Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Miss my Avalon, its only fitting that if I'm stuck in an SUV it will be a Buick!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
well, you might like to know that 2009 G8 GTs with 75k-85k miles are trading at the auction for in the $16s. So that $17,688 price is actually quite good if its clean and no bad history to speak of.
Gotta warn ya, though, if you haven't yet sat in it, I was quite disappointed when I first tried one on at the NY auto show all those years ago. It simply felt cheap to me. From the rattly closing of the door to the switchgear.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
So met dad at the RV dealer yesterday. Whole reason for going was to check out a '96 they had for $20k. As you might imagine, that wasn't in the best condition. Inside wasn't awful, but evidence of many previous leaks, underneath was rusted to hell, etc.
He starts pondering "maybe newer?" So we get the grand tour around the lot and start looking at this and that. Inspected about half a dozen units. There is a whole new world to learn when you start looking at RVs. Ultimately, we decide we want to stick with a rear-engined diesel unit with air ride. They are significantly more expensive used, but for good reason. He gets himself hooked on an '06 Freightliner-based model, but now we're talking over $80k! And I really dislike this particular one for its layout and pretty well-used interior.
In short, the hunt is on. He is full-on with this idea. BTW, who knew that you could actually mortgage an RV and deduct the interest from your taxes? That just seems crazy to me. Makes it a somewhat feasible purchase. Just gotta find him the right one.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Q, was up your way today. Daughter needed some clothes for a school event (business clothes) and a few other things, so we went up to the Jackson outlets. Good day for it. some pretty good sales, and very few people (lots of parking spots!)
as to the RV, what is he planning to use it for? Extended tour the country practically live in it for a year, or just a couple of 1-2 week trips to specific areas? If the latter, I always figured that if you do all the math, it would be cheaper to just rent a new one when you wanted it. If nothing else, if he has not already done the whole RV thing, better to rent one for a test-run trip. Better than investing a fortune, then deciding you don't want it.
He consider a trailer? probably a whole boatload cheaper to get a PU and a 5th wheel camper trailer, just not quite as convenient I guess. But you don't need a toad at least.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Like a car, it will probably be worth 1/2 to 1/4 of that when he wants to sell it, and that's if he keeps everything maintained well. Something else to think about.
Speaking of RVs, whatever happened to Mark156? Not only is he a Chronic Car Buyer, but has his motor home, Bentley, & 2WD CRV that he tows around the country
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Andre...If stuck on something in the G8 GT ilk, see if you an find a GTO...preferably one that's 2005 or later. I came within a hair of buying one when GM was practically giving them away in 2006, the last year they made the GTO. They were built well, 400 HP 6.0L V8, good, hefty shift linkage, great seats, great muscle.
Q can tell you what they're worth, but I'm betting they're less expensive than a G8 GT. I think the GTO is a better car,too.
Found a few "interesting" CPO cars:
Somehow this 6-speed 2010 A4 got certified with some body damage to the quarter panel behind the passenger side rear door. The wheels should sparkle, none the less it has just over 18K miles. Listed at $23,887 I'm sure you could snatch it up for a little over $20K.
Then there is this Black/Black 2011 A4 with an automatic. Nothing great about it, but for the price of a new Camcord it has 10K left of B2B & then is CPO up to 6 years/100K.
One more 2011 6-Speed A4 listed for $23,747.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Anyone driven the new 2014 MINI? I hear it's got a great new interior.
I saw it at the auto show. It did look like an improvement.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Stopped at the produce junction Saturday that is next to a fairly eclectic used car lot (BHPH but seems to have been going a little more upscale). That had some interesting stuff. A 2010 A4 premium plus for $19K (though it does have 70K on the clock). And a 2009 GLI 6 speed stick with 80K for $15K.
but I mostly went to look at some of the oldies they for some reason have lately. A 1961 Beetle for $9k (looked fairly original and unrestored).
My favorite though (and probably wildly overpriced at $20K) was an orange 1970 duster 340, with the nostril scoops and all the graphics. And a Hurst 4 speed! Though they have it listed with a 360 V8, which is entirely possible. Totally impractical, but I had a stick shift duster in HS and still have a soft spot for them. It did look pretty clean at least.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, the 360 didn't come out until 1971 and, according to my old car book at least, only as an option for the Fury that year. So, if that '70 Duster is original, it shouldn't have a 360 in it!
