Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I would go with the tile planks if I was doing it again. A bonus, little to no grout lines to get dirty!

Michaell

stickguy said:

not really a trick. they want you there in person to see them drop their shorts.

adding all these pieces together, if Michael is patient, he is leaving with a new car and a killer deal.

If I can get the wife to buy in.

And, I'm still concerned that terminating the lease early on the E-GT will queer things up.

stickguy

dealers do that all the time though. and you aren't that far off from the end anyway. So being a Hyundai dealer should make it doable.

for the wife, stick with all the money you are saving. Monthly payment going down with nothing OOP, and making the pending miles overage disappear. You need something to drive!

sda

nyccarguy said:

Very nice. I hope you and your wife are pleased. I know the process of getting that done can be challenging. We did new floors, countertop, sink, disposal, back splash and appliances about a year ago and we hit one snag after another. I think next time we will just buy a different house!

nyccarguy

breld said:

@nyccarguy - great kitchen! Love the white cabinets and dark countertop - sort of a cottage look, yet contemporary. And I do like that sink! So with that done, you're ready for some car shopping, no?

We kind of blended a few different styles together.  The farm sink was a "must have" for the Mrs.  It is a DXV by American Standard (someone asked).  The faucet is a Delta touch faucet.  The granite we chose is called "Blue Pearl Grey."  It is dark & shows a lot of different silver & gold in different lights.  We picked white cabinets because they are classic and really show nicely against the dark wood tiles.  

We were quickly talked out of hardwoods in the kitchen because they are just too much to keep up with.  We got brown grout to go in between the tiles.  There is actually 1/16" space.  

The he only thing we are still unsure about is the island.  We love the butcher block top & how it contrasts with the Granite.  We are leaning to not staining, just sealing and leaving its natural color.  

The "mud room" on the back wall is key.  We walk into the house from the garage, so this way the kids have a place to take off their shoes (we have pull out bins underneath) and hang their coats and back packs.

kyfdx

I think it looks great. I'll not show my wife, so we don't have to go through the whole "we need to upgrade to granite in the kitchen" thing again.

I'll say that wood floors in a kitchen are pretty easy to maintain. Though, it's important to have color contrast with the cabinetry. Tile is great, until you drop that first glass..

We have the same style window over our kitchen sink. Case and sill, as well.

fintail

I've never seen double windows like that here - most houses built before the early 80s or so here will have simple single pane windows. That idea above makes me think of European rollshutters, in a way. Is there a reason why the exterior window appears to be open?

nyccarguy

"...ready for car shopping."  As a card carrying CCBA member, I'm always ready!  I'm going to keep the Legacy around for at least a couple of more years until I have some serious equity.  Right now the only thing that checks a lot of boxes would be a certified S4 .

There are some other major projects we need to tackle here on the Homefront.  I need a new driveway, the exterior needs to be painted, & we want to have a bigger deck built.

tjc78

I've got casement windows just like those (Anderson) in the front of my house.  Love them!  Naturally my wife's sister broke one of the crank mechanisms and I have to replace it. Looks easy enough, but probably wait until fall. AC is on now and most likely won't be off until September.  

Gorgeous kitchen.  Similar look to how we did ours (though much much bigger).  Love white and stainless appliances.  

kyfdx

fintail said:

I've never seen double windows like that here - most houses built before the early 80s or so here will have simple single pane windows. That idea above makes me think of European rollshutters, in a way. Is there a reason why the exterior window appears to be open?

The window appears to be open, because it is open.

The reason for casement windows above the sink (or over a tub, which is where we have our other one), is for ease of opening, since you are reaching over something. You just crank a handle, rather than having to put both hands on a window sash.

The rest of our house has double-hung windows.

ab348

tjc78 said:

I've got casement windows just like those (Anderson) in the front of my house.  Love them!  Naturally my wife's sister broke one of the crank mechanisms and I have to replace it. Looks easy enough, but probably wait until fall. AC is on now and most likely won't be off until September.  

Gorgeous kitchen.  Similar look to how we did ours (though much much bigger).  Love white and stainless appliances.  

My house is all casement windows. It is a mid-50s house and it appears that the previous owner replaced all the original windows with casements in the late 1980. They were especially popular around that time because they were easier to weather seal for energy efficiency in cold climates, though I understand double-hungs have improved in that department since.

