Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

breld said:

 My car clicked over 39,000 miles today on my way to my delivery job. I have seven months left in my lease, and only 6000 miles left before I go over. I think it will be close… 

Sounds like a good candidate for early turn-in. Of course, I guess that would require another Hyundai.

 I'm pretty sure hyundai has a pull ahead program, but I'd have to look at the specifics.  Have to see what they offer when the time comes 

stickguy

if you are going to be paying $200/mo in mile overage, you might as well park it and lease a new car instead. Cost the same, but save wear on the tires!

stickguy

So, hitting the car show tomorrow morning in Philly. Highlight of my social season (meaning, it is my entire social season). Son came down from OF'ville to attend. He is next up for buying (1 year from now his lease goes back). Close enough to in the market for us!

his current plan is still a loaded Mazda 3 hatch (GT AT). Dark horse is a GTI. though he still likes the A3. If he gets a promotion or a new job this year, might change the equation.

planning to buy this time, and keep it for the long term. A good idea. And worth stretching a little if you are looking at it for 10 years (the Driver amortization plan). I did show him a few slightly used cars, but he was thinking new made more sense if keeping it forever, which certainly makes sense.

corvette

roadburner said:

From 2addicts- one less M235i:

I bet the mean old insurance company doesn't total that one unless it has a lot of miles.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

So, hitting the car show tomorrow morning in Philly. Highlight of my social season (meaning, it is my entire social season). Son came down from OF'ville to attend. He is next up for buying (1 year from now his lease goes back). Close enough to in the market for us! his current plan is still a loaded Mazda 3 hatch (GT AT). Dark horse is a GTI. though he still likes the A3. If he gets a promotion or a new job this year, might change the equation. planning to buy this time, and keep it for the long term. A good idea. And worth stretching a little if you are looking at it for 10 years (the Driver amortization plan). I did show him a few slightly used cars, but he was thinking new made more sense if keeping it forever, which certainly makes sense.

Love Car shows! I can't believe you son's lease is up next year already!  He's going to have trouble adjusting to the naturally aspirated 4cyl of the Mazda compared to his current turbo Jetta.

a 1 year old CPO A3 might be a good car for him.  Priced comparably to a new GTI, AWD, 220 hp motor that's on the GTI performance pack, nice warranty.  Maybe he could find one with the optional Sport Suspension.

stickguy

will be interesting to see what happens with his ride. Though a nicely equipped mazda 3 would be a perfect car for him. In his 30s, can maybe move upscale if life supports it.

nyccarguy

Or he could give the Accord V6 Coupe a ride around the block.

tommister2

breld said:

Just sold the ZHP 'vert. Great car, but hardly saw any use. Got a call from the buyer last night; based on the description he said he wanted it. Met this morning at my bank - he barely looked at the car and didn't even want to drive it. Went into the bank, he transferred the funds directly to my account (he banks at the same bank), and he was on his way. I mean, I know it's a good car in great shape so my conscience is good, but he sure was trusting about it all.

Congrats! Same thing happened when I sold my 1994 Wrangler last summer. I forced the buyer to test drive it. He wanted it bad and had a wad of cash. It's an odd situation. That's a lot of money to hand over without even having a decent test drive. 

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

Or he could give the Accord V6 Coupe a ride around the block.

might happen. He was thinking about those too at one point, and could work.

stever

I purchased my '97 Outback without a test drive, and it was 2,700 miles away. But I knew the owner and had ridden in the car a few years before. Smart Money had a story back in 2011 saying that 1/3rd of new car buyers didn't take a test drive.

kyfdx

Advice for a Honda Civic Hybrid seller, please

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/39408/honda/civic/2004-civic-hybrid-worth-it-to-fix-and-sell-or-just-sell?new=1

nyccarguy

So a 4 year old C63 AMG - 36K miles - Approximately 1/2 it's original asking price. @qbrozen what does something like this cross the block at? $31,500 - $32K & then they CPO it and mark up the daylights out of it?

http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/used/2012/mercedes/c63-amg/2012-mercedes-c63-amg-black-mercedes-of-north-haven-for-sale-wddgf7hb3ca610023

@fintail - what's your opinion of these era C63s?

stever

Must be Spring here - two more Miatas have flopped up on Craigslist. None seem to be selling though.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

nyccarguy said:

Or he could give the Accord V6 Coupe a ride around the block.

might happen. He was thinking about those too at one point, and could work.

The more I think about it, the more I think it would be a fantastic car for him. He could buy it new, maintain it by the book, and never have a minute's problem with it. Strong, solid, V6. 6 Speed Automatic instead of the CVT. It is good looking. Lots of features for the dollar. He could even find a nice 3 year old used one for maybe $20K.

roadburner

stickguy said:

nyccarguy said:

Or he could give the Accord V6 Coupe a ride around the block.

might happen. He was thinking about those too at one point, and could work.

