Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

I know I know. Actually the tow didn't cost me anything (not upfront at least) since I pay for AAA Plus. They were there in 15 minutes and wouldn't even take a tip.

My mechanic is having surgery next week and will be out for a couple weeks. I think after the New Year when he is back, if nothing else is wrong (besides the expansion tank) I'm going to have him do the Water Pump/Thermostat/related hoses. I've learned my lesson. On the upshot, if there are any signs of impending failure my extended warranty will cover the pump/associated labor.

kyfdx

On a similar note...

My "service engine soon" light came on a couple of weeks ago.. Took it in last week... Faulty thermostat..

Replaced under the CPO warranty... Car is 4.5 yrs old with 45K miles..

steine13

EDIT: OK I am a little mad, but mostly at myself. I knew that the cooling system was probably on borrowed time at 85k miles in a harsh climate (extreme temperatures on both ends), but I convinced myself that it could wait until February or March.


And this is pretty much how people in abusive relationships talk.

You certainly won't hear a Honda or Buick owner say "borrowed time" before 100k. I mean, really?

BTW, I think the head will be OK, so long as liquid is still pouring out the top, there's plenty of cooling available. It's when the fluid is gone from the area to be called that you should worry.

Let us know how it turns out, eh?
Good luck,
-Mathias

stickguy

talk to many people that own Honda's with v6 and automatics, and see if they feel like that about their trannys.

roadburner

A 135 would be closer to an M3 or M5, or are you looking for a spiritual successor to the 2002 and 318ti?

I'm not 100% convinced about the long term reliability of the turbocharged and direct injected engines. The high pressure fuel pump issue may have been solved but I keep reading about severe intake valve deposit issues in VW/Audi and Mazda DI motors. I think a NA BMW six will be much less troublesome in the long run.

roadburner

I responded in the "ales Frontline" topic but I'll just reoeat that your engine is probably fine. You might want to look at an all metal Zionsville Autosport radiator and tank if you plan to keep the car for five years or longer. No, they aren't cheap, but you'll never have to deal with radiator failures again...

stickguy

I know that I might be a heretic, but I found the MA 6 to be plenty powerful, even when hooked up to an AT and AWD. With a stick, fast by any normal standards! Then again, I drive a 4 cyl Accord, so what do I know?

At least the 1 series isn't a total porker like the 4,400# 5 series is at this point.

28firefighter

Thanks 'burner. I'm pulling an all nighter since I have an exam in...oh...7 hours, but I will check it out once I'm out of dodge.

akangl

talk to many people that own Honda's with v6 and automatics, and see if they feel like that about their trannys.

Yup, the Pilot had some transmission issues. I mentioned it to the dealer many times, their reply was if the check engine light wasn't on there was nothing wrong. As long as I kept the trans fluid changed often it would do ok, but every once in a while it would get stuck in a gear and make a lovely noise when it finally got out and slammed into the next. I wasn't too worried about it, figured I had til 120k for it to bail on me.

I'm glad to see they went to a different auto for the MDX, hopefully its better.

stickguy

not sure about that. I am pretty sure they MDX and Pilot always used the same tranny. It was different that the one used in the Odyssey and Accord, although in 2007 the Odyssey adopted the Pilot tranny (not sure how many mods to it though).

akangl

not sure about that. I am pretty sure they MDX and Pilot always used the same tranny. It was different that the one used in the Odyssey and Accord, although in 2007 the Odyssey adopted the Pilot tranny (not sure how many mods to it though).

Not totally sure either. I do know the Pilot has a known issue that dates back to the beginning of that 5-spd tranny. Lots of reports of trannys going out on the pilot forums. Usually around 70k or so. Pretty much they all started out doing the same thing mine was, not a cheap fix either.

Now the MDX uses a 6-spd auto while the Pilot still has the 5-spd auto.

qbrozen

Back in '04 or '05, Honda issued a recall/TSB on the trannys. We had to take our Pilot into the shop, they inserted a small camera to inspect the tranny. If they saw wear, it would mean a new/rebuilt tranny. If everything was OK, they installed an extra oil jet over the 4th gear. So either those folks who had problems with their Pilots ignored the recall ... or the recall didn't work ... or they are making up a story. I wonder which one it is.

akangl

So either those folks who had problems with their Pilots ignored the recall ... or the recall didn't work ... or they are making up a story. I wonder which one it is.

Who knows. I do know that the service manager at the Honda dealer did tell me that there was known issues with the Pilot trans, but they couldn't do anything with mine unless there was either a check engine light on or I was willing to pay upfront. I chose to wait and see, changed the fluid and it was fine for a bit.

stickguy

the jet recall was not an actual fix for most people. maybe a bandaid, but not a cure.

the Honda AT was just a plain bad design, that when forced to work hard (as in a heavy minivan or SUV) failed.

From what I have read the newer design (4 shaft) was sturdier, although not perfect. I thought the newer models (including the odyssey which was switched to the Pilot tranny for 2007) were having problems with the TC, not the tranny itself, though if the TC failed it self destructed taking out the entire tranny with it.

really annoying, since I live in fear of using our Odyssey any more than I have to, now that it crossed 60K and is out of warranty. I already feel like I am nursing it at this point, hoping it lasts until we can afford to get something to replace it!

stever

They do have a bit of a reputation, but the percentage numbers are still low. My brother has over a 100k miles on his '05 Odyssey fwiw. Just drive it and don't sweat it. :-)

Sandman6472

Had this two weeks ago on the '05 Mazda3s and that's what the service writer said the code was. Mazda wanted almost $600.00 to repair it...he said the thermostat was probably sticking. My mechanic quoted less than $400.00 but said to wait to see if the engine light came back on. So far, no more light so we're gonna wait & see. Could we possibly be doing any damage? The gauge is at the same level as it's always been. Wifey decided she wants to try to go to 100k on this car, so we'll see. If it comes on again, we'll replace. She's with me on waiting for a 2012 or 2013 model if possible. This way we can get a 2nd year model on her choice of new ride.
Drove the car last week and it still "zoom-zooms" like day one...tons of torque across the power band...really blows my Civic away. Hoping she'll be able to go down to a 1.8 or 2.0 engine when the time comes. Mazda has really done well by us in this car, but hoping she doesn't get another 3. I know what I want her to get so we'll see what she decides on.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen

damage? nah. as long as the temp is good, you are fine.

Even $400 for a thermostat seems crazy to me. I wonder why so high. Is it really THAT buried?

EDIT: after some searching, it seems like its about an hour job and a $60 part. So this is a $200 job at most.

stickguy

$200 at the most to you. So $400-600 at a dealer sounds about right.

qbrozen

ehhh... still not buyin it. According to one post I found, they say the shop manual calls for 1.5 hours labor. At a crazy rate like $110/hr, that's $165. And at a crazy dealer price for the part like $100, that's still less than $300 for the job.

roadburner

And people doubted me when I said my Mazdaspeed 3 was costing more to operate than my 318ti and X3 combined... :surprise:

stickguy

would have to see the actual WO. maybe they included a coolant flush, new housing, new hose. IOW, stuff that I would probably do if I was in there.

That, and dealers charge you $65 just to reset the light, so add that in!

kyfdx

Just had the thermostat on my 3-series replaced... but, under the CPO warranty... So, no idea on cost..... they don't even give the labor hours on the invoice..

It didn't include any hoses, though... A pint or quart of coolant, I think..

zzoomm

I've looked at many carfax reports, but this one is unusual. For a 10 year old car, there's only one record? How is that possible?

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=2HGES267718510893&partner=- CDM_0

Does this look fishy? Would you consider buying this car? Thanks.

qbrozen

that is strange. maybe try one of those other places like autocheck or soemthing like that.

Sandman6472

The dealer checked & cleared the code for free and it hasn't returned...they said it might be starting to stick. Besides a rear brake issue within the 1st six months, this car has been pretty cheap to keep...and the wife loves the car. A bit thirsty, it's got a 2.3 liter engine, and we knew this going in. So we have gotten dependable service in the last 5.5 years and hopefully will squeak out another year or more.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fezo

$400 for a thermostat??!??!

Holy smokes! Not to sound like the old guy that I am but I remember going to the auto parts store and putting in a thermostat in less time than it took to change the oil.

Of course on my Hondas (as opposed to Toyotas) I haven't so much as seen the oil filter so I guess they could hid a thermostat well enough.

Sandman6472

There's more to do besides just the thermostat...he wrote down "coolant, insufficient temperature,T-stat failure" whatever that means. But it hasn't come back on, so we'll wait & see. Mazda wanted $560ish...aaaccckkkk! Hopefully that intense cold snap triggered a faulty reading.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

roadburner

Just had the thermostat on my 3-series replaced... but, under the CPO warranty... So, no idea on cost..... they don't even give the labor hours on the invoice...

