Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

Meh...it isn't even a Saab anymore at that point in time.

qbrozen

now, why do you say that? It was the GM Epsilon platform using a turbo'd 210hp ecotec engine. Granted, not exactly Saab parts there, but platform sharing and engine sharing is pretty common. I don't believe you could get quite this combination here in the US in any other model, could you? I mean, its not like the 9-2X where you could just go to the Subaru dealer and get the same thing. I could be wrong, but a coworker said the same thing about the 9-3 of that generation so I was trying to see what cars would be the same underneath and I've come up empty.

Mr_Shiftright

Oh, it's a thing we former Saab owners like to say---the 9-3 of that era has no genetic relationship, in our opinion, to the cars of the past, nor does it feel like them. Ever watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers? It's like that: "Well he LOOKS like Grandpa, but he just.....isn't!"

breld

For stick and nyc (and anyone else looking for a fun, inexpensive ride) this looks promising:

At launch, VW will offer a limited-edition 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Sport, starting at $21,715, including shipping. It adds a sport suspension, front sport seats, navigation system with rearview camera, rear spoiler and unique interior trim. This model is based on the Jetta 1.8T SE.

Sort of a de-tuned budget GLI, no?

ab348

With the steep depreciation on Hyundais, why not a 1-2 year old Hyundai-something that still has warranty?> @qbrozen said:

now, why do you say that? It was the GM Epsilon platform using a turbo'd 210hp ecotec engine. Granted, not exactly Saab parts there, but platform sharing and engine sharing is pretty common. I don't believe you could get quite this combination here in the US in any other model, could you? I mean, its not like the 9-2X where you could just go to the Subaru dealer and get the same thing. I could be wrong, but a coworker said the same thing about the 9-3 of that generation so I was trying to see what cars would be the same underneath and I've come up empty.

I believe it is pretty similar under the skin to my Regal Turbo. Even some of the interior pieces look identical (door releases, rear vent in the console). The interior is more austere and a bit more mid-decade than the Regals (I note it had the mid-2000s GM radio) but I bet mechanically it is very close. You could get a manual transmission on Regal Turbos too.

qbrozen

That's good to know. Might save me from ordering Opel parts.

qbrozen

just for kicks, I pondered a few minutes today: since I could feasibly trade in my mustang with $0 penalty, what might I trade it on?

I can't think of a damned thing. At least not anything that makes sense and appeals to me enough to trade for (seats 4, fast, fun, new or CPO with lots of warranty, ~$25k or less). Weird feeling for me.

graphicguy

@qbrozen said:
just for kicks, I pondered a few minutes today: since I could feasibly trade in my mustang with $0 penalty, what might I trade it on?

I can't think of a damned thing. At least not anything that makes sense and appeals to me enough to trade for (seats 4, fast, fun, new or CPO with lots of warranty, ~$25k or less). Weird feeling for me.

Get to a hospital, quick. No? OK, just go see your Dr. At least take your temperature. You don't sound well.

oldfarmer50

...I can't think of a damned thing. At least not anything that makes sense and appeals to me enough to trade for (seats 4, fast, fun, new or CPO with lots of warranty, ~$25k or less). Weird feeling for me...

Looking at the distinct foreign car bias of this group just how did you end up with that domestic hot rod?

corvette

@qbrozen said:
I can't pinpoint my fascination with these. Man, I like it.

Only one key, and those look like aftermarket heated seats. And it has a zillion miles on it for a 2010.

Mr_Shiftright

Well it's bid up to $995---I'd pay that for it. Biggest obstacle is going to be when you're thrown out of every repair shop you try to sneak into.

corvette

@breld said:
For stick and nyc (and anyone else looking for a fun, inexpensive ride) this looks promising:

At launch, VW will offer a limited-edition 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Sport, starting at $21,715, including shipping. It adds a sport suspension, front sport seats, navigation system with rearview camera, rear spoiler and unique interior trim. This model is based on the Jetta 1.8T SE.

Sort of a de-tuned budget GLI, no?

Wow, that's a great deal. I probably would have bought that over the GLI given the price difference (and put in a performance chip as soon as it was available).

jayrider

@graphicguy said:
Get to a hospital, quick. No? OK, just go see your Dr. At least take your temperature. You don't sound well.

It's not that serious -- just Low T.

Sandman6472

At this point, think we're going to sneak in just under the wire the last week of December, or so that's the plan. Now that the rear view camera is a must have, the Accent is probably out of the running so I'm betting on the Mazda3 or the Elantra for her side of the garage.
Drove one of Hertz rental 328I's today and even though it only had the regular seats and was probably the base model, it's something I could definitely live with on a daily basis. Played with the Sport mode and that instantaneous thrust was absolutely intoxicating...just know I'd be getting pulled over a lot if I owned one of these puppies! Funny, the X1 and X3 I drove didn't drive as nice as this 328 did. Mentioned to the wife that I know she'd love one and told her to go ahead if it floats your boat!

The Sandman

qbrozen

@graphic_guy‌ - I'll give it another week. Maybe it'll clear up on its own. I hate doctors.

@oldfarmer - interesting question. Well, I've always liked the 65-68 stangs, and that was it up until the 2005 redesign. I've always kept an eye on them since '05, but the lack of performance was an issue. Meanwhile, I went through a slew of foreign cars, such as Infiniti, VW, and, most recently, BMW. The bimmer reignited a love of RWD and got me to the track many times, but its lack of reliability was absolutely tiring. By this time, the coyote 5.0 had been on the market for a couple of years, mustang design was better than ever, and I could pick up a brand new 420hp, RWD, 6-speed beast with full warranty for less than $26k? I couldn't sign quick enough. While it isn't the perfect car, it is pretty much impossible to beat on a performance/$ level while still being under factory warranty. I was so fed up with the problems I was experiencing that I even bought an extended warranty on the Stang. I kind of forget, but I think its 6yr/100k bumper-to-bumper.






So, not a lot of love for the Saab, huh? Well, maybe that'll keep the price down.

How about a lovely 240 wagon?

Yes, he is insane to mention the word "speed" at all!



Or clean low-mileage sedan?

jayrider

I don't know anyone who would pay 7k for a 24 year old Volvo. I do however know of some folks who would talk about buying one.

qbrozen

oh, his asking price is just silly. Honestly, though, I could see an enthusiast paying... ehhh... maybe $5k?

slorenzen

@qbrozen said:
oh, his asking price is just silly. Honestly, though, I could see an enthusiast paying... ehhh... maybe $5k?

Did you notice that wagon is FWD?

Gee, I didn't know they came that way...

graphicguy

@qbrozen said:
graphic_guy‌ - I'll give it another week. Maybe it'll clear up on its own. I hate doctors.

oldfarmer - interesting question. Well, I've always liked the 65-68 stangs, and that was it up until the 2005 redesign. I've always kept an eye on them since '05, but the lack of performance was an issue. Meanwhile, I went through a slew of foreign cars, such as Infiniti, VW, and, most recently, BMW. The bimmer reignited a love of RWD and got me to the track many times, but its lack of reliability was absolutely tiring. By this time, the coyote 5.0 had been on the market for a couple of years, mustang design was better than ever, and I could pick up a brand new 420hp, RWD, 6-speed beast with full warranty for less than $26k? I couldn't sign quick enough. While it isn't the perfect car, it is pretty much impossible to beat on a performance/$ level while still being under factory warranty. I was so fed up with the problems I was experiencing that I even bought an extended warranty on the Stang. I kind of forget, but I think its 6yr/100k bumper-to-bumper.






So, not a lot of love for the Saab, huh? Well, maybe that'll keep the price down.

How about a lovely 240 wagon?

Yes, he is insane to mention the word "speed" at all!



Or clean low-mileage sedan?

I'll admit, I don't know Volvos....well....at all. Are these the tubo cars? If not, with all that weight, can the yget up to legal speeds? (j/k)!

qbrozen

those aren't turbos, no. They are only like 110hp but torque is up around 140, I believe. They weigh in under 3k lbs, so not too bad.

breld

@qbrozen said:
So, not a lot of love for the Saab, huh? Well, maybe that'll keep the price down.

I actually like those 9-3's - you can definitely get a lot for your money with those, as long as you can find someone who can perform the service/repairs.

I looked at them pretty hard when that '03 model came out - ended up with the TSX instead. The main thing I remember was the shift action feeling pretty "rubbery." But, of course, nice that they offered the manual at all.

The "Sportcombi" wagon still catches my eye when you see the occasional one on the road. Funny enough, one of the callers on my wife's previous 328 wagon said she was currently in a 9-3 Sportcombi and was looking for a suitable replacement. Those quirky wagon lovers!

qbrozen

probably makes a big difference, in my mind at least, that I don't take my cars to anybody else for service anyway.

oldfarmer50

@qbrozen said:

So, not a lot of love for the Saab, huh? Well, maybe that'll keep the price down.

How about a lovely 240 wagon?

Yes, he is insane to mention the word "speed" at all!



Or clean low-mileage sedan?

I'd take your MB over either one of those. Lot of money for such old cars.

kyfdx

@nyccarguy‌

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/4173512/#Comment_4173512

Honda Civic LX with MSRP of $19,980 for $198/mo, 36mo, 12K. ZERO OOP at lease signing... Just 35 payments of $198/mo. Including Ohio tax, and all fees..

Sandman6472

Got the Tuscon all cleaned up today, got it a good wax and vacuum and now she's lookin' just like new. Going to hit 12k this week and surprised the miles have piled on so quickly. Besides the a/c smelling issue which was taken care of under warranty, things are quiet with no issues to speak of. Think I got the oil changed a bit too early and will stretch the time frame out to about 6.5k miles before the next one. The book says going 7.5k miles is when I need to swap out the oil and filter but that seems a bit longish to me and feel better doing it a bit sooner. Must admit that 90% of my driving now is on the expressway down and back to the office so it can't be that dirty or lose that much vescosity. Feel more comfortable doing the tire rotations at the 6.5k mark and must admit, they still look pretty brand new with perfect tread still. Have Kumho's on it now and they seem to be a good match for the vehicle...they are 17" and sure replacements will be in the low $100's when it's time to replace. The Mitsu I almost got had 18"ers on it and I wasn't thrilled with that larger size as they'd be more expensive I suspect to replace down the road. I have 225/60/17 on it now but would love to put 65 series on it for the larger sidewall and am pretty sure this will be doable. Can't seem to find that tire chart I had on my old laptop to check. It was a chart which showed what size tires one can substitute with other sizes. It really was helpful.
Not sure I'd go with the same brand next time but once the time comes, I'll check with my friend who manages a local Tires Plus and let him guide me. He says he can get almost any kind of tire I'd like. Just want the same smooth ride I have now with possibly a larger sidewall for even more smoothness. Figure around 35k or so I'll start my search.

The Sandman

rayainsw

I have used this one...

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Sandman6472

Must say that even though it won't be for me, starting to get a bit excited to see what the other half decides on as her next ride. Just driving that 328 yesterday has me thinking outside the box here. A shame that she won't buy used and that her limit is going to be $20k plus her old rig. Now that I left the economy class so to speak, I like a vehicle with more creature comforts now. All these years I always looked for economy as the #1 issue any of our vehicles had to have but now that I've got something with a slightly larger engine and more fun creature comforts, I like it, a lot! One has to drive, especially down here in South Florida, so why not spend a little more and get something much nicer to tool around in. Thinking the extra spent spread across the length of time one owns the vehicle surely can't be that much $ and sometimes a price can't be put on sheer fun behind the wheel. Hard to put into words but yesterdays drive was a real eye opener for me and something tells me that my Tuscon won't be on my side of the garage as long as some of my previous vehicles have been there. I definitely plan to stay with a vehicle that I can slide over into and out of but next time, I want one with a much higher "fun factor" number if you will, a much higher number! And I'm not really afraid of a CPO unit though there is something to be said for being the first owner of anything, that new car smell and a speedometer with less than 10 miles on it.
Guess with me turning 60 in the next few months, I want to enjoy myself more in what I drive around in, something to put that big grin on my face and keep it there! And ya know what, I do deserve it after being so frugal in my vehicular purchases since I was around 21. Am so tired of boring and economical. Now, it's time to have my fun!!! Yes, yesterday really opened my eyes a bit as I really imagined that 328I as mine...and I fitted in it very nicely, can just imagine how good the sports seats must be!

The Sandman

nyccarguy

@kyfdx‌

Looks good. Although, I really want wheels, not steelies with covers

stever

Move to Michigan and you'll swear off alloys. I've had to add air to one tire twice this road trip that I bet is due to the salty rims.

kyfdx

@nyccarguy said:
kyfdx‌

Looks good. Although, I really want wheels, not steelies with covers

$1900 more for an EX with standard alloys. That model has the same residual. Figure $220/mo. for the same deal.

kyfdx

Geez.. no wonder the 2015 Fit EX has such low lease payments.. The 36 month residuals are 67% for 12K/yr.. High money factor (.00116), but that residual really offsets it.

oldfarmer50

@sandman_6472 said:
Got the Tuscon all cleaned up today, got it a good wax and vacuum and now she's lookin' just like new. Going to hit 12k this week and surprised the miles have piled on so quickly. Besides the a/c smelling issue which was taken care of under warranty, things are quiet with no issues to speak of. Think I got the oil changed a bit too early and will stretch the time frame out to about 6.5k miles before the next one. The book says going 7.5k miles is when I need to swap out the oil and filter but that seems a bit longish to me and feel better doing it a bit sooner. Must admit that 90% of my driving now is on the expressway down and back to the office so it can't be that dirty or lose that much vescosity. Feel more comfortable doing the tire rotations at the 6.5k mark and must admit, they still look pretty brand new with perfect tread still. Have Kumho's on it now and they seem to be a good match for the vehicle...they are 17" and sure replacements will be in the low $100's when it's time to replace. The Mitsu I almost got had 18"ers on it and I wasn't thrilled with that larger size as they'd be more expensive I suspect to replace down the road. I have 225/60/17 on it now but would love to put 65 series on it for the larger sidewall and am pretty sure this will be doable. Can't seem to find that tire chart I had on my old laptop to check. It was a chart which showed what size tires one can substitute with other sizes. It really was helpful.
Not sure I'd go with the same brand next time but once the time comes, I'll check with my friend who manages a local Tires Plus and let him guide me. He says he can get almost any kind of tire I'd like. Just want the same smooth ride I have now with possibly a larger sidewall for even more smoothness. Figure around 35k or so I'll start my search.

The Sandman

Regarding tires. I just ordered a set of 18"Bridgestones for my Mitsu. They cost $123 on tire rack.

On my old Chrysler I went the other way...from 65s to 60s. To make sure of fitment I just put the two tires side by side and they were the same height so I went with the 60s to improve the handling a bit.

oldfarmer50

@sandman_6472 said:
Must say that even though it won't be for me, starting to get a bit excited to see what the other half decides on as her next ride. Just driving that 328 yesterday has me thinking outside the box here. A shame that she won't buy used and that her limit is going to be $20k plus her old rig. Now that I left the economy class so to speak, I like a vehicle with more creature comforts now. All these years I always looked for economy as the #1 issue any of our vehicles had to have but now that I've got something with a slightly larger engine and more fun creature comforts, I like it, a lot! One has to drive, especially down here in South Florida, so why not spend a little more and get something much nicer to tool around in. Thinking the extra spent spread across the length of time one owns the vehicle surely can't be that much $ and sometimes a price can't be put on sheer fun behind the wheel. Hard to put into words but yesterdays drive was a real eye opener for me and something tells me that my Tuscon won't be on my side of the garage as long as some of my previous vehicles have been there. I definitely plan to stay with a vehicle that I can slide over into and out of but next time, I want one with a much higher "fun factor" number if you will, a much higher number! And I'm not really afraid of a CPO unit though there is something to be said for being the first owner of anything, that new car smell and a speedometer with less than 10 miles on it.
Guess with me turning 60 in the next few months, I want to enjoy myself more in what I drive around in, something to put that big grin on my face and keep it there! And ya know what, I do deserve it after being so frugal in my vehicular purchases since I was around 21. Am so tired of boring and economical. Now, it's time to have my fun!!! Yes, yesterday really opened my eyes a bit as I really imagined that 328I as mine...and I fitted in it very nicely, can just imagine how good the sports seats must be!

The Sandman

Sandy, if you want an argument with those ideas you've come to the wrong place.

I'm with you on getting what you want after a lifetime of frugality. You can't take it with you because they don't allow hearses to tow U-Hauls.

Sandman6472

The less amount of sidewall will improve the handling, seriously? Why is that? I am looking for the ultimate in smoothness to be honest and want to feel as little as possible. When the time gets closer, will talk with my tire buddy and get his honest opinion here since he's been in the business for years. Like a meaty tread that will last a long time but giving me unsurpassed smoothness...not asking for much, am I???

The Sandman

oldfarmer50

@nyccarguy said:
kyfdx‌

Looks good. Although, I really want wheels, not steelies with covers

Is it me or is there no logic to paying for fancy wheels that you're just going to give back?

henryn

@oldfarmer50 said:

>

Is it me or is there no logic to paying for fancy wheels that you're just going to give back?

You want your ride to look good, don't you?

@sandman_6472 said:

The less amount of sidewall will improve the handling, seriously?

Yes, it will. Don't ask me to explain the physics, I'll leave that to someone else.

oldfarmer50

@sandman_6472 said:
The less amount of sidewall will improve the handling, seriously? Why is that? I am looking for the ultimate in smoothness to be honest and want to feel as little as possible. When the time gets closer, will talk with my tire buddy and get his honest opinion here since he's been in the business for years. Like a meaty tread that will last a long time but giving me unsurpassed smoothness...not asking for much, am I???

The Sandman

I'm pretty ignorant on tire performance variables but as I understand it a lower profile tire will corner better because the smaller sidewall flexes less in turns.

