Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

as in, my neighbor seems to have new wheels.

Showed up in a used (I think it is the last series) BMW 5 series. Has a temp tags on it. Guess he got tired of bopping around in his Nissan PU. can't blame him I guess!

nice dark silvery/light gray color. A 528i, and didn't see an xdrive badge on it but haven't gotten that close to the side yet/

tifighter

Hey, if the ATS is getting major incentives on cheap leases, works for me.

Totally agree. And I think GM knows that the battle is long; they have to lure new buyers over to take Cadillac serious for awhile until they build more brand equity with new, younger buyers. Incentives are a tool to do that, and just because the ATS has them doesn't make it a failure.

stickguy

I'm not getting one, but hopefully my son gets a job soon after graduation, and if he ends with moving away or having a longish commute, will likely look to get him into a new car to start out (since his current ride is 14 YO with 170K on it). And purely for financial (cash flow) reasons, a lease is a strong possibility. And I will be shopping by price.

abacomike

I am curious if the C250 diesel will be around for the next generation.

The new E250 Bluetec is scheduled to make its debut here in September, 2013. Mercedes has put much research and investment dollars in that new 4 cylinder Diesel engine, so I would expect it to be around for quite some time in both the E, C and the ALS. They've been in Europe for a year now with some good results and feedback from buyers.

It should be a big winner here with some excellent mpg figures.

fintail

I'll seriously consider a C250 diesel, should finances allow in a couple years. The E is almost a little too big - feels about the same size as a SWB W126 I had many years ago. It's a fantastic car, but I don't need so much size. It would be for size more than price, too - a C the way I would want it wouldn't be cheap.

Oh, as you are going to be in a new W212 and had one before, I "discovered" something you probably know, but I just learned. You can close the trunk with the same button on the door panel used to open it - just press in and hold it til the trunk closes. I thought that was pretty cool.

abacomike

Oh, as you are going to be in a new W212 and had one before, I "discovered" something you probably know, but I just learned. You can close the trunk with the same button on the door panel used to open it - just press in and hold it til the trunk closes. I thought that was pretty cool.

You can also open the trunk when your hands are full by sticking your foot just under the rear bumper with the key in your pocket and the trunk will open. Nice feature, but I'd never use it because my hands and arms are never full.

As for a C class Diesel (C250), it will be around for some ge - perfect engine for that size car.

ronsteve

The one thing I do know about these, from the Mini forums, is that they eat clutches at an alarming rate. Like under 10-15k miles, for a lot of owners. Mini has yet to acknowledge any issue last I saw. Weird.

Was there even any speculation as to the cause? Makes me wonder about the experience/skill of a lot of Mini owners.

mark156

I cleaned the old SL from top to bottom today and the paint is so shiny and it looks like new again.... only 56,000 original miles. If we wanted, I actually have a free garage space out at our country house (not used much) as it has a two car garage.

I could store it there for nostalgic reasons as the house keeper could start it weekly to keep everything 'up to snuff'. The eight cars that we have are aging but can keep you busy with maintenance. But, I have to say, that some just pull at the heart strings when it's time to cut'em from the herd. All were bought new except the Rolls which we've had for 14 yrs.

'64 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III (91,000 miles)
'90 500SL Mercedes (56,000 miles)
'95 E320 Cabriolet (39,000 miles)
'01 S500 Mercedes (89,000 miles)
'07 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series (56,000 miles) Inherited
'08 Monaco Dynasty motorhome (57,000 miles)
'09 Bentley Continental GTC (11.000 miles)
'10 Land Rover LR4 (23,000 miles)
'13 Honda CR-V EXL w/nav (5,500 miles) Tow vehicle for the motorhome

Mark 156

nyccarguy

A 3rd Honda product today. So now I've got my 2001 Prelude Type SH, my wife's 2011 Honda Pilot EXL w/ Navigation, my 2011 328xi, & (drumroll please) a Honda Lawnmower;).

breld

I have to say, I love my Honda lawnmower - well worth the premium over lesser brands. Also have a coordinating Honda snowblower in the garage. :P

tifighter

Given that many of them owned multiple Minis with no issues before adding a Countryman, confidence was high that it was the clutch, not the drivers.

steine13

In '03, I finally broke down and bought a snow blower. Here in MI, that seemed like a good idea, though lately...

