Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

28firefighter · September 2019

My BIL and SIL have a Flex Limited with Sport Appearance and EcoBoost. Thing is an absolute hoot to drive.

xwesx · September 2019

qbrozen said:
Eh. I don’t think the design of the Ridgeline has aged well at all (if you were even one of the few who liked it before).
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/245545448

It is not pretty design, though I do like it far better than the new model. It is so imminently practical, though. I could almost ignore the appearance. Deep red does a lot for the looks, IMO, though. A neighbor had one for many years that had a color-matched canopy and a Thule rack atop the canopy / cab roof. It was a decent looking truck, and really quite versatile.

stickguy · September 2019

I do think the new ones are a lot nicer looking.

corvette · September 2019

But they basically look like a Pilot from the front. Nothing wrong with the way the Pilot looks, but it’d be nice if the Ridgeline were better differentiated.

stickguy · September 2019

well, it is a pilot from the front, so that makes sense! Maybe they will adopt the Passport nose instead. Still just a pilot, but with a blockier more "butch" grill and hood. More rugged image, just worse visibility and aerodynamics.

corvette · September 2019

It's amazing how 80%+ of the IIHS Top Safety Picks are only top picks "with specific headlights." Maybe that will goad the manufacturers into making a decent headlight, especially if IIHS changes the criteria in the future to make it so that a car is completely disqualified if it doesn't meet their standards.

Michaell · September 2019

Question for you Panther fans (Fords, not football).

I happened to catch the beginning of the classic Tom Cruise movie "Cocktail" last week. During the opening credits, a mid-80's LTD is chasing a Greyhound bus, filled with Tommy-boy and his Army pals. I noticed that Tom has his head and torso stuck out of a sunroof, and it made me wonder if that was a factory option, or if the car was modified for the movie?

Filed under Things that make you go "Hmmmm"...

qbrozen · September 2019

Couple of things have grabbed my attention thus far while perusing cheap SUVs.

Circa 2010-2011 GMC Terrain AWD 4-cyl
2009’ish CX9.

Terrain would have lower miles, of course, and, frankly, I prefer the looks of it. Reliability of either is unknown to me.

tjc78 · September 2019

I know the scene well. Only the Town Cars had factory moon roofs. All others were dealer installed.

Even all the way to the 03/04 Marauders.... they were factory option, but sent out to be installed by ASC.

pensfan83 · September 2019

@qbrozen any luck offloading the BMW yet?

corvette · September 2019

qbrozen said:

Circa 2010-2011 GMC Terrain AWD 4-cyl

Those drive pretty well, I had one as a rental, but weigh around 4,000 lbs. The 4-cylinder is way underpowered and MPG suffers as a result, in addition to not being so great to drive. I'd look for a newer model with the 3.6 liter V6 if possible.

tjc78 · September 2019

Punch pending of a different kind!

Paperwork final tomorrow!

https://www.hitchrv.com/product/new-2019-skyline-shore-park-1941ctq-919752-22

We are getting a lot in a campground about 5 minutes outside Sea Isle City, NJ.

This will be our weekend spot!

Not quite the condo in Wildwood Crest we wanted, but much more attainable for now while the kids are little.

Hope to have ready in about 10 days, so we can enjoy the fall down there. It’s a seasonal place April thru November.

Never though I’d own a trailer, but friends of ours have one (very similar) and we enjoyed the atmosphere and our kids love the campground and all it has to offer (pools, lake, playgrounds etc). Not to mention the beach is so close.

I’m hoping to get it paid off in about 7 years, and then maybe we can think buying a condo/house closer to the beach.

Wasn’t sure how much margin there is on these things, but got another 4K off the “blowout “ price and got delivery and setup included. Some people who claim to know pricing said we did very very well.

Michaell · September 2019

tjc78 said:
I know the scene well. Only the Town Cars had factory moon roofs. All others were dealer installed.

Even all the way to the 03/04 Marauders.... they were factory option, but sent out to be installed by ASC.

I suspected as much, and I knew you were the right guy to answer my question.

Always thought that was a bit hokey - what government agency buys cars with a sunroof? But, movies. Suspend disbelief. Still enjoy that movie.

"Beer is for breakfast. Drink or be gone!"

tjc78 · September 2019

It’s one my favorites. It has some of the best one liners....

28firefighter · September 2019

Cool @tjc78 !

kyfdx · September 2019

qbrozen said:
Couple of things have grabbed my attention thus far while perusing cheap SUVs.

Circa 2010-2011 GMC Terrain AWD 4-cyl
2009’ish CX9.

Terrain would have lower miles, of course, and, frankly, I prefer the looks of it. Reliability of either is unknown to me.

I know people that have had to replace engines in both of them.
GM paid for the one, even though out of warranty.

The Mazda owner had to eat their repair.

marcogallo1986 · September 2019

@ TJC congrads on the punch on the camp ground land!

corvette · September 2019

@tjc78 congrats on the park model! I've considered those for when I eventually retire, assuming I'm still single. As a primary residence, the narrow width makes the bedroom tight. The loft is a great idea, though, and one like yours with a sunken bedroom and taller loft above the bedroom should really provide a lot of extra room. The mini-split HVAC and loft A/C should be great.

I've also looked into the "tiny house" option, and a lot of what I've seen makes it look like people tend to understate the cost, and sometimes use non-standard parts which will be a bear to replace. I'm not really interested in kludges like trying to retrofit a small (but inefficient) RV water heater to work in a tiny house. The least expensive water heater, after discounts, is generally a 40 gallon electric (or a little more for gas), so why not work around that?

I think I'd be fine with a studio-style single family residence modeled after the Home2Suites I recently stayed at, slightly larger, with a connected utility/storage room accessible from the outside, and a patio with a pergola. I'm sure it wouldn't be inexpensive the way I'd want it built, though!

tjc78 · September 2019

Thanks! We plan to build an attached sunroom next year. Most people do that and it adds so much more space. Our friends have one and it’s awesome. Great spot to hang out.

stickguy · September 2019

pretty roomy. I have seen smaller condos in Avalon (converted motel rooms).

so you buy the RV then just get a lease on a spot in the RV park and leave it there? Or do you get it through the park?

qbrozen · September 2019

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

Circa 2010-2011 GMC Terrain AWD 4-cyl
Those drive pretty well, I had one as a rental, but weigh around 4,000 lbs. The 4-cylinder is way underpowered and MPG suffers as a result, in addition to not being so great to drive. I'd look for a newer model with the 3.6 liter V6 if possible.

Yes, I almost bought a v6 model previously. Those are currently out of my wife-imposed budget.

pensfan83 · September 2019

That's very exciting. We have friends who have places in the Laurel Highlands who have really customized their camps and they enjoy spending time there, as do we when we can.

qbrozen · September 2019

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:
Couple of things have grabbed my attention thus far while perusing cheap SUVs.

Circa 2010-2011 GMC Terrain AWD 4-cyl
2009’ish CX9.

Terrain would have lower miles, of course, and, frankly, I prefer the looks of it. Reliability of either is unknown to me.
I know people that have had to replace engines in both of them.
GM paid for the one, even though out of warranty.

The Mazda owner had to eat their repair.

Sounds like those people and my brother are cut from the same cloth.

qbrozen · September 2019

pensfan83 said:
@qbrozen any luck offloading the BMW yet?

Ya know, I think I may have failed to update.

So this may be a record for BMW transfer. It was less than 1 week! New owner is picking it up tomorrow.

pensfan83 · September 2019

Nice!

tjc78 · September 2019

stickguy said:
pretty roomy. I have seen smaller condos in Avalon (converted motel rooms).

so you buy the RV then just get a lease on a spot in the RV park and leave it there? Or do you get it through the park?

We will be leasing a lot for it. We know where, just need to pick a lot out Saturday.

Yes, we looked at some pretty small condos...at 5x the price!

qbrozen · September 2019

jmonroe1 said:

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:
My driveway was ripped up today. We are having them lengthen and widen it while they are at it. 21 feet wide and I believe something like 130 feet long.
Wow! That's a hefty driveway! Are you painting a yellow line down the center while you're at it?
Far be it from me to put anything in his head but after his road is finished and lines and numbers have been painted, he could get his friends and neighbor's together on weekends for the @qbrozen 130.

jmonroe

I looked over the completed project today (well, almost completed), and I was quite a bit under on my number. It is approx 70 yards long from tip to tip.

stickguy · September 2019

Can park a lot of extra cars on that runway!

Man, I want a 3 car garage.

kyfdx · September 2019

stickguy said:
Can park a lot of extra cars on that runway!

Man, I want a 3 car garage.

Looks like room for another detached two-car garage at the end of the driveway!

kyfdx · September 2019

qbrozen said:

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:
Couple of things have grabbed my attention thus far while perusing cheap SUVs.

Circa 2010-2011 GMC Terrain AWD 4-cyl
2009’ish CX9.

Terrain would have lower miles, of course, and, frankly, I prefer the looks of it. Reliability of either is unknown to me.
I know people that have had to replace engines in both of them.
GM paid for the one, even though out of warranty.

The Mazda owner had to eat their repair.
Sounds like those people and my brother are cut from the same cloth.

Actually, both cars were maintained well, which is why I mentioned it. I think the Equinox/Terrain 4-cylinders had a known issue.

stickguy · September 2019

Known to be dog slow at least!

What’s the SUV budget? $10k?

stickguy · September 2019

My BIL has a similar layout. Long driveway with turned 3 car garage. Opposite that he extended the driveway he built a free standing 2 car garage, so the doors face each other. One advantage of living out in the sticks. Lots of land!

stickguy · September 2019

Killing time.

I always liked these. Miles are steep, but it is cheap!

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2006-subaru-b9_tribeca-5~passenger_ltd_gray_int-used-4s4wx82c464420546.html

Thus one actually interests me. Age and miles not bad, and price seems OK.

https://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2013-bmw-x3-awd-nav-prem-pkg-panoroof-silver-certified-suv-f999dfceec9e4a448f986df174e74451?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84WYg_LN5AIVGq_ICh1Ijwr4EAAYASAAEgK4PvD_BwE

This is a good deal. Low miles. If you are willing to do an equinox, why not! It’s cheap.

https://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2014-chevrolet-captiva-sport-ls-conv-pkg-silver-certified-suv-8559c229c4f32844aeb79c70efbe438d?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84WYg_LN5AIVGq_ICh1Ijwr4EAAYASAAEgK4PvD_BwE

Speak of the devil

https://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2012-chevrolet-equinox-ltz-suv-ee9104b4d816c741845420d9c9ecfe50?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84WYg_LN5AIVGq_ICh1Ijwr4EAAYASAAEgK4PvD_BwE

A lot newer with more motor

https://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2016-dodge-journey-sxt-7-pass-conv-pkg-siver-certified-suv-0ade106bdd14e243aca58a66c8c13d6a?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84WYg_LN5AIVGq_ICh1Ijwr4EAAYASAAEgK4PvD_BwE

Sharp looking, in case you require 300 HP

https://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2012-ford-edge-sport-nav-conv-pkg-rvc-silver-certified-suv-c96568a3ebee1044a346583c11366964?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84WYg_LN5AIVGq_ICh1Ijwr4EAAYASAAEgK4PvD_BwE

And since you liked CX9. I wonder if this is the store you found theses at?

https://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2012-mazda-cx-9-gt-awd-nav-comfort-pkg-rvc-silver-certified-suv-ceded888aa2f7d419d003988e4e0a634?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84WYg_LN5AIVGq_ICh1Ijwr4EAAYASAAEgK4PvD_BwE

28firefighter · September 2019

On today's agenda: tree trimming. We have 3 60 foot fir trees and 1 60 foot western red cedar that all sit between 6-10 feet from our house. With how bad windy season was last year, we have an arborist here trimming everything back.

stickguy · September 2019

Smart idea based on that math!

qbrozen · September 2019

stickguy said:
Known to be dog slow at least!

What’s the SUV budget? $10k?

yes, $10k.

I bet that 4-cyl Terrain would still easily outgun a Hummer or a Wrangler Unlimited 3.8.

qbrozen · September 2019

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:
Can park a lot of extra cars on that runway!

Man, I want a 3 car garage.
Looks like room for another detached two-car garage at the end of the driveway!

yup yup. Trust me, it has been top of mind since we first toured this house.

28firefighter · September 2019

@nyccarguy and @tjc78 - How old were your kids when you turned them forward facing in their car seat?

qbrozen · September 2019

Thinking things through ...

So I want something with a decent cargo area and at least has the potential to look mean. I'm all about appearance on this truck deal, it would seem.

As I came upon vehicles ...
CX-9, I've decided will NEVER look mean.
Terrain, definitely has potential, but starting to think it could be too small. Not ruled out yet.
Tiguan, certainly on the smaller side.

Then I finally thought of something that I really should have thought of earlier. A 4runner. Could definitely check all the boxes.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/mySavedListings.action#listing=249712576
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/mySavedListings.action#listing=251528210

I could maybe dig on this, too: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/mySavedListings.action#listing=248515380

28firefighter · September 2019

I know you don't want to lease, but I'm pretty sure the Ally/USBank leases on 4Runners are a great deal. Just a thought.

qbrozen · September 2019

for as little as I'm driving now, it doesn't make sense. I could buy an old 4runner, keep it 18 mos, and maybe lose $2k tops on it. Pretty sure I ain't gettin a $111 lease.

nyccarguy · September 2019

28firefighter said:
@nyccarguy and @tjc78 - How old were your kids when you turned them forward facing in their car seat?

We followed the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. We turned our boys around at 1. We waited until our daughter was 2.

28firefighter · September 2019

The new guidelines recommend rear facing until the max weight or height (whichever comes first). Which at our current pace, means Sam will be rear facing until first grade...

kyfdx · September 2019

28firefighter said:
The new guidelines recommend rear facing until the max weight or height (whichever comes first). Which at our current pace, means Sam will be rear facing until first grade...

Carb loading..

tifighter · September 2019

Did someone say mean-looking SUV (lol)?

stickguy · September 2019

I thought even old 4 runners went for more money. At least should be reliable. And can actually off road! Do they really have that much cargo room?

qbrozen · September 2019

tifighter said:
Did someone say mean-looking SUV (lol)?

Its only angry because there ain't a power line in sight!

ab348 · September 2019

The 4Runners look good, especially the black one. Given their age though, they would need to be gone over with a fine-toothed comb, especially for rust. Same would be true for the Denali.

corvette · September 2019

Yeah, I think one of the reasons my friend in MN dumped his V8 4Runner (of the same vintage) was because of rust.

stickguy · September 2019

It’s a Tacoma frame under there, so that makes sense.

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