I had one of the crank mechanisms fail just a few weeks ago. The crank shaft actually sheared off. I thought it would be a major pain to replace the mechanism (the proper name for which is, I learned, "window operator"). But I discovered that a couple of specialty stores locally carried them and at least in my case they seem to be made mostly by one company so there are only a few different choices. Changing it was maybe a 10 minute job - 3 screws and the old one was out, with the new being an exact replacement.

fintail

Why is the exterior window open, but the interior window closed? The two sets of windows is what is new to me, I understand what casement and double hung windows are. A lot of old prewar houses here are all double hung, and many still have original windows - the climate isn't quite cold enough to justify ripping them out, and new vinyl windows on an old house looks wrong. My grandmother is the original owner of a mid century rambler, with all original aluminum framed windows, mostly casement. Some people really hate those. Single pane, of course.

kyfdx said:

The window appears to be open, because it is open.

The reason for casement windows above the sink (or over a tub, which is where we have our other one), is for ease of opening, since you are reaching over something. You just crank a handle, rather than having to put both hands on a window sash.

The rest of our house has double-hung windows.

corvette

I wonder if anyone is buying up VW TDIs in hopes of a generous buyback offer? I'm guessing resale values are in the toilet. It is possible the buyback offers will be limited to owners who purchased before the scandal became public, and everyone else will have to wait for the repair, but it could still turn out well for speculators. 

28firefighter

If I had a need regardless of the fix, I might buy figuring worst case I got a great deal on them. I certainly would not hold my breath that I'd be eligible for VW compensation though. 

nyccarguy

@fintail - there are 2 windows, side by side above the kitchen sink.  The windows are open, but there are screens.  Maybe that's what you see.  We've got bugs in CT.  There is a creek in my back yard so we get a decent amount of flying critters.

tjc78

"Changing it was maybe a 10 minute job - 3 screws and the old one was out, with the new being an exact replacement"

Anderson windows require removing a wooden trim piece first. Luckily mine are stained and not painted so with some careful prying I should be able to pry that away without much incident. After the trim piece is off its a matter of a few screws and clips.

kyfdx

fintail said:

Why is the exterior window open, but the interior window closed? The two sets of windows is what is new to me, I understand what casement and double hung windows are. A lot of old prewar houses here are all double hung, and many still have original windows - the climate isn't quite cold enough to justify ripping them out, and new vinyl windows on an old house looks wrong. My grandmother is the original owner of a mid century rambler, with all original aluminum framed windows, mostly casement. Some people really hate those. Single pane, of course.

kyfdx said:

The window appears to be open, because it is open.

The reason for casement windows above the sink (or over a tub, which is where we have our other one), is for ease of opening, since you are reaching over something. You just crank a handle, rather than having to put both hands on a window sash.

The rest of our house has double-hung windows.

That's it.. with casement windows, the screens are on the inside, necessarily

fintail

Ah that's it, the screens. Funny illusion. I thought it was 2 sets of glass windows (not side by side panes, but one in front of the other) which seemed bizarre to me.

graphicguy

Posted this in another thread, but certainly relateable here...heard this on one of my "car programs" a little while ago...

"I'm just one more car away from true happiness...."

No disagreement.

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

Posted this in another thread, but certainly relateable here...heard this on one of my "car programs" a little while ago... "I'm just one more car away from true happiness...." No disagreement.

Especially when one's "fun" car needs repairs & maintenance

breld

nyccarguy said:

"...ready for car shopping."  As a card carrying CCBA member, I'm always ready!  I'm going to keep the Legacy around for at least a couple of more years until I have some serious equity.  Right now the only thing that checks a lot of boxes would be a certified S4 .

There are some other major projects we need to tackle here on the Homefront.  I need a new driveway, the exterior needs to be painted, & we want to have a bigger deck built.

I'd be interested in hearing your take on the S4. Lately, I've been thinking how it doesn't seem to get much love around here - many of us being more nostalgic for BMWs, particularly previous generation models. But I do thoroughly enjoy driving it. And, as you all know, that's coming from some particularly sporty BMWs.

stickguy

Bradd, did the prelude get fixed yet?

stickguy

I just realized the I don't think I have actually ever driven a modern Audi. I guess it is time!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Bradd, did the prelude get fixed yet?

Not yet.  Not happy about it.  A couple of gorgeous days this week & it is sitting in the driveway.  :@ Legacy is nice, but just has zero in the chutzpah department.

ive got to put another call into the mechanic.  Might as well wait until next week.  

au1994

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

"...ready for car shopping."  As a card carrying CCBA member, I'm always ready!  I'm going to keep the Legacy around for at least a couple of more years until I have some serious equity.  Right now the only thing that checks a lot of boxes would be a certified S4 .

There are some other major projects we need to tackle here on the Homefront.  I need a new driveway, the exterior needs to be painted, & we want to have a bigger deck built.

I'd be interested in hearing your take on the S4. Lately, I've been thinking how it doesn't seem to get much love around here - many of us being more nostalgic for BMWs, particularly previous generation models. But I do thoroughly enjoy driving it. And, as you all know, that's coming from some particularly sporty BMWs.

Like you and others, I'm in that crowd that prefers the older BMW sedans, coupes and convertibles. No surprise to this crew but I'm already thinking of the replacement for the E350 and Audi is at the top of the list. An S3 would be great but I do like my convertibles. Maybe a CPO S5. Or an M vert at that price point. I do need to get this GTI itch out of my system though, I'm really drawn to them and the bang for the buck quotient seems pretty good! I'm all over the map though. I find myself admiring Wranglers a lot lately. I had an 07 2 door for a bit and it was a lot of fun. Not the most practical DD though. I plan on hanging on the the Mercedes for a couple of years though so my mind will change numerous times!

28firefighter

au1994 said:

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

"...ready for car shopping."  As a card carrying CCBA member, I'm always ready!  I'm going to keep the Legacy around for at least a couple of more years until I have some serious equity.  Right now the only thing that checks a lot of boxes would be a certified S4 .

There are some other major projects we need to tackle here on the Homefront.  I need a new driveway, the exterior needs to be painted, & we want to have a bigger deck built.

I'd be interested in hearing your take on the S4. Lately, I've been thinking how it doesn't seem to get much love around here - many of us being more nostalgic for BMWs, particularly previous generation models. But I do thoroughly enjoy driving it. And, as you all know, that's coming from some particularly sporty BMWs.

Like you and others, I'm in that crowd that prefers the older BMW sedans, coupes and convertibles. No surprise to this crew but I'm already thinking of the replacement for the E350 and Audi is at the top of the list. An S3 would be great but I do like my convertibles. Maybe a CPO S5. Or an M vert at that price point. I do need to get this GTI itch out of my system though, I'm really drawn to them and the bang for the buck quotient seems pretty good! I'm all over the map though. I find myself admiring Wranglers a lot lately. I had an 07 2 door for a bit and it was a lot of fun. Not the most practical DD though. I plan on hanging on the the Mercedes for a couple of years though so my mind will change numerous times!

On the scale of cars you could have an itch for, the GTI actually seems like a pretty reasonable one to scratch!

au1994

28firefighter said:

au1994 said:

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

"...ready for car shopping."  As a card carrying CCBA member, I'm always ready!  I'm going to keep the Legacy around for at least a couple of more years until I have some serious equity.  Right now the only thing that checks a lot of boxes would be a certified S4 .

There are some other major projects we need to tackle here on the Homefront.  I need a new driveway, the exterior needs to be painted, & we want to have a bigger deck built.

I'd be interested in hearing your take on the S4. Lately, I've been thinking how it doesn't seem to get much love around here - many of us being more nostalgic for BMWs, particularly previous generation models. But I do thoroughly enjoy driving it. And, as you all know, that's coming from some particularly sporty BMWs.

Like you and others, I'm in that crowd that prefers the older BMW sedans, coupes and convertibles. No surprise to this crew but I'm already thinking of the replacement for the E350 and Audi is at the top of the list. An S3 would be great but I do like my convertibles. Maybe a CPO S5. Or an M vert at that price point. I do need to get this GTI itch out of my system though, I'm really drawn to them and the bang for the buck quotient seems pretty good! I'm all over the map though. I find myself admiring Wranglers a lot lately. I had an 07 2 door for a bit and it was a lot of fun. Not the most practical DD though. I plan on hanging on the the Mercedes for a couple of years though so my mind will change numerous times!

On the scale of cars you could have an itch for, the GTI actually seems like a pretty reasonable one to scratch!

My bank account completely agrees with you!

au1994

Happy and safe Memorial Day to all and thank you to those that served our country past and present!

breld

I certainly have that GTI itch too, except I've actually had two of them in recent years, so not sure what that says. Either I didn't hold onto them long enough to itch that scratch, or I have short term memory.  

