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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I guess this was before Subaru made AWD standard

    Yep, that was 2 years later, 1995.

    The EJ22 engine is generally bullet-proof, far more reliable than the EJ25.

    At that age, though, who knows what it needs.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Elantra uses a direct injection engine

    Oddly enough, it's one engine from Hyundai that does not. The Accent and Sonata do, but the Elantra doesn't.

    When when the Touring launches it will have it.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    Price isn't bad on the P5. Clean ones are getting $4k at the block.

    Exhaust and shifter on the IS bug me... but then there is no CAI, so ... I dunno. Could be they just went aftermarket on things that needed replacing as it aged.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    D'oh! :sick: I thought the Elantra and Accent had the same engine.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    Mazda3- might as well combine some driving pleasure along with the frugality.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    so what, 50/50 that it stays at the dealer and something else comes home with you?

    Nah, I don't feel like paying $50k to replace it with a new truck and I highly doubt I can find another truck as nice as the Sierra for what I paid for it. It was a rare truck by Alaska standards, extreme low miles for an 07 (42k), no accidents, 1 owner, dealer maintained, non-smoker, no dogs, yeah, rare truck!

    I don't think our car family is going to change much other than the Escort getting shipped out in the next few months.

    My son graduates in 2 days and turns 18 in 13 days......I'm feeling a bit old these days. He leaves for boot camp in about 6 weeks. :sick:
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    edited May 2012
    Mazda3- might as well combine some driving pleasure along with the frugality.

    Yeah, that's what I'm leaning towards.

    Got some hypothetical parameters from the wife:

    Hatchback
    Automatic
    Leather (or leather like substance)
    Bluetooth
    iPod connectivity
    Silver or Grey

    She'd like a sunroof, but it's not a deal breaker

    The only tough one is the leather or vinyl seats. Not sure how many cars in this segment offer it.

    EDIT: The Mazda 3i Grand Touring comes standard with leather and moonroof. Adding the tech package provides bi-xenon headlights. MSRP of $24K

    One other thing to note .. both jobs that she is applying to would offer mileage reimbursement, so there would be some remuneration for all the driving she would do. Depending on which job she got, she could possibly do enough driving to defray most, if not all, of the costs of the payment, gas, insurance, etc.

    Phone interview with the non-state job this morning. The state job app was submitted last night.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    edited May 2012
    The Prius C offers fake leather seats, and the Insight EX has combination cloth/fake leather seats.

    Other than the hybrids, I think VW, BMW, and Mercedes are the main purveyors of vinyl seats in mainstream cars these days. Of course, I've seen real leather that looks and feels a lot worse than the vinyl in some of these cars.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Other than the hybrids, I think VW, BMW, and Mercedes are the main purveyors of vinyl seats in mainstream cars these days. Of course, I've seen real leather that looks and feels a lot worse than the vinyl in some of these cars.

    My daughter's MINI has the fake leather seats. Since she and my wife take turns driving to work, my wife has said that she likes them quite a bit.

    Have been reviewing the long term test blog on the Mazda 3 that Edmunds is driving. Biggest complaints so far:

    1) Lack of USB/iPod connectivity (it is a dealer option, however)
    2) Crappy OEM tires that don't match the chassis calibration of the car
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    The Carfax shows an accident but doesn't say anything about the severity. I'm kind of tempted; I'd feel better if it was inspected thoroughly...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    OH, I didn't realize. I saw their little checklist about it having no issues and didn't click on the link.
    That's bad news. A mark on the carfax is why I turned down a good deal on another 135i. Its just not worth it for someone like me who changes cars way too often. I would need a serious discount to make up for it.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    man... reserve met at just over $4k and 4 hours to go:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280877756380

    I'm really really tempted to throw out a bid and see what happens. My wife would kill me, though.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    It seems to me a 90K 4 cyl Fusion with a handshaker wold be a VERY tough car to sell.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    Yes, it could be anything from a torn bumper cover to replacement of several body panels. The incident happened in NY so there's no easy way to get a look at the accident report.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    up to $5,300 now. don't forget to budget for tires. Don't usually see 3 different brands on 1 car.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    finished at $5,627. not a bad price if it is clean overall.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    edited May 2012
    Yes it would ... and is/was in this case, too.

    I'm glad to see the finishing price wasn't an incredible steal, so I don't feel I missed out on anything. ;)

    However, even at $5600, that's right near the wholesale number. Only three 5-speed SELs have gone through Manheim recently. The cheapest one was $5600 with 103k miles. Second was 87k miles for $7500(!) And the other was 77k for $6900.

    I wonder if this one had a clean history report. I've noticed alot of dealers selling on Ebay lately where the history report is missing. What is up with that? I thought it was automatic when you listed on Ebay. They must offer an option now, at least for dealers.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Big hail storm a few weeks ago in the St. Louis area. Papers are touting big discounts on new and used inventory. Everyone in our development is getting new roofs. Our cars were in the garage so no problems. Golf to baseball size stuff -- amazing.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Depends on how great the discount is. Last summer, there was a freak hail storm on Long Island. I personally know 3 people (my FIL's '10 Outback, my wife's Aunt's '10 Malibu, & a friend's '07 Shelby GT500 Mustang) whose cars sustained close to $10,000 worth of damage. The insurance companies obviously fixed them, but now they won't have a clean carfax.

    If the discount is steep enough & the car was fixed perfectly, I don't see the problem if you are looking for a deal. Of course, the dealer's idea of the car's value will differ from the consumer's perception of the car's value.

    Dealer (on the new car) - "The car is brand new, had a new hood, roof, & will sell it for $1500 off invoice."

    Dealer (on the trade in) - "The carfax isn't clean. $6000 less than auction."

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Would think the best deals would be on low priced new stuff like 12K Versa's and 15K 2-3 year old stuff but I'm not in the market so who knows. I know the local BMW dealer was hit --- lots of new and cpo vehicles damaged. No idea on discounts.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    and the wife even said sure, let's buy now! Just not sure she was serious!

    We had dinner at a Bertucci's right next to the Honda dealer I use. So of course on the way out, we "had" to stop. Got a tour of a CRV (man, was this salesguy thorough, but nice enough and not pushy). Pretty nice overall, and seemed to be decently roomy in the cargo area (and it is pretty tall, which I like).

    It does have lots of features. Liked the stereo display and options, including the back-up camera. Front seats were comfortable for both of us. And my wife was comfortable with the "Hondaness" of it.

    we both drove. Seemed OK to me. Light steering (very light), but seemed to handle OK. decent pick up, but it was pretty noisy when you punched it (it is a 4 cyl afterall, and Hondas are not known for being quiet).

    so, not as fancy or quick as the RDX, but way cheaper and better MPG on regular gas.

    We were discussing on the way home that it might be better to wait until I got my additional car. Then she came up with the idea (which she didn't remember me suggesting this before) of keeping the van, and I could get the CRV for my car (though she then decided she would take it over). So who knows.

    Really want to see the Escape when it finally arrives, and the new Santa Fe is going to be interesting. I think Toyota will have a Rav-4 this fall maybe?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    continuing my story, we were discussing today how to proceed. Right now, after reorganizing the house financing (refied to absorb the cost of the renos we did), and setting aside the last year of kid 1s college tuition, we can reasonably allocate some $ to a DP and take on a modest loan. So fiscally, we can do it now or hold off.

    the considerations are 1) I need a car by Thanksgiving (an addition to the fleet, not a replacement), so something has to be budgeted for that, and 2) what I want to put into the odyssey.

    no clue what I will spend on my own wheels, but intending to be a cash purchase. So that will depend I guess on how much cash there is! But if we do nothing until I resolve my car needs at year end, we will know if there is enough budget to also get her a new one.

    Now, to the van. Brakes are getting close, so if I keep it though the summer, I need to drop about $600 into new brakes by July. tires should go until at least year end, but may be milking them a bit to make it through the winter. So probably gonna get stuck with them. And the timing belt will be due (technically I think it was due last December, but the dealer said the 7 years was this December). Only gonna be about 80K, so I suppose I can just ignore that.

    so, do I trade now and put nothing into it? Do the brakes, and nothing else and dump later in the year? Or absorb the maintenance costs and keep it for another year or 2?

    Probably not going to depreciate much in another year (though that will be offset by dropping repair money into it).

    I know what the CCB answer is (Grab your checkbook!), but what do the "experts" think will end up making the most sense $ wise (and keeping it for another 5-10 years until it dies is not one of the choices!)

    sell now? Keep to year end/sell with 80K on it? Sell this time next year with mid-80s? Do the maintenance?

    Oh, I would like to sell privately to get more $, but would not be comfortable if I knew it was overdue for something, like a T belt).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    If you are financially ready to buy now, it looks like a good time. You are staring down 2K (give or take) in maintenance and it sounds like from your posts that you and the wife pretty much want to be rid of the minivan. Plus and I'm sure others will disagree but I would be leary owning a higher mile Odo with the original trans.

    You'll get a pretty nice tax credit trading it that will offset some of the additional money you would get selling it outright. The 2K you are saving on maintenance could also be used for downpayment.

    So if you do trade it what will it be? CRV, RDX, Santa Fe?

    As for your ride, IMHO just put a few thousand less down on whatever you buy and use that to pick up something for yourself.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    if we were to go out this week, most likely the CRV. But, we need to go back to the automall and try them all out back to back to back (or is that back to back, belly to belly?)

    I remember what she thought of each one, but the wife can't remember them all at this point. But she does tend to like the last thing we drove!

    The RDX was very nice, but a pretty steep price jump over a CRV (about 7-8K for equivalent models I think). Plus the MPG will be lower (on premium gas), but man, it was quick.

    Also need to look at the Santa Fe again. She really liked that one.

    so most likely it would come down to the Hyundai and the CRV,

    And I am one of the people that does not want to have an Ody tranny pushing up toward 100K, not if failure is coming out of my bank account! Though I do have that drivetrain in my son's 2000 Acura TL, and that is over 160K at this point.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited May 2012
    There's some confusion about whether the RDX requires premium or not. This recent post indicates that it's only recommended and it's 89 octane that's recommended (contrary to what Edmunds and just about every other site, including Acura, says).

    quakerwildcat, "2013 Acura RDX" #58, 18 May 2012 9:08 pm

    When you go back for another look, maybe you can check out the gas cap too.

    Of course, using regular may lower the gas mileage.

    And for another singular data point (okay, datum), my brother is on his original transmission at ~125,000 miles on his '05 Odyssey.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    so most likely it would come down to the Hyundai and the CRV,

    Have you driven/looked at the Terrian? I really like them, haven't done much research in terms of reliability etc, but it looks really competitive in that segment.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Is the CX-5 out of the running at this point? I would think that the SkyActiv technology would provide it better mileage than some of the others you're looking at.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    my wife talked herself out of the Mazda. not even sure of the reason, but I would have her drive it again to make sure. She even admits she can't keep them straight (that is my job), and that before deciding we need to look at them all together on the same day.

    the terrain is out Tom. if for no other reason, my wife finds it to be less than attractive.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    my wife finds it to be less than attractive.

    As I am finding out (less than 5 months till I'm married) there is no better reason!

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    2003 330i ZHP

    Low miles and no hole in the roof are MAJOR pluses- as is the proactive cooling system maintenance as well as a fresh Inspection II. And Imola Red is a favorite:

    image

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    edited May 2012
    I assume it is a ZHP?

    Hey, if you like it that much, treat yourself!

    different strokes, since I won't buy a car without a moonroof.

    edit: oops. didnt notice the link...

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    If your wife digs the CRV, then go for it. They hold their value like crazy, so if you decide in 2-3 yrs you don't like it , then you won't loose your shirt.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Our family's 2011 Pilot officially turned a year old yesterday with 17K on the odometer.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Keep it up and we'll have to make you read-only in here. :P
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    The Pilot is universally recognized in the medical literature as a temporary cure for CCB syndrome. Heck, it even kept akangel on the straight and narrow for two or three years!
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    edited May 2012
    oh my that's overpriced! Like.... just ridiculously overpriced.

    The only one that even came close at auction recently had 64k miles and was deemed "above average." That got $10,100. So even if we assumed this could match that at the block... a $9k markup!! WOW!!

    You could get an '03 M3 with similar miles for about that.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    I hope they get it... I have an '06 coupe, with slightly lower miles.... same color, and with a hole in the roof! ;)

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  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    edited May 2012
    Now this would be a nice runabout.
    Darned low starting price, too. This would do at least that ($6k) at dealer auction.
    Too bad I still haven't put mine up for sale or I would be considering this.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    Didn't you already have a G?

    Nice looking car. A woman at the office has the twin of that car (I actually found it for her at a local dealer) she got a great deal because being a manual the dealer sat on it for a while.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    Yes. I had a G35x. This would be TOTALLY different. :blush:

    Check this out!
    I thought the miles were a typo, but the pics confirm it. I'm surprised they are only asking that much for it.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    that is low miles. almost too low, as in not enough use!

    the G looks interesting, but I loved this in the description:

    Number of Doors: 4 Generic Unit (Plural)

    minor concern that it was broken into (glass smashed) so who all knows what else happened there.

    but, if it checks out, a fun ride. Just don't B about the poor MPG you are getting with it.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    yeah, well, mileage would be the one thing holding me back. I promised myself something getting 30mpg this time. ;)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,096
    Cheapest one of those I have ever seen, and it really doesn't look too bad, just needs some cosmetic TLC. 6K...I see similar year Corollas with higher asking prices.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    Stick,

    Here is a plan for you: Trade the van in on that Mazda. Let your wife drive the Volvo and when your daughter is ready to drive, then get your wife the CUV of choice.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    Well, it is just a starting bid, so you never know. I liked that color, too. Dark grey metallic was my first choice, which is what I got mine in, followed by the maroon, and then that metallic sand color this one is in.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    the one Q found? That would violate my "never buy a car in Brooklyn" belief.

    I did suggest something along those lines, but she isn't buying it. We also do have a need for something reasonably good for utility now. More likely, if I stumbled upon my next car now and bought it, we would just have an extra sooner than expected.

    Might do something this weekend. Will probably run down to turnersville Friday afternoon or early saturday to try out all the options again at the same time, get a trade quote, and go from there. If she really falls in love with something, I'll probably throw the Odyssey on Craig's to see if anyone bites. if not, will probably hold off until the end of the year.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,852
    edited May 2012
    the one Q found

    Yeah, why not? What's wrong with Brooklyn? Perfect place to drive a car.... ;)

    Will probably run down to turnersville

    One good thing about that place is you can just walk around and try out just about everything. I'm sure you know but they will let you take the car out on the street instead of using the test track.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,435
    I haven't been serious enough yet down there to ask, but I figured they must. No way I am buying a car unless I got it out on real roads!

    but the convenience factor is hard to beat. The Hyundai, Honda and Acura stores are even all grouped right together. And Mazda is right up the road.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    Yeah, I wonder if they'd do an even swap for my 2003 540i M-sport? :P
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,698
    I think this has been listed for awhile now. Price seems a bit dear, but is in line with KBB (at least for some reference), and I doubt there are too many 24k mile ZHP's out there.

    '06 ZHP Vert

    I like it - get a convertible back in a package more appealing to the wife.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y

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