Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy · April 2017

sb55 said:

stickguy said:
Took one for the team today. Wandered down to a little dealer about 30 minutes from me to look at a 2004 Frontier PU for SB55 (apparently the drive from Vermont was a bit long just to browse!). Sadly, it is raining today, and was pouring when I got there, and there was no one in the little office. So I just eyeballed from the outside. Amazingly clean for a 13 YO PU. Looked brand new. Interior was nice and tidy too. Brand new A/T tires.

Oh, forgot to mention in my PM to him, it has a spray in bedliner, and the neat cargo bed extender (the bars that flip over onto the tailgate if it is down).

did not get to drive though obviously. It was parked on the grass, which was rapidly turning to mud, so I bet I could have rooster tailed some serious ruts pulling it off the lot!

TJC, it was down near the Wally World on the BHP in Williamstown. So not far from your work IIRC?
I may owe @stickguy a commission.
We are getting a mobile mechanic to take a look on Tuesday morning. If it checks out, a 420 mile (each way according to Google) road trip will be planned.
These compact pick ups hold their value. Up here in the North anything this age are usually rusty.

So, what happened with the inspection? Is the deal a Go?

Mr_Shiftright · April 2017

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:
@tifighter that car looks sweet. Pretty penny, but sweet.
That model Audi wagon is almost impossible to find. Not sure I want it with the V6, though. 2.0T and a stick would be my choice (again, can't find one).

V-6 in an Audi that old is kinda scary. No doubt a high maintenance car.

breld · April 2017

Hmmm - mildly interested in this. Nice low mileage example, but sure seems pricey for what it is.

Mazdaspeed 3

What are the pitfalls on these? @roadburner, you had the 1st gen one for quite awhile, right?

Michaell · April 2017

Anybody have experience with Amica insurance?

Just called them for a quote - for the Subaru and VW, the annual savings would be right around $500.

However, the homeowners insurance would go up about $160/yr compared to my current policy.

I've been with State Farm since moving to CO - I've enjoyed their service and have had no problems on any of the claims we've filed for both cars and the houses we've had.

Thinking I'll use the Amica quote to see if I can negotiate a lower premium with SF.

kyfdx · April 2017

Amica gets great reviews. No experience with them, though.

andres3 · April 2017

Michaell said:
Anybody have experience with Amica insurance?

Just called them for a quote - for the Subaru and VW, the annual savings would be right around $500.

However, the homeowners insurance would go up about $160/yr compared to my current policy.

I've been with State Farm since moving to CO - I've enjoyed their service and have had no problems on any of the claims we've filed for both cars and the houses we've had.

Thinking I'll use the Amica quote to see if I can negotiate a lower premium with SF.

Consumer Reports probably did the most thorough extensive and elaborate long-term study of Auto Insurance companies and auto insurance policy prices (what makes them go up, go down, and by how much).

It was one of my best reads ever.

Amica and USAA are in a top 2 class of their own. All the rest follow way behind or down the list.

I'd go with Amica and not look back.

I'd have gone with them had they not cost 2.5X what Geico is charging me. I'd have probably tolerated 1.25 to 1.50X, but I can't justify paying more than double. I have cheap insurance and I know what I have.

28firefighter · April 2017

Same boat - I wanted to use Amica, but they were literally 3x the cost we pay for comparable coverage with Safeco.

corvette · April 2017

Amica is one of the highest rated. USAA is great if you qualify, but I've heard that they have outsourced some of their operations to Progressive, which if true, is not good.

Michaell · April 2017

USAA has a gigantic facility in Colorado Springs - something like 5000 folks work there.

Alas, I don't qualify for their coverage.

I have to admit, I like the idea of having a local agent for insurance purposes. But, I'm old school.

Michaell · April 2017

On a different note, @breld and I are meeting up tonight at the convention center to attend the Denver Auto Show. His wife and daughter will be there, as well.

He will be focusing on fun cars - I'll be looking at potential replacements for the Jetta when the lease is up in 2019. What's new today will likely be available as CPO then, and I'm interested in both the Nissan Maxima and VW Passat.

Everyone wants an SUV; the deals will all be on sedans. Would like something sportier.

corvette · April 2017

Michaell said:

I have to admit, I like the idea of having a local agent for insurance purposes. But, I'm old school.

If they're not a captive, it can be an easy way to get quotes from multiple carriers. But if you have an issue with a claim, they really don't have any power to fix it (unlike the good old days).

roadburner · April 2017

corvette said:
I like it but probably wouldn't want to own it. That is the same beautiful color combo as the 2007 2.0T Quattro sedan I leased.

Aside from traditional hot rods, I've never been a fan of engine swaps from different makes.

roadburner · April 2017

breld said:
Hmmm - mildly interested in this. Nice low mileage example, but sure seems pricey for what it is.

Mazdaspeed 3

What are the pitfalls on these? @roadburner, you had the 1st gen one for quite awhile, right?

I had mine for 158k. Most every issue I had was an early build teething issue covered by warranty. The stock damping is iffy, I went with Koni FSDs and it really transformed the car. I also replaced the rear motor mount with the one from an electric Focus and put a JBR adjustable rear anti-roll bar(with billet brackets) on it as well. Lots of fun. As I've said before, I held off replacing it hoping that the rumored 300 hp AWD MS3 would turn up- but no such luck.

corvette · April 2017

roadburner said:

I like it but probably wouldn't want to own it. That is the same beautiful color combo as the 2007 2.0T Quattro sedan I leased.
Aside from traditional hot rods, I've never been a fan of engine swaps from different makes.

Whoops. I was talking about the A4 3.2 Quattro wagon, not the LS1 E30.

js06gv · April 2017

corvette said:
Amica is one of the highest rated. USAA is great if you qualify, but I've heard that they have outsourced some of their operations to Progressive, which if true, is not good.

I know for a fact that USAA farms boat policies out to Progressive, as they did that with mine. I'm in the insurance business and never been a fan of Progressive but their rates, at least for my boat, are very good.

tbirdmarco · April 2017

@tifighter nice different car not my cup of tee but nice.

tbirdmarco · April 2017

@Michaell you all have an good time at the auto show tonight cant wate to hear all about it.

tbirdmarco · April 2017

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0o94ZLx8NOo

tbirdmarco · April 2017

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DCy1HN6Q-fE

sb55 · April 2017

stickguy said:

sb55 said:

stickguy said:
Took one for the team today. Wandered down to a little dealer about 30 minutes from me to look at a 2004 Frontier PU for SB55 (apparently the drive from Vermont was a bit long just to browse!). Sadly, it is raining today, and was pouring when I got there, and there was no one in the little office. So I just eyeballed from the outside. Amazingly clean for a 13 YO PU. Looked brand new. Interior was nice and tidy too. Brand new A/T tires.

Oh, forgot to mention in my PM to him, it has a spray in bedliner, and the neat cargo bed extender (the bars that flip over onto the tailgate if it is down).

did not get to drive though obviously. It was parked on the grass, which was rapidly turning to mud, so I bet I could have rooster tailed some serious ruts pulling it off the lot!

TJC, it was down near the Wally World on the BHP in Williamstown. So not far from your work IIRC?
I may owe @stickguy a commission.
We are getting a mobile mechanic to take a look on Tuesday morning. If it checks out, a 420 mile (each way according to Google) road trip will be planned.
These compact pick ups hold their value. Up here in the North anything this age are usually rusty.
So, what happened with the inspection? Is the deal a Go?

As of an hour ago, my son says yes. The inspection company was weird. It was booked through an online company. They have a boilerplate form that the mechanic filled out, but nothing else. I never spoke with the mechanic. He checked off everything except 2 items as "excellent", yet it got a "score" of 55. Dash got a "good" score on the dash since the ABS light was on, So, what does that "score" even mean? Anyway, the owner of the place who is selling the truck sounded OK. Both my son and I spoke to him. According to the seller, he reduced the price $1000 last week. He took another $500 off, so my son is paying $7500. From what I've seen, that's a good price.
My son is busy next week and decided to drive down won't work. When mileage is figured in of R/T on my vehicle and the drive back with the truck, it will be about 1300 total miles and 2 days to get it done. I have put a bid on Uship and will see what happens. So far, the best bid is less than $500, so it will be OK.

mjfloyd1 · April 2017

qbrozen said:
Affordable Auto Transport.
I had slightly cheaper quotes, but this was the one the seller has used on a regular basis for the past few years, so I figured an extra $50 for one that he trusts and has had success with is smart money. Plus, of course, they'd be more willing to please their regular customer than a 1-time user like myself.

Way to go Q, now I find myself looking at C2 Corvettes with a 427, Superbirds... It's not good when I start looking.

tjc78 · April 2017

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DCy1HN6Q-fE

Atlas looks interesting to me. Probably will be one to check out. Hideous color on the one in the video.

stickguy · April 2017

Nice SB. it seemed to be a good price already at the listed $7,995. So basically you paid that price and the dealer is throwing in free shipping! And at least my eyeball in the rain must have been accurate. It was a sharp looking truck. Hopefully the ABS light is not major.

kyfdx · April 2017

Seems like a good price. Disappointing job by the mechanic, though.

28firefighter · April 2017

So I probably should not be as stoked as I am about this, but a Carmax has opened north of me in Lynwood and south near Tacoma in Puyallup.

If nothing else it's somewhere I can go test drive cars guilt free.

Michaell · April 2017

28firefighter said:
So I probably should not be as stoked as I am about this, but a Carmax has opened north of me in Lynwood and south near Tacoma in Puyallup.

If nothing else it's somewhere I can go test drive cars guilt free.

Lots of inventory but pretty high prices. There is one in my town - I try to resist temptation often.

Recap of the Denver Auto Show with @breld coming soon.

stickguy · April 2017

They recently built 2 new ones near me. About 20 minutes each, in opposite directions. We already had a local chain with the same model, so I got plenty of places to go test drive guilt free.

tjc78 · April 2017

We have so many dealers here it's insane.

stickguy · April 2017

True. I monitor a few, but smaller places. Those huge chains tend to be way overpriced IMO.

28firefighter · April 2017

I was looking their inventory and its a bit spartan for the moment. It looks as though they trucked a whole bunch of cars up from California to supply the Puyallup and Lynnwood locations with what I imagine are "quick sell" types of cars for them.

Michaell · April 2017

Notes from the Denver Auto Show ----

@breld, his wife and daughter, and I met up at the Denver Convention Center.

After last night, I don't think I'll ever attend the show on a weekend again. Wednesday was the first night of the show, and the crowds were quite sparse. Never felt like someone was waiting for seat time while you evaluated whatever ride caught your fancy.

I'll let @breld share his thoughts about the cars he focused on. My goal for last night was to do some very preliminary scouting for whatever will replace the Jetta. Is 28 months too soon?

At the moment, I'm thinking I'll get another sedan - could be another lease, could be a CPO purchase, depending on what the budget allows. Therefore, I did take a look at some luxury brands, figuring that they will be available as CPO down the road.

In no particular order, here is what I looked at and my thoughts ....

VW Jetta GLI - similar to, but not identical, to my current ride. Upgrades would include auto climate control, short throw manual transmission, upsized wheels and tires, upgraded lighting, and, most importantly, a bigger engine. Was comfortable behind the wheel.

VW Passat R-Line - another contender. Bigger engine and bigger vehicle. Would likely be similar in driving experience to my current Jetta - more HP, but more weight. Sharp looking car.

Nissan Maxima - I've been seeing some screaming lease deals on these. The one at the show was the fully loaded Platinum trim. It was pretty comfortable to sit in, though I'd have to evaluate a more basic trim level to see what I really thought. Test drive!

Volvo V60 - at the moment, really good lease deals on these as well. Smaller inside than I would have figured, but I still fit. Very comfortable seats, as befits Volvo. The ergonomics are a bit dated - no touchscreen for the infotainment system.

Infiniti Q50 - As much as I liked the Q40 I test drove with @jpp5862 a couple weeks ago, the interior was pretty small and, frankly, uncomfortable. The Q50 was better in that respect. Modern interior. Sharp looking car.

BMW 320i xDrive - Nice car, but I'm really trying to figure out why I would get a CPO 320i over a new Passat. Only 10HP difference, though I could get AWD with the BMW. The BMW is likely to be more fun to drive.

A good time was had by all!

stickguy · April 2017

nice list. I would probably look at all of them too. And no, 28 months is not too soon!

The Maxima, I had not really considered. But worth a look. And I consider no touch screen to be a bonus, at least for the radio (not for Navi). Not sure how that would work with carplay though? I guess just work off the phone?

I waffle between sedan and CUV of some sort. If I stick with the sedan, really want something that does not sit super low.

tifighter · April 2017

Bat, um, crap crazy doesn't begin to describe that car. Just imagine flooring it.

28firefighter said:
I was looking their inventory and its a bit spartan for the moment. It looks as though they trucked a whole bunch of cars up from California to supply the Puyallup and Lynnwood locations with what I imagine are "quick sell" types of cars for them.

@28firefighter This makes me feel better. I was looking at their inventory the other day just because it was there. (starts secret CCBA handshake...)

28firefighter · April 2017

tifighter said:

@28firefighter This makes me feel better. I was looking at their inventory the other day just because it was there. (starts secret CCBA handshake...)

Its a complete novelty around here! I'm most excited about having somewhere we can baseline trade values before walking into a dealer.

I'm hoping over the next few months the inventory spiffs up a bit and makes it worth a visit.

stickguy · April 2017

any chance that this could be a decent buy for a 2nd/spare/local car? Cheap enough, looks pretty clean. I assume would depend on a thorough PPI for all the usual suspects, and value depends on what has been done (such as cooling system).

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-1999-bmw-5_series-528ia-used-16242807.html

28firefighter · April 2017

Personally I'd spend a bit more to try and find a newer 530i example; I remember the 528 feeling a bit anemic.

graphicguy · April 2017

Michaell said:
Notes from the Denver Auto Show ----

@breld, his wife and daughter, and I met up at the Denver Convention Center.

After last night, I don't think I'll ever attend the show on a weekend again. Wednesday was the first night of the show, and the crowds were quite sparse. Never felt like someone was waiting for seat time while you evaluated whatever ride caught your fancy.

I'll let @breld share his thoughts about the cars he focused on. My goal for last night was to do some very preliminary scouting for whatever will replace the Jetta. Is 28 months too soon?

At the moment, I'm thinking I'll get another sedan - could be another lease, could be a CPO purchase, depending on what the budget allows. Therefore, I did take a look at some luxury brands, figuring that they will be available as CPO down the road.

In no particular order, here is what I looked at and my thoughts ....

VW Jetta GLI - similar to, but not identical, to my current ride. Upgrades would include auto climate control, short throw manual transmission, upsized wheels and tires, upgraded lighting, and, most importantly, a bigger engine. Was comfortable behind the wheel.

VW Passat R-Line - another contender. Bigger engine and bigger vehicle. Would likely be similar in driving experience to my current Jetta - more HP, but more weight. Sharp looking car.

Nissan Maxima - I've been seeing some screaming lease deals on these. The one at the show was the fully loaded Platinum trim. It was pretty comfortable to sit in, though I'd have to evaluate a more basic trim level to see what I really thought. Test drive!

Volvo V60 - at the moment, really good lease deals on these as well. Smaller inside than I would have figured, but I still fit. Very comfortable seats, as befits Volvo. The ergonomics are a bit dated - no touchscreen for the infotainment system.

Infiniti Q50 - As much as I liked the Q40 I test drove with @jpp5862 a couple weeks ago, the interior was pretty small and, frankly, uncomfortable. The Q50 was better in that respect. Modern interior. Sharp looking car.

BMW 320i xDrive - Nice car, but I'm really trying to figure out why I would get a CPO 320i over a new Passat. Only 10HP difference, though I could get AWD with the BMW. The BMW is likely to be more fun to drive.

A good time was had by all!

Good list....thanks for the impressions.

roadburner · April 2017

A 530i Sport ia a wonderful car. Main issues would be the cooling system, the valve cover gasket, and possibly tie rod ends.

jpp75 · April 2017

@michaell Great recap, I agree those off times are the best time to go.

Look forward to going with you all next year!

fintail · April 2017

It appears Carmax doesn't stock anything over 10 years old? Per their site, no MBs that old. I was hoping they'd maybe have some weirder material, as they are known for it with available warranty. I guess they won't be stocking that light blue on creme V12 W140 that I have imagined.

One irritating thing, they put dealer stickers on the trunklid - gotta go!

This is interesting, rare colors and looks like nearly a full load, just no pano - miles are a little high, but this would have been approaching 80K MSRP. Last of the V8 Interceptors.

I also noticed not one E Bluetec on their site.

Michaell · April 2017

jpp5862 said:
@michaell Great recap, I agree those off times are the best time to go.

Look forward to going with you all next year!

You still available for lunch next Friday? Perhaps we'll find a place to eat close to the Nissan dealer ....

jpp75 · April 2017

Michaell said:

jpp5862 said:
@michaell Great recap, I agree those off times are the best time to go.

Look forward to going with you all next year!
You still available for lunch next Friday? Perhaps we'll find a place to eat close to the Nissan dealer ....

Yep, just realized I forgot to text back. That sounds like a great plan.

Michaell · April 2017

jpp5862 said:

Michaell said:

jpp5862 said:
@michaell Great recap, I agree those off times are the best time to go.

Look forward to going with you all next year!
You still available for lunch next Friday? Perhaps we'll find a place to eat close to the Nissan dealer ....
Yep, just realized I forgot to text back. That sounds like a great plan.

There are 8 Maxima SV's at the dealer closest to @breld and I. 7 white and 1 black.

stickguy · April 2017

They nice inside? I don't think I even bothered with the Nissan stand at the auto show!

xwesx · April 2017

Michaell said:
7 white and 1 black.

Ooh! That sounds very interesting! Gotta love the variety.

Michaell · April 2017

stickguy said:
They nice inside? I don't think I even bothered with the Nissan stand at the auto show!

I sat in a Platinum trim - top of the line. Was pretty nice inside.

Wonder how much of the luxury you give up when you go to the lower trim levels.

Michaell · April 2017

xwesx said:

Michaell said:
7 white and 1 black.
Ooh! That sounds very interesting! Gotta love the variety.

I actually wouldn't mind white.

stickguy · April 2017

interesting about white. For years, both my wife and I would never consider it. Now, we both like it. I think we changed our minds when we got the Jetta for the princess (since that is white) and it grew on us. Now, we would certainly consider it.

doesn't hurt that on a lot of the Euro cars, you don't have to pay extra for it!

breld · April 2017

Definitely a fun night out with my girls and @Michaell! Nice dinner and a not-so-busy auto show - doesn't get better than that. Few thoughts:

Fun cars - spend a lot of time gazing upon the GTI Sport and Miata RF. Different characters for sure; love them both. Mrs. breld's idea is for me to pick up one of these great deals on the GTI, and then she'll be ready to take it over at some point, and I can trade her car in on the Miata, which should be available used by then. Not a bad plan.
VW Atlas - very impressive for the price, and a nice alternative to the Pilots and Highlanders. Something about the styling already seems outdated to me, but that's not unusual for VW - and generally that means they stay in style for many years.
Hyundai Ioniq and Kia Nero - would pick either of these over a Prius any day of the week. Particularly like the sharp but understated styling of the Hyundai.
Bright lime green Civic coupe - how weird is it that I was oddly attracted to this?

breld · April 2017

Visited a broker/dealer here near my work over lunch 'cause they had three candidates:

2016 WRX Premium - probably my 3rd or 4th time testing one out over the past couple years. Just not feeling it. Very quick for sure, but found it difficult to modulate all that power.
2016 GTI S - as anyone here who has driven one (or owned/owns one) knows, perhaps the best balance of comfort, sport and dynamics in anything in the $20k's. Hard to go wrong (as long as you're under warranty), and probably my top choice.
2013 Focus ST - most surprising of the three for sure. Never having driven one, it took a few miles to get used to the feel of the clutch and shifting, but once I got comfortable, it's quite a ride. Definitely on the sportier side of things, but not overly harsh. Smooth powerband. Found it very appealing, but not sure if it's just something new for me or not. The "Tangerine Scream Tri-Coat" paint was shocking and attractive at the same time.

I have an appointment to reacquaint myself with a 2015 Civic Si tomorrow.

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