Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

andres3 · October 20

I forget the specifics because I'm not a mechanic nor a DIY tool-collecting hobbyest. However, the stories specifics don't matter much as the moral of the story is what counts here.

Online Poster is a DIY-er and posts the following dilemma : Oh shoot, I broke something while doing some minor repair or maintenance job myself, and this certain something is important, and the car won't function without it being replaced/fixed.

Problem: They have a dead car in their garage/driveway and need a tow truck to move it.

If this problem happens at a shop (and shops can break things too; though less likely to), the car is already where it needs to be to fix what was broken. Maybe they even have the part if they are a specialist. Joe Blow doesn't have extra parts so the car is a big paper weight and space taker until resolved (tow truck?)

jmonroe1 · October 20

breld said:
I decided it might be nice to have a fun sporty car that bled more into the comfort side of things for more of a day to day. Something a bit more physically comfortable for my size, as well as some additional creature comforts.

I looked at a very nice used C300, already knowing it would likely be too far to the comfort side and too “close” to the i5, and that was correct. Although the C300 was a very nice car, and this one I drove was particularly well equipped.

I went to look at a used Nissan Z, but it was located at more of a “side of the road” dealership. Not particularly bad, but it ended up being uncomfortable if not sleazy. As the salesman/owner realized that me “getting a feel for the car” meant…gasp!…a test drive, he started acting weird. I get it if some young adult is obviously looking for a thrill ride, but here I am in my 50’s with my wife. I finally said, “you seem uncomfortable with the idea of me driving the vehicle to get a feel…are you wanting more of a commitment that I’m buying it before you’ll let me drive it?” He replied as if it was ludicrous for me to take out this Nissan without more of a commitment, so we just left.

Anyway, I saved the test of the 230i for last, already knowing I’d likely pull the trigger. Other than the color, which I love, this one is very well equipped, which is relatively rare for “just” the 230i. Premium package isn’t rare, although many of them only have the convenience package, but this one also has the dynamic handling and parking assistance package, which are very nice to have.

Not a CPO, but only 2,300 miles.

————————————————
Good luck with it.

With no CPO but with only 2300 miles, I guess that means you didn’t get it at a BMW dealer yet still has the remaining factory warranty, right?

jmonroe

stickguy · October 20

Is the 230 replacing something else in the garage?

I bet my wife would love that color. Probably the car would be ok too. Maybe too low.

tifighter · October 20

Guessing the dealer figured CPO wasn’t really worth the additional cost with so much factory warranty left.

Nice pick up @breld …

roadburner · October 20

@breld
Congrats!

jmonroe1 · October 20

andres3 said:
I forget the specifics because I'm not a mechanic nor a DIY tool-collecting hobbyest. However, the stories specifics don't matter much as the moral of the story is what counts here.

Online Poster is a DIY-er and posts the following dilemma : Oh shoot, I broke something while doing some minor repair or maintenance job myself, and this certain something is important, and the car won't function without it being replaced/fixed.

Problem: They have a dead car in their garage/driveway and need a tow truck to move it.

If this problem happens at a shop (and shops can break things too; though less likely to), the car is already where it needs to be to fix what was broken. Maybe they even have the part if they are a specialist. Joe Blow doesn't have extra parts so the car is a big paper weight and space taker until resolved (tow truck?)

————————————————
Something tells me if the guy is a DIYer he doesn’t have the skill or desire to replace what he broke. Still would be interesting to know what he screwed up.

jmonroe

xwesx · October 20

andres3 said:
I forget the specifics because I'm not a mechanic nor a DIY tool-collecting hobbyest. However, the stories specifics don't matter much as the moral of the story is what counts here.

Online Poster is a DIY-er and posts the following dilemma : Oh shoot, I broke something while doing some minor repair or maintenance job myself, and this certain something is important, and the car won't function without it being replaced/fixed.

Problem: They have a dead car in their garage/driveway and need a tow truck to move it.

If this problem happens at a shop (and shops can break things too; though less likely to), the car is already where it needs to be to fix what was broken. Maybe they even have the part if they are a specialist. Joe Blow doesn't have extra parts so the car is a big paper weight and space taker until resolved (tow truck?)

Yep.... that's always a risk!

Funny you should post that, because I am currently in the midst of trying to replace the turbo on my Q7's TDI. And, it is RIDICULOUS! The factory shop manual makes the job seem laughably simple, but it is not. Not. At. All. I am getting very close to having the turbo out, but still probably hours from being there, so hopefully that helps explain just how long I have been struggling with this.

And, yes, I have broken several parts. I replaced a couple of them, but a few are just going to get the ol' duct tape treatment because they are too expensive and too simple to bother with a new one. This is, perhaps, the first automotive project I have ever taken on where I am feeling a bit nervous about whether the vehicle will actually run once it is all back together. At this point, if I had any idea that this would be such a PITA project, I would have just sold the car and been done with it.

au1994 · October 20

breld said:
So I ended up doing a thing Saturday…

Our King, Ladies and Gentlemen...

au1994 · October 20

Michaell said:

breld said:
I decided it might be nice to have a fun sporty car that bled more into the comfort side of things for more of a day to day. Something a bit more physically comfortable for my size, as well as some additional creature comforts.

I looked at a very nice used C300, already knowing it would likely be too far to the comfort side and too “close” to the i5, and that was correct. Although the C300 was a very nice car, and this one I drove was particularly well equipped.

I went to look at a used Nissan Z, but it was located at more of a “side of the road” dealership. Not particularly bad, but it ended up being uncomfortable if not sleazy. As the salesman/owner realized that me “getting a feel for the car” meant…gasp!…a test drive, he started acting weird. I get it if some young adult is obviously looking for a thrill ride, but here I am in my 50’s with my wife. I finally said, “you seem uncomfortable with the idea of me driving the vehicle to get a feel…are you wanting more of a commitment that I’m buying it before you’ll let me drive it?” He replied as if it was ludicrous for me to take out this Nissan without more of a commitment, so we just left.

Anyway, I saved the test of the 230i for last, already knowing I’d likely pull the trigger. Other than the color, which I love, this one is very well equipped, which is relatively rare for “just” the 230i. Premium package isn’t rare, although many of them only have the convenience package, but this one also has the dynamic handling and parking assistance package, which are very nice to have.

Not a CPO, but only 2,300 miles.
Congrats!

Time to update the signature line (again!)

Did the BRZ go away and I missed it, or was it part of this transaction?

breld · October 20

Yes, the BRZ was traded for the 230i.

breld · October 20

tifighter said:
Guessing the dealer figured CPO wasn’t really worth the additional cost with so much factory warranty left.

Nice pick up @breld …

This is correct. The remaining manufacturer warranty should get me through my extensive ownership period.

nyccarguy · October 20

Nice rig @breld !

tjc78 · October 20

Congrats @breld.

corvette · October 20

Great looking BMW!

28firefighter · October 20

Congrats @breld!

ab348 · October 20

Poor Subie was always the red-headed stepchild in that garage.

tifighter · October 20

@breld said:
Yes, the BRZ was traded for the 230i.

Makes sense. Plus the BRZ wasn’t purple.

I’m not kidding.

kyfdx · October 20

breld said:

tifighter said:
Guessing the dealer figured CPO wasn’t really worth the additional cost with so much factory warranty left.

Nice pick up @breld …

This is correct. The remaining manufacturer warranty should get me through my extensive ownership period.

60 days until you have to put plates on it

andres3 · October 20

Inspiring @breld

The car industry probably owes you at least several sales from your purchases inducing others to try and keep up.

laurasdada · October 20

Congrats and well done, @breld!

explorerx4 · October 20

@breld,
Congrats on the BMW.
When you sell it next month, can you send me the temp plate so I'll have a reminder that it's my wife's birthday?

stickguy · October 20

If cars were like Ace Hardware with propane tank refills, Breld would have a finished punch card for a free car next time!

My wife liked the color. Let me know when it is becoming available.

corvette · October 20

I didn't know Ace did that with propane refills. I use a hardware store near my house that charges under $20 for a full fill, which is still way better than doing an exchange and getting 15 pounds of propane instead of 20.

explorerx4 · October 20

I use Blue Rhino because I can do a quick swap and don't have to think about buying a new tank after 12 years.
Go through 2 tanks a year.

stickguy · October 20

corvette said:
I didn't know Ace did that with propane refills. I use a hardware store near my house that charges under $20 for a full fill, which is still way better than doing an exchange and getting 15 pounds of propane instead of 20.

they do here. Not exchanges, they just fill the tank. After you pay for 10, the next one is free. Of course I will probably be 70 by the time I use up that many tanks,.

stickguy · October 20

explorerx4 said:
I use Blue Rhino because I can do a quick swap and don't have to think about buying a new tank after 12 years.
Go through 2 tanks a year.

Just a lot cheaper to get a refill. and if the tank ever ages out, do what everyone else does. Drop it off at HD as an exchange for a Rhino.

Michaell · October 20

Member needs help selecting their next car

kyfdx · 5:19AM

We have Ace, but they don't do refills or punch cards. I just swap out.

For the one time per year that I have to do it, not worth driving/waiting to refill. Ace is 1.5 miles.

When we used the grill more, I'd refill.

nyccarguy · 5:32AM

I go to Stew Leonard's to get my propane tanks filled. The propane is cheap, but the trip through the grocery store afterwards IS NOT. There is also a local florist that fills propane tanks that I use as well.

stickguy · 5:59AM

the cheapest I had found was the local U Haul dealer. Most of those have propane fill stations.

corvette · 6:02AM

I've heard some of the U-Hauls and other vendors charge by the gallon, which is nice if you want to bring it in before it's completely empty. I have two tanks, so I can run one empty and then take it to the flat-fee place.

stickguy · 6:12AM

that is true. and they will fill it up all the way. I have 2 also so try and remember to get the spare filled when I can't remember how long I have been using the other one!

kyfdx · 6:20AM

corvette said:
I've heard some of the U-Hauls and other vendors charge by the gallon, which is nice if you want to bring it in before it's completely empty. I have two tanks, so I can run one empty and then take it to the flat-fee place.

Yeah.. this part would be handy. For a month, I tell my wife: be prepared for the grill to run out of gas.. lol

graphicguy · 6:38AM

@breld ...Nice punch. I like it!

jmonroe1 · 6:53AM

kyfdx said:

corvette said:
I've heard some of the U-Hauls and other vendors charge by the gallon, which is nice if you want to bring it in before it's completely empty. I have two tanks, so I can run one empty and then take it to the flat-fee place.
Yeah.. this part would be handy. For a month, I tell my wife: be prepared for the grill to run out of gas.. lol

————————————————
Years ago I bought a tank fill gauge for around 15 bucks. I thought it would last a couple years but it still works. When I see it getting into the empty range (red area), I get another one. Probably turn the tank in with a pound if I had to guess. I’d rather give away a pound than run out when I’m doing my rib eyes.

jmonroe

corvette · 7:03AM

I have one of those fish type scales that will weigh the tank, which is handy. I had one that ran inline with the propane hose, but it would show 100% full until the tank was on fumes.

laurasdada · 7:27AM

nyccarguy said:
I go to Stew Leonard's to get my propane tanks filled. The propane is cheap, but the trip through the grocery store afterwards IS NOT. There is also a local florist that fills propane tanks that I use as well.

Years ago, returning from the Delaware shore in the Mazda CX-5, I decided to take the wife and MIL to Stew's for the first time (they'd not heard of it). Explained its history (including chutes of cash and prison!) on the way, part of my childhood. Asked them not to buy too much stuff, no room in the car.

The Mazda, not known for oodles of storage capacity, was pretty much full of stuff. As we entered the store, their eyes lit up like a kid entering Disneyworld. I again noted limited car capacity available, off we went. I grew a bit bored of the pace so I bid them adieu and went to get a burger and ice cream. And then an ice cream. Probably should have got an ice cream for the road, too...

EVENTUALLY... they emerged. With two FULL shopping carts of Stewy stuff! Needless to say, after an herculean packing effort, I drove home with 0.0% rear visibility. 0.0% side visibility as wife and MIL each sat with bags of stuff, fairly readily available anywhere else, on the floor beneath them and piled on their laps. Literally.

Made it home in one piece, no stops by curious cops. On subsequent trips, I've created a legally binding "Non-excessive shopping at Stew's" doc that they each must sign before I stop there again. I, however, am legally unlimited in my ice cream capacity.

oldfarmer50 · 7:31AM

tifighter said:

@breld said:

Yes, the BRZ was traded for the 230i.

Makes sense. Plus the BRZ wasn’t purple.

I’m not kidding.

IDK, purple on a BMW to me just seems strange. That’s more of a color for a 1970 Plymouth Duster. (Which I almost bought once).

nyccarguy · 7:58AM

laurasdada said:

nyccarguy said:
I go to Stew Leonard's to get my propane tanks filled. The propane is cheap, but the trip through the grocery store afterwards IS NOT. There is also a local florist that fills propane tanks that I use as well.
Years ago, returning from the Delaware shore in the Mazda CX-5, I decided to take the wife and MIL to Stew's for the first time (they'd not heard of it). Explained its history (including chutes of cash and prison!) on the way, part of my childhood. Asked them not to buy too much stuff, no room in the car.

The Mazda, not known for oodles of storage capacity, was pretty much full of stuff. As we entered the store, their eyes lit up like a kid entering Disneyworld. I again noted limited car capacity available, off we went. I grew a bit bored of the pace so I bid them adieu and went to get a burger and ice cream. And then an ice cream. Probably should have got an ice cream for the road, too...

EVENTUALLY... they emerged. With two FULL shopping carts of Stewy stuff! Needless to say, after an herculean packing effort, I drove home with 0.0% rear visibility. 0.0% side visibility as wife and MIL each sat with bags of stuff, fairly readily available anywhere else, on the floor beneath them and piled on their laps. Literally.

Made it home in one piece, no stops by curious cops. On subsequent trips, I've created a legally binding "Non-excessive shopping at Stew's" doc that they each must sign before I stop there again. I, however, am legally unlimited in my ice cream capacity.

Sounds about right! The ice cream is delicious and they also have dairy free Dole Whip which is outrageous!

no stops by curious cops No bridges or tunnels for you to go through between our neighboring states. I've spoken numerous times here about my best friend who owns a couple of restaurants in our area. One summer there was a power outage for multiple days. Maybe it was after hurricane Sandy. Obviously if you don't do anything eventually the walk ins aren't going to hold temperature. So all of the local places sold out of dry ice in about 2 days. My friend called and couldn't get a delivery from anywhere. He drove to Queens near JFK airport to pick up the dry ice. On the way home he was certain her was going to get stopped. In his Black Tahoe that was loaded with dry ice loaded into it and the windows, sunroof, & rear glass flipped open, he drove clear across either the Throggs Neck or Whitestone bridge with the "smoke" from the dry ice literally pouring out of it almost like it was on fire.

The next day, the health inspector from the city came in and told him he had to throw all his food away. He showed the health inspector that his walk in was holding temperature. The health inspector didn't believe him stating that everyone has been out of dry ice, where did you get it from? He showed the guy the photo he took of his truck being loaded with dry ice in Queens.

kyfdx · 8:20AM

Lucky he didn't get overcome by fumes off the Dry Ice.

laurasdada · 8:21AM

nyccarguy said:

laurasdada said:

nyccarguy said:
I go to Stew Leonard's to get my propane tanks filled. The propane is cheap, but the trip through the grocery store afterwards IS NOT. There is also a local florist that fills propane tanks that I use as well.
Years ago, returning from the Delaware shore in the Mazda CX-5, I decided to take the wife and MIL to Stew's for the first time (they'd not heard of it). Explained its history (including chutes of cash and prison!) on the way, part of my childhood. Asked them not to buy too much stuff, no room in the car.

The Mazda, not known for oodles of storage capacity, was pretty much full of stuff. As we entered the store, their eyes lit up like a kid entering Disneyworld. I again noted limited car capacity available, off we went. I grew a bit bored of the pace so I bid them adieu and went to get a burger and ice cream. And then an ice cream. Probably should have got an ice cream for the road, too...

EVENTUALLY... they emerged. With two FULL shopping carts of Stewy stuff! Needless to say, after an herculean packing effort, I drove home with 0.0% rear visibility. 0.0% side visibility as wife and MIL each sat with bags of stuff, fairly readily available anywhere else, on the floor beneath them and piled on their laps. Literally.

Made it home in one piece, no stops by curious cops. On subsequent trips, I've created a legally binding "Non-excessive shopping at Stew's" doc that they each must sign before I stop there again. I, however, am legally unlimited in my ice cream capacity.
Sounds about right! The ice cream is delicious and they also have dairy free Dole Whip which is outrageous!

no stops by curious cops No bridges or tunnels for you to go through between our neighboring states. I've spoken numerous times here about my best friend who owns a couple of restaurants in our area. One summer there was a power outage for multiple days. Maybe it was after hurricane Sandy. Obviously if you don't do anything eventually the walk ins aren't going to hold temperature. So all of the local places sold out of dry ice in about 2 days. My friend called and couldn't get a delivery from anywhere. He drove to Queens near JFK airport to pick up the dry ice. On the way home he was certain her was going to get stopped. In his Black Tahoe that was loaded with dry ice loaded into it and the windows, sunroof, & rear glass flipped open, he drove clear across either the Throggs Neck or Whitestone bridge with the "smoke" from the dry ice literally pouring out of it almost like it was on fire.

The next day, the health inspector from the city came in and told him he had to throw all his food away. He showed the health inspector that his walk in was holding temperature. The health inspector didn't believe him stating that everyone has been out of dry ice, where did you get it from? He showed the guy the photo he took of his truck being loaded with dry ice in Queens.

Sounds like a scene from a Cheech and Chong movie!

jmonroe1 · 9:19AM

corvette said:
I have one of those fish type scales that will weigh the tank, which is handy. I had one that ran inline with the propane hose, but it would show 100% full until the tank was on fumes.

————————————————
Before I bought mine I heard they weren’t too reliable so I was skeptical but the packaging said something about new technology using a stainless steel diaphragm (I think that’s the component that was mentioned) and since it had a 1 year warranty, I bit. It has to be about 10 years old. So far so good.

jmonroe

xwesx · 9:50AM

stickguy said:
If cars were like Ace Hardware with propane tank refills, Breld would have a finished punch card for a free car next time!

That's actually a brilliant idea. I think dealerships would do well if they had something like that. I mean, they would have to have some parameters, but still, if they have otherwise good service, that's a brilliant way to encourage repeat business....

xwesx · 9:54AM

explorerx4 said:
I use Blue Rhino because I can do a quick swap and don't have to think about buying a new tank after 12 years.
Go through 2 tanks a year.

For me, Blue Rhino is a great way to renew my tanks and dispose of those that need recertification. Otherwise, I just continue using them and take them to the local corner station for refilling.

I have a 100# tank that I have set up for my household (really, just our stovetop). A fill lasts probably 18 months or so. I bought the tank back in fall of 2000, and the guys that refill it often comment on how good of shape it is in!

tifighter · 12:33PM

A guy buys a purple BMW and we have an entire page about propane. What thread is this?

More pics @breld , save them from themselves.

tjc78 · 12:45PM

tifighter said:
A guy buys a purple BMW and we have an entire page about propane. What thread is this?

More pics @breld , save them from themselves.

This is "Cars and Conversations V2 w/ @Breld buying and @stickguy scheming"

andres3 · 1:48PM

jmonroe1 said:

kyfdx said:

corvette said:
I've heard some of the U-Hauls and other vendors charge by the gallon, which is nice if you want to bring it in before it's completely empty. I have two tanks, so I can run one empty and then take it to the flat-fee place.
Yeah.. this part would be handy. For a month, I tell my wife: be prepared for the grill to run out of gas.. lol
————————————————
Years ago I bought a tank fill gauge for around 15 bucks. I thought it would last a couple years but it still works. When I see it getting into the empty range (red area), I get another one. Probably turn the tank in with a pound if I had to guess. I’d rather give away a pound than run out when I’m doing my rib eyes.

jmonroe

Am I the only one that thought of having a campfire tent one of those green little liter size mobile propane bottle for use when you need to finish the ribeyes before refilling/exchanging so you don't have to waste a pound or two?

stickguy · 1:50PM

Hey, I put in dibs on the purple BMW!

stickguy · 1:50PM

I run the tank until the flame goes out. No waste on my watch.

andres3 · 1:59PM

xwesx said:

stickguy said:
If cars were like Ace Hardware with propane tank refills, Breld would have a finished punch card for a free car next time!
That's actually a brilliant idea. I think dealerships would do well if they had something like that. I mean, they would have to have some parameters, but still, if they have otherwise good service, that's a brilliant way to encourage repeat business....

I agree, though it would probably be some high threshold like 10 cars in 10 years and @breld would definitely be the right customer for that. (Also they'd probably limit it to 20% off or something). Most of us would fail I think. Also, they have to still be around and honor the deal years later so it's a bit risky.

Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy