Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

nyccarguy

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

What’s a car loan?

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Until you can say this, you have no idea how nice that is. It’s only bettered when you no longer have a home mortgage.

jmonroe

I'm counting down the days, weeks, months, & years...

andres3

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

What’s a car loan?

————————————————
Until you can say this, you have no idea how nice that is. It’s only bettered when you no longer have a home mortgage.

jmonroe

No current car loans but depleted the cash reserves a great chunk from recent CCBA actions.

20 years to go on the mortgage : ( Seems like a lifetime.

jmonroe1

andres3 said:

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

What’s a car loan?

————————————————
Until you can say this, you have no idea how nice that is. It’s only bettered when you no longer have a home mortgage.

jmonroe

No current car loans but depleted the cash reserves a great chunk from recent CCBA actions.

20 years to go on the mortgage : ( Seems like a lifetime.

————————————————
It is.

jmonroe

corvette

Who is paying anything close $10k per year in auto loan interest, and makes under $100,000 per year so they don't hit the phaseout? I think the actual benefits most people see from this deduction are going to be much less than touted.

andres3

corvette said:

Who is paying anything close $10k per year in auto loan interest, and makes under $100,000 per year so they don't hit the phaseout? I think the actual benefits most people see from this deduction are going to be much less than touted.

Yes, like typical subsidies, it's convoluted, complicated, and full of pitfalls. Why do they always make it so difficult? I can't wait for my $1,000 to $2,000 check for tariff income windfall. Then I can go out and buy something expensive made in another Country.

jmonroe1

corvette said:

Who is paying anything close $10k per year in auto loan interest, and makes under $100,000 per year so they don't hit the phaseout? I think the actual benefits most people see from this deduction are going to be much less than touted.

————————————————
I agree. This gimmick sounds like the “New Car Dealers Association of America Lobby” at work to get this enacted to attract payment buyers.

jmonroe

stickguy

No mortgage either. Man that really helps monthly cashflow! Same with not supporting kids (though we did just open up 529 for the grandkid). Who just turned 6 months and is starting to eat with a spoon (talk about a mess). Time to start hinting about having another one!

Sandman6472

No mortgage for years now, paid off about 20 years ago, best move we ever made. Oldest has one as does our youngest and our middle child is looking to buy sooner then later. Thus our eventual move to North Florida. And when we buy again, hoping to spend under $500K so we can bank the rest. But this time, a 3/2 would work as we're empty nesters. And our married kids have decided not to have kids it seems. Doesn't matter to us either way as it's not for everyone. Best to know you don't want any and go down that road instead of being surprised with one and not wanting it. I knew I wanted to be a dad and my wife wanted to be a mom but that worked for us. And either way is o k with us at this point.

breld

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

kyfdx

breld said:

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

Didn't you have a 2014 model?

andres3

breld said:

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

255 HP ... not a BMW expert but if memory serves, that matches the 330i's from 2006 era.

breld

kyfdx said:

breld said:

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

Didn't you have a 2014 model?

Correct - that was a great find. Very well equipped and with the manual (RWD).

laurasdada

Only 26 years to go on our current mortgage! I suppose I could pay it off, but at 2.75% rate, even my online savings account and CDs (pre-tax) are paying so much more. Not to mention the (ridiculous) stock market.

And now that I'm on SS, I theoretically could keep my annual income <$100k... Until RMDs, which are still a decade away.

Only 5 more payments and the A7 is all mine (0%, won't be paying that off early)! BMWs were cash.

xwesx

laurasdada said:

Only 26 years to go on our current mortgage! I suppose I could pay it off, but at 2.75% rate, even my online savings account and CDs (pre-tax) are paying so much more. Not to mention the (ridiculous) stock market.

That is, likewise, my rationale for having the Ohio mortgage. I set that one up at fifteen years, so I think I have around eleven to go, but I would lose money paying it off. Besides, since I don't have any other debt, it keeps the credit agencies from thinking I passed.

Michaell

@breld said:
Correct - that was a great find. Very well equipped and with the manual (RWD).

And I still regret not buying it for the price he was offered as a trade.

au1994

nyccarguy said:

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

What’s a car loan?

————————————————
Until you can say this, you have no idea how nice that is. It’s only bettered when you no longer have a home mortgage.

jmonroe

I'm counting down the days, weeks, months, & years...

About 8 years left on the main house as we’ve been doubling down. Longer on the lake house but we just got that in ‘18.

Under 3% on both and both have at least doubled in value so we have been very fortunate.

corvette

Sandman6472 said:

And our married kids have decided not to have kids it seems. Doesn't matter to us either way as it's not for everyone. Best to know you don't want any and go down that road instead of being surprised with one and not wanting it. I knew I wanted to be a dad and my wife wanted to be a mom but that worked for us. And either way is o k with us at this point.

You're right, it isn't for everyone. Thanks for being cool with it! My parents are also okay with not having grandchildren, but unfortunately, I hear stories about some acting like it's an entitlement.

corvette

breld said:

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

I love that exterior color. It's a shame they hired a designer of the GMT 800 platform to figure out the radiator supports--both have silver looking flying buttresses behind the grilles.

corvette

laurasdada said:

Only 26 years to go on our current mortgage! I suppose I could pay it off, but at 2.75% rate, even my online savings account and CDs (pre-tax) are paying so much more. Not to mention the (ridiculous) stock market.

Similar interest rate on the mortgage on the house I live in, but it's variable and resets in January, so I'll probably be paying it down more aggressively at that point. Still, the payment is less than the Maverick (which gets paid off next month), and should actually decrease in January, because I paid down a chunk of principal right after I refinanced.

I treat the rental property as a business. 90% of the time, the dole I get from it is more than enough to make the mortgage payment, the interest on which is fully deductible, and the rate of return has been outstanding, so I don't worry my pretty little head about it much more than that. I will probably do a cash-out refinance once I have enough equity to make it worthwhile to discourage the seller impersonation scams that seem to be prevalent on properties with absentee owners.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Farmer, which ford dealer do you use for service?

I bought the car at Morris Ford in Burnt Hills and had early service done there but that’s 20 miles farther than Latham Ford which I’m using for warranty work this time. Usually, I use my indie mechanic for almost everything else so relative comparisons are hard to do. I suppose if the distance was the same I’d go with Morris as they seem more interested in customer service.

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Has anyone made use of the new $10k interest deduction on cars made in the US? Would that tip the balance in favor of domestic brands for anyone?

https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a65617729/auto-loan-interest-tax-deduction-how-it-works/

Pay interest?

Yeah, it wouldn’t do me any good either since I usually pay cash and I don’t have the income to bother itemizing.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Has anyone made use of the new $10k interest deduction on cars made in the US? Would that tip the balance in favor of domestic brands for anyone?

https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a65617729/auto-loan-interest-tax-deduction-how-it-works/

I thought you just dug up as many coffee cans of cash from the back 40 as as you would need to pay for the new vehicle in $100 bills.

No peeking!🫣

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

What’s a car loan?

————————————————
Until you can say this, you have no idea how nice that is. It’s only bettered when you no longer have a home mortgage.

jmonroe

What’s a home mortgage? Never had one.

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

corvette said:

Who is paying anything close $10k per year in auto loan interest, and makes under $100,000 per year so they don't hit the phaseout? I think the actual benefits most people see from this deduction are going to be much less than touted.

Yes, like typical subsidies, it's convoluted, complicated, and full of pitfalls. Why do they always make it so difficult? I can't wait for my $1,000 to $2,000 check for tariff income windfall. Then I can go out and buy something expensive made in another Country.

You should live in NY. We just got a $400 vote buying bribe…uh…”inflation rebate” from the kind folks in state government.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

Has anyone made use of the new $10k interest deduction on cars made in the US? Would that tip the balance in favor of domestic brands for anyone?

https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a65617729/auto-loan-interest-tax-deduction-how-it-works/

No. I'd still like to own a Bullitt or Mach 1 eventually, but no new domestic vehicles interest me in the slightest.

roadburner

breld said:

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

I could stomach the exterior but the Radio Shack surplus touchscreen and Tupperware interior trim is a deal breaker.

stickguy

Michaell said:

@breld said:

Correct - that was a great find. Very well equipped and with the manual (RWD).

And I still regret not buying it for the price he was offered as a trade.

I regret not actually trying to buy it too. I just don't move fast enough to keep up.

corvette

Apparently, the Chevy Bolt is back, but the 255 mile range is meh by modern standards, and about the same as the old model.

https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2025/oct/1009-2027-Chevrolet-Bolt.html

stickguy

I like that paint color. shame it has black cave interior. The 4 cylinder is plenty of power for my needs. Not sure I could see my wife driving that one though.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

Farmer, which ford dealer do you use for service?

I bought the car at Morris Ford in Burnt Hills and had early service done there but that’s 20 miles farther than Latham Ford which I’m using for warranty work this time. Usually, I use my indie mechanic for almost everything else so relative comparisons are hard to do. I suppose if the distance was the same I’d go with Morris as they seem more interested in customer service.

when I lived in BL I took the truck to Morris (once I think) since it was closer. Since we moved I started going to Latham since it is a lot closer. Very friendly, but never, ever, plan on waiting! And they are pretty pricey for oil changes. I should shop around before the next one.

I also got the tax rebate check today. Thought it was my MIA star rebate. I think that got screwed up when I moved.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

Apparently, the Chevy Bolt is back, but the 255 mile range is meh by modern standards, and about the same as the old model.

https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2025/oct/1009-2027-Chevrolet-Bolt.html

I saw one of those yesterday and commented that it looked quite nice. Its size seemed perfect for a city car.

ab348

It looks very similar to the previous Bolt but with refreshed fascias and some interior tweaks. The battery tech was changed and it has a bit more power from the electric motor. The reviewers were crying over the lack of CarPlay as usual which seems dumb of GM on the surface but apparently there is a new version of CarPlay forthcoming which GM worries is too intrusive to the rest of the vehicle's systems. I don't know the details of all that though. I guess they figure Tesla doesn't have it either so why take the chance. They do offer a Google equivalent.

It is competitive with other entry-level EVs like the new Nissan Leaf. For many buyers the 250 mile range will not be an issue. It's not a car your would take on a long road trip to visit @driver100 .

explorerx4

GM wants to harvest your info instead of it going to Apple or Google.

tifighter

@breld said:
I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

I had a 230 as a loaner car for a few days while the M2 was serviced. It would be a nice daily, and let’s be real, the purple bumps it up a notch or two.

Michaell

I see the new style 2-series coupes around town, and, as much as I want to like it, it just seems a bit too blocky to me.

I do like the previous generation, however.

andres3

Michaell said:

I see the new style 2-series coupes around town, and, as much as I want to like it, it just seems a bit too blocky to me.

I do like the previous generation, however.

I think we can admit the buck beaver tooth and block look isn't attractive. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder though.

au1994

andres3 said:

breld said:

I know not everyone will agree because 1) the styling is polarizing; and 2) it's "just" the 4 cylinder...but I kinda love this...

https://schompbmw.com/inventory/Used-2024-BMW-2_Series-230i_xDrive_Coupe-3MW33CM02R8E66450

255 HP ... not a BMW expert but if memory serves, that matches the 330i's from 2006 era.

Yes, my 05 ZHP was 255 and it was just right for that car.

kyfdx

ZHPs were 235 HP, stock. (Just 10 more than base 330). Of course, other drivetrain modifications that made it quicker. I still miss mine, gone since 2020.

The 3.0 in the Z4 and the ‘07+ X3 was 255 hp.

au1994

thats right, even more impressive that it was that good at 235!

Michaell

Yeah, I don't think it's the raw HP number, but the way the car is developed around the powertrain that makes it so enjoyable.

I think my daughters Sportage hybrid has over 200HP (1.6L turbo, plus the hybrid stuff), but I wouldn't say it's fun to drive.

Which is why @roadburner goes on and on about the 138HP in his ti.

roadburner

@Michaell said:
I see the new style 2-series coupes around town, and, as much as I want to like it, it just seems a bit too blocky to me.

I do like the previous generation, however.

I refer to it as the Lego/Minecraft design language.

roadburner

@Michaell said:
Yeah, I don't think it's the raw HP number, but the way the car is developed around the powertrain that makes it so enjoyable.

I think my daughters Sportage hybrid has over 200HP (1.6L turbo, plus the hybrid stuff), but I wouldn't say it's fun to drive.

Which is why @roadburner goes on and on about the 138HP in his ti.

With the Turner/Conforti chip the horsepower is actually closer to 150. A curb weight of 2,800 pounds is a big factor- the 230i weighs 750 pounds more.

andres3

roadburner said:

@Michaell said:

Yeah, I don't think it's the raw HP number, but the way the car is developed around the powertrain that makes it so enjoyable.

I think my daughters Sportage hybrid has over 200HP (1.6L turbo, plus the hybrid stuff), but I wouldn't say it's fun to drive.

Which is why @roadburner goes on and on about the 138HP in his ti.

With the Turner/Conforti chip the horsepower is actually closer to 150. A curb weight of 2,800 pounds is a big factor- the 230i weighs 750 pounds more.

To put that in perspective, 750 pounds is like having 4 decent sized men in the car with you. All 5 seats filled.

roadburner

The M240i xDrive is a real porker; at 3,877 pounds it weighs the same as my C43.

Michaell

I’ve always believed the power to weight ratio was important in determining how quick a car is. Moderate power with light weight makes for a more fun drive.

nyccarguy

The camry, highlander servicing saga continues. I got a call late yesterday afternoon a little before 5:00 that the tire delivery didn't arrive at the dealership yet. Can they keep it until tomorrow (today). Yes. What other choice do I have? Glad I have the Prelude to drive. Then my wife tells me at dinner that the radio didn't work after they "couldn't replicate the issue." So I will go back tonight to pay for the Highlander and pick it up later. I will also tell the service advisor about the issue with the Camry again.

I also got a phone call from someone at the dealership who said she sees I have an appointment to bring my 2022 Highlander in for service and would I like them to perform a free appraisal so I could maybe upgrade my vehicle. No Thanks. It is almost paid off!

kyfdx

"free" appraisal.. As if you should ever have to pay for that..

imidazol97

My son has gotten fed up with his Toyota store on his 21 Venza. The tire bait and switch was last straw.

roadburner

I think that most -if not all- dealers are playing that appraisal angle. I get emails from my BMW, Jeep and M-B dealers about "upgrading" to a newer model.

suydam

Chevy does it too. I don’t remember this in the past.