Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

I should go check out the car at the Lexus dealer...even though I will be over by the beach now. Was kind of hoping for the Pembroke Pines office actually, but it's all subject to change. I will be interested to see what hours/days I get offered though as I plan on keeping both part time jobs as of now...I know I will be working either Saturdays or Sundays and honestly, I wouldn't mind working both those days as I always prefer a weekday day off. Just being offered the position is enough for me so we'll see tomorrow. Life is good and I thank G-d daily for it all!!!

The Sandman

oldfarmer50

@iluvmysephia1 said:
I was referring to my Eclipse that I bought in January 2008. Only time I ever drove heated seats and I liked them. Just not enough to buy $3000 of other options I didn't want.

oldfarmer - do you still have the Eclipse and what do you think of it now? Our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is at 117,049 miles and still running like a champ. Although I love ta pick up new rigs every 3-7 years I can't justify it financially so I'm not seriously looking for another new rig right now.

How's yer Mitsu treating you?

The Eclipse is fine. Only has 41k miles so far because I hardly use it in winter to keep the salt off it. In six years the only repair it needed was the LED middle brake light.

It will need new tires in the spring and I'm thinking if getting summer rubber seeing that it's really a summer toy.

I've got my heart set on a 2015 Mustang GT so if the stars align I might reluctantly sell it. It has been a nearly flawless car but 263hp. just won't feed the bulldog any more.

breld

@sandman_6472 said:
I should go check out the car at the Lexus dealer...even though I will be over by the beach now. Was kind of hoping for the Pembroke Pines office actually, but it's all subject to change.

First, congrats on the Hertz position! That's great!

So, are you suggesting that you could go check out this BMW 330i for me at Pembroke Subaru/Lexus? The thought did cross my mind, but I wasn't sure if it was anywhere near where you live. And I wouldn't want to impose.

It's so hard to tell from pictures, but if this car checked out and is in nice condition, I may actually buy it. It's a good price for a ZHP with very reasonable miles.

kyfdx

Seems cheap.. No interior pictures, though...

Sandman6472

Thanks, we're all thrilled here as I have wanted this position for a long time. Hopefully I'll be able to move a bit north to be closer to the house...I am about 12 miles inland, just west of 441 or State Road 7 and the job is on the beach in North Miami. Have to check on Mapquest to see how long the drive really is...my other gig in West Palm Beach is 38 miles from here. I was lucky at the post office, I was just under 10 miles from the house...and I always had an economy car. I finally get a small cuv, and I increase the mileage to my jobs by a fraction...just my luck!!
Whatever, very thrilled here and eventually I can try to move up to north county. All is good here!!!

The Sandman

breld

@kyfdx@Edmunds said:
Seems cheap.. No interior pictures, though...

Yeah, I got in contact with a salesperson there this morning and he took some pictures - additional ones of the outside and some of the interior. Not the best quality photos, but it helps. Some additional ones will be posted on their website within a few days.

It's the gray leather interior. Hard to tell, but the steering wheel looks like the Alcantara (sp?) suede - not so keen on how well that wears. The salesperson said something about the chrome trim near the rear driver's side door coming off a little bit.

The price seems to indicate there's something wrong with it - but on the other hand, it could just be a non-BMW dealer pricing it right, and not in line with "ZHP enthusiast" prices.

xwesx

@breld Where did it mention "ZHP?" I didn't see that package denoted on the ad at all. Is it just something that someone familiar with it would know due to an engine or some other configuration indicator? A VIN perhaps?

breld

kyfdx can elaborate, as he owns one, but the "ZHP" package was a performance package available on the 330i's from 2003-2006. It's somewhat similar to the current "M-sport" packages/lines on more recent BMWs.

It included a subtle body kit, unique wheels, a "M" steering wheel and short-shifting kit, carbon-fiber trim pieces, as well as a small boost in hp.

The dealer ad doesn't denote anything about a ZHP, but as a Lexus/Subaru dealer, they may not know the significance of it - that's exactly why this could turn out to be a good buy. If you simply go by "book" values, the ZHP doesn't necessarily add all that much, but as they become more and more rare on the used market, they seem to be quite coveted.

kyfdx

ZHP was a $4000 package.. Cosmetics: the wheels are a dead giveaway (18")... A front bumper that mimics the M3 (that's mine in the avatar) and a unique rear valance are other easy ways to spot one... Interior is the sport package interior (great seats!), plus fake carbon fiber trim (sporty!), anthracite head liner, ZHP shift knob, Msport steering wheel (fat one), rear lip spoiler

Mechanical differences are +10 HP, short-shift kit, upgraded front suspension, exhaust.. (nice, throaty sound for a 3.0 litre engine).

I'm probably forgetting something... It was available on the '03-'05 sedans and the '04-'06 coupes/convertibles. I think it knocked half a second on the 0-60 run.. It has a distinctly different feel from the stock 330, especially from 4K RPM on up..

The early ones came with an alcantara wheel and interior... but, the wheels had a lot of trouble with pilling, and they replaced them with leather, later... I'm not too fond of the alcantara interior, visually, as it always looks like a carpet that needs vacuuming... leather was an option on later years. The alcantara (synthetic suede) is great to sit on, though.

breld

I ran the VIN on one of those decoders, and it seems to have the leather steering wheel, which would be nice.

I don't know, I'm trying to figure out a way to get it checked out.

rayainsw

As a few other have recently earned this

'Ancient Membership

Nobody remembers a time when this person wasn’t a member here.'

• Ray

I barely remember when I was not posting here .....

isellhondas

I'm there too but it's off by a couple of years. I started in 1996.

stickguy

Did some browsing today. Stopped at BMW dealer (the one nyccarguy recommended). Sat in a bunch of 3 series. Nice. Was totally ignored and finally left. Not a good business model since pretty dead customer wise.

Gorgeous dark blue over Sadle/red 4 series. Could live with that but not at 52 grand. Or 62? In any case expensive.

Also liked the 328d. 45 city? Had a blue over tan nicely equipped nothing fancy but still 46k.

corvette

@rayainsw said:
As a few other have recently earned this

'Ancient Membership

Me too. Sweet! The new look has taken some getting used to, but I am thrilled that the auto login here is working again.

stickguy

Me too

nyccarguy

@stickguy

You were at Wide World today? Funny, I picked my car up there tonight.

I thoroughly enjoyed the brand new 328xd. After all, it's new, cost more than my car, rides nice, & got 37 mpg since Monday, but there's nothing like getting back into your own car. After driving the F30 with electric power steering, turning the wheel of my E90 is a workout. My car's balance, handling, and even the way the Inline 6 pulls, pulls, and never seems stressed are just wonderful. I love the way it drives. I'm going to miss it & I can see myself owning an E90 again down the road. Yes folks, my name is Bradd and I'm addicted to how I6 powered BMWs with old school Hydraulic Power Steering drive;)

nyccarguy

Anybody notice my profile pic?

tifighter

@nyccarguy said:
Anybody notice my profile pic?

Is that your new winter beater?

Michaell

@tifighter said:
Is that your new winter beater?

Nope, I think that is his dad's Corvette, which they have talked about restoring. '67, IIRC.

graphicguy

@nyccarguy said:
Anybody notice my profile pic?

NYC....I like it...a lot!

breld

Just got off the phone with the manager at Lexus of Pembroke Pines on that ZHP 330i sedan. Talked through with him the condition of the car, got his supposed bottom line price - $11,543, plus obviously I need to get it shipped here. He's not coming down much on their asking price, but for a 70k miles ZHP, it was a pretty low amount to begin with. He estimated on the high side it'd cost me $900 to get the car shipped here.

For reference, a private seller here in Denver had a 66k miles ZHP sedan that he listed for a bit over $16k. He never lowered the price, and the listing was removed pretty quickly, so I assume he got close to his asking price. So, $12.4k all in would be a pretty good deal to me on this Florida car.

So I'm considering giving them a deposit to hold it pending a third party inspection of the car.

Other than verifying the condition, the only apprehension I have is with that alcantara steering wheel - kydfx, what do you think? If I had a choice, I'd certainly prefer the leather one.

stickguy

Fly in drive home.

kyfdx

I agree with stick.... fly, then drive... but, that's me. That's probably a 30 hour drive, isn't it?

The only issue with the wheel would be cosmetic.. they feel great for driving (IMO) but, I think a leather replacement would be pricy. Maybe, sandman or abacomike can slide in there and eyeball it for you?

breld

Funny - I was on the phone with the salesman as he checked out the steering wheel for me. He remarked on how it seems to be well-worn all over, but very evenly. I pointed out that I believe it's an all "suede" wheel. Made sense to him then.

If it were an Arizona or maybe even California car, I'd consider flying and driving. Florida would be a bit of a trek.

We'll see - getting real comfortable with getting rid of the 335 and replacing it with something like this. For the purpose the 335 has turned into, this would meet that need real well, and at a third of the cost.

oldfarmer50

@breld said:
Just got off the phone with the manager at Lexus of Pembroke Pines on that ZHP 330i sedan. Talked through with him the condition of the car, got his supposed bottom line price - $11,543, plus obviously I need to get it shipped here. He's not coming down much on their asking price, but for a 70k miles ZHP, it was a pretty low amount to begin with. He estimated on the high side it'd cost me $900 to get the car shipped here.

For reference, a private seller here in Denver had a 66k miles ZHP sedan that he listed for a bit over $16k. He never lowered the price, and the listing was removed pretty quickly, so I assume he got close to his asking price. So, $12.4k all in would be a pretty good deal to me on this Florida car.

So I'm considering giving them a deposit to hold it pending a third party inspection of the car.

Other than verifying the condition, the only apprehension I have is with that alcantara steering wheel - kydfx, what do you think? If I had a choice, I'd certainly prefer the leather one.

A woman I work with bought a F-150 from Florida and had it shipped to upstate NY for $800. Selling dealer arranged the whole thing.

nyccarguy

@Michaell@edmunds

Ding Ding Ding! Yup, it is my Dad's 1966 427 (hence the license plate: 4 TWO 7) Corvette Roadster. You can tell a 1967 immediately by the center mounted reverse lights.

@graphicguy

Thanks

brian125

Breld

@breld said: Just got off the phone with the manager at Lexus of Pembroke Pines on that ZHP 330i sedan. Talked through with him the condition of the car, got his supposed bottom line price - $11,543, plus obviously I need to get it shipped here. He's not coming down much on their asking price, but for a 70k miles ZHP, it was a pretty low amount to begin with. He estimated on the high side it'd cost me $900 to get the car shipped here.

Try these 3 transport companies they may be cheaper than the rest

American auto trransport

Auto transport depot. com

Motor car trans

Be careful with some of these transporters check reviews and customer satisfaction.

stickguy

may be shopping today for the kid. He still seems fixated on trying to make this work. Though he does realize if he does a buy on what he really likes, he will certainly be "car poor". So I still think given his overall situation, a sub-$300/mo S&D lease is probably the smartest move. That will tide him over for 3 years at least.

Wants to take a quick drive in an Elantra GT (though optioned correctly one of those suckers is almost 27K!). But mostly to go get a price/lease quote on a Jetta (SE W/connectivity + moonroof) and a Mazda3 GT 4 door.

The Jetta I had a good quote on before Xmas ($285 I think pure S&D, including tax). Not sure what I can do now! and the 3 does not have any apparent support, so that is probably going to be in the mid-$300s (heck, practically in BMW 320 territory!).

still might be better modestly used, but that takes leasing out of question. And like he says, he already has a used car!

and of course, it seems that VW and Mazda are 2 of the few makers that don't have a recent college grad program. Should have just steered him into the Acura when he was in love with that.

corvette

As some of you know, Enterprise recently gave me the key to a 2014 GMC Terrain SLE-2 AWD for a little over a month. This particular example had 11,000 miles and had a coolant leak coming from the lower radiator hose. Even though it is only a few months old, the front and rear wiper blades appeared to be worn out. It is equipped with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, all wheel drive, and a six speed automatic transmission. The Terrain comes standard with a backup camera, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and leather wrapped steering wheel with radio and cruise controls. So equipped, the Terrain stickers at $30,640 and seems to be priced significantly higher than its competitors in the segment. For example, a Honda CR-V EX AWD has an MSRP of $27,125, and you can get one with heated leather seats for $29,775. A similar Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD has an MSRP of $27,485, and the nicer Limited model lists for $30,580. Clearly, GM plans on using a lot of incentives to keep Terrains moving off dealer lots.

Front and rear seats are made of cloth and are very comfortable. They are not heated. The driver’s seat has an eight-way power adjuster and two-way power lumbar support adjuster. The rear seat cushion slides forward and back (in one piece) to optimize space in the cargo area. I had no trouble bringing home a tall garage cabinet with the seatbacks folded down. A cargo cover is not standard, and there is nothing to prevent items in the cargo area from rolling around. The rear seatbacks also offer three different reclining positions. Interior quality is a mixed bag, as there is a lot of hard plastic, and even the “soft touch” plastic feels rougher than it does in competing products. The black interior has contrasting red stitching, which is a nice touch. The front seat belts have a feature that makes it difficult to increase slack in the lap belt once the belt is buckled. I found this very irritating because I’m usually buckled before I rotate my body to look behind the car when backing up. Although the backup camera is helpful and the picture quality is excellent, it only shows objects a fairly short distance away. All four windows have auto-down functions, but none of them have auto-up.

The infotainment system has a large screen, however, the same screen contains information on the HVAC system, radio, and vehicle configuration. The outside temperature is displayed continuously, but the current set temperature of the HVAC system does not display until you turn the knob to adjust it. Bluetooth streaming audio is supported but was frequently garbled during the first few minutes of the connection when I tested it with an Android device. There is a USB and 3.5mm connector in the cavernous center console, in addition to a 12v power outlet. There is no SD card slot. The car’s computer offers some nice features like approach lighting and follow-me-home lighting with an adjustable delay. It also offers something called “automatic front defogger.” When I attempted to use this feature on a rainy three hour trip on a cool day, the truck’s air conditioner kicked in every few minutes and blasted the cabin with cold air. The automatic climate control did not appear to compensate for the cold air coming from the vents. The steering wheel audio controls offer a control to change the audio system’s source, but I often had to press it multiple times before the system responded. The speakerphone is good but the system lacks full-featured voice commands like Sync/MyFordTouch. The infotainment system has a large screen. The Terrain has a switchblade key/fob combination, just like Mercedes, Audi, and VW began using in the 1990s. There is no keyless ignition.

Despite my considerable time with the Terrain, my driving impressions can be summed up fairly briefly. Ride and handling are on par with the other vehicles in the segment. The Terrain is very quiet on the open road and feels very solid. The large pillars impair visibility in front and back. Despite the visibility issue, it was easy to drive on a long interstate trip, as the mirrors have built in miniature convex mirrors to help prevent blind spots. The 2.4 liter four cylinder combined with the AWD Terrain’s two-ton curb weight cause it to be underpowered. The transmission does the best that it can, but plan on using full throttle to merge onto interstates. A lighter vehicle, like a CR-V or RAV4, does much better with a four-cylinder engine than the relatively heavy Terrain. The Terrain is rated at 20 MPG city, 29 highway, 23 combined, and I averaged about 23 MPG in mostly highway driving on routes which would normally yield mileage closer to the EPA highway figure. Given the substantial weight of the Terrain and the generous amount of throttle it requires to get moving and stay moving, I’m not sure how it could possibly achieve 29 MPG on the highway.

Overall, my experience with the Terrain revealed a mostly inoffensive vehicle with some irritating attributes. It’s not something I would buy for myself. Due to its weight, I would only recommend the Terrain with the optional V6 engine. Unfortunately, this will only boost the already inflated price. I came away feeling that the Terrain is priced like the upscale Ford Escape without offering the same upscale features or feel. That’s just not enough to seal the deal, as compact SUVs are an extremely competitive segment in the US.

28firefighter

@stickguy said:

and of course, it seems that VW and Mazda are 2 of the few makers that don't have a recent college grad program. Should have just steered him into the Acura when he was in love with that.

