Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

andre1969

The tires are 265/70/R17, and the wheels are 17x8. And yes, when it comes time to replace those tires, I will probably whine about the price.

Believe it or not, the tires on that New Yorker are actually oversized. 225/75/R15. Stock on that car was a dainty 195/75/R15.

gouldn

This has been an interesting thread. At age 38 I got my endorsement and for five years rode until a very close-call put the fear of god into me and I quit, although I still think about it all the time! For those five years I really enjoyed myself though. I can tell you that for me anyway, the sport bikes were less enjoyable than a good light touring upright bike, and I had several bikes.

My favorite of all was the Suzuki DL650 V-strom ... it had plenty of power and was all-day comfortable, and light enough to be beginner friendly (maybe a good 2nd bike after you start with something lighter). I also had a blast on a large single ... a Kawi KLR650. I could take that out all day .. and I never even bothered with the off-road capabilities .. it just a nice torquey light easy to ride bike. Great for long rides. My last bike was BMW R1150RS which was nice, although heavy. In between I owned scooters, smaller dual-sports and others.

I did the sport bike thing too and found they were just not comfortable for me ...even the more upright ones like the one you show above.

I found that being a chronic bike buyer was cheap if you did it like I did: Carefully buy a used bike in the rainy season, ride it a little more than a year and then sell it late spring when everybody wants to buy a bike ... I often broke even or even made money.

Happy and (SAFE) riding!

ateixeira

I came close to a KLR350 purchase.

Guy wanted $1500 and I offered $1000. I was willing to move up but he just wouldn't budge, so I got the Honda XL250 instead, for $1060.

A week later the guy calls me up and says he'll take the grand!

The one that got away. :sick:

xwesx

Quite true, sir! Although, my keeping them has not been without its struggles. For instance, every Spring she suggests that I sell my Econoline. I simply remind her that I told her early on in the marriage that I would get rid of her before the van, and my opinion has not changed on that score.

Given that was twelve years ago and counting, I'd say I'm content with both. :shades:

When I brought the plow truck ('76 F250) up from Chugiak, she told me I had to get rid of one of my other vehicles if I wanted to keep it. I think she was hoping I would sell the van (yet again!). We ended up settling on disposal of the 1969 Banner cab-over camper for my C20 pickup. I never really wanted to keep it in the first place, and it was suffering age-related structural issues (plus we never used it or intended to use it again), so I wasn't sad to see it go aside from breaking up the lifelong camper-truck pair.

My argument in that discussion was that it took up just as much room as a vehicle, yet couldn't move under its own power.

xwesx

My friend who had the Triumph Street Triple R started out with a Suzuki V-strom. I don't know the exact model, but it was a great bike for him. He toured Alaska and YT with it a time or two (many gravel/mud roads!), which I something I don't recommend anyone do on a sport bike of any kind. :P

He kept it after the Triumph and probably logged more miles per summer on it than the other. He's down in Austin, TX, now, though. He sold the Suzuki before he left, but shipped the Triumph down.

fintail

I do plan to at least start used. I want to spend no more than about 5K or so - no bike loan for me, with maybe a cheaper scooter if I end up wanting both. If I end up getting into it and finances allow, I'd get something fancier - but I won't want to risk ruining an expensive new bike while I am still getting things down.

The 650 I posted seems like it would fit me well - I am not a short or light person, and some of the smaller bikes just aren't comfortable, not to mention the small displacement engines get too buzzy at speed. I don't like feeling I am murdering something to make it move. I notice there is a disconnect among experienced riders - some say you can get going on anything you want so long as you are calm and mature (my co-worker thinks this), some seem to think you'll explode into a pile of subatomic particles if you get anything larger than a 400. I've read some nasty debates online about it, much worse than anything I have seen on an automotive forum. I can value starting lower than your dreams and working up, but there are limits.

I also do like the look of some of the dual sport or hypermotard style things - the latter can get pretty pricey though, and I have never actually ridden one. We will see how it pans out, I will post any eventual purchase here, even if it is a dorky looking scooter :shades:

fintail

You're lucky - I can imagine most women wouldn't be tolerant of an old van.

I don't have much desire to have more than 2 cars - it's enough as the old one always could use some work. Maybe the bike thing is my way of avoiding browsing at new cars. A lot cheaper too.

jayrider

Whatever size bike you settle on will feel too small in 4-6 months of driving. There are no exceptions to that rule. The next one will last a year and you'll find yourself at the cycle shops test sitting and looking to trade-up. I went from a butt buzzing 82 honda Twinstar 200 to a V-30 Magna and thought I was driving a 2 wheel Lincoln for about a year. The 750 cc crowd was calling when I got out of the game. My son was turning 16 and I got tired of wiping the drool off the tank.

gouldn

$5k is plenty for a first bike. It won't be your last!

If you're tall, at least test ride a used KLR650. It's a tall bike, and although it's a 650, it's a single so torque is the key here, not HP. It's extremely beginner friendly because the torque will get you out of a mis-shift easier. I also bought (off ebay) guards that would protect the (sparse) plastics in case of a tipover ... which when you're new may happen! The bike is also pretty light so it's easy to park, etc.

If I ever get back into it, I'd probably re-enter with another KLR , and go back to the V-strom eventually.

One thing you'll find ... ALL motorcycles are fun, so as long as you don't buy something beyond your skill level you'll enjoy it.

isellhondas

I'm done with motorcycles!

The last one I had was a Honda 750 that I found at a Garage Sale. It was he last day of the sale and the people were moving the following week. He sold it to me so cheaply I couldn't pass it up.

I registered it and insured it but I didn't bother getting a motorcycle endorsement. I rode in fear of getting pulled over but that never happened.

Soon, I realized I was afraid of every car that looked like it might be a threat. I had a woman turn left RIGHT in front of me. I barely missed her.

One day I almost dumped it when a rabbit ran in front of me. I realized that it would be a matter of time before I got hurt. Riding scared was no fun and I sold it.

Speaking of scooters, last week I saw a guy riding what appeared to me a totally restored Cushman Eagle! Anybody remember those?

When I was a kid, I was so jealous of a kid down the street that had one. He was a few years older than me. I thought it was funny when he became an LAPD motorcycle cop later on.

A small Japanese company called Honda brought nifty little scooters to the US that spelled doom for Cushman. I think the last year for their scooters was 1965.

kyfdx

They ran into a really nice Cushman on American Pickers.... cool scooters!

fintail

That's why I don't really want a 250 - even though they can teach a lot and generally have good resale, I know I would be upgrading soon. I'd prefer to get a year or two out of something after going to the trouble of a purchase. I've been told a 650 range with some torque (I don't like revving and getting nothing until BOOM) is good for someone of my size and age - I can grow into it and not be bored. My ultimate dream/goal is a much more powerful and expensive machine, but I won't hurry into it.

fintail

And at that price, I won't lose too much, assuming I don't destroy it. I will take a look at that dual sport. What concerns me about those is all I have seen seem very softly sprung, which could be awkward for someone who isn't 140lbs. But suspensions can be adjusted for size and weight. I do plan to get frame sliders to protect the bike, too.

I want something I can respect, but not be either bored with or terrified of.

nyccarguy

Very interesting discussion. I had a 2010 Acura TSX (4 cyl) that wasn't a stop light road rocket by any means. It's 175 lb/ft of torque felt like a huge upgrade from my Prelude's 156 lb/ft. It was definitely fast enough. Just ask the CT State Trooper who wrote me a ticket for driving 81 in a 55. I liked the smoothness of Honda's 2.4 & how it was perfectly matched to the 5 speed automatic. Handling was pretty good for a FWD car with 60% of its weight over its front end. What I hated was the car's electric power steering. Artificially firm at high speeds & void of any feel at low speeds. In the snow, the only way I knew my wheels were spinning is from the VSC light flickering on the dash.

I got a V6 TSX as a loaner once & there were a few things I noticed. The extra hp & torque is noticeable right away. Modulate the takeoff & the 3.5 will keep going. Torque steer was very apparent when mashing the gas from a stop (duh). I didn't like the way the V6 handled. The extra 250 lb boat anchor over the nose had the traction control fighting the wheel spin around every aggressive corner.

tjc78

What I hated was the car's electric power steering. Artificially firm at high speeds & void of any feel at low speeds

I don't understand everyone ragging on EPS. The steering rack, etc are all the same IIRC. The only difference is the pump is driven by a motor instead of the engine.

I had a V6 Genesis with standard power steering, and on a few occasions drove a V8 with EPS. The effort and overall feel was pretty much the same.

Is the EPS to blame or just the overall setup of the car?

andre1969

I think it might just depend on the setup of the car. I think the first vehicle I drove with electric steering was a 2005 Equinox, at a GM test drive event. I thought it was horrible. Feedback was worse than any 70's lovebarge I ever drove, and the thing just felt wallowy and cumbersome in general, and also like it would be easy to flip over.

But then, I drove a Saturn Vue at the same event, and thought it handled just fine. It might have been a Redline though...can't remember. And I can't remember if the Vue had electric steering or not. You'd think it would, if the Equinox did. But, you know how GM can be sometimes!

I also drove a Malibu at that event. Wasn't crazy about the steering/handling, but it didn't seem as bad as the Equinox.

dieselone

My wife's '11 Taurus has EPS and it leaves me a bit cold. Sure it works fine, but I do find it to be what I would describe as "artificial". It's okay for a company car, but it sure wouldn't work in anything resembling a "drivers" car. I'd hope the setup in a Taurus SHO is much better in the feel department.

corvette

I think the early, awful GM versions had the electric motor connected directly to the steering rack (no pump). Many of the current versions are electro-hydraulic power steering, where the power steering pump is electrically driven. The electro-hydraulic versions are much better.

tjc78

OK, well that may explain why the Genesis felt the same. I'm pretty sure its the electro-hydraulic setup.

ateixeira

suspensions can be adjusted for size and weight

Correct, on my XL250 you just added (or removed) air. Soft was good for off road but for street you needed more PSIs.

Dual purpose bikes tend to have huge front wheels, and that helps absorb bumps. I could go up and down stairs.

fintail

I don't like too "bouncy" as I have seen on models intended for off-road use.

I saw one of these in traffic yesterday, must be pretty rare. I also like the KTM Duke. As with cars, I like a bike to be somewhat unusual.

ateixeira

Cool bike. You may want more street oriented tires if that's where it will spend most of its time.

I had semi-knobbies and they tend to vibrate. Not as bad as a lifted 4x4 going roAR-roAR-roAR down the road but it can still get annoying on a long ride.

fintail

The hypermotard style might be better for smooth riding - too bad they can be expensive.

Something like this would seriously tempt me, too - future collectible, cheap, rare, cool. Drawback would be carbs.

stickguy

my son seems to be enjoying his new power generator in the Acura. He texted me yesterday to say that the power windows go up much faster now. I suggested his headlights were probably brighter too, which he confirmed.

so, looks like the culprit has been found and fixed, now hopefully the car will stop causing hassle (and costing money!) until the end of the school year!

xwesx

That's definitely good news, stick! (we need a "thumb's up" emoticon here!)

28firefighter

The Chronic Car Buyer in me is sad that I can't live vicariously through another sales story. However, the penny pincher within is glad that you don't have to cough up for a new car on urgent terms.

jayrider

Probably not the best starter bike. Now if you want to see something really different and totally classic, check Moto Guzzi bikes. They would be on the top of my list -- nice balance between sport and standard. MSRP 9k but there are deals I'm sure. One model is a bit less. I want the yellow and black V7. I wouldn't even have to drive it --- put in my family room to admire and polish.:shades:

stickguy

we might still do something in January, but that would be on my terms, not pushed into it. Most likely will just let him keep it until graduation and go from there.

I have given you 3 stories already this year (counting my RDX twice, since I had 2 of them!). You need to get out there and buy something of your own now!

laurasdada

Good news: The new Jag F-Type officially unveiled today! Bad news: Starts at $69k. I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee...

Waiting for the coupe anyway. I'm sure when that's announced, it will be similar good/bad news. Although, if it's anything like the XK I bought, just wait two years and get a 40% discount!

ateixeira

Looks beautiful. Much better than the Taurus-ish outgoing coupes.

fintail

9K is too rich for a first real legal bike for me, yeah. Some of those do look cool though, the "Classic" and "Racer" models...and maybe not too small either. The interesting looking Triumph Thruxton I saw the other day looked kind of small, but I guess I'd need to try it on.

I really like those 80s sportbikes though.