Those are great cars!

Sandman6472

Just came back from Tires Plus, had a question about my brake pedal being too low. They told me brakes are fine, pads look great, don't worry about things. Had the tires rotated Wednesday and also asked about re-aligning the car but again, guy said car tracks straight and tires are wearing vey evenly so am good to go. My 3 year policy runs out mid March so not sure if I'll go back one more time before then. Will wait a bit to purchase another policy since I like having one since I want to keep the tires from wearing prematurely. Have Continentals right now and like them, a lot. Unfortunately, Tres Plus doesn't carry these so not sure what I'll do come replacement time.
Stopped by the VW parts department and ordered the color keyed door edge guards, a skid plate for all 4 doors to protect the paint and a neat chrome strip that goes on the bottom of the hatch. Found these things in their accessories catalogue and wanted a few more things but held myself back. Really liked the brushed aluminum accelerator and brake covers to give it a more sporty look but the price was a bit much so I passed. Just felt like dressing it up a little and think it'll look even nicer.
Did see a CPO 2015 A3 at the dealer last weekend and they had it listed for the end of the month at $29,999 with 2500 miles on it. Color combo was the same as ours so there are deals out there to be had going this route. So far, we have zero complaints at 10k miles.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Finally got to drive a newish Tiguan at work yesterday and really liked the interior and higher seating position but was a bit underwhelmed with the 2.0t engine. The 1.8t in both our vehicles seems to be a bit friskier but am guessing that's due to the lower weight, the Tiguan is a heavier vehicle I'm guessing. To be honest, the Tiguan SE is what I should've bought back in 2013 but the price was a bit more than I wanted to spend at that point. Probably should've just bitten the bullet then and gotten it but sometimes in life, we do things a little differently that we should've. But at the end of the day, I do like the smaller size of the Golf so all is well. I am a happy camper!
Also got to drive a new Toyota Sienna with just under 800 miles on the odo. If I needed such a vehicle, think I'd get this over the Odyssey to be honest. Easy to drive, great leather seating surfaces and great ergonomics...I was very impressed. Granted, it is a big vehicle and I get why the wife refused to drive one when the kids were smaller but it really is the perfect vehicle for family hauling duties. As much as I like the Kia Sedona, feel the Sienna is just as good, if not a bit better and both these vehicles seem to be a class above the Dodge/Chrysler twins. Again, the Odyssey is a nice vehicle but if given the choice, I'd go with the Toyota Sienna at this point in time.

The Sandman

Michaell

In addition to selling my dads truck, my moms car is going to the dealer next week for a bit of service.

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 with - wait for it - 35,000 miles.

Il get it an oil change and tire rotation initially. Moms orders until she figures out the finances. However, I'm pretty sure it will need more than that, soon.

I'm worried more about the time than the miles. What should we look at down the road?

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

In addition to selling my dads truck, my moms car is going to the dealer next week for a bit of service.

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 with - wait for it - 35,000 miles.

Il get it an oil change and tire rotation initially. Moms orders until she figures out the finances. However, I'm pretty sure it will need more than that, soon.

I'm worried more about the time than the miles. What should we look at down the road?

Well I'd suggest a coolant and brake fluid flush and a careful inspection of belts and hoses, a load test of the battery if it's more than 5 years old and the date stamp on the tires. If they are originals, they gotta come off.

slorenzen

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

In addition to selling my dads truck, my moms car is going to the dealer next week for a bit of service.

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 with - wait for it - 35,000 miles.

Il get it an oil change and tire rotation initially. Moms orders until she figures out the finances. However, I'm pretty sure it will need more than that, soon.

I'm worried more about the time than the miles. What should we look at down the road?

Well I'd suggest a coolant and brake fluid flush and a careful inspection of belts and hoses, a load test of the battery if it's more than 5 years old and the date stamp on the tires. If they are originals, they gotta come off.

At 13 years old, I'd replace the timing belt, serpentine belt and replace all coolant hoses. It's not worth having your mom stuck on the side of the road due to something like that.

ab348

My SIL had a Sonata of that vintage, not many problems surprisingly except for gas tank issues. She went through 2 of them! They still used a metal tank and they were crap, rusted in the salt belt. The shop she had the last one replaced at said they did a pile of them on those cars. She finally traded it for a new Elantra last year, which she hates by comparison.

Mr_Shiftright

A lot depends on whether the car's low miles are due to longterm inactive shortage vs. regular but short trip activity.

kyfdx

If you do all that to an '03 Sonata, you'll have as much into it, as it's worth..

Michaell

 Thanks for the quick feedback. I know the car does get driven regularly, just on very short trips in town. 

