Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tifighter

Good to know about the shifter breld; thanks.

The sport seats are the only thing I wish the car had. Well, unless we can magically make it a wagon. I like the color combo. And I love that it doesn't have idrive, as nothing dates cars like old electronics.

nyccarguy

Exactly my problem. I'm afraid I'm really going to like it (The WRX) and add it to my list of next cars. Hmmmm. How would it sit with the wife if she couldn't drive 2 of the 3 cars?

These WRXs bring stupid money used. They are like Wrangler Unlimiteds. Seems like according to the asking prices that they barely depreciate.

nyccarguy

Exactly!

nyccarguy

Congrats on the new rig! That's the 1st punch in a while. What's our total for 2013 so far? Pickups are nice, a customer of mine just gave his son his ridge line & picked up a 2013 Ram 1500. It's got everything, xenon lights, dripping with chrome, big honking HEMI. He loves it.

stickguy

could always sell the prelude and replace it with something like the WRX.

nyccarguy

Sell the prelude is not in my vocabulary;). Besides, my 2 sons are now old enough to sit in booster seats that don't require LATCH anchors, & they absolutely LOVE the prelude!

stickguy

wait until they get bigger. especially if they sprout early and outgrow you.

not sure if the prelude is any bigger than my Integra, but I couldn't imagine sitting back there. that is also one of the big reasons I sold my Scion tC after 1.5 years.

roadburner

Nice car, but AWD and lack of the Sport/M Sport package knocks it off my list.

roadburner

hey, did your son pick a school?

Funny you should ask; he decided today- South Carolina it is!

roadburner

Congrats!

stickguy

tell him congratulations. I know from experience it is a long process, and how excited they are to move into phase 2 having sent in the deposit!

I actually had SC on the initial think about it list, but took it off because of distance (630 miles or so). But man, I liked the brochure. and read the whole scholarship brochure they included. If you can get one of the out of state ones that gives in state rates too, quite a deal.

I should tell her if she applies and wants to go, I'll relo to Charleston so she will be close to home!

just looks and sounds like a really nice school.

roadburner

Of the four schools we visited(Belmont, Georgia, Louisville, SC) SC conducted the best campus visit. He's going to double major in Business and Sports Management and SC is just finishing up a new building for the College of Business. My cousin lives in Columbia so he won't be set totally adrift. The house will sure seem empty this September...

Sandman6472

It will but they always come home. And now being empty nesters...it really is kinda cool, no more big meals, we are more flexible about going out, less laundry and lower power bills. I love my kids to death, and they all know it, but when it's time...it's time. And it was time! They are always welcome back if need be and we love it when the girls come in for the weekend or just over night or even just for a meal. But there does come a time when the kids need to grow up and go!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

nyccarguy

Roadburner - Mazel -Tov & congratulations! You must be so proud!

stickguy

I will put that bug in the princesses ear. At the moment, I think she is likely to go into business of some sort.

a good tour does make a difference, but if you see too many in a short period, they start to blur together.

kyfdx

My son is in the business school at the University of Cincinnati. Maybe, you could come here for a visit.

You know.. drop a car off and fly back?

Just saying..

corvette

"Funny you should ask; he decided today- South Carolina it is!"

Only an hour and a half from Spartanburg... Kind of a no-brainer! :P

stickguy

I would have, but after seeing the unis in the BBall game today, pass.

roadburner

Only an hour and a half from Spartanburg... Kind of a no-brainer!

As I said over in the Sales Frontlines topic, I have several friends who work in the BMW CCA and BMW CCA Foundation National Offices in Greenville, so I'm sure he will find his way over there, and he's hoping he can intern or co-op at BMW Manufacturing. We will see...

stickguy

I was touting the school to her tonight. She seems mildly interested. especially when I told her she could fly home during the year!

Sandman6472

Had one of these for the Ft. Myers to Miami run today...a bit boring but got the job done. Decided to go the cd route instead of using the iPod and they worked great...since it's about a 2 hour trip, only had to use 1 cd as I listened to local FM until I left Naples and then went back to FM once I was almost to Lauderdale. Poured as we got into Miami and the traffic was horrendous...the Palmetto became a bumper to bumper mess so I followed some truckers and their short cut to MIA. Worked out great and beat most of the others there who stuck to the old route. Doing a double West Palm to Miami run in the morning and hopefully something else afterwards. Only worked 7 out of the last 14 days so the check will be a bit skimpy this time. Would love to work 10 out of 14 days so I could have a nice check and a few days off so we'll shoot for that as we lost one driver. Still having fun but with more drama rearing it's ugly head, some of the excitement is definitely gone.

