Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

Came from Florida or registered in Florida? There are many people (from a certain country in particular) who register & insure their cars in Florida or Pennsylvania due to the fact that insurance rates are lower. There are also other people who register & insure their cars in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, & Georgia due to significantly less insurance premiums.

qbrozen

They claim its unique, but it has been done before. There have been (and may still be) whole auction sites set up with this very premise. But, putting that nit aside, who here will be keeping an eye on these cars?

A new Ford Fiesta SE automatic supposedly went for $11k yesterday ($16k TMV).

stickguy

not much there that has the faintest interest to me.

but, interesting concept, but hard to imagine really getting something for less than you could walk into the local deal and negotiate.

Also looks like you will be stuck paying for shipping on top of the price. I could not find any indication as to where these cars are located.

maybe I am a skeptic, but I just don't expect to get some huge unbelievable deal through Ebay like that.

qbrozen

well, of course, there is no free lunch. I have to wonder if that Fiesta deal was real or not. Or any of the deals from yesterday. I see no buyer listed, which is a flag. And you always have to wonder why a dealer wouldn't just buy it before they get that low. They are going at auction for more.

Not much of interest to me, either, although I'm curious to see what this manual Focus goes for.

fintail

My friend with the miled up Accord is shopping again - called me yesterday and said the car was emptied and title is in the glove box. But he's still all over the map - Passat diesel, Prius C, Mazda 3 are among his favorites, also likes the CT and has even considered the Camry hybrid. I told him that tomorrow might be a good day to deal - end of the month and holiday sales...this might be when he finally jumps.

The old Accord is having issues - fuel consumption. Says he averages well under 20mpg now. For an 03 V6, that seems bad, even though it is rushing towards 200K now.

stickguy

out of curiosity maybe, but a no roof steelies Focus in a nasty green ain't my cup of tea.

fezo

Rushing toward 200K? Barely broken in! Ours has 250K!

Disclaimer: yeah, it's heading toward the end at this point but is still cheaper to fix than to replace.

stickguy

I'll give you $800 for it, and you can buy your daughter something with an automatic.

breld

Hey - obviously I plan on calling our mechanic, but I thought I'd see what you wise ones have to say about this too.

For the past week or so, there is an abnormally load fan noise coming from the engine bay on my '02 530i at start-up. It seems to go away once it's running.

As Michael pointed out, it's been unusually hot here in the Denver area, so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it.

Any thoughts? I've been driving the GTI this week just in case it was something that was serious.

corvette

There was a loaded 2012 Rogue that went for about $8,000 off sticker, and a couple of Altimas with similar discounts. Sounds like a good deal to me!

stickguy

just curious, but is it the same if you start it with the AC set to on, vs. having that shut down? Just trying to isolate where it could be coming from.

I'm no mechanic, but I always think of a bearing or belt (though not quite sure what you mean by a fan noise? like the normal engine fan is running?)

stickguy

I still think that they can't be going for less than what they could be bought for. Keep in mind these are all 2012s which are about to become a year old left over.

Unless they were on the up an up, and willing to take a true loss to make the concept work?

but like with any auction with a lot of (potential) bidders, it is rare for something with an easily quantifiable market price to hammer for well below that. Considering how many people see Ebay motors, how is a new car going for thousands below wholesale, with no one biting before that?

qbrozen

I kind of like the color. And you know how I feel about moonroofs. And aftermarket wheels are better anyway. So its perfect for me.

qbrozen

could be the fan clutch starting to go.(??)
When was the last cooling overhaul?

fintail

He's also had it since day one and is tired of it, I guess. He also swoons at the new cars with their gadgetry. I tell him to drive the Accord til it dies (bet it will be either a crash as he is in the eastern ATL metro area, or a transmission), but he wants to get something out of it while he can. Tomorrow he is going to drive a Passat TDi and a Prius C. We'll see what happens. I think he might have forgot the annoyance of a car payment.

stickguy

went out to dinner with the wife down toward where the automall is. So of course, we had to drive through... stopped at the Acura dealer to see if they ever got a unit in of the color my wife is interested in ("amber brownstone"). Nope. Did look at the one on the showroom floor. Nice, but for some reason, it still doesn't really do that much for me. But the wife likes it.

So, we went down the road and stopped at the Subaru dealer to see if they had a new style 2013 Outback in yet. No, but turns out they just got a new 2013 Legacy in, so sales guy brought that around so we could check it out.

Very nice. Not much different than the 2012, but it did have a more aggressive/stylish (you pick) front end treatment. Also a new instrument panel (electronic and colorful). Along with the mechanical upgrades (I did look at the engine, and the oil filter was certainly front and center!).

took it for a drive. Very nice. Steering was much firmer and "meatier" than I remembered for the outback I drove. Could be a legacy/outback difference, or the upgraded suspension and steering. In any case, I really liked the feel.

Pretty quick too. moved right out, and the CVT was unobtrusive. had to really pay attention when I was accelerating hard to realize it was sitting at 4K. Smooth though. Very torquey.

I liked it a lot. even rated for good MPG (27/32). And very comfortable and roomy, especially the back seat room.

anyway, the wife seemed to like it a lot too. Quite interested to see how the outback compares, but I think it just took a couple steps right back up the list!

fezo

but he wants to get something out of it while he can.

Stick will give him $800.....

I did have to replace the trans about 50K ago. Wasn't bad. Used a junker. I figure this was more of my daughter who doesn't like the stick.....

stickguy

no, the $800 was for your car since it is a 4 cyl stick shift. I already have a V6 Honda with 160K on the clock, and I don't need another!

fezo

OK. Hey, forget what I said about that offer, fin!

fintail

He went and did it. Got $4500 or something in trade in. The light blue Passat he was eyeing sold in the past 48 hours, so he bought (leased)...a Prius C, level 3, usual equipment. He called me immediatly after purchase...he loves the bluetooth and nav, I think he'll be happy even though it's not exactly fast.

corvette

My dad came over to help me replace the power steering lines on the 540i this afternoon. It went pretty smoothly, and it was great to have another pair of hands. After he left, I drove it around the block to get air bubbles out of the system. When I pulled into the garage, the auto headlamps came on, as they always do, and the left bulb flickered, as it always does, only this time it didn't stop after a few seconds. I opened the hood to find flames shooting out of the connector for the xenon bulb.

Link to big picture

The connector is burnt, so I'm sure I'll need a new ballast, at the very least.

Here are the other mechanical maintenance needs the car has:
- Needs brake and transmission fluid changed
- Still losing some coolant even after cooling system overhaul
- Has symptoms of bad thrust arm bushings

And cosmetic stuff, some of which I wouldn't do:
- Headlamp lenses need to be polished
- Needs more deodorization (previous owner was a cigar smoker)
- All four wheels have some amount of curb damage (I doubt I would fix this unless I ran out of things to fix, the tires don't stick out from the rims at all so there is no protection for the rims)

Reality check--at what point do you pull the plug?

breld

Yeah, I was wondering if it had anything to do with the cooling system, understanding that is something which inevitably must be addressed at some point.

I don't think there's ever been an overhaul of the system - the car's 10 years old, with only 68k miles (I bought it at 59k miles).

I'll make an appointment with my mechanic and report back.

I'm glad I'm not having all the same issues corvette is having with his e39...yet.

stickguy

unless this is the same car (and I can't recall where you found the other one), here's another stick shift, no moonroof Jag. Not bad miles on it.

http://www.carboneautosales.net/Search.html

pretty sure you will have to search inventory, but it is a 2004, like blue, with 74k on the clock for $10,800 or so.

qbrozen

That's a different one. The other was black, and I think it sold for just under $7k.

I have 47 watchers on the mr2. I don't think any car I've had on eBay has had that many. Someone claims to be coming by in the morning for a look.

stickguy

well, you do have to discount for those of us here that are keeping an eye on it...

sounds like a car that once someone that knows what they are doing sees it, it will go quick.

qbrozen

funny enough, that other jag has just reappeared.

Oh, sure, I have to discount those from here, but what are we talking? Like 5? Total watchers is now up to 56. That's still a hell of a lot. At least as far as my selling history goes.

Since you told me you get an email when the reserve changes, my plan is to drop it again either tomorrow morn or late tonight just to put a bug in all those peoples' ears for the last day of the auction.

stickguy

well, last I checked, you had zoomed up to $2,075 as top bid.

The Mini I am watching too was stuck in the $5,900 range. Really wonder what that will be going for.

qbrozen

$2228.18 as of this morn. 19 bids from 9 unique bidders. Not sure how many from here... 4??

Another college kid and his dad came by yesterday. I'm not sure what is with people on this car. Everybody says they like it ... as Mike would say "they were makin' all the right noises." But at the end it was "thanks for your time. I have your number." He's watching it on Ebay. I'm not sure if they have plans to bid. I pointed out they don't have to wait for auction end. Oh well. If someone really wants to pay more on Ebay to cover my fees, then so be it.

nyccarguy

The $2000 bid was from me. I don't think anybody else from here (buncha cheap skates - lol) bid higher than me. Hopefully it'll sell soon with the auction almost ending.

stickguy

I'm just laying in the weeds.

stickguy

Beautiful car, from another era. Amazing how much things have changed in 20 years, and how simple and logical cars were even back then, before BMW lost it's way. Now, overly complicated just for the sake of gadgets!

But, the V8, not for the faint of heart. If this, however, was a 525i or 535i with a 5 speed, then we would have something going!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-5-Series-4dr-Sedan-Au-BMW-530i-3-0L-V8-SUPER-- CLEAN-CONDITION-LEATHER-SUNROOF-FULLY-LOADED-NO-/200784134687?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&- hash=item2ebfaac21f#ht_32416wt_1167

nyccarguy

My FIL has a 2011 Outback w/ 4 cyl & CVT. I was in it as a passenger yesterday. Comfortable car, the seats are bolstered a bit, firm (which I like). The car rode smoothly & didn't seem to wallow or sway around corners. It was no BMW, but fairly well composed. The voice recognition technology worked outstandingly well.

He's thrilled with the gas mileage. Took a trip from Long Island to NJ and got 30 mpg in heavy traffic. And doesn't miss the power of the 6 cyl. His '06 & '08 were both H6s.

stickguy

the new powertrain is actually a bit peppier (torquey), and gets even better MPG (I think it goes from 22-27 to 24-30). and the suspension and steering is a bit firmer and more composed, without downgrading the comfortable ride.

after driving a 2012 OB and 2013 Legacy (new engine), I am more than fine with the 2.5.

I think my wife will love it if I can finally talk her into one!

nyccarguy

That's a gorgeous E34 530i, but yes that V8 Is not for the faint of heart. Amazing condition!

tjc78

What's up with those front seats? I've never seen them discolor like that. They are three shades darket than the rear.

Nice shape otherwise.

Stick, I know you must love that it has normal size wheels.

stickguy

I love the wheels.

and in case of emergency, it has a 5th one, just like the others, int he trunk!

tjc78

My 06 Avalon had that! I remember getting a flat and was lazy to get it fixed since the car didn't look any different with the spare on! Now I think most cars have donut spares. My Genesis did, as does my LaCrosse and these aren't really that cheap a car!

stickguy

I see that the MR2 didn't hit reserve at $3,400. Guess the $3k KY and I offered was pretty close to what the market pegs one of these for after all.

the light blue mini I am watching seems to be hanging right at $6,100 with 8 hours to go. Really curious to see if this is going to move up much. If not, lot of car for the money. And that one is no reserve.

fintail

My E55 has a weird 17" black spare (the car has 18" wheels). The reason for this is that the spare wheel well was designed for a 17" max wheel, but 2000+ models can be had with 18" wheels. Rather than changing the body, they just included a weird wheel. Shortly after I bought the car, I got a flat, here's the odd wheel:

qbrozen

ehhh... but only 1 of all the bidders actually viewed the car in person, so I don't know if we can call a blind market "the market," ya know? And it was damned close to my reserve anyway. A reserve that, again, would have been lower if not for the fees. $3400 sight unseen is pretty strong, I think. More than I would risk.

Anyway, I'm in discussions with the 1 live bidder now. I've given him my rock bottom, take-it-or-leave it, Ebay-fee-less offer. We'll see what happens. It is only $150 more than his high bid. But no perks at that price. Told him if he wants the extra set of tires I mentioned in person, that would be another $100.

tjc78

Rather than changing the body, they just included a weird wheel.

That does look odd. Well, I guess certainly better than a donut.

From the looks of it, it barely clears the caliper. Your car has rather large brakes.

fintail

The spokes are kind of pushed out and have extra space, to accommodate those calipers. Back in the day, AMG kept them discreet - not painted and made to look fancy.

stickguy

the 2007 mini cooper on Ebay (85K, moonroof, base/stick) went for $8,500. Not a bad looking deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320934212001&ssPag- eName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_26723wt_1165

kyfdx

That's how it works on eBay... you put a realistic reserve on your car and it sells to an upstanding buyer..

jayrider

Harsh but true.

stickguy

but it will never fly.

trying to convince the wife that a used X3 makes sense. Found one at my Acura dealer. a 2007 with 63K on it.

so, 2 years newer and 12K less miles than her minivan. And of course, a BMW badge. and not a minivan.

so, trying to show her that instead of blowing the money on a new RDX, get something like this and do it without a car loan (or a real small one). She gets a nice BMW to drive. And in a few years, she could always trade up (since I would always take that off her hands!)

or at least, at year end, the money saved can be used to actually get me something that isnt a piece of crap!

I like this plan. She may not.

roadburner

My wife wouldn't mind continuing to drive our 2004 X3 2.5, but since our son wants to take it to college it makes more sense to get her a new(er) car- she got the X3 in December 2005. And it looks like a Cooper S Countryman will be her next ride; she really likes it...

tjc78

How about a newer lower mileage RDX? I don't know the market but are they like CRVs that make no sense to buy used?

stickguy

I would say so. Not as big a fan of the older style turbo ones. And just looking at the asking prices, they are high. 2009 for $24K? Might as well buy something new!

and getting into the more affordable range, they are listed for just as much as an X3 (same year/similar miles) so might as well get one of those instead.

at least that way I am pitching a BMW to the boss (a new one of which is way off the table!)

qbrozen

Or, as in that case, no reserve and it sells for below wholesale value and you lose money. :sick: