Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

nyccarguy · February 16

@tjc78 said:
@nyccarguy
It’s a no brainer. Keep the cash you were gonna spend on something old and put them in something safe and reliable.

Did you look at the Altima leases on LH too? They are cheap right now too. I thought I saw sub $200

The Altima lease ends up being about $30 a month more. It works out to be $1,170 more expensive over the life of the 39 month lease. It stickers for about $5,000 more.

nyccarguy · February 16

@oldfarmer50 said:
The Sentras I’ve driven at work seem noticeably quick and nimble. Nissan has definitely done something to perk them up. They recently were running ads comparing the Sentra to BMWs which I think is a stretch but there is a difference in driveability.

My concern would continue to be the CVT but in a lease you could just turn it in at the end.

One of my best friend’s hybrid corollas that he has as a delivery vehicle was rear ended about a month ago. He was given a Sentra as a rental car and thought it was an Altima at first glance. He was pleasantly surprised at the features and how decently well it drove. His delivery driver liked it too, although was very happy to get back into his Corolla.

au1994 · February 16

The new Sentra is pretty nice looking for its class. I wouldn’t worry too much about Nissan’s viability over the life of a lease. If, and I think it’s a big if, they go under before the lease is over they will make provisions for service and disposition.

explorerx4 · February 16

Called the salesguy on his cell # early this morning to resechedule my appointment to tomorrow.
We are geting a lot snow and he was glad I called so he didn't have to go in today.
On the way home from the grocery store, I got in a line behind someone going 15 in a 45 mph zone.

au1994 · February 16

This week’s rental was a Wagoneer Series 2, silver over black. The TTI6 was awesome. Super smooth and powerful a la BMW I6’s of old. Didn’t clock the MPG but I used a quarter of a tank in 3 days of in town driving. Drove well, smaller than it is. Speaking of, it was full of people and everyone was comfortable. Super, super comfortable.

The switch gear was all very familiar to the Grand Cherokee. Makes me feel good but if I had plunked down the extra 15-20k on the Waggy, I’d be ticked.

I’ve read the horror stories on these, particularly with the electronics but also ‘hear’ the GM twins like to puke their V8’s. I have recent seat time with this, a Suburban and Expedition. If I was in the market for a full-sized SUV, it’d be a toss up honestly.

After traveling at least a couple of days every week this year, I am thankfully home this week.

stickguy · February 16

If I am forced to be on the roads in snow, I would much rather everyone else was driving 15 miles per hour less than what they could, instead of the usual 15 miles per hour more than they should.

I don't mind driving in snow (within reason). I just don't want any other cars on the road when I do it.

roadburner · February 16

@explorerx4 said:
Called the salesguy on his cell # early this morning to resechedule my appointment to tomorrow.
We are geting a lot snow and he was glad I called so he didn't have to go in today.
On the way home from the grocery store, I got in a line behind someone going 15 in a 45 mph zone.

I think that the imbeciles terrorized by the snow cause as many problems as the idjits who drive as if the pavement was dry.

tjc78 · February 16

@au1994 said:
This week’s rental was a Wagoneer Series 2, silver over black. The TTI6 was awesome. Super smooth and powerful a la BMW I6’s of old. Didn’t clock the MPG but I used a quarter of a tank in 3 days of in town driving. Drove well, smaller than it is. Speaking of, it was full of people and everyone was comfortable. Super, super comfortable.

The switch gear was all very familiar to the Grand Cherokee. Makes me feel good but if I had plunked down the extra 15-20k on the Waggy, I’d be ticked.

I’ve read the horror stories on these, particularly with the electronics but also ‘hear’ the GM twins like to puke their V8’s. I have recent seat time with this, a Suburban and Expedition. If I was in the market for a full-sized SUV, it’d be a toss up honestly.

After traveling at least a couple of days every week this year, I am thankfully home this week.

I think I’ve said it before here but I love the Wagoneer. I drove one from Vegas to Phoenix and it was one of the most comfortable drives ever.

Michaell · February 16

@tjc78 said:

@au1994 said:
This week’s rental was a Wagoneer Series 2, silver over black. The TTI6 was awesome. Super smooth and powerful a la BMW I6’s of old. Didn’t clock the MPG but I used a quarter of a tank in 3 days of in town driving. Drove well, smaller than it is. Speaking of, it was full of people and everyone was comfortable. Super, super comfortable.

The switch gear was all very familiar to the Grand Cherokee. Makes me feel good but if I had plunked down the extra 15-20k on the Waggy, I’d be ticked.

I’ve read the horror stories on these, particularly with the electronics but also ‘hear’ the GM twins like to puke their V8’s. I have recent seat time with this, a Suburban and Expedition. If I was in the market for a full-sized SUV, it’d be a toss up honestly.

After traveling at least a couple of days every week this year, I am thankfully home this week.

I think I’ve said it before here but I love the Wagoneer. I drove one from Vegas to Phoenix and it was one of the most comfortable drives ever.

On the mythical interstate 11?

cdnpinhead · February 16

I-11 is a fond hope outside of the greater Las Vegas area, but it's made a tremendous difference getting from the AZ/NV border through the city. It was a horror show when all the traffic had to go over the dam, and vehicles had to be stopped and inspected back in the 9/11 days.

nyccarguy · February 16

Thanks everyone for your mostly positive feedback about the Sentra.

corvette · February 16

@nyccarguy - I've owned two Altimas, a Murano, a G37, and the Ariya. No significant issues with any of them. The Sentra sounds like a reasonable option.

nyccarguy · February 16

@benjaminh said:
I'd have worries about leasing a Nissan at this point, since according to some stories there's a chance Nissan might go under in the next few years, maybe even before a 39-month lease ended.

https://caredge.com/guides/nissan-layoffs-2024

https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2024/11/30/nissan-headed-for-bankruptcy-but-honda-could-save-the-day/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63784353/honda-nissan-partnership-talks-ended/

And now Honda isn't coming to the rescue of Nissan.

The Sentra seems cheap to me in terms of design and quality even for that end of the market.

If you can find a left over 2024 Hyundai Elantra or even Sonata that might be a better bet in the low price field.

For somewhat more the quality of a Toyota or Honda might be worth it, and the all-wheel drive of a Subaru might also be worth the extra cost, depending on the weather this vehicle might be driven in. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your feedback. I’m not interested in buying a leftover 2024 Elantra. A civic or corolla would 100% be a better buy. With my current fleet, I’d love nothing more than to add another Toyota. I know it will hold its value better and in 10 years will be worth exponentially more than the Sentra. As @Michaell said, lease programs in this segment usually aren’t that great. Many times the bigger and more expensive Camry, Accord, or Altima is cheaper to lease or maybe a few dollars more.

Even if Nissan goes out of business, I’m sure NMAC will still have a few employees laying around to collect payments.

oldfarmer50 · February 17

nyccarguy said:

@benjaminh said:

I'd have worries about leasing a Nissan at this point, since according to some stories there's a chance Nissan might go under in the next few years, maybe even before a 39-month lease ended.

https://caredge.com/guides/nissan-layoffs-2024

https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2024/11/30/nissan-headed-for-bankruptcy-but-honda-could-save-the-day/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63784353/honda-nissan-partnership-talks-ended/

And now Honda isn't coming to the rescue of Nissan.

The Sentra seems cheap to me in terms of design and quality even for that end of the market.

If you can find a left over 2024 Hyundai Elantra or even Sonata that might be a better bet in the low price field.

For somewhat more the quality of a Toyota or Honda might be worth it, and the all-wheel drive of a Subaru might also be worth the extra cost, depending on the weather this vehicle might be driven in. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your feedback. I’m not interested in buying a leftover 2024 Elantra. A civic or corolla would 100% be a better buy. With my current fleet, I’d love nothing more than to add another Toyota. I know it will hold its value better and in 10 years will be worth exponentially more than the Sentra. As @Michaell said, lease programs in this segment usually aren’t that great. Many times the bigger and more expensive Camry, Accord, or Altima is cheaper to lease or maybe a few dollars more.

Even if Nissan goes out of business, I’m sure NMAC will still have a few employees laying around to collect payments.

Now there’s an interesting thought, Nissan goes out of business and they forget to bill you.😅

Would you trade having no warranty for having a free ride for 39 months?

au1994 · February 17

nyccarguy said:

@benjaminh said:

I'd have worries about leasing a Nissan at this point, since according to some stories there's a chance Nissan might go under in the next few years, maybe even before a 39-month lease ended.

https://caredge.com/guides/nissan-layoffs-2024

https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2024/11/30/nissan-headed-for-bankruptcy-but-honda-could-save-the-day/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63784353/honda-nissan-partnership-talks-ended/

And now Honda isn't coming to the rescue of Nissan.

The Sentra seems cheap to me in terms of design and quality even for that end of the market.

If you can find a left over 2024 Hyundai Elantra or even Sonata that might be a better bet in the low price field.

For somewhat more the quality of a Toyota or Honda might be worth it, and the all-wheel drive of a Subaru might also be worth the extra cost, depending on the weather this vehicle might be driven in. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your feedback. I’m not interested in buying a leftover 2024 Elantra. A civic or corolla would 100% be a better buy. With my current fleet, I’d love nothing more than to add another Toyota. I know it will hold its value better and in 10 years will be worth exponentially more than the Sentra. As @Michaell said, lease programs in this segment usually aren’t that great. Many times the bigger and more expensive Camry, Accord, or Altima is cheaper to lease or maybe a few dollars more.

Even if Nissan goes out of business, I’m sure NMAC will still have a few employees laying around to collect payments.

There are a lot if things that would happen before they go under. Cut models, cut dealers etc.

kyfdx · February 17

Considering that Mitsubishi is still in business and has local dealers, I wouldn't be too worried about Nissan not being around.

nyccarguy · February 17

tjc78 said:

@au1994 said:

This week’s rental was a Wagoneer Series 2, silver over black. The TTI6 was awesome. Super smooth and powerful a la BMW I6’s of old. Didn’t clock the MPG but I used a quarter of a tank in 3 days of in town driving. Drove well, smaller than it is. Speaking of, it was full of people and everyone was comfortable. Super, super comfortable.

The switch gear was all very familiar to the Grand Cherokee. Makes me feel good but if I had plunked down the extra 15-20k on the Waggy, I’d be ticked.

I’ve read the horror stories on these, particularly with the electronics but also ‘hear’ the GM twins like to puke their V8’s. I have recent seat time with this, a Suburban and Expedition. If I was in the market for a full-sized SUV, it’d be a toss up honestly.

After traveling at least a couple of days every week this year, I am thankfully home this week.

I think I’ve said it before here but I love the Wagoneer as a rental.. I drove one from Vegas to Phoenix and it was one of the most comfortable drives ever.

Fixed!

stickguy · February 17

kyfdx said:
Considering that Mitsubishi is still in business and has local dealers, I wouldn't be too worried about Nissan not being around.

It still shocks me every time I drive past the Mitsubishi dealer that is a couple of miles from my house, realizing they are still in business. Even have a nice showroom and a lot of inventory outside.

nyccarguy · February 17

stickguy said:
latest design has reviewed surprisingly well I believe. and on a lease any worries about long term survival of a CVT doesn't apply. Plus all the modern safety tech, and cost certainty

I looked and it has an impressive list of all the latest safety-tech features.

graphicguy · February 17

kyfdx said:
Considering that Mitsubishi is still in business and has local dealers, I wouldn't be too worried about Nissan not being around.

Friend bought one of those Mitzu SUVs. Gotta admit, it's really nice on the inside. Rode well (I was in the passenger set). I know he got it for less than $40K. Seemed like a lot of vehicle for the money.

tjc78 · February 17

@nyccarguy said:
Fixed!

Haha.. I drive its corporate cousin. How much worse can it be?

For the right lease under warranty the whole time … I’d gamble.

jmonroe1 · February 17

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

Fixed!

Haha.. I drive its corporate cousin. How much worse can it be?

For the right lease under warranty the whole time … I’d gamble.

————————————————
That doesn’t sound like much of a gamble to me.

jmonroe

au1994 · February 17

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy said:

Fixed!

Haha.. I drive its corporate cousin. How much worse can it be?

For the right lease under warranty the whole time … I’d gamble.

I probably would too.

qbrozen · February 17

Yet another vehicle that caught my eye.
https://www.automotiveavenuesnj.com/inventory/used-2017-maserati-levante-s-3-0l-awd-suv-zn661yul5hx199851/

xwesx · February 17

qbrozen said:
Yet another vehicle that caught my eye.
https://www.automotiveavenuesnj.com/inventory/used-2017-maserati-levante-s-3-0l-awd-suv-zn661yul5hx199851/

Wow! I can see why.

explorerx4 · February 17

Picking up on Wednesday.

nyccarguy · February 17

@explorerx4

Nice rig!

Details please!

stickguy · February 17

love the colors. Trading in the explorer I assume?

corvette · February 17

@explorerx4 - congrats! I hope they wash it before you pick it up!

jmonroe1 · February 17

@explorerx4, congrats. Is this the result of an email they sent you or from you walking the lot?

BTW, get that thing a pair of Winter skivvies.

jmonroe

ab348 · February 17

nyccarguy said:

Even if Nissan goes out of business, I’m sure NMAC will still have a few employees laying around to collect payments.

You never know. A number of years back after I started using Amazon for regular purchases, their Canadian operation offered an Amazon Visa CC, run by Chase. I didn’t have a Visa card at the time so I got it. You got 2% back and no annual fee, but generally I just used it as the default for my Amazon purchases. After a few years, Chase announced they were terminating their CC business here (they may have been shutting down their entire Canadian operation, not sure) so I used it until they ended it, paid off my balance after the last statement, and forgot about it.

Many months or perhaps a year or more after that, I got word that Chase was forgiving all customers of their Canadian Visa card operation for any unpaid balance owing. What?!? Almost made me wish I too was a deadbeat.

tjc78 · February 17

Congrats @explorerx4

explorerx4 · February 17

Over the last month or so, I've walked several lots looking at trucks.
This was my first choice. My 2nd choice at another dealer sold a few days after I saw it last week.
It's an STX which is a pretty basic model.
Cloth seats, not powered or heated. Column shift, regular cruise, single climate control, no rear sliding window.
It's a 4WD Super Crew with FX4 pkg(A/T tires, 18 inch wheels, locking rear axle, hill decent control, some skid plates), Black pkg(grille, bumpers, wheels, dual rear exit exhaust), Mobile Office pkg(fold flat center console, locking under rear seat storage), Coyote under the hood.
Dealer added bedliner($499) and rear wheel well liners($299).
MSRP including dealer add on's was $58,538. About a 4K discount(first pencil was 2K), $6250 in rebates,
$52,250 out the door. No trade.
There were only 4 of this spec within 100 miles, 3 at the dealer I bought from.

stickguy · February 17

$58K sticker for a relatively strippo (by today's standards). Amazing.

explorerx4 · February 17

Forgot, the paint color was $495.
It depends where you want to put your $. An XLT with a mid pkg has more lux features but I didn't need them.
Unfortunately, 24 Maverick XLT's still have a stop sale on them and ultimately, I prefer RWD which is what I grew up with.
Also, they said I could write a personal check for everything other than the $500 I put down as a deposit.

oldfarmer50 · February 17

kyfdx said:
Considering that Mitsubishi is still in business and has local dealers, I wouldn't be too worried about Nissan not being around.

But Mitsubishi is a big industrial giant with multiple other businesses that can offset potential losses in their car division. I don’t know if Nissan has that depth.

oldfarmer50 · February 17

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:
Considering that Mitsubishi is still in business and has local dealers, I wouldn't be too worried about Nissan not being around.
Friend bought one of those Mitzu SUVs. Gotta admit, it's really nice on the inside. Rode well (I was in the passenger set). I know he got it for less than $40K. Seemed like a lot of vehicle for the money.

I drove two different Mitsubishi Mirages considerable distances today and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. Shame they are discontinued but as a cheap A to B car they aren’t bad.

oldfarmer50 · February 17

explorerx4 said:
Forgot, the paint color was $495.
It depends where you want to put your $. An XLT with a mid pkg has more lux features but I didn't need them.
Unfortunately, 24 Maverick XLT's still have a stop sale on them and ultimately, I prefer RWD which is what I grew up with.
Also, they said I could write a personal check for everything other than the $500 I put down as a deposit.

congratulations. That’s a nice color and the 5.0L should let you do a lot of different things.

nyccarguy · February 17

@explorerx4 said:
Over the last month or so, I've walked several lots looking at trucks.
This was my first choice. My 2nd choice at another dealer sold a few days after I saw it last week.
It's an STX which is a pretty basic model.
Cloth seats, not powered or heated. Column shift, regular cruise, single climate control, no rear sliding window.
It's a 4WD Super Crew with FX4 pkg(A/T tires, 18 inch wheels, locking rear axle, hill decent control, some skid plates), Black pkg(grille, bumpers, wheels, dual rear exit exhaust), Mobile Office pkg(fold flat center console, locking under rear seat storage), Coyote under the hood.
Dealer added bedliner($499) and rear wheel well liners($299).
MSRP including dealer add on's was $58,538. About a 4K discount(first pencil was 2K), $6250 in rebates,
$52,250 out the door. No trade.
There were only 4 of this spec within 100 miles, 3 at the dealer I bought from.

Nice job getting yourself a 5.0 V8! Enjoy the truck!

explorerx4 · February 17

I posted this a while back but here is the listing with more pics.
https://www.mikebassford.net/inventory/new-2024-ford-f-150-stx®-4x4-supercrew®-1ftfw2l58rfc07953/

kyfdx · February 17

explorerx4 said:
I posted this a while back but here is the listing with more pics.
https://www.mikebassford.net/inventory/new-2024-ford-f-150-stx®-4x4-supercrew®-1ftfw2l58rfc07953/

Congrats!

roadburner · February 17

explorerx4 said:
Picking up on Wednesday.

Congrats!

corvette · February 17

I know the world has changed, but normally, I'd expect dealer lots to be completely cleared of 2024 inventory of a high volume model by February of 2025. That said, it's a great looking truck, and the 5.0 gives an excellent soundtrack. That powertrain, the 3.5 EB, and even the 2.7 EB, seem to give very similar 0-60 times, so I'm pretty sure rear wheel traction is the main limiting factor. Not that I wouldn't consider tuning any of them, if I had one!

ab348 · February 18

corvette said:
I know the world has changed, but normally, I'd expect dealer lots to be completely cleared of 2024 inventory of a high volume model by February of 2025.

Pickups tend to be overproduced because I guess they are generally in demand and they are very profitable. I remember seeing leftovers on offer from dealers well into the following year on a regular basis.

oldfarmer50 · February 18

corvette said:
I know the world has changed, but normally, I'd expect dealer lots to be completely cleared of 2024 inventory of a high volume model by February of 2025. That said, it's a great looking truck, and the 5.0 gives an excellent soundtrack. That powertrain, the 3.5 EB, and even the 2.7 EB, seem to give very similar 0-60 times, so I'm pretty sure rear wheel traction is the main limiting factor. Not that I wouldn't consider tuning any of them, if I had one!

He could try some of the Ford Power Pack mods for mild performance upgrades that maintain warranty. A 3:73 rear end could help too.

nyccarguy · February 18

Posted this in Cars & Conversations last night instead of here by accident:

I stopped by a Nissan dealer this evening on my way home to check out the Sentra. Immediately I’m greeted by a green pea who asks if I have an appointment or if I have spoken with anyone at the dealership. When I say no, he asks what he can help me with. I glanced behind the manager's desk & saw a big board with the sale's people's names and their goals for the month. My greenpea's goal was 5. He's sold 1 so far.

I introduce myself and he asks me for a copy of my license so he can scan it into their system. That’s a hard no. I dictate to him my name, address, and cell phone number.

I tell him I’m interested in leasing a Sentra SV with climate package. He leads me towards a fully loaded SR model. The interior was very nicely appointed, but had bigger wheels with smaller sidewalls than I’d prefer. It also had a $29K sticker price which is a lot more than I’m willing to spend on something not manufactured by Toyota.

The front had a surprising amount of leg room. I moved the seat pretty far forward to get comfortable. I sat in the back after adjusting the seat for my 5’ 10” frame and there was a nice amount of legroom. Headroom in the back is tight. I couldn’t sit up straight without touching the headliner. Maybe I’m not used to a regular car, but I swear this thing was as low as my Prelude.

He asks me if I’d like to check out an SV on the lot. Asks if I have a particular color in mind. I tell him it doesn’t matter at this point, just grab something that is accessible.

He grabs the keys to an SV. Tells me he wants to introduce me to the finance manager after the test drive so he can explain the options to me. I said to him; “ Let me guess? Firm handshake? Big smile? Nice suit?”

Asks to take a copy of my license which I say sure, just shred it afterwards. He fires up the car, pulls it out and then sees there is a CRV blocking its path. He tells me to get comfortable and he’ll have the CrV moved and be right back. I waited a solid 5-6 minutes, got out of the car and told him I can’t wait any longer. I asked for his card, he said he doesn’t have one , but asks me to put his cell number in my phone.

I did notice a big difference in headroom between the SR with the sunroof and the SV without.

au1994 · February 18

Man, there are really some blocking and tackling basics that dealerships STILL fail on. A license copy as soon as you walk in?? Meet the finance manager before any significant interest has been shown? And for goodness sake, don't pick a car that is hemmed in!

graphicguy · February 18

explorerx4 said:
Picking up on Wednesday.

NICE! Congrats!

kyfdx · February 18

When we were shopping Porsche dealers, we had a couple of good experiences at the dealers we didn't buy from. But, zero follow-up.

Didn't have to provide info, until we were offered a test-drive. At the first dealership, they gave us back-to-back test drives, one vehicle with 21" wheels and another with 20" wheels, for comparison. Then brought us to a desk to see the service loaners available, along with MSRP and asking prices.

At the 2nd dealership, we test drove another one. Looked over some units. New kid with no business card, but he took all of our info down.

3rd dealership in Louisville had better options/colors (thanks @mjfloyd1 !), so sent an inquiry on a couple of units on-line. The next day, one of the salespeople contacted me via e-mail, with extensive links and histories on both of them. Within a day, we had a deal, and picked it up the next day.

This started on a Saturday, then Tuesday. On Wednesday, contacted the third dealer, then picked up our car on Friday.

The two local dealerships? Neither one made any contact after our unsolicited visit. Not by phone or e-mail. Ever.

laurasdada · February 18

kyfdx said:
When we were shopping Porsche dealers, we had a couple of good experiences at the dealers we didn't buy from. But, zero follow-up.

Didn't have to provide info, until we were offered a test-drive. At the first dealership, they gave us back-to-back test drives, one vehicle with 21" wheels and another with 20" wheels, for comparison. Then brought us to a desk to see the service loaners available, along with MSRP and asking prices.

At the 2nd dealership, we test drove another one. Looked over some units. New kid with no business card, but he took all of our info down.

3rd dealership in Louisville had better options/colors (thanks @mjfloyd1 !), so sent an inquiry on a couple of units on-line. The next day, one of the salespeople contacted me via e-mail, with extensive links and histories on both of them. Within a day, we had a deal, and picked it up the next day.

This started on a Saturday, then Tuesday. On Wednesday, contacted the third dealer, then picked up our car on Friday.

The two local dealerships? Neither one made any contact after our unsolicited visit. Not by phone or e-mail. Ever.

Guess you wore the wrong watch.

Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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