Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

pensfan83

sda said:

The TL is at the Acura dealer waiting for the passenger air bag sensor. I wasn't disappointed, they found much to suggest for maintenance. Valve cover gaskets, valve adjustment, spark plugs, timing belt service to name a few. The timing belt service is $1700! I am only having the sensor replaced. I will shop around for the other services but am tempted to leave well enough alone. The car is only worth $1500 or so trade in. Perhaps $3000 if I sell it privately? They did say the car was in nice condition overall.

I'm not as familiar with the J Series but I wouldn't do a valve adjustment unless you've noticed an impact to performance. Secondly, I would echo @28firefighter and get an estimate from an indy shop for the timing belt service. You might be pleasantly surprised at what they include in the cost versus a dealer.

tjc78

I kinda like this treatment. Assume the white part is a wrap.

Add a color matched bed cap and it’s a true Grandpa truck

sda

Ok, to answer some questions: The car has 183,000 on it. It runs and drives fine. It leaks some oil, but does not smoke or smell, nor does the oil need topping up between changes. I called the Honda dealer and they can do the timing belt for $1250 instead of $1700. I have a call out to an indy garage that my BIL really likes. The timing belt was changed around 90K ago, so it is about time. Valve covers are original, very little seepage. Supposedly the air bag sensor was to be received today but I haven't heard anything. Read this and weep, cry, laugh, WTF!! If I was to do the list it would be over $7k and that doesn't include the air bag repair.

explorerx4

@sda,
I would look under the seat to see if a wire has been chafed or if the harness is loose.
It's a long shot.
Check out these prices for more recent models. Yikes!
https://acura.oempartsonline.com/search?search_str=airbag+seat+sensor

au1994

tjc78 said:

I kinda like this treatment. Assume the white part is a wrap.

Add a color matched bed cap and it’s a true Grandpa truck

I kinda like it in a different color scheme

au1994

Any thoughts about the Honda Passport? Particularly in Trailsport trim. And yes I know its all for show, no go and yes I know I am all over the map…Maverick, JGC, 4Runner, Pathfinder…

kyfdx

au1994 said:

Any thoughts about the Honda Passport? Particularly in Trailsport trim. And yes I know its all for show, no go and yes I know I am all over the map…Maverick, JGC, 4Runner, Pathfinder…

We rented one in Minneapolis, last year for four days. It's nice looking and unobjectionable. It's just a chopped Pilot, right?

roadburner

au1994 said:

Any thoughts about the Honda Passport? Particularly in Trailsport trim. And yes I know its all for show, no go and yes I know I am all over the map…Maverick, JGC, 4Runner, Pathfinder…

I'm at the point where the only reason I want an SUV is because it has actual off-road capability and can deal with situations I might encounter on my farm so from your list I'd only consider the 4Runner or a JGC Trailhawk.

greg128

Punch to report. It is a 3-1/2 year old off lease 2020 certified Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury with 23K miles. Nice standard features including built in Nav, Pano sunroof, auto folding mirros, Leather with wood trim, full safety etc. Also optioned with AWD 3.6 V-6 and upgraded Bose 14 speaker sound system. I don't have a lot of experience with "Luxury" vehicles but I think the interior is gorgeous. The info screen is only 8" and I know the large screens are here and more coming but I find it visible and user friendly. It does not have optional 3D camera, HUD, or ventilated seats with rear entertainment system which are the other options available with the top model. The wife always wanted a SUV so finally gave in (likes riding higher)

Aside from a couple of minor scratches it looks brand new. It has a smooth ride, is plenty quick, quiet and comfortable. Bose system is great. Some reviewers fault the seats as being hard, but I find almost all modern cars feel that way. I find these firm but supportive and can not evaluate their long term comfort on long drives until we take one but I think they will be fine. Of course remembering the seats from the 80's and 90's, I personally I would like a bit more padding. There is a learning curve with the technology but getting there.

Gas mileage is not that great but at least the V-6 takes recommended regular. A car getting 20MPG using regular and a car getting 25MPG using premium will have around the same fuel cost at least around here. Reliability with the 6 cylinder is top rated among mid sized luxury SUVs and better than the Turbo 4's. A salesman on YT commented there is a very strong demand for the 2023 Chevy Traverse with the V-6 because the new ones are only Turbo 4"s that people don't want and that I predict will have premium "recommended", but "not required". The "required" on the 3.6 is regular. That sounds like a difference.

I find the styling conservative but attractive without the over styling of some of its competitors. We have an additional year of B to B warranty so until 7/25 and power train a year later.
Very happy with it and the wife is absolutely thrilled.

Sorry for the long post

corvette

au1994 said:

Oh man, that CRX!

It had a vanity plate: OEMCRX91
My dad had a black 1990 Si.

stickguy

I love that Honda.

And really want a BRZ

So many cool small hatches in Europe. America, is a sad automotive landscape.

tjc78

@greg128 said:
Punch to report. It is a 3-1/2 year old off lease 2020 certified Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury with 23K miles. Nice standard features including built in Nav, Pano sunroof, auto folding mirros, Leather with wood trim, full safety etc. Also optioned with AWD 3.6 V-6 and upgraded Bose 14 speaker sound system. I don't have a lot of experience with "Luxury" vehicles but I think the interior is gorgeous. The info screen is only 8" and I know the large screens are here and more coming but I find it visible and user friendly. It does not have optional 3D camera, HUD, or ventilated seats with rear entertainment system which are the other options available with the top model. The wife always wanted a SUV so finally gave in (likes riding higher)

Aside from a couple of minor scratches it looks brand new. It has a smooth ride, is plenty quick, quiet and comfortable. Bose system is great. Some reviewers fault the seats as being hard, but I find almost all modern cars feel that way. I find these firm but supportive and can not evaluate their long term comfort on long drives until we take one but I think they will be fine. Of course remembering the seats from the 80's and 90's, I personally I would like a bit more padding. There is a learning curve with the technology but getting there.

Gas mileage is not that great but at least the V-6 takes recommended regular. A car getting 20MPG using regular and a car getting 25MPG using premium will have around the same fuel cost at least around here. Reliability with the 6 cylinder is top rated among mid sized luxury SUVs and better than the Turbo 4's. A salesman on YT commented there is a very strong demand for the 2023 Chevy Traverse with the V-6 because the new ones are only Turbo 4"s that people don't want and that I predict will have premium "recommended", but "not required". The "required" on the 3.6 is regular. That sounds like a difference.

I find the styling conservative but attractive without the over styling of some of its competitors. We have an additional year of B to B warranty so until 7/25 and power train a year later.
Very happy with it and the wife is absolutely thrilled.

Sorry for the long post

Love it! Congrats. Our Enclave had that same color interior and everyone always commented on how nice it looked.

pensfan83

au1994 said:

Any thoughts about the Honda Passport? Particularly in Trailsport trim. And yes I know its all for show, no go and yes I know I am all over the map…Maverick, JGC, 4Runner, Pathfinder…

My parents have one...Elite trim. My Dad traded his F-150 and it was supposed to be "his" car but my mom likes driving it so much it's now "hers" and he was relegated to the Escape, which he despises but he despises having a car payment more.

I've driven it a couple of times and it's pretty vanilla, in a good way. It can swallow a lot of cargo, has adequate power/handling, and nicely equipped.

ab348

Since it is basically a shorter Pilot you probably can’t go wrong. I don’t know but wonder if the Pilot wouldn’t have better resale?

Michaell

au1994 said:

Any thoughts about the Honda Passport? Particularly in Trailsport trim. And yes I know its all for show, no go and yes I know I am all over the map…Maverick, JGC, 4Runner, Pathfinder…

@jpp75 bought a Passport Trailsport a few months back. Traded in a GX460 for it (long story, don't ask).

He loves it. Can't think of anything that costs $30K more that he'd rather have .... and he's always looking.

I drove one a year or two back, and really liked it. If you don't need the third row, it's about the perfect size.

Michaell

@greg128 - love the color scheme of that XT5! Congrats on the punch. When we got our first SUV ('99 Expedition), the wife loved the commanding view of the road, and hasn't gone back to anything else since.

Some car-related news around here. The MINI wasn't ready at the dealer, and the girls had to go to the studio today, so they took the Subaru.

Turns out the kid doesn't like driving the Outback - "too big" is the feedback I got from the wife. She's used to the size and zippyness of the MINI, apparently, but they both recognize that something bigger is wanted. I'm going to stay out of the conversation - anything even remotely bigger than the Countryman is going to feel like a barge to her, after almost 15 years of driving MINIs. She may have to adjust her thinking, and her priorities, for the next vehicle.

oldfarmer50

“ Almost $2500, all in. I paid about $2200 a year or so ago for the 60K service on the Subaru, so I'm not sure that I'd say the MINI is expensive to maintain, comparitavely.”

I guess it’s all in the perspective. I paid $2000 to buy my Chrysler and $1800 for the Chevy Express. Sold the Chevy for $1000 recently so that’s really only $800.

Sometime I forget how you rich guy like to spend money.🤣🤣🤣

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

I'm surprised that a manufacturer like Volvo would even bother to show up for a car show if they're just going to treat their cars like museum pieces and set them well behind an accessible area! I could get just as much out of that experience from looking at their website. /facepalm

Thanks for sharing the photos, corvette! I'd like to make it to an auto show one day, but it seems like I've missed the heyday.

They’ve done the same thing with brands like BMW where the rep wouldn’t let me sit in a 2 series no matter what.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

The TL is at the Acura dealer waiting for the passenger air bag sensor. I wasn't disappointed, they found much to suggest for maintenance. Valve cover gaskets, valve adjustment, spark plugs, timing belt service to name a few. The timing belt service is $1700! I am only having the sensor replaced. I will shop around for the other services but am tempted to leave well enough alone. The car is only worth $1500 or so trade in. Perhaps $3000 if I sell it privately? They did say the car was in nice condition overall.

How do you service a timing belt? Did they mean replacement. I got a quote for $1100 a few years ago for the Sebring but like you, I decided to wait until it hits 100k miles.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

The MINI went in yesterday for it's annual oil change and service - a few things popped up during the inspection that needed to be attended to.

(reminder - the car will be 10 years old on 4/12, and has just over 66,000 miles on it)

The valve cover was leaking - $1000 to replace
New spark plugs - $170
Coolant, 4WD fluid and DI service (was last done 3 years ago) - $950
Oil change - $100

Not my decision to have these done; daughter approved all of it.

Still cheaper than a new car payment.

Shocked at the cost of the valve cover gasket, impressed at how cheap the plugs were.

————————————————-
There’s only 4 plugs so that’s a little high in my book. And yes, a grand to do valve cover gaskets is high.

Son #1 got a used Mini for grandson #4 last year (I can’t remember the year or model) and has already done some work on it. The latest was a crank shaft pulley that put the car in limp mode. He paid $300 dollars for a very highly rated after market pulley (almost twice the OEM price) that everyone in Mini circles raves about and did the work himself. Only Mini car gods know what that would have cost to have done at a dealer.

I don’t see the attraction to Mini’s. I personally don’t like anything about them starting with their looks but lots of folks like them, especially young kids.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

greg128 said:

Punch to report. It is a 3-1/2 year old off lease 2020 certified Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury with 23K miles. Nice standard features including built in Nav, Pano sunroof, auto folding mirros, Leather with wood trim, full safety etc. Also optioned with AWD 3.6 V-6 and upgraded Bose 14 speaker sound system. I don't have a lot of experience with "Luxury" vehicles but I think the interior is gorgeous. The info screen is only 8" and I know the large screens are here and more coming but I find it visible and user friendly. It does not have optional 3D camera, HUD, or ventilated seats with rear entertainment system which are the other options available with the top model. The wife always wanted a SUV so finally gave in (likes riding higher)

Aside from a couple of minor scratches it looks brand new. It has a smooth ride, is plenty quick, quiet and comfortable. Bose system is great. Some reviewers fault the seats as being hard, but I find almost all modern cars feel that way. I find these firm but supportive and can not evaluate their long term comfort on long drives until we take one but I think they will be fine. Of course remembering the seats from the 80's and 90's, I personally I would like a bit more padding. There is a learning curve with the technology but getting there.

Gas mileage is not that great but at least the V-6 takes recommended regular. A car getting 20MPG using regular and a car getting 25MPG using premium will have around the same fuel cost at least around here. Reliability with the 6 cylinder is top rated among mid sized luxury SUVs and better than the Turbo 4's. A salesman on YT commented there is a very strong demand for the 2023 Chevy Traverse with the V-6 because the new ones are only Turbo 4"s that people don't want and that I predict will have premium "recommended", but "not required". The "required" on the 3.6 is regular. That sounds like a difference.

I find the styling conservative but attractive without the over styling of some of its competitors. We have an additional year of B to B warranty so until 7/25 and power train a year later.
Very happy with it and the wife is absolutely thrilled.

Sorry for the long post

Nice looking, particularly the interior. The only negative I’ve heard on the 3.6L is timing chains if the oil is neglected. Probably not an issue @ 23k miles.

mjfloyd1

@oldfarmer50 said:
How do you service a timing belt? Did they mean replacement. I got a quote for $1100 a few years ago for the Sebring but like you, I decided to wait until it hits 100k miles.

Replace timing belt, water pump and coolant

corvette

I'm coming around to disagreeing with the mindset that Honda's Trailsport trim and the gussied up Subarus, RAV4s, etc., are just for show. If nothing else, the knobbier tires make them a little more planted when on gravel or soft-roading, and more capable in snow, although this likely comes at the expense of livability and performance on paved roads.

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

“ Almost $2500, all in. I paid about $2200 a year or so ago for the 60K service on the Subaru, so I'm not sure that I'd say the MINI is expensive to maintain, comparitavely.”

I guess it’s all in the perspective. I paid $2000 to buy my Chrysler and $1800 for the Chevy Express. Sold the Chevy for $1000 recently so that’s really only $800.

Sometime I forget how you rich guy like to spend money.🤣🤣🤣

We aren't rich. Remember, I'm the guy who got laid off from his job over a year ago, and I'm still looking. The girls pull a small draw from the cooking studio. But, we feel it's important to maintain our cars so they don't crap out on us.

And, you're the guy with four vehicles in his signature line....

nyccarguy

@greg128 - congrats on the Caddy! That 3.6 has plenty of go go juice!

jmonroe1

@greg128, nice looking SUV. Give us a report after you’ve put some miles on it.

Enjoy.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

au1994 said:

Any thoughts about the Honda Passport? Particularly in Trailsport trim. And yes I know its all for show, no go and yes I know I am all over the map…Maverick, JGC, 4Runner, Pathfinder…

————————————————-
Stay away from the Maverick, too many of those trucklettes in here already.

jmonroe

stickguy

I think that was a new valve cover assembly. Not a replacement gasket.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I think that was a new valve cover assembly. Not a replacement gasket.

If you're talking about the MINI, yup.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

“ Almost $2500, all in. I paid about $2200 a year or so ago for the 60K service on the Subaru, so I'm not sure that I'd say the MINI is expensive to maintain, comparitavely.”

I guess it’s all in the perspective. I paid $2000 to buy my Chrysler and $1800 for the Chevy Express. Sold the Chevy for $1000 recently so that’s really only $800.

Sometime I forget how you rich guy like to spend money.🤣🤣🤣

We aren't rich. Remember, I'm the guy who got laid off from his job over a year ago, and I'm still looking. The girls pull a small draw from the cooking studio. But, we feel it's important to maintain our cars so they don't crap out on us.

And, you're the guy with four vehicles in his signature line....

As I said, all in the perspective, compared to me you sound rich, hence the 🤣🤣🤣.
I agree, maintaining even my hooptie fleet with an average age of 12 years old is important.

au1994

Thanks for the opinions on the Passport. It is basically a (‘23) chopped Pilot. Has a 280 hp V6 and 9 speed trans vs 285 and 10 speed for the ‘24 Pilot. It seems there is a refresh coming next year so a deal may be possible. Especially if I decide this is it and wait to later in the year.

It does seem very middle of the road. Not dull (esp in Trailsport trim), not flashy, not fast not slow etc. Its a bit of a parts bin special…if you’ve driven a Pilot, Ridgeline or Odyssey, you are probably familiar with the interior look and feel.

It does have good cargo capacity which is a priority. I guess what bothers me is it has a bit of a ‘soccer dad’ vibe.

tjc78

@nyccarguy said:
@greg128 - congrats on the Caddy! That 3.6 has plenty of go go juice!

I owned 3 Vehicles with the 3.6. Zero complaints.

nyccarguy

"I guess what bothers me is it has a bit of a ‘soccer dad’ vibe"

A few days behind the wheel and you'll get over that. Not that it matters, but non car people don't even notice much less care what you drive.

qbrozen

On the Mini: yes, the valve cover is plastic so they force you to just buy the whole thing, including gasket, rubber rings for the spark plug holes, and even oil cap. It is very quick and easy to change. Even if they charge a full hour labor, $1k is a rip-off. I bought the assembly off ebay for $45.

laurasdada

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

“ Almost $2500, all in. I paid about $2200 a year or so ago for the 60K service on the Subaru, so I'm not sure that I'd say the MINI is expensive to maintain, comparitavely.”

I guess it’s all in the perspective. I paid $2000 to buy my Chrysler and $1800 for the Chevy Express. Sold the Chevy for $1000 recently so that’s really only $800.

Sometime I forget how you rich guy like to spend money.🤣🤣🤣

We aren't rich. Remember, I'm the guy who got laid off from his job over a year ago, and I'm still looking. The girls pull a small draw from the cooking studio. But, we feel it's important to maintain our cars so they don't crap out on us.

And, you're the guy with four vehicles in his signature line....

First, good luck with the ongoing search, hope you land the dream soon (when I was downsized in the mid '90s, did a career change to IT; aided by a federal grant for training).

Second, had a discussion with retired neighbors the other day. How can anyone afford to retire? He said that you have to budget and occasionally forgo certain "luxuries." I said, like buying cars? Yup. So, sadly, I guess I'll never retire. And I told neighbor that he can never speak to the wife about this!

au1994

nyccarguy said:

"I guess what bothers me is it has a bit of a ‘soccer dad’ vibe"

A few days behind the wheel and you'll get over that. Not that it matters, but non car people don't even notice much less care what you drive.

You are right of course. Ironically, my soccer (or lacrosse) dad days are winding down as mine is off to college in the fall as well.

I will have to say, I was always the dad with the cool car…from a couple of convertibles to the Jeep, Even when it was an SUV it was a Land Cruiser. Well, there was a hot minute with a Crosstrek

laurasdada

I tried to be the cool dad with my Jag XK. Of course, then Doug Flutie showed up in his Ferrari...

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

"I guess what bothers me is it has a bit of a ‘soccer dad’ vibe"

A few days behind the wheel and you'll get over that. Not that it matters, but non car people don't even notice much less care what you drive.

————————————————
I think he’s concerned about the comments that would be made if some of us in here were to see him, as we passed him, poking along in the right lane.

jmonroe

au1994

It’s in my own head. I spend a lot of time there.

breld

I remember back in the day dropping my stepdaughter off at school in my yellow Miata. Back in that day, that Miata was all of $20k after thousands off in discounts, but it sure drew the attention.

kyfdx

@breld Mostly because your head stuck up above the windshield by 4 inches?

28firefighter

I take my guy everywhere in the convertible. For the most part nobody cares. But it does stand out in a sea of Subarus and Teslas.

breld

What do you mean?

kyfdx

Now, if you had a Type E, that would be something!

breld

Speaking of, it’s hitting 70’s today here in the Denver area and I’m getting excited to take the targa top off the Corvette. And our little pup loves car rides.

laurasdada

Love the pup!

au1994

I’ve got one of those boxes for my Frenchie. Absolutely loves to ride in the car and not in a crazy, bouncing around way. He’s cool just looking out the window. Really loves it when he gets to fly right seat.

Sandman6472

Sometimes, it's just better to fix the few issues & keep a vehicle then get a new one & have a car note. That's where I am now and have just decided to fix what needs fixing and save as much as I can for the next ride. I'm lucky that we live so close to work and I only work 3 days a week. And at just over 9 years of ownership, just hit 76K miles. Did quite well on my round trip to Orlando this weekend, maybe 500 miles give or take. No lights came on and all worked as it should. Almost rented a vehicle but figured I'd see how things go & seems I lucked out.

And as much as I'd like to get something new, it's just not necessary right now. The new 2024 Hyundai Kona is my top choice right now but the upcoming 2025 Nissan Kicks looks to be a strong contender also. Checks all the boxes so, we'll just hav to see. At the rate I'm going, I won't hit 80K for another year or two. Only thing I really want to do is take off the window tint as it's faded to purple and it's bubbling on 3 of the 5 tinted windows. Not even sure I'd replace the tint to be honest right now.

Sandman6472

The tint on my car windows has turned purple and is bubbling on a few of them. Just want it taken off right now & not sure if I want to replace it. Looking online at some local mobile places as it would be easier to have it done in our garage like when we had it installed back in 2015. The Kona has no tint as of now & don't think she's even going to do it. Guess I'm just tired of the bubbling and purplish look of it all. Naturally, with summer coming, not the best time of year to have this work done but since I've decided to keep the Golf a bit longer, just want it done already! And since I don't drive that much, think the time has come.

xwesx

Ooh! I like that "average age" approach. With that, my fleet's average age is 31 years. Nice.

And, I think @fintail 's would be pretty similar.