Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I sat in one at the car show. And actually liked the interior. But I could not see myself ever buying one. Now, maybe a killer lease deal...

I guess this would be an OK consolation prize if she doesn't get her BMW!

stickguy

bad isn't the Q5 a bit smaller in the cargo area?

kyfdx

I meant B-pillar, not A-.. I had a hard time sliding into the seat without bumping my head on the doorframe...

rayainsw

I read very recently that a customer was able to
order a new BMW 335iS without a sun\moonroof.
'The code is ZDM as given to me by a fellow member of this board. '
For those that might care....
- Ray
Happy to have a hole in my roof...
[ edit: as well as a hole in my head ?? ]

corvette

Apparently a sunroof is no longer standard on the 328i. It was made standard on the 325 in 2006; not sure when they dropped it. Pricing on the 3-series appears to have increased more quickly than inflation.

nyccarguy

Actually a sunroof/moonroof has been standard on the 325i since the E46 2004 IIRC. I think the made it optional as of 2010.

rayainsw

The price has certainly increased.
10 years ago, a 'base' 330i
[ top of the line 3-series, except for the M ]
was priced at [ edit ] just over $34K.

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/original/application/78385c5- - ec58c996368a006a619fe719e.pdf

Then again, the quarter mile time \ speed of 14.8 at 95
is substantially bettered by the 'base' 2011
[ top of the line 3-series, except for the M ]
335iS, MSRP just over $50K = 13.3 at 108

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q3/2011_bmw_335is-short_take_road_test- -

stickguy

to be fair, in terms of drivetrain type and relative output/performance, the old 33 is equivalent to the 328 now. If that is what they still call the NA model.

fintail

Look at the Dollar/Euro relationship then and now...I am surprised German cars are still as relatively cheap as they are.

rayainsw

The base MSRP of a 328i Coupe is less than $40K.
Quarter mile [ only one metric, obviously ] is nearly the same
as that 2001 330i - 14.6 at 96 MPH

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/original/application/d0e7ad3- - 9452a148dfc54c1fdee60f558.pdf

stickguy

auto makers seem to love to reinvent things that don't need to be reinvented.

the X3 I drove has the owners manual built into the idrive system. so you treat the display screen like a kindle.

of course, if you are looking up how to use the idrive, you are screwed.

jayrider

My problem with the 3 series isn't the pillars but with the seats. They are too firm and the leather is pebbled and has a cheap feel. Other than that, I could see getting one on a lease --- love the look and handling. If they had a grampa seat option might be tempted. Now that I can afford one, I find issues that force me to reconsider. Bummer !! [and yes , the corvette was off the list years ago :shades: --- something so wrong about old, fat, bald dudes like me in a Vette]

tjc78

the X3 I drove has the owners manual built into the idrive system. so you treat the display screen like a kindle.

Think of the money that saved BMW. They no longer have to print the owner's manuals. I would expect that to be a trend on vehicles equipped with multi-function screens.

lemmer

In the future, the non-luxury makes will probably just email you a link to the internet for your manual.

stever

Yep, most are already online anyway. Maybe they'll give you a CD too.

How To Find Your Car Owner's Manual Online

anonymousposts

Our 04 accord and our 03 mdx were pretty quiet but our 08 odyssey and our 09 accord have a good amount of road noise. We have test driven a 2011 odyssey and it was much quieter than the 08. It probably just depends on the model and what they feel those buyers will place a priority on.

I thought we had decided to sell the odyssey but my dear husband wants to keep it. I briefly toyed with the idea to sell the camry but I really do like the car. I tried to think of a replacement and could come up with nothing to replace it with that wouldn't be more money.

michaellno

Took the ION the Chevy dealer in Colorado Springs to have the power steering pump assembly replaced under warranty. While it was in and waiting for a part, they did a pretty comprehensive check up. Nice of them, even though I had an oil change and inspection just a month ago.

Not sure if the following are true issues or an attempt by the dealer to upsell maintenance work.

--> They found that both rear shocks / struts were leaking and recommended replacement for $217.31. I know that Monroe recommends that you replace your shocks at 50K, but I've always felt that was similar to the oil companies and quickie lube places suggesting you change your oil every 3K or 3 months.

--> AT fluid was "burnt" and recommended a flush - cost estimate $179.95. Again, with only 52K on the clock, I didn't think it was time yet to have this done.

I declined both suggestions, but will have them looked at by my local shops. Total cost, with taxes, labor and shop supplies, was just a tick under $500.

I'm pretty sure I can get this work done for less money if I shop around.

qbrozen

Trans flush is about $100 overpriced. My indy volvo shop used to be $79.95, anyway. But I'd do it, personally. I think every 30k is the way to go.

jayrider

The atf may need changing -- check the manual. There should be no way the shocks/struts should be bad. The leaking issue is major scam possibility. If the car rides decent and doesn't bounce like a rubber ball when you push down on the corners -- save your money. I would consider a radiator flush and fill at 50k miles. Get another opinion on the atf. That trans should go 100k easy -- even without changing the fluid.

fezo

If that happened to your wife's vehicle you'd already have another vehicle.... :P

not unreasonable items I suppose but I'm kind of in the school of let someone cheaper do the fluid and maybe that shocks are a fishing for profit deal. I'm notorious for not changing such things.

stickguy

the struts could be leaking. But if that $217 is for both sides, complete, actually a fair price, unless they truly are old fashioned shock absorbers.

The ATF is easy enough to check, but I also would do it now. Cheap insurance, just not at their prices.

corvette

ATF is only easy to check if the ION has a dipstick. A lot of newer cars don't have a transmission dipstick, but I'm not sure about the ION. My G6 didn't, but my Altima does. The Altima's CVT fluid was still clear when I checked it at around 45,000 miles. Since the transmission is under warranty for 10 years or 120,000 miles, I doubt I will change the "lifetime" fluid--I'm unlikely to own the car that long.

michaellno

Yeah, I'm thinking the AT service should be done sooner rather than later. I've put 18,000 fairly hard miles on the car in the last 12 months .. probably 90% of it city driving whilst delivering pizzas.

I'll make a few calls to some local shops and see what they charge.

For the shocks, I think I'll hold off for a while. I've not noticed any deterioration in the ride or handling, and there isn't any bouncing after I go over a bump. Next time I'm in for an oil change, I'll have them give it a look-see.

I am surprised that nobody thinks the brakes are in need of attention. 52K on the original pads and shoes.

akangl

an attempt by the dealer to upsell maintenance work

Dealers love to do that. When hubby took his Civic in a couple weeks ago for an oil change and to get the transmission fluid changed they tried to tell him that at 90k the car needs its timing belt changed. Ummm, the Civic has a timing chain and no where could I find where it said to change it at 90k so I called BS on that.

The transmission fluid probably needed to be changed even though its a manual trans, the car sees LOTS of cold weather and has a little over 75k miles on it.

I need to take the Pilot in for an oil change and to have them find the rattle in the rear pass door, its driving me nuts! :mad:

bolivar

First, read the manual. It should tell when the transmission fluid should be changed. Even with 12,000 miles of pizza delivery, to me this still sounds like normal use of a car. And many cars manuals say the transmission fluid is good for 100,000 miles. Now many Honda say 36,000 miles. So, look at your manual.

Second, in my opinion, NEVER do a FLUSH! All that is needed is a fluid drain and refill, this is what your manual will say. Who know what kind of fluid my remain in a flushing machine from the previous use. And most transmissions do not have any access lines for a powered flush. (You may pay for a 'flush', but what you are probably going to get is a drain and refill.)

Why wait for the next oil fill to check the rear shock/struts? I would think it would not take much to look under the rear of the car with a flashlight and see if there is fluid on the struts. If they are dry, they aren't leaking.

qbrozen

And many cars manuals say the transmission fluid is good for 100,000 miles.

Yup. And I can name you several where the trans experienced common failure before 140k (Chryslers and Volvos come to mind). The manuals can say that because you'll be way past warranty when it happens and they don't care about you anymore. I believe in 30k changes, and no manual is going to change my mind on that one!

