Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I'm opposite. I want a console to lean my leg against. Just can't be sharp or too obtrusive!

ab348

Well, a console is a good place for an armrest, cup holders, storage, and all the tech connections cars have these days, plus some have AC vents for the rear compartment at the back end. Some also have a 120V outlet there. Without it, the space is rather wasted.

laurasdada

Last month was the first oil change I had to pay for on the XF (first one was "free."). "Special" filter, 7+ quartz of synth and another child of the tech at the shop I use has his college tuition paid for! Thank goodness it's only once a year...

PUG at Costco Tuesday: $2/gallon; Wednesday: $2.10; Today: $2.00. Love gasoline roulette!

andres3

nyccarguy said:

Since my evil friend @stickguy likes to post used G37xs for me to drool over and my friend @Michaell likes to post about cheapo Q50 leases, I started to poke around on different dealer websites.  I've always been a fan of the G37XS.  I know it is just basically an appearance package on the AWD sedans, but I like the wheels and it has sport seats with adjustable thigh support.  the S designated cars aren't as popular, but they aren't unicorns either.  Most of these were cheap leased out and either turned in at lease end or bought out from a pull ahead program.  The thing that concerns me is that some of these cars have cheapo "my tires are shot and my lease is up" tires or "let's put cheap tires on it so it qualifies as a CPO" tires.

I despise people that put very cheap tires designed for Kia Rio's on a sports sedan that costs north of $30K. OEM tires are usually pretty lame, but at least they are "reasonably" appropriate to the vehicle, typically.

Sandman6472

Love the acceleration sound Infiniti's make, a real sweet sound. My neighbor had a '03 coupe similar to that red one and we always knew when he was coming or going. Makes a sound which was like music to my ears, an authoritative sound that always made me smile. I know he loved that vehicle and just cut it from the herd last year. He did say they are a bit on the thirsty side, just like most Nissan products for some reason.
Understandable that you are a bit underwhelmed by the lack of punch in the Subaru. I know the areas you speak of in the lower Connecticut/lower New York area and one does need a vehicle that can "move" when merging onto the Merritt or I-95. Back in '06, Hertz put me into a brand new Impala LTZ and definitely appreciated the extra horses when getting onto I-95 on the Westport entrance ramp. Traffic always seemed a bit intense in that area where the two states meet for some reason but understandable with the high population there. One does need a 6 or 8 if possible or at least a turbo 4 to get places especially where there are hills. Down in South Florida, we are all flat terrain except going over expressways so any 4 will be fine though I do like the extra power and excellent mpg's from my 1.8 turbo. Have no issues merging onto any highway, the power band is pretty awesome all the time. Just wish the brakes were more linear when stopping, at 15K, not happy with the brakes but was told last week that the pads and rotors are all good and that nothings wrong. Just wish the pedal didn't go so close to the floor like it does after awhile. Most vehicles I drive have better brake feel than my VW does, reminds me how much I hated Toyota brakes which did something similar. Thinking come replacement time, finding an independent VW shop that can steer me to brake parts that give me more of what I'm looking for. Just have to find the right independent VW store.

The Sandman

andres3

@nyccarguy There's always the Legacy 3.6R. That car can scoot a bit.

Sandman6472

At the VW store yesterday, I went over to their used, pre-owned, section and found a lot of nice vehicles. Have always been a fan of the CC and had the pleasure of driving one from West Palm to Tampa a few years back. A bit big for my tastes but they drive nice and have a comfortable interior. See a bunch on the roads down here and guessing they must be based on the Passat. As I mentioned earlier, loved the Tiguans and could see myself in a CPO unit one day. They fit me and do like the way they drive. Like the Jetta but would have to move up to the SEL or Sport version to be really happy. Am spoiled now having sunroofs on both in our fleet so going forward, having one will be a must.
The MB store is right next door to the VW dealer so will have to take a stroll over there eventually to see what they've got. A bit to early for any GLA's to be on their CPO lot, figure another year or two for them to show up figuring most of those will be on a 24 month lease or possibly a 36 month one. Love the last generation C class and there seem to be a ton on the used car lots now. A 2013 or 2014 model seem to be the sweet spot there since they did the refresh around that time. Drove a 2011 a few years back and did like everything about it except the size. They seem to be the same size as the 3 Series. Love the 1 Series to be honest, but not sure how heavy the doors are and how low one sits in them. Was looking at one back in the fall of 2013 but the battery was dead and I never went back to test it. A good looking unit with white over black...felt great sitting in it and sorry that I never went back to drive it as it was priced pretty aggressively and I just liked it. But a coupe could be an issue when I have more than the wife and myself going in it. It is a great looking vehicle though. Afraid that if I found the perfect unit now, I might just do something illogical again!

The Sandman

stickguy

Just configured a Jag. XE on their site. Not too bad. Getting what I would consider minimal required luxury car stuff was MSRP about $43k. For a 2.0t RWD premium. Probably real fun to drive!

xwesx

andres3 said:

@nyccarguy There's always the Legacy 3.6R. That car can scoot a bit.

Aye, but he would probably end up paying a lot more for that car than the G37. Guessing here, but seems reasonable considering how Subaru holds value!

xwesx

Regarding dealer badging.... I hate it - I don't buy the car to provide free advertising for a dealer! Its never been an issue when I bought cars in the past, as they only include plate frames (which I don't worry about since I have to pull the screws to add the plates anyway).

But, I'm sure the day will come when it is an issue. Currently, my plan is just to let them know that they either remove the badges or knock another grand off the price, as that is my advertising fee. If they won't do either, then they can sell the car to someone else because I am willing to buy anywhere in the country; their car just isn't that special.

nyccarguy

andres3 said:

@nyccarguy There's always the Legacy 3.6R. That car can scoot a bit.

If I'm going to make a move, it's going to be a big one.  I'm sure the Legacy 3.6R is really nice.  It's H6 pumps out 265 HP (90 HP more than my car's 2.5) which would make it the highest HP car I've ever owned.  But it is essentially the same car as mine.

rayainsw

I am looking forward to seeing an XE at the Atlanta show next month -
and my local dealer says they expect to see salable units by month end.
- Ray
Configured a S/C V6 - at a bit higher MSRP.......
[ TQ addict, I am ]

tifighter

Yuck to badges. And I remove the license plate frames as soon as I get home at the latest. I've been known to pull them in the dealer lot before leaving in the past as well.

laurasdada

stickguy said:

Just configured a Jag. XE on their site. Not too bad. Getting what I would consider minimal required luxury car stuff was MSRP about $43k. For a 2.0t RWD premium. Probably real fun to drive!

Stickguy, I am your father! Come over to the Brit side!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Just configured a Jag. XE on their site. Not too bad. Getting what I would consider minimal required luxury car stuff was MSRP about $43k. For a 2.0t RWD premium. Probably real fun to drive!

Only way I will consider them is if they offer a higher power option.

abacomike

xwesx said:

Regarding dealer badging.... I hate it - I don't buy the car to provide free advertising for a dealer! Its never been an issue when I bought cars in the past, as they only include plate frames (which I don't worry about since I have to pull the screws to add the plates anyway). But, I'm sure the day will come when it is an issue. Currently, my plan is just to let them know that they either remove the badges or knock another grand off the price, as that is my advertising fee. If they won't do either, then they can sell the car to someone else because I am willing to buy anywhere in the country; their car just isn't that special.

The only dealer badging on my new CLS is on the metal chrome-like plate frame on the rear (we only have one plate down here).  I left it on because unless you are less than 6 feet from the frame, you cannot make out the dealer's name - it is purposely tiny in order to identify their customers for car washes.

But I agree with all the posts - free dealership advertising is not a requirement in my contract for purchase of my new car. 

rayainsw

'Only way I will consider them is if they offer a higher power option. '
The S/C V6 C+D tested ran the quarter in 13.1.
- Ray
Probably enough for me .....

stickguy

the 240 HP and 6.5ish 0-60 on the 2.0T is enough for me.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Just configured a Jag. XE on their site. Not too bad. Getting what I would consider minimal required luxury car stuff was MSRP about $43k. For a 2.0t RWD premium. Probably real fun to drive!

Only way I will consider them is if they offer a higher power option.

Says the guy whose car is powered by a 420 hp twin turbo V6;)

corvette

Truth is stranger than fiction. Didn't the buyer of the Sam Swope dealerships used to post here as rroyce10? Sounds like his empire has gotten a lot bigger.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20151026/RETAIL/310269966/a-stealth-giant-in-auto-retail

kyfdx

corvette said:

Truth is stranger than fiction. Didn't the buyer of the Sam Swope dealerships used to post here as rroyce10? Sounds like his empire has gotten a lot bigger.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20151026/RETAIL/310269966/a-stealth-giant-in-auto-retail

Makes you wonder why he spent time here, giving out trade-in values. Seems like he would have been too busy for that. Pretty amazing story.

berri

Funny how consolidation, whether car dealer or big corporations, seems to be on a tear despite a democrat in the White House. This trend toward oligopolies ultimately restricts competition driving up owner profits at the expense of elevated consumer prices.

stickguy

that is our Terry? I didn't realize he was that big a shot! I read the article. All it needed was a "the only difference is the difference" quote to prove it.

kyfdx

berri said:

Funny how consolidation, whether car dealer or big corporations, seems to be on a tear despite a democrat in the White House. This trend toward oligopolies ultimately restricts competition driving up owner profits at the expense of elevated consumer prices.

Or, you could argue that consolidating back office functions over more dealerships lowers costs, which can then be passed on to the consumer through lower prices.