Turns out the one guy who gave me problems is pissed again as he thinks I get "the best cars" still...he really is a real drama queen and a miserable 65 year old who's wife left him years ago...I see why now! He's not happy unless he causes some strife in the ranks so I just ignore him now which is making him more weird. But decided I will not enable this jerk and people hate to be ignored but that's the best way for me to deal. Told the wife and she just laughed and said he needs to get over himself! She is so right. And again, how do I know what the best cars are? I see what I want to drive that day and if not already assigned, I get in & check the gas. If it's full or close to full, it's mine for the trip. Not gonna go around and ask permission...that's plain nuts! He better learn to deal or he's gonna be one unhappy old man! I've moved on now!

Looks like Hertz is staying as a customer for the time being and I've yet to hear from them about employment. Hopefully I'll hear something soon as that would be a great gig...and I'd have a real schedule like a normal job! Now that would definitely work for me and I'd work weekends, something many will not do but I am very flexible and hours don't bother me as I'd rather work a later shift like 1 to 11 or something along those lines, perfect for a retiree like myself. Like to have the morning to get stuff done anyways.

Today is a year since the oil/filter was changed but the oil minder says 40%. I still plan to do it this week and was on my way this morning when the boss called and said, "how long till you can get here"? Luckily I had my backpack with me but no red shirt that we have to wear. Luckily, no one said a word about my pinkish shirt so all was well. Did wash earlier so have my red shirts now. Also, my extra pair of running shows came apart after Wednesdays trip so went out to Sports Authority and found a great pair of similar New Balance running shoes in the clearance rack for $64.95 but with the 20% store coupon in Sunday's paper and the extra 5% off for joining their preferred club or some nonsense, brought the price down to just under $40 bucks...a real deal and they feel great...very padded. One knows a good shoe from a lousy one the minute it goes on...the feet just know! The black Nike's I got at the outlet store are probably going to go back now as I do not need 3 pair of running shoes but they are also so comfy. Decisions...decisions!

The Frustrated Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever

Good deal. That's my brand so I get them online at Joe's NB outlet. Sometimes you can get a free shipping deal. Didn't hear that you were trying to land at Hertz - good luck!

Sandman6472

usually go to Famous Footwear or DSW but both places didn't have "the" shoe I really wanted and the ones that were comfortable had awful colors and the nice colors weren't comfortable. Trust me, I tried. After purchasing and returning 4 pair already, it's down to the Nike's and the new Balance and I think the Nike's are going back. Got a 9.5 as I liked the extra bit of room compared to the 9's i usually buy. Was an 8.5 for many years but than found that the 9's felt better. Since I've really not worn closed shoes since I retired at the end of 2010, I think my feet have grown a bit, is this really even possible in one's late 50's? Never the less, the 9.5's felt a bit better and with my socks which are on the heavier side, i went with them. Even the head shoe guy felt them and said the 9.5's were the right choice at this juncture. So one pair will go back as I've got till the 3rd week of April to decide. I'll wear them in the house with clean socks to really get the feel before I do make a decision here but color wise, the New Balance have won that category, hands down. They are black with orange and look great while the Nike's all black but they have those air pockets on the bottom which feel great.

Maybe I should just keep both pair and make my current New Balance one's my "outdoor work" shoe. Always keep an old pair in the garage to do the dirty, wet stuff outside as hate to ruin the everyday pair. This is the best of both worlds actually and is probably the way to go as I sit here and type it out. Probably the best solution.

Well, off to West Palm Beach...be back later this afternoon, G-d willing!

The Indecisive Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever

You really need some auto racing shoes - only $89 and maybe your wife can out figure how to deduct them on your taxes.

jayrider

Saw a new Civic yesterday. VERY upscale looking. If they had a hatch or wagon --- could be tempting.

roadburner

You really need some auto racing shoes

I liked Pilotis, but the company is defunct. My next pair will probably come from Alpinestars. They aren't the cheapest shoes around, but I like their motorcycle boots and gloves I bought. I might also check out Puma's driving shoes.

roadburner

He better learn to deal or he's gonna be one unhappy old man! I've moved on now!

Sounds like he already is! I call those guys Miserable Old Farts- it's not about an age, it is 100% a state of mind...

fintail

The "best car" in the rental lot is a minivan? Yeah, sounds like someone is a drama queen.

Hertz has a prestige fleet, maybe you can get lucky.

stever

Be funny if someone could loan Sandy a full blown Nomex suit - he could say it's for repelling the flames from the jerk.

rayainsw

LOL.
That WOULD be very funny..
- Ray
Take pictures?
Edit: Or a vid, for YouTube?

breld

I agree with the Civic hatch - I had one back in 1990, and would love if they brought it back. I suppose they're answer is the Fit, but with the success of the Mazda3 hatch, along with the Elantra GT, Golf, Focus, etc., I would think Honda would take a crack at a market they did really well with years ago.

Well, despite a pretty decent snow storm going on right now, I think we're gonna brave the elements and head down to the Denver Auto Show. Hopefully the snow will keep most others away and we can roam freely.

Happy Saturday!

corvette

I sent out a feeler to my Facebook friends, since most people know I am fanatical about maintaining my vehicles, and had a little interest, but no bites. I took it to Swope's "buy my car" operation and they're overnighting me a check on Monday. It was a fair deal, and no hassle.

stickguy

Did Bradd fall in love with it and run away?

michaellno

I was going to the auto show in Denver today, but there's a bit too much snow here in Castle Rock. If the snow moves out tomorrow, I'll probably head up.

Re: wife's new job. We've been filling up her Mazda just once a week so far. Last tank was 23mpg, but that included a trip to Co Springs.

28firefighter

Congratulations!! Very exciting stuff...

28firefighter

This story is not helping me with my new car itch. I would really like to have four doors....

kyfdx

I've been out of town, all day... Talked to Bradd after he drove the car, and he gave me a full report, plus some undercarriage pictures..

Brief synopsis.. Cosmetically, it's rougher than the pictures... parking lot dings/scrapes, etc... Surface rust on the undercarriage... appears to have lived outside in New Jersey for it's lifetime.. No evidence of body damage, anywhere.. Interior has some stains, but fabric and bolsters are in good shape..

Mechanically, everything seemed to work well.. shifter, brakes, engine/turbo, suspension... tracked straight... alloys are in good shape... tires are Toyos with about 50% tread..

Bradd doesn't like the color.. (lol).. Says it's not in the kind of shape where you go, "Ooooh... look" (like his Prelude)..

He seemed a little disappointed in the condition, but said, in his opinion, comparing what else you can get for $8K, it's worth it...

That's me paraphrasing.... Bradd... feel free to correct me..

stickguy

That is what happens when you send a pilly OCD to check out your car. That was a compliment BTW>

Reminds me of some of Craig's stories about people coming in to is store and nit picking used cars over every nick.

for this one, pretty much would I would expect from a local guy selling on the cheap end. And does not sound like anything a good weekend of detailing can't spiff right up.

and you said it is for you son? Is he in HS or college? because my experience with sending a car to the HS parking lot is that it's like lending your Toyota PU to the taliban.

kyfdx

kyfdx

kyfdx

kyfdx

kyfdx

kyfdx

I thought I had those at 600 X 450, but they didn't turn out that way..

kyfdx

Is he in HS or college?

Freshman at college...

stickguy

so, if he is taking this, it is going to be sitting outside all the time in a parking lot and getting beat up, so I would not worry about a few dings and scratches.

kyfdx

Exactly... plus, he is a lot more enamored of 227 HP and a stick-shift than anything else

kyfdx

A big shout out to nyccarguy for checking this car out for me... To take 2-3 hours out of your day to help out someone you only know on-line? That is huge, and he is a stellar human being....

It's that type of camaraderie that attracted me to Edmunds Forums in the first place..

stickguy

well the big question is, did you buy it yet?

kyfdx

I was on the road, and had to get home to have access to email and pictures from nyccarguy.. (okay, I now know why you need a smartphone)..

So, emailed the dealer a little bit ago... .he seems to always be connected, so waiting to hear back..