Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

stickguy

I have never actually been in a costco. The nearest one to me I think is about 1/2 hour away, and not an area to whicj we normally go. If they built one closer, I would probably join. Especially if I was needing tires!

We do belong to BJs and go there quite often. Same basic concept. And I did get a good deal on tires there a few years ago, but it is a hassle to have to go elsewhere for alignment/suspension/brake checks (at least they do rotate and balance for free).

stickguy

XX, you are right that a cheap car, even if you put some money into it, can still be a low cost option. Even my TL, which needed some emergency repairs in the last couple of years (window regulator and alternator died, some heater control unit, along with normal tires/brakes/struts), averaged out to very little. It helps that I kept it 6 years (only 30k miles), and sold it for more than I paid, but I ballparked that it cost me about $30/month to own (depreciation and repairs, excluding oil changes and gas/insurance).

can't get a new car for $30/mo, so it all comes down the the reliability/trust factor.

xwesx

When I grew up in eastern Oregon, the nearest Costco store, which was a FAR smaller chain back then, was in Kennewick, Washington. That was about an hour's drive away: 50 miles or so. We only went there once a month, but my folks would do major "stock up" purchases when we did so. We would come home with a whole bed full of stuff in the pickup, which was enough to last our five-person family for the full month aside from the perishables, such as dairy, fruits/veggies, eggs, and meat.

That habit has stuck with me into adulthood, and my family still does the monthly shopping (at Sam's Club), except that our goods fit in the back of the Forester and typically cost about $300 (in today's dollars) versus $1,000 (in early 1990s dollars).

slorenzen

" typically cost about $300 (in today's dollars) versus $1,000 (in early 1990s dollars). "

Yeah, when my wife and I go there, I never seem to get out for under around $400.

Did you know you can stuff all that into a Civic sedan?

xwesx

slorenzen said:

Did you know you can stuff all that into a Civic sedan?

Yes! That's because $400 in food is only two boxes nowadays! LOL

ab348

As a single guy, a Costco membership never seemed to make sense to me. I keep thinking about the Seinfeld episode where Kramer joins and buys the giant cans of "Beefareeno".

stever

Just got home after a run to El Paso to see the sights, eat some larb and get my free Costco card. Stayed pretty conservative and only spent $99 at the store.

All in all, I'm glad I didn't pay for the card. If there was one closer than an hour away, I'd go now and then, but it's not worth the drive for the kind of shopping we do.

Nothing noteworthy on the car front today, although there's a ton of buy here/pay here lots in El Paso, several U-Pull junk yards and a lot of body shops. In the old days you'd take your car to Juárez for the body work.

corvette

For groceries, I'm more of a Trader Joe's guy, although there are a few things like greek yogurt where I prefer the Kroger brand. But if you need quantity, Costco is probably the way to go.

oldfarmer50

jpp5862 said:

graphicguy said:

This isn't the experience you expect in a high line luxury store. Especially if you're trying to lure customers from Acura, BMW, Audi (which is a few hundred feet away from the Lincoln dealership), Lexus, etc.

I actually had a very similar experience at our Lexus dealership last winter. I was looking to replace the G37x, the new Lexus IS was out as was the Q50. We had seen an IS350 in Atomic Silver at the auto show, gorgeous car. While browsing our local Lexus website one day there was the exact car we wanted in inventory.

I went through the online request process and immediately got a call from "Trevor" asking when I could come in, etc. We set an appointment for later that afternoon and he was going to have me set up with one of his sales managers. He was overly pushy about making sure I would be there at the specified time and that I would be sure to let him know if I couldn't make it.

We arrived at the agreed upon time, when I walked in I mentioned his name and that I had an appointment, no one could find any record of it and mentioned their sales manager was out sick. I asked for "Trevor" but he was in the back and couldn't come out. They finally found me a sales rep to work with, I explained the car I was interested in and she had no knowledge of it and couldn't find it.