I could definitely see a bike being a piece of art parked in the house. And as I am single, I could get away with it :shades:

laurasdada

Hey! I resemble that Taurus-ish outgoing coupe comment! Well, the front end of my XK does somewhat, that is. :sick: I prefer to think of it as an homage to the front end of the original E-Type. The front end of the XK is, imho, the weakest link in an otherwise beautifully elegant shape. So far, all comments I receive in the flesh agree, it's stunning. The driver? Only mildly attractive... :surprise:

ateixeira

Well Ford owned Jaguar and Aston Martin. You have a poor man's Aston, but I think there was a bit of a glass ceiling that limited what a Jag could be, so as not to step on AM's toes.

Not a problem any more, they can try to shoot the moon.

laurasdada

Agreed. But better a poor man's Aston Martin than a poor man's Hyundai (what, a Yugo?!). :shades:

Ian Callum designed both the AM and XK, good for me! Funny, in reviewing the XK on Top Gear, Clarkson loved it. But, in the end, did describe it as for those who couldn't afford the AM. Bingo! That's me! Except, I can't actually afford the XK...

ateixeira

$69k for the new one, and it looks smaller (could be a perception thing).

I like it, though.

laurasdada

It is smaller, about a foot shorter. Two seater vs. XK 2"+2". New engines and constructed from aluminum. Not a lightweight, though. Still want to see the coupe.

So far, I'm liking it too. Time to play more Powerball tickets...

stever

A reporter is looking to speak with someone who bought a new car in September. If you’re able to assist this reporter please send a brief description of your purchase and your preferred contact information to pr@edmunds.com.

stickguy

does buying one on 8/31, then having to go back to exchange it on 9/10 because they gave me the wrong car, count?

stever

Sounds like a September purchase to me. :shades:

xwesx

Why would anyone on this tread buy a new car? I think you're barking up the wrong tree, Steve. :P

mark156

How in the world did you get the wrong car? :confuse:

Mark156

stever

New, used, motorcycles. Seems like we've had house and TV threads in here too.

Hey, the Fiesta is "new" to you and reporters always like the Alaskan angle. Seems like forever since you punched your ticket; has it even been two weeks yet?

stickguy

say you are a dealership that has 2 identical units. You pull up a stock #, and do all the paperwork on that car (and Vin). But prep and deliver the other one. Then figure it out a week later, after the plates are in.

Someone there got their head handed to them I imagine. And if I had not been accommodating, it could have been real ugly!

akangl

A new car? Why would anyone do that? I could almost say I bought 2, except the one bought 9/1 was used, course on 9/12 we bought the new '12 Focus. I think the Focus is closing in on 2k miles now.

tjc78

say you are a dealership that has 2 identical units

I can't remember if I told this before or not but Toyota ***almost*** did this to me as well. I was buying an 03 Avalon and they had two identical units as well. When I questioned why my second remote didn't work it all became clear to them. I never left the lot with it though.

It was easier for them to just prep the other unit for me rather than having to redo all the paperwork.

xwesx

Yes, I bought it on 8/23. It's been five weeks yesterday! I've put about 2,200 on it since then with an average FE of 38.4. Add that to its great handling and spunky personality, and I'm quite happy with the choice. :shades:

My last purchase was the Forester in Sept 2009. Generally, I'd say I'm not a CCB, but I do like the folks here and can certainly identify with the urge (does browsing CL daily count?)!

stickguy

that is why I returned the one they gave me. Once it was "punched" by the DMV, trying to retract and fix the paperwork was going to be a nightmare. So they just gave me the car the DMV thought I owned already!

last I heard, they had my original one on the showroom floor. At some point, it may end up in the service loaner pool, but that is their problem.

I just looked at inventory, and they still have it. But they also show "my" car as available. I think they really got messed up with this deal.

Oh, I forgot the other screw up. When I got the replacement unit, they had the plates on (since they were in), but they forgot to put an inspection sticker on it. So they had to mail it to me so I could put it on myself.

Man, if they send a survey, they better hope my wife doesn't get it!

stickguy

You got a Fiesta, right?

isellhondas

What they did was a DUMB, bonehead mistake and someone should have been fired.

I doubt if you'll see a survey. No doubt they killed it knowing what was coming.

stickguy

combination of Friday night on the 31st, too many deals going, and passing off between 2 salesman that mis-communicated. But yeah, not something you want to do!

it all started because the original guy started booking the deal (in the computer) and when they went to get the car and bring into prep, discovered it was at a remote lot. so he switched to the identical unit that was right there handy. Just by then, the guy handling the deal missed making the change, and there you go.

but, if nothing else, someone should do a final check of VIN to the paperwork.