Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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Comments

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    what we will do with it yet.

    Have to wait for the shop to try and figure out what happened. Most likely though just get it running, assuming it doesn't need a motor, then wholesale it to get what we paid for it.

    If it does need a motor then wholesale it and take our several thousand dollar loss. :sick:

    And that is why as and individual you should never buy a car at an auction. If you go by some random car at an auction and three weeks later it blows its motor you are out of luck.

    If we do that it isn't so bad cause we buy 1000 plus cars a year from auctions, trades or lease returns. If we get burned one two or three no big deal.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,751
    And that is why as and individual you should never buy a car at an auction. If you go by some random car at an auction and three weeks later it blows its motor you are out of luck.

    Hmmm... but how is that different than me buying at a dealer? I mean, we are obviously talking about cars out of warranty anyway. If my 83k-mile V70 gave up the ghost today, just a few weeks after purchase, the dealer I bought it from owes me nothing.

    '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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Well the difference is based on the dealer in the state.

    In CT we have to offer a minimum warranty on cars of certain prices and certain years. That 2003 BMW would have probably just squeaked into a 30 day warranty and if the motor had blown in those 30 days or XXXX miles then we would have to fix it.

    We don't really sell hardly any AS-IS cars. Even a car that technically is too old or too cheap to get a warranty probably does have a warranty because we have to protect our reputation in the community.

    For example I sold a 90,000 mile S80 last month. That car being a 2004 and having nearly a 100,000 mile doesn't have to have a warranty we can sell it AS-IS but just to protect our selfs and our reputation we won't do that.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    BR, what is 'hydro-locked'? :sick:

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,368
    Hydro-locked means the cylinder(s) is/are filled with water. Since you can't compress water, it almost always results in serious damage to the engines internal components.

    That said, the problem with the 525i in question may have been caused buy a faulty oil separator- a somewhat common issue with older M5X engines in colder climates. If it is the separator could well mean that the repairs will not be nearly as expensive as first feared.

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Yup you are right and that is what it turns out to be. They pulled the plugs and found oil in most of the cylinders. We ordered a new oil separator on advice from the GOOD BMW dealership, we have a bad one too that we never use anymore, and the car should be up and running either tomorrow or the next day.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    And to make it worse you have it listed now......

    Only 59K on the clock and a brand new oil separator! Dang!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,368
    Only 59K on the clock and a brand new oil separator! Dang!

    And the separator is a major pain in the butt to R&R.

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

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    So, when things like this happen, is the car good as new? The engine is OK?

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,368
    So, when things like this happen, is the car good as new? The engine is OK?

    99% of the time the engine will be fine- assuming that the only problem was the oil separator.

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

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Roadburner, by-the-way, thanks for answering my questions.

    Mark :blush:
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Yeah I haven't been around all day. I have daddy day care on Tuesdays.

    The motor should be fine I think they will finish with it tomorrow.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    now that it is damaged goods, I will give you 12K for it. And I will come up to pick it up, no need to deliver.

    what color is it?

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Blue
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    Dark blue? like nautic on a volvo?

    what color interior?

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Tan of course and yes a fairly dark metallic although not as dark as the Magic Blue that Volvo uses. I guess it would be close to Nautic or Barrents blue. Our main website is down again so not sure if the color decoded properly on the ad.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    put me over the edge if you can post a link to it. Car of my dreams, in my favorite color combo.

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,077
    Car of my dreams

    ....with a hydro-locked engine? :surprise:

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,332
    ....with a hydro-locked engine?

    It's just a flesh wound!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    hey, BR said they were fixing it, and burner said it should be OK.

    I also dropped the offer by 20%. Should I go lower? :shades:

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,077
    It would worry me...

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  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Bah it should be fine but it is up the UCM to decide if we sell it or not. He may decide just to wholesale it anyway.

    It wasn't really hydro-locked as it didn't have that much fluid in the cylinders just more oil fouled from the oil seperator not working.

    Fezo can post a link I really shouldn't.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,686
    >just more oil fouled from the oil seperator

    Would someone tell what an oil separator is and how it works? I'm probably the only one here who doesn't know, but I'll ask.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    That makes two of us.

    Mark :surprise:
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,686
    >That makes two

    Thanks. I feel a little better.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    I didn't know either. A quick search revealed lots of threads like this one which explain the problem.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,686
    image

    Here's another link to an article. This claims it does the work of a PCV valve.

    http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/49387

    In your link to a different example, it was kind of refreshing to me hearing people complain about BMW's design deficiency. They complained that BMW should do it like American cars! They complained how hard it is to get to. Kind of refreshing after listening to a few persistent people kvetch on the the GM boards for a decade about how awful US cars are. --and the UAW board as well.

    I don't begrudge BMW owners enjoyment of their car over any of this, however.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,332
    If you hadn't posted that, I was about to make something up about how the oil separator separated oil from the coolant so that a leaking head gasket wouldn't damage the engine...
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,686
    >a leaking head gasket wouldn't damage the engine...

    I knew at first that a search for "oil separator" would get lots of industrial items probably including grease trap type items.

    If the only problem on the car is the oil separator I wouldn't see why a dealer wouldn't just fix it and put it back on the lot. Is there other damage to be done?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,751
    I was about to make something up about how the oil separator separated oil from the coolant so that a leaking head gasket wouldn't damage the engine...

    Bah!
    You don't know what yer talking about.
    An oil separator uses centrifugal force to extract the 1.21 gigawatts needed to run the flux capacitor, without which your headlight fluid would boil over.

    '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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    I also had no idea what an oil seperator was. Learn something new almost every day.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I was away for a bit. Forgive me.

    I'll bid $12K +$1.

    Here you go!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    Check the 01 m5 on aagcars.com. These guys are about five miles from my house and actually not slimy. Wouldn't that be a fun roadtrip back from Cali!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hmmm... That floormat looks like it could get stuck under the gas pedal. I should check that offer...... Who took that picture?

    Nah, offer still stands...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    perfect car for me. Like the colors, wheels, everything. Other than that pesky blown engine thing, and what appears to be a busted cupholder? ALthough I think that was a standard feature on this model.

    What the heck, I will blow Fezo out of the water. $12,005. Top that, convertible boy.

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,751
    hmmm... ya know what? I'll go $5k and they don't have to fix it! :surprise:

    '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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Wow. I could live with the blown engine, but a busted cupholder?

    I do this against my better judgment but $12,010.

    Back to you....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    tapped out. Look like you win.

    I do love that car, but knowing the history now, it would always be in the back of my mind. I am also not technically in the market, but for barely more than I coul dget for my accord (the 12K, not the 15K they actually want), screw it.

    If this thing had showed up loca, I would be all over it. Once they actually opened the roads back up and the blizzard stopped.

    Hey, RWD in a blizzard. What a time to buy!

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I was thinking the same thing. Perfect day to drive to Connecticut. :sick:

    I'm not really in the market either but if rover comes in and accepts the offer....

    It's a great color and one of two sorts of vehicles that catch my fancy anymore - wagons and convertibles.

    Just had a call from the local Honda dealer who is looking to offer me a special loyalty deal on a new Civic or Accord. I'd be stunned if this was more than a "let's get you in the door" thing. No, thanks.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    See that? We scared him away....

    Probably sweeping snow off of Volvos.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Actually just got home we closed early.

    One of the other guys took a deposit on that BMW this morning just as the snow was starting. Yeah thats right we are so good we sell cars in a blizzard.

    Have to see what goes on with this guy though kind of a shaky deal at the moment.

    Oh and this 5 series does come with brand new snow tires on it so yeah snow is fine sure even with RWD... err yeah... ;)
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah! New snow tires! Well, if that deal falls apart you know where to find me. :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    although since the snows are on it, and you didn't mention an extra set of wheels in the back, the first thing I would have to do is source another set of wheels and tires. But, at least I would be set for next winter!

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,077
    Pluses...

    stick, nice wheels, xenons, body looks great.. wagon!

    Minuses

    184 HP (5-speed will help that), no sport package, light carpets that match interior (ugh), standard busted 5-series cupholder, no heated seats?..
    Oh yeah... blown engine?

    Seriously.. I love stick-shift wagons... but, that engine thing gives me the willies...

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    well, Iamfine without the SP on it, and the base engine is plenty for me, especially with the stick. hey, I drive a 4 cyl accord now, which probably weighs just about as much.

    The cupholders are annoying, but can be fixed. As part of the deal!

    I also didn't notice the lack of a cold package. That is a bummer, but could be lived with for the right price.

    The interior color is good. I am tired of black everything.

    The engine though, that is an issue.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, it's not exactly the car of my dreams but it has lots of the right elements. Once they put a new engine in it will be fine... Oh, and the cupholder!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    I don't get you guys with your fancy smancy BMWs. You need a real honest car. I am talking '87 Yugo. Where ever yugo, there youare.image
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,686
    What's the car in the background hiding among the sumac?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,477
    Looks like a 50s Willys Station Wagon
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,467
    Terry Thomas?

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

This discussion has been closed.