Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

I also posted this in the "Sales Frontlines" topic, but I just got my 318ti back from my dealer today. A plastic hose connector located in the upper firewall was the cause of my coolant leak. It was replaced along with the two O-rings that seal the assembly. While they were in there I had them replace the HVAC microfilters. Total bill: $229.56 Not at all unreasonable in my opinion.
I would have fixed it myself had it not been miserable outside; the 2002 is sitting in one bay of the heated garage awaiting the installation of the new heater box so the only other option would have been to move my wife's X3 outside into the freezing precipitation- an option that would not have been conducive to marital harmony...
My to-do list now consists of getting the 2002 buttoned up and getting the OEM shocks installed on the Mazda so that I can sell it.

28firefighter

My 330 is back up and running -- $160 including labor for a new expansion tank and a coolant flush.

So good to have it back. Just in time for the weekend too since we're supposed to get some snow on Christmas I believe.

roadburner

Good to hear! My ti is going to stay in the garage for a few days. The Dunlop Direzza tires are designed for summer performance and not snow... :P

akangl

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!

I hung up my CCBA membership for a while. I kept my 07 Pilot for a little over 3 years, sold it in September.......regret that now, lol. I haven't replaced it yet, my new car is on order. I think I have about another 6-7 weeks to wait.

Hubby is still driving his 09 Civic, 65k miles, its a little over 2 years old. Great car!

jayrider

For some reason, the 01-02 cadillac eldorado is interesting me as a 3rd car. Probably take a test drive next summer and see if it rings my chimes. There are a number of sub-50k milers around. Prices are all over the place but 8-12 seems to be the asking price now. Something about the leather seats and overall mass is appealing to me. Reviews are decent -- some crank sensor issues but overall pretty solid.

roadburner

My wife's side of the family were Buick fans and her dad had a couple of the last generation Rivieras. They seemed to be pretty solid cruisers.

andre1969

My only concern is that I hear the Northstar V-8 can be pretty expensive to maintain as it ages. But, if you're finding cars with under 50K miles on them, that might not be a problem.

I kinda like those El Dorados. By that time, I guess they were among the last holdouts among large-ish personal luxury coupes. I think the Riviera's last year was 1999, and didn't the Mark VIII bow out around the same time?

For some odd reason, the 1995-99 Riviera is a car that's always appealed to me.

The crank sensor issue hopefully isn't anything too major on these cars. My Intrepid had that fail, and it was around $500 to replace both the crankshaft and camshaft sensors (wasn't sure which was causing the problem, so I had 'em both done at the same time)

Oh, and for some reason, don't ask me why, but I'm starting to get an itchy trigger finger. Have no idea what I want to buy, but I'm getting in the mood...

michaellno

My only concern is that I hear the Northstar V-8 can be pretty expensive to maintain as it ages. But, if you're finding cars with under 50K miles on them, that might not be a problem.

I kinda like those El Dorados. By that time, I guess they were among the last holdouts among large-ish personal luxury coupes.

My MIL has an El Dorado (ETC, I think). Bought new in '98 and probably has less than 40K on it. She's driven Cadillacs for quite some time, according to my wife.

Oh, and for some reason, don't ask me why, but I'm starting to get an itchy trigger finger. Have no idea what I want to buy, but I'm getting in the mood...

Oh, dear. Now we'll all step up and help you spend your money.

You don't need a DD, as the Buick fills that slot. The DeSoto is still getting 'refreshed', so a classic is also off the table. The Catalina was updated recently, so no need for a 'vert. You've complained long and loud about the '97 Silverado your uncle has, so I don't see you replacing the '85 Silverado you have for hauling duties with something newer. Your roomie has the SUV (Xterra); I don't see you getting anything with AWD / 4WD.

What's left? Probably another unloved 70's or 80's mastodon, would be my guess.

andre1969

You've complained long and loud about the '97 Silverado your uncle has, so I don't see you replacing the '85 Silverado you have for hauling duties with something newer.

I went home for lunch, and was eyeing up my poor '85 Silverado, sitting in the driveway. It's not looking too good nowadays, with the rust slowly spreading, a big dent in the passenger side door, and now the fuel filler door looks like it's about to fall off. I was thinking about how maybe it's time to put the poor beast out of its misery, but just then I saw a newer model drive past, and it was in even worse shape than my '85. So, suddenly I didn't feel so bad!

But, I have no idea what I want to buy, and hopefully this money-burning-a-hole-in-my-pocket feeling will subside. I have a feeling it will, once income tax time comes around! I have a feeling I'm gonna get hit hard this year with capital gains.

akangl

I have no idea what I want to buy, and hopefully this money-burning-a-hole-in-my-pocket feeling will subside.

Ha, I know that feeling. I have $200 sitting downstairs on the counter, could not figure out what to spend it on. Then it hit me, its only $190 to fix the exhaust leak on the 95 Ford.......it goes in the shop tomorrow! At least after that's fixed it won't make everyone turn and look when I start it up.

I still have 4-6 weeks before my MDX gets here, the wait is killing me.

roadburner

For some odd reason, the 1995-99 Riviera is a car that's always appealed to me.

My wife's father bought a 1998 Riv at just about the same time my wife bought a 1998 BMW 318ti. As you probably know, the ti was at the bottom of the BMW food chain while the Riv was the top of the heap for Buick. The Riv was a lot quicker and a bit quieter than the Bimmer, but the ti had a better sound system, seats, and brakes. If I was going to buy a Riviera I'd go with a '66-'67 or a '71-'72 boat tail. If I wanted a unique FWD Buick I'd hunt for a LeSabre T Type:

stickguy

well, I like it. I also imagine it is vastly overpriced for a 2000, but only 43K on it. I also like the colors, but gray guts probably match anthracite exterior better.

http://www.burlingtonchevy.com/Philadelphia-Chevrolet-2000-BMW-5+Series-M5-WBSDE- 9347YBZ94354-used.html

stickguy

Love the color. and the 3 pedals. And not that expensive...

http://torchlightmotors.com/inventory_detail.html?vin=YS3FD46Y431061037

roadburner

Nice car but it's overpriced by at least $4000-$5000. The 2000 is considered by many to be the least desirable E39 M5 because it lacks the "halo ring" headlights, LED taillights, and widescreen Nav display. The color combo is fine, although I prefer the brushed metallic trim over the wood trim.

andre1969

found something that kinda caught my eye. What do y'all think of this?
Yeah, it's got a Hemi (even if technically it's a "Pentroof")

michaellno

Rare, in that it's a regular cab, 2WD.

But, that was probably a $25-30K truck when new, so getting it for 40 or 50% off isn't so bad.

It's got a bedliner, so you're ready for work truck duty

I actually like it!

stickguy

yeah, don't see many reg cab long beds anymore, unless they are stripped work trucks. But, sounds like a perfect option for what Andre seems to do with it. Not bad looking either.

js06gv

Is a 2WD truck even doable in MD? I'd think the combination of 2WD, a Hemi engine and an empty bed would be an absolute nightmare!

michaellno

I went to the ramtrucks website and built a 2010 Ram 1500 SLT similar to the one Andre is looking at. Added the Hemi and Luxury group (need that to get the power heated mirrors) and came up with an MSRP of just over $28K.

However, there are $5500 in rebates available in zip code 20653, which brings the price down to $23,595. And that's before any negotiation on the MSRP price.

All of a sudden, a $16K price tag on the 2 year old model doesn't seem so good.

jayrider

Trucks hold their value. If you buy used -- you need to focus on 7-8 year old models with a bit of rust and a few dings.

michaellno

The VUE went in for an oil change on Thursday. Dealer found a small oil leak coming from the "front timing cover".