I think you're on the right track going to a higher profile to get a smoother ride. I can remember riding on bias ply 75s so I'm easy to please.

Tire Rack has a decision guide where they recommend tires based on your preference for handling, quietness or wear. Try that to get the brand you like and buy anywhere.

nyccarguy

@oldfarmer50‌

Ha! I never thought of that! Then the car I drove tonight makes perfect sense (if I start thinking like you). The more I think about it, leasing is an expensive proposition for me. I easily drive well over 20K miles per year. If you factor in the extra $1000 it costs up front (acquisition fee & disposition fee) plus the extra miles I need to buy upfront (or at the end), the payment is almost the same to lease than to finance for 6 years.

This afternoon I did a search of Subaru dealers en route between my job & my house. I found one that was open until 7:30 pm. I walked in and was greeted promptly by a salesman. We sat at his desk, chatted about what I was looking for (Impreza 2.0 Limited Sport 5 Door CVT). He asked me if I had anything to trade. "Nope. I have a BMW lease that is up at the end of next month. I'd like to drive one so I can decid how I'd like to proceed."

After a quick copy of my license, we go out to the lot. He tells me ill be going by myself. Stay off the highway and on the local streets as they are closing in about 1/2 hour. The only 5 door I can drive is a 2.0i CVT (base model).

Cloth seats are comfy and manually adjustable. Bolsters were actually a little thicker than the non-sport seats on my BMW. Dash materials were thick and well padded. Turn the key and the flat 4 fires up. The gauges swing almost all the way around then retreat to their idling position (gimmicky, but really cool).

Steering is light, but direct. I knew where the front wheels were & what they were doing. Around town acceleration was decent.

So far I'm impressed. Sales dude asked me if there was anything he could do for me today. I tell him I've got to come back & take the car out on the highway.

He handed me his card and we shook hands & parted ways.

au1994

I smell a punch coming this weekend from nyc

qbrozen

Somebody talk me out of this

qbrozen

hey stick, how about a new Fiesta or Focus. With the specials going on, just buy it. Fiesta is $750 cash plus 0% for 60 mos. Focus isn't so great. Best to just take the $2500 and finance it through your bank of choice.

Michaell

@qbrozen said:
Somebody talk me out of this

I'm guessing that it's an electronic nightmare, but I'm sure fin will come along and set us straight.

roadburner

One comment, nyc: WRX.

ab348

@qbrozen said:
Somebody talk me out of this

A friend bought one of those (non-AMG) in '05 I believe, a CPO 2001 S430. Unbelievable how much trouble that car was. If it could fail, it did. Even had internal engine problems, a valve tapping, which thankfully was diagnosed and fixed under the CPO warranty. But after that expired, holy cow. Air suspension failed. Steering column needed extensive R&R. All sorts of electrical gremlins. When he finally traded it in a couple of years ago they gave him $4000 for it after paying nearly $50K originally for what was supposedly a $100K car new. Run, do not walk, in the other direction.

au1994

@ab348 said:
A friend bought one of those (non-AMG) in '05 I believe, a CPO 2001 S430. Unbelievable how much trouble that car was. If it could fail, it did. Even had internal engine problems, a valve tapping, which thankfully was diagnosed and fixed under the CPO warranty. But after that expired, holy cow. Air suspension failed. Steering column needed extensive R&R. All sorts of electrical gremlins. When he finally traded it in a couple of years ago they gave him $4000 for it after paying nearly $50K originally for what was supposedly a $100K car new. Run, do not walk, in the other direction.

Wow, I puckered up a little reading that.

graphicguy

@au1994 said:
I smell a punch coming this weekend from nyc

I do, too!!!!!!

jayrider

@qbrozen said:
Somebody talk me out of this

Looks perfect !

graphicguy

@qbrozen said:
Somebody talk me out of this

No way I'll talke you our of it. I like it, a lot....just not at $10K. Am I way off thinking $5,500 for a 14 year old Benz? And why do I get a vibe from this that the seller is a "flipper"?

Michaell

@graphicguy said:
I do, too!!!!!!

Given the questions I've seen in the various lease question forums, I'll add a "+1" as well.

qbrozen

could be a flipper. He'd better improve on taking pics, though, if he wants to make a go of it.

$10k is high, actually. Nicest one at dealer auction had 10k fewer miles and sold for $6800. I'd have to put my hands on it to see what this accident history was all about. Assuming it was just a bumper repaint, I'm thinking $7k is about all the money for it. Gotta admit, a car that was once over $100k for only $7k now with under 80k miles is damned tempting.