It was my first Honda. Got the smallest one for my long/narrow driveway, single stage, and have been good to it. The quality is excellent; I'm a firm believer in Honda for small engines.
Every fall I go through a little routine of pulling the starter cord a few times to build up oil flow before turning on gas and ignition. Starts on the first pull.

My "other Honda" is, and this shows I'm secure in my masculinity, a 1985 Spree scooter. Bought for peanuts a few years back cuz it didn't run. I built a carrier for it for my Vibe, so when I go canoeing, I can take it along on the hitch rack. "Works good," as we say in the midwest. Looks decidedly ghetto. Oh well.

https://www.msu.edu/~steine13/spreet04.jpg

It's kinda like Mark's motorhome + CRV dinghy, no? :shades:

Looking at that picture; I've replaced a 11 windows on my old house since then... no wonder I don't have time to mess with cars...

We sure need a new driveway.

Cheers -Mathias

jayrider

The lease rate is for the base ATS with zero options. I wonder how many of those are on the lot. Sounds a bit like a bait and switch to a better equipped car but maybe not. Local Honda dealer has a 299 zero down lease on an AWD Pilot LX but if you check his inventory there are never any in stock.

Sandman6472

Still having a grinding sound up front when coming to a complete stop. Looked through receipts and found one from July of '09 for new front brakes, pads, so looks like they used the original rotors which could be the issue now. Will call for an appointment & see if they need to be replaced. Hopefully the pads are in good condition so should be a simple fix here with throwing on some new rotors. Think I'll just do it as I need the car to work perfectly as I have to take 95 to get to our meeting spot and it's a dangerous place to be especially with all the continued construction around 595 and the airport. Even with the snowbirds gone now, the traffic is still horrendous and I need to have good brakes at all times.

My wife wanted to drive he Civic the other day but I nixed it..her driving style is a bit weird to me, she doesn't keep constant pressure on the accelerator, more of an on/off style which is annoying and not real fuel efficient, also gives me a headache. And since I'm such a perfectionist with my vehicle, I prefer that only my son & I drive it. I know it's strange, but I prefer that no one really drives my car if I can help it. Also, my wife "hits things" and doesn't tell me...I can tell whenever I drive the Mazda because if the wheel isn't straight, I know she hit something. Try to have the wheel straight as the car tracks straight as I hate a steering wheel that's cocked a bit to either side...drives me nuts. There are certain roads here that I can tell how the car is tracking and use these as my guide. Haven't renewed the alignment policy on the Mazda yet because she said to hold off. Even she finally realizes that the time is coming when we'll have to retire her vehicle for a new one. Am still pushing for the Kia Rio but looks like the Hyundai Accent is gonna take over her space in the garage.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

breld

Looks decidedly ghetto.

Ha - I don't think so. Looks pretty impressive to me. It says, "I don't need some Thule or Yakima - just give me some wood and bolts - I got this!"

I have the same (or similar) Honda snowblower (small single stage). For the snow here in Denver, I didn't want to get a large, difficult to handle blower that was required for the one every couple years big snowfall. The Honda works awesome on 95% of our snow and is easy to get around and store.

For those rare 3-4 foot snowfalls - I think we'll just settle in, light a fire and put a good movie on.

breld

I took my step-daughter out earlier this weekend for our first driving lesson in her Beetle (she just got her permit a couple of weeks ago). She did have one lesson from the driving school under her belt. Considering it was only her second time behind the wheel, she did really well.

Being the first time I've attempted to teach anyone to drive, I forget how much really goes into it and how little you know as a new driver - from starting the car, to simply making a turn and accelerating smoothly. Throw in the stick-shift, and there's a lot to think about. I'm second guessing a little bit if it was a good idea to go with the manual trannie right off the bat - thinking instead that she should perhaps get comfortable with the basics before throwing in the idea of rowing your own gears.

Anyhow, she got it going several times, and even got all the way up to 2nd gear . Understandably, there were several stalls too, and after awhile, the car wouldn't start back up - barely any turn of the engine. I joked with her that she broke the car, which she didn't believe nor appreciate. My wife came by and the car started right up with a jump, so the next day we were off to Sears and got a new battery installed. Not surprising, as it was the original battery after 60k miles. What was a little surprising was the cost - the battery itself was $175. To be quite honest, I haven't had to change a battery in many years (I think the last time was for my '93 Prelude), and it was something like $80. Are the VW batteries just that much (it was in line with the prices we saw online)?

corvette

When you have eight cars, you don't put that many miles on any of them... Nice fleet you have there!

mark156

The cars that left the fleet due to being traded for a new car were:

'82 MB 300SD traded for a '91 MB 560 SEL traded for a '94 MB S500 then to the current '01 MB S500.
'87 BMW conv. for the '90 SL conv.
'78 MB 450SL traded for the '95 E320 Cabriolet
'96 Jeep GC traded for a '99 Jeep GC traded for a '02 MB ML500 for a '06 LR LR3 then to the '10 LR LR4
'00 MB E430 Sport was sold to my brother for the incoming '09 Bentley GTC
'07 Honda CR-V traded for the '13 Honda CR-V

So, there have a few fun ones that have come and gone.

Mark156

Sandman6472

I saw on Auto trader that red Nissan Rogue I test drove 2 weeks ago has been reduced by about $3k...they now are asking $19,312 and they wanted $22,314 from me...crazy price from the start so I walked out laughing to myself. This new price is more inline with reality though. It had just came in that Saturday and I drove it on Monday so they tried to get top dollar but it's still there so they had to drop the price. If it weren't for the color, I'd seriously consider it but that red is an ugly red...prefer the Focus red color as it's a nicer shade and more glossy looking. I really need to go test the Tuscon/Sportage twins to really see what is a better choice...the Sportage I drove up to Jupiter on Friday was a nice vehicle but I do prefer the Tuscon interior best of all three vehicles. With the Hyundia store being right across the street, best to purchase there for the closeness. And their warranty beats Nissan's by a miles also.

Think I've kind of zeroed in on my next vehicle these past few days. The German small cars probably ain't the best choice for me and the small sport ute seems to be the best choice for my bad spine also...sliding over into it is really so much easier. There would also be the more powerful 4 cylinder engine as I've always had 1.8 and smaller ones but the sport utes all seem to have the 2.4 or 2.5 4's which will add a bit to the petrol price but the tradeoff will definitely be worth it. If I stick to my current game plan, the current models will be long gone by the time 2016/2017 rolls around. Hopefully they'll look better and have increased mileage figures. I'll say one thing, this job I have driving the rentals has shown me what the best vehicle is for me personally...I get to drive them all so it's a great education in that I now know what I definitely do not want and many things I do. A great learning experience for me!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Pointed out a Nissan Rogue to the wife the other night and told her that something like that will probably be my next vehicle. She commented that it's way too big for her and I said that it's really the same size as your Mazda3, it just sits a bit higher. Also said that once she drives one, she'll never want to let it go as the extra height makes a big difference. I know yesterday the guy driving a Crown Vic called me to see if I could see how much traffic was backed up ahead due to an accident. I could actually see what was going on. Right then and there I was convinced that this is the choice for my next vehicle. Granted I was driving a much larger Edge at the time, but everything made me realize that the small econocar rut that I've been in forever has almost run it's course & that I need to get a small sport ute next time out. As I was telling the wife, I predicted that once she drives one, she'll also want one. I really need to get her into one before she buys her next vehicle because i think she'll really like it also.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fintail

2 W126s and a W140 and the old car - we have such similar tastes, I think we must be related, so you need to adopt me :shades:

When the E350 term is up, if I don't lease another car, I will seriously look for a W126 diesel like the one you had. I just really like that platform, they are so good looking, and have unmatched build quality. Not easy to find nice ones anymore.

fintail

Nothing wrong with scooters. I rode one for a few days last summer, and I loved it - so light, I feel like I can do wild crazy things on one I wouldn't try on a motorcycle. I've thought about getting one, but some of the local rut roads make me worry, not to mention being less visible than a motorcycle.

fintail

C250 diesel 4Matic wagon would be the dream, but there's virtually no chance of the wagon here - however the sedan might be a possibility. Size is fine, although when equipped how I would want (pano, keyless go, nav, lighting, etc), it would be well into the mid 40s.