The good news is that the repair is covered under the GM 5 year / 100K powertrain warranty. The bad news is that the dealer didn't have the correct gaskets in stock and the repairs won't be done until Monday (service dept is closed today due to holiday).

They offered to rent us a car for the weekend - we declined and asked them to bring the car to us when its ready. The dealer is about 20 miles from us and not convenient to get to during the week. They readily agreed.

This, by the way, is the Chevy dealer that has been rated as an authorized Saturn repair center.

andre1969

Is a 2WD truck even doable in MD? I'd think the combination of 2WD, a Hemi engine and an empty bed would be an absolute nightmare!

Well, we usually don't get that much snow, and when we do, since we don't have the infrastructure to deal with it, everything usually just closes down!

Besides, right now I have an '85 Silverado that's just RWD, although its 305 probably puts out less than half the hp and 2/3 the torque of the Hemi, and I've rarely had problems with it in bad weather. I pretty much learned to drive in the snow with a 1980 Malibu coupe, my first car, and this same Silverado, which belonged to my Granddad back then, so I'm pretty much used to the way stuff like this handles in bad weather. If anything though, the Ram might be worse because of stuff like ABS and traction control!

I never had a vehicle with either, until I bought my 2000 Park Ave about a year ago. And I hate to say it, but I'm so far behind the curve with ABS that when it first activates, it's hard to resist the urge to pump the pedal! :surprise:

akangl

Trucks hold their value. If you buy used -- you need to focus on 7-8 year old models with a bit of rust and a few dings.

Not to mention old trucks are the best. I don't think we could have found a better truck then the 95 F-250, especially for what we paid for it. I'd take that old Ford with its big dent and minor rust over any new truck.

Right now that old Ford is sitting at an exhaust shop, should get it back Mon or Tues.

jayrider

There is something about old trucks that run well. They feel like they will run forever.

akangl

There is something about old trucks that run well. They feel like they will run forever.

So true. I love old trucks. We've always had amazing luck with with old Fords. This one has nearly 180k on it, but I wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country.

fezo

I don't deal much with trucks but dang I remember my dad buying a well used 62 Chevy panel truck in 1972. Flathead six and three on the tree. You could not kill that thing. It was a bit on the funky side but we know it went 200K and there was a good year or two where the odometer didn't work so it's really more.

akangl

was a bit on the funky side but we know it went 200K

LOL, sounds like this 95 Ford. It has its fair share of quirks, but its reliable and I know it pretty well. I know that before shifting into 3rd I have to hold the clutch for a count of 3 then move it into 3rd, otherwise it grinds. I know it will not downshift into 2nd when its moving if its cold, have to be stopped. There is an issue with the transmission, but after talking to my brother, he said not to worry about it, the tranny will probably outlast the truck.

I am looking forward to getting a car that fits in the garage and is a little easier on gas though. Not to mention something I don't have to muscle the clutch in and row my own gears.

qbrozen

Good thing I'm still attached to my VW.
Perfectly optioned 1-series.

Ok. Optioned perfectly, but a red interior would make it colored perfectly, too.

28firefighter

No xenon's is a deal breaker for me.

ronsteve

I find it hard not to pay attention to 3-pedal Bimmers. I guess it's good for my wallet that a 3-pedal BMW wagon is really hard to find.

qbrozen

That's one of those things I just don't care about. I SHOULD since I live in such a rural area... but I still don't. Even seat heaters are a take it or leave it for me. I'd prefer them, but don't require them. Now, I'd prefer NO moonroof, but that's standard on the 1, so it doesn't matter.

Manual trans, sport pack, and USB. Exactly what I would order if buying new.

rayainsw

Moonroof is optional - at least on the 128i
[ $1,050 ]
135i = std

roadburner

Manual trans, sport pack, and USB. Exactly what I would order if buying new.

