Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Probably quite a bit if your brakes stop working effectively...

Toyota recommendation for brake fluid change: When the fluid looks like it needs changing.

the old way, dip a strip and see how much water is in it.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Damn. That manual ATS went for just $13k. Seems like a helluva deal.

would have been tempting if I found that for sale locally. Nice looking car.

stickguy

Honda and VW both call for a brake fluid change. Honda I thought was 2 years but could have been 3. VW I think was miles (20K, which seemed a bit soon if time independent.)

sda

I remember from my 87 Cabriolet, VW called for a brake fluid change every 24 mo.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Probably quite a bit if your brakes stop working effectively...

Toyota recommendation for brake fluid change: When the fluid looks like it needs changing.

Now there’s a good question, do car makers routinely recommend ANY brake fluid changes? Obviously, a severely water contaminated fluid on a car driven hard could degrade stopping performance but not everyone drives like a CCBA racer.

I change the fluid on my Mustang every few years because that’s the one vehicle I own that might get driven hard. I haven’t considered doing it on the other more mundane cars. No one who ever bought one of my well worn surplus vehicles ever showed any concern for brake fluid changes.

BMW calls for a change of DOT 4 fluid every two years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and as the moisture level increases the boiling point of the brake fluid decreases. The reduced boiling point may not be a big deal on a sedately driven older car, but excessively "wet" fluid can also do a number on a modern vehicle's ABS modules/pumps. Still, I'm not at all surprised that US automakers are not as concerned about the issue; I once heard a European engineer say that the difference between European drivers and American drivers is:

European drivers don't care if the brakes squeal- just as long as they stop the car.

American drivers don't care if the brakes stop the car- just as long as they don't squeal.

Recommendations certainly vary. MB says 2 years/20k, Chevy says 45k miles and Ford says basically never. Some others say 3 years some say 4, some “experts say 4 or 5.

corvette

Just started Hoovie's latest episode, which is almost two hours long. It looks like an old-school Top Gear challenge with three presenters. Should be entertaining.

stickguy

I watched that a month or 2 back. It was originally on Tavarish's channel. Haven't watched Hoovies yet to see if he just reedited it. But yeah, it was what the US top gear should have been, and I found it quite amusing and well done. You should like it.

corvette

30 minutes in... It's too Americanized, but still amusing, I'll finish it tomorrow.

corvette

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XK3R1ktgoY


Hoovie's former Park Avenue Ultra now for sale by its new owner. Apparently it was rejected by Cars And Bids, but I still put out a feeler since I need to scratch the land yacht itch for whatever reason.

tjc78

My 04 Grand Marquis was over ten years old on the original brake fluid. Brakes still felt fine and the fluid still looked good. I’m sure I would have changed it if I kept the car but I’m thinking every two years is a bit much.

tjc78

corvette said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XK3R1ktgoY


Hoovie's former Park Avenue Ultra now for sale by its new owner. Apparently it was rejected by Cars And Bids, but I still put out a feeler since I need to scratch the land yacht itch for whatever reason.

That’s a nice car but I have one word for you ....

Panther

stickguy

maybe one of these instead? Newer, and a lot nicer than a Panther. Unless it is not bargey enough for you (seems like one to me!)

https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Buick/2009-Buick-Lucerne-cherry-hill-nj-33da6c1a0a0e0adf5e69af4e8eec4049.htm

tjc78

That is a nice cruiser. It's the 3.9 so not too bad in the power department, they never got the 3.6 like the Impala did.

When they first came out in 2006 I drove a loaded Northstar powered one. It was very nice, but I definitely preferred the Avalon which I ultimately bought.

I got absolutely flamed here for my test drive notes on the Lucerne in one of the comparison threads back in the day. I wonder if it's still here on the forums.

corvette

I don’t think GM ever got the Northstar “right” from a reliability perspective, although the newer ones are better. Not as familiar with the 3900, although I think it is a larger version of the 3500 I had in my 2008 G6. Those were unusual in that they incorporated variable cam timing in an overhead valve engine.

tjc78

I think they got better, but never really good. What a shame as it was a sweet V8, much like the Japanese V6's of the era.

As far as I know the 3.5 and 3.9 are reliable. Maybe not as bullet proof as the 3.8 but more than adequate.

ab348

I wonder if GM got the sewing machine-like clatter out of the 3.9 that its Chevy V-6 ancestors were afflicted with. I never liked the 3.4/3.5 versions for that reason.

Sandman6472

Golf battery died this morning! Was fine yesterday but hell, this morning, nothing. Luckily I was off today but still, torrential rains outside when I got stuck. Found my receipt, bought new Interstate one on 11/13/18 so off to Tires Plus I go. Out the door and back on the road in 30 minutes with a bill of $18.45 and a new battery in the engine bay! Guess I had a 2-year free replacement battery so all is good now. Just funny how this kind of thing happens at the worst possible moment, and I really had almost no warning that there was an issue.
Just glad it's behind me now and once I get the axle boot repaired, hoping for no more drama for the next year or so!

tjc78

ab348 said:

I wonder if GM got the sewing machine-like clatter out of the 3.9 that its Chevy V-6 ancestors were afflicted with. I never liked the 3.4/3.5 versions for that reason.

Nope

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

I wonder if GM got the sewing machine-like clatter out of the 3.9 that its Chevy V-6 ancestors were afflicted with. I never liked the 3.4/3.5 versions for that reason.

All the reviews of the 3.9 said it was “thrashy” at high rpms. You could go one year older and get a 3.8 with a lot fewer miles.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/822914881/overview/?aff=atempest&cmp=atempest&utm_source=AutoTempest&utm_medium=TRP&utm_campaign=atempest

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

I don’t think GM ever got the Northstar “right” from a reliability perspective, although the newer ones are better. Not as familiar with the 3900, although I think it is a larger version of the 3500 I had in my 2008 G6. Those were unusual in that they incorporated variable cam timing in an overhead valve engine.

Sources claim they solved the head bolt problem in the late 2004+ models but I’ve never seen any info that they cured the split engine oil leak issue that usually cost more than the car was worth.

Brilliant idea poorly executed. Shame, since I always wanted one of those late model DTS/Devilles.

stickguy

I would never buy one, but I love the color on that 98.

mjfloyd1

@roadburner

Handshaker and looks to have no hole in roof.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18906819?edmcid=823191&edminv=WBS4Y_9C53JAA85462&utm_content=product&utm_campaign=LG_AFF&utm_source=LG_AFF_EAS&utm_medium=soc&utm_term=used&mktas=mlb15&mktsrc=fb_Facebook_Mobile_Feed&mktad=23845070180270635&adcode=EAS&fbclid=IwAR2Y_MsWlTI8RC8tXbidllr3_4I-UXacRCzAyfcDZ8WrWfWbvnNDh4ZuKlc

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Sources claim they solved the head bolt problem in the late 2004+ models but I’ve never seen any info that they cured the split engine oil leak issue that usually cost more than the car was worth.

Brilliant idea poorly executed. Shame, since I always wanted one of those late model DTS/Devilles.

The 3.5L DOHC Olds "Shortstar" that myself and my buddy had in our Intrigues was based on the Northstar design. It was a sweet engine that liked to rev and was very refined in operation, making decent power for the times and was likely capable of much more with further development. It had a similar split-block design. The only problem I had with mine in 6 years of ownership was a bit of coolant seepage from somewhere - never saw a drop anywhere, but you could smell it if you opened the hood and the level would very slowly drop over several months. The dealer recommended the GM tablets which were apparently designed just for this issue and it seemed to go away. My buddy's Intrigue had the infamous oil leakage problem from the split block, however. It was still under warranty and the dealer fixed it. It took many days, and he visited the service dept since he knew the mechanic and took a look at what was involved. Apparently it was quite impressive to see his engine scattered around a service bay in pieces to get to the source of the problem. He had no engine issues after he got it back and kept it until a year or so ago.

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner

Handshaker and looks to have no hole in roof.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18906819?edmcid=823191&edminv=WBS4Y_9C53JAA85462&utm_content=product&utm_campaign=LG_AFF&utm_source=LG_AFF_EAS&utm_medium=soc&utm_term=used&mktas=mlb15&mktsrc=fb_Facebook_Mobile_Feed&mktad=23845070180270635&adcode=EAS&fbclid=IwAR2Y_MsWlTI8RC8tXbidllr3_4I-UXacRCzAyfcDZ8WrWfWbvnNDh4ZuKlc

It say $1999 to ship to Albany. Are you buying that for me?

You are my new best friend.🤑

mjfloyd1

Virtual friends. I’ll use virtual money

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner

Handshaker and looks to have no hole in roof.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18906819?edmcid=823191&edminv=WBS4Y_9C53JAA85462&utm_content=product&utm_campaign=LG_AFF&utm_source=LG_AFF_EAS&utm_medium=soc&utm_term=used&mktas=mlb15&mktsrc=fb_Facebook_Mobile_Feed&mktad=23845070180270635&adcode=EAS&fbclid=IwAR2Y_MsWlTI8RC8tXbidllr3_4I-UXacRCzAyfcDZ8WrWfWbvnNDh4ZuKlc

Kind of expensive for a F83 with no Competition Pkg. or Executive Pkg.

Michaell

Member needs help selecting a vehicle

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/63285/general/x/weighing-my-options-for-upgrading-to-a-vehicle-with-towing-capacity#latest

mjfloyd1

@roadburner

Maybe M2 competition in silver then?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/823233631/overview/

stickguy

Was fun watching the end of this auction. Was sitting at $7,100 with a minute to go, then the proxy bids started hitting and ran up to $8,600. Still seems like a reasonable but price

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KZBDo1QA/2010-volvo-s40-t5-awd-r-design

mjfloyd1

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner

Handshaker and looks to have no hole in roof.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18906819?edmcid=823191&edminv=WBS4Y_9C53JAA85462&utm_content=product&utm_campaign=LG_AFF&utm_source=LG_AFF_EAS&utm_medium=soc&utm_term=used&mktas=mlb15&mktsrc=fb_Facebook_Mobile_Feed&mktad=23845070180270635&adcode=EAS&fbclid=IwAR2Y_MsWlTI8RC8tXbidllr3_4I-UXacRCzAyfcDZ8WrWfWbvnNDh4ZuKlc

It say $1999 to ship to Albany. Are you buying that for me?

You are my new best friend.🤑

I don't think you would like it. No holes in the floor and too much technology!

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

Yes, but their real price is $18,000, not $17,000 as advertised. Deliberate false advertising if you ask me.

For the $17,000 I'm a buyer (even if they have other undisclosed add-ons totaling $850 for "documentation" and "Window Tinting." However, they claim that is an extra $1,000 discount, and in order to get that I must finance through them, and they want a ridiculous 14.99%. I get that my credit was ruined by the Kia Finance charge off, but 15% is outrageous; won't do that, not even for 4 months.

mjfloyd1

Kia charge off for missing key fob?

tjc78

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

Yes, but their real price is $18,000, not $17,000 as advertised. Deliberate false advertising if you ask me.

For the $17,000 I'm a buyer (even if they have other undisclosed add-ons totaling $850 for "documentation" and "Window Tinting." However, they claim that is an extra $1,000 discount, and in order to get that I must finance through them, and they want a ridiculous 14.99%. I get that my credit was ruined by the Kia Finance charge off, but 15% is outrageous; won't do that, not even for 4 months.

You let your credit take that much of a hit for a $350 key fob?

That was a seriously costly mistake

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

Yes, but their real price is $18,000, not $17,000 as advertised. Deliberate false advertising if you ask me.

For the $17,000 I'm a buyer (even if they have other undisclosed add-ons totaling $850 for "documentation" and "Window Tinting." However, they claim that is an extra $1,000 discount, and in order to get that I must finance through them, and they want a ridiculous 14.99%. I get that my credit was ruined by the Kia Finance charge off, but 15% is outrageous; won't do that, not even for 4 months.

Even at 15% it would cost $600 ish in interest over four months. So in effect a $400 discount to offset the dealer fee and window tint.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner

Handshaker and looks to have no hole in roof.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18906819?edmcid=823191&edminv=WBS4Y_9C53JAA85462&utm_content=product&utm_campaign=LG_AFF&utm_source=LG_AFF_EAS&utm_medium=soc&utm_term=used&mktas=mlb15&mktsrc=fb_Facebook_Mobile_Feed&mktad=23845070180270635&adcode=EAS&fbclid=IwAR2Y_MsWlTI8RC8tXbidllr3_4I-UXacRCzAyfcDZ8WrWfWbvnNDh4ZuKlc

It say $1999 to ship to Albany. Are you buying that for me?

You are my new best friend.🤑

I don't think you would like it. No holes in the floor and too much technology!

Standard shift is old tech.

28firefighter

So...you stood your ground with Kia over $350 and jacked up your credit? Totally worth it.../s

mjfloyd1

Awkwardly random choice

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner

Maybe M2 competition in silver then?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/823233631/overview/

Hockenheim Silver is one of my favorite Motorsport colors.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

Standard shift is old tech.

Hey, that's something!

stickguy

sometimes old tech, is the best tech.

stickguy

roadburner said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner

Maybe M2 competition in silver then?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/823233631/overview/

Hockenheim Silver is one of my favorite Motorsport colors.

then you have your car! Good excuse to visit SC again too.

roadburner

I do like it, if it was a stick it would be perfect.

laurasdada

Holy Cowabunga! $15k Jaguar credit on 2020 XFs! Alas, not on my radar as I don't find it an improvement on my '13.
"Only" $3k on the XE.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

Kia charge off for missing key fob?

yes.

andres3

28firefighter said:

So...you stood your ground with Kia over $350 and jacked up your credit? Totally worth it.../s

I didn't know the Credit Bureau's were like the fox guarding the hen house for corrupted banks like Kia Finance.

I honestly thought I'd get the credit Bureau's to see the light, but this was like the opposite experience of a "charge back" experience with a credit card company when disputing a charge.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

Yes, but their real price is $18,000, not $17,000 as advertised. Deliberate false advertising if you ask me.

For the $17,000 I'm a buyer (even if they have other undisclosed add-ons totaling $850 for "documentation" and "Window Tinting." However, they claim that is an extra $1,000 discount, and in order to get that I must finance through them, and they want a ridiculous 14.99%. I get that my credit was ruined by the Kia Finance charge off, but 15% is outrageous; won't do that, not even for 4 months.

Even at 15% it would cost $600 ish in interest over four months. So in effect a $400 discount to offset the dealer fee and window tint.

Thanks for doing the math for me. In other words, if they lowered the price $600 further, I could afford the 15% interest at my price, bottom line; don't think I want to budge any further.

andres3

tjc78 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

Yes, but their real price is $18,000, not $17,000 as advertised. Deliberate false advertising if you ask me.

For the $17,000 I'm a buyer (even if they have other undisclosed add-ons totaling $850 for "documentation" and "Window Tinting." However, they claim that is an extra $1,000 discount, and in order to get that I must finance through them, and they want a ridiculous 14.99%. I get that my credit was ruined by the Kia Finance charge off, but 15% is outrageous; won't do that, not even for 4 months.

You let your credit take that much of a hit for a $350 key fob?

That was a seriously costly mistake

I still think it was worth it, if only for the reduced return on investment the collection agencies have to statistically record.

andres3

andres3 said:

tjc78 said:

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@andres3

Has the price been lowered on the all track?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Volkswagen-Golf-Alltrack-Phoenix-d2437_L1064#listing=277626139

Yes, but their real price is $18,000, not $17,000 as advertised. Deliberate false advertising if you ask me.

For the $17,000 I'm a buyer (even if they have other undisclosed add-ons totaling $850 for "documentation" and "Window Tinting." However, they claim that is an extra $1,000 discount, and in order to get that I must finance through them, and they want a ridiculous 14.99%. I get that my credit was ruined by the Kia Finance charge off, but 15% is outrageous; won't do that, not even for 4 months.

You let your credit take that much of a hit for a $350 key fob?

That was a seriously costly mistake

I still think it was worth it, if only for the reduced return on investment the collection agencies have to statistically record.

Not going to play "ball" with these low life crooks.

andres3

Anyone want an SUV with a little bit of torque? https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3pA7e6YY/2007-volkswagen-touareg-v10-tdi