Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

corvette

"I was most taken aback by the prices - loaded ones were hitting 50K. Didn't drive it."

"If they want to know why it's not selling; that's th answer; it's way WAY overpriced."

Dang, that's a lot of money for a Cimarron Catera.

breld

Speaking of test drives, a few months ago when I test drove the Accord Sport, the salesperson had me go to an empty parking lot to demonstrate things like the back-up camera (had me park in reverse using it - really?).

Then, to demonstrate how nicely the Accord turned, he told me to "weave" between the light posts. I was very tempted to gun it and see how fast I could really take it, but decided that would be too obnoxious.

akangl

Just crossed the 1500 mile mark with the '14 Explorer yesterday on our 500 mile road trip. Thought I would pass along some observations from the past 1500 miles.

Overall its a great car, quiet, pleasant, rides well, and has very comfortable seats. The Ford MyTouch is very much improved over what it was, its accurate and listens well. I love not having to touch anything to change temperature, stereo, or nav. The power adjustable steering wheel is great, allows me to have a comfortable seating position which makes my back happy. The power rear hatch is a nice feature as is the intelligent key with pushbutton start.

In mixed driving its been averaging 19-20 mpg and on our trip yesterday it averaged 23 mpg through the mountains with some mixed driving thrown in.

I think my absolute favorite feature is the adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning. I use the cruise control all the time now, the car maintains the preset distance from the car in front of it very well. We had no idea how the forward collision warning system worked until a few days after buying the Explorer, hubby was driving and happened to glance away for a split second and the cars in front of him slammed on their brakes. A red light on the dash flashed, a loud chime sounded, and when he hit the brakes the car came to a near complete stop very quickly. That said it can be a little over sensitive at times, such as a vehicle turning in front of us and we are going around it, the Explorer is convinced at times that its about to run into it.

So, that all being said, I think letting Chippy go in favor of the Explorer was a good choice. I go through 1/2 the fuel and its much easier to manage on a daily basis. It reminds me in a lot of my '07 Pilot.

Oh, I do have ONE complaint about the Explorer..........The headlights.......I do believe a flashlight is brighter. Really weird, abrupt cut off, going to have to upgrade them to something else. Probably projectors with HIDs.

Still on the hunt for an older pickup, just haven't found the right one yet.

Sandman6472

Drove 7 of these to a dealer for warranty work a couple of weeks back and they were all a pleasure to drive. I didn't get used to all the features as there wasn't enough time, but I think Ford did a great job here on a vehicle that even i would consider as my daily driver if things were different. I am at the point where I like sitting up a bit higher and want a few more lux items in my ride. I keep going back and forth in my mind about the next vehicle and I really want to push the envelope here and get something I'd never consider normally...something totally not me where logic and practicality are thrown out the window and only fun being the main variable!

The Sandman

michaellno

I keep going back and forth in my mind about the next vehicle and I really want to push the envelope here and get something I'd never consider normally...something totally not me where logic and practicality are thrown out the window and only fun being the main variable!

And that's what keeps this board humming!

I've already got a practical / family vehicle in the stable with my wife's CX-7; I too would like to get something impractical and fun.

But, who am I kidding - I'll probably compromise and get something that is both fun and practical.

Read a review on the new Fiesta ST .. guess it only comes with summer tires, so I'd have to get a set of winters in order for it to live here in Colorado.

I've never run winter tires on any of the vehicles I've had in the 20 years I've lived here; probably not going to start now.

tifighter

When I test drove the Mazda 6, the sales guy took me to a empty movie theater parking lot and told me "to do some figure eights" while he text messaged on his phone.

tjc78

Sounds like a nice ride. I want to look at the Explorer for my Wife in about a year or so. Yours must be fully loaded, what was sticker. 45 ish?

Mr_Shiftright

I inspected a 1992 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special for a gentleman in Florida (car in California).

One owner, 70,000 original miles.

yeah, it was a boat, but in beautiful condition and I was surprised---the acceleration, handling and braking was really quite okay. It's no BMW but so much better than the 70s cars. This one is a FWD.

Really good shape. Had a few warning lights going off, (CCR, ABS, TRACTION) busted AC, but really it looked and ran like a 2 year old car.

Pretty nice ride for $5K

rayainsw

Executive summary – I am well pleased with my decision!

