Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

"Rented one with a 3.5L a few years ago and it was nothing special. It sure didn't give me the same thrill up the leg that my 74 Charger did."

I rented one of the early Chargers with the 2.7 liter, and while the engine was smooth, it wasn't enough power for the car, and the car was a "poverty spec" model with no options at all. Turned me off to Chrysler products in general.

breld

Thanks all for the kind words. My wife and I just got home after completing the purchase and going out to dinner (little celebration for the new addition to the garage).

I am thrilled with the car. Clearly I can be impulsive and switch cars out quickly, but this one just feels "right." The Audi was a beautiful car to look at, and was very smooth and comfortable, but it just lacked the driving dynamic that I'm really loving with this BMW. The short shift kit and the m-sport steering wheel have a great feel.

My wife said she might have to arm wrestle me for it.

qbrozen

congrats.

i have the same interior, and I love it. Mine is just more subdued on the outside.

breld

Oh yeah - I forgot you had the red interior on the 135. I think it probably goes better with the black exterior, like yours, or other neutral colors, like white. But even with the blue, it's growing on me.

One thing I have to replace immediately (like tomorrow) are the floormats. Whoever owned it before thought that "M3" floormats would be cute - the 335 is a great car, but I'm no pretender.

corvette

My 540 has a pinstripe with the M colors on it (light blue, purplish/royal blue, and red). I'm afraid to try to remove it since the paint may have slightly faded, except under the pinstripe.

stickguy

well, can't let him have all the fun. this looks like pretty much the same thing. Almost. But does look like it could be a decent deal.

http://www.sportscardigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/111308-2123-hiltonhead- a13.jpg

Looks practical for the winter.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3532202350.html

cheap LTC for TJC

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3531309196.html

au1994

My experience is also with the 3.5 V6 in a rental. I also drive a 328i but mine is a coupe and the difference in the driving dynamic is...well shocking or night and day just don't seem adequate enough.

As noted it was a rental I drove so not a high line model, but the interior bits still were not that great, IMHO.

Now for what it was, it did ride and drive nice just no sporty prententions at all.

rayainsw

As you may be aware, the 8-speed automatic is due sometime soon [?] for the V8. The current 5-speed is relatively old technology. [ The V6 has the 8-speed – a ZF unit, I believe. ]
If the 5-speed is OK w/you, it looks like a minimally equipped V8 AWD is approx. 38K, MSRP. Local CarMax [ also a Chrysler new car dlr ] has a comparably priced RWD V8 w/MSRP $39 advertised for $32.

Good luck!
- Ray
Potentially interested, when the 8-speed V8 arrives . . .

ateixeira

Imagine how much body prep that vette will need.

Town Car owner can't buy a side marker from a junk yard?

oldfarmer50

Decent deal---don't even know what that is....other than expensive looking.

Vette---you could spend the winter repainting it and you'd have a sharp summer car. Seller must not be a car guy since he didn't mention the engine (350, 454 etc.). Which could make a big difference in value.

Town Car---You could get one with half the milage for that price in Florida.

qbrozen

Someone talk me out of even considering this.
The lease deal on the Leaf looks damned good. $219/36mos/36k/$1999due at signing.
I have solar panels at home, FYI.

I'm sure the wife would nix it anyway ... unless I offer it as HER extra car.... hmmmm...

breld

For the relatively low level of commitment, seems like a fun way to experience the Leaf. Does its range work for your daily driving habits?

Oh wait, you wanted someone to talk you OUT of it?

qbrozen

hahaha. yeah, you failed.

Emailed the wife and, much to my surprise, she said she'd have to test drive it.

I'm on the fence about the range issue. It is just on the cusp. If she drives the highway, it is 36 miles one way. The back roads (her usual route) is 29 miles. So any necessary side trips could be a problem. We work about 5 miles apart, so my commute is very similar.

Thing I can't figure out is if the charging station is an extra cost(???).

corvette

The Leaf is a neat car. If you lease, you don't get the federal tax credit, so that probably explains the attractive lease prices. Since it's new technology, leasing may be the wisest choice. The new model will probably have increased range.

Given the fact that you can't drive it on a long trip, I think you'd be hard pressed to clock 12,000 miles per year on it or any all-electric car.

qbrozen

That's true.

BTW, I entered my zip code and it came back with an even lower price. $199/mo. Damn it!

qbrozen

So this is on the 2012 Leaf. It is very possible there are none left. No local dealers show any inventory online for Leafs of any year.

jpp75

My biggest issue with the previous gen of these cars were the small windows, it made the interior feel small and almost claustrophobic, although the Taurus suffers from the same issue.

ateixeira

Volt lease was $329 last time I looked, more down too.

Can either of you charge at work?

My garage has 2 EV charging stations but they're both taken every day.

jpp75

I completely agree on the traction and stability control. On my 2008 4Runner, my 2012 G37x and a rental Subaru I've seen those nannies really keep the car in line when it wiggles or slides a little bit. It's really impressive how far they've come. In fact I feel better in the G37x in the snow/ice than I do in my 2002 Pathfinder unless it's really deep.

nyccarguy

There is truly nothing that drives like a BMW. I know there are cars that sell within the same price point, but they all compete for 2nd place in the class.

nyccarguy

Or the torque of a 335i :shades:

Its not V8 torque, but comes damn close :P

tjc78

The TC is the same color combo as my 04 Grand Marquis. The second picture with those awful wheels hurts my eyes!

nyccarguy

Funny you mention that about the floor mats. A friend of mine just picked up a 550i ///M Sport in South Florida. The dealer had one of their massive plates on the front which he said he didn't want. The sales manager told him to go to the botique & pick out what he likes. Only thing they had was an ///M Plate. He has them put it on. After he gets the car he calls me and texts me pictures of his brand new, twin turbocharged V8, Carbon Black Beauty.

I call him on my way home to hear all about his car, the deal, how everything went down. He asks me what I think of the car... Then he says to me: "Bradd, we've been friends for a long time. Tell me honestly. What do you think of the ///M Plate?"

I said: "Dan, if it were my car and I didn't need a front plate, I'd just have the piece put on that completes the nose of the car. Besides, it isn't an ///M5."

tjc78

But that plate adds 20 horsepower!

rayainsw

'the torque of a 335i '

A big reason for me selecting the 335iS = TQ 370...
- Ray
TQ addict

isellhondas

A gal I volunteer with at our food Bank just did that Leaf deal and she loves it!

It's the very limited RANGE that stops most people.

I would be very curious how this will affect theri power bill.

breld

There is truly nothing that drives like a BMW. I know there are cars that sell within the same price point, but they all compete for 2nd place in the class.

I'd agree for sure - though it seems like some of the other brands are getting a bit sportier (Audis, Lexus GS) while BMW is getting a tad softer with their new products. Like they're going to meet in the middle.

So I don't have any heartburn over not waiting to get an F30, which was my plan for awhile. I wouldn't mind the small addition in size, but certainly enjoy the driving experience of the E90, as well as the close to $20k savings over the '13 335xi I had my BMW salesperson spec out on an order (in a moment of irrationality). :surprise:

breld

Here's where I came to some clarity on trading the Audi A5 for this 335xi - other than the styling, the traits that I liked most about the Audi was its smoothness, quietness and relaxing drive with the automatic. Those things I can get in many other cars at much less cost, like say, an Accord.

What the BMW offers, however, is not easily duplicated in other vehicles, much less significantly cheaper ones. The Golf R that I considered just a few days ago - the deal we got to on that was a net $400 less than what I came to on this 335xi. The Golf R is a great car, but talk about a no-brainer. Kind of want the VW dealer to call back to see where I stand - they were very proud of their car.

stickguy

my understanding is you get the extension cord outlet, but if you want the hi speed charger, you pay for that. Unless you already have a 220 line for a dryer or range? Just tee into that!

my guess, you would hate it quickly. Even if range is OK, just the performance and driving experience would do you in.

and I would think it would be a must for you to have a plug in at work that you can count on getting access too. Maybe throw an orange extension cord out your window?

