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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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Comments

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Perna, I thought the same as you about the Tribeca but it has grown on me and I actually like it. What made me change my mind was when I was thumbing through a magazine and I stopped on a page that had the front of an SUV on a whole page. I quickly thought I was looking a the the new Subaru B9 Tribeca when it was actually Porsche Cayenne! I know the Tribeca has a prominent center grille but up close in the picture, the Porsche's grille is really big too.

    I like it when vehicles have a unique look that's why I bought a Land Rover LR3... I like the boxy style.

    I think the Tribeca will catch on much better than the Pontiac Aztek.... wow, I'm glad the pulled the plug on that one! :sick:

    Mark :D
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    I really wanted to like the Tribeca. The snout on that thing is just atrocious, and the frog eyes don't help. It has a face only a mother could love. In 2007, they are removing some of the chrome from the grille, but the basic shape of the bumper/grille/headlights is still the same, so there's little improvement. They also changed the suspension to improve the ride and handling, but that's not enough to overcome the front end. I have no gripes with the styling of the rest of the car, just the front end. Perhaps some people can forgive that.

    The fundamentals of the Aztek had potential. Take a minivan, remove the third row, and put a big hatchback on it. I still think this idea would have worked if they got the styling right and built it with modern components instead of basing it on GM's antiquated minivan platform. Just before the death knell sounded, with all of the price reductions and rebates, the Aztek offered an amazing amount of features for the money, but most people wouldn't be caught dead driving one.

    I like the shape of the LR3. It's easy to identify a Land Rover on the road.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I just don't like Subaru engines.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    First off, who names their vehicle after a neighborhood in New York city?

    What's next, the Chrysler Harlem? The Buick SoMa?

    (oops, was that my out loud voice?)

    Anyway, I kinda like the overall shape and proportions of the Tribeca - other than the nose. The rear third flows very nicely.

    If I was in the market for a vehicle in that category, I'd give it a close look.

    No changes on the horizon here. Still not sure if we're selling a car this summer or keeping it for the kid to take to college.
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    I just ordered tires for my car. I didn't even think about trading it in. I can't remember the last time that I put tires on a car other than to protect my trade value. I also have to have it inspected this month. Could I be cured?
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Good man there buying my cars.

    I really didn't like the Tribeca at all but at first but it looks ok from the back and drives fairly nice.

    Our auto group has a subaru store just one block away from my Land Rover store so I got a chance to drive one a while ago.
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    Oh fer shame!
    I mean getting gas, sure.
    Oil changes... maybe.
    But tires? Inspections, for all love?

    By that time, a real Chronic Car Buyer has loooooong since gotten rid of the jalopy.

    I believe some remedial leasing is in order...

    -Mathias
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    The thing that most people hate about the Tribeca is what I like and that's the grille on the front. If it didn't have that, it would look like every other SUV out there.

    I have never driven one but if I was in the market for a vehicle that size, it would be a consideration. I needed seating for 7 (comfortably) and that's why I picked the LR3. Also, I have tons of storage in the back when the seats are down. I have two timeshares that I go to in the summer and let me tell you, I am packed to the gills when I'm going to the unit. I have two weeks in one location and 4 weeks in another... so, I have my SUV loaded up!

    I'm averaging about 12 mpg in the city but I only have 3,300 miles on the new Land Rover. On the road, I'm getting close to 18 mpg. When the engine breaks-in, hopefully, I'll get the 14/18 that is posted on the sticker. Every little bit helps as I think we'll see $4.00 a gallon this summer when we "are strapped for limited production of maximum output " from the refinery's :confuse:

    Anyway, maybe we'll see more "soy-bean-a-hol" from our local farmer's to off-set our foreign oil dependence!

    Mark :surprise:
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    Considering the U.S. government has been paying farmers NOT to produce crops for years, it would be wonderful if the food-fuels become really useful and fully developed. Of course, that's for another discussion altogether, eh?
  • jjtjjjtj Member Posts: 80
    True story.. my brother likes Subarus'.. so he requested a brochure on the website. A local dealer sent him a B9 Tribeca brochure. The salesman actually cutout a picture of a Lamborghini from a magazine, taped it over the nose of the Tribeca, and attached a Post-it that said "use your imagination". It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. That salesman was either really good or really desparate.
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    description I read of the Tribeca B9 was the front looks like a Cylon(sp?) from the old Battlestar Gallactica series. Now I can't get that image out of my head when I see one.I really like it but $30k+ for a Subaru just does not seem right to me.

    I guess I am still living in the Brat(my favorite Subie) days.
  • ubbermotorubbermotor Member Posts: 307
    LOL!
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    That's hilarious.
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    Oh fer shame!
    I mean getting gas, sure.
    Oil changes... maybe.
    But tires? Inspections, for all love?

    By that time, a real Chronic Car Buyer has loooooong since gotten rid of the jalopy.

    It's funny you say that - I was just at Belle Tire over lunch to have them look at my Maxima's tires/brakes.

    Also, my warranty expires one week from tomorrow!!! Yes, I've had my car for 3 years!!!

    Of course, the guy at Belle didn't tell me what I wanted to hear. "Your tires are good for another 10-15k miles, keep an eye on 'em, and your brakes are in excellent shape. Deep pads all around, rotors are nice and smooth, with just subtle warping". The visit didn't cost me a dime.

    The ironic thing is that there is no car out in the market that I believe is significantly better than my Maxima. I look at its competition (incl. the new model Maxima), and everything has some degree of compromise that I didn't have to make with my current car. Maybe I've reformed myself out of CCB status?

    I remember all-too-well what it's like to be a CCB. Maybe, just maybe, I hadn't found the perfect car yet? Could that be the reason for my prior CCB-ness? Will I drive the Maxima until the proverbial wheels come off? :sick: Or, will springtime hit, and with Michigan winter a distant memory, I'll do something insane like trade it in for a GTO? :shades:
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    a true CCBer will always find at least one nit to pick no matter how perfect the car. :-P

    Maybe you are cured - I imagine it happens occasionally! :-)

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    They're canceling the GTO. Better snap one up while you can!
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    in the local Pennysaver. Marked down from $5995 to $4995. Oh why is the Lord testing me so? :surprise:
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    do it! :-)

    Just remember, don't overbalance the fleet towards the General - I expect you to remain firmly in the Chrysler camp, OK? :-)

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    kind of cured. I love the Accord. Can't think of anything to replace it with. I would like a new Ody though.....
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    If anon and gee are out of the market, then this topic will wither and die fairly quickly.

    andre, I second nippon's sentiments ... pull the trigger on the Roadmaster .. offer them $3500 and see what they say!
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Just nothing catching our eye right now. We are always in the "market".
    I saw a nice 91 Integra that I wouldn't mind driving.
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    but I need to set up my finances to buy a larger house. There are cars out there that I wouldn't mind trading for, but its just not priority right now. I might be growing up a bit. I hope that isn't the case though.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    That's another concern here too. And it's also fun watching savings grow when you drop a large car-note. :)
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    but my priorities are changing, too. More concerned about saving up for financial independence and early retirement now, plus socking some away to do some renovations on the house, so blowing it on cars just isn't that big of a priority for me right now.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Tell me about it. With a kid going off to college this fall, getting our cash flow in order is a pretty big priority.

    We're still not sure how that's going to play out .. we've got a pretty good idea of the fixed costs (tuition + room & board), but it's the variable costs (books, other "fees", living expenses) that can be so scary. Fortunately, the state offers to cover $80 per credit hour for each resident student, up to 30 credit hours per academic year. That's about half the tuition costs.

    I don't think there's gonna be a new car in our family for some time, unless we pay some things off and I can convince the Mrs. that a Saturn Sky would look good as a weekend toy.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    The last half dozen posts are truly alarming! Is the group dissolving right before my very eyes?! :cry:

    Everyone's growing up but me. :-(

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,356
    Just to teach you a lesson, I'm driving a new truck today. Nice big one too.

    OK, it's a 24' diesel International Ryder truck that I had to pick up for my sons school band so they can go to a competition tomorrow. And I won't be keeping it (thank god).

    What a beast BTW. But fun!

    Anyway, nice to see all this fiscal prudence cropping up. It won't last of course, but it sounds good!

    The college thing is the real killer, since I start paying tuition in 3.5 years (still praying for a scholorship though). One reason I bought the Accord for cash instead of something more expensive with a car loan. I figure the Accord can carry me through the first round of college, if not both Hey, it's so nice, there is a chance!

    The worst thing is to get hit by tuition at the same time your car dies out. Better to make sure you have a paid for ride that isn't likely to have large repair expenses. Say, a 4 YO Accord with 30K on it!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    RE: college .. lots of scholarships are available; when you're ready, I'll be happy to share the results of my research with you.

    One tip: does your kid play sports? I recently read an article about even mediocre players getting full scholarships to unknown schools for athletics.

    The worst thing is to get hit by tuition at the same time your car dies out.

    I don't even want to contemplate that. I'm hoping that both the Focus and L300 last a few more years -- I don't see any reason why they wouldn't. The Focus has about 37K on it and the L300 has 44K. Wife's VUE has 18K in 15 months but she plans on keeping that for a good, long time.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    Since everyone is talking about 'responsibility' and 'savings' and being 'smart', I offer up my lowly car history to serve as a distraction. Oh and I'm 30, so there's still plenty of time...

    -81 Toyota Tercel
    -87 Volkswagen Quantum Syncro
    -90 Honda Accord Sedan
    -89 Honda CRX
    -94 Isuzu Trooper
    -89 Audi 100 Wagon
    -91 Audi 90 Quattro 20v
    -00 Honda Accord EX V6 Coupe
    -02 Mazda Protege5 (Current)
    -00 BMW Z3 (Current)

    What's the next move? :P

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    "What's the next move?"

    Well, you clearly have to hang onto the Pro5, as no-one is coming out with a hatch with handling that great again for some time.

    The Z3 is about to have an M3 coupe variant, isn't it? I wouldn't mind one of those. :-)

    What you need is the spiritual successor to that Trooper, and you don't have much time left: get a Montero Limited before they go out of production. Beasts off-road, leather inside, and beastly huge (and beastly on gas, but that's another story! ;-))

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    kind of cured. I love the Accord. Can't think of anything to replace it with. I would like a new Ody though.....

    When your warranty runs out, I'll believe it. :P

    The Maxima's runs out a week from today!!!

    I was at Costco tonight and couldn't believe how much cheaper tires are. Bridgestone Turanza LS-Vs for $580, OTD. That is CHEAP (they do have a promo right now - $60 off 4 Bridgestones). I was looking at Yokohama Avids from Discount Tire for the same price, and I'm pretty sure the Bridgestones are a much better tire.

    And then, as if to signal "do it", I come home to my yearly Costco Amex rebate check for $65 in the mail.

    Belle said I had another 10-15k left on my current tires, but if I dropped that much on new shoes, it would hold off my CCBness for at LEAST another 2 years.

    Compulsive Tire Buyers? :)
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Perhaps the sub-topic here could be Compulsive Accessory Buyers? :P
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    So I know how things can change quickly. I know I'm weak. If the right car at the right price comes along, I have no car note and $40k of empty home equity checks waiting.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Please hold on to those home equity checks... one day, it would be nice to have a house that is paid for! If you have other cash laying around, fine, but don't finance your future in a home mortgage!

    I like changing cars too but I wouldn't finance my home for them. Actually, I'm a cash buyer so everything in the stable is mine. I would never want it otherwise.

    M....156 :D
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    Yeah, the P5 is a good car; in a lot of ways, I enjoy the dynamics of it over the Z3 (the Z3 has too much tire for its size which slows the turn-in). Sometimes I see the occasional Mazdaspeed Protege and have unpure thoughts.

    Then again, I could get my 2 cars to mate, maybe I'd have one of my dream cars, the Z3 coupe!

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I had some Yokohama Avids put on my Intrepid back in early '03, around the 77,000 mile mark. I bought 'em from either Tirerack or Discount Tire. As I recall, it came out to around $300 total, for the tires and to have a local shop install them.

    It's not a bad tire. Good, long-lived tire. I'm up to 114+K miles on the car now, and they still have plenty of tread left. And I haven't been all that good about rotating them! :blush:

    Now I'm sure there are better tires out there, but I've been satisfied, especially for the price.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I really really want a a M-Coupe. They are getting very cheap now as well. Maybe this time next year.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    Is the Mazda3's handling not as great as the Protege's? That's the first I've heard of that.

    BMW will be selling a coupe version of the Z4--I know there will be an M version, can't remember if there will be a non-M. I am thrilled with the performance and economy of the detuned 215-horsepower version of the 3.0L inline six.

    My cousin used to have a four-cylinder Trooper, and even used it for towing!
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    Is the Mazda3's handling not as great as the Protege's? That's the first I've heard of that.

    Your comment made me recall the original test of the 3 by Car and Driver. This is, in effect, what they thought.

    3 Review

    I haven't driven a 3, but I have always liked the frisky nature of the P5...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    I see, so they say it's not as playful. The only Protege I ever drove was an LX with the 1.6 liter engine and an automatic and (I think) 14" wheels, so I didn't get the same impression that one would after driving one of the sportier versions.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Gee's comment was made in jest. He wouldn't use our home equity to pay for a car. We have other resources for that.

    perna: Our Accord has 32,400 miles on it so it will only be under warranty for a few more months. I have no doubt we will make it past that mark. Although I did inadvertantly back into a parked car today. Luckily, I was barely moving and it only left a little nick in the rear bumper. I don't even know how it happened. I was backing out of a parking space and just had a brain freeze. Oh well, life goes on.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Don't even get me started on Obsessive Tire Freaks--you wouldn't want to see what I go thru when it comes to buy new tires.......

    BTW, Costco offers a free lifetime hazard warranty, at least they did. But also check the Tire Rack prices too.

    I don't remember the details of your Maxima, but it sounded like a "keeper"--a car to drive for 10 years, if you like it.....you can obsess about the perfect tires in the meantime......or buy them & continue to enjoy the car.....

    *Compulsive Tire Buyers?*
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Do like we did, paid of the house 10 years ago and have only owned cars that we can pay cash for. It took alot of belt tightening. The car lover side of me would have rather had some nicer cars, but knowing the kids would all be going to college eventually, we chose our economy cars to get us through our daily lives. They were not exciting cars, but we made due. And now with the 3rd kid entering college in the fall, I'm glad the wife put me on a strict car budget. I guess I can really get what I want after the 18 year old finishes school. The Accord will probaly look alot different then, but I would actually love to buy one.
    I did finally get to sit in a '06 Accord the other day and I was truly blown away. The dash lights look really cool with the luminescent gauges and the seat was quite comfortable even with my bad spine. I really wanted to go for a test drive, but the Sentra was finally ready after being in the shop for 5 days with warranty work. I finally understand why Honda does so well. There was a certain something, a goodness if you will, in both the Accord and the Civic I was in It's something I can't put into words, but I know you and Gee know what I mean. It was really hard going back to my Sentra. I know if I drive these cars, all rational thought will be gone and I might have to buy sooner than I had planned!

    The Sandman ;)
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,501
    All you guys (and ladies). I don't post here because I'm not a CCBAer, but am really entertained by many of your buying habits. I'm kind of envious of your club here and at times wish I could join, but I'm too responsible for that right now. I'm going to be 30 in April and have only owned new cars since I've been 16, so I'm quite hesitant to take a loan out and drive a used car for a few months or just a year. I can also find better ways to invest what money I save. I'm always THINKING "what if" because I put 20K miles per year on my Prelude, but the other side only drives 3 miles a day to and from the train station. Here's my puny list:

    1992 Chevrolet Beretta GT
    1998 Ford Explorer Sport
    2000 Saab 9-3
    2000 Mazda Protege ES (wife's car) current
    2001 Honda Prelude Type SH current

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    Five days for warranty work? Good grief, what was wrong with it?

    I would probably feel the same way about Hondas, but there have been no Hondas in my family recently. (Maybe it's time for one--Mom really likes Accords, but has never owned one.) I remember my dad's Civic Si and CRX Si had the same comfy front seats with lots of lumbar support and side bolstering.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    They replaced 3 coils and then the 4 spark plugs. I tried to get the 4th coil done too, but they said it was fine and wouldn't replace it. Hopefully if it goes after the warranty is up in 3 months, they'll cover it. My service advisor said they would...but I really have doubts that Nissan will.
    Been trying to find an Nissan backed extended warranty online, but have had no luck, as to no luck here in Edmunds. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    The Sandman :confuse:
  • pernaperna Member Posts: 521
    I had some Yokohama Avids put on my Intrepid back in early '03, around the 77,000 mile mark. I bought 'em from either Tirerack or Discount Tire. As I recall, it came out to around $300 total, for the tires and to have a local shop install them.

    It's not a bad tire. Good, long-lived tire. I'm up to 114+K miles on the car now, and they still have plenty of tread left. And I haven't been all that good about rotating them!

    Good to know - thanks!
  • jcat707jcat707 Member Posts: 169
    I'm to young to be one but I think my parents would qualify as chronic car buyers:

    Dad's List:
    76 Pontiac Grand Prix (sold when they moved to LA)
    85 Subaru XT (traded for the Jeep)
    89 BMW 325i Coupe (sold)
    92 Jeep Cherokee Sport (sold when we moved to Michigan)
    97 Dodge Intrepid (stolen)
    99 Pontiac Grand Am GT (given to my sister)
    00 Lincoln LS (leased)
    01 BMW 540i Sport (traded for the GX470)
    01 Range Rover 4.6 (Traded for the Grand Prix)
    04 Pontiac Grand Prix (traded for the G35)
    04 Infiniti G35 Coupe (traded for the 530i)
    04 Lexus GX470 (Traded for the Range Rover)
    04 Range Rover HSE (current)
    05 BMW 530i (current)
    He has his eye on the new Range Rover Supercharged

    Mom's List:
    79 Chevy Camaro (sold for the Mazda)
    82 Mazda 626 (traded for the Civic)
    87 Dodge Shadow (traded for the Grand Am)
    91 Honda Civic Wagon (Sold to relatives when we moved to Michigan)
    92 Pontiac Grand Am SE (sold when we moved to Michigan)
    94 Toyota Camry XLE V6 (no oil changes=blown engine)
    96 Mercury Villager Nautica (leased; replaced by Town & Country)
    97 Volvo 850 (traded for ES300)
    97 Toyota Camry LE (replaced old Camry; sold)
    98 Chrysler Town & Country LXi (leased)
    98 Oldsmobile Intrigue (traded for C230)
    00 Lexus ES300 (traded for SLK350)
    00 Mercedes C230 Kompressor (totaled)
    02 Mercedes ML320 (leased; replaced by ML500)
    04 Mercedes ML500 Inspiration Edition (current)
    05 Mercedes SLK350 (current)
    Mom has her eye on the new XC90 V8 now so that will probably be on the list after the ML500 lease is up next year.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    Nissan offers a factory-backed extended warranty:
    http://www.nissanusa.com/content/0,,sctid-51043,00.html

    I would presume that most dealers sell it--you might try calling around for prices. Powertrain (which wouldn't cover coils) is covered for 5 years / 60k, even if you don't extend the comprehensive warranty.

    The only repairs I had to do to my Altima after the warranty expired were a couple of headlight bulbs.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,291
    I can't remember all the cars my parents have owned--some of them were before I was around! I do know that they owned one of the big, original, American-made Pontiac LeMans, and two of the Korean-made Pontiac LeMans. The first Korean-made one was totalled with 2,000 miles on it. In retrospect, that was probably an omen to get something else, as its identical replacement was a lemon that was eventually traded in on a Honda.
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