Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

laurasdada

I drove the GF's CX-5 to the Cape yesterday, visit her 92 yo aunt in her new (luxury, I'm ready to move in) assisted living facitlity; for you hockey fans the former Ranger/Bruin Jean Ratalle lives there.
Anywho, hop in, push the start button, dash immediately starts yelling at me, change the oil soon, low tire pressure... She was aware of the oil, will make an appointment, but the tpms warning she didn't note. All four tires down ~8psi, I used her portable pump to set them back to 35psi and off we went.
CX-5 is a nice ride, but I still just prefer a car, low(er) to the ground. As mentioned, I just feel like I"m driving a bus, but the Mazda is certainly more to my liking as a driver than our former Lexus RX300.

Nearby Jag dealer has a CPO '14 Italian Racing Red XK; purty. I'm going to start dropping subtle hints to the GF as she' asks me what I want for Xmas...Yeah, that won't work. "Really, Laurasdada? Is that how you want to spend your money? Is that really the best use of your money now? On a second car? Really?"

stickguy

I am looking forward to being a little hire. Still want something with nice driving dynamics of course. But the Caddy XT4 was probably the best car I have driven in ages for getting in and out. They have the hippoint perfect for me, and a nice door opening and dash layout. Basically opened the door, and slid right in. no climbing up or dropping in, and not contortions needed. It did have a nice view of the road (well, to the front) but did not feel like I was in a monster truck, and handle just fine.

I don't actually mind a 4 door sedan style, but even with the TLX I have to drop down into it a bit (and twist slightly) to get in. Not terrible (better than a lot of cars) but still less desirable.

that reminds me of one issue with the XT4. The pod for the 3rd brake light (I assume, could be some camera thing) is at the top center of the hatch, and basically blocked out most of the lane behind him. I could see something close behind, but a little further back was in the blind spot at the top of the window. Quite annoying. even my wife, who sits lowered, noticed it.

sometimes, it is an odd little thing that makes or breaks a deal!

qbrozen

abacomike said:

My 2018 S450 turned 2 years old today - longest I have ever had the same car!

EVER? Really?! Even when you were young? What is your lifetime car count?

We’re at 5.5 yrs with the T&C. That makes it our 2nd longest ever. Only my Alfa Spider was longer, and that barely counts considering how little it was driven. We’ve driven the T&C about 65k miles, putting it also 2nd on the all-time list, behind my first Volvo at 85k.

driver100

cdnpinhead said:

"Early onset of dementia? It sort of creeps up on you without warning."

Yeah, but it's often clear to others with whom you interact.

That's OK, every time I get into my car I think it is brand new!

driver100

I don't know if you want to spend 9 1/2 minutes watching, but this guy takes apart oil filters, results may surprise you. Best is NAPPA Gold, by far the worst is FRAM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTNJLEV8CG8&feature=youtu.be

snakeweasel

roadburner

It’s spelled NAPA; and if you check out the Bob is the Oil Guy forums you will find the filter of choice is-to most participants- a moving target. Currently Fram filters are actually recommended by some forum members. I save myself the trouble by using OEM filters on my BMWs and Mini and M1 filters on the Jeep.

roadburner

Speaking of BITOG, some of the participants are real goofballs; many believe that a dreary appliance that can make it to 300k miles is the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Then there are the "pay cash/never lease" crew that usually tout the automotive equivalent of a hair shirt(iluvmysephia, anyone?).
One common thread is that more than a few believe that having no actual knowledge about a brand or vehicle actually makes you MORE qualified to opine on it. One guy was looking at a Panamera and one of those trolls popped in; when I pressed him about his encyclopedic knowledge of Porsches, he explained that a guy at work had one and he himself had watched several YouTube videos.
Not long ago a few European car owners were trying to help diagnose a glitch in a ZF transmission in a Jag that was owned by a participant's GF. Sure enough a dingbat posted, "She should have bought a Camry."
A friend's response was classic:
"Asking for advice about European cars on a site populated by drivers of low-rent penalty boxes is about as useful as slamming your hand in a car door."

imidazol97

driver100 said:

I don't know if you want to spend 9 1/2 minutes watching, but this guy takes apart oil filters, results may surprise you. Best is NAPPA Gold, by far the worst is FRAM.

The information in video is correct for the filters he opened. I believe the Purolator was the standard model: they make a premium mode.
I haven't looked on NAPA sites but I'll bet NAPA Gold is their premium filter and they make more pedantic models.
The NAPA is made by WIX, IIUC, and the Purolator makes the Bosch.
Walmart also has their line of filters which I believe are made by Champion which is another manufacturer of filters. I'm going on memory, and I'm sure someone will correct me. Some of this I learned from reading years ago on oil filter comparison sites.

I would buy a Walmart filter (and their Supertech oil if it has the right ratings on the bottle) before buying the Fram.
Fram does make various lines of filters. I didn't even both to see which one he opened with the rough black grip end on it and how it fits in their line up. It may be an upline model, Fram Extra Guard--I just saw an ad.


In my GM's the filter is the element only without the metal case. I get to compare the quality when I insert a replacement filter. I don't know who makes GM filters but I'm satisfied with the product. The Purolator for my model is only in the premium line IIRC.

A difference the poster didn't consider, typical of nonscientific surveys and comparisons, is not just the size of the filter media's area, but the material from which it's made. The materials vary and vary in their filtering ability. Some are synthetics and very stable.

Another variable Mr. Bollinger didn't consider is what does the filter look like after 6000 miles in synthetic oil trapping contaminants. Is it deteriorating? Coming loose from the top or bottom? Split in a spot?

Because I get to take my old filters out of my Cobalt after 7000 miles of Premium Platinum synthetic Pennzoil, I see the media filter part is intact on the brands I've used.

ab348

All I know is that the oil filter wars have been going on for decades, even longer than we have had the internet, although that took them to a new level. I bought a case of AC-Delco filters for the Cutlass ages ago and am down to my last 2. For my modern cars I let the dealer or shop use whatever they use. I suspect changing the oil conscientiously is far more important than the brand of filter. Today's society seems to have a degree of obsession with wanting to know what is "best" for every commodity, be it filters or steak knives.

abacomike

qbrozen said:

abacomike said:

My 2018 S450 turned 2 years old today - longest I have ever had the same car!

EVER? Really?! Even when you were young? What is your lifetime car count?

We’re at 5.5 yrs with the T&C. That makes it our 2nd longest ever. Only my Alfa Spider was longer, and that barely counts considering how little it was driven. We’ve driven the T&C about 65k miles, putting it also 2nd on the all-time list, behind my first Volvo at 85k.

Over 58 new cars in my lifetime. UGH! 😩

stickguy

I just have the dealer do my oil changes. So get only OEM spec oil, filter, and any top off fluids. Plus if something goes wrong, they can’t go all JMonroe on me!

driver100

stickguy said:

I just have the dealer do my oil changes. So get only OEM spec oil, filter, and any top off fluids. Plus if something goes wrong, they can’t go all JMonroe on me!

Do you actually save anything by changing oil yourself. They charge about the same for the oil and the filter, and the last time I let an oil place do it was about 20 years ago on my JEEP, and I don't believe there was a charge for the labor. And if I do it I have to get rid of the old oil....which is a bit of a hassle. I guess you can get the oil on sale...but, often garages have special deals. For the few extra dollars I could save...I just let "The Guy" change my oil.

imidazol97

My Chevy dealer charges about $50 for the oil change and complete check of vehicle for tire wear status, etc..
That's with Dexos synthetic oil and the proper GM filter, which is a metal can filter on the 2014 2.5

For my Cobalt I'm using Pennzoil Platinum and $5.00 AC Delco filter from Walmart for $25 + $5 = $30.
Eventually I may go to Walmart Supertech if the Synthetic is Dexos rated in 5W-30 weight oil.

The Malibu gets a complete record in case something goes wrong with the drivetrain, it's GM warranty all
the way and totally proven oil change mileage and times.

I did have the Chevy store rotate the tires and rebalance a couple of times. It wasn't much more IIRC.
There is a convenience in having them do it.

They also change the Cruze's oil because it's still under extended warranty at 70 K miles.

stickguy

With coupons my Acura dealer charges about $40 for oil and filter change, full basic check over including brakes and anything wrong like a leak, and top off all fluids. And a car wash. A screaming bargain to me. Don’t have to get it on ramps, crawl under, get dirty or deal with waste products. Express too. No appointment, out within an hour.

So all in, I would not really save time or money.

ab348

Stumbled onto some issues with Mercedes-Benz. First, the periodic cost-cutting, reduction of white-collar jobs and restructuring to save money:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/11/mercedes-benz-reportedly-planning-to-cut-management-freeze-wages/

Then this, similar to what Ford is going through with a couple of its new model introductions:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/09/thousands-of-mercedes-benz-gles-mysteriously-chilling-on-north-german-runway/

The auto business can be very complicated.

tommister2

I do my own oil changes just because I like to do them. It is not about saving money for me.

roadburner

tommister2 said:

I do my own oil changes just because I like to do them. It is not about saving money for me.

Ditto.

roadburner

This being Veterans Day and all, I thought some of you might enjoy reading about one of my assistants.
Although in truth I should actually be his assistant.

snakeweasel

imidazol97 said:

My Chevy dealer charges about $50 for the oil change and complete check of vehicle for tire wear status, etc..
That's with Dexos synthetic oil and the proper GM filter, which is a metal can filter on the 2014 2.5

For my Cobalt I'm using Pennzoil Platinum and $5.00 AC Delco filter from Walmart for $25 + $5 = $30.
Eventually I may go to Walmart Supertech if the Synthetic is Dexos rated in 5W-30 weight oil.

The Malibu gets a complete record in case something goes wrong with the drivetrain, it's GM warranty all
the way and totally proven oil change mileage and times.

I did have the Chevy store rotate the tires and rebalance a couple of times. It wasn't much more IIRC.
There is a convenience in having them do it.

They also change the Cruze's oil because it's still under extended warranty at 70 K miles.

The dealership I use charges $35 for an oil change but they are giving me a veterans discount. The BMW dealer told me it would be $130 for the BMW. The motorcycle is $135 for an oil change (2 filters), chain cleaning lube and adjustment, and an inspection of the bike.

driver100

...............enjoy, doing an oil change!
Sounds like an oxymoron, those words shouldn't be said together.

imidazol97

snakeweasel said:

imidazol97 said:

My Chevy dealer charges about $50 for the oil change and complete check of vehicle for tire wear status, etc..
That's with Dexos synthetic oil and the proper GM filter, which is a metal can filter on the 2014 2.5

For my Cobalt I'm using Pennzoil Platinum and $5.00 AC Delco filter from Walmart for $25 + $5 = $30.
Eventually I may go to Walmart Supertech if the Synthetic is Dexos rated in 5W-30 weight oil.

The Malibu gets a complete record in case something goes wrong with the drivetrain, it's GM warranty all
the way and totally proven oil change mileage and times.

I did have the Chevy store rotate the tires and rebalance a couple of times. It wasn't much more IIRC.
There is a convenience in having them do it.

They also change the Cruze's oil because it's still under extended warranty at 70 K miles.

The dealership I use charges $35 for an oil change but they are giving me a veterans discount. The BMW dealer told me it would be $130 for the BMW. The motorcycle is $135 for an oil change (2 filters), chain cleaning lube and adjustment, and an inspection of the bike.

I was thinking it was about $39 earlier visits, but somewhere the price has gone up. The dealer has started a Fast Lane oil change rather than by appointments.

I enjoy doing my own oil changes and other work on the car, but the Malibu has low air breaks under the front and I've never tried getting my hydraulic jack under it to lift to get to the oil plug. I've never tried on the Cruze either. If it's out of warranty, I'll probably change it as well. Keeping the receipts and a data record is a hassle. AFter what happened to Monroe, I was a little skittish about doing my own on the cars other than the Cobalt.

explorerx4

Was able to close the top on the Mustang today.
Ran the car for a while increasing the rpm's to generate some heat out of the defroster.
Top finally stretched enough that I could latch it to the windshield header.
To change the oil, I drive it up on some 2x10's.
That gives me just enough room to get to the rear drain plug.
Engine has 2 drain plugs, but the filter is easily reachable from the top or bottom.

roadburner

snakeweasel said:

The dealership I use charges $35 for an oil change but they are giving me a veterans discount. The BMW dealer told me it would be $130 for the BMW. The motorcycle is $135 for an oil change (2 filters), chain cleaning lube and adjustment, and an inspection of the bike.

Go to this BMW Service page and enter your zip code to find BMW dealers offering service specials. My dealer currently offers an $89.95 oil change for four cylinder F3x cars; $99.95 for six cylinders- and that's before the BMW CCA discount.

roadburner

abacomike said:

Over 58 new cars in my lifetime. UGH! 😩

Here's my list, less the cars in my sig:

1974 Monte Carlo(seriously modded- really)
1969 Datsun SPL-311 Roadster
1967 Buick Riviera(bought for $5 in 1979)
1979 Plymouth Arrow GT 2.6(fast for it's day)
1972 BMW Bavaria(bought for $150 to supply parts for...)
1973 BMW Bavaria(... my first Bimmer; a rolling restoration,I even lapped the Glen with it)
1987 Merkur Scorpio(nice car, too bad about the servicing costs)
1987 BMW 535is(one of my all-time favorites)
1991 Volvo 740 Turbo(very fast brick)
1988 BMW M6(wish I'd never sold it)
1973 Ford Bronco V8(inherited from my father, I despised it)
1984 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe(5 spd. stick; bought as a work beater to keep miles off the M6)
1993 Nissan Pathfinder SE(A nice truck, but the Wrangler was more fun)
1998 BMW 318ti(hated to sell it, but we needed a bigger car)
1997 BMW 528i(still going strong with its third owner and over 225k miles)
1975 BMW 2002A(eBay find, a fun project)
2004 BMW X3 2.5(pretty reliable and reasonably fun to drive)
2007 Mazdaspeed 3(Manic fun, but I’m one and done with FWD performance cars)

qbrozen

abacomike said:

qbrozen said:

abacomike said:

My 2018 S450 turned 2 years old today - longest I have ever had the same car!

EVER? Really?! Even when you were young? What is your lifetime car count?

We’re at 5.5 yrs with the T&C. That makes it our 2nd longest ever. Only my Alfa Spider was longer, and that barely counts considering how little it was driven. We’ve driven the T&C about 65k miles, putting it also 2nd on the all-time list, behind my first Volvo at 85k.

Over 58 new cars in my lifetime. UGH! 😩

As in NEW new? How many used?

Although I’m much younger, I’m glad to be moving down the list here for most cars in lifetime.

abacomike

Here are the cars I have owned since I was 18 years old. I might have missed a few. Looking back on these purchases, it's downright obscene and embarrassing:

1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible (used)
1958 Ford Custom Coupe (used)
1961 Chrysler Newport 2 door (used)
1964 Rambler American 2 door (new)
1965 Chevy Impala Super Sport (new)
1966 Pontiac GTO (new)
1966 Pontiac Grand Prix (new)
1967 Mercury Cougar (new)
1967 Chevy Corvette (new)
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible (new)
1968 Pontiac GTO (new)
1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 (new)
1969 Oldsmobile Delta 88 (new)
1970 Buick LeSabre 455 Custom (new)
1971 Mercury Marquis Brougham (new)
1971 Chevy Caprice Station Wagon (new)
1971 Pontiac Catalina Coupe (new)
1972 Chevy Vega (new)
1972 Oldsmobile Toronado - gray (new)
1972 Oldsmobile Toronado - Beige (new)
1973 Oldsmobile Station Wagon (new)
1973 Chevy Monte Carlo (new)
1974 Chevy Caprice Classic Coupe (new)
1974 Volvo 242 DL (new)
1975 Volvo GL (new)
1976 Triump TR-6 (new)
1976 Cadillac Sedan DeVille (new)
1977 MGB-GT (new)
1977 Volvo 244 DL (new)
1978 Pontiac Grand Prix (new)
1978 Datsun 300Z (new)
1979 Cadillac Sedan DeVille (new)
1979 Lancia Beta Coupe (new)
1980 Honda Accord Coupe (new)
1981 Honda Accord Sedan (new)
1983 Cadillac Sedan DeVille (new)
1985 Audi 5000 (new)
1986 Audi 6000 C Turbo (new)
1987 Mercedes 190E new)
1987 Mercedes 300D (new)
1987 Mercedes 420 SEL (new)
1987 Porsche 944 (new)
1988 Lincoln Town Car (new)
1989 Mustang 5.0 GT (new)
1990 Ford Taurus (new)
1991 Mercedes 300E (new)
1996 Lexus ES 300 (new)
1999 Lexus ES 300 (new)
2000 Pontiac Bonneville (new)
2001 Lexus GS300 (new)
2003 VW Passat V6 (new)
2004 Infiniti G35 (new)
2005 BMW 525i (new)
2006 BMW 530i (new)
2007 BMW 535i (new)
2008 Mercedes E350 (new)
2009 Mercedes E350 (new)
2010 Mercedes E350 (new)
2011 Mercedes E350 (new)
2012 Mercedes E350 (new)
2013 Mercedes E350 (new)
2014 Mercedes E350 (new)
2015 Lexus GS350 (new)
2015 Mercedes CLS550 (new)
2016 Mercedes ES 400 (new)
2016 Mercedes CLS400 (new)
2017 BMW 740i (new)
2018 Mercedes S450 (new)

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

This guy has some quirky car video's but I kind of like them.
Lincoln last ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDYOvF3TcXw

I just watched that on YouTube. LOL

I don’t know his back story, he must make a lot of money elsewhere because he buys the most awful money pit cars. Luckily, he has his “guy” The Car Wizard to fix them cheap.

fintail

I think many firms can stand to reorganize a little management, my employer included. A lot of top heavy orgs out there.

ab348 said:

Stumbled onto some issues with Mercedes-Benz. First, the periodic cost-cutting, reduction of white-collar jobs and restructuring to save money:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/11/mercedes-benz-reportedly-planning-to-cut-management-freeze-wages/

Then this, similar to what Ford is going through with a couple of its new model introductions:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/09/thousands-of-mercedes-benz-gles-mysteriously-chilling-on-north-german-runway/

The auto business can be very complicated.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
That's for a car that is driven regularly. Just another example of blind copy and paste with little relevance to the topic.

That’s my original question, does just sitting there degrade oil over time. I’d like to see an oil analysis for a car in storage for a year compared with a car that’s driven. I’m sure there has to be some degradation from moisture or other contaminates but to what degree? If oil degraded just sitting in the can or crankcase shouldn’t they have a sell by date like milk?

The one year oil change should be followed regardless of miles but that convention originated with regular dino oil. I'd like to know if it applies to synthetic oil. If I were still working I could talk to some chemistry gurus but now I'd have to go on the Internet and I just don't want to do that. I've been using synthetic oil for a little more than 10 years but to be safe, I'll stick with the old conventional recommendation.

jmonroe

I think most modern engines should get full synthetic but I still use dino on my two older vehicles. I figure the tolerances on those engines aren’t as tight. I’ll do it once a year at inspection.

driver100

Mike, quite a list. Many years you had 2 new cars in the same year,,,and often quite different....like this grouping:
1987 Porsche 944 (new)
1988 Lincoln Town Car (new)
1989 Mustang 5.0 GT (new)
1990 Ford Taurus (new)
If I had the money you lost in depreciation I would be a wealthy man.
I would say, cars are an addiction....but, there are worse things to be addicted to.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

This guy has some quirky car video's but I kind of like them.
Lincoln last ride.

I liked the topic....can you buy a good car for $200. He should interview oldfarmer. I liked his comments about the 88 Lincoln, very interesting. He is easy to take too, unlike that other guy who's name begins with an "S" and ends in a "Y".

My Lincoln Mark was nicer than his. Of course I paid about $3000 more for mine but it didn’t have a trashed interior, a bum tranny, rust or 200k more miles.

I do like the style of the VII.

driver100

Explorer....thanks again for the garbage disposal tip. It was depressing on Sunday thinking how we would get the GD and the dishwasher working - call a dishwasher guy or a GB guy?
It was so nice today to not have to scrape off every morsel of food from the plates, and to have nicely cleaned dishes in the morning.
I felt like we were the Waltons, living without these essential appliances!

tjc78

@abacomike
What a list!! Impressive

28firefighter

@abacomike You and @breld are kindred spirits, methinks.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

I just have the dealer do my oil changes. So get only OEM spec oil, filter, and any top off fluids. Plus if something goes wrong, they can’t go all JMonroe on me!

Do you actually save anything by changing oil yourself. They charge about the same for the oil and the filter, and the last time I let an oil place do it was about 20 years ago on my JEEP, and I don't believe there was a charge for the labor. And if I do it I have to get rid of the old oil....which is a bit of a hassle. I guess you can get the oil on sale...but, often garages have special deals. For the few extra dollars I could save...I just let "The Guy" change my oil.

Last time I changed my own oil it was $25 for the synthetic oil and maybe $8 for the filter vs about $60 at my “guy” or $75 at the dealer.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

Here are the cars I have owned since I was 18 years old. I might have missed a few. Looking back on these purchases, it's downright obscene and embarrassing:

[deleting much of the list]

1083 Cadillac Sedan DeVille (new)

[deleting the rest of the list]

1083? And you bought it new? man you are old.

Talk about horse power. How many 4 or 6 horsepower?

sda

I can't complain about 30+ mpg over 4000 mi. Probably about 1500 highway miles, the rest day to day driving.

snakeweasel

OK my list

1970 Dodge Coronet (used)
1976 Ford Maverick (used and a big mistake)
1978 Chevy Camaro (used and a pos but only cost me $250 so not a big deal)
1981 Ford Mustang (my first new car)
1984 Dodge Omni (new)
1985 Dodge Omni GLH (new)
1992 Chevy Corsica (new)
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan (new after I suddenly became married with two kids)
2000 Hyundai Elantra Station wagon (new)
2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible (used currently driving)

Wifes cars during our marriage.
1996 Chevy cavalier (new)
2003 Saturn L series sedan (new)
2011 Hyundai Sonata (kind of new currently own)

Also

2014 BMW 428i convertible (used)

Yeah, rather boring.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

I can't complain about 30+ mpg over 4000 mi. Probably about 1500 highway miles, the rest day to day driving.

That’s good mileage for any of those cars.

nyccarguy

@abacomike - you make @breld look like an amateur! I think the one that stands out to me is the 1987 944. My absolute favorite Porsche growing up in the 1980s.

I also LOVE the E350 from 2008 up!

nyccarguy

My list pales in comparison to most of yours:

1992 Chevrolet Beretta GT (new)
1998 Ford Explorer Sport (new)
2000 Saab 9-3 (new)
2001 Honda Prelude Type SH (new)
1990 BMW 325ia (used)
2011 BMW 328xi (new)
2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i (new)
2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD (used)
2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4WD (new)

Since I’ve known my wife, her cars have been:

2000 Mazda Protege ES (new)
2010 Acura TSX (new)
2011 Honda Pilot EXL 4WD (new)
2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD (new)

28firefighter

My list:
2001 Ford Taurus SEL (used)
2009 Subaru Legacy (new)
2004 BMW 330xi (used)
2011 Volvo C30 (new)
2013 VW CC (new)
2016 VW GTI (new)
2017 Mercedes C300 (newish loaner)
2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen (used)
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2019 BMW i3 REX

My wife’s:
2004 VW Jetta GL (used)
2009 Mazda3 s Grand Touring (new but bought back)
2011 Mazda3 s Sport (new)
2015 Ford Escape Titanium (new)
2016 BMW X1 (newish loaner)
2019 Subaru Outback (new)

stickguy

I actually wrote mine out not long ago. Took a full sheet of legal paper. But I ain't typing it all out again!

tjc78

1989 Grand Marquis LS
1993 Taurus LX 3.8
1998 Olds 88 LS
1979 Continental Town Coupe
2000 Solara SLE V6
2003 Avalon XL
1989 Town Car Signature
2006 Avalon XLS
1999 S10 4.3 Ext Cab
2009 Genesis Sedan 3.8
2012 LaCrosse 3.6 PIII
2004 Grand Marquis LS Ultimate
2015 Enclave
2017 Enclave
2017 Elantra SE
2019 S60 T6 Inscription

5 Fords
5 GMs
3 Toyota
2 Hyundai
1 Volvo
16 since I started driving in 1995

oldfarmer50

Snake said:
“Yeah, rather boring.”

Not at all. Shows a lot of practicality with adventurousness held under control. A lot of your cars match mine. 4 if you consider that the Coronet and Satellite were corporate twins.

In order of purchase...

1969 Plymouth Satellite (used)
1974 Dodge Charger (new)
1980 Dodge Omni (new)
1986 Toyota SR5 pickup (new)
1984 Chevy Celebrity (used)
1982 Oldsmobile 88 Royale coupe (used)
1985 Ford F-150 (very used)
1981 Ford F-150 (used)
1997 Chrysler Cirrus (used)
2001 Chrysler Concorde (used)
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (new)
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser (new)
1988 GMC Vandura (incredibly used)
1984 Chevy Corvette (used)
1995 Lincoln Mark VIII (used)
2015 Ford Mustang (new)
2004 Chevy Express (used)
2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible (used)
2019 Kia Soul (new)

Plus cars I’ve bought for my kids... (all used)
1998 Buick LaSabre
1993 Caddy Deville
2005 Mercury Sable

Michaell

stickguy said:

I actually wrote mine out not long ago. Took a full sheet of legal paper. But I ain't typing it all out again!

Haven't you heard of a spreadsheet?

Probably not a bad time to let you all know that I'll be writing articles for Curbside Classic - their "Cars of a Lifetime" series (COAL).

First article is set to go live this Saturday, then probably every Saturday after that.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

Snake said:
“Yeah, rather boring.”

Not at all. Shows a lot of practicality with adventurousness held under control. A lot of your cars match mine. 4 if you consider that the Coronet and Satellite were corporate twins.

Well I have to admit that the GLH was a hoot and a holler to drive.

cdnpinhead

"Last time I changed my own oil it was $25 for the synthetic oil and maybe $8 for the filter vs about $60 at my “guy” or $75 at the dealer."

Plus which it can be done in a half hour or less in your garage or driveway. No taking the car anywhere or waiting around. It just gets done.

In addition, I can continue the illusion that I know how to do things to maintain my cars. This, along with filter replacements and brake pad work, is all I have left.

Some people prefer to be helpless or clueless, or at least lazy. No names, of course.

snakeweasel

cdnpinhead said:

"Last time I changed my own oil it was $25 for the synthetic oil and maybe $8 for the filter vs about $60 at my “guy” or $75 at the dealer."

Plus which it can be done in a half hour or less in your garage or driveway. No taking the car anywhere or waiting around. It just gets done.

In addition, I can continue the illusion that I know how to do things to maintain my cars. This, along with filter replacements and brake pad work, is all I have left.

Some people prefer to be helpless or clueless, or at least lazy. No names, of course.

The dealership that does the oil changes for me is a block and a half from my work. Just drop it off, walk 10 minutes to work and after work walk 10 minutes back to pick up the car. Very convenient.