Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

tjc78 said:

The problem with the 4.0 engine is it has three timing chains and one of them is in the rear of the engine. On 4x4 there is another one for some purpose as well. The timing guides (like many Fords including the 4.6) get worn and noisy eventually causing the chain(s) to fail.

I guess I should be lucky that we traded in our '03 Explorer with the 4.0 engine before it needed any significant maintenance or repairs done on it.

Actually, it was a lease, and Ford offered to let us out of it early if we bought or leased another Ford product, so we downsized to a Focus 5-door hatchback.

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

I always thought those had a pretty good reputation in small trucks except for some timing chain guide problems.

Search around and you’ll find lots of stories. What is interesting is how Ford owners are rarely up in arms when faced with removing the drivetrain to replace an oil pump or even replacing the engine completely. The forums are full of “yup, time to replace the engine” matter-of-fact statements. They just accept it as a part of Ford ownership I guess. Hence maybe why you thought they had a good reputation.

I don’t think I would accept replacing an engine as a routine repair.

I wouldn't either. And I should know now. My tolerance/patience is all used up; just looking for an excuse to jump ship, but alas, the S4 will not give it.... yet..... it's behaving like a Honda/Toyota again.

henryn

tjc78 said:

Interesting thing with the Ram this morning. Went out around 7. It was 52 degrees. Hit the start button it started but failed to rev up and stalled. Pressed the button again and started right up and was fine.

Hope this was a fluke or maybe I didn’t hold the button down quite long enough. I’m sure this was the coldest start ever for it, but a brand new car shouldn’t have any issues starting at 52.

On my 2019 Pacifica with push button start, it doesn't require much of a push. A solid push and release will do the job. But if I just "flick" the button, it will fail to start.

Basically the same thing on my 2013 F150, which is not a push button start. If I turn the key to the start position and immediately release, it will start. I'm talking about the key being in the "start" position for less than a full second. But if I just hit and release, as fast as possible, it will not start.

If I hear the starter engage, it is okay to release the button or key, the car will engage the starter long enough to complete the job.

henryn

sda said:

tjc78 said:

@explorerx4 said:

I see plenty of old Rangers around, so the engine can't be that bad.
@tjc78, my guess is you didn't hold the button down long enough.

I think you may be right.

As for the Rangers. A lot of them were 4cyl models which are pretty much bulletproof if I’m not mistaken.

And SLOW! A friend bought a new 89 Ranger XLT standard cab 4cyl, auto, ac, cc. It was a decent truck overall.


------------------------end quoted material-----------------

My son had a late 80's 4 cylinder Ranger way back when. It was fairly solid, but very slow. He went off to college in the truck, but it didn't last the full 5 years. I had to come rescue him once, the truck wouldn't start. I found a small socket, 3/8 drive, about 1/2 or 9/16, inside the bowl of the carburetor. When I asked him who had been working on the truck, he of course replied, "No one!"

stickguy

Just finished signing updated order form for my 2023 Hybrid order. Ford just loves confusion. My dealer seemed to have no issue changing from an XLT to a Lariat after the order banks closed, even though the internet swears you can't. But, I upgraded to the luxury package (I just like my goodies) and the Lariat (nicer interior, some extra features, and the wife is very happy to get heated seats and XM). and shook things up going with Atlas blue instead of the same dark gray.

now, I wait again. Hopefully not the almost 11 months I waited for the 2022 hybrid. On a positive note, I will get a 1 model year newer unit, and they will have had a chance to deal with the early unit gremlins.

of course if this drags on I might not get the trade in quote I want on my current one, or have gotten bored and dumped it for something completely different already.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Just finished signing updated order form for my 2023 Hybrid order. Ford just loves confusion. My dealer seemed to have no issue changing from an XLT to a Lariat after the order banks closed, even though the internet swears you can't. But, I upgraded to the luxury package (I just like my goodies) and the Lariat (nicer interior, some extra features, and the wife is very happy to get heated seats and XM). and shook things up going with Atlas blue instead of the same dark gray.

now, I wait again. Hopefully not the almost 11 months I waited for the 2022 hybrid. On a positive note, I will get a 1 model year newer unit, and they will have had a chance to deal with the early unit gremlins.

of course if this drags on I might not get the trade in quote I want on my current one, or have gotten bored and dumped it for something completely different already.

Your current Maverick is 4WD, right? Now would be the perfect time to sell it and buy a fun summer car that you can tinker with over the winter. You said you don’t go out much in the winter so having only one other car could work and the seasonal timing could save you some money.

sda

How many more projects does Mrs Stickguy have that will require use of the Maverick? I agree, could be a good time to go back to one car and have the buyer show you the money!

stickguy

It’s actually FWD. and we do use it as intended sometimes. Probably I could get away without it but I would lose the trade in credit and flexibility of having a spare. Never know, I might need to take my snow blower someplace!

Of course I never bothered to get a quote on it. Intentionally did not want to know. There is also the issue of not actually knowing if the new one ever shows up. Or not until next summer. But I suppose if Carmax will cut me a check tomorrow for $35,000 I would take it!

ronsteve

@sda said:
And SLOW! A friend bought a new 89 Ranger XLT standard cab 4cyl, auto, ac, cc. It was a decent truck overall.

OMG those were dogs. My ex had a 94 regular cab with the 2.3 and a 5 speed, and even interstate bridges at 75mph were sometimes worthy of a downshift. We drove it from Illinois to Georgia to pick up a bunch of stuff from her folks and the best thing I did in Nashville traffic was put it in 4th and mostly leave it there.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

It’s actually FWD. and we do use it as intended sometimes. Probably I could get away without it but I would lose the trade in credit and flexibility of having a spare. Never know, I might need to take my snow blower someplace!

Of course I never bothered to get a quote on it. Intentionally did not want to know. There is also the issue of not actually knowing if the new one ever shows up. Or not until next summer. But I suppose if Carmax will cut me a check tomorrow for $35,000 I would take it!

These trucks are so well priced from the get-go and have such scarce inventory, that a low mileage well optioned one will be very desirable. I think you'll do fine regardless when it come times to flip the current one.

stickguy

I figure I will. plus I got it for a really good price to start with. and it will still be pretty low miles.

The hybrid will be a steal if the current market ($2,000-$5,000 ADMs on the hybrids) is even close to the same at the time it comes in since I would be getting it for ~$4,000 below MSRP.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

I don’t think he lives in the rust belt but if he’s going riding in the snow where they salt it’s not a bad idea to hit it with some Fluid Film.🤑

This is the absolute best metal protector: https://www.amsoil.com/p/heavy-duty-metal-protector-amhsc/

It sprays on as a fluid, but dries to a waxy finish that won't attract a bunch of gunk like the fluid stuff does. It is also extremely durable in terms of resistance to washing off when it is put to work.

xwesx

stickguy said:

It’s actually FWD. and we do use it as intended sometimes. Probably I could get away without it but I would lose the trade in credit and flexibility of having a spare. Never know, I might need to take my snow blower someplace!

Of course I never bothered to get a quote on it. Intentionally did not want to know. There is also the issue of not actually knowing if the new one ever shows up. Or not until next summer. But I suppose if Carmax will cut me a check tomorrow for $35,000 I would take it!

Okay, so here's what you do:

1. Enjoy the fact that the move is over and just settle in a bit. Winter's coming fast anyway, and it's never any fun moving stuff in the cold.
2. Put a 2" class-3 hitch on the RDX. Get a cargo tray.
3. If you need to move the snowthrower or anything else up to and including appliances, you just pop in the tray, put the unit on top, and off you go!
4. Get the new truck in probably February, and now you really appreciate the convenience of a truck again!

jpp75

@qbrozen Congrats! The Pajero looks awesome! Remind me how much you paid for it (or have in it with shipping and fees)?

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I don’t think he lives in the rust belt but if he’s going riding in the snow where they salt it’s not a bad idea to hit it with some Fluid Film.🤑

This is the absolute best metal protector: https://www.amsoil.com/p/heavy-duty-metal-protector-amhsc/

It sprays on as a fluid, but dries to a waxy finish that won't attract a bunch of gunk like the fluid stuff does. It is also extremely durable in terms of resistance to washing off when it is put to work.

You have to be careful of any rust proofing that dries to a solid. Especially on the undercarriage if it gets chipped, water can get underneath it and rust the metal even more. Ziebart used to have (maybe still does) apply a rubberized coating that turned out to be worse than nothing at all. On my one newer car that I use in winter, I sprayed Fluid Film in the doors and rockers. The rest of the undercarriage I use the hose and car wash. Those Cosmoline based products have been in use since WWII so the Amsoil should do a good job. The one plus of Fluid Film is that it won’t chip and will flow to cover spots that you miss. I think the most important thing is to use SOMETHING.

This guy’s shop is in the western part of my state.

https://youtu.be/nXvl9nt57Kg

ab348

Fluid Film is good stuff, and another good one (dunno if it’s available in the US) is called Corrosion Free. It’s the consistency of liquid hand soap or maybe a bit thicker, and doesn’t drip after it’s applied.

ab348

@qbrozen - I don’t know if you have access to Motor Trend TV streaming or Discovery’s motoring channel, but the latest season of Wheeler Dealers has them making over a ‘91 Pajero (called Shogun in the UK). Yours is the 2nd-gen model I think but they look very similar and the show was interesting.

stickguy

I will just go with parking in the garage, avoiding driving on salty roads if at all possible, and spray off the undercarriage as often as possible.

that and flip the cars within 5 years (or lease) so it wont matter if they decide to rust.

ab348

Finally, an explanation of why Ford is unable to ship vehicles to dealers!

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-ford-f-150-pickup-truck-badge-shortage-delay-shipment/

qbrozen

jpp75 said:

@qbrozen Congrats! The Pajero looks awesome! Remind me how much you paid for it (or have in it with shipping and fees)?

hmmm... let's see...
$2600 purchase price
$3000 slow boat
$539 ground transport
$330 import/customs fees/taxes
$6469 total

I'm not totally done, of course, as there is still NJ MVC to deal with. That will be about $260 for title and state tax. If I want to register it, should be another $200 or so. I'm on track for just south of $7k.

stickguy

my wife surprised me tonight. I told her I should get a Boxster instead of a Miata (after she pointed out I did not fit well in the Mazda) and she said sure, go get one. so I sent her a link to a blue over tan used one and her response was "that is pretty".

I am confused....

roadburner

Drove home from Williamsburg today, and dealt with all sorts of fun.
Around Richmond some borderline sentient creature had stopped his Mazda 3 in the center lane with no lights on. The car in front of me(a police car) swerved right and I swerved left, narrowly missing the idiot.
A couple of hours later I'm in the left lane following a Silverado, which is following a decrepit four wheeled appliance of some sort. On my back bumper is a Wrangler JK. Whe a break in traffic appears on the right he blows the horn, flips me off, and cuts in front of me, where he remains for the next couple of miles until the appliance owner finally pulls into the right lane. I probably would have badged him if my wife wasn't on board.
Finally, I was followed for some distance by a newer Avalon. It's driver was undoubtedly a hardcore enthusiast as all the trim was blacked out. He finally passed me only to reveal that his LR corner had a softball sized dent. I guess that mod has gone upscale as it used to be confined to the "grounded to the ground" Camry.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
my wife surprised me tonight. I told her I should get a Boxster instead of a Miata (after she pointed out I did not fit well in the Mazda) and she said sure, go get one. so I sent her a link to a blue over tan used one and her response was "that is pretty".

I am confused....

It’s a trap. Don’t fall for it.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Finally, an explanation of why Ford is unable to ship vehicles to dealers!

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-ford-f-150-pickup-truck-badge-shortage-delay-shipment/

I find that story highly suspicious. Manufacturers are shipping cars with features missing all the time. Why would a little piece of plastic stop them?

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

my wife surprised me tonight. I told her I should get a Boxster instead of a Miata (after she pointed out I did not fit well in the Mazda) and she said sure, go get one. so I sent her a link to a blue over tan used one and her response was "that is pretty".

I am confused....

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, go get it quick while she’s still in a good mood.

I’ve bought cars with as little permission as “you might as well, you always do what you want anyway.”

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

You have to be careful of any rust proofing that dries to a solid. Especially on the undercarriage if it gets chipped, water can get underneath it and rust the metal even more. Ziebart used to have (maybe still does) apply a rubberized coating that turned out to be worse than nothing at all. On my one newer car that I use in winter, I sprayed Fluid Film in the doors and rockers. The rest of the undercarriage I use the hose and car wash. Those Cosmoline based products have been in use since WWII so the Amsoil should do a good job. The one plus of Fluid Film is that it won’t chip and will flow to cover spots that you miss. I think the most important thing is to use SOMETHING.

Yeah, that rubberized stuff is such garbage. The company in NC from which I bought my trailer last year sprayed that crap on the frame (and, as I found out, only on the parts easily seen). This year, on our way out of Alaska, it actually started peeling off in strips. It looked like it was shedding as we were passing through Canada. By the time we were in southern BC about to re-enter the US, most if had shed. So, sorry, Canada, for the mess scattered over a couple thousand miles of your roads! /facepalm

sda

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

You have to be careful of any rust proofing that dries to a solid. Especially on the undercarriage if it gets chipped, water can get underneath it and rust the metal even more. Ziebart used to have (maybe still does) apply a rubberized coating that turned out to be worse than nothing at all. On my one newer car that I use in winter, I sprayed Fluid Film in the doors and rockers. The rest of the undercarriage I use the hose and car wash. Those Cosmoline based products have been in use since WWII so the Amsoil should do a good job. The one plus of Fluid Film is that it won’t chip and will flow to cover spots that you miss. I think the most important thing is to use SOMETHING.

Yeah, that rubberized stuff is such garbage. The company in NC from which I bought my trailer last year sprayed that crap on the frame (and, as I found out, only on the parts easily seen). This year, on our way out of Alaska, it actually started peeling off in strips. It looked like it was shedding as we were passing through Canada. By the time we were in southern BC about to re-enter the US, most if had shed. So, sorry, Canada, for the mess scattered over a couple thousand miles of your roads! /facepalm

Was rust beginning to start underneath? Could be a blessing so you can nip it in the bud and add your own treatment.

nyccarguy

My son passed his permit test yesterday!

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

My son passed his permit test yesterday!

I know it isn't inexpensive, but I highly recommend the 1 or 2 day Teen School at the BMW Performance Center- followed by the 1 day Street Survival course.

roadburner

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

You have to be careful of any rust proofing that dries to a solid. Especially on the undercarriage if it gets chipped, water can get underneath it and rust the metal even more. Ziebart used to have (maybe still does) apply a rubberized coating that turned out to be worse than nothing at all. On my one newer car that I use in winter, I sprayed Fluid Film in the doors and rockers. The rest of the undercarriage I use the hose and car wash. Those Cosmoline based products have been in use since WWII so the Amsoil should do a good job. The one plus of Fluid Film is that it won’t chip and will flow to cover spots that you miss. I think the most important thing is to use SOMETHING.

Yeah, that rubberized stuff is such garbage. The company in NC from which I bought my trailer last year sprayed that crap on the frame (and, as I found out, only on the parts easily seen). This year, on our way out of Alaska, it actually started peeling off in strips. It looked like it was shedding as we were passing through Canada. By the time we were in southern BC about to re-enter the US, most if had shed. So, sorry, Canada, for the mess scattered over a couple thousand miles of your roads! /facepalm

Seventies BMWs had a hard plasticized undercoat. It would look fine but usually the metal it was allegedly protecting would be almost completely rusted away.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
My son passed his permit test yesterday!

That’s awesome!

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

My son passed his permit test yesterday!

So, what will he drive?

nyccarguy

@Michaell said:
So, what will he drive?

Took him out driving for about 40 minutes in a parking lot. Just to get him acquainted. He drove the Highlander.

nyccarguy

@roadburner said:
I know it isn't inexpensive, but I highly recommend the 1 or 2 day Teen School at the BMW Performance Center- followed by the 1 day Street Survival course.

I will definitely look into the 1 day Street Survival Course. I do have some companion certificates to use on Delta. Maybe the BMW performance center isn’t such a stretch. What airport do you fly into for that?

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

Finally, an explanation of why Ford is unable to ship vehicles to dealers!

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-ford-f-150-pickup-truck-badge-shortage-delay-shipment/

I find that story highly suspicious. Manufacturers are shipping cars with features missing all the time. Why would a little piece of plastic stop them?

————————————————-
I agree. If even a part of that story is true, Ford has problems they’ll never be able to fix. Where does stuff like this start?

jmonroe

stickguy

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner said:

I know it isn't inexpensive, but I highly recommend the 1 or 2 day Teen School at the BMW Performance Center- followed by the 1 day Street Survival course.

I will definitely look into the 1 day Street Survival Course. I do have some companion certificates to use on Delta. Maybe the BMW performance center isn’t such a stretch. What airport do you fly into for that?

greenville-spartenburg. it is only about 3 miles from the airport.

and greenvile is a really cool town.

mjfloyd1

@roadburner - I hope the rear end M2 pictures are of a prototype or a bad angle

https://g42.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1957015

breld

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner - I hope the rear end M2 pictures are of a prototype or a bad angle

https://g42.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1957015

Well, there goes the hope that the previous gen M2s will take a hit when the new one is released.

breld

Okay…so…

Wife decided to take advantage of the still-crazy market for the Bronco and get into something more comfortable and useful for her needs. And just like that, we’re a Mercedes couple.

breld

I’ll do you all the favor and get these out of the way…

Well, that will keep her happy for a few weeks….

Didn’t she already have a GLC (or two)?

Are you gonna black out all that trim for the next owner?

What did I miss?

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner said:

I know it isn't inexpensive, but I highly recommend the 1 or 2 day Teen School at the BMW Performance Center- followed by the 1 day Street Survival course.

I will definitely look into the 1 day Street Survival Course. I do have some companion certificates to use on Delta. Maybe the BMW performance center isn’t such a stretch. What airport do you fly into for that?

Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport(GSP).

roadburner

breld said:

Okay…so…

Wife decided to take advantage of the still-crazy market for the Bronco and get into something more comfortable and useful for her needs. And just like that, we’re a Mercedes couple.

I have to say that I'm tempted by an AMG coupe or sedan; I'd prefer a "real" AMG with a hand built engine. That said, today I had a bit of fun with a CLA 35; it had the AMG exhaust and the driver had it in Race mode. It sounded nice- especially for an inline four.

qbrozen

@breld said:
I’ll do you all the favor and get these out of the way…

Well, that will keep her happy for a few weeks….

Didn’t she already have a GLC (or two)?

Are you gonna black out all that trim for the next owner?

What did I miss?

Is it any different than the other ones she had?

breld

roadburner said:

breld said:

Okay…so…

Wife decided to take advantage of the still-crazy market for the Bronco and get into something more comfortable and useful for her needs. And just like that, we’re a Mercedes couple.

I have to say that I'm tempted by an AMG coupe or sedan; I'd prefer a "real" AMG with a hand built engine. That said, today I had a bit of fun with a CLA 35; it had the AMG exhaust and the driver had it in Race mode. It sounded nice- especially for an inline four.

With BMW not offering anything new that is worth the upgrade over the M235i, perhaps an AMG would be a fun change.

Sandman6472

Hoping the headlamp issue will be the last one for awhile in the wife's A3. I had to replace one bulb already, but had them do both just to be in sync. Don't think she'll want to put up with many more issues so can't wait till the current auto situation ends. December will be 8 years of ownership for both of them and hoping there will be no more major issues. All I pray is that we have no more issues for the next year if possible, then she can start to look at replacing hers. She drives more miles than I do now so am thinking that she'll just want to go first which is fine with me honestly. Just don't want anymore drama for awhile!

roadburner

My friend in sales at my BMW dealer texted me that they had just received a 2023 M240i xDrive; it was a customer ordered car but she wanted me to check it out prior to delivery. Melbourne Red over Tacora Red leather. It looks better than it sounds as Tacora is a brownish red that doesn't clash with the vivid Melbourne exterior. As I've mentioned before, the instrument binnacle is gone- replaced buy a flat screen that stretches across about two-thirds of the dash. The beer tap shift lever has been replaced by a sliding switch. I'm not especially fond of either change. If you could change the screen layout like you can on some other cars I'd be more receptive. She also told me that they have a M240i in Status 111, which means any thing can be changed-colors, upholstery, options- and RWD cars are now available. She expects it to flip to Status 112 in the next couple of weeks, so time is of the essence. She also said it would be delivered in late November or early December- other dealers told me it would be a six month wait. My wife says to go for it, but I'm still not 100% sold on the idea.

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner - I hope the rear end M2 pictures are of a prototype or a bad angle

https://g42.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1957015

Probably not; to reduce costs the G87 shares all body panels with the G42 save the front and rear fascias- meaning BMW is going full weird on the M2 front/rear styling to differentiate the two cars.

tifighter

@breld said:
Well, there goes the hope that the previous gen M2s will take a hit when the new one is released.

xwesx

sda said:

Was rust beginning to start underneath? Could be a blessing so you can nip it in the bud and add your own treatment.

I haven't looked under there since the trip (I left the trailer in Oregon after a long day of driving, so it was just a dump-and-run), but the areas I saw that had flaked away after the initial drive home last year had light surface rust.

I need to take some time to raise it up and take a good look next summer.

xwesx

breld said:

I’ll do you all the favor and get these out of the way…

Well, that will keep her happy for a few weeks….

Didn’t she already have a GLC (or two)?

Are you gonna black out all that trim for the next owner?

What did I miss?

Hey, no fair! If you're gonna ask 'em, you also gotta answer 'em!