Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

kyfdx

To be fair, most Buick dealers have been looking for a way out, for years..

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Interesting and rather bizarre situation emerging in Canada with Kia Canada allegedly withholding deliveries of vehicles being stored in large holding lots in order to keep internal budgets for marketing and promotion safe next year. Meanwhile customers wait and wait. The odd part here is that it was apparently revealed by a (soon to be unemployed, no doubt) regional manager:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kia-canada-car-sales-1.7063216

"All of you are gonna be very unhappy with me today," said Kia's central region manager Vince Capicotto as he outlined the plan, which he said would roll out nationally.

Instead of shipping all the vehicles to dealerships, Capicotto told the dealers only some will be released — the rest will remain on various compounds until the new year.

The reason for this, he explained in the call, is to avoid appearing too successful in the eyes of headquarters in Korea.

"With the global slow down, Kia Canada wants to control wholesale and retail performance in 2023 to not show high over-achievement," he said.

"There's a high risk with over performance that Kia headquarters will not provide Kia Canada resources necessary in our budget for 2024 to have a successful year if we over perform for the balance of 2023 at too high a rate."

According to Capicotto, Kia Canada has hit its target of selling 84,000 vehicles for 2023. He said there was concern that if sales continued to go well, headquarters would decide Canada didn't need marketing support in the new year and would cut back on that.

Well, I think that will insure that they don’t do too well for the year.

imidazol97

Can't read much past headline: requires subscription. Mine ran out about 47 years ago.

ab348

imidazol97 said:

Can't read much past headline: requires subscription. Mine ran out about 47 years ago.

Try the CNBC version:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/19/gm-has-cut-its-buick-dealership-network-in-half-through-buyouts.html

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

That one is over my head. I never realized there were that many different types of battery. My son and I were cleaning off his battery today and I had never seen so much blue corrosion on a terminal in my life. It was a Delco which makes sense seeing we bought his Ford from a Chevy dealer. That means it’s about 31/2 years old.

Very likely that his grounding straps and/or negative battery cable are corroded and experiencing high resistance. If you put some new straps in there, it may very well prevent new corrosion from building up like that!

mjfloyd1

Sandman6472 said:

Sat in a new Ford Maverick at the dealer today, an XLT model. Liked it, had plenty of interior room plus, the bed out back. See why they are selling so many as one can haul stuff in the bed and sit in comfort in the interior. Shame I have no need for such a vehicle and doubt it would fit on my side of the garage. Also saw some new Bronco's and never realized how big they are! Thought they were a lot smaller to be honest.

Size wise, hate to say it but the Mini Cooper is looking to be winning in the size category right now. Think I'd definitely go with the Countryman but do need to drive the regular Mini to see if it would just be too small. Since it's just me 90% of the time, think it could work. Think size is going to be a big factor this time & now think maybe I should've just got a Kona like my wife did, a 2023 model in the smaller size. But think I'd miss the new tech in the 2024 model.

Again at work today, someone asked me if my Golf was a new vehicle as it looks so good. Told her it was a 2015 model which I've owned for over nine years now & she was amazed. But with all the rain last week, does look clean and that blue color is very striking in the sunlight.

Sandy, I really doubt that you will enjoy the Mini/ BMW maintenance costs.

Could always use the @breld method to avoid maintenance costs. Just trade before they need any maintenance 😇

breld

mjfloyd1 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Sat in a new Ford Maverick at the dealer today, an XLT model. Liked it, had plenty of interior room plus, the bed out back. See why they are selling so many as one can haul stuff in the bed and sit in comfort in the interior. Shame I have no need for such a vehicle and doubt it would fit on my side of the garage. Also saw some new Bronco's and never realized how big they are! Thought they were a lot smaller to be honest.

Size wise, hate to say it but the Mini Cooper is looking to be winning in the size category right now. Think I'd definitely go with the Countryman but do need to drive the regular Mini to see if it would just be too small. Since it's just me 90% of the time, think it could work. Think size is going to be a big factor this time & now think maybe I should've just got a Kona like my wife did, a 2023 model in the smaller size. But think I'd miss the new tech in the 2024 model.

Again at work today, someone asked me if my Golf was a new vehicle as it looks so good. Told her it was a 2015 model which I've owned for over nine years now & she was amazed. But with all the rain last week, does look clean and that blue color is very striking in the sunlight.

Sandy, I really doubt that you will enjoy the Mini/ BMW maintenance costs.

Could always use the @breld method to avoid maintenance costs. Just trade before they need any maintenance 😇

As far as I’m concerned, a Mini just requires gas and that’s it. Not sure what all the talk is about maintenance costs.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

That one is over my head. I never realized there were that many different types of battery. My son and I were cleaning off his battery today and I had never seen so much blue corrosion on a terminal in my life. It was a Delco which makes sense seeing we bought his Ford from a Chevy dealer. That means it’s about 31/2 years old.

Very likely that his grounding straps and/or negative battery cable are corroded and experiencing high resistance. If you put some new straps in there, it may very well prevent new corrosion from building up like that!

Thanks for the tip.

mjfloyd1

breld said:

mjfloyd1 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Sat in a new Ford Maverick at the dealer today, an XLT model. Liked it, had plenty of interior room plus, the bed out back. See why they are selling so many as one can haul stuff in the bed and sit in comfort in the interior. Shame I have no need for such a vehicle and doubt it would fit on my side of the garage. Also saw some new Bronco's and never realized how big they are! Thought they were a lot smaller to be honest.

Size wise, hate to say it but the Mini Cooper is looking to be winning in the size category right now. Think I'd definitely go with the Countryman but do need to drive the regular Mini to see if it would just be too small. Since it's just me 90% of the time, think it could work. Think size is going to be a big factor this time & now think maybe I should've just got a Kona like my wife did, a 2023 model in the smaller size. But think I'd miss the new tech in the 2024 model.

Again at work today, someone asked me if my Golf was a new vehicle as it looks so good. Told her it was a 2015 model which I've owned for over nine years now & she was amazed. But with all the rain last week, does look clean and that blue color is very striking in the sunlight.

Sandy, I really doubt that you will enjoy the Mini/ BMW maintenance costs.

Could always use the @breld method to avoid maintenance costs. Just trade before they need any maintenance 😇

As far as I’m concerned, a Mini just requires gas and that’s it. Not sure what all the talk is about maintenance costs.

@breld - you are a really good sport with my giving you grief

jmonroe1

mjfloyd1 said:

breld said:

mjfloyd1 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Sat in a new Ford Maverick at the dealer today, an XLT model. Liked it, had plenty of interior room plus, the bed out back. See why they are selling so many as one can haul stuff in the bed and sit in comfort in the interior. Shame I have no need for such a vehicle and doubt it would fit on my side of the garage. Also saw some new Bronco's and never realized how big they are! Thought they were a lot smaller to be honest.

Size wise, hate to say it but the Mini Cooper is looking to be winning in the size category right now. Think I'd definitely go with the Countryman but do need to drive the regular Mini to see if it would just be too small. Since it's just me 90% of the time, think it could work. Think size is going to be a big factor this time & now think maybe I should've just got a Kona like my wife did, a 2023 model in the smaller size. But think I'd miss the new tech in the 2024 model.

Again at work today, someone asked me if my Golf was a new vehicle as it looks so good. Told her it was a 2015 model which I've owned for over nine years now & she was amazed. But with all the rain last week, does look clean and that blue color is very striking in the sunlight.

Sandy, I really doubt that you will enjoy the Mini/ BMW maintenance costs.

Could always use the @breld method to avoid maintenance costs. Just trade before they need any maintenance 😇

As far as I’m concerned, a Mini just requires gas and that’s it. Not sure what all the talk is about maintenance costs.

@breld - you are a really good sport with my giving you grief

————————————————
I thought you were serious.

jmonroe

Michaell

@breld said:
As far as I’m concerned, a Mini just requires gas and that’s it. Not sure what all the talk is about maintenance costs.

Daughter has had her MINI for almost 10 years and is closing in on 70,000 miles. Yes, it’s had an issue or two, but - it’s never left her stranded on the side of the road.

Yes, maintenance costs like oil changes and brakes are going to be more expensive - but, maybe not all that much more than the Golf.

Is there a way for you to rent one for a few days to really get a sense of whether you’ll like it or not?

corvette

I think I am finally caught up on posts and punches... I seem to recall that @breld had a Land Rover ownership experience a few years ago that was cut short by the awful service department. I had assumed the dealer had burned its bridge then, but regardless, it sounds like he dodged a bullet this time.

A franchised dealer where there is only one owner or one store within a large geographic area is not going to be good for consumers. If you own the only chain of pizza restaurants (or liquor stores) in a college town with no chance of direct competitors opening, how much are you going to care about customer service?

nyccarguy

A customer of mine had an LR Discovery Diesel that was a few years old and getting very long in the tooth to say the least. It had a few "Dashboard Lights Up like a Christmas Tree" trips to the dealer. He had an extended warranty. But enough was enough. He came by today to pick up material in a brand new Grand Highlander Limited (Gas).

My 17 year old is off from school for 2 weeks, so I brought him to work with me. My customer who knows I am into cars, gave me the keys and told me to take it around the block. I had my 17 year old sit in the 3rd row and he said it was very comfortable. The Grand Highlander definitely seems big inside. Lots of headroom, shoulder room, and a long roof that doesn't slope too much until the very end. Very nice 3 row SUV.

Hearing buying experiences is always fun. He always negotiates the price of the new car and the price of his trade separately. He had an idea of what he wanted to get for his Discovery ($22K-$25K). He test drove the Grand Highlander at a dealer near where we work. Their 1st pencil offer was $16K for the Discovery and $15K over sticker for the Grand Highlander. He thanked them for their time, left and started making phone calls. He found a dealer that was willing to knock off a few thousand off sticker of the GH and give him $22K for the LR.

au1994

@Michaell said:

@breld said:
As far as I’m concerned, a Mini just requires gas and that’s it. Not sure what all the talk is about maintenance costs.

Daughter has had her MINI for almost 10 years and is closing in on 70,000 miles. Yes, it’s had an issue or two, but - it’s never left her stranded on the side of the road.

Yes, maintenance costs like oil changes and brakes are going to be more expensive - but, maybe not all that much more than the Golf.

Is there a way for you to rent one for a few days to really get a sense of whether you’ll like it or not?

Your Mini and our X1 are on the same platform I believe. While not the most inspiring thing to drive, it has been largely trouble free for 60k miles and gets great mpg. Plenty zippy too.

jmonroe1

Is there an explanation for why Land Rover products have been so unreliable for so long? Can it really be folks want them for the status they once had?

jmonroe

roadburner

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

That one is over my head. I never realized there were that many different types of battery. My son and I were cleaning off his battery today and I had never seen so much blue corrosion on a terminal in my life. It was a Delco which makes sense seeing we bought his Ford from a Chevy dealer. That means it’s about 31/2 years old.

Very likely that his grounding straps and/or negative battery cable are corroded and experiencing high resistance. If you put some new straps in there, it may very well prevent new corrosion from building up like that!

Back in the early '80s a friend wrote a column in ROUNDEL Magazine detailing his diagnosis of a no-crank problem on his E12 5er. He had replaced the battery and was just about to R&R the starter (a miserable job) when a mechanic friend suggested cleaning both ends of the battery ground strap as well as the engine to body ground strap.
Problem solved.

roadburner

jmonroe1 said:

Is there an explanation for why Land Rover products have been so unreliable for so long? Can it really be folks want them for the status they once had?

jmonroe

Most are leased and they usually are somewhat problem free for the first 36 months or so. I was looking for something I wanted to keep long term, so the price and long-term reliability kept the Defender off the top of the podium.

