Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

brian125

graphicguy said ; Pretty women separating you from your wallet? That's the whole point isn't it?

Another way to word it is marriage. One way or the other you will be paying.. Choose your poison

kyfdx

Almost forgot... Nissan wasn't there, either.... were they?

I like the Fit, but I think they made a mistake dropping the Sport package and doing either LX or EX..
The Civic SI is a lot of car for the money (under $24K, with no options available), but a Fiesta ST is faster (I'd still want the Honda). I think the Mazda3 is still a great competitor in that area, just not enamored with the looks of the new hatch (my favorite configuration).

My 21-yr-old said he would pick the Focus ST over the GTI, at the same price point.

Maybe the pretty women would have worked better, if I had spent some time at that bar...

jayrider

graphicguy said:

kyfdx.....Caddy changed the logo for 2015. Now, it does indeed dominate the front grill. I can take it or leave it.

Agree with you about Acura. Did they get a big display discount by putting their display at the far back corner of the show?

Funny about the BMW i8. I just watched TopGear where Clarkson gushed all over that car. My BMW dealer has been pretty honest about the i3, saying it's a tough sell.

Forgot about the Audi display. They brought the top of their line, across the board. Good job.

Infiniti-Agreed.....all I did was pass through, especially after hearing one of the "customer reps" telling someone else that their Q SUVs are all designed to "not even feel railroad track bumps". Really? I had to pass through with hip waders on.

I must be getting old. I thought the Challenger was more comfortable than the Mustang. I did like the seats better in the Mustang, though. Maybe it was the color of that Scat Pack Challenger (lime green). Somehow that really attracted me. Pig? Perhaps. But it is a very fast pig that was comfy. I want some seat time on both the Mustang GT and if I can find a Scat Pack at a dealer somewhere.

My son is thinking of selling his '12 Fiesta to his girlfriend. He's looking at the Mazda 3. But, he's also thinking of the Fit. No bad choices there.

I had a hard time getting any interest in the Toyotas there. Same with Nissans. HAve they changed the 3xxZ at all since they released the 350Z?.....aside from making the V6 a bit larger? Doesn't seem so.

Pretty women separating you from your wallet? That's the whole point isn't it?

Only bad choice there is selling your car to your girlfriend.

graphicguy

jayrider said:

graphicguy said:

kyfdx.....Caddy changed the logo for 2015. Now, it does indeed dominate the front grill. I can take it or leave it.

Agree with you about Acura. Did they get a big display discount by putting their display at the far back corner of the show?

Funny about the BMW i8. I just watched TopGear where Clarkson gushed all over that car. My BMW dealer has been pretty honest about the i3, saying it's a tough sell.

Forgot about the Audi display. They brought the top of their line, across the board. Good job.

Infiniti-Agreed.....all I did was pass through, especially after hearing one of the "customer reps" telling someone else that their Q SUVs are all designed to "not even feel railroad track bumps". Really? I had to pass through with hip waders on.

I must be getting old. I thought the Challenger was more comfortable than the Mustang. I did like the seats better in the Mustang, though. Maybe it was the color of that Scat Pack Challenger (lime green). Somehow that really attracted me. Pig? Perhaps. But it is a very fast pig that was comfy. I want some seat time on both the Mustang GT and if I can find a Scat Pack at a dealer somewhere.

My son is thinking of selling his '12 Fiesta to his girlfriend. He's looking at the Mazda 3. But, he's also thinking of the Fit. No bad choices there.

I had a hard time getting any interest in the Toyotas there. Same with Nissans. HAve they changed the 3xxZ at all since they released the 350Z?.....aside from making the V6 a bit larger? Doesn't seem so.

Pretty women separating you from your wallet? That's the whole point isn't it?

Only bad choice there is selling your car to your girlfriend.

No disagreement there. My job raising him is done. I'll still be his Father, but not his guardian. His car, his money, his girlfriend.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

Almost forgot... Nissan wasn't there, either.... were they?

I like the Fit, but I think they made a mistake dropping the Sport package and doing either LX or EX..
The Civic SI is a lot of car for the money (under $24K, with no options available), but a Fiesta ST is faster (I'd still want the Honda). I think the Mazda3 is still a great competitor in that area, just not enamored with the looks of the new hatch (my favorite configuration).

My 21-yr-old said he would pick the Focus ST over the GTI, at the same price point.

Maybe the pretty women would have worked better, if I had spent some time at that bar...

Nissan was there.....center section....by Jeep, I think? I saw an Altima and a 370Z. They may have had more except there was nothing there to make me want to stop and look.

graphicguy

brian125 said:

graphicguy said ; Pretty women separating you from your wallet? That's the whole point isn't it?

Another way to word it is marriage. One way or the other you will be paying.. Choose your poison

Brian....yep....took me a long, long, long time to enter those waters again. But, I did and am happy for the experience.

graphicguy

kyfdx....If i didn't have to drive I probably would have had a few beers and talk cars with the pretty women.

I noted that there were no big "announcement", turntable cars there. Wasn't expecting any either.

While not what it used to be, this one was probably the best I can remember over the last several years.

Used to be able to see quality in build and materials between Japanese, European and American brands. That delta no longer exists. Matter of fact, I think the pendulum is swinging back the the U.S. marques from what I saw.

corvette

Those S80s are dirt cheap on the used market. A lot of car for the money.

jayrider

corvette said:

Those S80s are dirt cheap on the used market. A lot of car for the money.

The only issue is the cost of parts, labor and maintenance. There aren't a lot of these sold but they are worthy transportation and outstanding on safety.

stickguy

most of the basic stuff is not too exotic. The 3.2l engine was widely used on the XC 60, 70 and 90. And I suspect a lot of the underneath stuff is common.

I only have an S40, but have not noticed costs being much different (at least for what I have done). especially if you use an indy, since as with any Euro brand, the dealer is pricey. Not really an issue in my experience finding shops to deal with a Volvo.

qbrozen

ok, so my current thought is that maybe i'll hold back any urges until October. That will be our 15th wedding anniversary and I'm pretty certain the wife would be tickled by a surprise volvo in the driveway. Only 8 months away. Must resist till then. Going to be a long, tough road.

carnaught

I understand Volvo will exporting some cars made in China by the parent company as early as this year. To make them cheaper. the question is, will they be cutting corners? I would avoid these until if/when they're ever proven to be a quality product.

fintail

I think the export model will be the S60 LWB - the answer to a question asked by nobody on this continent. I suspect they'll sell to dealers/families and proud people of Chinese heritage, and few others. Build a mainstream model in China, and the Volvo faithful will stay away - mark my words.

Earlier 2nd gen S80s were featured regularly in Hertz and maybe National luxury fleets, keep an eye on that if it matters.

nyccarguy

@stever‌

There's something I didn't think of. Invest the money instead of putting it toward paying down the principal. More liquid assets.

@graphicguy‌

Great writeup on the Cincinnati auto show. I can't wait until Easter Sunday for my annual NY Auto show visit.

rny421

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

that is nice. i do like those. A combination of factors. I think they look very nice. Not overly large. Fantastic interior and great seats. That one is even going to be pretty quick, and lots of grip with the T6/QWD package. Downside, not great MPG, but for a quick AWD luxo car, not too bad. Not sure what it will do real world.

I could live with that, though not my favorite color combo. Plus I would be fine with FWD/3.2!

Reading the forums, I found several people stating that their volvo mechanics told them the T6 is very solid but to stay away from the 3.2.


I haven't heard of many common problems with it. My mom has a 2010 3.2 XC90 with 95k on it, and knock on wood, no problems thus far. Before that she had a T5 XC90, which I never understood why they dropped the 5 cylinder for the 3.2L, but it's been reliable. Funny thing is, after putting the 3.2 in the XC60 (2011?), now the dropped it, and are putting the 5 cylinder back for AWD models.

I have the 3.2 T6 in my S60, and it's quite the motor. Fast and fairly efficient for 300 hp. I still love the car, but I am finding that the car does ride a little too rough. Makes for an interesting ride here with the poor condition of our roads in upstate NY (and believe me, we pay dearly for them with tolls and taxes!).

qbrozen

i'm talking probably a 2011 CPO.

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

Followed by having our hardwood floors restrained

I would start with this.... There's nothing like hardwood flooring running ramshod to upset the balance of a household!

stickguy

The went to the 3.2l six for a more 'luxury" feel I think. Smoother, and quieter. the 2.5l is on the way out anyway. Very soon it will only be the 4 cyl E motors. I think the new XC90 is already there.

stickguy

paying down the mortgage is an interesting debate. As long as the property is appreciating, and rates are crazy low, then yes, it can make sense to put the money where you get a better return (either paying down higher interest debt, or investing).

A lot of rental property investors I think look to just pay the interest, and let the principal float.

IMO, paying it down becomes more of an issue later on, when you are nearing retirement and cashflow is more of an issue.

having the mortgage paid off traditionally is more of a psychological issue. But, if you are planning to stay until you die, it doesn't matter really. And if you are selling soon, it doesn't matter if you have more in the bank or lower mortgage balance.

henryn

This last house I bought, the fourth during my lifetime, I did not take out a mortgage at all. It was a HUD foreclosure, and only cost me $50k (plus another $10k in repairs). I was surprised at how hard it was to get a mortgage for $50k, no one wants to fool with it. I tried to get a “car loan” type loan from the credit union (1.99% for 5 or 6 years would have suited me just fine), but all of the credit unions I belong to couldn’t or wouldn’t do it. Apparently there are a number of laws on the books protecting the mortgage lenders from competition.

So I just pulled the money from my 401k and paid cash. It is truly amazing how easy and simple a closing is when there is no mortgage company involved. And cheap, I might add. No inspection (I did my own), no survey (they gave me a copy of the previous survey). No PMI, no bull hockey at all. I showed up with a cashier’s check for the specified amount, and 10 minutes later I was out the door. I think I only signed my name twice. Compare that to a conventional closing!

kyfdx

henryn said:

This last house I bought, the fourth during my lifetime, I did not take out a mortgage at all. It was a HUD foreclosure, and only cost me $50k (plus another $10k in repairs). I was surprised at how hard it was to get a mortgage for $50k, no one wants to fool with it. I tried to get a “car loan” type loan from the credit union (1.99% for 5 or 6 years would have suited me just fine), but all of the credit unions I belong to couldn’t or wouldn’t do it. Apparently there are a number of laws on the books protecting the mortgage lenders from competition.

So I just pulled the money from my 401k and paid cash. It is truly amazing how easy and simple a closing is when there is no mortgage company involved. And cheap, I might add. No inspection (I did my own), no survey (they gave me a copy of the previous survey). No PMI, no bull hockey at all. I showed up with a cashier’s check for the specified amount, and 10 minutes later I was out the door. I think I only signed my name twice. Compare that to a conventional closing!

No one wants to talk refinance under $100K, either...

nyccarguy

henryn said:

This last house I bought, the fourth during my lifetime, I did not take out a mortgage at all. It was a HUD foreclosure, and only cost me $50k (plus another $10k in repairs). I was surprised at how hard it was to get a mortgage for $50k, no one wants to fool with it. I tried to get a “car loan” type loan from the credit union (1.99% for 5 or 6 years would have suited me just fine), but all of the credit unions I belong to couldn’t or wouldn’t do it. Apparently there are a number of laws on the books protecting the mortgage lenders from competition.

So I just pulled the money from my 401k and paid cash. It is truly amazing how easy and simple a closing is when there is no mortgage company involved. And cheap, I might add. No inspection (I did my own), no survey (they gave me a copy of the previous survey). No PMI, no bull hockey at all. I showed up with a cashier’s check for the specified amount, and 10 minutes later I was out the door. I think I only signed my name twice. Compare that to a conventional closing!

