Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

laurasdada · May 21

tjc78 said:

@sda said:

Washed, vacuumed all three cars today. I feel better.

Mine are so bad… I’ll have the Volvo at the shore next weekend I’ll be getting it done then

Can’t wash cars right now … I’m “stuck” in Vegas for work

Linq?

Michaell · May 21

corvette said:
It's bizarre that, only a few decades ago, you could pack everyone up in the Family Truckster, drive out into the nearby desert, and witness an atmospheric nuclear bomb test firsthand.

I've probably mentioned this before ...

My stepson's wife grew up in St. George, UT, just a couple of hours east of Las Vegas. Her family has been there for generations; in fact, her grandfather was a firefighter who worked the atomic test sites.

Anyway, my DIL contracted brain cancer, we suspect from the radiation that leached into the water system from the blasts. Locally, folks who live there are called "downwinders" because of the problems the population has suffered from those tests.

tjc78 · May 21

@laurasdada said:
Linq?

Vdara (part of the Aria)

Subaru_0Really · May 22

2020 Subaru Legacy Premium (C) The Legacy performed average when it came to seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it let me take my hands off the wheel for about 10 seconds before complaining, but the quantity and volume of beeps were horrendous! It seemed to beep about every event, it was maddening. I could not figure out how to turn the alerts off in the settings, but maybe I overlooked something. The beeps were so distracting, I wouldn't use the system.

==============

You can adjust the sound through settings -> sound

stickguy · May 22

Maverick got multiple compliments today. People really live the color.

Also had to run an errand. About 11 mile trip mostly back roads. Showed about 5.5 electric miles and MPG of 47.7.

pensfan83 · May 22

@tjc78 said:

@laurasdada said:
Linq?

Vdara (part of the Aria)

I know the Aria well as I attend a conference there every September, save for 2020-2022. I had to push a bit to attend this year because of "fiscal responsibility" but I'm due to recertify in 2 of my 3 certifications and conferences usually help quite a bit for CPE hours.

qbrozen · May 22

Luck or taste, or a combination of both. Had a Colorado pique my interest. Waited and watched the bidding until it came up; lot 111. I had gotten my hopes up because many vehicles were selling for a little under MMR. Hey, maybe a good, sane day. MMR on this Colorado was 5875. 2007 4x4 with 110k miles. Looks real clean. Soooo... where did it go? Sold at $10,400. Oh my!

jmonroe1 · May 22

@qbrozen said:
Luck or taste, or a combination of both. Had a Colorado pique my interest. Waited and watched the bidding until it came up; lot 111. I had gotten my hopes up because many vehicles were selling for a little under MMR. Hey, maybe a good, sane day. MMR on this Colorado was 5875. 2007 4x4 with 110k miles. Looks real clean. Soooo... where did it go? Sold at $10,400. Oh my!

————————————————
If you can track it, I’m sure the price the buying dealer sells it for will surprise you (and us) even more.

When will this craziness end?

jmonroe

laurasdada · May 22

stickguy said:
Maverick got multiple compliments today. People really live the color.

Also had to run an errand. About 11 mile trip mostly back roads. Showed about 5.5 electric miles and MPG of 47.7.

Blue rules! The Estoril Blue gains many admiring comments.

qbrozen · May 22

jmonroe1 said:

If you can track it, I’m sure the price the buying dealer sells it for will surprise you (and us) even more.

When will this craziness end?

jmonroe

Will have to remember to keep an eye out. VIN is 1GCDT13E678203542

Michaell · May 22

pensfan83 said:

@tjc78 said:

@laurasdada said:

Linq?

Vdara (part of the Aria)

I know the Aria well as I attend a conference there every September, save for 2020-2022. I had to push a bit to attend this year because of "fiscal responsibility" but I'm due to recertify in 2 of my 3 certifications and conferences usually help quite a bit for CPE hours.

My last business trip to Vegas, I stayed at the Aria. Our annual conference was there, and I flew in on the last day and stayed over so our team could have an in-person offsite (this included team members from Europe and Asia).

Want to know the loneliest place in Vegas on a Friday night? Outbound flights from the airport.

stickguy · May 22

This electric motivation is wonderful. another quick trip from the UPS store home. about 6 miles, on a busy local road (a few lights, some 40-50 MPH stretches, then into the neighborhood). Showed 3 electric miles, and 55.5 MPG. That dog will hunt.

some progress on fixing the chips. found a detail guy that does high end stuff. He has filled in the ships with a little extra bump. about 4-5 coats of paint with wet sand in between. going to let that cure good for a couple of days, then back for a final wet sand to get flat then clear coat on top. once that is all set, will get a full detail (clean, polish, wax) with the fancy wax JMonroe likes (cosmolite?) Should make the chips pretty much disappear, or at worst, look like a slight touch up spot. Will be nice to have that resolved.

rayainsw · May 22

Arrived in Maine last night.
1,206 miles in 2 days.
Approx. 39 gal. of PUG
Approx. 31 MPG. average.
- Ray
Quite please with the X3 on a long trip!

laurasdada · May 22

Never had a business trip/convention in Vegas. Closest was one business meeting in AC, NJ.

I've only been to Vegas thrice, but I'm undefeated at blackjack! Of course, my table minimums ranging from $1-$15... Favorite was winning $3 at Binions after an hour playing and being comped dinner. This is why I want to retire somewhere there-ish.

I'm a whale.

jmonroe1 · May 22

@stickguy said:
This electric motivation is wonderful. another quick trip from the UPS store home. about 6 miles, on a busy local road (a few lights, some 40-50 MPH stretches, then into the neighborhood). Showed 3 electric miles, and 55.5 MPG. That dog will hunt.

some progress on fixing the chips. found a detail guy that does high end stuff. He has filled in the ships with a little extra bump. about 4-5 coats of paint with wet sand in between. going to let that cure good for a couple of days, then back for a final wet sand to get flat then clear coat on top. once that is all set, will get a full detail (clean, polish, wax) with the fancy wax JMonroe likes (cosmolite?) Should make the chips pretty much disappear, or at worst, look like a slight touch up spot. Will be nice to have that resolved.

————————————————
Good luck with the chip repair. That sounds like that should work with the steady hand of a pro. Do you mind telling us what that costs and will the dealer pay any of that?

The wax I’ve used for years and still satisfied with is Collinite 845. Ask your pro what he likes.

jmonroe

jmonroe1 · May 22

@rayainsw said:
Arrived in Maine last night.
1,206 miles in 2 days.
Approx. 39 gal. of PUG
Approx. 31 MPG. average.

Ray
Quite please with the X3 on a long trip!

————————————————
I guess it’s good to be home. Now tell us how pleased you are with the price of PUG. Just curious as to where you found the best price. South Carolina is usually pretty good.

jmonroe

rayainsw · May 22

Yes. South Carolina.

stickguy · May 22

jmonroe1 said:

@stickguy said:

This electric motivation is wonderful. another quick trip from the UPS store home. about 6 miles, on a busy local road (a few lights, some 40-50 MPH stretches, then into the neighborhood). Showed 3 electric miles, and 55.5 MPG. That dog will hunt.

some progress on fixing the chips. found a detail guy that does high end stuff. He has filled in the ships with a little extra bump. about 4-5 coats of paint with wet sand in between. going to let that cure good for a couple of days, then back for a final wet sand to get flat then clear coat on top. once that is all set, will get a full detail (clean, polish, wax) with the fancy wax JMonroe likes (cosmolite?) Should make the chips pretty much disappear, or at worst, look like a slight touch up spot. Will be nice to have that resolved.

————————————————

Good luck with the chip repair. That sounds like that should work with the steady hand of a pro. Do you mind telling us what that costs and will the dealer pay any of that?

The wax I’ve used for years and still satisfied with is Collinite 845. Ask your pro what he likes.

jmonroe

Yes, that is the stuff. Not sure of the # though. I actually wrote the name down years ago when you mentioned it and had it under my desk blotter all that time. just never actually went out and bought it!

the pro should make it look way better than I ever could. Chip repair and touch ups, not my Forte.

I am paying for it. Going to end up costing me about $30 (using a little Drive100 math). I got too good a deal on the purchase to haggle over this since my only leverage was walking away. and then walking back home! They would have loved for me to not take the car, so they could have made a quick $7,000 or so as a retail unit.

the math is, I am having them do a full exterior detail at regular price. Since a bit of that work overlaps the touch up repair, he is only charging me the $30 to cover the little bit of time he is spending doing the fill and, sand and clear, before they do the full buff and wax.

I usually do a quick decontamination and wax job on the new car to get rid of any rail dust contamination (using cleaner wax) so this way, I am just getting a better job done along with the repair. I had one pro detail done in the past (2013 RDX) and was amazed at how good it came out.

explorerx4 · May 22

Stopped by to look at a truck I like at a local dealer.
It's still there but it looks like someone test drove it.
They had a blue Mav sitting out front. Looked very nice.

Michaell · May 22

rayainsw said:
Arrived in Maine last night.
1,206 miles in 2 days.
Approx. 39 gal. of PUG
Approx. 31 MPG. average.
- Ray
Quite please with the X3 on a long trip!

Time to update your signature!

stickguy · May 22

I was out today, and actually passed another new maverick (an XL) in the same blue. First I have seen other than mine. Other than when I went to pick it up at the dealer, and they had 2 of the same color Lariats in the lot at the same time.

jmonroe1 · May 22

stickguy said:

jmonroe1 said:

@stickguy said:

This electric motivation is wonderful. another quick trip from the UPS store home. about 6 miles, on a busy local road (a few lights, some 40-50 MPH stretches, then into the neighborhood). Showed 3 electric miles, and 55.5 MPG. That dog will hunt.

some progress on fixing the chips. found a detail guy that does high end stuff. He has filled in the ships with a little extra bump. about 4-5 coats of paint with wet sand in between. going to let that cure good for a couple of days, then back for a final wet sand to get flat then clear coat on top. once that is all set, will get a full detail (clean, polish, wax) with the fancy wax JMonroe likes (cosmolite?) Should make the chips pretty much disappear, or at worst, look like a slight touch up spot. Will be nice to have that resolved.

————————————————

Good luck with the chip repair. That sounds like that should work with the steady hand of a pro. Do you mind telling us what that costs and will the dealer pay any of that?

The wax I’ve used for years and still satisfied with is Collinite 845. Ask your pro what he likes.

jmonroe

Yes, that is the stuff. Not sure of the # though. I actually wrote the name down years ago when you mentioned it and had it under my desk blotter all that time. just never actually went out and bought it!

the pro should make it look way better than I ever could. Chip repair and touch ups, not my Forte.

I am paying for it. Going to end up costing me about $30 (using a little Drive100 math). I got too good a deal on the purchase to haggle over this since my only leverage was walking away. and then walking back home! They would have loved for me to not take the car, so they could have made a quick $7,000 or so as a retail unit.

the math is, I am having them do a full exterior detail at regular price. Since a bit of that work overlaps the touch up repair, he is only charging me the $30 to cover the little bit of time he is spending doing the fill and, sand and clear, before they do the full buff and wax.

I usually do a quick decontamination and wax job on the new car to get rid of any rail dust contamination (using cleaner wax) so this way, I am just getting a better job done along with the repair. I had one pro detail done in the past (2013 RDX) and was amazed at how good it came out.
————————————————
30 bucks today for anything involving paint is a steal. I’m sure you’re right about the dealer gladly letting you refuse to take the Maverick because of few paint chips. If you did you wouldn’t have gotten out of there without a dozen lip stick smudges.

It doesn’t sound like you’re going to need that wax for the Maverick for a while so save the info for when you do. Of course you can always use it for the Acura.

jmonroe

ab348 · May 22

stickguy said:
I was out today, and actually passed another new maverick (an XL) in the same blue. First I have seen other than mine. Other than when I went to pick it up at the dealer, and they had 2 of the same color Lariats in the lot at the same time.

Maybe the assembly plant finally ran out of gray paint.

corvette · May 22

I'm doing an online survey and received the following question:
"What is the make and model of the vehicle you purchased or leased new in the past 3 years?"

There's only one set of scroll boxes to input a year, make, and model, and no option to add more vehicles. Clearly, not designed by someone who posts on this board.

jmonroe1 · May 22

ab348 said:

stickguy said:
I was out today, and actually passed another new maverick (an XL) in the same blue. First I have seen other than mine. Other than when I went to pick it up at the dealer, and they had 2 of the same color Lariats in the lot at the same time.
Maybe the assembly plant finally ran out of gray paint.

