Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

xwesx

Hahahah; nice, breld! You're an old pro at this.

jpp75

@breld‌ Congrats on the Mazda! Can't wait to hear all the details.

roadburner

breld said:

A little annoying, but the Mazda dealership already called back.  I'm here closing the deal now.

Congrats, I love the way they look and drive, but I'm holding out for 150 or so more horsepower and AWD.

fintail

ML to Wenatchee, that's not a short drive. You're going to mile up that thing.

iluvmysephia1 said:

fin - yeah, no HyunKia dealers in ML or Ephrata. There is a Kia dealer in Wenatchee and Spokane, however. I go to Wenatchee for my last night of work of my workweek.

nyccarguy

@breld‌

Mazel-Tov & Congrats! I think you'll be happy with the Mazda. It is a sweet ride & seems to hit all the right buttons for you. I could tell you kept wanting to like the WRX & the Civic Si better. You made a great choice with the 3! Post pics when you can!

stickguy

funny, 2 of the 3 cars I regret not getting are the 3 and the Legacy. With the other being the Golf.

though not sure it matters that much. Tomorrow is my 4 month anniversary of bringing the Sonata home, and I still only have about 1,850 miles on it. though I am running up to NY tomorrow, so that round trip will add another 250 or so. No, I am in no imminent danger of blowing through my miles on the lease.

Michaell

@breld - congratulations on the punch! Here's hoping you like the 3 on a daily basis as you have on the multiple test drives. If not, then put me down for another punch from you before Memorial Day.

Took the Outback on a short road trip today - down to Co Springs and back to celebrate the DIL's 25th birthday. One year ago tomorrow she was finishing her last chemo treatment; now she is in full remission and doing great. About 100 miles round trip - filled the car up just before leaving so we got a good sense of the highway MPG.

Right at 27, which is the EPA estimate. And, I'm really digging the adaptive cruise - set it to any speed you want (I chose 1 or 2 above the limit) but the car will adjust to whatever speed the car in front is doing. When they move out of the way, it resumes the original speed. Very nice. Also used the nav system for the first time. The voice activation didn't go so well .. tried to take me to a city in Idaho rather than the street name I wanted. Using the screen gave us the results we were looking for.

And, the range is outstanding. I filled the car up with over 300 miles on the odometer but it still had 1/4 tank left. Should easily get 400 miles to a tank, with the mix of city/highway driving the wife does.

breld

Thanks everyone for the kind feedback on the Mazda3!

@roadburner - yes, the extra hp and AWD will be nice on the Speed3.  For now, the 185 hp will do for me.  

Here's a quick pic I took at the dealership.

breld

So, a few details on the deal, for anyone interested.

It took quite some time negotiating, not to mention me leaving and them calling me back, but the offer ended up at $31k for my BMW and about $500 below invoice on the Mazda3.  That trade value was NADA average trade, and $3k higher than the Carmax bid I got a week ago.  Hard to turn that down.  

I was originally thinking of the sedan, but my wife pointed out how small the opening was for the trunk, which was a very good point.  I hadn't really noticed that before, but getting baseball bags and other stuff in and out of the hatchback will be much nicer.  

The dealership had added on the Appearance Package to this particular car.  The larger spoiler on the hatch really completes the look of the profile, and I'd want that either way, but I could take or leave the subtle side skirts and front lip.  But, as it was, I did agree to pay invoice for those add-ons. 

nyccarguy

@breld‌

Oooooooo, white. Very sharp. I don't think I've ever seen a white Grand Touring Hatch. I like it a lot. Between the stick shift and light weight of the 3, you should do just fine with 185 hp. My legacy hacks got to be heavier and I make do with 175 hp. Best of luck to you!

breld

@nyccarguy‌

Thanks! Yes, the white is really the only color that particularly caught my eye on the 3. They have a medium blue that I like, but it seems to get sort of washed out in the daylight.

I would have liked their Almond interior, but the Black does coordinate well with the white exterior.

