Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

Went to my local Autozone (new location within the past couple of years) to get washer fluid and a can of HVAC odor cleaning chemicals to rid the Volt of any issues. It's had the same manager since they opened, but they were slammed and I didn't recognize any of the other employees. The HVAC cleaner was kept in the back, and the cashier had to wait for the manager to put out other fires and get off the phone before he figured that out.

I removed the pollen filter, ran the HVAC cleaner, and installed the new one... Someone in front of me on Westport Road reversed to try to let someone squeeze in for a left turn and I had to blow the horn because I didn't know if they knew a car was behind them (not that that helped last time). Thankfully, she stopped about a foot or two before hitting me. The dash cam is finally getting installed in the Maverick first thing tomorrow--even if the quality of the install is not up to my standards!

tifighter

@kyfdx said:
Try a Cayman!

Yeah, right. After the Z4, getting into the M2 feels like getting into a crossover.

roadburner

They walk among us- and breed (unfortunately):
On another automotive board I started a thread titled "2021 Sahara 4xe- One Month Review." In the body of my post I used the word "Jeep" four times. Nevertheless, I received the following response:

Pardon my lack of knowledge but your title says "2021 Sahara". Is this a new car company? With all the new electric vehicle start-ups it's hard to keep track. It would help some of us with more clarity.

And no, he was not joking...

corvette

@Sandman6472 - hope you are better soon. I agree that staying home is the best option right now.

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

They walk among us- and breed (unfortunately):
On another automotive board I started a thread titled "2021 Sahara 4xe- One Month Review." In the body of my post I used the word "Jeep" four times. Nevertheless, I received the following response:

Pardon my lack of knowledge but your title says "2021 Sahara". Is this a new car company? With all the new electric vehicle start-ups it's hard to keep track. It would help some of us with more clarity.

And no, he was not joking...

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However nice it would be, there is no way to control who tunes into public forums. It’s a good thing we have dues here at Edmunds but even that doesn’t save us from the occasional most persistent car wacos.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

@andres3 said:

Neon's literally had a 99% head gasket failure rate; so it's earned; not bashing, just truth telling.

I have no idea what that has to do with a 4.7 v8.

Both American made.

I read somewhere that Audi 3.0 V6 could have fuel pump problems that can lead to catastrophic engine failures.

Any car manufacturer can have problems. BMW V8 tend to be suboptimal. Audi 4.0 V8 recalled for turbo oiling issues

It’s not unique to American vehicle manufacturers.

corvette

Dashcam is installed. Fighting with the A-pillar trim and weatherstripping was not fun. Other than that, not bad. I'm powering it with the USB-A plug from the infotainment and using the USB-C plug for my phone. Some people on the boards say you shouldn't do this, but my experience has been that those ports lose power about ten minutes after you turn off the ignition. Also, a few years ago, I purchased a six foot roll of 3M Dual Lock tape to allow for easy mounting of the dash cams and EZ-Pass transponder when I changed vehicles, and I'm now running low.

tifighter

Roadburner spent his money too soon - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-lincoln-mark-vii-5/

explorerx4

@corvette,
NY Ezpass sends certain supplies for free. I just log in and request them.
In 92, the 5.0 in the Mustang was downgraded to 205 HP, probably the same for the Lincoln.

breld

Just got back from a cruise yesterday, so catching up on posts.

While I was gone, my Acura salesman let me know that “my” ITS has been built and is probably a couple weeks away from delivery. So I have a decision to make…I’m pretty hot on the Mustang option right now, but it also wouldn’t hurt to wait a little for the first year of this new model to pass by. Though the previous gen Mach 1 is high on my list too.

Given it’s being offered at MSRP (well, I think they add a $1k package for tint, clear bra and all-weather mats, so call it $500-600 over MSRP), I may scratch the itch on the Acura and then see how I feel about the muscle car route next year. I believe the ITS will hold its value fairly well.

tifighter

@breld this is a white one, yes?

jmonroe1

tifighter said:

Roadburner spent his money too soon - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-lincoln-mark-vii-5/

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I didn’t know he was looking for that type of a sleeper. Plus, that $125 doc fee is a deal breaker.

jmonroe

qbrozen

qbrozen said:

I have no idea what that has to do with a 4.7 v8.

andres3 said:

Both American made.

mjfloyd1 said:

It’s not unique to American vehicle manufacturers.

I heard from my brother-in-law he once had a bad schnitzel. I blame VAG.

kyfdx

I had the best schnitzel, about a week ago. And, generally, I'd pass on that. Really, really good.

ab348

kyfdx said:

I had the best schnitzel, about a week ago. And, generally, I'd pass on that. Really, really good.

So, you’re saying you were full of schnitzel? 😁

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:
I heard from my brother-in-law he once had a bad schnitzel. I blame VAG.

I bet that RiteAid picked out the water pump. I wonder if they will take it back?😂

corvette

explorerx4 said:

@corvette,
NY Ezpass sends certain supplies for free. I just log in and request them.

I'll see what I can figure out... I mentioned EZpass for brand recognition, it's called RiverLink here, but is compatible with EZpass if you buy the upgraded transponders, which I did. RiverLink is not known for good customer service, but I need to email them anyway because the website doesn't give you a way to delete vehicles you no longer own (you can only mark them inactive), so i'll also ask about that.

explorerx4

@corvette,
My transponders were free. Able to change vehicles online, which can be critical if you change plates.
Chicago area charges $25 per 'violation'.

stickguy

I like the idea of a dashcam. But not willing to take that much of my car apart so I would have to pay to have it done professionally. And always worry about hacking into the wiring on a modern car, after hearing about a lot of problems caused by doing it wrong (or in some cases, at all!)

corvette

@stickguy - it's "cleaner" if you can plug into a switched USB port (or USB power adapter connected to a switched 12V source) and just run a 10' USB cable to the camera. The Volt's USB ports seem to be always powered, so I'll have to find another way of connecting the one there. I have also used those crummy inline taps to connect to an existing switched 12V source in the overhead console. I prefer not to use that setup nowadays, but I never had any issues.

tjc78

So easy to find your lease return when you still have the app.

https://www.volvocarsrichmond.com/used/Volvo/2020-Volvo-XC90-for-sale-Richmond-VA-adbb14ec0a0e0a9a608e2465a59aec92.htm

tjc78

stickguy

just curious, but what was your buyout?

corvette

tjc78 said:

So easy to find your lease return when you still have the app.

But are they providing both keys that were returned?

roadburner

tifighter said:

Roadburner spent his money too soon - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-lincoln-mark-vii-5/

I loved my dad's 1986. I wish I had room for that one. To me the Mark VII LSC is the high-water mark for Lincoln.

tjc78

@corvette said:
But are they providing both keys that were returned?

Hopefully all three!

tjc78

tifighter

Stuck at an airport, so let there be Montero Monday-

tjc78

@stickguy said:
just curious, but what was your buyout?

I don’t remember lol and it’s not in the finance company portal anymore. I’ll have to look it up… now you got me curious

qbrozen

More than original MSRP. Good luck!

https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/2893965

stickguy

I might buy a new one for that!

explorerx4

I hadn't noticed it in previous Carvana listings but there is a link to the vehicle Carfax.

xwesx

explorerx4 said:

@corvette,
My transponders were free. Able to change vehicles online, which can be critical if you change plates.
Chicago area charges $25 per 'violation'.

Same here. I have mine through MA DOT, which was the best option for being an out-of-stater that only occasionally needs to use them. The first two years I had them, they worked perfectly with no issues whatsoever in all the states I traveled through. This year... I think there were three separate instances where the system didn't recognize my transponder. One time ended up saving me about $10 in fees (I think, given it was my trip home and the out-bound trip cost me $11.75 in total through three different tolling points in the Youngstown / Pittsburgh area), another time there was a gate that I needed to raise (pulling it off the window and waving the transponder around like a goofball finally got it to raise), and a third time, on the way home (to Alaska) through Ohio, the entrance onto the toll section of I-90 didn't read, but the exit did, so it just defaulted to charging me full-ride (I think it was like $10.50 versus the correct amount of around $5.50).

Oh well, it's just money, right?! It's far more convenient to have the transponders than dealing with any other option.

xwesx

stickguy said:

I like the idea of a dashcam. But not willing to take that much of my car apart so I would have to pay to have it done professionally. And always worry about hacking into the wiring on a modern car, after hearing about a lot of problems caused by doing it wrong (or in some cases, at all!)

No hacking required for dashcams. The easiest thing to do is to wire them up via a piggyback to the fuse on another circuit. It's a simple plug and play, and it is pre-electronics, so no chance of causing unintended harm.

Depending on the camera unit, installing it on an "always on" circuit is preferable to allow for parking functionality. The better units work in one of two ways for parking: 1. Based on the lack of vehicle movement (GPS-based) for a period of time activates parking mode, or 2. Based on a secondary "accessory" powered line (requires you to piggyback two separate circuits in total) that is no longer receiving power.

Either way, it is good for those times when someone messes with your car (intentional or not) when you're not around.

Sandman6472

My wife drove a brand new 2024 Hyundai Kona yesterday. She really really liked it, a Limited unit. Price was around $36K plus change. Offered her $8K for her 2015 Audi A3 with just over 81K on the clock which she declined. But, she did like it, a lot, so might be a couple in our garage sooner then later. I do like the N-Line myself but who knows. Maybe going with the Mini Cooper might work.
Her car goes into Audi to address the "EPC" light tomorrow morning. Hoping it'll be done for their trip Wednesday as the rental has been put off till next week when I can go. Have a Nissan Kicks or similar vehicle reserved for me so we shall see. Might just end up driving the Golf or even taking the A3 so we do have choices. We're also driving the Accent up as it'll stay up in St. Augustine. Accent going into Hyundai tomorrow also to address some warranty issues. Glad we live so close to both dealerships.
My daughter wants me to go on Wednesday but I'm just too dizzy most of the day to go. And if I'm really feeling bad, we'll be far from home so makes sense for me to just bow out on this short trip. Promised her that having another week at home will be better medically for me and I'll be ready to roll on the morning of the 23rd. Getting so ill so quickly really put a damper on things but sometimes, things like this happen. One just has to go with the flow. My #1 goal is to get better so I don't miss more of the good stuff in life.

ab348

Polestar problems as per Automotive News:

Reduced unit sales forecast for the year to 60,000 or less versus 80,000 forecasted a few months ago; reduced gross margin estimate from 4% to 2%; does not estimate breaking even on a cash flow basis until 2025, meaning it will require additional funding from either additional debt or equity issues of $1.3 billion beyond what was already planned; and while 3rd quarter revenue was up 41% to $613 million, operating losses for the quarter were up 33% to $261 million. Ouch.

cdnpinhead

Is the electric car situation turning into something of a mess, or is it just my imagination? Ford certainly seems to be having "issues," along with Volvo.

tjc78

@ab348 said:
Polestar problems as per Automotive News:

Reduced unit sales forecast for the year to 60,000 or less versus 80,000 forecasted a few months ago; reduced gross margin estimate from 4% to 2%; does not estimate breaking even on a cash flow basis until 2025, meaning it will require additional funding from either additional debt or equity issues of $1.3 billion beyond what was already planned; and while 3rd quarter revenue was up 41% to $613 million, operating losses for the quarter were up 33% to $261 million. Ouch.

The dealer I bought the EQE from said EV sales on the East Coast are terrible and below expectations. I’d wager that has something to do with it.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

@ab348 said:

Polestar problems as per Automotive News:

Reduced unit sales forecast for the year to 60,000 or less versus 80,000 forecasted a few months ago; reduced gross margin estimate from 4% to 2%; does not estimate breaking even on a cash flow basis until 2025, meaning it will require additional funding from either additional debt or equity issues of $1.3 billion beyond what was already planned; and while 3rd quarter revenue was up 41% to $613 million, operating losses for the quarter were up 33% to $261 million. Ouch.

The dealer I bought the EQE from said EV sales on the East Coast are terrible and below expectations. I’d wager that has something to do with it.

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That sounds like the salesman was telling you not to accept their first offer.

jmonroe

xwesx

I'm sure all of the refueling woes being pushed around on media doesn't do sales any favors! For those charging at home (or mostly so), not so much of an issue, but it still might be enough to keep those folks away for a while longer.

breld

The Polestar 3 SUV can’t get here quick enough for those dealers. I certainly have no regret over getting the Q8 e-tron and not being the first out of the gate with the new Polestar product this time around.

I’m traveling this week and had time before dinner, so poked my head into the Acura dealer across the street from my hotel. They had a Type S in the showroom…not exactly the color I’d choose.

jmonroe1

xwesx said:

I'm sure all of the refueling woes being pushed around on media doesn't do sales any favors! For those charging at home (or mostly so), not so much of an issue, but it still might be enough to keep those folks away for a while longer.

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Do you see me waiving my hand?

jmonroe

stickguy

car is sharp looking, color, not so much.

Looks like my RDX behind it too!

xwesx

Indoors, I really like it. The sun on it might be a little much. I'd definitely take that over white, black, any shade between, and probably even over red.

28firefighter

nyccarguy

That tiger eye pearl color doesn’t photograph well. It looks ok in the sunlight, but it would be well beyond my last choice.

corvette

cdnpinhead said:

Is the electric car situation turning into something of a mess, or is it just my imagination? Ford certainly seems to be having "issues," along with Volvo.

One of the reasons I bought the Volt is that I think that, without some parts cost improvements or (greater) government subsidies, the days of an affordable EV or plug-in EV are limited. I would bet money that GM lost money on every Bolt that they sold, due to high battery prices, the costs of which were expected to drop rapidly, but my understanding is that they haven't, not to mention the recall. It seems like almost every EV coming out now is $50k+.

qbrozen

I like the color. Heck, it is FAR from the worst design choice on that car! Not a single good angle there, IMHO.

breld

Coincidentally, coming out of dinner tonight, a valet was pulling a brand new Mustang GT into the parking garage. I have to admit, the look (and definitely sound) of it was more appealing to me.

roadburner

corvette said:

cdnpinhead said:

Is the electric car situation turning into something of a mess, or is it just my imagination? Ford certainly seems to be having "issues," along with Volvo.

One of the reasons I bought the Volt is that I think that, without some parts cost improvements or (greater) government subsidies, the days of an affordable EV or plug-in EV are limited. I would bet money that GM lost money on every Bolt that they sold, due to high battery prices, the costs of which were expected to drop rapidly, but my understanding is that they haven't, not to mention the recall. It seems like almost every EV coming out now is $50k+.

The new UAW contracts will add a sizeable dollar amount to most every new car, so I can't see EV demand increasing any time soon without massive subsidies.