Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

It is killing me that @28firefighter is on the west coast!

Kirstie_H

stickguy said:

Are used prices going up? Carvana still emails me on my maverick. August to September it went up $1,000. In October jumped another $2,000. And probably understated because they assume I have 10,000 more miles than I actually do!

Totally depends on the year/make/model and what inventory they already have in stock. Obviously, if they're short on your vehicle, but see higher demand via consumer searches, your vehicle is going to be worth more. CarMax is the same. I appraised my '15 Soul on both sites, and while it's never going to be worth more than $10k, I've gotten offer adjustment emails from both that have varied between $5k and $10k over the past year.

breld

@28firefighter - congrats! You'll have fun with it...I should have kept mine longer, but I was anticipating the Integra Type S. Somehow that trajectory veered off course.

One of my favorite upgrades was the center armrest extension...not very expensive and extremely easy to install yourself.

pensfan83

I'm interested in hearing details of the deal. If local dealer inventory is any barometer there's quite a few lingering on lots so you would expect some mark down but dealer websites list all at MSRP. Go figure.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

@28firefighter

Congrats!

————————————————
Get back in the water. And that is not a solicitation for pics that will twist our skivvies.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

Michaell said:

@28firefighter - congrats on the WRX. I was able to drive the WRX that @breld briefly owned. Fun car!

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You more than anyone in here can appreciate, “if you snooze you lose”.

jmonroe

28firefighter

I'm picking it up this afternoon after work, so you'll have to wait until later for my initial thoughts/reactions and deal details. But I'm a long-time customer of this store, have referred about 3 dozen customers their way since our first Outback, etc. I was in the 4 figures under invoice on the new car and an overallowance on the trade. Plus I get a trade tax credit on the lease (so trading in the BMW eliminates all tax on the lease).

clm8

stickguy said:

Are used prices going up? Carvana still emails me on my maverick. August to September it went up $1,000. In October jumped another $2,000. And probably understated because they assume I have 10,000 more miles than I actually do!

My dad recently sold his 2024 Buick Encore GX. The price from Carvana went up $1800 in two months. I was very surprised.

qbrozen

So I came upon this website and I really can’t determine if this is real or not. I have searched for information and only found a few instances of people on message boards saying they have bought from this company. I reached out through their email address, and the responses have been less than helpful.

To summarize, they claim to sell repossessed vehicles on behalf of the lenders. The biggest obstacle is the money, obviously. They only accept wire transfer. That is a massive risk. I asked how I could be expected to pay via transfer when I’m not even convinced it is a legit company. He didn’t seem to care. He isn’t trying to convince me. I mean, on one hand, that is actually kind of reassuring. If it was a scam, I’d think he would try to convince me.

Maybe someone in our Colorado contingent knows something or could find out? Their business address is 1720 South Bellaire Street, Denver, CO 80222

https://drepoeasyaccess.com/

Several vehicles on their appeal to me, including the Evora, CTS-V, Viper, and F-Type R.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

I'm picking it up this afternoon after work, so you'll have to wait until later for my initial thoughts/reactions and deal details. But I'm a long-time customer of this store, have referred about 3 dozen customers their way since our first Outback, etc. I was in the 4 figures under invoice on the new car and an overallowance on the trade. Plus I get a trade tax credit on the lease (so trading in the BMW eliminates all tax on the lease).

There's one part of the equation (if a train leaves Baltimore at...) we are missing. What happened to your undying love for the 240 drop top?

28firefighter

I still love it. And if I could store 3 cars, I would.

But I had an overwhelming urge for a car that would match the vape pen I need to go buy. (/sarcasm)

corvette

@qbrozen - a lot of red flags. That address is a generic office tower and their website says they don’t have a showroom. They also don’t appear to have a dealer license.

qbrozen

@corvette said:
@qbrozen - a lot of red flags. That address is a generic office tower and their website says they don’t have a showroom. They also don’t appear to have a dealer license.

I can answer those. They don’t own inventory. They are advertising on behalf of the finance companies. The same way BaT or C&B aren’t dealers and don’t have inventory nor a physical space other than just an office.

corvette

From the cars listed on their site, it doesn’t look like you could dip your toes in the water by buying something really cheap to see whether they come though. It’s more money than I’d be willing to risk to maybe get a car.

jmonroe1

28firefighter said:

I still love it. And if I could store 3 cars, I would.

But I had an overwhelming urge for a car that would match the vape pen I need to go buy. (/sarcasm)

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From what I can tell, you don’t have a car problem, you have a garage problem.

jmonroe

28firefighter

I've been telling my wife that for years. She disagrees.

laurasdada

28firefighter said:

I'm picking it up this afternoon after work, so you'll have to wait until later for my initial thoughts/reactions and deal details. But I'm a long-time customer of this store, have referred about 3 dozen customers their way since our first Outback, etc. I was in the 4 figures under invoice on the new car and an overallowance on the trade. Plus I get a trade tax credit on the lease (so trading in the BMW eliminates all tax on the lease).

Heresy! How will you fulfill your strong desires to go topless?

On the used car market, from my casual observation, prices for used 911s are not dropping. But the time to sell days seems to be.

kyfdx

Took the GTI to my local independent for 40K service (and, it's only 6.5 yrs old!)

Brake fluid change
Front differential lube change
Spark plugs (4 naturally)

didn't need an oil change, since I'd just had that done, last month.

2 hour labor.
$322 + tax total charge

28firefighter

You have a good indy!

stickguy

I did not realize the WRX was replacing that nice 240. Probably more useful though. Still fun.

corvette

@kyfdx - but, how many clutches has it gone through in 40k?

kyfdx

corvette said:

@kyfdx - but, how many clutches has it gone through in 40k?

Still on the first one. 🤔 Thank goodness I don’t have the DSG. That has to be serviced at 40K miles

tjc78

@jmonroe1 said:
————————————————
Get back in the water. And that is not a solicitation for pics that will twist our skivvies.

jmonroe

Haha .. just one..
Promise

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Are used prices going up? Carvana still emails me on my maverick. August to September it went up $1,000. In October jumped another $2,000. And probably understated because they assume I have 10,000 more miles than I actually do!

Must be, they upped their offer on my Mustang $800.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

So I came upon this website and I really can’t determine if this is real or not. I have searched for information and only found a few instances of people on message boards saying they have bought from this company. I reached out through their email address, and the responses have been less than helpful.

To summarize, they claim to sell repossessed vehicles on behalf of the lenders. The biggest obstacle is the money, obviously. They only accept wire transfer. That is a massive risk. I asked how I could be expected to pay via transfer when I’m not even convinced it is a legit company. He didn’t seem to care. He isn’t trying to convince me. I mean, on one hand, that is actually kind of reassuring. If it was a scam, I’d think he would try to convince me.

Maybe someone in our Colorado contingent knows something or could find out? Their business address is 1720 South Bellaire Street, Denver, CO 80222

https://drepoeasyaccess.com/

Several vehicles on their appeal to me, including the Evora, CTS-V, Viper, and F-Type R.

If you follow Lucky Lopez on YT he talks about buying repos from banks and selling them in his business. Evidently a dealer has to establish a trust relationship with the bank so they give him access to their inventory.

https://youtu.be/yEmh3dJidzM?si=qxqztf2MFs-WlcKn

That doesn’t mean that this particular company is legit but it could be.

xwesx

So, I sent in an oil sample from the F250 Lariat when we changed the oil over labor day weekend. That was our first oil change on the truck, so I didn't know the details on when or what was used for the prior change, but I was able to track down the shop that did the work to get those details. Anyhow, sent the sample off to Blackstone Labs in Indiana, and they just sent me the report earlier today: GLOWING! They were really surprised at the low level of wear metals compared to their universal averages on the 6.7L diesel.

I'm telling, y'all, I definitely got a one-of-one with this truck.

Sandman6472

Just curious, why did your dad sell his 2024 Buick Encore GX so soon? They look to be very nice vehicles, have driven one at work, though I have been a front seat passenger when my wife test drove one. She liked it but said the size was just to big for her. AT 171"'s, it isn't that big but big enough and it would fit on my side of the garage.

Now, if anyone has a "garage problem" it's certainly me. Without the air handler directly in front of me, I could fit most vehicles in there. And I refuse to buy something to keep it outside 24/7 at this point. We have discussed splitting the week in two with both vehicles taking turns being outside. But since I haven't found anything I gotta have right now, it's really a moot point. Never heard of front differential fluid before. Is this something I need to look into or is it not needed. Am thinking of doing the coolant flush next Monday morning while I'm alone here at home. Just means being there at 7 when they open which isn't a big deal. Brake replacement is going to wait unless they differ with the VW store's opinion on mm depth. I'll do it if I have to since it'll already be there.

stickguy

the differentials is something related to AWD. You should just have transmission fluid to worry about.

the solution to your problem really does seem to be replacing the air handler. So sabotage it so you need a replacement, then get something compact and wall mounted, or put it in the attic.

nyccarguy

I’m watching Yankees vs Cleveland in the ALDS, The Rangers are on as well as Jets/Bills. I’m watching my phone for updates from @28firefighter .

28firefighter

It’s miiine.

nyccarguy

NICE!

Healthy optioned Premium. Does the Premium have a better lease program than the Limited?

stickguy

I would like it equipped the same way. can't wait to hear the details on the deal.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

It’s miiine.

Pretty! Congrats! I can't believe it retails for $40K now, though. Wow.

WRX needs to be a hatch before I'll consider one; it's a shame they went to sedan only on it.

28firefighter

Yes. Much stronger lease program and I didn’t want the other stuff on the Limited.

mjfloyd1

28firefighter said:

It’s miiine.

Didn’t you just switch the wheels,on the BMW from silver to black?

laurasdada

Great color, 28ff!

28firefighter

Ok…

(1) Yes I just did the wheels but that was break even since someone bought the old ones.

(2) deal was a little complicated because of the trade and how that impacted tax but effectively I got way more than I expected for the bmw (over MMR). I put $1k upfront for first and fees, and then $399 a month including tax. They cut me a check for the balance of my trade equity beyond drive offs. Price on the WRX was bananas (about $1300 under invoice). I was in and out in under an hour from the dealer. No shenanigans.

(3) Initial thoughts: STi mufflers a little droney but not bad. STI short shifter a must have feature and very glad mine had it - fixed a lot of, but not all of, the slop. Extremely balanced, very quick, and no turbo lag or rev hang that I could perceive that the prior gen had - in short it is maybe less enthusiast oriented but exceedingly more daily drivable. Infotainment is solid, wireless CarPlay worked easily. Could take or leave the HK stereo. It’s fine but not what I’d consider “premium.”

jmonroe1

xwesx said:

28firefighter said:

It’s miiine.

Pretty! Congrats! I can't believe it retails for $40K now, though. Wow.

WRX needs to be a hatch before I'll consider one; it's a shame they went to sedan only on it.

————————————————
C’mon man, I consider $40,930 to be $41K not $40K and I happen to like sedans. Seems to fit the age of a guy that also has an old man’s gray car.

jmonroe

clm8

Sandman6472 said:

Just curious, why did your dad sell his 2024 Buick Encore GX so soon? They look to be very nice vehicles, have driven one at work, though I have been a front seat passenger when my wife test drove one. She liked it but said the size was just to big for her. AT 171"'s, it isn't that big but big enough and it would fit on my side of the garage.

Now, if anyone has a "garage problem" it's certainly me. Without the air handler directly in front of me, I could fit most vehicles in there. And I refuse to buy something to keep it outside 24/7 at this point. We have discussed splitting the week in two with both vehicles taking turns being outside. But since I haven't found anything I gotta have right now, it's really a moot point. Never heard of front differential fluid before. Is this something I need to look into or is it not needed. Am thinking of doing the coolant flush next Monday morning while I'm alone here at home. Just means being there at 7 when they open which isn't a big deal. Brake replacement is going to wait unless they differ with the VW store's opinion on mm depth. I'll do it if I have to since it'll already be there.

He's 90 and just didn't like it. The brakes were very sensitive and he couldn't modulate his foot well enough to brake smoothly. He has a Tesla, so he's used to one pedal driving. I thought it was very nice for a small CUV, with better acceleration that I expected from a 3 cylinder engine.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

It’s miiine.

Nice car. Like that color a lot.

ab348

28firefighter said:

Looks like you've already got the illegal parking off to a flying start too.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

I'm picking it up this afternoon after work, so you'll have to wait until later for my initial thoughts/reactions and deal details. But I'm a long-time customer of this store, have referred about 3 dozen customers their way since our first Outback, etc. I was in the 4 figures under invoice on the new car and an overallowance on the trade. Plus I get a trade tax credit on the lease (so trading in the BMW eliminates all tax on the lease).

Bravo to the dealer for still having the same staff since way back when & for doing the right thing and taking care of you!

stickguy

I think every dealer uses the handicap parking spots up front to put cars being delivered. Always thought that was odd.

imidazol97

ab348 said:

28firefighter said:

Looks like you've already got the illegal parking off to a flying start too.

I really like that color and that car.

kyfdx

Sandman6472 said:

Just curious, why did your dad sell his 2024 Buick Encore GX so soon? They look to be very nice vehicles, have driven one at work, though I have been a front seat passenger when my wife test drove one. She liked it but said the size was just to big for her. AT 171"'s, it isn't that big but big enough and it would fit on my side of the garage.

Now, if anyone has a "garage problem" it's certainly me. Without the air handler directly in front of me, I could fit most vehicles in there. And I refuse to buy something to keep it outside 24/7 at this point. We have discussed splitting the week in two with both vehicles taking turns being outside. But since I haven't found anything I gotta have right now, it's really a moot point. Never heard of front differential fluid before. Is this something I need to look into or is it not needed. Am thinking of doing the coolant flush next Monday morning while I'm alone here at home. Just means being there at 7 when they open which isn't a big deal. Brake replacement is going to wait unless they differ with the VW store's opinion on mm depth. I'll do it if I have to since it'll already be there.

The front differential is special on the 2017 GTI with Sport package, and all GTIs from 2018 on. It doesn't affect your Golf, and has nothing to do with AWD.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Yes. Much stronger lease program and I didn’t want the other stuff on the Limited.

Congrats!

kyfdx

2007 Buick on my street.. with For Sale sign. I think it's a LaCrosse, but no badging for it. 7X,XXX miles. $3100 asking

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

Ok…

(1) Yes I just did the wheels but that was break even since someone bought the old ones.

(2) deal was a little complicated because of the trade and how that impacted tax but effectively I got way more than I expected for the bmw (over MMR). I put $1k upfront for first and fees, and then $399 a month including tax. They cut me a check for the balance of my trade equity beyond drive offs. Price on the WRX was bananas (about $1300 under invoice). I was in and out in under an hour from the dealer. No shenanigans.

(3) Initial thoughts: STi mufflers a little droney but not bad. STI short shifter a must have feature and very glad mine had it - fixed a lot of, but not all of, the slop. Extremely balanced, very quick, and no turbo lag or rev hang that I could perceive that the prior gen had - in short it is maybe less enthusiast oriented but exceedingly more daily drivable. Infotainment is solid, wireless CarPlay worked easily. Could take or leave the HK stereo. It’s fine but not what I’d consider “premium.”

You test drove a Base, Premium, or Limited? The one you test drove did not have the STi short shifter?

You did very well with this deal considering your trade, the amount you bought the car for under invoice, and the $41K sticker price on the Premium trim with the added port installed goodies. Are the port installed goodies residualized? Also, don't discount the fact that despite this current generation not selling particularly well for many reasons that after a year that you should always be able to get rid of a WR Blue 6MT WRX Premium. Maybe you'll even sell it to someone on here. You don't drive a whole lot. You keep your cars 10/10 clean on the inside and outside. It will be unmodified and adult driven.

If you think about it, what else is available out there for a $41K sticker price that gives you the performance of your WRX? Enjoy the car! Mazel-Tov! Congrats! Proud of you for pulling the trigger!

venture

kyfdx said:

2007 Buick on my street.. with For Sale sign. I think it's a LaCrosse, but no badging for it. 7X,XXX miles. $3100 asking

So when do you pick it up?

kyfdx

venture said:

kyfdx said:

2007 Buick on my street.. with For Sale sign. I think it's a LaCrosse, but no badging for it. 7X,XXX miles. $3100 asking

So when do you pick it up?

I really, really don't need it.