Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jpp75

qbrozen said:

put some lowering springs on it.

I know its a lease, but the few hundred bucks would be well spent if you hate it a bit less for the next 20 mos.

You're not being a good CCBA friend.

I'm sure I'll just live with it, but for the next 19 months I'll be looking at every way possible to get out of it without completely losing my shirt.

I've never had any experience with lowering springs, what does that do? I've been following the posts about NYC and stickguy's recent suspension "upgrades" but can't say I know much about it. Plus the steering is much lighter, probably due to the fully electric component. I prefer a heavier feel and this reminds me of the power steering from the 80's, only with no feel as to what's really going at the pavement.

stickguy

well, my Volvo has been dropped off. Hopefully they don't find additional (and expensive) other items once they tear it apart. I am sure I will hear about something (they are going to check it all over while they are in there and let me know what they think it needs, maybe rear pads at least)

and this place is so high end, they have their own 4 wheel dyno in house. Makes sense since they special in Audis. Even had a race car in the shop today. Not sure what series it runs, but had all the logos on it. Pretty cool.

stickguy

It's Canada. I would worry more about snow.

stever

@qbrozen, often it helps to quote the previous post you are responding to instead of just typing in the posting box at the bottom of the page. That's especially helpful in these more active discussions, although the nesting gets convoluted sometimes. (Note that I don't practice what I preach. )

xwesx

stever said:

although the nesting gets convoluted sometimes.

That part is easy to manage if you cut out the non-relevant details. Just be sure to leave the opening and closing "blockquote" html tags in place! Also, a double carriage return (e.g., extra blank line) between the quoted text and your reply will ensure that it doesn't get swept up in the mayhem (making your reply instead look like part of the original quote).

corvette

kyfdx said:

Frozen tundra?

It's not as bad here in Louisville, compared to the higher latitudes like Covington.

Sandman6472

Just hit 13.5k on the Tuscon today and must admit that besides the homely styling of the front end, it has been a pleasure to drive. It accelerates briskly, stops on a dime and the SE seats are very comfortable, the power adjustments have been a real pleasure. Ingress/egress is near perfect with no more dropping down into the front seat. The mpg's are a bit over what the sticker said, I just had to change my preconceived notion about what I thought it should be. All in all, I really can not complain.
At work, I've driven all the competitions cuv's and while all very good, none that really stand out as much better than the Tuscon. I was a bit disappointed in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sports cvt tranny and didn't find it as quick as the others in it's class and not sure I would've been happy with it as my d d so I guess things work out for the best. If the G M of the Mitsubishi store had accepted my offer and let me take it home the next day, that's what would be in my garage right now so, his refusal to meet this one condition was a sign from above that it was not the vehicle I was meant to own.
Now, next on our plate is the replacement for the wife's Mazda3 and she's about to start test driving different vehicles. The timetable is still looking to be a purchase on either December 30th or 31st unless our daughter wants her '08 Accent back before then. I doubt that's going to happen so we still have plenty of time. The Miami International Auto Show will be here within the month and the wife has mentioned that this year, she'd like us to go so she can see everything in the same building. Think it's really not a bad idea since if she's like me, just sitting in the drivers seat and getting a feel for the interior, switchgear and visuals out all the windows will help her narrow things down considerably. Many times, certain interiors have turned me off to vehicles I've thought I'd love to own so her wanting to go to the show might be a great education. And I always have loved that show though my health issues have kept me away for many years.

The Sandman

fintail

The linked car was diamond silver, I thought it looked a little different. The color is richer when viewed in person. MB had a color called "quartz blue" that I liked a lot, reminded me of a modern version of the fintail's color - of course, they discontinued it for the model year of my car. That color with a light color interior would be pretty nice.

