Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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True, but driving said econobox can be the automotive equivalent of attempting to obedience train an ADD Pit Bull that is hooked on crystal meth... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
the obvious answer is, you are about to lease a car that you daughter can't use all that much. Just get something suitable (say, a mazda CX-5) and use that in place of the Chevy whenever you can. If the kid does not have it at school, it will be around during the day. and whenever she is not using it, it is there for you.
But if you sell Chippy you know you will find something to tow soon. and just generally regret it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Funny Steve, that's actually my birthday. I think I'm going to take stickguy's advice and just lease a small SUV that daughter and I can share. I think I'd really regret selling Chippy. As much as I grumble about fuel and maintenance being expensive on a diesel, when it's all said and done, this is the most reliable truck I've owned. Daughter isn't happy about having to share a car with mom but at the end of the day she isn't paying for it or putting gas in it.
Geez, since when do I talk myself out of a new car......must be time to turn in my CCBA card. :sick:
So does a riding lawnmower count? It does have 4 tires, an engine, transmission, and you drive it.
I'm seriously considering this given how cheap the leases are and that I've been offered some really competitive numbers in trade on the C30 from a couple local volvo dealers.
Thoughts?
I saw a local ad for a t5 AWD w/moonroof (so well loaded) for I think $315 sign/drive? needed a $750 costco member rebate (which I don't have) but whatever the deal was, it was strong.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
As far as entertaining cars go, I have to say I recommend the GTI/GLI.
The ONLY thing I don't like is the interior - I really love the black/blonde interior I have now. The closest thing that they have in the S60 is the beige/off-black interior, which I can't find anywhere.
I don't know...we'll see...
a trip to the Volvo dealer might be in order..... I do have to go in Mid-August for a service on the S40. Might have to stop in a bit early.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Let me see, a Passat for $249 a month or an S60 for $279 per month (from their web page). I think I ought to go drive an S60...
From there, Volvo then covers the first three months payments, which knocks off close to another thousand. You also get a $500 costco giftcard.
Obviously, if you are not a costco member, you don't get the 750 costco rebate or the 500 costco giftcard.
I do know the owner at the local Volvo dealer. so if there is some deal to be had (maybe on a demo or some leftover orphan) I might find it!
but, for now, trying to avoid doing anything. Will have to wait and see what deals are out there when I actually need something.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Lovely color, but the interior is a shade too light and it lacks a third pedal. Still a pretty decent car, methinks...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The minuses - Slushbox (you won't be happy with it), sit in it too long with a pair of jeans and the interior will match the exterior color. I wonder if it was traded in before the Inspection II was performed (how convenient). They are asking close to $23K for this car that is 6 years old. I know used car values are crazy high right now & dealers can "ask" what they want for a car, but seriously? What is this car, a $17,500 - $18,000 trade?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
- Ray
Gray interior though.
$16,500-17k.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
No biggie, that's what Lexol is for! My Buick gets a blue tint on the light grey leather from time to time.
I think it's a great color combo.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Should be getting the title to the Focus in the mail soon. Sometime between now and the end of the year we will lease a 3rd vehicle unless we find an amazing deal on a used car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The newish cars are motoring along fine, as one should be able to expect. The Leaf is still not accumulating the miles I hoped it would. Still hasn't even crossed 3k. Semi-good news is that it turns out the AC doesn't have a tremendously detrimental effect on the range.
Something strange has happened to the mustang after the break-in period, though. The fuel mileage has dropped, and it has gotten louder and faster.
Seriously, though, my one complaint would be the transmission/clutch. Its pretty damned clunky if you don't drive it just right. If you hurry it at all, it makes very audible mechanical noises as you change gears and release the pedal. I'm assuming all is as designed and its simply not a luxury car. I only notice it when driving slow and shifting fast ... so I just avoid driving slow whenever I can.
The Benz is still sitting in the driveway. I've been so busy with work (new business pitches and travel, mostly) that I can't find the time to finish getting it ready for sale. Meanwhile, the van has thrown a CEL and I seem to have misplaced my code reader. The wife has adopted the volvo and drives that every day anyway, so its just not a priority for me to even think about the van. I do miss the volvo, though. Or at least the volvo seat.
Anyway, thanks for asking. How's things with you?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
- Ray
No boring cars .......
All is well with me, wife, & 3 kids! We shut down our plumbing supply business after work on Saturday, July 20th after work for 2 whole weeks. With my 3 kids under 7, family vacation = road trip time. We're driving from our house in CT to Philly (there is an awesome children's museum there), then after the kids wear themselves out we head to DC for a few days. My older son (going into 2nd grade) has taken a real liking to history and the Presidents, so he is really amped up for this trip. We'll do the touristy things (hop on/hop off bus tour), we're going to see a Mets vs. Nationals Game (hopefully Harvey will be pitching), we've got some family in the surrounding area (VA & MD), and we're even going on a "pirate cruise."
After we leave DC, we'll head to Charlotte, NC to visit family. Even though its not going to be a restful & relaxing vacation, time away from work is nice (especially since I work 6 days/week).
Car wise, the pool is standing pat. Between the new Michelins, rear brakes, & fresh oil, the Pilot is good to go for the road trip. I'd really like to detail it before we leave.
I've been driving the Prelude once or twice a week. Any threat of rain & it stays home, clean, under its blanket, in the driveway. I'm excited to hit 150K on the odometer.
I still have lots of love for my BMW & don't regret trading in the TSX 1 bit. It has some nagging issues that haven't been resolved, I'll bring them up again in 4K miles when the car needs its next service (in the next 4 - 6K miles it is calling for an Inspection I, an Oil Service, & rear brake pads).
When I took delivery of the BMW, I noticed the panel gap on the hood was larger on one side than the other. They adjusted it during the first service, but now the hood is off centered :mad:
My trunk latch has been replaced and it still doesn't close properly.
Last service, my right side headlight assembly was replaced. The Xenon lights still aren't aimed properly. The right side shines out further than the left side. They also seem to swivel more than they should to the right & not swivel to the left at all. I know, I know, we should all have my "problems."
Like I've said, with the pumped up residual I don't see myself "overpaying" for this car. If I do get another BMW, it will be CPO.
I've gotten the hang of cutting the lawn. It still doesn't look as good as when the landscaper does it, but its damn close. My littlest Honda makes me proud. :P
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
At 28,000 plus miles on the 335iS, I also will not be buying
out the lease.
The quotes I have received for 'pull-ahead'
are not enticing ....
The next service looks like it will be the same as
my 2 previous [ all ] =
no issues. Zero. None.
- Ray
Feeling lucky here ......
I know yours is a DSG instead of a conventional 6 speed automatic, so it might even peak the interest of certain board members (AHEM, roadburner, cough, cough).
qbrozen - back me up again here brother
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Depends on the tread depth of the existing front tire. If its less than 85-90% then probably will need both. Hard to tell off the miles, if you have a tread depth gauge you can see where the existing tire is at. I had to do that with the Escort's front tire that had the sidewall punctured, thankfully the existing front tire was at 10/32nd so it was safe to put a new tire at 12/32nd on the car. There was very little height difference, the very reason donut spares always go on the rear of a FWD car.
The Contented Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I just did the drive to NC thru DC in April. Nice drive. Once you get past DC!
I love DC, but man, bring some spare shirts. You are going in prime humidity season! I have family in different places over on the VA side so get down there on a somewhat regular basis.
We are going to S. Carolina at the end of August, but flying down instead of the 11 hour drive.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That is exactly how David E. Davis Jr. signed my April 1968 copy of Car and Driver that contained his legendary article Turn Your Hymnals to 2002!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
- Ray
Feeling lucky here ......
My BMW "insider" ran the VIN on the slushbox coupe; no red flags and no HPFP problems. If only it was a DCT or a stick.
My source also says that he has not really seen any issues with the ZF eight-speed auto; he knows of a couple of 400+ bhp cars with two pedals and the autoboxes apparently take it in stride. Still...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Probably safest to replace both, that's what I would do. Could always call a tire shop and ask. I know the guy at the tire shop I use would say do both. :sick:
They have the stock Continental ContiTracPro SSRs for $209 each. They also have a set of Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP on special for $128 each. Both are considered Grand Touring Run Flat All Season Tires.
So do I replace 2 Continentals for $209 each or buy 4 new Michelins for $94 more? If I buy the Michelins, I can always keep the 3 good Continentals. If the Michelins are SHOT by turn in time, I can always buy a used Continental to slap on the car for lease turn in.
Thoughts?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Me personally I'd do the 4 new and hang on to the old. That's just me though, we go through tires like crazy on hubby's car so I'm a bit of a tire hoarder.
Next call was to my BMW dealer which is not the closest BMW dealer, but I trust 2 of the service advisers there. She told me that if you've got 50% like you say, then you can replace just one tire & the car will drive fine.
Neither place will shave the new tire down to match the old tire. I'm going to call tire rack right now.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Since I was going to be on the hook for 2 Continentals anyway, I figured just buy 4 Michelins for $100 more.
My local tire guy matched tire rack's blowout price!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I've had a couple of tire stores tell me "We don't match Tire Rack's prices, we can't buy our own tires that cheap." I always resist the urge to tell them, "If that's the case I'd think that an astute tire shop owner would start buying his inventory from Tire Rack."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I did that on my 06 Avalon. I replaced the awful Turanza EL400s a little before their time so I could enjoy the last year with the car. They wouldn't have made it if I kept them on.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Speaking of the transmission, however, that one is about 10k miles past due for a fluid change, per ZF's specs.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That is my experience. They wear like iron, and are usually decent overall performing tires. I know I've read that some people weren't entirely happy with wet performance, but other than XW4's years ago I haven't had any problems.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic