Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

weird looking scam. And I thought that was more of a CL problem, not a site where you have to pay somehow like cars.com?

Possible that the a just got screwed up (the heading does not belong to the actual ad).

Could always call and find out, but it isn't like there is a shortage of Accords out there. And no, you aren't getting it for that price!

andre1969

Yeah, I noticed the palm trees, as well. That's either in California or Florida. Either that, or they had 'em shipped in to Maryland for a photo shoot! :P But then, I remember one of those "Die Hard" movies taking place in Baltimore, and seeing palm trees...

My coworker's sister emailed about the car, and it just seems to get fishier. The lady selling it says she's divorced, it's her ex-husband's car, she doesn't need it, so she's selling it cheap. The email also said something about "free shipping".

FWIW, I KBB'ed the car, and got a dealer retail of about $17K on that car, and a private party "excellent" value of around $15K!

stickguy

run away. For a car that is normally available, nt worth dealing with the risk.

mark156

Personally, I don't care for the looks of the Volt and frankly would never trust General Motors with anything 'new'.

I was just speaking with a couple who bought a new 2002 Silverado in late 2001 that had the Duramax diesel. They so much trouble with it. GM had to pay to have their fifth wheel towed to a campground, supply a rental car, etc., more than once. They ended up trading for a Ford F250 Power Stroke diesel and had no problems. They have since moved on to a class-A Beaver coach.

Their incident brought back ALL the bad memories from my diesel debacle back in '81 with my new Olds Delta 88. :mad: You would have thought GM would have learned how to engineer a decent diesel engine by now. :sick:

If I was even considering a Volt, I would lean towards the Nissan Leaf. Why not go ALL the way and go totally electric! Otherwise, I would go with a Prius or the Honda Hybrid.

Mark156

fintail

It's a low quality scam. That kind of stuff is on autotrader too.

ateixeira

Similar deals are available now. They advertise on TV regularly, same prices ($159 for a Cruze, $179 for a Malibu).

Dirt cheap leases, must be subsidized.

isellhondas

Andre,

The ad is obviously a mistake. A HUGE mistake. They probably inserted the wrong photo and description.

I can't imagine how many flakey phone calls that ad must have generated!!!

isellhondas

Lack of garage space has pushed me over and I listed the Reatta yesterday on Craigslist for a measly 2775.00. Have a guy coming to see it today.

You can't imagine how many flakes that ad has generated.

I get the Buick Club people who have no intension of buying it. The email me with dumb questions etc. " I already have one but I thought I would just ask".

Sorting out the strokes. It never ends!

andre1969

You would have thought GM would have learned how to engineer a decent diesel engine by now

Nah, I think they just gave up and outsourced it. Doesn't the Duramax Diesel come from Isuzu?

My uncle briefly owned a 1994 GMC Sierra with a Diesel engine. I don't remember much about it, but I think it was a 6.5L and had a turbocharger. It was nothing but trouble, and he traded it after about 9 months. The engine itself was okay, but it always had some sensor or valve or electronic component failing on him. He bought it used, with around 21,000 miles on it, in late 1996.

Back in the 1980's, GM had a 6.2 Diesel that they used in their trucks. I think it was outsourced as well, but I forget where they got it from. IIRC, it wasn't too bad.

tjc78

Sorting out the strokes. It never ends

CL is rough. I listed an old smart phone on CL and I got the craziest responses.

Gave up, sold it on Ebay and got more money for it even figuring Ebay/Paypal fees.

isellhondas

No, the 6.2 diesels were junk.

When I was in the tool business, we got sold a load of goods and some of our guys biought tool trucks with the 6.2's and lived to regret it.

fintail

I looked up your ad - your car looks like the best deal local Reatta for sure.

ateixeira

There's more than one?

fintail

There were like 5, surprisingly enough. No convertibles. Mostly red.

isellhondas

So, come and get it! Maybe a swap for a vintage Fintail?

andre1969

There's three Reattas Maryland that I found when I searched. Here, here, and here.

None of 'em do anything for me. Either modified, overpriced, needing work, or some combination thereof. Craig's definitely beats the hell out of any of these!

fintail

If I was looking for a decent odd cheapish used car...I just might. I have one too many vehicular mouths to feed as it is, and if you don't want to have the Reatta hogging garage space, an old MB won't make the better half (I assume that's where the resistance comes from) happy

tjc78

The wheels on the red 91 are just awful. OTOH the wheels on the silver one are nice.

Isell,
I found your ad and I think from the description and pics you will sell it quickly.

You mentioned trading for an Explorer, don't you have one? I know you have mentioned it in the past.

stickguy

it does look like a nice one. Probably priced too cheap if anything.

stickguy

I keep seeing my old Accord. The price you pay for a local sale. I go by the new owners house fairly often, so see it parked in the driveway (poor thing no longer has a garage space :-(

and today, drove past the local commuter train parking lot, and it was parked in the back row by the road. I can tell it was mine, since I had the front bumper damage memorized! I will always know that car (out of a sea of silver accords) if they never get that fixed.

qbrozen

A garage space for an Accord is akin to making pop tarts in a gourmet kitchen or putting $4k wheels on that same Accord.

BTW, here you go.

kyfdx

I love the matte black, and I can live with the red painted wheels.. but, those wide white walls have got to go... :sick:

isellhondas

We had a wonderful 1993 Explorer that was rarely used.

When the Reatta came along, the Explorer left. I don't like a cluttered driveway and one car out there is enough.

We've missed the old Explorer on a couple of ocassions and kinda wish it was back. I just was thinking that with the gas prices as they are, someone might want to swap a nice one for the Reatta. The Reatta like all GM 3800's get's surprising gas mileage.

I had a guy from California want to trade a PT Cruiser with 200,000 miles.

My "customer" just pulled up. Let's see what happens.

To be continued....

stickguy

that is just plain weird.

but the interior (other than the steering wheel, and easy fix) looks nice.

I suppose if not rusty, change the wheels (the red has to go, or paint them), new tires, throw a paint job on it, and have an OK car.

or spend 1/2 that and find a nice completed one!

kyfdx

Well... I like the matte paint... I'd guess that all the rust is gone, looking at the new carpets and everything else...

But, if I were getting a 2002, I'd want it with 320i seats, drivetrain and wheels...

isellhondas

The Reatta is SOLD. 28 Franklins in my pocket.

The nicest guy, a mechanic for Boeing for his girlfriend. I let them take it for a drive, back in five minutes, whipped out the cash and it's down the road.

No argument, just cash and he really appreciated the car and won't whine when some little thing happens that he can fix himself.

Now, I have another guy who said he would buy it (??) if the first guy didn't.

fezo

Oh, good. Send a few of those over. I always liked old Ben.....

Nice move. I always like when a car like that connects with someone who appreciates what it is.

tjc78

Awesome, I knew it would sell fast. Time to go Explorer shopping.

andres3

Learned how to build a decent car by 1994, but they hadn't..... 2nd bailout 2008, 3rd bailout..... 201X?

fintail

No surprise. Seriously, the car looked very nice and the price seemed excellent compared to the others listed. Someone got a deal.

anonymousposts

We have what seems to be a pretty reputable independent shop a couple of miles from here. Had it inspected, other than rear brake pads it was in great condition. We are worried about the reliability as well, just tired of Toyota/Honda and 27 MPG in a mid size SUV appeals to us. We may list the RAV and see what happens.

isellhondas

You have no idea what a Mercedes can and will do to your wallet when repairs are needed which can be very often.

I would be shocked if you will get anywhere near that kind of gas mieage.

If you are used the the reliablity of a Toyota or a Honda you are in for a rude awakening. Just know that.

nyccarguy

Congrats on the sale of your Reatta. How's your BMW running?

nyccarguy

Picking up my Titanium Silver/Black BMW 328 xi tomorrow. Wish me luck. I got a little misty eyed cleaning out the Acura tonight. I also got the evil eye from my wife for trading in "her car.". I reminded her that she relinquished it's rights as her car when we decided to have a 3rd child & bought a Pilot. Don't worry, 1 drive in the 328 & she'll forget all about her Acura.

My 5 1/2 year old & my 3 year old sons were both visibly upset on Sunday. They like the TSX.

The 3 year old has warmed up to the idea that Dad's next car is going to be a BMW. He keeps asking if it is going to be a Green Convertible.

I'll post pics either tomorrow night or Friday night.

stickguy

should be a fun car. Good miles. But seems like it must be overpriced?

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2914361495.html

stickguy

good luck. I'm jealous. Not when you make the payments, just when you drive it!

oldbearcat

I know you're partial to Hondas. However, I own both a Honda CRV LX 2WD and a Mercedes GLK350 4Matic. So far neither of them has needed repairs. Surprisingly, on long trips, running interstate speeds, the Mercedes delivers the same fuel economy as the Honda - despite being much heavier, having AWD, and 86 more HP on tap.

Regards:
Oldbearcat

isellhondas

Thanks!

The BMW has been pretty much in winter storage mode. Heaven only knows what it'll do to me when I wake it up!

isellhondas

I'm glad you've had good luck wit your Mercedes and I hope this continues.

As the miles pile on they don't seem to cope with this like a Honda does.

Very surprised about the MPG!

anonymousposts

Our last two new Hondas haven't exactly been stellar. We decided if we can't guarantee reliability in Honda any more, why not drive something we like? The VW was the first step into this new realm of thinking and we absolutely love the Tiguan. The Mercedes may require more repairs than a 60k Honda but I would assume it would be a better drive along the way.

rayainsw

'Wish me luck.'

Best of luck.
Enjoy!
- Ray
Enjoying my BMW...

kyfdx

I have the same model in an '06 coupe.... with 60K miles... and, that's probably what I would ask for mine (and, prob get closer to $15K)..

