Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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I wish I could say that my early driving years were ticket free
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Me too; still, I told my son that he has to stay ticket-free for one year before we discuss upgrading from the '02.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
haha. Yeah, I'm going to have to start reading my Porsche buyers guide again.
'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
The 7/100 part only applies to the powertrain. Honda could do the same thing by simply adding a couple hunderd dollars to the price of the cars and I think they should do this!
I would definatly take it up with Honda stressing the fact that you have been complaining about it.
Otherwise, hey, things can and do break on ANY car!
The bad thing about that is it erodes resale values. Why buy used when you lose 40k on the warranty vs. new? Hyundai and Kia are on a roll, but residuals are the one thing that is lagging, and I think that's the main reason why.
Suzuki's 100k warranty is fully transferable, so theirs is the best, IMHO.
The good news & the bad news. Good news 1st of course. The problem with the temperature slider is 2 $30 cables.
The bad news: The dash has to be removed and 1 of the cables has to go through the fire wall and into the heater core. 5 hours of labor @ $110.00/hour ($580 + tax).
They were unable to perform an alignment because the front lower ball joints (there are 4), front sway bar links, & bushings need to be replaced due to wear (1219 + tax). The rear sway bar links should be replaced (not necessary right now @ $335 + tax).
They also found the front motor mount (the one that bears most of the load) needs to be replaced. If it is not, this will cause additional stress on the other motor mounts ($385 + tax).
Clutch master/slave cylinder is leaking & should be replaced.
Then my heart almost dropped when he told me my clutch was shot. I had the clutch replaced before (52,000 miles) and it was a $2000 job due to the fact that the ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) has to be removed & re-installed (and extra 5 hours of labor). He then proceeded to tell me that he believes this because the clutch has a very high take up & feels extremely heavy. He asked if I had noticed the high take up. I said yes. It has been high (and heavier than normal) ever since I had the clutch replaced the 1st time using an aftermarket clutch, Honda Flywheel, & Honda Throwout bearing. Then he said, OK then it feels strong and doesn't slip one bit. - Feeling regained in left arm again.
Right now I don't have the money to fix the car, escpecially since I only drive it 1x a week to work. I'll wait until I have some money together & maybe get a second opinion, then have it done properly next fall.
Long live the Prelude!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
To make matters worse there are a few systems that are only warrantied for 3/36. I can't remember them all but one is the radio/nav system.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Take it to an independent shop. I find it hard to believe that everything is "shot". I would guess ball joints for sure, but, they are most likely replacing it all because they are in the area, so to speak.
If everything you mentioned was really bad you would notice excessive play in the steering and most likely "clunking" when you hit the brakes.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I have noticed the car seems a little rougher since I started driving the TSX & The Pilot on a Daily basis. While both cars are 2010 & 2011 respectively, I do recall my Prelude driving that good for well up to & over the 100K mark. I still took it up to about 85 on the way home from the dealership & took some ridiculously fast corners. Amazingly, it's "still got it."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
mwuhahahhaha
'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
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My NA Miata started to age, though it was a '93, and I sold it. It would have needed shocks, new carpet, new paint, etc. I still wonder if I did the right thing in selling it, though.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My top was also cracking. It had a year or two left, but that's $460 just for materials. 1-2 days of labor. Pain in the neck job.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Excellent idea! It's unique enough now to warrant an entry on the blog.
Sorry to hear about the cost of the maintenance, but the $2K invested will keep it running well for a good long time.
Royal Purple Synthetic oil, Mann filters, tires, transmission fluid changes... That's pretty much been it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Get a 2nd opinion from another shop.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
It is VERY rare for a Honda to need those front end parts but it's possible. The motor mount is fairly common after all of those miles and years.
I don't like aftermarket clutches in Hondas. They never feel "right" and often have a heavy pedel.. If it's not slipping I wouldn't mess with it.
Having ATTS makes replacing a clutch an absolute B***H on those and the techs just despised them.
I would like to see just how badly that clutch and slave cylinder are leaking. A slight seeping can hold on for years.
Craig - I went aftermarket with the clutch when I replaced it because the stock clutch wore out so early (52,000 miles), without being abused, and was extremely expensive ($2000) to replace due to the ATTS. Clutch replacement on a base Prelude is a normal $1000 clutch replacement job. The aftermarket clutch has lasted almost twice as long as the stock oem clutch. Like I said, it is still strong and doesn't slip one bit. I'm leaving it alone!
Thanks everyone for your input.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My 01 Forester at 110K started to growl badly. Up till then I'd been using the dealer and they wanted in ballpark of $2K to fix the wheel bearing and several other 'critical maintenance items.' Mind you I had been taking it there every 7500 miles. I decided that after 100K it was time for a change of scenery and researched local independents. I found a great one that is walking distance to my work, and they fixed the issue for $300, and have had all my business since. The car now has 175K and runs great.
They hope to have the car running this evening and ready to be picked up tomorrow or Saturday. They plan on driving it a bit to make sure all is well before they give it back.
I know the kid is very happy his car is coming home.......our checkbook on the other hand..... :sick:
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The CX-7 is rated for 17/23 and we've been averaging about 21 or so; I'm not unhappy with that.
FWIW, see if you can possibly replace just the slave cylinder, and then bleed the system.
My clutch pedal went soft on a 93 Miata, and a clutch slave cylinder rebuild kit cost me $10.84, tax included.
I also had to bleed the system and used about a dollar's worth of brake fluid.
That bumped the price to a blistering twelve bucks or so.
Not sure if the Prelude's setup is similar, but worth investigating. If you've ever bled a hydraulic system, it's not really any different than brakes, assuming it's similar to the setup in the Miata.
Besides, they fear that the job will fail and they will be stuck doing the job over for free.
Two different mechanics can look at something and have two different opinions of whether of not that item needs to be replaced.
Of course, while getting a second opinion, if the second guy says the part looks O.K, he becomes tha "good guy" and the guy who felt it needed replacement becomes a "crook".
My clutch worked for years, sold the car and it was still fine.
I have overhauled many a wheel and master cylinder and I never had a problem.
Heck, I didn't even have a hone. I wold use a piece of sandpaper to rough things up.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I've been using 85 octane, but saw that the manual suggests 87 or higher. I'm not sure if that would help or not, might try a tank or alternate between the two. What are you putting in the CX-7, is that 21 mainly highway driving? What does your daughter get in the Mini?
Also paying three times as much as I was with the Civic to fill up, but not bothered by that too much yet
Heck he even forgave the fact it was an automatic and a sedan, something he never does.
On another note, the Escort has been brought back to life and we pick it up in the morning. Total repair bill was less than the estimate, came in at a cool $1534 and they mounted/balanced the winter tires for free.
I'm really not a Chrysler basher. I had a Magnum for a company car that I loved, and recently rented the newly revised versions of the Grand Caravan and T&C and both impressed me. The 200 is just behind the competition, and by a longshot.
2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
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Seriously, I think there are FAR better choices.
Ford finally got it right, GM is trying but Chrysler just seems to be living in the past. Not "bad" cars but much better choices.
At least that's my opinion.
The current one looks really nice - particularly inside. Give them a chance. I think Fiat has the right idea here. Too bad this all makes Chrysler an Italian based company but the results are worth it.
I only put Shell V-Power 91 into the CX-7. The 21 is mostly rural 2 lane from Castle Rock to Elizabeth, plus some interstate to the Springs.
What does your daughter get in the Mini?
No idea .. she takes care of the gas so I'm not aware of what kind of mileage she is getting. She and the wife alternate driving days; they work together at the school district. But, if I were to guess, I'd say high 20's or low 30's. I think she puts 89 octane into it (regular Cooper; not Cooper S).
I see you are in Colorado. I guess you are at some high altitude. At higher altitudes, I understand gasoline octanes are lower than at sea level. If your owners manual says 87 octane, your 85 octane gas at a higher altitude is probably fine. And moving up to a higher octane will probably just be a waste of money.
dad23 and I are at about 6000' elevation, so slightly higher than Denver. The octanes available vary by station. The station I use for the ION - affiliated with the Kroger grocery store chain - offers 85, 87 and 89. The Shell stations in town have 85, 87 and 91.
The only car that I've owned that recommended 87 octane was my '03 Ford Focus; in the manual, it specifically recommended 87 even if you were at high altitude and had the choice of 85.
People bought these cars only to find their dealership GONE! Warranty work?
Forget it!
Ah, but now they are back as the owners of Chrysler of all things.
Give them a chance? Why?
As I said, there are a who LOT of better, PROVEN choices out there!
I think they did about the best they could with the 200, considering what they had to work with. The interior transformation is nothing sort of spectacular! It actually has an upscale, quality look about it! And the new engines are a nice surprise, especially that new 3.6 V-6.
My biggest problem with the car is simply the roofline. It's awkward looking IMO, and while the transformation from Sebring to 200 is pretty good, they really couldn't change that roofline, most likely, without incurring some major expense.
I have seen a few new 200's around, so evidently they're gaining in popularity. I hardly ever saw a 2007+ Sebring, although the Avenger, which is a rental car favorite, seems pretty common.
I'd buy a 200 if I could get a really good deal on one, compared to the competition, but I think I'd rather wait and see what happens with the next generation...if there is one.
FWIW, the 300 and Charger were a remarkable transformation as well. One thing that always made me leery of the 300 and especially the Charger was the downscale interiors. They just reeked of cost-cutting, compared to the older Concorde, 300M, and even Intrepid. But for 2011, they've more than made up for that!
I really like where the new Chrysler products are coming. But, long term will tell if this is simply 1957 revisited.
Much better to be essentially a supplier to an established company with an infrastructure.
and no, there are not that many people that still remember (or at least hold a grudge) about Fiat.
that, and the vast majority of people have no clue about the actual ownership of the company, or what the cars underneat. Just styling and incentives!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Did sit in the new Civic & the Insight and wasn't impressed with the Civic at all. If I had the choice right now like I had back in 2006, I would buy something different...the interior of the 2012 is pretty cheap looking with hard plastics and ugly radio controls. The Insight's interior & dash look a bit better but the Focus, Verano & Elantra look so much more modern. Saw the verano's nice dash in my Car & Driver I received yesterday. The exterior of the Verano is sharp looking as is the dash...am very excited to show the wife. the only thing wrong is the base price is a bit hefty when compared to the class as a whole. Not sure it's worth that much more than the competition but in the pic, they showed the car in silver and it did look stunning! For some reason it just fits better better on the Verano than on the Regal...if it drives as well as the competition, we'll have a lot to think about.
Going with the wife for the Focus test drive with the $50 coupon on Monday...we'll also try out the Fiesta just to see how much she likes it. Also, the South Florida Auto Show is in Miami this week and if I feel up to it, we're planning to go next Saturday so we can look at all the choices on our short list. A great time to be able to sit in them without any hassle from the sales folk. Figure to get there when they open, so the crowds will be less as I think most folks will come in the later afternoon/evening. We'l be there for the 11 a m opening and hopefully have a smaller crowd. If we do go, it'll be my 1st return to the show since my accident back in 2005...I really miss the show so G-d, please help me to feel better so we can go! Legs & back, don't fail me now!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Cosmetic improvement on the Sebring but not up to say a Ford Fusion.
I have been a rabid Chrysler fan since my first car, a 1969 Plymouth. I owned a 1997 Cirrus which is 3 generations removed from the 200. For it's time it was a contender and I loved it. Trouble is, Chrysler hasn't really improved the car much since.
I recently owned a Concorde and loved it. I currently own a PT Cruiser and although it's a nice grocery getter it is strictly 1990s technology.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'd strongly consider any of the Asian imports over a new 200. The Fusion looks dated but is still competitive.
Test drove a Fusion, Taurus, Regal, and Lacrosse today. The Fusion, um, no thanks, it felt dated and cheap, was a very boring car with a ton of road noise, almost as bad as the Civic. The Taurus hubby liked but the seating position was a little odd when it came to the dead pedal. The Regal had way too much road noise, the Lacrosse was pretty nice. Funny thing is NONE of them touched the 200 for quietness and bang for the buck.
Next on the list is the Sonata, Optima, Accord, Camry, Legacy, and possibly the Passat or Jetta. Trying to give at least all the mid-size sedans a look.
On another note, we picked up the Escort today, the kid made it about 5 miles from the shop and knew something was wrong. It was trying to quit on him and had no power, so hubby drove it and took it back to the shop. Apparently it had a misfire on cyl #2, so they replaced all the spark plugs free of charge and that fixed it. Little car is back up and running good now.