Post: #51

(04-30-2012 03:05 PM)ABDada Wrote:  

(04-30-2012 03:00 PM)Hotwheels Wrote:  Basically, instead of spending 10's of thousands in repairs one can instead spend that money on a much newer, more reliable, vehicle is how I look at it.

I warn my friends constantly to never buy LR. Ever.

The only reason I buy them is I love the ride and I have tons of knowledge about them, so I can manage 95% of maintenance and even serious repairs just shade tree mechanic style. I recently replaced my head gasket ($1800 at an average mechanic) myself in a garage over a weekend. It was fun as hell and I did a bunch of other minor work (replaced hoses, etc). Total cost was somewhere under $300, plus 12+ hours of work.

I call owning LR a hobby for a reason. It's a passion, not something that is a wise investment. My older model LR is even worse: when it runs, it catches everyone's eye and I get tons of compliments on it. When it runs.

I get it. I love working on them because the dealer is so high and nobody else around here will touch one. I make good money. If you ever read the African LR forums you will see how much some people love those things.

Post: #52

(04-30-2012 03:08 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  I get it. I love working on them because the dealer is so high and nobody else around here will touch one. I make good money. If you ever read the African LR forums you will see how much some people love those things.

If any of you are in Chicago in October, you're welcome to join me on a weekender out to the Kettle Moraine of Wisconsin when I have my full snorkel and top tent installed and a minor cargo trailer behind it.

All it takes is one ride through a deep and fast moving river and people are HOOKED. Then I show them my meticulous spending records and they realize it isn't for them.

Old wive's tale: Land Rovers didn't have stereo speakers for years because the factory couldn't find a way to make them leak.

Post: #53

(04-30-2012 03:11 PM)ABDada Wrote:  

(04-30-2012 03:08 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  I get it. I love working on them because the dealer is so high and nobody else around here will touch one. I make good money. If you ever read the African LR forums you will see how much some people love those things.

If any of you are in Chicago in October, you're welcome to join me on a weekender out to the Kettle Moraine of Wisconsin when I have my full snorkel and top tent installed and a minor cargo trailer behind it.

All it takes is one ride through a deep and fast moving river and people are HOOKED. Then I show them my meticulous spending records and they realize it isn't for them.

Old wive's tale: Land Rovers didn't have stereo speakers for years because the factory couldn't find a way to make them leak.

Pic?

Post: #54

(04-30-2012 03:19 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Pic?

I had some on FB but I deleted a lot of albums last year. I'll ask my #1, she loves taking pics when we do camping weekends, I'm sure she has a bunch on her iPhone.

I'm surprised at myself, my truck is like my pet/wife and I usually take tons of betadom photos of it when I clean her up and put together some new bolt-ons.

My daily ritual lately is to search all of the regional Craigslists for all sorts of accessories and used parts. The Old Man Emu suspension is amazing and I've been shopping around for a new used set like a mad man.

Post: #55

I can definitely follow the hobby end of it, and I noted you had mentioned that after I had entered that last post.

Much like guys with race cars and such, one can't show how it's wise financially, but if you enjoy it that's what matters.

Owning a musclecar I can definitely relate, but at least that is worth more than I have in it.

Only because I bought it 20 years ago at the bottom of the market....

Post: #56

Can the OP drive a stick?



Badass car that can be had fairly reasonable.

Post: #57

My mom had a CTS caddy... it was a peice of shit, stayed in the shop

then she took my advice an bout a Acura RL type-s an has never been happier

Post: #58

That's a V Series.

Not a normal CTS.

I wouldn't bother with that bodystyle CTS either if it wasn't a V.

Post: #59

(04-30-2012 05:12 PM)Hotwheels Wrote:  That's a V Series.

Not a normal CTS.

I wouldn't bother with that bodystyle CTS either if it wasn't a V.

I made a thread about that car check it out..
/thread-8720.html

Post: #60

My old man has one with Corsa exhaust. He's 65 years old.

The V is a badass machine. I'd love to have the V coupe that's out now. 556HP Caddy from the factory!

The STS-V's are pretty cool too with the supercharged Northstar. Not as fast as the current CTS-V but a bit bigger and plusher.

Post: #61

I drive an LS myself, albeit an older one, highly recommended, though it seems I overpaid for mine. Best ride of any car I've been in (never tried the German barges like the 7 Series, the A8 or the S-Class though). Acura RL and Lexus ES (2001 or earlier, the later one is fugly), the GS, and the Infiniti G35 is what I'd pick.

I looked into getting a Jag, and *really* liked them. The Van Den Plas interiors are better than anything else short of a Bentley. But people say things like "when you buy a Jag, you buy two, one to drive and one for parts." So I nixed it. Lexus LS's still have pretty nice interiors.

El Mech, my mechanic quoted me about $500 to fix broken motor mounts on my LS. Is it worth it?

Post: #62

i bought this same make/model for $11,500 with 100k miles on it. mint condition. dealer serviced, all records.

with proper research you can get a great car (2003 BMW 330i ZHP) for cheap.

people spend 11,500 on kias and shit. no need.

Post: #63

(04-30-2012 02:07 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  It's just like this 30k miles or so. I put new Eagle GTs on it a couple months ago.

Nice ride Mech!

How much you looking for it?

Post: #64

yeah, people can't comprehend that you can get an older luxury car for under $12,000. there's really no need to get a newer one unless you have the money to blow.

Post: #65

If you want a modded GS, check out the Lexus enthusiast forums, you might find someone looking to sell theirs. Modded cars usually don't cost any more than a standard one either, and an enthusiast may have taken really good care of the car.

clublexus.com
lexusownersclub.com
lexusforum.com
planetlexus.com

Also look for a local enthusiast meet or club, and ask if any of the members are looking to sell.

Same goes for any other car, eg the G35.

Post: #66

(04-30-2012 10:58 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(04-30-2012 02:07 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  It's just like this 30k miles or so. I put new Eagle GTs on it a couple months ago.

Nice ride Mech!

How much you looking for it?

I'm not sure yet but I don't like waiting months to sell something. Priced to sell fast as always.

@ Basil 1.4 hours labor and the mounts cost 79 each list for 130(good ones)

Post: #67

(04-29-2012 11:12 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(04-29-2012 11:06 PM)slubu Wrote:  It probably doesn't hurt but the amount spent on a car and for what you get back for it in terms of attaining girls is likely not worth it. I have a nice car now and I know it hasn't contributed to a majority of my bangs and those that I can't tell (i.e. I banged them after they were in the car) I have no idea but who cares. Right now I'm considering giving up my car, pocketing the extra money a month and using it to travel, eat better, buy suits, etc.

And I'm a car nut - traveled to Munich more than once to get a new car.

Damn, you travelled to Germany to buy a car.
What are you driving?

Sorry just saw this. I've done BMW's Euro Delivery program twice. It's really an unbelievable experience. You get a massive discount on the car, are treated like absolute royalty at BMW Welt when you arrive (google it), pick up your car on a huge platform with a spotlight on it that rotates, they fully insure you, get to drive around Europe and hit towns with no access other than driving, and then drop it off almost anywhere through western Europe and they ship it back for you.

Last time I hit the Nurburgring and actually drove a lap myself. One of the scarier moments. Then I had an amateur drive me in his RUF early 90s porsche and I came out sweating fearing my life. Finally paid for a former race car driver through BMW to take me in an M5. Almost threw up when I came out and had to sit down for 30 minutes. Worth every penny.

If anyone is looking to get a new BMW, and has time to go to Europe it's a no brainer given the experience and money savings.

Post: #68

My buddy works for a leasing agency in the Toronto area and he deals a lot with high end vehicles, ferraris etc. he says the range rover is junk. The mechanical problems are a nightmare, constantly being serviced. Secondly, who do you see driving range rovers in Toronto, he asked me. I replied with a shrug, wives of rich dudes for e most part. He said exactly. Stat away! Yes it looks good, but my time is more valuable than dealing with the time going to the mechanic etc.

For those interested, go the auto salvage route. Can get some deals if you know any bodymen. There is a site for you to get an idea of what you can get. The prices are a tad more than what you will pay f you went to the auction yourself, so a good rule of thumb is subtract 10-20% of what you see listed retail.
Site in Miami florida http://www.casmiami.com

Post: #69

My buddy works for a leasing agency in the Toronto area and he deals a lot with high end vehicles, ferraris etc. he says the range rover is junk. The mechanical problems are a nightmare, constantly being serviced. Secondly, who do you see driving range rovers in Toronto, he asked me. I replied with a shrug, wives of rich dudes for e most part. He said exactly. Stat away! Yes it looks good, but my time is more valuable than dealing with the time going to the mechanic etc.

For those interested, go the auto salvage route. Can get some deals if you know any bodymen. There is a site for you to get an idea of what you can get. The prices are a tad more than what you will pay f you went to the auction yourself, so a good rule of thumb is subtract 10-20% of what you see listed retail.
Site in Miami florida http://www.casmiami.com

Post: #70

Lets give the A5 some love now

Post: #71

Yo E-Mech you got to fuk w/ the volt??? What'd you think man?? It looks pretty sick. I just have mixed feelings about chevy's.

Audis seem pretty legit but I wonder how the are in the long hall. They're classy as fuck though no doubt

Post: #72

Why do you have mixed feelings about Chevy's? I love mine. (I have three vehicles. Just can't fathom not owning one like some guys here)

The volt is a pretty nice car. Pricey for it's size, but it's got a load of features that are usually optional. Since most guys here seem to live in or about cities the Volt is ideal for that type of driving as long as you have place to plug it in. 40 miles of driving without using ANY gas is pretty sweet.

Not sure if they are still running the lease deals, but if so that would be the way to go. $350/month isn't bad at all for a $40k+ car. Loaded I think is about $45k.

Post: #73

First car was a chevy impala, supposed to be pretty nice right. transmission was a fucking bitch. car fucked up ALL the time and I took good damn care of it.

I just want to know what the most dependable gas efficient and non-bitchmade car is out there. and doesn't cost a fortune.

Post: #74

Not what you want to hear, but I'm actually kicking around getting an Impala for a work car since I don't need 4 wheel drive in the summer (Believe it or not, but the SRX4 with a V6 only gets about 2mpg better than my Avalanche. Which gets about 16...) and I put quite a few miles on. Good mileage and generally dead nuts reliable. Can pick up a nice 2007 or newer pretty reasonable.

If you're looking new I'd suggest checking out the Chevy Cruze. Great mileage and a sweet car. No comparison to the Cobalt it replaced and can be priced anywhere from around 18 to 27 for a loaded one. A used 4 cylinder 2008 or newer Malibu would also be good on gas and reliable.

There's loads of cars out there that match your basic wants so it's hard to point out just one or two wihtout knowing more.

And, if you can spring for something new enough to be certifed used the warranty is extended by the factory. Pretty good deal.

Post: #75

(04-30-2012 02:51 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Bring it to someone who knows them and ask how much it will cost to make it "Right" because you want to buy it. Leaks, repaints etc. Always turn the key on and make sure all the lights come on then go out. ABS, Airbag, Engine etc. Guys like to pull the bulbs.
Who has the car and why are they selling it? Records? Pics? Post them here. Engine and underside also.

Mech, I'm going the cheap route, no more than $4K for a car to drive 20 miles a day. What do you think about the two below?

1997 MERCEDES C280 - $3800

A/C, PS/PB, Sunroof, Leather, Very good mechanical condition, Excellent Interior, mileage 93,627

The owner is an old man that just got out of the hospital, not looking to do much more driving. Says his son is a mechanic and that the rear fender has a dent that will cost $400 to fix. I'm sure he would sell it for $3,500 if I bring him cash tomorrow.

KBB value: Good $4,238 - Poor $4,200
http://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/c-class...vate-party

NADA: http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1997/Merc...280/Values

   

   



The other car is 2000 Lincoln LS 4.0L V8 engine with 164k miles.

KBB: $4,290 The guy will sell it for $4K.

The listing is below with a dozen pictures.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2964415246.html