Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jayrider

Bilsteins will run 4-500 a set with you installing them.

stickguy

Well, the day has come. My daughter passed her driver's test today (thank the lord, I think). So odds are I am not going to see much of "her" car any more (and who names a Volvo Roberto? at least his middle name is sven).

anyway, went to the insurance agent to add her (still waiting for the bad news on that one). But with the oddities of how they assign on the policy, I may end up in the off situation where I could add a car (liability only) and not have insurance go up, or even go down.

so yes, an excuse to get something! And I am thinking of one in particular (a 1998 S70 I posted the other day). Saw it in person today (in a lot), and very clean body. Good tires. Driver's seat leather is cracked (at least the duct tape is color matched).

Per the ad, runs good and needs nothing. And it is a Turbo, so some zoom to go along with the putt putt.

Hey, for $1,500, what do you expect? Well, you expect 174K, but I won't put many on.

Mostly though, if my daughter's BFs father (who owns the garage) vouches for the owner/car (who I assume works there) it may be a good deal. And cheap, as am I.

besides, everyone needs 2 blue over tan 4 door Volvos, right?

Edit: never mind. Just heard back that it is sold already.

tjc78

What a crappy day out for a driver's test. Does the insurance still work that the new driver has to be insured on the newest/most expensive vehicle?

I know it used to be that way or similar.

Insurance is still funny, I still can't get a handle on why a third vehicle (2 drivers on policy) costs over 600/year just for liability.

The high mileage Volvo could be just the ticket, but I wouldn't sink much money into it.

rayainsw

'Driver's seat leather is cracked (at least the duct tape is color matched). '
Nice.
- Ray
LOL

stickguy

I was able to assign my son to the cheap car (contour than TL) with only liability. So that was never an issue, but we had 3 cars and 3 drivers.

Today the agent said Allstate won't let us put both kids (though my son is 21 now, so not sure if still an underaged driver!) on the same car. Which makes no logical sense.

I am waiting to hear back from her on what the damage was going to be. She was going to try some finagalling with assignments, etc to see what the cheapest way to do it was.

Though if I get crushed on this, I may be calling liberty mutual back, or checking with AAA!

but this is why it may be "free" almost for me to add a 4th car with just liability.

tjc78

I think I have the assignments backwards on my policy between me and my wife but who knows if it matters.

Not sure why they care we each drive all the cars, so who knows.

I'm just a happy camper recently since we saved about $500/year just for getting married and then about another $400 or so since the 04 Grand Marq is cheaper to insure than the 08 Elantra.

Combine that with no payment on the Elantra and the budget just got a little easier!

Speaking of the Elantra (34K miles), I got $8250 for it in a private sale. Considering it had 9K damage when brand new with a bum Carfax I think I did OK. First person to look at it snagged it. Only owed 5 on it (never realized the wife did a 6 year loan on it :sick:) she knows better now!

stickguy

now she knows to get 2-3 year leases instead?

and the assignments on the policy are for accounting purposes only. Has nothing to do with who drives what.

I am pretty sure I won't make Christmas without punching another ticket. I got the Jonseing going on. Plus, I may have a breadkdown not having a car available. Doesn't matter that I work from home, and most days would not use it anyway (other than running out to pick up the daughter!). But I just like to know it is there.

so any time I will need a car I have to coordinate with the wife (make her stay home, or drop her at work) or try to pry it away from the kid. Then I get stuck having to pick her up after track practice again.

mostly, I just want another car. A convertible. Or a hatch/wagon. Or a little PickUp of some kind. or a trucklet/suv. As long as it is interesting. And cheap!

xwesx

Insurance is still funny, I still can't get a handle on why a third vehicle (2 drivers on policy) costs over 600/year just for liability.

I agree. Having liability insurance be vehicle-based makes no sense at all. Liability insurance should be a driver-based cost. If you're a licensed driver (who wants to drive legally), you should have liability insurance. That insurance is good for any vehicle you drive, whether you own it, rent it, or borrow it. Other types of insurance, like comprehensive, collision, etc., should follow the vehicle.

Liability is the primary reason I hardly ever drive my older vehicles. I can't afford $150 a month to have all three of them road-active year-round just so that I can drive them if I get the itch. There are far too many other things of value on which to spend (or save) that $150. :sick:

It is akin to charging someone the cost of a fishing license for each fishing pole the person has instead of each person that wants to go fishing..... ! Seriously, who's doing the fishing - the person, or the pole?

stickguy

maybe you would be better off with Haggerty or one of the other classic insurers?

And this is a bit pricey. But darned nice. And I really, really want one of these. As always though, not close enough to easily take a look at it.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3462188675.html

oldfarmer50

"...I got $8250 for it in a private sale..."

Could you give some details on the transaction? I'd be particularly interested in how you did the actual transfer of money/title. I can't imagine you had someone counting out $100 bills on your hood at the mall. :confuse:

oldfarmer50

Mark VIII-- a beauty for a 1993. $48k? It probably didn't cost that much new. Seller figures it for a collector item. While I'm a nut for low milage cars, to only drive a car 6k miles in 19 years is criminal.

BMW---love that style BMW, hate the miles. Lot of money for a car waiting to cost you.

Pontiac--for $6k I'd take that over the BMW.

Minivan--there's some vehicles even I wouldn't drive. :lemon:

corvette

My dad had one like that and loved it. Same year, same color. His had around 180,000 miles when he sold it. It only left him stranded once (and this was later in its life). It seems that Honda did a silent recall on the ignition system and the dealer forgot to complete the work on his car. They fixed it for free and paid the tow bill.

xwesx

Get it!

I doubt you'll ever see one in that good of shape and (seemingly) unmolested again. Those poor cars were run through their paces by every boy racer in the country. :sick:

xwesx

maybe you would be better off with Haggerty or one of the other classic insurers?

Alaska = "No Can Do"

Why? I don't know.

stickguy

posted this before. Have to call in the AM. Roadtrip!

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3461687267.html

No punk feels lucky enough for this one.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3461687267.html

Could be fun.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3461658111.html

Good deal if it has a clean title and no "issues"

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3461482739.html

Something for a handy body man.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3461473857.html

xwesx

Were you trying to tell us something by posting the Porsche twice?! :P

Rangers are good little trucks. I don't know that I'd call them "fun," unless you're planning some off-roading, but they generally do their job without complaint.

The Mazda3 owner says he maintains it "accordingly," yet those headlights are heavily yellowed (more than I'd expect for such a young car). It's probably a good bet; I'd be sure to check it over more thoroughly than it's outward appearance might suggest.

stickguy

Oops. Meant to repost the CRX. The Porsche scares the willies out of me.

Sandman6472

Our '05 3s has over 113k on it and since we fixed the motor mounts, car drives like new. Our headlights also have that discoloration but the wife has no problems at night. Ours is silver and we're gonna keep it for another year at this point...or until the a/c dies. Mazda makes a great, reliable car and it's her favorite of all the cars she's owned.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

Farmer,
This wasn't quite a typical sale. The buyer was someone my friend has worked with for years (and I met once or twice) Once he decided he wanted it, I paid it off and when the title came in I delivered the car to him, took my plates off, I asked for part in cash and the rest I took a personal check. If it was someone from CL a local cashiers check or cash would have been the only way.

Xwesx,
Couldn't agree more about the insurance.

Stick,
That Honda looks really clean, like what was said they usually are modded to hell.

And yes my wife has already begun to accept my CCB. She just asked when the lease is up on the LaCrosse because she wants an SUV. I told her 22 months, but sometime next year I'll see if there is enough equity to trade out without penalty.

ronsteve

That CRV is niiiiice. Good thing it's nowhere close.

kyfdx

1) corvette.. that is the same spoiler that is on my ZHP 3-series.. I'm hurt..

2) $6K for that Pontiac? Wow.. that looks like a good deal, even if the books say it isn't... nice car..

3) Insurance.. I have to have my teenager on a car that has full coverage...it can be any car in the stable, but that is the requirement... It was cheaper to put full coverage on the '92 Acura, than it was to put him as the driver on one of the two cars that already had full coverage..

4) Ranger looks good, but a regular cab pickup is a no go... No seat travel, and no place to put your stuff..

5) The 928 would be fun to drive until it breaks, then part it out.. Otherwise, you'd cry a lot... 5-speeds are pretty rare in the 928, I think, so that's a plus..

6) The Mazda 3 is nice... but, I'd have to have a hatch...

ronsteve

That CRV is niiiiice. Good thing it's nowhere close.
I meant CRX... world of difference!

oldfarmer50

928---I've always loved that style Porsche. I see a few still on the road in my area. For under $2800 even if it didn't run you could park it in the driveway to make the neighbors jealous.

Ranger---nice little workhorse. Are you planning on driving in the woods to cut timber or something? Back in 1986 I had to choose between a Ranger and a Toyota pickup. I made the mistake of taking the Toyota because it was a grand cheaper. Big mistake.

Mazda---if no major issues could be a nice little grocery getter. The rental I drove didn't live up to the Zoom Zoom hype but it was OK. What do the book value it at?

BMW---I think I'm going to open a window repair shop as it seems every old car as problems with the motors.

nyccarguy

Ok, I know this 2001 BMW 540i Sport w/ 6 Speed Stick is out of your price range, but it is the right color combination for you with low miles, & a stick.

I know, I'm evil . I also think everyone who wants one deserves to own a BMW.

oldfarmer50

I was looking at the Hyundai Genesis "build it" web site and I wanted to price a base model 3.8L with auto. The R-spec @ $28,500 doesn't list an auto trans option and the next trim level Touring model is $32,000. Seems like a lot of extra money for an auto option. Am I hitting the buttons wrong or does Hyundai force you to buy expensive packages for a single option?

jayrider

I'm pretty sure the Genesis sedan only comes with an automatic.

kyfdx

Bet he is looking at coupes...

nyccarguy

or if you prefer this low mileage 2002 BMW 530iA Sport

I know it's expensive, but it is nice :P

stickguy

I do like BMWs. someday. Just a dangerous place to be wading in the shallow end of the BMW price pool.

and oddly, I was at the store yesterday and saw a 540i in that exact color, and when I peeked in, it was also a stick. So I have a twin local.

the 530 looks nice enough, but nothing exciting (including the colors). More likely if I plunge it will be for a 3 series (E46)

oldfarmer50

"...bet he's looking at coupes..."