And yeah, the 185 hp (and 185 of torque) feels plenty quick. At the risk of sounding a bit exaggerating, by the "seat of the pants," I'd say the pull of the car feels similar to our 328i's we've had in the past. A nice, linear acceleration, with the feeling of always having some power on tap.

au1994

Looks great Breld! The white is sharp!

Yesterday I went to drive an X3 but guess what? I fell in love with the X4! A very polarizing vehicle but I really liked it. Unfortunately a little too far out on my current lease to do anything but it's a heck of a car, CUV, SAV or whatever we are calling them today.

rayainsw

breld - Congrats & best of luck!
Enjoy the drive!
- Ray
Still enjoying my punch...

ab348

@breld - That white Mazda looks very good, congrats. Seems odd to trade a BMW 5 series on one of those though. Maybe I missed earlier commentary as to why?

corvette

Congrats, breld! I was worried you might only be good for two or three punches this year if this deal didn't go through!

stever

Oh man, that'd be the perfect high desert car. Love the white. Can you post a few more pics please?

sda

jeffb0101 said:

@sda‌

wasn't 98 the year of the first refresh? What did they do as far as decontenting?

Mine didn't have cold weather either, but most cars here in the south don't get those packages. It's a shame!

The overall look of the Millenia stayed the same thru 2000. Some changes to wheels,colors, etc. with the Millenium special edition for year 2000 having the greatest change. 2001-02 had changes to front and rear, and new instrument displays. What caught my attention with the 98, and this is after I bought it were changes to the interior. The roof pillars were no longer covered with matching material that matched the headliner but were grained plastic. Though I still had the Bose, the head unit had been changed to include a single cd unit and lost the cd changer that the 96 had. The rear parcel shelf was now plastic instead of being covered in material and the storage compartment was there on the 96, eliminated. I did like the brown steering wheel and dash covering that looked nice instead of black that the 96 had. On the exterior, the headlights were now halogen instead of being projector. They replaced the aluminum hood with a heavier steel unit and eliminated the sound pad underneath. The electric antenna was gone, no longer diversity between antenna in back glass and extended mast. This was probably good, no broken antenna to replace later. They used the 'S' polished alum wheels 17" that looked better than the 16" gray from the 96. I did like the look of the 17s better. Hard to believe it's been 17 years, I remember it like yesterday. For about a month I had both 96 and 98 in my driveway as I still had a month left on the lease on the 96 and there was no advantage in turning it in early. Thus the opportunity to really compare the two.

jpp75

@breld‌ I like the white as well, and sounds like you got a great deal at $500 below invoice and a fair price on the trade. I'm guessing the dealership owes you a little money back?

carnaught

Breld, with 3 2015's, I believe that makes you the Grand Poobah here .

sda

breld said:

So, a few details on the deal, for anyone interested.

It took quite some time negotiating, not to mention me leaving and them calling me back, but the offer ended up at $31k for my BMW and about $500 below invoice on the Mazda3.  That trade value was NADA average trade, and $3k higher than the Carmax bid I got a week ago.  Hard to turn that down.  

I was originally thinking of the sedan, but my wife pointed out how small the opening was for the trunk, which was a very good point.  I hadn't really noticed that before, but getting baseball bags and other stuff in and out of the hatchback will be much nicer.  

The dealership had added on the Appearance Package to this particular car.  The larger spoiler on the hatch really completes the look of the profile, and I'd want that either way, but I could take or leave the subtle side skirts and front lip.  But, as it was, I did agree to pay invoice for those add-ons. 

Sharp, enjoy!

breld

Goodness! Thanks for all the wonderful comments!

Isn't it funny that there seems to be more enthusiasm on this forum for a new Mazda3 than something like my previous 5-series? As nice as the 535 was (and believe me, there are certainly aspects of it I will miss), it just didn't hit the hearts of us enthusiasts. In many ways, some of what BMW has lost in their newer models has been taken up by the more "pedestrian" brands", like Mazda and VW.

breld

au1994 said:

Looks great Breld! The white is sharp!

