Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

I was a believer in Michelin PS2s for the E55, but you paid the price. And with staggered wheels, you'd be down to racing slicks at rear by 20K miles. I also ran Michelin Pilots on my old W126 The E250 Bluetec has runflats that I will likely replace with conventional tires, should the car be kept for the long term. The fintail is on BF Goodrich Silvertowns, a popular choice for period cars, and one of the few that makes any kind of tire for the now uncommon wheel size of that car.

stickguy

I am up to about 42K miles in just over 5 years on the Michelins on the RDX, which is not too bad. Anything over 40K I consider acceptable. Still have some tread left. Could probably nurse another year out of them, but i think the winter traction is going to suck this year. So since I need to do at some point, and probably only once whether I do now or next year, I might as well get out of the way now. Still deciding between a Pirelli and a Cooper. Price at the time might decide it.

the Sonata has Hankooks. Not fantastic, but decent. I think weak in snow, but mine have never touched the stuff. But at 21K, still look like new. A big plus on a lease!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I am up to about 42K miles in just over 5 years on the Michelins on the RDX, which is not too bad. Anything over 40K I consider acceptable. Still have some tread left. Could probably nurse another year out of them, but i think the winter traction is going to suck this year. So since I need to do at some point, and probably only once whether I do now or next year, I might as well get out of the way now. Still deciding between a Pirelli and a Cooper. Price at the time might decide it.

the Sonata has Hankooks. Not fantastic, but decent. I think weak in snow, but mine have never touched the stuff. But at 21K, still look like new. A big plus on a lease!

I've got the same decision to make soon with the Subaru. Guess we'll know it needs tires when the wife complains about the traction when it snows.

roadburner

When I picked up my Club Sport there was another one awaiting delivery; mine had Pirelli tires, the other was fitted with Dunlops...

corvette

The GTI and GLI owners referred to the OE Dunlop tires as “Dunpops” due to their tendency to develop sidewall bubbles and have blowouts. I think you lucked out getting the Pirellis. 

Sandman6472

I actually like my Bridgestone run flats, car drives smoothly and with proper rotations so far, look almost brand new. Tech finally got the alignment about 95% perfect last week so am staying the course now. Holding their pressures with no lights coming on as the Golf is very sensitive to the wrong air pressures. Wife is due any day now but is waiting it seems. Once she slips in the rain, she'll call me and tell me to fix it for her!

The Sandman

suydam

I had Bridgestones on the Accord. They were great tires. They were Turanzas but not the ones mentioned earlier. I'm not sure what I've got on the Encore. I don't tend to check until I either have a problem or it's time to replace them. Fortunately at 25k they are holding up very well and we have had no problems with them.

benjaminh

I don't think I've ever gone more than about 90 mph, just for a second or so, and that was in what for me was an extreme passing situation. Most cars are speed limited, wisely, by their computers to about 125 mph. But, interestingly, a fair number of regular passenger sedans these days have "V-rated" tires, which means the tires are supposed to hold together up to a maximum speed of 149 mph. Seems like overkill for a family sedan, but on the other hand, I supposed that V-rated tires, even if you usually only drive around 70-75 or so on the Interstate are built a little better than an H-rated tire. Anyway, Tire Rack has a convenient chart and explanation of the the speed ratings on tires. On Accords for many years they've had good tires for Sport, EX, and above, but relatively cheap tires for the entry-level LX. But it seems from the tech specs that even on the LX for 2018 the Accord gets 17" V-rated tires....Anyway, just in case anyone is curious, here's the chart....

"Beginning in 1991, the speed symbol denoting a fixed maximum speed capability of new tires must be shown only in the speed rating portion of the tire's service description, such as 225/50R16 89S. The most common tire speed rating symbols, maximum speeds and typical applications are shown below:

L 75 mph 120 km/h Off-Road & Light Truck Tires
M 81 mph 130 km/h Temporary Spare Tires
N 87 mph 140km/h
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars

When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 240 km/h or 149 mph. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W- and Y-speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.

W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?gclid=CjwKCAjwpfzOBRA5EiwAU0ccN3-5HF_lyGjhLF8wyzEC9DDdqpKrQrtxKt1qGpvauVBZyXraPr6VVxoCmoUQAvD_BwE&techid=35&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!200245277656!b!!!!+h +speed +rating&ef_id=V3hRDgAAApKYsF04:20171012142721:s

andres3

fintail said:

I was a believer in Michelin PS2s for the E55, but you paid the price. And with staggered wheels, you'd be down to racing slicks at rear by 20K miles. I also ran Michelin Pilots on my old W126 The E250 Bluetec has runflats that I will likely replace with conventional tires, should the car be kept for the long term. The fintail is on BF Goodrich Silvertowns, a popular choice for period cars, and one of the few that makes any kind of tire for the now uncommon wheel size of that car.

PS2's were replaced by PSS's, which have now in 2017 been replaced by PS4's. Each one leap frogging the other (apparently - I haven't had PS4's yet, but I'll probably replace my Sport Cup 2's with them based on what I'm hearing and reading).

In fact, the PSS's offered a 30,000 mile warranty if I'm not mistaken, unheard of in an aggressive Summer Performance tire. Typical mileage warranties on tires I buy is 0.

andres3

corvette said:

The GTI and GLI owners referred to the OE Dunlop tires as “Dunpops” due to their tendency to develop sidewall bubbles and have blowouts. I think you lucked out getting the Pirellis. 

Dunlop used to be very good and popular. I remember CR helped them by rating their tires in the 90's as some of the very best. Looking at reviews the last 10 years they are nowhere to be found near the top of the charts. Past their prime?

Shame! I know my sample size is small but I feel Dunlops are puncture-prone by nails, screws, and whatever else that is sharp on the road.

breld

I probably should pay more attention to tires than I do - I tend to trust the major brands and then find the best deal within those. But the more I read here and elsewhere, it certainly seems the tires can make a major difference in the noise, feel and handling.

I'm having Blizzaks put on both the Durango and GLC tomorrow. As @michaell would say, snow tires are probably a bit of overkill in Denver, especially on an AWD SUV, but the wife and I do have long commutes, and appreciate the added performance on the snow days.

And the Durango has the upgraded performance tire option (Pirelli something or anothers), and I suspect they are not as great in the snow as a more traditional all-season.

xwesx

I put my winters back on the Q7 a couple weeks ago now, and I was shocked that my fuel economy (according to the dash) instantly jumped by about 3 mpg. I don't know how bad my all-seasons are, but I suspect it is very....!

roadburner

corvette said:

The GTI and GLI owners referred to the OE Dunlop tires as “Dunpops” due to their tendency to develop sidewall bubbles and have blowouts. I think you lucked out getting the Pirellis. 

Funny thing, the tires I just replaced were Dunlop Direzza Star Specs- one of the 180 treadwear rated tires designed for some SCCA and NASA racing and autocross classes. They worked fine overall, but they were over six years old and I decided to go with a UHP all-season tire since the car was retired from track use.

andres3

roadburner said:

corvette said:

The GTI and GLI owners referred to the OE Dunlop tires as “Dunpops” due to their tendency to develop sidewall bubbles and have blowouts. I think you lucked out getting the Pirellis. 

Funny thing, the tires I just replaced were Dunlop Direzza Star Specs- one of the 180 treadwear rated tires designed for some SCCA and NASA racing and autocross classes. They worked fine overall, but they were over six years old and I decided to go with a UHP all-season tire since the car was retired from track use.

I think last I checked they were on Star Specs 2.0. Seems tires are redesigned every 2 to 3 years, at least at the fast-moving go-getter companies.

ab348

I remember my Dad bought some Dunlops (I think originally a British brand?) back in the late '60s made here in Canada and they were awful tires. Both of my brothers had Austins in the late '60s/early '70s that came with Dunlops, nad I don't recall many complaints. Japanese-made Dunlops were standard equipment on my '85 MR2 and they were fine, no issues at all. For whatever reason I think of them as cheap tires these days and would not buy them unless it was an unreal deal.

tbirdmarco

@breld upgrading tires but the cars might boath be gon bye winter! do any mor car looking this past weekend long over do for you to tirn over sum cars in your fleet!

Sandman6472

One of the only good things about living in Florida is the absence of snow. Remember living in New York and my folks crashing into snowbanks on the side of the road to stop their vehicles when they hit ice underneath, was comical really. Our driveway went straight down and our gardener was also our snow plow guy so my dad could get out to go to work. He started getting Oldsmobile Tornado's in 1967 and again in 1969 while my mom went with a 1968 Eldorado just to make driving in the snow easier.
Guess each area of the country has their own weather issues.