My BMW dealer charged $159 to R&R the thermostat on my 318ti.

And here's a comparison of servicing costs over the past 17,000 miles:

1995 BMW 318ti- current mileage 124,000: $1556
2004 BMW X3 2.5- current mileage 105,500: $1121
2007 Mazda MS3- current mileage 72,000: $3114

Note that all three numbers are a bit high because all three vehicles needed new tires within the last 17,000 miles. Taking out the tire cost the numbers are:
318ti: $1139
X3 2.5: $505
MS3: $2364

mark156

Had to get a new pressure valve on the radiator for the '64 Rolls. My mechanic said to go ahead and replace the thermostat too since the car got pretty hot. The pressure valve was $800 and the thermostat was $400 plus labor to put everything back together. I asked the guy what would a thermostat run on a old Cadillac... he said about $30 or so. I had to get mine from England.

Gotta to keep it running! :surprise:

Mark156

corvette

VIN number may be wrong--perhaps it's one that was reserved for a car that was never made?

tifighter

Since there is so much experience here, have any of you ever bought/owned an ex-rental car? Would you if the price was right? Just curious...

steine13

have any of you ever bought/owned an ex-rental car?

I have not, to my knowledge, and used to be prejudiced against them. However, a lot of professionals shrug off the rental-car thing, saying a car is a car; and more importantly, drivers don't really change their behavior based on whether they're driving their own car, a rental, or a lease. Considering how some people I know treat their own cars, I guess that makes sense.

I wouldn't pay top $ for one, but if something sufficiently bland showed up -- say, a Taurus of the '00-'08(?) generation -- I'd consider it. By that time, they were so unloved that they constitute good value. Of course, the last one of these would be ~ 3 years old now.

My personal theory, validated by nothing, is that the ones to avoid are the bottom-rung cars that even the companies don't have any respect for; Neon, Aveo, and their ilk. I don't think anyone's gonna beat up a Chrysler 300.

Other than that: No car gets bought without a thorough, professional inspection.

If it's an old car for cheap money, then any rental car history is moot, at least to me. For those of sturdy ego and solid car knowledge, I'd recommend the Shiftright © method of carefully looking over the car and its fluids, then driving it hard for at least 30 minutes. And still, the professional inspection is best.

Cheers -Mathias

grandtotal

What sort of engine coolant are you using? Older engines often overheat to a lesser or greater extent because modern coolants are not as able to transfer heat as older formulations (or straight water). I have heard of people using products normally used in trucks to achieve protection and good heat transfer, unfortunately I cannot recall the product's name and a quick web search did not find it.

js06gv

I've been a CCBA member all of my life, but have had some restraint of late and haven't had much to write about on here. I managed to talk my wife into accepting that a 2011 Mustang GT would make a great Christmas present for her (me), and I pick it up today. This brings my vehicle count to four, which will prompt even more reminders that we only have two drivers in the house. Keeping her old car for our daughter as she will be learning to drive in less than two years, and this gives me something known and reliable to start her off. Looking forward to 412 hp!!

corvette

I think my current Altima and the one I owned several years ago were both ex-rentals. General observations: The interior and exterior of a rental will generally show more wear than a privately owned vehicle. By the end of its use as a rental vehicle, the alignment will be off and the tire wear will be uneven. Haven't had any mechanical issues (knock on wood) and I don't have any real complaints, though.

Honda has a killer one-pay lease on the 2011 Accord SE right now (according to Weymouth Honda's website, somewhere between $5-6,000 to prepay a 36-month lease), which is awfully tempting, but I already have a newish car that's completely paid for.

qbrozen

I've bought a couple, including the wife's current mazda5. No real problems to speak of .... although I don't tend to keep my cars very long.

guss

I bought an ex-rental Mazda 6 wagon and loved it. If it only had a sunroof I probably would still have it. The price I paid for it was about 15% under what I would have paid on a dealer lot.

The rental thing did bother me because it would take a truly sick person to beat on a wagon.

The only problem I had was in the right light the rear door looked like it had been repainted. Hertz must have done it in house because the Carfax was clean.

fezo

I had an ex-rental 98 Sebring convertible. It was fine. My only issues with it were concerned with the way it was built - not the way it was taken care of. Basically it was a perfectly ordinary American car for six months of the year and a total blast the other six months.

andre1969

My Dad's '03 Regal was a former rental car. It had a build date of 6/02, and he bought it in September of '03, with around 19,500 miles on it. Total cost, out the door, was something like $12,843 (don't ask me why offbeat numbers like that stick in my mind). And that was with an aftermarket warranty that I don't think he ever needed to use.

I don't think he's had anything major go wrong with it, but it only has around 60 or 70,000 miles on it. I guess if there was an impending major catastrophe waiting to rear its ugly head, it would have happened by now. IIRC, it stickered for something like $25,000 brand-new. I know it didn't go out the door for anywhere near that, but still, a 1-year old car for about half of MSRP was too good to pass up!

Years ago, one of my grandmother's friends purchased a '75 Monte Carlo that was an ex rental, Hertz I think. I remember my Granddad saying the car was nothing but trouble, and he used to like to blame it on it being an ex-rental. But I think being a product of the mid 1970's had more to do with it, than it being a rental! And it was still running when that lady passed away in 1986, although I have no idea what her estate did to it. I remember Granddad bought her riding lawn mower, but would have nothing to do with that Monte!

isellhondas

We have owned two ex rentals. One from Hertz and the other from Avis.

Both were fine cars that gave no trouble.

Our store would buy a lot of ex rentals at the auction after carefully looking them over. They were no more trouble than anything else.

akangl

I've had 2 cars that were ex-rentals. One was my first car, a 1990 Stanza XE, decent car, had ~40k on it when I bought it, had it almost a year. Other then losing the O-ring on the servo for the transmission it was a great car.

The other was an 07 Taurus SE, got it from the guy who bought it from the rental company, he traded it to us for our firewood business. He had it a year, car had ~32k on it when we got it. Always had a really weird feeling about that car after driving it a bit. Only had it a month or less, sold it for $9500 on CL. Never gave me any trouble, just didn't like the car at all.

ab348

I bought one (at least I assume it was a rental), my '02 Olds Intrigue. Built in May/02, bought in July '03 with about 18,000 miles on it. I had no issues with it I could relate to its previous life. It was a GM Certified used car so it had been gone over pretty well.

When I was in school in the mid-late 70s my dad bought several ex-Budget rentals since he was a friend of the local franchisee. When dad got the itch for something new we would go to the Budget rental lot and check out what was in the fleet. He ended up buying a pair of Impalas, a '74 and a '79. The '79 was a nice car, better than the '74.

Last year a local dealer had a bunch of '09 Impalas that were ex-Avis rentals. I had one for a while as a courtesy car. Not a bad car at all and a pretty good deal -- they were asking $16,900 Cdn for a car with about 30,000km or 20,000 miles on the clock.

roadburner

Our 1987 Scorpio was an ex-Budget car. It had its share of issues, but I honestly don't think that they were related to the rental history.

isellhondas

Jolie!!!!!!

Where have you been?

mark156

Grandtotal, I have no idea what kind of antifreeze that has been used. My service shop, Exotic Car Repair, has serviced the car since I bought it in Oct. of 98. It had 86,800 miles on it when I bought it and now has 99,000 original miles.

They service anything from a Rolls to a Chevrolet and everything in between. They also service my Honda CR-V.

Mark

akangl

Jolie!!!!!!

Where have you been?

I've been here, the question should be......where have YOU been??

nippononly

Boss car! And 4 cars : 2 drivers is just about the right ratio for this board. ;-)

isellhondas

Yeah, I just stumbled in here.

I'm mostly in the "Stories from the Sales Frontier" formu and a few others.

Glad you're still kicking!

corvette

Over 14,000 miles, the maintenance and repair tally on my Altima is $141.78. Can't complain about that, but it will need tires and an alignment before next winter, which will significantly alter that figure.

The repair bills on the Mazdaspeed 3 remind me of the Jetta I used to own (although I don't think it was quite that high, but close).

Sandman6472

Am amazed at the total I've spent on the '06 Civic to date. Oil changes, a set of tires, a battery & miscellaneous stuff like air filters & blades which is about it. I'm also on my 2nd 3 year alignment policy but I consider that like insurance since it's there if I need it with the added perk of being able to have it done a few times per year. And with the way I'm driving now, doubt I'll even put 4k per year. That might change in either direction depending if I do get a part time job.

My boy will be home this afternoon from his job for about 6 days so I know he'll put some miles on it visiting friends and all. He asked to take it back to St. Louis next week, but he will have a hard time just parking in the city besides insurance/gas/upkeep...and he has public transportation at his front door. And at this point, I still need a car at my disposal...would be too hard to share with the wife or depend on my other child. Told him we'd revisit this topic when the school year ends.

The Sandman :sick: :shades: