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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,362
    that was also one problem with having multiple stick shift cars, when the clutch was totally different between them. makes it trickier to go back and forth.

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

  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234
    edited June 2011
    Yes, I'm with you on the wagon thing. But they're so hard to find with a stick. Had I been closer to those two 328 sport wagons in AL that I posted about recently, you never know what might have happened.

    Sometimes I wish I could go all CCB and look more seriously at some older ones... like this local 3 but it's not a wagon and I'm not going to jump from an extended-warranty (my SOP with auto tranny and any real power) Volvo to an out-of-warranty Bimmer. Maybe in a year when my V70 turns 6 years old.
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,362
    coming home this evening, and notice there is a little picture of an engine lit up on my dash (2005 accord). first time I can ever recall seeing one.

    must mean it is time to unlead the car, right? heck, almost 62K on it, must be wearing out...

    I did get gas Monday night, so it is possible it was the gas cap. took it off and put it back on (plenty of clicks), so will see. if that doesn't do it, guess it will be going to the shop to get checked.

    do any parts places still do free code scans? and do they turn the light off for you?

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    I also posted this over in the Stories from the Sales Frontlines topic:
    The Mazdaspeed is still on its best behavior- no problems and pulling down 26-30 mpg depending on driving conditions. Combine that with the fact that I enjoy not having a car payment and it means I'm putting car hunting on the back burner. So now I'm thinking of selling my Triumph Speed Triple and buying a bike that is more comfortable to ride; the S3's combination of a relatively tall seat height, sportbike riding position, and a top-heavy configuration make the scoot a bear to handle around town. Today I went bike shopping. I first dropped by the Ducati/Triumph dealer two. I checked out two bikes in the "Streetfighter" class- the Triumph Street Triple:

    image

    and the Ducati Monster 696:

    image

    Nice bikes, and not all that expensive either. Then I made a critical error; I stopped by the BMW dealership. Lo and behold, they had a 2008 F 800 ST:

    image

    I wasn't really looking for a sport tourer but this bike is really nice. It has the semi-gloss Graphitan Metallic paint,, ABS, TPMS, and heated grips. The bike has only 868 miles on it and is priced in line with the new 2010 Street Triple and Monster. Kind of an "old man's bike" but still...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    You had to be a darn IT tech to update the Sync in a Ford. Having issues with the Sync and bluetooth being really flakey, stopped by the Ford dealer today to show them a paint flaw on the door, asked about the sync issues too. Sales Manager asked if I had an iPhone 4, of course I do, so he said to update the iPhone, then update the sync (had to find a jump drive to do that), then delete the phone and re-pair it up. So we'll see if that fixes it. Hubby was laughing at me running back and forth from the garage to my computer. Should have just had my daughter do it, she's a wizard at things like that. Makes me feel old!

    On another note, they didn't even question about the paint flaw, simply said they would set up an appt with the body shop right away and give me a call. They really do try to keep customers happy, whole lot different than the local Honda dealer.

    While we were at the Ford dealer hubby was checking out the new Focus, he seems impressed. Sales guy mentioned that we'd be better off as far as trade in value to trade the Civic before 100k, it just turned 80k so maybe sometime next summer.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Checked triumph website. Want a Thunderbird with custom metallic green paint -- tan leather seat. Bought a pre-paid cremation package but wife still says no. :sick:
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    Go check this one out for me....

    Craigslist 325iS

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  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Should have just had my daughter do it, she's a wizard at things like that. Makes me feel old!

    I'm in the IT industry, and my wife and daughter paired my wife's phone to the Bluetooth in the CX-7.

    Daughter also got an iPhone a few weeks ago, and she paired it to the MINI on her own.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    edited June 2011

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  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,920
    Here you go stick -

    528i wagon

    It's a ways away, but a drive from Portland to Philly would give you good seat time to break in the car.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    It's a ways away, but a drive from Portland to Philly would give you good seat time to break in the car.

    One would think that with 92K on the clock, it's past "broken in". The 2864 miles from Portland to Philly (I used Google maps to get the distance) would only serve as an opportunity for something to go wrong - most likely in a very deserted stretch of I-84 or I-80.

    Having said that, I'm not sure about the Metallic Grey exterior with the tan interior. Otherwise, nice car - certainly not something you'd see every day.
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,920
    Yeah, the gray over tan leather is different, but I have a friend with an older 325xi wagon in that color combo and it works pretty well.

    And yes, it's probably broken in quite well at this point.

    So Michael, it's June - isn't it time for that Z4?

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,362
    that is nice. I could live with that.

    but Portland is a tad far. Might be pricey for a 2000, but certainly not going to find that at your local dealer.

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,292
    Autozone did a free scan the last time I asked for one, then tried to sell me some $1.99 "tune up in a bottle" gas additive. I politely declined.

    At six years old and 60k, that Accord is shot. CEL is just a sign of things to come. Time to buy something else! :sick:
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,292
    edited June 2011
    Dad has a Ducati after several BMW bikes. Likes it but it has a stalling problem (was supposed to be completely fixed in the '11 models, but I guess not). He never really had any problems with the BMW bikes, but there was a widespread immobilizer issue with one of them that caused him to worry.

    The Ducati has a "smart key" like my Nissan (still optional on most of BMW's cars, what the heck?). I didn't realize bikes came with TPMS now.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,362
    I might be able to save the accord. I was hoping by the end of the weekend the light will go off (if it was the gas cap). if not, will have it looked at next week.

    But, if it was the wifes van, we could be out shopping by the end of the month! Might have had to decide what is more important: new kitchen, or new car!

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    I didn't realize bikes came with TPMS now.

    I didn't either; apparently it's an option.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Wrong Portland. Too bad. I could do the one in Maine with a long weekend and have a brother up there to crash with.....

    You'll be able to tell if the problem with stick's Accord is serious - he'll start trying to sell it to me again....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    ewwwww.... an automatic. :sick:

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    Too late.

    It was really really annoying. So tonight after I put the kids to bed, I ran out, drove the bimmer up on my ramps and pulled that valve. Took all of 15 mins. Then, while there, I drained the trans oil (grey soup came out!) and refilled with Royal Purple Syncromax. Took it out for a spin. What a difference! And, yes, it did lower the engagement point and also made takeoffs and 2nd gear engagements much much smoother. Whole different car to drive now. Damn this thing is fun.

    I did find, however, that if I rev it too much and slip it too much, the clutch won't engage all the way immediately (slips alot). If I engage it and then floor it, it smokes the tires and launches like a jet. Then shift to 2nd, wait till clutch is fully engaged, and floor it again. Crazy fast.

    Next on the list is a short shifter. Well, after an oil change... and probably a clutch/brake fluid change.

    '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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,502
    NICE! I'm glad you're enjoying that car!

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

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I understand -- didn't realize it was a do it yourself fix. Enjoy !!
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    So Michael, it's June - isn't it time for that Z4?

    You had to remind me (and the rest of us!) ...

    Actually, I sent in the last payment on the ION before I left on vacation (5/22) and when I got home (5/29) the title was in the mailbox.

    So, I own it free and clear with just over 54K on the clock.

    And, I've got a few hundred extra in my budget.

    Having said all that, however, it looks like my plans for a "toy" are going to be put on hold. Why? Several reasons:

    First, we bought the CX-7 back in February, so the jones for a new car was satisfied by that.

    Second, I kind of like the idea of not having multiple car payments for the first time in, oh, forever. Since my wife and I met 15 years ago, we've always had a minimum of 2, and sometimes 3, car payments. With the ION paid off and the MINI being paid for by the daughter, we are only on the hook for the CX-7 each month. I'm trying to make better financial decisions, and jumping into another car payment would not be one.

    Third, the only real driving I do is the part-time pizza delivery work 3 nights a week, and some errand running around town. A 3rd car for 2 drivers seems like an indulgence at this point in my life. And, we aren't the sort of folks who take a Sunday drive just for the heck of it - our lives are too busy for that, at the moment. Seems wasteful to have a 3rd car, with monthly payments and insurance and maintenance, just to satisfy some need inside me.

    Fourth, I'm just not sure what to get. Yeah, I like the idea of a 'vert, but again, with the weather in Colorado, I'm just not sure.

    The more I think on this - and I know this is blasphemy in this forum - I'll wait until my pizza delivery career comes to an end, then sell or trade the ION for something. What might that be? No clue - CPO 3-series coupe (like kyfdx has), or a nicer sedan such as a TSX or IS250 - CPO on those would also be OK. Nothing too big.

    While we were in Santa Fe, I spotted a 1-series convertible outside a store. I pointed it out to my wife and asked her what she thought of it. She commented that it was quite small and where would our luggage fit? On our trip, we had one large suitcase, one small suitcase, 2 smaller tote size bags, my golf clubs and shoes, my CPAP mask case and a bag for my wife's sundries. Even if I left the golf stuff at home, the rest certainly wouldn't fit into a 1-series - or a 3-series, for that matter.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    ewwwww.... an automatic.


    Geez.... how did I miss that?

    Never mind..... :(

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    So.. How did it fit back together, with no valve?

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  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,502
    Wish I would have known, I struck up a conversation with a guy who had an '86 he was looking to get rid of - stick too.

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    Woo-Hoo!!!
    Enjoy that beast, we won't see their kind again!!!
    And join the Yahoo E39 group- it is EXTREMELY helpful!

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    I hadn't checked C/L in a few days. Too bad it's a slushbox...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    not much of a problem. just had to massage the pipe into place. For some reason, they decided to leave about 6-8 inches more hard line than needed hanging down by the slave cylinder, so the job is quite easy to do.

    Other than that... so far i have an odometer display with many bad pixels, a nonfunctioning CD changer in the trunk (didn't think to try it on the test drive), and a climate control system that insists on trying to turn me into an ice cube even with the cabin temp set to 81 degrees.

    Nothing too bad.

    '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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    Yeah.. .don't know how I missed that about the automatic..

    There is another one down in Vine Grove..... but, asking $4350.. Looks nice, but that might be more than I want to spend.

    '87-'91 325is... stick, naturally... could do a non-S, but don't really want a 4-door or convertible. Don't want an -e-, either..

    '91 318iS would be okay, as well...

    Keep your eyes open.... ;)

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    Sounds good.. I think those replacement (empty) valves are only around $40-$50, if you wanted to do that..

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  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    I'd rather have no restriction in the line.

    Honestly, when I pulled this one, it looked to me like it was already hollowed out.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    edited June 2011
    I was looking for the same thing for a while there. It really is hard to find a good one. And if you do, folks usually want more than they are worth.

    Just FYI, but I've read that an e with a head swapped on from an i will actually put down really good power.

    '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

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited June 2011
    If you are disappointed in your run-flat tires and/or wish that your car had a spare tire, please email pr@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, June 15, 2011 and be sure to include your city/state of residence and a few comments on the subject.

    Didn't someone (maybe not in here) buy a new car recently and paid extra for an optional spare - and that may have been a compact spare?
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    Other than that... so far i have an odometer display with many bad pixels, a nonfunctioning CD changer in the trunk (didn't think to try it on the test drive), and a climate control system that insists on trying to turn me into an ice cube even with the cabin temp set to 81 degrees.

    There is a shop -VDORepair.com- that will fix the dead pixel issue once and for all. In any case, a discussion of the available options can be found here. As for the HVAC, if the fan speed is erratic the problem is almost certainly the Final Stage Resistor. It's a simple DIY repair.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    So, I own it free and clear with just over 54K on the clock.

    Oh, come on now! We can't have that!

    Your explanation is perfectly rational but we can get perfectly rational on loads of boards.... Well, maybe fewer now that I think of it.....

    Nice deal on the one car payment. I have about 6 months before I drop down to that. I can appreciate the feeling.

    But, damn, you're letting us down.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    ...mentioned the E30 thing to my son..... all over me, now.. I might actually have to do something! ;)

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  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,920
    edited June 2011
    I've obviously been focusing on E39's and E46 coupes and convertibles recently, but I like to do a local search on cars.com for ALL BMW's with manual trannies just to see what's out there. I don't know much at all about E30's, but this local one seems kinda nice.

    325 conv

    And this is interesting, but not my cup of tea. And not knowing any better, I'm guessing they've priced it quite high in the hopes of finding that one buyer who has to have it.

    M6

    I think I'd rather spend an extra $10k for this:

    645

    Actually, if that 645 was in a different color, I'd be more tempted to go check it out.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    Thanks. I've read most of that. I think I'm going to try the self repair on the gauge cluster.

    Fan speed is dead steady. Its just that the temp is off. It seems 82 degrees keeps it pretty comfy.

    '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

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I think some of those x45 series cars might have valve seal or piston ring problems - I have seen both 645 and 745 models puffing out decent amounts of blue smoke when pulling away from lights.

    That M6 is pretty.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    ..in roadburner's area?

    1991 BMW 318is

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  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    My son wants the 325is- even though it's a slushbox. Might check it out this week...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,827
    Mine says stick-shift only.....

    Saw a beautiful sedan last night.. Over the top restoration.... Not for sale.. just on the street..

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  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    edited June 2011
    The M6 is priced a little high for the miles. I'd want to know if the timing chain, tensioner, and guides have been replaced yet. They can let go any time after 100K- sometimes just bending a few valves, other times taking out the whole motor. That said, I still think it would be cheaper to run than the 645i. The V8s suffer from some potentially expensive issues involving cooling system gaskets and piping in the intake valley- some of the problems cost over $3000 to rectify.
    And for the umpteenth time, I STILL wish that I had held on to my '88 M6... :cry:

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    edited June 2011
    Could those issues make the smoking symptoms I've noticed?
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,331
    I don't think so.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    So, I own it free and clear with just over 54K on the clock.

    Oh, come on now! We can't have that!

    Your explanation is perfectly rational but we can get perfectly rational on loads of boards.... Well, maybe fewer now that I think of it.....


    Agreed! Hubby is getting the itch around here. His Civic is 400 miles shy of 80k and nearly paid off. He's eyeing the new Focus really hard. He commented tonight that the Focus is so much quieter and nicer than his Civic. I'm trying to get him to hold off until next summer.

    The F-150 is nearly over 1k miles, washed, waxed, and looking pretty in the garage. It gets a spray in bedliner on Thursday.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,181
    Greetings All: Friday, I pulled the trigger. Traded my fabulous (paid-off!) '05 Acura TL for a Liquid Silver '09 Jag XK Coupe. First used car I've owned since my very first car, oh so long ago, a VW Scirocco (Recaro Seats, no A/C, wood shift knob and rust!). And, my first RWD! Been a skier all my life, so FWD ruled the day...

    Less than 19,000 miles, a couple of warranty years left. Lots of leather and wood, even paired both my Blackberry and cell phone with the Bluetooth without issue. Of course, no cassette player (child of the '70s and '80s, I've got a pile of mix casettes, classic stuff!) but plenty of musical choices. The ELS system in the TL was great, I wasn't thrilled with the Alpine speakers in the '08 XK I test drove, but the '09 has the Bowers and Wilkins speakers which sound better.

    Pace with grace, certainly not the most powerful car out there, but smooth, quiet, swift and beautiful. Of course, I'm already fearing winter but am researching snow shoes. Now I've got to try and sell the Dunlop Wintersports on alloys that I used on the TL (the Cat is shod with 19s, the Dunlops are 16s).

    So, bon chance Abyss Blue TL. I will never forget you, an all around wonderful car. First payment on the Cat isn't due until late next month.

    What have I done???

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    Best of luck!
    Pictures?
    2022 X3 M40i
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,967
    but the '09 has the Bowers and Wilkins speakers which sound better.

    I have B&W speakers in my home.... love them! I didn't know they were using them in cars.

    Good luck with the Jag.

    +1 on seeing some pics of this beauty.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

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