Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Got my kids Versa an oil change at Midas this morning and they said the axle seal is bad and needs to be replaced at $200 bucks but would do it for $150. Also said that the warranty wouldn't cover this repair. So here I am at the dealer to find out what's going on. Also showed me the wear bars on the front tires and said it's due for new ones really soon. They advised to leave the better one's on the rear, so I did. I think we can squeak out another 3k to 4k miles, so I'll just keep an eye on 'em.

Fezo, just sat in your exact car...very nice but the doors were too much for me and the view out back is extremelylimited to say the least. I could never do it in a million years! But the inside is finished as nicely as you said. Nice ride especially with the top down.

Satin some new/some used and also saw a new 2012 Kia Rio EX hatch and it looks relly nice, inside & out. But prefer the looks of the 5 door Accent. Also stopped into the Buick store and got a brochure for the new Verano. General manager said they're due in really soon and gave him my info so we can schedule a test drive. It's a sweet looking ride, much nicer than the Cruze, though pricier. But I can definitely see the wife loving this car as compared to the Elantra, my 1st choice. But I'd also love to see a Verano in the garage next to my Civic. I think we've got better than a 50/50 shot of that becoming reality. Justhope it drives as nice as it looks. There's also that 1st year thing that I still have a problem with...I did it with the Civic and broke my rule. Wish I could've waited till the 3rd or 4th year still. But if the Mazda can hold out till the 2013 models come out, that would be ideal. So I'll keep hoping that does happen.

To be honest, it's real hard walking around thelot and not wanting to trade the Civic for something newer. They had a real nice '09 Jetta SE with lowish miles...partial power seat with a tan interior. The killer was the blackpaint on the car...too hot for South Florida and there were numerous scratches on the car which black paint just highlights! A few other nice rides also but decided to not even test drive anything...my back is shot sitting in the few rides I sat in and most didn't have great seats either. Right now, my kid's Versa has the best seats for me...nicely padded and I can slide right into them...no falling into them, something I really need! They had a new '12 Versa SL hatch out front with the 16" alloys which was great but it was the dreaded black color. The '12 Sentra SL also had comfy seats and nice plush grippy fabric in a soothing red color...very, very nice. But not a greatidea since it's at the end of the model run. But if she needed a car right now, I'd have her try it and see how she likes it. Would think they'd want to move the unit since it's been on the lot for over 4 months now, they both have!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

michaellno

To be honest, it's real hard walking around the lot and not wanting to trade the Civic for something newer.

I hear you .. I feel the same way with my '06 ION.

In fact, this coming weekend I'll be in the Springs again so will have time to hit a couple of dealers and poke around.

fezo

In fact, this coming weekend I'll be in the Springs again so will have time to hit a couple of dealers and poke around.

Bring your title with you!

sandman - yeah those doors are pretty massive and the blind spots are big even for a convertible. You learn really quickly to have the mirrors just so.

Of course when the top is down visibility is excellent. What I need is a rear camera. I wonder how much trouble putting in one of those is?

tjc78

I wonder how much trouble putting in one of those is?

Do you have NAV? If so I would be willing to bet there is a kit that could be purchased and installed so that it comes up on the NAV screen. There is also a generic kit that will put a rearview cam in the rearview mirror.

I have the backup cam in the LaCrosse, I'm not sold on it. IMHO the backup sensors that beep as you get close to things are the better of the two. Its nice to have both, but I would choose the sensors if I had pick.

qbrozen

In doing a quick search for roadburner, I ran across this.

Once again, I need to be talked down. Hell, I'm even contemplating trading both my 540 and GTI for it.

roadburner

In doing a quick search for roadburner, I ran across this.

Too bad it's an autobox. Fine on the street, but a hindrance on the track.

tjc78

Nice find. I really like those in that charcoal grey/gunmetal color, however, black interior would certainly be the deal-breaker.

fezo

In doing a quick search for roadburner, I ran across this.

Curse you, Q! I just got my convertible and then you toss something like this at me! Like bait. I can see the hook and I don't care...... Dang!

roadburner

The 1975 2002 finally has a brake pedal that doesn't feel like(as he put it), "you are stepping on a block of wood". The final straw was when it began sticking to the point that the brakes would drag just a bit. I guess that's why it required five hours to disassemble and lubricate the pedal to master cylinder linkage(the pedal is floor mounted). I don't think the linkage had been apart since the car left Munich; it took an air wrench to remove the upper pivot bolt. Next up was a set of tires- Cooper Trendsetter SEs(hey, YOU try to find a sporting 185/70-13 tire- at least they have a "T" speed rating).
Now to find some time to install the über-cool LED Tail Light kit...

ateixeira

What I need is a rear camera. I wonder how much trouble putting in one of those is?

I installed a Magellan RoadMate 9055-LM GPS (~$200 at Amazon, new) and it has an input for a backup cam, then I added Magellan's wireless backup cam, and it works like a charm.

The GPS has a nice, huge screen, 7" or so. They have some cheaper models that also have the A/V input.

The backup cam is $150 at the Magellan site, but wait until you register your GPS and you get 10% off accessories, so the backup cam cost drops to $135. Total cost is roughly $334 for a nice big GPS and backup cam.

Install difficulty depends on the car. On my Sienna, I had to drill a hole in the sheet metal, but it's behind a trim piece so you don't see anything.

The kit provides taps - you basically tap in to one of the reverse lights, no splicing, just squeeze a tap they provide in the kit. It was more work to find out which wire to tap, to be honest. Then you connect a ground, feed the wire out to the camera, which bolts to the license plate.

Up front, it's very clean. Magellan gives you one power cord to power both the wireless receiver and the GPS itself, so just one power cord. I removed some trim and tucked the wires behind, so you don't see wire until you get near the floor.

Lemme know if you're interested, I made videos of how it works. :shades:

Took me maybe 2 hours, though I researched before I started.

qbrozen

Fine on the street, but a hindrance on the track.

I don't believe this box is. I haven't tried it, but from all reviews, this ZF transmission is lightning quick, smooth, and even rev matches downshifts. And this one even has the optional paddle shifters. Close to a DCT in performance, so I've heard.

michaellno

Bring your title with you!

Fortunately (or not), we take the CX-7 to the Springs. The wife really doesn't like to ride in the ION.

q - nice BMW, even with the slushbox.

slorenzen

Sandman,

the best rig I ever owned, regarding ease of entry/exit, was an '02 Tacoma 4x4.

I could get in and out by simply pivoting, no dropping down into the car like the Civic(I also have an '06 Civic), or climbing up like my current "farm" truck.

Of course, I'm 6'2", so it may not work for you depending on your height.

Had a neighbor years ago, pretty tall guy, who LOVED his "dustbuster" van(one of the GM minivans) for the same reason. Really easy to get in/out.

With your back issues, you should look at a slightly taller rig, methinks...

Sandman6472

Hell, now that's a sweet machine...damn! Perfect color too.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Kirstie_H

Here's an odd one - please pass it along if you know anyone!

A reporter is interested in talking with people who collect hood ornaments. To share your story, please email pr@edmunds.com no later than December 15, 2011. Please include your daytime contact information and a few words about your collection.

Sandman6472

Agreed, but for now, I sit on a very comfortable Tempurapedic like cushion from the Relax The Back Store...makes driving a breeze for me and it lets me sit up a few extra inches. But as I told my girls earlier after we passed a last generation RX 330, that's what I should really be driving now...comfortable leather seats with a higher ride height that makes getting in or out simple...I just slide over either way and it's done...perfect! But now's not the time to be spending maybe $14k or so on something I don't really need. But if my Civic ever got totaled, I'd look for a low mileage RX in a heartbeat!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Got the new brochure for the Verano earlier...a real beauty for sure with great upscale interior appointments and it has the 2.4L engine which she's used to already. This could be the one folks! Last Buick we had was an 1979 Skylark, red with a white 1/2 vinyl top, my wife's 1st car. A nice riding car and when that red color was newly waxed, man...was it shiny! Her folks got a 1984 Regal, white with a blue 1/2 vinyl top, another good looking car and it was a coupe like the Skylark...great GM cars. Our last GM was a 1985 Cutlass Supreme, white with a blue vinyl top, a gorgeous ride especially with the wire wheels it came with. So comfortable and room for the whole family...a gift from my in-laws to us...we were so blessed to have her folks!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

I really like the Verano (I guess so it looks like a mini LaCrosse) it seems like it could get a bit pricey, but , it is a premium car that I would guess is supposed to compete with the TSX, etc.

roadburner

I don't believe this box is. I haven't tried it, but from all reviews, this ZF transmission is lightning quick, smooth, and even rev matches downshifts. And this one even has the optional paddle shifters.

Shifting is fine, the problem is the box will second-guess you by upshifting or downshifting when you don't want it to- even in "Manual" mode. I also doubt that it will prove to be as durable as a manual transmission when driven in anger.

Sandman6472

Pricey? Absolutely but to get just the base model with the auto tranny, hopefully not to bad and looks so much better than a Cruze or a Focus, a more classy look, like a mini Regal and that ain't a bad thing to be compared to. Really think Buick has done a nice job style wise with their newer products...bravo Buick!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen

Really? So I take it you've tried this one out? I'd have to sample it myself, of course. Any time it decides to shift for me in manual mode is a definite no-no and I'd have to pass. So many other manufacturers have gotten at least that part of it right with their autos, I'm surprised to hear BMW hasn't.

EDIT: I just searched for this on bimmerfest and there doesn't seem to be a consensus. Best I can figure out is the 328 upshifts by itself, but the 335 does not (different transmissions, so it would make sense). Guess I'll have to find out for myself one of these days.

oldfarmer50

"...The wife really doesn't like to ride in the ION..."

What's your experience been with your Saturn? Does your wife dislike the seats? (I've heard they aren't the most comfortable). I might be buying an old SC in the spring and any impressions would be helpful.

oldfarmer50

"...With your back issues..."

After her stroke my wife found that a PT Cruiser was the perfect compromise betwwen the low seats of a regular car and the too high one's of an SUV. Maybe that or a CUV might be right.

stever

Interesting - the Cruiser looks like it rides pretty low. Add minivans to the list - my 85 year old mother in law has an easier time sliding in and out of our van than in the Outback wagon.

Come to think of it, I do too.

nyccarguy

My 2010 TSX has a great auto tranny. In manual mode it will not upshift unless I flick the right paddle. My former 2007 auto tranny equipped X3 ALWAYS upshifted whether I told it to or not.

stickguy

that is a nice car. Looks actually cheap for equipment and miles. Wonder how relaible that dealer is?

but heck, a lot nicer than spending that much on a stipper Sonata or something like that.

fintail

Speaking of your old S500, local dealer has this beauty:



Final year (99) car, 63K miles, nicest I have seen in years - these things are growing on me...if only they weren't like maintaining a house.

michaellno

What's your experience been with your Saturn? Does your wife dislike the seats? (I've heard they aren't the most comfortable). I might be buying an old SC in the spring and any impressions would be helpful.

I was hoping to avoid mentioning this, but because the ION serves as my pizza delivery vehicle, the biggest reason why the wife doesn't like it is the stale smell of pizza. I, of course, have become used to it to the point where I don't notice it anymore.

Other than that, the ION has been relatively trouble free for 5.5 years and 61K miles. It's had the power steering recall fix done, and there were a couple of door rattles that were attended to early on, but there hasn't been any major problems - oh, the rear shocks were replaced a couple of months ago. Still on the original brake pads and shoes (and I've done almost 20K of hard driving in the past 18 months alone).

The early SL and SC models were, I believe, even more bullet-proof. The 1.9L engine was over-engineered and can last for 200K with regular maintenance. I've got the corporate GM 2.2L "EcoTech" (140 HP).

My wife's grandmother had a 2nd-gen SC (the one with the extra door). She sold it recently as she is 92 and doesn't drive anymore. That would have been a great car to own, as it had really low miles and was kept in immaculate shape.

Anyway, back to the ION - while delivering pizzas earlier tonight, I was looking for an address and turned a corner too sharply, hitting a drainage culvert almost head on. Popped the tire and it looks like I bent the alloy wheel - not sure if it can be salvaged.

Of course, we're expecting between 5 and 8" of snow tonight and tomorrow, so getting to a tire store to replace the tire might be a bit of a challenge with the donut. And, I'm scheduled to work again tomorrow as well. Might have to get a new tire (or two) put onto the stock steel wheels.

qbrozen

Well, spoke with the wife last night. I had sent her a link to that 3'er yesterday. This is what transpired last night:

her: That's a nice BMW.
me: Yeah. Can I get it?
her: Go ahead.
me: So, what do you think? I trade both cars in?
her: No.

break takes place thanks to kids. Conversation continues later after they are in bed. In the meantime, however, I'm wondering about this. So, hmmm... do I have 2 BMWs? My thought was that I would sell off everything, get the 3'er, and look for another $2k-$3k backup car. But... hey, why can't the 5'er be that backup car? Its a bit more expensive, but so what?

me: So, you don't think I should trade both?
her: No, you will sell the 540 yourself.
me: Hmmm... well, ya know, I am going to sell the MR2, so maybe I should hold onto the 540 as my backup.
her: I guess. ...... but then why buy the 3? If you are keeping the 5, then why not get a 135? ....or a Porsche?
me: Gee... I suppose you are right. Problem is, the 135s seem to be more expensive. I have no idea why. And I've been looking for a 911 for a while now and not finding any real good candidates. But I guess you are right and I should hold out.

Anyhooo.... so the hunt is kind of on. I expanded my search last night on one site at least and came up with an Orange over tan 135i about 3.5 hours away. '08 w/53k miles, sport, premium, auto w/paddles. No cold weather pack and I was trying to stay under 50k miles, but I have a thing for orange. $21,500. The other is a 911 I've seen listed for quite some time now. It is in NY maybe 90 mins away. It is a 2000 stick with only 33k miles. Problems are that its silver over black (ugh, boring!), has yellowed headlight lenses, and I suspect previously repaired (trunk is missing Carerra badge). Also under $22k.

ateixeira

I think they look handsome, too, and Buick was smart and didn't use powertrains from the Cruze.

Having said that, why does the Equinox get better gas mileage with the same engine? The Verano isn't quick, so it's not short gearing or anything. I was a bit disappointed.

rayainsw

Enjoy the process - and good luck!
- Ray
Enjoying the [ temporary ] cure.....

Sandman6472

Yes, the mpg's aren't really that great for a 2.4 engine...was hoping to buy her a car with city figures at least of 29 or better and highway in the upper 30's, so the Verano really doesn't fit in there. But, I don't think she's gonna be to happy with the view out of the Elantra's rear window, not bad to me and not something I'd rule the car out with but it is going to be "her" car and she needs to be happy. But, I love the looks of the Verano and know she would also. Having that nice interior is a plus but the 18" wheel package will be pricey when the time comes for replacement sneakers...the regular alloys look fantastic though. All in all though, it would be the perfect car for her...think most folks would go for the cheaper Cruze to save the extra dough but Buicks have always been a very nice, so we'll see.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Personally, I'd go for the smaller 135i, you've already got the bigger 540 which should be your daily mule. Sell the excess vehicles and keep the 135 as your "toy" and I'll bet the wife will end up driving it more than you! Agree with her that the 335i is a redundant car since you've already got the 540. Or sell all your cars, get the 135i and sit back and enjoy them awhile. There's the minivan for the family, the wife has the Saab drop top for her fun & you'd have the 135i as your dd and probably save some money on gas to boot. Then sock some funds away over the next few years when you can find that nice 911. You've probably bought what, like 5 or 6 cars these past few years...right? And that smaller BMW would be a hoot to throw around so you'd have your fun when you want it to. And you'd also be saving some much needed funds for that dream ride. You'd also save with lower insurance payments also and trust me, having had 3 kids, it does get more expensive when they get older!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

michaellno

I put 4 new tires on the ION this morning - Yokohama Avid's. More than I wanted to spend, but the Falken's I had on there were pretty much shot, and not much use in the snow.

The good news is that the alloy wheel, while slightly bent, was usable. Oh happy days.

