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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Hahah; that's why it caught my eye! I was thinking, "leper... what? I don't recall that trim level...."
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,638
    One of my friends had a 1979 Granada coupe as his first car, and he's kinda nostalgic for it. Guess I'd better not show him that '77!

    But, he might not be interested, because he says he wants a 1979 specifically, and with a straight six like his had. I told him he might want to re-think that, because once the rose-tinted glasses come off he'll realize just how slow it is by today's standards. They weren't bad with the 302 though. I dated a girl for awhile who had a blue '77 4 door 302, and she let me drive it a few times.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    My Grandmother had a burgundy with red interior Granada when I was a kid. I know she flew around in that thing as my Grandfather swapped some sort of bigger engine in it. I remember she said kept her in the poor house putting gas in it.

    No one really knows what he swapped into it, but my older cousins said it was a 351 Cleveland.

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

  • jpp75jpp75 Member Posts: 1,535
    A coworker of mine got a brand new 200 as a rental a few weeks ago down in Ft. Myers, it had 12 miles on when he drove out. As he was driving down I-75 to the hotel he noticed a strange sound coming from the left front that got progressively worse and started noticing the car wasn't tracking well with the steering. It was almost midnight and he was just a couple of miles from the hotel, so he kept going. Right before he got into the hotel parking lot the left front wheel snapped off and he ground to a halt, fortunately he was traveling at a slow speed, if that had happened on I-75 he would have been in real trouble.

    He showed us pictures and it had snapped clean off, I think the tow driver mentioned something about the tire rod breaking off, but I'm not 100% sure. Ironically they brought him another 200 as a replacement and he promptly refused that and told them to have something else there in the morning.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I hope this was just a hiccup on my dad's.
  • jpp75jpp75 Member Posts: 1,535
    Hopefully so, you don't want him dealing with issues like this all the time. Although that's how my 2011 Grand Cherokee was, but hopefully he won't have the same experience.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,229
    I see leftover 2012 200/Sebrings with the 3.6 liter V6 engine being advertised around $20k (before negotiation). That's a lot of motor for $20k, but I'm sure they don't have many other features.
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,697
    There's another store that just opened up on my end of town - right off 104th where all the other dealers are.

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

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Dad got the convertible with the folding hard top. Loaded up, too.

    Luckily he keeps them forever because I'm sure his depreciated about $10,000 on the first day.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    There's another store that just opened up on my end of town - right off 104th where all the other dealers are.

    Makes sense ... which space did they take over up there?
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,638
    a few weeks ago I had to go to the dealer to get my truck, after having a sliding rear window put in. They had a leftover 2012 200C Limited for something like $17,500 sitting in the showroom. It was just a 4-cyl, but had a sunroof and alloys, and a pretty nice interior although it was just cloth and not leather. It was a pretty shade of light blue metallic, with a creme interior.

    That seemed like a really good price, even for just a 4-cyl. But, I also learned when I bought my Ram that when this dealer throws up one of those "too good to be true" prices, they throw on every conceivable rebate where they stick or not, and leave off the freight charge. Oh, and the state of Maryland taxes rebates, too.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    edited November 2012
    "...but is it a smart idea..."

    Those 2G eclipses where supposed to be fun to drive but that milage is a little high for my tastes. Still the smoothness of a Mitsu motor is a wonder to behold. :)

    "...oldfarmer special..."

    Nah! While that's the kind of "old fart's" car I like, it would have to have half the miles and half the price. :sick:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    "...even for a 4-cyl..."

    That's probably Chrysler's new 2.4L developed with Hyundai and Mitsu with 172hp. Much better than the old tech gas hog 2.4L in my PT Crusier.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    well, at this point, I barely need a car in terms of putting on miles. mostly so i can say I have one, and to have less hassle trying to swap with the wife of daughter. But I won't be putting many miles on it so higher miles but good shape could work out. As long as it is cheap!

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    "...as long as it's cheap..."

    If it's just a cheap vert you're looking for, try this:

    http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3392127459.html

    If it's got the V-6 it's a Mitsu motor.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    I bet it's smoking too, unless the valve seals have been done. All the older Caravans with that motor always seem to be blowing blue smoke.

