Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

suydam

When I consider all the things my kids did to their cars, or others did to them (out of inexperience, not intention) I am so glad they were never in a car that I cared about! Hopefully you (and she) will have better luck!

kyfdx

$18K seems cheap for an '07 335i... especially if it's loaded.. Might have high miles.

300 HP!!

qbrozen

300 HP!!

...for the rare times it isn't in limp mode. ;b

oldfarmer50

"...as requested..."

You bought that for your KID? Nice car.

Adopt me.

stickguy

I don't feel like such a spoiler now, giving my daughter a 2007 Volvo to drive, since it was only a non-Turbo S40 with 90K on it when we got it.

she does like "roberto" a lot. Pretty much the perfect car for her for now. She does complain that it is kind of slow, but hey, that is a plus.

stickguy

mentioned the Jeep I saw. She did know what that was at least. I explained that you can take the top and doors off, maybe still fold down the windshield (do newer ones still do that?). Her response was, "why would you want to do that?" Pretty sure that she is not really a Jeep person.

But, walking across the parking lot, she noticed a car that she liked, and pointed it out. So I mentioned it would fit the bill, so should I get one of those? She said "YES".

So, I assume you are all wondering what it was? The answer is....

.
.
.
..... A bright yellow Mustang convertible.

of course, in theory the "prudent" thing to do is just keep the Volvo as the 2nd car, but I am sure I can work around anything prudent. Especially if she is never taking a car to college (which won't happen if she goes to a city school.)

so, I have something to work toward. Next summer.. Which may mean next fall when convert prices start to fall!

stickguy

or more accurately, letting her take a car, the wife mentioned that 2 years from now, the volvo may be kinda old and miley. Didn't care about the son, but worried about her driving solo, often at night in remote areas (where many schools seem to be). And a couple of her options are a long distance away. Plus, I have had enough of nursing an old car along by long-distance.

so, if she ends up at a school where a car sophomore year (will not be allowed freshman year no matter what) makes sense, I think we will actually go new. As in, something basic and economical, and a low mile 36 mo. lease. That would take her through graduation with something that should be of no concern, and a modest fixed cost. Put it in the budget, and no worries!

also makes it easier to sell off all the current cars the kids drive, get a used Stang for me for next year, then whatever she needs when she needs it.

hey, it sounds like a good plan to me!

stickguy

couldn't wait. Had to look. and wouldn't you know, perfect one pops up.

If I could afford a newer one, I love this blue one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Mustang-2DR-CONV-V6-2-dr-conv-v-6-convertible-3-7-l- -cd-rear-wheel-drive-power-steering-aluminum-/171030159531?forcerrptr=true&hash=- item27d23120ab&item=171030159531&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

A bit older, but cheaper, and I love the color.:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Mustang-Premium-Premium-Convertible-4-0L-CD-Rear-Wh- eel-Drive-Tires-Front-All-Season-Floor-Mats-/190915921130?forcerrptr=true&hash=i- tem2c7379c4ea&item=190915921130&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

corvette

300 HP!!

Yeah, that's 17 whole horsepower more than a Chrysler minivan. :P

rayainsw

In the true spirit of CCBA, I have been watching for
potential replacements for the GTI
[ now showing approx. 3,800 enjoyable miles ]
and this M235i looks like it may make
my ‘short list’ in a couple of years.

A couple of specifics:
Performance – the quoted acceleration times from BMW
are almost exactly the same as the 335iS I leased.

Fuel Economy – the EPA estimates are closer to
the GTI than the 335is !
[ 22 city / 32 hiway – M235i
24 city / 33 hiway - GTI
17 city / 24 hiway – 2011 335iS ]

The price – at $44K base, including the 8-speed
automatic trans., this compares with $53.5K
for the 335iS, with the 7-speed DCT.

Although this 2 Series is slightly smaller than
the 335, I really do not need anything larger . . .
[ Heck, I had a Corvette as my only vehicle for
over 30,000 miles. ]

Anyway – subject to magazine reports &
a few test drives [ of course ] I do like
what I see and read, so far.

- Ray
Not in the market, just yet . . .

au1994

I like it too. Haven't read any other specs but I hope to all things BMW they get rid of the electric power steering.

qbrozen

That's a bit pricey on the '07. Worth about $8500-$9k on a trade.

Not sure I could live with that old 4.0. Getting dusted by generic family sedans with grandma at the wheel is just a sad situation to be in when driving a stang.

jayrider

VW deserves a lot of credit for the design of the GTI. Every time I see one, I want one. I checked them out a few times and unfortunately, the seats are bolstered too much --both back and seat -- to be comfortable for my plus size. Maybe I'll lose a few pounds and get back in the game.

stever

We've got a discussion for that too, lol.

jayrider

Thanks for the heads up, Stever, I found the discussion under Edmunds Big and Tall.

rayainsw

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101148312

ohenryx

Not sure I could live with that old 4.0. Getting dusted by generic family sedans with grandma at the wheel is just a sad situation to be in when driving a stang.


A few years back, I owned a 2001 Mustang GT convertible with the 4.6 V8. While it was a lot of fun (convertible, Mustang, etc), it was ... how should I put this? "effing slow" is what it was. I only owned it for about a year.

tjc78

Zero to 60 in a little over six seconds and a 14ish quarter mile is slow?

roadburner

Zero to 60 in a little over six seconds and a 14ish quarter mile is slow?

Yep. 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and a 13 second quarter just meets the "fast" threshold- in my opinion, anyway.
My MS3 is no rocket, but the extra 24 bhp from the Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intake bumps its performance up to almost fast(0-60 in the low 5 second range and a 13.8 second quarter mile). On the flip side, the sled does average @28 mpg- which makes its straight line performance considerably more palatable.

stickguy

well, I doubt that I would find the 4.0 too slow. But, I would most likely try to stick with something newer, after the facelift and switch to the 3.7l engine. so that means 2011+, which is about the range I would look at (2-3 years old).

Sandman6472

One of my neighbors have 2 Mustangs now, both a few years old. One is a hard top and the other a drop top. They love their Stangs from what they both tell me.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

ohenryx

Zero to 60 in a little over six seconds and a 14ish quarter mile is slow?

I have owned a few cars that were very fast in the quarter mile. The fastest was a ’69 Charger 440, which would run low 13’s with big sticky street tires. I also owned a Fox body Mustang with the 5.0L and the standard transmission. This 2001 was s-l—o---w by comparison to the Fox body. I never timed it, but I seriously doubt it could have broken 15 seconds flat. The 2001 Mustang GT only had 260 horsepower, your average minivan has more horsepower these days. And it was not light either, 3,429 pounds curb weight.

It looked good, it sounded good (very loud exhaust), it was a lot of fun in nice weather with the top down, but it was NOT fast. The average Camaro or Firebird would eat it alive.

I have heard that the new 5.0L makes a world of difference. One of these days, I intend to go down and see if my fat b*tt will fit in one (smile).

nyccarguy

Stick - if you look at Mustangs, either go big (V8) or go home;)

stickguy

I can live with the 304 HP V6. Especially since my daughter will be driving it at times, and it will see winter duty. Taller sidewalls are a big plus down here (bomb crater central).

plus much cheaper and better MPG.

this would be for family duty, cruising and stylin'. Not going to the track.

not saying a few modest upgrades (a free flowing exhaust say) aren't going to show up at some point!

tjc78

When we first met, my wife had a 4.0 V6 Mustang. She loved it, it was plenty quick for her until we were driving somewhere in separate cars and my 06 Avalon smoked her. . All joking aside the 300hp V6 in the newer models is pretty stout, probably as quick as the older V8s.

qbrozen

Oh it's definitely quicker than older gens of the 4.6. The last gen 4.6 was faster but not by much.