Sounds fantastic, but your logic is flawed:) 1st, I don't have $50K. 2nd, even if I had $50K, I don't think It would buy much of a foreclosure in Fairfield County, CT that I'd want to inhabit with my wife and 3 young children:)

qbrozen

rny421 said:

I have the 3.2 T6 in my S60, and it's quite the motor. Fast and fairly efficient for 300 hp. I still love the car, but I am finding that the car does ride a little too rough. Makes for an interesting ride here with the poor condition of our roads in upstate NY (and believe me, we pay dearly for them with tolls and taxes!).

If I'm not mistaken, your T6 would be a 3.0 turbo, same as the S80 T6.

henryn

That S80 with the turbo engine sounds very nice. I searched on Autotrader, and there are very few Volvo S80 models available in my part of the world (Houston, TX). And none of them have the turbo engine. Which leaves me looking again for a Hyundai Genesis. The main problem I'm having now, all of the used models that I find are former rental cars, and I do NOT want to buy a former rental car.

And @nyccarguy , I definitely wasn't saying that you should try to do what I did. I don't think there are any foreclosures available these days (my experience was in 2011). And I'm sure if there were any foreclosures available in NYC, they would probably cost several orders of magnitude more than what I paid.

qbrozen

do you have a price cap on that Genesis? Dealers in NJ are advertising leftover 2014 Genesis for over $10k off.

henryn

I'm not seeing that here. Autotrader only shows 2 leftover 2014 Genesis models within 50 miles of my zip code, 77021, Houston. One 3.8 at $5.5 off MSRP, and one R-Spec at $7.2k off MSRP. That 3.8 has an MSRP of $36.2, and discounted price of $30.7. If they would come $10k off , and sell it for $26.2, I would be driving it tomorrow. Maybe I should give them a call?

Hmm, definitely use *62 to block my number if I do...

qbrozen

Probably tighter margins with an MSRP that low. The ones I see here are over $40k MSRP, but with an ~$11,600 discount.
http://www.burnshyundai.com/VehicleSearchResults?search=new&make=Hyundai

I saw an ad on local TV from a Hyundai/Mazda dealer claiming "up to $15,000 off leftover 2014s" but I did not catch the name, unfortunately.

nyccarguy

henryn said:

That S80 with the turbo engine sounds very nice. I searched on Autotrader, and there are very few Volvo S80 models available in my part of the world (Houston, TX). And none of them have the turbo engine. Which leaves me looking again for a Hyundai Genesis. The main problem I'm having now, all of the used models that I find are former rental cars, and I do NOT want to buy a former rental car.

And @nyccarguy , I definitely wasn't saying that you should try to do what I did. I don't think there are any foreclosures available these days (my experience was in 2011). And I'm sure if there were any foreclosures available in NYC, they would probably cost several orders of magnitude more than what I paid.

I know. I was just breaking your chops

jayrider

henryn said:

I'm not seeing that here. Autotrader only shows 2 leftover 2014 Genesis models within 50 miles of my zip code, 77021, Houston. One 3.8 at $5.5 off MSRP, and one R-Spec at $7.2k off MSRP. That 3.8 has an MSRP of $36.2, and discounted price of $30.7. If they would come $10k off , and sell it for $26.2, I would be driving it tomorrow. Maybe I should give them a call?

Hmm, definitely use *62 to block my number if I do...

Try cars.com

henryn

jayrider said:

henryn said:

I'm not seeing that here. Autotrader only shows 2 leftover 2014 Genesis models within 50 miles of my zip code, 77021, Houston. One 3.8 at $5.5 off MSRP, and one R-Spec at $7.2k off MSRP. That 3.8 has an MSRP of $36.2, and discounted price of $30.7. If they would come $10k off , and sell it for $26.2, I would be driving it tomorrow. Maybe I should give them a call?

Hmm, definitely use *62 to block my number if I do...

