Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

stickguy · December 2022

Corvette, you are making me look bad. I never got around to the letters. Of course, I was supposed to have had a hybrid replacement by now!

I did do the DIY bed divider, installed a cover myself, and had rhino liner sprayed in. Never bothered to buy ForScan.

cdnpinhead · December 2022

It's interesting to set up a chair and watch the parade go by.

Disappointing for sure, but, sadly, not that surprising.

qbrozen · December 2022

corvette said:

Knocked out a couple of mods on the Maverick. Enabled traffic sign recognition via the forward facing camera and also installed the vinyl lettering on the tailgate. I think the chrome AWD badge kind of clashes with the black lettering. Should I remove it or try to find a black badge?

Can't stop there, though.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1253238846/2022-2023-ford-maverick-black-emblem-set?gpla=1&gao=1&

kyfdx · December 2022

$396??

au1994 · December 2022

Was BaT not interested in the Gloria? Or are you not interested in BaT?

Michaell · December 2022

kyfdx said:
$396??

Yeah, but that's for 2.

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

@corvette said:

Knocked out a couple of mods on the Maverick. Enabled traffic sign recognition via the forward facing camera and also installed the vinyl lettering on the tailgate. I think the chrome AWD badge kind of clashes with the black lettering. Should I remove it or try to find a black badge?

What about the chrome around the Ford badge? I’d leave it all alone. I didn’t even notice the AWD badge honestly.

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

@kyfdx said:
$396??

It takes $ to be a baller😂

andres3 · December 2022

mjfloyd1 said:

@kyfdx said:

$396??

It takes $ to be a baller😂

There's gotta be a Chinese knockoff for $10.

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

@andres3 said:
There's gotta be a Chinese knockoff for $10.

I guess he could settle for a wanna be baller

qbrozen · December 2022

au1994 said:
Was BaT not interested in the Gloria? Or are you not interested in BaT?

I dunno. Hadn't really given them consideration. Over time, I just gravitated towards C&B. Seemed to be the more enthusiast-driven site rather than just a used car lot. I do see Bat had a Gloria in the summer with more miles and the lesser engine sell for $9k.

au1994 · December 2022

qbrozen said:

au1994 said:
Was BaT not interested in the Gloria? Or are you not interested in BaT?
I dunno. Hadn't really given them consideration. Over time, I just gravitated towards C&B. Seemed to be the more enthusiast-driven site rather than just a used car lot. I do see Bat had a Gloria in the summer with more miles and the lesser engine sell for $9k.

I gotcha. I’ve just noticed a few JDM’s on there lately. I’ve still never forgiven them for rejecting @breld’s Rebel Blue S60 Polestar.

tifighter · December 2022

It’s funny, I always look at BaT but never at C&B. Don’t know why, it’s just what happens.

carnaught · December 2022

Check Ebay for black badges?

jmonroe1 · December 2022

qbrozen said:

corvette said:

Knocked out a couple of mods on the Maverick. Enabled traffic sign recognition via the forward facing camera and also installed the vinyl lettering on the tailgate. I think the chrome AWD badge kind of clashes with the black lettering. Should I remove it or try to find a black badge?

Can't stop there, though.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1253238846/2022-2023-ford-maverick-black-emblem-set?gpla=1&gao=1&

————————————————
Why would a badge cost more than 200 bucks and the one that will sell out soon costs 400 bucks. Seems to me, we’re all in the wrong biz and you especially.

You otta look into what it takes to get into the badge selling biz. No more looking for a lot with required frontage, a sign, a restroom, etc. All you’d need is spare bedroom or a shed for storage.

jmonroe

jmonroe1 · December 2022

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:
$396??
Yeah, but that's for 2.

————————————————
Yeah, but upon further review the add says “only 1 available”.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 · December 2022

qbrozen said:
Coming up on 72 hours with no follow-up from the new buyer; no reply to my last 3 emails nor text message. Pretty much the same thing that happened with the first buyer. I get the initial "hey, where do I send the money" email and then nothing after I provide all the pertinent info. What is wrong with people? I can kind of understand the first person who maybe got caught up in bidding and then regretted it or found out they didn't have permission or whatever. But the 2nd person? You had a week lapse since the auction ended, were offered a chance to take a deal, thought about it, and then accepted it. The most low-pressure situation you could possibly think of.

Do these clowns realize that this is real life and not a video game where you can press reset and start over without consequences?

Sandman6472 · December 2022

I remember when you had the MB 190, always liked them as they were the perfect size. Saw a couple of Mini Cooper Countryman's today at work and they seem to be just the size I like. Also, sat in a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV at the Chevy dealer and felt it to be super plasticy inside & just didn't like the interior at all. Hoping the new 2022 Bolt EV is done with nice materials inside. Shame that there doesn't seem to be one to test drive at the dealers near me. Not quite sure I'm going to like it without some seat time to check it all out. Only way I'd even consider putting a deposit down on one is if I know the deposit will be 100% refundable if I decide to not take it once a unit I like comes in. The 2020 unit was a dark red wine color & was really stunning looking, I must admit. The new Ice Blue color I saw on the road a couple of weeks back also lood great to me.

qbrozen · December 2022

At least this 2nd buyer finally wrote back, and copied C&B, that "something suddenly came up and I can't follow through."
Just tried posting on Ebay but, despite them having other JDM vehicles on their site, the system won't let me post it because it doesn't recognize the VIN. I tried the chat feature but they were unable to help and gave a number I should call; however, nobody is there to answer the phone. Hmmmm.
Guess I'll submit to BaT and see what they say.

Sandman6472 · December 2022

I added a few parts to the Golf after I got it. Saw some things online that I bought at the VW dealer and they had their guy install a couple of those things and their tint guy do the rest. I especially like the chrome strip I got to go across the bottom of the hatch, gives the hatch a more finished look if you will, and it looks like it was always there. Very happy also with the blue door edge guards though one got destroyed in the 2018 accident so the one on the new rear door is totally different than the other three. Was asked if I wanted them to swap out the other three at the time but declined, I hardly notice it and so far, no one else has either. And to be honest, never thought I'd have kept it this long.
Yesterday was 8 years that we brought the A3 home and a week from Monday will be the Golf's 8th birthday. Both are running trouble free right now so there have been no discussions about doing any kind of changes in the garage. Probably a good thing as I like having both paid off and really don't want to take on a car loan right now as there's no way I'm going to pull $25K out of my portfolio for a depreciating asset. The next one will be financed and will use my salary to pay the monthly nut. Just hoping the rates on new cars won't be too crazy when I do pull the trigger. Not sure what the wife will do but suspect she'll just pay it upfront like usual. At this point, going down to one vehicle will not work even though she works from home three days a week and five days a week during tax season. I don't want to be stuck home without a vehicle on my n/s days and know for a fact that she doesn't either. So until we both fully retire, both vehicles will remain in the family garage, as it should be.

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

qbrozen said:
At least this 2nd buyer finally wrote back, and copied C&B, that "something suddenly came up and I can't follow through."
Just tried posting on Ebay but, despite them having other JDM vehicles on their site, the system won't let me post it because it doesn't recognize the VIN. I tried the chat feature but they were unable to help and gave a number I should call; however, nobody is there to answer the phone. Hmmmm.
Guess I'll submit to BaT and see what they say.

What are the odds that both people involved in a bidding war both flake?

nyccarguy · December 2022

qbrozen said:
At least this 2nd buyer finally wrote back, and copied C&B, that "something suddenly came up and I can't follow through."
Just tried posting on Ebay but, despite them having other JDM vehicles on their site, the system won't let me post it because it doesn't recognize the VIN. I tried the chat feature but they were unable to help and gave a number I should call; however, nobody is there to answer the phone. Hmmmm.
Guess I'll submit to BaT and see what they say.

I'm sure there is A LOT more to it, but on all these auction sites don't they always say something to the effect of: "Your bid is a binding agreement..." I guess that's only as good as the ability to collect. Do they charge the bidder some kind of deposit?

kyfdx · December 2022

tifighter said:
It’s funny, I always look at BaT but never at C&B. Don’t know why, it’s just what happens.

I think it's because I follow BaT on Twitter..

kyfdx · December 2022

mjfloyd1 said:

qbrozen said:
At least this 2nd buyer finally wrote back, and copied C&B, that "something suddenly came up and I can't follow through."
Just tried posting on Ebay but, despite them having other JDM vehicles on their site, the system won't let me post it because it doesn't recognize the VIN. I tried the chat feature but they were unable to help and gave a number I should call; however, nobody is there to answer the phone. Hmmmm.
Guess I'll submit to BaT and see what they say.
What are the odds that both people involved in a bidding war both flake?

100%?

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

kyfdx said:

mjfloyd1 said:

qbrozen said:
At least this 2nd buyer finally wrote back, and copied C&B, that "something suddenly came up and I can't follow through."
Just tried posting on Ebay but, despite them having other JDM vehicles on their site, the system won't let me post it because it doesn't recognize the VIN. I tried the chat feature but they were unable to help and gave a number I should call; however, nobody is there to answer the phone. Hmmmm.
Guess I'll submit to BaT and see what they say.
What are the odds that both people involved in a bidding war both flake?
100%?

Lucky guess, retrospectively 😂

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

I wonder if the economy not doing well, interest rates going up and cash flow problems around the holidays lead up to the flakepalooza?

kyfdx · December 2022

mjfloyd1 said:
I wonder if the economy not doing well, interest rates going up and cash flow problems around the holidays lead up to the flakepalooza?

I think it's just the anonymity of bidding on-line. I'd say it's typical. And, in this case, the penalty is only $200 or so..

qbrozen · December 2022

I’ve submitted to BaT. This time with a reserve, though. So I’m guessing it will get rejected or they’ll try to talk me out of the reserve. It is a low reserve. Just insurance. But, like C&B, they have a specific “no reserve” search function, so many customers may never even see the car.

oldfarmer50 · December 2022

Sandman6472 said:
I remember when you had the MB 190, always liked them as they were the perfect size. Saw a couple of Mini Cooper Countryman's today at work and they seem to be just the size I like. Also, sat in a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV at the Chevy dealer and felt it to be super plasticy inside & just didn't like the interior at all. Hoping the new 2022 Bolt EV is done with nice materials inside. Shame that there doesn't seem to be one to test drive at the dealers near me. Not quite sure I'm going to like it without some seat time to check it all out. Only way I'd even consider putting a deposit down on one is if I know the deposit will be 100% refundable if I decide to not take it once a unit I like comes in. The 2020 unit was a dark red wine color & was really stunning looking, I must admit. The new Ice Blue color I saw on the road a couple of weeks back also lood great to me.

Have you seen the interior of the Hyundai Kona EV? It’s very bright and modern looking IMO.

oldfarmer50 · December 2022

qbrozen said:
At least this 2nd buyer finally wrote back, and copied C&B, that "something suddenly came up and I can't follow through."
Just tried posting on Ebay but, despite them having other JDM vehicles on their site, the system won't let me post it because it doesn't recognize the VIN. I tried the chat feature but they were unable to help and gave a number I should call; however, nobody is there to answer the phone. Hmmmm.
Guess I'll submit to BaT and see what they say.

Unbelievable. I don’t know a lot about the legal end of auctions but isn’t making a bid at one considered a binding contract? Could these flakes be sued for not following through? “Something came up” doesn’t seem a valid reason for canceling a contract.

tjc78 · December 2022

It is kind of an unwritten rule of an auction. If you are the highest bidder, you buy the item and the seller agrees to that price. Common sense… but as an old boss of mine used to say “Sense is not common”

tjc78 · December 2022

@oldfarmer50 said:
Have you seen the interior of the Hyundai Kona EV? It’s very bright and modern looking IMO.

I just put about 600 miles in two days on a base model Kona. I have to say, I didn’t hate it. In all reality it reminded me of my 2017 Elantra. It was definitely way too small for me, but a loaded up version with the turbo engine would be a nice ride for someone looking in that size range. The electric version would be a perfect city vehicle.

Also has to be said that it had 53K rental miles and was still tight and rattle free. I suspect it would have ridden better with properly inflated tires. They were near 50 PSi cold

breld · December 2022

Beautiful sunny day in Colorado today. Think I’ll take the ZHP out for some errands to stretch its legs.

pensfan83 · December 2022

If only mine didn't have summer tires...

au1994 · December 2022

qbrozen said:
I’ve submitted to BaT. This time with a reserve, though. So I’m guessing it will get rejected or they’ll try to talk me out of the reserve. It is a low reserve. Just insurance. But, like C&B, they have a specific “no reserve” search function, so many customers may never even see the car.

Good luck! I hope they are all over it and you don’t have to consider what plan “C” might be.

fintail · December 2022

Sandman6472 said:
I remember when you had the MB 190, always liked them as they were the perfect size. Saw a couple of Mini Cooper Countryman's today at work and they seem to be just the size I like. Also, sat in a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV at the Chevy dealer and felt it to be super plasticy inside & just didn't like the interior at all. Hoping the new 2022 Bolt EV is done with nice materials inside. Shame that there doesn't seem to be one to test drive at the dealers near me. Not quite sure I'm going to like it without some seat time to check it all out. Only way I'd even consider putting a deposit down on one is if I know the deposit will be 100% refundable if I decide to not take it once a unit I like comes in. The 2020 unit was a dark red wine color & was really stunning looking, I must admit. The new Ice Blue color I saw on the road a couple of weeks back also lood great to me.

The 190/W201 finally has a little cult around it, especially in Europe, but there's one here too. Not enough to really impact values, but the cars finally found a little love - I think the "Baby Benz" stigma was hard for many to get over. The oldest ones are 40 years old now, enough IMO to call it a vintage car of sorts.

jmonroe1 · December 2022

breld said:
Beautiful sunny day in Colorado today. Think I’ll take the ZHP out for some errands to stretch its legs.

————————————————
In other words it’s due for an Italian Tuneup.

jmonroe

qbrozen · December 2022

I've posted it on FB and CL. Probably a waste of time and money (did we know CL now charges $5??).

henryn · December 2022

qbrozen said:
I've posted it on FB and CL. Probably a waste of time and money (did we know CL now charges $5??).

Yes, I knew that about Craigslist. Doesn't seem to have changed anything though.

henryn · December 2022

fintail said:

Sandman6472 said:
I remember when you had the MB 190, always liked them as they were the perfect size. Saw a couple of Mini Cooper Countryman's today at work and they seem to be just the size I like. Also, sat in a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV at the Chevy dealer and felt it to be super plasticy inside & just didn't like the interior at all. Hoping the new 2022 Bolt EV is done with nice materials inside. Shame that there doesn't seem to be one to test drive at the dealers near me. Not quite sure I'm going to like it without some seat time to check it all out. Only way I'd even consider putting a deposit down on one is if I know the deposit will be 100% refundable if I decide to not take it once a unit I like comes in. The 2020 unit was a dark red wine color & was really stunning looking, I must admit. The new Ice Blue color I saw on the road a couple of weeks back also lood great to me.
The 190/W201 finally has a little cult around it, especially in Europe, but there's one here too. Not enough to really impact values, but the cars finally found a little love - I think the "Baby Benz" stigma was hard for many to get over. The oldest ones are 40 years old now, enough IMO to call it a vintage car of sorts.

Back several decades ago, a friend and coworker bought a new 190. He had a lot of trouble with that car, constant problems, many trips to the service department, some of the problems never resolved. Looking back on it now, it probably should have been a buy-back lemon. Which happens occasionally with every carmaker, I suppose.

kyfdx · December 2022

pensfan83 said:
If only mine didn't have summer tires...

The winters are still in my basement..

qbrozen · December 2022

Oooo… happy happy day. The Pajero title has arrived. Wonder if I should register it so i can drive it a while. I think so. The added cost would be a drop in the bucket at this point.

roadburner · December 2022

I took the cooper on a short trip to visit a friend; those new Bilsteins(B4) have transformed the car. I'll enjoy the next two years before I sell it off.

pensfan83 · December 2022

Wasn't the Pajero supposed to be a keeper?

oldfarmer50 · December 2022

qbrozen said:
I've posted it on FB and CL. Probably a waste of time and money (did we know CL now charges $5??).

Craigslist has been charging $5 for several years. That’s why most of the con men have moved to FB Marketplace. I could make some jokes about CL flakes but I’ve sold a number of cars there without too much drama.

I found 39 JDM listings within 200 miles of me, including yours.

qbrozen · December 2022

@pensfan83 said:
Wasn't the Pajero supposed to be a keeper?

Yes, but wife says no.

I mean, if I give up the WRX, she wouldn’t mind if I kept the Mitsu, but she’d likely say “no way because then you’ll regret not having a fun manual car. Of course, I could satisfy that with rotating inventory. Nothing is set in stone.

HOWEVER, I have checked offers on the WRX and they are not good. Good luck finding one as a buyer, but the big places aren’t interested in having it on hand, it would seem. I COULD retail it myself, if I really wanted. But I’d likely regret it. We’ll see. Its all fluid.

Sandman6472 · December 2022

Yes, the Kona EV might just work to be honest. It's the perfect size and having the Hyundai store so close, across the street from the entrance to our subdivision, makes it really easy to get to. I'd be o k getting another Hyundai product since the three others have really been great. OF, glad you reminded me about the Kona EV as I don't see many of them around honestly. And my driving situation is really perfect for an EV vehicle as I don't drive very far, maybe 40 miles per week, so charging it up every two to three weeks wouldn't be an issue.
I do like the way the Kona drives in the gasser form so bettingan EV would be a lot peppier. Just have to remember to feather the accelerator in order to get a smooth drive as I remember my drive in the Tesla and how it dropped like a rock once I took my feet off the pedal. A bit scary until I figured that using the accelerator would smooth things out.
Again OF, thanks for throwing your suggestion out there. Think I'll set my sights on a 2024 model and see how things go. Just not qite ready to kick the olf to the curb quite yet.

mjfloyd1 · December 2022

I spotted an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio with license plate that read “M3 LOL”

corvette · December 2022

Factory cruise switches installed, programmed, and working. It was my first time removing an airbag. Kind of a bit nerve wracking, and I know they are designed not to go off when people are working on them, but I wore a static strap due to all the static electricity from the dry air, plus safety glasses, when working with the airbag.

Anyway, between now having cruise control plus most of the steering wheel buttons being relocated, it feels like a completely different vehicle, and I will probably have to get used to it again.

ab348 · December 2022

Sandman6472 said:
Also, sat in a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV at the Chevy dealer and felt it to be super plasticy inside & just didn't like the interior at all. Hoping the new 2022 Bolt EV is done with nice materials inside. Shame that there doesn't seem to be one to test drive at the dealers near me. Not quite sure I'm going to like it without some seat time to check it all out.

Sandy, take look at this video review of a Bolt EUV:

https://youtu.be/77PbaFIhNJw

Sarah's way of speaking and presenting herself is odd/quirky/annoying but she does give a good overview.

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