Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

corvette · November 2015

berri said:
I like those dealers where they have an official looking price sticker that includes make up mark-up crap. That's a signal to just turn around and move on.

Yes, and that explains the gold trim on most Lexuses and spoilers/pinstripes on a lot of Hondas in the 1990s.

tjc78 · November 2015

I like the Bluetooth streaming, no wires hanging around! It's only in the last two years or so really becoming commonplace. My 2012 Lacrosse with every option box checked only had it for phone. If you wanted music you had to plug in.

houdini1 · November 2015

fintail said:
I am a satellite radio addict now. Local radio here is iffy, I kind of like having a surprise about what song is next so homemade playlists don't work, etc. I bargained at my last renewal. I've never even used bluetooth streaming before.

I technically have 11 months left in the lease before a pull forward possibility, but I looked at a couple cars on the local dealer's lot today, just for the heck of it. I was disappointed in the misinformation - both were Tex cars, but the sticker said "leather" - sounds like a way to get sued once the new buyer finds out. One said "luxury package", when it was not a lux car. No posted price, which is a turn off too. This dealership changed hands relatively recently, and I fear this is the new way.

I have had satellite radio for about 4 years now, that is until this month. Had a renewal coming up and we had been paying about $100. annually for each of two cars. In the past I just called in near renewal and said I wanted to cancel the service. This always kicked off a big sales pitch that I could keep the old rate. This year they wanted to double to $200. for each car. When I called in to cancel they just said OK, so no more satellite radio. Actually in my wife's car it is still working 2 weeks past expiration.

sda · November 2015

fintail said:
These were CPO cars, so the stickers were dealer-made, but apparently to no accuracy standard. It might be that part of sales where knowing how to sell vastly trumps knowing the product.

I would have thought that if it was a MB at a MB dealer, the sticker would be generated by the VIN, thus an accurate description of standard and optional equipment.

rayainsw · November 2015

I drove the charger over 850 miles this past week – primarily to visit friends on the Florida Panhandle. I am now at just over 14,500 miles & just over 10 months in service.
The car drove perfectly, and averaged over 25 MPG [ the highway EPA rating], including some ‘in town, running around’ miles. And averaging over 70 MPH for significant stretches of Interstate.
The last fuel fill was over 400 miles – showing 27.2 MPG and 30 miles Range remaining \ ‘Distance To Empty’. Again, including some less-than-ideal driving conditions.
[ Actual MPG for this leg = 26.0 - 19 gallon tank. ]
It still shows no wear. Tires still show excellent tread. No rattles, squeaks, moans or groans.
- Ray
No excuse to trade – just yet . . .
[ Wait - do I need an excuse \ reason ????? ]

suydam · November 2015

Re: have had satellite radio for about 4 years now, that is until this month. Had a renewal coming up and we had been paying about $100. annually for each of two cars. In the past I just called in near renewal and said I wanted to cancel the service. This always kicked off a big sales pitch that I could keep the old rate. This year they wanted to double to $200. for each car. When I called in to cancel they just said OK, so no more satellite radio. Actually in my wife's car it is still working 2 weeks past expiration.

After about 2 weeks cancellation you'll get some good offers in the mail. So you will have it back before long. I just renewed mine for one car. I had to ask for a supervisor to get the promo rate again. I'll have to go through the same song and dance this week for the other car. Such silly games they play.

Michaell · November 2015

suydam said:
Re: have had satellite radio for about 4 years now, that is until this month. Had a renewal coming up and we had been paying about $100. annually for each of two cars. In the past I just called in near renewal and said I wanted to cancel the service. This always kicked off a big sales pitch that I could keep the old rate. This year they wanted to double to $200. for each car. When I called in to cancel they just said OK, so no more satellite radio. Actually in my wife's car it is still working 2 weeks past expiration.

After about 2 weeks cancellation you'll get some good offers in the mail. So you will have it back before long. I just renewed mine for one car. I had to ask for a supervisor to get the promo rate again. I'll have to go through the same song and dance this week for the other car. Such silly games they play.

FYI, Sirius/XM have activated all cancelled subscriptions through 12/6 as a promotion - that probably explains why it's still working.

stickguy · November 2015

If you do want to just go on normal rates, the additional radios are discounted. Last I did that it was ~$15 for the primary and ~$10 each secondary per month.

Right now I have separate accounts on all 3 cars thanks to rolling over promo intro periods. A pain to keep them straight, but it is saving me money! At some point I probably consolidate. But not yet.

tjc78 · November 2015

XM is a mess IMO. Too many promotions etc... I don't even know at the moment if I'm active or not. My CC changed numbers months ago due to a security thing and I've never told them the new number and they haven't charged me for at least 7 months.

Im sure the wife will tell me when it's no longer active and I'll ask for the promotion.

fintail · November 2015

This one was definitely made via a template of some kind, as other cars had similar stickers, likely with similar inaccuracies. The dealer is AutoNation now - they might use the same template for all cars.

Regarding XM above, I think there's also a music only option that is cheaper and cuts out some of the talk and news, if that matters.

sda said:

I would have thought that if it was a MB at a MB dealer, the sticker would be generated by the VIN, thus an accurate description of standard and optional equipment.

suydam · November 2015

Yes, there is, but you lose the sports stations.

roadburner · November 2015

rayainsw said:
I drove the charger over 850 miles this past week – primarily to visit friends on the Florida Panhandle. I am now at just over 14,500 miles & just over 10 months in service.
The car drove perfectly, and averaged over 25 MPG [ the highway EPA rating], including some ‘in town, running around’ miles. And averaging over 70 MPH for significant stretches of Interstate.
The last fuel fill was over 400 miles – showing 27.2 MPG and 30 miles Range remaining \ ‘Distance To Empty’. Again, including some less-than-ideal driving conditions.
[ Actual MPG for this leg = 26.0 - 19 gallon tank. ]
It still shows no wear. Tires still show excellent tread. No rattles, squeaks, moans or groans.
- Ray
No excuse to trade – just yet . . .
[ Wait - do I need an excuse \ reason ????? ]

I have to say, if I could find an R/T with the Road and Track and Beats Audio packages without a sunroof I would be sorely tempted.

carnaught · November 2015

Went through the "song and dance" routine with talking to the cancellation dept. just before my time was up. Instead of them offering, or agreeing to my request for the promotional rate, they just said no. She did say to "check our offers to you on-line". I used this link: https://care.siriusxm.com/winback_view.action?plans=sir_aud_evt,promo - select - 5mo - 19.99 - and got a great deal, 6 mos. for under $30 including tax and fees. Just got to remember to set a reminder a few days before it ends to cancel, or try and get another good offer.

Michaell · November 2015

suydam said:
Yes, there is, but you lose the sports stations.

My latest renewal for the Elantra was for the "Mostly Music" package .. I miss the NFL channel on Sundays when I am delivering.

houdini1 · November 2015

fintail said:
This one was definitely made via a template of some kind, as other cars had similar stickers, likely with similar inaccuracies. The dealer is AutoNation now - they might use the same template for all cars.

Regarding XM above, I think there's also a music only option that is cheaper and cuts out some of the talk and news, if that matters.

sda said:

I would have thought that if it was a MB at a MB dealer, the sticker would be generated by the VIN, thus an accurate description of standard and optional equipment.

My luck, I only listen to the news, old time radio, and sports, etc.

rayainsw · November 2015

roadburner -

I was looking at both of these options, starting late last Fall.
FWIW - one reason I chose the ‘regular’ R/T :
Final drive gear ratio: R/T = 2.64 vs. 3.07 R/T Road & Track
R&T = 16% more TQ multiplication.
My experience has been that, even on dry roads, and starting in the automatic’s second gear – it is VERY easy to spin the standard Firestones.
For me, the lower RPM at cruise was a greater advantage than the additional TQ multiplication of the 3.07.
- Ray
Very pleased with the choice . . .

houdini1 · November 2015

Michaell said:

suydam said:
Yes, there is, but you lose the sports stations.
My latest renewal for the Elantra was for the "Mostly Music" package .. I miss the NFL channel on Sundays when I am delivering.

carnaught said:
Went through the "song and dance" routine with talking to the cancellation dept. just before my time was up. Instead of them offering, or agreeing to my request for the promotional rate, they just said no. She did say to "check our offers to you on-line". I used this link: https://care.siriusxm.com/winback_view.action?plans=sir_aud_evt,promo - select - 5mo - 19.99 - (5for20)&utm_source=sem_Google&utm_campaign=SEM_Google_Search_Brand_Alpha_General&utm_medium=sem_ and got a great deal, 6 mos. for under $30 including tax and fees.

Thanks everyone. Just reactivated at $19.00 for 5 months on each car. Same stations as before. Saves me enough to continue my Edmunds dues.

roadburner · November 2015

Understood. Me, I'd have to have all the additional go-fast goodies, as sooner or later I'd have to take it to an HPDE...

rayainsw · November 2015

And if I could afford to immediately put Michelin Pilots on the R/T,
that MIGHT have changed my decision regarding the R&T ...

roadburner · November 2015

I won a set of Pilot Super Sports and stuck them on the MS3. They have an incredible amount of both wet and dry grip. So much, in fact, that I always run out of nerve/courage/cojones long before I run out of stick.

kyfdx · November 2015

I also have PSS. Fantastic tires... but, I notice they are wearing out fast (not the tire's fault, I don't think).

stevedebi · November 2015

Mr_Shiftright said:
I wasn't referring to a reading list. I was talking about driving an actual car . Anyway, a .7 skidpad result isn't very impressive, and Road and Track's 1971 Road Test says quite plainly "it doesn't have bundles of cornering power" and "there's a distinct bobbing motion to the ride". They also mention that they've had "considerable feedback" from owners of earlier 2500 and 2800 cars about mechanical problems.

Let's just agree to disagree on the Bavaria.

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:
As for handling, a number of contemporary auto mags mention it, (or lack of it) so I think I remember that part okay at least.

We must not have the same reading list.

BMW's power steering is light and quick but disappointingly lacking in feel. ...Otherwise the car's handling is exemplary.
BMW 2500 Road Test, Road & Track May 1969

Handling is best described as typically BMW, only better.
BMW 2500 Road Test, Autocar May 28, 1969

...if your existence is made joyful by precision devices and you wish to drive every inch of your journeys, than the BMW 2500 is the answer.
Pat Bedard, Car and Driver June 1969

In on-the-road handling the Bavaria is delightful, though with 175-14 tires it doesn't have bundles of cornering power.
BMW Bavaria Road Test, Road and Track August 1971

Once accustomed to the steering-some drivers didn't like it at first-the car feels quite sporting and agile for a large saloon. Even with only a single anti-roll bar at the front the car corners hard with little body roll.
BMW 3.0S Road Test, Motor March 25, 1972

Actually, just to chime in, a '72 3.0S is the only BMW I've ever driven. I was stationed in Germany and a friend needed me to drive it to the shop, about 20 miles. That car certainly had no handling problems. It was firm in the turns, and felt totally controlled (I took the curvy back road to my destination). I still remember that short drive. Fondly.

au1994 · November 2015

kyfdx said:
I also have PSS. Fantastic tires... but, I notice they are wearing out fast (not the tire's fault, I don't think).

I want those for the ZHP but fear the wear factor as well. That car is fun to sling around on the Kumho's. Can't imagine it with PSS.

stickguy · November 2015

of course they wear out quick. Ain't no free lunch. Where do you think the fantastic stick comes from?

breld · November 2015

nyccarguy said:
I get his "spread the miles around" logic completely. @qbrozen is smart. He knows it's not "cheaper" to buy a 2nd car for him & his wife to drive. It does give them each a chance to drive something different. When you drive more than average like we do it gets frustrating at trade in time to hear that your car is "in perfect shape," but the miles "kill it."

For instance, my wife drives her pilot out of necessity. I know she doesn't LOVE it. Given the choice, she'd much rather drive a sedan or a smaller car around town. We have 3 kids and live in New England, hence the SUV & 4WD. Our Pilot is almost paid off. I don't want to buy another $40K SUV. Now if one of these days I can find her a smokin lease deal on a MINI Cooper S for less than $250 per month would I jump on it? Yes. She's got a 5 mile commute round trip. So if I lease her a car for 10K per year, drive her Pilot 1 week a month I instead of my Legacy, that would save me about 5 k miles per year on the Subie. 15K per year is a lot easier pill to swallow than 20K per year.

is the Subaru going to be worth $9K more ($250 x 36)? No.

Yup - I like the approach as well. With our long work commutes, my wife and I each drive around 25k miles a year or so. I end up spreading my miles over my primary driver (currently the S4) and the minivan, out of necessity. For her, she may drive the ZHP convertible once in awhile, but most of her miles are on her primary vehicle, the S3.

We're discussing trading out the ZHP for something more practical to be a year-round secondary driver for her, but the problems are 1) hard to find something around the same price as the ZHP, as nice as the ZHP, even if it is more practical and 2) my wife doesn't necessarily like switching between two cars.

We'll see - if we get more serious, I'll start posting the potential candidates.

xwesx · November 2015

breld said:
We'll see - if we get more serious, I'll start posting the potential candidates.

Here it comes!!!

kyfdx · November 2015

au1994 said:

kyfdx said:
I also have PSS. Fantastic tires... but, I notice they are wearing out fast (not the tire's fault, I don't think).
I want those for the ZHP but fear the wear factor as well. That car is fun to sling around on the Kumho's. Can't imagine it with PSS.

Move up here where it snows.. They last twice as long.

kyfdx · November 2015

On another note...

The four saddest words in the English language:

Our taps are down

PF_Flyer · November 2015

kyfdx said:
On another note...

The four saddest words in the English language:

Our taps are down

That's when my volunteer spirit kicks in and I help move kegs or whatever it takes

kyfdx · November 2015

PF_Flyer said:

kyfdx said:
On another note...

The four saddest words in the English language:

Our taps are down
That's when my volunteer spirit kicks in and I help move kegs or whatever it takes

Sadly, it was a refrigeration problem.

PF_Flyer · December 2015

Refrigerators on the way!!

Mr_Shiftright · December 2015

“You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline - it helps if you have some kind of football team, or some nuclear weapons, but in the very least you need a beer.”
― Frank Zappa

berri · December 2015

Now there is a very interesting and multi talented musician many have probably not heard of. Wasn't one of his kids named Moon Unit or something like that?

berri · December 2015

that explains the gold trim on most Lexuses and spoilers/pinstripes on a lot of Hondas in the 1990s

Corvette, sure you aren't talking about those Florida retirement area Lincoln and Toyota local option packages? Don't forget the vinyl top too

stickguy · December 2015

Dweezel and Moon Unit. Probably the only kids in their class with those particular names.

stickguy · December 2015

so, I have decided this is a good deal, and I really want this car. Not that I will buy it, but might tease NYC a bit!

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-14379576.html

abacomike · December 2015

berri said:

that explains the gold trim on most Lexuses and spoilers/pinstripes on a lot of Hondas in the 1990s Corvette, sure you aren't talking about those Florida retirement area Lincoln and Toyota local option packages? Don't forget the vinyl top too

When I sold cars at Lexus down here in the early 2000's, vinyl roofs were already out, but "gold packages" we're very popular. Then, when I managed the Infiniti store, pinstripes were the most popular add-on along with plastic door-edge guards. We added both add-ons to every car except in those cases where the customer did not want them.

At Lexus, we had a guy who hand-painted all the pinstripes - he was a true artist. The customer would select the color and style from a catalog we had.

Every so often down here in South Florida, you can still see new cars with vinyl roofs and those white and gold sidewall Vogue Tires.

berri · December 2015

Variety is the spice in life !

Michaell · December 2015

stickguy said:
so, I have decided this is a good deal, and I really want this car. Not that I will buy it, but might tease NYC a bit!

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-14379576.html

You're killing me with that post, stick!

Nice car at a nice price.

nyccarguy · December 2015

You are evil @stickguy - nice car. Nice price. What's the deal with this place? They always list cheap & don haggle?

Michaell · December 2015

nyccarguy said:
You are evil @stickguy - nice car. Nice price. What's the deal with this place? They always list cheap & don haggle?

At least you're closer ...

nyccarguy · December 2015

@Michaell - it's got less miles on it than my Legacy

houdini1 · December 2015

nyccarguy said:
@Michaell - it's got less miles on it than my Legacy

I bet it has "already been sold but we have others just as good for a few thousand more".

nyccarguy · December 2015

I'd be afraid to go and test drive it. Is it possible to walk into a dealership with a 175 horsepower 4 cyl car, test drive one with 151 MORE horsepower, and walk out without punching Ye Old CCBA card?

Michaell · December 2015

nyccarguy said:
I'd be afraid to go and test drive it. Is it possible to walk into a dealership with a 175 horsepower 4 cyl car, test drive one with 151 MORE horsepower, and walk out without punching Ye Old CCBA card?

I hear you. I think I'm going to restrict my test drives next year to stuff that's woefully underpowered, since that's all I really need.

Drove my daughter's MINI last night (all 4 tires needed air) - maybe I'm getting older, but that thing rides rough, and it's pretty noisy. Fast, though.

jpp75 · December 2015

nyccarguy said:
I'd be afraid to go and test drive it. Is it possible to walk into a dealership with a 175 horsepower 4 cyl car, test drive one with 151 MORE horsepower, and walk out without punching Ye Old CCBA card?

That G37x is a great deal on a great car. If I had it to do over again I'd have kept my G37x over the Q50.

It can't hurt to go drive it.

jpp75 · December 2015

stickguy said:
so, I have decided this is a good deal, and I really want this car. Not that I will buy it, but might tease NYC a bit!

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-infiniti-g37_sedan-4dr_x_awd-used-14379576.html

I'm still looking at the GS350 they have posted, a lot of car for the money it seems.

stickguy · December 2015

I love that Lexus. Just not in market now. The Infiniti would be an OK consolation prize!

I drove right past the place this morning but did not stop. Far as I know they are fine. Excellent reviews, and been there a long time. Very friendly and low key the few times I stopped in. Cars all look pristine. Even kept inside. Probably low overhead, and they sell quick, often gone before pictures are up. They sell on eBay too and ship all over.

Hey, if you really want, I'm happy to stop and test drive for you!

qbrozen · December 2015

nyccarguy said:

You are evil @stickguy - nice car. Nice price. What's the deal with this place? They always list cheap & don haggle?

Maybe they only buy the dogs? For example, a clean one like that brought over $23k at the block in NJ. One in poor condition in Nashville only got $18k.

Mr_Shiftright · December 2015

Deos the Mini have run flat tires on it? If so, you can ditch those and get a more flexible sidewall tire. It transforms the Mini's ride from "punishing" to " annoying".

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:
I'd be afraid to go and test drive it. Is it possible to walk into a dealership with a 175 horsepower 4 cyl car, test drive one with 151 MORE horsepower, and walk out without punching Ye Old CCBA card?
I hear you. I think I'm going to restrict my test drives next year to stuff that's woefully underpowered, since that's all I really need.

Drove my daughter's MINI last night (all 4 tires needed air) - maybe I'm getting older, but that thing rides rough, and it's pretty noisy. Fast, though.

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