Try cars.com

cars.com is only showing one leftover 2014 Genesis within 30 miles of my zip code. And that's one of the two cars that I found on Autotrader. I think it's a little late in the year for leftover 2014 models.

stever

I see one 2014 in Pueblo CO, using our Inventory tool.

jayrider

henryn said:

jayrider said:

henryn said:

I'm not seeing that here. Autotrader only shows 2 leftover 2014 Genesis models within 50 miles of my zip code, 77021, Houston. One 3.8 at $5.5 off MSRP, and one R-Spec at $7.2k off MSRP. That 3.8 has an MSRP of $36.2, and discounted price of $30.7. If they would come $10k off , and sell it for $26.2, I would be driving it tomorrow. Maybe I should give them a call?

Hmm, definitely use *62 to block my number if I do...

Try cars.com

cars.com is only showing one leftover 2014 Genesis within 30 miles of my zip code. And that's one of the two cars that I found on Autotrader. I think it's a little late in the year for leftover 2014 models.

Do a national search. Then, when you get serious, go to your dealer and ask them to find one for you.

jayrider

jayrider said:

henryn said:

jayrider said:

henryn said:

I'm not seeing that here. Autotrader only shows 2 leftover 2014 Genesis models within 50 miles of my zip code, 77021, Houston. One 3.8 at $5.5 off MSRP, and one R-Spec at $7.2k off MSRP. That 3.8 has an MSRP of $36.2, and discounted price of $30.7. If they would come $10k off , and sell it for $26.2, I would be driving it tomorrow. Maybe I should give them a call?

Hmm, definitely use *62 to block my number if I do...

Try cars.com

cars.com is only showing one leftover 2014 Genesis within 30 miles of my zip code. And that's one of the two cars that I found on Autotrader. I think it's a little late in the year for leftover 2014 models.

Do a national search. Then, when you get serious, go to your dealer and ask them to find one for you.

Check cargurus.com

rny421

qbrozen said:

rny421 said:

I have the 3.2 T6 in my S60, and it's quite the motor. Fast and fairly efficient for 300 hp. I still love the car, but I am finding that the car does ride a little too rough. Makes for an interesting ride here with the poor condition of our roads in upstate NY (and believe me, we pay dearly for them with tolls and taxes!).

If I'm not mistaken, your T6 would be a 3.0 turbo, same as the S80 T6.

Oops, you're right! They are both of derivatives the same engine though: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_SI6_engine
Interesting that they actually made it 1mm shorter in length than the 5 cylinder it was supposed to replace.

stever

Under $10k please:

Best Slow Car To Drive Fast

breld

Dropped the 5-series off at the dealer for an alignment and a cup holder issue. The steering wheel has been just a bit off-center pretty much since I bought it - I think I'm so used to it that when it's fixed I may not know what to do!

Anyhow - got a 320xi for a loaner. Engine's not that bad - particularly in sport mode, it'll jump out pretty quick. It got me thinking though - the engine is basically the same as the one in the 328i, but tuned differently, right? As a lower cost alternative, is it really cheaper for BMW to produce this engine, or is it more to justify the creeping cost of a 328i?

In any case, as has been mentioned many times before by myself and others, I'm just not all that impressed with this current 3-series. Because of its relatively soft nature, I'll just take my 5-series, thank you. Before, the 5-series may have offered more comfort and luxury, but the 3-series (E90 and earlier) made up for it with a more dynamic feel. With the F30, it's more of a smaller, cheaper 5-series. I suppose that may be the point. And to be fair, I have a stripper model 320xi - add more power and the sport/m-sport package, and it may be a bit different.

Driving that 320xi actually makes me appreciate the Mazda 3s and WRX that I've been extensively test driving recently. Both offer, in different ways, a more compelling driving experience. And the feel and quality of the interior, particularly in the Mazda, isn't as far off from a "stripper" 3-series than I would have thought.

stickguy

Just read a test in one of the car mags on a m235i. With a manual. That sounded nice. Just nit cheap.

Michaell

breld said:

Dropped the 5-series off at the dealer for an alignment and a cup holder issue. The steering wheel has been just a bit off-center pretty much since I bought it - I think I'm so used to it that when it's fixed I may not know what to do!

Anyhow - got a 320xi for a loaner. Engine's not that bad - particularly in sport mode, it'll jump out pretty quick. It got me thinking though - the engine is basically the same as the one in the 328i, but tuned differently, right? As a lower cost alternative, is it really cheaper for BMW to produce this engine, or is it more to justify the creeping cost of a 328i?

In any case, as has been mentioned many times before by myself and others, I'm just not all that impressed with this current 3-series. Because of its relatively soft nature, I'll just take my 5-series, thank you. Before, the 5-series may have offered more comfort and luxury, but the 3-series (E90 and earlier) made up for it with a more dynamic feel. With the F30, it's more of a smaller, cheaper 5-series. I suppose that may be the point. And to be fair, I have a stripper model 320xi - add more power and the sport/m-sport package, and it may be a bit different.

Driving that 320xi actually makes me appreciate the Mazda 3s and WRX that I've been extensively test driving recently. Both offer, in different ways, a more compelling driving experience. And the feel and quality of the interior, particularly in the Mazda, isn't as far off from a "stripper" 3-series than I would have thought.

My understanding is that the 320 engine is a detuned 328 engine - 180HP vs. 240HP. So, less than the Mazda 3S you're considering.

And, given that a loaded 3S would come in about $10K lower than a similarly equipped 320, no reason not to go with the Mazda. Other than the availability of AWD in the BMW.

breld

Oh yeah - I wasn't considering a 320xi as an alternative, but was pleasantly surprised as to how nicely the cars I've been test driving stack up against an entry level luxury car.

Driving it around does validate how I'd like a smaller, more nimble car for day-to-day driving.

Michaell

I know that not everybody is on the "Buying and Selling Cars" discussion, so I'll post here as well.

Subaru update - just got off the phone with the dealer. The Outback is in a railyard here in Colorado and is expected to be at the dealer a week from today (3/3/15). Guess I'll get the CX-7 cleaned up and take it to CarFax on Saturday for an estimate.

Salesman said he would email me a copy of the window sticker - which will be quite useful when planning our offer.

stever

A reporter is looking to talk with someone who sold or traded in a car and bought a truck or SUV within the past month. If you're willing to help, please contact pr@edmunds.com by Friday, February 27, 2015.

xwesx

Hmm.... well, Steve, I thought I was going to be in that crowd recently, but the stars are simply not aligning.

stever

You still have a couple of days.

That's a lifetime in here.

xwesx

Hahahaha. Yeah, we'll it's only a couple of days in my world!

I have my car posted for sale right now, with only a couple of small nibbles thus far, and my wife is now in "thou shalt not" mode. So, now I have to decide if I just keep the car, or take "hell hath no fury" to the next level. It's a tough choice when it comes to my driving enjoyment.

Sandman6472

Been without a mortgage for 20 years now and it's the best feeling especially having to have put 3 through college and grad school for the older 2. We've done the kids bathroom and the flooring but the kitchen and master bath need attention. The Bathfitter guy came last week for our walk-in shower and think it's a go. Not ready to throw 10k at the whole bathroom yet since I think we'll be selling in about five years. As long as things hold up, might just have to do the fridge and wait on the rest. Really want to downsize and a good chance we might relocate to the west coast of Florida following our girls. Time will tell but taking things slow.

The Sandman

corvette

Speaking as someone who is shopping for a new house, anything that needs updating is a serious negative. If it's one or two things, OK, I can deal. If it's to the point of almost gutting the house, I don't care how cheap it is, I would rather not have the headache.

