Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Not everyone is that focused on styling. Or maybe lots of people like it? It sells though because the rest of the car is excellent.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

Not everyone is that focused on styling. Or maybe lots of people like it? It sells though because the rest of the car is excellent.

Yeah, this is a good point. I think the styling is really helping, but perhaps helping just as much is that the Civic has a turbo that out accelerates anything in the class (as far as I know), and yet now gets 4 more mpg than the previously class-leading Mazda3.

roadburner

My 2er is Alpine White. I like it fine- but I really didn't have much choice at the time I bought it. I think that there were fewer than 12 2014 CPO M235i coupes available nationwide in January 2016.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, we saw a cool looking Passat parked yesterday. Was a sort of warm white silver. With black roof. Very striking. Wonder if it is that color?

I think that's it. While @breld and I were waiting for my Jetta to be appraised, a white silver car was parked by a lot attendant between the white GLI I test drove and a silver VW. The white silver is definitely a combination of the two.

Not sure what models the white silver is available with.

cdnpinhead

The first two new cars I bought, in Edmonton, were red and orange. My thought was that they'd be easier to see in the snow, besides which they're pretty.

I detest white, silver and gold cars, but that's must me. YMMV

ab348

The Civic hatch is hideously ugly, with a strange turtle-back look to the silhouette. All Civics seem to suffer from overstyling, especially the dental-retainer grille bar up front. I see that has also migrated to the Accord coupe. Too bad, really.

andres3

stickguy said:

The civic sport is just trim really. Not a hot hatch. Need an Si for that.

I also found the accord sport to be way short on content when I was shopping.

No doubt I straight up told him the Civic Sport was in no way comparable to the GTI. I told him he'd have to go Si for that, and with that he'd have to get a stick, which I don't think he wants.

However, since it is the expense of a German hot hatch that has him concerned, I understand why others might steer him towards the Civic which is less expensive to buy, own, and maintain. Premium fuel is a fact of life with the GTI as well.

Personally, since I don't like the looks of the Civic either, I'd just go for taking advantage of the price war on mid-size sedans as an alternative to the GTI, but there really is no close alternative to the GTI in that price range in my opinion.

xwesx

My goodness, I can't believe I forgot this. I just realized on Saturday that the BMW coupe I've been seeing in my neighbor's carport all winter long is an AWD ///M 2-series. It's a pretty snazzy looking little car. Knowing him, it is a manual transmission as well. I'm going to have to chat him up about it one of these weeks....

@roadburner will appreciate this: His other car is a Jeep Wrangler (not sure what year, but probably no newer than fifteen years). He also has a forest green VW bus in really nice condition. The poor bus lost its bay in the carport to the BMW, but he bought a high-quality fitted cover for the bus, so it's still well-protected from the elements.

thebean

ab348 said:

The Civic hatch is hideously ugly, with a strange turtle-back look to the silhouette. All Civics seem to suffer from overstyling, especially the dental-retainer grille bar up front. I see that has also migrated to the Accord coupe. Too bad, really.

I suspect if the Civic was a GM product, you would love the styling. What do you think?

tbirdmarco

@Michaell very nice! glad your test drive today whent whell. have to look in the other Thred for the trade numbers!.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rD3MmNN6CVw

andres3

5 minutes would still be a slow gas pump, wouldn't it? I would guess most pumps shoot out gas at a rate of 5/gallons per minute? Most people are filled up in under 3 minutes.

tjc78

andres3 said:

5 minutes would still be a slow gas pump, wouldn't it? I would guess most pumps shoot out gas at a rate of 5/gallons per minute? Most people are filled up in under 3 minutes.

Many times in our Enclave we have to have the attendant (yes we can't pump our own in NJ) put the pump on slow otherwise it just keeps clicking off.  Just a quirk of our car.  Fill up can take over 5 minutes with the huge tank that bus has.  

stickguy

I had a few cars that did that. Even my Hyundai sometimes clicks off a gallon early. I can tell when it is doing it. I usually just let it slide, knowing the gas gauge will be down 1 bar at the beginning. Unless I am heading out on a long trip, and want to have a full fuel load!

stickguy

The Si at least only requires regular gas. Premium is "recommended" ( I assume to a few more HP at the top end). That is a plus.

Sandman6472

Got to drive a regular 2016 Camry LE today at wrok, strange as we usually have the "SE" model. Told my wife at dinner it did everything well, easy to drive, good acceleration, adequate brakes, comfy seats...just did everything well! We had a '93 and a '95 so I know she's partial still to the Camry. Can understand why they sell like they do. Also, had excellent mpg's for that size vehicle. Not sure I'd ever buy one but for someone who just needs a good, simple, economical vehicle that's "cheap to keep", can't do much better than a Toyota Camry.
Did miss the XM radio but had my iPod with me so just stuck my aux cable in it's slot and my music came through loud and clear. With over 820 songs in that thing, takes awhile to hear 'em all but leave it in shuffle mode so never know what's coming on next. Since a lot of our vehicles don't have XM, bring my iPod daily since I hate to use up the power on my iPhone.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Speaking of iPhones, got my 6s Plus in January and absolutely love it. The waterproof case I got on Amazon.com had an issue with the charging port cover...it came off so case is no longer waterproof. Wrote that in my review I posted on Amazon.com and within a couple of days, the Meritcase company reached out to me to tell me they have a 1 year warranty on it and would be sending me a replacement case soon. All they asked is that after using it a bit, to please write this in my review which I gladly agreed to do. Great case and excellent customer service I must admit...was actually very impressed. So if anyone needs a great waterproof case for their iPhones, check out the Meritcase ones, I know they have them now for the 7 and 7s also. A great product and company that stands behind their merchandise!!!

The Sandman

stickguy

Sandy, if you have it plugged into the USB it will be charging at the same time.

I looked at the Camry before I bought the Sonata, and almost got that instead (probably would have if timing of a salesguy being off work had been better, and they would chop $25 off the lease payment). It was a gray XLE with the moonroof. I was surprised that it actually drove well. And of course, was cheap. Like you said, for cheap appliance use, hard to go wrong.

slorenzen

tjc78 said:

andres3 said:

5 minutes would still be a slow gas pump, wouldn't it? I would guess most pumps shoot out gas at a rate of 5/gallons per minute? Most people are filled up in under 3 minutes.

Many times in our Enclave we have to have the attendant (yes we can't pump our own in NJ) put the pump on slow otherwise it just keeps clicking off.  Just a quirk of our car.  Fill up can take over 5 minutes with the huge tank that bus has.  

tjc78 said:

andres3 said:

5 minutes would still be a slow gas pump, wouldn't it? I would guess most pumps shoot out gas at a rate of 5/gallons per minute? Most people are filled up in under 3 minutes.

Many times in our Enclave we have to have the attendant (yes we can't pump our own in NJ) put the pump on slow otherwise it just keeps clicking off.  Just a quirk of our car.  Fill up can take over 5 minutes with the huge tank that bus has.  

Here in Oregon, we also cannot pump our own gas. PLUS, they passed a law(surprise) that you can't have the attendant top off the tank after it shuts off. VERY maddening. In my F250 gasser, that equates to about 2 gallons. Even in my gas-saver cars, it can mean 30-40 miles per tank. Oregon is known for their CONTROL FREAK polititians..

fintail

And the dopey Oregon speed limits aren't much better, either. When I go to OR, I often try to remember to fill up before I cross the border

sda

In August 2013 I thought I had a deal on a new Camry XLE. It was a base model with cloth interior and feature wise was almost identical to the Accord EX that I bought 2 weeks later. I was reasonably satisfied how the Camry drove and was buying it for its renown reliability especially as my commute had increased to 44 miles each way. The CVT in the Accord concerned me as I had read awful things about CVTs and was convinced I wouldn't like it. Long story short the Toyota dealer added about $2k into the bottom line which we hadn't discussed and I walked. With great reservation I test drove the Accord and am delighted with it. Truly a fine all around car.

corvette

slorenzen said:

PLUS, they passed a law(surprise) that you can't have the attendant top off the tank after it shuts off. VERY maddening. In my F250 gasser, that equates to about 2 gallons. Even in my gas-saver cars, it can mean 30-40 miles per tank. Oregon is known for their CONTROL FREAK polititians..

I remember not being able to pump my own gas when I was in Portland and Eugene last year. It's maddening that the card readers and everything are there on the pump and you still can't do it.

Seems like a shortsighted law. My Murano will click the auto-stop off way early if the nozzle is twisted to one side. I remember Car and Driver had a long-term Jaguar that would only fill to something like 5/8 of a tank unless you prayed to the god of octane and did the squeeze-click thing in a certain sequence.

stickguy

I actually liked the drivers seat more in the Camry than the Accord EX. For some reason, the Honda did not hit right in my shoulders.

Sandman6472

Yes, I did realize the iPhone charges itself while using the usb port and getting my music through that way but since we've got 2 iPods at home, a tall thin one plus this rectangular one, which my kids gave to me years ago, hate to just let them sit so since I've got a couple aux cords picked up who knows where, might as well use them also. Planning on keeping my 6s longer than the two years I usually do, so want to keep it in the best possible shape. Honestly think that the way I've heard Apple works, doing major stuff during the even years, that as long as it keeps charging and takes the updates Apple sends out every so often, might as well keep it for awhile. I saved a bunch buying a old model on Ebay that happened to be brand new, still not even registered on the iCloud, but it was still the most expensive smartphone I've bought to date. So really, it should last a good few years I'd think. Add to that getting a smaller iPad around Turkey Day, killer price on Turkey Day, so I've spent a bunch on tech these last 6 or so months. Time to get back in savings mode because soon enough, it'll be time to start car shopping for the next phase of my life.

The Sandman

stickguy

Got to do a consulting job today. My sister texted asking about Ford Fusions, for a friend. After some probing, seems they are not at all married to that car, and primary criteria was "Cheap". After mentioning the usual options, I recommended the Sonata, and did some quick research. Man, are there some deals to be had. My local guy has limiteds at about 8K off (33K sticker, 25K listed) and cheaper models in the 4-5K range off. So an SE in the 18s, and sports around 20K.

lotta car for the money.

this one, I like the color, and it is more loaded than mine since it has the Ultimate package.

http://www.burnshyundai.com/VehicleDetails/new-2017-Hyundai-Sonata-Limited-Marlton-NJ/2982567013

benjaminh

sandman_6472 said:

Got to drive a regular 2016 Camry LE today at wrok, strange as we usually have the "SE" model. Told my wife at dinner it did everything well, easy to drive, good acceleration, adequate brakes, comfy seats...just did everything well! We had a '93 and a '95 so I know she's partial still to the Camry. Can understand why they sell like they do. Also, had excellent mpg's for that size vehicle. Not sure I'd ever buy one but for someone who just needs a good, simple, economical vehicle that's "cheap to keep", can't do much better than a Toyota Camry.
Did miss the XM radio but had my iPod with me so just stuck my aux cable in it's slot and my music came through loud and clear. With over 820 songs in that thing, takes awhile to hear 'em all but leave it in shuffle mode so never know what's coming on next. Since a lot of our vehicles don't have XM, bring my iPod daily since I hate to use up the power on my iPhone.

The Sandman

The current Camry is ok, and certainly is a lot of reliable car for the money. But the 2018 Camry looks like it will be a lot better. The front styling is a bit over-the-top, but in terms of performance and handling it's going to be tough to beat:

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/camry/2018/2018-toyota-camry-prototype-drive-review/

from Motor Trend:

"....Shedding speed approaching the first real corner feels automatic. And arcing into the curve, the seat’s lateral bolsters quickly cup my ribcage. Exiting the bend, the upshifts are not only finger snaps but are the subtle, cool jazz ones where your fingers barely brush each other. The car feels vastly more sophisticated. But if there’s one thing that most symbolizes its transformation from seven tedious generations of Tofu Camry driving dynamics, it’s the brake pedal’s crispness.... Through a double lane change, the previous Camry and Accord lolled with noticeable roll and weight transfer; this car deftly snakes right through it. Right, straight, left. Bam, bam, bam. The steering responds with sensible loads. Its balance and coordination are so improved it feels like an Audi sensibility might have snuck into the Toyota R & D center...."

benjaminh

C & D does like the Civic Hatchback Sport, don't they....

