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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
So we will see.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Some lazy office staff send out cars with expired registrations, bad transmissions, filthy interiors etc. Not company policy and if caught the employees can lose bonuses.
You should refuse to accept a car like that and call corporate.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Luckily, I just happened to notice it before we went very far.
It got swapped for a brand new car.
I agree with stick... if you don't *need* to lift the vehicle to access the rear differential, then don't. However, if you do need to lift it, then I recommend four stands so that you can keep the vehicle level (or nearly so). If you just put stands on the back end, the differential, which is mounted to the frame/body, will not drain as fully as it would level or even with the front of the vehicle lifted.
Brakes do have a few steps that you must run through with precision, but they are not a hard job to tackle. If you decide that you want to replace rotors all around, that is definitely a more time-consuming job than it would be if you just did pads all around and front rotors, since the rear rotors likely also have the emergency brake drum system integrated into their hubs. Unless there is significant wear on the discs, I wouldn't do anything to those other than new pads, if the old ones are substantially used. However, if this is the first time you have needed new front pads on the car, I would be surprised if the rears are at any less than 50-60%.
Front discs are really quick - the hardest part is removing the calipers. You must be careful with those to ensure that you do not damage the brake line when you separate it from the mount. Also, it is good to have a C-clamp on hand so that you can compress the pistons into the caliper in order to allow the new pads enough room for install both into the caliper and onto the disc (just set the clamp between the outside of the caliper and the rim of the piston, and slowly compress it until it is flush with the housing - do this at least once for each piston on the caliper. You may need to repeat as fluid exiting each piston will sometimes cause the others to move slightly). Sometimes, the discs will rust onto the wheel hub, so, in the hub area of most discs I have seen, there is a screw port with a plug that will allow you to drive the disc loose from the wheel hub. Use it if it is there! Otherwise, a deadhead hammer / rubber mallet whacked with authority against the outer reaches of the disc will usually get the job done.
There aren't that may parts involved: Disc, pads (one each for inside and outside), a couple of clips to retain the pads, and some anti-squeal lubricant for the backs of the pads.
A friend of my dad's showed me a trick he used: A small length of 3/8" tubing and a ziploc bag: Just take the bag, cut a tiny opening in the lower corner, force the tubing through it, but still inside the bag a little, duct tape the two together from the outside, then plug the end, fill up the bag, and do the same as above. Most diffs only take about a quart or less of fluid, so it's not terribly messy.
That said, I typically used a fluid transfer pump before I switched to the Amsoil bags.
Any way you go, it is a bit messy, so make sure you put down some cardboard or a rag under the differential during the refill if you don't want any ground spillage.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Oddly, the one time I had a really miled up rental (a Galant with 50K on it), it was very clean with only the most minor signs of wear. It even smelled fine. I suspect it had been a long term corporate rental of some kind. I also remember having a rental (Kia Spectra or something) that had only maybe 20K on it, but the interior was really abused.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
“ Great project car and great project for father and son. I hope my daughters will have some interest in this when they are old enough. On the other hand, my nephew's dad gets 3 quotes for replacement when a light bulb burns out in his kitchen. Maybe I'll build a car with/for my nephew when he's old enough!”
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
But, liking these Eagle's I got last September. Car drives much better to but maybe it's just my perception.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
However I think Virginia dealers back out the destination charge to make the dealer discount look better than it is. Anyone know if that's limited to specific brands? I know there used to be a VA based Jeep dealer on LH whose store did that and I think someone else here encountered that too. @qbrozen maybe when he bought the Stelvio?
The gap between my targeted price and what this person received is ~$1,495, which would be narrowed by $1,025 if the destination was added back in on the back end and further narrowed by another $300 due to Virginia's doc fee that average close to $700 or so. So now that $1,495 advantage becomes $170, which isn't worth the 4 hour drive. All this is assuming they structure the deal that way however.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I’m watching that Eclipse turbo on the same site and I predicted $15k. It’s up to about $10k with a day to go.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
EDIT: Yeah, confirmed a couple of things. Shipping would be about $1500, and there is a $225 minimum buyer's fee. So $4275 would put me at $6k total, then I have taxes, reg, and titling for about $550 or so. Pretty sure I have no shot at this.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Get the Mazda, and drop it off at my house. I’m happy to keep it for you. Wife (yours) will never have to know.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Model X is at 11,500 miles - I drive this one. We got it something like 8 months after the 3 and mostly use it for hiking, biking and ski trips. It has been sitting a lot during all of the covid shutdowns since my office has gone to WFH.
I did look at a Model Y the other day for a side project I'm doing and really believe they are going to sell a ton of these. The showroom was busy and they were all there to see the Y. Families with car seats, older couples and everything in between. Clearly that's where the market is these days.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OlgJGky/1996-mercedes-benz-s500-coupe
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yeah, but for about the same price you can get a Leaf Plus with 100 more miles of range.
Don't get me wrong - I like the concept of the e-MINI; I just don't like the execution.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/62397/mercedes-benz/x/amg-cls-53-coupe-residual-mf-incentives-for-miami-fl#latest
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Duluth, GA to Wells, ME
overall trip miles: 1,198 miles
I do not know if I can actually catch up - [ 300+ posts ]
but wanted to check in!
Cheers, all.
- Ray
M340i proven to be an excellent road trip car !
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S