Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

laurasdada · August 2018

Okay, my previous post, well, didn't...

In a nutshell, back in the late 80s IIRC, there was a scam going on where some less than scrupulous types (maybe televangelists!) were trucking Texas youths (IIRC, older teens) up to the northeast. They would go door to door selling overpriced magazine subscriptions to support some unfamiliar "cause."

My doorbell rings, there is an attractive young lady with clipboard selling magazines. Nice southern accent, I see similar at other doors in the 'hood (apartment complex). Very quickly, I wish her good luck, be careful and I'm not going to be a customer. I am well magazine'd and support causes that I'm familiar with... My phone rings, I begin to close the door, she asks if she could just give me her whole pitch. I tell her that if she wants to wait until my call is done, OK (fool for a pretty face and accent).

Call finishes, she pitches, I smile and decline. She proceeds to get very angry and starts yelling and cussing, "Why the F did you make me wait if you weren't going to buy magazines!" "Thanks a F'in lot..." Something as such... I noted it was her choice to stay, I had told her almost immediately that I would not be a customer. She saluted me as she stormed away... I hope she got home OK. I had read that these young'uns weren't treated very well by their "sponsors."

stickguy · August 2018

The worst part is, don't even need the computer. It is just an app on the phone. So I can be noodling on the phone waiting to get a table at a restaurant, and buy a car. This, might not actually be a good thing.

branded titles are supposed to follow the car. Some states however are known for being somewhat lax with that, hence their popularity with title washing.

That Charger, is really bright. I think my wife would kill me if I brought it home. Plus I would hate it I think after the novelty wore off. If I want a barge, might as well get a PU truck.

Q, I did not actually look at Jeeps normally. Just the steal of the day. At some point I should probably go drive one. Though I did show the wife. I believe she made a face.

imidazol97 · August 2018

ab348 said:

henryn said:

You (the collective you, or y’all as we would say here in the south), don’t quite seem to grasp the content.

My son sang in the choir when he was in school, along with many other activities. The choir took a trip every year, and that trip was not paid for by the school district. As indeed, it should not have been. So the money had to come from somewhere. Many of the kids had families that could pay their share. And many didn’t. What were they supposed to do, leave behind the kids who couldn’t afford it? Not a good idea, in my opinion. So they sold fruit baskets. Big baskets of fresh fruit, grapefruits, oranges, etc. And everyone got to go on the trip.

While my son was still too young to drive, I spent a lot of hours driving around, delivering those fruit baskets. Just part of the overhead of being a parent.

Yes, I’m opposed to scammers. Big difference, though.

You would have hated the little kid who came to my door 10 years ago then.

This little fellow, couldn't have been more than 8 or 9, knocked on my door wearing a cub scout uniform. Explained they were raising money for something, and selling various treats offered on a glossy printed page, did I want to support them?

He was so shy and seemingly uncomfortable that my icy exterior melted, and even though I am not big on chocolate and sweet things, one of the offerings was a large metal container with 3 different types of popcorn inside, so I bit. Handed him a $20, filled out the form with my name, address and phone #, and sent him on his way with the promise that the goods would arrive in a few weeks time.

I hope the kid enjoyed my $20 because the popcorn never came. Great scam!

That sounds like a legitimate fund raiser. I ran the popcorn sales for our boy scout troop for 2 or 3 year. Some areas have both the scouts and the If he mentioned where they meet or the Pack number, you might contact the group and ask about this if it was the recent year.

Wearing the uniforms adds authenticity to boys going around because most fakes don't have a uniform and a printed sheet to use. I ran the popcorn and the wreath sale, IIRC. Long time ago.

qbrozen · August 2018

That charger is definitely a performance bargain. Scat Packs are just $30/mo more. They are base models other than the engine, though.

stickguy · August 2018

a base R/T has more HP than I would ever need. So if I am paying more money, it is going to be for goodies, not motor.

pensfan83 · August 2018

Stick, that's exactly what happened. The seats and wheels were stolen so insurance totaled the car. The owner bought it back and replaced the seats and wheels. When they moved from NC to VA, VA didn't title it as a salvage unit. Despite the clarity on the title the tape holding together the cracks that appeared in the lower bumper would bother me so I think that one is a pass.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2018

pensfan83 said:
For my own edification, does a salvage title in one state follow the vehicle when retitled in a different state?

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/acura-integra-gs-for-sale/6664228452.html

Sure it does, and usually you have to have it re-inspected as well.

xwesx · August 2018

henryn said:
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-audi-tt-quattro-225-hp/6664419748.html

Now here's a fun, cheap convertible for @oldfamer50

Yikes; don't try driving that one at night!

tifighter · August 2018

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:
There is a 2016 Golf R that popped up at the CarMax up the street...tempting....

https://www.carmax.com/car/15326280
@breld only paid $900 more for a 2017 model..

Sounds like someone is tracking Golf R prices...

28firefighter · August 2018

"I don't have a problem, you have a problem"

Michaell · August 2018

I see it all the time. Folks are posting in multiple threads, asking for lease information. Trying to find the best deal. Research, study, analyze, compute, repeat. Asking for numbers for multiple trim levels (do you know how many trim versions there are of the Challenger?), along with multiple vehicles, sometimes not even in the same category. Accord, Trax, Tacoma - what's going to get me the best payment, best residual, lowest MF, whatever?

Finally get a car at a great lease payment, only to realize, they don't like it.

Oops.

I see this Honcker app fostering that mentality. "Ooo, I can get into a Jeep for under $300/mo". Sure, but, are you gonna like driving it for the next three years?

Find a car (or cars) that you like, then try to make the best deal.

Does anybody remember the lease deal @kyfdx got on the Z4 in Maryland some years back? And, what happened when he got it home?

I think folks forget that a car isn't a toaster, or a microwave. It's a way more personal choice. Since we are all enthusiasts, I get where we look at this with a different point of view.

Sorry for the rant.

I'm just annoyed that I suspect I won't get to replace the Jetta when the lease is up next year. Drop down to a one car family for a while. Hoping that when the Outback is paid off, I can get something for myself.

tifighter · August 2018

Well, some cars are more toasters than others.

kyfdx · August 2018

@Michaell $335/mo for a $55K MSRP Z4.

It was worth it..

Michaell · August 2018

kyfdx said:
@Michaell $335/mo for a $55K MSRP Z4.

It was worth it..

I wasn't doubting the deal ... I know it was killer.

stickguy · August 2018

Michael, the 1 car deal won't last. Unless you are treating the Mini as a family car too, and the women in the house really do keep carpooling.

we are sharing 2 now for the 3 of us. And as of this week, the wife is full time work from home too, so it is very rare that the car is not here but I am. And occasionally the kid lets me drive my car (usually when it needs gas though...). So, we can certainly make it work if needed. I just really don't want to. And if we are, the sole car needs to be damned nice.

pensfan83 · August 2018

Michaell said:
I see this Honcker app fostering that mentality. "Ooo, I can get into a Jeep for under $300/mo". Sure, but, are you gonna like driving it for the next three years?

Find a car (or cars) that you like, then try to make the best deal.

Does anybody remember the lease deal @kyfdx got on the Z4 in Maryland some years back? And, what happened when he got it home?

I think folks forget that a car isn't a toaster, or a microwave. It's a way more personal choice. Since we are all enthusiasts, I get where we look at this with a different point of view.

I see the same thing on leasehackr from time to time. Someone posts what qualifies as a stellar deal for say Audi and people pan it because "you can get a Q50 of S60 for $325/month tax included." Well, that's great but maybe the person doesn't want a Q50 or S60 nd the lower payments but wants the Audi and the higher payment and is looking for advice or suggestions on how to improve his/her deal, not suggestions on how to deal on a car that isn't wanted.

Michaell · August 2018

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:
I see this Honcker app fostering that mentality. "Ooo, I can get into a Jeep for under $300/mo". Sure, but, are you gonna like driving it for the next three years?

Find a car (or cars) that you like, then try to make the best deal.

Does anybody remember the lease deal @kyfdx got on the Z4 in Maryland some years back? And, what happened when he got it home?

I think folks forget that a car isn't a toaster, or a microwave. It's a way more personal choice. Since we are all enthusiasts, I get where we look at this with a different point of view.
I see the same thing on leasehackr from time to time. Someone posts what qualifies as a stellar deal for say Audi and people pan it because "you can get a Q50 of S60 for $325/month tax included." Well, that's great but maybe the person doesn't want a Q50 or S60 nd the lower payments but wants the Audi and the higher payment and is looking for advice or suggestions on how to improve his/her deal, not suggestions on how to deal on a car that isn't wanted.

It happens here, too. Mostly folks looking at an Accord and being told you can get a TLX for less money.

mjfloyd1 · August 2018

Punch coming on Saturday. Trading 08 335 convertible which has needed since December - waterpump and t stat, oil filter housing gasket, left thrust arm bushing, repeat oil filter housing gasket (installation issue??), oil pan gasket, right motor mount, repeat waterpump (since motor mount broken allowing contact with waterpump causing a leak). Thankful for my extended warranty...

New Jeep JL rubicon is a new color Sting Gray which is funny since I have the 63 split window sting ray coupe.

andres3 · August 2018

henryn said:
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-solora/6653699209.html

Being a Toyota, the upkeep on this should be a lot cheaper than an old Audi.

You would need to carefully check out that "REBUILT TITLE FROM PREVIOUS REAR DAMAGE". but for $4,600, if the repairs seem solid, who cares about a rebuilt title?

What about structural integrity issues/compromises that cause you to die when someone wrecks into you? In a non-rebuilt title car given the same wreck and forces one might live with a bit more structural integrity.

andres3 · August 2018

Michaell said:

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:
I see this Honcker app fostering that mentality. "Ooo, I can get into a Jeep for under $300/mo". Sure, but, are you gonna like driving it for the next three years?

Find a car (or cars) that you like, then try to make the best deal.

Does anybody remember the lease deal @kyfdx got on the Z4 in Maryland some years back? And, what happened when he got it home?

I think folks forget that a car isn't a toaster, or a microwave. It's a way more personal choice. Since we are all enthusiasts, I get where we look at this with a different point of view.
I see the same thing on leasehackr from time to time. Someone posts what qualifies as a stellar deal for say Audi and people pan it because "you can get a Q50 of S60 for $325/month tax included." Well, that's great but maybe the person doesn't want a Q50 or S60 nd the lower payments but wants the Audi and the higher payment and is looking for advice or suggestions on how to improve his/her deal, not suggestions on how to deal on a car that isn't wanted.
It happens here, too. Mostly folks looking at an Accord and being told you can get a TLX for less money.

At least in those cases they are similar vehicles and there's not much reason I can think of to prefer an Accord over a TLX at the same cost, let alone less cost for the TLX.

tommister2 · August 2018

mjfloyd1 said:

Punch coming on Saturday. Trading 08 335 convertible which has needed since December - waterpump and t stat, oil filter housing gasket, left thrust arm bushing, repeat oil filter housing gasket (installation issue??), oil pan gasket, right motor mount, repeat waterpump (since motor mount broken allowing contact with waterpump causing a leak). Thankful for my extended warranty...

New Jeep JL rubicon is a new color Sting Gray which is funny since I have the 63 split window sting ray coupe.

Congrats on the new Jeep!

nyccarguy · August 2018

mjfloyd1 said:
Punch coming on Saturday. Trading 08 335 convertible which has needed since December - waterpump and t stat, oil filter housing gasket, left thrust arm bushing, repeat oil filter housing gasket (installation issue??), oil pan gasket, right motor mount, repeat waterpump (since motor mount broken allowing contact with waterpump causing a leak). Thankful for my extended warranty...

New Jeep JL rubicon is a new color Sting Gray which is funny since I have the 63 split window sting ray coupe.

Congrats! That's very rugged & manly looking! Very cool!

ab348 · August 2018

I like the look of that Jeep, @mjfloyd1 !!

graphicguy · August 2018

mjfloyd1 said:
Punch coming on Saturday. Trading 08 335 convertible which has needed since December - waterpump and t stat, oil filter housing gasket, left thrust arm bushing, repeat oil filter housing gasket (installation issue??), oil pan gasket, right motor mount, repeat waterpump (since motor mount broken allowing contact with waterpump causing a leak). Thankful for my extended warranty...

New Jeep JL rubicon is a new color Sting Gray which is funny since I have the 63 split window sting ray coupe.

Very cool. Big congrats. I’m usually not a “Jeep person” but I really like your new one.

More pics, please!

qbrozen · August 2018

mjfloyd1 said:

Punch coming on Saturday. Trading 08 335 convertible which has needed since December - waterpump and t stat, oil filter housing gasket, left thrust arm bushing, repeat oil filter housing gasket (installation issue??), oil pan gasket, right motor mount, repeat waterpump (since motor mount broken allowing contact with waterpump causing a leak). Thankful for my extended warranty...

New Jeep JL rubicon is a new color Sting Gray which is funny since I have the 63 split window sting ray coupe.

Interesting convertible swap.

I dig the looks of them. I'd probably start with a pushbar and remove the rubicon graphic.

graphicguy · August 2018

Funny seeing that picture of the Pontiac Solstice. I saw it’s cousin, the Saturn Sky, tooling around last weekend. Always kind of liked the looks of them. But, from what I remember, they were the Fiero of the day. Not particularly a good car, made from GM parts bin components (and not necessarily good ones).

The one I saw was a turbo, which was supposed to be the “hot rod” of the bunch. Heard it pull away from a light, and it didn’t sound like there was anything “hot” about it.

Those in the know, are these convertibles in any way collectible?

kyfdx · August 2018

Worst thing about the Sky: They all have chrome wheels

nyccarguy · August 2018

qbrozen said:
I can't seem to get over the thought lately that leasing makes a lot of sense. I used to avoid it like the plague, but based on the fact that I never keep anything anyway and usually trade out at the break-even point, buying has no advantages for me.

The more you think about it, as long as you can stay within the mileage restrictions it does make a lot of sense. Just add the acquisition fee and disposition fee as part of the total cost of your lease (an extra $1,000 or less than $30 per month). I think where I live in CT they make you get brand new plates every time you lease because the leasing company is the "owner" of the car.

Leasing is just an alternate way of financing. It fixes your depreciation costs so you don't have to worry about getting "low-balled" at trade in time. If you are going to trade out once you are at the break even point anyway, then why not? Your payments generally are lower than if you do a traditional finance. Maintenance wise, you'll be on the hook for some oil changes, maybe a set of tires (depending on the car), & brakes. Again, you can avoid this and still keep your CCBA membership in good standing with a 24 or 27 month lease.

Looking back on some of my CCBA punches, I traded out of the 2010 TSX 2 1/2 years & 50K miles into a 5 year loan and was $3,500 over (only because I put $3,500 down on it from Cash 4 Clunkers) break even.

Next was my 2011 328xi that I leased for 30 months (2 1/2 years) and 50K miles keeping me well within the warranty & free maintenance period. I did have to buy a set of tires for that car though.

After that was the "failed Subaru experiment," where I played a Jedi Mind Trick on myself by saying: "This is the car you're looking for." After 2 1/2 years (47K ish miles) into a 6 year loan, I broke even.

Part of what attracted me to the Infiniti was the 328hp V6, the low miles, the low price compared to the original sticker, & the fact that I was able to finance it for 3 years at 0.99%. I like it & am happy with it. While my payments are a little over $600 per month, i only owe a little more than $12K right now and the car will be mine in less than 2 years.

If I can pick up the right honcker or LH deal on the right car, I might be tempted.

stickguy · August 2018

Excellent points.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2018

graphicguy said:
Funny seeing that picture of the Pontiac Solstice. I saw it’s cousin, the Saturn Sky, tooling around last weekend. Always kind of liked the looks of them. But, from what I remember, they were the Fiero of the day. Not particularly a good car, made from GM parts bin components (and not necessarily good ones).

The one I saw was a turbo, which was supposed to be the “hot rod” of the bunch. Heard it pull away from a light, and it didn’t sound like there was anything “hot” about it.

Those in the know, are these convertibles in any way collectible?

No, the convertibles are just "used cars" like a Miata, but the 2009-2010 Solstice GXP coupe is collectible, as they only made 1266 of them.

pensfan83 · August 2018

As some know I've been trying to scratch an itch for a couple months know. I've been on the hunt for a cheap, but fun manual car. I've been targeting Integra GS-R's, Honda Preludes, and EM1 Si's because they are simple machines, have reasonable repair costs, and are generally fun to drive. In all cases the cars stretched beyond my self-imposed budget, were rusted out, or the owner declined my offer. I kicked the tires on a few TJ Wranglers as well but nothing around here within my budget was all that appealing.

Last week I added the Mazda3 to my list and found a few in the area I'm going to look at over the next few days before I take a break while we're on vacation. I was actively avoiding sedans because we currently have 2 of those but I really liked my Mazda6 and have always liked the 3 as well. It helps that the Mazda is not held in the same high regard as the aforementioned Honda trio and isn't priced as such so finding something in my price range should be much easier.

kyfdx · August 2018

I'm fond of the EP3 Si. Probably out of your budget, though, compared to the others.

28firefighter · August 2018

Ohhh the EP3 Si - my buddy had one of those and my god did he beat the snot out of it. Lots of fun.

Then again, maybe not a good choice because most have been thrashed.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2018

EM1 is gettin' kinda old, isn't it? When did they stop making them? Was it 2000?

tifighter · August 2018

kyfdx said:
Worst thing about the Sky: They all have chrome wheels

This man speaks truth. Blech.

pensfan83 · August 2018

Only a couple EP3 Si's have popped up and they looked pretty rough.

@Mr_Shiftright, yes last year for EM1 was 2000. Production of the Prelude, Integra, and EM1 were stopped in 2001, 2001, and 2000 respectively so the youngest iteration of one of those is soon to be 18 years old.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2018

I suppose 18 years old is okay for a toy to have fun with, but lots can go wrong even with the best of cars after all those years. It must be hard to find one with decent miles.

28firefighter · August 2018

So then I shouldn't be surprised that the Saab A/C is not blowing as cold as I would have hoped in this 90 degree weather we're having in Seattle?

breld · August 2018

@nyccarguy - agreed. Great points on leasing.

I specifically agree with the point about it simply being another form of financing. To me, it’s just timing of payments.

The benefits of the fixed residual, and the lower risk of diminished value in the event of an accident (assuming it’s repaired properly) are significant.

Buying a used car is still generally the financially smarter approach I’d say though - which you’ve experienced with the Infiniti.

Having said that, the amount of depreciation cost on some cars may be virtually the same new vs used. I realized that after we traded in our Odyssey that we had bought used. It was about three years old when we bought it, and using rough numbers, it lost about $9k in value in the three years we owned it. Looking back, I imagine I could have bought (or leased) a new one and experienced about the same amount of depreciation. Not to mention the potential repairs and maintenance on the older car.

kyfdx · August 2018

Bone stock... low miles:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=482729131&zip=41076&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=41076&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2001&sortBy=relevance&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&endYear=2005&modelCodeList=CIVIC&makeCodeList=HONDA&searchRadius=500&trimCodeList=CIVIC%7CSi&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2001&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2005&modelCodeList=CIVIC&makeCodeList=HONDA&searchRadius=500&makeCode1=HONDA&modelCode1=CIVIC

tifighter · August 2018

Nice find.

28firefighter · August 2018

Really nice find, in a great color. High asking price, but my guess is they'll get close to it.

kyfdx · August 2018

If that's the car you really want as a toy... a couple thousand won't make any difference.

28firefighter · August 2018

Don't disagree - and I'd think that a Civic Si that is unmodified has probably lived a relatively easy life and wouldn't be all that costly to own.

rny421 · August 2018

tifighter said:

Worst thing about the Sky: They all have chrome wheels
This man speaks truth. Blech.

I just recently got rid of my 2007 Sky Redline. The chrome wheels weren’t the best, but hey, it was 2007. Truth be told, it got a ton of looks, and many people commented on it when i was out and about. IMO, it looks better than the Miata of that generation.

I paid $15K for it, and sold it for $8K. So for $1.4K/yr, plus five oil changes (literally put nothing else into it) - Not a bad car. It was impractical as hell, and needed six gears, but for a cheap, fun roadster, it was hard to beat.

pensfan83 · August 2018

Mr_Shiftright said:
I suppose 18 years old is okay for a toy to have fun with, but lots can go wrong even with the best of cars after all those years. It must be hard to find one with decent miles.

It has been a challenge but higher mileage is less of a concern to me as long as the car had scheduled maintenance done, isn't rusting too badly in the usual places, and isn't cobbled together with a bunch of cheap, aftermarket parts. Interestingly one of the cleanest cars I've looked at so far has been a 27 year old, 195K Prelude with a rebuilt motor, rebuilt suspension, and a clutch with 6K on it. The car drives great, shifts great, the interior is remarkably clean for the year. The install of the aftermarket stereo was done well and so was the addition of a custom USB port near the e-brake. Just a nice, clean car with only the tires needing replacement within the next few thousand miles.

I previously made an offer of $3,500 about 3 weeks ago and he said he had someone interested at his asking price of $4,200. Looking again as I typed that out the car is still listed and is now down to $3,800.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1991-honda-prelude-si-4ws/6648921724.html

stickguy · August 2018

So try again

pensfan83 · August 2018

Email already sent. I'm guessing the buyer either backed out or it was a bluff.

That low mileage '05 Si is a great find though, sharp color too.

stickguy · August 2018

I almost bought a left over after that run ended. Couldn’t give them away. Was 15 or 16k, on a 20k sticker. But I waited too long. Fun car.

28firefighter · August 2018

This seems almost too good to be true:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/1995-porschespeed-manual-coupe/6655886712.html

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