Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

on this theme, I was "consulting" with a woman at work (almost called her a girl, though she is probably early 30s, meaning I would have to be an old fart...) on a car purchase. She was driving a 90's vintage Civic that was falling apart (money pit time!), and finally decided to break down and replace it.

she did some looking, and decided on a Mazda 3 (not sure how many doors). I talked to her Thursday night about pricing/offer strategies (I was not involved with the actual deal or dealership visits.)

I mentioned dealing on a leftover, but she really wanted the SA engine (with AT I am pretty sure). She drove the i and SA back to back, and really just liked the SA better (and the better MPG did not hurt!).

Will find out tomorrow what exactly she ended up getting.

laurasdada

Happy New Year, All!

Looking forward to review's of the Conti DSW's, both dry and (eventually?) snow handling? I'm considering them for later in '12...

Kirstie_H

Have you ever bought a car from a “buy here-pay here” dealer? How was your experience? A reporter is looking at “buy here-pay here” dealerships and wants to hear from people who have financed their cars this way. Please send a quick note with a few words about your experience to pr@edmunds.com by Friday, December 6th.

Sandman6472

Guess you meant January 6th!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen

My "dry" report from my commute today in very chilly weather is that they are quite impressive for all-season rubber. Grippier than the summer-only RFTs they replaced (since those were having great difficulty in the cold).

stever

A reporter is looking to speak with consumers who are in the market right now for a car loan or a car lease or who just recently secured a loan or lease. Is/was it easier or more difficult than you expected? Please send a quick note discussing your experience and your preferred contact information to pr@edmunds.com by Friday, January 6, 2012.

rayainsw

How are you and the automatic trans. 'getting along'?
- Ray
Summer only runflats when in the 20s here = some challenge....

kyfdx

Wait... the 135i is an automatic??? :surprise:

rayainsw

Well - I think it is -
but I admit that there were too many
BMWs in play to be sure...
- Ray
Quite smitten with the DCT.

qbrozen

Yup, I bought the automatic.

We're doing OK for the most part. Still getting used to each other. I do wish there were another setting to it. I much prefer the shifting of the trans when it is in DS mode, but, in DS, the tranny won't shift to 6th on its own. So its either that I need to always use the paddles OR I need to shift from D to DS, let the trans do its work until I am at cruising speed, then hit the paddle to go to 6th ... and if I have to slow down considerably or come to a stop, shift back to D and back to DS and start over again.

So I've been using D more often ... I just don't like that mode when it comes time to step on it to merge or pass because then there is a typical automatic delay followed by WAY too many revs. Problem even when using the paddles is that the computer overrides me when I don't want it to. For example, if I'm in 4th and want to pass or merge, there is PLENTY of damned power for what I want to do, so why does it insist on jumping down to 2nd?

Now, it could be there is a downshift mechanism in there that I'm triggering by pushing too far with my right foot. I have yet to find where that limit is, though.

BTW, the computer tells me I got over 25 mpg on my roundtrip commute yesterday. I'm pleased with that. Although it took alot of self control not to step on it.

kyfdx

Yup, I bought the automatic.

Oh...... I thought you were joking about getting a slushbox... :surprise:

My condolences....

qbrozen

hey, I still have the 540i 6-speed. :shades:

And I still have my MR2 for now. That will go bye-bye in the Spring if I find a buyer.

Seriously, though, I was getting a bit tired of driving a stick every day. I know it sounds weird... but it is what it is. Its sometimes nice to just be able to mash the throttle and go.

laurasdada

Thanks, rather chilly here in Boston, too. But, my summer tires feel OK. Just come snow, they don't go... So, later in the year (I have use of an AWD this winter) I have to decide to snow shoe or all-season shoe the midlife-crisis-mobile or buy something more sensible. Which I've driven all my life, so, back to the future. Not to say sensible can't equal fun and luxurious!

I've heard some very good reviews of the DSWs in the snow, so they are a candidate, along with Nokian WRs, to replace the Dunlops next fall. Although, even with snows, I'm not sure I should be driving the gold-chain- (no, it's not a Vette!) mobile in the snow. C & D did a 12 month trial in MI with Dunlop snows, said the car was fine in the white gold.

Anyone here have any opinions on the new Range Rover Evoque?

rayainsw

There definitely is such a mechanism - known as a 'kick-down'.
Page 50 of the on-line \ .pdf manual:
'Kick-down...
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point'.
Good luck!
- Ray
Finding cool new aspects of the DCT most every day, still....

breld

Anyone here have any opinions on the new Range Rover Evoque?

I like it (not that I've seen it in person yet). I think it will do really well based on its styling, which I think is a big driver in this segment. I find it surprising they actually put the 2-door into production, but it's cool they did.

boomchek

Anyone here have any opinions on the new Range Rover Evoque?

I attended their launch party for the Evoque last summer. I personally like the car a lot, the looks and design of it, but it gets pricey when loaded with all the goodies to make it unqiue.

The one with the full glass roof, and all options including the remote control detachable touch pad climate and sound tablet in the back was neat but it was pushing into the $70k price range here in Canada.

I also found it quite tight on space. A baby stroller would probably not fit into the back, and the 2 door was likely suitable for a single person or a couple. The 4 door wasn't too bad with space as my friend who is over 6 feet tall found room in the front with leg room left in the back for a smaller person.

If you want a small crossover with space and don't want to blow too much money, go with an X3, or an Audi Q5 or even the boxy MB GLK.

If you're going after styling and technology alone, take a look at the Evoque. It is a cool little crossover.

breld

I was just checking out the Land Rover website and became quite intrigued with it. I "built" one equipped sufficiently for me and only got up to $44k ("only" $44k, sheesh).

I even called the local Land Rover dealer to see if they had any in stock just to go look at.

But then I read the review here on Edmunds and noted that it is a full 10 inches shorter than a Q5, and about the length of a Focus hatchback. Okay - perhaps too much toward the style end of the spectrum and away from the practical side for me.

On another note, there's a Veloster parked outside my office window. Looking down on it from my window, it looks pretty darn cool with the panoramic sunroof. I like it.

ateixeira

They have not discontinued the LR2, if you want boxy/practical.

michaellno

On another note, there's a Veloster parked outside my office window. Looking down on it from my window, it looks pretty darn cool with the panoramic sunroof. I like it.

There was a Veloster parked in front of my house over the weekend ... funky looking thing with the asymetrical door setup. If they put the 200HP 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder into it, it might have the go to match the show.

ateixeira

I wonder if that engine's too big/heavy? Keep in mind it's an Accent platform.

We're more likely to see forced induction of some sort.

michaellno

I wonder if that engine's too big/heavy? Keep in mind it's an Accent platform.

We're more likely to see forced induction of some sort.

Yeah, a turbo 1.6L with 175-180 HP might fit the bill nicely.

breld

From a recent Edmunds article:

"Johnson said the turbocharged Veloster will get the new 1.6-liter T-GDI, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder that makes 208 hp."

roadburner

1973 BMW 3.0CS



Click on the eBay listing; it's the textbook definition of an OCD vehicle presentation...
My son is begging me to sell the 2002 and buy the CS. Can't say it's not tempting, but I almost have the '02 straightened out and the CS is too nice to fix it up cheap and dirty a la the '02.

rayainsw

My alltime favorite BMW body style.
I still have the R&T with their road test
of the 2800CS.
I see one occasionally at the local park where
I jog during little league baseball season.
Nice...
- Ray
Wonder if BMW will ever re-issue 'bodies in white'
like Ford has done for some classic year Mustangs.....

kyfdx

My first BMW... it was a '67 2000CS (4 cylinder)... Bought it in 1985, and sold it in 1990...

roadburner

Wonder if BMW will ever re-issue 'bodies in white'
like Ford has done for some classic year Mustangs.....

Jaymic in England used to offer restored body shells, but BMW Classic(formerly Mobile Tradition) hasn't made the leap to the full shell. BMW Classic is a BMW division makes parts available through BMW dealers. In contrast, Ford grants licenses to other companies that manufacture the parts.

BMW Mobile Tradition did build a "new" 2002tii back in 2005 ; it was built in a glass walled workshop at the BMW Museum in Munich:

mark156

Boomchek, I looked at the new Evoque and thought it was nice. I had my '10 LR4 in for service and peeked at the Evoque on the showroom floor. It was a bright burgundy with tan leather. I thought it was very nice for it's size/luxury, etc. If I remember correctly (back in early Dec.) it was in the $40+ range (normal MSRP).

The thing that irks me about dealers is that my California dealer had a $5,000 markup on the sticker. I would NEVER pay more for any vehicle, maybe MSRP, not more. In fact, I would not buy from my local dealer because of that. My TN dealer would not put a mark-up sticker on their vehicles (at least not yet).

I also thought the 2 door version was nice and sporty. The one my California dealer had was silver.

I just wish Land Rover would offer a diesel version of all models.... or even a hybrid! :P

Mark156

qbrozen

What does a clean one go for? Cause that thing is pretty rough and the bidding is up to $7600 with more than a day to go. Surprising.

roadburner

What does a clean one go for? Cause that thing is pretty rough and the bidding is up to $7600 with more than a day to go. Surprising.

An immaculate original car or an excellent restoration would bring at least $25,000, I'd think.

qbrozen

OK. So I was thinking maybe $20k. In either case, I'm not sure, as shifty would put it, you could get from here to there for the additional $15k. You could spend about half that just getting the rust and paint sorted.

tifighter

Hey Mark-
How has the LR4 held up? Any issues?

kyfdx

You probably can't.... like any old car, you never get your money back on a restoration....

Drive that one, until it really needs help, then sell it..

mark156

Both of my Land Rovers have been really good... the '06 and now the '10. When I had the '10 in for it's regular service, they replaced the water pump as some had been seeping and they found that mine was seeping too. I never noticed any water on the garage floor and the temp gauge was always normal. Apparently there was evidence of a leakage and my coolant tank was showing low (no warning yet).

I just completed a 3,800 mile trip (18,500 miles currently) and the LR4 is one sweet road vehicle... 375 hp and I averaged about 19 on the road. Not bad for a large SUV.

Mine is Santorini Black with Almond leather (Nutmeg dash). :P

Mark156

stickguy

had grand plans to go out this Am to look at some of the 3 series I found. But ended up making a run to the shore to find a new summer rental house (our usually one got sold). And stopped to furniture shop on way back. So likely has to wait until next weekend.

Did stop on way back at a little local lot (my wife stayed in car, but did not question the stop, even though she has not been clued into my and my daughter's grand plan!) to look at a couple.

medium blue 2002, but had 147K on it. Did have an interesting one for me. a 2001 325i, sport package 5 speed stick, black over black. that looked sharp.

stickguy

I seem to recall hearing that the E46 3 series AWD was not the best. For those in the know, is this something to stay away from? I know there were some comments about how it drove (but that is not my real worry!), but is this something in an older model best avoided?

interestingly, most of the 2003-2005 models I am seeing are RWD not AWD

kyfdx

IMO, the E46 AWD is markedly different in feel from the RWD... It feels heavy, slow to turn-in and less feedback through the steering wheel. I used to get them often as service loaners...

Interestingly enough, the next generation isn't that way... In a standard (non-sport) configuration, you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart in street driving...

stickguy

Thanks. Good to know I did not imagine it! I really have not been looking for AWD, but happened to stumble upon one locally. Stopped at the lot (while closed) to see it, and discovered the drivers door all ripped apart and the mirror apart. Also some paint damage on the trunk lid. So I probably won't bother to go back and see that one again.

tjc78

Having you considered Ebay? Check out some stuff from Virginia, or even a little further south. The car will probably been driven in better conditions, etc. You could easily do as far south as Richmond in a day if needed.

stickguy

I'm so bogged down at work it is taking me 2 weeks to get a chance to swing over to Winner Ford, and that is only about 2 miles from my office!

Trying to coordinate some kind of inspection would also be a nightmare.

stickguy

I started thinking of alternatives. As nice as a BMW is, ultimately giving it to my daughter to take to school would break my heart. And finding one that is not going to be a money pit of course takes time.

So, I thought of a few other alternatives:

a Mazda 6 or 3

A VW Rabbit.

Even found a good looking bunny, right near TJC (at the local Fiat dealer). a 2006, blue over tan cloth, with alloys, moonroof and XM. Perfect. Except just my luck, the darned thing is a manual trans! All the times I looked for that and couldn't find it, and now I want a slushbox and find a stick...

Seemed like a decent deal to start (a 4 door 2006, 70,100 miles, asking $9,995), with some reoom to negotiate.

stickguy

I do have 1 more about 30-40 minutes away that I want to see (at a VW dealer). I hope to get down there Saturday morning. I might look at the one at Winner also just to see how it cleaned up.

qbrozen

I suggest a Focus or Saturn. Might be the best values in cheap transportation. Mazda3s seem to hold their value a little too well. The VW is an OK deal, but you'll probably always have that little "VW reliability" bug in the back of your mind.

stickguy

I'll start driving a focus or Saturn when you start driving one!

Me, I won't drive either one of these. And that's the wrinkle. This has to be my car for at least the next year, so it needs to be something I don't mind driving.

tjc78

What about an Infiniti G? I agree with the long distance purchase as well, but, sometimes with used if you can't find what you want you may have to travel.

What in the heck is Winner doing with a BMW?

qbrozen

oh. Thought it was just for the kid.

Hey, there was the Focus SVT and Ion Redline.

Yeah, yeah, I know, it needs to be an auto.

isellhondas

If you don't like "Money Pits", I would cross any VW off your list!

stickguy

I thought about the g. not sure though I would want my kid loose in one. But worth a look I guess!

Winner recently has had quite a few nicer cars on the lot. I think they may get them from elsewhere in the organization (but I know the 325 was a trade to that store). they even had a V12 8 series at one point, and often have a mercedes.

tjc78

Yeah, the G has some get up and go. That combined with RWD would be tough on a new driver. My boss has one of the first G coupes and it has been really good to him. It must be approaching 150K and still looks/runs great.

fezo

You've been yanking our chain for all these weeks and now we're at a VW or Mazda? Wimp! Wimp! :P

roadburner

IMO, the E46 AWD is markedly different in feel from the RWD... It feels heavy, slow to turn-in and less feedback through the steering wheel. I used to get them often as service loaners...

A couple of years ago I found a nice 330xi with a manual and the "Sports Package"(read: just wheels and seats). I mentioned it to my service adviser and all he said was: "My wife drives a 2004 325xi, I call it 'the truck."...