Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

nyccarguy · October 2021

Congrats! How long did y’all actually own the Tesla?

jmonroe1 · October 2021

au1994 said:

28firefighter said:
PS return hose is leaking - I can probably defer this to the spring.

Front and rear brake hoses are cracked and leaking.

Hood struts are blown (I already knew that).
2 of the 3 look like a DIY with some help from YouTube and maybe an extra set of hands. Wouldn’t jack around with the brake hoses but if you do it now it will be fine for another 17 years.

I too took pride in doing things like this and other deferred maintenance on my ZHP. Admittedly when it became my DD it wasn’t as amusing.

You could probably forgo that brake hose thing by giving it a good road test. Get your speed up to about 80 MPH 2 or 3 times and do a panic stop each time. If the brakes hold you’re good.

DISCLAIMER: I’m not going to mention the bad,

jmonroe

fintail · October 2021

Thinking back to an 80K ADM on a G550 @Michaell posted a few months ago, I came across this on another forum today:

Michaell · October 2021

fintail said:
Thinking back to an 80K ADM on a G550 @Michaell posted a few months ago, I came across this on another forum today:

I saw the same article.

stickguy · October 2021

YAA had a piece today with submissions from viewers. Some absurd stuff out there. This of course it nuts, but at least that is a fairly rare, special interest (and expensive) car that IIRC was marked up even before the madness.

nyccarguy · October 2021

My best friend’s sister got a new GLS 450 a few months ago. Her husband sold her RST Suburban that she loved to Algo. She “hates” the GLS. Starts looking for another Suburban or Tahoe. They are all going for $3K - $5K over sticker. She sold the GLS back to the dealer she bought it from. She ended up at a local Ford dealer that was selling “regular” Expeditions at sticker or a small discount. The Expedition MaX had $8K markups and my friend texted me a picture of a Bronco with a stick that had a $40K markup. No way that Bronco is worth $90K.

stickguy · October 2021

the dealer I was at seemed to have quite a few Broncos scattered around. Did not see stickers on any of them. A nice blue on in the showroom, but looked way bigger than I expected. Maybe it was the oversized tires raising it up, but also looked long. I would guess it was significantly bigger than a Wrangler. so I checked.

Bronco 4 door is 189" long (looked way bigger) and 76" wide

Jeep 4 door is 192" and 74.5"

so Jeep is longer. I never would have guessed that.

Sandman6472 · October 2021

At this point, think we're both done with German vehicles going forward. She's had an oil leak & a coolant leak and I've had a few issues that I thought VW should've helped with. I know that these things might not seem much with both vehicles just a month shy of 7 years ownership. But personally, I just want to go back to "cheap to keep" & suspect she does to. Figure we'll both look at Toyota/Honda and Hyundai/Kia once we're ready to make a change and be done with it. It was fun while it lasted but eventually, want as little vehicular drama as possible.

On a side note, have been home & in bed due to a nasty case of vertigo. It started late Sunday night & today was the first day I've felt somewhat normal. Took off work as driving, or walking, was just not doable. But made a decision which I will act on tomorrow. Resigning from Toyota as soon as possible! Working those extra 12 hours/week is just not something I want to do anymore but more importantly, my health has been effected in a negative way...I'm exhausted and my pain level is just too high. Was probably not the wisest decision to even do it in May but I had to see for myself. Sure, I now know I can do it but, at my age & with my chronic pain, it's impacting our quality of life. And for now $10/hour, it's just not worth it. I've never quit a job before but going to be honest tomorrow. It's all about my health and think being in bed most of the week unable to function much really opened my eyes. It's time to put an end to it and move on. Working just the three days for Enterprise is more than enough and if they need me for some additional hours on a Saturday every now & then like last week, so be it. But I've made a decision and that's that. And really, I'm kind of relieved & happy about it to!

fintail · October 2021

Also saw this one, which surprises me even less:

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Thinking back to an 80K ADM on a G550 @Michaell posted a few months ago, I came across this on another forum today:

I saw the same article.

mjfloyd1 · October 2021

@breld said:
We came to pick up the 330i and pivoted.

1). I nailed it

2). The next owner will thank you 🤣

rny421 · October 2021

stickguy said:
so, had some fun today before the latest terrible Nor'easter weather rolled in.

stopped at a local dealer to do a fellow poster a solid, and looked at a 2012 BMW 328i convertible for rny421. Found it parked in the front row, so easy to look at. Was interesting to drive one (I have not driven a 6 cylinder NA BMW in ages, or a manual trans one). Quite the trip back in time (as was the very old school dash and tech). Fun car, but just one that gave off a hard life vibe (this was not your rich guy, spoiled garage queen, unit from what I could tell).

A public thank you to @stickguy for taking a look for me! 10/10, would recommend, and he sent me a very detailed writeup. Unfortunately, the BMW looked much better in pictures from 300 miles away, but his test drive saved me the trip and disappointment.

I'm still looking for the right one. A 2013 335 got away from me when I didn't call soon enough (priced very well, clean, one owner). I put in an offer on that TT roadster, but they didn't bite. I've floated the idea of upping the budget for a 2 series, but need to take a look at one first.

To be continued...

stickguy · October 2021

glad to help. I think if the budget has a little stretch, moving to something a bit newer might be the way to go. But, it's your money!

stickguy · October 2021

so this seems to be the state of the used truck market. not terribly old and miles reasonable, but it is a 4 banger RWD base model with no features to speak of, and still 13K. The selection of prior generation models (2002-2004ish) are cheaper, but there was some serious trash on that list. One interesting looking desert runner 4x4 with I think 120K for about $7,500. Until I got to the note that it was a mechanics special, towed in and needs to be towed out (at a Toyota dealer!)

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/9e0333e3-7949-42cf-bc7a-b2fb7b7637d5/

The blue 2005 Pro4x 6 speed for $8,995 I found a few weeks back might have been a good deal after all, but I think it burned up a few days ago when the auto complex went up in flames. Cars were stored in the warehouse, and 40-60 lost. Just what was needed these days.

https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/news/2021/10/27/pennsauken-four-alarm-fire-us-auto-auction-route-130/8565581002/

stickguy · October 2021

an option I never would have thought of. Miles don't bother me that much on one of these.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/c0f1a106-a001-4074-abd6-12df902b44e0/

Or Infiniti's version.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/9ea95624-c697-4ac6-8afa-0ed3bc9cff9f/

if you are feeling more adventurous. I was sure this was a mis-classification. Never knew this option existed.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/83de7ced-50d3-4543-a79d-20e96ee2f88e/

roadburner · October 2021

If I was looking for something to replace the Clubman as my DD I would go with this. It's optioned almost exactly the way I'd order it- including the Dynamic Handling Package. It's way too slow to replace the 2er, but it would definitely be a sweet commuter sled.

stickguy · October 2021

you miss a link?

breld · October 2021

nyccarguy said:
Congrats! How long did y’all actually own the Tesla?

Like…51 days?

28firefighter · October 2021

@stickguy said:
you miss a link?

It’s there. Just blends in. 330e.

Michaell · October 2021

breld said:

nyccarguy said:
Congrats! How long did y’all actually own the Tesla?

Like…51 days?

But, I don’t think that’s the record. GLC #1 was in the stable less.

benjaminh · October 2021

Hoovie is selling many of his cars. This video has the prices included.

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

kyfdx · October 2021

Hey, I flipped the 2011 Z4 lease after one month..

kyfdx · October 2021

@breld

Are you getting the tax credit on the Tesla, as well, when you file this winter?

mjfloyd1 · October 2021

@stickguy said:
you miss a link?

Click on “this” on the second line

ab348 · October 2021

breld said:

nyccarguy said:
Congrats! How long did y’all actually own the Tesla?

Like…51 days?

And how many miles?

stickguy · October 2021

I saw the hypertext this time. Did not notice the slight color shading last night! I love that 330. Great colors and the e is a bonus. I just don't want ultra skinny tires like that. Doubly so if run flats. Must ride like a buckboard. Take that car, and trade down to 17 or 18" wheels with bigger sidewalls, and not we are talking! Other than the listed price talking a language my wallet doesn't understand.

stickguy · October 2021

I saw the Hoovies video. I would actually grab that Z3, now that the Ninja has it sorted, for $6K. Just a long way to go to get it. The Shelby at $48k could be fun, and the red Firebird, while ugly as sin, could be a great buy.

tjc78 · October 2021

@28firefighter
Love the vanity plate and the frame is outstanding, even though we kinda stink this year!

breld · October 2021

kyfdx said:
@breld

Are you getting the tax credit on the Tesla, as well, when you file this winter?

Yup. $2,500 for Colorado.

breld · October 2021

ab348 said:

breld said:

nyccarguy said:
Congrats! How long did y’all actually own the Tesla?

Like…51 days?
And how many miles?

About 2,200 miles.

rny421 · October 2021

@stickguy - I forgot Lexus had an IS convertible, and never knew it was offered in a manual. It must've been a .01% take rate, because that's the only one in the entire US that I can find for sale. I know Lexus is known for reliability, but I'd be a little leery of a 150K mile anything.

That being said, a 75K mile BMW is probably equal risk to a 150K mile Lexus...

breld · October 2021

Alright, so we arrived at the BMW dealership at 4:30 for our appointment, and my wife’s 330i was sitting out front all ready for us…

Looked beautiful, as expected, so we proceeded into the showroom to meet our salesperson.

Sitting in the showroom was the M340i, same color combo and same options, other than missing the extended shadowline package (more black trim) and adding Harmon Kardon.

My wife’s reaction to it was palpable. It quickly became clear that she really did want the upper model, but had struggled to justify the extra cost to herself. When I pointed out that it was about the same price as the A4 Allroad Prestige that she had on order, she immediately came around to the idea of springing for the M340i.

So that was settled…except there were some potential buyers walking around the M340i with a salesperson, which made us nervous. And in fact, once we told our salesperson we wanted to switch it up, there was a lot of talking “behind the glass” in the manager’s area.

Apparently, another salesperson had taken a deposit over the phone on the M340i, but hadn’t put a sold tag on it and perhaps didn’t complete some other administrative details, so the managers decided it was ours since we were there.

Phew!

They provided the same level of discounts on the M340i as they had on the 330i - not much, but $1,500 dealer discount, plus another $1,500 in rebates ($1,000 BMW and $500 loyalty). And of course the same $60k on the Tesla. So we were thrilled.

tjc78 · October 2021

Gorgeous car!

nyccarguy · October 2021

Congrats @breld to you and your wife! Enjoy! Gorgeous car! I love that tiny lip spoiler in the back. What size are those wheels? What's with the red brake calipers?

28firefighter · October 2021

Great car, @breld! Congrats!

28firefighter · October 2021

@stickguy said:
I saw the Hoovies video. I would actually grab that Z3, now that the Ninja has it sorted, for $6K. Just a long way to go to get it. The Shelby at $48k could be fun, and the red Firebird, while ugly as sin, could be a great buy.

The Escalade ESV is a great deal as is the M3.

benjaminh · October 2021

@breld : Great deal on a great car. Good work!

carnaught · October 2021

@breld,congrats on the M340i - beautiful! Grand Poobah!

nyccarguy · October 2021

@breld

are those 2 cars the same color?

au1994 · October 2021

28firefighter said:
ZHP is spending the weekend at the shop waiting for parts.

Good company:

E30 M3

E24 M6

E52 Z8

Great company! Would give me a lot of confidence in that shop if those babies are taken care of there.

au1994 · October 2021

stickguy said:
an option I never would have thought of. Miles don't bother me that much on one of these.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/c0f1a106-a001-4074-abd6-12df902b44e0/

Or Infiniti's version.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/9ea95624-c697-4ac6-8afa-0ed3bc9cff9f/

if you are feeling more adventurous. I was sure this was a mis-classification. Never knew this option existed.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/83de7ced-50d3-4543-a79d-20e96ee2f88e/

The Jag is beautiful and I’d take it if I had @qbrozen or @xwesx’s mechanical abilities. Infiniti is the sane choice.

roadburner · October 2021

@breld Congratulations! I have a couple of stories about cars and deposits. Back in 1992 I had test driven a 1988 M6 while visiting a friend out of state. Once I got back home I decided to pull the trigger. The salesman was a BMW CCA member and I was negotiating the price with him via phone and fax, all in the middle of a jury trial- which meant I could only phone or fax every couple of hours. We ended up making the deal and when I picked up the car he told me there had almost been a major glitch. He had gone into the office of the UCM and announced he had a deal and that I was mailing a check for a 10% deposit. The UCM says a guy came in and offered $2000 more than my deal and he was selling the M6 to him. My salesman told him, “Fine, but you need to know that my customer is on the National Board of the BMW Car Club, and if you sell it out from under him he will tell everyone he knows about how he got shafted.” Which is how I ended up with it.

tifighter · October 2021

@breld B58 or bust...

breld · October 2021

Yeah, to be honest, if I were the one who placed a deposit on the m340i, I would have been a bit ticked off. But I’m sure they told them that there was an error and it was actually spoken for.

Us sitting in the showroom ready to buy was attractive I’m sure.

breld · October 2021

@nyccarguy said:
@breld

are those 2 cars the same color?

Yes, they are - Mineral Grey. The lighting makes a big difference in the appearance.

The wheels are 19” and surprisingly, not staggered.

roadburner · October 2021

One Saturday I was working at BMW and one of the salesmen I worked with a lot told that me a couple was coming in to look at an M240i we had on the front row. He had something like 3-4 deals/deliveries working so he asked me to look out for them(they were repeat customers, but hadn’t put down a deposit).
Lo and behold, a couple shows up wanting to look at the M240i. All of the sales staff is busy so I take the up. Turns out they are CCA members looking to replace their totaled E46 M3, and after a test drive they decide to buy it. They were using a buying service that we were affiliated with so I sent them to F&I and I took the 2er to be detailed.
I walk into the showroom and the other salesman is there and he asks me where the M240i is- because his customers had arrived and wanted to see it. I told him it was in detail because I sold it. He wasn’t mad but asked me if his customers could at least look at it before I delivered it.
This is the same salesman who was our salesman of the month more often than not, and one time he asked me if I’d show a new X1 to his mom. I ended up putting her in an X3. He laughed and told the NCM I was supposed to put her in an X1; the NCM said "Well, that’s what happens when you turn her over to a REAL salesman.”

oldfarmer50 · October 2021

benjaminh said:
Hoovie is selling many of his cars. This video has the prices included.

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

Even I wouldn’t touch some of the hoopties he has.

oldfarmer50 · October 2021

breld said:
Alright, so we arrived at the BMW dealership at 4:30 for our appointment, and my wife’s 330i was sitting out front all ready for us…

Looked beautiful, as expected, so we proceeded into the showroom to meet our salesperson.

Sitting in the showroom was the M340i, same color combo and same options, other than missing the extended shadowline package (more black trim) and adding Harmon Kardon.

My wife’s reaction to it was palpable. It quickly became clear that she really did want the upper model, but had struggled to justify the extra cost to herself. When I pointed out that it was about the same price as the A4 Allroad Prestige that she had on order, she immediately came around to the idea of springing for the M340i.

So that was settled…except there were some potential buyers walking around the M340i with a salesperson, which made us nervous. And in fact, once we told our salesperson we wanted to switch it up, there was a lot of talking “behind the glass” in the manager’s area.

Apparently, another salesperson had taken a deposit over the phone on the M340i, but hadn’t put a sold tag on it and perhaps didn’t complete some other administrative details, so the managers decided it was ours since we were there.

Phew!

They provided the same level of discounts on the M340i as they had on the 330i - not much, but $1,500 dealer discount, plus another $1,500 in rebates ($1,000 BMW and $500 loyalty). And of course the same $60k on the Tesla. So we were thrilled.

You have nerves of steel. I’d never be able to make a snap decision like that and ever sleep a wink again wondering if I made the right decision.

tjc78 · October 2021

Well to be honest if they made the wrong decision it will probably only haunt them for a few months… 😝😝

benjaminh · October 2021

In this market you have to move quickly if you want something. Every single new Acura that I looked up a few days ago when thinking of andres has already been sold, and no replacement cars appear to be available.

au1994 · October 2021

Congrats @breld. It is indeed a beautiful color and I’m sure the extra oomph of the 340 has already been appreciated!

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