Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tifighter

Let's face it; if there was a sensible choice here(like buying a new car is ever sensible), the Pilot is it. Check out the prices paid forum; people are regularly seeing $6-7K off MSRP right now, but you still get that ironclad resale value. Geez, I almost want to check one out because everyone loves a deal, and I have had my car now for nearly A YEAR AND HALF! :surprise:

But who knows if she could get a good deal in the strange Alaskan micro-market.

akangl

I would have already gotten a headliner from the junkyard when my little brother worked there, BUT, do you know how hard it is to find one for a Durango?? They looked nationwide, NONE! They had no Durangos or Dakotas in the yard, said they can't get the away from the rebuilders at the auctions.

Next, I came PAINFULLY close to pulling a trigger today, thank goodness the sales manager saved me. After I had already liked the truck and everything he informed me it was a lemon law buyback so only had the powertrain warranty on it. Didn't surprise me since on the test drive the 4WD service light came on and after returning to the dealership it was blowing coolant all over the place out the radiator cap. Truck was an 05 Armada LE with 19k on it (yes, I'm a glutton for punishment). Price was wholesale, $6k back of retail.......guess I found out why, lol. :lemon:

We are going to look at the Pilot on Friday, most likely that's going to be the one we pick. Unfortunatly they don't have the color I want so will have to wait until one comes in.

Ran the Durango by the local park & sell, friend of mine there said no problem selling it for $10k. He said its got a lot going for it in that price range. However I have to replace the broken foglight (sitting here in a box) and fix the tear in the driver's side seat ($80). Other than that he liked it. He also said stay away from the Acadia, its going to drop like a rock, Armadas are fine on the used side, but the Pilot was the BEST choice hands down.

Its a good thing I'm not into impulse buying anymore, lol. I'm trying to make an informed decision here. I did have the thoughts of just telling you guys to pick out my next car, but then visions of a pink Yugo changed my mind!

guss

stopped by the local Pontiac store last night just to look at a 2005 vibe they had on the lot. I also sat in the G6 sedan they had in the showroom and walked the lot.

Why does GM have to make their option packages so difficult. If I did the G6 I would want a 4 cylinder with the nicer wheel package. That can not be done , you have to get the sport package with the V-6. The interior was nice though with plenty of headroom. Tilt and telescoping steering wheel is the best invention since cup holders especially for taller people that put the seat all the way back.

The salesman used to work at a Honda store, and I told him I was all so looking at Civics. He was also taller and he has a Civic and liked it alot,so that may hurt him.

I have to set up some appointments and drive some now.

lilengineerboy

Why does GM have to make their option packages so difficult. If I did the G6 I would want a 4 cylinder with the nicer wheel package.

TireRack.com
DiscountTire.com

Typically they are cheaper than OEM alloy wheel packages and you get to pick the tires so you can get ones that don't suck like the OEM ones typically do. Sometimes the dealer will give you a "take-off" price for the stockers (or you could eBay the hubcaps, which the dealer charges $50-70/ea, and maybe craigslist the stock tires/wheels).

guss

Yea, I thought about that but I am kinda conservative and like to stick to the factory options. I assume the manufacturer had a team of engineers working on the best suspension/tire package , who am I to go and change all of their hard work.

Besides, when you are an accountant and show too much bling, people start to get nervous. :P

It's bad enough that I change cars every year and half or so.

lilengineerboy

I assume the manufacturer had a team of engineers working on the best suspension/tire package , who am I to go and change all of their hard work.

They did, and then the marketing and accounting groups changed it anyway. :P Okay I kid. But what the engineering team specifies is the offset of the wheel (how much it sticks out towards the outside of the car and towards the inside), the wheel width (it will be stamped on the rim and in the owner's manual), and the diameter of the wheel. The marketing group has much more to do with the styling, and no self-respecting engineer would ever promote a cheesy hubcap on a steel wheel.

Tires are a commodity cost item on cars in this price range, or they are picked for long life at the expense of vehicle handling and inclement weather abilities.

When you put your vehicle information into those websites, it will help you pick wheels that have the same characteristics as the stock ones (unless you go to a plus 1 or plus 2 fitment - which is upgrading to a larger diameter wheel). If you wanted, you could just get wheels and have the stock tires mounted to them, or select higher performance tires and have the package shipped with the tires already mounted on the wheels and its just a matter of bolting them on the vehicle.

michaellno

Besides, when you are an accountant and show too much bling, people start to get nervous.

So, my BIL, who is either the comptroller or CFO for his company (mortgage brokerage firm), is showing off with his leased BMW 5-series? Which, BTW, comes off lease in October and is now looking for a replacement.

But, I hear ya. My wife says we can't have an upmarket brand due to where we live and the fact that she's a public employee (works for a school district). This, despite the fact that in my neighborhood there is a Jag X-type and an Audi A4.

kyfdx

A guy in NC is selling both of them...

'96 M3 with 137K... Looks really good.. $13,250 black with black/gray interior.

'96 318ti with M-sport pkg.. 77K... $8300 (or something insane like that).. This one looks new.. Red with cloth.

both are sticks, naturally...

I can see it now... "Honey.. I just dropped $20K on two cars.. "

fezo

"The Saturn is going to the shop on Friday for some preventive maintenance ..."

Yes, the fact that it is in the shop will prevent you from leasing the Volvo. Heck of a maintenance job!

"We are going to look at the Pilot on Friday, most likely that's going to be the one we pick. Unfortunately they don't have the color I want so will have to wait until one comes in."

I feel another pool coming on.... How long before Jolie is talking about trading in her Pilot because it is the wrong color?...

"Why does GM have to make their option packages so difficult. If I did the G6 I would want a 4 cylinder with the nicer wheel package."

If they didn't do that they wouldn't be GM....

stickguy

no, the hubby won't fit right, or the dead pedal was in the wrong place.

I swear there was a "but" to the story when Jolie drove the Pilot. Something wasn't quite perfect with it, and yo uknow what that means.

stickguy

I would love the 318Ti. Not for $8,300 though.

kyfdx

Yeah.. this one looks brand new.. but, I'm still thinking $5K-$6K tops.. I'll try to find the link.

The kid is 13.5 yrs.old.. That's close enought to claim it's for him, isn't it?

kyfdx

With 74K miles...

Here are the pictures of the '96 318ti

guss

I have always liked the 318ti, but the only reason I liked them so much is because no one else really loved them.

How are they in terms of reliability and cost to repair ?

kyfdx

From what I've heard... about the same as any E36 BMW, which means not terribly expensive, but definitely maintenance intensive...

Of course, you save by only buying 4 sparkplugs, instead of 6.. so, you are way ahead right there..

P.S.: If you are used to driving Hondas, the expense will make you cry... If you drive a Volvo or VW or Saab, then you might be pleasantly surprised..

woodyww

FWIW: July Toyota rebates: Highlander $1,600. 4Runner & Sequoia $2,000. Tundra Double Cab & Regular Cab $3,500.

My local Toyota dealer is quoting me invoice, minus the rebates. I read on a 4Runner board how a couple of years ago in late summer there were $4k rebates on V8 4Runners....according to that poster.

I remember finding out too late, when I was considering a 5-series wagon, that there had been a $4k rebate on a certain configuration......

woodyww

Both sound overpriced to me, but I haven't shopped for either car recently, so.....Personally, I'd hold out for a later year, lower mileage M3. I have a great article in R&T from a few years ago about buying used E36 M3's, all the problem or non-problem areas by year, etc. etc.

I read a column in the Roundel by some guy who just bought a '99 M Coupe with 95K miles for $12.5K--it needed a clutch & shocks & a couple of other things but was basically in good shape. So I got an M Coupe itch for about a day & a half......

Hey, the M Coupe is even "Practical"--with the hatch, you can go to home depot, buy a a new grill or lawnmower, & drive it home in record time!

akangl

I swear there was a "but" to the story when Jolie drove the Pilot. Something wasn't quite perfect with it, and yo uknow what that means.

There was, hubby's leg hit the center console, but he says he doesn't care if that's what I want its fine, he'll just work on adjusting the seat more.

The MDX was a perfect fit, but its $5k more than the Pilot.

I sat in a Pilot yesterday (snuck into the Honda dealership unnoticed, lol) and it was a fine fit for me. Little one checked out the 3rd seat and said it was comfy (she hated the one in the Tahoe).

I won't buy one unless its the right color and the only one they had on the lot was BLACK.........NO WAY! I am so not doing black again, its hot, shows every scratch (including the one from hitting hubby's mirror yesterday with the door, shhhh, don't tell!).

Course we all like the Armada better, BUT, the price is just crazy. The used one was only a little bit less than I can buy a NEW Pilot for.

tifighter

I've had a thing for the M Coupe for a long time, but I'd be perfectly happy with a manual Z3 coupe 3.0. Of course, they are HARDER to find than the M...

stickguy

Oh sure, just adjust the seat a little. That's gonna work!

