Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

grandtotal

The service manager said the '2 yr.' service is $1,400.
It includes oil and filter change, air filter/filters change, brake fluid change and tire rotation. Maybe they will throw in a car wash too?

Don't know about the car wash but for that money they should change the Nitrogen in the tires too.

oregonboy

Yeah... nothing improves the ride and handling like fresh nitrogen! :shades:

mark156

The Oil change, etc., ended up at being about $1,250. I don't think I have nitrogen in the tires as the little "B" on the cap is not green.

As soon as the car is out of warranty, I'll take it to my private mechanic for service, etc.

Mark156

akangl

The Oil change, etc., ended up at being about $1,250

Wow and to think I complained about the $500 service on the Pilot at 30k. I think the 60k was around $1500, I didn't do it since I sold it before it was due.

I miss living in the middle of no where, we always did our own oil changes and my little brother did anything else the car needed. Much cheaper that way!

andre1969

The Oil change, etc., ended up at being about $1,250. I don't think I have nitrogen in the tires as the little "B" on the cap is not green.

You've got nitrogen in those tires, all right. In fact, roughly 78.08% of what's in those tires is nitrogen!

stever

I miss living in the middle of no where

Cheaper, until you had to drive to the city for that oddball part. At forty below, LOL. I guess there's always the USPS.

I'm still planning on the Detroit auto show this week but I have a 10ish hour drive in good weather, and it's been showing for a week around here with no let up in sight. Not even sure if we'll get over the Mackinac Bridge the way it's going.

isellhondas

My wife's uncle spent most of his career as an Oil Broker and I got that from him. I remember him saying that if gas was 1.00 a gallon that diesel should sell for less than 40 cents making the oil companies the same amopunt of profit.

I guess refinement costs are that much less.

fezo

Hey, at least the Mackinac is the only bridge I know where if you are concerned about driving over it they have guys there to drive the car over the bridge for you! Not that anyone here is calling you a wimp.....

stever

Yeah, and the driving service is free too. It's still the third longest suspension bridge in the world. I wouldn't mind a driver for the whole trip.

fezo

There's a deal!

Gee, I wonder what they pay the bridge drivers. I could go back and forth across that bridge all day and it would be fine by me. Amazing bridge to look at and the scenery around it can't be beat!

Sandman6472

Very cool service...wish they had that on the Tappan Zee Bridge the last time I crossed it...was quite long as I recall.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever

There's a deal!

You still have to pay the $3.50 toll I'm sure.

Come up in September and we'll do the bridge walk. Assuming it's not blowing 40 mph, lol.

fezo

Well, at least if I sprung that one on my wife ("see you in a few days - I have to walk over the Mackinac bridge") she wouldn't be surprised... She's well aware that I'm a nut for up there.

Hmmmm Maybe I can get one of those $9 Spirit fares to Detroit and take it from there...

tifighter

Where are you these days, Steve? Not Boise obviously...

roadburner

Is $2000 still the approximate cost to CPO a 335i?
I'm assuming that the car doesn't need any significant items such as tires, brakes, etc.

stever

Sold out back in September and moved to the middle of nowhere in the UP of Michigan. Never seen so many Buicks in one place in my life. :-)

tifighter

Wow, I missed that one completely. Hope you had an easy move and are enjoying the new digs. You seem to like cold places. :shades:

isellhondas

Wow, that seems like such an odd move!

stever

Today is a two shovel the sidewalk day. It is fun being back in the snow again. Easy move. On topic, this is my 6th house since 1974. For the last 35+ years, I've had more "new" houses than brand new cars (4) and barely more cars total than houses.

Ok, that's about as far off topic as I can get. :P

Isell, we have a great mother-in-law who returned home here and we'd visited a few times and liked the area. Seemed a good fit to get back and spend some time with her and we were tired of Boise. Fezo has promised to bring up some pad thai next Spring.

breld

I'm a little embarrassed to say (though I suppose this is the proper forum for it) that my fiance and I are experiencing a healthy bit of buyer's remorse on our Honda Insight purchase from last summer. It's everything we thought it'd be - a practical, highly efficient, reliable mode of transportation for our 60-mile commute to work.

Problem is, we actually enjoy driving.

But even that's secondary to the realization that the Insight is quite small and uncomfortable if there's more passengers than just her and I. We sorta shrugged it off during test drives, which was apparently a mistake.

When we are running around with all 4 kids (modern-day Brady Bunch), we have our CX-9, which we absolutely love. What we'd like is something a bit more efficient and practical for all the times we aren't going around with the whole clan, but still comfortable for the two of us and perhaps two kids in the back.

We looked at a used VW CC (rare stick shift was nice) recently and liked it quite a bit - not so sure any gains in rear seat space were that great, but certainly was sharp. Also more recently started considering a newer Mazda6, since that would offer a little more distinctive and sportier option than other family sedans (and considering we like our other Mazda so much).

It's obviously hard to consider the hit we'd take on getting out of such a new car, but we may just bite the bullet at some point. We'll see - gives me a purpose in all the car research I enjoy .

isellhondas

That makes sense.

Boise isn't a bad place except it's a bt hot in the summers.

I once spent five miserable weeks in the Boise courthouse helping our lawyers defend our company against a frivolous lawsuit which we ended up losing.

So, Boise leaves me with a bit of a bad taste.

kyfdx

Last I heard, the actual cost from BMW for the warranty was around $1300-$1500...

But, since that time, maintenance plans have gone up 30-40%, so I'm sure the CPO cost is up, as well.. $2000 would be a good number, I'd think...

roadburner

Thanks! I'm going to let the '07 335i sit for a while longer. If I decide to ake an offer methinks that I'll ask the dealer to CPO the car first- that would get me a $1500 payment credit from BMWFS as well as $500 from BMW CCA- which means I'd get the CPO warranty for free.

ab348

My one and only visit to Boise was in June about 15 years ago and I have to say that I loved the place. But I guess I can understand how it wouldn't be for everyone.

qbrozen

So wife has had me cruising the lots. I'm hoping we hold off for as long as possible. We've had the mazda5 just 15 months now. Would be nice to at least hit the 2-year mark.

Her list right now is as follows (comparing all 2008 models):
Enclave/Acadia/Outlook (wide pricerange here, so I'm leaning Saturn)
R350
Pacifica (we had an '05 and liked it)
Town & Country
Sienna

The Benz seems the best value to me. I mean, when you are talking same money for a Sienna vs a Benz (~$27k)... well, the Sienna just isn't so appealing in that company. The Pac is a good deal, too. About $20k for a limited with AWD and DVD vs ... well, a T&C for instance, at $23k for a limited with DVD. The Saturn/Acadia/Enclave is $24k/$28k/$30k, respectively.

stickguy

you guys are hopeless, aren't you?

And based on this list, the idea of "right sizing" the family car isn't a winner it seems.

I never drove one of those GM units, but sitting in one it felt ginormous. Huge hood. Made our odyssey feel positively petite in comparison.

I also don't see you going with a T&C, but that can be a screaming deal.

so yeah, of that bunch, the benz sounds about right, but are they unloved enough to be that cheap now?

Is the R the huge station wagon thingee (kind of like a MB version of Richard's beloved Flex?) I seem to remember a few years back they had killer deals (rebates, leases) on these at one point.

akangl

I never drove one of those GM units, but sitting in one it felt ginormous. Huge hood. Made our odyssey feel positively petite in comparison.

When we were shopping back in 07, before we bought the Pilot I looked at an Acadia. We drove it and it was pretty nice. I really liked it, but at the time it was a new model and reliability was unknown. Also, GM's resale value isn't usually that great and since we were looking at new it was a consideration. That said, I'm glad we didn't buy one, I've heard reliability is less then stellar, not to mention it wouldn't have had the resale value of the Pilot.

tjc78

Pacifica (we had an '05 and liked it)

We have an 06 here at work as a runaround car for us. Its not super loaded and FWD only but I really like it. It rides great and so far its been fairly reliable with about 60K on the clock. I had it and the enitre dash, radio, lights went out, but after a restart all was OK. I guess Chrysler's body control modules are still suspect.

michaellno

From 1989 to 2003 I racked up an average of 40K per year in flight miles, performing training to customers. All of this travel was in the US and Canada.

For some reason, I never made it to Boise, but it sounds like a pretty nice place. Not too big, not too small.

Steve, hope you enjoy the UP.

qbrozen

Nope. She just keeps complaining. I can't get her on board with the idea that we don't need more room ALL THE TIME for the few times per year we need it. I've also tried the "75% of your miles are you commuting by yourself" ploy, but she responds that she could commute with the Saab more.

Yes, the R is the big wagon. It is very closely related to the Pacifica, although the companies never would admit it. I'm seeing several '08s with 30k'ish miles for the mid $20s.

Wife wanted to keep the '05 Pac after the lease is up, but I did not trust the old Chrysler 4-speed trans. They later updated to a new 6-speed, which is what the '08 would have (along with the 4 liter engine, vs the 3.5 we had).

Jolie, what have you seen regarding the GM triplets? I've only looked at msnautos so far for reliability reports, but all that I've listed have 5/5 stars on that site.

kyfdx

You should check out the SUV discussions for each model.. I hear they have a new Host over there, as well...

A friend of mine had an R-Class... my son rode in it, quite often.. he called it the ugly-class, but said it was pretty nice.. There really is a lot of Pacifica in it, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.... Her husband was pretty much pro-US makes, so they traded it for an Enclave... she liked that, as well... Now, she drives a CTS..

I really like the looks of the Acadia (Outlook, too)... the Enclave seems to have less complaining about it... but, that might be an anomaly..

qbrozen

Ya know... I wanted to ask a question maybe someone can help me answer. What exactly DOES a minivan provide that these big crossovers don't?

I mean, we stopped and looked at a Sienna. Now, I'll be honest, I have never really inspected a minivan before. So, I'm looking inside and it occurs to me that this thing offers absolutely no seating advantage over, for instance, the Enclave. Both 3rd rows look to have the same space. Both have similar boots behind that 3rd row. And NEITHER (here was the surprise concerning the minivan) offer access to the 3rd row without either folding a seat or walking through the middle of the vehicle.

I always had this full-sized van impression that you could get to the 3rd row through the side door without moving any seats. I was wrong, obviously. So what is it I should be looking for in a minivan that would make it more usable?

qbrozen

You should check out the SUV discussions for each model..

I don't find that to be a good measuring stick for reliability, though. 5 complaining people in a forum can take up alot of bandwidth and make it seem like the vehicle has more widespread problems than it really does. I'd much prefer looking over compiled statistics.

stever

What exactly DOES a minivan provide that these big crossovers don't?

Good question. Probably not a lot of difference. I like sliders and you won't find those on crossovers.

I like upright seating positions of the vans, and I like squarer bodies. Don't know how the crossover seats are but some of the body styles are swoopier (then again, there were those eggplant Voyagers around for a while there). I don't do third rows so can't help you there.

kyfdx

Its good for finding definite trouble spots, though...

Like bad A/C compressors on CR-Vs, bad transmissions on Volvo XC90 T6 models, bad engines (with no replacements available) on Freelanders, etc...

I certainly wouldn't make a choice on a used car without at least looking at them... (plus, they have a new Host.. lol)

kyfdx

Can't get in them without folding a seat? Can't you step into the third row on an Odyssey?

lemmer

We replaced an Odyssey with a Pilot. The Odyssey was a better driving vehicle with a lot more space. It was easier to get in and out of and it cost less too. I like the Pilot better just because I think it looks better.

qbrozen

I dunno. Only looked at Sienna. I'd be surprised if Honda offers something like that and Toyota doesn't. I mean, wouldn't that tilt the scale insurmountably in Honda's favor?

I think the NEW Ody has that thing where the 2nd row can separate? So it seems that should mean it has room on the side when pushed together, but I can't say for sure. Not that it matters since I don't have the kind of money that a new Ody demands.(!!) And I would imagine the T&C with the captains chairs would be the same story as the Sienna we looked at.

kyfdx

The only minivans I've been in recently were old ones... Haven't seen one with captain's chairs.... that probably changes things..

My next door neighbor got a newer Sienna, recently.. I'll have to walk over there and check it out...

isellhondas

The only problem is that the complainers tend to be very vocal and misery loves company.

The CRV A/C compressor problems are a great example of that.

After hearing from several customers..." I'm afraid to buy a CRV...don't you know? They have bad A/C compressors" Huh?

So, of course, that took a trip to the shop where several technicians, Service Advisors and the Service Manager had NO IDEA what, exactly I was talking about.

Two months later after reading about all of the problems in a forum here, I asked the same question and got the same response.

Now, I don't doubt that some people had problems but I seriously doubt if that percentage was any higher than any other Honda model especially when some share the same compressor.

Congrats on your promotion!

qbrozen

I think I'll have to add the Quest to the wife's list. I thought it had a CVT, but Edmunds says the previous gen have the 5-speed autos.

akangl

what have you seen regarding the GM triplets? I've only looked at msnautos so far for reliability reports, but all that I've listed have 5/5 stars on that site.

I'm just going off what I've heard from gm service writers up here. I know a couple and they have both said its a bit of a problem child. That may have changed recently, I haven't been around the gm dealership in a while. I do like the Acadia and seriously thought about it this time around, it had everything I needed, comfy seats, room, AWD. Hubby isn't a big fan of GM vehicles, neither is my best friend........both would have disowned me if I bought one.

My best friend is dodge til she dies, I thought about buying a chevy truck just to mess with her, but nah, losing a friendship isn't worth it, lol. She gave me enough crap about the Ford.

qbrozen

I grew up in a GM family ... yet, I've never owned one personally. They never had anything I liked. Although the Cobalt SS did turn my head. And now in recent years, Buick has been catching my eye.

Nobody would bat an eye if I bought one. However, if we buy a Benz.... well, we're talking whispering at family gatherings. Good grief, even owning an 18-year-old Benz received those "Oh, Mr Big Shot" kind of comments. I have NO idea why.

isellhondas

Dies
On
Day
Guaranee
Expires

Tell her that one

If buying a certain make of car will result in the loss of a friendship, you may not have much of a friend to begin with!

jpp75

My sister has an 08 Acadia, I like the looks of it and it drives fine but she's had a good bit of trouble out of it. The entire interior carpet had to be taken out and replaced due to a leak, the radio system had to be replaced because it was draining the battery and the power steering issue seems to be getting worse in hers. She's got about 45,000 miles on it, likes it but she wouldn't buy it again.

akangl

If buying a certain make of car will result in the loss of a friendship

It's a standing joke between us, I highly doubt she would disown me. Every time she talks bad about a Chevy, I kindly remind her she was born in the back seat of a Chevy!!

Sitting at the Honda/Acura dealer waiting on hubby's Civic to get an oil change. I am looking forward to getting my new car!!

isellhondas

Oh, I knew you were kidding!

Heck, I may have been conceived in the back seat of an old Chevy!

andre1969

I always had this full-sized van impression that you could get to the 3rd row through the side door without moving any seats. I was wrong, obviously. So what is it I should be looking for in a minivan that would make it more usable?

I think you used to be able to do that, but somewhere along the lines, minivans started getting kinda like how cars did in the 1970's...bigger, and bulkier, but in some cases, smaller and less useful on the inside.

I always thought that one definite advantage of a minivan was that you could get three rows of REAL seats. Car-based station wagons, and many SUVs, no matter how big, usually had very poor third row seats.

But, as of late, it seems like even minivans aren't so hot anymore in the 3rd row seating area. And often, the second row seems compromised as well.

Unless I'm just getting pickier as I get older?

isellhondas

I think a lot of people buy minivans because they aren't as clumsy to drive and to park as an SUV.

These people have no need for 4WD and don't plan to tow anything.

Personally, I happen to think that the majority of people that buy big SUV's have little use for them.

fezo

Geeze, Q, you are as bad as Jolie! :P

When I've shopped vans vs SUVs I always found more usable space behind the third seat on a van. Now this long before Enclaves and Acadias so I imagine the game has changed. But if you went looking back when I got the first Ody or the Windstall they had a ton more room than, say, an Explorer and used less gas (not that a minivan is good on gas). A mid-90s Explorer certainly drove like a truck which the Windstall didn't.

Back then the Windstall only had one slider and you could get right in the third seat through it. It had a two person bench seat in the middle that actually spent a good portion of its life sitting in my garage.

The Odys that I've had (the 98 - 04 generation) have movable seats in the middle row - they can be set as a bench or two captains chairs. If you set it as a bench you can pop right in the third row from the right slider.

Hey! If you want a perfectly fine Ody that has a nice dent in the front from a high school parking lot have I got a deal for you!