As nice as the new ones are, I do have a fondness for the mk6 I had.  Wouldn't mind another one of those - you can get a nicely equipped one with plaid seats!

Though I was just behind an upper trim level golf sportwagon and was very impressed with the looks of that too.  

berri

Sometimes I wonder if Audi is now the new BMW???

fintail

In terms of rep, I think Audi is definitely the new BMW. Good and bad.

nyccarguy

I spoke to the mechanic this afternoon.  He wants me to bring the car back to him so he can re-scan the code & make sure all it needs is the idle air control valve.  I'm going to drop the car off on Tuesday AM.  He's also going to uninstall my new springs & properly compress them with his spring compressor so they are even & hopefully lower.  If the car is still raised, I'm just going to bite the bullet and but a set of OEM base Prelude Springs.  When it goes back to him for the idle air control valve, I'm going to have him change the oil, put new brake fluid...

stickguy

so, today's random list of things that caught my eye walking across a parking lot.

a prior generation (pre snout) Lexus ES350. Red Mustang convertible. Dark blue VW Tiquan. Audi A4.

yeah, I am all over the place.

Michaell

I did not make it to the Hyundai dealer tonight. 44,8xx miles with a full day delivery shift set for tomorrow.

Perhaps Monday? Still need to bring this up with the wife

tjc78

Wife mentioned when Enclave comes off lease maybe getting a sedan again and dealing with less room.   Wow does that open up options (and maybe less of a payment)

Neighbor just got a sharp extended cab F150 in a really unique rich dark green with chrome wheels.  I like it a lot.  

So just like Stick I'm all over the place too.  

kyfdx

I have the GTI bug bad... but, I have the quit my job and retire bug, even worse.

The new Mustang coupes really catch my eye.. That sloped roof that makes it look like a 2-seater really looks great. I'd never buy one, but I wouldn't mind having one..

houdini1

stickguy said:

so, today's random list of things that caught my eye walking across a parking lot.

a prior generation (pre snout) Lexus ES350. Red Mustang convertible. Dark blue VW Tiquan. Audi A4.

yeah, I am all over the place.

WARNING...Don't drive that A4 or you will end up buying it. Only thing that saved me was my wife.

breld

kyfdx said:

I have the GTI bug bad... but, I have the quit my job and retire bug, even worse.

The new Mustang coupes really catch my eye.. That sloped roof that makes it look like a 2-seater really looks great. I'd never buy one, but I wouldn't mind having one..

That's why "downgrading" the S4 to a GTI is so appealing to me. I could scratch the itch AND significantly reduce the car debt situation...and keep the X5.

But of course there is a cost for everything, and this one could be a bit of regret.

But in full disclosure...there's a local dealer that seems to have a lot of performance pack models, at significant discounts. Wife and I may go look on this fine holiday weekend.

Michaell

breld said:

kyfdx said:

I have the GTI bug bad... but, I have the quit my job and retire bug, even worse.

The new Mustang coupes really catch my eye.. That sloped roof that makes it look like a 2-seater really looks great. I'd never buy one, but I wouldn't mind having one..

That's why "downgrading" the S4 to a GTI is so appealing to me. I could scratch the itch AND significantly reduce the car debt situation...and keep the X5.

But of course there is a cost for everything, and this one could be a bit of regret.

But in full disclosure...there's a local dealer that seems to have a lot of performance pack models, at significant discounts. Wife and I may go look on this fine holiday weekend.

Rarely do you and the wife "look".

I expect a punch by the end of the weekend, if the trade value on the S4 is appealing enough.

stickguy

Breld, I thought the car moves were on hold until the house move?

On the A4, I passed on driving the one I saw and loved, because I am locked into the lease for another year+. I will need to drive a few eventually, "helping" my son decide, but his lease goes through February so no rush.

GTI? I may push him that direction. All the fun, less cost, over the A3. But will be his call.

I sat in one again (the GTI). I would not be buying one. the seats are just a bit too snug (bolsters) for me, and worse for my wife. Apparently only skinny people are allowed to have the hot rod version.

