————————————————- Something tells me just few got it to that figure. Throw out the most prolific chronic buyer (gee, who could that be?) and the total shrinks to 147.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Did you replace your Prelude's radiator when you got it a few years ago? I found a DENSO that's an OEM equivalent that is MUCH cheaper than an OEM HONDA radiator. Should I stick with Rubber Hoses or go for Silicone?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
If I was getting another Hyundai or a Kia, it would be new and I would make sure to follow the oil change guidelines to get the full 10 years of warranty. And dump it no later than that.
@oldfarmer50 said:
Hard to believe that the average price for a 19 yo Hyundai with 129k miles is $6k. Then again it’s tax season so the price goes up.
I've heard of too many self destructing engine stories of Kia/Hyundai with the Theta engine after 100k, I wouldn't touch it .
I seem to recall someone here on the boards having an issue with. Hyundai engine failing prematurely. I can’t seem to remember the poster, but the car was a Hyundai XG350. Shiny too.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Hard to believe that the average price for a 19 yo Hyundai with 129k miles is $6k. Then again it’s tax season so the price goes up.
I've heard too many self destructing engine stories of Kia/Hyundai with the Theta engine after 100k, I wouldn't touch it .
Especially considering they own a Hyundai with a blown engine.
Is the engine the same as the ones having problems today? The engine in my Kia is the Theta II which is a GDI version. Hard to tell which is the less reliable. Even in buying my car the research i did said the Theta II by 2019 had solved the problem but later they declared it hadn’t. There were also stories that any of those engines made in Korea were more reliable than the ones made in America. Mine was made in Korea so I hope that’s true.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@oldfarmer50 said:
Hard to believe that the average price for a 19 yo Hyundai with 129k miles is $6k. Then again it’s tax season so the price goes up.
I've heard of too many self destructing engine stories of Kia/Hyundai with the Theta engine after 100k, I wouldn't touch it .
I seem to recall someone here on the boards having an issue with. Hyundai engine failing prematurely. I can’t seem to remember the poster, but the car was a Hyundai XG350. Shiny too.
Ouch
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Did you replace your Prelude's radiator when you got it a few years ago? I found a DENSO that's an OEM equivalent that is MUCH cheaper than an OEM HONDA radiator. Should I stick with Rubber Hoses or go for Silicone?
I did not. When the timing belt service was done the shop said there was nothing wrong with the radiator itself when I asked them to replace the hoses. I'm pretty sure they probably used rubber and they won't let me bring my own parts, as I found out when I overhauled the front suspension. I'm due for a coolant service this year so I'll inquire again how it's holding up and I also ask them to always check the condition of belts/hoses since it sits for 5 months out of the year.
1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
———————————————— Probably true. The XG350 V6 engine that blew up was a Mitsubishi engine not a Theta. It had around 43K miles on it and as mentioned had countless oil changes but poor documentation according to the dealer, which I proved to them was wrong, but it made no difference to them. They still bounced the warranty claim.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Did you replace your Prelude's radiator when you got it a few years ago? I found a DENSO that's an OEM equivalent that is MUCH cheaper than an OEM HONDA radiator. Should I stick with Rubber Hoses or go for Silicone?
I did not. When the timing belt service was done the shop said there was nothing wrong with the radiator itself when I asked them to replace the hoses. I'm pretty sure they probably used rubber and they won't let me bring my own parts, as I found out when I overhauled the front suspension. I'm due for a coolant service this year so I'll inquire again how it's holding up and I also ask them to always check the condition of belts/hoses since it sits for 5 months out of the year.
Got it. Thank-you!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I have a friend who is looking for a reliable car for around $5,000. Needless to say, that's not exactly my area of expertise (if I was looking in that price range I'd be drawn to decrepit Alfas, a miled-up SLK or a dead 924). Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
You gotta be pretty open to possibilities. Mazda is usually my first go-to, but you might stumble upon a decent Ford duratec 3.0L, a low-mileage Buick 3.8L, maybe a CrownVic/GMarquis/Towncar, if RWD is OK.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have a friend who is looking for a reliable car for around $5,000. Needless to say, that's not exactly my area of expertise (if I was looking in that price range I'd be drawn to decrepit Alfas, a miled-up SLK or a dead 924). Thanks for any and all suggestions!
It's tax time, the worst time to buy a used car.
I suspect one can find a moderately miled up 20-25 year old Camrolla or maybe a similar era GM 3.8 car for that money - as long as it has been maintained and the 3.8 achillles heel issues dealt with, those might be the safest bets. Edit: Panther or 3.0 Taurus seem ok too if maintained, I see a number of them with big mileages and still going.
Yesterday Hagerty sent me a link to a story on their site about "Worst engines" as submitted by readers. I tell you, based on that you would never buy a used car because no brand was immune.
@qbrozen said:
You gotta be pretty open to possibilities. Mazda is usually my first go-to, but you might stumble upon a decent Ford duratec 3.0L, a low-mileage Buick 3.8L, maybe a CrownVic/GMarquis/Towncar, if RWD is OK.
lol … I was going to write essentially the same thing.
@qbrozen said:
You gotta be pretty open to possibilities. Mazda is usually my first go-to, but you might stumble upon a decent Ford duratec 3.0L, a low-mileage Buick 3.8L, maybe a CrownVic/GMarquis/Towncar, if RWD is OK.
lol … I was going to write essentially the same thing.
Because it is the right answer.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have a friend who is looking for a reliable car for around $5,000. Needless to say, that's not exactly my area of expertise (if I was looking in that price range I'd be drawn to decrepit Alfas, a miled-up SLK or a dead 924). Thanks for any and all suggestions!
————————————————- Wow, asking YOU something like that is kinda funny. I’m surprised you didn’t give him a razor blade to end it all.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
You gotta be pretty open to possibilities. Mazda is usually my first go-to, but you might stumble upon a decent Ford duratec 3.0L, a low-mileage Buick 3.8L, maybe a CrownVic/GMarquis/Towncar, if RWD is OK.
I would second that list and maybe add Chevy Malibu to the list.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My parents went car shopping/test driving today. 1st stop was Lexus where they drove an NX (not sure which one yet) & the RX. They just got preliminary numbers as I just wanted my mom to drive the car to see if she likes the new (to her) body style RX with the 4cyl Turbo. NX is more expensive to lease than an RX which has a higher sticker price. I know the RX is the volume seller and the NX sells well enough without a ton of lease support. Mom liked the RX and said she liked it.
Then it was off to Genesis. They looked at the GV80 which was too big and a GV70 which she loved. It’s bigger than an NX, but smaller than the RX. She loved the way it drove (the 2.5 Turbo). My 6’2” 78 year old (not very limber) Dad sat in the back and was surprisingly comfortable.
Ive got to take a look at the programs and see if we can get her out of the Lexus…
The Base GV70 was $100 more per month than the RX. The GV70 Sport was only $20 per month more and had a much higher sticker. I’ll look at the paperwork and comment more intelligently when I see it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
nyccarguy Does your parents have any positive equity in there current lexus? Since prior customer may be able to get into an RX for a good price. I would also look at Volvo and Infiniti.
@mlevine said:
nyccarguy
Does your parents have any positive equity in there current lexus? Since prior customer may be able to get into an RX for a good price. I would also look at Volvo and Infiniti.
We’ve got to call up on Monday and see what their payoff is, but I’m almost positive (no pun intended) that they won’t have any equity. Most likely they will be under water in which case we’ll have to make a decision on what to do. My Mom currently has 45,000 miles on the ‘22 and she’s allowed 48,500 (I think) for her lease (39/15K). Let’s say she goes over the miles by 16,000. At $.25 per mile that’s $4,000 plus tax. So they are out $4K if they ride out the lease, so maybe if I can negotiate negative equity down to less than $4K (after I negotiate my best deal of course) I’d consider that a win.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I have a friend who is looking for a reliable car for around $5,000. Needless to say, that's not exactly my area of expertise (if I was looking in that price range I'd be drawn to decrepit Alfas, a miled-up SLK or a dead 924). Thanks for any and all suggestions!
————————————————- Wow, asking YOU something like that is kinda funny. I’m surprised you didn’t give him a razor blade to end it all.
jmonroe
It's a long story and I can't share the details, but it all boils down to the simple fact that my friend is paying a very stiff price for not showing his son tough love back when the kid was a teenager.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My friend advises that he found a 2013 Legacy. The only Subaru I kept up with was the STI, so I don't know if that Legacy is a bad choice or not. I'll let my friend decide..
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I was able to watch several hours of the Twelve Hours of Sebring; one of the BMW GTP cars finished P4 and Winward Racing's Mercedes-AMG GT3 won back-to-back IMSA victories- P1 in GTD at both Daytona and Sebring.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My friend advises that he found a 2013 Legacy. The only Subaru I kept up with was the STI, so I don't know if that Legacy is a bad choice or not. I'll let my friend decide..
————————————————- As I’m sure everyone is aware, I hold my breath when I praise anything that is still doing well. But, I have to say that the two Subie 6 cylinder Legacy Limited’s that we have owned (2012 and current 2018) are as good as you can get for grocery getters.
Now I really have to hold my breath.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
nyccarguy How many month left on her lease? Sometimes they do pull ahead and may have to hold for a few months. Even if over mileage they may work with you.
@mlevine said:
nyccarguy
How many month left on her lease? Sometimes they do pull ahead and may have to hold for a few months. Even if over mileage they may work with you.
She’s got a year left. Currently there are no “pull ahead” incentives that I am aware of.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I found the OEM fuel fill adapter for the Maverick. It was… wait for it… under the rear seat in the storage bin where I had previously searched for it and couldn’t find it. D’oh! I clipped it to the bag that keeps the jack from rattling around, which is where I think it’s “supposed” to reside. At least I have a spare now.
Comments
Something tells me just few got it to that figure. Throw out the most prolific chronic buyer (gee, who could that be?) and the total shrinks to 147.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I was thinking Amazon Prime😂
Went to test drive that diesel tonight just for fun while I was with my friend. Sold.
Nah. Not to me. I did see it and it was in very good shape. Well taken care of.
Did you replace your Prelude's radiator when you got it a few years ago? I found a DENSO that's an OEM equivalent that is MUCH cheaper than an OEM HONDA radiator. Should I stick with Rubber Hoses or go for Silicone?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I've heard of too many self destructing engine stories of Kia/Hyundai with the Theta engine after 100k, I wouldn't touch it .
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I've heard too many self destructing engine stories of Kia/Hyundai with the Theta engine after 100k, I wouldn't touch it .
Especially considering they own a Hyundai with a blown engine.
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If I was getting another Hyundai or a Kia, it would be new and I would make sure to follow the oil change guidelines to get the full 10 years of warranty. And dump it no later than that.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I seem to recall someone here on the boards having an issue with. Hyundai engine failing prematurely. I can’t seem to remember the poster, but the car was a Hyundai XG350. Shiny too.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Is the engine the same as the ones having problems today? The engine in my Kia is the Theta II which is a GDI version. Hard to tell which is the less reliable. Even in buying my car the research i did said the Theta II by 2019 had solved the problem but later they declared it hadn’t. There were also stories that any of those engines made in Korea were more reliable than the ones made in America. Mine was made in Korea so I hope that’s true.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Ouch
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Great oil change tech… bad record keeper. 😜🤪😜
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Great oil change tech… bad record keeper. 😜🤪😜
SHOTS FIRED.
“They all blow up!!!”
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Probably true. The XG350 V6 engine that blew up was a Mitsubishi engine not a Theta. It had around 43K miles on it and as mentioned had countless oil changes but poor documentation according to the dealer, which I proved to them was wrong, but it made no difference to them. They still bounced the warranty claim.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I suspect one can find a moderately miled up 20-25 year old Camrolla or maybe a similar era GM 3.8 car for that money - as long as it has been maintained and the 3.8 achillles heel issues dealt with, those might be the safest bets. Edit: Panther or 3.0 Taurus seem ok too if maintained, I see a number of them with big mileages and still going.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/417596020954588/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/271503305900877/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/395504043204162/
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
https://www.hagerty.com/media/hagerty-community/according-to-you-the-worst-engines-youve-experienced
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
lol … I was going to write essentially the same thing.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Am I just nuts but none of those look terrible.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Because it is the right answer.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Wow, asking YOU something like that is kinda funny. I’m surprised you didn’t give him a razor blade to end it all.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
No. What’s the deal with that Grand Marquis? Looks nice!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
EDiT: if that Taurus has the 3.5L with the internal water pump I’d be careful of it. Potential engine killer and expensive to replace.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My parents went car shopping/test driving today. 1st stop was Lexus where they drove an NX (not sure which one yet) & the RX. They just got preliminary numbers as I just wanted my mom to drive the car to see if she likes the new (to her) body style RX with the 4cyl Turbo. NX is more expensive to lease than an RX which has a higher sticker price. I know the RX is the volume seller and the NX sells well enough without a ton of lease support. Mom liked the RX and said she liked it.
Then it was off to Genesis. They looked at the GV80 which was too big and a GV70 which she loved. It’s bigger than an NX, but smaller than the RX. She loved the way it drove (the 2.5 Turbo). My 6’2” 78 year old (not very limber) Dad sat in the back and was surprisingly comfortable.
Ive got to take a look at the programs and see if we can get her out of the Lexus…
The Base GV70 was $100 more per month than the RX. The GV70 Sport was only $20 per month more and had a much higher sticker. I’ll look at the paperwork and comment more intelligently when I see it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Does your parents have any positive equity in there current lexus? Since prior customer may be able to get into an RX for a good price. I would also look at Volvo and Infiniti.
We’ve got to call up on Monday and see what their payoff is, but I’m almost positive (no pun intended) that they won’t have any equity. Most likely they will be under water in which case we’ll have to make a decision on what to do. My Mom currently has 45,000 miles on the ‘22 and she’s allowed 48,500 (I think) for her lease (39/15K). Let’s say she goes over the miles by 16,000. At $.25 per mile that’s $4,000 plus tax. So they are out $4K if they ride out the lease, so maybe if I can negotiate negative equity down to less than $4K (after I negotiate my best deal of course) I’d consider that a win.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I like the looks of the GV70; of course in Louisville the Genesis dealership is part of the Oxmorons group.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
As I’m sure everyone is aware, I hold my breath when I praise anything that is still doing well. But, I have to say that the two Subie 6 cylinder Legacy Limited’s that we have owned (2012 and current 2018) are as good as you can get for grocery getters.
Now I really have to hold my breath.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
How many month left on her lease? Sometimes they do pull ahead and may have to hold for a few months. Even if over mileage they may work with you.
She’s got a year left. Currently there are no “pull ahead” incentives that I am aware of.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I found the OEM fuel fill adapter for the Maverick. It was… wait for it… under the rear seat in the storage bin where I had previously searched for it and couldn’t find it. D’oh! I clipped it to the bag that keeps the jack from rattling around, which is where I think it’s “supposed” to reside. At least I have a spare now.