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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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Comments

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    edited February 2013
    Yeah, I recall it as being a fairly peppy car; it certainly rode well over rough roads! She was a real estate broker, and many times the houses in south-central Alaska were down pot-holed gravel roads. That car soaked them up like they weren't even there. She was pretty good at flogging the throttle, too. After the first time she cut the rear tires loose out of a stop light, we started referring to her as "Hot Rod Grandma." Her excuse (acting surprised) was that her '85 (LTC, too) just didn't have that much pep.

    That was before the days of rampant acronyms, otherwise I'm sure we could have come up with something fitting. :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I always loved the 91 and up Towncars. I was 13 when they came out and I thought it was quite beautiful for the time, with a traditional luxury car presence. It's still one of my favorite styled large cars.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,948
    Sorry hosts...I edited my "bad" post so here's the "clean" version!

    I know we've been moving cars from Miami to Tampa airport since last Thursday and tomorrow is our last day if things do not change which I suspect they will. I suspect 75% of our work is done with Hertz. Hertz is a client of the company I work for and we do move a load of their iron. I'm truly amazed at what a well oiled machine it is with these rental company's and their logistics. And Hertz does seem to have a varied selection of vehicles to choose from. I especially like their Emerald Club offerings...many nice Mercedes products and other high zoot vehicles.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,948
    While driving over to Tampa in a Chevy Equinox, got the dreaded call from the wife..."the check engine light came on the other day", something I didn't want to hear. Canceled the detail and will go to Auto Zone first thing to get a read out of what the problem could be. Hopefully it won't be a very expensive fix. If it is something major, well, I already told her that she'd just have to park it at my daughters apartment for awhile and use the Accent as the kid lives across the street from school so doesn't drive it. They drive it once a week to grocery shop. Depending on what's wrong and the cost factor will depend how long she'll use the kids car as I don't want to put major bucks into a car with 117k miles on it now. Best idea would be to either trade it or sell it outright and possibly share the daughters car as the wife spends 3 nights a week down there anyways...her clients are pretty close so makes no sense to drive 28 miles when she can go to the other place and drive 5. My idea was that if we do end up dumping the Mazda3s and she does not want a '13 model would be to cancel the Mazda's insurance and just put the kids car on our policy for a few months until the 14's debut.

    This is all speculation at this point as we have no idea what is wrong. Could be the gas cap or something serious. Once we find out, we'll make the appropriate decision...there has to be a point where throwing $ into a vehicle isn't worth it any more. And we do have the other option of just taking over the Accent and canceling one insurance policy for the time being. Not even thinking about car shopping yet, but I am planning on taking the Kia test drive tomorrow if there is time. I bet we could get a screaming deal on a leftover model right now with the end of month and all. Interesting quandry here but something tells me this is gonna be a simple and easy fix with little cash outlay...and that wouls suit me just fine also!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    I know it's impossible to not speculate over the worst case scenarios, but I'm sure it will work out to be just another maintenance item, if more than a hiccup at all. Keep in mind that even if it does cost a few bucks, it costs far less to keep that car running than replacing it with anything else.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,582
    it costs far less to keep that car running than replacing it with anything else.

    What? CCBA security will now escort you to the exit....

    23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    people hand you cars all the time.

    Just take one home. It will take ages before Hertz figures out they are short one.

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,740
    The key is to take one home that they haven't given you. Should be easy enough. ;)

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    edited February 2013
    Got the new fuel door for the new car today - old one wouldn't align right and apparently there's a TSB about them being warped. New one fits a lot better, but the paint quality on it is pretty poor - paint on the car is nearly flawless, several small flaws (dimples) on this fuel door, which leads me to believe it was painted locally. I am probably going to go back and discuss this within the week.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    good point. I say, now that he knows the drill, to just sneak in to a run he is not working at, and make off with one of the cars. Wear a disguise, and if no one notices him, could be a long time before they figure it out!

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    parts like that normally are shipped unpainted, so yeah, a kid in the body shop probably threw the paint on it. Good luck getting that worked out!

    No one ever said being a perfectionist was going to be easy.

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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,948
    edited February 2013
    Absolutely! They really cross reference everything so they know exactly who has what at all times. Like your idea and there are some really sweet rides that I could see us driving for a long time. Went onto Kelly Blue Book and I figure her car is in good to fair condition with the upper limit being $4400 and the lower one at $3500 when traded in. Personally, I think this car could get more as a private sale...it's FAST and except for a couple of small dings and some hail dimples and headlights that are hazed over, could be a great 1st car for some kid and I bet the dentless paint guys could get it looking brand new for maybe $500. The paint is still glossy as it's had no major structural work and aside from the small dents & dings, dimples and hazed headlights, the car looks good! It just needs a good detail also which I have canceled for tomorrow. Since getting the new motor mounts, it purrs like new and though the a/c isn't working 100%, it still works. For someone who needs a vehicle for not a lot of $, this is that car!

    A major drawback is I've never done a private sale. My f-i-l did it for our Buick Skylark back in 1985 and he sold it pretty quickly in Miami. Not sure I really want to deal with all this but it might be worth it in the long run if we do get offered crap money from a dealer. And here in Florida, we have the sales tax difference when trading in, not even sure this would go to auction with that many miles. But we'll have to wait and see exactly what the problem is. Personally, I think we'd both be happy if it's something very minor/inexpensive and be able to keep it for another year as I'm so busy at my so called "part time" job and tax season in full swing...this is just a crappy time for this to happen to us! Our ace in the hole is we have access to our kid's Accent if we decide to just sit on this issue for awhile so no real emergency here. As much as I love cars, I'm just not ready to do all that's necessary to buy right now. This won't get me expelled from here I hope as we will eventually but that new car...just not right now!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    Funny thing. Immediately after typing that, I hopped in the car and went back (dealer is under 10 mins away in normal traffic). They probably think I am crazy, but did see the flaws, and say they will order another - and it is indeed painted locally. Hopefully this will be better. I am pleased with the paint on the car itself - I went over it very closely the other day, and found only the tiniest flaw, which would be hidden to a normal person because of the white paint.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Paint to match stuff can be really good; the dealer just needs to get an experienced person on the job.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    The color was fine (the white is pretty standard) - my problem is the finish. I am expecting the new one to be acceptable. I could deal with a flaw, just not 10 or 20 of them (there are that many).
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    Sandy, odds are even if it is something more than a gas cap, if the car is running normally, you can just ignore the light for a while. Somethings might be vital, but not always.

    you will probably end up needing to fix it anyway, since selling a car with the CEL on is much harder, and slaughters your sale price.

    So get it checked, and let us know.

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

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2013
    The paint is usually easy, it all comes out of the computer pump gizmo. It's the prep and application that's key, and that boils down to the person doing the job. My friend in the truck canopy business had a gem of a painter and the truck caps he did looked factory or better than OEM. A couple of other guys he had were okay, but sometimes they had to redo stuff.

    Sandy, lots of auto parts stores will pull codes for free. If you get a code, that can at least narrow the issue down to the system that's reporting the problem.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    If the benz is some kind of pearl color, that can be a nightmare to match right. Especially in white.

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

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2013
    Yeah, there were always a few colors, even in the F-150 or Silverados that the cap store saw that were tougher to do. But a good shop can likely manage fine. I always enjoyed watching them put the paint code in the dispenser machine and seeing the color come out. Seems like they used a PPG system. They could do small quantities to match mirror housings and other small parts.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    I had two pearl white cars and both needed a little body work. The body shop allowed extra hours to blend it properly. It is a three stage process (at least on Toyota's "Blizzard Pearl")

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    blending in is the key. And exactly what you can't do on a stand-alone piece like a gas cap lid.

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,229
    "91 was the year the LTC got the 4.6L. It was a big step-up in power."

    But it may have had teething issues.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,740
    Subaru has a really nice pearl white, which is surprising. I've seen it on a new BR-Z and a new STi.

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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2013
    The tricoat stuff does sound tricky. (terrys.net)

    Good thing Fin's new ride is a diesel so he won't have to fill up and look at the fuel door more than once every other month. :D
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,229
    "blending in is the key. And exactly what you can't do on a stand-alone piece like a gas cap lid."

    Yup, the front bumper on my white metallic Altima was repainted before I bought it. The color is slightly off and it's chipping along the bottom. Not worth the headache of paying to have it repainted (which probably still wouldn't make it completely right).
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    It's a non-metallic white, I know they can match it. I just want the finish to match the car. Over the weekend I went over every panel gap and piece of paint - everything is fine save for the fuel door. I trust they will get it right this time - a normal person probably wouldn't have complained about the first issue. But, first new car, I am OCD, etc.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    edited February 2013
    But it may have had teething issues.

    The early 4.6s (91-92.5) were unique in two ways. One they actually are referred to as "[non-permissible content removed] blocks" they have different bellhousings than any other 4.6 models. They will mount up to an AOD transmission where the 92.5+ have a different bolt pattern for the AODE and later 4R70W.

    Second, they did have valve stem seal issues once over 100K. It was a relatively simple repair and will stop the cloud of blue smoke.

    The 4.6 also earned some bad press in the late 90s/early 2000s when Ford decided a plastic coolant crossover tube on the intake manifold was a good idea.

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

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited February 2013
    Subaru has a really nice pearl white

    My buddy's dad bought a Legacy in that color, it really is quite nice.

    Edit: Satin White Pearl is the name.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    :cry:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Yeah for sure get it repainted, or if the next one is not up to par, ask them to pull one off another same colored E Class assuming that one won't be warped either. :shades:

    It's not like you bought a used car or some low end of the market polymer bodied Saturn, so don't feel bad about being OCD about the fuel cap.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    I bet I will have the new part by Friday or Saturday - I will inspect it before I drive off. I hope the car has no other issues - they will eventually get tired of seeing me :shades:

    Overall, I am pleased with the fit and finish of the car. I went over it very closely over the weekend (gave it a rub down with cleaner wax and then a coat of Meguiars NXT) - all panel gaps are excellent, only one tiny paint dimple to be found - it could easily have escaped scrutiny. Inside, everything is perfectly assembled.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,288
    Just take one home. It will take ages before Hertz figures out they are short one.

    Back in 2007 I covered the the US press launch of the then-new 3 Series convertible for Roundel magazine. It was held in south Florida and I had what is called a drive-away- a press loaner which I drove home and would keep for @10 days whereupon a transport company comes and picks it up. The company usually calls a couple of days before picking it up- usually on a Friday for a Monday pick-up. Friday comes and goes- no call. Finally on Wednesday I call BMW NA's press liaison and ask him if he's ever going to pick up the car. He tells me that he forgot I had a car and that they wouldn't be able to pick it up for 6-10 days. Which is how I got to drive a 335i droptop for 3 weeks- even before they were released to the dealers... :D

    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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,948
    I wish I would get that lucky! Seriously, there's a few cars I'd love to have for an extended period of time!
    They checked the code at Auto Zone and then went to my mechanic who thought it might be the gas cap and said why throw parts at the car. So he cleared the code and said let's see what happens as the car drives like new except the a/c is a little wacky...only really works on fan speed 3 and 4. So far, the light has not reappeared so we'll see. My re-balance and rotation went well and decided to get another 3 year alignment policy for the car and I negotiated a good price with a free oil change and then had a money off coupon. Now the car tracks very straight and true so I'm thrilled. Will do the oil change next month at the year mark as I still have 50% oil life left. Headliner folks came almost 5 hours late so they reduced the price by 25% and it looks awesome with a smell that could wake the dead! Told me to leave the windows open all night and it should disappear.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Hah! That's pretty sweet. I could have gone cross-continent (and back) in that time. I imagine you might have, too, had you known up front that three weeks was in the cards! :shades:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    edited February 2013
    That's awesome. Time to call in sick and take a road trip!

    My fuel door is now fixed - attentive service advisor called me and arranged for me to take it to the body shop they patronize. Got it in and out in half an hour, paint flaws are gone. Pretty good service from the dealer so far.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,288
    I could have gone cross-continent (and back) in that time. I imagine you might have, too, had you known up front that three weeks was in the cards!

    Actually, I worked a road trip into the story; I left South Beach on Friday morning and drove up to Jacksonville and picked up my wife and son at the airport. We drove to Jekyll to spend the night then drove to Asheville NC the next day. We stayed at a B&B and drove back to Kentucky on Sunday.

    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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,288
    Can you tell me why this 2003 CL55 is only $19K? I'm thinking it is the Stuttgart equivalent of a BMW 650- crammed with of electronics/electromechanical bits that cost a fortune to repair when they go Tango Uniform. Sure is handsome, though...

    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

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    edited February 2013
    That's just the market value for these. You can probably find a lot of them in this price range.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    a/c is a little wacky

    Sell before it gets hot and buyers notice!

    Sorry, this is CCB, needing tires is a good enough reason to trade up.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,863
    edited February 2013
    Yup. I was looking around at AMGs just a week or so ago, just to see what the market is like. There is no shortage of "cheap" ones.

    That's a particularly nice color, though.

    I will tell you that an "above average" black one with 52k got $21,500 at auction in Orlando about a week ago. So it could be a good deal if its clean. All others had over 100k miles, so not much to go on.

    '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

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    First major repair will double the cost. ;)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    edited February 2013
    Pretty fair price if the car has no crash history. 10 year old car with airmatic - if it has already been attended to, might not be so bad, but that and ABC (if the car has it) are expensive problem areas. Pretty color, car doesn't appear to be a full option load (no keyless go, doesn't appear to have parktronic), aftermarket nav is in the COMAND spot - I would like to see how it functions with the existing systems. A full inspection would be important. 03 is the first year for that exact model.

    If I wanted a hot rod car from that era, I might save up a little money and go for a V12 AMG, maintenance will still be monstrous, but it's like a jet on wheels.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Here's a cost threshold that may help some folks convince the bean counter in the family they can afford a new car:

    http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/02/most-median-income-americans-cant-aff- ord-new-cars.html

    Washington, D.C. -> that's me
    Affordable Purchase Price: $31,940
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $628 -> seems high

    San Francisco
    Affordable Purchase Price: $26,786
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $537

    Boston
    Affordable Purchase Price: $26,025
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $507

    Baltimore
    Affordable Purchase Price: $24,079
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $468

    Minneapolis
    Affordable Purchase Price: $24,042
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $470

    Seattle
    Affordable Purchase Price: $22,963
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $466

    Portland
    Affordable Purchase Price: $21,985
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $397

    Denver
    Affordable Purchase Price: $21,835
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $432

    San Diego
    Affordable Purchase Price: $21,781
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $433

    New York City
    Affordable Purchase Price: $21,464
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $431

    Philadelphia
    Affordable Purchase Price: $21,069
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $419

    Chicago
    Affordable Purchase Price: $20,616
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $417

    Los Angeles
    Affordable Purchase Price: $20,385
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $410

    Sacramento
    Affordable Purchase Price: $19,965
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $397

    Dallas
    Affordable Purchase Price: $19,959
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $389

    Houston
    Affordable Purchase Price: $19,811
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $386

    Milwaukee
    Affordable Purchase Price: $19,297
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $373

    Atlanta
    Affordable Purchase Price: $19,122
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $376

    St. Louis
    Affordable Purchase Price: $18,550
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $371

    Pittsburgh
    Affordable Purchase Price: $17,298
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $340

    Phoenix
    Affordable Purchase Price: $17,243
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $348

    San Antonio
    Affordable Purchase Price: $17,137
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $334

    Detroit
    Affordable Purchase Price: $17,093
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $332

    Miami
    Affordable Purchase Price: $15,188
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $295

    Tampa
    Affordable Purchase Price: $14,516
    Maximum Monthly Payment: $282
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,863
    I wonder if that 10% number they invented is based on gross or net income.

    '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

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2013
    Yooperland
    Affordable Purchase Price: $951
    Maximum Monthly Payment: eggs, logs, split firewood, honey, snow plowing, deer steaks, fresh fish.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Funny.

    Hey, what cars can you get for $14.5k?

    Sucks to be in Tampa.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Versa?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Fitzmall has an Accent for $14,587. Close enough, and you actually get Direct Injection.

    Slim pickins.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    2009 Altima 55K
    2012 Cruze 32K
    2011 Mazda 3 35K
    2006 ES 330 83K
    2011 Impala 39K
    2009 Mini Cooper S 52K
    2013 Sonic LS New
    2013 Dart SE New

    A few interesting choices there. Big discount on the Dart.

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

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,072
    10% of income? Spending "too much"? Sounds subjective to me. "Overall income"? Funny term. Also, lease - seems a lot of people rush to jump back on the payment ball and chain once they get the title anyway (I held off a few years).

    I can't believe someone was paid to write that. Also nice stock photo of a MB dealer ca. 2000-2001.
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