    My Brother had a 94 Spirit with the 3.0. Smoked like crazy, but wouldn't die despite his attempts.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    "...smoking too..."

    Yeah, that was one weak spot in that engine. Valve seals dried out and they would burn oil. A friend has a Montero like that, burns a quart per 1000. It's going strong at 150,000 miles. The positive side is that he has never had to replace any exhaust parts because the oil film protects them from rust.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,725
    Stopped by the dealership, but that E39 sold last night... :(

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    I have seen worse for the money. A lot worse, though who knows how it runs.

    Not going to philly for it though. One of my rules!

    But I love his pictures. Classic plate cover (his finger), and I think he should be shooting weddings.

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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    That's definitely a common "trait" on those 3 liter engines. My Caravan had the much better (in my opinion) 3.6L V6. That engine was just buttery smooth. I had 214K on it when I sold it, and I'll never forget how the buyer's eyes lit up the first time he turned the key to start it. It fired up and sounded like he was about to drive it off the showroom floor. :shades:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    "...classic plate cover..."

    Perhaps I'm being dense but why would you hide the plate in your ad? If you were worried that someone would get ID info on you couldn't they just do that from the phone number?

    Even if they didn't, they would certainly know who you are when they looked at the title. What am I missing?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    I wonder the same thing, since your plate is exposed when you are driving around anyway.

    All I can figure is they think people are going to see the plate, and look you up in DMV records to get your address? Though why they don't do it to any old car, I don't know. And frankly, I have no idea how easy it is to do a look up anyway. I doubt it is worth the trouble just to find your house.

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    No word from the Ford dealer on when the block heater might arrive for the Focus. Going to call them Monday and bug them some more.

    If we didn't have the Yaris things would be really rough. Hubby is on week 2 of his commute with the Yaris. No block heater on the car, but with a battery heater and oil pan heater the car seems willing enough to start at -35. Ordering a block heater for it next week, installation is easy, thank you Toyota!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    I just have to say, there is no chance I would ever live someplace where it could possibly get anywhere near -35. At this point, anything in the 20s sounds like a good reason to stay in the house.

    I can't wait to move south!

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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    -30F here in Fairbanks today. I share your sentiments on days like today, until I remember that if I were to move south (even south in the same State!), I'd have to share space with many, many more people. Then -30F doesn't sound so bad. :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited December 2012
    It hit 45 here in the UP and the ~6" that snuck down last week is mostly gone (norm would be 26). Could hit 60 tomorrow. Plenty of fun cars around to blow your money on.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,288
    I can't wait to move south!

    My son is applying to the University of South Carolina; we told him tat if he gets accepted we are going to his place to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas...

    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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    I knew I could rely on you to help make me feel good about the weather, Steve!

    I've always liked those 60s Fairlanes and Galaxies. 390 with a 4-speed? Yeah, I could go for that! :shades:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited December 2012
    The '65 Galaxie 500 in the family (white, like the cop cars of the era) was good until I cracked the block during a cold spell over Thanksgiving. I had borrowed it from my mom for a week to go back to school and didn't know it needed antifreeze. Back in the day that was an annual ritual I guess. It probably got down to 31.9 degrees that week. :)
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I cut my teeth driving my Dads 65 Ford Galaxie 500 XL coupe with a 390 -- great bucket seats and if you were alone in the car you could smoke it pretty good. With 3 buddies aboard -- not so great. Honey Gold with a brown vinyl roof. I should have bought it from him in 68 instead of the Volvo 142S which was a real lemon.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    I have that school on the list of colleges for my daughter to look at. Might be a bit too far away, but I could always follow-up on my threat to follow her south.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    edited December 2012
    Saw this little gem on CL down south and the milage caught my attention. Then I heard the cautionary voices of the Edmunds car pros whispering in my ear "run away".

    http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/3439366180.html

    How much would you deduct for a car with true milage unknown. Would you even try to determine what the actual milage was on such a car? I was thinking if the car passed an independent mechanic's inspection and Car Fax or Auto Check verified that the car had the milage stated around the time the seller said it did, it might be worth considering.

