Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

I'll say I am still a fan of MB's column shift. No need for a floor shift in an automatic, opens up the console area and makes the car feel a little more airy, becomes muscle memory quickly (to the point where you'll swipe at the stalks in non-column shift cars and activate the wipers etc).

roadburner said:

I still prefer a traditional shift lever, but I’ve acclimated to BMW’s “beer tap.” Squeeze the button on the side and pull back for Drive and push forward for Reverse. Push the top button for Park.
What I really find non-intuitive is the BMW DCT- to put it in Park you have to turn off the engine while the DCT is in neutral.

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
Seeing that dark oil drain out of your Pilot reminded me that last January the 'oil change needed' indicator light in my wife's MKC lit up.
I thought it strange since the oil was supposed to have been changed just 2,000 miles before that.
Checked it and it was very black.
Made an appointment to get it changed and told the SA that it was not done at the last service.
He said they probably just forgot to reset it, but I countered with the oil was too black to have only 2k miles on it and he said to let him know how it looks after 2k.
I just did that and the oil is still somewhat clear, as it should be.
He will be getting an email from me, not that I expect anything to come from it and assuming he still works there.

au1994

I know a lot of people knock them , but at least at the Jiffy Lube type places I can actually see the oil going in.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

Wait - what? You've been driving with no oil?

Apparently, yes. I’m in shock. I was embarrassed as well.

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

Never would have guessed that.

Me neither. Now I never check the oil, but now I’m going to do so weekly.

nyccarguy

Wife and I were talking on the way back to the dealership to pick up the Pilot. She said maybe we should look into getting another vehicle. I need a reliable vehicle for my job. I’m going to have to have to take a look at what’s out there. Highlander, maybe Hulander Hybrid. CX9, maybe an Explorer...?

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
Going to assume your indie guy is not out to chisel you.
Didn't you supply your own oil?
Where did you buy it from?
Counterfeit products are a real problem.
I wouldn't give up on your Pilot just yet assuming(oh oh) oil changes fix it.

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

Wife and I were talking on the way back to the dealership to pick up the Pilot. She said maybe we should look into getting another vehicle. I need a reliable vehicle for my job. I’m going to have to have to take a look at what’s out there. Highlander, maybe Hulander Hybrid. CX9, maybe an Explorer...?

once they start asking, need to get cracking! I don't expect to hear that from my wife before we retire (and after that won't be spending money!)

The Highlander hybrid intrigues me. Bigger than we need but I like the overall package.

Very curious about the actual root cause. You should know soon enough if it is a mechanical issue since it will do it again (if not worse). If so hopefully related to what they extended the warranty for. But if a couple thousand miles down the line oil is still full and looking good, probably a fluke.

explorerx4

Highlander is very small compared to a Pilot.

corvette

explorerx4 said:

Highlander is very small compared to a Pilot.

I thought they were similar? They're both three row CUVs.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

Good news and bad news. The dealership found the problem. The Rocker Arm Control Solenoid was completely dry. They checked the dipstick and said there was little to no oil in the engine. They even sent me a video of the engine oil draining out which was thick and black. They said they ran a test and found no leaks. The solution is to perform a couple of oil changes to make sure everything flows properly. $190 plus tax.

https://app.truvideo.com/v/8nHbnxPl?s=xqxZwCHj8QfVoFnhtllHwd1coBA8aUPVngT8nkg1l1g=

I wonder if my mechanic just forgot to change the oil.

So low engine oil made the transmission go into limp and the emissions controls to have problems? That’s just weird. Where’d the oil go?

explorerx4

@corvette,
To me, Highlander has always been a faux 3 row'er.
Much smaller than its' peers.

nyccarguy

explorerx4 said:

@nyccarguy,
Going to assume your indie guy is not out to chisel you.
Didn't you supply your own oil?
Where did you buy it from?
Counterfeit products are a real problem.
I wouldn't give up on your Pilot just yet assuming(oh oh) oil changes fix it.

