Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

corvette · February 2020

graphicguy said:

corvette said:
@graphicguy I LOVE Chicago. Check out the Art Institute if you have time. The Field Museum is also pretty good. The Museum of Broadcast Communications is neat, too.
Chicago is one of my favorite cities. Have been to Shedd, Science and Industry, History, Modern Art, Adler (planetarium) museums.

MSI was a little stale when I was there last summer. Shedd is very nice, but I'm not big on aquariums. I may check out Adler next time. Lots of great places to eat, too!

tjc78 · February 2020

nyccarguy said:

ab348 said:
So @nyccarguy , what are you doing in San Diego?
I had to go for work. A buying group I am a member of has a convention once a year. This year they picked San Diego. I didn't sleep through the night since Friday. It felt so good to come home and sleep in my own bed.

If I was working I’d be heading to Seattle Sunday for a show.

Those shows are always tough. 8+!hours of presentations, then the overly long dinners, followed by way too much drinking.

Then a loonnng flight home.

explorerx4 · February 2020

Probably not a good week for the river architecture tour.

Michaell · February 2020

Paging @28firefighter ...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/60290/bmw/x1/bmw-lease-recall-preventing-assumption#latest

andres3 · February 2020

Michaell said:
Paging @28firefighter ...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/60290/bmw/x1/bmw-lease-recall-preventing-assumption#latest

The tough Seargeant type answer would be:

Don't get a lease you are not prepared to take to the end no matter what!

explorerx4 · February 2020

That story is a strange coincidence.
A friend of mine leased a Gen 1 X1(before they were MINI's underneath) and wanted to buy it at lease end.
He was told he had to turn it in due to an outstanding recall.

28firefighter · February 2020

Responded. Unfortunately the answer is “tough noogies.”

corvette · February 2020

@explorerx4 didn’t think they could do that - I always thought the residual value on a lease usually meant a guarantee you could buy it out at that price. BMW may include consumer unfriendly terms and conditions about recalls, though.

Lease transfers, I can kind of understand, since those are generally at the grace of the financing company. On the other hand, if you refuse to allow a transfer to a new lessee due to a recall, what business do you have allowing the tens of thousands of existing owners and lessees to continue driving these dangerous vehicles? Just buy them back if they’re that bad.

stickguy · February 2020

that is what I would tell them. if I can't sell it or buy it, you better give me a new one that is not defective.

28firefighter · February 2020

Tried it. They don’t care.

corvette · February 2020

28firefighter said:
Tried it. They don’t care.

That’s pathetic on their part. I’d hit them and the selling dealership on every social media platform.

28firefighter · February 2020

I won’t slam a dealer for something that is out of their control. This is solely BMWFS and BMWNA.

kyfdx · February 2020

explorerx4 said:
Probably not a good week for the river architecture tour.

Love that!

corvette · February 2020

28firefighter said:
I won’t slam a dealer for something that is out of their control. This is solely BMWFS and BMWNA.

Good point, but a jilted dealer is in a better position to get BMWFS and BMWNA to change their practices than a single customer.

Sandman6472 · February 2020

Had to take a 2018 VW Atlas to my local VW store today. My lead driver thought I'd like to take it since I'd have enough time until I got picked up to stop home and use the facilities and catch a soda. So, came home, threw a load of wash in, emptied the dishwasher and had a small bowl of ice cream before going to turn in the Atlas. Got back to VW by 4:10 and unknown to me, another driver who was right behind me, had an accident within a minute of me pulling into traffic. Guy in a Camaro drop top hit his Cadillac but after a few minutes of talking, guy ran to his car and took off!! Crazy [non-permissible content removed] happens down here. Finally got picked up at 6:05 hut hell, I get paid by the hour.
While at the VW store, asked about those three new 2020 Golfs. Guy checked the stats of the blue one and asked him if it ad the Beats sound system? He disappeared never to re-appear again. Lousy salesman because he never followed through even though he had my name also. As of now, still no call back!

graphicguy · February 2020

Sandy...I had a sales person like that several years ago at a Lexus dealer, of all places. Test drove an IS350 after they first came out. Liked it enough that we had sat down at his desk and I made an offer. He did the “gotta talk to my manager” routine. Left...I waited about 20 minutes and finally went to the receptionist to see where the sales person was.

She paged him over the intercom a few times. He never came back. I still had the keys to the Lexus in my pocket. On my way out, I tossed them to the receptionist and left. Never heard another peep from him, or the dealership, ever again.

venture · February 2020

I went into a BMW dealer to buy a car. I walked around and looked at every car in the show room. A few salespeople were in their offices. Occasionally one would look at me, but nobody ever came out. I had $10,000 in cash in my pockets to leave as a down payment. I guess since I had on jeans and a t-shirt they figured I wasn't a serious buyer. They should have known because of the two big lumps in my front pockets.

That proved to be a self-fulling prophesy. I bought one at a dealer the next town over the next day. They were very happy to help me.

rayainsw · February 2020

My M340i is built and awaiting transport.
Long boat ride ahead.
- Ray
[ sigh ]

andres3 · February 2020

28firefighter said:
I won’t slam a dealer for something that is out of their control. This is solely BMWFS and BMWNA.

You are nicer than me.

I'd feel the dealership has some control. Control over not selling bogus product in the first place. Control over doing something above and beyond to make it right.

Leasing scares me.

explorerx4 · February 2020

I remember he ended up leasing an X3 after that, and hated it.
Turned that in and bought a CPO Mercedes SUV.

oldfarmer50 · February 2020

Sandman6472 said:
Had to take a 2018 VW Atlas to my local VW store today. My lead driver thought I'd like to take it since I'd have enough time until I got picked up to stop home and use the facilities and catch a soda. So, came home, threw a load of wash in, emptied the dishwasher and had a small bowl of ice cream before going to turn in the Atlas. Got back to VW by 4:10 and unknown to me, another driver who was right behind me, had an accident within a minute of me pulling into traffic. Guy in a Camaro drop top hit his Cadillac but after a few minutes of talking, guy ran to his car and took off!! Crazy [non-permissible content removed] happens down here. Finally got picked up at 6:05 hut hell, I get paid by the hour.
While at the VW store, asked about those three new 2020 Golfs. Guy checked the stats of the blue one and asked him if it ad the Beats sound system? He disappeared never to re-appear again. Lousy salesman because he never followed through even though he had my name also. As of now, still no call back!

I’ve found that at some of the high end dealers the sales staff can’t be bothered with the likes of us low wage workers. It’s as if they think we couldn’t possibly afford their cars.

Maybe go back with your nice watch and fancy shoes to see if their attitude changes.

Sandman6472 · February 2020

Weird part was he knew I already owned a 2015 model and we talked about the salesman who sold it to me, long gone though. Went online at home and saw they have no SE models so, might just be another Golf is not in my future.
Am hoping I really like the new Kia Seltos enough to want to get one as my next vehicle. Love that it's raised a bit so I just might be able to slide in and out like I did with my 2014 Tucson, the only thing I really liked about it. It's also small enough, at 159", to fit well within my sid of the garage. Lastly, am so ready to go back to "cheap to keep" at this point. As much as I'd like a BMW, not wanting to get into a vehicle that needs expensive upkeep and think the smallest one, the 330i, might just fit at home. And not sure I really want a sedan, as we've already got the A3. Did see a nice CPO unit at the Audi store on Monday, a 2017 with miles just under $20K, but having another A3 might just be too much. And do I really want to get used again? Not quite sure. Should have test drove it though just to see but...didn't.
I did like sitting in the new Hyundai Venue when we bought the kid's new Accent in December. Great size, comfortable, layout was quite nice...I liked it especially in the Denim Edition. But think the new Seltos is really what I might be looking for going forward. So, will give one a test drive soon, and then, we'll see. I knew within 5 minutes while driving my current VW Golf that it was going to be mine, soon enough. Now, if I have that same feeling once I drive the Kia Seltos, then I'll know that in time, it'll be parked on my side of the garage!

cdnpinhead · February 2020

I've been in exactly one BMW dealership in my life, in Scottsdale, AZ. This was over 20 years ago, when BMW still offered cars that I liked, and it wasn't as if I came in on the weekend after I'd mowed the lawn. I came in during a lunch hour dressed what came to be called "business casual," and no one of the sales staff could be bothered to ask me what I was interested in seeing. I wandered around for 10-15 minutes, then left.

I'll never darken the door of another one, that's certain, but it has mostly to do with the rolling computers they're selling these days.

Sandman6472 · February 2020

Was off today, yay, but woke up and hurting due to my constant chronic pain. Stayed in bed much longer than I had planned, so no trip to get the brakes checked. Going Monday to get the oil changed so will have them check them then. If it turns out I need front pads or rotors, will have the work done and just keep the Golf a bit longer. Not the worst thing in the world. Now that my driving has been cut down to almost nothing, kinda silly to trade it in for something new. It's behaving so might be smart to just keep it and put off any buying plans for a bit. Once it has an issue, then that might be the proper time to trade it in but since it is behaving right now, probably best to just do nothing.
Used to drive 1300 miles each month but now, it's turned into less than 250 per month, if that! And if I do trade, a lease might just be the way to go so I can maybe get something a bit nicer and just turn it in at the terms end. Just don't know.
All I do know, I need to test drive the Venue and the Seltos, and go from there. It's the best I've got right now, so that'll be the plan going forward.

fintail · February 2020

I've been to many dealers where I wasn't even approached. I was pleased, as I wasn't actually shopping

Here in casually dressed techieland, I doubt any salesman who wants a paycheck disregards a browser on appearance.

When I was still in my 20s, I stopped at the local Porsche dealer to look at a C43 AMG, an unusual car I was considering at the time. I pulled up in my nice 1989 S-class, even then an aging car, but well kept. I was thrown the keys, told I could take it out as I wished, just beware it might not have much gas. I took it out for an hour or so, solo. I came close to buying it, but when I came back a couple days later to make an offer, it had sold.

sda · February 2020

I guess it’s kind of funny, when I go to car lot to look and don’t want to be approached I am tackled, yet the times I go in to look seriously I don’t get a wink.

stickguy · February 2020

same. It is hit or miss. I have been ignored at basic model stores (like Chevy or Honda). and had great service at BMW. Caddy, I stood there for ages, obviously looking around for people, but got the big brush off. Eventually I take the hint, There s always another dealer someplace to test drive at.

and I have the age and gray hair to fit the demographic at Caddy or Lexus!

oldfarmer50 · February 2020

Sandman6472 said:
Weird part was he knew I already owned a 2015 model and we talked about the salesman who sold it to me, long gone though. Went online at home and saw they have no SE models so, might just be another Golf is not in my future.
Am hoping I really like the new Kia Seltos enough to want to get one as my next vehicle. Love that it's raised a bit so I just might be able to slide in and out like I did with my 2014 Tucson, the only thing I really liked about it. It's also small enough, at 159", to fit well within my sid of the garage. Lastly, am so ready to go back to "cheap to keep" at this point. As much as I'd like a BMW, not wanting to get into a vehicle that needs expensive upkeep and think the smallest one, the 330i, might just fit at home. And not sure I really want a sedan, as we've already got the A3. Did see a nice CPO unit at the Audi store on Monday, a 2017 with miles just under $20K, but having another A3 might just be too much. And do I really want to get used again? Not quite sure. Should have test drove it though just to see but...didn't.
I did like sitting in the new Hyundai Venue when we bought the kid's new Accent in December. Great size, comfortable, layout was quite nice...I liked it especially in the Denim Edition. But think the new Seltos is really what I might be looking for going forward. So, will give one a test drive soon, and then, we'll see. I knew within 5 minutes while driving my current VW Golf that it was going to be mine, soon enough. Now, if I have that same feeling once I drive the Kia Seltos, then I'll know that in time, it'll be parked on my side of the garage!

Saw a Seltos yesterday during a delivery. Interesting styling. I didn’t get to sit in it but thought the $25k sticker was reasonable.

ab348 · February 2020

Yet another management shakeup at Ford. Veteran Joe Hinrichs is out the door, leaving Jim Farley in the catbird seat.

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/02/automotive-head-joe-hinrichs-gone-amid-ford-shakeup/

corvette · February 2020

Cincinnati-area peeps, Chevy is also offering me Dayton Auto Show tickets (2/20-2/23) if anyone would like them. I don't plan to use them.

jmonroe · February 2020

corvette said:
Cincinnati-area peeps, Chevy is also offering me Dayton Auto Show tickets (2/20-2/23) if anyone would like them. I don't plan to use them.

I'm beginning to wonder if any city can entice you with freebie tickets. What's it going to take, a car show in your companies parking lot or what?

jmonroe

corvette · February 2020

jmonroe said:

corvette said:
Cincinnati-area peeps, Chevy is also offering me Dayton Auto Show tickets (2/20-2/23) if anyone would like them. I don't plan to use them.
I'm beginning to wonder if any city can entice you with freebie tickets. What's it going to take, a car show in your companies parking lot or what?

jmonroe

We've kind of had that before, too. Founder had a Bentley shipped from their home in another state to the office using one of those high-end enclosed car transports. There was a Porsche and lots of other cool stuff inside.

jmonroe · February 2020

corvette said:

jmonroe said:

corvette said:
Cincinnati-area peeps, Chevy is also offering me Dayton Auto Show tickets (2/20-2/23) if anyone would like them. I don't plan to use them.
I'm beginning to wonder if any city can entice you with freebie tickets. What's it going to take, a car show in your companies parking lot or what?

jmonroe
We've kind of had that before, too. Founder had a Bentley shipped from their home in another state to the office using one of those high-end enclosed car transports. There was a Porsche and lots of other cool stuff inside.

Figures.

jmonroe

explorerx4 · February 2020

@ab348,
When you don't make the numbers, someone's head is going to roll.
CAP had their plant manager replaced recently, too.

jmonroe · February 2020

explorerx4 said:
@ab348,
When you don't make the numbers, someone's head is going to roll.
CAP had their plant manager replaced recently, too.

OK, I'm not up on abbreviations. What is CAP, Canadian Auto Parts?

jmonroe

explorerx4 · February 2020

Chicago Assembly Plant(where the Explorer is built).

jmonroe · February 2020

explorerx4 said:
Chicago Assembly Plant(where the Explorer is built).

Thanks.

jmonroe

ab348 · February 2020

I get WGN Chicago on cable and am watching a live 1-hour preview from the Chicago Auto Show on the night they have a first look showing for charity. Lots of guys in tuxedos and women in evening gowns. It looks like quite the experience with lots of car-related stuff in addition to just looking at the cars, plus lots of food and drink. The WGN hosts are good too, and include John Davis of Motorweek.

corvette · February 2020

ab348 said:
The WGN hosts are good too, and include John Davis of Motorweek.

I remember watching Motorweek on PBS as a kid. Glad to know it's still around.

stickguy · February 2020

Philly car show opens tomorrow, and the Friday before they always do a black tie gala to raise money for charity. Lots of big money people at that!

roadburner · February 2020

The BMW Store has a 2018 330e M Sport. It has about every option save most of the optional nannies. Estoril Blue over black, 22,600 miles, $28,684. It would make a dandy commuter, but it's too expensive to replace the Clubman and not fast enough to replace the 2er. Still a fun car, however. One of the sale guys at my store leased one for his wife. She drove it to work on the electric motor and drove home on the IC motor- averaging a bit over 75 mpg.

Michaell · February 2020

roadburner said:
The BMW Store has a 2018 330e M Sport. It has about every option save most of the optional nannies. Estoril Blue over black, 22,600 miles, $28,684. It would make a dandy commuter, but it's too expensive to replace the Clubman and not fast enough to replace the 2er. Still a fun car, however. One of the sale guys at my store leased one for his wife. She drove it to work on the electric motor and drove home on the IC motor- averaging a bit over 75 mpg.

Did you ever get to test drive the Stinger GTS, or has that fancy passed?

oldfarmer50 · February 2020

explorerx4 said:
@ab348,
When you don't make the numbers, someone's head is going to roll.
CAP had their plant manager replaced recently, too.

In charge of “Enterprise product line management and connectivity”. With nebulous titles like that, no wonder they don’t know what they’re doing.

Sounds like they need some heads to roll at that Chicago plant too. The little I’ve read about that fiasco just screams mis-management or employee sabotage.

I hope they booted the executive who green lighted the DCG Focus/Fiesta rollout.

explorerx4 · February 2020

@covette,
You can watch lots of old episodes of Motoweek on Youtube.
Here is one about some obscure vans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gli--lb5Gmg

Another one including AWD Mercury Topaz:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56R0xo-puws

stickguy · February 2020

sounds like a nice car. and rare to see a rear wheel drive in an area that gets snow (very hard to find around here). Would be nicer with the tan or especially brown interior though.

edit: Vroom for some reason has a ton of these. I particularly like this one. My favorite color combo. and there is one picture of the odometer, which happens to also show the MPG monitor, which is sitting at 54.4 MPG. Not too shabby.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/801900095/overview/?isShippableInsideSearchRadius

tjc78 · February 2020

I love the old Motorweek episodes on YT. I have spent many hours wasting time watching them

Wife thinks I’m certifiable lol.

The zero to 60 times crack me up... “0 to 60 comes in at a quite respectable 9.8 seconds”.

Today that same comment would be... “0 to 60 comes in at a pathetic 9.8 seconds”

ab348 · February 2020

explorerx4 said:
@ab348,
When you don't make the numbers, someone's head is going to roll.
CAP had their plant manager replaced recently, too.

Well, he is very well-regarded outside of the company, apparently a real car guy. At only 53 years of age he is far too young to "retire". I imagine he would be a boon to an outfit like Tesla, or even GM, given what he knows about Ford's future plans in the EV market and elsewhere. If it is truly a retirement then I suspect non-compete clauses would be limited. If he got a large golden parachute that may be different.

A leadership duo of Hackett and Farley would make me dump my Ford stock if I had any.

breld · February 2020

stickguy said:
sounds like a nice car. and rare to see a rear wheel drive in an area that gets snow (very hard to find around here). Would be nicer with the tan or especially brown interior though.

edit: Vroom for some reason has a ton of these. I particularly like this one. My favorite color combo. and there is one picture of the odometer, which happens to also show the MPG monitor, which is sitting at 54.4 MPG. Not too shabby.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/801900095/overview/?isShippableInsideSearchRadius

I like that one @stickguy!

I imagine they leased really well with incentives, so there are plenty of them coming off lease around now.

Sort of like @roadburner, I am intrigued by them but not quite the size I want for my commuter/kid car and not quite fun enough for the fun car.

roadburner · February 2020

Michaell said:

roadburner said:
The BMW Store has a 2018 330e M Sport. It has about every option save most of the optional nannies. Estoril Blue over black, 22,600 miles, $28,684. It would make a dandy commuter, but it's too expensive to replace the Clubman and not fast enough to replace the 2er. Still a fun car, however. One of the sale guys at my store leased one for his wife. She drove it to work on the electric motor and drove home on the IC motor- averaging a bit over 75 mpg.
Did you ever get to test drive the Stinger GTS, or has that fancy passed?

I haven't had a chance to drive over to the dealer I've been talking with. I'll be in the vicinity for a conference next week and I hope to be able to stop by.

fintail · February 2020

Those old Motorweeks are great historical documents, fun to watch.

Funny thing, I happened upon one of those Mitsu vans just yesterday:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-1988-mitsubishi-van/7069368997.html

Either these or the Nissan were the subject of a massive buyback IIRC, where the vehicles were scrapped. I think it was the Nissan.

AWD Tempo would be a nice mate with an AWD Camry and AWD Pontiac 6000 - adventurous times.

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