Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

fintail · July 2020

I was thinking that Colony park was Missy/Mom's car in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, but it looks like I was a little off:

benjaminh · July 2020

oldfarmer50 said:
“Doesn't get to that 1% goal as far as I can tell.“

I know little about leases. What is the 1% goal.

From:

https://www.leaseguide.com/articles/one-percent-rule-car-leasing/#:~:text=our cell phones.-,The One Percent Rule,less, the better the deal.

"The One Percent Rule
The so-called “one-percent” method of sizing up a lease offer is based on the concept of dividing the monthly payment (not including sales tax, if any) by the MSRP sticker price of the car. If the result is very close to 1%, or less, the better the deal.

This method is designed for standard leases of 36 months and 10,000-12,000 annual milage allowance. To evaluate other leases, use our Lease Deal Calculator.

Let’s look at an example.

Say the car you want to lease has a sticker price of $30,000 and the offered monthly payment (without sales tax) is $290 (with no down payment). We divide 290 by 30,000 to get .0096, which is .96%. It’s less than 1%, which makes this an outstanding deal — not very common."

benjaminh · July 2020

If you qualify for the conquest bonus this lease gives monthly payments (with the downpayment divided by 36 and added to the 299) of about 1% of the msrp.

explorerx4 · July 2020

How does the amount due at signing factor into the 1% calculation?

Michaell · July 2020

explorerx4 said:
How does the amount due at signing factor into the 1% calculation?

You have to amortize that over the lease term, as well.

It's really more of a guideline, not a rule.

Some vehicles, and brands, won't get anywhere near 1%. Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP.

@kyfdx and I see lots of posts where the members are determined to achieve 1%, when it's not possible.

benjaminh · July 2020

Michaell said:
....Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP....

What are those vehicles?

If the lease numbers on a Volvo S60 are that good when my lease ends I might test drive one of those.

Michaell · July 2020

benjaminh said:

Michaell said:
....Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP....
What are those vehicles?

If the lease numbers on a Volvo S60 are that good when my lease ends I might test drive one of those.

I answer over a hundred lease queries a day, and I don't keep track of which makes and models lease best.

Generally, the cars that don't sell well tend to have better lease programs.

nyccarguy · July 2020

roadburner said:

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

benjaminh said:
We're working at home now, and so I can drive my wife's CR-V pretty much any time I want. And she's encouraging me to do that at least sometimes to keep the miles off of the Acura. Yesterday as I was driving the CR-V, and noticing the somewhat soul-sucking quality of the CVT, I finally also noticed a little green leaf icon in the dashboard lights. I remembered that when we got the car more than two years ago my wife right away pushed the green leaf econ button. Well, by pushing it again I finally turned the darn thing off. Immediate improvement in performance and acceleration. The CVT/1.5 turbo combination still isn't my favorite, but it's better. Half of what I thought was turbo lag on the CR-V was really that gosh-darned econ button.

That Econ button cuts the car’s balls off.
LOL! That conjures up different symbols they could use for that button other than the green leaf.
This should appear on the main telematics screen:

I know a squealer when I see one.

nyccarguy · July 2020

Michaell said:

explorerx4 said:
How does the amount due at signing factor into the 1% calculation?
You have to amortize that over the lease term, as well.

It's really more of a guideline, not a rule.

Some vehicles, and brands, won't get anywhere near 1%. Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP.

@kyfdx and I see lots of posts where the members are determined to achieve 1%, when it's not possible.

Love the car 1st, then worry about the best deal you can get given the lease program for the given month.

28firefighter · July 2020

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

explorerx4 said:
How does the amount due at signing factor into the 1% calculation?
You have to amortize that over the lease term, as well.

It's really more of a guideline, not a rule.

Some vehicles, and brands, won't get anywhere near 1%. Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP.

@kyfdx and I see lots of posts where the members are determined to achieve 1%, when it's not possible.
Love the car 1st, then worry about the best deal you can get given the lease program for the given month.

So much this. The thrill of a good deal wears off and then you realize you’re stuck with something you can’t stand driving.

Michaell · July 2020

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

explorerx4 said:
How does the amount due at signing factor into the 1% calculation?
You have to amortize that over the lease term, as well.

It's really more of a guideline, not a rule.

Some vehicles, and brands, won't get anywhere near 1%. Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP.

@kyfdx and I see lots of posts where the members are determined to achieve 1%, when it's not possible.
Love the car 1st, then worry about the best deal you can get given the lease program for the given month.
So much this. The thrill of a good deal wears off and then you realize you’re stuck with something you can’t stand driving.

There are folks who register to the forums, then blast a dozen or more lease threads, searching for numbers.

I'll have to intervene and ask them if they are shopping for a car, or a deal. Often, they haven't done any other research, or test drives, before filling out their spreadsheet.

oldfarmer50 · July 2020

benjaminh said:

oldfarmer50 said:
“Doesn't get to that 1% goal as far as I can tell.“

I know little about leases. What is the 1% goal.
From:

https://www.leaseguide.com/articles/one-percent-rule-car-leasing/#:~:text=our cell phones.-,The One Percent Rule,less, the better the deal.

"The One Percent Rule
The so-called “one-percent” method of sizing up a lease offer is based on the concept of dividing the monthly payment (not including sales tax, if any) by the MSRP sticker price of the car. If the result is very close to 1%, or less, the better the deal.

This method is designed for standard leases of 36 months and 10,000-12,000 annual milage allowance. To evaluate other leases, use our Lease Deal Calculator.

Let’s look at an example.

Say the car you want to lease has a sticker price of $30,000 and the offered monthly payment (without sales tax) is $290 (with no down payment). We divide 290 by 30,000 to get .0096, which is .96%. It’s less than 1%, which makes this an outstanding deal — not very common."

Thank you for exposing that. Darn that spell check, I typed EXPLAINING. :@

oldfarmer50 · July 2020

Here’s a chance to be part of the Saratoga Springs socialite set. The estate of Marylou Whitney is selling her ‘92 Jag. 36k miles. Worth it?

tjc78 · July 2020

I’d rock it.... but my wallet would dissolve into thin air quickly!

roadburner · July 2020

I always liked the coupe. They were pretty well sorted by the end of the model run- though it’s definitely not for folks who go to the dealer to get wipers installed or to add a quart of oil.

oldfarmer50 · July 2020

Michaell said:

benjaminh said:

Michaell said:
....Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP....
What are those vehicles?

If the lease numbers on a Volvo S60 are that good when my lease ends I might test drive one of those.
I answer over a hundred lease queries a day, and I don't keep track of which makes and models lease best.

Generally, the cars that don't sell well tend to have better lease programs.

If that’s true how come when my in-laws went to lease a 2016 Dodge/Fiat Dart the lease was $370+ on a $20k sticker with a $2k rebate? Those were such poor sellers they discontinued them after that year. I know the lease terms were so wacky (40% residual after 36 months) that they bought the car outright. Financed it for 84 months.

I tried talking them out of it but after my BIL said “well, we REALLY need a car RIGHT NOW” in front of the salesman, I knew there was nothing I could do.

stickguy · July 2020

a $370 payment on a Dart? yowzers,

That Jag, pretty. perfect colors for one (well, add a tan roof maybe, but paint and interior are right!) I know where her house is, so I can swing in and pick it up, no problem.

fintail · July 2020

Is my reading poor this morning, or is their no price on the XJS?

Something like that is probably low teens on a good day if it is really pristine. Be sure to know a sympathetic mechanic or have a well-stocked personal shop.

stickguy · July 2020

since some of you are fans of/interested in an RDX at some point, a quick vacation update from our trip to the shore. The car swallowed more stuff than I expected with the back seats down. I think it held more than the old one. Not as cavernous as an Enclave or some such, but also not a barge. The Strunk (sub-trunk) feature is really nice. Lots of extra capacity, and fully hidden. I filled those cubbies up first and was surprised at how much stuff disappeared in them.

car also loves to run on an open road. very easy to look down and be doing 80 without realizing it (still barely over 2K in 10th gear).

Sandman6472 · July 2020

Funny you mention that. We were at a local Honda store on Friday and saw a new 2020 Civic sedan in a burnt red color, beautiful color. Sat inside and didn't hate it at all actually, as it was quite nice! Not sure of it's dimensions but think it would fit with no problem. And I'd have to go with the hatch as the sedan did nothing for me, prefer the look with the hatch.
The only negative was getting out of it! It's a bit low and since I was suffering from more pain than usual, do remember how I had to use an extra bit of energy to get out. But since I always sit on a cushion in my own vehicle, think it would be more doable for me. It's something I got at the Relax The Back store many years back. It's got that foam material in it and it really gives my lower back the extra soft support it needs.
So yes, the Honda Civic hatch is definitely on my list but, think there's a new model coming out for 2021 which I'd like to see first. As of Thursday, the leak repair is holding and with the low mileage I do now, think I can put buying off until the 2021 model come out.

stickguy · July 2020

Civic hatch is 178" long. The sedan is 183".

It really is low though. I would not consider one if I had any back or mobility/limberness issues.

stickguy · July 2020

forgot about the new model. Probably going to be a little bit longer. seems like they always are. and not going to be higher!

qbrozen · July 2020

oldfarmer50 said:
Here’s a chance to be part of the Saratoga Springs socialite set. The estate of Marylou Whitney is selling her ‘92 Jag. 36k miles. Worth it?

I can’t say if it is worth it without knowing what they want for it.

benjaminh · July 2020

Sandman6472 said:
.... So yes, the Honda Civic hatch is definitely on my list but, think there's a new model coming out for 2021 which I'd like to see first. As of Thursday, the leak repair is holding and with the low mileage I do now, think I can put buying off until the 2021 model come out.

The all-new 11th generation of the Civic will come out in the Spring of 2021 as a 2022 model.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/07/17/2021-honda-civic-info-dump/

oldfarmer50 · July 2020

stickguy said:
a $370 payment on a Dart? yowzers,

That Jag, pretty. perfect colors for one (well, add a tan roof maybe, but paint and interior are right!) I know where her house is, so I can swing in and pick it up, no problem.

I just assumed that you and Mary Lou were pals. Maybe you can grab some of her famous hats that she wore to the track while you’re there.

oldfarmer50 · July 2020

fintail said:
Is my reading poor this morning, or is their no price on the XJS?

Something like that is probably low teens on a good day if it is really pristine. Be sure to know a sympathetic mechanic or have a well-stocked personal shop.

It’s an auction for charity. Somewhat confusing since the site says bidding doesn’t start until tomorrow but the current bid is $10,000.

explorerx4 · July 2020

I had to look her up. Several prominent names in the family history.
Maybe the 10k bid is the suggested opening bid?

stickguy · July 2020

they were Saratoga "royalty". Sadly I just drive past her house when we go to the track. Never been invited in.

nyccarguy · July 2020

@graphicguy - did you drive an ILX last week at some point? What did you think? I saw a couple of White ASpec models that looked sharp.

nyccarguy · July 2020

@stickguy - I’m glad you are happy with your RDX. I saw a Black (Non-ASpec) today that I liked. The guy was Movin’ too.

nyccarguy · July 2020

My son spotted this gorgeous 911 on the way to Long Island Friday night.

benjaminh · July 2020

Maybe it's just me, but I wonder if the Acura designers were in part almost doing an homage to the cockpit of something like a 1961 Thunderbird with the 2021 TLX....

stickguy · July 2020

not a color combo I would want, but this seems like a good deal for someone that wants an "old school" sedan like this. Nice low miles too.

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2017-honda-accord_sedan-ex~l_v6_automatic_w_navi_and_honda_sensing-used-1hgcr3f03ha019578.html

ab348 · July 2020

I doubt the Acura designers would ever have even seen a vintage Thunderbird, much less have taken inspiration from it.

kyfdx · July 2020

@qbrozen Vroom question

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/62277/general/x/selling-to-vroom#latest

oldfarmer50 · July 2020

stickguy said:
not a color combo I would want, but this seems like a good deal for someone that wants an "old school" sedan like this. Nice low miles too.

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2017-honda-accord_sedan-ex~l_v6_automatic_w_navi_and_honda_sensing-used-1hgcr3f03ha019578.html

Interesting that 12,000 miles a year is extremely low miles these days.

graphicguy · July 2020

nyccarguy said:
@graphicguy - did you drive an ILX last week at some point? What did you think? I saw a couple of White ASpec models that looked sharp.

I did. Generally, it’s a smaller version of the TLX. Handled a lot better, but was a bit slower. Very light on its feet. Honda 4 cyl that comes in it was smooth as glass. Fun car to drive. Wouldn’t want to transport more than two people in it.

Comes with the same options I had in my TLX short of the SH-AWD system. As always, careful and precise assembly Acuras are known for.

I think they’re “blowing them out” as far as pricing is concerned. I actually like the styling of them better than that of my old TLX. Nice cars.

Michaell · July 2020

One for @andres3

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/62286/audi/a4/is-total-auto-protect-extended-car-warranty-good-for-my-2016-audi-a4#latest

(but, any of you are welcome to chime in)

andres3 · July 2020

breld said:
I guess I don’t have anything bad to say about the Alltrack, aside from the clutch issue.

Fit and finish and quality of materials was as you’d expect from a Golf. The DSG probably makes the most of the 1.8T engine (@andres3 can speak more to that), but I wouldn’t say that engine is the most inspiring these days.

As an overall package, it’s a very handsome and practical wagon that can be had at great prices with the deep discounts being offered.

If you could stretch to a CPO Allroad it’d be a world of difference.

I think I can answer this..... as far as drive-trains go:

2.0T (superior) with VERY well executed 8-speed slush box in '19 Tiguan vs:
1.8T (inferior) with fine-tuned/refined 6-speed DSG in the '17 Alltrack

Winner................... Superior drive train is All Track! Better, likely more expensive, better performing and efficient setup. I miss the All Track!

The 1.8T performs much better with a Stage 1 tune, and in my view, that's a required tune with that engine.

I wonder if the Tiguan could be woken up with a tune.............but why tune a slush-box car? Seems misplaced.

andres3 · July 2020

The advertised wattage for "sound systems" these days is like listening to the IIHS talk about speed-related fatalities. Pretty much meaningless drivel close to 100% of the time.

How about continuous RMS power output please?

andres3 · July 2020

Michaell said:

benjaminh said:

Michaell said:
....Other models can be leased for .6% or .7% of MSRP....
What are those vehicles?

If the lease numbers on a Volvo S60 are that good when my lease ends I might test drive one of those.
I answer over a hundred lease queries a day, and I don't keep track of which makes and models lease best.

Generally, the cars that don't sell well tend to have better lease programs.

IN other words, cars that can't sell without a "payment" buyer looking for a "payment" to purchase.

andres3 · July 2020

benjaminh said:
Maybe it's just me, but I wonder if the Acura designers were in part almost doing an homage to the cockpit of something like a 1961 Thunderbird with the 2021 TLX....

Not a fan of the IPAD on the dash look.. It looks like other automakers are finally moving away from that fad.

I like the steering wheel. Not sure about the seat pattern.

xwesx · July 2020

corvette said:
If you don't mind my asking, how much are you into the Q7 for, after the dieselgate settlement?

Sorry, I took a bit of a hiatus! Let's see.... all told, including everything I bought that was somewhat peripheral to the original purchase?

I think I was at about $30K post-settlement on the purchase. Add another ~$5,000 for accessories/parts/maintenance (such as winter tires/wheels, trailer hitch, wiring, battery, wheel bearing, struts, block heater, etc., etc.).

If I can manage to sell for $16.9, I guess that would put me a little over $18K on it. Over the course of 3.5 years, that definitely puts it into the "most expensive to own" category as far as my car history goes.

stickguy · July 2020

That’s about $430/month. Weren’t leasing one for that, and including your winter wheels, etc.

xwesx · July 2020

stickguy said:
That’s about $430/month. Weren’t leasing one for that, and including your winter wheels, etc.

Okay, that's true. Thanks for putting it into perspective for me. Considering some of my cost-per-month vehicles, this one is a top-end outlier, though it is certainly in the territory of reasonable in the grand scheme of things!

For daily drivers, I think my Escort wins on cost-to-own. Over the course of four years, my net outlay on that car was under $3,000, and that includes basically bringing it back from the dead (lot of body, suspension, and drivetrain work).

corvette · July 2020

I've had plenty that cost me more than $430/month in depreciation, maintenance, and repairs!

stickguy · July 2020

well, if you want a cheap to run car, get a cheap car not a luxury German barge. At least you got to enjoy a much nicer driving experience.

roadburner · July 2020

I budget $400/month to maintain all 5 cars- not including insurance or registration/taxes.

stickguy · July 2020

that doesn't include depreciation though.

andres3 · July 2020

Our cheapest car ever to run was a '92 Civic Hatchback DX we bought at 10 years old with 166K miles on it. Great decision as it was a good car and cost very little to run 2+ years up to 200K miles. At that point, it was still worth money and suffered less than $1,000 in depreciation.

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