Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Just wanted to throw this one out there. For the right person, this looks like a screaming deal. commuter car, HS/college kid, whatever you need. Nice low miles, well equipped, for really not much money. If I was needing of one now, would take a look!

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-mercury-milan-4dr_sedan_fwd-used-14595740.html

corvette

Looks really clean, and low miles for a five year old car.

Sandman6472

Saw a GLE and a CLE on the way to work this morning as well as an X6. Since I prefer a smaller vehicle, of course I liked the GLA best but the CLE is also very nice. Really like where MB is going style wise and will be very interested in their CPO offerings come 2017 or 2018. Could very well see myself in a CLA and bet it's just slightly longer than my 167.5" Golf. If could find one in the low $20's with decent miles and a killer warranty, might be fun to go down that road. Am also drawn to the X1 and love the smaller size, hell, anything that can fit comfortably on my shorter side of the garage I'd surely look at. Low miles/low cost are the main variables in that search so we shall see. All the players have stores right near us and so many seem to lease down here that I'm confident I'll be able to find numerous good examples of what interests me. Did see a red CLA earlier and my head must've done a complete 360 as we were driving away, it was so gorgeous it just overwhelmed me...that vehicle does red very very well and never thought I'd ever want such a colored vehicle.
Need to save my pennies going forward so I can indulge my new love for German iron!

The Sandman

stickguy

Sandy, just buy the A3 in a couple of years when the wife cuts it loose. A new to you set of wheels that you already know!

good timing on the MB musings. I was just popping over to post this one. Could be my next car! Love the colors, and just the right equipment. Not the 400, but those are going to be much rarer and I can deal with this! Too pricey now, but come 10/2017 when the 18s are out and this is out of date looking, and selling for in the 20s, we be talking!

http://www.aviautosales.com/2016_MercedesBenz_EClass_Magnolia_NJ_1966698.veh

berri

Stick, I'm thinking that prior gen Fusion/Milan had better quality ratings than the current model as well.

stickguy

could be. That is the old fashioned 2.5L engine. Not as exotic, but probably pretty darned durable and reliable.

Michaell

That Milan would be a good car for my kid. But, wrong coast.

au1994

sandman_6472 said:

Saw a GLE and a CLE on the way to work this morning as well as an X6. Since I prefer a smaller vehicle, of course I liked the GLA best but the CLE is also very nice. Really like where MB is going style wise and will be very interested in their CPO offerings come 2017 or 2018. Could very well see myself in a CLA and bet it's just slightly longer than my 167.5" Golf. If could find one in the low $20's with decent miles and a killer warranty, might be fun to go down that road. Am also drawn to the X1 and love the smaller size, hell, anything that can fit comfortably on my shorter side of the garage I'd surely look at. Low miles/low cost are the main variables in that search so we shall see. All the players have stores right near us and so many seem to lease down here that I'm confident I'll be able to find numerous good examples of what interests me. Did see a red CLA earlier and my head must've done a complete 360 as we were driving away, it was so gorgeous it just overwhelmed me...that vehicle does red very very well and never thought I'd ever want such a colored vehicle. Need to save my pennies going forward so I can indulge my new love for German iron! The Sandman

I really like the GLA and drove one a few months ago, it's not a disappointment. Very good engine and transmission combo. It would make the list of possibilities to replace the ZHP when the time comes. I've also seen a few new S60s and find those good looking too 

stickguy

Maybe save some money and look at the Infiniti version of the GLA that us about to come out?

Michaell

stickguy said:

Maybe save some money and look at the Infiniti version of the GLA that us about to come out?

The QX30? I've seen pictures. Handsome vehicle.

stickguy

Read a few reviews that seemed positive.

xwesx

Michaell said:

That Milan would be a good car for my kid. But, wrong coast.

ROAD TRIP!!!!!

stickguy

Heck, add $700 to ship, and still a good deal. Would have been perfect 1st car for my daughter.

andres3

au1994 said:

People want what they want and will justify it somehow. I just did it moving from the 335 to the X6. Didn't help that I just didn't like the 335. Growing, active 10 yr old aside we could have lived with it.  Now just the 2 of us took it to the beach this summer and it was packed! But again, excuses, excuses.  I mean I love my ZHP but can easily justify why I should move to a GTI or A3

I have to ask, what didn't you like about the 335, and why'd you get it if you didn't like it (other than being a member of this forum),

au1994

andres3 said:

au1994 said:

People want what they want and will justify it somehow. I just did it moving from the 335 to the X6. Didn't help that I just didn't like the 335. Growing, active 10 yr old aside we could have lived with it.  Now just the 2 of us took it to the beach this summer and it was packed! But again, excuses, excuses.  I mean I love my ZHP but can easily justify why I should move to a GTI or A3

I have to ask, what didn't you like about the 335, and why'd you get it if you didn't like it (other than being a member of this forum),

It lacked the handling and chassis characteristics that the 3 series was founded on. Engine made a ton of power, transmission was perfectly matched but just didn't handle like my E46 does or even the E92 it replaced. Good looking car and the sport seats were great. As I have said before "a great engine in search of a great chassis". I probably should have taken a more lengthy test drive to sort this out but that's on me.

Sandman6472

Drove a new Fusion today, plus new Sonata, Camry and Optima...all 2016 models. They were all very good mid size sedans, very good but if I were in the market for one right now, I'd be buying......the Optima! Personally think all these vehicles blow the Accord out of the water in every way shape or form. And the best thing is that soon, all the smaller econoboxes will have all the goodies that their larger siblings have which is a great thing. Been a long time coming since sometimes, folks want all the new good stuff just in a smaller package. I happen to be one of those people who wants it all, just in a smaller size. And at this point, I'm willing to pay a little more for it.
The idea of getting a CPO vehicle is starting to resonate within me since if one can get a super clean, low mileage great vehicle at a reduced price, why not? I know we all like that new car smell, to be the first person to put those early miles on our vehicles but to get into certain vehicles, CPO could be the best way to go to be honest. Unfortunately, I married someone who'd never buy used, who just have to have brand new but I've bought a few used vehicles in the past and all but one have been very good with one being a disaster right out of the gate. But being older and maybe a little wiser, the jury's still out on this, going this route might just be my next move.
Who knows, it's all in G-d's hands to be honest!

The Sandman

berri

Well, Hertz probably has some used car dealership in your area. Do you get an employee discount?

stickguy

Used rentals were a much nicer idea when they cycled units out after 12K or so. Not the 40K they seem to run these days.

berri

That is getting kind of high

roadburner

au1994 said:

It lacked the handling and chassis characteristics that the 3 series was founded on. Engine made a ton of power, transmission was perfectly matched but just didn't handle like my E46 does or even the E92 it replaced. Good looking car and the sport seats were great. As I have said before "a great engine in search of a great chassis". I probably should have taken a more lengthy test drive to sort this out but that's on me.

My dealer has given me several F30 loaners, and every time I turn one in and get back in my ti or X3 I am amazed at how much better they are to drive. My 2er is the only newer BMW(apart from the M3/4) I've driven that is actually engaging to drive.

au1994

roadburner said:

It lacked the handling and chassis characteristics that the 3 series was founded on. Engine made a ton of power, transmission was perfectly matched but just didn't handle like my E46 does or even the E92 it replaced. Good looking car and the sport seats were great. As I have said before "a great engine in search of a great chassis". I probably should have taken a more lengthy test drive to sort this out but that's on me.

My dealer has given me several F30 loaners, and every time I turn one in and get back in my ti or X3 I am amazed at how much better they are to drive. My 2er is the only newer BMW(apart from the M3/4) I've driven that is actually engaging to drive.

Agreed. The X6 drives almost as well as the 335.  It's a real shame but sales numbers win out and the minority of buyers are the ones looking for crisp handling etc. A used M3/4 would interest me or another E46, but that's it BMW car wise. I love the 2 series but with a growing 10 year old who's sports equipment grows right along with him, I fear it is a bit small.  My commute doubled, 17 mi to 35 mi one way, so I need to decide if I want my next car to be to the sporting side a la GTI or trend toward more luxury, S60, Passat. The A3 2.0 seems to be a good blend of both though

Sandman6472

Think I'd only go CPO at a higher end dealership to be honest...prefer something like a loaner since they are taken out of the rotation at lower miles and hopefully, those that drive it are a bit more careful. Yes, Hertz does sell used vehicles and I do get an employee discount but not so sure about purchasing one. I do know that certain vehicles that customers rent can be bought then and there, but that's only on certain ones. No, think I'd pay the extra premium to buy from a MB, BMW or Audi store just for the piece of mind. Even going that route isn't foolproof, but like insurance, all depends on our risk tolerance.
Luckily, I'm not in the market for anything and won't be for the forseeable future but like everyone in this forum, we constantly are looking and could pull the trigger if the "right" vehicle does come along, that one in a million vehicle we just can not live without!

