Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I spent some time watching a bunch of the pull a car out of the junkyard and make it run videos. Of course I’m sure they were largely rigged and cars were prepped in advance.

28firefighter

I like Tavarish but some of his stuff is just too out there for me. I like cars that are mostly stock, which isn't really a pool he plays in all that often.

Samcrac is interesting because I enjoy seeing what he digs out of these insurance auctions.

nyccarguy

All this talk of DIY maintenance has gotten me thinking. With 46,000 miles on the odometer, I think it is time for a transmission fluid flush & fill on the Pilot's 9 Speed Automatic. This should be as simple as an oil change. Not so. Apparently there is no dipstick to check the level of fluid in the transmission. There is a very specific procedure that involves a few steps above the normal. The Pilot (with the new fluid) apparently has to be run through gears 1 - 4 on a lift while a scan tool measures the temperature of the fluid. I've read on some pilot specific boards that people have brought their Pilot in for this service and were quoted $100 for a standard drain & fill, but were given a bill much higher due to the extra time & effort needed to work on the 9 Speed (vs the 6 Speed).

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

I like Tavarish but some of his stuff is just too out there for me. I like cars that are mostly stock, which isn't really a pool he plays in all that often.

Samcrac is interesting because I enjoy seeing what he digs out of these insurance auctions.

Agree about Tavarish. Samcrac has been trying to get a totaled Lamborghini running for a year. Last I checked, he works on it for a while, gets frustrated, can't get parts, can't find out what's wrong, and then lets it sit. It's forgotten about, until he pops up on another YT video to work on it.

Plus, he's involved with supporting the local school that teaches special needs kids a vocation in auto mechanics.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

All this talk of DIY maintenance has gotten me thinking. With 46,000 miles on the odometer, I think it is time for a transmission fluid flush & fill on the Pilot's 9 Speed Automatic. This should be as simple as an oil change. Not so. Apparently there is no dipstick to check the level of fluid in the transmission. There is a very specific procedure that involves a few steps above the normal. The Pilot (with the new fluid) apparently has to be run through gears 1 - 4 on a lift while a scan tool measures the temperature of the fluid. I've read on some pilot specific boards that people have brought their Pilot in for this service and were quoted $100 for a standard drain & fill, but were given a bill much higher due to the extra time & effort needed to work on the 9 Speed (vs the 6 Speed).

That’s becoming SOP with most modern automatics. DIY isn’t impossible, but you need to be able on to access the car from underneath while it remains level. If you have an accurate thermometer you can bypass the need for a scan tool. All in all it’s probably not worth the hassle if you can’t get the car on a lift.

nyccarguy

roadburner said:

nyccarguy said:

All this talk of DIY maintenance has gotten me thinking. With 46,000 miles on the odometer, I think it is time for a transmission fluid flush & fill on the Pilot's 9 Speed Automatic. This should be as simple as an oil change. Not so. Apparently there is no dipstick to check the level of fluid in the transmission. There is a very specific procedure that involves a few steps above the normal. The Pilot (with the new fluid) apparently has to be run through gears 1 - 4 on a lift while a scan tool measures the temperature of the fluid. I've read on some pilot specific boards that people have brought their Pilot in for this service and were quoted $100 for a standard drain & fill, but were given a bill much higher due to the extra time & effort needed to work on the 9 Speed (vs the 6 Speed).

That’s becoming SOP with most modern automatics. DIY isn’t impossible, but you need to be able on to access the car from underneath while it remains level. If you have an accurate thermometer you can bypass the need for a scan tool. All in all it’s probably not worth the hassle if you can’t get the car on a lift.

Spoke to my mechanic. He said $200 all in. I just have to find out from my wife when I can take her Pilot and leave my truck with her for the day.

fintail

On the Youtuber subject I find Big Al's Bike and Auto to be amusing - buys the cheapest stuff imaginable and has a fetish for unloved 80s and 90s cars.

pensfan83

Prelude goes in for timing belt, transmission fluid change, oil change, oil cooler seal, and new plugs next week. Should be about $900 all-in.

28firefighter

Good on you for doing that work when you’re planning to sell. Will go a long way to getting you the right buyer.

stickguy

I’m just waiting until he finishes spending all his money on it.

ab348

roadburner said:

That’s becoming SOP with most modern automatics. DIY isn’t impossible, but you need to be able on to access the car from underneath while it remains level. If you have an accurate thermometer you can bypass the need for a scan tool. All in all it’s probably not worth the hassle if you can’t get the car on a lift.

