Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

breld said:

@au1994 - 100% agree. This is the first dedicated Genesis dealership in Colorado. What’s interesting is this was the old Hyundai building - they tore it down and built a beautiful new facility for Genesis, and moved Hyundai to its own new building in a separate location, near a BMW and Infiniti/Maserati/Alfa/Maclaren dealerships.

No one asked me, but I would have thought putting the Genesis in the new location next to those premium brands (in an affluent area of town) would have been the smarter move.

I think keeping the Genesis location where it is makes more sense as it's centrally located - more of the Denver metro area can get to that dealership quickly. Plus, there are fewer Genesis dealerships in general.

With Hyundai, there are more dealers, and locating that one where they did will appeal to more folks on that side of town.

I do wonder, however, if they will have to do something with prices to pay for that fancy new building - they aren't the "volume" Hyundai dealer in Colorado, for sure.

ab348

nyccarguy said:

@oldfarmer50

Yes that’s my Prelude. Yes. I’ve spent a bundle this year & much more last year sorting it out. The current pattern is fix, drive 1,000 miles, something breaks/leaks…

Damn Hondas! Something is always broken on them. Just can't make a good car I guess. Don't know why people just don't buy a Chevy...

sda

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Ugh. Fun of an older car. Are you able to determine the source of the leak?

nyccarguy

@ab348 - LOL! I really can't say anything!

@sda - not yet. We just got back from vacation late Saturday night. Sunday was for unpacking, grocery shopping, & laundry. Today is my 1st day back at work. If I was smart, I'd get the leak & AC fixed, sell the car, & buy @pensfan83 's '97 from him:)

ab348

The always interesting Harry Metcalfe posted a road trip report on his travels from his home in the UK to the south of France in his new-to-him McLaren 650. As always, the settings and the scenery he captured on the French back roads are very engaging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5pevFi6IEo

tifighter

@ab348 said:
The always interesting Harry Metcalfe posted a road trip report on his travels from his home in the UK to the south of France in his new-to-him McLaren 650. As always, the settings and the scenery he captured on the French back roads are very engaging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5pevFi6IEo

I enjoyed this video because, while I haven’t spent a ton of time in France, I have driven through some of these areas as well. Hertz didn’t have a McLaren for me, though.

explorerx4

Downrated horsepower for 2025 Maverick ecoboost explained.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-fZrIZidgI

breld

I always find it interesting to dig through the lease contract and actual numbers.

At the end of the day, the dealership came back with the monthly payment I expected, based on my calculation using the base money factor and reasonable discount, along with rebates of course. So...all's good.

In the finance office, they offered all the usual protection packages, all of which we declined, but then the finance manager asked, if he could keep the payment the same, which package would you like? So he "threw in" the excess wear and tear protection for the same payment.

So...per the lease contract, there's $600 for that excess wear and tear protection, offset by a larger discount off the vehicle, and then based on the numbers, I back into a money factor that is indeed marked up, but again, offset by higher discounts than expected.

Maybe that means I left something on the table (not that I care), but I think it's more about the dealership moving profits around as they see fit. I'm genuinely intrigued by all this.

au1994

breld said:

I always find it interesting to dig through the lease contract and actual numbers.

At the end of the day, the dealership came back with the monthly payment I expected, based on my calculation using the base money factor and reasonable discount, along with rebates of course. So...all's good.

In the finance office, they offered all the usual protection packages, all of which we declined, but then the finance manager asked, if he could keep the payment the same, which package would you like? So he "threw in" the excess wear and tear protection for the same payment.

So...per the lease contract, there's $600 for that excess wear and tear protection, offset by a larger discount off the vehicle, and then based on the numbers, I back into a money factor that is indeed marked up, but again, offset by higher discounts than expected.

Maybe that means I left something on the table (not that I care), but I think it's more about the dealership moving profits around as they see fit. I'm genuinely intrigued by all this.

Exactly this. When I got the Audi, we arrived at a number using my figures but the sales guy told me what he was going to do with the MF. Ok, cool payment is the same and if it helps you or your finance guy…

tjc78

I’ve had that happen too. They lower the discount and bump the MF after they agree to a sales price and base MF.

mjfloyd1

@breld - what is G

breld said:

I always find it interesting to dig through the lease contract and actual numbers.

At the end of the day, the dealership came back with the monthly payment I expected, based on my calculation using the base money factor and reasonable discount, along with rebates of course. So...all's good.

In the finance office, they offered all the usual protection packages, all of which we declined, but then the finance manager asked, if he could keep the payment the same, which package would you like? So he "threw in" the excess wear and tear protection for the same payment.

So...per the lease contract, there's $600 for that excess wear and tear protection, offset by a larger discount off the vehicle, and then based on the numbers, I back into a money factor that is indeed marked up, but again, offset by higher discounts than expected.

Maybe that means I left something on the table (not that I care), but I think it's more about the dealership moving profits around as they see fit. I'm genuinely intrigued by all this.

I bet there are bonuses for selling a certain amount of the extra packages and the bonus is larger than the extra discount that is offered

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Oh no, that’s not the Prelude is it? Didn’t you just spend a bundle sorting it out?

Define a "bundle?"

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Oh no, that’s not the Prelude is it? Didn’t you just spend a bundle sorting it out?

Define a "bundle?"

jmonroe1

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Oh no, that’s not the Prelude is it? Didn’t you just spend a bundle sorting it out?

Define a "bundle?"

————————————————
If I had to guess I’d say a good bit more than a handful of oil changes. Maybe even more than a hooptie price.

jmonroe

Michaell

Lease calculations - it’s all about who gets more commission. Salesman based on the selling price; finance manager for the packages and MF bump.

So long as you’re happy with the payment…

stickguy

explorerx4 said:

Downrated horsepower for 2025 Maverick ecoboost explained.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-fZrIZidgI

Never heard of the gas particulate filter. wonder what kind of maintenance that will need? I doubt I would ever notice the small HP difference though. Plus, another reason to go hybrid, especially now since the only advantage of the Eco (AWD) no longer applies!

stickguy

that was my theory on the leases. If I got the cheap price I wanted, I did not care how they made the numbers work. Though quite possibly the finance guy in effectively stealing some of the salesman's commission.

Michaell

@stickguy said:
Though quite possibly the finance guy in effectively stealing some of the salesman's commission.

That’s it, exactly.

explorerx4

How much was the most expensive add on package?
If there was a more expensive one than was picked, there still could be something left for the for the salesperson.

nyccarguy

@andres3 said:
Define a "bundle?"

Definitely not “new Audi engine” bundle. You get the crown for that.

Between the new clutch I had put in a few years ago, but not that many miles ago, the work last year (which I don’t want to bore you with the details AGAIN), and this year’s work I wouldn’t be shocked if it was close to $8K. Money that would be well spent if I had a perfect, running, driving car to use most of the summer and part of the fall (some Spring too). I think if I go and add up the receipts I won’t be happy.

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Oh no, that’s not the Prelude is it? Didn’t you just spend a bundle sorting it out?

Define a "bundle?"

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bundle

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Oh no, that’s not the Prelude is it? Didn’t you just spend a bundle sorting it out?

Define a "bundle?"

Slightly more than a lot.☺️

mjfloyd1

Rite Aid settlement for @andres3 - but they still won’t take the watch back😇

https://www.woodsrogers.com/insights/publications/pharmacies-and-pharmacists-in-the-crosshairs-dojs-408-million-settlement-with-rite-aid#:~:text=Last week, the Department of,for powerful and addictive opioids.”

jmonroe1

mjfloyd1 said:

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Owning an older car isn’t for the faint of heart:

Oh no, that’s not the Prelude is it? Didn’t you just spend a bundle sorting it out?

Define a "bundle?"

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bundle

————————————————
More than we wanted to know.

jmonroe

stickguy

figure out where the oil slick is coming from yet?

roadburner

I just picked up a set of five 2024 Rubicon 17x8 takeoffs, including TPMS. Any guesses as to what I paid?

stickguy

no tires? $500

fintail

Another new car in my orbit - my boss/director showed up today in a 2025 MDX Advance (not an S - she didn't like the bolstering of the seats). She had been talking about a new car with more room than her high spec 2017 Outback, everything from Grand Cherokee to 4Runner to GX. She's quite thrilled with the luxury and refinement of it, especially fond of the massaging seats already.

nyccarguy

$275?

roadburner

Zero, zip, nada. My dealer is also an AEV dealer and replaces those wheels on AEV conversions. The dealer posts them on their FB page and it's first come first served. The only condition is that you actually put them on your Jeep and not resell them. They popped up today and a fellow Jeep owner knew I wanted a set and went ahead and grabbed them for me. He has a TJ Unlimited Rubicon and his wife has a Rubicon 4xe.

corvette

Can't beat the price, plus they look great!

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

Zero, zip, nada. My dealer is also an AEV dealer and replaces those wheels on AEV conversions. The dealer posts them on their FB page and it's first come first served. The only condition is that you actually put them on your Jeep and not resell them. They popped up today and a fellow Jeep owner knew I wanted a set and went ahead and grabbed them for me. He has a TJ Unlimited Rubicon and his wife has a Rubicon 4xe.

————————————————
Now that’s what I call a real friend. So when are you taking him out for dinner?

jmonroe

28firefighter

Wow that’s awesome! Amazing to hear of a dealer not trying to make a quick dollar when they’re already making thousands from the conversion.

nyccarguy

I posted this car before - price keeps dropping - I am drawn to it:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/382019018

Thoughts on this:

https://www.faulknerhondadoylestown.com/search/used-doylestown-pa/?q=Lexus&cy=18902&tp=used

28firefighter

Like that ES330 way more than the Accord.

Neither really spark any passion in me, though! I enjoy rolling the dice with my used car purchases hahaha

stickguy

miles in that gray area on the Accord. Not super high, but definitely not low. To me, depends on what your plans are for it. A kid to use locally, sure, won't accumulate too fast. But start commuting like you do and it will get high fast!

what's the other one (goes to a list of their inventory). the 89k 2005 for $7,500? that is old but looks nice. Could be a nice buy. but still 20 YO is going to have some needs.

au1994

The Accord could be a good kid car.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

Zero, zip, nada. My dealer is also an AEV dealer and replaces those wheels on AEV conversions. The dealer posts them on their FB page and it's first come first served. The only condition is that you actually put them on your Jeep and not resell them. They popped up today and a fellow Jeep owner knew I wanted a set and went ahead and grabbed them for me. He has a TJ Unlimited Rubicon and his wife has a Rubicon 4xe.

Bribing a judge with free wheels? Are you aspiring for a higher court?😳

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

I posted this car before - price keeps dropping - I am drawn to it:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/382019018

Thoughts on this:

https://www.faulknerhondadoylestown.com/search/used-doylestown-pa/?q=Lexus&cy=18902&tp=used

Can’t go wrong with the Honda for that price if it checks out. First time CarGurus had to verify my device before opening.

Not sure what the second car was because an entire inventory page came up but from other comments I assume it was the Lexus. Nice car but very little tech if that’s important.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

miles in that gray area on the Accord. Not super high, but definitely not low. To me, depends on what your plans are for it. A kid to use locally, sure, won't accumulate too fast. But start commuting like you do and it will get high fast!

what's the other one (goes to a list of their inventory). the 89k 2005 for $7,500? that is old but looks nice. Could be a nice buy. but still 20 YO is going to have some needs.

Besides rust (which is easy to spot, not pun intended), I think transmissions are neglected and can be an expensive failure point, especially with so many auto makers specifying "lifetime fill." There is also a point of no return at 100K ish miles where if the transmission fluid has never been changed that it can actually harm. I saw a very nice '08 Acura TL in Black on FB marketplace for sale in an upscale suburb. 155K miles for $4K. The Honda Transmissions of that era mated to the V6 are scary. EDIT: The TL Sold

Toyota seems to make a solid transmission. It seems like the V6s tend to leak oil if the valve cover gaskets haven't been replaced. I've also seen mention of 4cy Camrys that need to have the alternator replaced preventatively.

nyccarguy

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

I posted this car before - price keeps dropping - I am drawn to it:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/382019018

Thoughts on this:

https://www.faulknerhondadoylestown.com/search/used-doylestown-pa/?q=Lexus&cy=18902&tp=used

Can’t go wrong with the Honda for that price if it checks out. First time CarGurus had to verify my device before opening.

Not sure what the second car was because an entire inventory page came up but from other comments I assume it was the Lexus. Nice car but very little tech if that’s important.

The Lexus is an '05 ES330 (Fancy V6 Camry) with 89K miles listed for $7,500 by a Honda Dealer in Doylestown, PA.

I've had the Honda saved on Car Gurus for a while. They've steadily dropped the price. It has 2 accidents on the CARFAX, but it is a 5-Speed Manual.

stickguy

I would avoid the ATs if that era (4 and 6 cyl) but I had a manual 2005 and it was great.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

Like that ES330 way more than the Accord.

Neither really spark any passion in me, though! I enjoy rolling the dice with my used car purchases hahaha

My old Japanese car is enough for me to deal with. You definitely like to "also live dangerously. HIT ME!"

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

figure out where the oil slick is coming from yet?

No. Not yet. Partially because I haven't had the time and partially because when I do find the leak it isn't going to be a cheap fix.

qbrozen

@nyccarguy said:
I posted this car before - price keeps dropping - I am drawn to it:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/382019018

Thoughts on this:

https://www.faulknerhondadoylestown.com/search/used-doylestown-pa/?q=Lexus&cy=18902&tp=used

A manual does not make an Accord fun, IMHO. It is an under steering wet noodle, no matter which drivetrain.

If you want a real Lexus, get this one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285977061582

;b

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

@nyccarguy said:

I posted this car before - price keeps dropping - I am drawn to it:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/382019018

Thoughts on this:

https://www.faulknerhondadoylestown.com/search/used-doylestown-pa/?q=Lexus&cy=18902&tp=used

A manual does not make an Accord fun, IMHO. It is an under steering wet noodle, no matter which drivetrain.

If you want a real Lexus, get this one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285977061582

;b

Amazing condition! Looks perfect for me. Don't know how good of an idea it would be to teach a 16 year old how to drive on it? Or give it to a 17 year old with Autism.

How are you feeling today?

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

I posted this car before - price keeps dropping - I am drawn to it:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/382019018

Thoughts on this:

https://www.faulknerhondadoylestown.com/search/used-doylestown-pa/?q=Lexus&cy=18902&tp=used

Can’t go wrong with the Honda for that price if it checks out. First time CarGurus had to verify my device before opening.

Not sure what the second car was because an entire inventory page came up but from other comments I assume it was the Lexus. Nice car but very little tech if that’s important.

The Lexus is an '05 ES330 (Fancy V6 Camry) with 89K miles listed for $7,500 by a Honda Dealer in Doylestown, PA.

I've had the Honda saved on Car Gurus for a while. They've steadily dropped the price. It has 2 accidents on the CARFAX, but it is a 5-Speed Manual.

There was a time that I wouldn’t touch a vehicle with accident history but now I consider them on a case by case basis. The one thing I look for (other than the severity of the accident) is how long did the owner have the car after the accident repair. If it was patched up and immediately sold I’d be suspicious that the repair was subpar or that it rattled and crab-walked to the point that it was dumped. On the other hand if it was a minor accident, the owner kept it for a number of years afterwards and the repairs look well done I’d just use the history as a negotiating tool.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

figure out where the oil slick is coming from yet?

No. Not yet. Partially because I haven't had the time and partially because when I do find the leak it isn't going to be a cheap fix.

Maybe the oil filter is loose or double gasketed. I ruined an engine changing the oil in the dark and missing that the old gasket was still there.

What’s your oil level?

qbrozen

@nyccarguy said:
Amazing condition! Looks perfect for me. Don't know how good of an idea it would be to teach a 16 year old how to drive on it? Or give it to a 17 year old with Autism.

How are you feeling today?

Autistic probably handles it better than most. Me and my son are on the spectrum and have no problem switching between vehicles. I think it is just the way we visualize things. Of course, no 2 autistics are the same.

Feeling much better, thanks for asking.

stickguy

I like the Toyota. Can you move the steering wheel over to the left side though?