I'll have to try the foot thing, I didn't know that existed outside of the CUV world.

abacomike

I'll have to try the foot thing, I didn't know that existed outside of the CUV world.

Only on the 2014's, something they added this year.

Have to try that trunk switch on the door to close the trunk!

fintail

Ha, I was going to say, I went and tried it on my 13, nothing. Nice feature though, as I sometimes do have a load of stuff in my hands. It'll trickle down to everything quickly, if not next year.

For the trunk switch thing, hold it down until the trunk closes, or it will pop back up.

mark156

Sandman, I saw 'that' color red that you are talking about on the Nissan Rogue. I agree, it's not the most attractive color of red. Kinda has a hint of an orangy/rust hue giving it a dirty red color.

A friend of mine just bought a new Lexus Hybrid called a '250' ?? something.... anyway, it's the most beautiful cranberry red.

Mark156

mark156

I'll have to try that out with my 'luxo Volkswagon'. I've never tried to close the trunk lid from the inside. It will be a little while before I can give it a whirl as I won't be back out to California until the end of May.

Mark

ateixeira

Honda Lawnmower

I want one of these bad boys:

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/awd/

AWD plus Honda engine. It was $499 when I looked, not bad!

ateixeira

a 1985 Spree scooter

Cool, they're fun, just don't let any of your friends see you riding.

I owned a few scooters, an '84 Honda Aero 125, and later a Yamaha Razz 50cc just to run back and forth from the Subway.

I've owned a few motorcycles as well and none of them were as "fun" as the Aero scooter. It's hard to explain.

stever

If Honda made a vacuum cleaner like that, women would get out of a lot of housework.

ateixeira

You're right, men will use anything that seems like a cool power tool.

A little off topic, but I went to see an allergist, and found I was allergic to dust. He told me never to vacuum again, to leave the house if it's being done, even.

I asked him to put that in writing. :shades:

Sandman6472

Exactly, that orangy/rust tinge really turned me off as I prefer the red on the Ford Focus, more vivid and in your face red...the wife's old '79 Buick Skylark had that great GM red which really jumped out at ya and we really liked it even though i think red does bring more cop/fuzz potential. Never the less, I'm getting a bit tired of the silver/gray colors that we've been having lately but insist upon a darker interior as the light ones seem to show the dirt and scuffs more. But I'm going to be very flexible with the exterior shade next go round as it'll probably be the last vehicle I do purchase. Think by the time I am 70, we'll be down to one vehicle...I definitely want to downsize in the next few years.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

They told me that years ago...i am allergic to most things especially dust, tobacco, cats, dogs & melaluca trees but life does go on. And the wife still gets me to dust/vacuum whatever so good luck with yours! She hates cooking/shopping/housework more than I do but we both insist on a clean house. We have the cleaning ladies come in once a month and they do a great job and now with the kids gone, the house stays clean longer. I don't mind cleaning the toilet if it needs it as I know she will never do it...she's a bit of a princess actually!!!

The Domesticated Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Home again today...I'm bored and want to drive!!! Hopefully they'll have a gig for us tomorrow. Was told it slows down after season ends so this is probably what's happening now. Can't work Thursday as they are coming back to redo my headliner...it's coming down in a few places. Also have the dryer vent being cleaned out since it's drying very slowly and then the toilet guy is due...wife hears a weird noise, so does daughter yet I hear nothing! Gotta keep her happy, so...!

Guess I have time to clean things up today...the time has come to get rid of all the old Motor trends and Car and Driver mags and recycle them!

The Bored Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

Also have the dryer vent being cleaned out since it's drying very slowl

Thanks for the reminder. I try and do that once a year. I just disconnect it at the dryer and stick the shop vac hose in.

michaellno

At the Golf Expo in February I submitted my name as a potential volunteer for the BMW Championship PGA golf tournament, which will be held here in Denver in September 2014.

Today, I received my official invitation to volunteer. One of the groups I can join is the "transportation" committee, which ferries cars (BMW's, of course) to and from various sites including the airport, hotels and the golf course.

Unlike sandy's job, however, I've got to pay for this privilege - in this case, $145, which gets me 2 polo shirts, a wind shirt, a hat, a pin, a water bottle and a pass to the tournament.

I'd be expected to work 3 or 4 half day shifts during the week.

I wouldn't mind driving various BMW's around for a week and be able to see the golf tournament as well.

Thoughts?

ateixeira

Hmm, mixed feelings. On one hand, you're working...volunteering. Should be free.

But if you like golf, here's an insider's look.

Would be cool if you ended up picking up a big name or two.

michaellno

Hmm, mixed feelings. On one hand, you're working...volunteering. Should be free.

But if you like golf, here's an insider's look.

Would be cool if you ended up picking up a big name or two.

I dunno the value of the swag I'd be getting in return for the $145. Check that - just went to the Peter Millar site, which is furnishing the clothing. $80 for the shirt, and a minimum of $125 for the outerwear.

I love golf - don't play nearly as much as I'd like.

And, I'd be keeping up a tradition - my dad worked the Greg Norman / Tiger Woods tournament that is held at Sherwood Country Club for many year. Got to know a number of the players pretty well.

xwesx

It sounds like an excellent experience. $145? Pssht. That's just making sure those who volunteered have a bit of a commitment to participating. Go for it! :shades:

jpp75

If you can specify the transportation aspect I'd say go for it. Think of it as renting BMW's for the weekend and ferrying around some great golf names. If it's a grab bag as to what you'd be doing then I'd pass.

abacomike

For the trunk switch thing, hold it down until the trunk closes, or it will pop back up.

Yep - tried it twice today and you are correct - it closes using that door switch. I thought it only worked by pressing one of the two switches on the trunk inside lid. Nice feature!

Sandman6472

I'd go for it as you never know where it could lead...and if nothing happens afterwards, it's still pretty cool. And start saving a few bucks here & there now and you won't even miss it! Never pass up an opportunity is the way to look at life...one never knows what'll happen! And to drive some BMW's to boot...what the hell...JUST DO IT!

Guess my outlook has changed on so many things but being alone and thinking a lot gives one a new perspective on life...it sure did for me as now, I want to do it all! And if I die tomorrow, I know it'll be o k cause I've opened up my mind and body to life and all the great things it has to offer. Hard to put into words but intense happiness is something that one must feel...and baby I'm feeling it now!

The Happy Sandman :sick: :shades:

michaellno

If you can specify the transportation aspect I'd say go for it. Think of it as renting BMW's for the weekend and ferrying around some great golf names.

I was given the option of choosing three areas - I chose 1) Transportation; 2) Player Hospitality and 3) Corporate Hospitality and Operations.

Got the go ahead from the wife so I'm signed up!

And, it's not just the weekend ... I could have shifts for a whole week (9/1 thru 9/7 next year).

My $145 gets me:

Two (2) Peter Millar Golf Shirts
One (1) Peter Millar Wind Jacket
One (1) Hat or one (1) Visor
One (1) Commemorative Pin
One (1) Water Bottle
One (1) Volunteer Credential, valid for entry all week
One (1) Invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Party
Food and beverages on days volunteers work
Opportunity to purchase additional tickets at a discount

My commitment is 3 or 4 half day shifts. I'll just take the whole week off of work (both jobs) and enjoy myself.

Sandman6472

Working a Miami to (Rail Head)Jupiter run tomorrow at 10:30...hopefully we'll have more work thrown our way. All in all, glad to be working again! Hopefully I'll get something fun to drive again. Did enjoy the Edge on Saturday as it accelerated nicely!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

crkyolfrt

This sounds pretty good as long as: a) you don't have to gas any of them
and
b) you aren't jockeying right when one of your fav players is teeing up..

stickguy

sounds like fun. And you should still move to Bermuda. Great golf, all year round!

that was you, right? Sometimes I get confuzzled...

stickguy

Hey Mike, not sure if you read any, but this month at least 2 of the monthly car mags have big write-ups on the new E class. Looks sharp, and sounds like a lot of dynamic improvements.

steine13

This is not a value or political judgment, but my personal, not-thought-through, non-negotiable gut reaction:

I will not volunteer my time for rich people.

-Mathias

abacomike

Hey Mike, not sure if you read any, but this month at least 2 of the monthly car mags have big write-ups on the new E class. Looks sharp, and sounds like a lot of dynamic improvements.

Haven't seen them. Which mags, specifically? Would like to read them.

stickguy

I think automobile and Motor Trend both did. Not sure about any others.