Q - nice that your wife understands your need to continually punch the CCBA membership card.

mark156

Fin, that S500 does look nice. I'm remembering one thing I didn't like about that car, the front-end seemed very heavy, but I got used to it. The steering wheel was slow to self correct but it did feel rock solid.

That model of Mercedes ('92-'99) had the thick double glass windows. Once, when our local hwy here in California was being repaved, a car came around the corner and got caught in some gravel and threw it towards our car. It broke the drivers side turning signal cover and broke the drivers door window. The outer glass broke but not the inner glass. Insurance paid for the repair.

Ours had the little antenna's that would pop up at the rear corners when put in reverse. They were silly as they should have been taller. That was before bumper sensors (ours was a '94).

Mark156

slorenzen

"her: Go ahead."

DANGER, WILL ROBINSON!!!! :surprise:

this might be a trap!

I've learned(the HARD way) that when she says that, it possibly means "I DARE you". Of course, I can only speak of my wife, but still...

I bought a motorcycle that way once...paid for a long time...

qbrozen

nah. We've been married 11 years. I know what she means.

ateixeira

it is going to be "her" car and she needs to be happy

Happy wife, happy life.

ateixeira

They can change the rules whenever they want.

qbrozen

Saab is gone. An '86 300E took its place.

I've been searching all morning and can't seem to find any 135 closer than that one that fits the bill. I'm really not anxious to make that trip to try to cut a deal on my trade-in, etc.

slorenzen

I'd been married for 25 years when I "learned" this lesson...

As a qualifier, I can only comment on MY wife, but...you've been warned...

boomchek

How much are they asking for it?

qbrozen

After looking around more, it seems that 335i in Rahway is rather cheap. I then searched on the dealer's name and found nothing but bad reviews. Salvaged/damaged cars, extra fees at signing, etc.

houdini1

I know what you mean. I bought my '06 LS 430, used, back in '08. That car has put me out of the car buying biz for over 3 years now. I still look, but I haven't found anything yet that even comes close.

The opposite happened with my wife's ride. We traded her 2003 LX 470 on a 2007 LX 470 a couple of years ago. They are/were both great but she still pines for the 2003...I agree, for some reason the '03 just seemed to ride and drive better. Leather was better also.

qbrozen

Ok. Before you click this link, I warn you Jersey guys you may want to run out and buy it. So do NOT click this link if you don't want to be tempted. There... you can't blame me now! LINK

If it had about 5k less miles and was a hardtop, I'd probably be running to it myself.

Sandman6472

Looks like there would be large blind spots looking out back and a bit claustrophobic inside, no? Sat in fezo's car yesterday and couldn't believe how hard it was to see out the back tiny window...and it felt very claustrophobic in there also, something I could never live with. With the top down, no problem though. I liked that the guts were'nt showing and they had a nice black covering hiding the guts. And one thing Q, passed a beautiful white 128i this morning and wow, what a nice ride...I could get very used to one of those here even with those large doors. Man, it was awesome and looked like a blast to drive.

Drove past the lexus store with my daughter earlier and showed her the RX 330 I'd love to get. She liked it too but told me to "put the money away" instead of spending some of it for a newish ride...guess I taught her right! But this is the child who wanted to buy a Mini while only having an Accent budget. And I'd never tell her, but she'd look real good in a Mini...just matches her sunny, fun disposition. We told her that after pharmacy school, pay off your loans and buy whatever car you want...knowing her, that's probably exactly what she'll do to! She tolerates her Accent but wants a car with more bling I guess. But her limited funds at the time made the Accent a logical choice for her 1st ride. And to tell ya the truth, it scoots around town here pretty nicely, just wish it got better mileage as my Civic beats her figures and it's quieter and bigger. She had the choice of the versa like her older sis got, but chose this Accent instead.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

ateixeira

Kids want a back seat on the eventual Miata replacement, that's certainly interesting. 2004 though? I need a daily.

au1994

oh my....

nyccarguy

If it was a coupe? Oh my! I almost Prefer the 18" wheels to the 19s. But that is me being über picky

fezo

Who sez I can't blame you? Dang! Of course you'd end up as my personal mechanic.....

Nice.