Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

Sandman6472

Drove a newish Toyota Crown at work yesterday and liked it for the most part. The only thing missing is a regular automatic tranny as I could feel the slight amount of lugging with the CVT. Definitely not as bad as my kid's early Nissan Versa, as that was truly awful, but I still felt some unfortunately. The interior materials were nicely done, typical Toyota switchgear, and did like the grippy cloth seats as it wasn't a top of the line model. But I gave it a 90% rating and deducted 10% for the CVT instead of the regular 8 or 9 speed auto tranny. Unfortunately it's not a vehicle we'd ever look at but a decent choice for folks looking for a vehicle in that class. And even if we didn't have a size constraint in what we could purchase, we both still prefer a compact or subcompact vehicle at this stage of life. Just so happy my part time gig gives me plenty of opportunity to drive most of what is out there now in the automotive landscape.

stickguy

I would actually take the Golf because it sounds like it really needs to get a good long run to clean it up internally! Burn the crap out.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

I remember when going up a grade was about $.10 so about $.20 from RUG to PUG. Now it is always well over a dollar, and even going to mid-grade can be a jump from $3 to $3.70

Just noticed here in NJ it was .75 swing from regular to premium

————————————————-
To be honest I don’t know what the price difference is here in southwestern PA because if I did I don’t think I’d buy it. The Genny takes premium but the Subie takes RUG. I just got gas for the Subie at Sam’s the other day and I think it was $2.31.

jmonroe

Michaell

@stickguy said:
I would actually take the Golf because it sounds like it really needs to get a good long run to clean it up internally! Burn the crap out.

Italian tune up!

(Or, should that be German?)

stickguy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avV-bqyIhDc&t=457s

sda

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

not required. But can get some extra HP on it per the ratings (assuming you spend your time winding out the engine on a compact PU!) I did not spend much time on mine running over 5K RPMs.

My GTI is the same way.. a few more HP with premium. I doubt it would get better highway mileage. Not that 2 mpg matters much, when you are already getting 36 mpg.

But, the premium "premium" is so high around here, I usually don't get it. Last time it was $2.68 vs. $4.19.

Do you use RUG in the GTI? Premium is recommended for the Arteon

corvette

@Sandman6472 - are two of your kids in Orlando and St. Augustine? And you're south of Orlando now? Have you considered The Villages? That place is near both and sounds like it is set up for an active lifestyle retirement.

kyfdx

sda said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

not required. But can get some extra HP on it per the ratings (assuming you spend your time winding out the engine on a compact PU!) I did not spend much time on mine running over 5K RPMs.

My GTI is the same way.. a few more HP with premium. I doubt it would get better highway mileage. Not that 2 mpg matters much, when you are already getting 36 mpg.

But, the premium "premium" is so high around here, I usually don't get it. Last time it was $2.68 vs. $4.19.

Do you use RUG in the GTI? Premium is recommended for the Arteon

RUG is required. It is an engine that creates more HP with PUG, but I've seen nowhere where it is recommended.

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

not required. But can get some extra HP on it per the ratings (assuming you spend your time winding out the engine on a compact PU!) I did not spend much time on mine running over 5K RPMs.

My GTI is the same way.. a few more HP with premium. I doubt it would get better highway mileage. Not that 2 mpg matters much, when you are already getting 36 mpg.

But, the premium "premium" is so high around here, I usually don't get it. Last time it was $2.68 vs. $4.19.

Speaking of premium gas, around here the spread between RUG and PUG has gotten to be a dollar or more. Except for Sam’s Club where 93 premium is only 25 cents more than regular.

You have to wonder if we’re being gouged by the other stations.

stickguy

I don’t think you need to wonder.

corvette

The Edmunds trade-in estimate on my Maverick finally dropped below $20k, almost two and a half years after I bought it. It hovered around $21k for that entire period. Now it's $18,554, so I made the appropriate debit in Quicken. Since it's almost paid off, no danger of having negative equity!

stickguy

Carvana is going up again on mine. This week they offfered $29,400. All equity. I just don’t know what I would do instead!

sda

This is the fuel requirement for the Arteon.

mjfloyd1

@stickguy said:
Carvana is going up again on mine. This week they offfered $29,400. All equity. I just don’t know what I would do instead!

The Maverick was gifted to you? You have no cost basis? Hmmm….

stickguy

meaning I own it outright so no loan to pay off. All cash into the bank.

roadburner

I just run Shell 93 in everything; the M42 in the Club Sport could run on 87 octane until I added the Turner Conforti chip. Pay to play and all like that.

Michaell

Long text conversation with my sister today; while she's not a true CCBA-er, she's certainly adjacent, with her three boys. Updates on the transportation issues for her and her family:

Sister/BIL - they have the 2019 XC40 and mom's 2003 Hyundai Sonata V6. The Volvo has about 60,000 miles on it. No plans to trade or add anything in the near future. The Sonata has fewer miles and runs like a top, but doesn't see everyday use.

Nephew #1 - Finishing his double masters at Eastern Washington University, currently driving a 2015 Jetta with over 100,000 miles on it. While he has applied to a number of doctorate programs in the Western US, the thinking now is that he'll move back home and get a teaching position with one of the local school districts in or around San Diego. Will likely keep the VW for now - they've put some money into in this past year to address some niggling problems and make it more livable.

Nephew #2 - Still in college, but has an internship this summer. He drives the late 90's 4Runner RWD that now has over 200K on it. It, too, has been kept up with all maintenance and runs well. If the internship turns into a job offer, it's likely he'll sell the Toyota and replace it with something more comfortable. He likes the Camry and Lexus IS (both somewhat used, because budget). I found a 2019 IS300 with 60K on it for something like $23K, and he loved it. Just not ready to pull the trigger just yet. Can also drive the Hyundai above if necessary. I thought he could list the 4Runner for $4999 and take any offer over $4K as a down payment for whatever comes next.

Nephew #3 - Also has a summer internship planned while finishing college, but he bought his car a year or two ago - I think it's a 2019 Kia Forte GT-Line. Loves it still, and to my knowledge, hasn't had any major issues with it.

nyccarguy

@Michaell

The IS300 is a great car. Sharp looking. The platform has been around forever. The AWD models have a detuned version of the 3.5 V6 found in the IS350. It’s definitely the volume model of the IS line. You won’t find one that’s been abused or modified to death. Since it is a sedan it seems to have a somewhat normal depreciation curve unlike some of the LEXus & Toyota SUVs out there. Very reliable too.

sda

What kind of sorry fix is this? The recall now affects over 500,000 vehicles, adding Cadillac CT4, CT5, CT6, and Chevrolet Camaro models to the previously affected full-size pickups and SUVs.

A faulty control valve in the 10-speed automatic transmission can wear prematurely, causing harsh shifts and, in severe cases, wheel lock-up while driving.

GM is rolling out a software update to detect wear 10,000 miles before failure, triggering a check engine light and limiting gears. Owner notifications begin April 21.

sda

It wasn't planned this way, I have three cars with a different version of the 2.0T EA888 engine. The suggested fuel for the Passat is RUG, the Q5 and Arteon, PUG. We make it a point to use only Top Tier fuel and RUG/PUG as required.,

stickguy

Most likely the PUG models have all the sensors and programming to auto magically adjust anyway.

At one point I had 2 Hondas with same engine (either the 3.5 or 2.4). But one was an Acura. Same engine code. Specs identical (compression ratio, redline, etc). A couple HP off but in different models so that’s normal due to exhaust. On paper exactly the same. But the Honda was RUG and Acura RUG required but premium recommended.

Far as I could it was just because luxury cars were supposed to use premium so it was for prestige!

ab348

Curious situation regarding the C8 Corvette. Apparently GM and dealers are awash in unsold cars:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/time-to-lowball-your-chevy-dealer-for-one-of-the-5500-unsold-c8-corvettes

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell

The IS300 is a great car. Sharp looking. The platform has been around forever. The AWD models have a detuned version of the 3.5 V6 found in the IS350. It’s definitely the volume model of the IS line. You won’t find one that’s been abused or modified to death. Since it is a sedan it seems to have a somewhat normal depreciation curve unlike some of the LEXus & Toyota SUVs out there. Very reliable too.

My sister had a RX400h and took it up to over 150K, I think, so they know they're reliable.

Remember, this is SoCal so AWD not needed and, likely, hard to find. The 300 with the 2.0L turbo would be more than adequate for his commute. I'm sure there will be a few to choose from in San Diego or Orange Counties when the time comes.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

Carvana is going up again on mine. This week they offered $29,400. All equity. I just don’t know what I would do instead!

Your loaded Maverick hybrid seems like a close to perfect vehicle for you. Iirc you paid around 34k + tax, which means you're doing well. Seems like a keeper.

But my 2 cents is that you might consider adding a sporty car to your stable. In the past you've said that a previous generation Miata was too tight on headroom. Probably that's true of the current model as well, but currently Mazda has a special 35th anniversary limited edition Miata for about $37k with 2.9 financing or good lease rates. Special exterior color and interior, nice sound system, etc.

https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mx-5-miata

"The Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition features an eye-catching Artisan Red exterior, paired with a beige convertible top, evoking an elegant look. The Artisan Red rear roof spoiler and serial number plate badge provide a nod to the exclusivity of this edition, while the 17-inch alloy wheels with a bright finish complete its dynamic stance. Inside, the 35th Anniversary Edition welcomes drivers with Tan Nappa leather seats, embossed with the 35th Anniversary logo on the headrests, while the Artisan Red interior accents enhance the car’s roadster aesthetic. The tan carpet and floor mats further complement the vehicle’s refined character. This special MX-5 Miata isn’t just about the road ahead; it’s about acknowledging the journey that brought us here and the people who made it possible. The MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition is a fitting tribute to the enduring relationship between Mazda and its loyal fans. With this exclusive release, the MX-5 Miata continues to prove that it’s not just a car—it’s a part of something much bigger, and it’s ready to inspire the next chapter of its history."

stickguy

I don’t want to park a nice car outside under the trees. A beater truck would not matter.

benjaminh

Why couldn't you park your new car in your garage, and leave the Maverick out?

stickguy

Because it is a nice car in like brand new condition.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

Long text conversation with my sister today; while she's not a true CCBA-er, she's certainly adjacent, with her three boys. Updates on the transportation issues for her and her family:

Sister/BIL - they have the 2019 XC40 and mom's 2003 Hyundai Sonata V6. The Volvo has about 60,000 miles on it. No plans to trade or add anything in the near future. The Sonata has fewer miles and runs like a top, but doesn't see everyday use.

Nephew #1 - Finishing his double masters at Eastern Washington University, currently driving a 2015 Jetta with over 100,000 miles on it. While he has applied to a number of doctorate programs in the Western US, the thinking now is that he'll move back home and get a teaching position with one of the local school districts in or around San Diego. Will likely keep the VW for now - they've put some money into in this past year to address some niggling problems and make it more livable.

Nephew #2 - Still in college, but has an internship this summer. He drives the late 90's 4Runner RWD that now has over 200K on it. It, too, has been kept up with all maintenance and runs well. If the internship turns into a job offer, it's likely he'll sell the Toyota and replace it with something more comfortable. He likes the Camry and Lexus IS (both somewhat used, because budget). I found a 2019 IS300 with 60K on it for something like $23K, and he loved it. Just not ready to pull the trigger just yet. Can also drive the Hyundai above if necessary. I thought he could list the 4Runner for $4999 and take any offer over $4K as a down payment for whatever comes next.

Nephew #3 - Also has a summer internship planned while finishing college, but he bought his car a year or two ago - I think it's a 2019 Kia Forte GT-Line. Loves it still, and to my knowledge, hasn't had any major issues with it.

With all those college kids in the family maybe they be interested in Harvard since they plan on waving tuition for students under a certain income limit. I don’t remember what the limit was but it was more than I’d ever make in two lifetimes.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

What kind of sorry fix is this? The recall now affects over 500,000 vehicles, adding Cadillac CT4, CT5, CT6, and Chevrolet Camaro models to the previously affected full-size pickups and SUVs.

A faulty control valve in the 10-speed automatic transmission can wear prematurely, causing harsh shifts and, in severe cases, wheel lock-up while driving.

GM is rolling out a software update to detect wear 10,000 miles before failure, triggering a check engine light and limiting gears. Owner notifications begin April 21.

Is that the 10 speed jointly developed with Ford? I seem to remember Ford having a recall on those too.

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

Long text conversation with my sister today; while she's not a true CCBA-er, she's certainly adjacent, with her three boys. Updates on the transportation issues for her and her family:

Sister/BIL - they have the 2019 XC40 and mom's 2003 Hyundai Sonata V6. The Volvo has about 60,000 miles on it. No plans to trade or add anything in the near future. The Sonata has fewer miles and runs like a top, but doesn't see everyday use.

Nephew #1 - Finishing his double masters at Eastern Washington University, currently driving a 2015 Jetta with over 100,000 miles on it. While he has applied to a number of doctorate programs in the Western US, the thinking now is that he'll move back home and get a teaching position with one of the local school districts in or around San Diego. Will likely keep the VW for now - they've put some money into in this past year to address some niggling problems and make it more livable.

Nephew #2 - Still in college, but has an internship this summer. He drives the late 90's 4Runner RWD that now has over 200K on it. It, too, has been kept up with all maintenance and runs well. If the internship turns into a job offer, it's likely he'll sell the Toyota and replace it with something more comfortable. He likes the Camry and Lexus IS (both somewhat used, because budget). I found a 2019 IS300 with 60K on it for something like $23K, and he loved it. Just not ready to pull the trigger just yet. Can also drive the Hyundai above if necessary. I thought he could list the 4Runner for $4999 and take any offer over $4K as a down payment for whatever comes next.

Nephew #3 - Also has a summer internship planned while finishing college, but he bought his car a year or two ago - I think it's a 2019 Kia Forte GT-Line. Loves it still, and to my knowledge, hasn't had any major issues with it.

With all those college kids in the family maybe they be interested in Harvard since they plan on waving tuition for students under a certain income limit. I don’t remember what the limit was but it was more than I’d ever make in two lifetimes.

I saw that - $200K was the threshold. The two younger boys are attending a school close to home, and commute to the campus when necessary. Nephew #2 was admitted to West Point but had to relenquish his spot due to a nut allergy.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Curious situation regarding the C8 Corvette. Apparently GM and dealers are awash in unsold cars:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/time-to-lowball-your-chevy-dealer-for-one-of-the-5500-unsold-c8-corvettes

I like to know where that $58k unit is located. I remember when they introduced the base model at about $60k but all that you could find at dealers were the $90k versions with $15k ADMs.

stickguy

Might explain why they have so many in stock

benjaminh

Fair enough. We only have a one-car garage, and unfortunately it's currently halfway full of stuff, and so our new Outback is exposed to hail, birds, and whatever else. Sigh.

So if you sell your Maverick you could then get a sports car and an old beater truck. The problem from my pov with old trucks is that most of them are huge. Plus if you get a cheap one it's probably worn out and unreliable, and if you get a nice one it'll be expensive. But maybe you'll get lucky.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

I like to know where that $58k unit is located. I remember when they introduced the base model at about $60k but all that you could find at dealers were the $90k versions with $15k ADMs.

I'm not seeing it either. Cheapest 2024 I see is still high $60K range but that likely does not include dealer discounts for being a model year old.

benjaminh

This reviewer is six feet tall and at around 16:30 says he has enough headroom in a Miata.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoNttqdBeVA

stickguy

I rarely get lucky like that.

I still like my plan to get a small utility trailer to fill the need for a bed. At least locally!

I also read CR last night and went through every new car option. And was amazed how few made any sense for us or I had interest in. That and eventually I will get the wife to agree to stop for some test fits at dealerships. And confirm that something really low and hard to get in and out of does not make sense. And whatever I did get needs to be something she is comfortable driving.

All reasons (along with retirement savings vaporizing quickly lately!) doing anything soon is unlikely. Maybe if I inherit a low miles Sentra I will keep that to park outside as a spare car and winter beater and let the wife drive that, and get the manual WRX I want!

qbrozen

@benjaminh said:
This reviewer is six feet tall and at around 16:30 says he has enough headroom in a Miata.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoNttqdBeVA

At only 6’, he certainly should. I nearly fit in the Miata from 2 generations ago.

qbrozen

Cochran dragged their feet long enough that the Jag sold yesterday. If she had responded in a timely manner to my original request … oh well.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I rarely get lucky like that.

I still like my plan to get a small utility trailer to fill the need for a bed. At least locally!

I also read CR last night and went through every new car option. And was amazed how few made any sense for us or I had interest in. That and eventually I will get the wife to agree to stop for some test fits at dealerships. And confirm that something really low and hard to get in and out of does not make sense. And whatever I did get needs to be something she is comfortable driving.

All reasons (along with retirement savings vaporizing quickly lately!) doing anything soon is unlikely. Maybe if I inherit a low miles Sentra I will keep that to park outside as a spare car and winter beater and let the wife drive that, and get the manual WRX I want!

I saw one in the dark blue this AM. It looked great.

breld

ab348 said:

Curious situation regarding the C8 Corvette. Apparently GM and dealers are awash in unsold cars:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/time-to-lowball-your-chevy-dealer-for-one-of-the-5500-unsold-c8-corvettes

Makes me feel better about moving on from my C8 to the 911. Took enough of a loss on the C8 as it was, but at least the bleeding has stopped and depreciation on the Porsche should be much more tolerable.

suydam

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

Long text conversation with my sister today; while she's not a true CCBA-er, she's certainly adjacent, with her three boys. Updates on the transportation issues for her and her family:

Sister/BIL - they have the 2019 XC40 and mom's 2003 Hyundai Sonata V6. The Volvo has about 60,000 miles on it. No plans to trade or add anything in the near future. The Sonata has fewer miles and runs like a top, but doesn't see everyday use.

Nephew #1 - Finishing his double masters at Eastern Washington University, currently driving a 2015 Jetta with over 100,000 miles on it. While he has applied to a number of doctorate programs in the Western US, the thinking now is that he'll move back home and get a teaching position with one of the local school districts in or around San Diego. Will likely keep the VW for now - they've put some money into in this past year to address some niggling problems and make it more livable.

Nephew #2 - Still in college, but has an internship this summer. He drives the late 90's 4Runner RWD that now has over 200K on it. It, too, has been kept up with all maintenance and runs well. If the internship turns into a job offer, it's likely he'll sell the Toyota and replace it with something more comfortable. He likes the Camry and Lexus IS (both somewhat used, because budget). I found a 2019 IS300 with 60K on it for something like $23K, and he loved it. Just not ready to pull the trigger just yet. Can also drive the Hyundai above if necessary. I thought he could list the 4Runner for $4999 and take any offer over $4K as a down payment for whatever comes next.

Nephew #3 - Also has a summer internship planned while finishing college, but he bought his car a year or two ago - I think it's a 2019 Kia Forte GT-Line. Loves it still, and to my knowledge, hasn't had any major issues with it.

With all those college kids in the family maybe they be interested in Harvard since they plan on waving tuition for students under a certain income limit. I don’t remember what the limit was but it was more than I’d ever make in two lifetimes.

And Harvard has an admission rate of what, 3%? Good luck with that!

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

Might explain why they have so many in stock

————————————————
When dealers come to the realization that cars aren’t like fine wine, they may move a few off their lots. Maybe buyers aren’t as dumb as they look. Although, we’re getting into top down weather, they may feel they need that inventory.

Only time will tell.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

I don’t want to park a nice car outside under the trees. A beater truck would not matter.

————————————————
You should have stayed with your 3 car garage plan. We told ya.

jmonroe

roadburner

breld said:

ab348 said:

Curious situation regarding the C8 Corvette. Apparently GM and dealers are awash in unsold cars:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/time-to-lowball-your-chevy-dealer-for-one-of-the-5500-unsold-c8-corvettes

Makes me feel better about moving on from my C8 to the 911. Took enough of a loss on the C8 as it was, but at least the bleeding has stopped and depreciation on the Porsche should be much more tolerable.

You are also under 60, so you won't look as out-of-place in the 911 as you did in the C8.

stickguy

@qbrozen said:

@benjaminh said:
This reviewer is six feet tall and at around 16:30 says he has enough headroom in a Miata.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoNttqdBeVA

At only 6’, he certainly should. I nearly fit in the Miata from 2 generations ago.

I had unlimited headroom in my 2001 Miata (an NB). Because I always drove with the top down. Top up my head fit but I had to duck to see out the top of the windshield.

The problem was no where near enough room for legs and feet in that generation. Newer ones with a tilt wheel should be much better. My wife feels really wedged into one though

stickguy

@nyccarguy said:
I saw one in the dark blue this AM. It looked great.

My wife rejected the orange one I showed her. But was ok with the blue.

cdnpinhead

stickguy said:

. . .was amazed how few made any sense . . . . or I had interest in.

Welcome to my world. It's much of why I'm driving a 17 year old car.

xwesx

Michaell said:

Nephew #1 - Finishing his double masters at Eastern Washington University, currently driving a 2015 Jetta with over 100,000 miles on it. While he has applied to a number of doctorate programs in the Western US, the thinking now is that he'll move back home and get a teaching position with one of the local school districts in or around San Diego. Will likely keep the VW for now - they've put some money into in this past year to address some niggling problems and make it more livable.

PhD program, huh? What is his area of interest? He should consider University of Alaska Fairbanks!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

@nyccarguy said:

I saw one in the dark blue this AM. It looked great.

My wife rejected the orange one I showed her. But was ok with the blue.

That orange is quite bright. I actually HATED it in all the press materials. I've seen a few in the wild that look OK. I saw one guy in my town who wrapped or painted his black fender wells the body color orange. It looks hideous!

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

@benjaminh said:

This reviewer is six feet tall and at around 16:30 says he has enough headroom in a Miata.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoNttqdBeVA

At only 6’, he certainly should. I nearly fit in the Miata from 2 generations ago.

I can fit in a Miata but it’s not a comfortable fit and even then it would probably be impossible with the top up.