The 3rd row in a Tahoe is a joke. I had to sit back there, and it was nasty. No where to put your legs or feet.

jefferyg

Somebody mentioned about 40 posts ago about CCBA reaching its 10,000th post. THAT'S INCREDIBLE!

We should do something to celebrate the occasion.

Any suggestions?

What's the most posts for any particular forum anyway?

Just curious?

michaellno

Somebody mentioned about 40 posts ago about CCBA reaching its 10,000th post. THAT'S INCREDIBLE!

Not quite yet .. this should be post 9993, so we're very close.

I think the hosts allow forums to get to around 15,000 posts before they start a new topic (part 2 or something similar). I think it has to do with the software that Edmunds' uses for managing the forums.

akangl

Oh sure, just adjust the seat a little. That's gonna work!

The 3rd row in a Tahoe is a joke. I had to sit back there, and it was nasty. No where to put your legs or feet.

Yeah my daughter said it was terrible, she's just a little thing too, just over 4 ft tall and 60 lbs. So far the Acadia, Pilot, and Armada have the best 3rd row seats according to her. The Armada is her favorite, mine too if price wasn't an issue but holy dollar signs those things are expensive!

stever

Back in the early days, the software would crash around 500 posts - that's why you'll see the occasional Part II topic, like Engine Oil - A slippery subject Part 2.

I think we shut down I Don't Like SUVs Why Do You around 60,000 posts (the last 59,480 of which were repetitive, LOL).

I think there's one or two other active discussions around with big numbers but I can't think of them off-hand. Oh, Real-World Trade-In Values is over 33,000 now.

Poster of #10,000 has to buy the Krispy Kremes ... unless you're Canadian, in which case we'll accept Tim Hortons.

fezo

Krispy Kremes and Tim Hortons? Two radically different philosophies om donuts...

mark156

Akangl, I think the Pilot would be best for you if the CR-V is too small. The Armada is the most unattractive SUV that is made today.

When I stopped at the local market this morning, there was a new Armada and I just don't see that the style makes any sense. The front cap looks like it was added on as an after thought. It's a huge SUV that has no style.... looks like a car made of spare parts, especially, the rear doors came directly from a 1958 Rambler wagon!

Buy the Pilot and don't look back! Mark156 :mad:

akangl

I think the Pilot would be best for you if the CR-V is too small. The Armada is the most unattractive SUV that is made today.

When I stopped at the local market this morning, there was a new Armada and I just don't see that the style makes any sense. The front cap looks like it was added on as an after thought. It's a huge SUV that has no style.... looks like a car made of spare parts, especially, the rear doors came directly from a 1958 Rambler wagon!

Buy the Pilot and don't look back!

I don't mind the styling of the Armada, I love the power, but not the gas mileage or the price! I think the Pilot is going to be the one even if its not absolutely perfect, it'll give me trouble free driving which is what I'd like to have after years of running back and forth to various service depts!

I still say Honda needs to make something cool like the Acadia.......

tifighter

Ok, I'll take post 9999...who is going to roll the odometer over?

Also, isn't it funny that this is the only odometer that CCBA-ers ever rack up big numbers on?

akangl

Ok, I'll take post 9999...who is going to roll the odometer over?

Also, isn't it funny that this is the only odometer that CCBA-ers ever rack up big numbers on?

What the heck, I'll do it, no Krispy Kreme donut shops or Tim Hortons up here. I've never been post 10,000 before. I did have a vehicle roll 100,000 once and I even bought it with 78k on it. I'm about 20,400 miles away from that with the Durango right now.

steine13

Since I'm in the Fatherland at the moment, I can use the early morning hours to sneak in #10,000.

Whoo-Hoo!
Or Ja-Huh! as an '80s VW commercial would have it.

-Mathias

EDIT: DOH! of course, jolie scooped me. Argh!

akangl

Since I'm in the Fatherland at the moment, I can use the early morning hours to sneak in #10,000.

Whoo-Hoo!
Or Ja-Huh! as an '80s VW commercial would have it.

-Mathias

EDIT: DOH! of course, jolie scooped me. Argh!

Not by much, lol. Wasn't gonna do it, then thought ah what the heck?? *snicker* :P

guss

Well, I think we all agree you deserve post #10,000 , being the queen of CCBA. I wonder who the King is? And, no Elvis responses, he has not bought a Caddy since the 70's.

I think we should set up an online poll for your next car. I am going to vote for the Pilot. Nice all around package with 3 rows and decent gas mileage. The hubby's knee thing worries me , but I bet you can make 2 years and 40k miles in it. Then turn around and sell it for 75% of what you paid for it.

kyfdx

but I bet you can make 2 years and 40k miles in it.

I'll give you 10-1 odds on that bet.... and laugh all the way to the bank..

guss

Vegas ain't touching that one.

But, if any car has a chance it might be a Honda.

mark156

Akangl, I agree, I think Honda could make the Pilot look more attractive because they have done a wonderful job on the Acura MDX...... crisp, clean styling.

I had to take my Land Rover back to the dealer as they forgot to reset my 'service' timer. As I was waiting in the showroom, a mid-aged couple were looking at a 2007 LR3, white/tan leather that had a $60,000 sticker. I looked at the add-on sticker and they had added chrome wheels, wood dash, roof rack bars, etc and called it the "Beverly Hills Edition". :surprise: To me, those packages are goofy.

I sat in a new LR2 and thought it was quite nice. It was that orange color with black leather. Land Rover has done a nice job on that vehicle.

I wanted to go over to the couple (and two teenage kids) and tell them the MPG sticker says 14/18.... I never get over 12 mpg's in the city, mostly 11-11.5.... have gotten 19 on the road several times.

Is the Pilot getting ready to be re-styled? I guess Isell might know.

Mark156 :shades:

british_rover

The 2008 LR3s with the new EPA rating are marked at 11/17 so I guess those new ratings really are more accurate.

The 2008 LR3 HSE will also have the same leather interior out of the Range Rover Sport and will have a couple of factory wood interior choices.

qbrozen

i just read an MT article this morning where they ranked the LR2 above the X3. Pretty shocking to read such a thing in a car rag. So, yeah, it must be pretty good. Either that or BMW didn't drop off their monthly bribe because a G35 beat a 335 in the same issue. ;b

british_rover

Probably had to double the bribe they paid to C/D for their comparison of the X3, RDX and LR2 so they couldn't afford MT in the same quarter.

That review of the LR2 just had straight out false information in it.

akangl

Are funny. This is the hardest time I've had finding a car. Mainly because I'm told (by hubby) that I have to keep it for 100k........does he have ANY idea how impossible that is?? He's allowing the Durango to leave and not making me driving it for another 40k, but the next car I have a funny feeling he's going to be stern about.

He can drive a vehicle forever, he did 150k with his 88 F-150. He's had his Ram over a year and nearly 30k now, still loves it, he'll easily see 100k with it and probably keep going.

He's willing to buy me whatever I want (within reason of course) BUT only if I agree to keep it for 100k. So, its either keep the Durango and deal with it or get something new now and keep it.

Looking at it that way I may never buy something this time, lol, just keep looking. :sick:

kyfdx

Motor Trend has no credibility...

Just one person's opinion..

qbrozen

so what are you trying to say? huh? huh?
that the LR2 is junk and should never have beaten the X3? Them's fightin words, right BR?

;b

kyfdx

Actually... it isn't that.. (though that seems about right. ).

Just look back at every MT COTY.. It is strictly based on who buys the advertising package...

british_rover

I know some people like the X3. I can't see why and I can give a LONG list of reasons why I don't like it but I know some people do.

I can see some reasons why people wouldn't like the LR2 but overall I prefer it over the X3. I haven't had enough experience in the RDX to say one way or another but its specs and styling do nothing for me.

C/D ruined their credibility with me in that article because of the blatantly false information in it. Edmunds didn't do much better with their review either.

british_rover

Ahh you must have read/watched my review of the GL450 then.

cccompson

If Honda holds true to form, the next generation Pilot should appear as an '09 model.

My wife drives an '05. While I personally don't have much use for any SUV, it is a very good value that one can appreciate just as much over time as when new.

fezo

It's a tough life.....

Congratulations on post 10,000. Rumor has it that you are looking to trade it in on post #10025....

kyfdx

:P :P :P

tifighter

:shades:

michaellno

Congratulations on post 10,000. Rumor has it that you are looking to trade it in on post #10025....

Now that is funny.

The L300 is at the dealer getting an oil change and a transmission service.

Wife says I can't get a new car until we pay off the vacation we took to Vegas last week.

Of course, I've got enough equity in the Saturn (> $5K) to pay the trip off and get a new cheap lease.

woodyww

Looking at it that way I may never buy something this time, lol, just keep looking

Tell us 1 thing: what kind of pricing are you getting on the Pilot? To me it may come down to price, & resale value, esp. if you tend to trade vehicles a lot.

Someone here said new Pilots are selling for $6-7K off of MSRP. Can you get a deal like that in AK? It's at least as much about getting a killer deal, as much as the car itself....(I think). The Pilot may be excellent, but if you pay too much it will probably come back to bite you.....