She tried to pull it up on their website but their internet was so slow she couldn't pull up their inventory, so I finally just asked to test drive an IS350. She goes to find one, comes back 10 minutes later with an F Sport, which I had already told her I wasn't interested in. She leaves again, comes back 10 minutes later with an IS, on the test drive I ask her what sets the IS apart from the Q50 we're looking at, she replied that she really didn't know much about the Q50 and couldn't say.

Overall I didn't care for the IS as much as the Q50 and the poor dealer experience just sealed the deal. I really expected more from Lexus, but we only have 2 dealerships here so I suspect they don't feel the need to try and earn your business. It was a very disappointing experience though and a total waste of an hour.

That's a shame the salesperson was so clueless. When I test drove an IS350 I would have loved if it was an F. My salesperson was very knowledgeable, even knowing the correct torque figures. It was the car itself that didn't impress me at that price point.

Mr_Shiftright

Well Costco is a bit of a crap shoot. You might get a good deal, you might have one of your wheels fall off. As for the free tire rotation---yes that's true, but there's no appointments to have that done. Tires are one thing I don't buy there myself.

slorenzen said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Your local shop might match the Costco price, you never know---also, Costco doesn't do wheel alignments so you'll have to have that done elsewhere once the "new shoes" are on.

Best deal at Costco? The rotisserie chickens!


I'd been looking for Michelins for the wife's Accord, and the local tire shop was over $200 apiece for them.

I got them at Costco(with the $70 discount) for $480 out the door.

I saved about $350 vs the local store. I really wanted to support local business, but that was too much difference.

We load up twice a month at Costco, and I'd say we save a LOT over the year...

stickguy

so, wife was grumpy tonight (crappy day at work) and pouting "we aren't allowed to do anything fun" (hey, fridge shopping wasn't fun?). So, piled her in the car and went car shopping!

first stopped at VW dealer. Of course, the launch edition Golf I wanted to try was in the middle of the showroom. Convenient for scoping out at night. Not good for driving. But, they had another one that the SM sent a guy to get (we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Only customers to be found).

so, get adjusted, and off we go. First time I drove a stick since IIRC June of 2013. But was like i never stopped. Gotta say, the Golf has a nice easy to drive clutch, and shifted fine. And man, was that thing fun. The 1.8t engine really works well with the stick. Plenty torquey, so no need to be in a particular gear. The AT in the Jetta is OK, but the manual is a much better set up.

car itself was not bad for something that stickers for LT 19K. But wife really thought a 4 door was better. Also she is not quite sure that a stick is a good idea (mostly for convenience when daughter is home I think). But, we shall see. I did miss the experience.

oldfarmer50

andre1969 said:

It's kinda sad to hear about a 2006 car turning into a money pit already, but I guess it's not that big of a disgrace...it's 9 model years old now. I know someone with a 2006 or so PT Cruiser that's also turning into a money pit, but I guess that's to be expected!

Don't tell me that. My 2009 hasn't been much trouble except the rotors have warped twice in 27k miles which I find unusual. I suspect my wife is riding the brake as she drives so I can't really blame the car. Car is technologically obsolete but I'm hoping for a little reliability as a grocery getter.

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

Needs ideas....

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/30104/general/x/fun-and-reliable-daily-driver-for-under-12k#latest

He could have any of my cars for $12k.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

stickguy said:

money pit to me would be constant failures of stuff that shouldn't go, like sensors, tranny, etc.

Exactly. Several of my friends scoffed at me when I owned the Escort because I sunk about $3,500 into a car for which I paid $800. However, that $3,500 came over four years and a good amount of it was to address the embarrassing backlog of a car that had 108,000 miles on it with practically zero maintenance (aside from oil changes) when I bought it.

The car was leagues better after that four years, at 160,000 miles, than it was when I bought it, and I sold it for $1,100 (actually agreed to $1,200, but I gave the lady a pity discount in the end). So the selling price reflected the car's condition, and I didn't go after top dollar on it, either: The first person that looked at it bought it, and that was soon after posting it.

$800 a year total cost, not including fuel, is a pretty cheap car to own!

Sounds like my van.

stickguy

Part II: went from VW to Honda dealer, arriving at ~7:40. Whole lot more people there (no real surprise). Wandered the lot to check out some colors on the Accord sports. found a few remaining 2014s, and quite a few 2015s stacked up. So, went in to find our salesguy (who was off) so someone else helped us. Pulled around a Sport (conveniently they had one on the floor to play with while waiting) and off we go.

I do like the way it drives. Definitely a bit firmer than an EX, and sharper handling (a good thing). Seats also seem "sportier" (I think the fabric is firmer). And of course, the wheels/exhaust/spoiler do make a much better looking car. Still a bummer that it doesn't come with a moonroof. But, choices have to be made.

Still not sure I will decide quick enough to still have 14s available (supply does seem to be dwindling, because prices are good). But, I don't really need one until the end of the year, and there will be end of your deals too.

plus that gives me more time to work on the wife about going manual again. Because it turns out the the 3 cars on the short list du jour can all be had with sticks (Accord, mazda 3 and Golf). Won't find them, but in theory they exist!

stever

@qbrozen, are any dealers marking down the Fit yet? Someone is shopping and TMV is the same as MSRP.

stickguy

sure they are. Show up at the dealer with your checkbook, and something can always be worked out! Maybe.

I happened to be at 2 different Honda dealers in the last week, and both had at least 5-6 Fits that I saw on the lot. And tonight, the one that had a stick Fit on the showroom floor back when Q was looking, still has it sitting there (nice car, but it was a color called "passion berry". A purple/maroon color that I could not imagine owning!

Still, and discount is going to be modest, given the low sticker and tight MSRP-invoice spread.

stever

Thanks!

roadburner

andre1969 said:

It's kinda sad to hear about a 2006 car turning into a money pit already, but I guess it's not that big of a disgrace...it's 9 model years old now. I know someone with a 2006 or so PT Cruiser that's also turning into a money pit, but I guess that's to be expected!

That's the funny thing about my Mazda; it required several major warranty repairs prior to 60k but in the subsequent 85k all I've done is replace the serpentine belt, the thermostat, rear pads, and the front ARB bushings. I recently replaced the rear motor mount with the stiffer mount from the Focus Electric, but the OEM RMM was still in excellent shape...

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

Don't tell me that. My 2009 hasn't been much trouble except the rotors have warped twice in 27k miles which I find unusual. I suspect my wife is riding the brake as she drives so I can't really blame the car. Car is technologically obsolete but I'm hoping for a little reliability as a grocery getter.

I honestly think that's a general Chrysler malady. I didn't know it affect the PT cruisers, though. Thought it was just bigger, heavier vehicles. Anyway, if/when you have to do it again, don't use OEM rotors.

slorenzen

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Don't tell me that. My 2009 hasn't been much trouble except the rotors have warped twice in 27k miles which I find unusual. I suspect my wife is riding the brake as she drives so I can't really blame the car. Car is technologically obsolete but I'm hoping for a little reliability as a grocery getter.

I honestly think that's a general Chrysler malady. I didn't know it affect the PT cruisers, though. Thought it was just bigger, heavier vehicles. Anyway, if/when you have to do it again, don't use OEM rotors.

My son was a terror on the brakes in my wife's Accord, and warped the rotors a couple times in the first 30K miles.

I bought some Brembo rotors, and they've been fine ever since.

stickguy

the mid-2000s generation Accords were known for warping rotors, and eating rear pads (I think that was a flaw with the caliper hanging up).

slorenzen

stickguy said:

the mid-2000s generation Accords were known for warping rotors, and eating rear pads (I think that was a flaw with the caliper hanging up).

Yeah, I'd heard that the rear calipers/pads were undersized, and would wear faster.

Hadn't heard about caliper hanging up, though. Haven't experienced that.

stickguy

my 2005 (a stick) needed rear pads very early, make 45K? Fronts still had tons of life left. IIRC, it was just 1 pad (the inner) that was shot. I talked to the shop that did the work, and I think the issue was that the pin was not lubed well enough, so it hung up slightly and that pad dragged. Something like that. The put on new pads and cleaned and lubed the calipers up. Not sure it that was a real fix, since I sold it at 67K.

Michaell

OEM tires are crap!

Just replaced the tires on my E-GT this morning. The treads were looking pretty thin after only 18K miles.

Bought some Falken's:



Given that the snow should start flying soon I thought it prudent to get something with better tread on them that what I had.

laurasdada

Ok, I done did it. Joined Costco, got a free $10 cash card for doing so. Currently, PUG is ~.24/gal lower than my go to stations, not to mention Costco is right next door to me. Their Kirkland brand always seems to do well in CR tests, too. So, I'll fill up this weekend, maybe see what they got for upcoming birthday and holiday presents. I'm sure I'll cover the annual fee in gas savings alone! And, check out their recommended toilet paper selection!

stickguy

I need to petition Costco to put in a store near me. Not likely to happen, though I bet there is enough of the right population to support another one without impacting their other stores in the area..

stickguy

looks like my Volvo is getting upgraded more than I expected. Talked to the guy doing the work, and turns out one of the Bilstein touring struts is on big-time back order at Tirerack. So, he called around to his suppliers, and worked out a big detail on Sachs pieces. Will end up costing about $50 more, but he said that they are a whole step above in quality and performance so worth the extra. I guess we shall see.

looking at some websites, they make some pretty high end, and expensive, units (BMW OEM, etc.) Feel kind of silly putting it on my putt-putt Volvo, but maybe it will transform it into the European road car it always wanted to be! Or at least won't jar the fillings out of my head.

a small treat for my princess to ease the shock of getting her old car back to take to college instead of a new one!

slorenzen

stickguy said:

looks like my Volvo is getting upgraded more than I expected. Talked to the guy doing the work, and turns out one of the Bilstein touring struts is on big-time back order at Tirerack. So, he called around to his suppliers, and worked out a big detail on Sachs pieces. Will end up costing about $50 more, but he said that they are a whole step above in quality and performance so worth the extra. I guess we shall see.

looking at some websites, they make some pretty high end, and expensive, units (BMW OEM, etc.) Feel kind of silly putting it on my putt-putt Volvo, but maybe it will transform it into the European road car it always wanted to be! Or at least won't jar the fillings out of my head.

a small treat for my princess to ease the shock of getting her old car back to take to college instead of a new one!

Except it'll drive so nice, you'll be looking to keep it and get her a used Kia...

stickguy

I have really had enough of older/lower priced used cars for a while. There is certainly something to be said for new or close to new!

after discussing with the wife, that is one reason we decided to just keep the Volvo. At least we know it. and since we don't want to add a lot of $ to the pot, not likely to replace it for anything better for what I could sell it for, and you inherit (potentially) a whole new set of problems.

iluvmysephia1

On special this month are Michelins - $70 off a set. Luckily I don't need tires (or anything else really, not to mention I'm tapped out with house-buying and paying car insurance). I just may kill him.


Hey, steve, you guys bought a house in Las Cruces? Wow...settling down, are we? We're renting over here in Alamo. Good news - the lawn isn't growing over here. So I actually have both the front and back yard ship-shape, that leaves time to wash the '11 Kia Soul. Viva Kia of El Paso gifted us with car care products as a little "welcome to Viva Kia" gift. So I've got the protectant for the interior materials, Carpet Fresh, glass cleaner, carpet cleaner and a great cleaning/buffing cloth. It's all there, ready for me this weekend.

Have ta see if the Cowboys can really hold up in Seattle against my beloved Seahawks. As for Costco, the Mrs. and I can't seem ta justify getting a Costco card. However, I have read these comments on "the savings on the toilet paper are all ya need to seal the deal" and I perk up my ears a tad.

roadburner

slorenzen said:

stickguy said:

looks like my Volvo is getting upgraded more than I expected. Talked to the guy doing the work, and turns out one of the Bilstein touring struts is on big-time back order at Tirerack. So, he called around to his suppliers, and worked out a big detail on Sachs pieces. Will end up costing about $50 more, but he said that they are a whole step above in quality and performance so worth the extra. I guess we shall see.

looking at some websites, they make some pretty high end, and expensive, units (BMW OEM, etc.) Feel kind of silly putting it on my putt-putt Volvo, but maybe it will transform it into the European road car it always wanted to be! Or at least won't jar the fillings out of my head.

a small treat for my princess to ease the shock of getting her old car back to take to college instead of a new one!

Except it'll drive so nice, you'll be looking to keep it and get her a used Kia...

I made the same "mistake" as stickguy- I upgraded/tweaked my 144k mile daily driver to the point that virtually nothing under $30k used or $40k new interests me in the slightest.

xwesx

That's great for the pocket book, RB!

roadburner

xwesx said:

That's great for the pocket book, RB!

I guess you could say it's a win/win...

stever

@iluvmysephia1, we hope to close next week on a place without a lawn.

The dust must be kicking up (and we've been driving on gravel some). I noticed today that the back window practically has a 100% tint from all the grime on it.

stickguy

I hate getting vapor lock, having the OK and reason to get new wheels, but not being able to decide what to get. So confusing.

nyccarguy

Speaking of suspension modifications, between my new Legacy, my kid's 8th birthday, party, family dinner, 2 major Jewish holidays, & everything else I have going on, I just realized I never told you guys I had my new struts (Koni Yellow Adjustable, H & R). Like a few guys have said, after 154K & 13 years I could put Monroe Sensatracs in and the car will drive like new. I'm going to just give a partial review because the car still isn't finished.

First thing I can say is WOW! The car doesn't just drive new, my Prelude has been completely transformed. This is the way my Prelude should have left the factory back in October of 2001. Body roll has been wiped off the map. The car is now more neutral than ever. It almost tricks you into thinking it is RWD. Turn in is sharper & the ride is so much more solid.

Now the jury is still out on a few things. According to the guy I bought the stuff from, the suspension has to settle. The ride is a little bouncy, even on smooth pavement. The car still needs an alignment.

The installers seemed to have rushed the job because the car isn't at an even height at all four corners. There's actually a fist gap on between the right front wheel & quarter panel. I can see where they (most likely) didn't compress the spring enough and were trying to "force it down" by hand.

The guy at the auto parts store I trust. He says bring it back when I'm ready and he'll make sure the car is perfect. They'll probably have to "turn" the spring on the front right to make it even with the rest of the car.

stickguy

Bradd, I'm not expecting quite that difference. I am hoping for "like new, but smoother" or some such. I have to think that, given how badly it crashes over bumps now, it is going to be a startling transformation. At least, for the money, I hope so!

I broke the news of the "new plan" to the princess tonight. She accepted it grudgingly of course. But, couldn't argue with the "take what you get when you aren't paying for it" logic! She just wants the ride fixed first (can't argue there). And of course, how soon can it be delivered!

stickguy

also, I am not worried about the place doing my work being able to handle it. After seeing the fleet of S model audis in various state of being ripped apart and rebuilt/customized, I think that his will be the easy job of the week.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of suspension modifications, between my new Legacy, my kid's 8th birthday, party, family dinner, 2 major Jewish holidays, & everything else I have going on, I just realized I never told you guys I had my new struts (Koni Yellow Adjustable, H & R). Like a few guys have said, after 154K & 13 years I could put Monroe Sensatracs in and the car will drive like new. I'm going to just give a partial review because the car still isn't finished.

First thing I can say is WOW! The car doesn't just drive new, my Prelude has been completely transformed. This is the way my Prelude should have left the factory back in October of 2001. Body roll has been wiped off the map. The car is now more neutral than ever. It almost tricks you into thinking it is RWD. Turn in is sharper & the ride is so much more solid.

Now the jury is still out on a few things. According to the guy I bought the stuff from, the suspension has to settle. The ride is a little bouncy, even on smooth pavement. The car still needs an alignment.

The installers seemed to have rushed the job because the car isn't at an even height at all four corners. There's actually a fist gap on between the right front wheel & quarter panel. I can see where they (most likely) didn't compress the spring enough and were trying to "force it down" by hand.

The guy at the auto parts store I trust. He says bring it back when I'm ready and he'll make sure the car is perfect. They'll probably have to "turn" the spring on the front right to make it even with the rest of the car.

Sounds good!

stickguy

Ok, for those of you hanging on the edges of your seats, following my saga of car looking (aka "the princess chronicles"), another episode. I started mulling over plan options, and decided to explore a new one. Was out earlier with the wife, and stopped at a local place that does leasing and sells cars (returns and trades it seems), just to look (I knew they had a Fusion listed at a good price).

anyway, coerced the wife into getting out of the car after we got invited in. Not what I was expecting. Just a unit in a suburban office/corporate park for an office, but in the back they have 3 warehouse units stuffed with cars. saw a few interesting things, and some tasty high end stuff. Really nice dark gray 2011 Benz E350.

interesting mix stuff like the benz and Lexus', BMWs, but also Altimas, Fusions, etc.

stickguy

anyway, the reason for looking there (the new plan). Was thinking instead of sending the older car to college, and worrying about that, and buying a new car that I really don't need, I would get a newer used car for college duty, and just keep the newly suspended Volvo for my spare car around town duty.

so, something in the 2010-2012 range, with say 30-50K on it. New enough to have the modern goodies, and likely be reliable and trouble free though another 3.5 years of college, and probably 25-30K additional miles. But, old enough to not care that it is being parked in a student lot or apartment complex until she graduates. Also no worries about sending it on the 450 mile trips back and forth.

So, get her something that fits this bill, and pretty much forget about her car needs until graduation. I could just keep the Volvo as long as it is doing the job, and if ever acts up, I won't have to deal with it from afar, and can always get myself something new down the line (a win win!).

now, just have to decide what to get and find it. Probably will stick with a mid size sedan for this, for best combination of price/economy/availability and highway travel machine. Fusion, Altima, Sonata, Optima, malibu, mazda 6, Camry. Something in that class. Or a small CUV like a Tuscan, but most likely the sedan.

stickguy

now just need to decide what the best option(s) are, and what I can keep the price range to. I have decided that a selling price of $12,000 seems like a good number. Should get something of decent quality that fits the bill, and enough below new prices to make it worthwhile.

I suspect that I am going to get frustrated with asking prices if nothing else. But, we shall see!

stickguy

man, I don't know if sellers (dealers) just mark up like crazy, because the prices on used cars seem nuts. Because if they are real, might grand plan might already be DOA! The cheap lease idea might need to get revisited.

henryn

stickguy said:

man, I don't know if sellers (dealers) just mark up like crazy, because the prices on used cars seem nuts. Because if they are real, might grand plan might already be DOA! The cheap lease idea might need to get revisited.

Some of each. The prices on used cars are often crazy. And the markups by dealers are sometimes crazy themselves.

stickguy

well, I did find one interesting looking option. Will go take a look Monday AM. At least I really don't have to rush. If it takes me 2 months to find the perfect deal, well, I have time and no other hobbies!

stever

In case you miss it over in Auto Parts Bargains and Coupons:

Cadillac Test-Drive Program Earns American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

The program kicks off later this month at U.S. Cadillac dealerships. GM said more information about the new program will be available soon.

corvette

Michaell said:

OEM tires are crap!

Just replaced the tires on my E-GT this morning. The treads were looking pretty thin after only 18K miles.

Wow, that's short even for OEM tires, even though you do a lot of stop and go driving. What were the OE tires on the Elantra?

Michaell

corvette said:

Michaell said:

OEM tires are crap!

Just replaced the tires on my E-GT this morning. The treads were looking pretty thin after only 18K miles.

Wow, that's short even for OEM tires, even though you do a lot of stop and go driving. What were the OE tires on the Elantra?

I think they were called Solus. They probably had a few thousand more miles left, but figured I should swap them before the weather gets real bad.

ab348

Most Korean cars seem to have crap OE tires. Not sure if that is build-to-a-price cost-cutting or Korean tire manufacturers being unable to build a quality tire.