Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

benjaminh

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

ab348

qbrozen said:

i need some help understanding why this exists.

And WTH is with the price? I did a little digging because I figure there has to be a story here. Not much. I did find it had a high bid price of $5k at Mecum in 2017, been around since at least 2009, and supposedly built for SEMA before then.

My eyes...

corvette

@benjaminh - I briefly considered those before I bought the G37. They are less sporty but more refined and have a wonderful interior. I think the only ones widely available at the time were 2015 models, and I'd read enough horror stories to scare me off. Engine ticks requiring block replacement, wind noise due to bad front windows, etc., on the early build models.

roadburner

benjaminh said:

2005 Cadillac DeVille with 103k for $3150 asking price. A lot of car for the money? Was this getting close to the last year for the DeVille?

https://www.acuraatoxmoor.com/used-Louisville-2005-Cadillac-DeVille-Base-1G6KD54Y65U143855

YECCCHH!!! Automotive Purgatory.

roadburner

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

That might be a good fit for me- in another 25 or so years.

stickguy

I was good with that Accord until I saw it was a slushbox! well, the price being 10x too high.

I bet my wife would love it.

pensfan83

qbrozen said:

Just futzing with numbers here.

Base sr V6 taco is about $188-$190/mo all in for 24/10 this month. If I were interested and put down my $1300 hyundai profit, I’d be at about $135/mo. That’s insane.

Still not looking for another lease right now. Just like crunching numbers I guess.

I've been doing the same on a Passport, RDX A-Spec, and X3 M40i. No rush but it passes the time I guess. The last one is probably a stretch, less so if I can get loyalty however.

corvette

I can't remember whether they even offered the V6 in the wagon of that Accord--I know it was available in the sedan. I loved the styling of that generation. The next generation was slab-sided and bland by comparison, like they tried to copy the then-current Camry.

stickguy

Rodo had a nice blue over gray Passport EXl up. 3 years. 36K $401 DAS/$401 month. Maybe not good enough for lease hacker, but better than normal! MSRP is right about $40,000 on that model.

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

Still not looking for another lease right now. Just like crunching numbers I guess.

I've been doing the same on a Passport, RDX A-Spec, and X3 M40i. No rush but it passes the time I guess. The last one is probably a stretch, less so if I can get loyalty however.

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.

28firefighter

roadburner said:

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.

M2 Comp or bust.

pensfan83

roadburner said:

pensfan83 said:

Still not looking for another lease right now. Just like crunching numbers I guess.

I've been doing the same on a Passport, RDX A-Spec, and X3 M40i. No rush but it passes the time I guess. The last one is probably a stretch, less so if I can get loyalty however.

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.


I have my eye on this one.

https://www.faulknerbmw.com/inventory/used-2020-bmw-x3-m40i-awd-sport-utility-5uxty9c09lle59697

pensfan83

stickguy said:

Rodo had a nice blue over gray Passport EXl up. 3 years. 36K $401 DAS/$401 month. Maybe not good enough for lease hacker, but better than normal! MSRP is right about $40,000 on that model.

28firefighter said:

roadburner said:

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.

M2 Comp or bust.

I agree, I don't think you'll be as happy with anything else. Unless you make upgrade your 2-series

Michaell

@jpp75 DM'ed me today about a friend who picked up a Tacoma TRD Off Road for $228/mo with only $228 DAS. 24/12

Very tempting...

corvette

@Michaell tempting indeed! I'd consider a Tacoma next time since everyone I know who has one seems to love theirs.

stickguy

not planning to lease again when my current one it up, but if it was time and I could get that deal, I probably would!

stickguy

nice looking X3. Pretty much the same color combo as our RDX.

28firefighter

Tempting. Wonder how expensive a divorce lawyer is.

stickguy

my guess, more than the car.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

That might be a good fit for me- in another 25 or so years.

Well you know they say there is a fanny for every seat. Old Devilles and plush MBs treat your fanny pretty good. Some folks would rather have a comfy seat than a 1g turn.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Tempting. Wonder how expensive a divorce lawyer is.

Yeah - I had a brief moment where I thought I'd ask the wife if she'd be interested in running the lease through the business.

COVID-19 lockdown must be making me delusional.

cdnpinhead

28firefighter said:

Tempting. Wonder how expensive a divorce lawyer is.

Much more than you can possibly imagine, depending on who gets which lawyers.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

That might be a good fit for me- in another 25 or so years.

Well you know they say there is a fanny for every seat. Old Devilles and plush MBs treat your fanny pretty good. Some folks would rather have a comfy seat than a 1g turn.

I like to have both- or at least a decent compromise. And I like comfortable but supportive seats- not the throw pillows most US manufacturers used in luxury models until recently.

As for the M-B, it's not bad, it just doesn't excite me in the slightest.

The old Cadillac? I'd rather drive my Wrangler with the top down 24/7 365 days per year.

explorerx4

If I read correctly,the Accord Woody wagon has a V8 transplant.

driver100

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

qbrozen

driver100 said:

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

I bid $4500.

graphicguy

I’ve shopped those Benzs more than a couple of times....even the new gen (C Class). @driver100, I know you like your FL steed. I think yours is one a gen or two older.

I’ve never been able to warm up to them. Actually had a really good deal on the table on a C300 Coupe 6-7 years ago, which looked very sharp. At the time, uncharacteristically, the dash rattled, the drivetrain was gruff. Looking at scheduled maintenance costs, I was taken aback. Yes, I’ve owned high end vehicles and know that they generally cost more to maintain. But, the Benz seemed to be in an entirely different league.

Took another stab 4 years ago....current platform. My impressions hadn’t changed.

They didn’t drive badly. They just didn’t drive great for the money.

Maybe you have to get into the E Class and up to get the “real” Mercedes driving experience.

Benz dealerships seem to love having a bunch of service loaners and “demos” hanging around at good prices. Maybe that’s the way to go.

Was perusing @abacomike dealership to see if his S Class hit their used lot, yet. Not for me, but for my sister. She loves Benzs and Jags. S Class...super low miles....current generation...thought maybe she could score a deal by taking a trip to FL and driving it back. It’s not on the dealership web site, though.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

I’ll give you $11k for it. Do you deliver?🤑

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

I’ll give you $11k for it. Do you deliver?🤑

Does it come with the infamous horizontal striped shirt?

roadburner

qbrozen said:

driver100 said:

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

I bid $4500.

I wouldn’t go higher than $3750.

benjaminh

graphicguy said:

....Looking at scheduled maintenance costs, I was taken aback. Yes, I’ve owned high end vehicles and know that they generally cost more to maintain. But, the Benz seemed to be in an entirely different league....

Something I like about Acura is that the maintenance costs seem reasonable.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

I’ve shopped those Benzs more than a couple of times....even the new gen (C Class). @driver100, I know you like your FL steed. I think yours is one a gen or two older.

I’ve never been able to warm up to them. Actually had a really good deal on the table on a C300 Coupe 6-7 years ago, which looked very sharp. At the time, uncharacteristically, the dash rattled, the drivetrain was gruff. Looking at scheduled maintenance costs, I was taken aback. Yes, I’ve owned high end vehicles and know that they generally cost more to maintain. But, the Benz seemed to be in an entirely different league.

Took another stab 4 years ago....current platform. My impressions hadn’t changed.

They didn’t drive badly. They just didn’t drive great for the money.

Maybe you have to get into the E Class and up to get the “real” Mercedes driving experience.

Benz dealerships seem to love having a bunch of service loaners and “demos” hanging around at good prices. Maybe that’s the way to go.

Was perusing @abacomike dealership to see if his S Class hit their used lot, yet. Not for me, but for my sister. She loves Benzs and Jags. S Class...super low miles....current generation...thought maybe she could score a deal by taking a trip to FL and driving it back. It’s not on the dealership web site, though.

I think I mentioned this before, but a friend of mine went from an E90 to a C Class(I think) and he told me that the M-B oil service at the dealer was over three times more expensive than the equivalent service at the BMW dealer.

stickguy

I’m out on the red C. Who is dumb enough to buy a car without a backup camera? Certainly not me.

driver100

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

I’ll give you $11k for it. Do you deliver?🤑

Does it come with the infamous horizontal striped shirt?

I edited that out of the picture :@

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

benjaminh said:

For the c. $23k price of a Civic someone will be driving this CPO 2016 Mercedes C-class with "PANORAMA SUNROOF, HEATED FRONT SEATS, REAR VIEW CAMERA, REAR TRUNK LID SPOILER, LINDEN WOOD TRIM analog clock in dash, WHEELS: 17 SPLIT 5-SPOKE"

https://www.mblouisville.com/inventory/certified-used-2016-mercedes-benz-c-class-4dr-sdn-c-300-4matic®-awd-4matic-4dr-car-55swf4kb9gu103149

Not bad, but for another $1000 or so they have them with under 20k miles on them (that one has 40k). How much would you pay for mine. 2014 C250, 34000 miles?

I’ll give you $11k for it. Do you deliver?🤑

Sold....I'll deliver it in 10 years.

stickguy

benjaminh said:

graphicguy said:

....Looking at scheduled maintenance costs, I was taken aback. Yes, I’ve owned high end vehicles and know that they generally cost more to maintain. But, the Benz seemed to be in an entirely different league....

Something I like about Acura is that the maintenance costs seem reasonable.

Yup. Especially on a FWD model. Every 7,500-10,000 miles (when the minder tells you to) an oil change and rotation, usually about $40 with a Coupon. Brake fluid at 3 years, then a few things at 100k miles. I do trans fluid every so often too, but that’s not actually called for.

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

roadburner said:

pensfan83 said:

Still not looking for another lease right now. Just like crunching numbers I guess.

I've been doing the same on a Passport, RDX A-Spec, and X3 M40i. No rush but it passes the time I guess. The last one is probably a stretch, less so if I can get loyalty however.

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.

I have my eye on this one.

https://www.faulknerbmw.com/inventory/used-2020-bmw-x3-m40i-awd-sport-utility-5uxty9c09lle59697


When I see those, I often wonder...”what was it that was so bad about that vehicle that you hate it so much, within several weeks of ownership, take a thousands of dollars bath to trade it in?”.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

graphicguy said:

....Looking at scheduled maintenance costs, I was taken aback. Yes, I’ve owned high end vehicles and know that they generally cost more to maintain. But, the Benz seemed to be in an entirely different league....

Something I like about Acura is that the maintenance costs seem reasonable.

Yup. Especially on a FWD model. Every 7,500-10,000 miles (when the minder tells you to) an oil change and rotation, usually about $40 with a Coupon. Brake fluid at 3 years, then a few things at 100k miles. I do trans fluid every so often too, but that’s not actually called for.

Nothing has been excessively steep (actually the oil changes are "free" but I know they're only listed in the $50ish ballpark), but my AWD RDX seems to want tranny and transfer case done every 30K. They were done at 33K, and came up in the laundry list when I went in at 57K.

I'm guessing for most of us, the minder will end up at 0% oil life very close to 10K miles.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

pensfan83 said:

roadburner said:

pensfan83 said:

Still not looking for another lease right now. Just like crunching numbers I guess.

I've been doing the same on a Passport, RDX A-Spec, and X3 M40i. No rush but it passes the time I guess. The last one is probably a stretch, less so if I can get loyalty however.

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.

I have my eye on this one.

https://www.faulknerbmw.com/inventory/used-2020-bmw-x3-m40i-awd-sport-utility-5uxty9c09lle59697

When I see those, I often wonder...”what was it that was so bad about that vehicle that you hate it so much, within several weeks of ownership, take a thousands of dollars bath to trade it in?”.

I'm willing to bet these are former loaners that they never sold/leased while there was lease support for 2018s. Now they get to celebrate a birthday.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

When I see those, I often wonder...”what was it that was so bad about that vehicle that you hate it so much, within several weeks of ownership, take a thousands of dollars bath to trade it in?”.

I'm willing to bet these are former loaners that they never sold/leased while there was lease support for 2018s. Now they get to celebrate a birthday.

soooo many reasons. Could be a former breld vehicle, for example. Maybe a repo, maybe an unwind, etc.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

pensfan83 said:

roadburner said:

pensfan83 said:

Still not looking for another lease right now. Just like crunching numbers I guess.

I've been doing the same on a Passport, RDX A-Spec, and X3 M40i. No rush but it passes the time I guess. The last one is probably a stretch, less so if I can get loyalty however.

My dealer has a couple of 2018 X3 M40i in stock; one only has 3900 miles on it. I'm just scared I'd tire of it too quicly.

I have my eye on this one.

https://www.faulknerbmw.com/inventory/used-2020-bmw-x3-m40i-awd-sport-utility-5uxty9c09lle59697

When I see those, I often wonder...”what was it that was so bad about that vehicle that you hate it so much, within several weeks of ownership, take a thousands of dollars bath to trade it in?”.

I'm willing to bet these are former loaners that they never sold/leased while there was lease support for 2018s. Now they get to celebrate a birthday.

Exactly. If they are still listing the MSRP, then it hasn't been sold. Service loaner or corporate vehicle.

Plus, that's listed as a 2020 model

driver100

Agree maintenance can be high....but you can outsmart them by using an indie garage and doing only what needs to be done.
No rattles....seems pretty solid, doors close like bank vault.
About repairs, depends a lot on the dealer. Dealer in Canada seems fair and honest, my BMW dealer here was always trying to sell extras.....cost me more to run a BMW than an MB....and I didn't trust them.
Driving pleasure......they are about equal for a 4 cylinder basic model - A4 and 3 Series, better handling in the 3, a little more style and comfort in the A4.
If I was buying I'd easily pay $15k, maybe go $16k because of the low mileage - especially if I wasn't putting big miles on it. Then it would last and I'd get a few years out of it....good driving for low yearly cost to own.

stickguy

I assume those BMWs, same for Volvo, are loaners. Always in that same mile range since once they hit (I think) 6k no longer qualify as new and have to be sold as used. And not leased.

kyfdx

Covid-19 update:

Put out the recycling last night, and the bottle/can bin was overflowing..

stickguy

ronsteve said:

stickguy said:

benjaminh said:

graphicguy said:

....Looking at scheduled maintenance costs, I was taken aback. Yes, I’ve owned high end vehicles and know that they generally cost more to maintain. But, the Benz seemed to be in an entirely different league....

Something I like about Acura is that the maintenance costs seem reasonable.

Yup. Especially on a FWD model. Every 7,500-10,000 miles (when the minder tells you to) an oil change and rotation, usually about $40 with a Coupon. Brake fluid at 3 years, then a few things at 100k miles. I do trans fluid every so often too, but that’s not actually called for.

Nothing has been excessively steep (actually the oil changes are "free" but I know they're only listed in the $50ish ballpark), but my AWD RDX seems to want tranny and transfer case done every 30K. They were done at 33K, and came up in the laundry list when I went in at 57K.

I'm guessing for most of us, the minder will end up at 0% oil life very close to 10K miles.

When I drove enough it usually was at 15% at 7,500 miles. For a few years I hit 12 months well before 15% arrived so had it done then. And yup, 30k intervals on front and rear diffs. I think that ended up being around $100 each one. Not applicable of course on the FWD. that just got trans fluid. If that was even on the list, I don’t think it was before 60k.

Not sure what the new one with SH-AWD will call for. Since it’s a whole different system. Though if the virus never goes away, I might not reach 10,000 miles on it before the warranty runs out.

qbrozen

Intriguing and scary all at once.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

Intriguing and scary all at once.

You have a higher pain threshold than I do..

kyfdx

Big excitement.

Ohio Air National Guard just did an F-16 flyover. Pretty cool. 10 seconds.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Intriguing and scary all at once.

Oh me! Oh my!

qbrozen

wife put her foot back down on the brake. I guess a friend of hers just let her know she is being furloughed, so it heightened her paranoia. She wants to sit tight until things look up out there.