Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

andres3 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Sandman6472 said:
Rained all day today so it was a bit of a chore driving at work. I had to drive the 13-pack right around lunchtime, but glad I did. While at PBI getting two vehicles to bring to an office in Lantana, the other two got into a slight accident while one was backing up. It didn't hurt the paint but it left a nice dimple in the sheet metal. Naturally, there were forms to fill out and it took a good hour to get that all done. But accidents do happen, just part of the game I suspect. We eventually got another vehicle and dropped both off at the location that needed them. Was just glad that I wasn't involved to be honest. I'm sure that after a certain amount of these fender benders, Enterprise would have no choice but to let the multiple offender go. No one likes to fire someone or get fired, but depending on how many vehicles get damaged, management has no other choice than to sever ties with that person. I do remember someone I worked with as an independent contractor who also got hired by Hertz, getting fired because he had a bunch of small fender benders. Guess they felt that he was too great a risk and had to say good bye once and for all.
I know these kind of things are sometimes unavoidable but I try very hard to be as careful as I can so not to have one. I did have one at Hertz, minor though it was, I still had to fill out paperwork and then go for a drug test. Doubt they do the drug testing anymore, but back then, it was mandatory. And with all the rain today, we saw a multitude of accidents all over South Florida!
Up here Enterprise has a three strikes and out policy. Some of the guys have come pretty close. One had two accidents in his first month, one was a doozie where he wrapped a 900 miles cargo van around a steel beam coming into the yard. Another guy actually knocked the gate to the yard off the hinges because he said the gas pedal stuck.

Then we had one crash into a tractor trailer, knocking the wheels off the truck, another who flipped a car end over end and a young guy who didn’t tell the company he was on heavy duty pain killers and passed out, rolling the Jeep in a ditch.

And that’s only the ones I know about. None of them was drug tested which blows my mind.
So what your saying is they'll hire anyone and anything with a pulse.

If I was running things, any at-fault collision within the first 6 month "probationary" period would equal 3 strikes.

LOL, too many tickets will get you the boot as well. If you were running things it wouldn’t be for very long.

My company hires the best people minimum wage will buy.

stickguy · October 2020

xwesx said:

stickguy said:
I figure that after almost 50 years, any issues like that have been sorted out.
Too many vehicles under discussion.... to which were you referring?

In this case, the Capri. But concept holds for most any old car with known flaws. Such as a Panera. They had major defects from new, but any of them still on the road, have long since had upgrades done to resolve them.

28firefighter · October 2020

Turns out it was a good thing I did not try to replace my EV charger myself. The new one was a completely different model requiring new wiring from the junction box, moving the mounting, etc. Anyway, all set now. Turns out that the previous model I had was known for a bad batch of circuit boards in its final run...lucky me!

xwesx · October 2020

28firefighter said:
Turns out it was a good thing I did not try to replace my EV charger myself. The new one was a completely different model requiring new wiring from the junction box, moving the mounting, etc. Anyway, all set now. Turns out that the previous model I had was known for a bad batch of circuit boards in its final run...lucky me!

Yeah, great timing there! Hahah; oh, well, it's resolved now, and it seems like it was done rather quickly!

ab348 · October 2020

stickguy said:

xwesx said:

stickguy said:
I figure that after almost 50 years, any issues like that have been sorted out.
Too many vehicles under discussion.... to which were you referring?
In this case, the Capri. But concept holds for most any old car with known flaws. Such as a Panera.

Paneras are notorious for being a lot of bread. :laughing:

stickguy · October 2020

Good old auto correct.

stickguy · October 2020

28firefighter said:
Turns out it was a good thing I did not try to replace my EV charger myself. The new one was a completely different model requiring new wiring from the junction box, moving the mounting, etc. Anyway, all set now. Turns out that the previous model I had was known for a bad batch of circuit boards in its final run...lucky me!

Odd that they can’t just replace the circuit board. Guess that would have been too easy to build it that way.

28firefighter · October 2020

Oh come on, @stickguy. You know as well as I do that the era of replaceable parts in electronics is long gone. My guess is that it is more efficient (and reduces follow-up engagement and therefore customer satisfaction) for a manufacturer to replace the whole unit and recycle the old one.

Plus, if this one was poorly built, you have to wonder what else could go wrong with it after you replace the board...

Michaell · October 2020

Member needs help selecting an SUV:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/63627/general/x/help-me-choose-xc90-atlas-or-xt6#latest

stickguy · October 2020

Michaell said:
Member needs help selecting an SUV:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/63627/general/x/help-me-choose-xc90-atlas-or-xt6#latest

Why can’t TJC just ask us himself?

explorerx4 · October 2020

@stickguy,
I was thinking the same thing when I saw the link.

Michaell · October 2020

@stickguy @explorerx4 - I never thought of that when I posted the link. Though I don't think he's ever mentioned an Atlas

stickguy · October 2020

it came up once.

Michaell · October 2020

Another request for advice:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/63629/volkswagen/jetta/buy-or-not-jetta-se-2017#latest

tjc78 · October 2020

Ha Ha.. that's too funny! With the lease prices on these things, I'm not really in a hurry to get any of them.

I guess sales at Cadillac are strong these days. They took a whopping $1,000 off sticker on a $56K SUV, yielding a $650 lease payment. I told the salesperson it's going to take a lot more discount to get a deal done.

If I'm going to be at $600 or above I'm springing for the XC90.

I'll take the XT6 if I can get a 55K example under $550 but no more. All of this makes the MDX leases look better and better.

At this point this purchase is going well into November which is smart considering all I have on my plate right now. It's doubtful to me that any programs will get worse heading into the holidays.

qbrozen · October 2020

Anyone checked out the Bronco configurator? Friend who got on the list a while ago is asking for my thoughts. Holy cow they made the trims and packages complicated! And the resulting MSRP spread would make you think you are shopping a Porsche. I’ve discovered you can achieve about 2.5x spread from base to the top.

And what the heck is with Bronco vs Bronco Sport? Doesn’t look like the same vehicle at all. He wants the Sport, of course, as I’m sure everyone else does.

tjc78 · October 2020

They are totally different vehicles.

Bronco sport is an Escape.

Bronco is a true BOF truck

explorerx4 · October 2020

@qbrozen,
Bronco Sport is Based off the Escape. Bronco is similar to Wrangler.

Michaell · October 2020

explorerx4 said:
@qbrozen,
Bronco Sport is Based off the Escape. Bronco is similar to Wrangler.

I guess I understand better why the Escape was reskinned to be more - er - feminine looking.

It's good that there is a variety of shapes to the small SUV market.

au1994 · October 2020

explorerx4 said:
@qbrozen,
Bronco Sport is Based off the Escape. Bronco is similar to Wrangler.

Make mine a Bronco, please. I plan on hitting the configurator this weekend.

stickguy · October 2020

the big bronco is based on the Ranger platform. And sounds like an awesome off road truck. Sport, is a boxy, slightly more off road ready Escape.

breld · October 2020

@tjc78 - I’m sure you’re seeing the same thing, but I got an email recently advertising $10k off 2020 XC90’s. If that’s what you really want, don’t be scared away of the higher MSRP. And they generally have $2-3k additional off for loyalty.

breld · October 2020

My boss has a Bronco Sport on order - it’s supposed to be his vehicle for his family’s vacation home in Florida. So probably appropriate for that purpose.

As a side note, it’s replacing a 2002 525i that he’s had since new. That was to be the family home vehicle, but at well over 200k miles, he decided to pass it on to a family member and get something new.

breld · October 2020

And C&D gushes all over the GV80.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34428573/2021-genesis-gv80-35t-by-the-numbers/

breld · October 2020

I’m not saying it’s a steal or anything close, but given the miles and model year, if this has been properly maintained, it’s a nice example.

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/denver-2002-bmw-m5-base/7218265082.html

stickguy · October 2020

nice looking. Just pricey.

explorerx4 · October 2020

They did a crappy job on the paint on that M5 on the left rear door.

ab348 · October 2020

breld said:
And C&D gushes all over the GV80.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34428573/2021-genesis-gv80-35t-by-the-numbers/

A 5000lb vehicle to drive to the grocery store. Nice-looking though.

roadburner · October 2020

In Europe Ford offered several hotted-up versions of the Capri and they are considered a fun and affordable classic. The RS2600 was one example- a homologation special for European touring car competition.

corvette · October 2020

ab348 said:

breld said:
And C&D gushes all over the GV80.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34428573/2021-genesis-gv80-35t-by-the-numbers/
A 5000lb vehicle to drive to the grocery store. Nice-looking though.

$66k is a bargain. I agree it looks like the Bentley. Power and 0-60 time are competitive in its price range, unlike the Palisade / Telluride.

qbrozen · October 2020

Oh, see, herein is the problem. I must have mixed up the two. So the Sport is the not-cool one. Then it is the non-Sport he is after. I can’t imagine anyone bothering to pre-order a Sport.

stickguy · October 2020

that makes a lot more sense. Though I would not mind having a Sport at some point.

qbrozen · October 2020

Anyway, it seems my friend and I agreed the 4-dr Big Bend model with 2.7, LSD, and Mid pack, along with some other little things, is the way to go. Comes in at $43k for me. Too bad the yellow isn’t a color choice on that trim.

stickguy · October 2020

definitely a cool car.

xwesx · October 2020

I find it rather disgusting that the manual transmission is only available on the most base of the base model. Seems pointless that they even offered it if they're going to be so belligerently biased against it.

tjc78 · October 2020

breld said:
@tjc78 - I’m sure you’re seeing the same thing, but I got an email recently advertising $10k off 2020 XC90’s. If that’s what you really want, don’t be scared away of the higher MSRP. And they generally have $2-3k additional off for loyalty.

Yes, they discount heavily. I just have to come to terms that they don’t lease as well as sedans and I’m going to have to pay more! Even the broker deals seem to be around $650 for a 60K T6 Momentum

venture · October 2020

tjc78 said:

breld said:
@tjc78 - I’m sure you’re seeing the same thing, but I got an email recently advertising $10k off 2020 XC90’s. If that’s what you really want, don’t be scared away of the higher MSRP. And they generally have $2-3k additional off for loyalty.
Yes, they discount heavily. I just have to come to terms that they don’t lease as well as sedans and I’m going to have to pay more! Even the broker deals seem to be around $650 for a 60K T6 Momentum

I know you mentioned the Ascent before. Have you looked at them yet?

You can probably buy a 2021 for about what you would pay to lease something else. Depending on the model, they are being discounted by at least $3,000 +- right off the bat. Along with 0% financing for 63 months the payments aren't bad. Of course it will depend on whether you like them or not.

We were close to getting a Pilot almost a year ago when we bought the Ascent instead. My wife liked them better.

We don't have an Acura dealer nearby, but we looked at almost everything else except MB and BMW. Mrs. venture doesn't like their persona.

tjc78 · October 2020

I haven’t looked at the Ascent yet. I won’t buy anything, it will be a lease.

I’ll show the wife some pictures.

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

tjc78 said:
Ha Ha.. that's too funny! With the lease prices on these things, I'm not really in a hurry to get any of them.

I guess sales at Cadillac are strong these days. They took a whopping $1,000 off sticker on a $56K SUV, yielding a $650 lease payment. I told the salesperson it's going to take a lot more discount to get a deal done.

If I'm going to be at $600 or above I'm springing for the XC90.

I'll take the XT6 if I can get a 55K example under $550 but no more. All of this makes the MDX leases look better and better.

At this point this purchase is going well into November which is smart considering all I have on my plate right now. It's doubtful to me that any programs will get worse heading into the holidays.

Prices can only get better as time goes on.

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

breld said:
And C&D gushes all over the GV80.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34428573/2021-genesis-gv80-35t-by-the-numbers/

Strange terminology they use “upstart” and “fledgling company”. Hasn’t Genesis been it’s own brand for over a decade? I know I considered a Genesis coupe in 2008.

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

breld said:
I’m not saying it’s a steal or anything close, but given the miles and model year, if this has been properly maintained, it’s a nice example.

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/denver-2002-bmw-m5-base/7218265082.html

It’s nice to see a car that old without the rust you see around me. $29k? How much did it sticker for 18+ years ago?

ab348 · October 2020

oldfarmer50 said:

breld said:
And C&D gushes all over the GV80.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a34428573/2021-genesis-gv80-35t-by-the-numbers/
Strange terminology they use “upstart” and “fledgling company”. Hasn’t Genesis been it’s own brand for over a decade? I know I considered a Genesis coupe in 2008.

I agree that the terminology they used is poor. But IIRC they began with a "Hyundai Genesis" model, before creating it as its own brand, then floundered for a couple of years as they couldn't figure out how to handle it without its own dealer network, and also introduced the Equus which they had no clue what to do with, before finally setting up Genesis as its own brand sold mostly through designated Hyundai dealers.

kyfdx · October 2020

In the US, I've never seen a Genesis showroom, that wasn't on the same property as a Hyundai dealer. They've never really set up a dealer network, like Lexus or Acura.

roadburner · October 2020

breld said:
I’m not saying it’s a steal or anything close, but given the miles and model year, if this has been properly maintained, it’s a nice example.

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/denver-2002-bmw-m5-base/7218265082.html

The E28 and E39 are the best M5 iterations as far as I'm concerned, but I could be tempted by an E34.

stickguy · October 2020

kyfdx said:
In the US, I've never seen a Genesis showroom, that wasn't on the same property as a Hyundai dealer. They've never really set up a dealer network, like Lexus or Acura.

that was a mistake by Hyundai. requiring commitment to stand alone stores before the network was ready to support it. Or product pipeline.

they did open a new showroom by me (previously were running from the small Hyundai store). Took over an old Dodge/jeep dealership. What is odd though, that building is much bigger than the Hyundai store, so no clue why they did not move Hyundai over there instead.

roadburner · October 2020

I hate to admit it, but I find this puppy interesting...

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

kyfdx said:
In the US, I've never seen a Genesis showroom, that wasn't on the same property as a Hyundai dealer. They've never really set up a dealer network, like Lexus or Acura.

The one combined store I’ve seen is just one long showroom with rows of desks from end to end. No designation as to where Genesis ends and Hyundai begins. The only clue is the respective brand names on each end of the building.

oldfarmer50 · October 2020

roadburner said:
I hate to admit it, but I find this puppy interesting...

That looks like something Jason Stratham would drive.

breld · October 2020

roadburner said:
I hate to admit it, but I find this puppy interesting...

Those are sharp - I’d certainly be interested in your impressions on it.

If/when I want a fun car with a little more practicality, that’s on my list.

corvette · October 2020

The story was that BMW tried to exert more control over their dealers in the US in order for them to be allowed to sell the X5. The dealers revolted. I think there was a lawsuit by one or more dealers. Threatened with not being able to sell their new SUV, BMW backed down.

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