Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

nyccarguy · May 2021

28firefighter said:
Or just buy it and finance it.

I'm not interested in financing this particular vehicle at this time.

tjc78 · May 2021

Wow! Did they say that with a straight face?

au1994 · May 2021

Given the market, I doubt any 3 row SUV’s are leasing well. The Pilot had some good programs when I was interested last month and the Highlander typically does but the latter was too snug which I can see. Be patient, shop around etc…Is there a broker on LH that has anything that fits the bill?

xwesx · May 2021

nyccarguy said:
Interesting time we are living through to say the least. I just got quoted $749/month with $800 DAS for 24 months/19,500 miles per year with 6.35% tax rolled into the payment for a 2021 Explorer XLT. MSRP of $43,955 with a selling price of $42,455 (sticker minus rebate). Marked up interest rate (0.6%) as opposed to the buy rate of 0.15%.

Boo.... hiss....

xwesx · May 2021

henryn said:

nyccarguy said:
Interesting time we are living through to say the least. I just got quoted $749/month with $800 DAS for 24 months/19,500 miles per year with 6.35% tax rolled into the payment for a 2021 Explorer XLT. MSRP of $43,955 with a selling price of $42,455 (sticker minus rebate). Marked up interest rate (0.6%) as opposed to the buy rate of 0.15%.
Hey, the quote button is back!!!

In regards to your lease quote, that is a lot of miles (19,500 per year), and a short term (24 months). I believe the more common scenario is 36 months with 12,000 miles per year, which should be less. But probably still way too d___ high.

Yeah, $500 off MSRP for a Ford anything is just too darn high. @nyccarguy would be spitting splinters for months if he took that "deal."

henryn · May 2021

xwesx said:

henryn said:

nyccarguy said:
Interesting time we are living through to say the least. I just got quoted $749/month with $800 DAS for 24 months/19,500 miles per year with 6.35% tax rolled into the payment for a 2021 Explorer XLT. MSRP of $43,955 with a selling price of $42,455 (sticker minus rebate). Marked up interest rate (0.6%) as opposed to the buy rate of 0.15%.
Hey, the quote button is back!!!

In regards to your lease quote, that is a lot of miles (19,500 per year), and a short term (24 months). I believe the more common scenario is 36 months with 12,000 miles per year, which should be less. But probably still way too d___ high.
Yeah, $500 off MSRP for a Ford anything is just too darn high. @nyccarguy would be spitting splinters for months if he took that "deal."

Those are the times we are living in. But there are a few bright spots out there. I just received an email ad from a local VW dealer. He has 41 Tiguan's in stock, new leftover 2020 models starting at $21,891, and 2021 models at $23,272.

https://www.momentumvolkswagen.com/new-inventory/index.htm?utm_source=elead&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sales_2021-05-11&model=Tiguan

henryn · May 2021

I was out running errands this afternoon, and left the Pacifica sitting in a parking lot for about an hour. 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 90 degrees in the shade, god knows what in the direct sunlight. When I got back in, the stale cigarette smell had returned. I'm running the ozone generator again, have it set to run 90 minutes this time, but engine not on, A/C not running.

jpp75 · May 2021

oldfarmer50 said:

If you like old Cavaliers there are some around that are cheaper but still not cheap.
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/d/oneco-1999-z24-cavalier-conv-original/7317439266.html

My first new car was a 1992 Z24 Cavalier, GM at it's worst....so no I don't like old Cavaliers. Out of the 22 cars I've owned it ranks dead last, by a very wide margin.

stickguy · May 2021

must be some Hyundais on the lots. Got an email from my local dealer with some pretty strong lease offers. mostly lower line stuff, but one I almost called on was a Kona AWD unlimited. backing out the $500 first responder rebate it was ~$244/month sign and drive. Sticker was about $30K. That is a nice car for that price and well loaded.

though looks like the unit is gone and only FWD versions now listed (4 unlimiteds).

xwesx · May 2021

henryn said:
I was out running errands this afternoon, and left the Pacifica sitting in a parking lot for about an hour. 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 90 degrees in the shade, god knows what in the direct sunlight. When I got back in, the stale cigarette smell had returned. I'm running the ozone generator again, have it set to run 90 minutes this time, but engine not on, A/C not running.

Yeah, that's one thing that just doesn't go away. You can get rid of a lot of smells, but cigarette smoke and dog are not among them.

Even after substantial and repeated cleanings, my cars that had once been used as kennels would always smell strongly of dog after sitting on hot days.

fintail · May 2021

A shame period GM products could be so coarse, as some of them look kind of cool in their own way. A couple blocks from me there's an immaculate blue early 90s Z24 convertible, white top, original wheels with directional spokes, pretty rare thing now.

jpp75 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

If you like old Cavaliers there are some around that are cheaper but still not cheap.
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/d/oneco-1999-z24-cavalier-conv-original/7317439266.html
My first new car was a 1992 Z24 Cavalier, GM at it's worst....so no I don't like old Cavaliers. Out of the 22 cars I've owned it ranks dead last, by a very wide margin.

andres3 · May 2021

I will maybe forgive Denon for their past transgressions with very poor after warranty support on a high-end product because they keep making incredibly good products in the audio entertainment world (both 2-channel integrated amps and flagship receivers). I might end my grudge against them; thinking about it.

I don't know that I'll ever be able to forgive Chrysler/Dodge. I might be able to forgive the other "Big 2" that were held in contempt and guilty by "association."

qbrozen · May 2021

Well, it is FWD, but gotta admit that a CPO wagon with so dew miles is damned tempting at this price.
https://www.prestigevolvocarsenglewood.com/certified/Volvo/2017-Volvo-V60-fe8bea2e0a0e0a6b1d240ca6f809e373.htm

Is this worth 50% more? Eh, probably not, but that is a fantastic color combo and a supercharged v6 is compelling.
https://www.unionparkjaguar.com/used/Jaguar/2017-Jaguar-F-PACE-1476f1ff0a0e0adf3818e59c50436486.htm

And, well, this is just sexy. And a TT V6.
https://www.islandautomall.com/certified/Maserati/2016-Maserati-Ghibli-8c38adbe0a0e0ae7076dc2dbf4257c70.htm

xwesx · May 2021

qbrozen said:

And, well, this is just sexy. And a TT V6.
https://www.islandautomall.com/certified/Maserati/2016-Maserati-Ghibli-8c38adbe0a0e0ae7076dc2dbf4257c70.htm

Uh oh. He's looking! This means something... this is important....

qbrozen · May 2021

@xwesx said:
Uh oh. He's looking! This means something... this is important....

Do any of us ever stop looking?

nyccarguy · May 2021

qbrozen said:
Well, it is FWD, but gotta admit that a CPO wagon with so dew miles is damned tempting at this price.
https://www.prestigevolvocarsenglewood.com/certified/Volvo/2017-Volvo-V60-fe8bea2e0a0e0a6b1d240ca6f809e373.htm

Is this worth 50% more? Eh, probably not, but that is a fantastic color combo and a supercharged v6 is compelling.
https://www.unionparkjaguar.com/used/Jaguar/2017-Jaguar-F-PACE-1476f1ff0a0e0adf3818e59c50436486.htm

And, well, this is just sexy. And a TT V6.
https://www.islandautomall.com/certified/Maserati/2016-Maserati-Ghibli-8c38adbe0a0e0ae7076dc2dbf4257c70.htm

You do have an eye for some nice cars. I like the miles, color combo, & price on the Volvo. I'm not a huge Volvo fan, but really like these particular V60s.

The Jag looks sharp. If you have an opportunity to buy a Supercharged V6 SUV in British Racing Green (if that's the colour), go for it. That interior is WAAAAAY to light for my tastes.

What's not to like about a Maserati (except that you have to buy it from a Mitsubishi dealer)?

oldfarmer50 · May 2021

henryn said:
I was out running errands this afternoon, and left the Pacifica sitting in a parking lot for about an hour. 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 90 degrees in the shade, god knows what in the direct sunlight. When I got back in, the stale cigarette smell had returned. I'm running the ozone generator again, have it set to run 90 minutes this time, but engine not on, A/C not running.

Maybe that’s the best time to run your machine. Let it cook in the sun and release all the smoke molecules so the ozone can get at it.

oldfarmer50 · May 2021

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

And, well, this is just sexy. And a TT V6.
https://www.islandautomall.com/certified/Maserati/2016-Maserati-Ghibli-8c38adbe0a0e0ae7076dc2dbf4257c70.htm

Uh oh. He's looking! This means something... this is important....

LOL, yeah, you don’t need to be a mind reader to see where this is going.

graphicguy · May 2021

henryn said:

graphicguy said:

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

I just saw a lengthy YouTube video posted by a pro detailer. He tested a whole bucket full of synthetic and ceramic waxes. Some weren’t worth the bottle they came in. But, he was amazed that Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Wax did so well, and was his winner of the “shoot out”. It was cheap, too.
@graphicguy
Would you post the link to the review. Sounds interesting.

Let me see if I can chase it down. I didn’t make a note of which site had the tests, but it was pretty extensive with a lot of brands in the test.

It was one of those nights where I got deep into the YouTube Rabbit hole.
Perhaps this one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYxKQwZah1s

That’s the one!

sda · May 2021

Does the ceramic coating hide small imperfections? He didn't mention that or any gloss improvement, only durability under his contrived test.

stickguy · May 2021

JRgo said recently they have some filler so it can smooth out scratches.

stickguy · May 2021

Other than he color combo, I love the Volvo wagon.

au1994 · May 2021

Oil change at the dealer this morning. Really cruddy weather so no lot wandering but inside they had a couple of Highlanders in a nice dark blue. XLE’s stickering at $46 and $48k. Nice looking but I get what @nyccarguy was saying. It is noticeably smaller than the Pilot.

A few RAV4’s. Nice enough looking but not on my radar so didn’t check price.

To show how thin inventory is, a 2018 Tacoma in orange made the showroom floor. TRD Off Road 2wd with 47.5k miles for $33.4k.

The head scratcher was a Sequoia Platinum 4wd. Nice enough looking in black over gray but a $76k sticker! I felt like being cheeky and telling them I’m a player at $50k.

qbrozen · May 2021

Small issue with the volvo is someone goofed when entering the miles and carfax has it at 23k, while the pics show it is still at 20k. Going to trigger a potential rollback event unless we have them fudge the odo statement.

henryn · May 2021

qbrozen said:
Small issue with the volvo is someone goofed when entering the miles and carfax has it at 23k, while the pics show it is still at 20k. Going to trigger a potential rollback event unless we have them fudge the odo statement.

How long ago did Carfax record the miles at 23k? If it was a decent amount of time (say 6 months or so), then you really have no idea how many miles are on that car. If it was a few weeks, then you can feel reasonably sure that it's at or around 23k. With all of the penalties involved these days, I fail to see why anyone would "roll back" an odometer by only 3k miles.

I do NOT want to go back to the days when 9 out of 10 used cars showed low mileage thanks to odometer rollbacks. Everyone used to think cars were completely worn out at 100k miles as you almost never saw a car with that many miles showing. Back when I was quite young, still living at home, and my father was working as a dealership mechanic, one of his friends / co-workers started his own business. He traveled around to used car lots and rolled back odometers.

explorerx4 · May 2021

Rolling back electronic odometers is not difficult.

28firefighter · May 2021

Jeep is expected to be at the rail yard in Kent on 5/18, if not sooner, which means at the dealer a couple days after. We're away the weekend of 5/20 so will probably pick it up and have it in time for memorial day.

stickguy · May 2021

explorerx4 said:
Rolling back electronic odometers is not difficult.

Harder to erase all traces from every module though. I know Carly has a feature where it can check everyplace looking for it.

qbrozen · May 2021

henryn said:

qbrozen said:
Small issue with the volvo is someone goofed when entering the miles and carfax has it at 23k, while the pics show it is still at 20k. Going to trigger a potential rollback event unless we have them fudge the odo statement.
How long ago did Carfax record the miles at 23k? If it was a decent amount of time (say 6 months or so), then you really have no idea how many miles are on that car. If it was a few weeks, then you can feel reasonably sure that it's at or around 23k. With all of the penalties involved these days, I fail to see why anyone would "roll back" an odometer by only 3k miles.

I do NOT want to go back to the days when 9 out of 10 used cars showed low mileage thanks to odometer rollbacks. Everyone used to think cars were completely worn out at 100k miles as you almost never saw a car with that many miles showing. Back when I was quite young, still living at home, and my father was working as a dealership mechanic, one of his friends / co-workers started his own business. He traveled around to used car lots and rolled back odometers.

Like I said, I think someone just fat-fingered the entry. But I've seen that before on carfax reports and it just says "potential rollback!" even when it is obvious it was a clerical error.

corvette · May 2021

qbrozen said:

henryn said:

qbrozen said:
Small issue with the volvo is someone goofed when entering the miles and carfax has it at 23k, while the pics show it is still at 20k. Going to trigger a potential rollback event unless we have them fudge the odo statement.
How long ago did Carfax record the miles at 23k? If it was a decent amount of time (say 6 months or so), then you really have no idea how many miles are on that car. If it was a few weeks, then you can feel reasonably sure that it's at or around 23k. With all of the penalties involved these days, I fail to see why anyone would "roll back" an odometer by only 3k miles.

I do NOT want to go back to the days when 9 out of 10 used cars showed low mileage thanks to odometer rollbacks. Everyone used to think cars were completely worn out at 100k miles as you almost never saw a car with that many miles showing. Back when I was quite young, still living at home, and my father was working as a dealership mechanic, one of his friends / co-workers started his own business. He traveled around to used car lots and rolled back odometers.
Like I said, I think someone just fat-fingered the entry. But I've seen that before on carfax reports and it just says "potential rollback!" even when it is obvious it was a clerical error.

That happened to Scott Adams, the Dilbert creator, on a BMW he owned and caused him loads of grief when he wanted to trade it in. I can't remember how that ever worked out.

henryn · May 2021

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

henryn said:

qbrozen said:
Small issue with the volvo is someone goofed when entering the miles and carfax has it at 23k, while the pics show it is still at 20k. Going to trigger a potential rollback event unless we have them fudge the odo statement.
How long ago did Carfax record the miles at 23k? If it was a decent amount of time (say 6 months or so), then you really have no idea how many miles are on that car. If it was a few weeks, then you can feel reasonably sure that it's at or around 23k. With all of the penalties involved these days, I fail to see why anyone would "roll back" an odometer by only 3k miles.

I do NOT want to go back to the days when 9 out of 10 used cars showed low mileage thanks to odometer rollbacks. Everyone used to think cars were completely worn out at 100k miles as you almost never saw a car with that many miles showing. Back when I was quite young, still living at home, and my father was working as a dealership mechanic, one of his friends / co-workers started his own business. He traveled around to used car lots and rolled back odometers.
Like I said, I think someone just fat-fingered the entry. But I've seen that before on carfax reports and it just says "potential rollback!" even when it is obvious it was a clerical error.
That happened to Scott Adams, the Dilbert creator, on a BMW he owned and caused him loads of grief when he wanted to trade it in. I can't remember how that ever worked out.

All I could find, and it doesn't tell us how it ended.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/02/scott-adams-finds-ttac-readers-already-know/

Be advised, the author of the above linked article appears to be a bit xenophobic.

oldfarmer50 · May 2021

stickguy said:

explorerx4 said:
Rolling back electronic odometers is not difficult.
Harder to erase all traces from every module though. I know Carly has a feature where it can check everyplace looking for it.

That’s interesting. Do you have a reference source for that?

oldfarmer50 · May 2021

henryn said:

corvette said:

qbrozen said:

henryn said:

qbrozen said:
Small issue with the volvo is someone goofed when entering the miles and carfax has it at 23k, while the pics show it is still at 20k. Going to trigger a potential rollback event unless we have them fudge the odo statement.
How long ago did Carfax record the miles at 23k? If it was a decent amount of time (say 6 months or so), then you really have no idea how many miles are on that car. If it was a few weeks, then you can feel reasonably sure that it's at or around 23k. With all of the penalties involved these days, I fail to see why anyone would "roll back" an odometer by only 3k miles.

I do NOT want to go back to the days when 9 out of 10 used cars showed low mileage thanks to odometer rollbacks. Everyone used to think cars were completely worn out at 100k miles as you almost never saw a car with that many miles showing. Back when I was quite young, still living at home, and my father was working as a dealership mechanic, one of his friends / co-workers started his own business. He traveled around to used car lots and rolled back odometers.
Like I said, I think someone just fat-fingered the entry. But I've seen that before on carfax reports and it just says "potential rollback!" even when it is obvious it was a clerical error.
That happened to Scott Adams, the Dilbert creator, on a BMW he owned and caused him loads of grief when he wanted to trade it in. I can't remember how that ever worked out.
All I could find, and it doesn't tell us how it ended.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/02/scott-adams-finds-ttac-readers-already-know/

Be advised, the author of the above linked article appears to be a bit xenophobic.

You have to check your order at Mickey D’s too.

kyfdx · May 2021

My car is never going to depreciate.
Carvana hitting it at $1500 over what I paid, 15 months ago.

qbrozen · May 2021

kyfdx said:
My car is never going to depreciate.
Carvana hitting it at $1500 over what I paid, 15 months ago.

Darn tootin!
Your investment is as safe as if it was with Lehman Bros.

stickguy · May 2021

From their website. I’ve seen videos where they actually ran it to show results.

With the Used Car Check feature you’ll know if the car mileage was manipulated and more.

How it works:

Those who reduce car mileage can sell the vehicle for almost $5,000 more than the actual value. Carly sources km/mileage/lifetime data and VIN from different ECUs (control units) of your car to detect cases of manipulation and tampering.

oldfarmer50 · May 2021

Colonial pipeline is back online. Let’s see if prices fall as fast as they went up.

explorerx4 · May 2021

It's going to take some time to refill all the gas station tanks,

henryn · May 2021

oldfarmer50 said:
Colonial pipeline is back online. Let’s see if prices fall as fast as they went up.

Yeah, I wonder if they paid the ransom or just found a way to work around the hack. The more companies pay the ranson, the more attacks there will be.

On edit: found this on CNN:

The group, previously identified as DarkSide, demanded nearly $5 million, two sources familiar with the incident said.

But it is looking like Colonial Pipeline will not have to pay up. The company, working with US government officials, has managed to retrieve the most important data that was stolen, according to a person familiar with the response. The person said the data was not retrieved from the hackers via a ransomware payment, but by leveraging the attackers' use of intermediary servers within the United States to store the stolen information.

stickguy · May 2021

explorerx4 said:
It's going to take some time to refill all the gas station tanks,

my wife was out this morning for a doctors appointment. Said no lines at the gas stations she passed. I'll probably be at about 1/2 a tank tomorrow after I get back from a trip to the vets. next time I am out without the dog will stop someplace. just in case!

nyccarguy · May 2021

This is the gas station 1/2 block down from my store.

28firefighter · May 2021

You know what I don’t want? Plastic bags and water bottles full of highly flammable gasoline in my garage.

Sandman6472 · May 2021

Lines were crazy when I got off tonight! And the problem is not affecting South Florida one bit! Folks saw it on the news and assumed it was all over the U S I'm guessing, so panic set in. Really really dumb sheeple 'd say. And as of this afternoon, the flow of petrol has started again, so it'll take a few days to fill all the stations that either had none or a very low amount. But just like the toilet paper craziness, people just get a crazy idea in their heads and run with it no matter if it's totally true or not. It's very sad that Americans think this is normal, think that going into panic mode is a good thing even though there's no logical reason to act that way.
Well, we have plenty in our vehicles right now, I'm full and the A3 has 3/4 or a bit more, so we won't need any more for about a week.
This is a big reason why an EV vehicle looks even better now. The only negative about electric is if there is a major power outage so charging is not an option. Probably won't be an issue but, one day, it could. And EV vehicles look to be where the automotive industry is heading right now. Think in less than ten years, the majority of vehicles in the United States will be EV vehicles.

28firefighter · May 2021

Question. I got an email from BMW about 3 years of service for $199 if over 6 years and 60k miles. Even if that’s only 3 oil changes, $66 a pop is a solid deal. So my question is, do we think this applies to vehicles as old as my ZHP?

explorerx4 · May 2021

The storage tanks probably still have fuel, they just can't get it to the gas stations faster than people are buying it.

kyfdx · May 2021

28firefighter said:
Question. I got an email from BMW about 3 years of service for $199 if over 6 years and 60k miles. Even if that’s only 3 oil changes, $66 a pop is a solid deal. So my question is, do we think this applies to vehicles as old as my ZHP?

I would guess it does. My dealer had an E46 special price of $79 for an oil change (vs. $135 normally)
They call it "Value Service". Trying to not lose all their business to independents, once the warranty runs out. I used my indy mechanic for everything BUT oil changes. He was around $110.

corvette · May 2021

I think the hacker group released a statement to the effect that they have nothing against the oil companies specifically, so, not to worry, they will just target a different industry next time to keep everyone on their toes!

roadburner · May 2021

@28firefighter said:
Question. I got an email from BMW about 3 years of service for $199 if over 6 years and 60k miles. Even if that’s only 3 oil changes, $66 a pop is a solid deal. So my question is, do we think this applies to vehicles as old as my ZHP?

I received the same email. It references the CBS system so it may exclude the E46. I plan to sign my wife’s X1 up and possibly the M235i as well(since I’m having trouble finding a car that I like better for anywhere close to a price I’m willing to pay).

nyccarguy · May 2021

I'm going to reach out to a few more Ford dealers regarding some XLT Explorers they have. One thing I have learned over the years is that dealers would rather choke on inventory. When I was car shopping during Cash 4 Clunkers 11 years ago, I remember test driving an Accord EXL V6 Sedan (w/ Navigation) in that light green color. I remember on the test drive the sales woman specifically telling me that "all the dealers around" aren't selling any C4C eligible vehicles for a penny under MSRP. The dealership was down the street from my apartment and I passed it every day. That Accord sat for a LONG time.

Once this chip supply straightens itself out (and it will, eventually), Explorers will be a dime a dozen with healthy discounts, generous incentives, & rebates. I don't NEED a car right now. I'm certainly not going to overpay for one. I've been closely monitoring the oil in our Pilot and it has been perfect.

I've also been thinking about my truck a lot lately. The payment ($324.99) is quite nice. It doesn't hurt to extend the lease 6 months and revisit things in March.

au1994 · May 2021

nyccarguy said:
I'm going to reach out to a few more Ford dealers regarding some XLT Explorers they have. One thing I have learned over the years is that dealers would rather choke on inventory. When I was car shopping during Cash 4 Clunkers 11 years ago, I remember test driving an Accord EXL V6 Sedan (w/ Navigation) in that light green color. I remember on the test drive the sales woman specifically telling me that "all the dealers around" aren't selling any C4C eligible vehicles for a penny under MSRP. The dealership was down the street from my apartment and I passed it every day. That Accord sat for a LONG time.

Once this chip supply straightens itself out (and it will, eventually), Explorers will be a dime a dozen with healthy discounts, generous incentives, & rebates. I don't NEED a car right now. I'm certainly not going to overpay for one. I've been closely monitoring the oil in our Pilot and it has been perfect.

I've also been thinking about my truck a lot lately. The payment ($324.99) is quite nice. It doesn't hurt to extend the lease 6 months and revisit things in March.

That is a nice, sound approach. Not necessarily the favored approach of a CCBA’er

I never stop window shopping but we won’t be making a move till the end of the year. Let this craziness play itself out. While I hate to miss out on the crazy used prices, the lack of inventory and new prices make it a zero sum game. Plus we (read my wife) need to decide what we really want.

I wouldn’t hesitate to extend your truck. That’s such a good deal on a nice, functional vehicle that you have come to love, or at least like!

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