Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

tjc78 · March 2020

The X3 guy is a dope. It a run flat, right? they go 50 miles or so, correct? I would have bought a 12V compressor and kept topping it off to get it as close to home as possible.

Also why on earth would you spend $320 for the wrong tire? At that point may as well lose the wages for the day.. and I find it suspect he lost the wages. I'm sure at a 200K / year job that either you have plenty of vaca time OR you are pretty high up in the food chain that keeping in contact is enough for a few hours.

IMO that rant is totally unwarranted.

benjaminh · March 2020

You can get a compact spare as an option on a BMW X3. If you option up an X3 to around the level of a RDX Tech with SH-AWD it does seem like the msrp is around 10k more than the Acura, although probably the BMW with these options has some stuff the Acura doesn't have. Plus it's a BMW.

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-own.html#/series

"2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i
MSRP AS BUILT $54,175
Base MSRP 2020 X3 xDrive30i$43,950
Phytonic Blue Metallic $550
Oyster Vernasca Leather with contrast stitching $1,450
Driving Assistance Package $500
Driving Assistance Plus Package $1,700
Premium Package $5,000
Harman Kardon surround sound system $875
Space-saver spare $150
Destination & Handling $995
Total Price (MSRP) $55,170"

stickguy · March 2020

It’s valid scenario. Too far to go on a run flat. But he should have just gone to dealer once it turned out the tire shop couldn’t help.

And a spare is an option on the current X3. Same for the TLX, which is why I have one!

stickguy · March 2020

The X3 compArable to a tech RDX stickers for right around 50. That one you did has a bunch of extra stuff like virtual dash, HUD, etc.

ab348 · March 2020

ronsteve said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I’m not too impressed with the tire under the chassis arrangement. If you drive where it’s wet or salty the whole thing is rusted by the time you need it.
That's old school truck based SUV stuff right there. Not what you expect in 2020 from Acura.

Yep. Reminds me of my brother's former Ranger pickup. Up here in the salt belt they all succumb to rear frame rot if not rustproofed religiously. He had a way of telling which ones he saw on the road were afflicted - if the spare tire was invisible from behind, that meant the assembly had fallen off the frame due to rustout.

ab348 · March 2020

tjc78 said:
The X3 guy is a dope. It a run flat, right? they go 50 miles or so, correct? I would have bought a 12V compressor and kept topping it off to get it as close to home as possible.

Also why on earth would you spend $320 for the wrong tire? At that point may as well lose the wages for the day.. and I find it suspect he lost the wages. I'm sure at a 200K / year job that either you have plenty of vaca time OR you are pretty high up in the food chain that keeping in contact is enough for a few hours.

IMO that rant is totally unwarranted.

Or he could have saved a ton of money by renting a car to get home after having roadside assistance dropping his vehicle at the dealership.

tjc78 · March 2020

Exactly. There just had to be a better way. I don’t get it!!

tjc78 · March 2020

I’d rock this in a minute. Price is reasonable too.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=524159904&zip=08078&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=08078&sortBy=derivedpriceDESC&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=include&modelCodeList=MARAUDER&makeCodeList=MERC&searchRadius=0&isNewSearch=false&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=MARAUDER&makeCodeList=MERC&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=MERC&modelCode1=MARAUDER&clickType=listing

28firefighter · March 2020

Oh I'd buy that.

qbrozen · March 2020

Hell, could buy a lower-mileage and newer MGM, HD suspension kit, and supercharger kit for less.

28firefighter · March 2020

But then it would not be a Marauder. It would a Fauxrauder.

qbrozen · March 2020

LOL. Nobody cares. Well, alright, a few care, but regardless of what a few people seem to think, it ain't collectible.

nyccarguy · March 2020

I saw a Dodge Shadow ES on the road this AM. In very good condition. I remember that car being advertised for $8,995 when it 1st came out.

graphicguy · March 2020

Freebie 3 Series (nearly identical to the last BMW I owned).....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5odsulnpoo

tjc78 · March 2020

Would

qbrozen said:
LOL. Nobody cares. Well, alright, a few care, but regardless of what a few people seem to think, it ain't collectible.

Collectible to the right person... maybe.

Prices on them remain pretty strong, but to your point they haven’t escalated much in the last few years. For the right example I could see 12-15K max. I’ve seen many advertised for $25k. At that point not worth it.

If you want to build a “performance” Panther you are usually better off starting with a P71 Vic anyway which are a dime a dozen still.

ab348 · March 2020

I'd rather have the 50 y-o Marauder that recently sold on BaT for not much more money.

stickguy · March 2020

depends if you want a classic to take to shows, or a car you can drive pretty much anytime anyplace you want.

fintail · March 2020

What a tool. Reminds me of the creative accounting Tesla used to hype the Model S, claiming time spent at a gas station is worth $100/hour.

I bet he doesn't signal, either. I am also suspicious of anyone who repeatedly types out "dollars".

benjaminh said:

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=917185

"06-13-2016, 06:36 AM Warning I'm about to rant!!! My wife's bmw x3, we leave for the weekend on a roughly 300 mile trip. Sunday rolls around and we pack up and leave for home, 5 miles down the road and we get a flat. She pulls over and I go to change her tire and notice no spare or Jack equipment. Call roadside assistance they offer to tow me to a dealership so it can be fixed tomorrow. Problem is both me and the wife have to work tomorrow 300 miles away. I use the run flats go back to the hotel and book another night.. First tire shop opens at 7am, can't wait for bmw service to open at 9. So total cost for me because of no spare tire rather than 5 minutes to put on a spare.
320 dollars for a pirelli non run flat tire which will have to be changed out for a run flat when I get back to town.
(only tire the right size they had). Went to 3 tire shops.
180 dollars extra night in hotel room.
120 dollars 2 meals ordered in for 4 people.
400 dollars wife's cancelled clients today.
400 dollars my average 1/2 daily salary I do still have to work today!
320 tire
300 hotel and meals
800 lost wages for myself and wife.
1420 dollars for a GD flat tire that I should have been able to change and carry on."

PS Just found this: "Does the 2019 BMW x3 have a spare tire?
The 2019 BMW X3 does not come with a spare tire because it is equipped with run flat tires."

fintail · March 2020

Silver is rare, right? Most I have seen are black.

I think that linked one is maybe a tad expensive, I thought these traded closer to 10K with those miles.

tjc78 said:
Would
qbrozen said:
LOL. Nobody cares. Well, alright, a few care, but regardless of what a few people seem to think, it ain't collectible.
Collectible to the right person... maybe.

Prices on them remain pretty strong, but to your point they haven’t escalated much in the last few years. For the right example I could see 12-15K max. I’ve seen many advertised for $25k. At that point not worth it.

If you want to build a “performance” Panther you are usually better off starting with a P71 Vic anyway which are a dime a dozen still.

tjc78 · March 2020

Yes the Silver is rare, but not as rare as the Burgundy and blue.

ab348 · March 2020

stickguy said:
depends if you want a classic to take to shows, or a car you can drive pretty much anytime anyplace you want.

Based on his description, the engine mods have made it not something he likes to drive very often.

fintail · March 2020

I don't think I've ever seen a blue one, that'd be the one to have. Via the era, I wager black or grey interior.

Reminds me of the 90s Impala SS, most are black but I have seen burgundy and grey (the latter being a good color for it).

tjc78 said:
Yes the Silver is rare, but not as rare as the Burgundy and blue.

tjc78 · March 2020

A blue over grey one is probably less than 100 produced. There were only about 300 or so blue units in 2003

corvette · March 2020

Back and forth with the dealer - Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection on out of state cars and they won't do it unless you have a title or certificate of origin. Dealer "I don't believe we've sold any cars in Kentucky...will a certified copy work?" No... :@

fintail · March 2020

Blue on blue would have been awesome. All these years later so few blue interiors out there, faded away in the 90s.

Michaell · March 2020

fintail said:
Blue on blue would have been awesome. All these years later so few blue interiors out there, faded away in the 90s.

The Accord LX the ex and I bought in '92 was dark blue with a light blue cloth interior.

IIRC, the fabric on the top of the rear seats would wash out after too much exposure to the sun. Was common with the burgundy interior.

fintail · March 2020

My mom's 93 Taurus was white on blue, kind of a medium-dark blue velour. I joked that the color combo was "government fleet car", but I liked the blue. I know blue could be optioned on S-class through 1999, but I suspect blue faded away with the new century and devotion to black and grey. MB has brought back blue dashboards and trim in a few cars, but IIRC not seating yet at least in normal models.

Michaell said:

The Accord LX the ex and I bought in '92 was dark blue with a light blue cloth interior.

IIRC, the fabric on the top of the rear seats would wash out after too much exposure to the sun. Was common with the burgundy interior.

ab348 · March 2020

I remember that early-2000s Buick Centurys could be had with a blue interior.

kyfdx · March 2020

corvette said:
Back and forth with the dealer - Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection on out of state cars and they won't do it unless you have a title or certificate of origin. Dealer "I don't believe we've sold any cars in Kentucky...will a certified copy work?" No... :@

I thought you were leasing? Isn't TFS taking care of your registration?

tjc78 · March 2020

My 89 Town Car was blue inside. Looked great with the white exterior.

kyfdx · March 2020

kyfdx said:

corvette said:
Back and forth with the dealer - Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection on out of state cars and they won't do it unless you have a title or certificate of origin. Dealer "I don't believe we've sold any cars in Kentucky...will a certified copy work?" No... :@
I thought you were leasing? Isn't TFS taking care of your registration?

And, if not, then TFS should still send you all of the paperwork necessary to register the vehicle. They have dozens of leases in KY, daily.

benjaminh · March 2020

Facing a stack of almost 50 more student essay exams to grade, I decided instead to figure out if getting an Acura RDX would be worth it to me personally over a CR-V. First, although my wife loves her CR-V, and I like it and have been impressed by the bang-for-the-buck, I have to admit that whenever I'm driving the CR-V I'm usually wishing I was driving my Acura instead. Anyway, first to figure out the difference in msrp....

RDX SH-AWD Tech msrp with dest: $44,025
CR-V Touring AWD msrp with dest: $35,870
difference=8155

But I'd qualify for the Acura loyalty incentive, which means the difference drops to about $6.5k. And if my rough calculations are right, "leasing to buy" an RDX might cut that down to c.$5k, because the RDX has lease incentives that the CR-V doesn't have.

Ok, and so now what are various qualities and features of the RDX subjectively worth to me compared to a loaded CRV…

2.0T (272hp) vs 1.5T (190hp) + 10 speed vs. CVT+ SH-AWD vs. AWD: $3000
Exterior style of RDX+better paint: $1500
Better tires, nicer wheels, better brakes, better steering: $1500
Interior comfort & style, quieter + better/nicer controls and materials: $3000
Panoramic moonroof: $1000
ELS sound system: $500
Longer warranty/better service experience: $500

And so for me personally the RDX seems like it's about $11k better than a CR-V, and yet costs only c. $5k more. If you figure in higher gas costs and slightly higher insurance costs that changes things over time, but in terms of the enjoyable driving experience day by day it seems worth it. But since my wife loves her CR-V, and we've got a daughter about to start college, it's likely we'll keep the CR-V for several years. Plus it's her car anyway. Ok, back to grading....

corvette · March 2020

kyfdx said:

kyfdx said:

corvette said:
Back and forth with the dealer - Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection on out of state cars and they won't do it unless you have a title or certificate of origin. Dealer "I don't believe we've sold any cars in Kentucky...will a certified copy work?" No... :@
I thought you were leasing? Isn't TFS taking care of your registration?
And, if not, then TFS should still send you all of the paperwork necessary to register the vehicle. They have dozens of leases in KY, daily.

US Bank lease. The dealer is taking care of the registration, but so far as I know, I still have to take it to get it inspected. Once that's done, I send the inspection form back to them and they mail in the registration. How did they handle it when you leased the Z4 a few years back?

oldfarmer50 · March 2020

28firefighter said:
Oh I'd buy that.

Even with a supercharger that’s a hefty price. I’d rather start out with a NA 4.6. 4 valve and put mods on myself. You could get that same motor for a lot cheaper.

https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/d/stockton-1995-lincoln-mark-viii-30k/7078321075.html

stickguy · March 2020

Benjamin, if you drive them there is a vastly different experience. You can compare features but that does not tell the whole story.

I will say though that at least by me, the service experience is not really any different. Other than loaner car availability, which I normally never use anyway. Especially leasing, should only need an occasional oil change and they have 1 hour express service option.

kyfdx · March 2020

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

kyfdx said:

corvette said:
Back and forth with the dealer - Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection on out of state cars and they won't do it unless you have a title or certificate of origin. Dealer "I don't believe we've sold any cars in Kentucky...will a certified copy work?" No... :@
I thought you were leasing? Isn't TFS taking care of your registration?
And, if not, then TFS should still send you all of the paperwork necessary to register the vehicle. They have dozens of leases in KY, daily.
US Bank lease. The dealer is taking care of the registration, but so far as I know, I still have to take it to get it inspected. Once that's done, I send the inspection form back to them and they mail in the registration. How did they handle it when you leased the Z4 a few years back?

With a new car, it generally doesn’t have to be inspected. With the MSO from a dealer, they can do the paperwork without it. (A dealer, leasing bank, or their agent). Our Tacoma was from an Ohio dealer, and the Tacoma never went to the Sheriff for inspection.

Usually, the dealer or the leasing bank will pay an agent to handle the paperwork. I’d guess they could use you as the agent, if they send you the proper paperwork. I don’t think a new car has to be inspected. All of our new cars have been purchased out of state, and no inspection.

tjc78 · March 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:
Oh I'd buy that.
Even with a supercharger that’s a hefty price. I’d rather start out with a NA 4.6. 4 valve and put mods on myself. You could get that same motor for a lot cheaper.

https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/d/stockton-1995-lincoln-mark-viii-30k/7078321075.html

I like the Mark VIII, but come on the Marauder is way cooler.

kyfdx · March 2020

@corvette
I know this will be hard... but, wait for USBank to contact you. They are the entity that has to apply for the title. I’ll bet it will take care of itself

roadburner · March 2020

I’d take an Impala SS or a Mark VII LSC over a Marauder.

corvette · March 2020

kyfdx said:

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

kyfdx said:

corvette said:
Back and forth with the dealer - Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection on out of state cars and they won't do it unless you have a title or certificate of origin. Dealer "I don't believe we've sold any cars in Kentucky...will a certified copy work?" No... :@
I thought you were leasing? Isn't TFS taking care of your registration?
And, if not, then TFS should still send you all of the paperwork necessary to register the vehicle. They have dozens of leases in KY, daily.
US Bank lease. The dealer is taking care of the registration, but so far as I know, I still have to take it to get it inspected. Once that's done, I send the inspection form back to them and they mail in the registration. How did they handle it when you leased the Z4 a few years back?
With a new car, it generally doesn’t have to be inspected. With the MSO from a dealer, they can do the paperwork without it. (A dealer, leasing bank, or their agent). Our Tacoma was from an Ohio dealer, and the Tacoma never went to the Sheriff for inspection.

Usually, the dealer or the leasing bank will pay an agent to handle the paperwork. I’d guess they could use you as the agent, if they send you the proper paperwork. I don’t think a new car has to be inspected. All of our new cars have been purchased out of state, and no inspection.

The dealer is the one who texted me and said I needed to go have the truck inspected. Their title clerk is supposed to be dealing with the issue with them not providing the MCO.

Passport BMW hired an agent when I bought the new 3-series, the agent was similarly clueless, and my temp tags expired before they got the necessary paperwork.

oldfarmer50 · March 2020

tjc78 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:
Oh I'd buy that.
Even with a supercharger that’s a hefty price. I’d rather start out with a NA 4.6. 4 valve and put mods on myself. You could get that same motor for a lot cheaper.

https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/d/stockton-1995-lincoln-mark-viii-30k/7078321075.html
I like the Mark VIII, but come on the Marauder is way cooler.

I’ll have to take your word for that. My interest in the GM was from a point of view of cheap luxury. Was the Marauder really that much of a performance car?

I would still like a low milage GM but the newest ones are ten years old and few have the low mileage that I covet.

This one might do. Doesn’t have the 4 valve but I wouldn’t own it for drag racing.

https://orlando.craigslist.org/ctd/d/orlando-2008-mercury-grand-marquis-ls/7084739139.html

ab348 · March 2020

tjc78 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:
Oh I'd buy that.
Even with a supercharger that’s a hefty price. I’d rather start out with a NA 4.6. 4 valve and put mods on myself. You could get that same motor for a lot cheaper.

https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/d/stockton-1995-lincoln-mark-viii-30k/7078321075.html
I like the Mark VIII, but come on the Marauder is way cooler.

Those Marauders never did a thing for me.

xwesx · March 2020

My grandparents bought a top-of-the-line 2000 Ford Crown Vic new; it's still in the family. The car has fairly decent performance thanks to its rear LSD allowing it to move that hulk fairly well without losing traction.

I used to love that car, but now I just find it annoying.... It is this huge thing that looks like it should be very comfy with tons of room. Except, I get in there and quickly realize that modern midsize sedans offer far more passenger space. How is it possible that they made space use that poor in those cars? It's like a modern compact at twice the physical size.

tjc78 · March 2020

roadburner said:
I’d take an Impala SS or a Mark VII LSC over a Marauder.

I’m with you on the LSC, but it would have to be a late run special edition.

Like this one.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-lincoln-mark-vii-3/

tjc78 · March 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

tjc78 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:
Oh I'd buy that.
Even with a supercharger that’s a hefty price. I’d rather start out with a NA 4.6. 4 valve and put mods on myself. You could get that same motor for a lot cheaper.

https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/d/stockton-1995-lincoln-mark-viii-30k/7078321075.html
I like the Mark VIII, but come on the Marauder is way cooler.
I’ll have to take your word for that. My interest in the GM was from a point of view of cheap luxury. Was the Marauder really that much of a performance car?

I would still like a low milage GM but the newest ones are ten years old and few have the low mileage that I covet.

This one might do. Doesn’t have the 4 valve but I wouldn’t own it for drag racing.

https://orlando.craigslist.org/ctd/d/orlando-2008-mercury-grand-marquis-ls/7084739139.html

Let’s face it, a V6 Camry is faster than a stock Marauder. I just think it’s a cool transformation of what was a very ordinary car. To me it was better done than Impala SS.

That Merc you posted looks to have lived a hard life. Interior is dirty, drivers switch panel has the back tabs broken. It does have fog lights, so it’s probably not an ex rental.

tjc78 · March 2020

xwesx said:
My grandparents bought a top-of-the-line 2000 Ford Crown Vic new; it's still in the family. The car has fairly decent performance thanks to its rear LSD allowing it to move that hulk fairly well without losing traction.

I used to love that car, but now I just find it annoying.... It is this huge thing that looks like it should be very comfy with tons of room. Except, I get in there and quickly realize that modern midsize sedans offer far more passenger space. How is it possible that they made space use that poor in those cars? It's like a modern compact at twice the physical size.

Remember it has roots from 1979. Legroom was always tight, but they are wide with tons of headroom.

Panthers are love or hate. If I needed cheap wheels I’d get another in a minute.

stickguy · March 2020

now this, my friends, is what a station wagon should be. I don't care for some of the interior choices, but that is fixable.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-ford-fairlane/

and for the MGM crowd. Weird mix on BaT. they have this, and also a 4 banger Mustang II running.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-mercury-grand-marquis/

pensfan83 · March 2020

Until their late 90s Sable my paternal grandparents always had a Grand Marquis.

tjc78 · March 2020

Great color on the BAT MGM. Usually the HPPs are fully loaded. That is missing a few options.

fintail · March 2020

I think my Panther choice would be a 95-97 TC, in silvery blue with blue or light interior. I remember my first boss at my first job out of school had one, I thought it was a pretty car.

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