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2017-honda-civic-hatchback-vs-chevy-cruze-mazda-3-vw-golf-comparison-test-2017-honda-civic-sport-page-4

"....The other revelation is the turbo 1.5-liter four, a mill that Soichiro Honda would have put on his mantel. It embarrassed the competitors, all flawed in one way or another, by being strong at the bottom, smooth on top, sonorous at any speed, and the thriftiest with the gas. Which is good because Honda is the only manufacturer here that recommends 91 octane. It’s worth it, though, and given the Honda’s outstanding fuel economy on our mountainous drive, it’s probably a wash, cost-wise.

Dropped into a Civic chassis rolling on 235/40 Continental tires, the widest rubber in the test, the engine makes magic. The Civic trounced the others in the grip tests of skidpad (0.93 g), braking (160 feet), and slalom (44.0 mph). It also blew the Mazda away in the hills, bringing turbocharged horsepower and more grip to the task, as well as a better ride. It’s all managed by light and lubricated controls that are a kick to work from the nattily trimmed cockpit...."

But man, I agree with them that it's a very weird looking car. Yikes. I'm a Honda guy, but I have to admit I prefer the looks of the Golf GTI. In real life the Civic Hatchback doesn't look quite as freaky as it does in pix imho, but still....

Anyway, given that the Mazda3 finished third in this test, I feel like it's about to be bumped from C & D's 10 best list. And if they like the Civic Sport, my guess is that they're going to like the new Civic Si as well.

corvette

235 width tires are rare on compact/midsize cars like the Civic due to the fuel economy hit.

"Through a double lane change, the previous Camry and Accord lolled with noticeable roll and weight transfer; this car deftly snakes right through it. Right, straight, left. Bam, bam, bam. The steering responds with sensible loads."

I wonder how they'd compare to a Mazda6, or the Fusion with the adaptive suspension. I'm not a fan of decreasing seat height or the height of the car, since it makes it even harder to see around the tall wagons and SUVs on the road.

stickguy

I still think 40 series tires are silly on a car like this, or a family sedan (even the "sport" trim). At least these are a little wider. Some are running 225/40s. that is really bad.

corvette

Yeah, that is one reason I went for a Murano SL rather than the LE. The SL has heated leather, a pano roof, and satnav, but the 18" wheels from the S and SV models. The LE has 20s and the wheels look like you'd get curb rash if you look at them wrong.

Mr_Shiftright

"skidpad (0.93 g), braking (160 feet)".....that's pretty impressive for a Civic!

ab348

benjaminh said:

C & D does like the Civic Hatchback Sport, don't they....

Is there a Honda that C&D didn't love? I can't think of any.

ab348

thebean said:

I suspect if the Civic was a GM product, you would love the styling. What do you think?

Pretty weak troll attempt there, Mr. Bean.

There are a number of current and past GM designs that I do not care for. I have mentioned them many times here.

Bad design is bad design regardless of what company produces it.

benjaminh

ab348 said:

benjaminh said:

C & D does like the Civic Hatchback Sport, don't they....

Is there a Honda that C&D didn't love? I can't think of any.

But they agree with you on the looks....

"Judging from reader comments on our website, the bleachers are polarized on Honda’s styling job. We’re not; we think it’s grotesque, especially in red, a hue that makes all that ridiculous black mascara just scream. But, if you like—or can simply get past—its looks, you’ll find a touch of genius here, a flash of the old Honda."

stickguy

I would rather have a fantastic car that had an odd looking wrapper, than a gorgeous body on a lousy car.

assuming you don't get to have both parts good!

benjaminh

I think the Civic Sedan EX-T, either with the 6-speed manual or the CVT, is a nice balance of good looks and good performance.

stickguy

the only thing I didn't like was the drivers seat, but really need to drive it to really try them out.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

the only thing I didn't like was the drivers seat, but really need to drive it to really try them out.

My guess is that you'll find the cloth seats on the Civic to be comfortable enough. But imho try the leather seats as well.

My Accord EX has cloth, and they are certainly comfortable enough. But my wife's Accord is an EXL, and the leather seats are not just covered with a different material but really are more comfortable. They seem more precisely contoured, and fit very nicely.

But what about the VW Golf Sportwagen? That is an awesome car for the price, even though I worry about VW's reliability:

http://www.vw.com/models/golf-sportwagen/

pensfan83

Thinking of going to take a look at this tomorrow afternoon. Not sure how the leasing would work out on this though.

http://www.bobbyrahal.com/certified/BMW/2017-BMW-X1+xDrive28i-27a25be40a0d0c142236e1c98ba62a4c.htm

nyccarguy

Question for the mechanical experts:

The maintenance minder light on our 2011 Pilot chimed on the other day (92,500 miles). It calls for an A13 service which is an oil change (I change the oil filter & rotate the tires every time) and Replace Transmission & Transfer Case Fluid.

I have previously had the Transmission & Transfer Case Fluid (as well as the front & rear differential fluid) drained and filled at 37,289 miles (on 7/2/2013) and then at 72,434 miles (on 1/5/2016). Should I get it done again just so I am on the maintenance minder's schedule?

The maintenance minder hasn't called for the timing belt/water pump/tensioner yet. I've done some online research that says most Pilots of the same generation require this to be done at 105,000 miles.

I last did a coolant drain/fill & brake fluid drain/fill at 64,468 miles (on 7/7/2015). Should I have that done again?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

corvette

Is that the first time the MM has called for replacing transmission and transfer case fluid? I'd say skip it for now if you are planning on changing it every 30-40k. 

I think Honda calls for brake fluid replacement every three years, so you should be good on that. I'm sure the coolant goes even longer. 

nyccarguy

I believe the 1st time the MM called for the trans & Xfer case fluid swap was at the 37K mark. I probably got nervous and changed it when not asked to by the MM at the 72K mark.

stickguy

IIRC the first time for diff fluids was at 30, then every 60. Though on the RDX something was at 15. But I would not do now if you did at 72. As long as you are at least as frequent, just keep track. Skip the brake and coolant after 2 years. Coolant will get done with the T belt (I think that's still 7 years or 105k).

On the RDX, I never even see the maintence minder any more. Last service was 6/7/16. So 3 weeks short of a year. Currently the MM is at 50%, after ~4,500 miles (just crossed 39k total miles). So I have to discuss with the service writer what it actually needs, when I take it in for time, because the MM doesn't seem to work off time.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

I would rather have a fantastic car that had an odd looking wrapper, than a gorgeous body on a lousy car.

assuming you don't get to have both parts good!

This would be a good idea for a new topic: "Great Cars With Polarizing Styling" (love/hate).

xwesx

@nycarguy - It sounds to me like you have those things current, so no need to change them. If you're keeping easy-to-access records on all of that stuff, it is a simple task to do those items when it is next time (based on your schedule, not the default one). And, as long as there isn't a history of this model's timing belt, etc., having issues before the scheduled 105K mark, just plan for that on schedule (next year?).

nyccarguy

xwesx said:

@nycarguy - It sounds to me like you have those things current, so no need to change them. If you're keeping easy-to-access records on all of that stuff, it is a simple task to do those items when it is next time (based on your schedule, not the default one). And, as long as there isn't a history of this model's timing belt, etc., having issues before the scheduled 105K mark, just plan for that on schedule (next year?).

Thanks for the reassurance. I do remember when the mechanic did the differential/tranny fluid swap the last time he remarked that the fluid was clear of all shavings.

I'm not sure what our vacation plans are yet this year, but if it involves a road trip of a couple thousand miles, i might preemptively do the timing belt/water pump, tensioner service before we leave at the end of July.

thebean

ab348 said:

thebean said:

I suspect if the Civic was a GM product, you would love the styling. What do you think?

Pretty weak troll attempt there, Mr. Bean.

There are a number of current and past GM designs that I do not care for. I have mentioned them many times here.

Bad design is bad design regardless of what company produces it.

Not trolling, just observing.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes, but the Cruze really is nicer looking than the Civic.

stickguy

Made my annual service appointment for the Acura. Since I'm shopping them, I requested a loaner (I usually just wait) so hopefully get something good to try out. Even if I just take it to a different dealer! Also because it will likely take longer, since I am finally getting the Takata airbag replaced.

pensfan83

I'm hoping for an A3 or A4 next week since both are on my list. Need to start paring it down.