Yesterday I went to drive an X3 but guess what? I fell in love with the X4! A very polarizing vehicle but I really liked it. Unfortunately a little too far out on my current lease to do anything but it's a heck of a car, CUV, SAV or whatever we are calling them today.

I've only seen the X4 on the lot once, and thought it was certainly polarizing. Some say BMW is over-proliferating their lineup with all these variations on the same platform, but I welcome the choices.

breld

ab348 said:

@breld - That white Mazda looks very good, congrats. Seems odd to trade a BMW 5 series on one of those though. Maybe I missed earlier commentary as to why?

Well, the new nice Kia Sedona filled the need for a roomy, family-hauling, comfy car and, for me, opened up the idea to get back into a compact sporty car (and I was missing the manual trannie).

Yeah - odd trade, and most of my friends and co-workers won't get it. But those on this forum and, most importantly, my wife, totally get it.

breld

jpp5862 said:

@breld‌ I like the white as well, and sounds like you got a great deal at $500 below invoice and a fair price on the trade. I'm guessing the dealership owes you a little money back?

Well, I still had a balance owed on the BMW, so I effectively reduced my car debt.

breld

stever said:

Oh man, that'd be the perfect high desert car. Love the white. Can you post a few more pics please?

I'll definitely get some more pics up - I'll have to wait until my wife gets back from running errands in it.

I think she drove my 535i once or twice the whole time I had it. And now, the morning after I come home with a manual trannie Mazda3, she's out running around town in it.

stever

LOL, will you ever get to drive it again?

breld

Sure I will. Just as soon as she gets a deal to trade her GTI for a stick shift GTI.

tommister2

@breld let me pile on more compliments. That is a beautiful white! Looks like my 97 Maxima which was Artic White Pearl. My favorite color of any car I've owned so far.

henryn

@breld many happy miles in your new Mazda 3!

suydam

The Mazda3 is a terrific car. If we ever decided to downsize from the Accord I would definitely look into it. I had a 6 wagon several years ago that was a very nice vehicle but got lousy fuel economy compared to now. Enjoy it in good health!

I took my new baby Buick (the Encore) out for its first highway drive to run some errands in the city. The more I drive this cute ute the more I love it. Reviews say it's underpowered but I had no problem getting up to speed and passing on either 2 lanes or freeway. It's a great size. Two people can easily feel comfortable in the front seats. The seats are very supportive. I like an upright seat and I like the extra height of a SUV. Got 30 mpg on the trip, which included many errands in stop-go traffic. The car also made it over the many potholes and leftover slush with ease. Very smooth riding and great handling, surprising to me in an SUV.

One of its best features is maneuvering in and out of tight parking spots. Trader Joes in any city is often a nightmare. A breeze with this vehicle. Rear cross traffic alert is a great feature as well as the backup camera. Although small, the area behind the seats easily held all my bags of groceries plus a small-to-medium size cooler.

I'm also pleased that the back seats are perfect for the dogs. My Lab mix can easily jump in, and it's also a breeze to help my old Brittany in. The way the back seat headrests fold over, you can anchor a dog cover under them to protect the back seats. My Lab had a tendency to pull the top half of the cover down but it stays more secure in this car.

So far just the perfect second vehicle for us. Our kids are grown so we rarely use the back seats, and we have the larger Accord when we do carry people or go on distance trips. Up to now I have been used to a second vehicle as the plodding workhorse, but no more!

fezo

Indeed. My 6 never met a gas pump it didn't like.

You can get pulled over for doing 62 in a 40 zone in a Prius. Just saying.

jpp75

breld said:

jpp5862 said:

@breld‌ I like the white as well, and sounds like you got a great deal at $500 below invoice and a fair price on the trade. I'm guessing the dealership owes you a little money back?

