Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tifighter

Never figured you for a 1%-er ... taking your car off road, that is.

Ha! Sometimes...

Michaell

tifighter said:

Never figured you for a 1%-er ... taking your car off road, that is. Ha! Sometimes...

great picture!

xwesx

Michaell said:

Well, I was just going to run them over there in the Jetta; now you've got me thinking I should take the MINI, just to be safe....

Yes, take the Mini! You may not need it in the end, but far better to take and not need than the other way around.

Whoops; I'm way too slow on this one.

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

No, our garage is a normal 2 car garage, just feel safer parking it outside. Drives nice actually and am past the weird looks already.
Collision place called, estimate at $5200 and climbing. They have some issues they must get with the appraiser about. Would think there's a break even point where it's not worth throwing any more dollars at it, best to just total it and sell the vehicle for its parts. He said the three week time frame might not happen because of these new issues. So, we shall see next week where we stand. To total or not total, the big question!!

The Sandman

I think the estimate will need to hit between $9 and 10K for them to total.

However, if you're really close to this range, I would push for total.

stickguy

I don't think they give the owner the option. If they start the project, just keep going.

Sandman6472

Yes, don't think I get a say in the matter. But if they do fix it, I want to be compensated somehow for the vehicle now having a ding on the Carfax, something that will lower the trade-in value when I do get rid of it. If a excellent version would bring say $14K, my damaged one might only bring $12.5K or maybe slightly higher. So I lose again which just ain't fair since I did nothing wrong here. No matter what, it'll show this accident going forward and that's usually the kiss of death. But compensate me up front for the diminished value and it won't hurt as bad, it's like being hit when you're already down...just isn't right.
If I have to, I will be a big pain in the [non-permissible content removed] about it because I just want fair treatment here. And the wife's probably right, within a few weeks and I think I'll have something else in the garage. And leaning towards something economical like a hybrid. But, first things first. Let's see what's gonna happen and go from there. They could just decide to total it if it can not be fixed safely with safe parts.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Put the RAV4 on my side of the garage tonight and even with both mirrors in the closed position, a very tight fit. Too tight to do it everyday. So, any new vehicle would have to be about 5" shorter than a Toyota RAV4. And I want something with better mpg's, as good as the Golf's to be honest. And a long warranty just in case. And possibly a hybrid of some kind.
Now, time to start the hunt, just in case!

The Sandman

stickguy

Look at the Hyundai Ioniq. and Kona.

Sandman6472

The Kona gets crappy mpg's even with a turbo, what gives? I do like the way it looks, sat in one briefly today and also a Elantra GT. Hyundai does a decent job on their newer interiors, a nice place to sit and operate the vehicle from. That split back window of the Ioniq is lousy, just like the Prius. Why do they both do that as it's harder to see out the back? And I can't even pronounce that name so how can I own and drive a vehicle I can't pronounce correctly? Just like the Niro though, I like these hybrids mpg's enough to overlook certain dislikes. But driving one in real time will be the judge for me as I didn't like the Prius C when we tried one back in 2014. And the new Prius has that funky tail light treatment that looks like it comes from outer space! I was behind one on the way home tonight for about 20 or so miles and it was hard to look at. Not so sure I could even own one but again, all would depend on the driveability of the vehicle. If it's like some of Nissan's CVT offerings, no way would I own one. My oldest's Versa SL is one of those and I drive it when necessary but wouldn't want to on a daily basis, yet she's fine with it.

The Sandman

ronsteve

sandman_6472 said:

If it's like some of Nissan's CVT offerings, no way would I own one. My oldest's Versa SL is one of those and I drive it when necessary but wouldn't want to on a daily basis, yet she's fine with it.

The Sandman

I'm not a CVT guy, recent car shopping notwithstanding. But I've definitely had mixed results in my exposure to Nissan CVTs in multiple rentals. Rented an '11 Altima and really didn't mind it that much. But I've rented multiple examples of the following generation, as well as one Rogue, and it seemed like they had retuned them for maximum boredom. OTOH, I rented a '13 Murano, and more recently test drove an '18, and didn't think they drove that badly. Let's just say I haven't crossed the Murano off the shopping list just yet, but if I do it's more likely going to be either reliability, or just wanting to remain more wagon-ish as opposed to its actual driving dynamics.

nyccarguy

I have NOTHING against CVTs in the proper application. The CVT actually helped the "performance" of my 2015 Legacy. It was smooth and quiet. Non-Car people wouldn't know it wasn't a conventional automatic. I didn't particularly LOVE the CVT when it was mated to a big, 3.5L V6 in the QX60 I had as a loaner.

suydam

sandman_6472 said:

The Kona gets crappy mpg's even with a turbo, what gives? I do like the way it looks, sat in one briefly today and also a Elantra GT. Hyundai does a decent job on their newer interiors, a nice place to sit and operate the vehicle from. That split back window of the Ioniq is lousy, just like the Prius. Why do they both do that as it's harder to see out the back? And I can't even pronounce that name so how can I own and drive a vehicle I can't pronounce correctly? Just like the Niro though, I like these hybrids mpg's enough to overlook certain dislikes. But driving one in real time will be the judge for me as I didn't like the Prius C when we tried one back in 2014. And the new Prius has that funky tail light treatment that looks like it comes from outer space! I was behind one on the way home tonight for about 20 or so miles and it was hard to look at. Not so sure I could even own one but again, all would depend on the driveability of the vehicle. If it's like some of Nissan's CVT offerings, no way would I own one. My oldest's Versa SL is one of those and I drive it when necessary but wouldn't want to on a daily basis, yet she's fine with it.

The Sandman

Try a Chevy Volt. You’ll be surprised. Lotta pep and fun to drive, and small like you prefer.
I had a Honda with a CVT and I couldn’t tell the difference. But the Nissan CVTs are a different story.

stickguy

I went on the chevy site the other day to scope out Volts. And was surprised at how expensive they were. My local dealer had 4, all premieres, and IIRC MSRP on them was about $39,500.

suydam

With all the rebates it gets down to about 30k before even negotiating.

venture

nyccarguy said:

I have NOTHING against CVTs in the proper application. The CVT actually helped the "performance" of my 2015 Legacy. It was smooth and quiet. Non-Car people wouldn't know it wasn't a conventional automatic. I didn't particularly LOVE the CVT when it was mated to a big, 3.5L V6 in the QX60 I had as a loaner.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like the CVT in my 6 cylinder Legacy, but it is fine. The fake shift points they put in seem just about right. I guess just us old(er) geezers will even remember regular automatic transmissions eventually.

Michaell

A little advice, please...

i am in CA visiting family. My mom had me take her car in for an oil change, which I got done. However, there were a number of other services suggested, and wanted your feedback on what you thought I should or shouldn’t do. 

The patient is a 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS, with all of 37,000 miles on it. Bought new, but I suspect that some of the maintenance has been deferred when my dads health started to fail a few years back. 

Here is what’s been recommended:

tire rotation
serpentine belt (said it looked good, but don’t know if it’s rver been changed)
transmssion flush
power steering flush
radiator flush
fuel treatment
fuel system (not sure what this really entails)

i don’t have any records of what has or hasn’t been done, or when. 

Thiughts?

kyfdx

I'd rotate the tires and change that belt.

I'd drain and fill coolant. But, I wouldn't "power flush" anything.

I'd be really hesitant to mess with a transmission or power steering on any old car that is working properly. You might want to check to see if there is a service interval on the transmission fluid.

Fuel system and treatment are likely garbage services, though there might be a fuel filter service interval, but you should check that first, as well.

qbrozen

At 15 yrs old, I would definitely do everything. They didn't mention timing belt? Basically, anything rubber is overdue. Brake fluid is also way way overdue if never done.  As for fuel system, just run bottles of cleaner for a couple of tanks and then maybe every 3 mos since it is driven so little and you want to avoid laquer buildup.

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

A little advice, please...

i am in CA visiting family. My mom had me take her car in for an oil change, which I got done. However, there were a number of other services suggested, and wanted your feedback on what you thought I should or shouldn’t do. 

The patient is a 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS, with all of 37,000 miles on it. Bought new, but I suspect that some of the maintenance has been deferred when my dads health started to fail a few years back. 

Here is what’s been recommended:

tire rotation
serpentine belt (said it looked good, but don’t know if it’s rver been changed)
transmssion flush
power steering flush
radiator flush
fuel treatment
fuel system (not sure what this really entails)

i don’t have any records of what has or hasn’t been done, or when. 

Thiughts?

Based on the benign climate, I would recommend:

tire rotation--YES, and check all pressures and examine for sidewall cracking. bulging, flat spotting, etc. and replace if any exist.

serpentine belt (said it looked good, but don’t know if it’s ever been changed)--MAYBE--Examine for cracks or glazing, otherwise NO

transmission flush NO
power steering flush NO
radiator flush YES
fuel treatment NO
fuel system (not sure what this really entails) -- install new FUEL FILTER

ADD:

Brake fluid flush

breld

The broker just got their listing up for my civic:

http://denver.clscars.com/mobile/inventorydetail.aspx?StockNumber=679346

I’d have to say it seems they really stepped up on what they gave me for it, if they’re only listing it for $3k higher than they paid me outright. 

Good marketing on their part - “do you want to be 20th on the list at the Honda dealer or have the Type R right now?”

Michaell

Thanks for the Sonata feedback - so far.

it does have new-ish tires on it, I know. The lack of records makes this tough. 

Michaell

I can’t put my hands on the owners manual, but I did find the maintenance log, with recommendations. At 30k, it says:

oil and filter
air cleaner -inspected and passed this morning
spark plugs - if severe driving schedule
coolant
transmission - if severe driving schedule

severe includes repeated short distance driving, which describes the cars use

stickguy

If I bought that car, as is where is, I would go along with Shifty and others. Do the coolant, and the serp belt if any question about it. And brake fluid. I might, however, do a basic drain and refill of the tranny fluid (not a flush) to get some clean stuff in there. Fuel filter? seems old school, but can't possibly hurt. And a bottle of fuel system cleaner in the tank.

tbirdmarco

 Michael would agree with others for your mom‘s 2003 sonata do a transmission drain and fill no flush coolant drain and fill in the way brake system flush change the air filter and cabin air filter also the timing belt if never change you in the word looks good with change it anyway because rubber stuff decomposes it’s usually every six years or the mileage recommended also the serpentine belt if never changed would change it anyway due to see mars timing belt 

tbirdmarco

 Also Michael so she doesn’t drive much the oil change twice a year every six months and should be good to go 

imidazol97

Michaell said:

Thanks for the Sonata feedback - so far.

it does have new-ish tires on it, I know. The lack of records makes this tough. 

The dealer probably read the DOT code for the date of manufacture and they were newer than
6 years. Otherwise, they would have recommended replacing the tires.

andres3

Would anyone here buy 5-year old tires?

tbirdmarco

 Andres three no personally I would not buy five-year-old tires near the end of their life 

fintail

Depends on the tires and the usage. If they had been kept indoors in a regulated climate, and were for an old occasional use car like my fintail, sure. For a daily driver on a 50 mile freeway slog in all weather, no.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

If I bought that car, as is where is, I would go along with Shifty and others. Do the coolant, and the serp belt if any question about it. And brake fluid. I might, however, do a basic drain and refill of the tranny fluid (not a flush) to get some clean stuff in there. Fuel filter? seems old school, but can't possibly hurt. And a bottle of fuel system cleaner in the tank.

I was thinking of suggesting doing the transmission drop and fill (no flush!) at 60K. I myself always interpreted "severe" service as meaning short trips under say 4-5 miles, as well as this occurring in very cold weather.

But no harm done if you want to drop and fill at 35K miles--seems a bit premature to me, but....

nyccarguy

Speaking of Fusion Sports, I have really only seen a handful of them in the wild.  This afternoon on my way home from my 11 year old's hockey state tournament (They are 3-0 so far and are playing in the semi final game tomorrow at 9:00 AM), I noticed a silver Fusion zig zagging its way through traffic (which was moving).  I thought to myself (I wonder if this is a Fusion Sport) and then my suspicions were confirmed as he rocketed past me and cut my wife off (who was driving in front of me).  It looked great in Silver.  A very "clean," sleeper.  I know it is heavy and a few of you have driven one and passed, but these might be worth a look on the used market.

venture

Michaell said:

I can’t put my hands on the owners manual, but I did find the maintenance log, with recommendations. At 30k, it says:

oil and filter
air cleaner -inspected and passed this morning
spark plugs - if severe driving schedule
coolant
transmission - if severe driving schedule

severe includes repeated short distance driving, which describes the cars use

Doesn't the dealer have the service records on their computer?

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

@pensfan83 when is the lease up on your wife’s car again and what are you looking to replace it with?

I may have a line on a unicorn deal in your general vicinity. 

Sorry to just be responding now.  I was in Dallas for work and got re-routed through your former stomping grounds due to a mechanical issue on the direct flight home.  Fun times.

We purchased the Altima, last payment is due this June.  While we were wanting to continue putting the loan payment away for a bit to save up for a down  payment on an SUV, I don't think my wife or I would need much convincing if the deal is right.  Whatever we get for the Altima on trade should be enough to cover any OOP and MSD's (if applicable), which would be key because I'm roughly a month away from writing a check for our big deck project.  As for what we had on our minds, X1, GLC, new RDX, Grand Cherokee, Traverse make up the list right now.  I'm definitely all ears.

tjc78

All those SUVs are much different sizes.   I suggest picking a size you are looking for and then which models you like.  Traverse is certainly the largest of that group.   

Sandman6472

Liking the RAV4 the more I drive it. Pulled it in the garage last night and it just about made it. So I have to have a vehicle probably about 5" smaller just to be on the safe side. It's back outside now and will stay there until it goes back but just wanted to see how it fit. So, think any vehicle I get needs to be less than 176" to fit nicely. I usually go through the garage to take the garbage out and going out the front door to do it is not something I want to do on a daily basis. So have a few vehicles in mind that I'm gonna test drive and the Kona is one of them as they sent me something for a $40 gift card if I take a test drive. No problem but only have a week to do it. Once there, will also try the Elantra GT and see how they compare. Just have no clue why the mpg's are so low as compared to my Golf since both have 4 cylinder turbo's. But part of me wants "cheap to keep" and a long warranty next time. Hyundai/Kia fits these two requirements and I like their products. Just looking for no drama going forward to be honest here and the accident just put me over the top with my Golf.
But will have to see if they indeed do fix it and give it back to me. Will take some time driving it to see if I hear anything unusual or if it tracks weirdly. Guess in all fairness, I should give it a chance after I make sure they fix everything, and I mean everything correctly. So, we shall just have to see where this thing goes. But if they want to total it, would be fine with it so I could just move on.

The Sandman

pensfan83

tjc78 said:

All those SUVs are much different sizes.   I suggest picking a size you are looking for and then which models you like.  Traverse is certainly the largest of that group.   

If it were my primary driver I would probably veer toward one of the CUV's. The Traverse looks like a mini-Tahoe/Suburban and I don't think any 3 row SUV is necessary for us but my wife wants to at least look at one.

stickguy

Sandy, I can vouch for the Elantra power train being underrated for MPG. No clue why, but I am getting way better mileage than what the sticker says. Averaging well over 30 overall, mostly local stuff, and on my one longer trip was over 40 much of the way, and even with some local mixed in and a traffic jam, pulled over 38 total. My Sonata, in the same use, I was pretty much below city and highway.

sample size of 1 of course, but it's all I got!

ronsteve

stickguy said:

Sandy, I can vouch for the Elantra power train being underrated for MPG. No clue why, but I am getting way better mileage than what the sticker says. Averaging well over 30 overall, mostly local stuff, and on my one longer trip was over 40 much of the way, and even with some local mixed in and a traffic jam, pulled over 38 total. My Sonata, in the same use, I was pretty much below city and highway.

sample size of 1 of course, but it's all I got!

Didn't Hyundai get their hand slapped a few years ago for trying to game the EPA fuel-economy testing? Maybe that led them to publish some pessimistic numbers. But I seem to remember that the Elantra had better EPA numbers than the Golf, unless I'm mis-remembering.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

28firefighter said:

@pensfan83 when is the lease up on your wife’s car again and what are you looking to replace it with?

I may have a line on a unicorn deal in your general vicinity. 

Sorry to just be responding now.  I was in Dallas for work and got re-routed through your former stomping grounds due to a mechanical issue on the direct flight home.  Fun times.

We purchased the Altima, last payment is due this June.  While we were wanting to continue putting the loan payment away for a bit to save up for a down  payment on an SUV, I don't think my wife or I would need much convincing if the deal is right.  Whatever we get for the Altima on trade should be enough to cover any OOP and MSD's (if applicable), which would be key because I'm roughly a month away from writing a check for our big deck project.  As for what we had on our minds, X1, GLC, new RDX, Grand Cherokee, Traverse make up the list right now.  I'm definitely all ears.

The specific opportunity I was thinking of has passed, but that’s what I thought. I’ll ping you. 

Michaell

venture said:

Michaell said:

I can’t put my hands on the owners manual, but I did find the maintenance log, with recommendations. At 30k, it says:

oil and filter
air cleaner -inspected and passed this morning
spark plugs - if severe driving schedule
coolant
transmission - if severe driving schedule

severe includes repeated short distance driving, which describes the cars use

Doesn't the dealer have the service records on their computer?

Very few of the services were performed at the dealer, I'm afraid.

tjc78

stickguy said:

Sandy, I can vouch for the Elantra power train being underrated for MPG. No clue why, but I am getting way better mileage than what the sticker says. Averaging well over 30 overall, mostly local stuff, and on my one longer trip was over 40 much of the way, and even with some local mixed in and a traffic jam, pulled over 38 total. My Sonata, in the same use, I was pretty much below city and highway. sample size of 1 of course, but it's all I got!

Yeah mine is consistently over 30 no matter how much I beat the heck out of it.  It’s also in sport mode constantly.  

Ran all over for work Friday (Norristown, Westmont, Winslow back home) and for that driving netted 33.   That was even sitting in traffic on the surekill and then 80+ all the way home on the expressway.  

stickguy

the base engine (the TJC has) is rated for much higher MPG than the sport that I have (on the sticker). The difference is that his car gets about what it is rated for, and mine gets a lot better than the sticker is. Not sure what it is about the powertrain in mine that dogs it on the EPA test. Might be the shorter gearing, which IRW does not seem to matter on the highway.

tjc78

I’d probably loose my “car guy” card for this, but I don’t even know what it is rated at.

corvette

IDK what the Tahoe is rated at, either. The knobby off road tires can’t seem to do over 16 MPG highway on regular. And I think they diminish performance, as well. If I own it long enough to replace tires, will probably go with a highway tire. 

andres3

tjc78 said:

stickguy said:

Sandy, I can vouch for the Elantra power train being underrated for MPG. No clue why, but I am getting way better mileage than what the sticker says. Averaging well over 30 overall, mostly local stuff, and on my one longer trip was over 40 much of the way, and even with some local mixed in and a traffic jam, pulled over 38 total. My Sonata, in the same use, I was pretty much below city and highway.

sample size of 1 of course, but it's all I got!

Yeah mine is consistently over 30 no matter how much I beat the heck out of it.  It’s also in sport mode constantly.  

Ran all over for work Friday (Norristown, Westmont, Winslow back home) and for that driving netted 33.   That was even sitting in traffic on the surekill and then 80+ all the way home on the expressway.  




I guess I got a bad 1.6T from Kia. Only averaging 28/29 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving. EPA numbers appear inflated in my sample of 1. And yes, I'm allowing for 80+ cruising speeds and lively acceleration (althought with a 7-speed that top speed shouldn't effect it much).

tifighter

Looks like they’ve dropped $1k off my 86 that I traded; now down to $21k. Given the $20k they gave me, its officially getting into skinny territory.

kyfdx

New member needs opinions:
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/50519/general/x/help-with-decision#latest

stickguy

done

kyfdx

stickguy said:

done

Thanks!

nyccarguy

"Yeah mine is consistently over 30 no matter how much I beat the heck out of it.  It’s also in sport mode constantly."

You aren't having enough fun.  I can't break 20 mpg and I don't care 1 bit.

on a side note, my 11 year old son & his Pee Wee hockey team won their state championship this afternoon.