Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

28firefighter said:

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.

I remember seeing a new E34 M5 at an out of state BMW dealer with a $5,000 upcharge for forged BBS wheels. In the parts department of the same dealer were the takeoff tires/wheels- for $2,500.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

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.”

They took the watch back.... only they would only return their reduced sale price that they conveniently had started that very day I was returning the watch (and it was morning hours still).

qbrozen

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

Of course!
Just gotta move it back when you want to steer the car.

jmonroe1

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.

————————————————
The leak might be because the car sat not used for too long. Top off the oil then try running it around for a while to see if the leak cures itself a little.

One time when I lived in SC I put my Son’s ‘74 Omega in the garage when we went back to the Burgh for a few weeks. When I returned I went to move it out of the garage. It started up just fine but when I put it in reverse it didn’t move an inch. I looked under the car and the large piece of heavy cardboard (from a refrigerator) that I placed under the tranny, because it had a small leak, was completely saturated. I had to put about 3 quarts of automatic transmission fluid in it before it would move and it was fine after that. It returned to its small leak condition and never got any worse. I sold the car about 2 years later to the lead guy I hired to pack the trucks when I moved back to the Burgh. I told him about the tranny leak but he was still thrilled to buy it for $300 (with less than a 100K miles on it) in August of 1997.

Sometimes leaks are not as bad as you first think. Especially after a car has sat unused for a while.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

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.”

They took the watch back.... only they would only return their reduced sale price that they conveniently had started that very day I was returning the watch (and it was morning hours still).

Did you have both keys?😎

roadburner

@nyccarguy
Add some Liqui Moly Motor Oil Saver; it can't hurt and may help.

roadburner

I had a great experience at my Jeep dealer; the oil change and tire rotation were free and those services and the recall took about 75 minutes.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I had a great experience at my Jeep dealer; the oil change and tire rotation were free and those services and the recall took about 75 minutes.

But did they have the same caliber snacks as the Mercedes dealer?

For what it is worth when I was at the Honda dealer I never even got to see the goodies.

mjfloyd1

@roadburner said:
I had a great experience at my Jeep dealer; the oil change and tire rotation were free and those services and the recall took about 75 minutes.

That’s probably the Jeep wave program. Mine had 3 prepaid oil changes and tire rotations

roadburner

I don't think that Jeep Wave applies to used vehicles. I think that the dealer provides it as a way to encourage customers to use their service department.

corvette

jmonroe1 said:

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

mjfloyd1

@roadburner said:
I don't think that Jeep Wave applies to used vehicles. I think that the dealer provides it as a way to encourage customers to use their service department.

I figured they would “accidentally “ use the prior owner’s info

pensfan83

I have to take the MDX in for service in the next few weeks and CPO gets the first one free. I was previously assured it didn't matter if the servicing dealer isn't the same as the purchase dealer.

corvette

The dealer claims no problem found with the transmission shifting on my dad's Ranger. I offered to swap the Maverick with him for a couple of weeks if he wants me to drive it and see what I think, but he said he thinks I can probably take a short test drive and give my opinion.

Also, their 25+ year old diesel John Deere garden tractor started spewing coolant out of its radiator cap. It turns out that the (original) thermostat grenaded itself. He's going to replace that and the radiator cap for good measure, but the Deere dealer did not have the thermostat gasket in stock. As you might guess, the factory gasket turned into a flaky mess as soon as he removed the thermostat. It's a great tractor, but it seems like it needs something repaired every year.

andres3

The BMW has now at least 2 times broke hard for no reason while I'm trying to park. The sensors and nannies are far more likely to cause a wreck than prevent one at this rate. Both times I was barely moving, but the abrupt braking is very alarming and head-scratch-inducing.

In the history of human bad ideas, self driving nannies has got to be one of the biggest.

tifighter

My neighbor has a really fun car collection.

Once summer hits, they start to come out of the garage. He just got the Figaro. Not yet pictured- many vintage Alfas, more micro cars, etc.

explorerx4

A Messerschmitt Kabinenroller. I remember seeing them in their natural environment.

jmonroe1

corvette said:

The dealer claims no problem found with the transmission shifting on my dad's Ranger. I offered to swap the Maverick with him for a couple of weeks if he wants me to drive it and see what I think, but he said he thinks I can probably take a short test drive and give my opinion.

Also, their 25+ year old diesel John Deere garden tractor started spewing coolant out of its radiator cap. It turns out that the (original) thermostat grenaded itself. He's going to replace that and the radiator cap for good measure, but the Deere dealer did not have the thermostat gasket in stock. As you might guess, the factory gasket turned into a flaky mess as soon as he removed the thermostat. It's a great tractor, but it seems like it needs something repaired every year.

————————————————
Many years ago when I pulled into the garage I smelled antifreeze. I popped the hood and saw the thermostat housing hissing steam. The auto parts stores were closed so I figured what the he’ll, I had a sheet of gasket paper, so why not try to make one. I used a sharp xacto knife and 20 minutes later the handmade gasket was installed. It didn’t leak but to be safe, the next time I was near an auto parts, I bought a gasket, put it in the glove box figuring my homemade gasket would eventually leak but it never did. Back in those days I think I saved around $1.25. Very rewarding though.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

RX 350h arrived at dealer yesterday.. will pick up on Saturday.

Sales lady has been painful to deal with so I hope this goes smoothly.. Last interaction, she told me that I signed paperwork stating that I would pick it up within 3 days of arrival to dealership. I have not signed anything but left a deposit.

This should be interesting- but I have a discount on a new hybrid

corvette

@mjfloyd1 - if you've paid a deposit, and it's not the end of the month, why do they care?

@tifighter - if you or your neighbor are ever in the Nashville area, check out the Lane Motor Museum.

corvette

A story, with cartoons , because that's the only family-friendly way I can describe these .

As you know , the dealer overcharged me for an change and disconnected my intake air temperature sensor, resulting in a .

The dealer texted
to ask how things went, and I replied :


They had more than an entire business day to contemplate their next move. I got the official survey from and gave my truthful responses, as promised. I also left a review, as solicited by .

, they texted me back, apologizing for the issues
and offered to come to my house to reset the and reconnect the sensor. I told them that wasn't necessary, as I'd already addressed the issue. They also the overcharge for full synthetic and admitted the wrong was charged. Gee, I wonder
how often the wrong is charged, and nobody complains about it.

Why sit on a complaint and tank your CSI score? This really reinforces my belief that, after COVID, dealers no longer care about receiving CSI bonuses, and are solely out to maximize retail profits, regardless of customer satisfaction.

Thank you for coming to my talk.

stickguy

somebody had way too much time on his hands tonight!

28firefighter

You feeling okay, @corvette?

mjfloyd1

@corvette said:
@mjfloyd1 - if you've paid a deposit, and it's not the end of the month, why do they care?

@tifighter - if you or your neighbor are ever in the Nashville area, check out the Lane Motor Museum.

She has zero attention to detail. Said I’d need to sign two papers and never sent them. Also said she could get a vehicle in 5 days but it was unavailable. Next vehicle could be there by 7/29 but after I paid deposit it was 8/26 but ended up arriving earlier. When asked about 7/29 she said it was the unavailable vehicle but in the text thread she had already told me that one was unavailable. Nothing has made sense- she even wanted to sell me all weather floor mats when the build sheet shows them as already installed.

venture

mjfloyd1 said:

@corvette said:
@mjfloyd1 - if you've paid a deposit, and it's not the end of the month, why do they care?

@tifighter - if you or your neighbor are ever in the Nashville area, check out the Lane Motor Museum.

She has zero attention to detail. Said I’d need to sign two papers and never sent them. Also said she could get a vehicle in 5 days but it was unavailable. Next vehicle could be there by 7/29 but after I paid deposit it was 8/26 but ended up arriving earlier. When asked about 7/29 she said it was the unavailable vehicle but in the text thread she had already told me that one was unavailable. Nothing has made sense- she even wanted to sell me all weather floor mats when the build sheet shows them as already installed.

I sense this isn't going to end well. I hope I'm wrong.

mjfloyd1

I suspect the same. I do know they have one in stock that is the right color combination but different port installed options but it is the price she quoted.

au1994

mjfloyd1 said:

@corvette said:
@mjfloyd1 - if you've paid a deposit, and it's not the end of the month, why do they care?

@tifighter - if you or your neighbor are ever in the Nashville area, check out the Lane Motor Museum.

She has zero attention to detail. Said I’d need to sign two papers and never sent them. Also said she could get a vehicle in 5 days but it was unavailable. Next vehicle could be there by 7/29 but after I paid deposit it was 8/26 but ended up arriving earlier. When asked about 7/29 she said it was the unavailable vehicle but in the text thread she had already told me that one was unavailable. Nothing has made sense- she even wanted to sell me all weather floor mats when the build sheet shows them as already installed.

This is going to be fun…

nyccarguy

mjfloyd1 said:

I suspect the same. I do know they have one in stock that is the right color combination but different port installed options but it is the price she quoted.

Just make sure you get 2 keys with it!

au1994

mjfloyd1 said:

@corvette said:
@mjfloyd1 - if you've paid a deposit, and it's not the end of the month, why do they care?

@tifighter - if you or your neighbor are ever in the Nashville area, check out the Lane Motor Museum.

She has zero attention to detail. Said I’d need to sign two papers and never sent them. Also said she could get a vehicle in 5 days but it was unavailable. Next vehicle could be there by 7/29 but after I paid deposit it was 8/26 but ended up arriving earlier. When asked about 7/29 she said it was the unavailable vehicle but in the text thread she had already told me that one was unavailable. Nothing has made sense- she even wanted to sell me all weather floor mats when the build sheet shows them as already installed.

This is going to be fun…

roadburner

corvette said:

A story, with cartoons , because that's the only family-friendly way I can describe these .

As you know , the dealer overcharged me for an change and disconnected my intake air temperature sensor, resulting in a .

The dealer texted
to ask how things went, and I replied :


They had more than an entire business day to contemplate their next move. I got the official survey from and gave my truthful responses, as promised. I also left a review, as solicited by .

, they texted me back, apologizing for the issues
and offered to come to my house to reset the and reconnect the sensor. I told them that wasn't necessary, as I'd already addressed the issue. They also the overcharge for full synthetic and admitted the wrong was charged. Gee, I wonder
how often the wrong is charged, and nobody complains about it.

Why sit on a complaint and tank your CSI score? This really reinforces my belief that, after COVID, dealers no longer care about receiving CSI bonuses, and are solely out to maximize retail profits, regardless of customer satisfaction.

Thank you for coming to my talk.

I've mentioned this before, but I went with a friend when he bought an Explorer from that dealer. The price on the new Explorer was good, but they hit his trade(an immaculate KIA Forte SX)at $1800 under the offer he had received from CarMax. They claimed to have called around and gave all sorts of lame excuses as to why they were lowballing him, even claiming that KIAs weren't hot sellers in Louisville (I guess that explains why there are only four KIA dealers in the Kentuckiana area). My buddy is retired Army and has a very low tolerance for BS and almost walked. The dealer eventually matched CarMax so the deal was done, but the whole Kabuki Theater over the trade left a bad taste in my mouth.

corvette

roadburner said:

...even claiming that KIAs weren't hot sellers in Louisville (I guess that explains why there are only four KIA dealers in the Kentuckiana area).

Spot on. And if you are on Reddit, Nextdoor, or any of the local FB groups, someone is constantly posting that their KIA got stolen due to the KIA Boyz thing.

andres3

@oldfarmer50 criteria for accepting a used car with an accident is exactly not met on all grounds here with this BMW M2:

1. Damage severity unknown.
2. Bought the M2 and immediately wrecked it within weeks (bad driver likely).
3. Immediately put it up for sale after fixing it.

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m2/2018/vin/WBS1J5C50JVD35815/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_account=edmunds_insider&utm_targetid=74184c1e-8c97-487a-b7e9-27637742084b&utm_campaign=member_alert&utm_term=vin_price_drop_alert&utm_adgroup=10582&utm_content=price_drop_vehicle&mkt_tok=NDYxLU5NSi01OTgAAAGU0XxJMfxf3eYmDadh1EQUJfgUFB-PrplDLoUE1EF1GYU8jc3k3WxUcRzI0b7mboldKP1S0_b_M5j1Cv6kP4K1Dz4ZUNOMieebQZQVmXgz8-zm

jmonroe1

mjfloyd1 said:

I suspect the same. I do know they have one in stock that is the right color combination but different port installed options but it is the price she quoted.

————————————————
I think in the end you’re going to get a stripped down Chevy Vega.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

@andres3 said:
@oldfarmer50 criteria for accepting a used car with an accident is exactly not met on all grounds here with this BMW M2:

1. Damage severity unknown.
2. Bought the M2 and immediately wrecked it within weeks (bad driver likely).
3. Immediately put it up for sale after fixing it.

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m2/2018/vin/WBS1J5C50JVD35815/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_account=edmunds_insider&utm_targetid=74184c1e-8c97-487a-b7e9-27637742084b&utm_campaign=member_alert&utm_term=vin_price_drop_alert&utm_adgroup=10582&utm_content=price_drop_vehicle&mkt_tok=NDYxLU5NSi01OTgAAAGU0XxJMfxf3eYmDadh1EQUJfgUFB-PrplDLoUE1EF1GYU8jc3k3WxUcRzI0b7mboldKP1S0_b_M5j1Cv6kP4K1Dz4ZUNOMieebQZQVmXgz8-zm

Carfax shows more info

sda

I hadn't done my Sunday car browsing in a while. I found the Cadillac dealer with a full inventory. In the used lot, this looked fun, manual even.

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

@oldfarmer50 criteria for accepting a used car with an accident is exactly not met on all grounds here with this BMW M2:

1. Damage severity unknown.
2. Bought the M2 and immediately wrecked it within weeks (bad driver likely).
3. Immediately put it up for sale after fixing it.

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m2/2018/vin/WBS1J5C50JVD35815/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_account=edmunds_insider&utm_targetid=74184c1e-8c97-487a-b7e9-27637742084b&utm_campaign=member_alert&utm_term=vin_price_drop_alert&utm_adgroup=10582&utm_content=price_drop_vehicle&mkt_tok=NDYxLU5NSi01OTgAAAGU0XxJMfxf3eYmDadh1EQUJfgUFB-PrplDLoUE1EF1GYU8jc3k3WxUcRzI0b7mboldKP1S0_b_M5j1Cv6kP4K1Dz4ZUNOMieebQZQVmXgz8-zm

Red flags galore!

oldfarmer50

sda said:

I hadn't done my Sunday car browsing in a while. I found the Cadillac dealer with a full inventory. In the used lot, this looked fun, manual even.

That’s a rare bird. It will either be gone by the time you call or will sit there for months and then get dumped at auction. Make a low bid and then sit and wait.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

I hadn't done my Sunday car browsing in a while. I found the Cadillac dealer with a full inventory. In the used lot, this looked fun, manual even.

That’s a rare bird. It will either be gone by the time you call or will sit there for months and then get dumped at auction. Make a low bid and then sit and wait.

————————————————
I think @sda will buy a non hooptie Cadillac after you buy one.

jmonroe

stickguy

I even like that Cadillac.

ab348

That CT4 is a refresh of my ATS. Unfortunately the designers ruined the rear end design with the abomination you see above. Nobody I know in the Cadillac community likes that look.

kyfdx

Fortunately, while driving, you can’t see the rear end.

oldfarmer50

My interest in Caddies ended when they discontinued the DeVille DTS around 2011. I had purchased a 1993 DeVille for my son years ago and though it was a beater I liked the luxury and soft ride. Like all GM products of the era it rusted out long before the drivetrain died.

I never warmed up to the new styles but I did like some of the high performance versions, just not enough to spend the cash.

tjc78

@kyfdx said:
Fortunately, while driving, you can’t see the rear end.

True - what I find funny (to me at least) is that there are many designs that when they first came out I absolutely hated and now not so much.

One example is the Lexus ES with the spindle grill. At first I was like what are they doing? The other day I saw one in white with tint and thought it looked pretty good.

sda

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

I hadn't done my Sunday car browsing in a while. I found the Cadillac dealer with a full inventory. In the used lot, this looked fun, manual even.

That’s a rare bird. It will either be gone by the time you call or will sit there for months and then get dumped at auction. Make a low bid and then sit and wait.

Tempting. We just made the full tuition payment for my daughter's last semester in college. The purse strings are knotted at this point.

jmonroe1

sda said:

oldfarmer50 said:

sda said:

I hadn't done my Sunday car browsing in a while. I found the Cadillac dealer with a full inventory. In the used lot, this looked fun, manual even.

That’s a rare bird. It will either be gone by the time you call or will sit there for months and then get dumped at auction. Make a low bid and then sit and wait.

Tempting. We just made the full tuition payment for my daughter's last semester in college. The purse strings are knotted at this point.

————————————————
I know what you mean. After you’re off life-support for a while you’ll return to your old self.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

@kyfdx said:
Fortunately, while driving, you can’t see the rear end.

Just like the current M3 and M4. Unfortunately you do have to walk up to it though. Just choose your path carefully

qbrozen

@ab348 said:
That CT4 is a refresh of my ATS. Unfortunately the designers ruined the rear end design with the abomination you see above. Nobody I know in the Cadillac community likes that look.

I must not be in the Cadillac community. Not that I LIKE it, but I don’t find it offensive. I like the lights but dislike the trunk outline, for example, so the net net is just “indifferent.”

Can we tell from the pics if that is the 4-cyl V or the 6-cyl? I’m honestly not sure if both could be had with a manual. I think they could.

laurasdada

Apparently, Chris Bangle consulted on the CT4 rear-end design.
No me gusta, but the rest of the exterior is generically handsome.

roadburner

My local Cadillac dealer is in the same dealer group as my BMW dealer. They were always a pain to work with; everyone at BMW dreaded dealing with the UCM. The service side was so marginal that they turned one of my "Buy American" friends into a Lexus owner. They treat their V customers as something to be tolerated.

tifighter

Little Blackwing was on the shortlist to replace the M2, but the local dealer reputation for service is maybe the worst I’ve heard of. Plus the backseat was no bigger than the M2. But by all accounts, they’re good to drive.