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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,918

    Stick - not sure if you've seen this yet, but in my recent perusing of Mazda6's out there, I discovered that for the 2015 model, the Touring model can now be outfitted with a sunroof package (Bose/Sunroof package for $1,325). So no need to go all the way to a GT model for the sunroof. And those 2015's are on the lots now. Thought you might be interested since you are certainly partial to a sunroof.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    Gotta have my rays. Giving that up would be hard for just to get a cheaper deal. Good news on the 6 though.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,683

    @stickguy said:
    well, just ticked over 174K, so not sure how much more "using up" there will be!

    With a heavy slant toward highway miles (e.g., 90 mile a day), I'd say another 75,000 is a reasonable expectation! :D

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    countryman deal is just OK but not too great given its only 10k miles per year and 20 cents per mile over. $29,445 MSRP.

    '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

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,197

    @qbrozen said:
    countryman deal is just OK but not too great given its only 10k miles per year and 20 cents per mile over. $29,445 MSRP.

    Yeah ... no. As with my wife, the daughters new job will require a fair amount of driving, plus it's 45 miles r/t each day. 10K per year just wouldn't work.

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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454

    My van still is acting up and I've got another mechanic trying to pin it down.

    @stickguy - dump it. B)

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,197

    @Stever@Edmunds said:
    My van still is acting up and I've got another mechanic trying to pin it down.

    stickguy - dump it. B)

    So says the guy who's doing everything to get his van to 200K :smiley:

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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2014

    Right now I'm ready to buy a beater to get the last 400 miles home and then trade for that Prius. Been looking at inventory and have yet to find the preferred combo in MI (or MD or LAX for that matter).

    Ask me again in a week. :p

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,197

    @Stever@Edmunds said:
    Right now I'm ready to buy a beater to get the last 400 miles home and then trade for that Prius. Been looking at inventory and have yet to find the preferred combo in MI (or MD or LAX for that matter).

    Ask me again in a week. :p

    Remind me .. you're thinking Prius V?

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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2014

    Yeah, but we haven't even tested one. And the van is so comfy for how we use cars.... The 40 mpg would be nice but we're even talking pickup for the hauling we plan to do. Might run a load out west in May to put some household goods in storage. (you do have room in your basement, right?)

    This would be a bit of a hoot. 1988 Woody Wagon

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120

    @stickguy said:
    the Sonata I drove last week seemed to have plenty of pickup. So not worried abotu a few ponies one way or the other.

    Not a bad choice out of the ones you're considering stick. The fiance's Accord is very nice. They were always good cars. Seems recently, they've really stepped up their refinement, suspension and materials, not that they were a slouch before. She's getting high 20s-low 30s all in town driving.

    I've seen the Mazda 6s on the road. I like their look. Haven't driven one, though.

    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,576
    edited April 2014

    @corvette said:

    It's not automotive related, but I adopted a ~3 year old Beagle mix from the animal shelter on Saturday. The first night was a little trying, but she's as sweet as can be and an excellent companion. All the time I spend taking her out, refilling her food/water, etc. is exhausting, but I still love her! :D

    Corvette, enjoy the pup. Last Sat. was the best day of her life.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,683

    Speaking of trading in and up, every time my now 13-yo "pup" takes twenty seconds to traverse the doorway while I hold the door open and do nearly a complete air exchange in our subarctic climate, I'm thinking that the next time I may need to bring a shovel with me and just call it a life for that ol' girl. :'(

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    been thinking more on wheels option. Though the shopping started tonight (no, not cars, clothes!)

    Turns out that over the winter, my suit (singular) shrank in the closet. Funny how that happens. And when you spend many days just wearing sweatpants, you tend not to notice it happening!

    so figuring I was not likely to lose 10-20 #s by next week, I broke down and invested in a new wedding/funeral/interview suit. Which is all I ever where it for, and I don't to too many of any of them!

    I really need to go on a diet and get some exercise. This craptastic winter has really cut down on my winter exercise (along with the dog, since we usually do it together!)

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    oh, as to cars. I need to decide about keeping the TL around, and if I do, could possibly get a stick again. at least would not have to worry about the auto trans crapping out on me.

    also considering trying to find something a few years old without too many miles to save money, then just pile them on. Something like a 2012. Thought that would be the old style Accord or Mazda 6. At least the Mazda might be reasonably cheap. And slim chance of a stick!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,325

    My BMW dealer just got this puppy:

    Going to try and check it out tomorrow. 2008, 84k miles, asking $20k. Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather Packages, plus DSP audio.
    No, it's not an ///M Coupe, but it IS @$12k less expensive...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496

    @roadburner‌

    Nice ride! Let us know what happens!

    @stickguy‌

    You got me thinking, instead of leasing something for wifey to drive around in, maybe I could look into saving money in the long run & buying used. Here's a 2012 Accord EXL V6. In case the link doesn't work: White/Tan Guts V6 $23K asking $18,997.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    that seems cheap for a V6. But it is at a Honda dealer!

    Maybe I should have you just find me a car. You seem to be good at it.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    @bradd, I may have another odd request for you. My son has a lead on a job (waiting to interview) up in Yorktown heights, and if it goes through, will need some type of cheap housing. Something that seems to be in short supply in Westchester! So depending on what happens, could be looking for interesting suggestions.

    at least he is all set with a car!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,197

    @Stever@Edmunds said:
    Yeah, but we haven't even tested one. And the van is so comfy for how we use cars.... The 40 mpg would be nice but we're even talking pickup for the hauling we plan to do. Might run a load out west in May to put some household goods in storage. (you do have room in your basement, right?)

    This would be a bit of a hoot. 1988 Woody Wagon

    Sorry, Steve, our house is in the minority here in Colorado by not having a basement. And I have to keep the garage clutter to a minimum so I can put two cars in it.

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    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,785

    @nyccarguy That Accord seems pretty well priced. Makes me wonder if mis-listed somehow.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2014

    @Michaell@Edmunds, back in the early 80s we didn't own a house and stashed stuff in a friend's crawl space while road-tripping for a few months. That's when we learned it's better just to pare down to as little as possible when moving. Humping boxes isn't much fun even when your in you're 20s, especially not in a in a 4' crawler.

    Now we're thinking something like this Matrix might be fun to tide us over and it wouldn't be any great loss if my wife's funky left leg couldn't handle the shifting. If the van gets retired though, I bet we just live with the Subaru until we get resettled.

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,197

    @Stever@Edmunds said:
    Michaell@Edmunds, back in the early 80s we didn't own a house and stashed stuff in a friend's crawl space while road-tripping for a few months. That's when we learned it's better just to pare down to as little as possible when moving. Humping boxes isn't much fun even when your in you're 20s, especially not in a in a 4' crawler.

    Now we're thinking something like this Matrix might be fun to tide us over and it wouldn't be any great loss if my wife's funky left leg couldn't handle the shifting. If the van gets retired though, I bet we just live with the Subaru until we get resettled.

    I like that Vibe - nice low miles. Is it big enough?

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  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,068

    Vibe is surprisingly roomy inside and my bicycle will fit easily with the seats folded. It's a great car as long as you don't have to drive it much on a highway.

    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    @roadburner‌ $20k with 84k miles? Yikes!!
    Nothing with miles quite like that in recent history. 73k mile example in San Antonio way back in June sold for $16,500. Most recent was a few weeks ago in PA for $21,200, but that only had 43k miles. If we took that number and applied a Galves-like deduct of $150/1k miles, its a $15k auction vehicle. Of course, $150/1k is pretty mild, as I've seen $175/1k on 4-year-old cars, too. Anyway, I suppose $5k over isn't a criminal asking price. I guess $18k would be OK, although I still personally wouldn't spend that much on such a car.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    '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

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    QUESTION FOR THE BROTHERHOOD:

    I'm thinking of leasing a new Mini Cooper but I have no garage. I live in a benign climate and the car can have shade but I'm wondering if it's too much of a risk on a lease car?

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    Has you written all over it. Take the wife to the Lancaster outlets. And make a stop.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,616

    @MrShift@Edmunds said:
    QUESTION FOR THE BROTHERHOOD:

    I'm thinking of leasing a new Mini Cooper but I have no garage. I live in a benign climate and the car can have shade but I'm wondering if it's too much of a risk on a lease car?

    No issues, whatsoever.. Turning in a lease is not that big of a deal, if you take reasonably good care of your car. My son is driving our 2011 G37, and parks it outside. (backing into other cars is not recommended, though.. :( )

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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454

    @suydam, there would be a lot of highway driving in the Vibe. What's the problem, comfort or road noise or ?

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342

    @MrShift@Edmunds said:
    QUESTION FOR THE BROTHERHOOD:

    I'm thinking of leasing a new Mini Cooper but I have no garage. I live in a benign climate and the car can have shade but I'm wondering if it's too much of a risk on a lease car?

    I can't see why it would be any more risk than a non leased car.

    I mean what can happen? I know where you live and it's not like you'll get rust or sun damage.

    Keep a coat of wax on it and if it's really hot, put up a sunshade and you should be just fine.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,281

    The aftermarket stereo and huge subwoofer are cause for concern. Previous owner likely invested all his money in the stereo and none on maintenance.

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,702

    @isellhondas said:

    I agree. The quality of interior materials has improved so vastly over the years that I can't imagine any heat/UV damage happening over the course of a 2-3 yr lease. I'm sure you, like a lot of us here, are diligent about washing and waxing so the paint should be fine as well.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120

    @MrShift@Edmunds said:
    QUESTION FOR THE BROTHERHOOD:

    I'm thinking of leasing a new Mini Cooper but I have no garage. I live in a benign climate and the car can have shade but I'm wondering if it's too much of a risk on a lease car?

    I agree with everyone else...assuming 36 mo lease, right? Unless you're driving it daily through a gravel pit, you should be fine. Even areas close to salt water, or north mid-west winters wouldn't hurt a car in 3 years.

    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496

    @stickguy‌

    I checked the car out on the dealer's website. From what I could see, the rear bumper has a few "love taps" from front license plate screws.

    Yorktown Heights is far up in Westchester. Obviously White Plains is an excellent choice. Lots of young people (showing my age, 38 today), bars, restaurants, shopping, and centrally located. The further up you go, obviously the cheaper the rent. I'd caution him not to move too close to this new job, because what if he gets another job further south. They've got some crazy expensive "Trump" buildings, but also have lots of regular buildings too. It would be an easy commute and he'd be going against traffic. He'll definitely need a set of winter tires for the Jetta.

    @tifighter‌

    The skeptic in me wonders that too. Why is it so reasonably priced. It could be one of those things like @isellhondas said that the car is mis priced, and once they catch it, they'll raise the price by $2K. I wonder (@qbrozen I'm looking at you) if the V6 Accords take a hit at the auction because of the perceived better fuel economy of the 4cyl.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited April 2014

    Well what you all say makes sense. I haven't ever leased before but I'm warming up to the idea. The only hazards I can think of where I live is maybe bird poop, and a flying tree branch now and then.

    I'm debating lease vs. re-habing my older MINI, putting a quick $4K into it and seeing how far she'll go. It has 112,000 on it now. Needs tires, brakes, struts, clutch, detailing and all the pieces that fell off need replacing. :) (right side inner door handle, right side windshield trim, left side running light, splash pan anchors, muffler bracket, glove box lock---the usual MINI striptease act).

    Runs great, though, and looks good in and out.

    @graphicguy said:

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,325

    @gbrozen: I was thinking $17k-$18k was a good price. There just isn't much out there that interests me in the sub-$30k segment. New or used.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    hell, in my opinion, I'd RATHER lease if I'm subjecting the car to harsher conditions. In 2-3 years, it won't amount to much of anything, but in 8 years, you'll see the difference.

    '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

  • jpp75jpp75 Member Posts: 1,535

    @nyccarguy Happy 38th! I recently turned 38 as well and yesterday on the plane a 20 something girl referred to me as a "middle aged businessman" :)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    @nyc 38? Still a pup.

    Thanks for input. Was leery of white plains, thinking it was sketchy. Westchester is certainly expensive. He will be in rent a room territory. But first needs to land the job!

    The accord v6 can get surprisingly good mileage, especially on highway. I think that might not have vcm yet but not sure.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,683
    edited April 2014

    @qbrozen said:
    hell, in my opinion, I'd RATHER lease if I'm subjecting the car to harsher conditions. In 2-3 years, it won't amount to much of anything, but in 8 years, you'll see the difference.

    Yeah, quite true. My Forester is going to turn five a little later this year, and I noticed a couple weeks ago that it is definitely starting to show some age. I never notice (or care) about that stuff too much in general, but there is something about buying a car new that makes me dislike the idea of it aging after so few years.

    On the other side of the coin, I have a pair of rigs that are 45 years old (!) this year! I swear they haven't aged a day. :p

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,068

    The Vibe isn't very comfortable at speeds over 60. A lot of road noise and vibration. An aptly named vehicle. But as an around town commuter it's fantastic and pretty good on gas even in town. I have an '04, bought used in '08. It's been unbelievably reliable and required very little in the way of maintenance. I think of it like an earth shoe. Not in the least exciting but it does what you want reasonably well. It's also a great car for dogs. Less hair sticks to the hard plastic seatbacks.

    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454

    @suydam said:
    An aptly named vehicle.

    LOL, that really does sum it up. The intermittent bucking issue with van has stumped another mechanic. No one wants to start throwing parts at it, which I appreciate. This guy kept it for a day and a half and did some online research and refused to charge me anything. I threw a twenty on the counter and told him to treat himself to a chicken dinner.

    Heading up the road in the morning a couple of hours to a dealer to see if they can come up with anything.

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    What do you guys think? Hubby is looking for an older truck, either 95-97 F-250 or F-350 with a 7.5L 460 V-8 or a super duty with a V10. Found this one on CL and it seems to fit the bill. Thinking about going to look at it later today.

    http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/4397769480.html
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284

    @akangl said:
    What do you guys think? Hubby is looking for an older truck, either 95-97 F-250 or F-350 with a 7.5L 460 V-8 or a super duty with a V10. Found this one on CL and it seems to fit the bill. Thinking about going to look at it later today.

    http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/4397769480.html

    For some reason I thought you already had something like that.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098

    @akangl said:
    What do you guys think? Hubby is looking for an older truck, either 95-97 F-250 or F-350 with a 7.5L 460 V-8 or a super duty with a V10. Found this one on CL and it seems to fit the bill. Thinking about going to look at it later today.

    http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/4397769480.html

    What the heck is an "Alaskan windshield"?

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    windshields up there get used up like Kleenex. All the rocks just trash them, so I assume it is cracked/pitted/scratched and could use a replacement.

    this actually looks like a pretty nice truck. And 160K on one should not be a huge deal. It at least sounds like it was not abused.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    null
    We did have an older 3/4 ton truck. 95 F-250 with a 7.5L V8, awesome truck but hubby hated it. The manual trans was quirky and no matter how many times I showed him how to make it behave, he couldn't, so we sold it. We also traded in my 3/4 ton diesel for the explorer. Of course for what he wants a truck for my Sierra was much too nice.
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