Initially, the 360 was offered only in the full-sized Fury and Polara, as a bridge between the 318 and the big-blocks. Ford had the 351 and Chevy had the 350, and even the 400 smallblock, so Mopar had to do something. For 1971, it only had 255 hp, so it was most likely just a 2-bbl. For '72 it was rated at 170 net, which again would imply a 2-bbl IMO. FWIW, the 318-2bbl was 230 hp gross/150 net.
The 360 didn't get the high-performance treatment until 1974, when a 245 hp version came out. It was about the same hp as the 340, but it didn't like to rev like that engine did, so it wasn't as good of a performer. Still, there was one year in there, 1975 perhaps, that the Dart/Duster 360 was the fastest US production car around, beating out the likes of the Camaro, Trans Am, and even Corvette.
The car says 340 all over it, so the 360 (which has had some attention to it from the photos) may well be a transplant.
I like the '68 Mustang better, for less money.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
@stickguy,
That lot has an identity crisis. It seems as if they want to have something for everyone. Whenever I pass by it does seem like their stuff is pretty decent looking. The owner must buy anything he thinks he can resell and make money on. I'm sure he stole that Charger from an estate.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
On the GTO - personally I think that was a homely car and would never consider one. I always take a second look on the road to make sure its not just a cavalier.
On the RV - I'm not sure he'd suffer horrible depreciation consider it is used already. The '06s that are $80k are the '00s that are in the $35k-40k. So, yeah, alot of money, but over 6 years, you could do worse (like buy a new one). I don't think it will get used much at all. Have you priced a rental? I did recently and it is CRAZY expensive. Its far far cheaper to fly and stay in a hotel. Should he rent? Probably. But, then again, there is something to be said for being able to hop in and go when you want and have it preloaded with your supplies.
Anyway, the whole reason is my mom's health and current condition. It needs to be an RV so she can walk around and lay down in the back while on the go.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have noticed over the years they have tried to go nicer. Used to be pure buy here crap. Now actual retail units. But they now have a ton of cars in the back including older beaters. Something for everyone!
Typical small lot though. Their newer stuff looks nice but has higher miles ( like the 2010 Audi with 72k on it)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Q...no disagreement about the GTO not being the bell of the ball. I always thought it looked "bastardized" (which it was). Still, it was very fast. It seemed built very well. Seemed to have better materials than any Pontiac in recent memory. At the time ('06), I think I could have bought a brand new one in that $26K range.....6-speed, cruise, Blaupunkt stereo (when's the last time you saw one of those?), power everything, meaty leather stewing wheel, great sports seats. That was a lot of performance for the money not so long ago. Where else could you get a sub 5 sec 0-60, a sub 13 sec ¼ mi car, with a stiff suspension, and a roaring V8?
But, then there was the homely factor. I didn't need a car at the time. And, it was clear Pontiac was going to abandon the GTO (and in turn, shutter their doors).
Don't know what I'd do if I found one today that wasn't all ragged out and had a decent prices tag on it.
Yeah, 1974 was the first year for the Duster 360, and IIRC, the 1970 Duster 340 didn't get those graphics or that hood scoop either- they showed up on the 1973 340, I think. For $20k I'd want that car to be 100% original. In addition, be aware that "Clone" or "Tribute" cars(read: fakes) are popular in the musclecar world- and more than a few are passed off as the real thing. Here's the real 1970 car:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Where tho nostrils an option? Just curious. I never assumed that car was an original numbers matching collectible. But it does look like fun. For the right price.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That's a great reason for going the RV route. Economics don't make much sense currently. Campsite fees aren't far from hotel rates when you need full hook-ups. There are physical issues in camping that folks don't factor into the decision. Hooking up electric, water and of course sewer lines come to mind. Unless you have electric leveling jacks, you need a supply of various things to get the unit level. Then, unhooking, putting your stuff away and dumping the sewer tank. Cleaning sewer hoses and storing them was always the highlight of my day. My wife and I were 15 years younger and worked as a team. This was especially helpful when pulling in and out of tight camp sites. We did it for decades -- coast to coast and into Canada and loved it. There is something comforting about sleeping in your own bed every night and having your own bathroom that you don't have in hotelling it. Hope it works out for your folks.
Update on the son's accident - he's been working with both his insurance company and the one representing the driver who caused the accident.
He thinks that they might clear about $2K after the Caliber loan is satisfied. Will give them a nice down payment for the next vehicle. Next step is to get pre-qualified at their credit union to see what their budget is.
They are thinking of a truck of some sort.
Will keep everyone posted as the process unfolds.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Tenting is even easier for us. When we can't find a remote campsite, we'll often pass up a "developed" campground - frequently the motels are cheaper than some of the campgrounds that cater mostly to the RV crowd. We're shopping for a new tent - we paid around $200 for the last one. In 2000.