I've seen a couple browns, dolomite and cuprite. I think the latter was the lighter brown. Both are pretty rare. MB has traditionally offered a large color palette, but most colors these days are extra cost. I don't know about the "A" cars.

ab348 said:

I like the colors that Mercedes offers.
I find it interesting that they use a different color palette on the CLA/GLA models. Because those are entry-level vehicles I wonder if the paint is not of the same quality.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

After looking around and getting frustrated, I am thinking more that at end of year my car will be a cheap lease for me. The used car market is odd. Newer stuff at dealers for premium prices, or old miled up junk for less.

So if not a lease, something in the 7-8 YO range. If can find something clean enough for not crazy bucks!

And dang, CL seems to have gone deep into junker territory. Almost nothing newer than around 2007, and most stuff much older.

CL has been taken over by junk dealers flipping high milage stuff. That's in addition to the regular car dealers pretending to be private sellers.

qbrozen

jpp5862 said:

I've never had any experience with lowering springs, what does that do?

Well, it won't help the steering feel or weight. Too bad they didn't put in adjustable steering like in the Stang. Anyhoo, lowering springs are also typically stiffer, so you get a more taught ride, less nose dive under breaking, flatter cornering, and a lower center of gravity.

stickguy

Got the word on the Volvo. Shop took it apart and inspected top to bottom. Other than the struts it desperately needed (why I took it in since one was blown and it crashed terribly over bumps) they also found 1 lower ball joint torn. I am sure that did not help ride either. So getting a new control arm put on since it is all one unit. All that plus rear shocks and front upper strut mounts should transform ride and handling.

Also said rear brakes are pretty well shot. Not surprised since dealer flagged that too. So getting a labor brake since they have it apart and doing pads, rotors and a brake fluid flush.

Otherwise he said it looked very clean and solid. Good thing since after all this work I am pot committed to it! Better give another 3-4 years reliable duty. Maybe should have dumped it but for what I could get plus putting into it, still couldn't get something much better. And at least I know this one is all sorted out! Plus I won't worry so much sending it down south with my daughter.

Now I can go back to searching for something for me to replace it with.

rayainsw

'I am pot committed to it! '
Not sure exactly what THAT means.....

stickguy

Nothing dirty. Poker term. Means you have so much invested in a hand you pretty much need to see it to the end.

Also means I spent more than I could probably recoup any time soon!

Michaell

rayainsw said:

'I am pot committed to it! '
Not sure exactly what THAT means.....

That only happens here in Colorado!

roadburner

stickguy said:

Got the word on the Volvo. Shop took it apart and inspected top to bottom. Other than the struts it desperately needed (why I took it in since one was blown and it crashed terribly over bumps) they also found 1 lower ball joint torn. I am sure that did not help ride either. So getting a new control arm put on since it is all one unit. All that plus rear shocks and front upper strut mounts should transform ride and handling.

Also said rear brakes are pretty well shot. Not surprised since dealer flagged that too. So getting a labor brake since they have it apart and doing pads, rotors and a brake fluid flush.

Otherwise he said it looked very clean and solid. Good thing since after all this work I am pot committed to it! Better give another 3-4 years reliable duty. Maybe should have dumped it but for what I could get plus putting into it, still couldn't get something much better. And at least I know this one is all sorted out! Plus I won't worry so much sending it down south with my daughter.

Now I can go back to searching for something for me to replace it with.

I say continue the upgrade process: ipd

henryn

stickguy said:

Got the word on the Volvo. Shop took it apart and inspected top to bottom. Other than the struts it desperately needed (why I took it in since one was blown and it crashed terribly over bumps) they also found 1 lower ball joint torn. I am sure that did not help ride either. .

I don't think ball joints "tear". What they probably said, or meant to say, was that the rubber boot over the ball joint was torn. If that was the only problem with the ball joint, replacing it is necessary but will not improve the ride in any way.

stickguy

yes, the boot was torn. I was not clear. Not sure what impact it had to the ball joint, but can't be good to get grit and water in there. In any case, getting a new one.

xwesx

LOL That one caught my eye too, but Stick does like his nonsensical words now and again....

