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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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Heck, both of you are closer to a large body of water than I am here in Colorado.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Huh, we must be in the minority - my wife and I absolutely love cruises. The one we just got back from was our fourth. It's starting to become almost customary for us to go on a cruise in February, as this is our third straight year doing so (first time with the whole family). We find it a great time of year to break up that lull after the holidays.
For us, I think it's the idea of being totally disconnected - with both of us working, four kids, three dogs, two rabbits
, it's certainly difficult to really get away from everything and the cruise seems to afford that luxury. Part of it is very tangible, since you literally are disconnected (unless you pay the exorbitant wi-fi prices), and much of it is mental, being out on the ocean.
I'm sure you can get a similar escape through camping, but we're just more of the "hotel" crowd I guess. We love seeing the sites on-shore, and then returning to the ship where everything is familiar and you're very catered to. Our first cruise was through the Greek Isles, starting in Venice. I totally recognize you're not submerged into the culture with that manner of travel, but I certainly enjoyed the idea of spending the day visiting the Parthenon, then getting back on the ship and hanging out at the pool reading, eating, etc. Then on to Corfu, Croatia, Ephesus, etc. - all without unpacking each time.
On this most recent one, I was worried the younger kids (8 and 10) would get a little bored, but they thoroughly enjoyed it and said they'd like all our vacations to be cruises. I replied, "What about our minivan trip to Mt. Rushmore last year?" They were kind and said that was fun too.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
By the way, notice my car listing in the signature is diminished? We're down to 4 cars for 3 drivers!
Certainly not to say it's gonna stay that way.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
"Where I live, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we get lots of cruise ship business. "
I live about 15 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport which is adjacent to Port Everglades where, at any one time, there are 6-8 of the world's largest cruise ships in port loading passengers for Caribbean Cruises. The only larger port would be the Port of Miami that handles about 20% more cruise ships.
The cruising industry accounts for over 50% of the tourism business in the State of Florida. I have never been on a cruise and I doubt I will ever go on one based upon all the horror stories you hear about people getting sick, ships breaking down on the high seas, etcetera. But the tourists keep coming, and coming, and coming.
Our weather this winter has been unseasonably warm in the mid 80's by day and low 70"s by night. I guess that's what keeps them coming.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Tenting definitely works well for us. Yeah, it is a bit of work and it is, occasionally, fun to just walk into a furnished room to zonk out (and shower in the morning), but camping makes for a fun adventure. I about choked when my wife was planning our trip last Sept and some of the campgrounds wanted upwards of $50 a night. We camped all over this continent for five weeks on that trip, and it was a very enjoyable experience. Total, I think we spent about $800 in lodging costs on that trip, including a three-night stay at a cute, old little shore-side bungalow on the Oregon coast (that was >300 all by itself).
On RVs, my father and his wife live exclusively in their RV and travel all over the place in it. Their current rig is a 2006 Newmar Dutch Star. Quite a nice set up they have with it, as my dad likes his home to be his home, so he's done all sorts of QoL improvements with it. Surprisingly, they don't really have all that many miles on it (can't remember how many, exactly, but I seem to recall 60-some thousand) considering it has gone from coast to coast, up to Alaska a couple times, and even down into Central America on various occasions. They generally spend many weeks in one location, with most of their local travels accomplished through the employment of a "toad," currently a 2013 F150 (the turbo-V6).
So, while motor homes are pricey, they may not be as exorbitant as their price tags suggest... especially if they replace their stationary cousins.
So stick - you think it's just fine to run RUG in the 1.8T? I know the specs state it's fine - any reason to pay the extra for the turbo? It's definitely a nice bonus for that engine.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I finally have the numbers right. 4 cars for 4 drivers. Much easier when everyone has there own.
I even got a $150 rebate check from the insurance company. Savings for dropping my son (now on his own policy ) even though I am insuring the exact same fleet.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Two cars that I have a soft spot for- and would probably regret buying...
1.bluegrassauto.com/Preowned-Inventory/1987_JAGUAR_XJ6_Louisville_SAJAV1347HC473643.aspx Extremely clean. Good price. But it's still an XJ6...
2.http://www.kingsautomall.com/used/Porsche/1984-Porsche-944-72f5f4ac0a0a00e07c83c6de18afa57c.htm Another clean low-mile car. But almost $16k? I think I'd pay $8k at the very most...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It calls for RUG and runs just fine on it so I don't see a need.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I guess I'm used to living in the west where the distances are greater. When I traveled for work, I would drive a few hours back east to have dinner with family or friends. I remember a trip to Baltimore where I drove to Oaklyn, NJ for dinner.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
that's alot of damned money for that xj6.
I agree, though. I can't help looking at those. Feel like I'm going to have to get it out of my system one of these days.
'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
APR tested horsepower and torque output higher than VW claimed, using PUG. It doesn't appear that they tested it on RUG, so it's hard to tell whether that made any difference in performance.
Jag looks amazing, but I suspect you'll want to have good tow truck service with it.
I think I've seen that 944 before:
Most people that say they don't like cruises have never been on one but I'm sure there are exceptions. The chances of one sinking are like a person winning the Mega Lottery.
We've probably been on eight and never a bad experience.
As far as getting seasick, they are so stable it's like being in a hotel room usually although we've been tossed around a bit a couple of times.
The worst was on our first cruise on the final night as we returned from Mexico and were headed into San Pedro. That was a rough one and people were getting sick.
I thought it was pretty cool and I made the mistake of stepping out on deck that night. As I stepped out, a large wave came over and got me pretty good!
Other than that one rough night, no problems!
Is there a cruise ship terminal in San Francisco or Oakland?
I'm thinking the answer is no. Can't remember ever seeing one.
One of the best cruises we did was living out of our canoe doing the Nahanni over 3 weeks. Just one portage.
Talk about being "disconnected". It's not really about saving money, it's just being outside so much.
Took the Subaru in for an oil change (yep, actually paid for one for a change - $20 for the oil and filter, $5 for labor). Got them to rotate the tires too and asked them to check the left front for a slow leak. Typical Subaru alloys you know. Well, both front wheels were leaky so they dismounted and cleaned the rims, so it should be good to go for another couple of years.
Total bill was around $52. Gonna miss Dave and Chris when we move. Still thinking about a new car this year though.
You portaged around that?! You're getting soft, Stever!
Didn't know you were moving again; where to this time?
Probably southern NM, assuming the radiation leaks calm down. Ask me again around August.
Please don't do that to yourself. Take that $8,500 and throw it in a blazing furnace.
I have some funny XJ6 stories. I'm sure you've all been asked for 'advice" because many of you are known "car guys" (or gals). I always tell people----no, don't do it. But sometimes they do.
One friend bought one and gave me the "neener neener" routine one day. He said the XJ6 he bought "was great" and let's go to lunch in it--take a spin.
So I get in, and the first thing I notice is an overpowering smell of gasoline. "Oh, that, yeah, must be the gas cap" (Actually no, it's the gas TANKS). It was a hot day, so I said "Turn on the AC!".
Um...doesn't work.
So I attempt to lower the window on my side.
"DON'T DO THAT! IT STICKS!"
I jump back in terror.
We get to the lunch place. Closed Tuesdays.
I say: "Let's go into the city, to Sam's"
He gives me a serious look: "Gee, that's pretty far....."
LOL! (about 12 miles) And goes it went. His troubles never ended.
the one cruise i picked, was particularly rough almost the entire time. People who did nothing but cruises were telling us it was the worst they've ever experienced. Such is my luck. But it turned me off for life.
'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
944 is a great car, but needs a good deal of preventative maintenance. I always recommend the 944 Turbo---in the right hands, on the right track, you can give a 911 fits.
Back in the 1990's, there was a couple that went to my church, who had two XJ-6es. One was black, a 1983 I think, and the other was, IIRC, sort of a pinkish/reddish color, peeling really bad. It was a 1986. They'd had the '83 repainted, so it looked pretty nice. Still, it made me wonder what was up with these cars, as this was only 1991 or 92. Made me wonder why a 5-6 year old car would look that crappy, and an 8-9 year old would be on its second paint job.
that's easy--the XJ6 had the build quality of a Yugo....EXCEPT the chrome...British chrome was always pretty good for some reason. I like to call the XJ6 the "best worst car in the world".
@roadburner
Those 944s are amazing cars. When I was a kid, that was "the Porsche" in my eyes. Personally I never liked the 911's styling until 1995. I drove a family friend's 1989 944 Turbo back when I was 18. What a freakin amazing car! Fast, light, & stuck to the road. To this day it is probably one of the top 2 or 3 fastest accelerating cars I've ever driven.
Many years ago (7?) at a family friend's wedding in his parents' back yard, I notice some very cool cars on the street. One was a Silver 911 GT3 with a roll cage, 5 point harness, SCCA & Porsche Club racing stickers on the window. I asked around & found out whose car it was & struck up a conversation with the guy. So we are talking about racing and he tells me that he tracks the GT3. He then tells me for years he had a 944 that just wouldn't die. He said what an amazing track car the 944 was & that (modified) they give stock 911 GT3 Cup cars a "run for their money." Guys shoehorn 350 Corvette Engines in them... Look on rennlist & you'll see cars with literally 200 - 300K plus miles for sale.
That 1984 is too expensive though;)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
944 mileage is extremely low but still, asking double market value is a bit extreme. For sure you'd have to do a water pump and timing belt.
Had a 42 ft Blue Water Cabin Cruiser for about 5 years. It was built more for open waters. Except, I docked it on the Ohio River. In all frankness, I loved it. Every weekend in the Spring, Summer and most of the Fall, I was on it. If it was raining, I was inside, just relaxing, watching TV or watching the river traffic sail by. If the weather was nice, I was trolling the River, from sun up, until sun down, from Friday afternoon until Sunday early evening. Long weekends were the best.
It had two decks, one master bedroom, another bed (converted couches), a "head" (toilet to you landlubbers), shower, kitchen-complete with stove and oven, A/C, stereo, etc...all the modern amenities.
Was it cheap? No! Then again, I didn't take any vacations when I had the boat, either. So the costs were probably a wash comparing the two....the boat was my vacation.
The good news, I had a knowledgeable "boat person" helping me shop for ones I might want. Mine was 10 years old, and was meticulously cared for. The previous owner was suffereing the begining stages of Alzheimer. Shame really, since he really loved that boat. Aside from routine maintenance and fuel costs (which have probably quadrupled in price since I owned my boat), insurance and dock fees, that was it.
When the economic downtown hit, there were guys trolling our docks looking for boats that were about to be repo'd, that they could buy on the cheap. Those docks emptied quickly and some people got some great deals on some really nice boats.
I held out until most of my boating friends were no longer boat owners, and disappeared. My son, who was on the boat as much as me, started college and wasn't around much, any more. The buyers kept hitting me with a number, and I kept turning them down. I wasn't going to sell on the cheap. After a year, they got close enough that I sold her. Still didn't want to. But, the boat was just too big for two people to share (former GF and me). I didn't take the initial depreciation hit that the original owner did. And, I sold it for roughly 85% of what I bought it for. The last I heard, it's docked somewhere in Santa Barbara these days.
I know the old saying..."the happiest you are owning a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it". For me, it was the opposite. Lots of good memories on that boat....5 years of Memorial Days, Labor Days, July 4th, fireworks, birthday celebrations, etc. The "river rats" (those who make their boat on the river their permanent home" became good friends. I miss all of it.
Camping? I camped while in high school and college....Smokies, Natural Bridge, Cade's Cove, Cumberland, etc. It was a way to get a weekend away with my friends and away from my parents
. But, that's only because I couldn't afford a hotel room. Now? No desire to camp, even in an RV.
I understand about the "cruise thing" not being for everyone, too. Like Craig, I love cruises. The newer ships are pretty amazing, stabilizer's that keep you from feeling the ship sail, big enough to never run out of things to do, etc. GF and I were talking about a cruise this weekend. She's never been on one.
We started pricing them out. Great deals going on right now. We found one that goes from NYC to Bermuda. It takes two days to sail down to Bermuda, stays docked there for 3 days, and then sails back. I figure the ship can be our hotel and restaurant while there. We were able to book a suite, complete with a concierge and butler. Our cabin has a balcony, overlooking the water, with a Jacuzzi. All food and drinks are included. And, it's cheaper than staying a week in NYC or San Francisco.
We booked it. We now have something to look forward to the remainder of this Winter.
We spent a week in Croton-on-Hudson around Memorial Day last year at a cabin in a county park for $175. We took the train into the city when we wanted to see a show, and "camped" at the park when we wanted to chill.
All this money getting blown on boats, cruises and vacations - how is anyone going to be able to afford to buy a new rig?
andre: You have unusual taste in cars. But you knew that. A G8?! What else is on your list?
Dare I ask about lemko? I miss how he talked about his love of GM cars....
I have issues with sea sickness but I figure to gain 2 pounds a day with the unlimited food accessory. Of course, they might cancel each other out so never say never.
Jay...I always take the stairs on a cruise.....sometimes 5 floors at a time. I also work out in the cruise ship's gym every a.m. (which, btw, cruise ships have some of the best gyms, anywhere). Does that mitigate the urge to eat? Not hardly. But, I convince myself I'm being healthy.
I've always kinda liked the G8...V8, RWD, large(ish). I remember the dealer I bought my Park Ave from had a couple used ones on their lot. Back then, they were running around $26-28K I think, but were V6 models, and no sunroof...but this was the 2010 model year, so they were only 1-2 years old, and only had around 25K or so miles on them. I remember the salesman saying the dealer could put a sunroof in if I wanted one of those cars.
As for what else is on my list. Not much, really. I keep gravitating back to the Charger, and to a lesser degree the 300. I also like the new Impala. But in the end, I just hope my 2000 Park Ave holds out awhile longer.
As for Lemko, he still hangs around alot in the GM threads, classic car threads, etc. And still loves his GM's!
We were just doing a compare and a contrast this weekend, Steve.
We spent Thanksgiving in Chicago last year....Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, came home Sunday...so, roughly 4 days. I love Chicago, even when it's cold.
Granted, we stayed at a nice hotel, near Loyola University, downtown, near Michigan Ave.
I spent ~$200/nt for the hotel, which by downtown big city standards, is relatively cheap. Parking was $45/nt (crazy, I know). Food per day was about $90/day, except for Thanksgiving, where we went to a nice restaurant and spent $150/day. Let's say we had a couple of glasses of wine/ea/nt at $7/glass. We took in a show (Wicked) at $100/ticket, two museums at about $50/museum.
Let's total this up for 4 days....
Hotel=$800
Parking=$180 (plus another $20 for the valet's tips)=$200
Food=$420
Drinks=$130 (including tip)
Entertainment=$300
Total=$1,850
That doesn't include the shopping expeditions, which I really don't want to think about.
I probably should be more cognizant of what I'm spending, but when I'm taking some downtime, I really don't make a mental count of the money I'm spending.
For that kind of money, you're on a 7-day cruise, in a very nice cabin, sailing and overlooking crystal blue waters, going to an exotic locale (Bermuda). On the one I just booked (NCL), they have a special...they're including alcoholic drinks (no limit), free entertainment (Rock of Ages, Cirque du Soleil, Burn the Floor, blues nightclub, comedy venue with 2nd City, pools, etc). The ship has some upscale restaurants that are extra charge (over and above the normal free ship restaurants) which they're throwing in for "no charge", too.
Not trying to convince anyone to take a cruise. But, like Craig, I find it an appealing value.
That sounds amazing - have a wonderful time!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
@graphicguy, we did Bucktown last trip to Chicago at a trendy B&B and it was ~$180 a night, but we got breakfast and free on street parking in the neighborhood. (Great theatre at this place too).
Usually we go cheap on the lodging and "high" on the food. My favorite memory was a night in Perce, Gaspé Bay in '99 where camping was $10C a night. Paid for the site at the restaurant across the street and went back that evening. It was one of those prix fixe places and the periwinkles in the appetizer course blew us away and it got better from there. Bill was around $100, or a ten to one lodging/food ratio. That seemed just about right.
All this travel talk - everyone must have cabin fever bad. Hope to at least get to Chattanooga sometime this month.
Starting to do some vacation planning as well. Thinking either Taos or Santa Fe, NM at the end of May. Easy half day drive, 4 or 5 nights in a nice hotel or B&B, spa time for the wife, golf for me, good food and, most importantly, lots of down time to just relax.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
GG, that deal might make my wife overcome her cruise phobia. Actually a cruise to Bermuda is a good 1st option. Not too long on the ocean, and Hamilton is super centrally located (and the hotels are expensive!)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@breld
Congrats on shedding the 335xi from your signature
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Yes, but, what is he shopping for now?
@corvette
I'm pretty sure he's on a ZHP kick right now
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I think the 2014 S4 will keep me from contributing another car to this forum topic for many years.
@Graphicguy and Stickguy,
I've done the NYC to Bermuda cruise. It's really a nice trip and being docked for a few days is great since you don't have to worry about being back on the ship at a certain time except for the last day. Add me to the cruise lovers, just a wonderful vacation and a decent value these days.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Only vacation expense I can think, to throw out there for comparison, was last November when I went to Aruba for a week with two friends. Came out to about $5200 total, or about $1733 per person. That included airfare for 3, a week's lodging at a nice timeshare rental right on the beach that would cost about $18K if you wanted to buy it (plus $700/yr maintenance fee), a rental Jeep, parasailing, food and booze, eating out a few times, and gasoline to fill up the Jeep. Some of those expenses were stuff that would normally be incurred even not on vacation, such as food/booze, and gasoline.
Steve...you're making me sound like a "heathen", talking about hotel's and cruises.;)
Took a test drive a couple of weeks ago in a Caddy ATS. Only reason, I was offered a $50 gift card to do so. Cadillac has done a nice job on that car. It would be a tough choice between it and a 328i. Like for like, the ATS would probably sell for about $5K less than the comparably equipped 328i (that is, well loaded up).
But, I'm quite happy with my TL SH AWD. Everything works. It drives very well....handles with the best of them...is a good performer. And, in all honesty, don't know what I'd gain if I bought something similar. I'd probably have to climb into that $60K range to get something marginally better.....MAYBE!
That post just cries out for an Akangl comment. So - April 15 for the next punch?
Every once in a while I tune in to this thread. Anyway, finally have a "punch" as you guys call it. We need a 3rd car. Originally, we thought a small car and later we shifted to another large car. We wanted to have a new car with a 3rd row since our van is on its best days a car with issues. So, our new ride .................. a 2014 Highlander AWD XLE. We thought it was a tremendous value and was really really nice inside.
Congrats on the new car! It's hard to beat a Highlander in that category.
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Thanks! And none too soon with my stepdaughter being added to the insurance policy in about a week.
And you're exactly right - I'm definitely on a ZHP kick right now. But I'm actually trying to hold off and take my time. We'll see how long that lasts.
What I'm honestly trying to figure out is how much I miss having a stickshift and how that plays into the whole thing (not that I can't drive my wife's once in a awhile). Funny enough, hers is the only manual in the fleet, whereas not too long ago we had five cars with the Ody being the only automatic.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
We both wanted a 4runner but it was more expensive and we knew we didn't need the off road capabilities. The inside of the 4runner looked so plain compared with the new Highlander.
Kind of funny, every other car we make the right choice. We feel we nailed it with with the minivan (wanted a CRV but knew it wasn't right for us) and the Highlander. Missed with the Legacy GT and the RX. Should have bought an Outback and an MDX instead.
My wife is enamored with the new Jeep Renegade. A rebadged Fiat 500X, she loves the small size and I like the fact that you can get the car equipped with enough capability to handle our driveway when inclement weather hits. If I buy an Abarth we might wind up with one big Eye-talian family...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive