Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

akangl

why so soon? severe duty schedule due to the cold? I know normal interval is 105K

I think for Alaska everything is severe duty due to the cold. I spoke to the dealer today and they said $850 for the t belt and water pump plus around $750 for the other stuff it needs done (rear diff fluid, trans fluid, in cabin filter, oil change, and a few other things that were negotiable). The service advisor told me that they advise between 60k and 90k on the t belt. He said he's seen them break at 60k and he's seen them last until 180k, so its a crap shoot.

akangl

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

I took hubby to a couple rv dealers today to show him the differences between class A and class C. Personally I'm still pretty stuck on a TT, I wasn't thrilled with the motorhomes since I can't get the configuration I want in the older (to get into our price range) motorhomes.

So after coming home and doing some more searching I've found I can pick up a pretty nice suburban (under 100k miles) and a 2-3 year old TT for a combined total of less then $15k, that seems like a logical solution. If at the end of our trip we don't want the TT and suburban, selling them for a nice profit won't be an issue. Best part is I can keep my Pilot! :P

qbrozen

Trade value is in the $13k zip code.

mark156

That sounds like a smart move!

M.

tifighter

No matter how hard I try I can't bring myself to give up the Pilot. So we went to the RV dealer this morning to see if there was any TT it could pull.......came away very disappointed, there really isn't any hardsided TT that will work safely.

Just curious, how big of a TT are you looking at, anyhow?

benjaminh

Thanks, jayrider, truecar is a very useful site...

kyfdx

The Pilot still uses a timing belt? Even the CR-V went to a chain in '02..

$7000 to rent an RV? I'm betting that would be cheaper than buying that $20K used one, sitting in a motel room for a week, while they repair the transmission for $5K, then taking the depreciation hit when you sell that fat pig... :surprise:

Just saying...

stickguy

honda went to timing chains for their 4 cyl. models a while back. But, the V6's still have belts.

Figures I have 2 v6s in the family!

but the TL only has about 48K on the 1st replacement, and the odyssey just turned over 60K, so I can put them off for a while.

mark156

kyfdx.... don't coat it with icing.... tell it like it really is!!! LOL! :sick:

Mark :P

akangl

The Pilot still uses a timing belt? Even the CR-V went to a chain in '02..

$7000 to rent an RV? I'm betting that would be cheaper than buying that $20K used one, sitting in a motel room for a week, while they repair the transmission for $5K, then taking the depreciation hit when you sell that fat pig...

Yes the Pilot still has a timing belt which kinda pisses me off, but whatever, its a good car.

As for the RV that's why we are shying away from a motorhome after some research. Gimme a suburban with a 350 in it and a $7k or cheaper TT, I'm good to go. Gotta be smart about it so if we don't like the pkg we can easily sell it for a profit once we get home.

kyfdx

LOL.. then, you tell her...

Seriously.... do the math... Can you own any motorhome for $7K yr in repairs and depreciation? (not even counting finance costs)..

Unreal.. can't believe they still have timing belts... Of course, I've only had 4-cylinder and 5-cylinder Hondas...

corvette

Yeah, I'm against timing belts, after the fiasco my dad had with his Beetle TDI. A lot of Honda buyers who aren't lease customers tend to keep them a long time--long enough to need the belt changed. Words of wisdom and experience: While you're in there, might as well do the tensioner, water pump, idlers, serpentine belt, and serpentine belt tensioner.

mark156

Akangl, just wondering, why do you think you could by a used SUV and a used TT, use it for trips/camping, etc., and then sell it for a profit? What do you know that the current sellers don't? :surprise:

Even if you buy the TT in the lower 48 and then take it home, you will then be waiting until the next summer season to sell. You will have even more miles on the SUV. Could you really make a profit? Of course, I sure hope that you can!

Mark156

akangl

just wondering, why do you think you could by a used SUV and a used TT, use it for trips/camping, etc., and then sell it for a profit? What do you know that the current sellers don't?

Even if you buy the TT in the lower 48 and then take it home, you will then be waiting until the next summer season to sell. You will have even more miles on the SUV. Could you really make a profit? Of course, I sure hope that you can!

Well not so sure on selling the suv at a profit, but it could happen. What I'm mainly referring to is the TT, buying one in the lower 48, using it for our vacation in the states, then haul it home. The market for used TTs (especially ultralite bunkhouses) is so huge that the demand so far outweighs the supply.

Take the TT I sold this spring for example. Book value was ~$4800 and it had a few things wrong with it, less then $500 to fix. Now granted we were the orginal owners, but I don't think that played much part in selling it. Anyway, we still owed a bit on it, gotta love RV loans, so to sell it at book value wasn't going to happen. I thought well what have we got to lose?

I put an ad on CL for the TT back in April, on a saturday, then we went out to clean the trailer. I put the price at $9950. First phone call in 10 mins and it continued from there. In the next 2 hrs I had 10 phone calls and 2 emails, also a family had come to look at it and made an offer. I turned them down because I really needed to get a little more out of it then their offer. An hour later they phone and we agree on a price. So 4 hrs from the time I placed the ad until the time it left my driveway for $9500.

That's how I know I can turn a profit on an ultralite bunkhouse. Most of the TTs advertised on CL were around the same year as mine for twice the price, same goes for RV dealers. Prices are out of sight up here on any form of RV.

roadburner

how much is this 2002 M5 really worth?

I actually think it's on the low side. That said, the E39 M5 is a fabulous car, but a thorough PPI by a good BMW tech is essential. You also need to get wired in to M5 Board as there is a wealth of experience out there that can save you a LOT of money. As for this particular car, the crappy tires and curbed wheels would give me pause. You simply cannot cut corners on the maintenance of any BMW- especially an M car...

stickguy

you mean the fact that it is sitting on a Jeep dealers lot, at a dealership chain which is pretty much known as being 1 step above BHPH might be risky?

for sure, that is a car that I would want to have seriously looked at by a pro before buying. But, more likely (knowing where it is located) some young guy without the money to take car of it will buy the thing, and get wildly in over their head.

stickguy

No reason not to figure out a reason to be in the area on monday, and just stop by to take a look!

roadburner

you mean the fact that it is sitting on a Jeep dealers lot, at a dealership chain which is pretty much known as being 1 step above BHPH might be risky?

Well, I found a 2004 M3 at a nearby Ford dealer. It's a gorgeous one owner car. At least the dealer has a good reputation...

michaellno

Is this the 'vert version of what you drive?

Thumbs up or Thumbs down?

Then there is this wonderful financial sinkhole

fintail

Very similar to an E55, engine detuned by about 5% for reasons unknown, but it shares many bits like gauge cluster, HVAC unit, etc.

Price might be a few grand optimistic, but that has to be one of the better ones remaining - many have become quite cheap and are in a condition that shows it. Not fully loaded...get it to around 20K and it could be a good deal.

michaellno

The dealer in question is an MB specialist up in Denver, and the car comes with a limited warranty.

Not that I'm in the market, mind you -- at least, not yet. Have been talking with the wife about the forthcoming "fun" car and she, of course, has an opinion on a few of the cars that I'm interested in.

She's not all that thrilled with the idea of a Mustang - says it's for old guys trying to look young. Well, duh - that would describe me to a T!

She did express positive vibes to a MINI Cooper S convertible. Not sure how I feel about these as used cars; I specced one out on the MINI website and easily crossed the $30K threshhold once I started adding options.

She's also a big fan of the Sebring - there are a few that are fully loaded Limited models for under $25K - power hardtop, leather, 3.5L V6 and the 6-speed auto. Lightly used - under 30K miles, by and large.

She'd drive it to work on the days where she didn't need to take the VUE. She told me that there are days where she feels guilty driving it, since it's just her most of the time.

Ah, to dream.

stickguy

michael, the 2nd guy you posted (the one with the SL600) also has a 2002 CLK cab, but a 6 cyl (320).

65K on the clock (not too bad), and only $12,888. So quite a smaller chunk of change.

as long as you don't mind teal!

I am not expert, but in that price range, doesn't look to be too risky a deal.

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?ct=u&result_car_id=279964156&de- alership_view_name=centralautos&car_id=274562524&dealer_id=53793143

michaellno

michael, the 2nd guy you posted (the one with the SL600) also has a 2002 CLK cab, but a 6 cyl (320).

65K on the clock (not too bad), and only $12,888. So quite a smaller chunk of change.

as long as you don't mind teal!

That dealer is in my hometown. I've driven past the lot a number of times and have seen that teal MB ... one day I'll have to stop by and take a closer look. Didn't realize it only had 65K on the clock.

fintail

Just be wary that one of those older MB won't be cheap to maintain, the other cars you mention will be easier to keep around. I don't mind the teal too much, it's fairly rare anyway.

I'd be leery that a lot of used Sebrings and Mustangs would be ex-rentals...something to watch for. I'd think you could easily find them new for not much more than 25K.

qbrozen

Yikes!! No way with that color!

corvette

A Sebring, convertible or not, doesn't strike me as a candidate for a "fun" car. If you just want to have a droptop (and don't care at all about the driving experience), then maybe, but why not just get a cheaper PT Cruiser instead?

michaellno

A Sebring, convertible or not, doesn't strike me as a candidate for a "fun" car. If you just want to have a droptop (and don't care at all about the driving experience), then maybe, but why not just get a cheaper PT Cruiser instead?

I suppose it depends on the definition of "fun". For most of the folks on this thread, I suspect that fun is sporty, good handling and acceleration. For others, it may simply mean a car that is used sparingly for specific fun occasions. Either definition could define such vehicles as a Pontiac G8 GT, Nissan 350/370 (hardtop or 'vert), 3-series or a plain ol' 'vert.

I am still trying to figure out what the definition means to me. At the moment, I'm leaning towards a top-down experience, with some "sport" added in. Yes, the Sebring wouldn't qualify, but I do have to take into consideration that I have a spouse and she has an opinion that I have to respect.

In no particular order, these are the vehicles that are under consideration (all lightly used - 2 to 4 years old and under 40K miles):

CPO 3-series 'vert
CPO Z4
Eclipse 'vert
9-3 'vert
A4 'vert
TT Roadster
Sebring 'vert
G6 'vert

Not that it matters, since I'm a few years away from making a decision.

andre1969

I kinda like the pre-2007 Sebring convertibles, but agree that yeah, not exactly fun from a performance/handling standpoint. I like the Sebring for three reasons mainly. 1, I think it's good looking. 2, I can fit comfortably in it. 3, it's a convertible.

Dunno that I'd ever buy one, though.

qbrozen

Gotta vote for the Z4, hands down.

michaellno

Gotta vote for the Z4, hands down.

The BMW dealer where the daughter got her MINI has a few CPO Z4's that are under $25K (which is my arbitrary limit). I'd have to sit in it - and get the wife to do the same - before seriously considering it.

The one negative against the Z4 - and any BMW - is that my wife is a public employee and showing up to work in a BMW may send the wrong message. But, for some odd reason, she doesn't view the MINI as a 'premium' brand.

Wife has commented that we really don't need 4 seats, since we've got the VUE to handle passenger duties.

nippononly

Sebring convertibles are like Mustang 'verts - there's one around every corner and they are assumed to be rental cars. You have to get something more distinctive! I vote for the 9-3 - you will never see another person with the same car as you! And 9-3s are fun to drive.

roadburner

The one negative against the Z4 - and any BMW - is that my wife is a public employee and showing up to work in a BMW may send the wrong message.

