Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

the 1998 GS400 I looked at (2001ish) (and should have bought, even though it was poop brown) had the typical CD changer in the glove box. I think the previous 91st gen) had the same thing.

CD in the trunk seemed to be a German specialty.

stickguy

mentioned just now to the wife that I swung back and saw the Ranger, and that it was a neat little truck. Her only response was "no". So that one might be a bit of a stretch...

I think I need to go back to looking at convertibles. That I could sell her on.

nyccarguy

My parents looked at that original GS300 looking to replace their 1990 300E. They liked it, but said it was "missing something." The salesman tried his best to get them into the car. Offered to throw in a set of chrome wheels that looked great with the Prussian Red exterior with snow tires for the stock wheels too.

jayrider

Next time I negotiate for a car, I'm asking for tires and wheels to seal the deal. Wish I'd known about that strategy in years past.

Sandman6472

Took a base Passat to Orlando today and liked the vehicle and the way it drove...very smooth with ample power when I needed it. A bit bland inside, very German I guess but I think the Jetta SE is a much better value and vehicle actually...more bang for the buck to! I'm sure other would disagree but that's the way I see it, I even like the Eos and Beetle better. Hopefully the reliability issues have all been addressed but I doubt I would ever purchase one as we just don't do German vehicles in our house...and never have.

Heard the same rumour today and I think it is true...my company is going to loose the Hertz and Dollar/Thrify contract at years end as they are going in house to take care of their transporter needs which isn't good for us. There will be less work for a lot of workers which makes me sad. But, I already have my app in with Hertz and just have to make sure I know when they are going to hire. I am also going to a job interview for a courier position right nearby. Hopefully I could do both until Hertz does take over and my other job ends but we will see if it something that I want and can do. Let me see exactly what the job entails before I decide anything as they may not want a guy who walks with a cane as an employee! It has happened before though I can not prove it...but I know it happened! Wish me luck!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

isellhondas

" I have a friend who would pay 5K today"

Yeah, I'll bet he would. He would be standing in line.

I've never understood who used cars have to be one owner. I've seen cars that have had three fussy owners who babied them and one owner cars that never had an oil change.

You know, the Used Car Manager where I work wold probably pay 5000.00 for a car like that.

Trouble is, they usually go to a family member, a neighbor or a friend.

fintail

Oh for sure, but I think with Hondas in particular, it might have value. Those cars seem to beg to be modified and messed with - having grandma's baby with original radio, original wheels or caps, maintained by the book, no farty exhaust etc, is worth something to some people.

Maybe similar but different with some old German cars - when you see frequent changes of ownership, it might be a money pit that people are bailing out of.

I remember looking at an 80K mile 92 Accord with my friend some years ago. It was some years ago in Bellingham, they wanted 6K for it, I think. But it seemed "off" - the dash clock had been replaced with something that didn't look right, and the trunk had stains. My friend thought it might be a flood car.

ronsteve

well... perfect other than black/black.

And no bun-warmers...

ronsteve

My first Accord was a brand new 1979 4-door, burgundy red 5 speed. 1979 was the first year for the 4-door Accord. It is still one of my all time favs.

Reminded me of my favorite Accord.

I owned one (2002 EX V6 Coupe), but my brother had owned three. My favorite of the lot was my brother's 1986 LXi hatchback... it had a 5-speed, and was the car that was used in my successful attempt to learn driving a manual transmission.

I will say I liked my coupe quite a bit more than his 1992 and 1993 sedans...

ronsteve

I really really like the CX-5. What I did not like was the dealer attitudes - as if they had the worlds finest vehicle and they were doing us a favor by letting us drive it (us being my brother and sister-in-law). Plus, their first number was MSRP + Dealer Markup.

The last place I saw ADM was Mazda, and I think that was in 2006. It was actually in the middle of Detroit's "employee pricing for the public" gimmick, which Mazda was doing one of Ford's employee plans. BUT... the dealer was throwing on an ADM and a high enough doc fee that their starting point for a Mazda6 was right back at MSRP. I wish I could be surprised, but most Mazda dealers have seemed just slimy enough...

oldfarmer50

"...cars n' coffee at Lexus..."

Lexus seems to do a good job of making potential customers feel special. I wonder if those little touches translate into increased sales?

Last winter they paid me $75 to do a test drive. Still puzzled how my name was picked since at the time I was dead broke and maxing my credit cards. I couldn't have bought a windshield wiper. Used the money to buy groceries.

Drove a nice IS350 but it wasn't $50k nice.

oldfarmer50

"...I can not prove it...but I know it happened..."

I'm sure you're correct. That's the problem when employers have multiple applications for every position. They see the cane and don't consider the character of the person behind it. Then they hire some kid who doesn't show up because he was partying the night before.

Be careful of the courier jobs. I've heard some horror stories about those "independent contractor" positions. Have you considered delivering parts for a company like NAPA or Pep Boys?

ronsteve

I hear what you are saying about buying & keeping for 10 years. Our Pilot is on the 5/10 plan. Finance for 5 years, drive it for 10.

Or there is the practical reason for the 5/10 plan, which I would LOVE to be able to budget the payments to make it a 4/8 plan... two cars, one car payment.

With the wife's new Jetta as our primary road-trip vehicle, hopefully that will keep the mileage on my Volvo reasonable enough that it's still doing well when the Jetta is paid off.

I'm at 122K on the V70 now, and hoping to manage 12-14K a year... which would have me at 180-200K on a 12 year old car by the time I would plan to replace it.

stever

Or a shuttle driver for a dealer's service department. You'd probably get stuck driving the company van most of the time though.

roadburner

The last place I saw ADM was Mazda, and I think that was in 2006. It was actually in the middle of Detroit's "employee pricing for the public" gimmick, which Mazda was doing one of Ford's employee plans. BUT... the dealer was throwing on an ADM and a high enough doc fee that their starting point for a Mazda6 was right back at MSRP. I wish I could be surprised, but most Mazda dealers have seemed just slimy enough...

The Louisville Mazda dealers were still playing games when I bought my Mazdaspped 3 back in 2007- ADMs, no test drive without a signed Buyers Order and a deposit, etc., which is why I bought my MS3 from Kings Mazda in Cincinnati.

stickguy

alternating payments is a good plan. I hate having one, having 2 at the same time might give me heart failure.

so I either need to pay cash for something cheap, or wait until my wife's mid life crisis (er, Acura CUV) is paid off before I can get a "real" car for me!

isellhondas

How about a job working for one or more dealers doing dealer trades?

Sandman6472

I've been to all the dealers on "dealers row" over by where we live and they all looked at my cane and basically lost interest. I did fill out applications but I could see in their faces and body language that I was wasting my time here...of course I never heard squat which is a shame as I'd make a great employee for them. I am flexible time wise and am really ready to work 24/7 no matter what hour. A shame that so many see me as handicapped while I am just a bit broken...I can do the job if given the chance.

And about that courier job for the parts place...just not sure about it right now. Did go online and apply at Hertz so we'll see, my app has been online for a few months now and all I had to do was login and answer a few questions and it said my app was submitted. There were 5 openings for this position so they are, in fact, going in house as we suspected! I would love to get this position...really!!! If it were full time, so be it...I would make sure it worked for me and hopefully my spine won't be an issue too much.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

corvette

The Hertz thing might work out better for you, since you'd be an employee instead of an independent contractor. Writing those estimated tax checks (which include self employment tax) is one of my least favorite things!

nyccarguy

Sandy - it's unfortunate that you are not getting jobs or call backs due to your condition. Maybe instead of "pounding the pavement," try a different approach. Submit your resume and a dynamite cover letter to the dealership's HR department. You've got to sell yourself. Give them a taste of ther own medicine: "What do I have to do to get you to hire me today?"

When you are interviewing and you see them give you "the look," call them out on it. "Look, I know what you are thinking. I know legally you can't admit it, but I can do this job. I've been doing it for X amount of time and am willing to work whenever and do whatever it takes.

jpp75

Thanks for providing the update, I still think the CC is a great looking car and agree, you got a great deal. Glad it is living up to your expectations and look forward to hearing updates as you drive more!

jpp75

I haven't driven an ILX but I have gotten several Veranos as rentals. The Verano is fine, but it didn't wow me. If you lean towards foreign I think you'll be more at home in the ILX, although I'm sure you could get a great deal on a Verano.

nyccarguy

Michaell - did you drive a CT 200h? It gets pretty good reviews from what I've read. Most people school the same thing, it is not a fast car, but drives & rides so much better than a Prius. Very well crafted interior.

