by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 06/02/2017 at 00:10
by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 06/02/2017 at 00:10
Tags: Exercises in patience
STARS: 0
Some of you may know that I began a hunt for a convertible a while back, and that I decided to consider used cars for my first time ever. Well, it’s been an adventure. I learned a bunch about used cars and a few things about myself along the way. I drove a Miata, a Z4, a Boostang, an E350, and several Jags.
Car#1
This was my first ever time in a Miata. It was a blast. I may or may not have giggled like a little girl while driving it. It’s everything everyone says it is. I kept checking the speedometer because I thought I might be speeding, but nope. Ultimately though, its inability to handle wheelchair storage makes it too impractical. If it’s only a one seater, I can’t share the fun.
Car#2
Since I first saw this generation Mustang in the magazines, I was sure I’d love it I couldn’t wait to try it. So we went out to try this lightly used one. It accelerated and handled great. But it just didn’t connect with me somehow. I knew after that drive that I would not be getting one.
Car#3
I found a good looking 2009 Jaguar XK, black with tan interior. Clean but for a couple blemishes, and it drove fantastic. The engine note is phenomenal, and the instantaneous acceleration is a treat after 13 years with a rotary powered car. The car had been for sale almost a year. So I figured I had a couple of days to think about it and let my credit application go through. Alas, right after I drove it, some came and bought it. It was is Illinois less than a week later.
Car#4
Sticking with the Jag theme, I found a great looking black 2008 XK. I didn’t think I’d like a black interior with light wood trim, but sitting in it felt special. It looked immaculate. It also drove well. Driving with top up at 75 on the highway is as quiet as a hard top, no noise penalty for a rag top at all. Jaguar did a great job. I took it for the presale inspection and found out it had about $3k of things that needed fixing. Bent control arms, bent rims, dent repair body work, a few other things, and it had been painted, but not very well. Dodged a bullet there, I think.
Car#5
The Indy Jag mechanic who did my inspection put me on to a green 2007 XK that he had worked on. His friend, the owner, had sold it to a Ford dealer, where I found it. It turned out to be a car that I already had visited at the dealer, but couldn’t test because it wouldn’t start. That, and the fact that it had 88k miles on it put me off, but knowing that it was in great mechanical shape from the mechanic that worked on it brought me back. Also, green! The dealer drove it to my house once he replaced the ignition switch to make up for it not running when I came for my appointment. It drove well, and I resolved to buy it. I even made the drive up Memorial Day to sign the papers. But here was the thing. It had a lot of tiny paint chips in the front end and some orange blemishes to the tan interior. I had gotten the dealer to agree to fix those things, but when I showed up to sign, and he said he had had the detail guys clean it up, the paint chips had multiplied up the hood to the hundreds, and the orange marks were everywhere like someone had scrubbed it with a chemical that took off the color. It was as if every time they cleaned it, they made it worse. That and the high miles had a corner of my brain screaming “Nope!” I knew they’d never be able to fix it to my satisfaction.
Well, I balked and walked away from the deal. I know it was the right thing to do because I immediately felt more at ease.
So here I am, still with no new car. I’ve learned that buying a used car is quite a bit more complex than buying new, and the dangers are real and many. I’ve also learned something important about myself. I like new. I like the shiny, virgin newness feel of a new car, and I really don’t want something with blemishes or wear and tear that comes with an old or well used car. If I buy used, it’s not going to be something 10 years old. It will be something like new, maybe a year or three old, preferably with remaining factory warranty, but used enough to get me that nice initial depreciation. I can wait for the right car. I’m patient. But it likely won’t be a luxury marque like Jaguar, since the newer ones are out of my price range for now.
But I’ll still keep test driving because how I feel about a car can change completely after I’ve had wheel time.
The search continues. . .
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
06/02/2017 at 00:47, STARS: 1
Good luck. My search ended about 2 years ago, and it was worth the wait. A few words of advice:
-Regardless of what type of transmission you want, search for all transmissions. It’s amazing how often the wrong one is listed. When I bought my Miata, it was listed as an automatic. It’s a 5 speed manual.
-Avoid black interiors on a convertible. You will roast in the sun. Ask me how I know.
-Miatas are a blast, but you’re right to call them out on being impractical. Get something that works for you.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
06/02/2017 at 00:52, STARS: 1
I’m curious how you felt about the e350. I would think the backseat could hold a wheel chair, that you could get something pretty recent, and still get most of the luxury you would get from a jag. Just didn’t click?
Do you know what you’re going to try next? Maybe an S5, or camaro?
"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
06/02/2017 at 01:35, STARS: 2
Did you consider a 500C Abarth at all? I believe they can be had with an automatic now. It’s not exactly a traditional convertible, but it still has a fabric top that goes down and is probably in your price range new. Not sure if the wheelchair would fit in the back seat though. Honestly, based on what you’ve driven so far and liked/not I’m betting you’d be really, really happy in a 2-Series. There are a few certified pre-owned 228i’s on AutoTrader in the $30-35k range. Also, if I were you I’d repost this tomorrow after the great Oppositelock cup holder war of June 2k17 has died down.
"JR1" (type35bugatti)
06/02/2017 at 06:02, STARS: 1
Not sure what your budget it but you can’t go wrong with a C6 Vette.
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
06/02/2017 at 08:49, STARS: 2
a Miata
Cool
a Z4
Cool
a Boostang
Cool
an E350
Wait, what? Oh...yea, not that E350
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 10:25, STARS: 1
Good idea. Also, I’m not really into the 500. A 2 series might be in the cards. I’ve looked at a couple but none that are real candidates yet.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 10:27, STARS: 1
Good call on the black. I live in Texas. I should know better, but that one was so very cool looking. Guess my guardian angel was looking out for me on that one. Thanks for the transmission tip. I usually don’t sort by that either.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 10:34, STARS: 0
The back seat on the Merc fit the chair like a glove. I think it was just that I was keyed in on the glamour of the jag at the time. Also, although the E350 was a good deal, it had obvious wear, and like I said, I’ve discovered that I like the feel of new. I’m still open to one in the right color and feature combo. It drove great. There’s not a huge amount of power in the engine, but it’s more than enough to keep me happy.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 10:35, STARS: 1
Smart ass. Although now that you mention it. . .
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 0
Not a bad choice, but they’re a little pricey when on the newish end. Also have the disadvantage of two seater, although they do have space in back.
"gawdzillla" (gawdzillla)
06/02/2017 at 10:46, STARS: 1
996 911 turbo / 997 911 ?
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
06/02/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 1
In my case, I only wanted a manual Miata (I’m ok with automatic transmissions, but not if you’re buying what is basically a go-kart with air conditioning). My friend works at a pretty big Ford dealership in the Northeast, and l used to creep on his used inventory a lot. They listed an automatic Miata that checked all of my other boxes, and I could see a manual shifter in the photos. I ended up with a well maintained 94 NA with the 1.8L and a 5 speed. I wonder how many people passed it over because they only searched for manuals.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 1
Lucky you! I can personally testify, however, that the go kart is still worth it with the auto. :)
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 11:23, STARS: 0
A good choice for many people, but I never really cared for the 911. I adored the 928 and 944. I was sad when they went away.
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
06/02/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 1
I’m sure it’s still a lot of fun, but I’m glad I opted for a manual. I’m fine with whatever makes people happy.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1
I know how to drive stick, and if I still could I’d like to have one on my toy, but not on my DD in city driving.
"JR1" (type35bugatti)
06/02/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 1
Anything post 08 is essentially the same though. Big difference with the 06/07 is the engine but I doubt the 30hp is very noticeable anyway...
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
06/02/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 1
I split my driving duties between my Miata and my trusty Honda Civic automatic sedan. There is a time and a place for both.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/02/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 1
I’m used to a sub 200 hp rotary. Anything under that chevy hood would do me just fine. :)
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/03/2017 at 00:49, STARS: 1
Forgot to answer your other question. Not much for Audis, but I plan on trying out a Camaro. It has to be the new one though, because I have an allergic reaction to the Fisher Price feel of the old dash. The new one looks a treat though.