got some email crack tonight. AARP (yes, I joined) loves to send solicitations for everything. Man, what a racket they have going. tonight was a come-on to their auto buying service.
so, for the heck of it, I put in a Nissan Altima. 2 clicks, and multiple dealers supposedly waiting for me. Just have to print off the certificate and get my car. an SV with a 26K sticker for $4,600 off. An S well under 20K. with no effort on my part.
absolute rock bottom price I could possibly get? maybe not. A strong price that I shouldn't regret? Yup.
Nissan is pushing Altimas out the door hardcore. 0% for 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months or a .0003 money factor & 56% residual plus $1000 cash back on SVs (36 months/12K per)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
so if I really wanted to lease an SV with a roof, I would probably be shocked at how cheap the sign & drive payment would be. Probably a good thing I really don't need a car now!
@roadburner said:
Two dealers near me have used 2013 Boss 302s with the Recaro/hellical diff package. AAACK!!! Must resist...
Why? Sounds like fun. Get yourself one. As long as you are skinny enough! Pretty sure at this point I would be perched on top of the bolsters, not nestled between them! though I guess that would be a good incentive to lose some weight.
@stickguy said:
Probably a good thing I really don't need a car now!
Wow, heresy! If everyone here thought like that, CCBA would cease to exist!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I bet the "color red syndrome" was actually more true before police radar. Radar doesn't care what color your car is. If you were "observed" doing something wrong, then maybe color is a factor. > @roadburner said:
All I know is that I've been ticketed/warned four times since 1990, and every time I was driving a bright red car...
Yep! They've changed quite a bit since I worked there (it's been 10 years now). The Jim Moran Family (JM Family Enterprises) owns the dealership as well as the Southeast Toyota Distributorship. When old man Moran was still alive, I was working there. If I was scheduled to work on Christmas Day (they were open 365 days a year at the time), Mr. Moran would visit the dealership and hand out Christmas Cards with a $100.00 bill inserted in each. He was a great human being to work for - he was extremely charitable and his company started many charities that contribute millions upon millions of dollars to children (Make A Wish Foundation). I contribute every year to that fund.
They have been the highest volume Lexus dealership ever since they first opened their doors back when Lexus first began manufacturing cars.
How are those specialists getting paid I wonder? I assume salary + a unit bonus for each buyer they turn over.
Seems to be much more logical, but somewhat just semantics since the specialists are still basically salespeople. And isn't this pretty much a gentrified liner/closer model?
And except for negotiating price, this is how Saturn worked. At least initially.
A coworker just leased a Mini Countryman this past weekend. The salesman told him right up front that they work on salary, not commission. I can imagine both ups and downs to such a system. For one, no green peas (at least I would think not. If I'm paying salaries to my salespeople, only experienced and proven need apply.). Of course, no high pressure and no guilt trips about how much or how little you pay affecting the salesperson's livelihood. On the other hand, there is no sense of urgency on their part. They could spend all day long on just your deal and it won't affect their pay one iota.
'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
did he mention the terms of his lease? I'm tempted. Based on my computer modeling, I predict the life expectancy of a MINI to be about 125K before repairs become intolerable.
@qbrozen said:
A coworker just leased a Mini Countryman this past weekend. The salesman told him right up front that they work on salary, not commission. I can imagine both ups and downs to such a system. For one, no green peas (at least I would think not. If I'm paying salaries to my salespeople, only experienced and proven need apply.). Of course, no high pressure and no guilt trips about how much or how little you pay affecting the salesperson's livelihood. On the other hand, there is no sense of urgency on their part. They could spend all day long on just your deal and it won't affect their pay one iota.
@Mr_Shiftright I do know, actually. But its a bit fogged by his situation. So he had a Legacy to trade in. He owed $4k on it and the Subaru dealer offered $7k, which I deemed pretty generous given its poor history. (Long story short, that dealer couldn't come through with the car he wanted.) The Mini dealer somehow came up with $8500 on his trade. The Countryman had a sticker north of $31k. Final numbers were $275/mo for 34 mos 12k/yr using the full $4500 equity toward it. Figure that's a bit over $400/mo on a $0 OOP deal. Somehow the 34-mo worked out $5/mo less than 36-mo.
'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
A local new car dealer has a 2013 Abarth on its used car lot. It just happens to be one that I considered buying back in December(just before it sold). MSRP was $26,600 and the dealer had listed it on line for no more than $22,600- if I recall correctly. Today the Toyota dealer is asking-get this-$25,980.
Anyway, I used AutoTrader's message function to say that I knew what the MSRP was as well as what the approximate selling price was, and that I would buy it for $18,000 OTD.
Here is the first response:
"Hi RB ,
As a way of making this experience as hassle-free as possible, are there any "must have" options that you are looking for? Some examples would be a specific color, automatic or manual transmission, or leather or cloth interior. Also, if you would like for us to communicate via text with
you, let us know."
Followed by:
"Hi RB,
This is XXXX with the Internet team at XYZ and I want to thank you for your inquiry about the 2013 FIAT 500. XYZ takes great pride in providing superior customer service in our region, and I would like to add you as one of our valued customers! Our hassle-free Internet experience is focused completely on your satisfaction.
We can offer the following price for the FIAT 500 you have been considering:
We would like to invite you to test drive the 2013 FIAT 500, when would be a convenient time for you to visit our dealership? Here are our dealership location and hours of operation - your 2013 FIAT 500 is ready for you! Make sure to select "view details" and see the CarFax report as well."
Yep, a price quote with no price.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Not bad, not bad. I don't like to throw that much into a lease but I guess because he wasn't writing a check for it, it felt far less painless. MINIs get rather pricey when you pile on some options, don't they?
@qbrozen said:
Mr_Shiftright I do know, actually. But its a bit fogged by his situation. So he had a Legacy to trade in. He owed $4k on it and the Subaru dealer offered $7k, which I deemed pretty generous given its poor history. (Long story short, that dealer couldn't come through with the car he wanted.) The Mini dealer somehow came up with $8500 on his trade. The Countryman had a sticker north of $31k. Final numbers were $275/mo for 34 mos 12k/yr using the full $4500 equity toward it. Figure that's a bit over $400/mo on a $0 OOP deal. Somehow the 34-mo worked out $5/mo less than 36-mo.
As it stands now I can buy a new 2014 Abarth equipped with the same options for less than you are asking for your 2013. I am certain that it sold for no more than $4,000-$5,000 below MSRP, as I considered buying the very same car in late December 2013. Thank you for your time.
Yours,
RB"
So finally...
MR. XXXX makes the BIG OFFER:
"Well RB I don't set the prices but I would be happy to try and get this one for you for less. How much would you be willing to offer on the one we have?"
Groan...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The thing is, when the car first popped up the dealer was asking around $22k, IIRC- so who had the bright idea to try to sell the sled for four grand more than market price for an identically equipped 2014?
And did I mention that they have had the car for over two weeks?
Morons...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'm not going to pay it either, but the Boss 302-as well as the Saleen Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney editions-are the only modern Mustangs that give me that "Gotta have it!" vibe...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@Mr_Shiftright said:
Not bad, not bad. I don't like to throw that much into a lease but I guess because he wasn't writing a check for it, it felt far less painless. MINIs get rather pricey when you pile on some options, don't they?
Um, yeah. Daughters Countryman stickered at $38K+. but, it's well and truly loaded. She's very happy with it, other than the need to fill the gas tank more frequently. Partly due to the bigger thirst, but also due to the longer commute and more driving she does with the new job.
@qbrozen said:
geesh. Guess my coworker really didn't know what he was saying when he claimed his is fully loaded other than NAV. Oh, and his is a stick.
That's $1250 right there, to get the Shiftronic.
Let's see - $1500 for leather, $1500 for tech pkg, $1250 for premium pkg, $1000 for sunroof, $750 for Harmon/Kardon sound, $500 each for comfort access, climate control, royal grey color, heated folding mirrors, and more stuff at either $250 or $100 per.
Adds up pretty quick. She's taking it on a road trip in a few weeks to Utah to attend a concert with friends.
All I want in my next MINI is a clutch pedal, sport suspension and a turbocharger. My current MINI is loaded with things I never use (due to geography--your results may vary considerably)
definitions:
SUNROOF--something to break or leak just after the warranty period
HEATED SEATS -- very nice on those chilly 75 degree California mornings
HARMON KARDEN AUDIO -- (don't get me started on that one)
LEATHER -- MINI's wonderful imitation of vinyl You'd never know the difference!
COLD WEATHER PACKAGE - See, "Seats, Heated" above
CRUISE CONTROL -- something you turn on and off again every 30 seconds on
California freeways
NAVIGATION -- find new and exciting routes to once-familiar places!
@Mr_Shiftright said:
All I want in my next MINI is a clutch pedal, sport suspension and a turbocharger. My current MINI is loaded with things I never use (due to geography--your results may vary considerably)
definitions:
SUNROOF--something to break or leak just after the warranty period
HEATED SEATS -- very nice on those chilly 75 degree California mornings
HARMON KARDEN AUDIO -- (don't get me started on that one)
LEATHER -- MINI's wonderful imitation of vinyl You'd never know the difference!
COLD WEATHER PACKAGE - See, "Seats, Heated" above
CRUISE CONTROL -- something you turn on and off again every 30 seconds on
California freeways
NAVIGATION -- find new and exciting routes to once-familiar places!
The best thing is, you can configure and get your MINI with the exact options you want and nothing you don't.
In case that ad gets deleted, it's an '02 330ci coupe, mystic blue over black, sport, premium, 5-speed manual, and only 45k miles.
Talked for awhile with the owner on Wednesday. He was planning on trading it in (as the ad says) at the end of this week, so I thought may as well see if I can get a good deal and net him some extra money in his pocket too. It's not a ZHP (or even the facelifted version), but at 45k miles and the right equipment, I'd be happy with it.
Problem was, he claimed the dealer had a trade offer of $11,000, so the least he'd take was around $12k (taking into account tax savings). In some ways, a lot of car for the money, especially given the miles, but that' still a couple grand over what I think would be strong money for the car.
He left me a voicemail yesterday evening saying he looked at the numbers again and could probably come down some more (I told him I'd probably be right around $10k max). Which I took to mean, the $11k trade offer he claimed was bogus.
Anyhow, I called him back today and he had already traded it in last night.
Now I'm curious to see what the dealer is gonna list it at.
It's amusing and annoying to see how some dealers price their used cars sometimes. As I've been looking at used Civic Si's, I notice several listing for 2013 models at $22-23k. So, a new (and improved) 2014 can be had for about that. There's also another listing for a 2008 with 60k miles for, get this, $23k! It's a Mugen of course, so surely that justifies the $10k markup over market.
You might be better off leasing a Civic Si for 36 months/12K per year. A strong (real) residual plus money factor might make it a cheap car to lease. It will be worth more than its stated residual at the end of the lease, so you could always trade it in and pocket some cash.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Those Mugen Civics were a joke and, in my opinion, one of the dumbest things Honda ever did.
As I understand it, Honda only made 1000 of them, all dark blue. They forced one on every dealer. They had very little equipment on them that made them special or set them apart and they were very much overpriced. A year later, a lot of stores still had their Mugen in stock.
We FINALLY sold ours to a young guy with marginal credit.
When it got repo'd a year or so later, instead of bringin it to some repo yard, the tow truck driver brought it to our store in the middle of the night and dumped it in our parking lot.
The car had been TRASHED inside and out.
That lot just might think they have something "special" and they don't!
I've been following and posting on quite a few "lease questions" boards prepping for my pending punch on or around Labor Day weekend. I know, I know. The summer is so short as it is and I hate wishing it away. The reality of it is that weekends fill up quick. Before I know it, my annual 2 week vacation at the end of July will be here (I can't wait) and Labor Day will be right around the corner. As long as VW keeps up their crazy lease cash incentives ($3,000), and gives $500 Labor Day bonus cash (like they are for Memorial Day), and their residuals don't drop. The Passat TSI w/ Sunroof and Navigation is going to be hard to beat value wise. I'm going to start test driving soon. I'll keep you updated!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I've been following and posting on quite a few "lease questions" boards prepping for my pending punch on or around Labor Day weekend. I know, I know. The summer is so short as it is and I hate wishing it away. The reality of it is that weekends fill up quick. Before I know it, my annual 2 week vacation at the end of July will be here (I can't wait) and Labor Day will be right around the corner. As long as VW keeps up their crazy lease cash incentives ($3,000), and gives $500 Labor Day bonus cash (like they are for Memorial Day), and their residuals don't drop. The Passat TSI w/ Sunroof and Navigation is going to be hard to beat value wise. I'm going to start test driving soon. I'll keep you updated!
That is a great value, and like I keep on saying, that's the model I wish I had gotten.
The Passat may not be winning comparison tests, but, IMO, it just does so much so well. It gives you a German feel that the other family sedans don't. It has a nice turbo engine that's rare in the class. It's super smooth and quiet and generally has an upscale feel to it (the proverbial door "thunk").
I was looking at some used Touaregs again this afternoon and honestly had some intention on working some numbers just to see - but while I love the look of the T-reg and would appreciate the 4motion, it's hard for me to give up the efficiency of the Passat and its great functionality as a commuting car. We're probably talking upwards of $100-120 per month in increased gas costs for the kind of driving I do.
By the way, I am going this afternoon to check out that '02 330ci at the broker/dealer that bought it. List price? $13,900! Maybe they'd be interested in just selling it right away without incurring any costs on it.
I don't like vinyl tint at all. On an SUV or minivan, the factory shaded rear windows are needed. But I hate that add on stuff, especially on front windows.
don't like the look, and I hate the restricted visibility. It was on one car I bought and I had to have it pulled off (though that was crappy quality I think, and getting bubbly).
some good deals coming in Delaware, if you want a Benz. that looks like a golf ball.
the big hail storm yesterday trashed the MB dealer. Damaged 400 cars, and it was bad. they showed a 100K SL that might be totaled. Huge dents, all glass busted up. nasty.
My BIL/SIL up by Albany had their 535 (her car) caught in the storm up there. Did 6k in damage from the hail. Too bad she was at work, not home with the car in the garage.
Comments
The Snopes thing is more for fun than anything with statistical significance.
got some email crack tonight. AARP (yes, I joined) loves to send solicitations for everything. Man, what a racket they have going. tonight was a come-on to their auto buying service.
so, for the heck of it, I put in a Nissan Altima. 2 clicks, and multiple dealers supposedly waiting for me. Just have to print off the certificate and get my car. an SV with a 26K sticker for $4,600 off. An S well under 20K. with no effort on my part.
absolute rock bottom price I could possibly get? maybe not. A strong price that I shouldn't regret? Yup.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Nissan is pushing Altimas out the door hardcore. 0% for 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months or a .0003 money factor & 56% residual plus $1000 cash back on SVs (36 months/12K per)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
so if I really wanted to lease an SV with a roof, I would probably be shocked at how cheap the sign & drive payment would be. Probably a good thing I really don't need a car now!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Two dealers near me have used 2013 Boss 302s with the Recaro/hellical diff package. AAACK!!! Must resist...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Why? Sounds like fun. Get yourself one. As long as you are skinny enough! Pretty sure at this point I would be perched on top of the bolsters, not nestled between them! though I guess that would be a good incentive to lose some weight.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
and what are they selling those Stangs for?
'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
Wow, heresy! If everyone here thought like that, CCBA would cease to exist!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I bet the "color red syndrome" was actually more true before police radar. Radar doesn't care what color your car is. If you were "observed" doing something wrong, then maybe color is a factor. > @roadburner said:
@abacomike
is this your former employer?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Yep! They've changed quite a bit since I worked there (it's been 10 years now). The Jim Moran Family (JM Family Enterprises) owns the dealership as well as the Southeast Toyota Distributorship. When old man Moran was still alive, I was working there. If I was scheduled to work on Christmas Day (they were open 365 days a year at the time), Mr. Moran would visit the dealership and hand out Christmas Cards with a $100.00 bill inserted in each. He was a great human being to work for - he was extremely charitable and his company started many charities that contribute millions upon millions of dollars to children (Make A Wish Foundation). I contribute every year to that fund.
They have been the highest volume Lexus dealership ever since they first opened their doors back when Lexus first began manufacturing cars.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
How are those specialists getting paid I wonder? I assume salary + a unit bonus for each buyer they turn over.
Seems to be much more logical, but somewhat just semantics since the specialists are still basically salespeople. And isn't this pretty much a gentrified liner/closer model?
And except for negotiating price, this is how Saturn worked. At least initially.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
A coworker just leased a Mini Countryman this past weekend. The salesman told him right up front that they work on salary, not commission. I can imagine both ups and downs to such a system. For one, no green peas (at least I would think not. If I'm paying salaries to my salespeople, only experienced and proven need apply.). Of course, no high pressure and no guilt trips about how much or how little you pay affecting the salesperson's livelihood. On the other hand, there is no sense of urgency on their part. They could spend all day long on just your deal and it won't affect their pay one iota.
'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
@stickguy Did you compare your AARP pricing to truecar.com by chance?
'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
did he mention the terms of his lease? I'm tempted. Based on my computer modeling, I predict the life expectancy of a MINI to be about 125K before repairs become intolerable.
I have never actually looked at true car. But I think the aarp number was as good or better than fitzmall.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I assume those salaried guys get a unit bonus. And the newbies probably get a lower salary.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wait a minute, stick! What are you playing at? You do know that the "R" stands for "Retired," right?!
I had to join early, since at this pace, I will retire when I keel over dead at my desk.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@Mr_Shiftright I do know, actually. But its a bit fogged by his situation. So he had a Legacy to trade in. He owed $4k on it and the Subaru dealer offered $7k, which I deemed pretty generous given its poor history. (Long story short, that dealer couldn't come through with the car he wanted.) The Mini dealer somehow came up with $8500 on his trade. The Countryman had a sticker north of $31k. Final numbers were $275/mo for 34 mos 12k/yr using the full $4500 equity toward it. Figure that's a bit over $400/mo on a $0 OOP deal. Somehow the 34-mo worked out $5/mo less than 36-mo.
'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
$40K- or about $4K off MSRP...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
just looked closer at the AARP site. turns out, it is actually truecar. So I guess I have used it!
certainly quite simple to do though. Probably a good way to do it for non-car or shopping savvy people.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Here's a good one...
A local new car dealer has a 2013 Abarth on its used car lot. It just happens to be one that I considered buying back in December(just before it sold). MSRP was $26,600 and the dealer had listed it on line for no more than $22,600- if I recall correctly. Today the Toyota dealer is asking-get this-$25,980.
Anyway, I used AutoTrader's message function to say that I knew what the MSRP was as well as what the approximate selling price was, and that I would buy it for $18,000 OTD.
Here is the first response:
"Hi RB ,
As a way of making this experience as hassle-free as possible, are there any "must have" options that you are looking for? Some examples would be a specific color, automatic or manual transmission, or leather or cloth interior. Also, if you would like for us to communicate via text with
you, let us know."
Followed by:
"Hi RB,
This is XXXX with the Internet team at XYZ and I want to thank you for your inquiry about the 2013 FIAT 500. XYZ takes great pride in providing superior customer service in our region, and I would like to add you as one of our valued customers! Our hassle-free Internet experience is focused completely on your satisfaction.
We can offer the following price for the FIAT 500 you have been considering:
We would like to invite you to test drive the 2013 FIAT 500, when would be a convenient time for you to visit our dealership? Here are our dealership location and hours of operation - your 2013 FIAT 500 is ready for you! Make sure to select "view details" and see the CarFax report as well."
Yep, a price quote with no price.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Not bad, not bad. I don't like to throw that much into a lease but I guess because he wasn't writing a check for it, it felt far less painless. MINIs get rather pricey when you pile on some options, don't they?
My reply:
"Hello Mr XXXX,
As it stands now I can buy a new 2014 Abarth equipped with the same options for less than you are asking for your 2013. I am certain that it sold for no more than $4,000-$5,000 below MSRP, as I considered buying the very same car in late December 2013. Thank you for your time.
Yours,
RB"
So finally...
MR. XXXX makes the BIG OFFER:
"Well RB I don't set the prices but I would be happy to try and get this one for you for less. How much would you be willing to offer on the one we have?"
Groan...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner
The Fiat dealer here in Stamford, CT spends $$$ advertising HUGE ($6500 +) discounts leftover new 2013 Abarths. They take out full page ads too.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The thing is, when the car first popped up the dealer was asking around $22k, IIRC- so who had the bright idea to try to sell the sled for four grand more than market price for an identically equipped 2014?
And did I mention that they have had the car for over two weeks?
Morons...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner Yikes! That's $14k more than I paid for my GT new. No thanks. I could supercharge mine and still have $$ left over.
'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'm not going to pay it either, but the Boss 302-as well as the Saleen Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney editions-are the only modern Mustangs that give me that "Gotta have it!" vibe...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Um, yeah. Daughters Countryman stickered at $38K+. but, it's well and truly loaded. She's very happy with it, other than the need to fill the gas tank more frequently. Partly due to the bigger thirst, but also due to the longer commute and more driving she does with the new job.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
geesh. Guess my coworker really didn't know what he was saying when he claimed his is fully loaded other than NAV. Oh, and his is a stick.
'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
That's $1250 right there, to get the Shiftronic.
Let's see - $1500 for leather, $1500 for tech pkg, $1250 for premium pkg, $1000 for sunroof, $750 for Harmon/Kardon sound, $500 each for comfort access, climate control, royal grey color, heated folding mirrors, and more stuff at either $250 or $100 per.
Adds up pretty quick. She's taking it on a road trip in a few weeks to Utah to attend a concert with friends.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
All I want in my next MINI is a clutch pedal, sport suspension and a turbocharger. My current MINI is loaded with things I never use (due to geography--your results may vary considerably)
definitions:
SUNROOF--something to break or leak just after the warranty period
HEATED SEATS -- very nice on those chilly 75 degree California mornings
HARMON KARDEN AUDIO -- (don't get me started on that one)
LEATHER -- MINI's wonderful imitation of vinyl You'd never know the difference!
COLD WEATHER PACKAGE - See, "Seats, Heated" above
CRUISE CONTROL -- something you turn on and off again every 30 seconds on
California freeways
NAVIGATION -- find new and exciting routes to once-familiar places!
Sport seats?
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They're ok, but they cause bolster wear after a while of getting in and out.
The best thing is, you can configure and get your MINI with the exact options you want and nothing you don't.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
These "packages" are nothing more than a way to pile on the MSRP. "Oh, you want a sunroof? Well that only comes with X, Y and Z....$2100 please".
Seriously considered buying this car earlier this week.
'02 330ci
In case that ad gets deleted, it's an '02 330ci coupe, mystic blue over black, sport, premium, 5-speed manual, and only 45k miles.
Talked for awhile with the owner on Wednesday. He was planning on trading it in (as the ad says) at the end of this week, so I thought may as well see if I can get a good deal and net him some extra money in his pocket too. It's not a ZHP (or even the facelifted version), but at 45k miles and the right equipment, I'd be happy with it.
Problem was, he claimed the dealer had a trade offer of $11,000, so the least he'd take was around $12k (taking into account tax savings). In some ways, a lot of car for the money, especially given the miles, but that' still a couple grand over what I think would be strong money for the car.
He left me a voicemail yesterday evening saying he looked at the numbers again and could probably come down some more (I told him I'd probably be right around $10k max). Which I took to mean, the $11k trade offer he claimed was bogus.
Anyhow, I called him back today and he had already traded it in last night.
Now I'm curious to see what the dealer is gonna list it at.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!
These holiday weekends sure give me the itch! The Veloster last Memorial Day, and the 330ci last Labor Day (both of which I've sold/traded since).
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
It's amusing and annoying to see how some dealers price their used cars sometimes. As I've been looking at used Civic Si's, I notice several listing for 2013 models at $22-23k. So, a new (and improved) 2014 can be had for about that. There's also another listing for a 2008 with 60k miles for, get this, $23k! It's a Mugen of course, so surely that justifies the $10k markup over market.
Like you said...."groan..."
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
@breld
You might be better off leasing a Civic Si for 36 months/12K per year. A strong (real) residual plus money factor might make it a cheap car to lease. It will be worth more than its stated residual at the end of the lease, so you could always trade it in and pocket some cash.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@breld No doubt he was talking out of his... um...
A dealer wouldn't offer him more than $8K for that car... $10K would be a fair deal, but I'd still rather have a ZHP.
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Those Mugen Civics were a joke and, in my opinion, one of the dumbest things Honda ever did.
As I understand it, Honda only made 1000 of them, all dark blue. They forced one on every dealer. They had very little equipment on them that made them special or set them apart and they were very much overpriced. A year later, a lot of stores still had their Mugen in stock.
We FINALLY sold ours to a young guy with marginal credit.
When it got repo'd a year or so later, instead of bringin it to some repo yard, the tow truck driver brought it to our store in the middle of the night and dumped it in our parking lot.
The car had been TRASHED inside and out.
That lot just might think they have something "special" and they don't!
like the color and equipment on that BMW. Hate the tint.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
CCBA Car Shopping Update:
I've been following and posting on quite a few "lease questions" boards prepping for my pending punch on or around Labor Day weekend. I know, I know. The summer is so short as it is and I hate wishing it away. The reality of it is that weekends fill up quick. Before I know it, my annual 2 week vacation at the end of July will be here (I can't wait) and Labor Day will be right around the corner. As long as VW keeps up their crazy lease cash incentives ($3,000), and gives $500 Labor Day bonus cash (like they are for Memorial Day), and their residuals don't drop. The Passat TSI w/ Sunroof and Navigation is going to be hard to beat value wise. I'm going to start test driving soon. I'll keep you updated!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I remember you saying something about the tint on another car. Do you dislike window tint in general on cars? Just curious.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
That is a great value, and like I keep on saying, that's the model I wish I had gotten.
The Passat may not be winning comparison tests, but, IMO, it just does so much so well. It gives you a German feel that the other family sedans don't. It has a nice turbo engine that's rare in the class. It's super smooth and quiet and generally has an upscale feel to it (the proverbial door "thunk").
I was looking at some used Touaregs again this afternoon and honestly had some intention on working some numbers just to see - but while I love the look of the T-reg and would appreciate the 4motion, it's hard for me to give up the efficiency of the Passat and its great functionality as a commuting car. We're probably talking upwards of $100-120 per month in increased gas costs for the kind of driving I do.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
By the way, I am going this afternoon to check out that '02 330ci at the broker/dealer that bought it. List price? $13,900! Maybe they'd be interested in just selling it right away without incurring any costs on it.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I don't like vinyl tint at all. On an SUV or minivan, the factory shaded rear windows are needed. But I hate that add on stuff, especially on front windows.
don't like the look, and I hate the restricted visibility. It was on one car I bought and I had to have it pulled off (though that was crappy quality I think, and getting bubbly).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
some good deals coming in Delaware, if you want a Benz. that looks like a golf ball.
the big hail storm yesterday trashed the MB dealer. Damaged 400 cars, and it was bad. they showed a 100K SL that might be totaled. Huge dents, all glass busted up. nasty.
My BIL/SIL up by Albany had their 535 (her car) caught in the storm up there. Did 6k in damage from the hail. Too bad she was at work, not home with the car in the garage.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.