 I will take the maintenance items under  advisement,  as I said my mom is waiting to see where she is financially before making any large decisions of that type 

Mr_Shiftright

Even with tires, under $1000 bucks should do it. That's 3 car payments.

tjc78

Or two in some cases.  

tjc78

@stickguy
Let us know how the Philly Car show is this year. I wanted to make it, but not looking good.  

Michaell

 I know the tires on the Sonata are not original, but I don't know how old they are either 

stickguy

just back from car show. Good show this year. Not too crowded when we arrived, packed when we left. Some random thoughts:

-BMWs are expensive. Interior design falling behind many of the competitors.
-XC90 interior is great. Homerun.
-new Audi A4 was really nice inside (looked the same outside)
-I fit in the new Miata. Just a project to hoist myself out of it
-Son was good with the Mazda3 hatch. Until we got to VW and both fell in love with the dark blue GTI there. Wow. Stunning. But we both liked the seats in the Golf SE a little better! Tough decision between VW and Mazda
-still love the TLX. Just really feels good.
-new Civic was a lot nicer than the old one, but did not really do anything for us.
-new Elantra light years beyond the prior one. Really seemed like a smaller scale Sonata inside, and very sharp outside. Should be a winner
On the MB front, C class is really nice. But for some reason, loved the GLC. GLA was not bed either
-Q50 was OK. didn't thrill though.
-Imprezza concept? Fantastic looking. Can't wait to see the real car
-Loved the Ridgeline on display. Too bad could not get inside it, but looked great from outside!

stickguy

Not sure what my short list would be today, but would include MB C class and GLC, Acura TLX. Others TBD.

28firefighter

I was in NY and Boston this past week on business, so I came into Philly on Thursday night to see my folks and make my annual trek to the auto show with my Dad on Friday evening. 

No surprise, but I have longing eyes for either an S3 or M235. Other than that, there is not another car I'd take over my GTI right now. 

brian125

I see the Popes Philadelphia Fiat sold at the Auction for 82k. They said he blessed it before leaving.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

So a 4 year old C63 AMG - 36K miles - Approximately 1/2 it's original asking price. @qbrozen what does something like this cross the block at? $31,500 - $32K & then they CPO it and mark up the daylights out of it?

http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/used/2012/mercedes/c63-amg/2012-mercedes-c63-amg-black-mercedes-of-north-haven-for-sale-wddgf7hb3ca610023

@fintail - what's your opinion of these era C63s?

They aren't that cheap, actually. The most recent were a black with 37k for $37,600, a white with 38k for $38k, and another black with 47k for $34,800.

Mr_Shiftright

Good, it will need it.

stickguy

Both the pope's Fiats were there. odd little vehicles.

also loved the Audi Q3. Nice size, comfy, easy to get in/out of (that higher hippoint, good for old folks!).

a few neat features that I recall. The MB had power adjustable front cushion extension. I want that. Bad. So nice.

the center screen in the Volvo is huge. Really imposing vehicle too. Expensive of course.

The skinny sidewall trend continues. Worst I saw was I think a 205/40. Tire was too skinny to even read. Really looked like a rubber band. Ridiculous, especially with the crappy roads up in snow country.

a few cars are unusable for people that have any sort of love handle (heck, aren't emaciated). A little bolster is nice, but a few were like jamming into a corset 2 sizes too small. Or a seat on a discount airline!

stickguy

forgot to mention. The Subaru imprezza concept was there. Stunning car really. looked bigger too. Same with the Elantra. at first glance, thought it was a midsize model.

stickguy

so. now that the show is over, time for an updated but still vastly premature short list for a 10/17 purchase. Criteria, something at the show that is available now or coming out soon. depending on price, either a current car slightly used, or new version at the time. so something from 2016-2018 MYs.

MB: C class, GLC (E class a dark horse)
Acura: TLX
Audi: A4, Q3
Volvo S60, V60
Lexus ES
Ford Mustang
Honda Ridgeline

corvette

stickguy said:

the center screen in the Volvo is huge. Really imposing vehicle too.

I'm not in love with the exterior styling on the new XC90. I think the XC60 looks better. I also think the base engine may be a little taxed in something that heavy. The "fix" for that is to get the T8, which is a very pricey upgrade.

stickguy

I think it looks really sharp in person. they had a dark blue one that was really impressive.

Hey, found pictures of the cheap Town Car for TJC. even has a moonroof. Spread out space for everyone! And, cheap with only 80K on it.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2001-lincoln-town_car-4dr_sedan_signature-used-14677001.html

iluvmysephia1

That is a sharp Lincoln Towncar example - exterior looks well-cared for. Our son would love it.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

So a 4 year old C63 AMG - 36K miles - Approximately 1/2 it's original asking price. @qbrozen what does something like this cross the block at? $31,500 - $32K & then they CPO it and mark up the daylights out of it? http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/used/2012/mercedes/c63-amg/2012-mercedes-c63-amg-black-mercedes-of-north-haven-for-sale-wddgf7hb3ca610023 @fintail - what's your opinion of these era C63s?

They aren't that cheap, actually. The most recent were a black with 37k for $37,600, a white with 38k for $38k, and another black with 47k for $34,800.

So the one in the link for $39,9K CPO is a good deal then?

kyfdx

stickguy said:

so. now that the show is over, time for an updated but still vastly premature short list for a 10/17 purchase. Criteria, something at the show that is available now or coming out soon. depending on price, either a current car slightly used, or new version at the time. so something from 2016-2018 MYs.

MB: C class, GLC (E class a dark horse)
Acura: TLX
Audi: A4, Q3
Volvo S60, V60
Lexus ES
Ford Mustang
Honda Ridgeline

No personal experience, but reviews have trashed the Q3. Said the 2.0T in that model feels like it's de-tuned. And, the acceleration numbers bear that out. Over 8 seconds to 60 mph.

But, I agree.. it's a looker for a small SUV.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

So a 4 year old C63 AMG - 36K miles - Approximately 1/2 it's original asking price. @qbrozen what does something like this cross the block at? $31,500 - $32K & then they CPO it and mark up the daylights out of it? http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/used/2012/mercedes/c63-amg/2012-mercedes-c63-amg-black-mercedes-of-north-haven-for-sale-wddgf7hb3ca610023 @fintail - what's your opinion of these era C63s?

They aren't that cheap, actually. The most recent were a black with 37k for $37,600, a white with 38k for $38k, and another black with 47k for $34,800.

So the one in the link for $39,9K CPO is a good deal then?

Looks to be

corvette

qbrozen said:

Looks to be

It appears MB's CPO warranty is now only one year, unlimited miles. You can pay extra to extend it to two or three years with unlimited miles. Not sure of the cost.

breld

stickguy said:

so. now that the show is over, time for an updated but still vastly premature short list for a 10/17 purchase. Criteria, something at the show that is available now or coming out soon. depending on price, either a current car slightly used, or new version at the time. so something from 2016-2018 MYs.

MB: C class, GLC (E class a dark horse)
Acura: TLX
Audi: A4, Q3
Volvo S60, V60
Lexus ES
Ford Mustang
Honda Ridgeline

Love the diverse choices! Something I can relate to!

I'm finding myself drawn more and more to the MBs - particularly their SUVs.

I still think the TLX is a great value for what they offer. By 10/17, there should be a good selection of CPO ones at great prices.

New A4, with the increased hp and DSG should be pretty engaging.

Q3? Wife drove one, hoping it'd sort of be like her GTI on stilts. Not the case. She bought the S3 that day.

stickguy

just read through the auto show program. Lists all the models. Missed a couple for my list, so adding the Mazda 6 (practical choice) and new small Jaguar (FE?) (a not so practical choice).

Put one more on. Just saw on edmunds that Hyundai is planning to do a pretty big mid-life upgrade on the Sonata (on top of the tweaks from 16). New styling and other stuff. So entirely possible that, if I decide to lease again, I could just move on into an updated version of my car. Hopefully with the 1.6t/DSG drivetrain by then!

Oh, so many choices.

houdini1

stickguy said:

so. now that the show is over, time for an updated but still vastly premature short list for a 10/17 purchase. Criteria, something at the show that is available now or coming out soon. depending on price, either a current car slightly used, or new version at the time. so something from 2016-2018 MYs.

MB: C class, GLC (E class a dark horse)
Acura: TLX
Audi: A4, Q3
Volvo S60, V60
Lexus ES
Ford Mustang
Honda Ridgeline

If you like the C class sedan, you should also like the GLC, as it is heavily based on the C class, even the interior. Some have even called it a taller C class sedan.

stickguy

I loved the GLC. That is why I have it on my list on the MB row!

Plus it reminds me of an old Mazda I really liked.

tjc78

That Town car is really nice.  The 98-02s are generally unloved, but I don't mind them. Thanks for the auto show report.   Lots of nice choices these days.  

Sandman6472

Smitten with the GLA, drove a black over black the other day at work and fell in love! Thinking in another 4 or so years, sell mine and move into a CPO unit. My guy at Tires Plus told me that when I'm ready, sell my Golf privately as he thinks it'll go quick to a kid looking for a Golf. He also commented on how nice the Jetta Joda wheels look with the blue color. He drive it to check out the brakes and alignment and said it's just about perfect!
Hopefully my parts will be in by Wednesday and will get them installed. Eventually, might get the aluminum pedal caps and the aluminum skid plate for the top of the back bumper, the area that luggage usually scuffs up. Also liked the aluminum tail pipe extenders but again, doing a few things at a time and will see how I like it.

The Sandman