Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

mjfloyd1 said:

@roadburner said:

I've checked both; either the recall hasn't rolled out yet or my 4xe isn't included in the recall.

It was just updated 11/29/2023 so if you checked before then, you won’t see it.

I just checked NHTSA as well as the app and so far my 4xe is clear.

stickguy

I need to find a 2 series for my wife to try. And you can bet I will make sure it is in the cushiest mode they offer.

28firefighter

@corvette hahaha.

I can't help it if the man spits truth. I do think it is probably the last of the BMWs I would ever be interested in owning. It has a lot more creature comforts than my ZHP did for daily driving, has more power, but is maybe a little less "edgy" because the ZHP had an aftermarket sport suspension on it and was a stick. It's a good balance for my commute and being down to 2 cars vs. 3.

stickguy

If I actually got one it would likely be a 230. Still more power than we would likely ever use.

tjc78

Hit this milestone in the Ram earlier this week. I have to say I love this beast. It’s comfortable, powerful, and the family loves riding in it. Only complaint is that it’s not as loaded as I’d like, but being a Built to Serve I virtually never see a twin. Next one will be more equipped (Laramie or Limited).

No issues to date. Only had an oil change. I will say the transmission seems like it hunts a bit more at low speed than when new, but can’t say for sure.

It’s going on a long road trip to Orlando and Port Canaveral and back to South Jersey later in the month.

pensfan83

@tjc78 said:
Hit this milestone in the Ram earlier this week. I have to say I love this beast. It’s comfortable, powerful, and the family loves riding in it. Only complaint is that it’s not as loaded as I’d like, but being a Built to Serve I virtually never see a twin. Next one will be more equipped (Laramie or Limited).

No issues to date. Only had an oil change. I will say the transmission seems like it hunts a bit more at low speed than when new, but can’t say for sure.

It’s going on a long road trip to Orlando and Port Canaveral and back to South Jersey later in the month.

What's on the docket in Orlando?

stickguy

My wife would never drive that beast. A limitation if I ever tried to get a full sized truck.

nyccarguy

@tjc78 - SWEET! How long have you had it?

tjc78

@pensfan83 said:

@tjc78 said:
Hit this milestone in the Ram earlier this week. I have to say I love this beast. It’s comfortable, powerful, and the family loves riding in it. Only complaint is that it’s not as loaded as I’d like, but being a Built to Serve I virtually never see a twin. Next one will be more equipped (Laramie or Limited).

No issues to date. Only had an oil change. I will say the transmission seems like it hunts a bit more at low speed than when new, but can’t say for sure.

It’s going on a long road trip to Orlando and Port Canaveral and back to South Jersey later in the month.

What's on the docket in Orlando?

We leave 12/20 with an overnight in Savannah GA
Arrive Kissimmee on 12/21 (rented a condo)
Disney 12/22 and 12/23
12/24 leave on NCL Epic for a week.
12/31 return and head back north

tjc78

@stickguy said:
My wife would never drive that beast. A limitation if I ever tried to get a full sized truck.

I am surprised. My wife will drive it. Took it to a store this morning since I took her car up to visit a location.

Even my 70 year old Mom drove it when her car was in the body shop!

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
@tjc78 - SWEET! How long have you had it?

August of 22. Nearly half way through already

nyccarguy

Speaking of Wranglers, I know my son has holiday break starting on 12/18 so I figured it would be a good time to drop the Jeep off for some warranty work. Good thing I called today. Their next appointment is on 12/18, more than 3 weeks out! The top leaks from the front driver's side when it rains and it sits. Also, the USB port inside the glove box goes out intermittently.

I got an email from Stellantis offering me an extended warranty on the 4Xe:

5 years/60K miles - $200 deductible: $59.58 down. $59.58 + tax per month for 24 months = $1,429.92 = Tax + $59.58

6 years/60K miles - $200 deductible: $56 down. $56+ tax per month for 30 months = $1,680 + Tax + $56.00

8 years/85K miles - $200 deductible: $96.33 down. $96.33 + tax per month for 30 months = $2,889.90 + Tax + $96.33

stickguy

That out to or in addition?

roadburner

28firefighter said:

@corvette hahaha.

I can't help it if the man spits truth. I do think it is probably the last of the BMWs I would ever be interested in owning. It has a lot more creature comforts than my ZHP did for daily driving, has more power, but is maybe a little less "edgy" because the ZHP had an aftermarket sport suspension on it and was a stick. It's a good balance for my commute and being down to 2 cars vs. 3.

The F22 2er and F87 M@ are the last BMWs I would consider. I really wanted to like the G42 and G87 but the styling is awful- as is what passes for instrumentation.

stickguy

@tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:
My wife would never drive that beast. A limitation if I ever tried to get a full sized truck.

I am surprised. My wife will drive it. Took it to a store this morning since I took her car up to visit a location.

Even my 70 year old Mom drove it when her car was in the body shop!

I made her drive the maverick once just in case she had to and that was intimidating to her. Especially the view out the back. She can’t understand how I am fine driving all the Uhaul trucks I have gotten over the years.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

That out to or in addition?

I believe total years/total miles

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of Wranglers, I know my son has holiday break starting on 12/18 so I figured it would be a good time to drop the Jeep off for some warranty work. Good thing I called today. Their next appointment is on 12/18, more than 3 weeks out! The top leaks from the front driver's side when it rains and it sits. Also, the USB port inside the glove box goes out intermittently.

I got an email from Stellantis offering me an extended warranty on the 4Xe:

5 years/60K miles - $200 deductible: $59.58 down. $59.58 + tax per month for 24 months = $1,429.92 = Tax + $59.58

6 years/60K miles - $200 deductible: $56 down. $56+ tax per month for 30 months = $1,680 + Tax + $56.00

8 years/85K miles - $200 deductible: $96.33 down. $96.33 + tax per month for 30 months = $2,889.90 + Tax + $96.33

I was given the name of a dealer (whose name escapes me) that offers great deals on the extended warranties. I can send it to you when I get home.

tjc78

@nyccarguy
I thought yours was leased?

tjc78

@stickguy said:

@tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:
My wife would never drive that beast. A limitation if I ever tried to get a full sized truck.

I am surprised. My wife will drive it. Took it to a store this morning since I took her car up to visit a location.

Even my 70 year old Mom drove it when her car was in the body shop!

I made her drive the maverick once just in case she had to and that was intimidating to her. Especially the view out the back. She can’t understand how I am fine driving all the Uhaul trucks I have gotten over the years.

I remember my first time driving a 24’ truck. The width intimidated me more than anything else.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy

I thought yours was leased?

it is. Just thought I'd share with the group what was offered to me. Plus the fact that Stellantis doesn't want anything to do with it after 85K miles.

nyccarguy

roadburner said:

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of Wranglers, I know my son has holiday break starting on 12/18 so I figured it would be a good time to drop the Jeep off for some warranty work. Good thing I called today. Their next appointment is on 12/18, more than 3 weeks out! The top leaks from the front driver's side when it rains and it sits. Also, the USB port inside the glove box goes out intermittently.

I got an email from Stellantis offering me an extended warranty on the 4Xe:

5 years/60K miles - $200 deductible: $59.58 down. $59.58 + tax per month for 24 months = $1,429.92 = Tax + $59.58

6 years/60K miles - $200 deductible: $56 down. $56+ tax per month for 30 months = $1,680 + Tax + $56.00

8 years/85K miles - $200 deductible: $96.33 down. $96.33 + tax per month for 30 months = $2,889.90 + Tax + $96.33

I was given the name of a dealer (whose name escapes me) that offers great deals on the extended warranties. I can send it to you when I get home.

No need. Thanks though. Mine's leased and I plan on not having it the whole lease term nor going over the factory limit of the 36K warranty.

stickguy

@tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

@tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:
My wife would never drive that beast. A limitation if I ever tried to get a full sized truck.

I am surprised. My wife will drive it. Took it to a store this morning since I took her car up to visit a location.

Even my 70 year old Mom drove it when her car was in the body shop!

I made her drive the maverick once just in case she had to and that was intimidating to her. Especially the view out the back. She can’t understand how I am fine driving all the Uhaul trucks I have gotten over the years.

I remember my first time driving a 24’ truck. The width intimidated me more than anything else.

I had to drive one of the 26’ Ryder freight liners through the city a few times, and out the schuykill. That was fun. Remembering the width and turning radius was important. And very stressful on the bridge and in construction zone because that sucker filled up a lane. But man visibility to the front was amazing. Could put it 6” behind a car no sweat. And scare the heck out of the driver!

mjfloyd1

@nyccarguy said:
it is. Just thought I'd share with the group what was offered to me. Plus the fact that Stellantis doesn't want anything to do with it after 85K miles.

I have 7 yr / 120k mile Stellantis extended warranties on mine

You can even get 7 yr unlimited mile warranties but they are pricey.

mjfloyd1

@roadburner said:
I just checked NHTSA as well as the app and so far my 4xe is clear.

On the Jeep app, the row below where it says “Jeep wave” can be scrolled side to side.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

@tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

@tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

My wife would never drive that beast. A limitation if I ever tried to get a full sized truck.

I am surprised. My wife will drive it. Took it to a store this morning since I took her car up to visit a location.

Even my 70 year old Mom drove it when her car was in the body shop!

I made her drive the maverick once just in case she had to and that was intimidating to her. Especially the view out the back. She can’t understand how I am fine driving all the Uhaul trucks I have gotten over the years.

I remember my first time driving a 24’ truck. The width intimidated me more than anything else.

I had to drive one of the 26’ Ryder freight liners through the city a few times, and out the schuykill. That was fun. Remembering the width and turning radius was important. And very stressful on the bridge and in construction zone because that sucker filled up a lane. But man visibility to the front was amazing. Could put it 6” behind a car no sweat. And scare the heck out of the driver!

I had a Class B CDL for 20 years..

pensfan83

@tjc78 said:

@pensfan83 said:

@tjc78 said:
Hit this milestone in the Ram earlier this week. I have to say I love this beast. It’s comfortable, powerful, and the family loves riding in it. Only complaint is that it’s not as loaded as I’d like, but being a Built to Serve I virtually never see a twin. Next one will be more equipped (Laramie or Limited).

No issues to date. Only had an oil change. I will say the transmission seems like it hunts a bit more at low speed than when new, but can’t say for sure.

It’s going on a long road trip to Orlando and Port Canaveral and back to South Jersey later in the month.

What's on the docket in Orlando?

We leave 12/20 with an overnight in Savannah GA
Arrive Kissimmee on 12/21 (rented a condo)
Disney 12/22 and 12/23
12/24 leave on NCL Epic for a week.
12/31 return and head back north

That's awesome. We were in the area the week before Thanksgiving, returning the night before it. Magic Kingdom was decorated beautifully, as were some of the other theme parks. You'll have a great time and can't beat getting out of the weather in the Northeast for Disney and a cruise.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

tjc78 said:

@nyccarguy

I thought yours was leased?

it is. Just thought I'd share with the group what was offered to me. Plus the fact that Stellantis doesn't want anything to do with it after 85K miles.

That doesn’t bode well for it’s reliability.

mjfloyd1

@oldfarmer50 said:
That doesn’t bode well for it’s reliability.

roadburner

My offers with a $200 deductible:
Mopar Max Care: 8 years from the ‘in service’ date or to 85K miles is $1365, and the 8/100K is $1905

qbrozen

36 hours have passed and not a peep from the Hijet buyer. I really expected better from someone with 211 feedback. After the first 24 hrs, I messaged him to remit the $250 deposit if he wants me to continue holding it past 48 hrs.

tjc78

@pensfan83 said:

@tjc78 said:

@pensfan83 said:

@tjc78 said:
Hit this milestone in the Ram earlier this week. I have to say I love this beast. It’s comfortable, powerful, and the family loves riding in it. Only complaint is that it’s not as loaded as I’d like, but being a Built to Serve I virtually never see a twin. Next one will be more equipped (Laramie or Limited).

No issues to date. Only had an oil change. I will say the transmission seems like it hunts a bit more at low speed than when new, but can’t say for sure.

It’s going on a long road trip to Orlando and Port Canaveral and back to South Jersey later in the month.

What's on the docket in Orlando?

We leave 12/20 with an overnight in Savannah GA
Arrive Kissimmee on 12/21 (rented a condo)
Disney 12/22 and 12/23
12/24 leave on NCL Epic for a week.
12/31 return and head back north

That's awesome. We were in the area the week before Thanksgiving, returning the night before it. Magic Kingdom was decorated beautifully, as were some of the other theme parks. You'll have a great time and can't beat getting out of the weather in the Northeast for Disney and a cruise.

Great pictures. We are excited. Originally this started out with a cruise out of a different port. Then NCL moved Epic from overseas into Port Canaveral. We switched to that and then added the two Disney days on. Going to be super busy but we are only doing Magic Kingdom both days so should see all the good stuff.

mjfloyd1

@roadburner said:
My offers with a $200 deductible:
Mopar Max Care: 8 years from the ‘in service’ date or to 85K miles is $1365, and the 8/100K is $1905

What I showed you wasn’t the best available price. I meant to show what was available.

A few years ago Mopar offered unlimited years and unlimited miles maxcare warranties.

I paid about $1700 for 7 yr / 125k mile maxcare with $100 deductible.

benjaminh

Speaking of warranties, I'm almost to the end of my powertrain warranty for my 2018 Acura TLX. My current mileage is 69,900 miles, and once the car hits 70k the warranty is done. I'm confident about the engine, which is the souped up and strengthened version of Honda's 2.4. I like the 8-speed dual clutch transmission, but feel less confident about that. Still love the car and plan to keep it long-term. One of my neighbors slightly side-swiped my "silver streak" recently, resulting in some scratches and a very small dent. Almost felt like I should try to be Buddhist and let it go, just leaving the cosmetic damage, but my wife said we should use the neighbor's offered insurance and go through Geico, which we did. $1500 of repairs paid by Geico has brought the car back to the way it was, and as far as I can tell the paint matches perfectly.

Even with the $7500 tax credit I'm still not tempted by an EV. We sometimes do long drives, and that seems a lot less convenient. Tesla seems to make the best EVs, but we find the CEO's views unpleasant to the point where we wouldn't consider one of those. Still the EV price war that some anticipated has already hit, causing Ford and GM to delay their plans in that area by a few years. Currently there are manufacturer incentives $3k on the Ford Mustang Mach-E. On a current inventory Tesla Model 3 I just looked at, the price had been cut to $38k with destination, which meant that with the federal tax credit it was about $31k, which is a good value. Can be leased with "0 down" for $430 a month.

Here's a good summary of why people aren't adopting EVs even with the tax credit and price cuts:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/11/14/ev-sales-2023-slow-inventory-pile-up/71572499007/

"Even with those lower prices the new average EV list price was 28% higher than a gas vehicle last month, CarGurus said. That brings the cost for a 60-month loan with an interest rate of near 8% on an average new EV to $277 more a month than a gas car, it said.

Beyond the car itself, the total cost of ownership during the first five years is also higher. Installing at-home chargers can run about $2,000 upfront, and insurance generally costs more. You may save on fuel, but with gas prices dropping for eight weeks in a row that incentive’s waning. Maintenance costs might be lower, but you'll likely buy more tires with heavier EVs running them down faster....

Starting Jan. 1, eligible buyers can take up to $7,500 in EV credits upfront instead of waiting until they file their taxes...."

stickguy

Getting the credit at POS should help sales. Rebates always do! But the high cost is still an issue for people that just consider an EV another car to pick from, so that price is important.

Keep the TLX. I still miss my bright red A spec. That was a car to keep long term. No turbos, and I don’t think it was a GDI. liked driving it and had super seats. And all the goodies I needed.

sda

@benjaminh Have you had the transmission serviced? At this point a drain and fill may be beneficial, however, I would not do a fluid flush. The 2.4 is a great engine and long lasting. It does have direct injection but I don’t think combustion deposits on this engine is an issue compared to others. I never had an issue with my 13 Accord which I traded at just under 100k, 99928 to be exact. I always use top tier gas. Hard to believe I have had the Passat 3 years as of early October. So far so good. Haven’t piled on the miles, 18400 @ purchase, 44100 currently. Though the Passat has a lot more features, it is the SE Tech trim compared to the Accord EX, the Accord is the better car. Not sure what I’ll buy next as the sedan category is shrinking quickly, but I am not ready for an EV.

benjaminh

I assume your loaded Maverick still working well for you? You sure traded in your first Maverick at the right time! I see Mavericks around Louisville sometimes and they're like nice-looking, and quite functional. They're substantial vehicles, but are dwarfed by the monster full-size trucks of the last decade or more. For 2024 the Maverick now has the hybrid engine as optional, costing an additional $1500 over the 2.0 turbo. That first year model was a bargain, with the hybrid standard for c. $22k. Now the base model Maverick with the hybrid lists for about $26,500, which is still a good deal given inflation. How much did you pay for your luxury version of the Maverick again? Mpg still around 40+?

Yes, knock on wood I'll probably keep the TLX for several more years, maybe even to 200,000 miles. The car gives me a smile every time I drive it, esp. with the Michelin tires. But yes, it does have direct injection, which potentially could result in carbon build-up. Using tier 1 gas from Costco, and getting the oil changed with full synthetic on schedule, I hope will mean it'll be okay.

My wife also is still enjoying her red 2018 CR-V. She tells me a few times a year that she's grateful I got it for her, and although for some reason I was dubious about getting an SUV, she was right. Great trip car with good cargo capacity—39 cubic feet with the back seat up. She's now at around 55k miles.

kyfdx

No one is buying EVs. The incentives are all on the lease side.

tjc78

I can understand being hesitant on an EV especially with long drives. We haven’t even put a 1000 miles on ours yet, but even without a home charger haven’t really had any issues with range.

We have two public chargers both within a few miles of our house and when I’m driving I see several pop up on the GPS screen if needed.

Yesterday the car was at 50%. I had to run to a location that was a 50 mile round trip. I would have passed right through the area where the chargers are anyway so I topped off to 80% in 23 minutes.

I didn’t have to, but figured why not. If I didn’t have the two year free charging I would 100% have the home charger, but for our limited driving charging at a public charger is no big deal.

tjc78

After the two years if my wife wants another EV I will go ahead and install a Level 2 at home.

stickguy

I plan to have a 220 line outlet put in the garage at the new house. Just in case for the future.

Benjamin, I love the hybrid and glad I upgraded to the extra features. And yes I just caught the end of the gravy train and made a killing on the first one.

benjaminh

sda said:

@benjaminh Have you had the transmission serviced?...

Yes, at around 50k my Acura dealer convinced me to have the transmission fluid changed. The owner's manual says change the transmission fluid at 100k, unless you're in "severe service" conditions, like lots of steep hills, towing, etc. I don't think my slightly spirited driving is close to severe, but better to be cautious. I plan to have it changed again at 100k, although the dealer tried to convince me that every 30k is the way to go. A bit of a puzzle on that. But it seems like splitting the difference between the dealer and the manual might be reasonable. I still like the ELS sound system in my car, which is by far the best car stereo I've ever had.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I plan to have a 220 line outlet put in the garage at the new house. Just in case for the future.

Benjamin, I love the hybrid and glad I upgraded to the extra features. And yes I just caught the end of the gravy train and made a killing on the first one.

Put a 100 amp panel in there.. trust me on this

nyccarguy

@benjaminh said:
Yes, at around 50k my Acura dealer convinced me to have the transmission fluid changed. The owner's manual says change the transmission fluid at 100k, unless you're in "severe service" conditions, like lots of steep hills, towing, etc. I don't think my slightly spirited driving is close to severe, but better to be cautious. I plan to have it changed again at 100k, although the dealer tried to convince me that every 30k is the way to go. A bit of a puzzle on that. But it seems like splitting the difference between the dealer and the manual might be reasonable. I still like the ELS sound system in my car, which is by far the best car stereo I've ever had.