Some (maybe all) of the current GM automatics are this way too. They use a special machine in the service department to flush out the old fluid and then add the new stuff. I read the procedure in a service bulletin and it is quite involved, including the run through the gears, getting it up to temperature, and then back up on the lift for another encounter with the flush/fill machine. It is a few hundred dollars.

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

andres3 said:

fintail said:

If one knows what the problem is, sure. But with old cars, problems can unravel at random times, and proving it would be tough.

Maybe I should say, if AC doesn't work on an old car with an 8K asking price, have a real diagnosis as to why.

andres3 said:

What if a "charge" solves the problem for 2 or 3 months? I would say it is immoral to charge it then, without disclosing the AC needs a charge every 3 months.

Speaking of A/C's, I got my '15 A4 back with a new Evaporator coil. It's hidden deep under the dash, so they said they broke a trim piece and the windshield putting it back together again. That's what took so long (got the car back this afternoon.

I'm sure it was a fun job.

$85 CPO deductible paid; have 2 more months of Warranty! Brand new Audi glass windshield; so the glass won't void my warranty German glass for a German car.

My TTS needs a new windshield more than the A4 did! Almost 40K miles and a lot more sandblasting and rock chips/pitting from following slower fast-moving vehicles through the canyons.

That’s a perennial question for me....why would you put a part that has the potential for failure in a place that requires removing the windshield and dash? My old Lincoln developed a small leak and the tech said if it was evap coil it would be an 8 hour job to get at it. Either put it somewhere else or build it so it never fails.

They broke the windshield unnecessarily. The dash was necessary to remove, but breaking the windshield was a mistake they made during the repair. They also scuffed/scratched my steering wheel up (had to remove that too apparently), and I'm going to report that damage today. They replaced the windshield without my having to ask, but on the steering wheel, someone either didn't notice or forgot to report what they did.

Regarding maintenance ease, I think that is low on the totem pole of priorities for a performance car, but for a Lincoln, not sure what the excuse is????

Michaell

It's Monday fun day.

Rather than trot out the old "What would you buy if you had X dollars", I'd thought I'd try something different.

New or used, no budget, what would you buy:

Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP?
Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP?
Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP?
Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP?

You gotta answer them all; no cherry picking just one category....

qbrozen

Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP? tough question with so many possibilities. Maybe an early '80s RX7 GSL-SE to match the one my dad had, or maybe something like a Studebaker truck.

Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP? Evo X MR

Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP? E450 wagon

Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP? Ferrari F40

roadburner

Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP? I'd just keep my Club Sport
Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP? Veloster N
Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP? M340i(RWD only)
Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP? 2013 Boss 302

andres3

Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP? Geo Metro
Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP? Ford Fiesta/Aspire (Hey, you didn't specify a minimum HP, just a max )
Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP? Audi TTS/TTRS
Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP? RS6 Avant

ab348

Oh dear, more software problems for VW, at least these cars aren’t in customer hands yet.

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/05/mk8-golf-deliveries-suspended-over-software-gremlins/

omarman

Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP?


Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP?


Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP?


Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP?

stickguy

Well, I will try it 2 ways: new and used!

New:
Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP? CRV hybrid
Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP? BMW 330
Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP? X3 6 cylinder
Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP? GT350

Used:
Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP? 1985 Supra
Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP? Volvo V70R
Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP? Porsche 911 turbo air cooled (were those over 300?)
Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP? Hemi Cuda!

graphicguy

Any one vehicle with less than 200 HP?-2015 Mazda Miata
Any one vehicle with less than 300 HP?-1968 Camaro 327
Any one vehicle with less than 400 HP?-Kia Stinger GT 2
Any one vehicle with more than 400 HP?-2020 Corvette

Michaell

Hatchback help requested:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/61324/honda/civic/need-help-and-honest-opinions-on-a-new-slightly-used-car#latest

stickguy

got really bored so was poking around on Youtube. And looked up Hoovie to see if anything interesting that I have not seen before.

and found this. I always wondered how much these guys can make, and if this dude (who's whole page seems to figuring out what other YT people make!) breaks it down. So if I followed, about $10K/month just from the channel, plus of course merchandise and sponsors.

but the really interesting thing is it points out how crazy much YT must make, since they take almost 1/2 of the channel take. So if they are making close to 100K/year just off this channel, multiplied by all the ad generating channels, that is a lot of money!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKrvE2j4Iss

And this was very interesting story. I am always intrigued by examples of basically blind luck lead to big things. Of course, might have gotten someplace similar eventually, but good chance it would have fizzled out without the big break.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ozHD58Ogas

stickguy

Michaell said:

Hatchback help requested:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/61324/honda/civic/need-help-and-honest-opinions-on-a-new-slightly-used-car#latest

added a few cents worth of opinion.

au1994

The vintage Motorweek episodes are always a solid go to on YouTube.

nyccarguy

Under 200 hp - Miata RF
Under 300 hp - Wrangler Unlimited
Under 400 hp - E46 M3 Coupe
Over 400 hp - C7 Corvette Z06

28firefighter

There are too many cars out there for me to pick from. They're all for me.

stickguy

This is cool. But looks real tippy. I would much prefer it without the lift and with normal sized tires.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-jeep-scrambler-4/

tifighter

Meh, I can handle this one:

Under 550hp - Tesla Model 3 Performance
Over 550hp - Tesla Model X Performance

stickguy

One more. I always loved these. Seems like a nice one, already has crate motor, and could easily tweak the suspension and brakes a bit.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-chevrolet-camaro-2/

stickguy

I lied. One more. My absolute dream Porsche. Seems perfectly kept.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-porsche-911-carrera-57/

qbrozen

stickguy said:

This is cool. But looks real tippy. I would much prefer it without the lift and with normal sized tires.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-jeep-scrambler-4/

I was looking at that one last night. The driving video scares me. Engine does not sound good at all, and the driver is wearing out the synchros. Have no idea how long he's been driving it that way.

qbrozen

so looks like sis is going to pull the trigger on buying this for herself. It is quite a good price, actually.

stickguy

Turns out the guy with the Porsche specializes in Volvo’s. And has a rare one, that while I am not sure I’d pay this much, I would love. Favorite colors, Good options, and a stick! So what it might be a little slow. It’s cool!

http://www.europeancentralsales.com/vehicle/264633/2006-volvo-v70-for-sale-in-stanley-ny-14561

stickguy

qbrozen said:

so looks like sis is going to pull the trigger on buying this for herself. It is quite a good price, actually.

Cute little thing. Certified? And I hope she isn’t shy!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

qbrozen said:

so looks like sis is going to pull the trigger on buying this for herself. It is quite a good price, actually.

Cute little thing. Certified? And I hope she isn’t shy!

oddly, it is not CPO. I told her to ask for CPO. Not sure where that will lead. It has 2 yrs bumper-to-bumper still in tact, in any case. And, really, even 7 yrs from now when the 10/100 would expire, if she had it, the car will have maybe 60k-70k miles, so the odds of ever utilizing that 10/100 powertrain are extremely slim.

stickguy

You don’t get the last 5 years if bought used, just the first 5/60. All the CPO really does is give back to last 5 years of powertrain.

corvette

qbrozen said:

so looks like sis is going to pull the trigger on buying this for herself. It is quite a good price, actually.

Nice! Super low miles. I don’t see too many of those in red. I also like the larger headlights - I think there was a refresh in recent years that gave them “bar” type headlights that aren’t as tall, and I’m not fond of it.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

This is cool. But looks real tippy. I would much prefer it without the lift and with normal sized tires.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-jeep-scrambler-4/

Might be good for picking apples.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I lied. One more. My absolute dream Porsche. Seems perfectly kept.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-porsche-911-carrera-57/

Love that one. Makes me miss mine.

But, I’d rather have the 993 (last iteration of the air-cooled 911)

qbrozen

stickguy said:

You don’t get the last 5 years if bought used, just the first 5/60. All the CPO really does is give back to last 5 years of powertrain.

correct.

doesn't seem they are willing to budget at all on anything with the car. Oh well. Told her it is still a good deal. Auction value is about $12.5k. Her total OTD is $14.7k.

Sandman6472

Have driven many of them at work and they get the job done, decent mpg's to boot. Usually prefer them in a light silver but red works on that one. One great thing about them is that they're "cheap to keep", I know right now, there's a lot to be said for that!

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

One more. I always loved these. Seems like a nice one, already has crate motor, and could easily tweak the suspension and brakes a bit.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-chevrolet-camaro-2/

Always liked the style of those. On the interior shots, is that a towel on the driver’s windowsill or does it need interior work?

Sandman6472

Read again in a in a Car & Driver article that if I want a new Golf in the future, it'll have to be a GTI or a R model as the one like I have now, a SE, won't be sent to the U S anymore. Think I could be very happy with a GTI but hear they have a different kind of auto tranny than the one I've currently got, a DSG I think it's called? Could someone please educate me as to what the difference is? Also mentioned that the audio system would be switching out to a Harmon Kardon set-up, no more Fender audio like I currently have...and like very much!
Article also mentioned them coming over to the U S in the fall of 2021 as a 2022 model which works out perfectly with my time frame. My current work location has cut down my commute by like 80% so by the time I'll be ready to purchase, might be closing in on 75K. The local VW store keeps trying to get me to trade now on a current 2020 SE but not ready to. Don't really want to go back down to 16" alloys and a sub par audio system so best I save my bucks and go for the new model.
But it's all contingent on my current '15 SE behaving itself going forward. As long as no other jerks hit me again, think it should hold up well until I'm ready.

andres3

Sandman6472 said:

Read again in a in a Car & Driver article that if I want a new Golf in the future, it'll have to be a GTI or a R model as the one like I have now, a SE, won't be sent to the U S anymore. Think I could be very happy with a GTI but hear they have a different kind of auto tranny than the one I've currently got, a DSG I think it's called? Could someone please educate me as to what the difference is? Also mentioned that the audio system would be switching out to a Harmon Kardon set-up, no more Fender audio like I currently have...and like very much!
Article also mentioned them coming over to the U S in the fall of 2021 as a 2022 model which works out perfectly with my time frame. My current work location has cut down my commute by like 80% so by the time I'll be ready to purchase, might be closing in on 75K. The local VW store keeps trying to get me to trade now on a current 2020 SE but not ready to. Don't really want to go back down to 16" alloys and a sub par audio system so best I save my bucks and go for the new model.
But it's all contingent on my current '15 SE behaving itself going forward. As long as no other jerks hit me again, think it should hold up well until I'm ready.

DSG = Direct Shift Gearbox. Essentially, it is a dual-clutch automated manual transmission that you can shift manually with paddles, or let it act like an automatic with the computer performing the 3rd pedal duties.

Pros:

1. Better fuel efficiency and gas mileage.
   
2. Snappier faster quicker shifts for better acceleration.
   
3. Less power loss in the drive train for better performance and acceleration.
   
4. More mechanical feel like an old manual.
   
5. The latest greatest technology and engineering available.
   

Cons: Some don't like the greater mechanical feel and feedback, particularly at very low speeds or slight lurches when stopping. Some feel that sport mode "S drive" is too "mad man" racer mode, while D is too lazy. I've found DSG's are trainable and learnable to your driving style if you buy from new.

Regarding HK sound system, it should be comparable to the Fender system, but if not, it shouldn't suck either.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

One more. I always loved these. Seems like a nice one, already has crate motor, and could easily tweak the suspension and brakes a bit.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-chevrolet-camaro-2/

Always liked the style of those. On the interior shots, is that a towel on the driver’s windowsill or dies it need interior work?

That looks like red headliner material that was used as an attempt at repair, badly. Both sides suffer from the same affliction. The door panel tops should be the same red vinyl as the lower portions.

This is just me, but that seems like a lot of money for a car I would need to spend a bundle on to fix the things the previous owners did to it.

andres3

In shopping recent model Audi's, I've noticed if it's at an Audi dealership and it has low to normal miles, and isn't CPO, that's pretty much a very solid indicator the car is damaged goods.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

This is cool. But looks real tippy. I would much prefer it without the lift and with normal sized tires.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-jeep-scrambler-4/

I was looking at that one last night. The driving video scares me. Engine does not sound good at all, and the driver is wearing out the synchros. Have no idea how long he's been driving it that way.

Don’t a lot of Porsches develop engine trouble around 50k miles?

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

so looks like sis is going to pull the trigger on buying this for herself. It is quite a good price, actually.

Glad to see she got the Plus trim. More powerful engine. I like that color.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Turns out the guy with the Porsche specializes in Volvo’s. And has a rare one, that while I am not sure I’d pay this much, I would love. Favorite colors, Good options, and a stick! So what it might be a little slow. It’s cool!

http://www.europeancentralsales.com/vehicle/264633/2006-volvo-v70-for-sale-in-stanley-ny-14561

Stanley, NY is out in the boondocks. We deliver cars to a big dealer in Seneca Falls. If I ever get back to work maybe I could swing over there and look at it.

tifighter

We really need a punch story. We're due, people.