The Sandman

au1994

MB, Audi and BMW CPO programs are all pretty good so I don't think you could go wrong with that extra bit of peace of mind

dcoonrod

I think I have an addiction. I've had my license for less than 6 months and I've already owned 7 cars and currently still own two of them.

2005 Volvo XC90

2005 Chrysler Town and Country Limited

2002 Audi A4 1.8T

2003 Mercedes Clk500

1999 Ford F250 (With a complete 2008 F350 body)

2006 Honda Civic LX

2007 Ford Focus SES

(8 if you count my 1995 corolla I bought for $100)<----Not a Typo

Mr_Shiftright

You've come to the right place with that rap sheet.

dcoonrod

I can't stop.... It's been all of 4 days since my last purchase

stickguy

Must be related to Breld.

Mr_Shiftright

Nah, Breld paces himself better---tortoise and hare sort of thing.

dcoonrod

I just found this page today. Googled "car buying addiction" and came across this... I'm only 17...

But, I've turned my original $2500 investment into about 10 grand and a free car since September.  

Mr_Shiftright

If you're flipping cars, keep in mind that the profit is in the buy, not the sell. One bad purchase and lots of profit goes up in flames.

This sounds more like a profit-addiction than a car addiction. Many of our resident addicts don't seem to care about the profit motive---they buy what they like.

dcoonrod

Yep. Here's a rough run down of what I've bought/sold

2005 Chrysler T&C - bought new by parents & totaled by young kid in truck

2005 xc90 - purchased with insurance money and now given to my younger sister.

2002 a4- bought for $2500 sold for $3500

2003 clk500-bought for $4000 and traded for the f250

1995 corolla-purchased for $100 (sold to junkyard for $200 after I had my fun with it)

1999 F250- sold for $9000

2006 Civic- purchased for $4800 and daily driver

2007 ford focus- my latest impulse buy ($1500) and currently sitting in my driveway. Hoping to get at least $2500 for it.

dcoonrod

And yes I've made money so far. But I have this urge whenever I have money to spend it on stupid and unnecessary cars, like a Suzuki x-90 or a geo metro. Or a 95 corolla lol

stever

Welcome to the forum. May as well start researching the dealer laws in your state and what it takes to gain admission to the auction houses. You're well on your way.

graphicguy

stever said:

Welcome to the forum. May as well start researching the dealer laws in your state and what it takes to gain admission to the auction houses. You're well on your way.

And...start your own "Buy Here-Pay Here" lot.

Mr_Shiftright

That's a home run price for a '99 F250.

cdnpinhead

You can't make this stuff up.

Party on!

xwesx

dcoonrod said:

Yep. Here's a rough run down of what I've bought/sold

2005 Chrysler T&C - bought new by parents & totaled by young kid in truck

2005 xc90 - purchased with insurance money and now given to my younger sister.

2002 a4- bought for $2500 sold for $3500

2003 clk500-bought for $4000 and traded for the f250

1995 corolla-purchased for $100 (sold to junkyard for $200 after I had my fun with it)

1999 F250- sold for $9000

2006 Civic- purchased for $4800 and daily driver

2007 ford focus- my latest impulse buy ($1500) and currently sitting in my driveway. Hoping to get at least $2500 for it.

There may be missing numbers here, but I'm seeing that you're "in it" for $200 at this point as opposed to being ahead, but don't forget that there are (or often are) a lot of other costs that go into the ownership besides just the purchase price. Maintenance, repairs, insurance, fuel, you name it.

That said, enjoying the ride sure goes a long way!