Some of the gems I have seen:
- Kind of new kitchen cabinets and countertops, but old appliances. Needs new bathroom, new appliances, new deck, new paint, some sort of structural repair (floor is uneven). Roof is very old. Garage is tiny and has no opener.
- Needs new kitchen. Has pegboard walls in the kitchen and a freestanding 40" bulit-in fridge, which is not actually built-in and thus the unfinished parts of the high-end fridge are exposed.
- Priced at a steep premium to the neighborhood, this house looks nice inside but it is obvious that some of the owner's recent DIY renovations will not stand up to the test of time. I wasn't interested but it went under contract within a couple of weeks of the open house.
- Fix-and-flip, new everything, very nice bathrooms, kitchen, refinished wood floors, paint, and hardware. Very expensive for the square footage. New fenced in back yard. Asked my agent about it and it was under contract less than 24 hours after the open house.
- Found another house with a small yard and an oversized 2.5 car garage (like my old house). Recently renovated but it wasn't all that great. The back yard was tiny.
- Several former rentals that were priced as if they were "move in condition" properties, not "beat all to heck" properties.

stickguy

Corvette, I forget. where are you looking?

speaking of selling, my Dad has decided to move into a retirement place (independent living). So, the house they bought new in 1960 has to go. Cleaning it out, that has been an adventure (but a story for another time).

what shocked me, is the danged place created a feeding frenzy. It is in a desirable town, and a nice street and neighborhood. But, it needs work. Kitchen is original (55 YO cabinets, etc.). Only the main bath has been redone. basement, well, that is rough. The stairs look like they are falling down. Just, tired overall. You can live in it OK, but it needs either serious remodeling, or a major gut and rebuild (I thought it was more likely to sell as a virtual teardown).

anyway, he puts it on the market Tuesday, after doing nothing to it but a quick tidy up and vacuum. still cluttered, etc. By Thursday, he has 3 offers, and a slew more people that expressed interest. By Friday, has a deal with the first person to offer, who started at asking, and later came back at 5K above list. So, they took it. A week later, that hit a snag, so last weekend (I was there cleaning) they decided to show it again, and it was like Grand Central at rush hour. Just talked to him tonight, and they have 3 more offers, including another at 5K over, all cash.

proving once again, it is all about Location, schools and the lot. the house, that you can change! It also helps to be on the bottom end of the market in a town where young families want to get in for the schools.

nyccarguy

I feel your pain @corvette. I had some choice words after I left any one of the 100+ houses we looked at before we bought our current abode back in 2010.

The taxes are HOW MUCH?

I don't see a driveway, how am I supposed to get to the detached garage? "Well sir, its not a garage, it is an authentic chicken coup." A chicken coup? WTF am I supposed to do with a chicken coup?

These people do realize we are in a recession, right?

Cut the asking price in half and pay for a full demolition and I'll consider this one.

The house is HOW OLD?

The bathroom is green, blue, or pink.

Oh look honey, the metro north station is right across the street.

I can't believe the kitchen hasn't been updated since the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s

You go in and look. I'll wait in the car.

NEXT!

Oh look, the back yard overlooks a major highway.

au1994

Lol, I remember looking at one a few years ago and you could see a water line on the basement walls.

I passed.

stever

Las Cruces is kind of bad that way. Two Interstates go right through town and we found several houses we would have enjoyed living in but for the background traffic noise. From one we otherwise loved, you could actually see the Interstate a half mile away as well as hear it. Several others had road noise and some of those were in neighborhoods that had expensive houses (for around here - $500k). One house would seem okay and down the block the noise would come up an arroyo or something and ruin another's backyard. So we wound up living a bit further from downtown than I really wanted.

Chattanooga has three Interstates crossing but the noise there doesn't seem to permeate to most neighborhoods. Lots of trees must help.

It's also funny how the weather and clouds can affect the noise. My sister is well over a mile from I-81 in NW VA but in some weather conditions you can really hear the trucks.

I'm less tolerant of noise as I've gotten older too. Back in the 80s, our house of 15 years was close to the flight path for Merrill Field and we'd literally have a small plane flying by a couple of blocks away every minute during those long summer evenings. But they were always idling on the approach so not only was the noise mild, it was fun to watch them.

The other thing I check out when scoping out a house are the neighbor's toys. Hot rods or Harleys? No thanks.