That's great news overall, Stick! I'm telling you, it's gonna feel like a new car. Your daughter will love it: Familiar, yet with a new-car WOW! factor thrown in.

roadburner

This Mustang GT looks interesting. If it had the Track Package and not just the Brembos it might be worth $23k-$24k.

qbrozen

$23k-$24k is exactly the auction range. It is certainly a bold asking price, but it would probably take at least $26k to get it off the lot.

Sandman6472

Sounds like the S40 will be like new again. Have always liked those and did almost get one back in 2008 but decided that since the Mazda3 was so much like it, same body shell underneath, that just wasn't worth dumping the Civic for. But always liked the S40 and the later changes after year three.
Was talking with the wife last night about Honda's in general and we decided that besides the Fit, there's really nothing in their lineup for us and since she wants a regular trunk, the Fit is out. She keeps going back to the sub-compact size but I don't think any of them has a back up camera at this point and she really wants one now. We shall see where she ends up because just not sure...depends on what she drives and likes.

The Sandman

stickguy

sandy, I'm telling you, just take her to the Mazda store and have her drive a 3 touring. Sticker for about $21,400, and loaded inc. BU cam and cross traffic (and I think blind spot) monitoring. that should take care of it.

stickguy

do have the Volvo back and a much lighter wallet. But, all sorted out now. only about a mile home so haven't really gotten a chance to try things out. But for the few bumps I hit, no crashing or banging, which is a good thing!

will take a serious drive tomorrow and see how it goes. At least the shop said that at this point, there is nothing left to do, and it is nice and clean and solid. Hopefully gives many years of reliable duty now, because I am stuck with it!

ab348

Stick, you know what this means - a screaming deal on something you really like will now come along momentarily.

stickguy

that is fine. I did the work so I would feel safe sending it off to college with my daughter. So whether I keep volvo or not, I still need at least 1 car in the next few months!

nyccarguy

@roadburner‌

I agree with q that they seem proud of their asking price. The 420 horsepower V8 & 6-Speed stick make it a fantastic place to start. You've never been afraid of customizing a car to your very specific tastes. Why not get the car and then really make it "yours."

stickguy

in case I decide to load up on Volvos, this one actually does not look like a bad deal. Seems clean enough.

http://torchlightmotors.com/2008-Volvo-S60/Used-Car/Parlin-NJ/5013201/Details.aspx

corvette

stickguy said:

in case I decide to load up on Volvos, this one actually does not look like a bad deal. Seems clean enough.

Hmm, Ye Olde first-gen S60, looks like it's missing heated seats in the photos (but they're in the description), something hinky going on with the driver's airbag cover, will be due for a timing belt in 20k miles or so, FWD... Edmunds says $8,000-ish dealer retail in average condition.

stickguy

no heated seats on that one, no. The steering wheel looks normal to me (same as the other ones they have). I think that is just the way the cover is designed.

not sure on the T Belt. I know for the 2007 S40 (same engine, non-turbo) it is 120K. even if it is the old 105K, still means 2 years out.

and IMO on one of these, you want to stay away from the AWD anyway. save a lot of money that way.

Maybe just me, but finding decent used car buys now is not at all easy. Old, very miley junk for not huge but still too much money, or a few year old stuff for barely less than new.

the middle class is just disappearing!

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner‌

I agree with q that they seem proud of their asking price. The 420 horsepower V8 & 6-Speed stick make it a fantastic place to start. You've never been afraid of customizing a car to your very specific tastes. Why not get the car and then really make it "yours."

I am going to check and see if it's a Track Package car- in addition to the Brembos it gets the Boss 302 radiator, oil cooler and Torsen limited slip rear axle with a 3.73 gear set. I now know what to look for so maybe I will check it out this weekend.

qbrozen

well, those aren't the base wheels, I can tell you that much.

qbrozen

not a bad looking S60. A similar one went through a couple of weeks ago for $6500. So price is OK if it checks out.

roadburner

qbrozen said:

well, those aren't the base wheels, I can tell you that much.

I had a lookk at the window sticker- I knew it had either the Brembo or the Track Pckage and it turns out it's the Track Package- one of only two options on the car- the other is the Recaro seating. The only downside is I would have to sink some money into a sound system upgrade; new speakers, amp, and a decent sub. The base system is miserable.

graphicguy

Neighbors just traded their 3 year old Cadillac CTS coupe in on a new CTS Sedan. Knowing I'm a car guy, he bourght it over last night. It's really a nice looking car. I had ridden in their coup before with the V6. This one had the 4 cyl 2.0 turbo. I would take the 4 cyl turbo over the V6 every day, all day.

Don't know what it is, but it seems that once Audi started the 4 cyl turbo march, everyone piled on. Difference being, I like Ford's and GM's 4 cyl turbos much more than I do Audi's or BMW's. Those are more refined than their German counterparts.

Could be gearing, but the Ford/GM turbos feel torquier, too. All of these turbos seemingly have done away with turbo lag.

In short, they are are nice drivetrains.

I only drove the new CTS for about 5 miles. Nicely done Cadillac. Neighbor said it had a $3K rebate and he got $4k on top of that. I haven't researched them, but must be some sort of trunk money involved.

High quality materials throughout, seats are to my liking, seemingly built well.

I can't figure out why Cadillacs are all of a sudden sale proof. Did the whole ignition debacle really sour people that much?

While I'm still smarting over my late Mother's Cadillac experience (which wasn't good), if they changed their Regional Rep and stay away from the one dealership my Mother had so much trouble with, I might consider one.

ab348

graphicguy said:

I can't figure out why Cadillacs are all of a sudden sale proof. Did the whole ignition debacle really sour people that much?

In the case of the CTS, their pricing took a significant jump with the new model. They are close to M-B territory and that is a shock for most return customers. Since your neighbors had a coupe before they were already at a higher price point so maybe there was less shock for them. But compared to a base CTS sedan of a couple of model years ago you could be looking at a $15K jump without a whole lot of effort.

I agree with you on the turbo 4. I would not hesitate to buy one with that engine.

Mr_Shiftright

Cadillac is having trouble attracting first-time buyers. True, their average owner age is almost 60, but Buick owners are even older and they're doing all right. Also Cadillac marketing is....murky.

ab348

Average age of Buick buyers is down to 57 according to Buick. Lincoln has the oldest average age at 61.

stever

stickguy said:

Maybe just me, but finding decent used car buys now is not at all easy. Old, very miley junk for not huge but still too much money, or a few year old stuff for barely less than new.

New cars aren't getting any cheaper either.

Do new cars cost too much? (fortune.com)

qbrozen

roadburner said:

The base system is miserable.

Good enough for me in my old age.

Besides, I prefer to hear the engine.

stickguy

Stopped to look at a 2006 Azera on a local lot. Specializes in Mercedes. Lots of nice stuff. And not one, but 2 Lotus Elites. And an Alfa sedan. Not sure which one. Maybe a Milano.

Anyway, car was ok. Engine sounded good. Need some serious detailing and rehab interior and paint. And a new record. 4 different brand tires. Usually you get at least 1 pair!

So nothing that made me want to pursue this one. 93k on it, and listed at $7,995. Still, very nice comfy interior. I would consider a 2008 or above that showed more signs of love.

stickguy

Oh, good news. Volvo surgery was a success. Can actually go over a rough road with thinking the entire front end is crashing out. Drives like a real car now. Princess Will be happy.

Pretty sure when she takes this at year end I am going cheap lease for me to tide over through the end of the college years. Cost certainty, low investment up front, and no hassles to deal with.

graphicguy

ab348 said:

graphicguy said:

I can't figure out why Cadillacs are all of a sudden sale proof. Did the whole ignition debacle really sour people that much?

In the case of the CTS, their pricing took a significant jump with the new model. They are close to M-B territory and that is a shock for most return customers. Since your neighbors had a coupe before they were already at a higher price point so maybe there was less shock for them. But compared to a base CTS sedan of a couple of model years ago you could be looking at a $15K jump without a whole lot of effort.

I agree with you on the turbo 4. I would not hesitate to buy one with that engine.

Maybe.....but, I think if you look at the actual transaction prices, it might be close.

If the CTS my neighbor bought had a sticker of $52K-$53K (which I'm assuming it did give the equipment level....AWD , NAV, Bose), and he was able to get ~$7K off, that puts him in the mid $40s. I don't think you can buy a 5 series or an E class, like for like, at that price point. Plus, you have to wonder if the CTS is the better car. It's certainly better looking to my eyes than the 5 or E (no insult intended against those who drive a 5 series or an E).

Michaell

The MINI is at the dealer getting its first service done. Just ticked over 10K on the odometer. Nothing special being done - oil, safety check, new wiper blades.

They gave me a choice of loaners - I took a Clubman (base engine). Drives a lot like the daughter's old MINI - just a bit longer wheelbase, so the ride is a skosh better.

The hail damage estimate is just over $5K. Took it to my local body shop, and the owner agreed with the estimate, by and large. It won't go in for repairs until the end of November - since the daughter didn't get rental as part of her insurance policy, we'll be down to two cars with three drivers while the repairs are being done. Since the wife and daughter work together, they can usually share a car, but the wife works late a couple days a week, so I'll be shuttling her back and forth to work on those days.

xwesx

Michaell said:

Since the wife and daughter work together, they can usually share a car, but the wife works late a couple days a week, so I'll be shuttling her back and forth to work on those days.

That's quality time with the kiddo; nothing to complain about there!

PS - 10K already?! Either time flies, or your daughter does....

Mr_Shiftright

That's true, as of 2014, down from 60.3 from 2010 to 2013.

Still, that's about 10 years more than VW

ab348 said:

Average age of Buick buyers is down to 57 according to Buick. Lincoln has the oldest average age at 61.

nyccarguy

So many of these automakers & companies in general are so used to focusing on that "coveted 25 - 54 year old consumer." They really need to get with the times. People over 54 through their 60s and well into their 70s have tremendous buying power. Take my parents as an example. They bought different car brands throughout their 60s.

xwesx

I agree, NYC. I think the focus of "getting them young" is that, statistically, these are customers that will potentially affect their bottom line for many more years to come than the older demographic. Therefore, it is not that they want *only* the younger consumers, they want to get them and keep them throughout their life cycles.

The thought is: Chevrolet ---> Buick ----> Cadillac; Scion ---> Toyota ----> Lexus; etc. If they can get younger consumers into the upper echelons of that hierarchy sooner, so much the better for the corporate bottom line!

corvette

roadburner said:

. The only downside is I would have to sink some money into a sound system upgrade; new speakers, amp, and a decent sub. The base system is miserable.

If you can upgrade without replacing the head unit, all the factory integration / steering wheel controls should continue to work. Shouldn't be that hard (famous last words)!

corvette

stickguy said:

the middle class is just disappearing!

Agreed. Used car prices seem pretty insane lately. We're not even in income tax refund season yet!

corvette

graphicguy said:

Difference being, I like Ford's and GM's 4 cyl turbos much more than I do Audi's or BMW's. Those are more refined than their German counterparts.
.

I haven't driven BMW, GM, or Ford's recent efforts at a turbo four. I can report that VW uses a device to generate fake engine noise in the GTI and GLI, which is acceptable to me at full throttle, but is annoying and too loud at light throttle. I pulled the plug the first week I had the GLI and the engine is nearly silent up until 4500 rpm or so.