@stickguy, VW does have a recent grad program. With proof, they'll cover first month up to $800. I was able to take advantage when I picked up the CC. Mazda, you are correct, does not have anything.

jayrider

@corvette said:

Overall, my experience with the Terrain revealed a mostly inoffensive vehicle with some irritating attributes. It’s not something I would buy for myself. Due to its weight, I would only recommend the Terrain with the optional V6 engine. Unfortunately, this will only boost the already inflated price. I came away feeling that the Terrain is priced like the upscale Ford Escape without offering the same upscale features or feel. That’s just not enough to seal the deal, as compact SUVs are an extremely competitive segment in the US.

nice review -- there is 5-6k off the Terrain MSRP all day long. Wouldn't be on my buy list but nothing is these days.

au1994

Add a punch...just picked up a 05 ZHP convertible. 77k miles, Monaco blue, natural brown leather, blue top.

abacomike

@au1944...Add a punch...just picked up a 05 ZHP convertible. 77k miles, Monaco blue, natural brown leather, blue top.

Congrats. Mighty gutsy car - enjoy.

breld

@au1994 said:
Add a punch...just picked up a 05 ZHP convertible. 77k miles, Monaco blue, natural brown leather, blue top.

Very nice - congrats. Pictures when you get a chance!

nyccarguy

@au1994

Mazel Tov & Congrats on the "ZHP" Punch! A drop top too! Very Sexy! BTW, I Love the look of your 335i. Gorgeous in white!

au1994

Thanks all. Although it was about 40 here today I couldn't resist a top down spin. It has an intoxicating exhaust note!

breld

Man, makes me want to pull the trigger on that ZHP sedan in Florida. Hard to do without setting my own eyes on it. They've sent me a buyers order and everything. Just need to sign it and return it!

stickguy

OK, did some dealer visits today with the son, as he works on a final decision about what to do automotively. First wandered into the VW dealer (was actually quite busy, and selling some cars). Son had decided maybe he really should look at a GTI instead (and had a brief thought that maybe he should get a stickshift and learn that). So we park and wander the lot. Not much in the way of GTIs (but a few barely used ones), though we did find a couple of 2013 Jetta GLI leftovers, one with a teaser lease hang tag.

so, find the salesguy I worked with, and he has someone bring up one of the GLIs and we take a drive. Son loves it. I can't believe it doesn't have a moonroof. But he doesn't mind all that much. Or so he says. Was a quick car. Nice seats, loved the steering wheel. Then sat in a 2014 Jetta SE. pretty similar, just more "Plain". But, had a few extra features.

Went in, and asked for numbers (lease, having decided that is probably the best option right now). First pencil was about $80 more than the offer from late December, so of course I projected disappointment. Did not go to the mat, but salesdude said if we were really ready, he would see what he could do, and could probably get close to the old #.

interestingly, a 2014 GLI lease was only $20 than for the SE. But that was going to add more to the fuel cost and insurance cost (most likely likely on the insurance). So from a logical standpoint, an SE makes more sense. The 2013 does have 0% financing or some case back offer. Assuming they want to blow them out, could be a nice option on a buy (can't do a lease on a 2013 any longer).

so, we had some #s to play with, and left to go to stop 2 (actually, stop 3)

stickguy

stop 1 I forgot. That was the Subaru dealer to look at a used Acura RSX (hey, you can't have enough Acuras, right?). a 2006 AT in silver. 80K on it, listed at $7,500. But, no sign of it so I assume it sold. Then we went to the VW dealer.

roadburner

@au1994 said:
Thanks all. Although it was about 40 here today I couldn't resist a top down spin. It has an intoxicating exhaust note!

