are not known for aging gracefully.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786

    Rumors from the twitterverse that Jaguar is done this year. Tata wants to spin it off, maybe sell it to a Chinese company who wants to use the brand to export globally. Multiple dealers confirming that there have been two rounds of buybacks, offers of extra Range Rover allocations, etc to close them out of the brand. Wild if true…

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    Laura's dada is going to have a major sad now.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767

    I'm sad about this

    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740

    @Michaell said:
    OK, I need all y'alls help.

    A friend of a friend had her car blow up over the weekend. 2010 Hyundai Accent, bought within the last year with 120K on it, for $3K. Had it inspected by a mechanic, came back clean.

    Timing chain broke (current odometer reading is around 133K) and, being an interference engine, the pistons and cylinders danced an unnatural dance. Preliminary estimate is north of $2K to fix.

    Should she bite the bullet and invest the money in a repair, or should she hunt for a replacement? Finding anything under $5K is a challenge, as you all know, but I've found several candidates with similar mileage. She's not picky about what she gets, though she did mention she'd like something that can "handle snow better".

    As others mentioned, some of this depends on the rest of the car. But she could drop the cash and have the transmission break the next day. Of course, could have that happen on another used car, too. I usually look at it this way: if I’m shopping, would I choose to buy this car for $2k after it is fixed?

    I’d also note that, if the “fix” is dropping in a junkyard engine, I wouldn’t do it. If getting a new chain, tensioner, guides, and a reman’d head for that price, I probably would. As others said here, too, that price seems too good to be true. Could get the head off and say “whoops. Pistons damaged, too.”

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806

    @corvette said:
    Then you're qualified to answer... Bobe's Pizza - worth a trip? And if so, which one?

    If you like really tomato-y sauce you will like it. I’ve never really liked it so…I’m not your best person for this. I’ll check with my wife - there is a Bobe’s in Lawrenceville IL as well.

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    pensfan83 said:

    I'm sad about this

    Man! That's about a 9.8 on the suck-o-meter. How did that happen?

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806

    Looks like classic curb damage to my eye. Metal vs concrete and concrete wins

This discussion has been closed.