Stick, I agree the 3.7 is sufficient.

ateixeira

Buddy of mine just bought a new V8 coupe. The paint looked like candy apple red, really nice depth to it.

Back seat was kinda useless and the seat wasn't very comfy, but boy does that V8 sound good. That alone may be worth the price. He had already added a short shift kit with a cue ball manual shifter knob and hood struts that negate the need for the prop rod. He's doing the exhaust next.

I may have sprung for a Boss rather than customizing a GT, but it's a pretty nice car now. I owned a 1980 Mustang Ghia and it wasn't even close, even for the era.

Pretty amazing bang for the buck, if that's what you're after. Not my style, though, but I certainly understand the appeal.

qbrozen

I need to do the shift kit. Thought about the struts, but couple of people reported bent hoods, so I'm gonna have to pass on that. Also want to do exhaust and tune (hesitant on the tune due to warranty, though). That'll probably just about do it. Although I'd imagine I'd wind up doing swaybars at some point. Maybe. FIRST, though, I'm still in need of more tire. It is a crime how narrow the stock wheels and tires are.

ateixeira

Just looked at some prices and it's just about ridiculous how much bang for the buck you get.

You probably pay more in gas and insurance than you do for the car payment.

qbrozen

My insurance actually only went up about $40/yr over the BMW.

Gas is a different story. I can get over 24mpg.... but I don't. The sound is just too addictive to keep my foot out of it.

ateixeira

The tire budget may also be more than your payments, then. LOL

oldfarmer50

Now, wait! Your wife gave you permission to buy a yellow Mustang convertible and you didn't buy it THAT DAY?

For what it's worth, I'd be scared to buy a used sports car of any kind. I'd worry that the previous owner was trying to make someone else pay for his sins.

nyccarguy

Hey stick, was that you who suggested I look into getting a Legacy as my next car? I've actually been checking them out & it looks like a nice car for not that much money. Much more solid & substantial than the Impreza with more guts (2.5 vs. 2.0). The CVT is the 800 lb gorilla in the room, but for about the same MSRP as an Accord Sport, the Legacy has AWD, Moonroof & Backup Camera (part of a pkg), Bluetooth, a 6 speaker stereo, power rack & pinion steering (hydraulic, not electric), good resale value, you don't see one at every stop light...

corvette

So far as I know, all 2013 and newer Accords have the backup camera and Bluetooth, and good resale value. Not sure on the stereo. You will see them at every stop light, though, although the current model is the best looking Accord they've made in ages.

nyccarguy

Yes you are correct, they do. But I like having AWD 'round these here parts

breld

You don't need to worry about the CVT if you get one of these

GT Manual

28firefighter

Well played, sir. Well played.

qbrozen

NOW we're talkin.

Forget the boring generic cars.

Michaell

There may be another punch in Colorado and not from breld.

As you know, my daughter in law is going through chemo to treat the lymphoma she was diagnosed with.

This week she is in the hospital receiving the third of eight chemo treatments. Between hospital visits, she has multiple doctor appointments and blood transfusions. Currently, she is relying on others to get her to/from these visits.

My stepson and DIL are living in Colorado Springs (closer to the hospital) and he is driving back to my home town (40 miles one way) for work.

My stepson approached the wife and I earlier this week about the possibility of them 'borrowing' the ION for him to use so their car (Dodge Caliber) can be used by her for local use.

Since the ION would live in the Springs, it would require me to get something to replace it for pizza duty.

Options:

1) Buy new
2) Buy used
3) Cheap lease new

Option (3) is what the wife and I are leaning towards. Don't want a long term commitment, since the ION might come back to us at some point. Alternatively, we might sell it to them outright once the medical issues are behind them, and when the lease ends we can figure out what to do next.

I'm thinking a 24 or 36 month lease of 18K/year. I've got $1K of GM points, so a Cruze LT would work nicely. Currently, Chevrolet is running a lease special of $159/mo with $1200 down for 36 mo / 12K miles. Obviously, the price would increase with the extra miles, but I'm sure there are many cars available that I can lease for $0 down and $200-250 a month.

I'm not terribly particular about what I would get - would want it to be small and good on gas. Sedan or hatch - a 2 door wouldn't work well for the pizza gig.

Thoughts? Opinions?

None of this is set in stone, but the DIL is responding to treatment very well and we're all comfortable with her resuming driving.

qbrozen

Well, let's see. $159/mo with $1200 down. I guess with your $1k bucks that means $200 down, right? I've been told by dealers before that increasing the miles by 3k adds $15 to a 3-year lease. Not sure how close that is with something that is heavily subsidized, but let's assume that's close. That would bring you to $189 plus your DMV + tax + Doc fee. What is that in CO? Here in NJ, that would bring me to like $800 down and $202/mo. Not too bad ... but it is a Cruze. :b

Michaell

DMV is handled as a separate transaction with the local office; dealer is not involved.

My local sales tax is 7.5%. Doc fees can range from $300-600, which I would try to build into the lease payment.

Let's remember that I currently drive a 7 year old Saturn ION with almost 98K miles. A new Cruze will be a major upgrade by comparison.

rayainsw

'As you know, my daughter in law is going through chemo to treat the lymphoma she was diagnosed with. '

Most important - glad to hear
that she is improving!
- Ray
Cars are always secondary .....

suydam

First off, I am happy to hear she is improving and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Second, is a hatch preferable to a sedan? If not, the Cruze sounds like a good deal. If you would rather have a hatch, something like the Nissan Versa Note? It gets very good mileage.

Yes, anything will be an upgrade I'm sure.

Michaell

Second, is a hatch preferable to a sedan?

If anything, I'd like a hatch just to not have another sedan. Have driven sedans for the past 10 years (Saturn L300 and ION), so I like the versatility of a hatch.

However, the Sonic leases out poorly when compared to the Cruze.

stever

Good to hear about the DIL!

How about a Nissan Leaf? "Cheap" ($199) lease last I looked, 5 door hatch and okay city range in the winter with the heat blasting. You could skip the fast charge setup too.

But why do you need so many miles if you lease? And it's kind of a shame not to use the GM points (which is GM's whole point in giving them to you I guess).

oldfarmer50

2013--I'd love to see the auto check report. 24k miles in less than a year? Either a rental (bad) or driven on the highway all the time (good).

2007--Nice but you know why they went to the 3.7L don't you? The 4.0 was a truck motor that got laughed at in the Mustang. Still, for cruising on Sunday with the top down you don't need a screamer.

I rented a 4.0L hardtop in 2005 when they first came out and it was by no means a slow poke but it wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped.

oldfarmer50

"...with the 4.6 V8..."

Was that the 32 valve Cobra motor? The 4.6 in my Mark VIII isn't exactly a scorcher but it moves that big boat out pretty quick. It's just too quiet riding to really feel anything. By the time you do you're doing 90.

Maybe I'll poke an icepick in the muffler to let it growl a little.

qbrozen

a hatch would be so much better for delivering pizzas, wouldn't it?

oldfarmer50

"...I can live with the 304hp..."

From what I've read you have to get the revs up pretty high for that engine to show real life. One of the car mags said you have to "drive it like you stole it".

If my daughter was going to drive it I wouldn't go for the V8 regardless.

I don't know if you can get it on the convertible but the reviews say the performance package option makes the car corner like a BMW. If I were buying the V6 new, that would be a must have.

oldfarmer50

"...thoughts, opinions?..."

For pizza duty? Cheap Craigslist beater. The only thing that makes economic sense from what I remember you saying you made off that job. Do a thorough mechanical check to avoid big repairs.

I do something similar for the farm. I concentrate on a sound drivetrain and nothing else. The tomatoes don't care if the radio or the AC works as long as the truck starts and gets to market every time. I hear pizzas are the same.

Of course all ths logic is moot because you are just looking for an excuse to get a cool car.