The Sandman

stickguy

was out doing some volunteer business tonight, so popped into Mazda dealer on my way back. Checked out a 6 GT in the showroom. I forgot how much I like these. Not sure can get a # to work, but just is a car that appeals to me.

also sat in a nice CX5. Touring with moonroof. Dark crystal blue over beige. Gorgeous car. especially the nose. Nice interior too. not a bad price for the equipment and class. salesguy said that it could lease for about $300 with nothing down (but not sure about other fees/taxes). Or exactly what "about" meant. Still, not a bad option.

did not talk numbers on the 6. maybe later in the month.

tifighter

Michaell said:

I've got the same decision to make soon with the Subaru. Guess we'll know it needs tires when the wife complains about the traction when it snows.

We had a set of Nokian WR all-seasons on our RDX. Only all season that meets severe winter rating. I think they are up to gen 2 or gen 3 by now, but it could be an option if you want a decent tire in snow without having a dedicated winter set.

Michaell

tifighter said:

Michaell said:

I've got the same decision to make soon with the Subaru. Guess we'll know it needs tires when the wife complains about the traction when it snows.

We had a set of Nokian WR all-seasons on our RDX. Only all season that meets severe winter rating. I think they are up to gen 2 or gen 3 by now, but it could be an option if you want a decent tire in snow without having a dedicated winter set.

as @breld noted, the wife and I believe there are maybe 10 days a year where snow tires are necessary.

Many winter days are cold, but clear, and all season tires have seemed to work just fine on all the cars we've had over the years.

suydam

We lived in central Ohio in a rural area for over 30 years and drove mostly sedans and minivans -- only had one all wheel drive vehicle (a Subaru Forester for just 2 years). We used only all season tires. We were fine. The only problem times were ice storms, and everyone had troubles then! But we aren't in the snow belt part of the country. Our snow was measured generally in inches, not feet.

tbirdmarco

@sandman_6472 that is for shore every place in the country has its weather problems! happy Friday! have an good upcumming weekend!

tbirdmarco

@stickguy nice in your stop at the Mosda stor! yes if you are interested in any of those mosdas you did rite about in your posting above big time see what deal you can work out if any in the next 2 weeks or so mittle of the month pretty much now!

tbirdmarco

Happy Friday all! have an good upcumming weekend all!

au1994

stickguy said:

was out doing some volunteer business tonight, so popped into Mazda dealer on my way back. Checked out a 6 GT in the showroom. I forgot how much I like these. Not sure can get a # to work, but just is a car that appeals to me. also sat in a nice CX5. Touring with moonroof. Dark crystal blue over beige. Gorgeous car. especially the nose. Nice interior too. not a bad price for the equipment and class. salesguy said that it could lease for about $300 with nothing down (but not sure about other fees/taxes). Or exactly what "about" meant. Still, not a bad option. did not talk numbers on the 6. maybe later in the month.

I’ve noticed a few new CX-5s running around and it’s a sharp little CUV. Mazda has some really nice bold colors too. Hats off for being a little different on the color options.

kyfdx

tifighter said:

Michaell said:

I've got the same decision to make soon with the Subaru. Guess we'll know it needs tires when the wife complains about the traction when it snows.

We had a set of Nokian WR all-seasons on our RDX. Only all season that meets severe winter rating. I think they are up to gen 2 or gen 3 by now, but it could be an option if you want a decent tire in snow without having a dedicated winter set.

Had a set on a 2002 CR-V. Great all-season tires, and great snow traction, as well. Highly recommended, but pricey.

ab348

au1994 said:

I’ve noticed a few new CX-5s running around and it’s a sharp little CUV. Mazda has some really nice bold colors too. Hats off for being a little different on the color options.

The refreshed CX-5 does look quite good. It could use more power apparently but that seems true of most Mazdas. I see a lot of them in their extra-cost red paint which is a similar shade to the red on my ATS. It is certainly different from Mazda's traditional color palette, which I used to refer to as "metallic mud" since so many of their paints were drab, nondescript shades of gray, green or brown. I was at the local dealer a couple of weekends ago and they had a long line of CX-5s on display. It seemed they came in 6 colors, the red I mentioned plus a bright blue, then the usual suspects of white, silver, gray and black.

roadburner

My wife is liking the CX-3; she might pick up a CPO when the lease on the i3 runs out.

breld

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@breld upgrading tires but the cars might boath be gon bye winter! do any mor car looking this past weekend long over do for you to tirn over sum cars in your fleet!

I know! We actually have permanent plates on all our cars now as of yesterday!

benjaminh

stickguy said:

Got a first Jetta #. $23,200 MSRP. Buy for $18,422, or lease for $211/mo. Though should do better since current VW owner. Getting closer!

Fyi....

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/10/2018-volkswagen-jetta-gli-kills-manual-transmission-oddly/#more-1595502

2018 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Kills the Manual Transmission
By Timothy Cain on October 13, 2017

Michaell

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:

Got a first Jetta #. $23,200 MSRP. Buy for $18,422, or lease for $211/mo. Though should do better since current VW owner. Getting closer!

Fyi....

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/10/2018-volkswagen-jetta-gli-kills-manual-transmission-oddly/#more-1595502

2018 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Kills the Manual Transmission
By Timothy Cain on October 13, 2017

I was going to wail and gnash my teeth at this news, but then I read the article.

As the 2018 Jetta is the last MY for the current platform, I understand why VW did this.

But - VW had better reintroduce the manual GLI when the new MQB Jetta is released.

stickguy

The MQB Jetta is supposed to be the 2018 coming out soon. Is the GLI Staying on the old platform for a year?

Michaell

stickguy said:

The MQB Jetta is supposed to be the 2018 coming out soon. Is the GLI Staying on the old platform for a year?

Apparently

rny421

I really like the looks of the new CX-5, and would seriously consider one if it had more power. Also, I drove one of the last generation models, and it wasn't very quiet. Not sure if they addressed that in the new model.

I just did a 800 mile road trip this week, and noticed that my Edge is still very quiet, even after 92,000 miles. It's important to me to have a quiet, solid road trip vehicle.

stickguy

I think the 2.5l Mazda is fine. Decent HP and works will with the tranny.

The CX3 just has the 2.0. Other common complaint is being a bit tight on room up front. It is based on the Mazda2 platform I think, so can't expect too much room!

roadburner

stickguy said:

I think the 2.5l Mazda is fine. Decent HP and works will with the tranny.

The CX3 just has the 2.0. Other common complaint is being a bit tight on room up front. It is based on the Mazda2 platform I think, so can't expect too much room!

The largest car I own is the 2 Series at 176 inches; everything else is 165 inches or less- the CX-3 would fit right in...

xwesx

Poor manuals. It is getting so hard to find them on a car that I might otherwise also want to own.

Back to tires, there are a few other brands out there that now have "all-season" offerings with winter ratings (mountain/snowflake). Oddly, I received an actual catalog from Tire Rack a few days ago that has a section in there on them. Not that Nokians aren't an excellent (albeit very expensive) tire! A man's gotta have choices, ya know?!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I think the 2.5l Mazda is fine. Decent HP and works will with the tranny.

The CX3 just has the 2.0. Other common complaint is being a bit tight on room up front. It is based on the Mazda2 platform I think, so can't expect too much room!

I test drove the CX-3 Touring AWD - it was a fun little runabout. Pretty well equipped. Probably a great value, used.

It was a bit small in both the rear seat and cargo area, but as noted, it's based off the Mazda 2, which is a pretty small car (it's the Toyota Yaris iA, now). But, I didn't feel cramped in the front seat.

breld

A CX-3 (used) is on the list for the stepdaughter for when the Jetta lease is up next year.

A little higher ground clearance would be a benefit to her.

Michaell

breld said:

A CX-3 (used) is on the list for the stepdaughter for when the Jetta lease is up next year.

A little higher ground clearance would be a benefit to her.

She'll simply find deeper holes or taller objects to drive through or over.

I really like the Mazda interiors - if only they would slap a small turbo onto their engines for a little more "oomph".

stickguy

my daughter liked the Mazda, but preferred the style of the CX5 (though the 3 is more her size). I think because the profile on the CX3 is kinda "squished" down.

tbirdmarco

@breld I am shocked! perm plates on all of your cars! is all ok! lollol

tbirdmarco

@rny421 like the first jen Edge like the one that you have! also like the one that has bin out now for the past few years! going to try to get mom when her maxima leese is up to look at one if she wants an SUV along with sum others! ford man hear! and like the jeep and other brands that go along with that! Renagade is nice in side have bin in the one my aunt has few times big enuff for what my mom will nead and she loves the stile of that one to! so we shal see sum times next year will get looking have till the summer think before her car does have to go back! she is not an fan of the Smaller GM SUVs she likes the biger ones witch we don't nead but who nos lollol

stickguy

OK people. I need to figure out a car at some point here. Unfortunately, work got crazy this week and will stay that way for the next few weeks, so sneaking out during the day to look at anything is pretty much not an option.

short list (more like what caught my wandering eye and got stuck in my brain) is: Elantra Sport (should have gotten the 2017 when I had the chance), an Accord when they come out next week, Mazda 6, a 2009 BMW 328i, and a 2000 Toyota MR2 spyder in screaming yellow. And a 2017 Jetta SE since relatively cheap.

Yes, I realize this list is all over the place. Fun new sporty car, large comfy everyday and travel car, fun used car to help budget, and an interesting toy for less money.

that last one piques my interest. Since I don't really need a car much, but do occasionally need a 2nd, I could get a toy now, and down the line, add a practical car or truck (some cheap lease probably) after we move the kid off the policy. Or, just keep using the toy if my commute needs don't change.

I never said I had any common sense.

Suggestions welcome!

tjc78

Maybe I’m biased but I the Elantra sport offers a lot.  Cheap lease, no dispo fee on the Sonata and a decent ride.  If the sport was out when I got my 17 I probably would have ponied up a bit more monthly for it.  The only rea complaint I have with mine it lack of power.  

Mr_Shiftright

I don't know as I personally could live with the Jetta SE interior day to day, but perhaps if you aren't driving that much, it might not bother you. I think old BMWs are generally needy so you'd have to pay particular attention if you bought a 2009--nothing less than a low miles pampered baby IMO. Haven't driven the new Accord but will soon. The Mazda 6 is interesting because the car has character and in the Sport version you can get a manual transmission.

The MR2 is always fun if you can get used to the styling and if you can fit in it. It certainly would cost you the least of all your choices, but you can forget about carry stuff in it. So it wins the "Fun per Dollar Ratio" contest.

My only concern in your choices is the implication of little use. Whether you use the car or not, the new car depreciates right there in your driveway. So for me, driving 15,000 miles a year, my cost per mile is probably going to be less than you driving the same car only 5,000 miles per year, even accounting for the cost of fuel.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Maybe I’m biased but I the Elantra sport offers a lot.  Cheap lease, no dispo fee on the Sonata and a decent ride.  If the sport was out when I got my 17 I probably would have ponied up a bit more monthly for it.  The only rea complaint I have with mine it lack of power.  

well, the bit more is at least $50/month I think. But the extra power is worth that I think. It is a fun car.

stickguy

shifty, most of the new ones are likely to be a lease, so the depreciation is the same either way. Cost of fuel though will be lower!

Yes, the sports car would not be used for travel much. But, would be payment free, so a way to convince the wife to upgrade the other car to something fancier. My new (old) rule is only 1 payment at a time, and be payment free as much as possible.

Mr_Shiftright

Well maybe you can get a lower mileage lease, then, at a better payment.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

OK people. I need to figure out a car at some point here. Unfortunately, work got crazy this week and will stay that way for the next few weeks, so sneaking out during the day to look at anything is pretty much not an option.

short list (more like what caught my wandering eye and got stuck in my brain) is: Elantra Sport (should have gotten the 2017 when I had the chance), an Accord when they come out next week, Mazda 6, a 2009 BMW 328i, and a 2000 Toyota MR2 spyder in screaming yellow. And a 2017 Jetta SE since relatively cheap.

Yes, I realize this list is all over the place. Fun new sporty car, large comfy everyday and travel car, fun used car to help budget, and an interesting toy for less money.

that last one piques my interest. Since I don't really need a car much, but do occasionally need a 2nd, I could get a toy now, and down the line, add a practical car or truck (some cheap lease probably) after we move the kid off the policy. Or, just keep using the toy if my commute needs don't change.

I never said I had any common sense.

Suggestions welcome!

I've been burned by most of my used cars in the past. Not in major ways, but in lots of inconvenient and minor repairs and maintenance that add up to a lot—esp. if you value your own time and your own nerves. Perhaps you'd get lucky. But maybe not. All of my used cars have always been checked by a mechanic, and yet....Anyway, imho used is often a false economy. Seems cheap at first, but then you get what you pay for in the long run. For just slightly more money over a 5 year time horizon, I'd pick new every time if you can afford it. But that's just me.

Your new options all seem good enough. The Jetta is mediocre but cheap. The Elantra seems ok, but not as cheap. I'm enthusiastic about the Mazda6, because I've really enjoyed driving my past Mazdas. But why not a Mazda3? Even less. Given that you don't drive that much, and you have the Acura RDX for trips, and seem to be really trying to save money on this purchase, it doesn't seem like the 2018 Accord is really the right car for you—seems like it's maybe too big, too fancy, and too expensive?

What about the 2018 VW Golf with the 6 year 72k mile warranty?

You seem to like getting a new car every 3 years, and so leasing seems like a good option.

All just my 2 cents, of course.