Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

I can believe it. I watch some auction flipper channels on Youtube, and they have bemoaned the market since the spring, as the flippers are now competing with either private customers, or more monied dealers who are paying more,

oldfarmer50 said:

Do you like this chart better?

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Nope, that's just a motorized bicycle as far as I'm concerned, unless you are planning to modify it with a couple of more wheels.

He could put a sidecar on it.

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

I can believe it. I watch some auction flipper channels on Youtube, and they have bemoaned the market since the spring, as the flippers are now competing with either private customers, or more monied dealers who are paying more,

oldfarmer50 said:

Do you like this chart better?

Might be a good time to shop for a van.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

Got tired of dealing with people and just ordered one of these brand new. https://www.americanlifan.com/208.html

Wow! 286#; that's pretty light. What does one of those run, price-wise? I didn't see pricing on their site.

qbrozen

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

Got tired of dealing with people and just ordered one of these brand new. https://www.americanlifan.com/208.html

Wow! 286#; that's pretty light. What does one of those run, price-wise? I didn't see pricing on their site.

Cost me $2149, including shipping from Texas and paperwork/title. I had a $25 coupon. LOL.

OH, I requested orange. So maybe it can get photo'd together with my Charger.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

Got tired of dealing with people and just ordered one of these brand new. https://www.americanlifan.com/208.html

Wow! 286#; that's pretty light. What does one of those run, price-wise? I didn't see pricing on their site.

Cost me $2149, including shipping from Texas and paperwork/title. I had a $25 coupon. LOL.

OH, I requested orange. So maybe it can get photo'd together with my Charger.

You just picked up one, or is this one for the boy(s) too?

xwesx

explorerx4 said:

Here is another information screen my truck(might be sold soon) has.

Interesting! I like that it has engine hours and idle hours on it. That's really good information (particularly for future buyers). Oil field trucks have mechanical meters installed that track engine hours, as they tend to have far more hours than miles. In a recent auction, I calculated the average speed of most of the oil field trucks at around 3-4 mph in terms of their odometers versus hour meters.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

Might be a good time to shop for a van.

My thoughts, exactly!

suydam

akangl said:

Here she is.....



(CEL is a bad o2 sensor, new one will be here in a week or so, no biggie)

Really like. I’m not usually a fan of black wheels but they look good with this vehicle and color.

28firefighter

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

Oh, you'll outgrow it, I hear.

Still waiting... (just 62)

greg128

xwesx said:

explorerx4 said:

Here is another information screen my truck(might be sold soon) has.

Interesting! I like that it has engine hours and idle hours on it. That's really good information (particularly for future buyers). Oil field trucks have mechanical meters installed that track engine hours, as they tend to have far more hours than miles. In a recent auction, I calculated the average speed of most of the oil field trucks at around 3-4 mph in terms of their odometers versus hour meters.

Our 2006 Chevy Silverado company work truck has engine hours and average speed that can be brought up on the display so pretty sure that has been available for a while

breld

Congrats @qbrozen! I know virtually nothing about bikes, but that looks pretty awesome.

FWIW, I think it should be a punch.

stickguy

Made it to Vermont. Pretty area. RDX did good. Mileage improved. First leg hammering up to NY ended up at 25. Albany to VT, 125 miles in hit 30, and total with some local traffic at the ends sat at 29. Must have liked the back country highway running!

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

After 4 vehicles of my own I started buying for relatives. One month I justified 3 punches that way. Consider it charity work for those less knowledgeable.

breld

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

Simple - you add to the fleet.

28firefighter

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

After 4 vehicles of my own I started buying for relatives. One month I justified 3 punches that way. Consider it charity work for those less knowledgeable.

I definitely do that. I’ve done 4 this month.

breld said:

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

Simple - you add to the fleet.

Not an option unfortunately. Parking is a problem. And that my wife would suggest shopping for a new spouse.

tifighter

I have a friend who probably rotates cars faster than I do. But he hasn't figured out the extra car slot yet, and he has plenty of garage space for it too...

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Here is another information screen my truck(might be sold soon) has.

That’s a lot of idling. On the Expedition I drove yesterday it had a turbo gauge where your temp. gauge sits. 20 pounds of boost at full throttle.

sda

28firefighter said:

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

After 4 vehicles of my own I started buying for relatives. One month I justified 3 punches that way. Consider it charity work for those less knowledgeable.

I definitely do that. I’ve done 4 this month.

breld said:

28firefighter said:

Hypothetically, how does one reconcile the itch to go car shopping (and score a deal) with no actual need for a new car? I'm perfectly happy with the i3, Outback, and ZHP, and yet...the itch persists.

Simple - you add to the fleet.

Not an option unfortunately. Parking is a problem. And that my wife would suggest shopping for a new spouse.

At this point I think I’d get kicked with the pointed tip of a boot.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
You can swap out the trans temp gauge for a turbo boost gauge.
Did you put the Expi in sport mode?

corvette

I was trying to see whether the oil filter on the G37 is accessible without lifting the car (it's not; I think it was on both Altimas I owned). Unfortunately, it looks like it needs valve cover gaskets. Looks like a fairly involved project and things are pretty tight under the hood thanks to the dual intakes, etc.

I've replaced the entire cooling system on the 540i I had, but I've never been inside the top end of an engine. Is this a feasible DIY project?

xwesx

corvette said:

I was trying to see whether the oil filter on the G37 is accessible without lifting the car (it's not; I think it was on both Altimas I owned). Unfortunately, it looks like it needs valve cover gaskets. Looks like a fairly involved project and things are pretty tight under the hood thanks to the dual intakes, etc.

I've replaced the entire cooling system on the 540i I had, but I've never been inside the top end of an engine. Is this a feasible DIY project?

Yes, if you're committed to it. Label all the wiring that you must remove, dig down a bit after removing accessories, and the rest is straight forward. It always looks daunting at first, though, simply due to all the piping and wires...

xwesx

Also, I use ramps for my vehicles when I need to gain access under the engine. While I *can* do oil changes on some of them now without a ramp since I have the Fumoto valves on them, I still generally use the ramps since it is so much easier.

Those things are probably one of my longest-lived tools. I bought them in Oregon in 1995...

qbrozen

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

Got tired of dealing with people and just ordered one of these brand new. https://www.americanlifan.com/208.html

Wow! 286#; that's pretty light. What does one of those run, price-wise? I didn't see pricing on their site.

Cost me $2149, including shipping from Texas and paperwork/title. I had a $25 coupon. LOL.

OH, I requested orange. So maybe it can get photo'd together with my Charger.

You just picked up one, or is this one for the boy(s) too?

That one is for me. The boys’ TaoTao 125cc should be here early next week. We’ll see what happens. If the older one actually enjoys it, then maybe we’ll add a 3rd bike.

corvette

xwesx said:

Also, I use ramps for my vehicles when I need to gain access under the engine. While I *can* do oil changes on some of them now without a ramp since I have the Fumoto valves on them, I still generally use the ramps since it is so much easier.

Those things are probably one of my longest-lived tools. I bought them in Oregon in 1995...

Thanks for the encouragement on the valve cover seals, I'm going to take a look at the service manual and start making a shopping list.

On the oil change, I'd have no issues getting the oil out, as I have a vacuum extractor, it's the filter change that always gets me. The Tahoe's filter was dead in the center of the truck. I probably could've gotten to it if I had longer arms, but there wasn't enough ground clearance for me to crawl under it without lifting it. Since maintenance is included on the Tundra, I haven't even looked at its filter location. It's burned about 2/3 quart in the first 7,500 miles, so I suspect it will make it to the 10k first oil change without needing a top off.

corvette

JR's last two videos on the C30 seem like he's got his mojo back, even though the cruise control one was basically a video of him taking it to the dealer.

The Car Wizard has some neat stuff, as well. Lots of practical advice for people who want a car that's cheap to run. He's extremely methodical and deliberate, which is an excellent quality for a mechanic, but not always so great for television.

Apparently Hoovie admitted he staged the wreck--haven't watched the full video yet.

stickguy

I love the Weezard

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@oldfarmer50,
You can swap out the trans temp gauge for a turbo boost gauge.
Did you put the Expi in sport mode?

Didn’t have to, it moved really fast for such a big vehicle. It must have had the 3.5L turbo. Google says 365hp but it felt faster.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

I was trying to see whether the oil filter on the G37 is accessible without lifting the car (it's not; I think it was on both Altimas I owned). Unfortunately, it looks like it needs valve cover gaskets. Looks like a fairly involved project and things are pretty tight under the hood thanks to the dual intakes, etc.

I've replaced the entire cooling system on the 540i I had, but I've never been inside the top end of an engine. Is this a feasible DIY project?

If you can reach it, it should be but these days they build cars to guarantee the dealer a big profit by making it impossible to reach that last screw without an exotic tool. The last valve cover I did was my 69’ Plymouth that had nothing in the way except the PVC hose.

Have valve cover gaskets themselves changed that much since then? It’s still screws off screws on isn’t it?

Sandman6472

I was originally hired to work in the re-marketing division of Enterprise. We still are doing some of that but also bringing vehicles to different offices.

corvette

Gorgeous color combo on this one.

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

Have valve cover gaskets themselves changed that much since then? It’s still screws off screws on isn’t it?

I guess? Pic from another forum. Someone said it took them about eight hours to do both sides. IDK why they globbed all that red RTV on there, everyone else said it was unnecessary.

I'm a little disappointed these things have gone bad after less than a decade. The driver's one is seeping pretty badly, passenger one seems to be only seeping a little. That said, even with this, it's had far fewer leak issues than my 540i.

stickguy

corvette said:

Gorgeous color combo on this one.

Stunning colors but steep miles.

benjaminh

Here's a used 2015 TLX that's already gone 184,000 miles that the Carfax reveals has made it that far with just regular maintenance. This makes me think I'll keep my 2018 TLX.

https://www.acuraatoxmoor.com/used-Louisville-2015-Acura-TLX-24L+wTechnology+Package-19UUB1F56FA018334

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Have valve cover gaskets themselves changed that much since then? It’s still screws off screws on isn’t it?

I guess? Pic from another forum. Someone said it took them about eight hours to do both sides. IDK why they globbed all that red RTV on there, everyone else said it was unnecessary.

I'm a little disappointed these things have gone bad after less than a decade. The driver's one is seeping pretty badly, passenger one seems to be only seeping a little. That said, even with this, it's had far fewer leak issues than my 540i.

There’s a lot more stuff on top of the head for sure with all the VVT hardware. Seem that placement of the gasket is the same if you can get it through all the spaghetti.

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

Here's a used 2015 TLX that's already gone 184,000 miles with just regular maintenance. This makes me think I'll keep my 2018 TLX.

https://www.acuraatoxmoor.com/used-Louisville-2015-Acura-TLX-24L+wTechnology+Package-19UUB1F56FA018334

Wow, they have some nerve asking almost $12k for a 6yo car with those miles. It might be running fine now but it could blow up tomorrow.

kyfdx

corvette said:

Gorgeous color combo on this one.

My wife would swap her X3 for a Macan. I think that is about the only other car she would take, though.

corvette

Started what I thought would be a simple repair on the G37. The front wheel well liners are missing a bunch of the push pins that hold them into place, as well as a few screws. Went to Autozone, found screws that would fit, but no captive washers like the OEM ones have, and they only had a single two pack of the push pins. I need at least ten! I'm going to try Amazon.

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

Started what I thought would be a simple repair on the G37. The front wheel well liners are missing a bunch of the push pins that hold them into place, as well as a few screws. Went to Autozone, found screws that would fit, but no captive washers like the OEM ones have, and they only had a single two pack of the push pins. I need at least ten! I'm going to try Amazon.

I apologize for encouraging you to DIY.

benjaminh

The price on that 2015 TLX with 184k miles does seem too high to me as well. On the other hand there are Acuras and Hondas with similar engines that have gone 500k without a rebuild....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udlVnlwz3cM

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

The price on that 2015 TLX with 184k miles does seem too high to me as well. On the other hand there are Acuras and Hondas with similar engines that have gone 500k without a rebuild....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udlVnlwz3cM

There are some Ford Crown Vics that have done it too but I wouldn’t pay $12k for one. I think some wise man (Roadburner?) once said: “you can make any car go a million miles if you throw enough money at it”.

benjaminh

The challenge for Acura with their new $37,500 starting msrp for the 2021 TLX is that you can get a Tesla Model 3 for almost the same msrp, or for a thousand less you can get a fully loaded Accord Touring that has the same engine and transmission—but is loaded with extras like head up display, adaptive suspension, heated rear seats, etc. The new TLX will need to have great driving dynamics to make up for the cold reality that it's as big as a BMW 5-series but has less interior room than a BMW 3-series, or Honda Civic, or Tesla Model 3. The styling of the 2021 TLX with that big hood will appeal to some, but for others with a more practical pov it might not be a plus factor.

Anyway, I think Acura should bring the Honda E to America as the Acura ELX, and I think they should do it asap. I'd be more interested in this car than the new TLX. But currently the Honda E has less range than a base Model 3. Sigh. Tesla may well be a larger and larger part of the future, since so far no one seems to be able to make an electric car as well as they do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCrOp0zFWaE

tjc78

These click bait ads crack me up. This one from a local news station.

What’s wrong with this picture?

coldinohio

a new model? the Chord

graphicguy

benjaminh said:

The challenge for Acura with their new $37,500 starting msrp for the 2021 TLX is that you can get a Tesla Model 3 for almost the same msrp, or for a thousand less you can get a fully loaded Accord Touring that has the same engine and transmission—but is loaded with extras like head up display, adaptive suspension, heated rear seats, etc. The new TLX will need to have great driving dynamics to make up for the cold reality that it's as big as a BMW 5-series but has less interior room than a BMW 3-series, or Honda Civic, or Tesla Model 3. The styling of the 2021 TLX with that big hood will appeal to some, but for others with a more practical pov it might not be a plus factor.

Anyway, I think Acura should bring the Honda E to America as the Acura ELX, and I think they should do it asap. I'd be more interested in this car than the new TLX. But currently the Honda E has less range than a base Model 3. Sigh. Tesla may well be a larger and larger part of the future, since so far no one seems to be able to make an electric car as well as they do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCrOp0zFWaE

I was thinking the same. Those who know Acura and Honda, know that on the low end of Acura TLX, they are very similar cars To the Accord 2.0T. Only the Accord is thousands of $ less expensive. Probably not the right timing for such a sizable price hike given the economy being in shambles.

ab348

tjc78 said:

These click bait ads crack me up. This one from a local news station.

What’s wrong with this picture?

I didn't know Ford pickups came in a LTZ model with bowtie emblems.

Speaking of which, the current-gen Chevy pickups were rightly criticized for not looking all that new inside and out after their refresh a year or so ago and I would agree with that. Except that a friend of a neighbor bought one similar to the one pictured, a black LTZ Silverado with polished wheels and damn, does that thing look good sitting there when he visits. It is a combination of the paint choice and the wheels that really make it work, I think.

roadburner

All of the new pickups look like they were styled by Lego; even the once distinctive Ram trucks blend in.

tjc78

roadburner said:

All of the new pickups look like they were styled by Lego; even the once distinctive Ram trucks blend in.

I like that better than the rounded design of the late 90s/early 2000s.

omarman

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

The price on that 2015 TLX with 184k miles does seem too high to me as well. On the other hand there are Acuras and Hondas with similar engines that have gone 500k without a rebuild....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udlVnlwz3cM

There are some Ford Crown Vics that have done it too but I wouldn’t pay $12k for one. I think some wise man (Roadburner?) once said: “you can make any car go a million miles if you throw enough money at it”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFzp1pVPDPg&feature=youtu.be