USB comes with the Value Package which costs $0. I'd have to add the Cold Weather package and Convenience package(which get you xenons and keyless entry/start on the 128i), as well as the H-K audio upgrade. I also prefer the M Technic body kit and wheels you get with the M Sport package. And needless to say, no power seats or hole in the roof.
If I go with a 135i I'm going to try VERY hard to get the sunroof deleted; I know it is possible since it is only an option on the 128i.

qbrozen

That might be one of those things they changed. I'm almost positive when it was first introduced, it was standard on all. Quite a few complaints on bimmerfest about it (including my own).

Notice on the window sticker the dealer created, it is not listed at all. I'm not sure what year it changed.

edit: just looked, and edmunds shows it standard for '08 and '09.

So, yes, if I actually did order a new one (fat chance), I'd skip the slider.

qbrozen

wife has been looking at and talking about minivans. She has finally (a bit late) realized it makes the most sense for someone wanting a 3rd row and cargo space. I still think the mazda5 is perfect, and we are WAY too upside-down in it to do anything for her anyway.

kyfdx

Wow....you found a nice one... CPO, too...

I would like xenons and leather (red would be good), too... but, I could live with that one. Having the premium package would be great, though.. Lots of little goodies with that..

Even though all four of our BMWs have had xenons (including the current two), I find they matter less to me than they used to... I think it's because the X3 sits higher, and I know they bother other drivers, while the 3-series don't have that issue...

stickguy

Nice looking. I love the exterior color, but have decided I will not get black guts again. The red though, that I like!

I also don't care about HID lights, especially when the standard ones have gotten pretty darned good. And the cost to replace the zenons can be staggering on one of these, right?

But, I require the moonroof. No hole, no sale.

Q, you already have a minivan. the other ones available should be called Maxivans (202", 4,500#s is not mini by my standards). expensive too, unless you get a slightly used Chrysler product.

qbrozen

that interior doesn't look black, though, does it? Looks more like a dark grey to me. Could be the pics. I really don't know all the available color combos.

Well, I call the mazda a microvan, personally. I mean, the impossibility of sitting 3 across downgrades it considerably.

However, I have shown her the upcoming Ford Cmax. That will have a 3-across middle row. Outside dimensions are smaller than the 5, which is a big no-no to her, but I'm hoping the interior dimensions are no smaller. Supposedly, the longer wheelbase helps in this regard. We'll see. And with a 6-speed auto and 1.6 turbo, we're talking 30+ mpg highway. Could be a winner.

michaellno

However, I have shown her the upcoming Ford Cmax. That will have a 3-across middle row. Outside dimensions are smaller than the 5, which is a big no-no to her, but I'm hoping the interior dimensions are no smaller. Supposedly, the longer wheelbase helps in this regard. We'll see. And with a 6-speed auto and 1.6 turbo, we're talking 30+ mpg highway. Could be a winner.

With the grim forecasts of gas heading to $4/gal this year, I've been cautiously showing my wife pictures of the MINI Countryman S All4. 25/31 without losing AWD. Problem is, she loves her VUE too much and, like you, am probably so buried in it that I'd need a ladder to see the bottom of the hole we're in.

stickguy

I like the C maxx too (liked it even more when I thought it might come with a stick option)! But, my wife said "no more minivans" (we are currently on our 3rd, each bigger than the last), and I couldn't convince her it wasn't actually a minivan even though it has sliding doors.

I am curious though what she will say about the mazda5 when we go to the Philly autoshow in a few weeks. I know she will hate the styling, but want to get a feel about the interior size of it.

kyfdx

Black BMW interiors always wash out in pictures.. must have something to do with texture... Leatherette only comes in Sand or Black... You have to get leather to get the cool colors...

I've heard xenons can be expensive, but we've never had anything go wrong with one, so no experience to tell... Given a choice, even with the extra price, I'll take them.... but, if I'm shopping used, I might be able to overlook it..

Heated seats? I'm hooked... Plus, selling a used BMW without them is tough (in winter weather areas).

akangl

Picked it up today, wow, so quiet. I didn't realize exactly how bad that exhaust leak was, it pretty much drowned out everything. Engine runs strong and quiet now.

Had them do a once over on the truck while it was there, it needs rear brakes bad and the parking brake cables fixed. They said it looked like someone ran it for a while with the parking brake on. Other than that its only immediate need is a new battery, which I knew that. Tires can wait a while. So, I'll drop another $600 into it in a couple weeks and it'll be good to go for a while. They said for its age/miles its really very sound mechanically.

On another note, with gas looking like its going to creep back up I'm having second thoughts about my car choice. Still don't know for sure if they are getting the MDX in or not, it was still very tentative last time I talked to my salesguy. I want an SUV, but 16/23 mpg is going to hurt at $4/gal.

tifighter

Doesn't the MDX take premium?

ab348

Gas prices in Canada have always been much higher than in the US but tend to follow the same general up/down trends, just at a higher base level. So the forecasts of a spike in prices are making me wonder if it makes sense to hold on to my '09 Buick Allure (Lacrosse) much longer. I like it very much, but it is very thirsty and I wonder if a Regal or a Cruze or even the new Focus might not suit me better. I would like to wait until the Buick Verano is available but that is still a year or so away. I have been spoiled by the Buick's comfort, ride and quiet, but some of the newer small cars now offer many of those traits, unlike the older models.

oregonboy

And so it begins...
:surprise:

stickguy

is selling the car before you even buy it some kind of new record?

No way a true CCB'er could ever order a car, and not have moved on to something else before it came in!

I do know (from family that has one) that you won't get very good MPG with it, but it really should not be much different than the Pilot got, although requiring premium.

hard to see an SUV getting much better MPG. A NA subaru should, but how much real world? 5 MPG? Unless you drive a ton, it will take a while for that to really hurt the pocketbook.

Wonder what a Hyundai 4 Cyl will do (although that will be a bit smaller).

CRV isn't too bad. Just a lot smaller.

28firefighter

I do not care about seat heaters, sunroof or even power seats. Xenon's I absolutely care about. Perhaps thats why I had no issue with the base GTI/GLI's when I was shopping.

I frequently drive to suburban cleveland to visit the fiancee's family, and had too many near misses with deer. The Xenon's give me much better illumination (they also look cooler.)

Speaking of the GTI - Q, how is yours?

akangl

is selling the car before you even buy it some kind of new record?

No way a true CCB'er could ever order a car, and not have moved on to something else before it came in!

See, the problem is hubby started looking at awd sedans to replace the civic. He wanted to look at the A4, so we swung by the Audi dealer so he could look. While we were there the salesguy mentioned the Q5......yeah, its pretty much gone downhill from there.

I've driven a Q7 and liked it, but not enough to plunk down the $$$ on a CPO one since there's no way I can afford a new Q7. Not to mention the Q7 is HUGE, thirsty, and lacks power with the V6.

On another note, I'm going to look at a 97 Grand Cherokee tomorrow, needs a transmission, but if I can get it cheap enough ($500 or less) and it runs good. I'll fix it and either flip it or give it to the kid to drive. Guy says its driveable now, just has weak reverse, good thing I live on a hill.

stickguy

the Q5 is a nice piece, as long as you like a "sporty" ride. Probably not any better MPG than an MDX though.

if the MPG isn't the biggest issue, the new Durango sounds extremely nice, even better in many ways than the Jeep.

akangl

the Q5 is a nice piece, as long as you like a "sporty" ride. Probably not any better MPG than an MDX though.

Q5 2.0T Quattro is rated at 20/27 vs the MDX SH-AWD at 16/23.

I haven't driven a Q5, the dealer has none in stock and none coming in for a couple weeks. IF the MDX arrives it will be sometime in the next 4-6 weeks.