I don't think my wife would ever agree to RVing. Not her thing. We would more likely just drive place to place staying in hotels as needed.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
drive place to place staying in hotels as needed.
When the wife and I were younger we did a bit of tent camping with the kids.
Not anymore - she likes hotels now.
In fact, we're trying to figure out when we want to get away - between her work and her master's program, she's a busy lady. Am hoping maybe in May we can get to either Taos or Santa Fe for a few days of R&R.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
My wife's rule: I don't stay anywhere that doesn't have room service.
Not that she uses room service, it just keeps me from suggesting anything other than a full-service hotel.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Fortunately, my wife doesn't have that rule. For a lot of the traveling we do for business or school, we use either Fairfield Inn or Holiday Inn Express.
For vacations, we'll do either a B&B or a full service hotel.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
My idea of "roughing it" is a Country Inn and Suites with knotty pine paneling.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
After having owned a large tent, a tent trailer and two motorhomes, we now stick to hotels and, better yet cruise ship cabins.
Owning a motorhome is like owning a boat. They are a PITA in so many ways and they suck the money from your wallet. Talk about insurance, storage, gas mileage, winterizing them, ALWAYS something causing trouble. Yes, there are benefits as with anything but for us, the negatives FAR outweighed the positives.
Take a cruise! Best value for the money spent!
Don't like cruises myself---it's like being in jail with the added benefit of possibly drowning.
We went on one. Just not my cup of tea.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I've always been fascinated with motorhomes, ever since I was a little kid. Always thought it would be cool to own one. But, as I got older, I think I came to my senses, as I'd never use it enough to benefit from it.
Oh, cruises aren't for everyone but I don't get the "jail" comment.
On a cruise you can do whatever you want to do. I start mornings with some fast laps on the upper deck! The fresh air and the views are wonderful!
Non stop entertainment if you like or you can sit and read a book. An ever changing view, fabulous food that is always available! A casino for those who like that kind of thing, interesting ports of call, nightly shows etc.
Unless a person go's crazy you can take a cruise for less than it would cost to stay a week in a fancy hotel.
Not sold yet? I understand!
That was our problem. We just didn't use the motorhomes enough.
We paid 40.00 a month for storage, paid insurance and constant upkeep. They got something like 6 miles per gallon.
Probably the best was the StarCraft pop up tent trailer we bought used for 1500.00. It stored on our side yard, was easy to tow and quick to set up. Very nice. We kept it for four or five
years and sold it for what we paid.
It's too much of a good thing. Like Mark Twain said about hiking up a mountain on a beautiful day....you do it the first time for one day and it's great. But if someone hired you to go up and down day after day for a week, you'd go buggy.
Cruises have little interest for us but the marine ferries are fun. The ones in Alaska have gotten expensive, especially if you take a car, but the ones going to Newfoundland and Labrador aren't bad. Great scenery and you get to meet "real" people from that area, not just other tourists. You don't have to take a car, but it makes a nice addition to a road trip. Plus most are less than two days long, and that's long enough if you're prone to mal de mer, like me.
Ah you landlubbers. The Shiftrights are a sea-faring people. I like small boats rather than large ones, small planes over big ones, and small cars, too. Hey, a pattern?
as for cruises, I also feel the jail thing. The analogy applying because you CAN'T LEAVE! Not to mention the one time I went, I was nauseous the whole time and, as a result, on dramamine the whole time. So, sleepy, nauseous, and trapped. Pretty much my worst vacation ever.
My dad is also making the assumption that more than just him and mom will be using it. I told that to the wife and she said "no thanks!" Ah well, we'll see. I know the kids would love it.
He lives on 1.5 acres, so storage isn't an issue, and everything mechanical will be maintained/repaired by him. So its a bit less of a financial burden than for most folks.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Don't book the upper level cabins if you have a weak stomach.
Putting me on a cruise ship is like putting a raccoon in the back seat of your car.
The only thing we liked about our cruise was the on-shore excursions. We did a "Mountain to Sea" bike ride in Jamaica(a story in and of itself) and a Jeep tour in the Grand Caymans. When we signed up for the Jeep tour there was a restriction that you had to be able to drive a manual gearbox- which gave me hope that a lot of dopes would be weeded out. Alas, when we got there all the Jeeps were slushboxes and there were more than a few participants who couldn't find their butt with a road map and a mirror...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Back in 1982, my grandparents took me on an 8 week cross-country camping trip in this...
Well, okay, it wasn't that truck, which is the 1985 Silverado I still have. Back then Granddad had a '76 GMC 3/4 ton crew cab. But, it was that camper. It was a very simple camper. Didn't even have a toilet, although my grandparents had a small chemical toilet installed in one of the closets, that never got used. It had a tiny sink, small propane cooktop, fridge, and a furnace. I seem to recall Granddad pulling something out of it though, to get more storage space. I think it was the water supply. So, we only had water if we were at a campground that had water hookups.
I don't know if I could ever go roughing it like that nowadays. But I'm glad I did it, once at least.
Grandmom and Granddad bought that slide in camper in 1978 I think. He put it in the back of the '85 Silverado and drove it around the block, to see how it would handle, but didn't like it. As I recall, he simply let it sit in the bed, unsecured! I guess you're not going to take off fast enough for it to slide off the back, but I imagine if you went around a corner too quickly it could shift. The '76 GMC had mounts on the side where it would secure in place.
I think the last time we used that truck camper was 1985. Granddad held onto the GMC through 1986 and then sold it. After that, whenever we went anywhere, we'd just take their '85 LeSabre, and stay at motels. The camper sat around until early 1996 I think, and then was given to some relatives. I remember they got it just in time too, because soon after, some tornado-spawning thunderstorms came through, and a bunch of tree limbs came down in the yard. A huge one crashing down right where that camper used to sit!
Small planes are good, the smaller and lighter the better. If the engine conks out on a Super Cub, you glide to earth; if it conks out on a 767, you plunge like a rock.
As for being on the back of a motorcycle, it's the same as hitching a ride in a small plane. If the pilot doesn't have really good credentials, NO THANK YOU.
When I was very young my dad had his own commercial fishing boat and we went through some horrific storms with big swells and, somehow I never got seasick. I understand it's the worse experience for those who do.
How small of a plane?
After a couple of harrowing experiences there are two things I will NEVER do again.
@stickguy
Does your son's VW run on RUG or PUG? BTW, gas prices are one of the best things about NJ! I paid $3.359 for RUG yesterday on Route 46 East. Have any of you Jersey guys ever been to the Liberty Science Center? My 3 kids (7 1/2, almost 5, & 2) had an absolute blast. My wife and I got in free because we have BANK OF AMERICA credit cards (1st Sunday of every month program).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Never been there. Wrong end of jersey for us! And yes the Jetta specs for regular. So at least son saving some money with better mpg and regular instead if the mid grade the TL Needed
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Motels are camping enough for me, although I have a little motorhome fascination, used to have interest in them when I was a little kid - especially the Toyota pickup-based things that were popular in the early 80s, and those odd Winnebago LeSharo models from the 80s that had BMW diesels. I also lack the cruise attraction - stuck in a huge hotel that might sink? No thanks.
I wonder if the difference is that on a smaller boat, the swaying back and forth is going to be much more abrupt and choppy, whereas on a larger ship it's more subtle, but something about that slow, rhythmic swaying just gets to you? I've been on small boats, but never had an issue. Never been on a large ship though. However, I've been in tall buildings where I could feel a subtle swaying. Or, stopped in traffic on a bridge, while traffic the other way keeps going, so it sets up a resonance that, if I think about it too much, can be a bit nauseating.
When I go to amusement parks, I usually have no trouble with roller coasters, no matter how much they jerk you around, I think because there's a certain randomness to it. But get me on anything that spins around, especially if it's in too constant of a pattern...bonus points if it goes upside down, and, let's just say it gets close to a See-food lunch!
I guess I'm the weirdo of the group. My wife and I had a recent vacation in Chile that was 70% backpacking, and it wasn't flat. No room service, but I'd put our views up against any hotel.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Wow - better prices than here in Colorado. I paid $3.509 yesterday for RUG. There has been a 50 cent increase in just the past 4-5 weeks.
On a positive note, the engine in the E-GT seems to be loosening up. MPG is up a couple of points in the last few tanks - around 29 or so.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Where I live, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we get lots of cruise ship business. The terminal is downtown so you get to see these massive ships navigating to and from the terminal and tied up alongside. They must have pretty sophisticated technology because they look ridiculously topheavy and unstable.
I like Shifty's analogy about cruises. I don't like being on the water at the best of times, and not being able to leave sounds like my worst nightmare. Plus every year we seem to get at least one of them arrive in port with a Norwalk-like virus condition among the passengers aboard, which must be pure hell.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
We don't get a lot of cruise ships in Sonoma
LOL.
Very few dock here in Atlanta either.......