Yes. I supplied him with the oil. Mobil 1 0w 20 Full Synthetic - IIRC, I bought it at Costco.

nyccarguy

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news and bad news. The dealership found the problem. The Rocker Arm Control Solenoid was completely dry. They checked the dipstick and said there was little to no oil in the engine. They even sent me a video of the engine oil draining out which was thick and black. They said they ran a test and found no leaks. The solution is to perform a couple of oil changes to make sure everything flows properly. $190 plus tax.

https://app.truvideo.com/v/8nHbnxPl?s=xqxZwCHj8QfVoFnhtllHwd1coBA8aUPVngT8nkg1l1g=

I wonder if my mechanic just forgot to change the oil.

So low engine oil made the transmission go into limp and the emissions controls to have problems? That’s just weird. Where’d the oil go?

It’s baffling to me as well.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

explorerx4 said:

Highlander is very small compared to a Pilot.

I thought they were similar? They're both three row CUVs.

The Pilot is bigger. 3rd row room as well as cargo room with the 3rd row up is bigger.

qbrozen

Got an email from Vroom that I should be hearing from a transport company to pick up the bimmer in the next couple of days.

Guess it is time to clean out the wife's pigsty car.

stickguy

man, I hope these deals hold on for a couple more weeks. Need to dump the Jetta by around May 5 (princess leaves for Mass on the 6th), so not too far from now.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

man, I hope these deals hold on for a couple more weeks. Need to dump the Jetta by around May 5 (princess leaves for Mass on the 6th), so not too far from now.

Just remember the quote is good for a little while. Is it 7 days? And there is some time to process. So I would say by the 23rd or so, you should run it, then you can accept on the final day, and then take time returning paperwork, etc.

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news and bad news. The dealership found the problem. The Rocker Arm Control Solenoid was completely dry. They checked the dipstick and said there was little to no oil in the engine. They even sent me a video of the engine oil draining out which was thick and black. They said they ran a test and found no leaks. The solution is to perform a couple of oil changes to make sure everything flows properly. $190 plus tax.

https://app.truvideo.com/v/8nHbnxPl?s=xqxZwCHj8QfVoFnhtllHwd1coBA8aUPVngT8nkg1l1g=

I wonder if my mechanic just forgot to change the oil.

So low engine oil made the transmission go into limp and the emissions controls to have problems? That’s just weird. Where’d the oil go?

It’s baffling to me as well.

What is this rocker arm control solenoid, and why did it never get any more play after the mention of the oil issue?

stickguy

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

man, I hope these deals hold on for a couple more weeks. Need to dump the Jetta by around May 5 (princess leaves for Mass on the 6th), so not too far from now.

Just remember the quote is good for a little while. Is it 7 days? And there is some time to process. So I would say by the 23rd or so, you should run it, then you can accept on the final day, and then take time returning paperwork, etc.

oh, I definitely plan to. worst case, she gives it up a few days early and she deals with it.

stickguy

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

Good news and bad news. The dealership found the problem. The Rocker Arm Control Solenoid was completely dry. They checked the dipstick and said there was little to no oil in the engine. They even sent me a video of the engine oil draining out which was thick and black. They said they ran a test and found no leaks. The solution is to perform a couple of oil changes to make sure everything flows properly. $190 plus tax.

https://app.truvideo.com/v/8nHbnxPl?s=xqxZwCHj8QfVoFnhtllHwd1coBA8aUPVngT8nkg1l1g=

I wonder if my mechanic just forgot to change the oil.

So low engine oil made the transmission go into limp and the emissions controls to have problems? That’s just weird. Where’d the oil go?

It’s baffling to me as well.

What is this rocker arm control solenoid, and why did it never get any more play after the mention of the oil issue?

probably something related to the VCM system (the way it disconnects pistons when it activates). Like a hydraulic oil timing chain tensioner on a Chevy 4 cylinder. Or some of the gizmos on a BMW that work off of oil pressure. No oil, no pressure. If that is what it was doing, not actually a problem (just means the VCM would not activate), but it apparently freaks the computer out enough to put it into limp mode.

cdnpinhead

au1994 said:

That’s great news but I believe I’d be having a rather pointed conversation with my mechanic.

I'd want to have an even more pointed conversation with whomever checks the oil level every fuel fill up or two. But that's just me -- judgy and all.

tjc78

NYCs experience has me thinking I should check the oil in the Volvo’s.

I’ve never even lifted the hood in the XC and only to clean the S last year.

With so few miles driven and yearly service it’s easy to forget on newer cars.

XC finally turned 2000 miles last night (we got it in November)

explorerx4

@qbrozen,
Remember to clear the phone book info, etc...

nyccarguy

cdnpinhead said:

au1994 said:

That’s great news but I believe I’d be having a rather pointed conversation with my mechanic.

I'd want to have an even more pointed conversation with whomever checks the oil level every fuel fill up or two. But that's just me -- judgy and all.

That's me. That's also my complete blind faith in modern engineering & technology. Checking the oil is a habit I have to get back into. You are correct. If I had been checking the oil with any regularity, I would have noticed the consumption or if the mechanic didn't change it in the 1st place.

I'm puzzled that the "low oil" idiot light never came on.

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

roadburner said:

xwesx said:

ab348 said:

On the downside, it has the horrible Cadillac electronic shift mechanism which never fails to befuddle me even though I've driven with them a few times. When I was leaving the dealer lot I forgot that you had to hold down the little button on the side when you were trying to shift it into Drive, but a message on the dash reminded me of that. Later I stopped in a parking lot to do an errand and for a while thought I was going to be stuck there because I couldn't get it into reverse when I wanted to back out of the spot. Finally figured out that you had to do it in 2 steps, first P to N, then N to R. Hate it.

Welcome to the Dark Side. This sounds very similar to Audi's system. Even with this car for nearly three weeks now, I still hate it. There is literally nothing intuitive about it at all.

I still prefer a traditional shift lever, but I’ve acclimated to BMW’s “beer tap.” Squeeze the button on the side and pull back for Drive and push forward for Reverse. Push the top button for Park.
What I really find non-intuitive is the BMW DCT- to put it in Park you have to turn off the engine while the DCT is in neutral.

I've become accustomed to Honda/Acura's push button system as well. Once your familiar with it maneuvers like 3 point turns aren't any harder to execute than if you had a traditional lever IMO.

I never had an issue after a few days in my former TLX. Then again, I never had an issue with the electronic handle shifter in my Stinger, either. First couple of days were wonky on both cars. But, after that, it was hand memory....shift without looking. Buttons on the TLX were all different shapes, so easy to shift by feel. Kia’s shift handle was “down” one for D and “up” one for R. But, once I got that down, all was good.

graphicguy

@nyccarguy ...good that the PIlot didn’t have a catastrophic and costly break down. Bad news, you should probably find a new independent mechanic. Glad it all worked out.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

man, I hope these deals hold on for a couple more weeks. Need to dump the Jetta by around May 5 (princess leaves for Mass on the 6th), so not too far from now.

Just remember the quote is good for a little while. Is it 7 days? And there is some time to process. So I would say by the 23rd or so, you should run it, then you can accept on the final day, and then take time returning paperwork, etc.

CarMax quote was good for 7 days....no extension. After 7 days, you have to go through the whole process again getting your car appraised. CarMax person I was dealing with on the Kia said they use CarMax proprietary software for used car valuations. But, the variable is the person who’s assessing the car’s condition. What is one persons “excellent” rating (which he said he rated most of my Stinger) could be another assessor’s “good” rating. And, the difference is sometimes thousands of $.

Personally, I think that’s the sole reason the delta between CARVANA, VROMM and CarMax. The CarMax person could see my Stinger and thought it was in great shape, and the rest couldn’t see the condition. That resulted in the strong offer from CarMax.

graphicguy

Test Drove the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y yesterday. Enjoyed both....the instant torque is addicting. I understand all drive with the same basic 4 wheels, steering, braking, etc. But, there are significant differences with a Tesla.

First is controlling EVERYTHING with the big screen. Acceleration is “yee-haw let’s go” fun. Brakes were well up to the task, too. Steering was spot on. Really, nothing from a driving standpoint to ding it on.

However, the way TESLA does things (again with the big screen) getting comfortable driving it would be a significant endeavor, at least for me.

Maybe an interim step, like one of the other E-Cars which operate a little more traditionally would be a better step. Plus, as much as I believe the future of the automobile industry is away from ICE and to electrics, I have to make that mental step to say I’m only going to look at E-Cars and accept the “different” way of fueling, driving, planning, etc.

But boy, did I have fun driving both vehicles. Probably would opt for the Model Y if I ever make that commitment.

Up next, doing a 2nd drive of the BMW 3. Probably take a little trip over to the Acura store today, too.

ab348

graphicguy said:

Up next, doing a 2nd drive of the BMW 3. Probably take a little trip over to the Acura store today, too.

I assume the 3-series in which you are interested is fairly loaded up? A lot of the ones I see around here are "secretary specials" (no offense to any secretaries in the audience) , low-end models with rubber steering wheels, etc.

kyfdx

@graphicguy The Carmax off 275 was pretty generous with overlooking damage, when I was trying to unload. Got a really strong quote, but US Bank wouldn't sell them the car.

tjc78

kyfdx said:

@graphicguy The Carmax off 275 was pretty generous with overlooking damage, when I was trying to unload. Got a really strong quote, but US Bank wouldn't sell them the car.

I know people have lots of issues with USbank but I never realized all the problems dealing with them since I had a good experience with my 2012 LaCrosse

breld

@graphicguy - nice write up on your Tesla experience. I felt the same way about the touchscreen until I spent a few days with @jpp75’s Model 3.

I made a conscious effort to get to know the controls and once I did, I felt much more comfortable with it and even appreciated it in many ways.

That’s what led me to going forward with ordering the Model Y.

Of course, I haven’t taken delivery of the Tesla after all. But that’s more to do with being more drawn toward other EVs from an overall styling standpoint.

qbrozen

As I suspected (hoped), the Charger was an easy fix. I knew the fuses and fans were good, so I replaced all 3 relays related to the fans. Took 5 mins and $25. Topped up the coolant overflow and she worked just fine. Fans kicked on when needed and the needle never went past halfway. Job done.

corvette

nyccarguy said:

I'm puzzled that the "low oil" idiot light never came on.

Does it have a low oil level light, or just one for low oil pressure? The former is uncommon, and to get to the point of having oil pressure low enough to trip the low oil pressure warning, you often have to get down to extremely low oil levels (like 1 quart or less left in the sump).

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

cdnpinhead said:

au1994 said:

That’s great news but I believe I’d be having a rather pointed conversation with my mechanic.

I'd want to have an even more pointed conversation with whomever checks the oil level every fuel fill up or two. But that's just me -- judgy and all.

That's me. That's also my complete blind faith in modern engineering & technology. Checking the oil is a habit I have to get back into. You are correct. If I had been checking the oil with any regularity, I would have noticed the consumption or if the mechanic didn't change it in the 1st place.

I'm puzzled that the "low oil" idiot light never came on.

If you can get a good price, I would dump that vehicle ASAP

corvette

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:

cdnpinhead said:

au1994 said:

That’s great news but I believe I’d be having a rather pointed conversation with my mechanic.

I'd want to have an even more pointed conversation with whomever checks the oil level every fuel fill up or two. But that's just me -- judgy and all.

That's me. That's also my complete blind faith in modern engineering & technology. Checking the oil is a habit I have to get back into. You are correct. If I had been checking the oil with any regularity, I would have noticed the consumption or if the mechanic didn't change it in the 1st place.

I'm puzzled that the "low oil" idiot light never came on.

If you can get a good price, I would dump that vehicle ASAP

I was thinking all these calls to dump the Pilot were alarmist, but then I remembered which group we are in.

corvette

Got an invoice from US Bank for the Tundra's property tax bill--I guess they pay it and I reimburse them? $545 and change. The most I've ever paid on any vehicle, but it's also the most valuable vehicle I've ever had.

kyfdx

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:

cdnpinhead said:

au1994 said:

That’s great news but I believe I’d be having a rather pointed conversation with my mechanic.

I'd want to have an even more pointed conversation with whomever checks the oil level every fuel fill up or two. But that's just me -- judgy and all.

That's me. That's also my complete blind faith in modern engineering & technology. Checking the oil is a habit I have to get back into. You are correct. If I had been checking the oil with any regularity, I would have noticed the consumption or if the mechanic didn't change it in the 1st place.

I'm puzzled that the "low oil" idiot light never came on.

If you can get a good price, I would dump that vehicle ASAP

I was thinking all these calls to dump the Pilot were alarmist, but then I remembered which group we are in.

Your car running extra low on oil? If you were buying a car, and the owner told you that happened, you'd run the other way.

kyfdx

corvette said:

Got an invoice from US Bank for the Tundra's property tax bill--I guess they pay it and I reimburse them? $545 and change. The most I've ever paid on any vehicle, but it's also the most valuable vehicle I've ever had.

Is your birth month and registration due?

corvette

kyfdx said:

corvette said:

Got an invoice from US Bank for the Tundra's property tax bill--I guess they pay it and I reimburse them? $545 and change. The most I've ever paid on any vehicle, but it's also the most valuable vehicle I've ever had.

Is your birth month and registration due?

It was, last month. Weirdly, the sticker on my license plate says it's good through November.

28firefighter

I’d definitely flip the pilot while the getting is good in the used car market.

sda

I don’t recall any of the multiple Hondas we’ve had having a low oil light and all had the traditional dipstick which I prefer. The Audi doesn’t have a dipstick and must be checked by going thru multiple steps in the information screens which I find inconvenient.

stickguy

is carmax bid subject to inspection in person, where they can reneg for any reason? Carvana, I am surprised they don't ask for some pictures before finalizing. I guess they figure the guy can always just hop back in the truck. If we go that way on the Jetta, really need it to be firm since won't have a lot of time to find another buyer.

stickguy

Drove a U haul again today (moved the Princess from Delaware back home for 3 weeks, before off to Boston). Had some confusion at the PU place (they screwed up and the truck assigned to my 1-way rental was actually supposed to be transferred to another local U Haul place). So guy running the operation had to call HQ and get a manager to sort it out. Ended up fine, since they were able to reassign the truck sitting there to where I was going.

so, took maybe an extra 10 minutes or so hanging around a BP station in Wilmington, watching lots of people buying gas for cash in small denominations ($10, one lady bought $12). Probably because I was pleasant and patient with the delay (likely not the common response) he told me to help myself to any drink in the coolers (Free diet Dr. Pepper!) and told me that he wasn't going to charge me for the 1/2 dozen packing pads I ordered (those are really good quality).

Turns out, instead of just comping the charge (usually $6) he just took it off the contract and handed me the bag. So the guy at the drop off place wasn't expecting them, so I now have a large supply to use. Going to come in handy, since the next rental is from Hertz and they don't loan them out!

stickguy

Oh, the truck. I was bummed because they gave me a Chevy Express instead of a Transit (I think the Transits are easier to drive and more manageable, plus get better MPG). Not a big deal today, but I really want it next rental since that will be about 700 miles total driving.

This unit was at least nice. Only 9,700 miles and drove well. So not a penalty box. I seriously underestimated how much stuff she had, and how big her mattress was. But between the truck, her Jetta and the wife's RDX we fit everything (but 2 plastic Adirondack chairs that got donated to her neighbor).

Less room next trip but thankfully a lot of bulky stuff isn't going so will easily fit in the Transit van even with 2 passengers. Not bringing a spare car on this trip.

xwesx

tjc78 said:

NYCs experience has me thinking I should check the oil in the Volvo’s.

I’ve never even lifted the hood in the XC and only to clean the S last year.

With so few miles driven and yearly service it’s easy to forget on newer cars.

XC finally turned 2000 miles last night (we got it in November)

I tried to check the oil on the Q5 loaner.... It doesn't have a dipstick! What the actual.....

xwesx

sda said:

I don’t recall any of the multiple Hondas we’ve had having a low oil light and all had the traditional dipstick which I prefer. The Audi doesn’t have a dipstick and must be checked by going thru multiple steps in the information screens which I find inconvenient.

Wow... all the way back in 2016?! I guess it's not a new thing, then. I was surprised by it. I looked for a good, long time.

sda

stickguy said:

Oh, the truck. I was bummed because they gave me a Chevy Express instead of a Transit (I think the Transits are easier to drive and more manageable, plus get better MPG). Not a big deal today, but I really want it next rental since that will be about 700 miles total driving.

This unit was at least nice. Only 9,700 miles and drove well. So not a penalty box. I seriously underestimated how much stuff she had, and how big her mattress was. But between the truck, her Jetta and the wife's RDX we fit everything (but 2 plastic Adirondack chairs that got donated to her neighbor).

Less room next trip but thankfully a lot of bulky stuff isn't going so will easily fit in the Transit van even with 2 passengers. Not bringing a spare car on this trip.

You’re a good dad.

stickguy

I try!