————————————————
Or old men.

jmonroe

jmonroe1 · May 22

corvette said:
I'm doing an online survey and received the following question:
"What is the make and model of the vehicle you purchased or leased new in the past 3 years?"

There's only one set of scroll boxes to input a year, make, and model, and no option to add more vehicles. Clearly, not designed by someone who posts on this board.

————————————————
I’m not going to mention any names but we all know someone in here who would have a much bigger problem than you if he was taking that survey.

jmonroe

explorerx4 · May 22

It could be like voting multiple time in an election.

roadburner · May 22

We made our annual pilgrimage to Seabrook Island this week. I have to say that the vehicular population I've seen so far holds little interest for any enthusiasts. The only interesting vehicles near our condo are an Explorer ST and an X6 M50i. I have seen a couple of 911s and one C8. Also a newer Mustang GT convertible being driven by a guy who looked to be north of 80 years of age- good for him! As in most areas, the SUV rules the roost. A few are M or AMG derivatives but not many. I did spot an e-tron SUV, which was the only Audi that stood out to me. I even saw several 2WD X3 and X5 sleds- the epitome of pointlessness in my opinion.
The C43 has proven itself to be an extremely comfortable cruiser, averaging a tick over 28 mpg for the trip. Like my BMWs and Mini you will find yourself cruising north of 90 mph if you don't watch yourself. Four months in, I wouldn't change a thing except for the tires.

corvette · May 22

I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to change the tires soon enough. High performance rubber + the aggressive alignment settings on most cars like that + the temptation to wring it out every now and then often mean you're shopping for tires every 20k miles or more frequently.

roadburner · May 22

It will be interesting to compare tire life on the C43 to that of the M235i...

corvette · May 22

From the classifieds section of the March, 1988 issue of Motor Trend. Very early parking sensors. I wonder what this contraption looked like and how well it worked.

sda · May 22

roadburner said:
It will be interesting to compare tire life on the C43 to that of the M235i...

As much as you like the C43, compared to the M235i, do you have a favorite and why?

nyccarguy · May 22

A couple of news and notes. I filled up the Wrangler for the 1st time in well over 3 weeks. I got close to 560 miles to the tank and averaged a little over 40 mpg (hand calculated).

In close to 900 miles I’ve put on the Prelude, it averages between 22 - 23 mpg. The combination of the Prelude bring low and the roads being in terrible shape aren’t a good combination. I’m careful, but still scrape. I noticed this on the garage floor.

roadburner · May 22

nyccarguy said:
A couple of news and notes. I filled up the Wrangler for the 1st time in well over 3 weeks. I got close to 560 miles to the tank and averaged a little over 40 mpg (hand calculated).

In close to 900 miles I’ve put on the Prelude, it averages between 22 - 23 mpg. The combination of the Prelude bring low and the roads being in terrible shape aren’t a good combination. I’m careful, but still scrape. I noticed this on the garage floor.

Ugh I hate coolant leaks.

corvette · May 22

@nyccarguy - I'm glad you got to drive the Prelude a lot recently, but that's a bummer!

roadburner · May 22

sda said:

roadburner said:
It will be interesting to compare tire life on the C43 to that of the M235i...
As much as you like the C43, compared to the M235i, do you have a favorite and why?

That's a surprisingly tough question. My main complaint about the 2 Series was the lack of a mechanical lsd. It was too easy to light up a rear tire- even on dry pavement. In addition, the instrument cluster provided no useful information other than speed and rpm. Aside from that it was a fun drive. I liked having a CD player as well as the ability to save music to the internal HD.
While the C43 is around 300 pounds heavier you don't feel the added mass. Shifting 31% of the torque to the front axle keeps the engine from overpowering the rear wheels. In Sport+ the damping feels stiffer than the equivalent setting on the 2er. The cockpit is much more drivers focused than any modern BMW, and the ability to configure the IP in a variety of ways gives the C43 A huge edge.
The C43 is faster, more comfortable, and more entertaining to drive- on the street at any rate.

venture · May 23

corvette said:

From the classifieds section of the March, 1988 issue of Motor Trend. Very early parking sensors. I wonder what this contraption looked like and how well it worked.

I wonder if they were better than:

Michaell · May 23

Since when do PO Boxes have suites?

corvette · May 23

I thought it was also odd that the text and graphic portions of the ad show different addresses.

rayainsw · May 23

'Time to update your signature! '
Indeed.
I appear to have lost the
instructions I had to do that...
- Ray
No longer Edmunds-literate.
Apparently...

jmonroe1 · May 23

venture said:

corvette said:

From the classifieds section of the March, 1988 issue of Motor Trend. Very early parking sensors. I wonder what this contraption looked like and how well it worked.
I wonder if they were better than:

————————————————
Back in the early/mid 50’s when we lived in the Burgh, a neighbor put those on his car because he was tired of his wife scuffing up the white walls. Some of those things could be pretty loud. You knew when she got home because you could hear her trying to wear out the curb for about 5 minutes while she was trying to park the car.

One time one of our neighbors said to the guy, “I’m glad I’m not trying to fall asleep when she’s parking your car”. The guy said something like, “I’ll gladly buy you a box of sleeping pills before she ruins my whitewalls”.

jmonroe

venture · May 23

jmonroe1 said:

venture said:

corvette said:

From the classifieds section of the March, 1988 issue of Motor Trend. Very early parking sensors. I wonder what this contraption looked like and how well it worked.
I wonder if they were better than:

————————————————
Back in the early/mid 50’s when we lived in the Burgh, a neighbor put those on his car because he was tired of his wife scuffing up the white walls. Some of those things could be pretty loud. You knew when she got home because you could hear her trying to wear out the curb for about 5 minutes while she was trying to park the car.

One time one of our neighbors said to the guy, “I’m glad I’m not trying to fall asleep when she’s parking your car”. The guy said something like, “I’ll gladly buy you a box of sleeping pills before she ruins my whitewalls”.

jmonroe

In a way I wish you wouldn't look like a doofus if you had them.

We were getting frozen custard a few weeks ago and they have a wide curb; I suppose so people don't hit their building when picking up and paying.

I got about millimeter too close and took a little hide of my new wheel. Grrrr.

stickguy · May 23

that is the problem now. In the old days, you just scuffed the sidewall. Now, tires are so skinny, you trash an expensive wheel.

on the 2020 Accord Sport (skinny sidewall 19" tires) I rented last week (20k miles on it) I noticed the wheels were curb rashed to oblivion.

Michaell · May 23

stickguy said:
on the 2020 Accord Sport (skinny sidewall 19" tires) I rented last week (20k miles on it) I noticed the wheels were curb rashed to oblivion.

In the UK, I'm sure you could find an old coot named Gareth working out of his barn who would refurbish those wheels for 50 quid each.

Here in the US? Go to eBay or FB Marketplace and buy a new set of wheels.

carnaught · May 23

Around me there is a mobile repair service. I wonder how well that works out.

explorerx4 · May 23

One of my kids had a painted alloy wheel fixed.
I couldn't tell which one it was after it was repaired.

kyfdx · May 23

We have a local wheel repair shop, as well.

roadburner · May 23

The wheel shop we used at BMW did excellent work. The surround view cameras and parking sensors are infinitely more useful than a single backup camera. Those systems are especially helpful for avoiding curbs in the first place.

stickguy · May 23

some random thoughts on Mavericks, for anyone interested!

overall, I think the hybrid drivetrain is much nicer than the Ecoboost. Might not be quite as quick but I have not really tested it full throttle. But it is a heck of a lot quieter and smoother, even when the engine is running. The ecoboost tends to be a little noisy (DI clatter for one thing). Different feel of course with the E-CVT instead of the 10 speed, but not objectionable or noticeable.

the other big difference (and the main reason I wanted to switch) is the luxury package. Major improvement. Will be nice in the winter having everything heated, and some of the extras like 120 outlets in cab and bed are fun to have. The real noticeable upgrade is the stereo (Lariat Luxury package comes with sync 3 and a B&O stereo). Screen is much brighter and clearer, more features and vastly better sound (the base stereo is pretty weak). That that I have really been enjoying.

overall happy to have made the swap (even without the nice profit taking that came along with it!)

tifighter · May 23

Enjoy-

Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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