Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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Comments

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    Seriously though, I hope it doesn't surprise you with unexpected repairs. At least you have stamped your CCBA card for another year.

    I had it pretty well checked out and I know the engine (7.5L V-8) in it like the back of my hand, one reason I was so interested in it. Good engine, long lived, few repairs, the transmission is a manual, so should be pretty tough. Clutch is fairly new. A few leaks, but nothing serious. The worst problem the truck has is a messed up Y pipe on the exhaust which will cost me about $100 to have repaired. I put nearly 200 miles on it yesterday before I bought it, lol, got a pretty good feel for it.

    The plan is I'll drive it for 2 months, sparingly since its a gas pig, then pick up something as a daily driver. The truck will more or less just be around for hunting, hauling, and towing after that.
  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    Maybe the economy is turning a corner ... akangl buys another car!
    That's a lot of truck ... long bed, manual trans, and 460 ci engine. What kind of MPG does it return (providing you're not towing horses or hauling a fresh-killed moose)?
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    What kind of MPG does it return

    Not a clue, lol, I know it doesn't pass a gas station without serious protest. If its anything like the 92 we had it'll hang around the 12 mpg range empty and 8 towing.

    Its a really cool truck, I was surprised by how much I liked it, then again, I have a soft spot for those old fords.

    Now I have 2 months to figure out what kind of daily driver I want.....gotta be used and under $12k in price. Decisions Decisions.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    .... was a letter addressed to my wife from the VW dealership where we leased our '99 New Beetle.

    They were letting us know that, since we have taken such good care of the car, they were willing to pay over book for it in trade.

    One small problem ... we traded it in back in '05 for the wife's first VUE.

    Later, I heard from a repair shop that was tracking down ownership since they had it in their lot with a blown engine. About 117K on the clock at the time.

    Nice to know that the dealership doesn't purge their customer records.

    jolie, congrats on the new (to you) truck. So I was about 10 days off on the transaction date.

    Does the DD you want to get have to be 4WD / AWD? Or, are you keeping your options open?

    Remember, folks, her $12K budget in AK equates to probably $8-9K in the lower 48. Still, lots to choose from at that price point.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 268,563
    ..pretty sure the record will show that I claimed Columbus Day, first... ;)

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  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    I still get funny letters from the Audi dealer in the form of a fake telex ... the jist of it is that "We have urgent demand for your 1993 Audi 90s." and then some joke about offering extra trade allowance.

    That car most likely is dead in a junkyard somewhere ... I dumped over 10 years ago and it wasn't trending towards a long life!
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    congrats on the new (to you) truck. So I was about 10 days off on the transaction date.

    Does the DD you want to get have to be 4WD / AWD? Or, are you keeping your options open?

    Remember, folks, her $12K budget in AK equates to probably $8-9K in the lower 48. Still, lots to choose from at that price point.


    Thanks, the truck is pretty cool and exactly what I was looking for at a lot cheaper price!

    As for the DD I'll get, I prefer AWD simply because the roads can be really ugly here in the winter and since its winter a lot more then summer, awd makes sense.

    Since we spent $3k less on the truck then we planned that ups my car budget to $15-$16k, I've got 2 months to figure out what I want.

    I'm kinda starting to think maybe something that's not hard on gas since the truck is hard enough on gas to make up for 2 suvs. I was looking at prices online and 2005ish Audi A4 1.8T Quattro fits in the budget. Give me some ideas guys so I can see what the seats are like, that's probably nearly as important as the fun to drive factor. My back is pretty trashed, so good seats are a must.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,425
    Audi's seats are great, but the 1.8T engine has a lot of turbo lag and needs regular synthetic oil changes (and may still burn oil).
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I love those "we have high demand for (plug in your car here)." I used to get them for my 98 Sebring convertible. Really? There's gazillion of them available that were former rentals. Mine was...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    well, the obvious choice is a Subaru. Unless the prices up there are crazy high on them, gotta be your best bang for the buck factoring in reliability, MPG, etc.

    If you want seats, and are willing to deal with an Audi, how about an AWD volvo? V70 or XC70 or even an S60 if you don't need a wagon area. Can't beat the seats.

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    well, the obvious choice is a Subaru. Unless the prices up there are crazy high on them, gotta be your best bang for the buck factoring in reliability, MPG, etc.

    If you want seats, and are willing to deal with an Audi, how about an AWD volvo? V70 or XC70 or even an S60 if you don't need a wagon area. Can't beat the seats.


    I've owned 2 Subarus and neither were the picture of reliability. Seems to be a lot of issues lately (at least up here) with the 2.5 engine. Now that doesn't mean I wouldn't seriously consider a Legacy GT with a manual.

    As for the Audis, I've owned a Jetta with the 1.8T and dont' remember much turbo lag with it, but that was back in 01. I remember it being a pretty fun little car that had its fair share of issues, although I think most were caused by a crappy vw dealer in fairbanks. If they touched the car for anything it would come out with a new problem. Only after I took it to anchorage for repairs did it settle down.

    Hubby doesn't like Volvos, never has, but I might still look, there isn't many on the market up here. I thought about looking at a new Jetta, I can get really close to my price range, but I'd really rather have a mid-size car and awd, but I might still look. I loved the 2 Jettas I had in the past.

    My goal is to find something I can be as happy with as I was with the Pilot. Still really miss my Pilot. :cry:
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,451
    Here's something that none of y'all have ever seen in your own driveway. An original owner driving his rig for over a decade.

    I've got you beat- as can be seen here.

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

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Sweet.

    Mine would probably break the camera lens. :)
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Akangl, congrats on the addition of the F-250 to the homestead!!!

    It would be neat to see a list of ALL the cars that you have owned! You think you can remember them all? :P

    Mark156
    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
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Beauty, rb! Seriously sweet car.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Remember them all? They'd fill the lot for a fair sized dealership!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    Remember them all? They'd fill the lot for a fair sized dealership!

    Sadly that is true. I posted a list a while back, when I get time I'll try to do it again. My little quarter horse colt decided to be a brat today so typing isn't going to be very comfortable for a few days.

    On another note, whoever suggested I look at Volvo.........I LOVE YOU!!! Took a peak today and the seats are exactly what my back was craving. Hoping to pick up a used XC70 in the next couple months.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,264
    My neighbor just got one of these puppy's in white & it's definitely a looker...beautiful lines & proportions so it doesn't look like a monster SUV...very classy actually. Am sure the seats are terrific. The seats in the S40 I tried last year weren't any better than my current Civic's thus wasn't worth it to swap out cars...in fact, the Sonata I drove right afterwards had a better & more comfortable power seat. Now that was a car I would've bought on the spot but wasn't financially prudent at the time & it's also a mid sized family sedan which we no longer need. Very disappointed in the Volvo seats at that price point...expected so much more!

    Since I'm no longer working now...pre-retirement so to speak, my driving is about 1/4 of what I was doing. Actually only needed 4 gallons of petrol on Wednesday to fill the tank. So am planning to keep my Civic for awhile or pass it down to my son within a couple of years, if not sooner. When I do look for some part time work, plan to look very close to home.

    The Sandman :sick: :shades:

    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)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    edited October 2010
    that was me. Thanks for the kind thoughts. My wife will be glad to know I have a blond in Alaska in love with me.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    i don't consider the S40 to have "real" Volvo seats. They are smaller and harder for some reason.

    all the bigger cars have the traditional thrones.

    The X60 is nice looking, but you actually get a lot more practical use from the XC70. since it is boxier, a lot more cargo space in the back.

    Both very nice however.

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    that was me. Thanks for the kind thoughts. My wife will be glad to know I have a blond in Alaska in love with me.

    Funny, actually just in love with your suggestion, not you, sorry.

    I did look at an S40 and the seats were horrible. I like the cargo space and seats in the XC70, still not a car I even thought I would like as much as I do.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    My wife is talking about something to replace the minivan (not that it needs to be replace, mostly just tired of piloting the barge around), and the Volvos will get a good look. Came real close to getting an XC90 instead of the odyssey originally, but at the time (2 kids at home) more room won out.

    I sat in a new design XC70 recently, and it was very nice. And at least here, you can find some pretty good deals on used ones of the prior style (I think through 2007?)

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    Picked through the auto shopper magazine yesterday (free car ads, best reason to go to the supermarket!). A couple caught my eye.

    a 2007 Hyundai Azera (at Hyundai dealer). Looks well equipped, but can't see if there is a moonroof from the picture. 34K miles, so still under warranty, and just $12,999 Maybe Tic should look at it, since he finds the ride in his Genesis too hard.

    Story about that- I know a guy that works for Hyundai corporate, and always has new stuff months in advance to drive. When the Genny came out, he showed it to me, but said overall he preferred driving the Azera since it was more comfy. I rode in one, and it was very nice.

    That price, looks like a heck of a value.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    Scary but oddly enticing.

    a 1997 BMW 540i. 5 Speed of course. Silver, like all of them were. At the same Chrysler/Jeep dealer that had an M5 not long ago.

    Only $4,000. 150K miles, but hey, you can't have everything!

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    anyone need a beater? Same ad as the BMW. a 2002 Ion 4 door. 5 speed. Inspected thru 9/2011.

    Only asking 2K. 128,000 miles or so. But not bad looking for a winter beater/station car.

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,162
    a 2007 Hyundai Azera (at Hyundai dealer). Looks well equipped, but can't see if there is a moonroof from the picture. 34K miles, so still under warranty, and just $12,999 Maybe Tic should look at it, since he finds the ride in his Genesis too hard.

    That is a good deal. I drove the Azera when it first came out in 06 before I got my 06 Avalon. The car is very similar to an Avalon in size and performance, however, I felt the Avalon was a bit more refined.

    As for my Genesis, just for kicks I got a quote from CarSense (via email) to see what they would give me for it back in late August. They were at 25K, just a bit too far from what the lease buyout is. I would have gladly swallowed anything under $1000 negative but it was something like 2300 or so. For that kind of money, I'll live with my bad decision.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,790
    edited October 2010
    I think we discussed this before, didn't we? And we decided its a 6-speed? Or am I not remembering correctly?

    That's a heck of a lot of miles on that particular car. But, hell, if it checks out, could be fun for the money.

    Good thing I'm broke.

    Of course, that didn't stop me from pulling over to check out an E28 the other day for $2500. That had something like 212k on it ... and it was a slushbox. Ugh.

    '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: 53,717
    they also have a 2010 Genny in the ad. V6, medium/darkish red. Can't see the roof. Only 5,500 miles on it. Asking $28.999.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    well dang. I thought the older 540s were 5 speeds, but you may be right. Not that it needs the 6th cog.

    so I looked closer at the ad, and it does say Auto also. I just noticed where it said 5 speed and got excited!

    At least i didn't waste a trip over there to look at it.

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,162
    they also have a 2010 Genny in the ad. V6, medium/darkish red.

    Sounds just like mine! If it has the tech package it sounds like a good deal. OTOH if its only a Premium Package like mine its probably a little high.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,425
    I must have missed part of this conversation--what don't you like about your Genesis?
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,162
    edited October 2010
    I think I've mentioned it in other threads. I am too used to a soft, floaty ride (Grand Marquis, Town Cars, Avalons). When I looked at the Genesis, I liked everything about it so much I thought I would get used to the sporty ride. I was wrong. Its just too unsettled and jittery for me.

    I've also had a few issues with mine (random stalling/no power conditions and other small BS type issues).

    I'll tell you one thing, I have never been complimented and/or questioned about any other car I've owned this much. If Hyundai can get just the right balance of handling and a compliant ride they will certainly have an awesome car, IMO.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    edited October 2010
    Can't see the roof.

    I thought I was the only one who looked hard at car sale ad pictures to see if it had a sunroof. I will not buy a car without one anymore. That said, the F-250 doesn't have one, but meh, its got a whole different purpose. I really am hoping someday it learns that passing a gas station *might* be a good thing.

    Counting down the days til I can get a daily driver that can manage double digit mpg. :sick:
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    that is a non-negotiable item to me. Unless I for some reason I bought a cheap beater for low mile use (not likely to happen), but even then I would have to think hard about it!

    I do hate when they take the pictures from low angles, especially on dark cars, so you can't tell.

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

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Am recording Top Gear on bbc america. Pretty entertaining actually. FF through some of the stuff. Haven't heard of any of younz comment on the show.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    What's embarrassing to me is that when stickguy posted all those cars the Azera was what caught my eye.

    I AM getting old....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    Getting?

    But, I am younger than you, and it made me think too! Heck of a deal if it is legit. I know it has leather, but I am guessing no moonroof, so probably whatever passed for a base model.

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,425
    I would probably like the ride of the Genesis, and I know I like the interior. I wouldn't like the glitches, though--sounds like every German sedan I've owned.

    jayrider, I watch and love the UK version of Top Gear.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Leather is one of things I could live with but don't crave. A moonroof, OTOH is close to a must.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    that is a non-negotiable item to me. Unless I for some reason I bought a cheap beater for low mile use (not likely to happen), but even then I would have to think hard about it!

    I'm the same way. I look back at the cars I've kept the longest and 95% of them had a moonroof. Hubby used to be against them, said he hated them, now that he's had his Civic EX for 2 years he doesn't want to live without his moonroof.

    I am noticing its going to make my next car purchase very difficult, I think used cars with awd and a moonroof make up for maybe 5% of the cars for sale. Of those 5% there is maybe 1-2 I would consider. I guess people don't like that extra window in Alaska.......it can get a bit of a chill coming off of it in the winter.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    well, either stick with cars (like the honda) where it is standard, or the Volvo where (at least in these parts) it is very rare to see one without the option.

    You could also, of course, have one installed if you otherwise loved the car.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Now you tell her! She'd have kept the Pilot......
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,717
    if it was an EXL, then it had a roof anyway. I think that needed a set of Recaros to stick around.

    Bad backs are great for workmans comp fraud, and CCB addicts.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ain't it the truth!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Now Now..... Akangl... Don't go complaining about the F-250 gas mileage as you went in with eyes wide open!! :surprise: You knew it got the same mileage as the Exxon Valdez! :P

    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
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    You knew it got the same mileage as the Exxon Valdez!

    Yeah, but does it get better mileage than your motor home? Seems like the jury may be out on that!
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    if it was an EXL, then it had a roof anyway. I think that needed a set of Recaros to stick around.

    Bad backs are great for workmans comp fraud, and CCB addicts


    The Pilot was an EX-L so did have a moonroof. I miss it terribly, keep thinking maybe I should have just kept it and dealt with the pain. I like the Volvo XC70's seats, but the more I think about it, the more I know having a car will not be something I will keep long term. I loved having an SUV, I adored the Pilot........almost made the pain worth it except that anything over a 20 minute drive required heavy painkillers. :sick:
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    .. Don't go complaining about the F-250 gas mileage as you went in with eyes wide open!! You knew it got the same mileage as the Exxon Valdez!

    I LOVE the F-250.....almost as much as it loves the gas pump! Its the coolest truck, grouchy when its cold, very opinionated as to how its transmission is shifted, shift too fast and it will embarrass the heck out of you with a lovely grinding noise. Just an all around great truck, quirks and all. I figure if I had 178k on me I'd have every right to be that cranky!

    I filled it up tonight and figured out the mileage, I was so excited when it came up to 10.03 mpg. I had to text hubby to tell him, lol.

    Funny thing about the F-250, the seats are amazing........here's a truck that's 15 years old with darn near 200k on it and the seats are simply amazing. Nothing fancy about the truck either, its just a run of the mill XLT with cloth seats, no power, simple lumbar. What the heck is wrong with car makers now??
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,162
    , I was so excited when it came up to 10.03 mpg

    Don't feel too bad about the mileage, my cousing has a brand new Silverado HD (gas) and is right around the same 10 MPG.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,425
    There's always the XC90 if you want an SUV.
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