Thoughts on car shopping

"Snuze: Needs another Swede" (markg) 04/03/2019 at 09:50 • Filed to: None

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It occured to me that searching for a Cruze replacement is really kind of a surreal experience. I think this is why:

I’m not in extremis - most of the cars I’ve purchased in my life have been in a hurry because I needed a car because my previous one was wrecked or something. That means I ususally had a week, or however long insurance would pay for a rental.

I have a decent amount of money. While I’ve never done a 96 month loan with zero down at a “buy here pay here” place, my financial approach to cars has not always been completely sound. I’m in a much better position this time around . It’s a comforting feeling.

I’m an adult.... ish. I am at a very stable (genius) point in my life - no more moving around with the military, steady income, house, wife, etc.

The flip side to this is that option paralysis is real! Having lots of time to think about new cars means I come up with crazy ideas like this:

My dad had a 69 Z/28 that was marina blue with white stripes. I really like this current electric blue, or whatever it’s called. Then again, my bedroom wall poster car as a kid was a bright red 3rd Gen IROC-Z.

I just kno w I need some color in my life, I’m tired of cars that are shades of grey (aside from my WRX all my cars have been white, grey, silver, or black).

Also, I drove a 4 cylinder turbo version last year and it was nice, but I’m in the position now that screw it, I want a V8. And a stick.

I’ve got some other car ideas in my head (ATS 2.0 Turbo, ATS-V, C5 Z06, C6 Z06, Toyobaru, WRX STi, Golf R, E90 BMW), but this is the one that’s lighting a fire in my pants at the moment.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 09:54

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Yes, please do the world a favor and buy a car that is not black, white, or greyscale.

Arrivederci > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 09:57

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The ATS-V is a tremendous value right now.  One popped up in a CarGurus ad that was like $35k.  Just unbelievable.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:00

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Marina Blue is nice, but it’s no Krypton Green.

Ash78, voting early and often > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:00

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I feel you. Our last experience was “we definitely need a minivan” so you automatically have just a few choices to start with.

Now I’m shopping for myself, with a 9-12 month timeframe, new and used, etc. It’s mind-boggling. My current DD only goes about 3,000 miles/year but we want something the wife and kids can reliably use whenever they feel like it (surprise, an 18-year-old oil-guzzling VW with a stapled headliner and nonfunctional left rear door is not my wife’s idea of “reliable”).

My shortlist at the moment:

last-gen Mercedes GLK — amazing, unique style, 300+ HP, RWD/AWD. A luxury hot hatch disguised as an old people’s car. It’s the C-class wagon we never got.

newish Golf Alltrack — great all-around car, very similar to my current ride in size

Something used/electric? But I drive so little, the EV benefits aren’t really there. But I wouldn’t have to think much about maintenance.

last-gen Mercedes E350 wagon? If I can find one for sale anywhere....

Dodge Durango or Ford Flex? We don’t really need the minivan redundancy, but a V8 engine or Ecoboost V6 might be nice.

random001 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:02

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I used to love car shopping. Apparently the age of the internet has made it just awful.  There’s no haggle process, this whole “We search and set the rock bottom price, so we can’t negotiate anything, stop talking to me and buy it or not” bullcrap is just awful.

E90M3 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:03

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Actually having time to car shop makes it a lot easier to be selective . Took me 2 months to find my M3 and it took over a month of negotiating to acquire my 328i.

On the color part, I was never really a fan of red cars, until I owned one. I really like the Vermilion Red my 128i was.

TorqueToYield > Where have all the lightweights gone? 04/03/2019 at 10:04

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Thats...bright

Azrek > Arrivederci 04/03/2019 at 10:05

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And they are awesome...

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Arrivederci 04/03/2019 at 10:07

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It’s amazing, and a lot of car for the money. I have always liked the ATS, especially after the 2015 face lift. I was thinking an ATS 2.0 turbo or BMW 3 series. I drove an ATS several years ago and quite liked it, but I do need to drive one again . I’ve recently driven 328 and 335 F30 BMWs and while they were nice cars, they didn’t  really excited me. I’ve gone back to looking at the ATS and that’s when I saw how cheap the Vs are getting. The Camero is also on the same Alpha platform, so in a way it’s kind of like an ATS coupe with a V8. Decisions, decisions...

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:07

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get a 2009 subaru legacy for $300 that has a rust hole in the rear right quarter panel and blew an engine twice and has an automatic then buy a rolled WRX STi and swap in the engine and transmission and make a subaru legaSTi (pronounced “leg-uh-stee”) you wont regret it

Ash78, voting early and often > random001 04/03/2019 at 10:08

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Yeah, the theory is that perfect market information is the best for everyone, but everything seems miserable now — hotels, flights, cars, you name it. I might save a few percent vs before the Internet, but I now spend countless hours and extra stress, most of it second-guessing myself and looking at alternatives. Total paralysis.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:11

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May I introduce you to.... Shock?

Seriously, this is a very striking color in person. Might be a bit overboard, and I have a preference for yellow myself but it might be worth your consideration.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:11

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If you’re looking for Camaro SS why not Mustang GT?

Tripper > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:12

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+1 for colors! I’m all about polarizing colors. Current Garage:

Marigold Yellow

Phoenix Yellow

Agave Green

Vermilion Red

Of your car considerations STI and Golf R get my vote.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:15

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Check out a Challenger.

Much more comfortable place to spend time than the Camaro and the V8/stick is plenty of fun when called upon, hell even the V6/8-speed is fun.

phenotyp > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:16

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I haven’t driven a Camaro beyond a friend’s ‘80-something IROC in high school, but I have driven an E90 M3... That car, even stock, has the second-best-sounding V8 in a modern car, IMO (#1 being a tie between my friend’s Bullitt and his GT350).

Which, speaking of... what about a GT350?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Where have all the lightweights gone? 04/03/2019 at 10:16

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Wow... just... Wow! That is bright!

But it looks damn good on that car, it works great with the lines . That is gorgeous. Though I’m not sure if I could live with that every day.  

Marina blue was a 1st gen color, it’s a lot paler. T he 2016-18 color is called Hyper Metallic Blue. I didn’t know what it was until I looked it up just now, but either way I like it. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > random001 04/03/2019 at 10:19

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Yeah. Buying my wife’s CUV last year was a colossal pain in the ass. I’ve also noticed that, on the new car side of things, the dealers are trying to steer people towards leases. We had several instances where we saw cars listed at good prices, e-mail or call and of course they won’t give you anything in writing or say anything other than “come on down” , and then go in only to be told that the price they advertised was either A) with a bunch of rebates/ incentives we didn’t qualify for (why would you calculate your price with both loyalty cash and conquest cash?!?) or B) a “lease price” that was used in calculating the residual to determine lease payments.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > E90M3 04/03/2019 at 10:20

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Good counterpoints. You’re right, for most of the listed cars there are certain colors, features, and/or packages I’d want so I can afford to wait and be choosy. It’s nice.

And that 128i is gorgeous!  Nice car.  

Snuze: Needs another Swede > phenotyp 04/03/2019 at 10:27

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GT350 would definitely make my list but it’s a bit out of my price range. I’m trying to keep it under $30k, though I’d go a little more for the right car.  Unfortunately I haven’t seen a 350 under $40k yet and that’s just too much of a stretch right now.  

E90M3 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:28

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It is nice to decide what you want and hold out for it, but unless you’re buying new, I’d rank all my requirements and be prepared to settle if you can’t find a car that meets everything. Like I really wanted a white M3, but that was proving too hard to find, so I settled for a grey one with all the other options I wanted.

It really grew on me during my ownership; I find myself eyeing them and wouldn’t hesitate to pick one up if I ever found myself in a position to do so.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:28

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I’m in the same boat but I have about 8-12 month to make a decision and so far I’m mostly indecisive. I only drive my personal car about 5,000 miles a year so I don’t want to spend $30k, I’m thinking $15k or less. I may just buy another Mazda 3. It’s such a good car.

random001 > Ash78, voting early and often 04/03/2019 at 10:38

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So much truth!

phenotyp > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:40

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Can’t go wrong with an E90 M3, just make sure the throttle actuator gears have been replaced. Those little plastic bastards like to fail around 40K miles.

random001 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:43

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God, looking for an EV or hybrid was worse! The advertised price would include any federal rebate on top of things I couldn’t qualify for because I didn’t have a non-branded lease, or a branded lease, or sacrifice a goat, or some shit.  How does that do me any good? Ugh!

BeaterGT > Arrivederci 04/03/2019 at 10:45

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I want one so bad.  Harder to find with the performance pack though.

punkgoose17 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:47

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My conscious wants me to remind you about the Regal sportback as a very practical option.

Also the WRX comes in Pure Red.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > random001 04/03/2019 at 10:48

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Yeah. It pisses me off. I called a few on it and they always say “well it says on our website the price includes all rebates and incentives, ” but how do I know what I do and don’t qualify for?  I think it ought to be that you can only advertise a lower price that includes rebates/incentives that are applicable to ALL customers.  Then let me go in and find out I’m getting a BETTER deal with extra incentives due to loyalty, or conquest, or military, or whatever.  

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Ash78, voting early and often 04/03/2019 at 10:51

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So much this. Also, see my replies below, but it annoys me how car dealers in particular find ways to get away with advertising a price online and then that’s not the price in the dealership.  T hey play all these games with incentives that you may or may not qualify for.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Where have all the lightweights gone? 04/03/2019 at 10:53

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dayum

Snuze: Needs another Swede > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute 04/03/2019 at 10:54

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One of the reasons I’m strongly considering an ATS 2.0T is that its well within my budget (you can find good ones <$20k) which leaves me money for project car!

Btw, do you know anyone with a $300 rusty Legacy?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 04/03/2019 at 10:59

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Nice! I’m looking to do something this summer, probably July-August but I’d jump on the right deal now if I saw it... and if I could figure out what I want.

Your budget makes sense, too. If you don’t drive much there’s not a lot of sense tying up $30k in a car. How do you like the 3? I’ve got a coworker who is also car shopping and she’s thinking about another Civic or possibly a  3.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 10:59

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yeah my mom's friend has one and she wants to buy it for me so I stop being a lazy bastard and do something with my life...if this actually happens me and my friend are gonna get right to work with a rolled Impreza WRX STi and make the LegaSTi a thing

Snuze: Needs another Swede > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute 04/03/2019 at 11:02

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That would be a fun project, for sure!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > punkgoose17 04/03/2019 at 11:20

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Good call. Though I think if I was going that route I might go with the TourX wagon. Also, I love the LTG 2.0L turbo, and the 9T65 auto is nice (our Terrain Denali has the same drivetrain) but I really want something with a stick.  

Snuze: Needs another Swede > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/03/2019 at 11:23

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That is rather... S hocking!

I like it, but I don’t think it’s the color for me. I’m also looking at something slightly used, particularly 2016-17 for Camaros, and that color only became available in ‘19.  

Snuze: Needs another Swede > BeaterGT 04/03/2019 at 11:23

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I’m still learning about these cars.  What did the performance pack add?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > phenotyp 04/03/2019 at 11:24

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That’s been suggested to me and its definitely under consideration.  I need to drive one, at least.  

BeaterGT > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 11:36

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Same here! I believe it has the nicer seats, includes the Carbon package which comes with a few nice bits like the splitter and spoiler, lightweight battery, and also the Performance data recorder.

Roadster Man > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 11:40

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Muscle cars are cool, but they are only cool for a while. Then they get boring when all you can do is mash the gas in a straight line.

The Golf R is the sleeper in your list. With a pretty advanced AWD system, t hat car fuckin RIPS and they gave the latest generation a manual trans. And I’ve seen that VR with the head off, it’s such a narrow angle V6 that it’s practically a straight-six.. Probably why it sounds so damn good.

With a tune and nothing else you’ll get a lot of power out of that fucker. I vote for the Golf R.

BeaterGT > E90M3 04/03/2019 at 11:41

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Why did you get rid of it again?  They are so cheap now!

E90M3 > BeaterGT 04/03/2019 at 11:44

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I was unemployed with  two cars and didn’t want to deal pay for it, so I sold it. I still owed 13.5k on it when I got rid of it, the M3 was both paid for and what I always wanted. I figured I’d get another DD when I found a job, which is why I picked up the 328i; I was unable to find a stick 128i in my area. 

Tapas > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 11:48

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Camaro 1LE is an awesome performance car at an awesome price.

Pull the trigger. If you feel inclined to have some practicality in your life, spend an extra $3k to $4k for an old Japanese SUV (Lexus RX350, Acura MDX). That way, you are never car-less.

phenotyp > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 11:57

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Regardless whether you want one, you should drive one. It’s a hoot.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > BeaterGT 04/03/2019 at 12:10

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Oh right!  I remember reading somewhere that it’s worth it for the seats alone.  I’ll have to see if any of the ones I’ve looked at have that package.  

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Roadster Man 04/03/2019 at 12:21

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I thought th e Golf R had a turbo 4 and not a VR . Regardless, I’ve heard great things from a few people on here, so its definitely on the list. Another, similar car that I forgot to add is a Focus RS. I’ve ridden in one of those and was blown away by how fast it was. These modern computer controlled AWD systems are AMAZING in their ability to put power down.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Tapas 04/03/2019 at 12:24

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If I go the Camaro SS route I’d be looking hard for one with the 1LE package.

My wife has a GMC Terrain so I’ve got practicality covered.  I just need to teach her to drive stick (prefferably in my Cruze) so I can swap cars with her when needed.  

Tristan > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 12:37

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A friend and myself went TDY to Nellis last year, and while there he rented a practically new Camaro SS. He was in LOVE. He’s owned a couple of Evos and fast Eclipses, but was driving and Elantra daily at the time. About a week after returning from that trip, he bought a lightly used gorgeous blue 6-speed SS Camaro for less than $30k !

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 12:40

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2nd gen CTS -V?  They come in manual and are a great car to live in.  Like a Camaro with a nicer interior and a real back seat.

Tapas > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 12:43

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There’s always the option to o rder it from the factory. That way, you get it just the way you want it.

If you already have a car, the re’s no rush.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/03/2019 at 12:57

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The Bolt I drove was that color, it looks very safety fleet color in person. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Tristan 04/03/2019 at 13:09

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That’s awesome! S ounds like your friend and I have similar tastes. Very cool. 

Also, “TDY to Nellis”. Air Force?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 04/03/2019 at 13:13

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Same problem as the GT350 , most of the ones I’m seeing are around $40k.  Though a CTS-V wagon truly is a dream car for me, but the wagon with a stick is practically unobtanium.  

BeaterGT > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute 04/03/2019 at 13:27

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$300?!  Why wouldn’t you buy it? Besides the whole lazy bastard thing which I’m sure is not true.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > BeaterGT 04/03/2019 at 13:44

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eh, even I know I'm lazy lol...as for buying it I'm very likely to buy it actually so it's mostly a matter of time...

BeaterGT > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute 04/03/2019 at 13:45

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Good to hear! 

Roadster Man > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 13:56

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Oh yeah I’m wrong, I was thinking of my buddy’s car, the Golf R32. he’s got the VW R32 with the N/A VR6. He’s boosted it to about 15 psi and it puts 451hp to the wheels. All stock everything in the engine except a head spacer to bump the compression up a bit.

Focus RS is an excellent choice as well, but don’t shrug off the Fiesta ST. I hear it’s an absolute blast to drive. Like a FWD BRZ.

Why aren’t you considering and classic cars? And you gotta get that “I need a V-8" out of your head. Keep your options open!

What about instead of an E90-something BMW you look back in time: E46 BMW M3, E36 BMW M3, E39 BMW M5 (V8 baby!) are all great choices.

Or, if you want some un-dependability, try a B5 Audi S4. It’s like a VW but fast and it breaks down more.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Tapas 04/03/2019 at 13:57

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I’m looking for something used, budget is $30k~ish, I don’t think I could order a new SS and still be in budget . Also, at least with the Camaros, I really like the 2016-2018, I’m not crazy about the 2019 facelift.

BahamaTodd > punkgoose17 04/03/2019 at 13:59

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I have a new Regal GS. It s much more on the practical side of things vs being sporty, especially against a Camaro. Think of it like a smooth, quiet (too quiet IMO) daily driver that can maintain its composure in turns.

BahamaTodd > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 14:05

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Do n’t count out the V6 Camaro which also sounds great with the dual mode exhaust. Maybe you can find a V6 1LE for a good deal.

If this generation didn’t suck for back seat and cargo room I’d probably have a V 6 m an ual.

punkgoose17 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 14:07

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Yeah I want a stick too. That is why I mentioned the WRX it seems like a great balance between practical and sport.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Ash78, voting early and often 04/03/2019 at 14:10

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Can definitely relate...

I miss the old days (like 10 years ago) when I could find a flight at a deep discount to fill a seat or two a day or so before the flight left to some random spot. Now they’ll freaking drop an entire flight if it’s not full enough and have it optimized to a point that the cabin is always full and every seat was sold at the maximum possible price that someone would pay for it...

Hotels are still a little less crazy, but they’re getting there. They just don’t have the ability to dynamically adjust capacity like airlines do.

Cars are seriously the worst, though. They might even be worse than real estate...

Consumer goods are totally squeezing every single link in the supply chain at this point and have been for a while now. It’s the Amazon effect... Great for most of us, though, as we can get so many good so cheaply, though we also have a minefield of counterfeit/fake/mislabeled goods to deal with in the market.

imadick > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 14:11

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The Golf R is definitely a sweet car. Stage 1 with 350hp? Yeah, not bad.

Ash78, voting early and often > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/03/2019 at 14:13

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Yep, even stuff sold by Amazon directly is often counterfeit — especially luxury consumer goods like nice sunglasses, fragrances, etc.

What’s worse is that Amazon unwittingly funds human trafficking and organized crime through their participation...on a scale never seen before in human history. Easy money laundering and not a whole lot Amazon can really do without pushing the legitimate vendors away, too.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Roadster Man 04/03/2019 at 14:29

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No worries. I’m not a huge VW guy so I wasn’t sure if there was something I was missing. I loved the Mk.4 R32, I test drove one years and year ago and was really impressed, but I ended up with a WRX instead.

I’ve heard the same thing about the FiST, but I want something a little bigger. I’d also prefer rear or all-wheel drive.

I’m n ot sure where you got “I need a V-8" from. If you take the Camaro, the 8 cars I listed, and the Focus RS I just threw into the pot, 6 out of 10 are not V8 cars.

Regarding older cars, I’ve considered keeping the Cruze as a daily and getting something older as a weekend ride. I’m just leaning towards a newer used car.  As for BMWs, I recently drove a 328 and 335 (both F30 series) and wasn’t crazy about either.  But I’d consider an E90 or older if the right one came along.  At this point my options are pretty open but my list above is indicative of the sorts of things I like.  

Also, regarding the B5 S4, JUST NO! I helped a friend replace turbos in one once. Never again.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > punkgoose17 04/03/2019 at 14:30

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They are good cars.  I had an 04 years ago.  That’s honestly my biggest reason I’m not more into it - I feel like I’d be repeating myself, which wouldn’t be bad since I liked the car a lot, but I also feel like this is an opportunity to try something different.  

Tapas > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 15:36

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Gotcha, that makes sense.

I dont like the 2019 facelift either.

factoryhack > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/03/2019 at 19:11

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You have a great list there at the $30K price point. However, as much as a V-8 Camaro is fantastic bang for the buck, the outward visibility is definitely a deterrent for a lot of people. If this is going to be your daily driver, visibility is a pretty big aspect of your enjoyment. Not being able to see the corners of the car, big blind spots, and trouble seeing traffic signals due to the low windshield header, does get old really fast.

If I were to make a recommendation for an alternate V-8 stick solution at $30K , look at C6 Corvette, especially 2008 and newer with the base LS3 instead of the Z06. The power to weight ratio is vastly superior to the 5th gen. 6.2 Camaro. Same power, at least 400 lbs. lighter, more tossable, and much better forward and side visibility. Also, Corvettes are generally owned by old dudes who baby them. Try to find one that has had the tires replaced because it will cost you $1,500 for a decent set of run flats. You can find super clean c6s with very low miles for $30K all over the place. They also are very inexpensive to maintain with the exception of tires.

Note: Z06s are great with the 64 additional HP out of the LS7. They are really fun but are much more likely to have been used harder. Also, LS7s do tend to have some valve train issues.

Good luck.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 04/04/2019 at 09:36

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I don’t know if I have a good answer for that question. I ’m just a “Chevy guy” I guess . Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the redneck with the bumper sticker of Calvin peeing on a Ford logo or anything like that. Ford makes some really great vehicles and the newer Mustangs are very nice. One of my good friends has a GT and it’s a great car. I drove a Boostang last year, and a 4 cylinder Camaro, and I was really impressed with the Ford. If I were going to buy a 4 banger I’d go for the Ford for sure . But I’ve just always liked Camaros, and love the look of the 6th gens, and for as good as the new Mustang is, if we’re talking V8s I’m getting a Camaro.

Though CarMax near me has a 2016 GT that I may need to go drive.  For research purposes...