Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tjc78

I think the TSX is a really nice idea. It's a much more forgiving car to drive in bad weather for a new driver (FWD) and IMHO would be more reliable than an aging BMW. I've never driven one, but being an Acura I would bet it would be as fun as a front driver could be. Its also a reasonable size and I bet woudl average mid 20s MPG fairly easily.

If anything I would add it to list while searching and if you find a nice one at least drive it.

tjc78

They appear to hold their value well. Here is one in our neck of the woods, miles are high for the price but looks nice. TSX

EDIT: its an 6sp and you want auto right?

ateixeira

I wouldn't give a powerful RWD car to a 17 year old, but having said that, a 325 automatic would likely be fine.

You sure you want a rookie driving around in something that nice? I'm thinking beater Ford Five Hundred or Impala, something big and safe that depreciates fast.

qbrozen

Hell, I find a BMW easier to work on than a compact FWD car, personally, but I guess that doesn't matter much to you.

As far as what I'd get for my kid, it will really depend on the individual. If the child was knowledgeable of cars and basic mechanics, and if the child had a good bit of driving experience and has demonstrated to me a defensive driving sort of attitude, I wouldn't have a problem with a BMW. IF, however, we're talking an appliance for a newb... well, that requires a different tool. One that can be neglected and more carelessly driven.

The "car for your money" equation also weighs on my mind a bit. A 2004 TSX with 90k is worth $8300 at auction. A 2004 325i is $8000. An '04 mazda3s sedan is $7700. Obviously, the bimmer is the bargain in this group.

So if we're changing gears here, I'm personally looking for a low mileage Protege. For example, an '02 ES with 90k? A measly $3400 at auction. Sure, it would be tougher to find, but they are out there.

Other choices... believe it or not, a Civic EX sedan is cheaper than a mazda3s! '04 with 90k is $5600. Even an Accord EX 4cyl is $7600.

All '04s with 90k...
Impala LS = $5200
Taurus SES Duratec = $3600
300M = $4700
I35 = $6000
Park Ave = $5600
Regal LS = $4500
Sonata GLS V6 = $3700
Maxima SL = $7400
Vibe GT = $4000
L300 = $3900
Legacy wagon = $5300
Matrix SR = $5500

I could go on and on, of course, but there are definitely some in there to think about. The Vibe GT, Legacy, and Regal all jump out at me. I might even give the I35 a good look to save $2k over the bimmer and get the added FWD safety.

infinitigal

From your post there, I'm going to assume that your budget is around $10k. Is that correct? I ask because I know of a real nice G37x and even a G35s for around $20k.

stickguy

Thanks. Hopefully this post works (have been losing them to the ether today).

One factor is, the car is really for me for at least the next year. And I hate big, so eliminate all the barges. And I will accept an AT for a while, but it has to have a manu-matic feature (hey, it might be mental, but it is my mental!).

I am also not looking to get too old, or something too "tiny". Basically, I want nice but not over the top.

And, i always wanted a BMW, but can keep that for the wifes car next eyar (new), or my toy when the kid gets a hand me down.

And the budget is toget something that is not worth too much to consider letting my kid use it solo eventually. Not worried about having some repair $ on top of that.

I can think of some other options that might make more sense, but anything will be a tough sell (to both us us) now that we have test driven some Bimmers!

And the TSX biggest problem? Good resale. The enemy of buying used!

kyfdx

And, i always wanted a BMW

I think this is your answer...

stickguy

Well, I still have to toy shop next year when I need a 3rd car, so I can scratch the itch then.

kyfdx

If the car is just for the daughter, then I like Q's idea of an '02-'03 Protege ES...

But, if you are going to drive it, get the 3-series.... you deserve it!!

stickguy

I deserve something, that is for sure.

I do like that generation protege. Especially the 5 door. But those are not that easy to find, and i never drove one with a slushbox.

the daughter will drive while on her permit, but if I like it too much (or it isn't solo appropriate) I can get her something different when the time comes.

this plan really had 2 underlying motives:

1) get something with an AT since the whole stick thing was not working out.
2) give me the excuse needed to get a toy for myself when we need a spare car, and that only works if I can hand down my current ride.

well, there are really 4 reasons, with "I always wanted a BMW" and "I got Jonesing for something different" also on the list.

Kirstie_H

A reporter is working on a story about car technology and is looking for recent or current car shoppers for whom technology was a critical factor. Were you looking to pack your car with as much new technology as possible? Are there special technologies and systems that you care about more than others? And are you at all concerned about the role technology plays with distracted driving? Please send an email with contact information and a brief description of your experience by no later than Sunday, February 5, 2012.

twbinc

Do you still have the Yamaha Seca Turbo?

qbrozen

I think you have to keep it in perspective. You will only have it for 1 yr/7k miles. I think you need to focus on what is right for the daughter and take your own desires out of it. This will have the added benefit of saving you money now (eg, less expensive and more reliable car for your daughter) so that you have more money for the toy that WILL be yours to enjoy.

stickguy

well, taking my desires out entirely certainly isn't happening!

but your point is valid, though I still am not driving something like an impala!

breld

Seems like a reasonable opportunity to "try out" the 325i that you are so yearning for. Clearly there may be higher maintenance costs on the BMW than an Acura, Honda or Mazda, but if you have a local independent shop you like, I think that lessens the impact.

corvette

Umm, driftracer hasn't been here in several years.

stickguy

Well, the worry warts got me checking out other options. Did find a 2007 Mazda 3 GT (all loaded up) with 75K on it for 10,995 Too bad it is eggplant purple.

So of course what I did find that really caught my eye? An Audi!

2004 A4 sedan, 89K on it for $7,995. At the local Fiat dealer.

The battle between practical (OK, cheap tight wad) and what I want to drive is going to be tough!

Too bad we may get snow tomorrow. Will put a real damper on dealership visits.

isellhondas

Just got power back after a heavy snow and ice storm. Two days down!

That Audi will kill you with trouble and repair bills so be careful!

stickguy

I'm tough. I can take it.

isellhondas

As long as your wallet can take it, you'll be fine!

tjc78

I think I would take my chances on a BMW over an Audi everytime.

stickguy

Ah, I was never going to buy the Audi. It just caught my eye, but I am fickle.

Did find another BMW. This one is a white over sand (nice combo) at the Hyundai dealer. But, this is a 330 (more HP never hurt anyone) and an Xi (AWD). But, 93K on it, though the price (asking) is not too bad most likely. Looking at the roads today, maybe AWD isn't a bad idea! though not sure I want the driving (and maintenance) penalty.

Super clean carfax. 1 owner, all local, dealer serviced. Might pop over to take a look (can also do that in the evening since not far from home).

Also called about the 325i at the VW dealer. Sounds nice, and good carfax. Newer brakes/tires (claimed) and they did lower control arms and bushings plus an oil change. sounds pretty clean. 92K, and same asking price as the 330xi (both 205s).

Just too crappy out to want to trek 30 miles into the boonies of Salem county to go check it out, but most likely, it isn't going anywhere before next weekend.

also am going to try and see the private sale 2004 tomorrow.

I keep mentioning other options to my daughter, but bless her heart, she is a snob and fixated on what I really want anyway! Though she is smart enough to realize that if I like it too much, she is getting some bomber next year instead.

stickguy

making progress. Have an appointment to see the private sale 2004 tomorrow morning. A bit too icy (and cold and raw) to be screwing around with that today.

and I did see the white 330xi. Was parked on the grass, blocked in, and totally coated in a sheet of ice. Even had ice floes up the wheels. Sales dude said give them a few minutes to get it out and in the shop to thaw, but was not waiting. May go back up during the week. Probably too pricey though, since the 11K was their big Internet price (sticker on the car was 13K).

will see what happens with the 2004 tomorrow, but the one that sounds the most interesting is the one furthest away. No clue if I can get down there after work!

oldfarmer50

"...1) get something with an AT
2) give me the excuse needed to get a toy..."

How about something like this:

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/94888/2008-mitsubishi-eclipse-gt-0001.jpg

AT comes with manual shift feature that will chirp the tires on the 1st to 2nd shift. Pretty good handling (no BMW but OK) Lots of interior room if you don't sit in back and is considered kind of a "chick" car so your daughter will be happy to drive it.

Best of all, it's one of the few Japanese cars with domestic resale value.

If you can wait a while I'll be getting rid of mine for a Mustang GT and I'll give you the special Edmunds discount.

stickguy

hadn't thought of that one, but certainly an interesting choice.

stickguy

and talk about depreciation. A passat W8 with 50K on it for $7,500.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2810842290.html

stickguy

reminded me of something I learned in my looking recently.

Lots of dealers are putting free carfax reports up on the site as part of the ad. Certainly convenient. So I was able to see that a couple of the BMWs i am trying to look at are 1 owner local cars, that had dealer service with nothing out of the ordinary popping up.

But man, some of the Benzs. Newer ones (2006), the repair history will make your eyes bleed. replaced steering wheel at 12k? Major components of all kinds.. talk about potential to break you.

the steering wheel (and much more) was on a 2006 C350 sedan. A true rarity, being a 6 speed stick sport. and an ugly 126K on the clock.

talk about risky ways to invest $9,995! and a car that has to have a tiny audience.

fintail

All 6cyl W203 seem to be troublesome. The 4cyl kompressor cars seem to be the best. I know a guy who ran an 05 up to about 100K with only a couple hiccups, then the wipers dropped dead, he got mad and got rid of it.

cannon3

I am a chronic car buyer. I change vehicles about every 5 - 6 years. I now own a 2006 Fusion SEL V6 with about 78,000 miles. Car has run great, no issues. I have kept up on maintenance throughout the years. Heck it is what I do for a living in the high tech industry!. I have new car fever bad. I drive about 20 miles one way to work. I want better mileage because I know gas is going up to $4.00 this summer. The Fusion has its wear and tear, rock chips, door dings ect. Interior is in great shape. No rips in the leather, carpet in great condition, plastics look good. Just some small scratches here and there.
Should I pay a couple grand and get the Fusion repainted its factory color? Spend another grand on some new wheels? and keep the car another 5 years?

Or should I buy a new car?

The Fusion has been paid for for about 2 years now.
The cars I am looking at are compact cars costing about $18,000-20,000. I have saved about $6,000 towards either a new car or have the Fusion spruced up a bit.

isellhondas

First of all, a couple of grand won't buy you a quality paint job and most repaints are obvious and, if anything, will devalue the car.

From a practical standpoint, forget the paint and the wheels and drive it into the ground. Who cares (besides you maybe) what the wheels look like?

Resale values on these is poor so you'll take a bath if you try to sell it or trade it now.

Sounds like a good car to drive for awhile!

corvette

There are repair shops that specialize in "light" body work--repairing scuffs on alloy wheels, fixing paint chips, paintless dent removal, repairing cracks in bumpers, etc. Ziebart is a chain, but there are probably other choices in your area. If you like the car and plan to keep it for a few more years, but the cosmetic issues are driving you crazy, it may be worth spending several hundred dollars to make it look like new again.

fintail

I second the others - don't get it painted, a cheap paint job is a waste of money and your finish can probably be restored. Spend a little of that money having the old girl freshened up - a good hard detail, ding removal, rock chip treatment etc etc will have the car feeling like new, drive the car for a little longer, save more in the meantime, that car has a lot of life left in it for sure.

stickguy

you would be amazed by what a couple hundred dollars can accomplish with a good detail guy.

Just look at all the "perfect" used car you see on dealer lots. most of them looked like yours when they were traded in, before the detail crew worked their magic.

stickguy

Forgot to ask the experts.

The E46 series engines do have a timing belt? So how often are these scheduled to be changed?

Just want to see if that is one more thing for me to check (and of course, worry about budgeting for!)

kyfdx

No timing belt...

stickguy

thanks. For some reason I thought I read about someone changing it. Maybe that was on an older model (or Burners 318ti).

qbrozen

I changed it on our E30 325i.

qbrozen

5-6 years? You are incredibly restrained, as far as I'm concerned. I didn't even own my first house that long.

If you are happy with the car, as others have said, get it spruced up. NO full repaint! Paintless dent repairs for the dings, touch up on the chips, and a good job with a buffer and it will look like new.

You are driving around with no payment. Drive proud!

tjc78

You are driving around with no payment

This is a concept I can't seem to grasp!

ateixeira

Wow, those were close to $40k new, right? Lost about 80% of its value in 50k miles, yikes!

rayainsw

$37.9K when I bought a 2002.
Interesting car.
- Ray
Chronic, so chronic, I am.....

ateixeira

19.8% residual. And that's compared to the price paid, not MSRP...wow.

I drove a Subaru around for 9 years and got 5550/19200 = 29% of what I paid back when I sold it.

qbrozen

Just curious... does anyone else feel guilty or ashamed of their CCB habit? I have hidden my latest purchase from my wife's family, for example. Just got tired of the comments all the time. They've been to the house twice since the purchase, but none of them are car people, and since both the VW and 135 are black, they haven't noticed. I also purposely parked it between the van and 540, nose pointing out, so it is a bit less visible, too.

I figure at about the 6-month mark, I can just pretend I've had it 'forever.'

fintail

Subies are a different world when it comes to resale. Just drive it to New England or the PNW when you want to sell, and cash in.

My E55 is at the same 20%/50K miles level, although it is older. If you allow enough time, most cars will hit that.

breld

Yeah - I definitely have had that guilty feeling in the past, though I'm starting to "own" it more nowadays. When someone would kid me in the past about a purchase, I'd be somewhat sheepish about it, but now I'm more matter-of-fact about it - "Yup, another new car. We love cars."

I find it easier when we've added a car as opposed to replacing one. I suppose replacing a car is too much admission of having made a hasty decision (given that we've rarely had the replaced car very long).

michaellno

I have hidden my latest purchase from my wife's family, for example. Just got tired of the comments all the time.

I'm curious -- what type of comments would they make? You're not using the kids college fund or the mortgage payment to feed the CCB habit, are you?

Thought not.

So, who cares if they disagree.

Have you seen / heard the TV or radio ads for the insurance company where someone is commenting about a neighbor and family members lifestyle choices? The guy on the bus complaining about his brother's motorcycle, for instance.

Glass houses and stones, my friend. Do not be ashamed - heck, if I had more disposable income, I'd indulge my CCB habit, too!

qbrozen

Well, there is sort of that general judgmental sort of tone you get. "ohhhhh... another car... huh... how long did you have that last one?"

My FIL usually says something like "Gee... times must be good at your household." That kind of thing. He's got a good sense of humor, and I don't think he means it in a judgmental way ... but you know how they say there is some truth to every joke (or something like that).

I know even my own family (meaning my parents and siblings) has negative thoughts about it, but they don't let it out to me, anyway. The fact that my father will call my sister and say "oh, so did you hear Rob got another car" and then she calls me to say "you didn't tell me" at least let's me know that they discuss such things with each other. I don't know in what context, but if it was no big deal, surely it wouldn't even be newsworthy between them.

Ah well. Yes, I shouldn't let it bother me. I don't know why I do. If they were better shoppers, maybe they'd do the same.

tjc78

I lease mine and rarely make the whole term, so I'm into something new usually every 27-30 months. I've gotten the same types of comments your FIL says. I just shrug it off, I mean some of the comments have come from people who blow $500 on a night of gambling in AC. To each his own.

If I had a garage, I'd probably increase the fleet and have some kind of old barge to tinker with as well. Right now 3 is a nice number, although after the wedding I need to get my Fiance out of the Elantra. Its a nice little commuter but it needs to go. She wants some sort of SUV, I'm thinking a pre-owned Enclave or Edge.

kyfdx

...is the only thing keeping me from more cars...

Cause, we only have four cars for three drivers, now....

stickguy

I used to be more of a CCB, but even then usually made it 3 years. not counting my HS/college beater days. That was churn. But cheap.

still, since being married and getting "real" cars for myself, i have only had a couple of short timers.

- A 1991 Nissan PU I bought when we got our first single family house lasted 1 year, because kid #1 appeared and you couldn't put a car seat in the back. That certainly was a valid reason.

- My toy Miata lasted about 1 year, since i didn't actually fit in it, and barely used it.

- my Scion tC (replaced the Miata and my '98 Maxima) was a combined toy/real car. Sounded good, but not having back doors + growing kids didn't really work out.

But, we are on the wagon. not intentionally. More like forced economically (job + college hits). So my car is just over 6, and the van is just over 7. Even my kids Acura we have had for over 3 years now.

But, I plan to (hope to!) turn over much of the fleet this year, especially with my daughter able to drive solo by year end (assuming she passes her road test) leading to the need for an extra set of wheels.