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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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The first year depreciation hit on a new Pilot, 4runner, or even a RAV4 would not be inconsequential, I think. Also I read thru some of the Pilot owner's reviews on edmunds--there were a few fairly disgruntled owners, but who knows?
For me, I've seen a couple of super low mileage '05 or '06 4runners on craigs list recently, between $23 & $25K I think. They both went fast--everyone says how many used 4runners there are 4sale, but super-nice ones priced well seem to sell.
But I'm just kind of into the Toyota-truck-reputation thing--not saying you shouldn't get a Pilot!
Yeah, I still pop in here from time to time. Every once in awhile the urge to buy something pops up, but I've been able to suppress it. Haven't bought anything since April 2005, when I got my '76 LeMans. Hard to believe it's been that long already!
I've heard of that button on the floor that changes the radio stations, but have never seen one in person.
I got a ride lined up for next Saturday. One of my buddies is going to drive me up and then follow me back. I just hope this car isn't too cranky getting home. The seller told me that this NYer has only gone about 10 miles in the past year! Hopefully the 115 miles back home to my place will be uneventful!
HEHEHE, since this seems to be the case would I be better off looking for a used Pilot? I know the rule used to be that it made no sense to buy a used Honda or Toyota, is this not still the case?
My poor Durango is parked until its appt at the dealer on June 4th. Found out today that the weird "hitch" in the steering was actually the rack and pinion going south! Was cautioned not to drive it until they can fix it. Unfortunatly the dealer is booked solid until the 4th. No biggie, I'll just go back to driving the dually.......*snicker*.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
He'll just slide on into the old bomber, drive it until something breaks, burns, or melts, hop into the chase car to the auto parts store, come back and fix what needs fixing, and repeat until he gets back home.
Been there, done that (I was the support car). The 250 mile drive turned into a weekend adventure but we eh, met some nice people in some really small towns (quietly hums theme from Deliverance). Actually, the project vehicle was small enough that the support vehicle could drag it for short distances at a time (and over Cuesta Grade), and its amazing the stuff that you can find in a NAPA auto parts in a small town.
Its important to check major stuff before heading on the highway on a previously dead car. Tires, brakes, and major suspension components (idler arms, tie rods, etc) and anything blatantly wrong with the motor (missing pieces, fire hazards, bad hoses/belts, leaking like a sieve, etc).
If you really have nothing going on, and a vehicle that can keep you from dehydrating and dying on the side of the road, you can do alright. We did put "new" used tires on it before we left, and ended up doing the brakes in a hotel parking lot...good times (yeah, I would do it again) :shades: .
Mark156
Wow! Very nice. I like the paint scheme too, very modern looking without being over the top. That's a good buy!
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Keep in mind, these things are made for the 70+ crowd to drive.. so, it drives like a big Cadillac Fleetwood! LOL! It has ten airbags that are constantly monitored by the computer to keep the coach even with no swaying. It is amazing how easy it is to drive.
As long as you are aware of the height and width, it's a piece of cake to maneuver through traffic and smaller streets. The major concern are low tree branches. I think the height is 12'4". I have a button on the leveling system pad that will raise the tag axle for tighter turns. If it's not raised, the tires will be dragged on the pavement (faster wear).
The CR-V is like pulling a feather... 44,000 lbs. vs 3,400 lbs. I had the air brakes from the coach attached to the CR-V... so, every time I apply the brakes on the coach, the Honda's brakes are applied at the same exact pressure. If I were in an accident (rear-ending someone), the police would be all over me like a spider monkey on Mountain Dew (taken from Talladega Nights movie)
For 2008, the stripes on the side are "fading stripes".. that was a rather expensive option before that is now standard. Kinda looks like flames!
Mark156
I'll give my amateur opinion, based on my recent shopping: I used to believe in the myth that all Hondas & Toyotas had low depreciation. I think that's still true in some cases: Accords, Civics, Tacos & maybe CRV's have great resale. And of course you have to Pay thru the Nose for used Land Cruisers; that seems to be some sort of law or something.
Pilots, 4runners, Ridgelines, possibly (?) RAV4's you'll take a big hit in the first year. But if you could get a fantastic lease rate on a new Pilot, or huge discounts, could be worth it to buy new....."maybe".....?
You have to "shop til you drop" to get a great deal on anything, it seems (duh).....
I wanted to travel the country and I like the fact that I don't have to live out of a suitcase. I was just in Las Vegas for 5 nights at the Outdoor Resorts. Beautiful RV park with million plus units parked side by side. I think one of the things that I like most is that almost (really most) all the people in RV parks/resorts are very friendly. You don't really get that in hotels.
Apparently, in the Outdoor Resorts, it's the 'thing' to have a matching-color golf cart to go with your coach. Since most people buy the lots in Outdoor Resorts, they put in fountains, special landscaping, outdoor kitchens, bars, etc. We were in the 'daily rental' section. Owners of the lots can also rent theirs out if they want.
Mark156
We picked our travel trailer up from storage on Monday, its parked at my mom's old house, no room for it here. Maybe someday we'll get a bigger one, ours seems so small in comparision to most of them out there, lol.
That's interesting. I guess I'll be shopping for a used one then. I don't mind used, especially if I can save a few $$$.
The original window sticker was still in the Durango's owner's manual. That thing had an MSRP of $35,380 when it was new. Kind of sobering when its life really isn't even 1/2 over at 70k miles yet I bought it for less than 1/3 of its original MSRP.
Talk about getting there being half the fun!...
Talk about getting there being half the fun!...
You'd be surprised! I've seen bigger ones than that up here. We do have roads ya know.....lol. :P
You're sure about that? Like pavement and everything?
How about getting there? Can something that big get up through the Alaska highway or should be have it shipped?
How about getting there? Can something that big get up through the Alaska highway or should be have it shipped?
Technically we have pavement......although DOT would sometimes have you believe otherwise.
I dunno, I'd imagine it could manuever the Alaska hwy, the other big ones have. The frost heaves around Beaver Creek, YT are NOT for the faint of heart! We did those in the winter (when they are much better) pulling a 22' horse trailer, 20 mph in most places, less in others. Took us forever to get through there or so it seemed. :sick:
Just gotta be brave is all!
We drove through the back roads of the Yukon including Chicken Alaska. The touring company hired a 'front' vehicle that had a sign attached to the roof that said something like "Large Coach coming". The roads were quite narrow but very manageable.
I really don't think I'll take the coach to Alaska. My motorhome magazine says that the roads can be pretty rough and to plan on buying a windshield. My one-piece windshield is about $2,700.
At some point, I would like to drive all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Niagara Falls!
Mark156
That's half way across Canada! The other half is worth seeing too.
Some friends of mine who bought a new Monaco Signature motor-coach (top of Monaco's line) had a rock fall of a dump truck then bounce and hit their windshield. The cost was $2,700 which was cover by insurance.
The Jeeps I had in the past were less than $200 (Grand Cherokee's). :confuse:
Mark156
Mark156
The windshield in your LR3 is well over 1,000 dollars.
I just had my 15,000 service and I also had Land Rover replace the rear view mirror as the paint was chipping off of garage button #2. They gave me a whole new different style mirror with the garage buttons under the mirror, not on the front like the previous one. I think I will like this one as it's cleaner looking.
Mark156
I hit a small bump (one I've hit with any other vehicle going well over the speed limit) today going well under the speed limit, heck, I even slammed on the brakes to make sure I wasn't going too fast since I know how it can be. It came down hard and I lost all steering with it, I was lucky to be able to stop. I called hubby and told him he can drive the darn thing from now on and I'm driving the dually.
I found the little car I want, there's ONE in the state...........oh the temptation!
Ok, somebody talk me down! I keep trying to say its only temporary and maybe replacing the shocks, front bushings, plus the bad rack and pinion will fix it. Yes, I know what's wrong with it, had a suspension inspection to try to figure out why it was acting so funny.
If you completely fly by the seat of your pants, buying used doesn't save a lot of money in the long run.
New isn't such a good choice for you 'cuz you trade so often... so it's gotta be used, and you gotta do it right.
You'll need to fix the Dodge one way or the other, so you might as well fix it and drive it.
I'm on the wagon myself; no purchase in six months.. it's difficult sometimes...
Take it easy,
-Mathias
This is a bummer--I'm getting depressed just thinking about it. And not to rag on Mopar stuff, but my grandad had a string of Chryslers in the 70's that kept blowing transmissions 6 mo. after the 12 mo. warranty ran out. Then there was the Barracuda I owned which kept blowing engines & got 10 mpg. And the '68 Charger which drove me nuts with problems.
Your Pilot idea--IF you got a great deal, plenty of warranty, not too many miles, is sounding better.....
Normally I do and I should have, especially on a 6 year old car with 70k on it from the east coast. I knew that the brakes were an issue with it......and oh boy they were certainly an issue......4 days AFTER I bought it. Thankfully the dealer stepped up and did the repair.
I'm kicking myself for not taking it for a pre-purchase. However, I was under it while it was on the lift the other day for the inspection (after the sale of course) and it looks great except for the issues its having now. I mean this little truck has never even seen off road, its not scrapped up or roughed up in any way. So, I'm not sure a pre-purchase would have changed anything. The tech the other day said it was in great shape other than the couple things that it needs (leaky rack and pinion, shocks, and bushings for the front sway bar). The only leak on the whole truck is the tranny pan gasket and its minor.
I guess I'm just missing having a NEW car instead of a used one with 73k on it. So, I'm hunting for excuses.....I admit it, lol.
I checked Nada book on the little car I was wanting (its a new 06) and boy was that a reality check, YEOWCH, talk about depreciation. Scratch that idea!
Your Pilot idea--IF you got a great deal, plenty of warranty, not too many miles, is sounding better.....
I did get an ESC for it a Chrysler Max Care, it covers everything including the shocks. Otherwise I'm betting the repairs would put a bit of a dent in the hip national bank. I'll have to pay $100 instead of be on the hook for everything.
The Pilot will come in due time, I just have to be patient.......I HATE being patient!
Luckily on the various occasions when I have bought used, I have never had cause to trade it later on due to excessive repair needs. It's always because the "next great thing" caught my eye! ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Mark156
Of course, per some posters here on the boards, the new Explorer is a really nice model, and a big improvement over the pre-'06.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
But a lot of us really have to control ourselves, in order not to jeopardise our financial situations.
I was glad to hear you have an ext. warranty on the durango, & that they'll replace a whole bunch of parts for almost free. If I had a durango, w/warranty, in my driveway, unless I HATED it, I'd keep it.
Jus my 2 cents, woody
However, I highly doubt I'll do it, I don't really care for the Durango, but its liveable I guess. Thankfully its nearly horse show season so I'll have the dually most of the time and won't have to drive the Durango except for a couple times a month. If things go right this summer I can have it paid off by December.......THEN can I get a new car???
I think you can bargain pretty hard on a used one because the new one have a $3k rebate even though I think they are selling pretty well. I guess everyone is waiting for the 2008 redesign.
If you have a Mazda dealer near you check out the 3 hatch. It has almost as much room and extra year of warranty. Plus you get the better platform the '08 Focus will be on.
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That's too bad, the Focus is a very neat car. I put 54k on my 04 ZX3, loved that little car. I drove it in everything, snow, ice storms, nothing bothered that car. My only regrets with Zippy is that I didn't get a wagon and I didn't get pwr stuff, a/c, and cruise. Zippy was darn near as base as they came, only option was ABS brakes. Had I gotten the options on it I think I would still have it. They are fun as heck to drive!
I might check out the Mazda just for grins, let's see if I can get away with dragging hubby car shopping.......*snicker*. :P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
So, I've switched gears in my internet car shopping to small SUVs and minivans. Looking at all of them online I've narrowed it to the CR-V and the Odyssey. Totally different I know, but I'm trying to decide if I want to keep my 7 pass seating or if 5 will do. Kids are older and have friends......thus the concern, lol.
Hubby's been sort of *window* shopping with me and he said if we are going to buy something that there are conditions on it. 1. I have to wait until fall 2. it has to at least scrape the 30 mpg mark for hwy mileage 3. it has to have good resale value and 4. I have to sell the Durango on my own.
Gives me hope that maybe I won't be stuck with the Durango forever! I should be able to get close to what I paid for it I'd imagine, its in the low enough price range where it should be easy to sell. Downside to it is the gas mileage and the cost of gas......*grumble*