Most of the dealership groups that get bought, don't have any sort of brand monopoly for their areas. They usually own a number of different make dealerships. So, their Nissan dealership still has to compete with the other five Nissan dealerships in town, etc..

berri

Hope you're right kyfdx, but I've found if my area has a super dealership combo it is usually more expensive than shopping areas with more separately owned dealerships. Of course, that's just one person's experience.

stever

Maybe if we mention Terry as @rroyce10 he'll pop-in and say hello.

28firefighter

Wow!  Terry has taken one heck of a hop, skip and a jump down retail row....

kyfdx

berri said:

Hope you're right kyfdx, but I've found if my area has a super dealership combo it is usually more expensive than shopping areas with more separately owned dealerships. Of course, that's just one person's experience.

Well.. I said you could argue that point. Didn't say I was right...

rayainsw

And, for those requiring higher HP in a sport sedan similar
in size to the Jag XE:

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/11/infiniti-q50-engines-chicago-official/

cdnpinhead

corvette said:

Didn't the buyer of the Sam Swope dealerships used to post here as rroyce10? Sounds like his empire has gotten a lot bigger.

Thanks -- very interesting. Terry was always a straight shooter on here, so it sounds like that has served him well in his business also.

jpp75

henryn said:

My 2006 Cadillac DTS (about to turn 40k miles), has a small oil leak. I'm pretty sure it's a valve cover, I can smell (just barely) burnt oil when I get out of it, if I walk past the front of the car. I may (or may not) do anything about that. On the other hand, the left front TPMS sensor has dropped out. I will fix that, I'm just debating whether to do the one or do all four. My guess is that the battery is dead (10 years old, after all). So probably best to byte the bullet and do all 4?

For me, non-functioning power windows get fixed, trunk (or hood) struts get replaced, hard starting -- the car goes in the shop today!

My uncle had a 2002 DeVille with an oil burning issue. He ended up adding a couple of quarts each month, he tried to work with Cadillac but they just told him that was normal consumption, which it turns out it was normal for those engines.

I think by 2006 they had gotten better, regardless you still have a great car for the money!

kyfdx

cdnpinhead said:

corvette said:

Didn't the buyer of the Sam Swope dealerships used to post here as rroyce10? Sounds like his empire has gotten a lot bigger.

Thanks -- very interesting. Terry was always a straight shooter on here, so it sounds like that has served him well in his business also.

He was a good guy.. Not too long after I signed up as a member here, I was looking at nearly new BMW on eBay, and emailed him about it. He told me when it sold at auction and how much the guy paid for it. Also, told me what to expect to pay, to get the car. He was right on the money, on all accounts.

Pretty nice for a guy that was that far up the food chain, to take the time to directly help me out.

That was in 2003

henryn

jpp5862 said:

henryn said:

My 2006 Cadillac DTS (about to turn 40k miles), has a small oil leak. I'm pretty sure it's a valve cover, I can smell (just barely) burnt oil when I get out of it, if I walk past the front of the car. I may (or may not) do anything about that. On the other hand, the left front TPMS sensor has dropped out. I will fix that, I'm just debating whether to do the one or do all four. My guess is that the battery is dead (10 years old, after all). So probably best to byte the bullet and do all 4?

For me, non-functioning power windows get fixed, trunk (or hood) struts get replaced, hard starting -- the car goes in the shop today!

My uncle had a 2002 DeVille with an oil burning issue. He ended up adding a couple of quarts each month, he tried to work with Cadillac but they just told him that was normal consumption, which it turns out it was normal for those engines.

I think by 2006 they had gotten better, regardless you still have a great car for the money!

Thank you. I have not had to add any oil, and I see nothing on the driveway, so I probably will ignore this one. I have ordered 4 new TPMS sensors (or should that be "senders"?).

jpp75

nyccarguy said:

Here's a 2013 that meets my requirements. Looks like they have had it in the lot since November. Asking $24,789.



http://www.infinitiofmanhasset.com/certified-cars/2013-infiniti-g37-sedan-4dr-x-awd-v2187222/detail/

That seems a bit high. The buyout on my 2012 G37x was $28k two years ago, it had 18k miles on it.

Should have just bought it, loved that car.

xwesx

Interesting idea. Many pitfalls.

stever

And also qualifies as spam here....

stickguy

This car. is a nice looking car. and really loaded up. I like this one.

and yes, i can live without the fancy suspension!

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series-328i_xdrive-used-14682646.html

nelsonf

Good looking car. That wheel opening trim isn't factory is it?

corvette

nelsonf said:

Good looking car. That wheel opening trim isn't factory is it?

That's what I was wondering. It looks tacky.

stickguy

not sure what that is. could just be an add on of some kind. Might have to stop and look in person! Does not bother me all that much.

nyccarguy

Stick - is that the "modern line" or "luxury line?"

stickguy

Luxury with premium, tech, lighting, navi and cold weather. 12K in option packages.

qbrozen

rayainsw said:

'Only way I will consider them is if they offer a higher power option. ' The S/C V6 C+D tested ran the quarter in 13.1. - Ray Probably enough for me .....

Makes me wonder if they did not severely underrate the engine or if they handed C&D a ringer. A 3800-lb RWD car with 340hp should not be hitting 60 in 4.5 and completing the 1/4 in 13.1. I agree those are fast enough.

rayainsw

FWIW - The recent C+D test of the BMW 340i [ comparable weight & HP ]
with the 6 speed manual trans. recorded 13.3.
[ Manual trans = not typically the quickest, these days. ]
- Ray
Waiting [ oh, so patiently ] to actually drive the Q50 and the XE.....

nyccarguy

Ok all you Chronic Car Buying manual transmission die hards (@tyguy , @breld , & @Mr_Shiftright), would you be willing to pay more for a car with a stick?

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/outlandish-plan-bring-back-manual-191303054.html

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

Ok all you Chronic Car Buying manual transmission die hards (@tyguy , @breld , & @Mr_Shiftright), would you be willing to pay more for a car with a stick?

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/outlandish-plan-bring-back-manual-191303054.html

Doesn't matter.. I'm not buying a car without a stick.

Sandman6472

Love those rims but hate the rubber band size sneakers...beautiful vehicle but black does better up north I think. In a white or silver and it would do real well down south here I suspect. Been on Autotrader lately and there seems to be a limited amount of 1 Series in the area. Looks like 2013 was the last year of production. Really like the size and all but wondering if the front doors are heavyish like most coupes. Might go and test drive a local unit, miles in the mid 20's with a price in the low 20's. Just very curious and just want some closure here since the one I really wanted to drive back in the fall of 2013 was dead in the showroom, dead battery. Somehow, I never got back there to test it and moved on to the crossover, and the rest is history.
Driving the Golf and the A3 has shown me that I prefer a vehicle with a length of 170" or smaller. So, just to scratch that itch, plan to go test drive one of the local ones just to see what I missed, if anything at all. Having the 6 under the hood, obviously it's going to pull stronger off the line. Not sure how comfy those seats will be over my current ones but really curious to find out. Obviously I'm not going to buy again so soon, that would be plain stupid, but just want to see.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Agree that those chrome look wheel well moldings just look goofy on this vehicle, better they be in black so not visible but the protection is there. Have had these on numerous vehicles we have owned but always in the body color. VW only offered the color coded door edge guards, which I had put on last week, but if they had had the color keyed wheel well moldings, I would've gotten them also just for the added protection. In our garage, any help I can get to not damage the wife's vehicle is appreciated.
Now, at first glance, this BMW looked like a 5 Series due to the wheels choice I suspect, alloys I really like. Have always liked alloys on all our vehicles because they look so much better than hub caps, either bolt on or held on by clips. So glad I made switching the alloys when buying the Golf as part of the deal even though they screwed up the first time. And I doubt there's many Golf's out there with Jetta SEL alloys on them. All I know is given the choice the general manager gave me, these were the nicer alloys. Saw a 2016 Golf SE at the dealer the other day which had the original alloys on them which I hated then, and which I still hate now. So I was very lucky they agreed to the swap in our negotiations, very lucky!

The Sandman

Mr_Shiftright

Unless it was a 4X4 dump truck, I'm not buying anything with an automatic unless, heaven forbid, I become handicapped.

Sandman6472

I applied for a job awhile back that needed me to be able to drive a stick every so often but being partially handicapped with spinal issues and a particularly weak left leg, that part of the job would be impossible for me to do. But once the interviewer saw me walk in using my cane, i knew I was out of luck even then. All the job interviews I went on at the various dealerships around here first saw my cane and every time I heard the same thing, "we have no open positions". I'd bet that once I left, they all threw my application in the trash and would never give me a shot even if a position opened up. Funny, the one I really wanted the job with was my current VW dealer, they use their Chrysler twin van as their shuttle, something I could drive as I do now at Hertz.
Just wish all the places I applied to didn't see my cane as negative because I am a good employee and have only gone home with back issues at Hertz twice, with yesterday being the 2nd time. After 6 hours, I was in such agony that once the others went to lunch, I clocked out and came home to get off my feet and am still off them as I type. A big reason I made my schedule the way it is is because I need to rest my spine after a couple of days working. And it's the real reason I gave up the other gig driving around the state, it was just too much working 6 or 7 days a week. I've learned, finally, my limitations and do not push myself anymore...it just ain't worth it.

The Sandman

P.S. I've seen that ad in Craigslist for that initial job I went to and they can't seem to keep employees as I see their ad frequently posted there! I would've been a great part time employee had they given me the chance!