Yes, I should have said that.

corvette

I'll grudgingly accept a tasteful spoiler when it's part of a BMW factory package like the ZHP... An aftermarket boy racer add-on, not so much.

corvette

I love that color. Can't tell whether it has heated seats. I wish mine had a folding rear seat, which was also optional. I've used mine in the Nissan pretty frequently.

jayrider

If you like coupes -- check out the 2013 Altima with moonroof leather etc. 32k list buy for 27.5k

kyfdx

So.. this seems sort of worth looking at, low,low miles... start reading the ad... it's the wife's car (read automatic)... then, I scroll down to the pictures...

Bimmer in Brooklyn

Geez.... do want..

nyccarguy

Looks nice! What would you do? Get rid of your ZHP? If you are serious, & it does work out, I'll pick ya up @ the airport;)

stickguy

you flew into Baltimore. Only another 4-5 hours drive home from NYC. You can stop by Philly and spend the night for free if you let me drive it!

Man, I love that car. If I only had a budget (wonder if the wife would notice I sold her RDX?)

perfect colors, love the seats, love the tranny. I might actually violate one of my cardinal rules for this (never buy a car from anywhere in Brooklyn).

Just make sure to check for salt water in the glove compartment.

28firefighter

I don't know if I'd be buying any cars from the NYC area right now...but that's just me.

tjc78

+1 on that. My LaCrosse was at the port of NY during the storm (was on cruise). Luckily it was up high and out of harms way. It did have a ton of salt spray on it, but no damage.

stickguy

I forgot to post the link, but in my craig's cruising the other day I found a guy from down the shore (to use Philly lingo) that had a Miata that was flooded, and he was looking to sell. Very up front about the issues, but hard to believe he was trying to sell. Would have expected insurance based on how new, but possible he was uninsured.

here is the link

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3451634149.html

28firefighter

That car is priced about $2700 more than I'd be willing to pay for it.

stickguy

good luck with the title on that baby.

Might be an option if you wanted to strip it out for a racer of some kind, though not a good option with an AT.

parts car?

stickguy

not much for red, but overall looks pretty nice. a few red flags in ad though.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3441240672.html

Hmm, up near Qbrozen. This one smells good.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3450321128.html

moonroof and stick. check. Cheap, check. no mention of miles. No surprise!

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3464343494.html

oldfarmer50

"...check out the 2013 Altima..."

I checked out the Altima coupe back in 2008 when it first came out. Decided instead to buy the Eclipse GT. The Altima 3.5 was a nose superior in almost every category but not enough to justify the higher price. It also felt cramped despite being a larger car.

Now I'm dreaming of a little more power and hard edge handling like a Mustang GT or the Genesis 3.8. Just with an auto tranny.

oldfarmer50

"...check for salt water..."

I thought the same thing. Man, that is nice though.

oldfarmer50

2000--the miles seem reasonable but I don't trust sellers who post their phone # in a jumbled fashion. It could be to foil spammers but it also makes it impossible to run a CL search to see if this seller has 15 other cars for sale as a private owner. Also it's off the road which means no test drive. Red flag.

1995-- not bad. Is that the seller's mansion in the background?

Mazda--No milage listed which translates to 150k+. Seems to still be registered so you could take it to a mechanic for inspection.

stickguy

call me a snob, but part of what I base a car on is where the owner lives. No guarantee, but them rich folk seem to take better care of their fancy cars!

But those expired inspections, not registered, etc. deals scare me. I always worry about the back story.

the 1995, that seems like something from a good home that you can trust.

and the Mazda? If it is close to as represented, it is probably gone already at that price. And you should now that in the cheap hooptie world, you aren't getting days to play around with running it over to your mechanic. More like you show up, if it seems OK, you peel off cash and take it home.

one good thing though (and also important to the hoopsters) is that the inspection in NJ is separate from the registration. so a car like that with an inspection sticker valid for another year is a really good money maker, since if it has an issue and won't pass (such as CEL) you can get away with it.

stickguy

Hey, maybe I can get this for my daughter, and "buy" my Volvo back!

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3399048292.html

jayrider

Can't go wrong with a Mustang. Price is right too. You can get exactly what you want -- lots of inventory.

roadburner

Great story; I'm glad you were able to hang on to it!

roadburner

The Saab dealer in Louisville bought a ton of vehicles out of the bankruptcy proceeding. I think they have around 100 new Saabs on their lot. They're packaging them with an aftermarket 50,000 mile warranty (of dubious value) and advertising them for $10k or so off MSRP.

I saw that too; That aftermarket warranty's fine print excludes almost anything aside from the powertrain. Take $25k off and I'll reconsider...