I would actually be the better candidate for it. I WFH, and my car is purely an extra for when I need to run around town, usually in traffic on back roads at low speeds. if we go anywhere more than 5-10 miles away, odds are we take the wife's RDX. Plus I have it in the garage, so easy to charge.

and if I need to go somewhere further away, I can always swap with my daughter and repo her Volvo for the dang.

Dang, maybe I should be out looking at these?

stickguy

$400 diff to go with the BMW? Yes, that is the biggest no brainer I have ever seen.

and a lateral move from the Audi I certainly agree with. As long as the stick is no big deal for what you need to use it for. i would have done the same thing. if I had any money...

breld

No, no. You're supposed to get on that ATS lease.

breld

and a lateral move from the Audi I certainly agree with. As long as the stick is no big deal for what you need to use it for.

Yeah, I can stomach trading out the A5 so quickly when it was a lateral move and the BMW was priced right - value for value.

The A5 for the Golf R just didn't make the same sense. The Golf R has the performance, but as nice as the VW interior is, it's still a step down from the Audi or BMW.

As for the stickshift, I have to admit the auto tranny was growing on me for the commute. But when I saw that 335 with the stick, it was just too tempting to pass on. So I have the 530i and 335 both with manuals - seems a bit redundant, which I usually don't like in the fleet. But at least for now, there's something satisfying and fun in having both.

stickguy

I did not say I would do it. only that I was the perfect candidate to do it!

of course, that is right now. With my luck, a month after I lease a leaf, I will switch jobs and go back to my 45 mile each way in hideous traffic commute.

I did like that ATS. might have to even go drive one. they don't have me flagged at the caddy dealer yet as a stroke (I don't think...)

breld

I think an initial visit just to check it out is just fine (and us curious minds want to know).

stickguy

Going to the philly auto show in 10 days. That is a good way to weed out the pretenders from the list of contenders.

qbrozen

But it seems like you'd be wasting money with a lease. You don't drive enough.

The Leaf would be primarily the wife's. I'm thinking it would replace the Benz as her 2nd car. Of course, I'd drive it sometimes, too. Just as she sometimes drives my volvo.

I actually put in a request for info through the nissan website and received NO reply. That's gotta be a first.

Sandman6472

So what was the final $ damage here? I'd suspect it can get pretty pricey swapping cars the way y'all do...pretty pricey! But I guess your wife has no problem with it all. My CPA wife would kill me if I did the same thing...but she sees these items as appliances that get one from point A to point B. I guess having more $ makes it much easier to swap out so frequently but with 4 kids, I would be having nightmares if I was in your shoes.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

I think I may drag the wife to the auto show as well. I want to get a feel for what SUV she wants. I'm praying I can get her to fall for something other than her current favorite (Buick Enclave). It's not that I don't like the Enclave they just get super pricey. I played around with both the Edge and JGC and both came in under 40K. The Enclave about 4-5K more. I refuse to pay more than I do for the LaCrosse. I also think the LaCrosse may be a goner by the end of the year, provided I can get out without neg equity. I can tell she is just not comfortable driving it. The large (wait, HUGE) A pillars combined with her short stature just aren't good. I see her straining to see.

As for the leaf. A 220 volt charging station (IE, Plug) would have to run from your main electrical panel. It is a fairly easy job if you have a garage and the breaker panel is out there. A bit more involved if it is located in the basement or inside the home. You can't just "jump" off of the electric dryer plug!

stickguy

no, a lease would be silly for me right now. I barely drive enough to justify the old car that I don't fit in!

but, if I did get a leaf lease, that would become the around town family (just me and the wife now) car, keeping miles off the RDX and its mediocre local MPG. So I would save $ there, and get some use out of it.

we used to always take my car instead of the van locally, just because I did not care for driving it (well, miles and gas $ palyed in too). Not now though!

qbrozen

Its not V8 torque, but comes damn close

Depends on the V8. By all accounts, even the stock 300 lb-ft version is underrated by BMW. And since the tune, mine is easily in the high 300s. That's right there with a 300c/charger while weighing over half a ton less, as well as the 4.7 v8 used by maserati. So, yes, DAMNED close. And after a few mods, exceeds it.

stickguy

oh come on, with enough extension cords you can do anything!

for me, that would be easy. Panel is in the garage, right next to my car. so I would only need a few feet of wire.

For you? What about the new Buick "mini enclave"? Too small?

definitely hit the show. makes a nice day out. A few hours seeing all the cars, a nice lunch/dinner afterwards, and gets you out of the house!

breld

Bottom line - my car plus $3,000. The cars are more or less worth about the same amount retail, so that $3k is the hit I took to trade out. Since I like the BMW much more than what I had, it was worth it.

You're absolutely right - clearly there is money lost on trading out cars as frequently as we have, though buying used and waiting for good deals helps minimize that. Despite our track record, I would like to settle it down a bit.

And you're also right - my wife loves cars too and is quite the enabler.

And actually - my wife and I are both CPAs. So, we try to take care of other priorities - 15 year mortgage, college savings, retirement savings - and then feel pretty free to indulge in our car habit with what's left over.

I am happy this forum exists.

tjc78

For you? What about the new Buick "mini enclave"? Too small?

Yes. She wants something fairly large as do I. The Grand Cherokee, Edge, Explorer, Highlander as well as the Enclave/Acadia/Traverse are all players here.

My Mother has a RAV 4 and she said it's too small, so that rules out alot of the field.

michaellno

Soooo ....

... the wife texts me during lunch .. seems a job has opened up with an organization that she is already involved with. A cut in pay, but she would be doing more driving, for which she would be compensated.

(IRS shows 56.5 cents per mile for 2013; not sure what rate the organization would reimburse at)

So ... does she use the CX-7 (20 MPG combined, PUG) for this, or do we look at a low cost lease and get her something more fuel efficient?

Cruze LS = $149/mo ($2100 to start)
Impreza = $169/mo ($1939 to start)
Mazda 3 (not SkyActiv) = $159/mo ($1999 to start)

Wouldn't take many miles each month to earn back the cost of the payment. Plus, I'd like to keep the miles off the CX-7 if we're going to keep it for a while.

michaellno

Yes. She wants something fairly large as do I. The Grand Cherokee, Edge, Explorer, Highlander as well as the Enclave/Acadia/Traverse are all players here.

Do you want / need a 3rd row?

tjc78

At this point, no it's not needed.

stickguy

when we were looking, I drove the Edge and Highlander. Loved the Edge. Nice size, comfy, drove well. I drove the 2.ot and was amazed at the power. Felt "big" and was roomy, but not bulbous.

Also drove a highlander. Neither of us liked it. did not drive nice (very "trucky"). felt like a bus.

the enclave sits nice. Never drove one. Too bargey for my taste. From what I read, the Explorer is also not a whale.

JGC is also a nice package. I showed my wife, but she did not care for it (too blocky), plus expensive and MPG issues. No idea how it drives.

Staying domestic (as you seem to be leaning) leaves out the Acura models, both of which are nice. The RDX IMO "feels" bigger than it's footprint, and is very roomy inside (at least for passengers).

so, from your list, if you don't need a 3rd row, Edge or JGC, and if you are not planing to off road, Edge would be the clear favorite.

YMMV of course

tjc78

If I had to guess, it may come down to Enclave and Edge. My favorite of the group is the Edge. The Lincoln MK? could also be an option since I believe there are usually good lease deals.

It doesn't have to be domestic, but all the models she says she likes when we see them are domestic.

oldfarmer50

But I want it!

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3533333654.html

oldfarmer50

"...I also drive a 328i..."

I would think going from a BMW to any rental car would be a disappointment. The Charger I rented was not a bad car, it just didn't move me style wise or performance wise. It was a adequate daily driver. I'd just prefer not to toss $30k at "adequate".