The comparisons to my departed BMW 335iS are inevitable, I suppose, but I will try to keep that to a minimum here – as the huge disparity in price make that unfair.

I recently dropped off the BMW at my local dealer with approx. 29,500 miles in just less than 2 years.

In my first 1,000+ miles of driving the GTI, I am more convinced each day that I made the correct choice – for me, for now.

I find the driving experience to be quite pleasant. The motor is sufficient. The sounds produced are well muted and appropriate for the class. The suspension deals with all types of pavement reasonably well. The DSG transmission works exactly as I prefer – and I have some [ um ] very specific preferences in that realm. It even works better in some aspects than the 7-speed dual clutch device in the BMW.

The handling would certainly be limited in extreme cornering \ ultimate grip, both by the front weight bias and by the FWD. But at 6 – 7 tenths ‘entertaining driving’ [ my limit, on public roads ] the steering is well weighted, accurate and responsive. The damping works well.

Everything appears to be well assembled [ screwed, bolted, glued together ] and no rattles, squeaks, moans or groans have appeared – so far.

Though there is nothing fancy about the interior [ OK, the touch screen audio system is a little fancy ] I have found it to all work in harmony and intuitively. I even noticed today that the DIC display, between the Speedo & Tach, very nearly matches the font, shade & size of the markings on those ‘real’ instruments. A nice touch.

The overall impression I am left with is that this is a well designed and well executed and entertaining vehicle to drive – and in most every respect is at least as good as anything else in the category & price class. And in several respects, I believe that it is better than anything else I am aware of in competing vehicles. . .

I am generally hard to satisfy – but at the price point, I am quite satisfied with this VW!
Just my 2¢ worth.
- Ray
Driving with pleasure . . .

breld

Glad you're enjoying the GTI. It really is a great car - I don't know if any other car combines the fun, practicality and quality feel like the GTI at its price point. The Focus ST is an obvious competitor, but I don't think it matches the VW in the interior room and quality.

nyccarguy

Great write up Ray! Most of all, I'm glad you are happy with your purchase. I'm not sure how many people who would admit being so happy going from a $60K car to a $30K car.

On a selfish side note, you give hope to those of us who currently drive a BMW and plan on something less expensive for the next purchase that life after the E90 doesn't have to be boring.

rayainsw

Both my 2007 Corvette and my BMW European Delivery with my daughter had long been on my personal ‘bucket list’. They were both a financial stretch for me. And they were the only automotive-related items on that list.

The VW is much more in line with what I ought to be spending, if I ever realistically expect to even semi-retire. Instead of just being found one morning face down on my computer keyboard.

- Ray
potential, eventual ‘waffle face’ . . .

qbrozen

You know you want it!

stickguy

well, duh. Talk about perfect. That is one rare bird. I wonder what that will go for?

jayrider

I really like the GTI. Great looks and plenty of performance for my needs. Nice cargo flexibility. If the seats weren't so heavily bolstered, I may have leased one.

kyfdx

Wow... nice Bimmer!

I'll be nit-picky and note that it seems to be missing heated seats... and, under the heading of you can't have everything... 184 HP..

Still, it's a unicorn...

Mr_Shiftright

so when did 184HP become chopped liver? GEEZ I must be getting old.

jayrider

My grandmother's chopped liver could easily hit 184mph going through my digestive tract.

kyfdx

184 HP is definitely adequate with a stick-shift...

But for comparison, my wife's Infiniti has 328 HP... in an AWD sedan.. so, for a lot of people, the power of the BMW will come as a shock..

corvette

Nice writeup! The GTI offers a lot of bang for the buck. You're correct, at sane street speeds, the handling difference between the FWD GTI and a RWD BMW isn't as huge as it would be at the limit. Still enjoying my GLI after 8,000+ miles.

corvette

That wagon looks nice. I think the inline six would feel a little down on power in such a heavy car, even with a stick. Love the alloy wheels on that one, and I think it has the same Kumho tires I put on my 540i. The radio display needs to be repaired, and that's the only obvious thing (the other E39 issues like oil leaks, power steering leaks, suspension issues, and cooling system maintenance aren't detectable from the photos).