Sandman6472

Great idea and think I will give it a shot. Today's interview went very well but not sure my insurance company will allow it. Also some of my coverage is too low for what they want so that would have to be raised. If I get the go ahead from Metlife and my wife and the price differential isn't too steep, I think i will go for it. There is a drug test I will have to take but I already told the guy I take a narcotic medication due to my chronic pain condition so he would be aware up front. It is also a very flexible job and I could go all over the state if need be but it would be my vehicle and my petrol. But the location is within 7 miles which is a bonus and I liked their setup...I got a good vibe actually so am hoping I can do this.
My other job is loosing their biggest client so their days are numbered in my opinion. Also, my boss just does not like me or something and I get called last. I've talked to almost the whole crew and have found out that I am working about 35% less than everyone else...this just isn't fair and I think it is because I get a pension, he thinks I don't need the job. The few guys on social security all work more than I do which I find odd but it is what it is. I know my boss lost his job a few years ago and this is all he has but to be jealous of my situation is dumb...I worked hard all those years and earned my pension...I can't help that he is in a worse situation. But don't work me much less than the others cause it ain't fair! I also have my app in at Hertz since they said online they have 5 openings right now...now that would be the best gig for me and am hoping I do get it even if it is full time. I prefer part time but will do full time to get into the door and I don't care what shift either...I am flexible. And a regular schedule is something I would kill for!
Boy, a lot has happened in the three years since I left government service...some bad but mostly good. Hopefully this all will work out soon so I can breathe again!

The Sandman

isellhondas

If you want to do dealer trades, I would write a letter to those stores letting them know how experienced and flexible you are.

Let them know you use a cane and have some physical problems but if given a chance they will quickly learn that you are more than up for the job!

Sandman6472

Yes, I do plan to write to each car dealer near my house and let them know that if you give me a chance, I could be your best employee. That's all I need, one of them to give me a chance to show them I am a capable senior with a little imperfection. But it does not affect my driving ability one bit. I am a great worker who will show up and do the job no matter what. And I am 100% flexible time wise and day wise cause when one is retired, one day is the same as the next!

The Sandman

stickguy

Would have to figure that your current job should go a long way toward giving them confidence. If you can handle that rigor, an occasional dealer trade should be a piece of cake!

Sandman6472

Absolutely, I only declined once due to my bad spine and another time for a family emergency. Otherwise, I always say yes and go. Turns out I was supposed to work tomorrow but since my phone was turned to no sound due to my interview, I missed the text and when I answered it, he already filled the slot. A shame to as he has my house phone number also so why didn't he call that. When I asked him that, he didn't answer me and when I asked him again, again no answer so what's up here? You know I always answer within a short period of time so when I don't, that's unusual. Call my house like you've done before...ain't that difficult! Perplexed with his behavior...again! I was next in line to work at Hertz tomorrow so why not call the house number as you've done before! I really need a new boss!!!
Sorry for my little rant here...I just get upset with STUPID! Am I wrong here???

The Sandman

stickguy

"we all need a new boss."

talk about a universal statement...

Sandman6472

I just don't get his anamosity towards me as he treats the others so nicely and he pounces on me when I don't hear the location or any little thing. It's like he's looking for me to screw up so he can say something. So confused really as I am always professional and try to help. When we put the temp tags on, I go vehicle to vehicle with the screw drivers and get it done even though it is difficult with my cane. I pick up folks with no vehicle since I am driving already. I move my doctors appointments when he doesn't have enough drivers so we can get the job. Not sure what more I can do to please him and it doesn't seem to be enough! Arggggghhhh!!! I am so frustrated right now!!!

The Sandman

Michaell

NYC - yes, I took a short drive with the Lexus. Was impressed with the torque - merging into traffic on the highway was not nearly the white knuckle ride I expected.

The dash has more knobs and buttons than a dorm room full of gaming console controllers. One thing I found cool was that when in Eco mode the dash shows the charge in the battery, but when you switch to regular mode it's replaced with a tachometer.

Its a bit small inside but I wasn't uncomfortable in either front seat. You might want to check how car seats and boosters work in the back seat. OK space in the hatch and the rear seats fold completely flat.

Many cars are capable of 40+ on the highway. I know you're over in the dieseL thread asking questions and the folks there are working hard to convince you to go down that path. However, there aren't many choices where you can also get the same 40 MPG in the city as well. I know your commute is 90% highway.

The only big drawback is cost. While the base CT200h starts at just over $30k, most of the ones on the lot are equipped with nav and sticker in the $36-37k range.

Hope that helps!

nyccarguy

I've also read that the CT has a completely different rear suspension (double wishbones like my Prelude) than the Prius.

A bit small I can handle. I'm 5' 10" & weigh about 155 lbs. There is a fine line between intimate, sporty, & cramped though;). I do alternate between a 3 series & a Prelude, not exactly limos;)

Car seats are obviously a factor, but the high back boosters fit in my Prelude so I'm not too worried. The baby (she'll be 2 next month) is almost never in my car, but her seat will LATCH in just fine (it fits in the 3er).

Diesel is an option I'm considering, but my only choices seem to be from VW. The 40 mpg is impressive, but FE is important to me, it's far from the top if my list. I'd think of the 40 mpg as a bonus (like Jayrider & his Prius).

Prices? Those are NEW car prices. I'm thinking if gas continues on its current slide, there might be some good deals to be had on off lease CPO cars. Maintenance costs will be minimal. If there's a major service required (water pump), I can always price it out at the Toyota dealer and the Lexus dealer as the powertrains are EXACTLY the same. Might be a nice car in the low $20s.

jpp75

Definitely great mileage for that era, but I agree with others. You don't want to wear out your favorite car as a daily driver. They don't make them anymore and you'll never find another one just like it. Same with my Pathfinder, I know it won't last forever and while I love driving it, I know it has to last a while and I don't want to wear it out with daily driving.

On the Lexus ES, it's a GREAT car and would last forever. However I remember you commenting that with the TSX "in snow you would never know the front wheels were spinning unless the traction control light blinked." The TSX will feel like a Range Rover Defender compared to the ES in that respect.

nyccarguy

Thanks for the "keep your Prelude for nice days vote." I have confidence in whatever I decide to do next, it will be short term. Either a cheap lease or buy a 3 year old car & dump it after 3 years (or so). I figured I'd get "killed" by a few guys for even suggesting something boring like an ES 350 or even CT 200h. I do so LOVE the way my BMW drives, but not sure if I necessarily need "The Ultimate Driving Machine" for my daily commute;)

tjc78

Personally for where you drive I think an ES350 would be perfect. Soft ride, tons of power (I'd bet quicker than your 328 in a straight line) and good solid MPG. Lexus calls for premium but a Yota 2GR V6 runs fine on regular at the expense of 4HP.

jpp75

That definitely makes sense and I can't disagree with your plan. It's short term, so that makes anything possible.

We have to acknowledge our babies won't last forever, so might as well enjoy them while we can. With that said, I'd take the CT200h anyday over the ES350.

nyccarguy

We have some serious crumbling infrastructure around here. Broken pavement, pot holes, steel plates in the middle of the road... I'm good at avoiding what I can, but sometimes it is inevitable. My new Michelins absorb the pot hole hits MUCH better than the stock Continentals ever did.

nyccarguy

Have you driven a CT 200h? Your thoughts?

Sandman6472

Have never considered the CT 200h as my next vehicle but they are nice looking vehicles. Bet they'd do fine with regular petrol also and the price for a cpo unit probably would be affordable. I like the way they look and they are definitely the size I prefer. I could see myself in one with no problem in a few years.

The Sandman

oldfarmer50

"...I'd be a great employee..."

If you get really desperate you could drive a school bus like me. Pinellas co. Offered me whopping $12/hr when I was in St. Pete's in 2009. Might be up to $13 by now. Just look at it as driving a yellow 66 passenger SUV.

Plus you get to eat all the lunches the kids leave on the bus.

au1994

"but not sure if I necessarily need "The Ultimate Driving Machine" for my daily commute;) "

This is the debate I am having with myself. I had a 328 Coupe, replaced with my current 335 sedan and have asked myself do I really need to replace with another BMW or Audi sports sedan when my lease is up in about 2+ years. I've loved both BMW's. Even the F30 that many complain about. The steering is still not up to par for a BMW in my opinion but the extra power over my 328 is nice.

As much as many fellow posters have raved about the GTI I might consider one as a replacement. I guestimate I could cut my lease payment in half which sounds pretty appealing. But I sure want to avoid getting something 'lesser' and hating it and making a rash decision a year into a lease.

I ditched my TSX lease after a year to get the 328 and got really lucky that I got what I owed on the TSX. Not always going to get that lucky.

I'm pretty much a confirmed leaser for now. It works for me, I understand it may not be the most financially sound decision but I know me and I wouldn't be happy driving the same thing for 10 years. I truly admire those who can though!

nyccarguy

Ha! You and I think way too much alike. One thing I really don't like about leasing is you are constantly thinking "what's next?" At least in this group, you know we are all lunatics & will sympathize with you;)

From what I've read here has also put VW on my radar too:)

oldfarmer50

"...serious crumbling infrastructure..."

If ever I heard a case for leasing or buying a beater that's it.

Michaell

Bet they'd do fine with regular petrol also and the price for a cpo unit probably would be affordable.

The Lexus salesman told me the CT200h takes regular fuel.

But, with the difference between RUG and PUG about .20-.25 here in Colorado, if you're worried about the few bucks extra you'll spend per tank, you probably aren't ready for a luxury marque to begin with.

Spent $56 last night to fill up the wife's CX-7 with premium ($3.479/gal with 10 cent grocery store discount, which is available through Shell). Got about 20MPG on this tank.

ohenryx

If you get really desperate you could drive a school bus like me. … $12 hr

A good friend of mine retired, moved back to Pennsylvania, and is now driving a school bus. I’ve no idea what he makes, but I’m sure it isn’t much.

"...serious crumbling infrastructure..."
If ever I heard a case for leasing or buying a beater that's it.

Buying a beater, yes. Leasing, no. If you tear up the leased car, you’re going to get dinged VERY hard when you turn it in.

Potholes are a very good reason not to have 22 inch rims with rubber band tires (very narrow sidewalls).

Michaell

I have found that doing pizza delivery part time is a pretty lucrative way to earn some extra money.

I usually work 10-15 hours a week. Over 5 years, I've averaged a little bit more than $11/hr in tip money. In addition, my hourly wage of $5.50/hr brings my total up to $16-17/hr.

The down side is the mileage and wear/tear on my car.

nyccarguy

So if I go the CT Route, then I can go into the pizza delivery biz.

Sandman6472

The $ part does not bother me but just prefer something that can use regular. Luckily I am still years away from making a decision as my vehicle is still under 50k and is looking sharp. it is running a little rough and might just have my mechanic throw in some new spark plugs to see if that ca,ms things down. I need my vehicle to work all the time as I drive a ways to work and I do not have another vehicle to use...that's why I'd love another vehicle to use when one is down and drop top is the logical choice down here in South Florida. Once all is settled with my dad's estate, then I can maybe start looking for a small toy if I can get the Mrs. on board. Now that would be cool...I know she really liked that Sebring convertible when I had one as a rental...she always wanted me to put the top down. Even a Miata would be cool...or the best would be the hard top convertible would work. i know once I had one, she'd like it so much she would want to drive it also.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Well, they want to hire me and I have the necessary insurance coverage but my insurance agent called the company and they said "no" actually, they will not cover me if I take the gig. The wife wasn't pleased as she said the money they offered wasn't worth it either so I will have to decline the position. A shame as I got a really good vibe when I was there yesterday at the warehouse...I liked the operation and the flexibility it gave me to accept or decline work. But the insurance company has the last word here so that's that! Back to the computer to find something else. My friend who now works for Hertz texted me to not worry as my app is in and he thinks I might get lucky. We will see what happens but I am being optimistic that they will give me a shot here.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Michaell

So if I go the CT Route, then I can go into the pizza delivery biz.

Nah, I wouldn't want to use a $25K car to deliver pizza. Wife refuses to ride in or drive the ION as she says it smells. I guess I'm immune to it after all these years.

At 97K (7 years and 4 months), the ION is just getting broken in for this. Cosmetically, it's looking a bit ragged, but mechanically it's is pretty good shape. Averaging 25-27MPG in mostly city driving.

I can't justify getting anything newer just to run it into the ground doing this. Ideally, I'd like to get a 3rd car that the wife and I could share.