Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

roadburner · August 2020

I drive everything on my side of the garage at least once per week.

corvette · August 2020

roadburner said:
I drive everything on my side of the garage at least once per week.

The single width driveway I have is a mild hinderance with two cars. I could fit 2-3 more cars, but that would make it a royal pain shuffling cars around.

tifighter · August 2020

Went camping last night with some friends, did some stargzing, and woke up to this today. Also, the X Camper is comfy-

stickguy · August 2020

actually when I had the Miata I also had my Maxima. I put the Miata in the garage and if I parked the Nissan at the bottom of the driveway, I could snake in around it to get the Mazda in and out of the garage. Helped of course that it was tiny.

only worry was having the wife back her minivan into the Maxima trying to get out of the driveway!

tjc78 · August 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

tjc78 said:
This sled would make a nice addition for me. That aftermarket head unit would have to go especially since it has the very rare factory CD player. I’d also swap turbines or lacy spokes and ditch the wire wheels and inappropriate 98-02 chrome wheels.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lincoln/town-car/2408259.html#&gid=1&pid=74
I’d rather have a newer version of that platform.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=556531293&zip=12110&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=12110&city=Latham&startYear=2005&maxMileage=60000&incremental=all&endYear=2010&modelCodeList=MERCGRAND&makeCodeList=MERC&listingTypes=USED&sortBy=relevance&location=%5Bobject+Object%5D&state=NY&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=include&searchRadius=500&isNewSearch=false&listingTypes=USED&startYear=2005&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2010&modelCodeList=MERCGRAND&makeCodeList=MERC&searchRadius=500&makeCode1=MERC&modelCode1=MERCGRAND&clickType=listing

Same basic frame, but really a totally different vehicle.

Different engine and trans
Different rear suspension
Different front suspension and steering (rack and pinion)

The late run Panthers were great cars and I enjoyed mine, but the last of the “box” models are the sweet spot of the entire Panther run. Give me an 88-89 Town Car or an 88-91 Vic or Marquis any day.

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

tifighter said:
Went camping last night with some friends, did some stargzing, and woke up to this today. Also, the X Camper is comfy-

I have a coworker who went absolutely ga-ga when he first saw those gull wings. He must have opened and closed them a dozen times.

ab348 · August 2020

tifighter said:
Went camping last night with some friends, did some stargzing, and woke up to this today. Also, the X Camper is comfy-

Pretty area. Are the dead trees remnants of the Mt St Helens eruption? (I don't know if you're near that area obvs)

Hope you have enough KWH to get home.

rayainsw · August 2020

Early morning at the beach in Maine...
- Ray
Vacationing !

Michaell · August 2020

rayainsw said:

Early morning at the beach in Maine...
- Ray
Vacationing !

Great pic!

I spent two weeks in Portland for work, years ago. Lovely town, and had a chance to take a harbor cruise.

pensfan83 · August 2020

Uneventful lease inspection, one of the wheels has a scuff and he noted the drivers seat was worn but within spec. I thought the Alcantara has held up great over 3 years and looked good but oh well, no charges so they can document whatever they want.

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

This is what my wife bought me to wear when I return to work Monday.

graphicguy · August 2020

oldfarmer50 said:
This is what my wife bought me to wear when I return to work Monday.

Love it. Obviously I missed your re-entry into the work force!

stickguy · August 2020

Didn't she realize you have a Mustang? You are going to be thrown out of the club for wearing a Chevy shirt.

28firefighter · August 2020

I have a very similar shirt that I got for father's day that is a picture of a mustang on the front and says "still plays with cars"

roadburner · August 2020

I found this shirt:

omarman · August 2020

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

graphicguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:
This is what my wife bought me to wear when I return to work Monday.

Love it. Obviously I missed your re-entry into the work force!

I mentioned it over on C&C. I was due to go back Monday but the boss just called and asked if I could start tomorrow. I’m glad, I was starting to think this was permanent.

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

stickguy said:
Didn't she realize you have a Mustang? You are going to be thrown out of the club for wearing a Chevy shirt.

She correctly pointed out that she had a Camaro when we met similar to the one on the shirt.

breld · August 2020

Man, if there was ever a car that shouldn't have gone away...

As I've mentioned before, we keep up with the individual who bought my wife's 328i wagon. I posted a while back that he sold it on BaT, and apparently he keeps up with that new buyer, who sent him some pics to show the new wheels he bought.

stickguy · August 2020

I’ve been watching videos on the new HiLux. I want one. But of course, can’t have that here!

One comparison (from Australia) had that and 7 other models. Some interesting stuff. Of which, only the ranger is actually here (there was a Colorado of some sort, not sure if identical). The Mazda looked great. Nice interior. Really an Isuzu uNderneath now. VW Anorak.

So many compact to midsize models out there. Still seems like modern stuff done right should sell here.

stickguy · August 2020

Nice looking wagon. Was that a 335 6 speed? X or S drive?

corvette · August 2020

@breld, ask if you can get on "the list" to buy it from the new owner when he's ready to sell!

Sandman6472 · August 2020

Took the Golf to that indie mechanic my friend uses. Very honest guy, said only the right front axle boot is throwing grease, left one is fine. Said not necessary to change them out in pairs when I asked. Said it's not critical at this point but could wait few months but, will have to be done if the Golf is staying in the stable. Also said vehicles like mine can be "problematic" when we discussed me just sending it away. Said it would be a two hour job and cost somewhere around $350 or so. Felt confident that he wasn't bs'ing me here and will definitely use him in the future.
So, now I've really got to decide what the next move will be, fix it and keep it until something else happens or stop spending $ on it and get something new. Which brings up what to get and when? Luckily I don't drive much anymore and it's not something I need to do like tomorrow.

Sandman6472 · August 2020

Drove a new BMW X3 the other day and was very wowed by how smooth it drove, much better than the Mercedes I drove right before it. Too big for my needs and not sure if I want to go in this direction again. Liking the Mini Cooper still as they fit my size variable perfectly. Have found a couple of the 2019 Countryman's for sale used at the Chevy store across the street. Ex-rentals they seem to be and got a feeling they could be from Enterprise as we do have them in our fleet. Price wise, save a bunch going pre-owned but wondering, is this the sort of vehicle that one should just get brand new? Or do I just get a lower priced Asian vehicle which would be fine also? Luckily I do have some time to think about all this as I think 0% financing ain't going away so soon. For once, I'd love to take advantage of the cheap financing and not pay all cash like we usually do.

corvette · August 2020

WatchJRGo just bought the cheapest Volvo C30 he could find. Haven't watched the video yet, but thought some here might be interested since I think at least a couple of members have had them.

stickguy · August 2020

corvette said:
WatchJRGo just bought the cheapest Volvo C30 he could find. Haven't watched the video yet, but thought some here might be interested since I think at least a couple of members have had them.

I watched it earlier. Definitely going to have some needs (that will be the next episode), but not bad looking for $3,000. Base model (no roof) and doesn't even have cruise. And sadly, an automatic.

Oh, also featured, one of his cronies picked up an E46 ZHP at the same time, for $3,700. I imagine that one is a bit ratty.

stickguy · August 2020

Sandman6472 said:
Took the Golf to that indie mechanic my friend uses. Very honest guy, said only the right front axle boot is throwing grease, left one is fine. Said not necessary to change them out in pairs when I asked. Said it's not critical at this point but could wait few months but, will have to be done if the Golf is staying in the stable. Also said vehicles like mine can be "problematic" when we discussed me just sending it away. Said it would be a two hour job and cost somewhere around $350 or so. Felt confident that he wasn't bs'ing me here and will definitely use him in the future.
So, now I've really got to decide what the next move will be, fix it and keep it until something else happens or stop spending $ on it and get something new. Which brings up what to get and when? Luckily I don't drive much anymore and it's not something I need to do like tomorrow.

Sandy, I assume that was putting a new axle on? Been a while, but I seem to recall that depending on how early you catch it, just the boot can be replaced. But if dirt, etc. got in there, not getting away with that. But, not really a big deal. Happens to a lot of cars.

And if you want my opinion after reading your posts on this, get something you like from the Asian options, but splurge on something a little higher on the trim level scale.

Michaell · August 2020

corvette said:
WatchJRGo just bought the cheapest Volvo C30 he could find. Haven't watched the video yet, but thought some here might be interested since I think at least a couple of members have had them.

Watched it last night. Since he flipped an S60 with the same engine, he's got a head start on dealing with the issues.

Needs an interior detail, for sure.

roadburner · August 2020

Sandman6472 said:
Took the Golf to that indie mechanic my friend uses. Very honest guy, said only the right front axle boot is throwing grease, left one is fine. Said not necessary to change them out in pairs when I asked. Said it's not critical at this point but could wait few months but, will have to be done if the Golf is staying in the stable. Also said vehicles like mine can be "problematic" when we discussed me just sending it away. Said it would be a two hour job and cost somewhere around $350 or so. Felt confident that he wasn't bs'ing me here and will definitely use him in the future.
So, now I've really got to decide what the next move will be, fix it and keep it until something else happens or stop spending $ on it and get something new. Which brings up what to get and when? Luckily I don't drive much anymore and it's not something I need to do like tomorrow.

If you want something new I completely understand, but flipping a car just because it needs a $350 repair?

28firefighter · August 2020

I've justified selling a car for less money than that in repairs...#CCBAProblems

breld · August 2020

stickguy said:
Nice looking wagon. Was that a 335 6 speed? X or S drive?

328 (no 335 on the wagon unfortunately), 6 speed manual, xdrive, Msport.

Sandman6472 · August 2020

Point is, when does it stop? $359 last month, $350 in a couple of months...when does one just say enough already? Apparently, some do feel these vehicles can be problematic, as he said today, and I don't want to keep dealing with problems. Just that there's not much out there that really makes me want to have it now, nothing gives me that feeling I got within 5 minutes of driving the Golf. So that's where my issue is, not going to buy just to buy. But don't want to make another error like I did back when. So I just do nothing for awhile and continue to think it out.
Best I think that I think about it in silence. Best for me to just read what y'all are doing and take a break from thinking about it.

xwesx · August 2020

Now that I replaced an axle boot, I would definitely just replace the boot since it is still early in the process (e.g., the CV joint itself has not deteriorated). However, if doing it at a shop, you are not going to save much at all by just replacing the boot, which is why most just put a new half-shaft in there and call it good: Costs about the same, but is way less messy.

For me, though, it was only $25 and a small shred of my remaining sanity.

mjfloyd1 · August 2020

Try and look at it from a new monthly payment amount vs random repair $. $700 isn’t bad at all if you like the car. If you don’t like the car or just want something new, then move on and don’t look back.

I’d recommend an Asian vehicle if you move on. You really won’t like the upkeep cost on a European car.

stickguy · August 2020

you can (usually) make the case on a spreadsheet that it is cheaper to keep repairing the old car than to buy the new one. But, many people just don't want to deal with problems and having to get the repairs done. And of course, always some measure of "want new" justification. IMO the not wanting to deal with hassles aspect (and being afraid of breakdowns, etc.) is the bigger issue than the actual cost of the repairs.

so if your current car is giving you grief, and you no longer really trust it, have a yen for something new and have the money to afford it, go for it!

28firefighter · August 2020

Punch pending for my Dad. Technically a done deal, but waiting for a truck to pick it up...

ab348 · August 2020

If it was me and I still liked/felt an attachment to the vehicle, I would do those sort of minor to moderate repairs 3 or 4 times but I suspect at some point they would push me over the edge.

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

corvette said:
WatchJRGo just bought the cheapest Volvo C30 he could find. Haven't watched the video yet, but thought some here might be interested since I think at least a couple of members have had them.

He likes the sound system.

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

Sandman6472 said:
Point is, when does it stop? $359 last month, $350 in a couple of months...when does one just say enough already? Apparently, some do feel these vehicles can be problematic, as he said today, and I don't want to keep dealing with problems. Just that there's not much out there that really makes me want to have it now, nothing gives me that feeling I got within 5 minutes of driving the Golf. So that's where my issue is, not going to buy just to buy. But don't want to make another error like I did back when. So I just do nothing for awhile and continue to think it out.
Best I think that I think about it in silence. Best for me to just read what y'all are doing and take a break from thinking about it.

$350 isn’t too bad for repairs but I get your apprehension at future costs. When I bought the PT Crusier I wanted to keep it until at least 100k miles but it frustrated me at every turn. It didn’t have European fun qualities but it had all the repair bills. I dumped it at 62k miles.

Do you really want to buy a company car? Maybe lease a new one.

stickguy · August 2020

hey, the holy grail. Not sure if this one was posted before. I actually tried out that auto tempest. Really works! I love this car (color, equipment, interior and RWD manual). But the combo of steep miles and steep price, is, well, steep. But reading the list of work done, this just might be ready to rock and roll.

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/d/new-paltz-2007-bmw-e91-328i-touring-6/7169081549.html

28firefighter · August 2020

E91 6MT wagons are skyrocketing in value.

stickguy · August 2020

and that one is RWD which must be super rare.

corvette · August 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

corvette said:
WatchJRGo just bought the cheapest Volvo C30 he could find. Haven't watched the video yet, but thought some here might be interested since I think at least a couple of members have had them.
He likes the sound system.

You can't tell for certain on the video, but what was recorded on camera sounded better than Jake's E46 sound system. I can't believe he hasn't found a buyer for the Kia... got to turn and burn on those fix and sell projects! His Volt would have been a somewhat more economical taxi for them to drive down to Texas to pick up the two project cars.

corvette · August 2020

stickguy said:
hey, the holy grail. Not sure if this one was posted before. I actually tried out that auto tempest. Really works! I love this car (color, equipment, interior and RWD manual). But the combo of steep miles and steep price, is, well, steep. But reading the list of work done, this just might be ready to rock and roll.

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/d/new-paltz-2007-bmw-e91-328i-touring-6/7169081549.html

Sounds like too much $$$ for too many miles. If someone did an engine swap to make it a 335i wagon (and fixed the issues with that engine), it would be really neat.

cdnpinhead · August 2020

oldfarmer50 said:
When I bought the PT Crusier I wanted to keep it until at least 100k miles but it frustrated me at every turn. It didn’t have European fun qualities but it had all the repair bills..

Farmer, you've shown me that you're nothing like any farmer I've met over the years. Early on, I needed to learn. That said, did you actually expect the PT Cruiser (Neon w/ different sheet metal) to generate "European fun qualities?"

Just asking -- hoping not to trigger anyone.

Michaell · August 2020

Another video from JRGo on the C30.

I'm starting to have weird fantasies about buying it when he gets it all spruced up, even with 150,000 miles on it.

oldfarmer50 · August 2020

cdnpinhead said:

oldfarmer50 said:
When I bought the PT Crusier I wanted to keep it until at least 100k miles but it frustrated me at every turn. It didn’t have European fun qualities but it had all the repair bills..
Farmer, you've shown me that you're nothing like any farmer I've met over the years. Early on, I needed to learn. That said, did you actually expect the PT Cruiser (Neon w/ different sheet metal) to generate "European fun qualities?"

Just asking -- hoping not to trigger anyone.

No I didn’t. I bought that for my wife because she thought it was “cute” and offered easy egress after she had a stroke. All I wanted was a basic transportation car which held up in a reasonable fashion under my OCD care. Instead it fell apart. My reference to European cars was speaking to Sandy’s VW and the relative high maintenance of such vehicles.

Calling me an atypical farmer I take as a compliment.

kyfdx · August 2020

stickguy said:
and that one is RWD which must be super rare.

I can't hack the "eyebrow" front end on the '06/07. Where the chrome strips on the grill are attached to the hood. They fixed that in '08

stickguy · August 2020

If that’s all that bothers you, I’m sure there is a fix.

I would love a C30 as my replacement car. Later model with power seat moonroof and a manual of course.

breld · August 2020

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:
and that one is RWD which must be super rare.
I can't hack the "eyebrow" front end on the '06/07. Where the chrome strips on the grill are attached to the hood. They fixed that in '08

Agreed.

We found my wife’s 2010 E91 manual, m-sport advertised on craigslist by a local broker. That was in 2013 and the wagon had 21k miles on it. Pretty much just another car on their lot as far as they were concerned, and I think they were pleased there was someone who wanted it.

Not so much anymore.

We bought it for $32k and kept it for 16 months - pretty good for us, but clearly we should have just held on to that one. Sold it to the next owner in Boston for $29,500.

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