Well, I still had a balance owed on the BMW, so I effectively reduced my car debt.

Gotcha, we're currently without any car debt but that is likely to change soon.

fintail

Congrats on the Mazda, white suits it well, hatch is better looking than sedan.

28firefighter

Congrats Breld!

roadburner

breld said:

Goodness! Thanks for all the wonderful comments!

Isn't it funny that there seems to be more enthusiasm on this forum for a new Mazda3 than something like my previous 5-series? As nice as the 535 was (and believe me, there are certainly aspects of it I will miss), it just didn't hit the hearts of us enthusiasts. In many ways, some of what BMW has lost in their newer models has been taken up by the more "pedestrian" brands", like Mazda and VW.

I agree 100%. Over on the Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans topic even the staunchest defender of the F30 3 Series is hard-pressed to explain why he thinks it is so good- "It handles better than an Altima." "It's a great daily driver." and "You can drive it in the mountains and not fall off the road." are about the best reasons he can come up with. I'd enjoy a new Mazda3 or Golf R much more than any new Bimmer save an M235i or M3/4. Oh well, Munich's decision to build cars that please wearers rather than drivers will catch up with them sooner than later...

stickguy

A golf R. That sounds like a nice aspirational car for my next ride.

xwesx

I had the opportunity to drive a Flex Ecoboost yesterday while down here in Palmer. DEFINITELY a far more engaging drive than the N/A V6! This'll be the one I get if I finally pull the trigger. BUT, still putting it on hold for now.

graphicguy

breld said:

Thanks everyone for the kind feedback on the Mazda3!

@roadburner - yes, the extra hp and AWD will be nice on the Speed3.  For now, the 185 hp will do for me.  

Here's a quick pic I took at the dealership.

Cool car. Congrats!

graphicguy

Got a bit of a [non-permissible content removed]. So, my Sirius/XM free trail is almost up. Delivery of my vehicle, you call both OnStar to register (which offers all sorts of stuff) and Sirius. Whenever they want a credit card, I turn them down. I don't need OnStar's calling features, nor do I use Sirius all that much. However, Sirius does provide traffic updates to my GPS. So, marginally that may be worth it.

Sirius has sent me bills, telling me my account is past due. Today, I get a call (while I was on another business related call) telling me I need to contact them because of an urgent issue with my account.

To those who are uninitiated, they probably get renewals from people who don't know they don't have to pay them anything.

To me, this borders on unethical. If I get into a surly mood this week, I may call them just to raise a little hell.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Got a bit of a [non-permissible content removed]. So, my Sirius/XM free trail is almost up. Delivery of my vehicle, you call both OnStar to register (which offers all sorts of stuff) and Sirius. Whenever they want a credit card, I turn them down. I don't need OnStar's calling features, nor do I use Sirius all that much. However, Sirius does provide traffic updates to my GPS. So, marginally that may be worth it.

Sirius has sent me bills, telling me my account is past due. Today, I get a call (while I was on another business related call) telling me I need to contact them because of an urgent issue with my account.

To those who are uninitiated, they probably get renewals from people who don't know they don't have to pay them anything.

To me, this borders on unethical. If I get into a surly mood this week, I may call them just to raise a little hell.

I'm in the same position with XM ... just canceled the subscription on the Mazda we traded in; they wanted to know if I would be willing to transfer the remaining time to the Subaru. I passed; we've been using Pandora in the Outback so not certain that the wife will want to continue the XM service.

On my Elantra, I got a renewal notice in the mail ($104 for 6 months). I'm letting the subscription lapse so I can negotiate a good renewal rate. Got a call from them over the weekend that I let roll to voice mail.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

graphicguy said:

Got a bit of a [non-permissible content removed]. So, my Sirius/XM free trail is almost up. Delivery of my vehicle, you call both OnStar to register (which offers all sorts of stuff) and Sirius. Whenever they want a credit card, I turn them down. I don't need OnStar's calling features, nor do I use Sirius all that much. However, Sirius does provide traffic updates to my GPS. So, marginally that may be worth it.

Sirius has sent me bills, telling me my account is past due. Today, I get a call (while I was on another business related call) telling me I need to contact them because of an urgent issue with my account.

To those who are uninitiated, they probably get renewals from people who don't know they don't have to pay them anything.

To me, this borders on unethical. If I get into a surly mood this week, I may call them just to raise a little hell.

I'm in the same position with XM ... just canceled the subscription on the Mazda we traded in; they wanted to know if I would be willing to transfer the remaining time to the Subaru. I passed; we've been using Pandora in the Outback so not certain that the wife will want to continue the XM service.

On my Elantra, I got a renewal notice in the mail ($104 for 6 months). I'm letting the subscription lapse so I can negotiate a good renewal rate. Got a call from them over the weekend that I let roll to voice mail.

Michaell...I'd be curious how many people think that they "HAVE TO" pay Sirius/XM given the tactics they use? They send invoices showing that you absolutely OWE them the subscription fee. And, their phone calls make it sound like you're delinquent on a bill you owe.

stever

If you or your child recently took a driver's education course online, please email PR@edmunds.com by Friday, March 13, 2015 to tell a reporter what it was like. (Sandy?)

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

graphicguy said:

Got a bit of a [non-permissible content removed]. So, my Sirius/XM free trail is almost up. Delivery of my vehicle, you call both OnStar to register (which offers all sorts of stuff) and Sirius. Whenever they want a credit card, I turn them down. I don't need OnStar's calling features, nor do I use Sirius all that much. However, Sirius does provide traffic updates to my GPS. So, marginally that may be worth it.

Sirius has sent me bills, telling me my account is past due. Today, I get a call (while I was on another business related call) telling me I need to contact them because of an urgent issue with my account.

To those who are uninitiated, they probably get renewals from people who don't know they don't have to pay them anything.

To me, this borders on unethical. If I get into a surly mood this week, I may call them just to raise a little hell.

I'm in the same position with XM ... just canceled the subscription on the Mazda we traded in; they wanted to know if I would be willing to transfer the remaining time to the Subaru. I passed; we've been using Pandora in the Outback so not certain that the wife will want to continue the XM service.

On my Elantra, I got a renewal notice in the mail ($104 for 6 months). I'm letting the subscription lapse so I can negotiate a good renewal rate. Got a call from them over the weekend that I let roll to voice mail.

Michaell...I'd be curious how many people think that they "HAVE TO" pay Sirius/XM given the tactics they use? They send invoices showing that you absolutely OWE them the subscription fee. And, their phone calls make it sound like you're delinquent on a bill you owe.

I imagine a lot ... don't get me wrong, I enjoy having XM available as an audio source. I'm just not thrilled about the marketing practices they use.

Having said that, it was actually pretty easy to cancel the service in the Mazda and get my CC credited with the unused balance.

Now I'm just waiting for the GAP insurance rebate (~$200) and the extended warranty refund (~$700). Should be just enough to cover my registration costs .... sigh.

breld

stever said:

Oh man, that'd be the perfect high desert car. Love the white. Can you post a few more pics please?

Few more pics for anyone interested.

rayainsw

Very nice - enjoy!

breld

I tried to get a pic to show the heads-up display. A bit gimmicky, but sorta cool.

Also wanted to show the side view of the hatch with the "Appearance Package" spoiler. It adds about 2 inches to the stock spoiler and, IMO, completes the look of the rear. The rest of the appearance package consists of the small black side lips, front underspoiler and rear "diffuser."

fezo

I love that speedometer. Other than color that's awfully close to my next car.

Michaell

@breld - nice pictures, and good color choice. I'm thinking white for my next car - whatever it turns out to be.

nyccarguy

Looks great inside & out @breld! Does CO require a front plate?

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Looks great inside & out @breld! Does CO require a front plate?

Sadly, we do need a front plate.