Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

corvette · March 2014

@qbrozen said:
nyc - seller is a volvo specialist and doesn't understand what RWD is.

If he'd been a Volvo specialist prior to the 2000s, he'd understand what RWD is.

qbrozen · March 2014

well... yes... ok, ya got me. I believe '97 was the last of the rear drive volvos, and even those weren't exactly commonplace (the 9-series). The 740 was done by '92 or '93.

Ya know... volvo getting back into the RWD game would be kinda awesome.

robbieg · March 2014

@tifighter said:
stickguy Highlander XLE awd stickers at $38k with heated leather, moonroof and nav. Comparable MDX would be with AWD Tech for the navi which is around $48k. Highlander got good reviews from TTAC and is supposed to be a better drive than before, but I'm sure the MDX is still the handling king. HL seems to be a nice value, though.

We got our Highlander for 500 under invoice, so roughly 35,500. We also priced the based MDX. Anyway, we were leasing and the lease price was between 130-200 higher per month. Made the decision real easy. The MDX is clearly more expensive.

breld · March 2014

I like the red over natural brown combination on that 330, stick. I prefer the facelift of the 2004 year, but that does seem like a decent value. I came to really appreciate the auto trannie in my recently departed 330ci - very responsive.

jayrider · March 2014

@robbieg said: MDX is clearly more expensive.

You get a nice vehicle with more nice details and an extra year of warranty. Is it really worth it ? I know the Highlander oil changes are $40-$50 --- wonder what the Acura service costs ?

stickguy · March 2014

@jayrider said:

Cheap. My Acura dealer usually has coupons. $27 or so on my RDX

qbrozen · March 2014

well, sure, unless you want GOOD oil. ;b

My first Mustang service was free ... however, it requires synthetic, which ISN'T free. Go figure.

roadburner · March 2014

So many idiots selling cars- both pro and amateur. Witness the ads for V6 BMWs and Wrangler TJs. Then there are the E30 and E36 M3s with the "Sport Package"

Morons.

isellhondas · March 2014

I once heard one of our newer sales guys ask a customer..." Do you want a V4 or a V6?

He didn't last long for a number of reasons.

oldfarmer50 · March 2014

@isellhondas said:
I once heard one of our newer sales guys ask a customer..." Do you want a V4 or a V6?

He didn't last long for a number of reasons.

You have to remember that not everyone is a "car guy" like you folks. I had to put on my own thinking cap to remember that BMW and Jeep both had inline 6s.

For the average Joe being asked the V4 question wouldn't register as absurd. Most think V is just part of the engine on all cars.

Let's not be snobs now boys.

jayrider · March 2014

@oldfarmer50 said:
Let's not be snobs now boys.

What about some product training before the reps hit the floor.

roadburner · March 2014

@oldfarmer50 said:
Let's not be snobs now boys.

I'm sorry, it's not being snobby to expect a salesperson to know which wheels are driven and/or the correct engine configuration. I don't expect them to know the brake rotor diameters or every axle ratio, but if they are clueless as to the fundamentals-or worse-lie about it-I'm taking my business elsewhere...

Michaell · March 2014

Going to the MINI dealer tomorrow - I think - to look at Countrymans with the daughter. We will see.

stickguy · March 2014

Fun spending your kids money.

breld · March 2014

Have fun! Hopefully the weather clears up. Going to schomp?

Michaell · March 2014

@breld said:
Have fun! Hopefully the weather clears up. Going to schomp?

Yep - the Loveland store is too far from us in Castle Rock.

breld · March 2014

Looks like Schomp may have a couple of the new 2014 hardtops - you'll have to let us know what you think. Exterior changes are subtle, but I'm curious what it's like in person. And the interior seems to be much improved.

nyccarguy · March 2014

@breld @michaell

Maybe you guys could meet up, have lunch, & do some kind of twofor deal. Imagine that, a DCCCBAP (Double Colorado Chronic Car Buyer's Anonymous Punch)

breld · March 2014

Sounds good to me!

Though the wife has a different Saturday shopping trip in mind. She wants a hot tub!

But, being my wife, she did mention how one of the places she wants to shop at is near a drag of car lots. She knows how to entice me.

benjaminh · March 2014

@isellhondas said:
I thought Vigors were great cars. Not too big but just right and a smooth powerful drivetrain.

Do you remember the fantastic radios those had?

And apparently the Vigor was pretty durable too. At least this "Junkyard Find" Vigor in Truth About Cars went 300k miles...

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/04/junkyard-find-1993-acura-vigor/

Mr_Shiftright · March 2014

Impressive mileage. Very few cars ever get that far.

stever · March 2014

For the premium price Acura charged for it, you had to drive it forever to pay off the loan.

kyfdx · March 2014

That's why we leased our Vigor. MSRP of $29K in 1994.. Payment of $331/mo..

isellhondas · March 2014

@roadburner said:

Exactly! I would expect that from a shopper but not a salesperson.

Every so often I would get asked some dumb (my opinion) questions that I wouldn't have a clue and would have to look up such as.

" What is the wheelbase of this car?"

In my 13.5 year career, I think I MAY have been asked that question three times.

I mean, WHO gives a rat's rear what the wheelbase is?

I hated working the floor at the annual Auto Show for that reason. I was usually good for about an hour before the comments would start driving ne nuts.

" Does it have a full sized spare or a "donut"?

" You would THINK Honda would......"

I would avoid standing by the cars that attracted kids such as S-2000's.

Another one of those things that I DON'T miss!

corvette · March 2014

@isellhondas said:
I mean, WHO gives a rat's rear what the wheelbase is?

I may be way off here, but I thought that generally, the shorter the wheelbase, the choppier a vehicle will tend to ride, although that tendency can be refined out by the design of the suspension. That effect is especially pronounced on pickup trucks (an extended cab and/or long bed model usually rides better than a regular cab, short bed).

Michaell · March 2014

@breld said:
Looks like Schomp may have a couple of the new 2014 hardtops - you'll have to let us know what you think. Exterior changes are subtle, but I'm curious what it's like in person. And the interior seems to be much improved.

Sorry, the daughter woke up this morning and had a rational attack. She is starting a new job in a couple of weeks that will pay her substantially more than she's making now, so the plan is for her to get her CC balances paid down before looking at a new Countryman.

So, no looking today. When I talked with the salesman yesterday, he thought the redesigned Countryman would be available in about a year - it's quite possible she will wait for it to be released before pulling the trigger.

I, too, was looking forward to seeing the redesigned model.

stever · March 2014

@corvette, I always want to know whether the car has a spare and what kind it is. But I don't trust the salesperson to know (or admit that they don't know), so I just look that stuff up online.

But when you go decades between purchases, you have time to do your research, and don't need to depend on the sales staff for info on the car you spotted on the lot as you drove by.

isellhondas · March 2014

@corvette said:
I may be way off here, but I thought that generally, the shorter the wheelbase, the choppier a vehicle will tend to ride, although that tendency can be refined out by the design of the suspension. That effect is especially pronounced on pickup trucks (an extended cab and/or long bed model usually rides better than a regular cab, short bed).

Nope, you're not way off. You are correct but 99.9% of shoppers don't know that or simply don't care. That's why I never bothered to memorize and of the trivial stuff.

Sandman6472 · March 2014

1st oil change was gratis last weekend and so far, love the Tuscon. Need to have the high beams readjusted because the left one lights up the trees. Have a scratch on the leather steering wheel and the driver door handle opens the door very easy so want them to look at these items...figure the hi-beams are fixable but not sure of the other two issues. Otherwise, this is a fine rig for my purposes...I slide in and out so my spine is happy, the acceleration is strong and I never feel underpowered at all. Have just decided to forget the mileage figures and drive because right now, my jobs are in the opposite directions from our house with one being 30 miles and one being 38. Why stress over this, everything else about it is outstanding!

The Sandman

stickguy · March 2014

since the weather finally was OK today got the fleet all washed up. Man, I am getting old. 3 cars and I was practically a cripple. But it was fun teaching my son the right way to detail his car. First time he was ever interested! he was devastated though to find a small scratch on one door, but he will live. Quite the OCD on it. wasn't even satisfied with how clean the wheels were, so he got out paper towels to wipe the rest of the brake dust residue off.

but it is nice to see all 4 cars clean and shiny. They were really, really filthy.

jayrider · March 2014

@sandman_6472 said:Why stress over this, everything else about it is outstanding!

Your fuel costs pale in comparison with depreciation. Enjoy your ride --- don't fret about mpg.

tjc78 · March 2014

It was definitely car wash day yesterday, don't even want to drive them and get splashes on them!

@Stickguy, made it to the new Christmas tree shop, BBY, and BBB trio in Deptford yesterday.... Wow insane. Huge stores and the crowds made the Cherry Hill stores seem slow.

oldfarmer50 · March 2014

Salvage title:

A while back there was some discussion of how a savage title would ruin the value of a car. But what if the vehicle was a low cost hooptie for a few thousand instead of $10-15k?

Found this and wondered if something like this might be useful for junk hauling or other utility work. How would you factor the salvage title?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4367039598.html

stickguy · March 2014

@tjc78 said:
It was definitely car wash day yesterday, don't even want to drive them and get splashes on them!

Stickguy, made it to the new Christmas tree shop, BBY, and BBB trio in Deptford yesterday.... Wow insane. Huge stores and the crowds made the Cherry Hill stores seem slow.

Better not tell my wife. she seems to love the CTS. I find it to be full of cheap crap that was not good enough for walmart.

I know where they were putting them in, but we have not been down that far in so long last time we were I think they had just started knocking down the old buildings that were being replaced.

stickguy · March 2014

@oldfarmer50 said:
Salvage title:

A while back there was some discussion of how a savage title would ruin the value of a car. But what if the vehicle was a low cost hooptie for a few thousand instead of $10-15k?

Found this and wondered if something like this might be useful for junk hauling or other utility work. How would you factor the salvage title?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4367039598.html

Looks like a pretty good deal. IMO once you get into beater territory, the title does not matter. You aren't trying to finance, and it is well out of warranty. If you are planning to run it into the ground anyway, who cares? At least financially that is!

I would say best to get it looked at. Up on a lift to check the frame, etc., since you have no idea what it was totaled for. could have just been a front end shunt leading to new bumper/hood/fenders/rad, or something more significant. Could also be a theft recovery so no structural issues. So unless you can get details, just do a PPI and if sound, go for it.

this to replace your van, or just a spare junker to round out the fleet?

tjc78 · March 2014

If you buy that truck for $2200 or so and keep it awhile I don't think the salvage title would matter. The only problem is that 90s green, did Chrysler use any other color from 92 to 98?

Mr_Shiftright · March 2014

I'd still have the truck on a lift and look around to make sure somebody didn't weld the frame with angle iron from patio furniture. YOu want to make sure it seems safe.

Otherwise, with a truck this cheap it doesn't affect value too much, but when you go to sell the truck, it will limit the number of buyers who will even consider coming to look at it, and those that do will hammer you constantly about the salvage title. So it'll be harder to unload when the time comes unless you have patience to wait for your price.

stickguy · March 2014

I know the area where Farmer lives. If it is cheap, runs without pouring smoke, and is not completely rotted out, there will be people lined up to get it. many of whom won't care about the title, because they aren't planning to register it!

oldfarmer50 · March 2014

@stickguy said:

"spare junker?"

Nah, just idle thinking while I try to avoid doing my taxes.

As to my socioeconomic location, it's not that bad. I actually live in the 2nd wealthiest town in the area. My next door neighbor lives in a 10,000sq. ft. house and just bought TWO new 650 convertibles. He's worth about $60 million. The guy on the other side owns a Vette, a Jeep and a few other cars he keeps in his three bay garage.

You aren't wrong about people looking to buy junkers though. A guy at work had a 94 F-150 with 140,000 miles that he was going to crush because it needed a $400 power steering pump repair. I told him to throw it on CL for $1500 and accept $1100 to account for the repairs.

He did so and got the full $1500 within a week. He sold it in two days but the buyer had to peddle some moonshine first to come up with the cash.

stickguy · March 2014

I did not mean your immediate town. More like the extended surrounding area. Yes, I spend too much time out around Schenectady and Amsterdam!

stever · March 2014

@oldfarmer50 said:
Nah, just idle thinking while I try to avoid doing my taxes.

Got my refund a few days ago which really bums me out. First time in years I haven't had to pay, so Uncle got a free loan off me.

Seeing ads like this makes me want to put $5,000 on my '97 Outback and see if I get any bites, especially now that winter is over. It's got just a bit over 95,000 miles on it now.

abacomike · March 2014

@olfarmer50 said:

My car dealer left a voicemail reminding me that the clocks change and if i had any trouble changing my clock to call or stop by the dealer fir assistance..... I'm not at all joking."

The major differences between dealerships are not price as much as one would imagine, but rather the services that are provided (dealer-client) the dealers provide!

oldfarmer50 · March 2014

@Stever@Edmunds said:

Subies are very popular among the younger people in my area. ANY car with under 100k on CL should get multiple offers. A Subaru should sell fast. Just watch out for flakes, flippers and phonies. I bought my winter beater from a CL ad and 5k miles later it's still running.

nyccarguy · March 2014

@qbrozen

I have an electric car question for you. Do they all use the same "nozzles" to "fill up"? I'm just curious because at the 1st rest stop on the Merritt Parkway (10 miles from my house), there are 4 - 6 TESLA Chargers (I'm not sure if these are Super Chargers or not). Would someone that doesn't own a TESLA be able to plug their EV into one of those?

qbrozen · March 2014

No, actually, they don't, as far as I know.

And, actually, now I just looked it up. Tesla uses a NEMA 14-50 outlet. My Leaf utilizes an L6.

qbrozen · March 2014

On that Dakota, I'm going to have to say its not worth it. Clean examples without bad titles go for $500-$1k at auction. Yes, double the miles, but how can you even be sure the miles on that one are accurate given the title. But, let's say for a second there was a clean one out there with those miles and no branded title. What's that going to be worth at the block? $2k? Retail for $3500? Now take half off for the title issue and that's where you should be.

nyccarguy · March 2014

@qbrozen

Thanks! I was at someone's house on Saturday night (friend of a friend). House really isn't a word that accurately describes it. I was basically a moat short of a castle. So I'm talking to the owner about cars. He's not a "car guy." He drives a 2011 Wrangler Sahara back and forth to the train station every day. He asks me if our friend Mike (whose fleet consists of a 2012 X5 ///M, a 2013 ///M5, & a 2014 Alpina B7 X-Drive) told me about his Tesla. I said, yes. So he motions me to the garage and I checked it out.

I've seen quite a few Model S' on the road, but never up close and personal. It is exquisitely designed and the interior is beautifully crafted. All the technology in the car is just so wild and futuristic. He said he absolutely LOVES it. His only problems so far are the fact that the radio sounds terrible, the blue tooth is just OK, and the fact that there is no engine or exhaust noise makes you hear every pebble that kicks up from the tires.

isellhondas · March 2014

It seems I see a Tesla every day and I believe there are two of them just in our neighborhood. Talk about beautiful cars!

laurasdada · March 2014

The original Legend Coupe was one of my aspirational cars at the time. Of course, I could only afford the Integra, which was certainly a nice consolation prize! Still may be the best built car I've owned. With popup headlights!

laurasdada · March 2014

Sorry if my prior post seems out of nowhere. It seemed to be "stuck" in my "Leave a Comment" box from...last week? So, I posted it.

I too see a few Teslas around here, handsome design. A bit Jaguar-like, to my eyes...

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