Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

Hoovie's latest video is of the restored K5 Blazer his parents recently purchased. That thing is gorgeous--shame about the fluid leaks and the very badly misaligned driver's door, as it otherwise looks pretty amazing.

I wonder how much metal fab and Bondo is underneath that shiny paint. Those Blazers weren’t as rust prone as Broncos but they got Swiss cheesy pretty quick.

qbrozen

I have an appt next week for the Benz. Let’s see what kind of damage this can do to a wallet.

au1994

Hey @qbrozen, did you get the tires put on the Jeep yet?

dad23

Thanks for sharing @breld, we had talked about getting down there mainly for the change in venue, but looks like we're good to forgo it this year. Was it crowded at all? Are the GC and GW pretty similar in size? We've been contemplating another SUV for my wife as one of the boys has taken her car as his go to wheels. I had mentioned a new 4Runner (if we could find one) but she said she'd like something nicer

stickguy

Looks like embargo might be lifted. Or this guy jumped the gun. Just parking lot stuff but interesting. Also shows how low it is compared to a lot of trucks.

Looking forward to seeing a real roadtest review

tjc78

I think you’ll like the versatility of the Maverick. Great size IMO. Big enough to actually get stuff done but not a barge.

ab348

stickguy said:

Looks like embargo might be lifted. Or this guy jumped the gun. Just parking lot stuff but interesting. Also shows how low it is compared to a lot of trucks.

Well, I don't think this guy is in the upper echelon of automotive journalists so probably no worries there. Besides, he was a real bootlicker agreeable fellow who found nothing at all to be critical of, so Ford got their money's worth.

It actually might be a more than decent choice (door panels excepted which look awful) but as you said, we'll need to wait a while to get a balanced review.

stickguy

Apparently not that long. Just got an email from Ford and my order has been scheduled to be built on 10/25, and they even supplied a VIN. So if that date happens, should arrive by Thanksgiving probably.

I was sure it wouldn’t arrive until next year. Probably because of getting the 2.0t instead of hybrid.

breld

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:

@jpp75 joined my wife and I at the Denver Auto Show this afternoon (@michaell unfortunately was not able to make it).

“Auto Show” is a bit of an overstatement. Given the environment, it was held outdoors at an amusement park parking lot, after skipping last year. All of about 6 manufacturers were represented - Jeep, Dodge, Toyota, Lincoln, Ford and Kia. Jeep did have their usual driving experience set up and there was an area promoting electric.

Sadly, these shows seemed to be somewhat on the decline prior to the pandemic, and I think this may simply signal the end…at least the insignificant ones in places like Denver.

I did snap a few pics to share, though there’s nothing all that interesting…a pic of the Maverick (for @stickguy and others interested in the truck)…the new Jeep products were impressive…a GT version of the Mach E…and a Bronco and Bronco Sport.

So the Mach E GT is out? Is that the performance version? I always though that would be the one I’d lease.

Yes that Maverick looks big. Almost like a Ranger.

Based on what the Ford rep said at the show, the GT isn't available at dealers quite yet - I suspect there's enough pre-orders at this point to take any new orders into next year. And yes, that was the performance version.

breld

dad23 said:

Thanks for sharing @breld, we had talked about getting down there mainly for the change in venue, but looks like we're good to forgo it this year. Was it crowded at all? Are the GC and GW pretty similar in size? We've been contemplating another SUV for my wife as one of the boys has taken her car as his go to wheels. I had mentioned a new 4Runner (if we could find one) but she said she'd like something nicer

Yeah, at $15/person plus $20 for parking, I'd agree you can forgo the show this year, though given the low expectations, we actually had a nice time. It wasn't busy at all, but I imagine the weekend may be more crowded.

The Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer were more differentiated in size that I had expected. In general, I'd compare the GCL to an Explorer/Pilot. The Wagoneers are a step up, comparable to an Expedition/Tahoe. We were able to sit in the GCL and, as you'd expect, it's a great upgrade from the previous GC. From peeking through the window, the GW was beautiful, but you certainly pay for it.

au1994

Took delivery this morning. Just a drive home so far as I needed to get back to work but Its nice! Really liking the saddle interior. Gray, rainy day isn’t the best for pics.

Michaell

au1994 said:

Took delivery this morning. Just a drive home so far as I needed to get back to work but Its nice! Really liking the saddle interior. Gray, rainy day isn’t the best for pics.

Time to update the signature!

dad23

Congrats @au1994, the interior does look very nice as well as the exterior/black wheels combo. Enjoy!

nyccarguy

@au1994

Congrats!

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
@au1994

Congrats!

Awesome! Enjoy

28firefighter

Nice! Welcome to the club!

We should get an Edmunds 4xE club sticker made.

qbrozen

Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

qbrozen

au1994 said:

Hey @qbrozen, did you get the tires put on the Jeep yet?

not yet. And, lo and behold, one of the OE tires has a leak.

28firefighter

@qbrozen said:
Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

To what end?

au1994

qbrozen said:

Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

Uhh wrong forum, amigo

Michaell

28firefighter said:

@qbrozen said:

Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

To what end?

Who cares?

nyccarguy

@qbrozen said:
Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

It’s not dumb. So are you going for a Rubicon 4XE next?

28firefighter

It occurs to me I never asked my wife if she might like one.

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:
Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

Who in their right mind would have two 4xe’s? Oh, never mind

Michaell

mjfloyd1 said:

@qbrozen said:

Somebody tell me it is dumb to order a 2nd jeep and likely sell the benz to pay for it.

Who in their right mind would have two 4xe’s? Oh, never mind

I could have done that, 30 years ago. First wife got a '91 Mazda Protege, and I could have picked one up, as well, a few months later. Mine would have been a stick, and a different color, but I thought it was dumb to have two of the same car in the garage.

Little did I know that:
a) she would total her car just a couple years later, and replaced with an Accord
b) we split up after the accident, and I ended up moving to Colorado

au1994

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Took delivery this morning. Just a drive home so far as I needed to get back to work but Its nice! Really liking the saddle interior. Gray, rainy day isn’t the best for pics.

Time to update the signature!

Remind me again how to do that?

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

To what end?

usually ends with selling. ;b

qbrozen

mjfloyd1 said:

Who in their right mind would have two 4xe’s? Oh, never mind

Jokes aside, that is a concern. haha. I mean, we both really love it, so it is getting driven ALL THE TIME. My issue is considering the money. Granted, it is a Wrangler and quite possible I'd get some money back in the end. But, if I did one-pay, for example, it looks like about $14k for one loaded up as the wife would want. I'd then take over the green one, of course.

Alternatively, let's say I want to make a change anyway ... maybe I spend the same $14k on like a JDM 4x4. Where does that leave me in 2 years? Do I walk away with more or less money vs a Wrangler?

Or, let's say I keep the benz. We know it will keep demanding money. But how much? I'm pretty sure it would hold its value better than the other options, but would that be enough to offset repairs? I'm thinking it is not likely.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

Apparently not that long. Just got an email from Ford and my order has been scheduled to be built on 10/25, and they even supplied a VIN. So if that date happens, should arrive by Thanksgiving probably.

I was sure it wouldn’t arrive until next year. Probably because of getting the 2.0t instead of hybrid.

You've got a VIN! Wow, that's great news.

au1994

qbrozen said:

mjfloyd1 said:

Who in their right mind would have two 4xe’s? Oh, never mind

Jokes aside, that is a concern. haha. I mean, we both really love it, so it is getting driven ALL THE TIME. My issue is considering the money. Granted, it is a Wrangler and quite possible I'd get some money back in the end. But, if I did one-pay, for example, it looks like about $14k for one loaded up as the wife would want. I'd then take over the green one, of course.

Alternatively, let's say I want to make a change anyway ... maybe I spend the same $14k on like a JDM 4x4. Where does that leave me in 2 years? Do I walk away with more or less money vs a Wrangler?

Or, let's say I keep the benz. We know it will keep demanding money. But how much? I'm pretty sure it would hold its value better than the other options, but would that be enough to offset repairs? I'm thinking it is not likely.

Wranglers (of all versions) hold their value incredibly well.

stickguy

Based on residuals ditto for Tacoma’s.

ab348

I'm trying to think of any reason why QB would want to keep the Benz.

stickguy

Dumb question, but how well does navigation work through streaming without CarPlay or android auto? If you are connected via Bluetooth, just put phone on the windshield for display, and instructions will play through the audio (muting the radio as needed)?

laurasdada

Looking forward to the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in October. Now owned by Hagerty Insurance.
Including a Concurs d'Lemons! That I really look forward to!

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:
Jokes aside, that is a concern. haha. I mean, we both really love it, so it is getting driven ALL THE TIME. My issue is considering the money. Granted, it is a Wrangler and quite possible I'd get some money back in the end. But, if I did one-pay, for example, it looks like about $14k for one loaded up as the wife would want. I'd then take over the green one, of course.

Alternatively, let's say I want to make a change anyway ... maybe I spend the same $14k on like a JDM 4x4. Where does that leave me in 2 years? Do I walk away with more or less money vs a Wrangler?

Or, let's say I keep the benz. We know it will keep demanding money. But how much? I'm pretty sure it would hold its value better than the other options, but would that be enough to offset repairs? I'm thinking it is not likely.

You will have vehicles that you like with warranties

rayainsw

au1994 -
Congrats on the Jeep!
- Ray
Enjoy -
for many s[miles]

qbrozen

@stickguy said:
Apparently not that long. Just got an email from Ford and my order has been scheduled to be built on 10/25, and they even supplied a VIN. So if that date happens, should arrive by Thanksgiving probably.

I was sure it wouldn’t arrive until next year. Probably because of getting the 2.0t instead of hybrid.

Whoa. I missed this. That’s pretty exciting.

qbrozen

@ab348 said:
I'm trying to think of any reason why QB would want to keep the Benz.

AMG

kyfdx

I was across the street from EAG, today. They only had 7 or 8 cars on the lot vs. the normal 25-35.

On a sad note, one of the brothers that owns EAG passed away, recently. 39 yrs old.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
Dumb question, but how well does navigation work through streaming without CarPlay or android auto? If you are connected via Bluetooth, just put phone on the windshield for display, and instructions will play through the audio (muting the radio as needed)?

You can get the Nav voice through Bluetooth but you if you want music you need to do it through the phone with Pandora, etc. That is what my wife used to do on the Enclave since she hated the built in Nav

qbrozen

Well, that settles that. I told the wife my plan and she said "I don't love it. I tolerate it. Its OK. You can keep it for yourself. I don't want another."

Of course that means I have to find her something. But she is in no rush. The sooner I do, the sooner the Jeep is all mine, though, and I can finally adjust the seat and mirrors to my liking. hahaha.

ab348

qbrozen said:

@ab348 said:

I'm trying to think of any reason why QB would want to keep the Benz.

AMG

True. But like a Cayenne Turbo, it has expensive needs and you really haven't been able to drive it much from what I understand. It is never going to be inexpensive to keep now that it has some age on it. It has big money pit potential.

oldfarmer50

au1994 said:

Took delivery this morning. Just a drive home so far as I needed to get back to work but Its nice! Really liking the saddle interior. Gray, rainy day isn’t the best for pics.

Wow, who said there are no cars being sold these days?

corvette

New review of the AWD VW ID.4 on TTAC today. The AWD has more horsepower and seems to be decently quick. The state of the fast charging infrastructure in the US, especially for non-Tesla vehicles, would make it a difficult proposition for a road trip. The RAV4 Prime has a lower starting price, the same tax credit, and will get you 40+ miles of zero emission driving, with the flexibility of using regular gas on longer trips.

laurasdada

Big news: I'm a 1%'er! Well, according to a Car and Driver poll, 1% of respondents drive PHEVs.

roadburner

laurasdada said:

Big news: I'm a 1%'er! Well, according to a Car and Driver poll, 1% of respondents drive PHEVs.

I was checking out cars on the BMW NA CPO site today and came across a real oddball- a 2021 330e M Sport. with 4,500 miles, RWD, and virtually every option- including the Dynamic Handling Package, which gets you M Sport brakes, M Adaptive suspension, and variable sport steering. It's probably a good thing that it's located in Texas, as I might be tempted- even if it is a bit on the slow side...

Michaell

Not that anybody is in the market, but tonight the daughter handed me her phone, telling me that what's she's built would be nice as her next car.

2022 MINI Countryman SE - which is the plug-in hybrid. 221HP total, 17 miles of EV range. Sage Green with grey leather interior, and a couple of other options and packages and - voila! - an MSRP over $46K.

Turns out there is a $5K federal tax credit and another $2500 for Colorado. Add in the trade value of the current MINI, and it's not too bad of a deal. Maybe.

A quick search turned up exactly two of the SE models in the entire country. One in Knoxville, and the other is about a hour drive north of us. Perhaps a quick trip up to review and evaluate, because .... well, because.

corvette

The RAV4 Prime starts a hair over $40k, has over 2x the electric range, gets a $7,500 federal tax break, and I'm assuming would qualify for the state tax break, too. 0-60 in 5.xx seconds. Unfortunately, similarly, not great availability.

28firefighter

Again. Purely academic.

tjc78

@corvette said:
The RAV4 Prime starts a hair over $40k, has over 2x the electric range, gets a $7,500 federal tax break, and I'm assuming would qualify for the state tax break, too. 0-60 in 5.xx seconds. Unfortunately, similarly, not great availability.

And it’s a RAV4 ….