I still like large compact/small midsize sedans. Hit my sweet spot. about 185" max. So the old style A4, a Jetta, Volvo S60, 3 series BMW, Infiniti G37. plenty roomy enough, without being a barge.

breld

Well yeah, but reducing car debt is a fine moving with the upcoming home purchase, no?

sda

Two days ago a phone rep from the dealership where I bought the Accord new called and asked me a series of questions about the car, mileage, satisfaction, condition, etc. then went on to say they (the dealership) were looking for cars like mine and would I be interested in coming in to have them evaluate the car...and...buy a new one for the same or less $$ each month? It was a sales tactic I know, but I haven't been called directly like this, normally it is a solicitation that I receive in the mail. I wonder how effective this approach is. I was kind of tempted as I am approaching 3 years and have the itch bad.

corvette

I was just saying it was time for a breld punch...

sb55

I had a punch today, sort of. We worked out a deal via email and phone, so I left home at 5:30 am and drove 250 miles (each way) to buy a CPO 2014 BMW 535d (diesel) x-drive. It's a nice car. We had worked out the trade number on my 2010 BMW 535 wagon ahead of time. When I got there, the salesman said that they are not allowed to let me take delivery in Massachusetts since it will have to be registered in Vermont. Why he didn't know this yesterday is unknown to me. They have to register it for me and will deliver the car to me. There were no games with the trade $ or the deal $, so I did all of the paperwork and drove home with my "old" car. They are supposed to deliver the new car to me on Tuesday and pick up my trade.
But, I was supposed to hear from the delivery guy already, and as of 6:00 pm EDT, no word yet. I hate drama, but will wait it out.....
BTW, I have bought many cars out of state, but usually got temp. tags. Massachusetts doesn't do temp tags.

jpp75

@sb55 Congrats on the punch, that's odd about the delivery and annoying but I'm sure it will work out. I saw the link you posted to the 535d a couple of days ago, great looking car!

sb55

@jpp5862 Thanks. If it doesn't happen on Tuesday, they'll have to wait, as we drive to NYC from Wednesday-Saturday for my daughter's graduation from grad school. I wouldn't mind driving the "old" car into NYC anyway.

breld

No punch today for me (and to honest, I wasn't really intending there to be one, but of course I never say never).

Drove three cars that all somehow fit into my scheme:

• BMW 328 wagon - this was the CPO blue one that I drove a few weeks ago. With a little more serious mindset this time around, I drove it with more intent, and really enjoyed it. Of course it's short on overall power from the S4, but I found it to be more than enough for acceleration. The sounds are actually pretty nice from the 4 cylinder. Just love the overall utility and look of a traditional sports wagon.
  
• Audi Allroad - figured I could give this a chance for direct comparison. Found a nice CPO example with the body color cladding (which would be my strong preference) and sports package. Obviously the interior appointments were familiar in a nice way. Acceleration is quite good, but the overall feel isn't as sporty as the BMW. But the trade off is the Audi does feel more plush and quiet.
  
• GTI - drove a base S model and a performance pack SE model, both manual trannies. I'm not one to push the car, particularly on a test drive, so I can't say I noticed any difference between the two, though given the choice, I'd probably get the performance pack just to have it. It's still a great all-around package, but I may be spoiled with the S4 - the GTI felt a little manic, like it's either on or off. I wouldn't rule it out, but I'd either get a manual version for a fun car; if it were an everyday car, I may opt for the DSG.
  

Between the three test drives, the BMW was by far my favorite. Love that it combines most of the utility (in function and feel) of the X5 but with the sportier feel of the wagon. The toughest competitor is really the S4. I'm trying to be careful not to make a change for the sake of making a change.

By the way, the BMW dealer actually threw out a trade number on the S4 that was pretty appealing.

28firefighter

Funny about the GTI with PP vs non-PP car. I went with my buddy today who is in the market and he couldn't tell the difference either. Not to mention dealers are eager to move the non-PP cars since they have more of them. 

breld

Yeah, I have no doubt someone who is more comfortable pushing the car to its limits, or those with track experience, would notice the difference of the performance pack, I'm just not that person. Now, the salesperson did note that the limited slip helped with what little torque steer there is, so that could sway me. And the test drive is one thing - once I got comfortable with the car I could see pushing it more at times.

And the reason I went to this dealership is they have tons of PP-equipped GTIs right now. Of the 26 GTIs they had, 12 of them were PP.

au1994

Ok, I shopped as well today an much like me Breld all of the GTIs were PP and lighting pack equipped. The latter is a big deal to me. They had one in each color that's available. Didn't even talk numbers. I don't want to be tempted.