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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    It's a 2006 - coming up on 3 months and 5500 miles... A little early to be having electrical issues, but the car has never been hard to start. I'm not worried about it leaving me stranded, but on its one trip to the dealer, they failed to address any of the issues...

    Not a whole lot of winter tire selection, if I stick to run-flats. Oh, Kumho, Nokian, and others make and sell run-flats in other countries, just not here. It seems as if the US market always gets deprived of the good stuff!

    Side airbags are standard on the Mini, DSC is available at minimal cost. They are really a hoot to drive!
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    Just read Edmunds' first drive of the Civic. The styling is attractive, but were the wheels on the hybrid designed to look like hubcaps?

    I've noticed this trend with a lot of cars and some or all of their factory wheel options:
    Toyota Highlander Limited
    Lexus SC430
    Volvo S80
    Honda Insight
    Honda Civic Hybrid

    One of the features of alloy wheels is that they allow large openings that are impossible with a conventional steel wheel and hubcap. Let me see the brakes, for crying out loud!
  • chrisbgoodchrisbgood Member Posts: 77
    Side air bags standard. DSC dirt cheap. ABS standard. Insurance (standard Cooper) very cheap. Cool car? Yes! Fun to drive? Definately! easiest car to park in small spots, bar none -- competent on the highway and it handles beautifully.

    (OK, I miss the Cooper -- I owned one for one year, traded it in for more than I paid for it -- list -- cost of ownership = 0 for year 1).

    They run fine on regular -- and gas milege is good.
  • racer63racer63 Member Posts: 83
    I had about an hour and a half to kill with the family over the weekend, and thought it was time to introduce them to what I'm considering for my next ride.

    First stop was at the Acura dealer for TL's and TSX's, and all the response I got from Mrs. Racer was a frowny face :( over $33k on the sticker. My 8 and 9 year olds, who only think Acuras and BMWs are real cars, weren't even with me, since my son wants a RSX Type S and nothing else.

    Next was Honda, and thay had an '06 5 speed Accord EX 4 door right out front. $23k, so the price was in the right direction for the Mrs., who clearly is her father's daughter, the man who still drives a 1990 Tempo. Her words, delivered in monotone, was: What's not to like. Kids thought it was boring.

    Since I knew we still hadn't reached her price point nirvana yet, and it was in the direction we had to go, the Chevy dealer was last, to show her the HHR. Which upon sight all she could do was laugh. We all piled in the one in the showroom, and after about 20 seconds, the kids were mortified to be seen in it, and my wife still hadn't stopped cackling. She thought it was the perfect old mans car. This particular one was a 5-speed, and while with more fiddling I was able to get an acceptable driving position, it did require a double jointed right elbow to operate the shifter with the right armrest down on the seat. And they wonder why nobody buys manual trannys anymore.

    All said and done, nobody liked anything. To be continued with another installment after our next go-around.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    His (e-mailed) story from this morning:
    ...I see the alternator (Red Battery) indicator flash. It would flash about three times and stop. May have done this three or four times. Car is running fine. So I take the emergency turn around, go home, and get the truck.

    I sent him the link to the First Drive of the 2006 Civic. (I also suggested some components to check, but those won't really take care of the root cause in the same way the Civic would...)
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    "The styling is attractive, but were the wheels on the hybrid designed to look like hubcaps?"

    Yes, it cuts down on the drag coefficient.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    We have been good for over a year now. Last CCB decision was trading the 04 EX-L automatic Accord for the EX-L 5-speed. That said, there was a pristine G35 Coupe 6-speed in our showroom. Only 17,000 miles. Silver/light gray leather. I almost did what any good wife would do and buy the car for Gee. He could have driven it for a few days and then decided whether he wanted to sell the Si/LS and keep the G35. I could have gotten it for $27,000. Not bad. But it had the wrong interior color and it would be better for us to wait until the mini-van goes back before buying another car. Besides, now Gee wants a Freestyle. We need to go test drive one. If we could get it for $22,000-$25,000 with the options we want then it could be a contender. Anything over $25,000 and I would rather have an Odyssey/used MDX.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    That is impressive (2 cars in one month)....My best is 3 cars in 9 months (and two in three months). And, I ditched a car wit fewer miles than AKANG puts on while going to the market.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    A Freestyle? Lease another Odyssey, or buy yours out of the lease. The Mazda5 looks interesting, "stop sale" order due to fire hazard notwithstanding.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    It's time to get off.

    Finally saw/sat in /drove a Fusion tonight (an SE 4 cyl 5 speed, so the mid grade model). Loved it. Drove great, nice handling , steering feel, smooth clutch and nice tight short-throw shifter. Best of all, the front seats were great. The drivers seat felt like it was designed for me, and even adjusted the way I liked (you could tilt the front cushion edge way up, and the cushion itself was nice and long for thigh support.

    Also lots of room inside, and a large trunk.

    Sticker prety well loaded up was only 21K, before the assorted expected discounts.

    It has what I want, so I plan to persue this one. It helps that my neighbor is the GSM at the Ford dealer close to my office!

    My wife decided to pull a snob act (eew, it's a Ford), but she knows diddle about cars. I had to explain the Mazda heritage to her, and the fact that the Honda's we looked at were made in the US, not the Fusion!

    Anyway, that's why I leave her out of the process now. I gave her a chance.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Meant to call my Ford salesguy tonight about an F-350. I'm getting the itch........BAD!!! The Titan is GREAT, a wonderful truck, but it can't haul ANYTHING in the bed. I'd LOVE to have an F-350 dually diesel, would be perfect to help out our business...........which is overrun with orders!!!!!

    I dunno, I really love my Titan.
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    Do you think the Ford dealer will move much off sticker?

    A buddy of mine put his name on the list to check out the Fusion and the dealer called last night. I'll probably go with him after work to check it out.

    He had a seat problem with the Mazda6 also. Not enough thigh support, so your appraisal of the seat is encouraging.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    like night and day to the 6. Much bigger cushion, and shaped better. I found the 6 to have too short a bottom cushion, and had lumps in the wrong places. the back seat also seems much roomier (head and leg room), since it is slightly bigger, and has a boxier shape. That swoopy styling does take a toll on rear space.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    Forgotthat part. They only had 2, and the sales guy thought the real volume supply wouldn't start hitting for a couple of weeks. I didn't bother to talk price (it would have been an order at this point anyway), because I have a contact at another dealer (the GSM).

    Anyway, I expect pricing to get aggressive pretty quick, although it really is priced well to start with (lower than the competition for the most part at MSRP). But, with the volumes they want to sell, and the fact that it is a domestic (feeling the qftershocks of employee pricing), they should be dealing sooner rather than later.

    I hope to get an invoice deal from my contact, plus there is at least $500 FMC cash out the gate, and I heard something about a DP match of another $500, but not sure if that is true.

    Sticker on an SE the way I want it is ~21k, invoice ~ 19.5K, less the cash incentives and we are at ~18.5-19K, which I would pay for that package.

    Of course, who knows what pricing will be in the middle of the winter if they are piling up on the lots.

    besides, I am just happy that they are making stick shift models from the beginning!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    My brother has a 5-speed Mazda 6i and it's a hoot to drive but I think the interior could be a bit nicer. Also, being the bottom feeder I am I figure there's a better than average chance that a midsized Ford sedan with a stick shift will depreciate like a rock, meaning in 2 or 3 years I might be able to get into one really cheaply.

    -Jason
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Anony, after reading "all" of the posts on the thread, I did not realize that you were "in" the car business until recently; no wonder you and your husband have bought so many cars!

    Are you a salesperson or work behind the scenes? And, I'm assuming you must work for a Honda dealer..... :blush:

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    Well, if is anything like the Mazda6 , used deals will be available.
    I picked up a one year old 6 wagon for about 25% of what I would have paid new.

    Hopefully, if the rumor of the Freestyle going to Mercury is true,Ford will get a wagon version of the Fusion. I love my 6 but some of the union people I work with are not.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    You have to get run-flat snows for your 3-Series? Is there no spare tire? Why not order 5 snows/rims & put 1 in the trunk? I assume you know the joys of bmw's with no snow tires.

    I'm may be cooling on my Prius obsession. Altho I can order one, MSRP, $500 refundable deposit. I'm thinking, if gas prices are the same, or higher, when I get it, I could unload it after a time & not lose much(?). Plus there's a $2K or $3K tax credit early next year.

    I do get periodic Mini cravings however; altho I haven't driven one yet. I'd go for an S. There again, I'd hope I could unload it after a time & not lose much(?). But the sales tax & insurance in Taxachusetts make buying a 2nd car somewhat prohibitive......I dig the Mini colors tho, IMO the best selection of colors of any current car.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    Already bought 4 run-flats, and it was cheaper to pay a little extra for the RFs than to get another rim, and carry it around along with a jack, etc.
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    Was that 25% of new price, or 25% off the new price? If they're selling 6 wagons for $6k I'll take three, please.

    -Jason
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    That's my latest car de jour. It'll take the place of the spider home. It's only $16,000. Please someone talk me out of this. There is someone looking at it right now but he says that he might not buy it. I have $50,000 in home equity funds burning a hole in my checkbook. Not to mention my credit union is giving great rates right now. That car is as good as mine.

    I already have a Dinan wish list for Christmas.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 237,100
    Don't do it.... That would be one expensive spider condo.... High mileage Bimmers are not your friend...

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  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I wanted a new G35 for $3? grand. The Bimmer is $16K. There's not much that I could do in the Bimmer that would out pace the depreciation on the Infiniti. Plus the Bimmer is one mean looking machine. I thought 5 series Bimmers were pretty reliable. Retail on that thing is high $20's. Did I mention I can get it for $16k?
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,818
    Oooooh get the bimmer... I remember C&D doing a road test, and they said the six-speed was very nice, but you could run all day using just the odd -- or just the even -- gears. Whoo-hoo!
    Come on, man, live a little. And post pictures.
    Just make sure you check with Terry what this puppy-dog is worth.

    Spending your money and promising Terry's time, I remain,
    -Mathias
  • chrisbgoodchrisbgood Member Posts: 77
    Don't buy it, you don't want it! And send me their phone number...
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    I would like to ask any host to remove your posting priveledges in this discussion. We are supposed to be enablers here. ;)

    Go for it G. The spiders will love a V-8.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    But a 2001 540i 6 speed would be another animal altogether. It's Silver/Black with the sport package. I would already have it if I had come to see it when Anony told me to. My plan is to sell the LS400 and take the proceeds to pay off the SI. The notes on $16k would be easy. Hell, the insurance on the LS is already too freaking high. At least this time I might actually drive the car.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I work behind the scenes. Have been with the same company for 7 years. Started out in sales at 19 and moved on from there. It's not a Honda dealer but we do see plenty of used Hondas.

    As for the 540 .. the practical part of me knows Gee doesn't need a 6-speed V8 RWD sedan. The CCB in me can't wait to get behind the driver's seat. We'll see what happens. No need to put the spider's eviction notice downstairs yet.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    I drove a 2001 when I was looking at the 525 back in 2000 (I asked to drive a stick, and that's what they gave me. Who was I to argue).

    That was the fastest car I think I ever drove. Very fun. I would have lost my license in no time.

    the miles are scary, expecially if it hasn't gone through a lot of recent service (meaning that all the wear items will come due on your dime).

    Still, if you buy it, don't let it sit and rot, not that I expect you would be able to (after becoming addicted).

    Too bad I never see things like this. I wouldn't drop 25K on it, but if it was clean, for 16K I would buy it without thinking twice. But, I also don't put on a lot of miles (maybe 8K a year now), so I could milk it.

    It's deals like this that make me think I'm nuts to buy a new econo car like a Fusion or Accord. Only problem is, these deals never fall into my lap!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    At least you won't have to worry about keeping the miles off it!
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Buy the car!!! I think for that price you won't regret it. I drove a 540 in auto a few months back when it came in on a trade. It was one of my favourite cars I've ever driven. That car showed me the meaning of a sports sedan. :shades:

    I could have had it for cheap but I didn't have extra disposable income for repairs or maintenance if anything would have gone wrong. So make sure you put some money aside for repairs cause they ain't gonna be cheap. :sick:

    Buy it, enjoy it, and if you get bored of it you can always sell it easily. Chances are you won't want to sell it ;)

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    Woops, I meant 25% off of new. Big difference. :blush:

    My bassacwards thinking on a 2001 BMW with high miles, at least they should me mostly hi-way miles.I could easily rationalize buying it.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    the owner bought it about 18 months ago with 38,000 miles. He apparently bought a M5 to replace the 540.
  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    Seems cheap enough to buy it and see if you like it! If not, I think you could easly get all the money back .. and maybe then some.... How long will it last, priced at $16K?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    55K in 18 months? Was he visiting AK?

    Hmm, wonder if he bought it CPO so it would have a warranty out to 100K?

    I have to think if it is clean and never been hit that it should sell failry quickly at that price.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    tell me where to send the deposit. I'll fly down and drive it home!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    Even if it's CPO, as has been speculated, it's nearly out of warranty. If your dealership doesn't sell BMW's, I'd find an independent mechanic that specializes in them.
  • jaserbjaserb Member Posts: 820
    I've been tempted by 6 wagons as well. There's a local used car dealer that lists "no-haggle" prices that are really competitive, so I use them to have an idea what to shoot for on certain cars. They have 2004 6 wagons (which all have the V6) priced from 13,7 to 14,5 depending on mileage, which 1-2k cheaper then similar 4-cyl sedans. If I could find the elusive stick shift wagon that would be sweet.

    -Jason
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,547
    I considered looking for a left over 2005 6 hatchback, but I just don't find the driver's seat comfortable for me, which is my biggest dealbreaker.

    Plus, the odds of finding one equipped the way I want are slim. Probably even slimmer on a used one.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    Just out of curiosity I ran a national search on Autotrader for a Manual 6 wagon.It came up with a total of 5 used cars. So, I guess they are kind of a rare bird.And one of the 5 was in Canada.
  • zodiac2004zodiac2004 Member Posts: 458
    As for the 540 .. the practical part of me knows Gee doesn't need a 6-speed V8 RWD sedan

    Hah, NOBODY can justify a 540 based on practicality. The good thing is you don't have to.
    In your situation the main thing I would look for is is there a good/cheap mechanic near you who you trust to work on the 540 for maintenance. (non-dealer).

    If the answer is yes, definitely go for it.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    That needed a new engine. I found that BMW specialists aren't that expensive. They aren't cheap. But then again I also have had a couple Lexus's that I DID have serviced at the dealer. I decided the 528 wasn't "special" enough to warrant the trouble.

    I really DON'T need that car though. I have a foot like lead on Jupiter. I've sold 3 true sports cars because I drive too fast. But I just can't help the deal on that car. If I don't buy it, the guy who would works with Anony. I'll take pics either way. It's so sweet.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    It must have the Sport Pckg. right? Color(s)? I saw a nice dark blue 540i Sport at Costco today, was trying not to drool admidst the sea of Highlanders. I was gonna say tho, just have it checked out thoroughly by a really good bmw mechanic. And if it has lots of service records, better yet. There are some issues with the V8's & the cooling systems, but you probably already know that, & sounds like you have $$ budgeted for upgrades or maintenence. BTW, did you ask Terry what it's worth?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,265
    I have a foot like lead on Jupiter.

    I've behaved well, lately, but I do figure that if I could ever afford an M5, it would probably be the last car I have the opportunity to buy!

    I just watched Top Gear's review of the new M5. They had some mechanical problems, and the satnav kept telling them to "turn left a half mile ahead," but they still loved it (and it turned in an amazing laptime).
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Think of all the home improvements you could do with that $$$. You don't need a dang BMW, keep the spider condo!! (siding with the spiders) :P
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Well, this house is only 2 years old so not too many home improvements that are urgent enough to deny ourselves the pleasure of a 540. Besides, we are going today to look at a more low-maintenance home closer to my job to cut my commute time among other reasons.

    The 540 is silver exterior/black interior with tinted windows. It is one nice looking car I have to admit.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    ...I dunno, if you're in the position and it's something you guys want, I say 'go for it'. Seems that the BMW wouldn't be your main daily driver, so I don't think the miles are especially an issue (and, despite relatively high repair costs, it's not like BMWs don't last), except in that they're in your favor as far as price goes. I know I'm enabling, but I also can't think you could probably drive this thing for a couple years and almost get all your money back out of it, if you don't rack up too many more miles.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    .....unfortunately, it's not for me, but then again, it's kinda fun to spend someone else's money. I'm going with my friend Diane to replace her '95 Integra (which has a bit over 35k!), with most likely either an '06 Acura RSX or '06 Civic coupe. Unfortunately, the Civic coupes aren't even in at the dealer we're going to (at least they weren't earlier in the week), so it's likely we'll have to drive a sedan and, if she decides she likes it, order the coupe. I'm trying to help her be patient, I'd rather see her in the Civic than the RSX honestly, since the Civic is brand new this year (and she's keeping cars like ten years at this point), since she pretty much drives to the store and the train. Also, rumours abound that the RSX will get the axe for '07.
  • trucker50trucker50 Member Posts: 108
    I wonder why car manufacturers haven't came up with a personalized nav system. Instead of some indiscriminanent, cold voice giving commands you could have, say your wife, record some common phrases to guide you on your way. I mean how refreshing and warm it would make you feel as you wander through the night trying to find your way to hear your wife say...Turn right in one tenth mile...go left at the next intersection....SLOW UP TURN HERE TURN HERE....go east on !st street....you've arrived at your destination. It could also make various gunts and noises as you drive down the highways and byways, making random comments....Where's the fire????....there's a cop, you see that cop????....why you following so close????.....I hope we get there in one piece!
    Imagine the possibilities :)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,167
    In my neck of the woods, you'd have people lined up around the block wanting to buy a 95 Integra with 35K on it. What is she doing with it?
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