And "never" doing a flush is wholly dependent on how often you've taken care of it. If done every 30k, a flush is harmless. The warnings against flushes are those owners who do wait 100k. Am I saying a flush is necessary? No. But a "drain and fill" doesn't work on many cars since it doesn't evacuate all the old fluid. My swedish cars, for instance, would only drain 2 of their 7 qts.

andre1969

Heck, I have a 1979 Malibu brochure that brags about 100,000 mile intervals for the transmission being a selling feature! Maybe that's the main reason those lightweight THM200 transmissions were so prone to failure! :surprise: In contrast, the '79 Nova, which used the older, beefier THM350, called for 60,000 mile intervals.

My 2000 Intrepid called for 100,000 mile intervals on "regular" service, 50,000 on "severe" service. To play it safe, I had it done every 30,000 miles. When I delivered pizzas, that was pretty critical, but once I quit that second job, it might have been overkill. Still, the Intrepid was one car known for eating transmissions, so I figured I'd rather play it safe.

breld

Just got through reading several pages of posts here. Over the past couple of weeks I've been readying my house for a pending sale, moving into a new house, coordinating contractors for some remodeling work at that new house and, oh, I got married too. We're deferring the honeymoon, but what we did do the day after was paid a visit to the Denver Auto Show. One of the many reasons I married her.

I've really got hatchbacks on the mind. Thinking of testing the market on my Miata and replacing it with something that is still fun, but a bit more practical in carrying kids and stuff around, so that the CX-9 doesn't always carry the burden for the daily commute.

Right now I have the GTI and maybe a Golf TDI at the top of the list. The mileage on the TDI would be nice, but I don't want to go too far away from the fun factor. I'd like to take a look at the Mazda 3 and WRX too. Kinda like the Volvo C30 too, but I'd prefer to have four doors.

I've always had a soft spot for those little hatchbacks since owning a '90 Civic Si in my college days - it was terribly useful in hauling stuff around.

fezo

Your took your wife to teh auto show for a honeymoon?

Boy, are you in the right place here!

nyccarguy

If I'm not mistaken, the GOLF Diesel uses the same suspension setup as the GTI.

jayrider

I don't think you can beat the GTI for a fun to drive hatch at a reasonable price. There are new hatchbacks coming from Ford [Focus] --- a base A3 with stick is under 30k if you can find one. Hyundai has the current Elantra Touring but it's an appliance but only 19k. The new Elantra Hatchback isn't in the pipeline yet but could be nice.

stickguy

I have a Honda V6 (actually 2, since I like to live on the edge). And I am doing the fluid change, at the dealer (I assume it is a wildly overpriced drain once and refill) every 30K. If that baby craps out early (as so many do), no way Honda is brushing me off for not having maintained it! The TL though I have no clue if it was done before about 105K, since my sister owned it, and just did whatever the dealer told her to.

that one though is at 156K at this point, and I plan to have it done anyway when my son gets it home from school.

the struts on the Ion? if it isn't bouncing the pizzas too badly, and the tires aren't starting to wear funny, let them go for now. But still, pretty cheap to change, which I would only do if they were really blown out and leaking.

I did the TL at 150K (1st time), and then only because the RF blew out when the kid hit a pot hole (which also trashed that tire). So, new struts and tires all around.

not too bad for the miles. This is the 3rd set of tires, 2nd set of struts, and it is also on the 2nd set of brakes (with lots of meat left).

qbrozen

The TDI is fun, too, but please avoid it! They are having serious issues with the new diesels. Both guys who work for my dad who have diesel Passats have had catastrophic failure before 30k. The dealer is saying our ULSD is not compatible with the HPFP.

The new WRX is pretty slick. Checked one out at the autoX this past weekend. Awesome seats.

You aren't going to like the mazda3 in comparison to the subie and GTI, however. It comes across as low rent, frankly.

breld

Thanks Q - you have a GTI in your fleet, right? Are you happy with it?

I have some apprehension over potential reliability with VW's, but I am really drawn to the GTI. I like the "premium" feel of the interior over the WRX and certainly the Mazda3 and overall I just think it's a bit classier than the other hatch's we have available in the US.

I've also considered a previous gen 3 series (E46?) coupe or convertible, but with my wife recently getting her 328xi, I may want a bit more variety in our garage.

Thanks!

Bruce

michaellno

I have some apprehension over potential reliability with VW's, but I am really drawn to the GTI. I like the "premium" feel of the interior over the WRX and certainly the Mazda3 and overall I just think it's a bit classier than the other hatch's we have available in the US.

Agreed -- I sat in the GTI when at the Auto Show and really liked the interior; my only complaint is that the models at the show had the 18" wheels with the strange (to me) pattern:



Very, very low profile tires, which I'm not sure I'd like with our winters.

The Mazda salesman who sold us our CX-7 specifically said that if you buy a MazdaSpeed 3, to get winter tires and wheels as the OEM's are crap in the winter.

I'm sure that roadburner can confirm.

breld

Yeah, I spent quite a bit of time in those GTIs at the auto show too.

I'm okay with the wheels - they are a bit cartoonish, but fit the character of the car well. Starting in 2011, I believe those wheels are standard on the GTI.

Since this would be replacing my Miata as the "third" car, I could simply leave it at home on the snow days, with two other AWD alternatives in the garage.

I'll tell you what I was really impressed with at the car show was the new Passat. I think it's a very classy, if not a bit understated, alternative to the Accords/Camrys/Altimas out there (kinda like it used to be).

stickguy

a wagon. I like this. even the colors, and especially the big roof.

I assume it is over priced of course, but I don't know what it should be. At 3K, I would be all over it. Maybe.

http://torchlightmotors.com/newandusedcars/0/962622/aa92abda-ecdc-4811-9ba6-05e9- 06302073/none/2001-Subaru-Legacy-Parlin-NJ-08859.aspx

fezo

Oh, I like - but isn't he one of those guys that sets the price and that IS the price?

He always has too many things that I like.

stickguy

Q said that he doesn't believe in negotiating. But, never know what someone does when money is on the table!

he had a 2007 3 series recently that seemed like a good deal though.

jayrider

Give VW a few years to fine tune their new models -- they are looking for a much larger share of the US market. The reliability issues need to be addressed [hyundai/kia 5 year warranty ?] and the appeal needs to be broadened. Most americans aren't drawn by "german engineering" -- price rules as well as cheap maintenance and repairs. VW covers that for 3 years but they need to extend the warranty. It will be interesting to see what the future holds.

qbrozen

Yup. Still enjoying my GTI. And those are the 18" wheels on mine. I wanted those wheels. I think they look great. But, yeah, I wound up destroying 2 of the tires it came with. I bought a new set of higher performance rubber in slightly higher profile (235/45 rather than the stock 235/40), so I hope that solves the problem.

During the winter, I've been running 17s with 225/55s.

I may be looking through rose-colored glasses, but I see the GTI has having the least reliability issues. The 2.0T is, by most accounts, a very reliable unit. And, as long as you get the manual trans, there is nothing to worry about there, either. And, lastly, being that it lacks any electronic geegaws from the audi line, you've got nothing to break there. A very simple, straightforward, pocket rocket.

60k miles and counting. Not one trip to the dealer since I bought it.

stickguy

well, technically it is the former lexus showroom, left behind after they built a new palace just up the road (next to Caddy and BMW). It recently reopened as a kitchen and bath showroom. Actually a great use for a smaller sized dealer. Plenty of open space for displays, and a nice workshop in the back for fabricating cabinets and granite.

I gotta say though, compared to the options for a kitchen (cabinets, flooring, counters, etc.), shopping for a car is a piece of cake!

stickguy

I do like the GTI, but i would never get one with the 18" wheels and rubber band tires. it seems that budget cuts have led the roads departments here to just give up on repairing the bomb craters.

That, and I think the phone dials are just flat out ugly!

something like a 235/50-17 or a 55 even is more than low enough for me!

tjc78

I gotta say though, compared to the options for a kitchen (cabinets, flooring, counters, etc.), shopping for a car is a piece of cake!

Stick,

I pass that place everyday. I will also agree that shopping for kitchen stuff is brutal. I just went through a remodel of my kitchen (full gut job down to the studs). The choices are just insane. Keeping it to HD/Lowes help keep it a little easier, but something just as simple as cabinet door hardware is a process in itself.

stickguy

I am afraid to send my wife in there. I would find her an hour later curled up in the fetal position in one of the display showers!

I am potentially doing the kitchen over, but trying to keep it relatively simple (not moving stuff, mostly just replace old cabinets with new in the same spots). But even that has a ton of options.

This could take a while, but that does save us money!

tjc78

I did mine myself, with the help of my cousin and a few others for demo. It was a long process that took about 5 weeks (working nights/weekends) to get it working again and about 7 weeks total. I still have some little touch ups, but its pretty much done. Its a small space and still a ton of work.

I would think I saved well over 10k doing it myself.

stickguy

just up from that place (next to the B.K.) is a little car lot (VIP auto sales). They had a nice looking X3 sitting out by the road yesterday 9should have stopped!).

looked it up, it is a 2005 X3 3.0i. seems pretty well loaded up (does have the pana roof). about 65K on it I think. Nice like silvery blue color.

Seemed over priced though at $19,999. Wonder what something like that (from a non-dealer, and obviously no warranty) is really worth?

http://www.vipautooutlet.com/profile.asp?VIN=WBXPA93445WD17255&xMake=&FilterMake- =0&zip=&distance=

So, I could buy this, or do the kitchen. Wonder which option my wife picks?

akangl

it is a 2005 X3 3.0i. seems pretty well loaded up (does have the pana roof). about 65K on it I think. Nice like silvery blue color.

An X3 is probably going to be my next car. Kinda kicking myself for not fussing more with the seat of the 2007 X3 that I looked at a few months ago. I think I could have gotten comfortable with it. Was a really nice car. I'll stick out a year or so with the Pilot, then I'm going to look for a nice CPO X3 to trade it on.

My son is loving having a license and a car. Really that little Escort is a great car for a teenager, its very forgiving.

He came home the other day and mentioned the A/C wasn't blowing very hard out of the vents. I looked at it today.....he had it set on defrost not panel. Was good for a laugh. He's the furthest thing from car savvy, I realized that today when he said he would need help putting gas in the car because he doesn't know how. :P

anonymousposts

Our desire to do more work on the house is one reason that we have slowed down our chronic car buying. We have talked ourselves out of many impulse buys in the last year. Even though our house is relatively new (4 years), there are plenty of upgrades we want to do. When we bought the house the builder finished part of our basement as an incentive. That gave us 1200 sq ft which includes a bedroom, an office, and a theater room. However, there is still 1200 sq ft left to finish. So we are working towards that which means we have to pass up some good deals.

We are listing the Camry up for sale. Once it is sold, we will sell the Odyssey and get a new Odyssey Touring. My logic is the Camry has bluetooth with audio streaming, sunroof, and satellite radio and the Odyssey EX we have is a great car since we now have two little one's. Instead of paying for two cars, we might as well just combine them into one car that's the best of both worlds.

gouldn

It's funny to read about everybody lining up to buy a used x3 as their next car ... as I'm about to start shopping to move on.

I have a 2007 CPO X3 and it has been just as reliable as any Japanese car I've owned, and very much more reliable than my one other German car was (Audi). The ride is stiff, so be forewarned to take a long test drive to make sure you like that, if you're shopping for the previous generation.

I just don't need two crossovers, and I prefer the keep the older/junkier one for utility duty (hauling bikes, hauling bags of woodchips, etc).

As far as a replacement it should fairly fuel efficient, and I'm trying to decide between smooth (like a fusion hybrid) or sporty like a 128 or Mini. One requirement is an automatic ... I just drive in too much traffic for stick shifts. Oh ... and $25K would be the end of my comfort zone. I have no problem with used!