Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
Car wizard did a Jeep recently that needed a heater core or some part of that unit. Instead of ripping out the dash, the owner asked them to cut an access panel into the firewall. That way, next time it went out (apparently a common failure item) just pop that off, and quick access.

That could have been my lazy cousin.

jmonroe

ab348

On '64-'72 GM A-body intermediates, the method to replace the heater core required removal of the RF tire and then the RF inner fender. Once that was out of the way you could get at the 6 nuts that held the heater case under the dash to the inside of the firewall and get at the core, which was easily replaced once exposed.

I had to do that job on both my '64 Skylark and later on my '68 Cutlass. Oddly enough, when I took out the failed core on the Skylark, the new one I had bought at the parts store did not fit at all. I took it and the failed one back to the store. They had a catalog from the manufacturer that luckily had dimensions for every type they offered. What fit my car was one from a 1961 full-size Olds. Why, I did not know as everything looked factory original and not hacked together. Perhaps it was early production.

On the Cutlass, it had plastic inner fenders and apparently the factory suggested just cutting an access flap in that at a certain spot to get at the otherwise inaccessible nuts, but I did not want to do that, so I took it out entirely. My '78 Delta 88 had a similar problem with one nut that could not be reached, but a previous owner had helpfully broken off the fiberglass or plastic case at that spot and just used silicone to seal that area when reinstalling, so I followed his lead.

fintail

I recall shortly after my dad bought the 60 Ford, the heater core failed, and he replaced it himself. I don't recall it being a terrible job, I don't think the dash had to come out or anything. I think he liked tackling such projects, as until he was a bit older, he did every repair and all maintenance possible himself. Oddly enough, I remember he was able to get the part in little time from the local small town auto parts store, must have interchanged with numerous models.

jmonroe1

@ab348 said:
On '64-'72 GM A-body intermediates, the method to replace the heater core required removal of the RF tire and then the RF inner fender. Once that was out of the way you could get at the 6 nuts that held the heater case under the dash to the inside of the firewall and get at the core, which was easily replaced once exposed.

I had to do that job on both my '64 Skylark and later on my '68 Cutlass. Oddly enough, when I took out the failed core on the Skylark, the new one I had bought at the parts store did not fit at all. I took it and the failed one back to the store. They had a catalog from the manufacturer that luckily had dimensions for every type they offered. What fit my car was one from a 1961 full-size Olds. Why, I did not know as everything looked factory original and not hacked together. Perhaps it was early production.

On the Cutlass, it had plastic inner fenders and apparently the factory suggested just cutting an access flap in that at a certain spot to get at the otherwise inaccessible nuts, but I did not want to do that, so I took it out entirely. My '78 Delta 88 had a similar problem with one nut that could not be reached, but a previous owner had helpfully broken off the fiberglass or plastic case at that spot and just used silicone to seal that area when reinstalling, so I followed his lead.

There are more lazy folks in this world than I thought.

jmonroe

cdnpinhead

jmonroe1 said:

There are more lazy folks in this world than I thought.

jmonroe

Who knew? You're an optimist. Enjoy.

mjfloyd1

Vorsteiner aero program with roof carrier. Is the front any less awful? I don’t think so…

oldfarmer50

I like the color.

roadburner

I had to replace the wiper relay in my T-Bird(wipers would not turn off); I had to partially disassemble the steering column and snake a cable in from under the hood.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

I like the color.

Agreed. The buck-tooth thing, though... that's tough to hush up.

jmonroe1

@xwesx said:
Agreed. The buck-tooth thing, though... that's tough to hush up.

Is that really the grill or a photo-shopped thingy?

jmonroe

Michaell

Member needs help swapping cars

mjfloyd1

@jmonroe1 said:

@xwesx said:
Agreed. The buck-tooth thing, though... that's tough to hush up.

Is that really the grill or a photo-shopped thingy?

jmonroe

Real

https://vorsteinerwheels.myshopify.com/collections/carbon-fiber-1/products/bmw-g8x-vrs-aero-program-abs-front-grill

stickguy

Got the Maverick in for a spray in liner this morning. Makes me nervous having somebody messing with it. I definitely don’t have a work truck mentality. But hopefully they do a good job. At least they already did one last week for practice!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Got the Maverick in for a spray in liner this morning. Makes me nervous having somebody messing with it. I definitely don’t have a work truck mentality. But hopefully they do a good job. At least they already did one last week for practice!

Very cool. You'll be very happy with the results. Post photos when you pick it up.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Got the Maverick in for a spray in liner this morning. Makes me nervous having somebody messing with it. I definitely don’t have a work truck mentality. But hopefully they do a good job. At least they already did one last week for practice!

Be sure to check your gas tank for holes.

stickguy

I pointed it out to the guy at the shop. A couple of times.

But who knows what they do.

graphicguy

mjfloyd1 said:

@jmonroe1 said:

@xwesx said:

Agreed. The buck-tooth thing, though... that's tough to hush up.

Is that really the grill or a photo-shopped thingy?

jmonroe

Real

https://vorsteinerwheels.myshopify.com/collections/carbon-fiber-1/products/bmw-g8x-vrs-aero-program-abs-front-grill

So, they make it look like an older Charger?

You know what they say about a pig and lipstick!!!!!!

carnaught

Going to see and kick the tires on the Ioniq5 on Saturday - not buying….yet?

jmonroe1

@graphicguy said:
So, they make it look like an older Charger?

You know what they say about a pig and lipstick!!!!!!

Ain’t that the truth.

I think car manufacturers should have mandatory drug testing for their designers.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

@carnaught said:
Going to see and kick the tires on the Ioniq5 on Saturday - not buying….yet?

It’s none of our business what MSRP is but we’re dying to know what the market adjustment is.

I already told you guys my Son found a Philly Kia dealer that wanted 18 grand as market adjustment for a new Telluride and an Atlanta dealer that wanted 8 grand for his for the same car.

jmonroe

stickguy

Got my truck back. Rhino liner came out great. They did s nice job. Even did the top lip behind the rear window (the factory skips that). Now this weekend I put the tonneau cover on, and should be all set.

Even better, he charged $100 less than told me on the phone. Probably adjusted because of the smaller bed size. But I’m not complaining. So ended up cheaper than factory job. And no holes in the gas tank. And if I have any issues, got a place to take it (lifetime warranty).

carnaught

@stickguy, too bad all customer service today is not like that.

stickguy

Can still get it. But lots of people will sacrifice it for the hope of saving a few bucks at a big box or online. Then you get lost in the swamp, and largely dealing with issues is on your shoulders.

There are still local shops with real people. You can even go in and talk to them in person!

xwesx

Curious about how it looks now, if a photo is something you're willing to share?

I wonder if the difference in the upper finishing of the liner (I think you said they put it on the top lip?) will have any effect on the fitment of the tonneau cover.

explorerx4

The tonneau cover usually has some foam tape to seal along the cab edge of the box.

oldfarmer50

Why I worry when I buy a used car.

https://youtu.be/DzXJMK6isPU

stickguy

I will try to get some pictures tomorrow. Not sure how well it will show up since it matches my color so closely!

I did ask about if the liner would interfere with the gasket, and he said no, that it would stick fine (across the top edge by the cap, you run a strip of weatherseal that the front of the cover fits over to make it watertight).

Probably not a huge deal if it does not stick perfectly, because it is under the front edge of the cover which will hold it in place, and it is just there to help keep water out.

Should be fine. There is a Ford dealer in Kansas that started a youtube channel, and they are a huge player in the Maverick world (their internet guy who does the videos figured out how to play this game early on). He gives a lot of advice, including what options to drop to get built. One big one is the spray in liner, and he mentioned a few times how they do it in house (better than at the factory) and one of the upgrades they do is the top of the bed under the window. They would not do it if it messed up the covers. I hope!

explorerx4

@stickguy,
On one of my F150's, I had a drop in bed liner that leaked even with the gasket due to it going over the cab end of the bed.
I'm sure yours will be fine.

nyccarguy

Since the mysterious disappearing oil incident, my wife's 2017 Pilot has been behaving mechanically. I recently had (2) new BF Goodrich tires mounted on the front to prep for the winter. I think she might have hit 85,000 miles today. I have an appointment at the local Acura dealer to have the oil changed this coming Saturday AM. Last Sunday, she took my 15 year old, his friend, and our daughter skiing. Not too far, maybe a little more than an hour and a half away. Cell reception is certain areas of CT is spotty and her factory navigation system doesn't function properly all the time. The navigation screen will show the car not on the road she's travelling on. For example, she'll be driving north on the parkway and it will keep telling her "merge onto CT15 North," when she is already on CT15 North. She relies heavily on a combination of WAZE and the factory navigation for her job as a home care Physical Therapist. She commented that the navigation issue went from being a minor annoyance to a daily problem.

So I decide to start looking. I texted my broker to see how bad a Highlander Limited Hybrid would lease at MSRP. It ain't pretty. My next stop is going to be to try and find a '21 Grand Cherokee L Limited. I can use my affiliate discount code, plus some conquest cash (he said $2,000) is available.

It looks like my 2021 Wrangler 4xe is lost in limbo. Broker says his contact at the dealership is getting ZERO communication from Stellantis or the holding lot to see what's going on with my Jeep. Good news, my 2022 4xe got in well before the price hike. It should be here sometime in late March.

corvette

@nyccarguy - I have an older Garmin with lifetime map updates--if you have something similar, might be appropriate to keep in the Pilot, even if she relies on Waze regularly. If I'm in an area with poor cell reception, I make every effort to connect to wifi and start up Waze so it can download a route, prior to setting off.

Not sure about the current Highlander Hybrid. It utilizes the same 2.5 liter four banger hybrid setup as the Camry, Avalon, RAV4, Venza, Sienna, and some Lexus models. I've heard it's underpowered in the larger and heavier vehicles, such as the Highlander. I'd probably go for a used previous-generation Highlander Hybrid with the V6 engine, or a current model non-hybrid with the V6. I thought your kids' sports equipment wouldn't fit as well in a Highlander?

qbrozen

@nyccarguy , remind me why you are even wanting the ‘21 Wrangler anymore?

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
There is a GPS reset procedure.

benjaminh

At 52,000 miles I'm now just past the bumper to bumper warranty on my TLX. Went out to start it a couple of days ago when it was well below freezing and the car was covered in snow, but the battery couldn't quite do it. AAA gave a jumpstart but didn't have a replacement battery, and so I drove to my Acura dealer. Fortunately they had one last battery for my car in stock, and $190 later I have a "100 month" battery. I asked the tech if they really lasted that long, and he answered honestly: "About half of them do, and about half don't. But with the pro-rated warranty at least you get something if it doesn't quite go that long. But most of these last at least six years." My oem battery lasted only three years and eight months from when I bought the car, although actually by manufacturing date it was a few months over four years old. Anyway, along with my new Michelin tires seems like I should be set for tires and the battery till well past 100k.

Saw a new generation TLX right next to mine as I pulled into the service bay, and it looked sharp from every angle.

breld

@explorerx4 said:
@nyccarguy,
There is a GPS reset procedure.

I don’t suspect he’s looking for that kind of solution. Hush.

tjc78

Batteries can really be hit or miss. My theory is the newer cars have a higher current draw when “off” which degrades the batteries faster.

My 04 Grand Marquis went nearly 12 years on the OEM Motorcraft battery. The battery never fully went but after a few very slow cranking mornings in the winter I knew it was time.

breld

@benjaminh said:
My oem battery lasted only three years and eight months from when I bought the car,

So, your battery basically lasted 3 lifetimes. Nice.

breld

@nyccarguy - I’ve only sat in a new Grand Cherokee L but was very impressed with the much improved interior, and I’ve always enjoyed driving them anyway, so I’ve gotta think this new one would be a great option.

I’d suggest the Palisade, but if memory serves, you’re not all that keen on them. I don’t know why, but the Hyundai seems easier to find and buy than the Kia.

nyccarguy

explorerx4 said:

@nyccarguy,
There is a GPS reset procedure.

I'll have to look that up. Thank-you.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

@nyccarguy , remind me why you are even wanting the ‘21 Wrangler anymore?

Honestly, I just wanted it to flip. Does it make sense to do so? I don't know. You would know better than I. As a '21, it qualifies for affiliate pricing.

mjfloyd1

The affiliate program is back for 2022 4xxxxxxxxxxe

explorerx4

I just looked at the local Kia dealer inventory. Tellurides are 3 to 6k over sticker.

nyccarguy

corvette said:

@nyccarguy - I have an older Garmin with lifetime map updates--if you have something similar, might be appropriate to keep in the Pilot, even if she relies on Waze regularly. If I'm in an area with poor cell reception, I make every effort to connect to wifi and start up Waze so it can download a route, prior to setting off.

Not sure about the current Highlander Hybrid. It utilizes the same 2.5 liter four banger hybrid setup as the Camry, Avalon, RAV4, Venza, Sienna, and some Lexus models. I've heard it's underpowered in the larger and heavier vehicles, such as the Highlander. I'd probably go for a used previous-generation Highlander Hybrid with the V6 engine, or a current model non-hybrid with the V6. I thought your kids' sports equipment wouldn't fit as well in a Highlander?

Maybe a handheld garmin would help in the interim. Part of the problem is that she doesn't have the wifi password when she is at a patient's house, so she isn't able to connect and start up before she leaves to go to the next patient.

I'm not interested in purchasing a used highlander. I drove a V6 rental and liked it. It doesn't fit as well, but the hockey bag fits. Right now, leasing one for $700 per month keeps it out of the running. The idea of the Hybrid appeals to me because my wife does do a lot of "city" driving in between patients' homes. Right now the trip computer says she averages 20ish mpg which I think is closer to 17.5 - 18. I'll have to check at the next fill up.

tjc78

I looked at some Toyota leases aside from the trucks they are all dreadful. $800 a month for an Avalon… May as well buy it at that point.

For almost a year now Pallisade and Telluride have been selling over MSRP like @explorerx4 mentioned.

Honestly unless the more informed here know something I don’t, I can’t think of a single three row SUV right now that is worth it to lease.

stickguy

My neighbor just replaced a prior gen highlander with a new mdx. Very sharp.

tjc78

Yeah new MDX is a nice package. Heck I always liked the old one. Back when we got the XC it was a hell of a deal. If it was completely up to me that is what we
would have and I’d be banking $100 a month.

stickguy

Tires and batteries? You can replace those?

Who knew……

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

@nyccarguy , remind me why you are even wanting the ‘21 Wrangler anymore?

Honestly, I just wanted it to flip. Does it make sense to do so? I don't know. You would know better than I. As a '21, it qualifies for affiliate pricing.

Being wrecked is not a good recipe for a flip.

Michaell

tjc78 said:

Honestly unless the more informed here know something I don’t, I can’t think of a single three row SUV right now that is worth it to lease.

Had a member just lease an XC90 for something like $700/mo - with $9K of equity from their previous lease factored in.

So, so, so glad I'm not in the market. Even though I wanna be, at times. Still under 50K on the Outback, which turns 7 at the end of next month.

breld

Late night browsing of local inventory last night…my local BMW/MINI dealer just took in a 2002 530i. Premium, sport and manual transmission. 87k miles. $9,700. Toledo Blue over black.

If it is in the condition you’d hope for with those miles, that’s very tempting. At that seemingly reasonable price, it could be a mess.

stickguy

I see these deals, and get even happier to have bought the Maverick when I did at $1,800 below sticker, zero add ons.

Even in normal market conditions I would be fine $ wise going forward.