Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

Upcoming Tesla Roadster 0-60 is less than 2 seconds....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PRi4B1APj0

I’m seeing a rash of whiplash lawsuits.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Checked the garage floor this morning on my way to the supermarket, oil on the floor again but, not as dark. Still is a sticky residue of something on the floor. Called my guy and taking it in, again, tomorrow at 8 am. He's a VW man himself, and think he's getting a bit pissed off like I am with this ongoing issue. I know it's a relatively small issue but I don't want/like any kind of issues on my vehicles...period! Luckily, am still at home on furlough so have the time to go. But might mean them needing the vehicle all day which again, not an issue, just annoying.
So, we'll see what tomorrow brings...and go from there.

When I have a mystery leak I’ll put a piece of paper or cardboard underneath and measure distance from the front wheels. Then you can take it to the shop so they can identify what’s leaking and it’s exact location relative to the wheels. Knowing it’s location from two different wheels allows them to triangulate.

I share your angst about having to return repeatedly for the same problem.

qbrozen

well, my car-buying balloon has been deflated yet again. Just spent $7k on materials for upgrading the backyard.

benjaminh

This video attempts to do a 5-year cost of ownership comparison between the Telsa Model 3 and an Accord Hybrid. The numbers posted seem to show that the cost of ownership for these two vehicles is virtually identical. It says, however, that the Honda needs new spark plugs at 60k miles, but I don't think hardly any gas car car needs that these days until 100k. Also the Accord is in a different size class. A more accurate comparison would be with a Civic, which obviously costs a few thousand less.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUn8_WKqZPA&t=548s

roadburner

Spark plug replacement on newer BMWS and Minis is condition based, but the cars usually want them at 55k-60k miles.

nyccarguy

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

This video attempts to do a 5-year cost of ownership comparison between the Telsa Model 3 and an Accord Hybrid. The numbers posted seem to show that the cost of ownership for these two vehicles is virtually identical. It says, however, that the Honda needs new spark plugs at 60k miles, but I don't think hardly any gas car car needs that these days until 100k. Also the Accord is in a different size class. A more accurate comparison would be with a Civic, which obviously costs a few thousand less.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUn8_WKqZPA&t=548s

Something like that was posted before. Without watching this one, I’ll guess the same crazy depreciation comparison is used here.

nyccarguy

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-mercedes-benz-e320-38/

This is a guy’s car who I used to work with!

pensfan83

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

You'll have no problems. I've towed heavier loads a few times and all was good. On the kayaking, how cool. It's been a few years since I've been in one but they are fun.

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

You'll have no problems. I've towed heavier loads a few times and all was good. On the kayaking, how cool. It's been a few years since I've been in one but they are fun.

I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I’ve never towed anything before and am excited to do something trucky and manly. I’m sure with a proper hitch, I could tow these Kayaks with my Prelude, but where’s the fun in that.

@qbrozen - can’t wait to see what you have planned. What’s going on with the Corronet?

@roadburner - Did they find out what was causing the oil leak? Is this a common problem for 6cyl 2ers that are of age and mileage similar to yours?

corvette

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

Good luck! I can tow just fine, but can't back up a trailer worth a darn. Also, kayaks... I don't know how to swim, either, so that's a no-go!

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-mercedes-benz-e320-38/

This is a guy’s car who I used to work with!

That car looks very clean, particularly the interior. How do you get the seats to look so unused? I was tempted by the current bid of under $2k until I saw there’s 7 days left.

Wonder what it will eventually bring.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

You'll have no problems. I've towed heavier loads a few times and all was good. On the kayaking, how cool. It's been a few years since I've been in one but they are fun.

I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I’ve never towed anything before and am excited to do something trucky and manly. I’m sure with a proper hitch, I could tow these Kayaks with my Prelude, but where’s the fun in that.

@qbrozen - can’t wait to see what you have planned. What’s going on with the Corronet?

@roadburner - Did they find out what was causing the oil leak? Is this a common problem for 6cyl 2ers that are of age and mileage similar to yours?

The Coronet continues to sit. I probably won’t remember how it goes back together.

benjaminh

qbrozen said:

Something like that was posted before. Without watching this one, I’ll guess the same crazy depreciation comparison is used here.

It's not as crazy as that other one from a year ago, but yeah that's how it can equal a gas car in costs. Because Tesla has been saying that the vehicles are built to last a very long time their value does seem to hold up better than ice vehicles. An electric motor has few moving parts and can potentially last as much as a million miles. The current Tesla batteries might be toast in c. 12 years and c. 250k miles, but by then you would have probably needed an engine or transmission in an ice car. And Tesla might come out with some new batteries in the next year or so that might last significantly longer.

Michaell

Member needs feedback on car shopping strategies:

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/61632/honda/fit/help-new-car-buying-nv#latest

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner - Did they find out what was causing the oil leak? Is this a common problem for 6cyl 2ers that are of age and mileage similar to yours?

It was the oil filter housing gasket. It was just starting to seep; it probably wouldn't have started to drip for another 10K-20K miles. I've replaced that gasket on other BMW I6 motors but they all failed after 120K miles or so.
I talked with the SA at length about it. He believes that the valve cover, oil pan, and OFHG gasket issues are caused by the high engine temperatures on newer cars and/or the fact that BMW branded US oils lack some additives that their German equivalents have that keep the seals and gaskets pliable. He thinks it wouldn't hurt to add a can of Liqui Moly Motor Oil Saver at every oil change- and no, the dealer doesn't sell any Liqui Moly products.I might give it a shot on the Club Sport.

28firefighter

roadburner said:

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner - Did they find out what was causing the oil leak? Is this a common problem for 6cyl 2ers that are of age and mileage similar to yours?

It was the oil filter housing gasket. It was just starting to seep; it probably wouldn't have started to drip for another 10K-20K miles. I've replaced that gasket on other BMW I6 motors but they all failed after 120K miles or so.
I talked with the SA at length about it. He believes that the valve cover, oil pan, and OFHG gasket issues are caused by the high engine temperatures on newer cars and/or the fact that BMW branded US oils lack some additives that their German equivalents have that keep the seals and gaskets pliable. He thinks it wouldn't hurt to add a can of Liqui Moly Motor Oil Saver at every oil change- and no, the dealer doesn't sell any Liqui Moly products.I might give it a shot on the Club Sport.

I was thinking of adding some of the liqui moly oil saver next oil change. Let me know if you try it.

xwesx

corvette said:

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

Good luck! I can tow just fine, but can't back up a trailer worth a darn. Also, kayaks... I don't know how to swim, either, so that's a no-go!

Good reminder. I need to have trailer backing on my list of things to teach the kids as part of their driving lessons.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

You'll have no problems. I've towed heavier loads a few times and all was good. On the kayaking, how cool. It's been a few years since I've been in one but they are fun.

I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I’ve never towed anything before and am excited to do something trucky and manly. I’m sure with a proper hitch, I could tow these Kayaks with my Prelude, but where’s the fun in that.

@qbrozen - can’t wait to see what you have planned. What’s going on with the Corronet?

@roadburner - Did they find out what was causing the oil leak? Is this a common problem for 6cyl 2ers that are of age and mileage similar to yours?

The Coronet continues to sit. I probably won’t remember how it goes back together.

Beer will make you remember

ab348

tjc78 said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

pensfan83 said:

nyccarguy said:

The Tacoma is getting its 1st towing assignment. My In Laws have 2 (or 3) Kayaks that they can’t use plus a trailer for said Kayaks. I know it’s better than the alternative, but getting old does suck. They are generously giving us these kayaks & trailer. Hopefully I’ll get them home Saturday night after work.

You'll have no problems. I've towed heavier loads a few times and all was good. On the kayaking, how cool. It's been a few years since I've been in one but they are fun.

I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I’ve never towed anything before and am excited to do something trucky and manly. I’m sure with a proper hitch, I could tow these Kayaks with my Prelude, but where’s the fun in that.

@qbrozen - can’t wait to see what you have planned. What’s going on with the Corronet?

@roadburner - Did they find out what was causing the oil leak? Is this a common problem for 6cyl 2ers that are of age and mileage similar to yours?

The Coronet continues to sit. I probably won’t remember how it goes back together.

Beer will make you remember

Or help you forget the problems.

benjaminh

There are some videos of the quality control problems on the new c. $55k+ Tesla Model Y, including misaligned trim, misaligned rear seats, paint problems, etc. Tesla is having trouble fixing some of these. Bottom line is that Tesla seems good when it comes to electric motors and batteries, but there are problems with some other areas.

It seems like a c. 25k-30k Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, etc. is much better built than a c. 55k Tesla.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0r-vC-RHkU

Sandman6472

Definitely an oil leak, but not from the drain plug. They put some dye in the engine and am going back on Monday morning to see what's what. My guy told me VW's are known for oil leaks after a certain mileage point, he had a Passat and a CC and both developed oil leaks around the mileage I've got mine. Did say oil was all over the engine which isn't sitting well with me. But, still liking the Golf and not ready to walk away right now. Come Monday, we'll have a better picture of what's what and what options I have.
Talked it over at home just before and all she said was if I do replace the Golf, don't go any wider as she's having issues getting in and out of her A3.
Just hope this cheap 0% financing stays around through at least August as guess I'll start searching now. Just not ready mentally yet!!

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-mercedes-benz-e320-38/

This is a guy’s car who I used to work with!

No windshield wiper chattering.

pensfan83

During the timing belt service the oil leak I knew of (oil cooler seal) was confirmed and fixed but there was also seepage around the cam and balance shaft seals and VTEC solenoid. The former were part of the timing belt service but the latter was an additional fix.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Definitely an oil leak, but not from the drain plug. They put some dye in the engine and am going back on Monday morning to see what's what. My guy told me VW's are known for oil leaks after a certain mileage point, he had a Passat and a CC and both developed oil leaks around the mileage I've got mine. Did say oil was all over the engine which isn't sitting well with me. But, still liking the Golf and not ready to walk away right now. Come Monday, we'll have a better picture of what's what and what options I have.
Talked it over at home just before and all she said was if I do replace the Golf, don't go any wider as she's having issues getting in and out of her A3.
Just hope this cheap 0% financing stays around through at least August as guess I'll start searching now. Just not ready mentally yet!!

Seems odd that this nebulous oil leak started right after you had your car serviced. Do you trust this place?

I also don’t like that “all over the engine” stuff. Can’t they spray some engine degreaser in there and isolate the leak? There can only be so many potential leakage points.

nyccarguy

What was your total damage? I'm sure mine will have the same issues when i finally bring it in. I need to start preparing myself financially.

oldfarmer50

pensfan83 said:

During the timing belt service the oil leak I knew of (oil cooler seal) was confirmed and fixed but there was also seepage around the cam and balance shaft seals and VTEC solenoid. The former were part of the timing belt service but the latter was an additional fix.

When I bought my old hooptie cargo van I knew it leaked. Fortunately I gave it to a bus mechanic friend who did work just for fun. He had to replace both main seals, oil pan gasket, transmission pan gasket and some other seal I can’t remember. Cost me $750 including fluids. If I had all that done at a dealer I would have been into the thousands.

Sandman6472

OF, waiting to hear when orientation will be, as they were holding one today at 11 but couldn't make it. Hoping there's one tomorrow as it would help so we could start back on Tuesday. But according to the text I just got, nothing set up for tomorrow as of yet.
Time will tell but am ready to return and think they need to get this orientation set up so we can get back to work.

pensfan83

nyccarguy said:

What was your total damage? I'm sure mine will have the same issues when i finally bring it in. I need to start preparing myself financially.

Total OTD w/tax was $1,087. The base timing belt service was ~$725 and I added new plugs, oil cooler seal, and the shop added the VTEC solenoid gasket. Everything else you see was included as part of the timing belt service. I honestly thought it was a very fair price given all they did.

-Valve cover gasket
-Balance shaft belt
-Balance shaft seals/cam shaft seals/cam cap seal
-Drive belts
-Timing belt
-Water pump
-Coolant change
-Spark plug well seals
-Tensioner
-Synthetic oil change
-NGK spark plugs
-Oil cooler seal
-VTEC solenoid gasket

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

OF, waiting to hear when orientation will be, as they were holding one today at 11 but couldn't make it. Hoping there's one tomorrow as it would help so we could start back on Tuesday. But according to the text I just got, nothing set up for tomorrow as of yet.
Time will tell but am ready to return and think they need to get this orientation set up so we can get back to work.

That’s great news. I haven’t got anything yet but NY is behind FL so maybe in a few weeks. When did you get the text? Did they communicate any other way?

andres3

Sandman6472 said:

Definitely an oil leak, but not from the drain plug. They put some dye in the engine and am going back on Monday morning to see what's what. My guy told me VW's are known for oil leaks after a certain mileage point, he had a Passat and a CC and both developed oil leaks around the mileage I've got mine. Did say oil was all over the engine which isn't sitting well with me. But, still liking the Golf and not ready to walk away right now. Come Monday, we'll have a better picture of what's what and what options I have.
Talked it over at home just before and all she said was if I do replace the Golf, don't go any wider as she's having issues getting in and out of her A3.
Just hope this cheap 0% financing stays around through at least August as guess I'll start searching now. Just not ready mentally yet!!

I've heard of the cars burning some oil, but not oil leaks.

breld

benjaminh said:

There are some videos of the quality control problems on the new c. $55k+ Tesla Model Y, including misaligned trim, misaligned rear seats, paint problems, etc. Tesla is having trouble fixing some of these. Bottom line is that Tesla seems good when it comes to electric motors and batteries, but there are problems with some other areas.

It seems like a c. 25k-30k Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, etc. is much better built than a c. 55k Tesla.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0r-vC-RHkU

These sort of build quality issues seem to be fairly prevalent in the early deliveries of the Model Y and the Model 3 before it. So perhaps it's wise to give them 6-12 months to iron them out.

But my observation is Tesla owners absolutely love them, in spite of any glitches or issues otherwise. Sort of speaks well for the overall experience if owners look past those and love the vehicle.

fintail

Nice, another derpy fastback CUV.

I think the Teslarati would accept Yugo quality, just to have the brand and to be part of the club.

pensfan83

By way of scheduling the Acura's state inspection I'm now also scheduled for a test drive of an RDX. I guess my outreach triggered an expiring lease alert because no more than an hour after scheduling the appointment I received a call from my new sales rep (the last one retired) to discuss lease end options. I was clear I wasn't in a hurry and that we were considering a few different cars, including one from their Honda store, and wanted to look at all of them before deciding. He understood but said since I am coming all the way to the dealer I may as well use the opportunity to take a test drive. In true CCBA fashion, I couldn't say no to that.

benjaminh

I think the new 2021 TLX looks good and is going to perform well. I wonder how much it cost for Acura to develop the all-new (not shared with Honda) platform for it, plus everything else?

When I was reading car magazines back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, car companies freely shared these kinds of costs, which were often staggering, but you don't see that anymore. For instance in the mid-90s Ford introduced its new world car the Contour, and my memory of those stories was that they spent back then something like $3 billion developing it. But my memory was faulty, because I just looked up an old Motor Trend article and found out that the worldwide costs were actually $6 billion:

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/contour/1995/1995-ford-contour-se/

"Despite their commonality, each model is tailored to the tastes of its respective market, and the majority of the components are sourced locally. While this innovative approach theoretically limited the overall expenditure, bringing these cars to market reportedly topped $6 billion, which included the development of numerous technologies and procedures that also will be used for a variety of future FoMoCo models. We secured a Contour SE for long-term evaluation as soon as one was available. With a base price of $15,695, our Contour SE had a long list of standards including a 2.5-liter V-6 engine...."

I considered buying a Contour back in the day, but ended up buying a Focus instead. I heard mixed reviews of the car later, and heard on Car Talk that the Mercury Mystique even got the nick-name Mercury Mistake.

Anyway, the 2.0 turbo for the new TLX was already around and being used for other vehicles, and ditto with the 10-speed transmission, but the rest of the new TLX no doubt cost a pretty penny.

andres3

fintail said:

Nice, another derpy fastback CUV.

I think the Teslarati would accept Yugo quality, just to have the brand and to be part of the club.

Also, you avoid getting shunned out of the Telsarati if you don't complain about problems. I think I remember some MUSK outbursts on social media similar to Trump Tweets for customers that dare raise their voice.

benjaminh

fintail said:

Nice, another derpy fastback CUV.

I think the Teslarati would accept Yugo quality, just to have the brand and to be part of the club.

Yeah, looking at that video and others like it the quality control seems worse on some Teslas than any car I've ever owned or driven. Even the low cost Datsun 210 that my parents bought new in 1979 for $3700 had a beautiful "Emerald Mist" green paint job that seemed flawless, and all the parts on that car lined up properly. I feel like you have to be part of the Tesla "club" to accept quality issues like that on such an expensive car. But with Tesla you almost never get to look at the car in person before you buy, which is another flaw with the Tesla system imho.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

By way of scheduling the Acura's state inspection I'm now also scheduled for a test drive of an RDX. I guess my outreach triggered an expiring lease alert because no more than an hour after scheduling the appointment I received a call from my new sales rep (the last one retired) to discuss lease end options. I was clear I wasn't in a hurry and that we were considering a few different cars, including one from their Honda store, and wanted to look at all of them before deciding. He understood but said since I am coming all the way to the dealer I may as well use the opportunity to take a test drive. In true CCBA fashion, I couldn't say no to that.

"I didn't want to be rude and say no..."

28firefighter

Doug DeMuro has started his own car auction website like BaT - Cars and Bids. Found this one for Q: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/30pZYNY2/2009-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg

xwesx

fintail said:

Nice, another derpy fastback CUV.

I think the Teslarati would accept Yugo quality, just to have the brand and to be part of the club.

I think that Model Y would be a great candidate for a "Truckla" conversion.... most of the problem areas would be cut off the vehicle entirely! Silver linings....

Michaell

Anyone want to take over a lease of an M340?

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/61642/general/x/anyone-found-a-good-resource-to-post-lease-takeover-deals#latest

benjaminh

pensfan83 said:

By way of scheduling the Acura's state inspection I'm now also scheduled for a test drive of an RDX....

The lease incentive on the RDX for current Acura owners is compelling. Posted today in the RDX lease thread....

"Signed, wanted to share the deal to help others:

New 2020 Acura RDX SH-AWD with Tech Package
MSRP $44,720
Sales Price: $33,100
Term: 36 months
Mileage: 10k
Monthly Payment with Taxes: $353
Total at Signing: $1500 + first month
Incentives: Acura Loyalty"

andres3

benjaminh said:

pensfan83 said:

By way of scheduling the Acura's state inspection I'm now also scheduled for a test drive of an RDX....

The lease incentive on the RDX for current Acura owners is compelling. Posted today in the RDX lease thread....

"Signed, wanted to share the deal to help others:

New 2020 Acura RDX SH-AWD with Tech Package
MSRP $44,720
Sales Price: $33,100
Term: 36 months
Mileage: 10k
Monthly Payment with Taxes: $353
Total at Signing: $1500 + first month
Incentives: Acura Loyalty"

Not bad, but low mileage.

28firefighter

That’s a strong deal on that RDX

tjc78

$395 effective on 44K. Not bad at all.

pensfan83

Agreed. Adding $16 for 12K still makes it a strong deal. And I can do 7500 miles because I anticipate carrying over between 12K and 13K.

The $3K loyalty really helps.

benjaminh

This RDX that's at my local dealer looks good in red....Still, it'd be a little bit of a bummer seeing yet another person abandon a sedan for an SUV.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

Doug DeMuro has started his own car auction website like BaT - Cars and Bids. Found this one for Q: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/30pZYNY2/2009-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg

Interesting. Thanks, I’ll keep an eye on it.

I reached out yesterday regarding a 2012 ML550 I posted a little while ago. I don’t have high hopes because they have it listed for $2500 less than they paid for it 3 mos ago. And I already got a carvana bid for $3k more than their asking price. Very strange.

corvette

This is arbitrage on the level of the Great 2016 VW TDI Caper! Buy it and flip it to Carvana!

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

This RDX that's at my local dealer looks good in red....Still, it'd be a little bit of a bummer seeing yet another person abandon a sedan for an SUV.

That’s an unusual color among SUVs but I like it. Nice interior too.