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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

32321 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2013 at 10:13 PM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying

Messages Page 2998 of 3233

#29966 of 32321 Re: now this, is nice [nyccarguy] by boomchek

Feb 06, 2013 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Feb 05, 2013 6:52 pm)
If you've never driven a BMW, don't unless you fully intend to buy one. Not because it would be a waste of a salesman's time, but because there is simply nothing else like it on this planet.
 
100% agree with you and I've driven a ton of different cars. Although the 07 MX5 Miata I had for a week was fun as hell but not as comfy or solid as our 07 328i.

#29967 of 32321 Tired by sandman_6472

Feb 06, 2013 (8:08 pm)

Did a lot to lot day today. My boss texted at 7:33 and said we have a job at 9 a m doing lot to lot, so I said sure. Ended up moving over 20 cars and minivans myself and there were 5 other folks in today's crew, so we moved a bunch of iron. Drove numerous brand new Focus SE's with mileage of 4 and under. Nice little sedans really with loads of pep...more when I do a complete review after having some extended seat time. The 4 Fusions left me lukewarm...modern styling, very Jaguaresque but something, I can't put my finger on it, makes it pale in comparison to the other players in this segment and nowhere near as good as the new benchmark of this crowd...the Honda Accord. But after a jaunt across southern Florida and then I'll be able to give a really full analysis here. The surprise of the day folks were the new Dodge minivans...all the contestants driven today were models with over 20k on their clocks so well used, and abused in the rental arena but I was impressed with the comfort, acceleration and overall goodness of these puppies... really impressed. One co-worker said that once I drive one for an extended period of time, you will truly enjoy them.
 
There was a somewhat used Mustang vert which a couple of the other guys put aside for me since they know what a car nut I am, it's so hard to contain my excitement every day folks that it's obvious I'm a car dork! Now this was a fun ride...really fun. Hoping to secure one in the near future when we have a very mild day so I can drop the top and just do the Alley. Must remember to wear a cap as the top of my head is losing it's "lushness" as I put it...I will probably get a nasty sunburn on my scalp as I did once before at a graduation in New Hampshire on a really coolish spring day. I can't wait to drop the top and go though!
 
Tomorrow is going to be interesting, not only are we going from Miami to Ft. Myers once...you guessed it, we're going twice! A double is what's on tap in Sandman Land. The drive is a really easy one actually and luckily, we're starting out at 8 a m...a bit late for me as a 6 a m leaving time would be preferable. But no one asked for my opinion yet so...! Funny how this started out to be a part time gig for me but it's so much fun, I told my chief to just call me whenever he gets anything since nothing is guaranteed and there will be weeks, I been told, that we'll only work 2 or 3 days...it's all dependent on what the clients need, and this is where that flexibility comes into play. Sure glad that this is not my only income as the lack of defined work hours would be a problem as no one is guaranteed a 40 hour week and we are all independent contractors to boot. I have no problem with this so we'll see where this new career takes me. And to be honest, getting the paycheck is just the icing on the cake for me here, I just love driving these vehicles!
 
Tune in tomorrow, same Sandman time...same Sandman channel!
 
The Sandman

#29968 of 32321 Re: Tired [sandman_6472] by steve_ HOST

Feb 06, 2013 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 06, 2013 8:08 pm)
Good to hear about the Dodge minivans. I'm really afraid that Dodge/Chrysler are going to screw them up (lose the sliders, etc.), but I may be switching to a hatch anyway when our van gets retired.

#29969 of 32321 Re: Tired [sandman_6472] by corvette

Feb 06, 2013 (9:01 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 06, 2013 8:08 pm)
I like your reviews. Keep 'em coming if you have time!
 
That's a shame about the Fusion. Was it a base model? Ford carried over the base engine from the previous model for the new base model 2013 Fusion. The up level models have smaller displacement turbocharged engines. I haven't looked at one up close, but the photos look great.

#29970 of 32321 Re: Tired [corvette] by sandman_6472

Feb 06, 2013 (9:46 pm)

Replying to: corvette (Feb 06, 2013 9:01 pm)
A definite improvement overall from the previous generation but something about it just leaves me cold...right now. I've never been a "Ford person" as their styling never really did anything for me. But I have to admit the new Focus has taken me by surprise and in the hatch version, something I might consider parking in The Sandman's garage! I've been a diehard import fan since 1976 and have not looked back...ever! But this new Focus has me thinking in a different direction here.
To be fair to the new Fusion, I will wait till I have some actual seat time behind the wheel to comment any further as I need information to back up my opinion...whatever that will be. I'm hoping that we'll have some longer runs in the near future with a Fusion available for my use. I will say though that it is a handsome vehicle that could appeal to either sex...it's very modern and has a rugged stance, a nice departure from most Ford products that have come to market recently. If it can sell the same number of units as the Camry and Accord still remains to be seen. I do congratulate Ford for thinking outside the box here though!
 
The Insomniaic Sandman

#29971 of 32321 Page 1500 by sandman_6472

Feb 06, 2013 (9:47 pm)

Congrats fellow posters...we're now posting on page 1500...whohoo!
 
The Sandman

#29972 of 32321 Re: DANGEROUS SITES [corvette] by steine13

Feb 07, 2013 (4:16 am)

Replying to: corvette (Feb 06, 2013 1:15 pm)
I have a question about swapping leases -- is there a way to make it waterproof for the buyer AND the seller?
 
My nightmare would be to get a call after the car is turned in that I'm somehow on the hook for damage I didn't cause. That could happen both as the swapper or the swappee, if you know what I mean...
 
Specifically, when I dump a leased car, is there a way to do the transfer with an inspection that transfers all future obligations to the new driver? A good inspection, presumably by a dealer of the brand, would also assure the person assuming the lease that there is no hidden damage.
 
Or is this a case where everyone's on their own?
What happens if poorly repaired body damage is found at turn-in?
Who is on the hook?
 
Cheers,
 -Mathias

#29973 of 32321 Re: now this, is nice [ateixeira] by steine13

Feb 07, 2013 (4:22 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 06, 2013 4:44 pm)
With an average moving speed of 26 mph I'm not too worried about road noise.
 
As I recall, your actual average is 13 miles in 45 minutes to 1 h.
 
You don't need an automatic car, you need a good, properly set up bicycle.
 
I'm pushing 50, and I don't train, but I still average 15+ mph when I go on a long ride.
 
See, that way, you'd get to keep the Miata...
 
Cheers -Mathias

#29974 of 32321 Re: Salary [oldfarmer50] by steine13

Feb 07, 2013 (5:57 am)

Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Feb 04, 2013 3:21 am)
If you took 15% of whatever you made during your working life and put it in a private retirement fund you would retire a millionaire. Just think, a Bimmer for every member of your family instead of a hooptie.
 
I hope you were kidding.
 
Fifteen percent socked away over a long career and average returns would not replace your income in retirement, unless it's very short. It would be a heck of a lot better than what most people are doing, though.
 
I'm a big fan of the 401(k) system myself, but it's a failure overall... "you shall know them by the fruit they bear."
 
Sorry for the off-topic post. This is one subject that gets my goat every time. S.S. has issues, but what are we comparing it to?
 
Cheers -Mathias

#29975 of 32321 Re: now this, is nice [tifighter] by ateixeira

Feb 07, 2013 (8:53 am)

Replying to: tifighter (Feb 06, 2013 5:14 pm)
62 views but not a single response to my ad so far. Cross your fingers for me.
 
I did replace the OEM michelins with continentals
 
That's plan B, get quieter and more compliant tires. It came with 140 summer gumballs. I wonder if taller side walls will fit? Maybe 205/50 instead of 205/45R17? The wheel wells seem HUGE. There's an SUV-like fender gap all around.
 
Plan C is a whole new wheel/tire package, but the TPMS sensors add to the cost. $740 and up, basically. That's really not bad.
 
Is there a chronic rim buyers thread?

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