Speaking of which, I don't miss the E39's repair bills enough to buy another one.

stickguy

well, at 11 YO and 107k, I am not brave enough to buy it off ebay without a serious PPI by my local specialist, unless it somehow went super cheap. And I felt lucky, punk.

oh, another nit? They have the tank so empty that not only is the light on, the range says 4 miles! that alone is probably enough to make me pass...

HP? Plenty for me. Not that heavy of a car. And I always thought that BMW horses had a little extra giddy up.

I almost bought one (a 525 sedan) back in 2001, so I test drove a couple (stick and AT). even the AT moved along quite quickly. and merging (down a ramp 40-80) came shockingly fast. and with the stick, no worries. Remember, my last DD was a NA Volvo S40 slushbox. even my daughter, who drives sedately, complains that car is slow!

if you want to know slow, my 1985 Colt with all of 68 HP (maybe 82 lb/ft of torque) was brutal. used to have to downshift into 3rd to pull some highway hills.

qbrozen

oh, huh. I didn't even check before, but now looked for the hell of it. They bought that car at auction in Baltimore for $5100 back on 6/25.

breld

Heck, if that was local, I'd strongly consider buying it, even just to have it for a little while. If I could get comfortable with the mechanical condition, I'd even consider it as an out-of-state purchase. If you could get it for around $5k, it's not like it's going to drop much value from there.

ronsteve

That is one rare and beautiful bird!! I don't suppose I could get it even-up for my V70, eh?

If that was local it'd be dangerous.

ronsteve

Speaking of which, I don't miss the E39's repair bills enough to buy another one.

Your E39 was a 540, right? I was under the impression that the 6-cylinder Bimmers weren't nearly as bad as the V8s.

And other than the inevitable clutch replacement, the manual has one less (big) opportunity for expensive failure than the auto, so...

qbrozen

They each have their share of problems. The 6 is a hell of a lot easier to work on, though.

corvette

Yeah, I had a 540. The valve cover gaskets were a problem on those, but I think the suspension issues and power steering/coolant leaks were common to all E39s.

tommister2

It's good to hear that you are happy with your choice. Were there any surprises when you turned in the BMW?

rayainsw

No surprises - aside from a few very minor stone chips
on the front, it was as perfect as any vehicle
driven for almost 30,000 miles.
No door dings.
Tires OEM & nearly new.
[ sigh ]
Etc.
- Ray
No longer a BMW driver.....

Sandman6472

Finally got to drive one of these suckers yesterday from Miami to West Palm beach and the thing was huge! Plenty of power when I needed to pass on 95 which was appreciated. Comfortable seats and all but found the radio controls a bit too complicated and had to use the volume controls on the steering wheel as I couldn't do it on the face plate. Now this is plain stupid!!! I think tech has gotten too complicated and we need to go back to simple knobs and buttons...one shouldn't need a masters degree to use the sound system in any automobile, seriously! The new name at work is "Sanddog" replacing "Sandman"!

Could've taken the GLK but we see those more often and I really did want to try the "Slade" to see what all the fuss was about. So now I've done it and to be honest, I liked the Tahoe much better. The great thing about my gig is that I am being exposed to all these different vehicles which has put my new vehicle shopping bug on permanent hold right now. The only problem is the different personalities and the dishonestness I am finding with people...I tend to be honest to a fault and others I've found, have been less than that with me. I'm the kind of person that if you lie and I catch ya, we're basically done. I've lost respect for ya and when that happens, I can't be around ya. This is happening again with some co-workers that I trusted and I am not happy...and it goes from the top down. Unfortunately there are no other jobs like these, I look daily, so I have no choice but to stay, but I am a bit unhappy. Hopefully in time I will be able to find a similar position with definite hours and enough people to work...right now we have too many and they are not being spread around fairly as I have found out. And the worst part is that I really, really love going in but the politics are making it very hard.

The Sandman...I mean, "Sanddog" :sick: :shades:

corvette

I had a 2008 or 2009 Escalade as a rental when I was in New Mexico. I felt like a complete tool driving something so gaudy, but it actually drove pretty nicely, and returned about 19-20 MPG (2WD model).

jayrider

Don't let other folks get to you. Do your job and limit the interaction to a nod and a wave.

Sandman6472

I try but it gets hard sometime, especially when we sit in a 12 or 15 pack for a 3 to 4 hour ride back to base. I have started using my ipod more and more which limits interaction, but I don't want to come across as unfriendly. I have a problem with being passed over for work, which happened today...I was next in rotation but was passed over for another employee who is leaving for a full time job come Tuesday. There are a few retirees like myself who get ss or a pension. Some of the younger folk seem to think we should get less hours because of this fact which is really unfair. We are all there to work...period and besides, no one knows what bills or obligations we all have so this seems unfair at the very least. With my wife loosing her basic job back in February, this gig has become more of a diversion right now...we need the income! I just want to be on the same playing field as everyone else...nothing more, nothing less!

The Sandman

breld

I may go look at this this afternoon:

'01 325ci

It's not exactly the enthusiast's dream, but it does have a manual trannie and sport package - and most notably, only 35k miles. It's for sale on consignment and I get the feeling the owner is exactly where I was a few months ago selling my 530i - he wants at least a couple grand more than "book" and is hoping the low miles make it rare enough to attract a buyer.

Collectively, my wife and I have owned five 3-series, but never an e46 - would prefer a nice coupe, but a convertible could be fun.

Sandman6472

Now if it were a slushbox, it would be just perfect for me as I really want to do something that pushes the envelope a bit on my next purchase. I had checked with a neighbor a few years back on her similar blue over blue slushbox when she wanted to sell it. She's still got it, a 2003 I think, and it looks great. Don't think my CPA wife would look to kindly on me buying one, but once my Civic reaches it's 10th birthday in 2016, I just might treat myself to something fun! I deserve it after working all these years and by then, might just be able to convince her to let me get a fun weekend vehicle. Time will tell and who knows what will be in 3 more years anyways???

The Sandman

jayrider

A 12 year old BMW sounds like the perfect car for the Sandman.

Sandman6472

With all the sunny days we get down south here, could be fun. When I had a rental vert a few years back, we actually used it...and she did like it! Something to really think about for my next ride as there are plenty of verts or hard top verts to choose from. But a sunroof is going to be a must next time and would've had an EX right now if it wasn't voted down by she who must be obeyed! I'm sure the factory ones don't leak like that disaster I had put in my old Datsun 210...what a nightmare and trust me, I hear about every now and then!! But South Florida and convertibles go together like peanut butter and jelly...a perfect fit!!

The Sandman

breld

So, drove the 325ci and it was just as represented. Some of the interior materials were a bit scuffed up, but the body was in great shape. A couple of minor dings, but nothing more than what you may expect from 35k miles.

The salesperson suggested the seller (it's on consignment) may be ready to go as low as $12k at this point (he started at $14k, it's listed now at $13k).

I still think it's $1-2k higher than where it should be, but on the other hand, getting a nice 3-series 'vert with only 35k miles for $12k is sort of tempting.

I'm thinking about it, but I'll probably just keep looking for other E46's (if that's the direction I go). I'm certainly not hung up on a 'vert (would probably like a coupe), and may even prefer a slushbox (given I already have a manual). Would also prefer an '04 or newer model too.

Anyhow - fun for a Saturday afternoon.

michaellno

And, boy, is it a good thing to have.

Had my time in the Ferrari today. Got to the track about 8:30 this morning and there were six shining steeds lined up in pit lane:

Porsche 911
Audi R8
Ferrari F430 Targa
Lamborghini Gallardo

Oh - the other two?

Nissan GT-R
Ferrari 458 Italia

The two pace cars were a Mustang and a Camaro - both V6's so far as I could tell.

We were using the road course at PPIR - 1.3 miles encompassing about 60-70% of the tri-oval and the rest in the infield.

Had some classroom instruction. The company had marked the braking, turning, apex and acceleration areas on the track with cones so it was easy to follow. Easy inputs on gas, brake and steering. Hands at 9 and 3. Passes are coordinated with the in car instructors. Always listen to your instructor.

I decided to pony up a little extra money for a ride in the pace car before getting behind the wheel. Best money spent - got to see, and feel, the track at sped with a pro. Coming off the oval we were doing around 100 or so, then had to brake to 30-35 for the first corner. The driver hit the brakes so hard he engaged the ABS in the Mustang.

Then it was my turn to drive. Man, the Ferrari is cramped with a helmet on! Had a great instructor with me - turns out his dad is the GM at PPIR.

