Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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But a really BIG BAG, no doubt...
I had someone in the back seat for the first time this weekend.
- Ray
And I sat back there for a few miles - lots of room!
Actually, the other day I spec'ed out a Ram online, equipped more or less the way I'd want it if I had it to do over again. I went for a quad cab, 6'4" bed, still RWD, Hemi, 8-speed automatic, sure grip, 3.55:1 axle, the dress up package that gives you a chrome grille/bumpers and alloy wheels, and a few other odds and ends. And I picked a dark green metallic, that looked kinda nice. Sucker stickered at around $34K! Probably not too bad, considering how easily you can get a 1/2 truck up to $60-70K these days. But, a bit too rich for my blood.
But, then, this past weekend I was at the Mopar show in Carlisle PA, and a truck decked out just like I had built online drove past on the fairgrounds. Yeah, I could see myself in something like that.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
$34K for a full-size pickup sounds downright reasonable.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
After swearing them off, I said what the heck and changed my own oil this afternoon. Spilled oil wipes up real nicely on that epoxy garage floor (my plastic "tarp" leaked a little).
I can do the annual oil change and filter cleaning and replacements on my cars in about ninety minutes. But, that's with one oil pan and one set of ramps, so they go one by one. And, there's usually more than just that to do, so the whole annual maintenance job ends up being a solid day (and often a follow-up day due to parts or tools that I didn't know I needed for day one).
I sent the oil samples from the Foresters in for analysis this morning, so now I'm looking forward to those results!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
More of a comfort level thing - I feel the same way about my new cars that are under warranty. Easier to dispute a problem if only the dealer service department has done all the work.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
That is not true. Just keep the paperwork. Many dealers were giving that impression during the 80s and 90s saying they wouldn't honor the warranty otherwise. Many car owners bought into the idea then.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
And, given the complexity of modern automobiles, I would probably have the dealer address any issues beyond regular maintenance even after the warranty period.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Well, other than a few details such as color, axle ratio, etc. The main reason I'd prefer the 3.55:1 axle over the 3.21:1 is that the quad cab is a bit heavier than my truck, so it might benefit from the quicker ratio. But then, maybe the 8-speed automatic, versus the 6-speed my truck has, would help offset that, anyway.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Nice looking truck. I like those. Maybe when I move down south tower the country! Big discount too. I just want some more features!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
The Hemi Charger final drive ratio is 2.64:1.
First gear ratio in the 8-speed automatic =
4.7:1 = overall \ compound ratio = 12.4:1
I can easily spin the stock 20" Firestones starting in Second gear
even on smooth, dry streets.
With the lighter rear of an unloaded pickup, I doubt you would
need the 3:55. And the rear tires would be very prone to spin.
- Ray
Top [ eighth gear ] is the second overdrive = 0.67 to 1 = 1.77:1 overall in the Charger..
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
1. Confirm that the proper maintenance intervals have been performed
and, if replacement was needed, the dealer was instructed:
...contact the Technical Assistance Hotline with the oil change history information, to attain an authorization for a turbo replacement.
I don't know how much hassle I would have been given if I hadn't had my oil changes performed at the dealer, but since the dealer had those records there was no issue whatsoever. In any case, my dealer provides free oil changes for as long as I own the car, so why wouldn't I take advantage of that?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'm certainly not going to cast any stones as I've asked a dealer to run some numbers on an X4 for me,
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
@stickguy - wife and I were browsing the VW lot this past weekend and I pointed out the Jetta Sport to her, mentioning that you just got one for your daughter, and what a great value I thought it was. We really like those two-tone sport seats in it. Wife mentioned it would be a great option for her daughter, if we wanted to get something newer.
@michaell - how's the house sale going? All done and under contract?
Wife says she has the car itch. But there's really nothing she'd like better than her current GTI. Mercedes GLAs are catching her eye. I actually don't suspect she'll do anything this year.
I've mildly considered buying my brother's Allroad, which, as I've previously posted, he is looking to trade for a Q5. Given the somewhat surprising trade numbers on it, it would be a good deal. His best trade offer on it so far is $29k - for a '13 Allroad with 26k miles and a known track record. I'd either have his broker "transact" the deal for me at the $29k plus a reasonable profit/fee, or just pay my brother the grossed up amount for taxes. But...I'm really digging the Mazda3 right now.
The Mazda is feeling quicker than when I first purchased it. Some of that could be break-in, but I think it's more me learning how to best push it, which is a fun thing. I've gained more confidence in taking corners and I've gotten used to the feel of the car, and feel it's quite sporty, particularly for not being a "true" sport model (i.e., mazdaspeed, civic si, etc.). It fits all the usual occupants and their stuff - me, my two boys and all their baseball gear - comfortably. I enjoy all the features, like the head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, and rear camera.
The only thing I really find a bit offensive is the amount of road noise on less-than-perfect roads. It's far from unbearable, but is certainly noticeable on longer stretches. I've heard some of it has to do with the cheap stock tires, but I doubt new rubber would make a dramatic difference.
Of the cars I considered but ultimately decided against, none give me too much heartburn, but I do look a little longingly at WRXs, and I do wonder why the GLI didn't grab me more. I know it's not quite a GTI, but I like the styling of the facelifted Jetta, and I imagine it would feel a bit more upscale (and quiet) than the Mazda.
Anyway - that's my quick update on the current ride.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Now to address the 15 years of stuff lying about. The garage is much smaller than our current garage (still 2 car, however) so I'm not certain where the tools and golf clubs and such are going.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I talked with her this morning and told her it only took 9 years and 7 days to sell our home.
PM me directly and I can share some secrets if you're serious about getting your house ready to be on the market. We were lucky that we had the long holiday weekend to prepare.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Now to address the 15 years of stuff lying about. The garage is much smaller than our current garage (still 2 car, however) so I'm not certain where the tools and golf clubs and such are going.
Congrats!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
YARD SALE (but, keep the tools and clubs)
About the only major things that didn't sell in Boise were the cars so wound up taking them to MI and they sold easily enough there. Go figure. Spent a long week and weekend in MI doing a garage sale. Chatted up some nice folks but only made a couple hundred dollars. Wound up moving a lot of stuff to the garage and then to the donation box at the thrift but would have been better off just going straight to the thrift.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I did everything in the winter to fast track getting my dads house empty in record time. Craig's, a garage sale at the end, multiple donations, and 2 large dumpsters (sister and I referred to that as "packing in the red box"). But, this was a case were it all had to go.
At the end, he had an outfit come in to remove everything left, which was not much, and clean it up for sale.
IMO, the garage sale isn't about money. More about getting stuff out of the house, and having people take it away for you. But yes, can just be easier to donate. I like the outfits that come to the house to pick up for you.
Throwing out as much as possible is a good thing too. Liberating. Worst option is packing it up and taking with you!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Congrats, Michaell. I'm in the process of condo hunting myself. It appears to me that the market might be balancing a bit more around here. Some condos are staying on the market a bit longer, there are even price reductions! But, the right property at the right price=gone!
Or, instead of a condo, maybe an i8 or S-Class Coupe? An F-Type? Yeah, that would be the smarter move...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
All my automotive life, I've or we've been doing the Timex thing but for the first time we put on the Roles...and really like it! Though, again I sat in a HR-V today, an LX model this time but...it felt like a glove, like I was surrounded in my own little cocoon. The same feeling I got the first time I sat in the CT 200h...it's like being in your comfy place where you just exhale! Must admit, I lusted after the Golf and that's why I threw logic out the window and acted spontaneously by trading out of the Tucson so quickly. With the HR-V, it's more like falling in love, each time I sit in one, I love the whole vehicle more and more but have decided to just keep it at a distance. Still in that lust phase with the Golf and as long as it behaves, I'm in for the long haul or at least until the factory warranty is still in place. But if things keep going south and too many things, well...happen, I could see the HR-V somewhere down the road but definitely not in the LX mode.
But as of now, staying the course in "The Blue Devil"!!!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
But, we back to a greenbelt and they don't. Plus, our house is nicer inside .. turnkey, as they say.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige