Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Also AK, Did you look at the RDX too? Unless you need the 3rd row, very similar to the brand new MDX (which I have not driven yet), but lighter and "sportier". I find it to have a real good ride.

I have driven the outgoing MDX style, and I thought it drove much nicer than a Highlander. Screaming deals on those if they have any left (since the fully redesigned 2014 is now on the lot).

michaellno

As you know, my stepson and his wife are now living with us as we figure out how to treat the DIL's cancer diagnosis.

She has been offered a job with the local Goodwill, and he is looking for work, too. However, they only have one car ('07 Caliber R/T) and the logistics of getting everyone where they need to be seems to be a bit challenging. I've got the ION, but I'm afraid that their potential work schedules may conflict with my part-time job delivering pizzas.

You can see where I'm heading with this .....

Found this with a quick search this morning.

Stepson indicated he would like a truck, but this seems sort of expensive for a RWD truck with that many miles here in Colorado.

Any thoughts or opinions on this? Am trying to keep the spend on this as low as possible, so am looking at $3K or under.

stickguy

we have a similar situation. 4 drivers and 3 cars now, but since 2 of us rarely leave the house (and we are sharing one car) it is not much of an issue now.

That truck? looks fairly clean, but being at a BHPH lot to me is always a red flag. But, if it is nice, in today's market price seems fair. Below 3K anything solid that runs well is a miracle to find.

There of course is another option. Pass down the Saturn, and get something nicer for yourself. Or rotate your wife into something new with better MPG since she drives a lot, and take the CX-7 for yourself.

anyway, hopefully everything works out with your DIL and her illness. From first hand experience I know how scary it can be (and sometimes much worse for the family).

michaellno

Thanks for the feedback and words of encouragement, stick.

If I didn't have the second job, we'd be OK .. the ION would be used by whoever needed it (as a matter of fact, my stepson has it now for a job interview).

And, not really looking to start another payment for something new (did I just really type that?).

Why? Well, we found out that someone wants to buy our house - and it's not even on the market. For a price much higher than I thought the house was worth.

Go figure.

So, the wife and I are looking at larger homes (4 bedrooms, so i can get my office back and the kids have their own room as well). There are a couple here in town that intrigue my wife and I, so we'll probably have a look-see this weekend. The mortgage wouldn't increase by all that much - and, we might have all the kids kick in a bit to help.

stickguy

well, if you are potentially house buying, then no a car payment is not a good idea. And you are right, depending on mortgage status, the monthly nut might not change to upsize (Me, I want to downsize soon. we should just trade houses! though I do need to boot the kids out first...)

you are in a unique situation, but I believe that if the kids are home and working, they should be paying rent.

michaellno

we have broached the subject of rent with them, but it would also be OK if they helped out with groceries or some other thing.

Looking at ranch style homes with a finished basement. Found two in our town - both empty (looking at pictures) with 3 bedrooms up and 1 bedroom in the basement. One is a walkout basement, the other is not.

regarding the pickup, the dealer is here in town and they've got a pretty good rep. am also thinking of an SUV (Cherokee, Explorer, etc.) that would be good for hauling tools. Plus available 4WD for winter.

If they both get jobs then we'll discuss schedules and transportation needs.

EDIT: the problem with the house thing is that I just refinanced earlier this year at 3.25% - now the FHA rate is at 4.25, which may limit how much we can afford.

breld

Those rising mortgage rates do make it difficult to move if you secured a low rate earlier this year or last year.

From a historical perspective, it is a bit funny to be bummed out about a 4.25% interest rate!

breld

I know there are at least a few of us interested in the new Mazda3 coming out in September. Pricing and trim levels were just released.

Mazda3 Pricing

The model I would likely prefer - the i Touring hatchback will be $21,940 with an automatic - $295 higher than the outgoing model. Features are about the same, but the 2014 offers blind-spot monitoring as standard, but loses the auto climate control (now part of a $1,600 tech package).

Apparently Mazda believes if you want to step up to the 2.5l engine (184 hp vs. 155 hp), you must also want all the tech features too. The s Touring hatchback with that engine is $25,890, but includes the tech package (touchscreen, navigation, auto climate, back-up camera and Bose stereo), plus 18-inch wheels (vs. 16), bi-xenon lights, fog lights, LED taillights, paddle shifters with sport mode, power driver's seat, leatherette, heated front seats and - get this - Active Driving Display with head-up display. The larger engine requires an automatic for now (manual to come later).

As a second car, that i Touring model would be just fine, but if it were my primary car, that s Touring model would be pretty darn tempting with all those features.

If you have to have a sunroof (Stick) you have to step up to the Grand Touring models - starting at $23,540 for a 2.0l manual sedan, on up to the 2.5l hatch with the tech package at $28,890!

michaellno

From a historical perspective, it is a bit funny to be bummed out about a 4.25% interest rate!

When we moved into the house in May 2000, the initial interest rate was something like 7-7.5%.

Re: 2014 Mazda 3 - I saw the pricing as well. Lots of comments about how the top level s grand touring is more expensive than a Focus ST or GTI.

Though 185HP and 39MPG highway is a nice combination.

corvette

I was thinking the same thing about the loaded Mazda3 being the price of a (more powerful) GTI/GLI. For now, the Mazda3 will have more tech toys like lane departure warning.

stickguy

I like the pictures. but approaching 30K? Nuts.

I could probably live with the 2.0 engine, but that might be a touch lazy with the AT.

I wonder if real world, you could get into a comparable 6 for the same price? Assuming you don't need the hatch.

stickguy

We refinanced last year too. just over 3%. But, I knew that I planned to move when the kids were done school (if not before) so did it as a 10 year ARM to get an even lower rate.

I want to get into a 1 floor (main living) house too, but ranches are rare around here. Just another reason to leave the area. Actually, we have such specific desires in a house, I pretty much have to buy a lot and custom build to even get close I think!

oldfarmer50

Edmunds says Clean value PP is over $4400 so is this a bargain or should I consider all those free bottles of fluid a red flag? Is the thing about paying off his note a legit practice? Seller sounds a little flakey. What say the experts?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3926648444.html

oldfarmer50

"...looking at $3k or under..."

Best place for that kind of car is Craigslist. Many have lots of miles but that doesn't seem to bother you. Might find that diamond in the rough.

corvette

In states where the bank holds the physical title to the vehicle, it's a fairly common practice to meet at the bank and do the transfer there.

The "free" fluids included are a tip-off that it's losing both coolant and power steering fluid, and then there are the cosmetic issues he noted. Low miles, but it's still a project car. Not sure that it's worth making a project out of since it's a four-banger. I thought you already owned a newer Eclipse?

xwesx

Holy cow; that's one dirty car on the inside. If the fella is willing to photograph it for sale looking like that, I wouldn't expect he took much care of it. He's obviously in a bind, though, so you can take advantage of his situation and get it for a good price, but then you have to live with what you bought!

stickguy

well, browsing. Plus, the VW dealer had a $25 test drive coupon (which they took, even though we only sat, did not bother to go out and drive). I was with my daughter and wife, but wife had no interest so she sat in our car playing with her phone.

Scoped out the Jetta. not bad. But not all that impressive inside, with a few quirks.

also stopped at Volvo. The S60 was vastly nicer inside. But more expensive.

Just need for them to come out with the deal of the century lease on one of those, then we be talking!

nyccarguy

Hello from our nation's capital! Averaged 20 mpg on the way down here. Philly was lots of fun. We took the Metro (very confusing) & an open top hop on/off tour bus today. My cousin invited us to dinner tonight at his house in Potomac. I pull in the driveway and check to make sure I put the right house number in the GPS. There's a 2010 White/Black 911 C2S cabriolet. It's literally drop dead gorgeous! So we're taking for a while and he says, "why don't you take the Porsche for spin?" All I can say is WOW! What a ride! The shifter just fits perfectly in your hand, the power & the growl of the flat 6 is just awesome!

oldfarmer50

"...I thought you already owned a newer Eclipse..."

Yeah, a 2008 but my son might be in need of a car soon and the wife made the mistake of turning me loose to "look around".

As to the bank info, thanks. I thought that's the way they do it but the seller seemed twitchy so I was looking for the potential scam.

michaellno

stick - ranch (rambler?) style homes are more common here, probably because there is more land to build on. I think we're going to look at the two we like on Saturday. Still waiting to find out if the potential buyer of our home is serious.

of - I did a quick scan of cl for my town and found a few possibilities. I'm not doing anything more than just look online for now until we know that another vehicle is absolutely necessary.

nyc - seem like your trip is going well. My Ferrari test drive is at the end of August - can't wait! Glad you were able to get your hands on the Porsche.

roadburner

I'm leaning more and more towards a vehicle from Zuffenhausen; Munich seems hell-bent on building cars that are bereft of passion. Maybe the Bavarians are plotting a merger with Toyota and want to demonstrate that they too can build a Lexus...

nyccarguy

I think you'd be very happy with a nicely used Boxster S. I'm sure you can find one that is very well loved whose owner is looking to give it a new home to make room in his garage for a 911.

Mr_Shiftright

Nice car the Boxster S---considerably more capable than the regular Boxster, and faster, too. Lots of YEE-HAW for not a lot of money if you buy one that's old enough---but beware very low mileage cars, as Boxsters had an infrequent, but horrifying, engine defect that will show up early in the engine's life.

One of the rare cases where it's safer to buy a car with 60,000 miles than 30,000 miles.

nyccarguy

For most, I'd advise that a "regular" Boxster is more than they can handle, but roadburner's got the chops to exploit the advantages and upgrades of the "S."

Mr_Shiftright

In 2003 they gave you a real glass rear window and a power boost. 0-60 is about 5.4 seconds.

nyccarguy

That's a nice rip from 0 - 60. How much are those going for nowadays?

Mr_Shiftright

I've seen them as low as the $12,500 to $15,000 range, and of course, on up from there.

michaellno

Been a very interesting couple of weeks here. Wife and I got real serious about buying a new house - so much so that we put in an offer on one Monday night. The offer was rejected, and we both had second thoughts as to how well it fit our new lifestyle, now that the extra kids are living with us.

Anyway, the stepson and I have been talking about how a truck might be a good addition to the fleet - or as a replacement for the ION. He does construction work and a truck would work well for him should he find a job in that industry. In addition, given the renovations to either our existing house (or new house), the hauling capacity would certainly be nice.

I've found a couple that I wanted to post and get some feedback on:

This seems almost too good to be true. Is it? Are there hidden issues I should be aware of? The dealer has a great reputation here in town - I think breld has purchased a BMW from their sister store.

This one is only 2WD, which I suspect accounts for the low price, but again, the miles are quite low given how old it is.

New Tacomas - standard cab, base trim, auto & 4WD - are being offered for around $22K, but they seem to get the best mileage (21/25).

Not sure I would want to do 2WD here in Colorado.

Of course, I'm typing this after I just dropped $900 into the ION (front shock & strut replacement, alignment and oil change). Car is at 92K and will need two new tires in the next month or two.

Anyway, let the discussions begin!

xwesx

Dodge vehicles depreciate rapidly, so that Dakota price doesn't surprise me. I haven't heard of particular issues with that model, but you might check the Dakota boards. Honestly, I don't see many Dakotas around here anymore (mostly Tacoma, followed by Frontier in newer models; Ranger and Tacoma are probably the most populace overall), so they aren't a frequent topic of discussion. If anything, the price is high save for the shockingly low miles!

As for the Frontier, they tend to age well. I have friends and family who own(ed) Frontiers, and none have had any significant issues. My dad owned a 2000 crew version, that he also used as a "toad" for twelve years, and very little issues (nearly all maintenance) aside from a broken leaf spring many, many years ago. I forget how many miles he had on it, but I'd surmise between 100K and 150K, and that doesn't included the towed miles.

Both of these trucks are light duty, so don't expect to haul topsoil, concrete blocks, or anything of significant weight. If it is tools and random materials, they'll probably fit the bill.

ohenryx

The price is too high on the Dakota, despite the low miles. The Frontier looks like a very good buy on what is most likely a very solid truck. But it will be s-l--o---w. That 4 cylinder with an automatic is not going to merge on the freeway worth a dang. But it will probably run forever, or at least so long you will get tired of looking at it.

nyccarguy

As always, I like to have fun with someone else's money. My vote is for a new Tacoma. Warranty, cheap financing, & it will ALWAYS be worth more than you owe on it.

breld

Yup - I actually bought my current 3-series at the Schomp Honda store, and we purchased my wife's previous 3-series at the sister BMW store. Both were good experiences. Sounds like they may have that Dakota priced high from the input here - considering it's a true no-haggle shop.

Good luck with the search. Sounds like the offer on the house not being accepted may have been a good thing?

breld

So we're off in the morning for a quick road trip to Mt. Rushmore.

My wife and I decided the kids needed to know what a good old road trip is like. Thus far, our vacations have primarily involved a trip to Orlando or LA for a Disney theme park. We think they're a bit spoiled. After flying back from Japan when I was 5 years old (my dad was in the Air Force), I didn't even get on a plane until I was in college!

So, we're loading up the Odyssey in the morning and taking off. Just 6 hours each way - so it's sort of a "trial" road trip.

rayainsw

.. officially on Saturday – and I will post additional information,
but wanted to post the link, as I expect they will take it
down shortly.
Paperwork signed last night.
http://www.gunthervwbuford.com/vehicle/2013-Volkswagen-GTI-Buford-798251.html

- Ray
Excited . . .

kyfdx

Very nice... I guess you are out the stick-shift business for good, huh?

rayainsw

'..out the stick-shift business for good, huh? '

Yes. Since 1995, in fact - bursitis ...
- Ray
Would not wnat one commuting in & out of Hotlanta anyway ...

michaellno

Nice GTI .. love the color. That's on my mental 'short list' someday.

To date, we're averaging about 2 punches a month, so those of you with guesses in the mid 20's are looking good.

2013 Punch List (total 15):
01/08/13 breld 2011 BMW 335xi 27K
01/11/13 steine13 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT (lease)
01/15/13 breld 2010 BMW 328xi wagon 21K
01/18/13 qbrozen 2013 Nissan Leaf (lease)
01/19/13 anon 2013 Toyota Sienna (lease)
02/13/13 corvette 2013 VW Jetta GLI
02/16/13 fezo 2004 Mazda6 wagon 77k
02/17/13 fintail 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec (lease)
03/22/13 js06gv 2013 Ford F150 King Ranch 2WD
04/04/13 kyfdx 2011 BMW X3
04/09/13 au1994 2013 BMW 335i (lease)
05/01/13 abacomike 2014 MB E350 Sport
05/27/13 breld 2013 Hyundai Veloster
05/29/13 qbrozen 2013 Ford Mustang GT
07/31/13 rayainsw 2013 VW GTI

Punch guesses for 2013:
Michaell 15-17
Xwesx 22
Stickguy 25
abacomike 25
Qbrozen 28
Au1994 30
Anon 31
gimmestdtranny 33
Tifighter 34
Jpp5862 35
Steve 36
Roadburner 37
Nyccarguy 38
Rayainsw 39
Ateixeira 40
sandman 43
Kyfdx 45

Regarding the truck .. I'm thinking I could rent one when I really needed it. No sense paying $$$'s each month and not getting the value from it. The last time I owned a pickup was in the late 80's - first wife bought an '86 Isuzu P'up that she brought into the marriage.

My dad, of course, still has his '70 Chevy, even though he is giving up his license this year. Mom does all the driving now and the truck mostly sits - my son will drive it from time to time.

qbrozen

In my opinion, a Dakota is much more truck than other compacts. It acts much like a full-sized truck. At least mine did. I think that's about right on the price. I don't see any others having passed through auction with miles so low, but those with ~50k are floating right around $9k-10k. So figure more like $12-12.5 with those low miles.

I say no on the Nissan thanks to the 4-cyl automatic 2wd. You certainly can't haul or tow much with that configuration.

qbrozen

congrats. enjoy.

rayainsw

' love the color. '
It is almost the exact same shade
as the BMW.
- Ray
Apparently in a rut here ......

au1994

Did you get out of the 335 lease early?

xwesx

Sounds like it should be fun! The last time my wife and I were in the Black Hills, we opted for the "distance view" of Mt. Rushmore, given the long line queued up to enter the facility proper. Instead, we went to a beautiful little lake just down the road a bit from there called Sylvan Lake, where there were massive granite boulders all stacked haphazardly along one side. We scaled those boulders for a couple hours before eating lunch and then heading down to take a look at the Crazy Horse monument. Much better than a Disney ride. :P

We're readying for a road trip in about three weeks. Should be about 12,000 miles total over five weeks.

crkyolfrt

The 3.7 V6 has a bit of a reputation of being a gas hog for its size. The 4x4 would exasperate that of course.
But they used to, and I assume still do? take a full 4x8 sheet of plywood between the wheel wells flat on the floor, and that has always been a plus as a work truck over the Tacoma or Frontier pair.

corvette

I also love that color. I would have bought my GLI in that color if it were available! You probably did the right thing by skipping the nav system. I seldom use mine, and the one in my car doesn't have traffic support.

28firefighter

Been looking at a similar car - very very nice!

Mr_Shiftright

the Dakoto 4X4 is way way overpriced.

nyccarguy

Mazel-Tov & congrats Ray! I'm excited to hear your thoughts on what lead up to this, your impressions on how the car drives, & of course "the deal."

nyccarguy

Just got home from our 1,661 mile road trip that took us through 10 states plus the District of Columbia. Our 2011 Pilot was once again up to the task of hauling me, my wife, our 3 children (6 1/2, 4, 20 months) & our gear. Total mpg for the trip was 19.1. Best recorded mpg: 22 from Lexington, VA to Ronks, PA. Worst recorded MPG: 10 while literally crawling through Washington, DC. The Pilot was comfortable and solid. The Navigation got me everywhere I needed to go.

DC is an amazing city. We saw the monuments on a "big bus" double decker tour. It wasn't cheap, but is a great way to get around the city without the hassle of parking. I never knew how spread out DC is, especially compared to Boston & NYC. Holy traffic batman & holy construction batman! It seems like every highway is under some sort of major construction. I can't believe the amount of apartments they are building either. All of the large boom cranes made the DC skyline look like Dubai.

To keep this somewhat auto related, I told you all about my cousin's 911 C2S Cabrio I drove. I also got some seat time in my wife's cousin's husband's 2013 G37 Sedan (RWD, non sport, Auto). This car is ridiculously fast. I had to make an airport run & with my wife in the back & her cousin riding shotgun applyimg make up. I was blowing by traffic at speeds of 90+ without much drama. The transmission shifted smoothly and seemed very in tune with my throttle inputs. Wasn't in a hurry to get to 7th gear like many modern auto boxes & always willing to downshift. The non sport G37 rides on 225/55/R17 good years. The extra cushion compared to my BMW's 45 series tires made for a pretty compliant ride.

Steering was lighter than my BMW's, but very communicative. The G handles very well, but isn't as buttoned down as my 328xi.

All the toys worked well. High res backup camera & navigation that speaks street names & seems more precise than the unit in my BMW.

rayainsw

Thanks!
"the deal" details and driving impressions
and process coming - but possibly not
until late Sunday - or Monday.
- Ray
Busy weekend ahead...

houdini1

Wow, now that's a road trip !