Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

mjfloyd1

roadburner said:

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

Wasn’t there a regulation that required all vehicles to have a more upright front end so that if a pedestrian was hit they would “bounce off” and not go up into the windshield? I’m not sure that one is particularly better than the other as far as injuries go...

benjaminh

graphicguy said:

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.

Yeah, and to get the new TLX the way I might like it—with the Tech pkg, SH-AWD, and an optional color ($500)—suddenly you are looking at a car with an msrp of $44k. I mean yes, that's still a good value compared to a base BMW 3-series, but compared to a KIA Stinger (with that practical hatchback), a Tesla Model 3, or an Accord EXL 2.0 with an msrp of $32.5k it might be a tough sell.

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

roadburner said:

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

Wasn’t there a regulation that required all vehicles to have a more upright front end so that if a pedestrian was hit they would “bounce off” and not go up into the windshield? I’m not sure that one is particularly better than the other as far as injuries go...

I think pedestrian impact standards apply in Europe and not the US. Regardless, I believe it’s an unwarranted interference with the law of natural selection.

oldfarmer50

omarman said:

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

So by changing the odometer they made the car a TMU on the title?

oldfarmer50

omarman said:

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

I’ll see your Elantra and raise you a Town Car.

https://youtu.be/czYUZOlclSo

corvette

benjaminh said:

...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.

That's been an issue since the TSX came out. At least with the TSX, the four banger was "tuned" with higher shift points, better throttle response, etc., which resulted in the Accord having higher EPA ratings.

corvette

ab348 said:

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.

GM really messed up the current gen by introducing a turbo four which isn't in any way competitive with Ford's base Ecoboost engine, which has the same displacement.

oldfarmer50 said:

So by changing the odometer they made the car a TMU on the title?

"Exceeds mechanical limits" is also a reason for a TMU brand.

fintail

Venture into green signaled crosswalks in my area - the pedestrian seldom seems to be the problem in that realm anyway,

Virtually zero enforcement, because discretion or similar cop out.

Current Chevy truck is OK from sides and back, but that front end, woof.n

Pennies on the dollar = 98 pennies on the dollar?

roadburner said:

I think pedestrian impact standards apply in Europe and not the US. Regardless, I believe it’s an unwarranted interference with the law of natural selection.

explorerx4

In anticipation of selling my truck I did some lot wandering today.
First place had a truck I thought I was interested in until I saw it.
Black loaded XLT, but it was Meh in person.
Next place had two King Ranch models that caught my eye.
Will have to wait until they are leftovers, if still around, before consider buying.
Also looking at 2018 CPO Explorers(will get the job done) and found a 2019 GT350 just over the border in NY.
That one's a stretch.

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

In anticipation of selling my truck I did some lot wandering today.
First place had a truck I thought I was interested in until I saw it.
Black loaded XLT, but it was Meh in person.
Next place had two King Ranch models that caught my eye.
Will have to wait until they are leftovers, if still around, before consider buying.
Also looking at 2018 CPO Explorers(will get the job done) and found a 2019 GT350 just over the border in NY.
That one's a stretch.

Remind me why the change?

Not that we ever need a reason. But do you have one?

Michaell

qbrozen said:

explorerx4 said:

In anticipation of selling my truck I did some lot wandering today.
First place had a truck I thought I was interested in until I saw it.
Black loaded XLT, but it was Meh in person.
Next place had two King Ranch models that caught my eye.
Will have to wait until they are leftovers, if still around, before consider buying.
Also looking at 2018 CPO Explorers(will get the job done) and found a 2019 GT350 just over the border in NY.
That one's a stretch.

Remind me why the change?

Not that we ever need a reason. But do you have one?

YOLO.

explorerx4

If my truck sells for the number I was offered, it's totally insane(IMO).
Sent my key and POA in, so next step should be when it will be picked up.
Get my check after that.

xwesx

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.

When I replaced the seals on the washer bottle for the Q7 earlier this year, I noticed that one of the screws had pulled out of the liner (that felt-like stuff that is supposed to help with sound dampening). The screw was still there, thankfully, but the material around it was all separated. I ended up adding a large fender washer to the screw, and it holds like a champ (so far!).

I have a small pile of those plastic connectors on hand for my Subarus; same deal - I had to get them online (I think I bought mine from RockAuto), as nothing local was reliable about having any.

stickguy

This is something I have never heard of. Seems, weird at first but kinda makes sense. And I guess it’s basically just a Ford V6.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/K1y6XBmn/2002-mazda-mx-5-miata

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

In anticipation of selling my truck I did some lot wandering today.
First place had a truck I thought I was interested in until I saw it.
Black loaded XLT, but it was Meh in person.
Next place had two King Ranch models that caught my eye.
Will have to wait until they are leftovers, if still around, before consider buying.
Also looking at 2018 CPO Explorers(will get the job done) and found a 2019 GT350 just over the border in NY.
That one's a stretch.

I guess it depends on what you want to haul....mulch or a**.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

This is something I have never heard of. Seems, weird at first but kinda makes sense. And I guess it’s basically just a Ford V6.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/K1y6XBmn/2002-mazda-mx-5-miata

That’s the Ford Duratec. Pretty reliable. I wonder about the weight difference between engines affecting weight distribution and thus handling.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
You should know that with an F-150 you an do both.

Sandman6472

At work, prefer the Ford F-150's to the Silverado any day of the week. They just drive better. Even in the 13 pack's we use now, everyone wants the Transit 250 over the Chevy model. Unfortunately, my lead doesn't get there early to claim on of the Ford vans. Some of the other leads get there super early to get the Ford van in their minds, "is theirs"! A bit unfair as management should decide who drives what but they stay out of it. Had this same mentality when I worked with the drivers at that West Palm Beach company back many years ago. Drivers would see our vehicles lined up and actually run to the particular one they wanted! I just had to laugh because after awhile, a vehicle is just a vehicle but these guys had to run to get what they wanted anyways.
Work is really slow right now as not that many are flying again. Those folks who stayed out too long to get as much unemployment as they could screwed themselves because they haven't been asked back yet as right now, we have more than enough drivers. Very glad I texted my boss once I heard we were up & running to find out when I could return. Sure, the unemployment was so nice to get but, I wanted my job back. I like it & it's fun. A bit different due to the Covid-19 protocols, but we're making lemonade out of lemons here.
One last note, we dodged another bullet with Laura and I hope wherever it lands, those folks are safe and have minimal damage. We lost power Friday night for a good hour and it brought back bad memories of 2005 and losing it for days after a hurricane. It ain't no fun to be in a hot house with no power, no a/c and all the food in the fridge/freezer ruined! Good luck to our friends in the Gulf Coast states!

Sandman6472

Still haven't committed to anything right now. My first choice, the Encore GX, was just a bit too big for my needs. The regular Encore drove nicely but the model I would've gotten didn't have the sun/moon roof or the Bose audio system, my #1 requirement. It did have the safety nannies option on it and I do want that also. Had the 18" alloys which looked nice but don't really want to go up in size. No more 0% financing either, which sucks. To get the Bose, I'd need to go up in models and price but hated the alloys on it. Didn't ask about swapping out the wheels from the lower model as we didn't get that far in the sales office. It does have a smaller turbo than my Golf but didn't really feel that momentary turbo lag either when pulling away from a light. But, it also accelerated a bit slower than my 1.8 turbo engine so I guess there's got to be some give and take.
My friend at work kinda summed it up when he told me to just wait till the new GTI comes out and go for that. From the pics I've seen, it looks great on the outside and the new interior is a real step up from what I've got now. Guessing it'll also have the nicer audio equipment and those special cloth seats. Maybe waiting till then is the answer here, fix the current Golf and keep it in the fleet for the time being. And I think my lack of wanting to do anything is a sign, a positive one, that I just think it the way to go. Hit 64.5K on it last night on the way home which really isn't that many miles. It's got great new rubber not even a year old and probably should just fix the axle boot and get the front brakes done and that's it. Maybe a new air and cabin filter for good measure and keep her. Factoring in that I drive it so little now, just think it's best to keep her at least another year and re-evaluate then. And the other half definitely agrees. Should just take some of those funds and buy some Apple stock and hold it in my portfolio!

graphicguy

benjaminh said:

graphicguy said:

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.

Yeah, and to get the new TLX the way I might like it—with the Tech pkg, SH-AWD, and an optional color ($500)—suddenly you are looking at a car with an msrp of $44k. I mean yes, that's still a good value compared to a base BMW 3-series, but compared to a KIA Stinger (with that practical hatchback), a Tesla Model 3, or an Accord EXL 2.0 with an msrp of $32.5k it might be a tough sell.

Really kind of surprised at that large of a price increase. I was expecting a few hundred increase, as most manufacturers do from one model year to the next. But, THOUSANDS of $$$$?

I love me some Acura, but they made this mistake once with the RLX. We all know how that turned out.

With the current economic woes this country is going through, I would think they would have been more attentive to the pricing.

If anything, that means the Accord is going to get a boost in sales given its similarity to the TLX.

roadburner

Sandman6472 said:

Still haven't committed to anything right now. My first choice, the Encore GX, was just a bit too big for my needs. The regular Encore drove nicely but the model I would've gotten didn't have the sun/moon roof or the Bose audio system, my #1 requirement. It did have the safety nannies option on it and I do want that also. Had the 18" alloys which looked nice but don't really want to go up in size. No more 0% financing either, which sucks. To get the Bose, I'd need to go up in models and price but hated the alloys on it. Didn't ask about swapping out the wheels from the lower model as we didn't get that far in the sales office. It does have a smaller turbo than my Golf but didn't really feel that momentary turbo lag either when pulling away from a light. But, it also accelerated a bit slower than my 1.8 turbo engine so I guess there's got to be some give and take.
My friend at work kinda summed it up when he told me to just wait till the new GTI comes out and go for that. From the pics I've seen, it looks great on the outside and the new interior is a real step up from what I've got now. Guessing it'll also have the nicer audio equipment and those special cloth seats. Maybe waiting till then is the answer here, fix the current Golf and keep it in the fleet for the time being. And I think my lack of wanting to do anything is a sign, a positive one, that I just think it the way to go. Hit 64.5K on it last night on the way home which really isn't that many miles. It's got great new rubber not even a year old and probably should just fix the axle boot and get the front brakes done and that's it. Maybe a new air and cabin filter for good measure and keep her. Factoring in that I drive it so little now, just think it's best to keep her at least another year and re-evaluate then. And the other half definitely agrees. Should just take some of those funds and buy some Apple stock and hold it in my portfolio!

I also vote to hold on to the Golf and wait for the GTI.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

benjaminh said:

graphicguy said:

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.

Yeah, and to get the new TLX the way I might like it—with the Tech pkg, SH-AWD, and an optional color ($500)—suddenly you are looking at a car with an msrp of $44k. I mean yes, that's still a good value compared to a base BMW 3-series, but compared to a KIA Stinger (with that practical hatchback), a Tesla Model 3, or an Accord EXL 2.0 with an msrp of $32.5k it might be a tough sell.

Really kind of surprised at that large of a price increase. I was expecting a few hundred increase, as most manufacturers do from one model year to the next. But, THOUSANDS of $$$$?

I love me some Acura, but they made this mistake once with the RLX. We all know how that turned out.

With the current economic woes this country is going through, I would think they would have been more attentive to the pricing.

If anything, that means the Accord is going to get a boost in sales given its similarity to the TLX.

Based on how quickly our RDX moves with the same powertrain, I'm sure it will be a fun car to drive. However its value proposition would be better had they included some things like HUD and adaptive dampers on a trim that's supposed to be more performance oriented.

Sandman6472

GG, is there an Enterprise location near you? You might want to see about working part time for them like OF and I do. Better yet, fill out the app online and get on indeed.com and see if they are hiring drivers? The majority of folks in my office are retired who are just looking for something to do either two or three days each week. Until your business really takes off, might just be a way to keep busy a few days a week and make some extra income. I started ot at Hertz that way back in 2014 as I got tired of spending 2013 as an independent contractor for a couple companies that moved vehicles for all the rental companies around. I knew I want to be a paid employee so got into Hertz and now Enterprise, a better company for employees as it's privately owned.
Just a suggestion until your business gets off the ground. Trust me, if I lived closer, I'd like to be a driver for you to. Especially on my n/s days as we only are working 3 days/week now.

benjaminh

graphicguy said:

Really kind of surprised at that large of a price increase. I was expecting a few hundred increase, as most manufacturers do from one model year to the next. But, THOUSANDS of $$$$?

I love me some Acura, but they made this mistake once with the RLX. We all know how that turned out.

With the current economic woes this country is going through, I would think they would have been more attentive to the pricing.

If anything, that means the Accord is going to get a boost in sales given its similarity to the TLX.

Compared to the current TLX V-6 base the price increase is $1300, and considering all the new engineering and new features—double wishbone suspension, NSX brakes, new AndroidAuto/Carplay system, turbo/10 speed, new body structure, etc.—it should still be a good car for the money. Acura probably spent a couple of billion dollars developing the new TLX, and the only way to have a chance at making that money back was to raise prices. And it's still less than a BMW 3-series when optioned out the same way.

But all that having been said large and expensive sedans are tough sell, esp. in this economy.

And for thrifty buyers like myself the increase of $4500 in the base TLX price, even if the new engine has more torque than a V-6, seems steep, and that's the way a few auto publications are spinning it too....

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-acura-tlx-type-s-price/

"The Acura TLX Just Got a Lot More Expensive for 2021
The Japanese luxury brand's sports sedan is bigger, more powerful, and pricier than its predecessor."

breld

Acura is definitely taking the approach of comparing the new base model to the old V6 to disguise the price increase.

It’s not entirely unfair, but the move to the 2.0T as the base engine was necessary just to remain competitive. So yes, it’s a pretty steep increase for the base model that sees improvements necessary to run with the pack.

stickguy

Acura really did effectively eliminate the base model TLX and just kept the bigger motor model. Something I think they will regret. And they need to get the upcoming smaller model out soon to have something to cover that niche. Or maybe they figured sedans don't sell enough to worry about the lower range?

I agree though that given how zippy the powertrain is in the RDX, should be plenty of Go for the sedan. As it is in the Accord. Not sure how well the TLX FWD will handle the power though. I have read that the 2.0t can be too much for the Accord at times (definitely with the manual). Acura I assume has done a better job taming it.

stickguy

Sandy, everything you have been saying about your next car, to me says don't get a GTI. First of all, you won't like the price! But mostly, it is low, and a very firm ride (more so than your Golf). Sounds like you would be much better off with something that sits a bit higher so you can easily slide in and out.

If you like the sporty aspect, and want to splurge, look at another Audi. The Q3 is basically a jacked up GTI anyway!

sda

I am interested to see what changes Honda makes to the '21 Accord and how much of a price increase will result. With the ever increasing price of vehicles I am curious if there is a price point where consumers give up on buying the vehicle and decide to lease them instead. Car payments of $500+ for 60+ months, then add in increased insurance premiums, maintenance, taxes, gas (all your general ownership costs) quickly becomes a financial burden.

corvette

Might now happen. Accords haven’t leased well in a very long time.

stickguy

I am more interested in the new Civic coming out soon (this winter? A little confused on that). The Accord has just gotten too damned big already. The Civic is now the size the Accord used to be, when it was "just the right size"!

pensfan83

I'll be interested in what this supposed smaller Acura that will slot below the TLX will have under the hood. 12 months left on the Tacoma.

28firefighter

There is one new car on the market that really interests me and that is a BMW M340 with M Performance Exhaust. Everything else? Meh.

stickguy

wild guess, a version of the 1.5T motor. Can't really be the 2.0T

I am wondering (hoping?) if it will be a small hatch/sorta CUV like the X2, in addition to a sedan version.

stickguy

you need to update your signature line. Still have the TLX in there!

stickguy

saw an interesting dealership this weekend in Vermont. A combo Mitsubish-Suzuki dealer. Man, someone really picked a couple of winners!

I assume Suzuki is long gone, but they still have the sign. Plenty of Mitsubishis on the lot though.

breld

Acura needs to put the 2.0T in their new compact. May be the upgrade, but it needs to be an option to be taken seriously.

For years now the German brands have put the same (or similar) 4 cylinder turbo in their compact and mid-size offerings - Acura shouldn't shy away from doing the same with the TLX and Integra/RSX/ILX/???.

stickguy

well, it has it now (ILX is same drivetrain as the 4 banger TLX). So maybe have a base ILX with a HiPO 1.5t, and an S type with the 2.0T.

Michaell

stickguy said:

well, it has it now (ILX is same drivetrain as the 4 banger TLX). So maybe have a base ILX with a HiPO 1.5t, and an S type with the 2.0T.

Does Honda have a HiPo 1.5T?

28firefighter

Just for S&Gs, I put the outback into Vroom. $30,145. That is nearly $1200 over what we owe on it with 22 months left. That is nuts. Flat nuts.

stickguy

I would run the TLX but I am sure it is still upside down. But, maybe, why not!

stickguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

well, it has it now (ILX is same drivetrain as the 4 banger TLX). So maybe have a base ILX with a HiPO 1.5t, and an S type with the 2.0T.

Does Honda have a HiPo 1.5T?

Yes, the 205 HP (192lb-ft) version in the Si. Which happens to be very close to what the NA 2.4l puts out in the TLX.

benjaminh

breld said:

Acura needs to put the 2.0T in their new compact. May be the upgrade, but it needs to be an option to be taken seriously.

For years now the German brands have put the same (or similar) 4 cylinder turbo in their compact and mid-size offerings - Acura shouldn't shy away from doing the same with the TLX and Integra/RSX/ILX/???.

I think you're right, and I think Acura will put the 2.0T in the Type S model of the new ILX/RSX car. Probably it'll get SH-AWD too. That might be a sharp car for c. $38k.

For the base model of the new Acura compact car they'll probably use the 1.5T found in the Civic Si. It's a very good engine, but I like my old school 2.4 better. My guess is that they'll keep the 8-speed DCT.

benjaminh

The dealer we bought out CR-V from offered us a super high trade-in value of c. 22k for an suv we bought more than two years ago for about 26.5k iirc + TTL. Only problem is that we don't have anything we want to trade it in for, since we like the current car and it only has 18k miles on it. My wife might go for a CRV hybrid, but once you add TTL to that you're looking at 32k at least, which means paying $10,000 to save c. $300 a year in gas on what is otherwise an almost identical vehicle.

stickguy

interesting. just ran on Carvana (though did not mention the minor bump to the rear bumper that had to be repaired) and it was only $300 less than my payoff that AFC shows online (though I think that might not be the actual amount Carvana would have to pay for it). I assume once they fully ran it and knew about that accident and scuffed up wheel it might drop! But nice that in theory, if I wanted to get out early, might be able to do it relatively clean. Probably won't at this point though.

Entirely possible at some point I inherit the end of my father's lease on his Sentra (eventually he won't be able to drive at all). If so, then one car would have to go, and no clue how easy it would be to get ride of that.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

well, it has it now (ILX is same drivetrain as the 4 banger TLX). So maybe have a base ILX with a HiPO 1.5t, and an S type with the 2.0T.

Does Honda have a HiPo 1.5T?

Yes, the 205 HP (192lb-ft) version in the Si. Which happens to be very close to what the NA 2.4l puts out in the TLX.

OK - for some reason, I thought the Si still had the 2.4 NA engine in it.

Yes, that would be a good entry level engine for the smaller Acura sedan, then the 2.0T for the Type S trim.

stickguy

or of course, just keep the nice 2.4t and DCT in it!

pensfan83

I'm so tempted to run the Tacoma just to see.

pensfan83

stickguy said:

interesting. just ran on Carvana (though did not mention the minor bump to the rear bumper that had to be repaired) and it was only $300 less than my payoff that AFC shows online (though I think that might not be the actual amount Carvana would have to pay for it). I assume once they fully ran it and knew about that accident and scuffed up wheel it might drop! But nice that in theory, if I wanted to get out early, might be able to do it relatively clean. Probably won't at this point though.

Entirely possible at some point I inherit the end of my father's lease on his Sentra (eventually he won't be able to drive at all). If so, then one car would have to go, and no clue how easy it would be to get ride of that.

My hit and run that I claimed on insurance isn't on the Carfax for the TLX. The only things noted are routine service and registration renewals so you may be in the clear on your accident too.

explorerx4

My POA and vehicle key was received. Buyer is now scheduling a shipper to pick up.
I'll get 42k+ on my 2017 truck after loan payoff.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@oldfarmer50,
You should know that with an F-150 you an do both.

Not just the F-150. Today we were up near the thousand islands region and I saw a Mustang GT towing a boat.