Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette · March 2017

The E39s have all now gotten to the age where they are going to need frequent repairs.

Michaell · March 2017

corvette said:
The E39s have all now gotten to the age where they are going to need frequent repairs.

I figured that something of that age would need regular care and feeding. Still, not bad looking for what it is.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2017

Kinda like a grandpa's car, but if cheap enough could be justified as a nice commuter car. 94K is a bit scary for a 13 year old BMW but each used car is different, so maybe this one has had the usual BMW issues of that era attended to already.

kyfdx · March 2017

Xenons, but no Sport package.. It's sort of meh. I think that engine actually had 184 HP, IIRC, not 192.

Now, if it was a 225 HP 530i with Sport package, you'd have something.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2017

I think he'd get bored with it. If you're going to go through the hassle of rowing a gearshift in a large sedan, you might as well get the Jolly package.

stickguy · March 2017

suydam said:
I've had pretty good luck. My rules are 1) pick a car with good reliability ratings and 2) have it checked by a mechanic first. With used I always went for practicality and seldom for fun. Exception: the '90 Mazda 626 MT hatch I bought for my college age son. That car was a hoot! But I figured it would be reliable too.

I go with original, or long term owner, that has a nice house and a folder of service records. Basically, I want to buy a car from me.

stickguy · March 2017

I have no clue what I'll end up getting. But I am damned excite looking forward to all the test drives we will gevdoing! I assume my wife is too?

Will probably do many solo, or take my daughter. She enjoys it. Then wife can go for the short list round 2. Does 50 choices qualify as a short list?

qbrozen · March 2017

Michaell said:

same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.
It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.
That's what I have trouble wrapping my head around as well. The loan payment on the $22K used G37X will most likely be more than the lease payment on a 36/15K lease payment on a brand new Q50. @qbrozen - what year is your EX? How many miles are on it? Any issues pop up yet?
And both are outside of my budget. Did somebody say Bring a Trailer? I found this: http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-525i-2/ Granted, a RWD BMW in CO isn't a smart decision, but I have to admit it appeals to me. Simple, relatively inexpensive (current bid is $3K), stick shift, inline 6.

"Serviced with a new transmission." Yikes! If that's considered servicing, I'd hate to see what an actual repair bill includes!

qbrozen · March 2017

I am very very likely looking for a purchase soon. My renter finally came through with all the back rent, so my VW money is back in play. I do have some other things I'd like to pay off, though, and summer is right around the corner, which means big child care bills. Still... classic cars keep calling to me.

Michaell · March 2017

qbrozen said:
I am very very likely looking for a purchase soon. My renter finally came through with all the back rent, so my VW money is back in play. I do have some other things I'd like to pay off, though, and summer is right around the corner, which means big child care bills. Still... classic cars keep calling to me.

Um, shouldn't you update your signature line - it still includes the VW. You could replace it with "VW TDI Buyback $$$ - TBD".

andres3 · March 2017

Michaell said:

stickguy said:
same here. If my job/driving needs don't change by the time I buy, a great deal on something with higher miles could do just fine. And MPG won't be a huge priority.
It's just that the inner frugalness in me could prevent that from happening. Even something used around $20K will result in a car payment much higher than my lease payments have been.

Yes, but with a used car you are building some equity in theory if you buy at the right price.

andres3 · March 2017

qbrozen said:
I am very very likely looking for a purchase soon. My renter finally came through with all the back rent, so my VW money is back in play. I do have some other things I'd like to pay off, though, and summer is right around the corner, which means big child care bills. Still... classic cars keep calling to me.

You only live once! At least that was my excuse for buying a brand new expensive Audi.

corvette · March 2017

Arguably, if you lease and buy at the end of the lease, your lease payments built equity, as well.

stickguy · March 2017

Just like taking out a loan and making payments. That scenario truly is just an alternative method of financing.

Michaell · March 2017

stickguy said:
Just like taking out a loan and making payments. That scenario truly is just an alternative method of financing.

For someone who loves cars as much as I do, I sure haven't had anything too fun, or exciting, or luxurious.

At some point, I'd like to indulge myself with something nice (new or used). Just not sure that will ever happen, given how little I drive.

andres3 · March 2017

corvette said:
Arguably, if you lease and buy at the end of the lease, your lease payments built equity, as well.

That's an interesting way of looking at it. I think I look at it more like you are paying for depreciation, and by driving and holding the car for a lease term, you are depreciating the car, but never building equity (unless the Residual was artificially low).

Now, how do Auto Insurance companies look at it? If I total out a car with great resale value, chances are if I put money down and had a low interest rate, that I'll get a check bigger than what I owe on the loan; that's equity.

If a leased car gets totaled, is it possible you'd get a check for more than you still owe (assuming like most leases you don't put a ton down up front). Usually residuals are not low enough for that to happen in my opinion based on what I've seen; which is why they sell leases as "including gap coverage."

kyfdx · March 2017

corvette said:
Arguably, if you lease and buy at the end of the lease, your lease payments built equity, as well.

You haven't really built any equity if you finance the car at lease-end. In theory, it should be worth exactly what you pay for it.

laurasdada · March 2017

Ok, it's been over a week since the KVM was replaced in my XF. Not one issue to report! Hello, Consumer Reports, let me tell you how much I love my Jag...

But, with 10 months of warranty left, my wheels are turning. I should be constrained by the fact that I have 4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments, but at my well advanced age, I might as well go big and stupid or go bankrupt. I am constrained by really only being able to have one vehicle. So, potentially come '18, right now I'm thinking (and the list as a dart board):

Jaguar XE (unless XF has another catastrophic failure or two. Well, maybe even then, just something about Jags...)
Infiniti Q60 (I thinks that's the coupe?)
Alfa Romeo Giulia (now, what was that about catastrophic failure?)
CPO MB S Class Coupe (I live in a dump, so why not drive a palace?)
New MB E Class Coupe?
CPO/Demo/Used Lexus LC (although RWD, no place to put my skis. But, see: Go big and stupid; I'm old. Hello, dedicated rims/winter sneakers)
Audi S3
Audi S5
BMW 4; GC

I'm sure the winds of change will blow often before the end of '17, but that's what I'm thinking about now. And, often.

28firefighter · March 2017

The Escape has officially left the stable. Lease transfer process could not have been simpler.

Interestingly, I basically didn't have to do anything for the final registration here in WA. Ford Credit sent everything needed to the DOL - they took the new owners DL, had her sign the buyers section of the title, and took her $300 to register the car. We were in and out in under 10 minutes.

Final overlap with the BMW was one month, which isn't too bad at all.

graphicguy · March 2017

laurasdada said:
Ok, it's been over a week since the KVM was replaced in my XF. Not one issue to report! Hello, Consumer Reports, let me tell you how much I love my Jag...

But, with 10 months of warranty left, my wheels are turning. I should be constrained by the fact that I have 4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments, but at my well advanced age, I might as well go big and stupid or go bankrupt. I am constrained by really only being able to have one vehicle. So, potentially come '18, right now I'm thinking (and the list as a dart board):

Jaguar XE (unless XF has another catastrophic failure or two. Well, maybe even then, just something about Jags...)
Infiniti Q60 (I thinks that's the coupe?)
Alfa Romeo Giulia (now, what was that about catastrophic failure?)
CPO MB S Class Coupe (I live in a dump, so why not drive a palace?)
New MB E Class Coupe?
CPO/Demo/Used Lexus LC (although RWD, no place to put my skis. But, see: Go big and stupid; I'm old. Hello, dedicated rims/winter sneakers)
Audi S3
Audi S5
BMW 4; GC

I'm sure the winds of change will blow often before the end of '17, but that's what I'm thinking about now. And, often.

Not a clunker in the group. I'd happily park any of those in 'ye ole GG estate.

Since it's fresh in my mind, those Q60s are lookers (and yes, they are coupes). Might raise an eyebrow or two with the Alpha choice. But, roll the dice. I think C&D loved the Alpha, but it went into "limp mode" during their testing. Not like FCA has done anything to squash the reputation of their vehicles' being at the bottom of the reliability lists.

Still, that Alpha is a pretty thing!

stickguy · March 2017

Dada, why not consider an Fpace? Utility, and still a jag.

stickguy · March 2017

Michaell said:

stickguy said:
Just like taking out a loan and making payments. That scenario truly is just an alternative method of financing.
For someone who loves cars as much as I do, I sure haven't had anything too fun, or exciting, or luxurious.

At some point, I'd like to indulge myself with something nice (new or used). Just not sure that will ever happen, given how little I drive.

Yeah, I end up cheating out on myself. Only truly fun toy was the Miata. Sonata is closest I come to luxury.

I have one in me, after princess is off books but well before retirement. Might be the RDX replacement, so technically the wife's car, but will be the out together and travel vehicle. Plus I will someday have another toy.

PF_Flyer · March 2017

Are you someone who's trying to find a basic car without all of the complicated new technology? Or maybe you know (or are!) someone who just bought a car that's loaded with apps and technology and you have a funny story about figuring out how to use it?
We have a reporter who would love to talk to you. Please send a note with details and your contact information to PR@Edmunds.com by Monday, March 13, 2017.

laurasdada · March 2017

Just not an SUV kinda guy, Stick. But, if the winds of change did, indeed, blow a change my way in the form of SUV love, that would be the one!

Oh, yeah. Since I'm living in La La Land (while walking in the Moonlight), let's throw in the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid and 911 Targa to the mix. Lottery assistance required here.

breld · March 2017

Hmm - with a recent price drop, this has me mildly interested. Not to mention money back from dieselgate.

2014 Q7 TDI

tifighter · March 2017

I recently drove a 08 TT. Had the V6, quattro and a manual. Also, a roadster. With all of that going on, I had to try it. I actually liked it more than I expected. For once, it's a roadster that I actually fit in at 6'2". The Miata and Z3 I had in the past I just sort of dealt with, but the Audi was legitimately comfortable. Interior is pretty nice, seats are good, V6 has a nice snarl and good power. Transmission shifted nicely. While not all out sporty like a Boxster, it was a lot of fun. Ride quality was better than the Miata I had by quite a bit. This particular car had some dings and scratches including a light scrape on the rear quarter panel. But it was a one owner car with serving up to date and a full history, all dealer. 75k miles. Pricing was pretty good. Something for me to think about.

tbirdmarco · March 2017

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ckR6Rh0yD24

tbirdmarco · March 2017

@xwesx glad everyone was ok

tbirdmarco · March 2017

@28firefighter nice glad all is good and done with the ascape and the new oner has it and is happy.

tbirdmarco · March 2017

Happy Friday all hope that everyone has an good upcumming weekend

corvette · March 2017

laurasdada said:
...4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments...

Philip Greenspun, the MA-based tech mogul, has written at length about this.

On an unrelated note, any of our Cincinnati-based members going to the wine festival tomorrow?

ab348 · March 2017

corvette said:

On an unrelated note, any of our Cincinnati-based members going to the wine festival tomorrow?

I'm not in Cincy obviously, but I am going to a whisky festival tomorrow afternoon. Could be some odd posts from me tomorrow night.

kyfdx · March 2017

corvette said:

laurasdada said:
...4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments...
Philip Greenspun, the MA-based tech mogul, has written at length about this.

On an unrelated note, any of our Cincinnati-based members going to the wine festival tomorrow?

There is a wine festival? (I guess that answers that)

kyfdx · March 2017

Cincinnati alcohol related festivals tomorrow:
http://www.bockfest.com

qbrozen · March 2017

So I ran through an exercise tonight with my youngest where I printed 7 photos representing styles of cars from the early 50s to early 70s that I have been eyeing. He narrowed the field to 3 interesting and very different styles: Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk, Dodge Dart Swinger 340, and Buick GS.

In the trash went '60s pony cars and both early '60s and early '50s American coupes. A bit of a surprising result, really.

stickguy · March 2017

he has good taste. Smart kid.

I would love a 340 Dart or Duster. 4 speed of course. Would have to do some resto mod type stuff (under the skin, suspension, brakes, steering). And replace the seats. I am sure the ones that were fine when I was 18 would kill me know!

And don't hate me, but I would not mind having another Gremlin. same conditions apply.

though my real weird dream car is an IPD'd up Volvo 142.

qbrozen · March 2017

A V8 Gremlin holds a little bit of interest for me.

I showed him a Dart like this one:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/dodge/dart/1884475.html

stickguy · March 2017

not quite my taste, but nice. Would prefer different colors. a manual trans. And normal nostril hood. But that is a nice looking one.

another nice feature, they are pretty cheap, and no need to be obsessed about matching numbers and authenticity.

breld · March 2017

It's no m235i, but would be pretty fun for the price:

228i manual

Definitely a stripper car - even with manual seats. And perhaps the orange goes over okay here in Broncos Country, but probably not so much elsewhere.

I'd actually like something like this, with the old I-6, but would at least want the sport package.

328xi coupe

qbrozen · March 2017

I also prefer the dual scoops, and I'm not fond of that green interior, but at least it is cheap. I wonder if a 2 scoop hood can be procured and swapped in. I found another in NJ that has a single scoop and it looks even more absurd.

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/dodge/dart/1921540.html

sda · March 2017

Was the Dart or Duster available with the 340 without having to have sport trim, stripes, decals, hood scoops and the lot? I prefer the stock look with the upgraded interior, conservative, non attention getting. A sleeper that performs.

Michaell · March 2017

breld said:
It's no m235i, but would be pretty fun for the price:

228i manual

Definitely a stripper car - even with manual seats. And perhaps the orange goes over okay here in Broncos Country, but probably not so much elsewhere.

I'd actually like something like this, with the old I-6, but would at least want the sport package.

328xi coupe

Geez, you tempt me this morning!

I'm not 100% sold on the color, but I like that the 2-series is minimally equipped.

I test drove a 3-series coupe a few years ago, with a stick. I certainly understand the appeal of the I-6 engine.

The last few days, the only driving I've done is to jockey the cars from the garage / driveway onto the street and back again. Kitchen work is progressing, but slowly. Hoping it will be done today.

stickguy · March 2017

I like the orange one, but it is defective. Someone forgot to install the moonroof!

stickguy · March 2017

qbrozen said:
I also prefer the dual scoops, and I'm not fond of that green interior, but at least it is cheap. I wonder if a 2 scoop hood can be procured and swapped in. I found another in NJ that has a single scoop and it looks even more absurd.
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/dodge/dart/1921540.html

same place by me. I should take a run over next week, just to browse!

roadburner · March 2017

We have a 2016 Valencia Orange 228i xDrive that just came out of the loaner fleet. Sport, Technology, and Cold Weather Packages. CPO, too. If I was getting a 4 cylinder 2er it would be a stick with the Track Handling Package.

graphicguy · March 2017

corvette said:

laurasdada said:
...4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments...
Philip Greenspun, the MA-based tech mogul, has written at length about this.

On an unrelated note, any of our Cincinnati-based members going to the wine festival tomorrow?

Where is it?

corvette · March 2017

graphicguy said:

corvette said:

laurasdada said:
...4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments...
Philip Greenspun, the MA-based tech mogul, has written at length about this.

On an unrelated note, any of our Cincinnati-based members going to the wine festival tomorrow?
Where is it?

https://www.winefestival.com/

Duke Energy Convention Center.

kyfdx · March 2017

corvette said:

graphicguy said:

corvette said:

laurasdada said:
...4 more years of college tuition to pay for, as well as $%#@!!! ridiculous Massachusetts child support payments...
Philip Greenspun, the MA-based tech mogul, has written at length about this.

On an unrelated note, any of our Cincinnati-based members going to the wine festival tomorrow?
Where is it?
https://www.winefestival.com/

Duke Energy Convention Center.

Yeah.. saw that in the paper, this morning.

Went to the BeerFest at the same location, a few weeks ago. No carpet or tablecloths, though. More of a grunge fest look.

qbrozen · March 2017

stickguy said:

same place by me. I should take a run over next week, just to browse!

So should I.

Just not quite ready.

tbirdmarco · March 2017

@qbrozen wow your son has an good eye for sum nice cars.

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