Glad you still enjoy your TLX. Nice looking car and should last the long haul. You were smart to do the transmission fluid changed at 50K. I’m all for preventative maintenance, but trans fluid every 30K seems excessive and a way for the dealer to pad their pockets.

tjc78

@kyfdx said:
Put a 100 amp panel in there.. trust me on this

If his main service is there all should be good.

Are you saying to go to a 300 or 400 Amp service?

Not sure you need more than 200 unless you have electric heat and will be charging an EV

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

@benjaminh said:

Yes, at around 50k my Acura dealer convinced me to have the transmission fluid changed. The owner's manual says change the transmission fluid at 100k, unless you're in "severe service" conditions, like lots of steep hills, towing, etc. I don't think my slightly spirited driving is close to severe, but better to be cautious. I plan to have it changed again at 100k, although the dealer tried to convince me that every 30k is the way to go. A bit of a puzzle on that. But it seems like splitting the difference between the dealer and the manual might be reasonable. I still like the ELS sound system in my car, which is by far the best car stereo I've ever had.

Glad you still enjoy your TLX. Nice looking car and should last the long haul. You were smart to do the transmission fluid changed at 50K. I’m all for preventative maintenance, but trans fluid every 30K seems excessive and a way for the dealer to pad their pockets.

I think that depends on the reliability of the particular transmissions. For example, I plan on doing the fluid on my Fords at 30k just to be safe. I would also do that for any CVT. My Chevy cargo van 4L60e transmission is pretty robust so I figure the van will rust away around it.

kyfdx

tjc78 said:

@kyfdx said:

Put a 100 amp panel in there.. trust me on this

If his main service is there all should be good.

Are you saying to go to a 300 or 400 Amp service?

Not sure you need more than 200 unless you have electric heat and will be charging an EV

In case you find other things that you need 220 for. When we built our house in 1998, who knew about electric cars, or that we might want to put in another A/C unit?

corvette

I think a 100 amp subpanel would be adequate for most detached garages (or a large attached garage, where your main panel isn't nearby).

xwesx

I want to upgrade our electric in Ohio, which is currently 100A, but my wife is resisting. If nothing else, I'm hoping an upgraded service (300A) will force the electric company to replace the ancient transformer that is currently serving five homes and looks like one of @oldfarmer50 's winter hoopties!

As it is, I suspect one of the neighbors has some sort of high-draw device that they use periodically, and it causes the electric in the whole house to flicker when it starts up.

Sandman6472

Looks like the car buying has hit a snag. She likes what she's got it seems! Nothing she's tried has made her feel like, "this is the one", so not sure where we're at. Mentioned what my co-worker said, have my mechanic just fix the issues and keep it awhile longer. think the Audi numbers are a bit "padded" and it might cost much less to fix. Right now, no more leaks in the garage. Told her to go try the 2024 A3 just to make sure that won't work. It's a couple of inches longer which is nothing, so blasted that argument out of the water. She wants a power lift gate if she gets a CUV which takes the current 2023 Kona off her short list.

I just told her to not wait too much longer as if the A3 stops running, she'll be left with a brick which ain't worth much. But I do get it, getting a vehicle you aren't in love with is the kiss of death...my Tucson experience is proof of that! So, I'm staying out of it now, and if something happens, I can't be blamed. She's made an easy situation so much harder that I'm done with it! If I were in her shoes, I'd have already made a decision & be done with it. That expression, "happy wife, happy life" is so true. So best I stay out of it now and watch things play out. I've already let her know she's not going to use the Golf under any circumstances as I don't like the way she drives. And right now, my alignment is just about perfect and with her habit of hitting curbs, no way am I giving her my set of keys! I'm just under 75K and figure I'll start looking in another year unless I really really like the 2024 Kona once I take one for a test drive. Have heard my same sales lady is still at the Hyundai store so will go to another store for my test drive since I'm not really a buyer quite yet.

au1994

Got the recall alert in my monthly vehicle history email from Jeep.