Uh-oh; guess I sent the wrong message for over 22 years... :P

fintail

Isn't that the message being sent by the public sector these days? :shades:

michaellno

My wife works for a small rural school district that went through a financial crisis not long after she started working there 10 years ago. Very insulated thinking in the community - most every household has a pickup and there aren't many foreign cars.

Given that the federal gov't and the State of Colorado are finding it hard to fund schools - and property tax receipts declining with all the foreclosures - showing up in a shiny new (to us) BMW might strike many as frivolous.

We shall see ...

I do agree that when I see a Mustang or Sebring 'vert, I think rental car. There are, however, quite a number of Saabs where I live, though not too many convertibles.

paulhuang

Maybe the solution is to not let her drive it to work instead of not letting you have a BMW. Besides, why can't she tell people it's your pleasure car? It even has the advantage of being true :P

Finally, you work at big blue, I've heard people working there do pretty well financially :shades: (I am a tech worker myself and have friends at IBM)

fintail

The retractable Volvo C70 could be a choice too...it is subtle, but fairly classy at the same time, and can be had as a low mileage used car for well under 30K nowadays.

roadburner

Isn't that the message being sent by the public sector these days?

I guess I need to clarify; I held an elective office. If people didn't like my choice of cars they could vote me out. In 22 years I only had opposition twice- and I won both times...

qbrozen

What about an Eos? They can't fault her for driving a lowly VW, can they?
And you can get it with the turbo, DSG, leather, and 30k miles for $20k-$21k. Maybe $22k CPO. Not bad.

fezo

You'll pardon my amusement at how you getting a fun vehicle becomes an issue because your wife is going to pawn the Vue on you as soon as the fun car arrives.....

Strike the Sebring as a fun car unless you only define fun as being top down. My 98 Sebring as a lot of fun with the top down and a perfectly average car with it up.

stickguy

reminds me of my BIL and SIL. They live in a nice place in the country, outside of a (typically) depressed smaller city/big town in upstate NY. Man, if you want to start a collection of 1980 vintage GM cars with massive rust problems, that is where you need to go.

anyway, he makes money, and she is a special ed teacher in town. And there is very little in the way of a "wealthy" section, and plenty of working poor and welfare families.

so, I also wondered what they thought as she drove to work in increasingly nice cars. Went from a gen 2 Tl, to an MDX, to a Yukon Denali, and new into a 2010 5 series. She has to have the nicest car in that parking lot, by far, I bet!

unlike my town, where there are kids in the HS that drive nicer cars (in some cases, their own, not even a parents) then she does.

michaellno

paulhuang: Maybe the solution is to not let her drive it to work instead of not letting you have a BMW. Besides, why can't she tell people it's your pleasure car? It even has the advantage of being true

Finally, you work at big blue, I've heard people working there do pretty well financially

Interesting perspective, though one that doesn't seem feasible. I want to get something that we'll both enjoy, both as driver and passenger.

And, yes, I do work for IBM and I bring home a decent salary.

fintail: The retractable Volvo C70 could be a choice too...it is subtle, but fairly classy at the same time, and can be had as a low mileage used car for well under 30K nowadays.

True, hadn't thought about the C70. I'll have to put it onto my radar. We did test drive an XC70 a few years ago, and the wife was pretty impressed with it.

qbrozen: What about an Eos? They can't fault her for driving a lowly VW, can they? And you can get it with the turbo, DSG, leather, and 30k miles for $20k-$21k. Maybe $22k CPO. Not bad.

I did do a search on the Eos and found a few that were under $25K. I like the idea of the power hardtop and the turbo engine. While not as masculine as some of the other cars on my list, it's certainly better than a New Beetle 'vert.

fezo: You'll pardon my amusement at how you getting a fun vehicle becomes an issue because your wife is going to pawn the Vue on you as soon as the fun car arrives.....

No, the idea is to keep the VUE and the ION and have the 'vert be the true 'third car', so there wouldn't be any hand-me-downs - which, for the uninformed, is how I ended up with the ION back in April. The idea is to keep the mileage on the new car under a level where we would qualify for a reduced insurance rate.

grandtotal

No, the idea is to keep the VUE and the ION and have the 'vert be the true 'third car', so there wouldn't be any hand-me-downs - which, for the uninformed, is how I ended up with the ION back in April. The idea is to keep the mileage on the new car under a level where we would qualify for a reduced insurance rate.

Uh huh.

michaellno

Uh huh.

Do I sense a bit of skepticism on your part?

:P

Kirstie_H

A reporter wants to talk with New Yorkers whose credit cards no longer cover rental car insurance. Please email pr@edmunds.com by Friday, August 27 with your daytime contact information and some words about whether this creates a problem for you.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

Sandman6472

Did like this car and the seats were pretty decent as I recall. A bit pricey but a nice driver. I could get used to one of these!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen

So I wanted to give an update on this.

After discovering the instantaneous mpg reading on the center display, I've been driving with it on. As a result, my mileage has gone WAY up. I've been average 29 mpg on the way to work and about 28 on the way home. The difference is not in how I drive but in how I interact with the pedal. I know, that sounds weird.

It seems the pedal is super sensitive and a very slight difference in foot pressure makes no difference in cruising speed, yet will make my mileage jump from 24 to 32 on a flat stretch of highway at 75mph. Very weird. But, hey, whatever works.

So now I've got comfort, speed, and good economy. If I could figure out the glitch that made my clutch disappear for a brief time yesterday, I'd be as content as could be.

stickguy

sounds like a feature of the electronic throttle. could be something analogous to the old days when you tipped in too far and opened up the secondaries.

and the clutch issue sounds like the reason you will use to trade this for something else in a few months.

how could a clutch disappear then come back? Never heard of that. can you elaborate on the symptoms?

qbrozen

It has happened twice. Both times were when I was slowing down during spirited driving and then had to accelerate again. I shifted to 2nd, revved it up a bit and let out the clutch. It then slipped like mad. Little acceleration and lots of rpms. Shift to 3rd, same thing. 4th, same thing. All the way through the gears and up to cruising speed. Take it nice and easy for a couple of minutes and then it goes back to normal.

The first time, it resolved itself so quickly, I convinced myself I imagined it. The 2nd time was unmistakable and I about soiled myself thinking the clutch was fried.

At this point, I don't know what else to think other than hydraulic issue. Turns out the used one master cylinder in the car and it is the resevoir for both the brakes and clutch. So it is probably far overdue for a fluid change based on that work schedule.

If it needs a clutch, it needs a clutch. I won't trade it for that reason. I can do it, and I'll make it stronger and faster in the process (and for alot less than $6million). :P

stickguy

sharing a master cylinder? Not sure I ever heard of that. Leave it to the Germans to come up with that idea.

must be trying to channel Citroen or something.

and buying a stick used, you have no idea how bad the PO was with the clutch. I bought a 1998 maxima SE in 2001, with about 28K on it, and about 4 months later the clutch just went. And after 20+ years driving stick, it was not me that did it!

did get the dealer to replace it under warranty. Probably didn't hurt that the service manager was married to my daughters kindergarten teacher (and the GSM was a neighbor). But, they did it anyway, even though I expect it was much more likely abuse by the first owner, and not a defective piece.

but you are right, there are probably aftermarket clutch kits that will work better, but new fluid is certainly a good thing to try first even though it doesn't sound like it could cause that problem.

stickguy

after reading reviews on some of the new/upcoming Ford products (Edge tonight), I have decided that Ford has, or is about to have, easily the best overall product line. They are making some seriously nice stuff, and it seems to be of high quality (design, materials and build).

If the Focus and Explorer live up to their billing, they are going to kick some serious booty.

If I was in the market at the moment, for me or my wife, the Ford dealer would be one of the first stops.