Sandman6472

Mike, drove a 2016 Elantra GT today with a damaged drivers side mirror, took it in for repairs. Had the bolt on wheel covers and was blue over grayish cloth if memory serves me correctly. Seats were comfy and it did drive nicely but definitely felt like an econobox...did everything right, must be "cheap to keep" also but it lacked fun if you will. bet with the alloys it would look tons better and having the right color helps, even nicer interior would also help the "fun factor". It's funny, when I bought the Tucson, these had just come out and they had a silver over black with alloys and all the goodies parked out front and I had a moment there when I thought I should undue the current deal and go for the GT. Looking back, that might've been the better move for me at the time but then I'd have a hard time explaining getting rid of a Civic with 46K miles and nothing wrong and doing such a lateral move.
No, I think we all buy certain vehicles when the timing is right, and it makes some sense. In other words, one must go through Stop B to get to Stop C, going from Stop A right to Stop C might not be the best way. So going from the Civic into the Tucson to arrive at the Golf was what I needed to do to justify the purchase. Obviously, it did work with stellar results and I've only gotten flack about it once. So glad we each now purchase our own vehicles so the other party has no veto power like years earlier. Better yet, might be best to have a wife like Breld does, a partner who shares your same passion for the automobile...just makes life that much easier!!
Just some random thought for today. Got to come in for an additional 5.5 hours this week due to others just not showing up. My next step is to go to HR and see about getting my hours bumped up to 30 hours/week going forward. Doing a 4/3 week works for me at this juncture so we will see what I can work out here. I definitely want some more hours right now!

The Sandman

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

Better yet, might be best to have a wife like Breld does, a partner who shares your same passion for the automobile...just makes life that much easier!!

Yes, and no! There's something to be said for yang's balance that comes from yin. Still, that doesn't mean said balance is easy.

stever

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Yin - neither one of which gets all that excited about going to a dealership.

fintail

It's nice being single, my only Yang is my bank account

imidazol97

fintail said:

It's nice being single, my only Yang is my bank account

Ah, yes. I remember those good ol' days of being single and solely in charge.

corvette

fintail said:

It's nice being single, my only Yang is my bank account

Ditto! I enjoy my own company, but going on solo vacations gets old after a while, though.

fintail

I have seen enough unhappy or dissolved marriages around me to mitigate those feelings.

On the buyer front, I received a pre-approval letter from MBFS today, lease still has almost a year to go unless I pull forward, funny.

dcoonrod

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's a home run price for a '99 F250.

I'll have to dig up a picture of it. Had a full 2008 f350 conversion with 35" mud tires and a 6" lift kit as well...

Michaell

fintail said:

On the buyer front, I received a pre-approval letter from MBFS today, lease still has almost a year to go unless I pull forward, funny.

I got an email from my Hyundai dealer letting me know my lease is up soon. 

In November. I know there is a pull ahead program, but doubt it's 9 months long. 

au1994

Michaell said:

fintail said:

On the buyer front, I received a pre-approval letter from MBFS today, lease still has almost a year to go unless I pull forward, funny.

I got an email from my Hyundai dealer letting me know my lease is up soon. 

In November. I know there is a pull ahead program, but doubt it's 9 months long. 

9 months, probably not but BMW used to to a 6 month at one time. Now it's 3.

Michaell

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:

On the buyer front, I received a pre-approval letter from MBFS today, lease still has almost a year to go unless I pull forward, funny.

I got an email from my Hyundai dealer letting me know my lease is up soon. 

In November. I know there is a pull ahead program, but doubt it's 9 months long. 

9 months, probably not but BMW used to to a 6 month at one time. Now it's 3.

Last time I looked, Hyundai was 3 or 4.

au1994

Michaell said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:

On the buyer front, I received a pre-approval letter from MBFS today, lease still has almost a year to go unless I pull forward, funny.

I got an email from my Hyundai dealer letting me know my lease is up soon. 

In November. I know there is a pull ahead program, but doubt it's 9 months long. 

9 months, probably not but BMW used to to a 6 month at one time. Now it's 3.

Last time I looked, Hyundai was 3 or 4.

Hey there's and end in sight! If you wanted to go the Hyundai route again.

At 3 months out you might be close enough to even that you could trade out at another manufacturer. Don't know if Hyundai inflates residuals like some of the German makes do to lower payments 

qbrozen

I wish there were more pics of this. Or, maybe I don't wish for it. I just can't buy another car right now.