Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fordfool

@breld said: Speaking of tires, we noticed one of the snow tires on the step-daughter's
Jetta was abnormally worn down, just through the center of the tire.

Center wear may be an indication of over-inflation.

@stickguy
http://www.mavistire.com/tire-brands/item.asp?id=32980&frb=B
http://www.mavistire.com/tire-brands/item.asp?id=34063&frb=B

Mavis does not do well in customers' ratings for service.

stickguy

Got a brand new (400 miles on it). ILX loaner today. Sadly, just a base model, so old fashioned dash (pretty much identical to our RDX). No BLIS, or XM. So daughter does not care for it. Would have to check out a premium with nicer layout. But, still good chance to extended test drive.

Does drive nice. Good power, smoother ride than on the Jetta. Comfy drivers seat. Passenger seat is too low, and flat. Would not work for me.

Overall, I like the TLX better really interested in seeing the 2018s soon.

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

Just looked at the tires on the Outback

Bridgestone Dueler H/P (Sport AS)

225/60-18

Lots of complaints about that tire on TireRack, mostly about rapid tread wear and poor winter performance.

Sandman6472

While at the Nissan store yesterday, walked across to their Buick place and saw and sat in the new Encore. Very impressive little cuv and they did a great job fixing the dash, the infotainment screen seems to be well integrated now instead of looking like an after thought. Seats were comfy and the size, well, size was right up my alley. Didn't want to take a test drive as not really in the market right now. But I do like this new generation better than the last and could actually see myself driving one of these puppies down the road. Like the 4/50K basic warranty and not sure if they give any free maintenance. Being that I'll be without any warranty on my Golf by October is giving me some thought here.
Will have to go for a test drive one of these weekday mornings just to get a feel for the vehicle. Internet prices I see seem reasonable for what one gets. Only negative is the 18" wheels, 17's are more than adequate for my needs and this only bumps up the price when it comes time for new sneakers. But liked the dark cherry color and the red with the light interior...my eye was drawn right to the latter combo. Not sure I could drive a red vehicle, only red we've ever had was the wife's 1980 Buick Skylark. It was red with a white vinyl landau roof and that red was blinding when clean, beautiful but blinding! A beautiful vehicle for sure!!

The Sandman

stickguy

Returned ILX. Nice little car. Sat in a premium in the showroom, and that addressed all the things I didn't like. Would have to get that model. Then sat in a TLX. We both liked that better.

Annual service done on the RDX. Not expected, but they measured the tires at 6/32, so lot of life left. Still might do prior to the winter, but I'll monitor them. Everything else, green checks (well, other than needing wiper inserts, but I do that when really needed)

So synthetic oil change, tire rotate, alignment check, multi point inspection, and a wash for $74 including tax. Not bad for once a year visit, and I got a loaner this time. Oh, and finally got a replacement for the takata air bag put in.

I really am liking the TLX. Interested to see the new design next week when it comes out.

suydam

I will say the 18s seem really well suited to the Encore. I think they contribute to the good handling and I appreciate them on the rutted roads we often drive on with this vehicle -- think they smooth out the ride very well. I wouldn't want them on a sedan or hatch but they really fit this baby CUV.

kyfdx

Not betting on it, yet.. but, mechanic replaced thermostat and radiator cap, coolant. Drove the car for 30 minutes.. later drove it to lunch. Let it idle for 45 minutes. No problems.

Says no water/coolant in the oil, so he thinks we dodged a bullet. Remains to be seen, I guess.

breld

xwesx said:

breld said:

Speaking of tires, we noticed one of the snow tires on the step-daughter's Jetta was abnormally worn down, just through the center of the tire. Took it into the tire store since it's time to put the regular all-seasons back on anyway - turns out two of the tires were abnormally worn down, and the other two were worn enough to where they weren't any better than all-seasons at this point.

That's after 14,000 total miles on the car (2 snow seasons). I guess I'll be looking for some new snow tires next winter - shocking really.

Curious as to what brand you had on it, as well as which tires were worn. She could have an alignment issue that needs to get sorted out! The issue could also just be the amount of time spent on dry roads, the way she drives it (hard cornering is really tough on winter tires over dry roads), or the brand of tire. Blizzak, Michelin, Continental: These wear very quickly. Even on largely snow and ice, these are all used up in about 20,000 miles.

They were Yokohama Iceguards. I definitely chose them based on price, figuring they'd last at least through the lease period, but no such luck.

xwesx

Interesting! I bought the Yokohama IceGuard IG51V for the Q7, and they are wearing very well thus far (only about 4,500 miles on them), but I do try to limit dry pavement exposure on my winter tires. Probably close to half of my return trip (about 1,200 miles) from Pendleton to Fairbanks was on dry roads, though with fairly cool temperatures, which also makes a difference. Dry roads and warm (>50F) temperatures can lead to very high wear on winter tread.

Yours is a tough climate, though, as you can have storms both early and late in the season, and major temperature swings throughout it. You also don't want your daughter to get caught unprepared, so maybe that's just part of the cost of that peace of mind... ?

My choice was partially based on price, and partially due to the only other options being Blizzak or X-Ice, which I already know I do not like.

pensfan83

Well, no rental for me today. Was really hoping to get in an A3 for a few hours but the recall was only a software update and the only other item needed was greased tracks for the sunroof. In/out with a car wash in 90 minutes.

andres3

pensfan83 said:

Well, no rental for me today. Was really hoping to get in an A3 for a few hours but the recall was only a software update and the only other item needed was greased tracks for the sunroof. In/out with a car wash in 90 minutes.

Did they insist on no rental, or did you change your own mind when they said it'll be ready in 90 minutes.

pensfan83

They told me when I arrived it would be no more than an hour, maybe less so I decided to just wait it out.  Usually every other time it's in for service they generally have it for 4 to 5 hours.

pensfan83

I then get home and had this in the mail waiting for me. I am surprised they didn't try to catch me while I was there like they did stickguy.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

Just looked at the tires on the Outback

Bridgestone Dueler H/P (Sport AS)

225/60-18

Lots of complaints about that tire on TireRack, mostly about rapid tread wear and poor winter performance.

Well, they have less than 20K on them, so there's that.

And, in last weeks snow storm, wife said that the car felt a bit squirrely.

Michaell

xwesx said:

Interesting! I bought the Yokohama IceGuard IG51V for the Q7, and they are wearing very well thus far (only about 4,500 miles on them), but I do try to limit dry pavement exposure on my winter tires. Probably close to half of my return trip (about 1,200 miles) from Pendleton to Fairbanks was on dry roads, though with fairly cool temperatures, which also makes a difference. Dry roads and warm (>50F) temperatures can lead to very high wear on winter tread.

Yours is a tough climate, though, as you can have storms both early and late in the season, and major temperature swings throughout it. You also don't want your daughter to get caught unprepared, so maybe that's just part of the cost of that peace of mind... ?

My choice was partially based on price, and partially due to the only other options being Blizzak or X-Ice, which I already know I do not like.

We had a pretty warm and dry winter in CO, so I'm sure that didn't help the winter tire wear.

roadburner

kyfdx said:

Not betting on it, yet.. but, mechanic replaced thermostat and radiator cap, coolant. Drove the car for 30 minutes.. later drove it to lunch. Let it idle for 45 minutes. No problems.

Says no water/coolant in the oil, so he thinks we dodged a bullet. Remains to be seen, I guess.

It depends how quick he shut it off; when the expansion tank blew on the X3 my son switched it off immediately once the water temperature spiked(I HATE buffered gauges). 43,000 miles later it was still going strong- and used oil analysis showed everything was normal as well.

28firefighter

The expansion tank blew on my 2004 330xi when I had it; I caught it immediately and shut the car off, so it did not do any further damage. That car had a litany of other issues, but not from that particular occurrence.

Michaell

Today's agenda involves a 373 mile drive to the B&B in Santa Fe, NM. Google Maps says 5 hours, 13 minutes. I'm certain we'll take longer due to stops.

What's interesting is that Google Maps also shows a 340 mile alternative route, but it is 30 minutes longer. Uh, no thanks.

Fortunately, good weather is predicted for the drive.

No idea of ETD at this point - likely around 9 or 10, I suspect.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

Returned ILX. Nice little car. Sat in a premium in the showroom, and that addressed all the things I didn't like. Would have to get that model. Then sat in a TLX. We both liked that better.

Annual service done on the RDX. Not expected, but they measured the tires at 6/32, so lot of life left. Still might do prior to the winter, but I'll monitor them. Everything else, green checks (well, other than needing wiper inserts, but I do that when really needed)

So synthetic oil change, tire rotate, alignment check, multi point inspection, and a wash for $74 including tax. Not bad for once a year visit, and I got a loaner this time. Oh, and finally got a replacement for the takata air bag put in.

I really am liking the TLX. Interested to see the new design next week when it comes out.

I think the ILX looks good. I know it's based on the Civic, and most think the Civic is just as good. But, for a little more warranty and some upscale materials, may be a nice car with what I'm sure are decent discounts on it.

Still waiting to see the '18 TLX in person (like you). My understanding is they did more than a cosmetic update. They also remapped the software on the trans, beefed up the suspension, and added all the tech goodies that lux cars seem to have these days. Apple CarPlay is a great addition, too.

stickguy

Yeah. All the safety nannies now standard, and entire car tweaked. So should drive nice. TLX is probably a better size for the wife and me anyway, since it will be our primary travel car too. And we deserve some luxury!

qbrozen

This place has some interesting stuff. The game is, which one will bankrupt you first? I like them all, personally. And, yes, we all know I'm not right in the head.

http://www.highlineimports.com/vehicle-details/used-2004-jaguar-xj-xj8-easton-pa-id-17818044

http://www.highlineimports.com/vehicle-details/used-2003-jaguar-s-type-4-2l-v8-easton-pa-id-18272291

http://www.highlineimports.com/vehicle-details/used-2004-mercedes-benz-e-class-5-0l-4matic-awd-easton-pa-id-17260360

And one that could be more tolerable for upkeep BUT has 2-3 times the miles already.
http://www.highlineimports.com/vehicle-details/used-2002-bmw-3-series-330xi-awd-5-speed-easton-pa-id-18310630

rayainsw

I took a similar Jag S-Type R V8 home overnight some years ago
[ puppy dog close ]
emerald green - General Manager's 'demo'.
We ended up about $1,500 apart from a deal.
- Ray
Drove really well ...

stickguy

Love the colors on the 3 series. Would prefer RWD though. Less to go wrong!

They also have a super pretty 2005 6 series 6 speed.

http://www.highlineimports.com/vehicle-details/used-2005-bmw-6-series-645ci-6-speed-easton-pa-id-18430617

corvette

I think that kyfdx has commented that the AWD E46s don't drive nearly as well as their RWD counterparts. Different steering rack or something? 

qbrozen

I'm leaning toward the XJ8. I still have a Jag itch I have never scratched. Of course, it is the complete opposite of what I said I wanted, which is a higher riding awd vehicle. So I'm sure I won't get such a vehicle. I have found several AWD CTSs, which at least gets half the equation right. Then there is another Grand Cherokee Overland hemi that caught my eye. Ultimately, I'd really prefer to keep the EX. It just fits what I want right now so well. I'm letting things play out and see if I can hold onto it. But of course I will keep browsing just in case.

qbrozen

http://www.worldclassnj.com/detail-2006-jeep-grand_cherokee-grand_cherokee_overland_-used-16302450.html

roadburner

stickguy said:

Love the colors on the 3 series. Would prefer RWD though. Less to go wrong!

They also have a super pretty 2005 6 series 6 speed.

http://www.highlineimports.com/vehicle-details/used-2005-bmw-6-series-645ci-6-speed-easton-pa-id-18430617

I wish that BMW had sold a six cylinder E63 in the US. They are great cars, with much better reliability than the US cars with the N62 V8.

qbrozen

I like that: what's a reliable BMW? The one you couldn't buy.

;b

fintail

You could also get the E63 as a 635d.

pensfan83

qbrozen said:

I'm leaning toward the XJ8. I still have a Jag itch I have never scratched. Of course, it is the complete opposite of what I said I wanted, which is a higher riding awd vehicle. So I'm sure I won't get such a vehicle. I have found several AWD CTSs, which at least gets half the equation right. Then there is another Grand Cherokee Overland hemi that caught my eye. Ultimately, I'd really prefer to keep the EX. It just fits what I want right now so well. I'm letting things play out and see if I can hold onto it. But of course I will keep browsing just in case.

The JGC Overland has caught my eye too. Haven't drove one yet but from what I've read the Pentastar is somewhat overwhelmed so it sounds like a Hemi is the way to go.

I would definitely lease one but from looking at the lease thread on Jeep Grand Cherokees the residuals are not good. Seems like a gently used one that is a year old might be a better route with them.

qbrozen

In the newest generation, I think the v6 shouldn't be too bad. It moves our van just fine, and that is down a few ponies from the JGC version. From what I've read, the JGC v6 gets to 60 in right around 7 secs, which is pretty fair considering its size and weight. Our van also achieves 22.5 mpg in mixed driving, which I think is pretty stellar.

kyfdx

corvette said:

I think that kyfdx has commented that the AWD E46s don't drive nearly as well as their RWD counterparts. Different steering rack or something? 

That's my opinion, anyway..

On the newer models, it's hard to tell the difference, unless you are really pushing it.

benjaminh

graphicguy said:

stickguy said:

Returned ILX. Nice little car. Sat in a premium in the showroom, and that addressed all the things I didn't like. Would have to get that model. Then sat in a TLX. We both liked that better.

Annual service done on the RDX. Not expected, but they measured the tires at 6/32, so lot of life left. Still might do prior to the winter, but I'll monitor them. Everything else, green checks (well, other than needing wiper inserts, but I do that when really needed)

So synthetic oil change, tire rotate, alignment check, multi point inspection, and a wash for $74 including tax. Not bad for once a year visit, and I got a loaner this time. Oh, and finally got a replacement for the takata air bag put in.

I really am liking the TLX. Interested to see the new design next week when it comes out.

I think the ILX looks good. I know it's based on the Civic, and most think the Civic is just as good. But, for a little more warranty and some upscale materials, may be a nice car with what I'm sure are decent discounts on it.

Still waiting to see the '18 TLX in person (like you). My understanding is they did more than a cosmetic update. They also remapped the software on the trans, beefed up the suspension, and added all the tech goodies that lux cars seem to have these days. Apple CarPlay is a great addition, too.

The current ILX is based on the last generation Civic. The ILX has gotten mixed reviews at best.

Sandman6472

The used 2016 ILX I saw at the Honda shop was a sharp looking vehicle, maroon over beige. Not sure what model it was since the badging gave one no clue but it was a stunning vehicle just sitting there. Just not sure I could do a sedan as my d d to be honest. Love the versatility of a hatch and the cover that conceals stuff in the hatch. And the wife always has a sedan anyways. Am quite curious what the next generation HR-V will be like. Hoping they add the 1.5 turbo from the current Civic and address the lack of knobs on the HVAC system and the infotainment center. Having the more powerful engine will definitely be a plus and I just can not do knobless radios and such, it's o k on a smartphone or tablet but unacceptable in a vehicle where one really needs to keep their eyes on the road.

The Sandman

Michaell

qbrozen said:

In the newest generation, I think the v6 shouldn't be too bad. It moves our van just fine, and that is down a few ponies from the JGC version. From what I've read, the JGC v6 gets to 60 in right around 7 secs, which is pretty fair considering its size and weight. Our van also achieves 22.5 mpg in mixed driving, which I think is pretty stellar.

Ask @breld about the pentastar in his Durango, and how long he had it. 

qbrozen

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

In the newest generation, I think the v6 shouldn't be too bad. It moves our van just fine, and that is down a few ponies from the JGC version. From what I've read, the JGC v6 gets to 60 in right around 7 secs, which is pretty fair considering its size and weight. Our van also achieves 22.5 mpg in mixed driving, which I think is pretty stellar.

Ask @breld about the pentastar in his Durango, and how long he had it. 

The Durango has other issues, IMHO. I drove one from FL to PA and was SOOO happy getting in our van to drive home from the airport. Like being in a limo in comparison. I have a friend with the JGC 6 and he is happy with it.

Michaell

In Santa Fe for the long weekend. 25 MPG doing 80 most of the time. A few stretches of construction. 

I think i I know where the JSW @breld sold back to VW is. Next to pikes peak intl raceway is a very large field filled with VWs. 

And, spotted a DeLorean on I-25 near Santa Fe. 

xwesx

Michaell said:

In Santa Fe for the long weekend. 25 MPG doing 80 most of the time. A few stretches of construction. 

Inthink i I know where the JSW @breld sold back to VW. Next to pikes peak intl raceway is a very large field filled with VWs. 

And, spotted a DeLorean on I-25 near Santa Fe. 

Man, I hope that heavy hail storm didn't pass through that area.... that's a whole lot of salvage vehicles, if it did!

kyfdx

I don't think any VW diesel that doesn't use DEF is coming back.

corvette

Maybe VW will do better than expected on the recall costs, if the hail hit all those TDIs and they had plenty of insurance on them!

Michaell

xwesx said:

In Santa Fe for the long weekend. 25 MPG doing 80 most of the time. A few stretches of construction. 

Inthink i I know where the JSW @breld sold back to VW. Next to pikes peak intl raceway is a very large field filled with VWs. 

And, spotted a DeLorean on I-25 near Santa Fe. 

Man, I hope that heavy hail storm didn't pass through that area.... that's a whole lot of salvage vehicles, if it did!

Nope the hail storm was local to Denver. But, it is the most costly in history. $1.5B in insurance claims. 

Sandman6472

$1.5B in insurance claims? Are you serious? Outrageous damage, just like a hurricane but large pieces of ice. Was that damage just with automobiles or did it include windows in buildings because that's a lot of damage. Wow!!

The Sandman

(Not quite sure how much damage we had from Wilma, Andrew and all the other storms but I know we've had some costly ones down south here. Was talking with my kid yesterday and said if another hurricane is heading our way, I'll probably get in the car and flee north. Wilma was a storm that really did a number on my psyche. It was a few months after my bad accident at work and then going through almost 9 days with no power really scarred me internally. Having to drive into work the next day on roads that were filled with debris and no working stop lights was sheer madness so when the next one comes, I'm just gonna flee with whoever else in the family wants to come. Honestly, I don't think I could go through anything like Wilma ever again and be the same person afterwards, just too much for my mind to deal with anymore! After Andrew, we only lost power for about 13 hours but since I was on vacation anyways, it was more of an adventure for us and the kids, who were small then. Going without any power for more than a day is something I wouldn't want to go through again!)

Michaell

Those are auto plus individual homeowner claims. Excludes commercial property damage. 

Colorado Mills mall is expected to be closed for six months due to the damage it received. 

benjaminh

Consumer Reports gives a mixed review to the new Civic Si. Overall, they like it OK, but they complain about the controls (which I agree with) and the stiff suspension (which seems a bit off for a car that's supposed to take the corners in hard driving)....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKF6jsVIug

Michaell

I'll need to look it up, but there is some sort of Porsche meet here in town. 911's of all varieties and ages, and I spotted a 914 as well. 

stickguy

daughter has a new favorite. saw a new Elantra parked at the store today. really liked it (she did not like the prior generation). She was starting to think about getting a Sonata, but did not really want something that big.. But liked the Elantra, since it is mostly the same, just a tidier size. And really loved the Sport model. So, we shall see. Planning to go to dealer Monday. Hopefully they have free hotdogs too!

tbirdmarco

good evening! all back from my trip to Canada! had an fun time over all! mom put almost 2000 miles on the 2016 Maxima not an hiccup at all. took one tank of gas to get to Canada and back. did good on the highway she was saying. so filed up 5 times in total. did an tun of driving to Taranto halabartin resort we stayed at for 5 days and sum other places to have to think of the names of them cant think now neade sleap. so did try to keep up with postings best I could. did anyone bye an new car and sell any cars from there fleats. did I mis anything elce. hope that everyone is having an good weekand. talk later on all. Marco.

Sandman6472

New Elantra is a very nice vehicle, we have "SE" models at work and really is a mini Sonata inside and out. Think the Limited is the model to get as it'll have all the goodies. The hybrid is the one that really peaks my interest right now as the mpg's are pretty outstanding. Looks so much better than the Prius and think Hyundai will do very well with these.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Wife was in Miami today and light came on the dash. Went over to the Collection Audi store where they put in a quart of oil and sent them on their way. Oil light went out but she'll follow up with the local store during the week to see what's up. Funny, each time a light has come on, three times now, she's always out and about and calling me. Luckily there are a few Audi stores here in South Florida and best of all, ours is at the back of our housing development.
Guess [non-permissible content removed] happens with any vehicle and for some reason, a lot of it happens on the weekend! With almost 29K on the clock, hoping this is the end of these issues!

The Sandman

tbirdmarco

o the one other place I whent to was Hamalton.