Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

stickguy · October 2020

tjc78 said:
Didn’t Wheeler Dealers do one of those SMG transmissions and convert to full manual?

they did, on an M3. A very interesting episode, seeing how the system worked. It really was just a normal manual trans, with a really complicated rube Goldberg arrangement to automate the clutch. So other than installing a 3 pedal set, most of the work was uninstalling parts.

explorerx4 · October 2020

Darn BAT.
Check out the sound on this GT350, about 38 seconds in.

https://youtu.be/X166N2Bjx3Q

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

qbrozen said:
good grief, this is crazy clean!! Too bad about the transmission.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-bmw-m3-convertible-38/

Couldn’t you convert it to a standard?

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

explorerx4 said:
Darn BAT.
Check out the sound on this GT350, about 38 seconds in.
https://youtu.be/X166N2Bjx3Q

I don’t even mind the black wheels.

nyccarguy · October 2020

sb55 said:

nyccarguy said:
The new normal for this year is the kids have to get dressed before they get to the rink. Saturday AM my 14 year old (pictured) had an away game, my 11 year old son had an away game (my wife took home) and my almost 9 year old daughter had a soccer game in town. We sent my oldest with another family to the game. While he was waiting to get picked up, he got dressed in the parking lot.

nyccarguy said:
The new normal for this year is the kids have to get dressed before they get to the rink. Saturday AM my 14 year old (pictured) had an away game, my 11 year old son had an away game (my wife took home) and my almost 9 year old daughter had a soccer game in town. We sent my oldest with another family to the game. While he was waiting to get picked up, he got dressed in the parking lot.

Darien? I thought that you lived in Stamford. I lived in Darien until I was 13. My mother grew up there right on the Post Rd. just East of Gardner Rd on the way to Noroton train station.

We do live in Stamford. Darien is the next town over (the Darien home rink is in Stamford). My 14 year old has played for Stamford Youth Hockey for the past 6 seasons. This year the board of directors made some not too bright decisions (long story), so now he plays for Darien. My 11 year old still plays for Stamford.

Can you PM me a link to your site? Do you have availability this weekend?

stickguy · October 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:
good grief, this is crazy clean!! Too bad about the transmission.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-bmw-m3-convertible-38/
Couldn’t you convert it to a standard?

if you have the money and time, sure. Might be cheaper in the end to just buy a manual (though if the AT sells at enough of a discount, and you have your own shop, maybe not).

ab348 · October 2020

That C8 frunk looks like it might hold a Subway footlong and not much else.

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

ab348 said:
That C8 frunk looks like it might hold a Subway footlong and not much else.

You wouldn’t want any more than that up there upsetting your driving dynamics.😳

stickguy · October 2020

you have to weigh yourself before getting in the car, and adjust the tire pressures to accommodate.

kyfdx · October 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:
That C8 frunk looks like it might hold a Subway footlong and not much else.
You wouldn’t want any more than that up there upsetting your driving dynamics.😳

Plus, you'd want Jersey Mike's, in any case.

qbrozen · October 2020

QUICK! Someone kill it before it can reproduce!!

nyccarguy · October 2020

qbrozen said:
QUICK! Someone kill it before it can reproduce!!

Somebody did that on purpose? I can't stand these MBs to begin with.

stickguy · October 2020

This could be fun.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9l07JJ7M/2006-nissan-350z-coupe

stickguy · October 2020

Here’s one for RB. a club sport to go with his club sport.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/92RqJAox/2019-bmw-m4-cs

stickguy · October 2020

This also looks like a cool spare/beater car to have.

qbrozen · October 2020

stickguy said:
This could be fun.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9l07JJ7M/2006-nissan-350z-coupe

Was looking at that this morn. Some things going on there that bug me. The black interior being the biggest, but the odd steering wheel cover (why not make a little effort and get orange thread??), repainted non-matching rear bumper, blacked out rear turn signals and aftermarket badging are all detriments that give me concern regarding the overall care that may have gone into it. Oh, and IIRC, those 17" wheels with the dimples were on automatic-only cars.

breld · October 2020

For Acura's top selling model, I'm surprised there's not much talk about the new MDX, details and pics of which were released last week. Even @benjaminh hasn't posted anything about it!

https://www.acura.com/future-vehicles/2022-mdx-prototype

I suppose a new 3-row SUV isn't all that exciting. And nothing surprising either, as it naturally follows the design cues inside and out from the new TLX.

I thought it was interesting that they're carrying over the 3.5l V6 as the base engine (with the turbo V6 reserved for the Type S). I figured they'd follow the drivetrain lineup from the TLX, but that n/a V6 is pretty nice.

With the current MDX topping out around $60k MSRP (not that you pay that), I've gotta think a Type S will run into the mid-$60k's. I'll be curious how it competes at that price level.

Michaell · October 2020

Had an itch last nite, and found this site with lots of cool JDM stuff for sale:

https://www.duncanimports.com/

ab348 · October 2020

I was reading something recently that indicated that insurers (either here in Canada or across the US, I forget) were no longer going to offer insurance on RHD vehicles. I suspect that is a smokescreen to get out from insuring JDM vehicles as I suspect most of them are driven by those who do not drive sedately.

stickguy · October 2020

MDX looks nice. Makes sense to me to keep the V6 on that. Distinguishes it a bit from just being an XL size RDX. Should compete well in that segment.

stickguy · October 2020

I saw a new design 3 series last weekend that was gorgeous. Really nice greenish gray color. Would not mind one of those at some point.

breld · October 2020

Michaell said:
Had an itch last nite, and found this site with lots of cool JDM stuff for sale:

https://www.duncanimports.com/

Wow! That's quite an inventory there. A 240sx with 590 miles?

Michaell · October 2020

ab348 said:
I was reading something recently that indicated that insurers (either here in Canada or across the US, I forget) were no longer going to offer insurance on RHD vehicles. I suspect that is a smokescreen to get out from insuring JDM vehicles as I suspect most of them are driven by those who do not drive sedately.

That would be a shame. I pretty much ignored the Skylines and focused more on the cool 4-door sedans that weren't available here.

Something to liven up a Cars & Coffee meet.

xwesx · October 2020

qbrozen said:
QUICK! Someone kill it before it can reproduce!!

That is amazing! All vehicles should look like that.

corvette · October 2020

ab348 said:
I was reading something recently that indicated that insurers (either here in Canada or across the US, I forget) were no longer going to offer insurance on RHD vehicles. I suspect that is a smokescreen to get out from insuring JDM vehicles as I suspect most of them are driven by those who do not drive sedately.

If they were offering physical damage coverage, I would imagine parts availability could be a huge problem, as well. Having to total a $20,000+ car because nobody can source a bumper cover would definitely skew their numbers.

nyccarguy · October 2020

Michaell said:
Had an itch last nite, and found this site with lots of cool JDM stuff for sale:

https://www.duncanimports.com/

That's not a good website for me to look at.

tjc78 · October 2020

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:
That C8 frunk looks like it might hold a Subway footlong and not much else.
You wouldn’t want any more than that up there upsetting your driving dynamics.😳
Plus, you'd want Jersey Mike's, in any case.

Friends don’t let friends eat Jersey Mike’s.

If you are going for a chain hoagie in NJ it’s Primo’s all the way

stickguy · October 2020

Primo is good. Turkey diablo. Yum.

Jersey mikes, I don't like their bread all that much.

tjc78 · October 2020

Really struggling on the Enclave replacement. Large SUVs are not leasing well. Looking at the broker deals on LH XC90 loaners are running a touch above $600 at a 59K MSRP. This may be the best option since I have loyalty.

Lexus RX(L) isn’t great
Acura MDX is ok, but isn’t that getting updated?
Palisade and Telluride forget about it
Explorer,Traverse, and Pilot don’t do much for me
Has the Atlas come down to earth? Aren’t the power trains weak compared to others?

I think I am going to get an Internet quote on an XT6 for giggles ... at least the MF is low.

stickguy · October 2020

You want JDM? You want big? here you go. Honestly don't think I ever heard of this model before.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OgMXBv3/1990-toyota-crown-super-saloon

and this (someone may have posted the link before) I finally looked at. Did not realize how cool this is. Big 6 with a stick, all that blue? I love this thing. Not even all that far from me. Need it like a hole in the head of course.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KVb6wV2Y/1981-jeep-cherokee

stickguy · October 2020

tjc78 said:
Really struggling on the Enclave replacement. Large SUVs are not leasing well. Looking at the broker deals on LH XC90 loaners are running a touch above $600 at a 59K MSRP. This may be the best option since I have loyalty.

Lexus RX(L) isn’t great
Acura MDX is ok, but isn’t that getting updated?
Palisade and Telluride forget about it
Explorer,Traverse, and Pilot don’t do much for me
Has the Atlas come down to earth? Aren’t the power trains weak compared to others?

I think I am going to get an Internet quote on an XT6 for giggles ... at least the MF is low.

might as well get the quote. I am as cheap as they come, but still think it is more important to pick the car first. Buying a deal, rarely works out!

but yes, the MDX is getting replaced with a completely new design in the winter some time (Q1 I think). But, it is a lease, so if you like the current design, and can get a good enough deal, who cares?

Atlas, not the fastest option, but at least it is huge inside. Have never driven one though. Just stick with the V6, not the 4 banger.

what about an Ascent? Those are nice. I really like the CX9, but that is a little smaller inside.

The new Highlander seems nice.

How about the big Infiniti (gussied up Pathfinder)? At least they look nice (there are a couple in my neighborhood of the Nissans, and I think at least one QX).

or just stick with the PU truck. Maybe a Ram!

tjc78 · October 2020

Wife hates Toyota’s so Highlander is out, I’ll check out Ascent.

QX60 usually leases ok, but in reality our current Enclave is probably a better vehicle.

Trucks aren’t off the table, but so undecided at this point.

stickguy · October 2020

The XT6 was nice when I sat in one. Lots of toys on that barge.

au1994 · October 2020

stickguy said:

tjc78 said:
Really struggling on the Enclave replacement. Large SUVs are not leasing well. Looking at the broker deals on LH XC90 loaners are running a touch above $600 at a 59K MSRP. This may be the best option since I have loyalty.

Lexus RX(L) isn’t great
Acura MDX is ok, but isn’t that getting updated?
Palisade and Telluride forget about it
Explorer,Traverse, and Pilot don’t do much for me
Has the Atlas come down to earth? Aren’t the power trains weak compared to others?

I think I am going to get an Internet quote on an XT6 for giggles ... at least the MF is low.
might as well get the quote. I am as cheap as they come, but still think it is more important to pick the car first. Buying a deal, rarely works out!

but yes, the MDX is getting replaced with a completely new design in the winter some time (Q1 I think). But, it is a lease, so if you like the current design, and can get a good enough deal, who cares?

Atlas, not the fastest option, but at least it is huge inside. Have never driven one though. Just stick with the V6, not the 4 banger.

what about an Ascent? Those are nice. I really like the CX9, but that is a little smaller inside.

The new Highlander seems nice.

How about the big Infiniti (gussied up Pathfinder)? At least they look nice (there are a couple in my neighborhood of the Nissans, and I think at least one QX).

or just stick with the PU truck. Maybe a Ram!

What’s up in the market with large SUVS not leasing well? I thought the MDX at least used to lease pretty good. I think the current one is good looking for the record. Don’t know if it’s getting outdated inside.

Definitely can’t hurt it get a quote on the Cadillac. The Ascent is really nice and in typically Subaru fashion, loaded for the money. When we were looking they were brand new so didn’t lease well then. Don’t know if that has changed.

Atlas, yes V6 is a must and if I recall you kinda have to go toward the higher end if you want all the tech.

I’ll second the vote for a 4 dr truck. You just can’t beat the utility and properly optioned, the interiors are as nice as anything on the road, especially the Ram as noted.

My wife is just anti-truck or thats the route I would have taken instead of the LC.

stickguy · October 2020

I know that when I was looking at cars when the current RDX came out, and was at the Acura dealer a few times and online researching, the MDX leased out quite a bit cheaper than a comparable RDX with a sticker ~$10k later.

my wife would never want to drive a FS truck, and I really don't have much desire to do it all the time either. A compact though, would be nice as my 2nd car.

corvette · October 2020

@tjc78 a shame Toyota is out, if you're considering a truck. Can't beat the lease rates on the Tacoma or Tundra.

kyfdx · October 2020

tjc78 said:

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:
That C8 frunk looks like it might hold a Subway footlong and not much else.
You wouldn’t want any more than that up there upsetting your driving dynamics.😳
Plus, you'd want Jersey Mike's, in any case.
Friends don’t let friends eat Jersey Mike’s.

If you are going for a chain hoagie in NJ it’s Primo’s all the way

That was in response to Subway. Contrary to popular opinion, we aren't all in NJ.

au1994 · October 2020

corvette said:
@tjc78 a shame Toyota is out, if you're considering a truck. Can't beat the lease rates on the Tacoma or Tundra.

The new Venza looks nice too but being a new model, probably doesn’t lease well either.

tjc78 · October 2020

kyfdx said:

tjc78 said:

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:
That C8 frunk looks like it might hold a Subway footlong and not much else.
You wouldn’t want any more than that up there upsetting your driving dynamics.😳
Plus, you'd want Jersey Mike's, in any case.
Friends don’t let friends eat Jersey Mike’s.

If you are going for a chain hoagie in NJ it’s Primo’s all the way
That was in response to Subway. Contrary to popular opinion, we aren't all in NJ.

Hey we all can’t live in this great state!

As for Subway.... I can’t describe how bad they are with words appropriate for the forum!

tjc78 · October 2020

stickguy said:
I know that when I was looking at cars when the current RDX came out, and was at the Acura dealer a few times and online researching, the MDX leased out quite a bit cheaper than a comparable RDX with a sticker ~$10k later.

my wife would never want to drive a FS truck, and I really don't have much desire to do it all the time either. A compact though, would be nice as my 2nd car.

I need to go and drive an MDX. I’ve always liked them. I think the wife would go for it.

Settlements are 10/29 and 10/30. Once we are moved in it’s time to really get to work. I have until 12/7. The only thing I’m trying to avoid is, registration is due on 11/30. So if I’m not staying GM and transferring plates I want to have to locked up by then to avoid paying that.

au1994 · October 2020

Yeah, definitely don’t want to register for a week! Thanksgiving weekend sales??

xwesx · October 2020

Wow, you didn't give yourself a lot of time to work through the options, @tjc78 ! At least you have (literal) tons of options... in the end, you'll settle on something (and it will be readily available). Given everything else going on, perhaps this time is a matter of not thinking on it too much and just going with whatever fits the pocketbook the best.

It seems odd to me that vehicles with excellent resale often do not lease well. I guess it is just a matter of how much of a discount you're getting on the purchase price, yes?

breld · October 2020

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:
I know that when I was looking at cars when the current RDX came out, and was at the Acura dealer a few times and online researching, the MDX leased out quite a bit cheaper than a comparable RDX with a sticker ~$10k later.

my wife would never want to drive a FS truck, and I really don't have much desire to do it all the time either. A compact though, would be nice as my 2nd car.
I need to go and drive an MDX. I’ve always liked them. I think the wife would go for it.

Settlements are 10/29 and 10/30. Once we are moved in it’s time to really get to work. I have until 12/7. The only thing I’m trying to avoid is, registration is due on 11/30. So if I’m not staying GM and transferring plates I want to have to locked up by then to avoid paying that.

I took some pretty extensive test drives of the MDX (a V6 Advance and a Sport Hybrid) recently and expected to be let down given its imminent replacement, but I was very impressed with how it drove. The overall feel and quality of materials is a notch below most luxury competitors, but given the savings I think it's appropriate. And the actual driving experience is engaging and a bit nostalgic with the n/a V6. I really liked the Sport Hybrid model - there's quite a difference in the way it feels, so I would recommend giving that a shot.

stickguy · October 2020

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:
I know that when I was looking at cars when the current RDX came out, and was at the Acura dealer a few times and online researching, the MDX leased out quite a bit cheaper than a comparable RDX with a sticker ~$10k later.

my wife would never want to drive a FS truck, and I really don't have much desire to do it all the time either. A compact though, would be nice as my 2nd car.
I need to go and drive an MDX. I’ve always liked them. I think the wife would go for it.

Settlements are 10/29 and 10/30. Once we are moved in it’s time to really get to work. I have until 12/7. The only thing I’m trying to avoid is, registration is due on 11/30. So if I’m not staying GM and transferring plates I want to have to locked up by then to avoid paying that.

you should be fine going a few days over. I know that nobody is paying any attention to inspection stickers either. If somehow you got stopped and had to produce the registration, act dumb and just say it is going back in a few days. No way would I pay for a renewal! But getting it done first, certainly a good idea.

stickguy · October 2020

I had a loaner MDX about a year ago. It was very nice. I just found it to be big and bulky, but that obviously does not bother you. But features and comfort wise, it was nicely loaded. Drive very well, great drivetrain.

tjc78 · October 2020

breld said:

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:
I know that when I was looking at cars when the current RDX came out, and was at the Acura dealer a few times and online researching, the MDX leased out quite a bit cheaper than a comparable RDX with a sticker ~$10k later.

my wife would never want to drive a FS truck, and I really don't have much desire to do it all the time either. A compact though, would be nice as my 2nd car.
I need to go and drive an MDX. I’ve always liked them. I think the wife would go for it.

Settlements are 10/29 and 10/30. Once we are moved in it’s time to really get to work. I have until 12/7. The only thing I’m trying to avoid is, registration is due on 11/30. So if I’m not staying GM and transferring plates I want to have to locked up by then to avoid paying that.
I took some pretty extensive test drives of the MDX (a V6 Advance and a Sport Hybrid) recently and expected to be let down given its imminent replacement, but I was very impressed with how it drove. The overall feel and quality of materials is a notch below most luxury competitors, but given the savings I think it's appropriate. And the actual driving experience is engaging and a bit nostalgic with the n/a V6. I really liked the Sport Hybrid model - there's quite a difference in the way it feels, so I would recommend giving that a shot.

Thanks for that. I’d be looking at a Tech or Advance. I do like the idea of the V6 engine. That is why I like the GM options, I’m so used to the 3.6 V6 at this point.

tjc78 · October 2020

stickguy said:

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:
I know that when I was looking at cars when the current RDX came out, and was at the Acura dealer a few times and online researching, the MDX leased out quite a bit cheaper than a comparable RDX with a sticker ~$10k later.

my wife would never want to drive a FS truck, and I really don't have much desire to do it all the time either. A compact though, would be nice as my 2nd car.
I need to go and drive an MDX. I’ve always liked them. I think the wife would go for it.

Settlements are 10/29 and 10/30. Once we are moved in it’s time to really get to work. I have until 12/7. The only thing I’m trying to avoid is, registration is due on 11/30. So if I’m not staying GM and transferring plates I want to have to locked up by then to avoid paying that.
you should be fine going a few days over. I know that nobody is paying any attention to inspection stickers either. If somehow you got stopped and had to produce the registration, act dumb and just say it is going back in a few days. No way would I pay for a renewal! But getting it done first, certainly a good idea.

Yeah, it’s not like we drove all that much these days and we do have another car.

Michaell · October 2020

Could you turn in the Enclave and wait until the end of the year?

This is one of the downsides of leasing. You have to pull the trigger on something, but inventory and the lease programs are not in your favor.

28firefighter · October 2020

2020 MDX Tech is a great value - helped a friend get one and they love it.

Re: Jersey Mikes - feh.

au1994 · October 2020

Michaell said:
Could you turn in the Enclave and wait until the end of the year?

This is one of the downsides of leasing. You have to pull the trigger on something, but inventory and the lease programs are not in your favor.

There ya go, making sense again!

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