Congrats!!!

nyccarguy

@stickguy

Since you were at the Subaru dealer, did your son (or you) have any interest in an Impreza Sport. It comes in a hatchback body style, available with a sunroof & heated seats (Limited).

stickguy

stop 3 was the Mazda dealer. No drives needed, but I sat in the showroom model. Liked it a lot. Every time I see one, I am more impressed than I remember. Son also said he really does like the interior better, and can't argue with the MPG. The GLI certainly is going to be way faster, but hey, can't have anything. The Mazda does have more features (full power seat, navi, BLISS, rear cross monitoring and back up camera. And sharp looking.

so, sit down to talk price. some back and forth, though we did not get into the death throes, not being sure about pulling a trigger today. Got close enough to a bottom line to see where the finish line was, and the final lease price was going to be damned close to the VW, so hey, get what you like.

still deciding if better to buy (mazda has 2.9% for 60 months). VW had .9% on a 2014, so that worked in it's favor. But again, not enough difference to sway things.

anyway, bottom line, if he decides to get something, I think it will be the grand touring mazda3. Probably on a lease, but that is the real decision to be made. Well, between the 3 options on the table. Buy it, lease it, or just keep driving (and sharing) the old TL into the summer, then we both reevaluate our options.

stickguy

@breld said:
Man, makes me want to pull the trigger on that ZHP sedan in Florida. Hard to do without setting my own eyes on it. They've sent me a buyers order and everything. Just need to sign it and return it!

hey, you might not want to drive it home, but could always grab a quick round trip flight and see it in person.

stickguy

@nyccarguy said:
stickguy

Since you were at the Subaru dealer, did your son (or you) have any interest in an Impreza Sport. It comes in a hatchback body style, available with a sunroof & heated seats (Limited).

We both looked at them. Not bad. But did not get him excited enough to want it. Plus, it is quite the pokey puppy!

abacomike

@breld...Man, makes me want to pull the trigger on that ZHP sedan in Florida. Hard to do without setting my own eyes on it. They've sent me a buyers order and everything. Just need to sign it and return it!

Breld, did they send you a CARFAX, service records, etc? When I appraised cars, I would never put a 70,000 mile pre- owned on my lot. As for the leather steering wheel, they should have replaced it (couple of hundred would do it) to make it more salable. What about paint? Tires? Condition of wheels? Orange peeling? Underneath rust ( Florida cars are exposed to lots of moisture)? Sound of engine? Gears? Exhaust pipes? Condition of seats and all power windows and seats and audio?

Personally, even without eyeballing it in person, I would pass on it. Just my professional judgment.

I would only buy a car like that if it were certified by BMW and warranted. I realize it can 't be certified due to age, but you live way too far away to take a chance IMHO

corvette

@stickguy said:
so, find the salesguy I worked with, and he has someone bring up one of the GLIs and we take a drive. Son loves it. I can't believe it doesn't have a moonroof. But he doesn't mind all that much. Or so he says. Was a quick car. Nice seats, loved the steering wheel. Then sat in a 2014 Jetta SE. pretty similar, just more "Plain". But, had a few extra features.

The base GLI lacks a moonroof but is otherwise well equipped. I think it has 17" wheels instead of 18", also. The Autobahn package gets you the moonroof and 18" wheels. The fact that it's a base model is probably why the lease was attractive compared to the (better equipped?) SE 1.8T.

I picked up my GLI from the body shop Friday, and while I'm disappointed to have a car with $16k in body repairs, I still like driving it more than the GMC Terrain I had as a rental. It's far more responsive!

kyfdx

@au1994

Congrats! I love the natty brown interior.. I wish I had that..

Sandman6472

I will be working tomorrow at the Hollywood East office, it's on Pembroke Rd. east of 95 and would be happy to go over and look at it for ya but I can't drive a stick shift due to my bad left leg. I definitely think you should get a mechanic to look at it for ya to. Have been sick in bed since friday night but am starting to feel human again now and will definitely be at work tomorrow. Just let me know what I am supposed to go look at and I'll go.
Personally, I agree with Mike here about maybe not buying it. It really is so far away and I personally would want to see whatever I was buying no matter what. I might miss some things that you consider important and then I'd feel lousy about it. But it is your call here. Just let me know and I can swing by after work tomorrow.

The Sandman

andre1969

As soon as the coffee kicks in and I fully wake up, I'm taking my 2012 Ram to the dealer to get its oil changed. Might do a little window shopping while I'm there. Hope I don't get seduced by anything! I just need to find the motivation to get me out the door...original plan was to leave the house right after Petticoat Junction, but that train never left the station. Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Reed, and now it's about half-past Leave it to Beaver!

au1994

a few pics of the ZHP