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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,432

    stickguy said:

    I am starting to get antsy to get a 2nd car. I lasted 8 months so far since selling mine, so I think that is pretty good! I might not "need" one, but I probably deserve one!

    Resist the urge for at least another six months or you’ll be crying at what you have to pay. For every bargain like henryn found, there’s a hundred overpriced regretmobiles.
    I intend to hold out until year end. Might make it a Christmas present for myself. Or push it to president's day. Really depends if we ever get to a point of really needing the 2nd one. One of us having our job require going into an office would do it for sure. Not much else would move the needle. maybe if I had to start making the 2 hour trip to where my father lives on a regular basis. But, nothing on the table right now.

    I think the best option at the moment is leasing a fairly basic car from one of the brands that seems to still be able to make them. Probably a Hyundai. So even paying a little extra for an Elantra ($240 instead of $215 a month?) isn't going to really move the needle much.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    edited May 2021
    qbrozen said:


    Old men don’t like the ATS. But a 2.5? I didn’t even know that was an option. I thought the turbo 4 was the bottom rung. Yikes. That must be awful in a luxo car.

    Once again @qbrozen nails it. "Old men don't like the ATS." I would much rather have the preceding generation DTS. A lot more room, a lot more comfortable, and a lot more performance.
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    stickguy said:

    200HP, almost the same torque. It is probably comparable to my old TLX. Plenty peppy enough for cruising around town. And a major bonus, no impending expensive doom of a miled up turbo getting ready to fail. For something in this age/mile/price range, I am happy to trade a few HP for less complexity. Not turbo or AWD, means a lot less to go wrong!

    and to me it is more of a compact sorta-sporty entry luxo car. Basically a nicer riding Acura ILX with RWD? a domestic BMW 320?

    I don't think turbo charged engines are having the same kind of longevity problems as they used to. I can tell you from recent experiences looking at used trucks, there are a lot of Ford trucks out there with twin turbo ecoboost engines that are still going strong with over 200,000 miles.

    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,237

    stickguy said:

    I am starting to get antsy to get a 2nd car. I lasted 8 months so far since selling mine, so I think that is pretty good! I might not "need" one, but I probably deserve one!

    Resist the urge for at least another six months or you’ll be crying at what you have to pay. For every bargain like henryn found, there’s a hundred overpriced regretmobiles.
    Actually, that’s not half bad.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234

    @henryn said:
    I don't think turbo charged engines are having the same kind of longevity problems as they used to. I can tell you from recent experiences looking at used trucks, there are a lot of Ford trucks out there with twin turbo ecoboost engines that are still going strong with over 200,000 miles.

    The recent wave of turbo engines have all been running low boost. No telling how far past 200k my old V70 has gone. I wouldn’t let a turbo scare me off.

    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,526
    Update on our New England trip (4 nights)

    We are thinking of making Portsmouth our home base to explore the coast, from N of Boston to Portland (more or less). Arriving PVD at 09:45 am on Sunday
    We should be in Portsmouth around Noon. 3 nights there. Wednesday, to Boston and the Sox game that evening.
    Thursday morning, up early and flight out of PVD at 10:15 am.

    Of course, we haven't actually planned any activities, other than the game.

    I was surprised at how close everything is.. PVD to Boston, one hour. One hour more to Portsmouth, one hour more to Portland.

    It was either this, or devote our entire trip to Boston and environs. Maybe, next time.
    We liked the idea of only changing hotels, once. (3 nights in Portsmouth, one in Boston)

    Anyone see any issues with this plan, or specific things to see in those areas, feel free to chime in.
    Thanks!!

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  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    edited May 2021
    I see no issues.
    Good plan.
    If you would like to meet for coffee, I am between
    Portsmouth & Portland...
    - Ray
    New Englander - for the Summer...
    2022 X3 M40i
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,526
    rayainsw said:

    I see no issues.
    Good plan.
    If you would like to meet for coffee, I am between
    Portsmouth & Portland...
    - Ray
    New Englander - for the Summer...

    Ahhh... didn't realize you were up there that long. Certainly!

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,432
    sounds like a good plan to me. I have not been to Portsmouth (at least not as an adult) but have heard great things about it, and one of our friends is trying to set up a time for some of us to get together up there. If you come down to Boston early in the morning, will have time for some other touristy stuff. And depending on where your hotel is, pretty easy to get to Fenway on the T.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,526
    stickguy said:

    sounds like a good plan to me. I have not been to Portsmouth (at least not as an adult) but have heard great things about it, and one of our friends is trying to set up a time for some of us to get together up there. If you come down to Boston early in the morning, will have time for some other touristy stuff. And depending on where your hotel is, pretty easy to get to Fenway on the T.

    For good or bad, I booked a Hampton within 30 minutes walking distance to Fenway. Depending on how the trip planning goes up North, we may indeed get to Boston early on Wednesday for other activities, besides the game that evening. Thanks!

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,315

    @stickguy said:
    not sure why, but in this crazy market and inflated prices, I actually kind of like this. Plenty of features, nice seats, etc. Would not be hard to live with it at all. Price seems somewhat reasonable. and won't be missing out on anything really.

    yes, I know this is an old mans car, but hey, it's RWD so that is pretty exotic these days!

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Cadillac/2013-Cadillac-ATS-cherry-hill-nj-163285b00a0e0a173e8f42ae2b7b1de3.htm

    @qbrozen nailed it. I think that is similar to the engine they used to use in the Malibu. Think BMW 320i, Infiniti G25, etc., in terms of performance.

  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    I’ve been going over my new (to me) truck, looking for problems or things that need to be taken care of. The oil looks clean, and is full. The air filter appears to be brand new. I found some pretty bad corrosion on the battery terminals, and cleaned that up. I want to get underneath (if it ever stops raining) and check the oil filter, make sure it’s not an off-brand or no-brand.

    The worst thing I’ve encountered are the windshield wiper blades. It’s been raining pretty much every day here for the past week, and it rained on me Friday afternoon driving home from where I bought the truck. The passenger side wiper blade was separating, and the driver’s side did not work well. A closer look at the driver’s side blade revealed that it was a new Rain-X and the protective slip-on cover was still intact. Who would replace only one wiper blade, and then not remove the protective cover?


    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,762
    @henryn,
    Have you checked the cabin air filter.
    Here's a YT video on how to do it.
    I looked at several before I picked this one. :D
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTZg20I6wzQ
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,315
    stickguy said:

    not sure why, but in this crazy market and inflated prices, I actually kind of like this. Plenty of features, nice seats, etc. Would not be hard to live with it at all. Price seems somewhat reasonable. and won't be missing out on anything really.

    yes, I know this is an old mans car, but hey, it's RWD so that is pretty exotic these days!

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Cadillac/2013-Cadillac-ATS-cherry-hill-nj-163285b00a0e0a173e8f42ae2b7b1de3.htm

    :o
    OLDS MANS CAR?!?!? I should challenge you to a duel at 20 paces, sir!

    Seriously, that is the original base engine model. It is slow compared to the others, probably like your former TLX as you stated. It is certainly the old man's paint color. At least the interior is nice. Being a 2013 it is the first model year and CUE was problematic in that generation. If you do not need rear seat room for adults it is fine. Check to make sure the rear seat folds flat as some did not.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289

    @henryn,
    Have you checked the cabin air filter.
    Here's a YT video on how to do it.
    I looked at several before I picked this one. :D

    Thanks for the heads-up. In 2013, only the higher trim levels came with a cabin air filter. I did check behind the glove box, nothing there. One of several things not here on the base trim level XL. I will miss the backup camera, but the number one thing I'm going to miss is bluetooth. I may actually break down and put in an aftermarket stereo just to get the bluetooth. Or maybe not ...

    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,593
    ab348 said:

    stickguy said:

    not sure why, but in this crazy market and inflated prices, I actually kind of like this. Plenty of features, nice seats, etc. Would not be hard to live with it at all. Price seems somewhat reasonable. and won't be missing out on anything really.

    yes, I know this is an old mans car, but hey, it's RWD so that is pretty exotic these days!

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Cadillac/2013-Cadillac-ATS-cherry-hill-nj-163285b00a0e0a173e8f42ae2b7b1de3.htm

    :o
    OLDS MANS CAR?!?!? I should challenge you to a duel at 20 paces, sir!

    Seriously, that is the original base engine model. It is slow compared to the others, probably like your former TLX as you stated. It is certainly the old man's paint color. At least the interior is nice. Being a 2013 it is the first model year and CUE was problematic in that generation. If you do not need rear seat room for adults it is fine. Check to make sure the rear seat folds flat as some did not.
    Old man’s color, like my 13 Accord, thank you sir😐. It does appear the CUE screen is showing some delamination and the right front bumper took a minor bump which may throw off some of the sensors in the bumper. My 13 Accord had about the same miles, was not nearly as nice, I.e. not in the luxury category yet it was listed for $13500. The pricing on the ATS seems attractive. The local Charlotte Cadillac dealer’s lot is practically empty, only 19 vehicles. All silver, white or black.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,351
    ronsteve said:

    @henryn said:

    I don't think turbo charged engines are having the same kind of longevity problems as they used to. I can tell you from recent experiences looking at used trucks, there are a lot of Ford trucks out there with twin turbo ecoboost engines that are still going strong with over 200,000 miles.

    The recent wave of turbo engines have all been running low boost. No telling how far past 200k my old V70 has gone. I wouldn’t let a turbo scare me off.


    I've had 5 turbocharged vehicles, going back to a a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and a 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo. I've only replaced one turbo, and that was on the Mazdaspeed pursuant to a TSB.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,432
    corvette said:

    @stickguy said:

    not sure why, but in this crazy market and inflated prices, I actually kind of like this. Plenty of features, nice seats, etc. Would not be hard to live with it at all. Price seems somewhat reasonable. and won't be missing out on anything really.

    yes, I know this is an old mans car, but hey, it's RWD so that is pretty exotic these days!

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Cadillac/2013-Cadillac-ATS-cherry-hill-nj-163285b00a0e0a173e8f42ae2b7b1de3.htm

    @qbrozen nailed it. I think that is similar to the engine they used to use in the Malibu. Think BMW 320i, Infiniti G25, etc., in terms of performance.


    and those cars, like my 2.4 TLX, are all plenty fast enough for me. We aren't talking Mitsu mirage territory here.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,432
    kyfdx said:

    stickguy said:

    sounds like a good plan to me. I have not been to Portsmouth (at least not as an adult) but have heard great things about it, and one of our friends is trying to set up a time for some of us to get together up there. If you come down to Boston early in the morning, will have time for some other touristy stuff. And depending on where your hotel is, pretty easy to get to Fenway on the T.

    For good or bad, I booked a Hampton within 30 minutes walking distance to Fenway. Depending on how the trip planning goes up North, we may indeed get to Boston early on Wednesday for other activities, besides the game that evening. Thanks!
    Boston for the most part is actually pretty compact and very walkable. If you get something relatively central/downtown, can get almost anywhere in 30 minutes.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,432
    edited May 2021
    sda said:

    ab348 said:

    stickguy said:

    not sure why, but in this crazy market and inflated prices, I actually kind of like this. Plenty of features, nice seats, etc. Would not be hard to live with it at all. Price seems somewhat reasonable. and won't be missing out on anything really.

    yes, I know this is an old mans car, but hey, it's RWD so that is pretty exotic these days!

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Cadillac/2013-Cadillac-ATS-cherry-hill-nj-163285b00a0e0a173e8f42ae2b7b1de3.htm

    :o
    OLDS MANS CAR?!?!? I should challenge you to a duel at 20 paces, sir!

    Seriously, that is the original base engine model. It is slow compared to the others, probably like your former TLX as you stated. It is certainly the old man's paint color. At least the interior is nice. Being a 2013 it is the first model year and CUE was problematic in that generation. If you do not need rear seat room for adults it is fine. Check to make sure the rear seat folds flat as some did not.
    Old man’s color, like my 13 Accord, thank you sir😐. It does appear the CUE screen is showing some delamination and the right front bumper took a minor bump which may throw off some of the sensors in the bumper. My 13 Accord had about the same miles, was not nearly as nice, I.e. not in the luxury category yet it was listed for $13500. The pricing on the ATS seems attractive. The local Charlotte Cadillac dealer’s lot is practically empty, only 19 vehicles. All silver, white or black.
    all good info. I did not look that close at it since I am not seriously considering it. Old man did refer more to the color and base engine. Neither of which bother me. Defective interface stuff would. And I have no need for back seat room. I could easily get away with a 2 seat car, it's just nice to have the back seat and 4 doors to be able to throw stuff in the back. Or take the dog along.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,432
    henryn said:

    @henryn,
    Have you checked the cabin air filter.
    Here's a YT video on how to do it.
    I looked at several before I picked this one. :D

    Thanks for the heads-up. In 2013, only the higher trim levels came with a cabin air filter. I did check behind the glove box, nothing there. One of several things not here on the base trim level XL. I will miss the backup camera, but the number one thing I'm going to miss is bluetooth. I may actually break down and put in an aftermarket stereo just to get the bluetooth. Or maybe not ...

    if you get a new head unit it will likely have the camera integrated too. so get everything in one shot! I think you can get a bluetooth device that will plug into your existing radio too if you just want that. I guess it depends on how much you will be driving it, and how many calls you get!

    should be an easy vehicle to swap in a new head unit though. Not all integrated controls like many fancy new cars.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,237
    henryn said:

    I’ve been going over my new (to me) truck, looking for problems or things that need to be taken care of. The oil looks clean, and is full. The air filter appears to be brand new. I found some pretty bad corrosion on the battery terminals, and cleaned that up. I want to get underneath (if it ever stops raining) and check the oil filter, make sure it’s not an off-brand or no-brand.

    The worst thing I’ve encountered are the windshield wiper blades. It’s been raining pretty much every day here for the past week, and it rained on me Friday afternoon driving home from where I bought the truck. The passenger side wiper blade was separating, and the driver’s side did not work well. A closer look at the driver’s side blade revealed that it was a new Rain-X and the protective slip-on cover was still intact. Who would replace only one wiper blade, and then not remove the protective cover?


    An old guy who never drove in the rain. I’d take that as a good sign.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,315
    edited May 2021
    henryn said:

    @henryn,
    Have you checked the cabin air filter.
    Here's a YT video on how to do it.
    I looked at several before I picked this one. :D

    Thanks for the heads-up. In 2013, only the higher trim levels came with a cabin air filter. I did check behind the glove box, nothing there. One of several things not here on the base trim level XL. I will miss the backup camera, but the number one thing I'm going to miss is bluetooth. I may actually break down and put in an aftermarket stereo just to get the bluetooth. Or maybe not ...

    You could add BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera with most new head units. Some may offer a remote that clips on the steering wheel. Edit: @stickguy beat me to it.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,237

    ronsteve said:

    @henryn said:

    I don't think turbo charged engines are having the same kind of longevity problems as they used to. I can tell you from recent experiences looking at used trucks, there are a lot of Ford trucks out there with twin turbo ecoboost engines that are still going strong with over 200,000 miles.

    The recent wave of turbo engines have all been running low boost. No telling how far past 200k my old V70 has gone. I wouldn’t let a turbo scare me off.

    I've had 5 turbocharged vehicles, going back to a a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and a 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo. I've only replaced one turbo, and that was on the Mazdaspeed pursuant to a TSB.

    I’m assuming you were scrupulous in changing the oil and keeping it full. I wonder if the average person knows to do that.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    edited May 2021

    ronsteve said:

    @henryn said:

    I don't think turbo charged engines are having the same kind of longevity problems as they used to. I can tell you from recent experiences looking at used trucks, there are a lot of Ford trucks out there with twin turbo ecoboost engines that are still going strong with over 200,000 miles.

    The recent wave of turbo engines have all been running low boost. No telling how far past 200k my old V70 has gone. I wouldn’t let a turbo scare me off.

    I've had 5 turbocharged vehicles, going back to a a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and a 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo. I've only replaced one turbo, and that was on the Mazdaspeed pursuant to a TSB.
    I’m assuming you were scrupulous in changing the oil and keeping it full. I wonder if the average person knows to do that.
    ============end quoted material======================

    My first was in a new 1985 Dodge Lancer, with the turbo charged 2.2L 4 cylinder. My brother was working as a mechanic in a Mopar dealership, and he advised me:

    1) Run the highest quality synthetic oil you can get your hands on, Mobil 1 or similar.
    2) Never run it hard and then shut it down without giving the turbo a chance to cool down.

    The last time I saw that car, it was 6 years old and well over 100k miles. Turbo still intact, and pulling hard. Unfortunately, the head gasket was shot, due to someone I won't mention having the cooling system flushed. Caustic chemicals, aluminum cylinder head, bad news.
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,351

    ronsteve said:

    @henryn said:

    I don't think turbo charged engines are having the same kind of longevity problems as they used to. I can tell you from recent experiences looking at used trucks, there are a lot of Ford trucks out there with twin turbo ecoboost engines that are still going strong with over 200,000 miles.

    The recent wave of turbo engines have all been running low boost. No telling how far past 200k my old V70 has gone. I wouldn’t let a turbo scare me off.

    I've had 5 turbocharged vehicles, going back to a a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and a 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo. I've only replaced one turbo, and that was on the Mazdaspeed pursuant to a TSB.
    I’m assuming you were scrupulous in changing the oil and keeping it full. I wonder if the average person knows to do that.

    On the Mazdaspeed I eventually stretched the oil changes(Mobil 1 5W-30) from 5,000 to 7,500 miles, based on the used oil analysis I had performed. The BMW 0W-30 in the 2 Series and X1 get changed annually because we don't put over 10,000 miles per year on either car.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,227
    28, guess I'm confused here, just bear with me for a moment. Once your dad's car goes back, you'll be down to two vehicles, right? And only two of you drive in the family so the Jeep is coming and one of the others is going I'm guessing...right? Or, are y'all going to become a three vehicle family going forward? As we were talking last night, I'd love to have a "toy" as one vehicle we could both enjoy and living in South Florida, well a convertible comes to mind. I fell in love with our family's convertibles as a child...a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette a gift from my dad's parents to their kids from their profits investing in the original Broadway play, "The Music Man". We got a red one while his two younger brothers got a black & white unit. Even as a small child, I knew something special was parked in the garage. By 1963, it was gone with a Buick Riviera taking it's place. During this period, we were living just north of the city, as in New York City, as we had a factory in Peekskill and a showroom in the garment district area where my dad and a few others in the family worked. Took us moving to Florida in the latter part of 1969 to finally get another drop top.
    By this time, my dad had retired and spent his days at the nearby country club. My mom had her 1968 Eldorado but it was kind of big with front wheel drive which we no longer needed. Dad and his bridge buddies made a deal with a dealer in Orlando to drive three or four 1970 DeVille convertibles down so they could choose who got which color. Once my mom saw the light blue with the white top, she said it's going to be hers and it was a beautiful vehicle I must admit. Since I still love a drop top and suspect the wife does to as whenever I got a rental with one, she insisted that I put it down whenever possible. Guessing if I found the right one, she wouldn't fight me that much I hope. Maybe one day in the future, once we both retire for good.

    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)

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,841

    We’ve been a three vehicle family. The ZHP is a weekend/fun car.

    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,791

    We’ve been a three vehicle family. The ZHP is a weekend/fun car.

    This is the way.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    corvette said:

    henryn said:

    @henryn,
    Have you checked the cabin air filter.
    Here's a YT video on how to do it.
    I looked at several before I picked this one. :D

    Thanks for the heads-up. In 2013, only the higher trim levels came with a cabin air filter. I did check behind the glove box, nothing there. One of several things not here on the base trim level XL. I will miss the backup camera, but the number one thing I'm going to miss is bluetooth. I may actually break down and put in an aftermarket stereo just to get the bluetooth. Or maybe not ...

    You could add BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera with most new head units. Some may offer a remote that clips on the steering wheel. Edit: @stickguy beat me to it.
    I have all except the steering wheel controls in my Charger. Doesn't bother me to reach the touchscreen. It works very well. Camera isn't the greatest. I had to point it down as far as it could go so I can see the bumper, but now I can't see much more than 10 feet behind that. Oh well, I use backup cam just for that close-up stuff anyway. I can turn my head for the rest. Hardest part of the install was decoding the stock wiring. I wasn't sure what would work best, so I tried line-out to the stock amp, but that failed, so then I changed to high-level output and bypassed the stock amp. Works great. Sounds better than stock.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748

    The hybrid wrangler hath arrived!

    Really love the color.

    No luck over here so far. Only one of the two dealers answered my inquiry. Went back and forth several times before she said I'd have to come to the store in person to discuss pricing. SIGH. Vroom never got back to me with the bid anyway, so I still have no clue if I could successfully flip.

    '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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,516


    When are you going to start modding it? Lol! Looks great @28firefighter! Congrats! Mazel-Tov & enjoy!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0

    The hybrid wrangler hath arrived!

    I love the color too @28firefighter, and the wheel color is just perfect!
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    qbrozen said:

    corvette said:

    henryn said:

    @henryn,
    Have you checked the cabin air filter.
    Here's a YT video on how to do it.
    I looked at several before I picked this one. :D

    Thanks for the heads-up. In 2013, only the higher trim levels came with a cabin air filter. I did check behind the glove box, nothing there. One of several things not here on the base trim level XL. I will miss the backup camera, but the number one thing I'm going to miss is bluetooth. I may actually break down and put in an aftermarket stereo just to get the bluetooth. Or maybe not ...

    You could add BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera with most new head units. Some may offer a remote that clips on the steering wheel. Edit: @stickguy beat me to it.
    I have all except the steering wheel controls in my Charger. Doesn't bother me to reach the touchscreen. It works very well. Camera isn't the greatest. I had to point it down as far as it could go so I can see the bumper, but now I can't see much more than 10 feet behind that. Oh well, I use backup cam just for that close-up stuff anyway. I can turn my head for the rest. Hardest part of the install was decoding the stock wiring. I wasn't sure what would work best, so I tried line-out to the stock amp, but that failed, so then I changed to high-level output and bypassed the stock amp. Works great. Sounds better than stock.
    If I might ask, what unit did you buy? I was looking at Crutchfield, and most of the head units they list as fitting this F150 are "out of stock". Chip shortage or ???
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,454
    Congrats! Good color, should hide dirt fairly well. Please don't get plastic "angry eyes" :)

    The hybrid wrangler hath arrived!

  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,582
    @28firefighter, congrats and many safe and happy miles with the new ride!
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,005

    @qbrozen said:
    I have all except the steering wheel controls in my Charger. Doesn't bother me to reach the touchscreen. It works very well. Camera isn't the greatest. I had to point it down as far as it could go so I can see the bumper, but now I can't see much more than 10 feet behind that. Oh well, I use backup cam just for that close-up stuff anyway. I can turn my head for the rest. Hardest part of the install was decoding the stock wiring. I wasn't sure what would work best, so I tried line-out to the stock amp, but that failed, so then I changed to high-level output and bypassed the stock amp. Works great. Sounds better than stock.

    There are adapters for the steering wheel controls. I had one in my 04 Grand Marquis.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-hNTBoclZVR9/p_120ASWC1/Axxess-ASWC-1-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748

    @tjc78 said:

    @qbrozen said:
    I have all except the steering wheel controls in my Charger. Doesn't bother me to reach the touchscreen. It works very well. Camera isn't the greatest. I had to point it down as far as it could go so I can see the bumper, but now I can't see much more than 10 feet behind that. Oh well, I use backup cam just for that close-up stuff anyway. I can turn my head for the rest. Hardest part of the install was decoding the stock wiring. I wasn't sure what would work best, so I tried line-out to the stock amp, but that failed, so then I changed to high-level output and bypassed the stock amp. Works great. Sounds better than stock.

    There are adapters for the steering wheel controls. I had one in my 04 Grand Marquis.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-hNTBoclZVR9/p_120ASWC1/Axxess-ASWC-1-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

    My Charger didn’t have steering wheel controls to begin with.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748

    @henryn said:
    If I might ask, what unit did you buy? I was looking at Crutchfield, and most of the head units they list as fitting this F150 are "out of stock". Chip shortage or ???

    I was afraid you’d ask that. :)
    I’ll have to do some digging.

    '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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,005
    edited May 2021

    @qbrozen said:

    @tjc78 said:

    @qbrozen said:
    I have all except the steering wheel controls in my Charger. Doesn't bother me to reach the touchscreen. It works very well. Camera isn't the greatest. I had to point it down as far as it could go so I can see the bumper, but now I can't see much more than 10 feet behind that. Oh well, I use backup cam just for that close-up stuff anyway. I can turn my head for the rest. Hardest part of the install was decoding the stock wiring. I wasn't sure what would work best, so I tried line-out to the stock amp, but that failed, so then I changed to high-level output and bypassed the stock amp. Works great. Sounds better than stock.

    There are adapters for the steering wheel controls. I had one in my 04 Grand Marquis.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-hNTBoclZVR9/p_120ASWC1/Axxess-ASWC-1-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

    My Charger didn’t have steering wheel controls to begin with.

    Oh ... I’m pretty shocked at that. I figured it had them from the factory. I always liked the controls on the back of the wheel spokes Chrysler/Jeep did for awhile, seemed very natural to use. I don’t think any other manufacturers did it that way.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,526

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 266,526
    @28firefighter
    Congrats! I love that color. Not just on the Jeep, but on just about everything

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  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    tjc78 said:

    @qbrozen said:

    @tjc78 said:

    @qbrozen said:

    I have all except the steering wheel controls in my Charger. Doesn't bother me to reach the touchscreen. It works very well. Camera isn't the greatest. I had to point it down as far as it could go so I can see the bumper, but now I can't see much more than 10 feet behind that. Oh well, I use backup cam just for that close-up stuff anyway. I can turn my head for the rest. Hardest part of the install was decoding the stock wiring. I wasn't sure what would work best, so I tried line-out to the stock amp, but that failed, so then I changed to high-level output and bypassed the stock amp. Works great. Sounds better than stock.

    There are adapters for the steering wheel controls. I had one in my 04 Grand Marquis.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-hNTBoclZVR9/p_120ASWC1/Axxess-ASWC-1-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

    My Charger didn’t have steering wheel controls to begin with.

    Oh ... I’m pretty shocked at that. I figured it had them from the factory. I always liked the controls on the back of the wheel spokes Chrysler/Jeep did for awhile, seemed very natural to use. I don’t think any other manufacturers did it that way.


    yeah, it is odd, especially in Daytona trim. Our 2008 T&C and the 2014 have those controls on the back of the wheel. I think our 2004 Pacifica did, too. They make sense. Hide the stereo controls on the back and keep the important stuff up front.

    '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

  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    @28firefighter - congrats & happy trails!
    - Ray
    See what I did there ...
    2022 X3 M40i
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,126
    ab348 said:

    stickguy said:

    not sure why, but in this crazy market and inflated prices, I actually kind of like this. Plenty of features, nice seats, etc. Would not be hard to live with it at all. Price seems somewhat reasonable. and won't be missing out on anything really.

    yes, I know this is an old mans car, but hey, it's RWD so that is pretty exotic these days!

    https://www.subaruofcherryhill.com/used/Cadillac/2013-Cadillac-ATS-cherry-hill-nj-163285b00a0e0a173e8f42ae2b7b1de3.htm

    :o
    OLDS MANS CAR?!?!? I should challenge you to a duel at 20 paces, sir!

    Seriously, that is the original base engine model. It is slow compared to the others, probably like your former TLX as you stated. It is certainly the old man's paint color. At least the interior is nice. Being a 2013 it is the first model year and CUE was problematic in that generation. If you do not need rear seat room for adults it is fine. Check to make sure the rear seat folds flat as some did not.
    To this day, I think one of the sharpest cars, let alone the sharpest Cadillacs I’ve ever seen was this….

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Cadillac_CTS_coupe_rear_--_10-22-2010.jpg#/media/File:2011_Cadillac_CTS_coupe_rear_--_10-22-2010.jpg
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,126
    @28firefighter ….love the Jeep. Big Congrats!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,005

    @graphicguy said:
    To this day, I think one of the sharpest cars, let alone the sharpest Cadillacs I’ve ever seen was this….

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Cadillac_CTS_coupe_rear_--10-22-2010.jpg#/media/File:2011_Cadillac_CTS_coupe_rear--_10-22-2010.jpg

    My uncle has first year CTS coupe in burgundy. Gorgeous.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,931

    @28firefighter - congrats! Very cool Jeep!

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,841
    Forgot to add, the 530 touring is on a truck back east. Got picked up last night. Could not have timed that better if I tried.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
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