The 3 laps were a bit of a blur. I did get to pass the Italia coming onto the oval, and the one time I looked at the speedo it was over 100 on the front straight. I only messed up one turn by accelerating out of it too quickly, but everything else went well. Was able to trust the car in the corners to maintain my speed. I had a hard time with my braking going into the road course - I think I was braking too early.

Anyway, I've got a picture of me behind the wheel and a Go Pro video from inside the car, which I haven't looked at just yet.

Something I definitely want to do again, and I'm now thinking of getting something I can track regularly. There is a road course not far from Denver that has regular track days (there is a 24 hours of lemons held there each year). I know a 500HP $200k Ferrari isn't in my budget, but am now thinking of what I could get for under $10K that might work.

Probably wouldn't happen for a year or two, butbthose of you with HPDE experience please chime in.

In the meantime, perhaps the R8 next time out.

rayainsw

Sounds like a lot of fun.
Glad you enjoyed it!
- Ray
Also not in the $200K market.....

michaellno

Sounds like a lot of fun. Glad you enjoyed it!

It was. One thing that was kind of funny - I met a guy there who was all into himself. Wanted to pass the pace car (a big no no) and kidding around with the staff.

During the education session, the instructor advised us to let our in-car instructor know if we wanted to be placed at the front or the back of the pack, based on experience and comfort level. After the education was done, this guy and I were waiting for our ride in the pace car and he was telling me that I'd better stay out of his way, cuz he was gonna blow by me (he was scheduled to drive the Lambo).

When we lined up in the pits, he was right behind me, and I was 3rd in line behind the Italia and one other car (I think the Audi)

As previously noted, I was allowed to pass the Italia, but he wasn't!

Oops - I gave him some grief about that when our laps were done.

steine13

>> , cuz he was gonna blow by me

Let not him who putteth on his armor boast himself as he who taketh it off.

breld

Wow - I assume he was older than, say, 15 years old, right?

Sounds awesome - I, personally, have no experience at the track, but I'm sure you'll get some great advice here on how to get into it. Perhaps an older Miata?

roadburner

If the HPDE allows convertibles, a Miata is a great choice. An E36 3 Series is relatively easy to maintain and you can even find a decent M3 for under $10k. I see a few older Civic Sis and Golf GTIs at BMW CCA events, as well as some older Corvettes and Mustang GTs. The 'stangs are tough as nails but they usually require a brake upgrade.

More random thoughts...
1987-1992 MR2
Mazdaspeed Protege
Neon SRT4
Contour/Focus SVT
1984-up T/A or Z28

roadburner

I'm keeping the MS3 for at least two more years; it has been running great- aside from totally knackered struts/shocks- and I have ordered a set of Koni FSD struts/shocks along with new strut bearings/mounts to address that fault. Anyway, I think it's best to wait a while and pick up a Z4 M Coupe or an early E90/92 M3 once my traveling days are finally done.

stickguy

Hey RB, I may have seen your son Friday. Took my daughter down to tour USC (and since we were in SC, drove up to Greenville and over to Clemson).

SC was a nice place. Very good tour. I can see why you picked it. part of Columbia was cool (the other side, not so much). But oddly, out in the less than pretty outskirts, they had a string on upscale dealers all together. Someone down there must have some money!

stickguy

cheap gas. Even lower than New Jersey. Nice. 70 MPH speed limits. Nicer! and man, people like to drive fast down there.

spent 3 days (around 400 miles) in a 2012 strippo rentabu. Did not give me any desire to own one (this one was very hi miles for a Hertz, at 43K).

when I got into our Acura TL with 171K on the clock, it felt like wolds ahead even though it was 12 years older!

roadburner

My son is very happy- so far anyway. He loves the place! I'd also say that we have been very pleased with everyone we have dealt with at USC. Was the rough area Five Points? Some good restaurants nearby, just leave before dark...

stickguy

One problem was that it was hot. and humid. My wife was dying. I don't think I could ever get her to move down there!

we went to 5 points for lunch. It was nice. And spent Saturday in a hotel in the "Vista" area, which was neat.

1st night, was the SC home opener for football, so we ended up staying outside town (NE of the city I think). Basically out Rt. 1 (opposite way from airport). that end of town is a bit run down and seedy. Though also where all the high end car dealers are!