    Ignore this particular car for a moment and give me your opinion on what you would do if this was a car you were hot to trot for.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    "...dad's 65 Ford Galaxie 500..."

    My father also had one of those he bought used around 69.Had a 351 and was pretty fast. Of course I beat it pretty good whenever I had the chance and eventually the weak Ford auto tranny of the time started to act up. Fortunately, my older brother totaled it on ice before it really got bad.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    Tough call about the mileage. It would be all about condition. It would also be a bigger hit for something claiming low mileage rather than car that is well north of 100k.

    My mother had that exact same car (color and all Pacific Green IIRC) I always liked it, but its such a better car with the 4.6 V8.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    at that price range, it is all about condition and the inspection. If it runs well and checks out, it is a good deal almost regardless of miles.

    think of it this way. That looks like a good deal for a clean car with 120K on it, so it would only be a better deal at a real 50K.

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

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    My first car was a 66 Galaxie 2 door HT with a 390. Never seen a car that could drink gas like that one. It could smoke the tires pretty nicely too, as well as hauling 6-8 high schoolers without too much complaining.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    Miles could be original - that thing is really clean compared to most of them. I don't know if driving from Venice to Tampa is something the seller needed to brag about. Have fun with the 3.8 that no doubt lurks under the hood. Cheap though, and a nice period color. If I wanted it, I would inspect the engine, and negotiate.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    "...have fun with the 3.8..."

    Is that engine prone to problems? As tjc78 said I would prefer the 4.6 in a car like that. Neither seems like a hot rod motor since even the V-8 back then only had around 200hp.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    3.8L Fords are very prone to head gasket problems. By 1996 it was less of an issue, because Ford changed the gasket material I believe. It has to do with an iron block and aluminum heads.

    In all honesty the 3.8 is a turd. It had decent torque, but no upper end power and wasn't refined at all.

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

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Go to davesinclairbuickgmc.com and search used for pics of my 03 liberty I traded in recently.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    34,000 miles on an '03?! Why do you even own a vehicle? :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    That is the best 03 Liberty in the USA. Well maintained with abs and side curtain airbags plus Bilstein shocks. CCB disease is a part of my DNA. :shades:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    That's not a bad thing.... for your vehicles, at least! When I looked at it, I thought, "wait, that's a Liberty?! That looks nice!" :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,229
    Looks good. I hate it when manufacturers make safety equipment optional, not many people buy it, and then it's difficult to find a used vehicle with the option. I prefer the styling of the early Liberties like yours with the round headlights.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    this looks like a nice little around-town runabout. And I know right where it is!

    http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3388270025.html

    cute little car. Ambitious price by about 1 zero.

    http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3455288265.html

    My goodness, an actual interesting looking option. Wish this was in my town like the first one.

    http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3455265135.html

    Am I wrong for actually liking this?

    http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3403287632.html

    interesting for price. and the pics are in front of my duaghter's boyfriend's father's repair shop.

    http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3454658222.html

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

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    I'd have fun in that runabout, ramming the local CUV population off the road :shades:

    The "prestine" Toyota is something - someone trying to recover their investment.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,725
    I like the Volvo wagon, but when the owner says it's in "fair" condition, then it's probably a nightmare..

    Unlike the older Volvo, where the owner states, "needs nothing"..

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  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    The last Volvo sedan for the money could be decent.

    I like the TA (the color too)

    The silver wagon is asking for trouble.

    I hope Shifty chimes in to put a real value on that green Toyota. Seems very overpriced.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    edited December 2012
    Kaiser---glad to see you have come over to the dark side of Hooptieville where I live. :P

    Toyota---considering how those cars rusted that's probably the only one left. Just think you could have bought about 10 of them new for that price.

    Volvo---that seller should find out where Mr. Kelly lives since he's paying crazy money.

    Pontiac---looks to be good body-wise but I worry how many burn outs were done over those 165,000 miles.

    Volvo---174,000 miles? "needs nothing".........yet! :lemon:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 22,533
    .....this is more my idea of a cheap winter car.

    http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3456745332.html

    He says it has rust but all I can see from the photos is a spot on the passenger's door and maybe the rear passenger's wheel well in front of the tire.

    By northeast standards that's pristine.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

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