Sandman6472

Mjfloyd1, think you might be right about the Mini Cooper. I have driven a few at work and they did seem "zippy" enough for what I'm looking for in my d d. Renting one for a few days might just be the way to go to see if it's something I could live with on a day to day basis. Not too worried about the upkeep on one because I don't put that many miles on per year anymore. I just need a small runabout to get me around locally that can get out of it's own way with a dose of "fun" in the mix. That's why a Mini keeps coming back to my short list.

Backed the wife's new Kona out of the garage this morning, roof guy came back to finish the cleaning, and was impressed with the overall vehicle. And seems to be slightly bigger then my Golf. The few I've driven at work have been nice but being rentals, aren't in the same condition as our new one. But think I could be happy with one. But at this point, the selection of the outgoing 2023 models are quite slim so I'd have to look more closely at the new 2024 model.

benjaminh

https://www.motortrend.com/news/canada-gas-car-truck-sales-ban-2035/

"Canada's so-called Electric Vehicle Availability Standard was announced back in 2021, but the arrangement has been finalized this week. The new rules call for a target of 20 percent of all cars sold by 2026 to be zero-emission vehicles, and that grows to at least 60 percent of cars sold in Canada by 2030; all new cars and trucks sold on dealer lots in Canada must have zero-emission powertrains by 2035, with one small caveat for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to continue for a few years, provided they have enough all-electric range.

By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s proposed rules call for 67 percent of all new light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. to be zero emission by 2032. California's guidance, separate from the EPA's proposal, requires 100 percent PHEV, EV, or FCEV (fuel-cell electric vehicles) sales by 2035, which 17 other states have agreed to follow. Canada's third-quarter 2023 sales reflected a 12 percent EV sales mix, and there was a 7.9 percent mix in the U.S. in the same period, with EVs expected to make up 13 percent of global vehicle sales this year, according to Reuters.

That "out" in Canada's new rules that PHEVs count comes with an asterisk: Those cars must come with an all-electric range of 80 km (50 miles) or more to remain eligible for sale until at least 2035. Tim Reuss, president of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, was not happy with the new rules, according to a quote from him via Reuters: "Regulating Canadians to buy EVs they can't afford, or charge, will be a made-in-Canada policy failure."


For this to work these EVs need to be flying off the lots, but as we know there are big supplies of some of the first non-Tesla EVs for sale in North America, including the Mustang Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, the VW ID.4, and some Hyundai/KIA EV models. And that's with big rebates from the government.

Just recently Ford slashed production of the F-150 Lightning in half for 2024, from 150k to 75k. They've also slashed the size their huge new EV factory in Tennessee called Blue Oval City, from a projected 500,000 EVs in 2026 to around 200k.

Maybe I'm missing something, but right now I don't see how these goals from the US and Canadian governments are going to work. A year ago I was guessing there might be resistance in the US to EVs when they hit about a quarter of the market, but there's resistance now at 8%. My guess at the moment is that EVs by 2028 might get to around 20% in the US, but after that....?

ab348

The federal govt in Canada has pushed hard on policies to reduce carbon emissions and those measures regarding future vehicles are just one more piece of the puzzle. It has proven wildly unpopular among the electorate and prognostications are that there will be a change in govt federally when the next election occurs, which would likely lead to a number of those policies being modified or deep-sixed entirely.

benjaminh

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/10/gm-abandons-goal-of-building-400000-evs-in-north-america-by-mid-2024/#google_vignette

"Details of GM’s future EV plans were provided by company CFO Paul Jacobson during the recent Q3 2023 earnings presentation. “These actions will impact our previous EV production targets, including the 100,000 EV target we had for the second half of 2023 and cumulative 400,000 EVs from 2022 to the first half of 2024,” Jacobson said during the presentation. “We are not providing new targets, but are moving to a more agile approach to continually evaluate EV demand and adjust production schedules to maximize profitability.”....Now, it looks like The General has abandoned the 400,000 EV units production goal outright."


So rather than around 400,000 Ultium EVs in 2024, maybe GM will make at most half of that? With maybe 40,000 of those going to Honda for the GM/Honda Prologue EV?

Tesla wasn't happy about it, but they lost money on their EVs for about a decade before making good profits. GM seems to be cutting back a lot sooner than that.

stickguy

Likely the mandates get pushed back, but the logical solution is just going to hybrid then plug in. Eliminates the range anxiety issues and worries about a place to plug in at home. Fill electrics for those who want them, just like today.

nyccarguy

jmonroe1 said:

Is there an explanation for why Land Rover products have been so unreliable for so long? Can it really be folks want them for the status they once had?

jmonroe

Honestly. There are a lot of WEALTHY people who buy Range Rovers. They keep them for a year and then trade them in when the new one comes in.

benjaminh

One reality seems to be that so far only Tesla can make money on EVs.

But even Tesla's profitability is down, since they've cut prices as their production has soared. Since most Teslas are losing the $7500 EV tax credit on January 1st, it's likely that they'll cut prices even more to move the metal. The lowest priced Tesla right now is the Model 3 rear wheel drive short range, which has an msrp of about $41k with destination. Without the rebate that's still too expensive for most.

The Tesla factory in Freemont in 2023 made about 600,000 EVs. It produces more units than any other vehicle factory in the US.

The Texas Tesla factory is even bigger. Tesla Texas will probably make about 250,000 EVs this year, double that in 2024, and maybe 800k in 2025.

The least expensive Model Y has an msrp with destination of about $47k. The Honda CR-V hybrid has an msrp of $35k. If you drive 12,000 miles a year you'd only save about $500 a year by driving the Tesla. Given the 12k difference in price, that means 24 years for that to make sense. Obviously long before that both cars will be in the junkyard.

But still the Model Y and the CR-V are going to be about tied in US sales this year, with each selling about 360,000 in 2023, in large part because of the $7500 tax credit that most buyers of the Y get. Toyota's RAV4 is going to sell about 430,000 in the US this year.

For Tesla to sell the c. 500,000 Model Ys they can make for the US in 2024, to become the best-selling non-truck vehicle in the US, they'll need to cut prices.

benjaminh

Right now you can get a Model Y with the $7500 rebate for the same price as a CR-V hybrid. When that rebate goes away in ten days there's a chance that Model Y sales will hit a wall. But does the "lease loophole" for the 7500 still apply starting January 1st? Probably so, and if so that's going to be a way to keep Y sales going.

Anyway, the Model Y below has a price cut of more than 2k for being in "inventory."

benjaminh

I imagine that several months ago the accountants at Ford and GM told their executives that they were losing huge amounts on each EV sold, and that the red ink would be truly ghastly if they multiplied production as planned in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Volvo, Cadillac, Buick and others have said they are going to be all EV by 2030. I wonder if that's still going to happen?

https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/277409/volvo-cars-to-be-fully-electric-by-2030

https://www.buick.com/discover/news/electric-vehicle-future

https://www.cadillac.com/electric-life/sustainability-goals

stickguy

I heard Tesla once referred to as a battery company that happened to make cars in the side

corvette

benjaminh said:

Volvo, Cadillac, Buick and others have said they are going to be all EV by 2030. I wonder if that's still going to happen?

That makes more sense versus the mainstream brands. It's easier to hide the cost of a $20k battery within a luxury price tag.

fintail

stickguy said:

I heard Tesla once referred to as a battery company that happened to make cars in the side

Or as I liked to say, especially in prior years when build quality was inconsistent on a good day and materials sometimes left something to be desired, you buy the powertrain and the body/interior is a free bonus.

breld

Yeah, but what other car can your wife pull into the garage and then prompt it to put on a holiday light show with lights flashing and mirrors folding in sync with christmas music?

corvette

@breld - congrats to your wife on the punches. I assume she got an EV charger on her side of the garage when she had the Mach-E?

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

jmonroe1 said:

Is there an explanation for why Land Rover products have been so unreliable for so long? Can it really be folks want them for the status they once had?

jmonroe

Honestly. There are a lot of WEALTHY people who buy Range Rovers. They keep them for a year and then trade them in when the new one comes in.

————————————————
Mrs. j has a very good friend that goes back to her grade school days. I wouldn’t call them WEALTHY but they are very well off due to a successful family business that her parents started in the late ‘40s. Once she got married in the late ‘60s her husband came into the biz and it did even better. I guess he paid attention in class while earning his degree and a follow up MBA.

I’d say maybe 20 years ago her friend decided that they should buy a Land Rover because she HEARD they were pretty good. Her friend probably knows less about cars than she does but she “heard” something. With the write off due to the biz, buying one to replace their Highlander could be justified. I’m pretty sure they bought the car vs. leasing it but that’s not the point.

I talked to her husband, a very likable guy, after he decided to dump the Rover after a couple years. When I asked him why he said, “let me count the ways. If the damn thing actually started (said he had a few episodes of that), while driving it I was always thinking, is this day the tailgate would act up again or is this the day the AC acts up or is this the day the power windows get erratic and not close until I shut the damn thing off and restarted it”. And he went on with a few more delightful experiences.

Being the practical guy he is he decided to go back to a Highlander. But not before he shopped a few dealers to make sure he got the most he could for the Rover.

jmonroe

breld

corvette said:

@breld - congrats to your wife on the punches. I assume she got an EV charger on her side of the garage when she had the Mach-E?

Thanks! Yup - charger on each side of the garage.

nyccarguy

breld said:

corvette said:

@breld - congrats to your wife on the punches. I assume she got an EV charger on her side of the garage when she had the Mach-E?

Thanks! Yup - charger on each side of the garage.

His & Hers electric car chargers! LOVE IT!

au1994

I’ve lost track. Who else has committed to being all electric by a certain date? Maybe its easier to ask who hasn’t?

nyccarguy

@au1994 said:
I’ve lost track. Who else has committed to being all electric by a certain date? Maybe its easier to ask who hasn’t?

I haven’t!

xwesx

...are we talking about people or countries?!

corvette

Or manufacturers?

jmonroe1

xwesx said:

...are we talking about people or countries?!

-
————————————————
Well, based on the post ahead of yours @nyccarguy thinks it’s all about him.

jmonroe

xwesx

corvette said:

Or manufacturers?

Actually, that makes the most sense looking back. /facepalm

benjaminh

The significant other of one of our grown kids has a 2008 Accord, passed down to her from her Dad. Not sure how long she's had it, but my guess is maybe five years or so. During that time apparently it's just been jiffy lube for oil changes, and aside from some new tires from Goodyear that's about it. A few hours ago I was told the suspension is suddenly making weird and bad noises noises. Advised them to take it to the Honda dealer I go to for a full inspection of everything. Told them we could lend them our CR-V while the work is done. The Accord has about 130,000 or so miles. 4 cylinder auto. Not sure if the 100k tune-up was done. Given relative lack of maintenance, I'm wondering if it's time for a new car. For me it definitely would be. They're both employed, and can afford something new if modest in price. I mean if the suspension of the 08 Accord needs major work, and it sounds like it does, plus it probably needs a tune-up, fluid changes, and who knows what else. Total guess here, but that might be as much as 3k or so? From my pov before sinking that money into an old car at this point, maybe it's better to just get a new vehicle. New vehicles are safer, more efficient, obviously more reliable, quieter, etc. If I can convince them, $30k otd would be probably as far as they might go. A quiet and smooth ride, and good mpg would be desired qualities. Probably they'll go the repair route, but if they go new I was thinking Camry, Accord, or CX-5. This Camry at our local dealer is a good deal, and the mpg is higher than what they've got for sure. The Accord is a bit bigger and roomier, and has a bigger trunk, but discounts might be more difficult to get. Only the CX-5 has that 0% financing. Hmmm.

https://www.oxmoortoyota.com/inventory/new-2024-toyota-camry-le-fwd-4d-sedan-4t1r11ak4ru880177/

stickguy

if they are fine with the size and space in that 2008 Accord, can look at the Civic instead. Probably close to the same size. the new Accord is a big car.

jmonroe1

benjaminh said:

The significant other of one of our grown kids has a 2008 Accord, passed down to her from her Dad. Not sure how long she's had it, but my guess is maybe five years or so. During that time apparently it's just been jiffy lube for oil changes, and aside from some new tires from Goodyear that's about it. A few hours ago I was told the suspension is suddenly making weird and bad noises noises. Advised them to take it to the Honda dealer I go to for a full inspection of everything. Told them we could lend them our CR-V while the work is done. The Accord has about 130,000 or so miles. 4 cylinder auto. Not sure if the 100k tune-up was done. Given relative lack of maintenance, I'm wondering if it's time for a new car. For me it definitely would be. They're both employed, and can afford something new if modest in price. I mean if the suspension of the 08 Accord needs major work, and it sounds like it does, plus it probably needs a tune-up, fluid changes, and who knows what else. Total guess here, but that might be as much as 3k or so? From my pov before sinking that money into an old car at this point, maybe it's better to just get a new vehicle. New vehicles are safer, more efficient, obviously more reliable, quieter, etc. If I can convince them, $30k otd would be probably as far as they might go. A quiet and smooth ride, and good mpg would be desired qualities. Probably they'll go the repair route, but if they go new I was thinking Camry, Accord, or CX-5. This Camry at our local dealer is a good deal, and the mpg is higher than what they've got for sure. The Accord is a bit bigger and roomier, and has a bigger trunk, but discounts might be more difficult to get. Only the CX-5 has that 0% financing. Hmmm.

https://www.oxmoortoyota.com/inventory/new-2024-toyota-camry-le-fwd-4d-sedan-4t1r11ak4ru880177/

————————————————
Not that your kids would know or care but I see the Camry is from @roadburner’s favorite car group.

jmonroe

stickguy

my daughters CX-30 is visiting this week while she is out of town, so I drove it today when we went out to dinner since it had to move anyway to get my car out tomorrow. Poor thing is filthy, but work chaos and cold weather kept me from getting it cleaned up. maybe Saturday! OK car, has some nice features, but I don't find it comfortable. and the small range on it (average at best MPG combined with a 12.5ish gallon tank, does not take you far) drives her nuts.

she is counting down the days until she gets a new one (just hit 1/2 way through the 3 year lease). She wants a little Volvo. or at least something with more creature comforts like bun warmers!

au1994

@corvette said:
Or manufacturers?

This

Michaell

@imidazol97 - in case you don't get the notification, there is a question from a member about the GM 3800 engine here

xwesx

For that Accord, even if it *does* need, at minimum, new struts, which it is definitely time to replace anyway, I would think that this work, plus really anything else it needs within the suspension and drivetrain, in terms of maintenance, probably won't exceed $4,000.

Another year of use out of the car after such work and they are more than ahead versus any new car purchase they might consider.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

That one is over my head. I never realized there were that many different types of battery. My son and I were cleaning off his battery today and I had never seen so much blue corrosion on a terminal in my life. It was a Delco which makes sense seeing we bought his Ford from a Chevy dealer. That means it’s about 31/2 years old.

Very likely that his grounding straps and/or negative battery cable are corroded and experiencing high resistance. If you put some new straps in there, it may very well prevent new corrosion from building up like that!

Thanks for the tip.

benjaminh said:

I imagine that several months ago the accountants at Ford and GM told their executives that they were losing huge amounts on each EV sold, and that the red ink would be truly ghastly if they multiplied production as planned in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Volvo, Cadillac, Buick and others have said they are going to be all EV by 2030. I wonder if that's still going to happen?

https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/277409/volvo-cars-to-be-fully-electric-by-2030

https://www.buick.com/discover/news/electric-vehicle-future

https://www.cadillac.com/electric-life/sustainability-goals

When government picks winners and losers nobody ends up happy.

oldfarmer50

What is a TSRP?

mjfloyd1

@oldfarmer50 said:
What is a TSRP?

https://www.wilsonvilletoyota.com/blog/news/understanding-tsrp-toyotas-new-pricing-approach/