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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

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    steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited January 2014

    @tifighter, the value of my van doubled when I put the new tires on it. :D

    They aren't easy to find either. Lots of Finns up here, so that must help. Plenty of snow to ski/ride on, just not much in the way of vertical.

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    nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,434

    @Roadburner

    I agree with you 100%. A RWD BMW equipped with a proper set of winter tires along with its alphabet soup of electronic nannies should be all I need. Any car with a bone head driver will suck in the snow, especially a RWD BMW.

    Hey since I have you on the line, I've got a question about your wife's E90. I'm not sure how much seat time you've had in it. After I drive my car for a while, my right leg gets warm from resting it against the transmission tunnel. I put my hand there & it feels as hot as the heated seats. Do you get the same feeling? Should I take it in?

    @breld

    A bit less exciting for me, yes. I'm ok with that. I'll still have the Prelude. I'll still also be able to register a punch in 2014;)

    I'm a big fan of the E46 M3. That one looks nice. If I were personally looking for one, I'd try to find one with the 18" wheels rather than the 19s on the one you linked. Mileage looks good & its a final production year car so it should last;)

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

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    actually found a used car that interested me. A 2006 BMW 525i. 106K on it, but hey, miles don't really count, right? not far from my house. Might have to take a run over if I can snag a car from someone during the week (this being housebound during the day is for the birds, no wonder housewives in the 50s drank so much!)

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

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    corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,267

    @stickguy said:
    actually found a used car that interested me. A 2006 BMW 525i.

    I find the lower powered inline 6 a little breathless in the heavier 525i, especially if it's an automatic, but if you're interested, no harm in looking.

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    @corvette said:
    I find the lower powered inline 6 a little breathless in the heavier 525i, especially if it's an automatic, but if you're interested, no harm in looking.

    It would be replacing a non-turbo Volvo S40 (affectionately known in the family as the "putt putt mobile"). Pretty sure that even a 525 would be a nice upgrade!

    not really all that heavy a car either. 3,400#s. practically svelte these days.

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

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    roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,362

    @nyccarguy I haven't noticed any excessive heat around the transmission tunnel on my wif'e E90. Could it possibly be coming from the transfer case?

    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

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    imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,154
    edited January 2014

    @abacomike said:>
    we are supposed to drop into the mid 40's (brrrr) ...

    Still rubbing it in for us Northerners, aren't you! :grin

    W. Ohio, temp dropping rapidly below zero. About a degree every half hour since I started watching: -5.8 deg. Fahenheit, -21 deg Celsius for our Canadian friends. Should level off around -10 until this evening.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

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    steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited January 2014

    I keep forgetting that both my cars have headbolt heaters. They live in an unheated detached garage, and it was -5° here when I woke up, but has already jumped to -4. Gotta run a lot of errands today, should preheat the Subaru. Same forecast as yours but minus 25 for places away from the lake, like Ironwood.

    Be a great week to try to sell a car. Then again, if it cranks, that may be all it takes.

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    nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,434

    @roadburner

    how would I know if it is coming from the transfer case?

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

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    crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345

    @imidazol97 said:

    @imidazol97 said:

    Well, this is the other new thing lately..hit quote but don't get any of the content..been doing that for about 4 or 5 days.

    Anyway, we have it much warmer than you for a change (13 here now). Mind you they say by the afternoon it is suppose to plummet again. It will be pretty nasty I think as they are calling for 45 mph winds. We have enjoyed quite a balmy weekend with a 25 Sat and 30 yesterday. I walked about 4 or 5 miles on the lake yesterday, except for the snow squishing out under every exhausting step it was great.

    Car hunting isn't much fun when it gets like this. Not too many 8 story garage-like dealerships in these parts so all their inventory is sitting out and frozen in.

    Interesting bit of trivia...they use high-powered leaf blowers here to clean the cars of snow when the temps warm up enough to have a few customers venture out. I think it's a great idea since it reduces the chance of rub marks.

    When GTA got 7/8" of ice in places a week and a half ago, I suspect that most new cars sitting on lots will be iced in for many weeks/3 months? until the wx gets mild enough for enough days in a row that the ice will melt naturally.

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    imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,154
    edited January 2014

    @crkyolfrt said:
    Car hunting isn't much fun when it gets like this. Not too many 8 story garage-like dealerships in these parts so all their inventory is sitting out and frozen in.
    Well, this is the other new thing lately..hit quote but don't get any of the content..been doing that for about 4 or 5 days.

    When there is already a quote in the post being quoted by me, I get just the name, and I have to copy the parts I want into the reply.

    However there is a good feature to the new system: if I want to include quotes from more than one poster into my reply (with no quotes in any of them 'cause that gives name only) I can click more than one quote post and get multiple quotes into my new post. Then I can pick and choose how to build them.

    And I can write some and then quote someone and post away to lengthen the response.
    Example here where I included Abacomike and Stickguy in quotes.

    @abacomike said:

    summer vs. AS is just in the tread compound.

    When I first got the car, I noticed a tremendous difference in the tread design. Both the E350 and the new CLS550 have Continentals. But the tread on the CLS550 is smoother with a one strip center tread - perhaps for stability in rain. The rubber also seems to wear more quickly as well.

    Just quoted for example

    @stickguy said:
    you can look up the corresponding #s, but basically the V, Y (or S, T, etc.) are the speed rating that the tire is safe for. But unless you plan to run over something like 149 MPH, not likely to need the extra letter!

    Just quoted for example.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

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    crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345

    @imidazol97 said: When there is already a quote in the post being quoted by me, I get just the name, and I have to copy the parts I want into the reply.

    Ahh, yes that's it..thanks. I wasn't making the connection even though I recall reading about that. For some reason I thought all lately didn't have content. I guess it was a coincidence that ones I was attempting to quote, already had quotes in the content.

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    steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454

    @crkyolfrt , I thought leaf blowers were a no-no because they can "sandblast" the paint.

    When the new Odyssey came out in '98, many owners told their dealers not to prep them since they didn't want the prep techs to wash them with dirty rags.

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    crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345

    @Stever@Edmunds said:
    crkyolfrt , I thought leaf blowers were a no-no because they can "sandblast" the paint.

    When the new Odyssey came out in '98, many owners told their dealers not to prep them since they didn't want the prep techs to wash them with dirty rags.

    I'm inclined to agree if the snow is dirty. Some snow has dust in it depending on the area (thinking certain farming country a couple hours away) that doesn't get a lot of snow but endures a lot of wind all time. But if I were buying a new car and had a choice of (after the fact, cuz given the choice I'd brush off my own new car) knowing that they used a brush (one that gets worn out with lots of debris stuck in it over use) or a blower, I think I'd prefer if they had used the blower.

    I am one of those customers too that haven't had them wash and detail my new car for the last few. I never go to a car wash, preferring to do it myself.

    Last fall I was at a Ram dealer and chatted with a guy whose GF had just bought a fancy new black Ram. This thing was at least 50 grand. Aside from numerous white specks that she was in the office with the salesman debating how they were going to address the mess it made of the black paint, I also looked down at the wheels and they had sprayed so much tire shine that they had successfully made this brand new truck, look like it was just freshly detailed off the used car lot. But wait! It gets worse..These idiots had actually armor'ald the dash :( My gawd had that been my truck, I would have told them they just bought themselves a (used, IMO) truck back. I would have refused to take delivery. How in blazes would they even fix that? Armoral seems to resist soap and water. Anyway, that was a most illuminating afternoon because I filed that incredulousness in the back of mind, something that before that day I would have NEVER DREAMED I would have had to inform a dealership to NOT do when they were prepping my purchase.

    Why do I feel that that could only happen at a North American dealership? Can you imagine ANY MB dealer doing such a thing? lololol

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    qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,948

    @stickguy said:
    actually found a used car that interested me. A 2006 BMW 525i. 106K on it, but hey, miles don't really count, right? not far from my house. Might have to take a run over if I can snag a car from someone during the week (this being housebound during the day is for the birds, no wonder housewives in the 50s drank so much!)

    Well, you probably know the drill by now, but you'll want to know when/if the cooling system was overhauled. If not yet, then budget $2k to get that done ASAP.

    '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

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    Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    @qbrozen said:
    Well, you probably know the drill by now, but you'll want to know when/if the cooling system was overhauled. If not yet, then budget $2k to get that done ASAP.

    And have the control arm bushings checked as well.

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    laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 4,733

    I miss the XK and its summer tires. 1/8" snow and it don't go, didn't really get a chance to test the Conti Extreme DWS tires on it before I traded for the XF. Abacomike, perhaps you have the DWS on the CLS. I would have liked a CLS, but even used, out of my price range... Like your CLS deal, I got a great one on the XF, nothing like New Year's Eve buying!

    Still trying to find the perfect seat/steering wheel position in the XF. Think I may have it, just wish it had adjustable/more thigh support. I've now loaded ten CDs onto the hard drive (#1: Layla and Other Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos. #2: Beatles #1 hits, hey, it's a British car!). The Meridian sound system sounds great, not yet sure if it's a big impovement over the B&W from the XK (which was a big improvement over the Alpine). I don't have any issues with the infotainment system, logical enough, a bit slow (mostly entering NAV addresses), but it works fo far. Headlights, as noted in a couple of reviews, aren't great.

    Still only ~300 miles on the clock, so not a lot to report. Very cool interior, like the mix of materials and the phosporescent blue lighting at night. Big trunk. Gotta remember to ask about the 3 months of free Sirius, but with 18 HD radio presets (36 with AM), the 10 CDs loaded plus the one cd in the slot and my IPod, I got the music in me!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    @qbrozen said:
    Well, you probably know the drill by now, but you'll want to know when/if the cooling system was overhauled. If not yet, then budget $2k to get that done ASAP.

    By then still had cooling issues? Hard to believe they never addressed that. I assume a Indy BMW specialist could easily tell even without records? Would definitely need a PPI on one of these.

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

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    fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,169
    edited January 2014

    Armorall on the dash of a new car? I would literally refuse to take delivery.
    When I picked up my car, I asked them to not clean it at all, I would handle it. Even on a lease, I can't completely break my OCD tendencies (I am a little better, but not much).

    @crkyolfrt said:
    Why do I feel that that could only happen at a North American dealership? Can you imagine ANY MB dealer doing such a thing? lololol

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    roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,362

    @nyccarguy What I was thinking was that it may be located in the transmission tunnel at the point the heat is coming from- you'd have to put it on a rack and see where it is relative to the hot spot. I suppose there could be a loose or missing heat shield; again you'd have to check it from underneath. Those are just my guesses- sorry I can't be of more help... :(

    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

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    son brought up another potential option. Something that I am actually interested in too. Assuming that he decides to hold onto the TL for a while longer (basically getting into the 2015 MY).

    The next Golf looks and sounds really slick. Supposed to arrive "mid-2014" whenever that ends up being. If it turned out to be somewhere in the spring, might be an option.

    I love hatchbacks.

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

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    nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,434

    @roadburner

    Cmon, please don't be sorry:) I'm just wondering if it is worth having the dealer look at it or are they going to tell me "they can't find the problem?" Thanks as always!

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

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    roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,362

    @nyccarguy If it has been doing it all along I'd just have it checked at the next service. It doesn't smell like anything is burning or excessively hot does it?

    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

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    nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,434

    @roadburner it hasn't been doing it all along. It is definitely something that's come up more recent. I don't smell anything burning, but do notice that my right leg does get hot. It is also warmer than luke warm to the touch. Much warmer on the driver's side than the passenger side.

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

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    crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345

    @nyccarguy said:
    roadburner it hasn't been doing it all along. It is definitely something that's come up more recent. I don't smell anything burning, but do notice that my right leg does get hot. It is also warmer than luke warm to the touch. Much warmer on the driver's side than the passenger side.

    I would check your heater outlet to make sure an elbow or ? hasn't come loose and is now not directing air where it used to.
    Also, if you can borrow a ClassII laser temp gun to help pinpoint the exact hot spot. This will be harder to do with carpet but is still possible.

    Try the heater thing though first..just drive a bit on the chilly side until you can rule that aspect out. If you have a means to get under the car...do you do your own oil changes?..I forget...but then you can also direct the temp gun precisely in specific areas of the drive train and chassis. I bought a good one over 15 years ago..was over 400 bucks. It has been great to check race bike tires, aft thermostat coolant lines, dragging brake calipers, the accuracy of your oven/fridge at home etc. So I hope I am giving you good advice if the 25 dollar guns will be as helpful. And of course I say a 25 $ one because the odds of you borrowing one in that price range is probably greater than one of the highend ones. For all I know the cheapy will still tell you..

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    crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345

    @fintail said:
    Armorall on the dash of a new car? I would literally refuse to take delivery.
    When I picked up my car, I asked them to not clean it at all, I would handle it. Even on a lease, I can't completely break my OCD tendencies (I am a little better, but not much).

    I know! I couldn't believe my eyes..Anyway, according to her BF, her main beef was with the white marks that had been buffed all through the black during detail waxing. It was like these flecks where pressed into the paint. A fingernail had no affect on them. When I saw the dash I know I had trouble quelling my disbelief in front of her BF. I didn't want them to feel worse than they already musta felt.

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    abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,258
    @nyccarguy...After I drive my car for a while, my right leg gets warm from resting it against the transmission tunnel. I put my hand there & it feels as hot as the heated seats.

    NYC, I remember that happening in my Corvette manual transmission and my GTO stick - the transmission console would heat up (which I could feel on my right leg as it leaned against the console. It seemed to occur more frequently when I drove in the same gear for longer periods of time. It always seemed warmer in the winter than in the summer.

    I am sure the transmission heats up and eventually the heat bleeds through the transmission tunnel and/ or console. It is probably more noticeable in very cold weather since heat is always more noticeable in cold environs.

    Come to think of it, it happened in my Mustang GT stick as well. It is very possible that all it is could be the transference of friction induced heat.

    2021 Genesis G90

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    qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,948

    @stickguy

    oh, hell yeah. They still have the issues with the new ones. Thing is, it isn't really an "issue" as far as they are concerned because the components last the life of the warranty, so why should they care? It is all plastic garbage and they have no reason to stop using 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

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    Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,971

    So far, no issues with the Tuscon except that the high beams may be pointed a bit too high but not totally sure...will have it checked out when I get the 1st oil change there. It's a blast to drive and a lot more fun than a lot of the rentals I get to drive. Tried the heated seats the other morning when it got down in the low 50's and they work, very warm to! Very happy with my choice and the only thing I might do is upgrade the speakers to improve the sound quality. Would also love a bumper guard along the lower doors to protect from door dings but maybe later on. So far am very pleased and am seeing a lot more of them on the road now as well as the Kia Sportage. A very good choice in the small ute category.

    The Sandman :)B)

    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)

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    kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 237,185
    edited January 2014

    Speaking of plastic garbage..

    Independent mechanic did a CCV kit and an aftermarket alternator on my car, today..

    Total bill from the mechanic was $650, which included 5 hours labor and a $280 aftermarket alternator, plus I had a cost of $159 for the CCV kit (OEM parts) that I bought on-line.

    So, $810 for two jobs that were quoted at right around $2200 total from my dealer. ($350 of the difference was the cheaper alternator).

    Edmunds Price Checker
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    fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,169

    Dealers have been sued and lost bigtime over similar incidents. She probably should have lawyered up and only settled for a replacement vehicle.

    @crkyolfrt said:
    I know! I couldn't believe my eyes..Anyway, according to her BF, her main beef was with the white marks that had been buffed all through the black during detail waxing. It was like these flecks where pressed into the paint. A fingernail had no affect on them. When I saw the dash I know I had trouble quelling my disbelief in front of her BF. I didn't want them to feel worse than they already musta felt.

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    nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,434

    newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/4263443907.html. Check out this 2000 ///M5 with 112K miles

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

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    sdasda Member Posts: 6,986

    This happened before I even thought possible. Over Christmas we now have two 9 week old Goldendoodles. My wife and daughter are ecstatic. Not a good time to house train pups. Cold, rain, mud, but they are precious. CR-V now too small. Traded for a certified 2010 Bali pearl blue Honda Pilot EXL Res with 50k. Wife loves it. We leased a 2006 Pilot EXL and though she liked the Civic (recently replaced with the '13 Accord) and most recently the CR-V, she is delighted to have another Pilot. We broke the leasing cycle and are only buying from now on. My add to CCB for 2014 came early. Kind of a let down because my shopping for another vehicle is done. But I will still be looking..

    2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech, 2006 Acura TL w/nav

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    abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,258
    @nyccarguy
    Check out this 2000 ///M5 with 112K miles

    NYC, did you see the WHEELER DEALERS show last week where they restored an M5 (not sure of the year) but it was a beauty. From the pictures I saw from the hyperlink you provided, it sure looks great - but without driving it, it's tough to tell if it 'a a bargain or if it's not. But those M5's are sure great automobiles.

    2021 Genesis G90

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    abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,258
    edited January 2014
    @sda
    Traded for a certified 2010 Bali pearl blue Honda Pilot EXL Res with 50k.

    Lots of luck with the new addition(s), the Pilot AND the pups. Enjoy them all.

    2021 Genesis G90

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    nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,434

    And there's also a 1998 E36 M3 Coupe with 130,000 miles

    newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/4263443907.html

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

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    breldbreld Member Posts: 6,710

    @sda said:

    We got a basset puppy this time a year ago and, yes, it's tough with all the snow and muddy conditions (and we have two other dogs too).

    Much better a year later.

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

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    Goldendoodles are fun dogs. My BIL and SIL have 2 (now about 7 and 2). More like a cross between a person and a cat than a dog, but that might be partly on the owners (they truly are their children, not having any of the 2 legged variety.).

    still amazed that they do not shed. Especially compared to the pounds of hair per day my golden lab can produce.

    Good luck on the Pilot. They do seem like nice vehicles. I always liked the 1st generation.

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

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    corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,267

    @sda said:
    This happened before I even thought possible. Over Christmas we now have two 9 week old Goldendoodles. My wife and daughter are ecstatic. Not a good time to house train pups. Cold, rain, mud, but they are precious.

    Congrats on the Pilot and the pups. I've been considering getting a dog (the one in my profile picture belongs to my neighbors), but that would also make me a single dad, and I can see how it would be difficult to be responsible for a living, breathing thing on my own.

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    isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342

    I despise Armor All and the slimy look and feel it leaves behind. I think I would have walked away from that truck!

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    Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,971

    I miss having a pup but our schedules make that very difficult now and also, the wife is scared of dogs no mater what size. I've had a few and love having them when they are well. Maybe I will be able to convince her in a year or two.
    Pilots are very popular down here and they are a good size vehicle really...have never driven one yet but like the boxy style of them.
    A bit cool down here today and the seat warmers worked very effectively actually...warmed right up and even through my jeans, it felt great. So far, this vehicle has surprised me with all it's goodness...it just does everything nicely. Acceleration is more than adequate and have never felt at a loss for power when needed. The only drawback is the mileage figures which I thought would be much better since it's basically a tall Elantra I believe. The weight is about 3300 lbs. so the figures should be a bit higher...this is the only negative I have with the Tuscon. Everything else is great and I am extremely pleased.

    The Sandman :)B)

    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)

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    Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,971

    Have been driving a bunch of Chrysler Town and Country minivans lately at work and they really are a very good vehicle. The seats are very comfortable and they move when needed. Like the SAT radio and that it has ample seating for the whole family...and then some! Y'all know that I have always liked the 200 and 300 as they are smooth comfortable vehicles though a bit bland...they have great bang for the buck though. Sure, the competition is at the next level but for someone on a budget who wants a well equipped smooth running vehicle, these can't be beat. And I bet one could get a loaded to the gills one for about $20k...every bit as good as a Camcord really!!

    The Sandman :)B)

    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)

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    At least as good as the cam part.

    I would be interested in one as a rental. Some reason I always end up with a high miles rentabu.

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

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    breldbreld Member Posts: 6,710

    Speaking of rentals, a few weeks ago my wife went to Ohio to visit her brother and his new baby, and she remarked and how nice her rental car was - a new Impala. Not that she would want to own one, but she was impressed at how comfortable and smooth it was. She was traveling with her mom, and something like that Impala would indeed be a good for her, though they're not exactly cheap.

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

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    jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602

    @breld said:
    Speaking of rentals, a few weeks ago my wife went to Ohio to visit her brother and his new baby, and she remarked and how nice her rental car was - a new Impala. Not that she would want to own one, but she was impressed at how comfortable and smooth it was. She was traveling with her mom, and something like that Impala would indeed be a good for her, though they're not exactly cheap.

    There is a lot of excitement about the new Impala. Not much of a discount since demand is up. Then you look at the Buick LaCrosse which is very similar and dealers are lopping 5-6k off msrp and you get an extra year of warranty. Go figure. I guess the Buick name has geezer connotations and the Impala name has more overall appeal.

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    breldbreld Member Posts: 6,710

    @jayrider said:
    There is a lot of excitement about the new Impala. Not much of a discount since demand is up. Then you look at the Buick LaCrosse which is very similar and dealers are lopping 5-6k off msrp and you get an extra year of warranty. Go figure. I guess the Buick name has geezer connotations and the Impala name has more overall appeal.

    Hmmm, a good buy on a new or lightly used Buick could be even better for my in-laws.

    They're getting a bit later in their years, and currently have a 3-4 year old Endeavor, a Jaguar X-Type and my old 530i (as well as a utility van for my father-in-law's business). Like I mentioned earlier, my MIL is planning on selling the 530i soon in favor of something more comfortable and with easier ingress/egress. They like to take long road trips.

    Buicks may be a good suggestion. Personally, my wife and I think they should get rid of all three of their cars and get a nice comfy SUV (or minivan) with reasonably good gas mileage (and still have the utility van for work and a secondary vehicle when necessary).

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

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    Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,971

    Have driven a few of these new Impalas, some with the plastic still on them, and have been very impressed!! The new dash is exceptionally laid out with all controls right where they should be though it took a few minutes to get used to things. Ample power and comfort and it didn't feel like a full size vehicle either. It is an attractive thing though I think the Buick is the real looker of the bunch here. GM is finally back and that's a great thing. Hell, I almost bought either the Buick Verano or Encore...and would've been very happy with either. Truth be told, I should've gone back and given the Encore another try and see what I could've done price wise. The ones I see on the road are usually driven by women and the sales guy said that 99% of them are bought by women...but something like that doesn't bother me. If I had liked it better than the Tuscon and the price was right, I would've bought an Encore. I was looking for comfort first and foremost this time and then at price...I needed a back friendly vehicle and definitely wanted a power seat, that was the #1 objective here and I had a limit of $20k plus my '06 Civic as what I would spend...spending less and getting what I got was only a perk here but I was ready to go higher for the right vehicle.
    Luckily i am pleased with what I got and thinking back, not getting that black BMW drop top was a good thing really. Now both vehicles can go into the garage and luckily the Tuscon fits on my side. That BMW did finally sell at the $14k price point but that white Ford Escape is still at the dealer with a lower price. Bet if it had the larger 2.5 engine in it that it would've left the lot a long time ago. It was a nice vehicle but a bit thrashy with the 1.6 turbo in it. If it had had the larger engine, I probably would've bought it even though it just fit into my side of the garage. But things worked out the way they were supposed to here.

    The Sandman :)B)

    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)

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    stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,557

    Impala is certainly an improvement over the old style but way too big for me to consider as an everyday car.

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

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    Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,971

    Yes, it is too big for everyday...we like compacts or even subcompacts. My cuv is small enough for me actually, an Elantra on steroids I'd say. A regular suv is just too big for me but they do have more luxury features than the smaller cuv's. I love the backup camera as it really is a safety issue and makes it so much easier when backing up. Even my wife likes that part and to be honest, the step up is not that much that I can not handle...also, since I sit on a cushion, it's a little bit higher up. But I do not mind as I need the comfort of it to sit and be totally comfortable.
    Chevy, GM, is coming back very nicely and I predict that the Impala is going to be on a lot of folks short list. I have driven the Lacrosse, Regal and Verano and loved all of them and am finally starting to like the Cruze. Have always liked the Malibu for some reason, it just is a nice looking vehicle. Hated the looks of the last generation Accord but this new one is beautiful especially in the right color with the right alloys. I must admit that I love alloy wheels and that's why I am not crazy about the darker ones on my Tuscon, I prefer the ones on the other models...would've been happy to swap them out but they wouldn't let me. Stupid really as they are more expensive and a part of the special SE package. But I will get used to them as it don't pay to buy new one's and put these on Ebay though I would if it was feasible.

    The Sandman :)B)

    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)

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    Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,971

    Plan to go over to my stereo guys shop tomorrow and see what he has in speakers since I will have access to my kids Versa next week. The Tuscon sounds just o k, nothing like the Civic used to, as those Boston Accoustic speakers were totally kickass ones. I want similar great sound in the Tuscon but for a reasonable price, nothing crazy here. Figured I'd go up to $500 or a bit more but only if the improvement is really that good. For a mediocre improvement, I'll save my $ and live with what I have...I do not have to do this but I want to at this point. I plan to keep the vehicle for the foreseeable future so why not be happy. If I had planned to flip it in a couple of years then it probably wouldn't make sense but if history repeats itself, it'll be in the stable until 2021 or so. Have already spent a bundle moving the amp so what's a little bit more...lol!!! No, seriously, I want decent sound so I will do something here and won't have to spend that much for some improvement.

    The Sandman :)B)

    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)

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