Really low miles, but the scratch and dent aspect is a little disappointing.. I'd peg that one about $12K-$13K, just knowing how the BMW community values the ZHP package...

tjc78

Great wheels on that one. I know nothing about BMWs what is the ZHP? I assume a wheel/suspension package?

stickguy

high performance package. Lot's of goodies. I interpreted it to basically be the M3 with the standard 330 engine and bodywork.

Pretty sure it came with a 6 speed stick instead of 5 speed too.

rayainsw

Slight HP bump as well, I think = 10HP, maybe?
Edit:
'In the performance department, the ZHP was equipped with the more aggressive DME tune to increase power from 225 hp (168 kW) to 235 hp (175 kW).[18] The engine redline raised from 6,500 rpm to 6,800 rpm to take advantage of the new power band and higher power output at higher RPMs.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_%28E46%29

- Ray
Need more TQ....

isellhondas

Hey, you asked and I just gave my opinion.

It sounds like your mind was already made up anyway.

I'm just not a big fan of European cars when it comes to reliability and cost of repairs. I've owned a few and I've watched my friends write some HUGE checks to shops for repair bills.

I agree, the Mercedes will be a better drive along the way and I hope you are able to dodge the pitfalls.

anonymousposts

I appreciate the advice. I regret my current outlook on Honda. As all in here know, I was a diehard Honda fan. My recent experiences have just not been that great. From what we have read, the transmission valve body and SAM system are the most expensive problems. Both can be monitored and problems caught early if we stay on top of the maintenance. At 21,000 + tax, if we regret it we should easily be able to sell it for what we paid for it, the cheapest within 200 miles of here at a dealer is 26,000 with 90,000 miles.

roadburner

I posted this over in "Sales Frontlines" as well, but I thought some of you may find it interesting...

1. Ford offers me a $50 VISA gift card if I test drive a Ford. I show up at dealer on a Monday afternoon(didn't want to interfere with busy sale days and times) with 17 year old son and a friend in tow. Salesman is very friendly and asks what I want to drive. I tell him a Mustang if he has one. Salesman pulls up in a 2012 GT with a manual(Hallelujah!!!). Salesman and I talk cars on the drive- he knows I'm not buying but still is friendly and willing to answer questions. After the drive I ask for his card and tell him I'll send any folks shopping Fords his way- and I will. As for the Mustang, it was fast and comfortable, but it left me cold. I don't think I would be happy in any Mustang other than a Boss 302 or GT500.

2. Kia offers me $25 to test drive an Optima. Son and I show up on Tuesday afternoon. Another very nice salesman, who brings around an SX Turbo. He takes us on a long route and soon figures out that I'm a gearhead. Turns out he's been working at the dealer for 2 months and is trying to learn about some of the more technical issues. For the rest of the test drive I answer questions about direct injection, sequential gearboxes, service intervals- you name it. Again, he knows I'm not a serious buyer but that doesn't seem to matter. My son mentions that he likes the Forte Koup[sic] and the sales guy offers us one for the weekend. In all seriousness that car may be an option when he heads to college. Two problems 1. He wants an SX with a stick and without leather or a hole in the roof(bless his heart!). 2. EVERY car has a $3990 mop and glow sticker on it, and I didn't ask how set in stone that add-on is. As for the Optima itself, I was EXTREMELY impressed. Gorgeous interior, comfortable seats, decent sound system, and almost quick. It's no sports sedan, but I'd put it right up there with the Mazda 6 as a top choice for the intermediate sedan class. The Mazdaspeed is my first and last FWD car, but I'll certainly recommend potential shoppers to check it out.

3. My BMW dealer had a reception to introduce the F30 3 Series. First Class as usual- valet parking, open bar, all manner of hors d'oeuvres, and a raffle for an iPad3. The new 3er is an attractive piece, but my thoughts were straying to a 2011 135i M Sport over in the Pre-Owned lot.
Pathetic story of the evening: I'm looking at 328i Sport and a salesman asks me what I think. I tell him that it's nice, but that it is missing a pedal(the car has a slushbox). A guy standing next to him says "I like automatics- I want to get in the car and not have to do anything." I told him that if I can't take the car on the track I'm not buying it- and the guy replies, "I'd never take my car to the track; especially after I spent three hours washing it." My son laughed about "The Dork" for the rest of the evening, but all I could do was silently pray: "Dear Lord, deliver the BMW marque from all poseurs. Cast them all into the Lake of Fire- or even worse, make them drive an Aveo or Yaris for all Eternity."

rayainsw

'EVERY car has a $3990 mop and glow sticker on it'
My experience has been that a dealer who will put that
sticker on every car is not worth even trying to
negotiate with...
- Ray
Just one data point

rayainsw

'"Dear Lord, deliver the BMW marque from all poseurs. Cast them all into the Lake of Fire- or even worse, make them drive an Aveo or Yaris for all Eternity."

While I understand the sentiment, without all of them
[ and 'us' - with my DCT equipped BMW ]
the cost of a new one would be much, much higher...
- Ray
Happy without the 3rd pedal ...