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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Assuming he keeps up on oil changes and other maintenance, that Accord could double it's present mileage. I've seen this many times.

    In the realm of things a 250.00 repair is no big deal.

    But, once the new car bug hits it's easy to justify a purchase.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    He's maintained it by the book since new. It's been pretty trouble free other than the transmission, a leaky trunk seal, and the CD player stopped working ages ago. Now it's just age and mileage catching up. I think he said he's been offered 4-5K in trade for it. Would a V6 auto be good for 360K without transmission worries?

    Oh, another excuse he's using is gas mileage, but I've told him repeatedly a new car will cost a lot more than saved fuel.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, that car is still new. Our 00 Accord has over 240K and that's with my daughter driving it the past few years!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,380
    big difference between a 4 cyl stick and a V6 AT. Though I hope you can get to 200K on one, since the one in my family is currently just over 160K... And needs to last at least another year+ until my son graduates, and can buy something newer for himself if he so desires.

    might not be as bad in an Accord though. not like an Odyssey, where you would seriously be into outlier territory. Though Fins friend is already on trans #2, so who knows?

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,878
    The guy put 180K on the car... Can't you let him get a new one, already? :surprise:

    I like the Focus 4-door hatch..... that's a nice vehicle..

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  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,973
    The guy put 180K on the car... Can't you let him get a new one, already

    It would take me 6 (heck, maybe 7) cars to rack up that kind of mileage!

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    Actually, almost every one from the "old days" is gone now.

    I don't think that's true. We've lost some, but there are still several of us around, too. Off the top of my head, I would say maybe 50% retention. I think the ones that are gone are standing out more in your memory is all. Much like bad car experiences overshadowing the good. ;)

    '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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,380
    hey, I've been here since '97 at least, since I remember discussin the '98 Quest that I got inlate 1997! Seems like more of the old timers that left were some of the sale people.

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

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    hey, I've been here since '97 at least, since I remember discussin the '98 Quest that I got inlate 1997! Seems like more of the old timers that left were some of the sale people.

    Agreed .. I've been here since the mid to late 90's as well.

    Gawd, has it really been 15 years? We need to plan a reunion!
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,973
    Six years, I'm still a rookie!

    Why is it that so many members have an April 13, 2001 join date? Was there a major site revamp or crash?

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

  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    'major site revamp' - yes, all were reset at that time...
    here is part of a post of mine from 1999:

    '#291 of 635 Initial impressions by rayainsw Nov 28, 1999 (4:18 pm)

    Just returned from a week of vacation – picked up my new LS on Saturday, Nov. 20th, and drove it approx. 650 miles on Monday, the 22nd. And now have about 1650 miles on it.....'
    2022 X3 M40i
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2012
    Yep, mostly a revamp. My memory is fuzzy but that may have been back in the 500 post limit days.

    I was probably reading Stickguy's posts when I was shopping for my '99 Quest in late 1998.

    That's only ~13 years. The van is old, but it's not quite 15. :shades:
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...was there a major site revamp or crash...?

    Yes. I only started lurking in 2002 but I remember people complaining back then that they had lost their "seniorty" after a site revamp.

    I was surfing Craigslist and I saw this:

    http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/2873275735.html

    Thought of stickguy and how he has relatives near-by. Edmunds says it's worth $23k with no options but that second set of wheels and tires might be worth a few grand.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,878
    ..joined in 2002....

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    IIRC I joined in '98 or early '99.

    We no longer own any car we had back then, so I guess I belong here, somewhat.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    edited February 2012
    I can't remember for the life of me when I joined. I do remember posting about my '99 626 that I leased new.

    EDIT: I searched for "qbrozen 626" and found a post from Feb 2001. so who knows.

    '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

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    I believe I joined in late 98 when shopping for a 99 Explorer but have been a lurker for the most part. I've changed handles since then and can't for the life of me remember what my original one was.

    Great forums and many times they have added a much needed chuckle to my day!

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I date at least back to 1997 - maybe even 1996.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    edited February 2012
    Yes, folks, after a bit of a hiatus, Test Drive of the Week has returned.

    This week's vehicle of choice is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS with 6-speed manual.

    Stopped by the Chevy dealer on Saturday to take a closer look at the Sonic LTZ (there weren't any on the lot), and the salesperson and sales manager both encouraged me to take a test drive of the Camaro.

    Ow, let go of my arm ... OK, OK, I'll take the test drive.

    I'd previously driven a 2011 Mustang GT, so I thought it would be interesting to compare the two.

    Camaro, given the IRS setup in the rear, has the better ride and handling. Ford really has to address this issue with the next gen Mustang - hard to believe there is a car with a live axle still sold.

    Mustang, however, gets the nod on driver comfort. Yes, the Camaro has a tilt and telescoping steering wheel (Mustang has tilt only), but the visibility out of the Camaro is just dreadful. Hard to imagine driving this car every day in traffic.

    Engine / Transmission - honestly, is there a difference between 414 HP (Mustang) and 426 HP (Camaro)? Not that I could tell. Both are stupid fast. I also couldn't tell if one transmission was better than the other, though I've heard stories about Mustang transmissions grenading.

    Creature comforts - You can get Sync in a Mustang. Camaro has On-Star. The Camaro did, however, have a heads up display feature that I found quite intriguing. Can toggle between speedo only and combo speedo & tach - which is nice, since the gauges are partially obscured by the steering wheel.

    The Camaro I drove was a 2SS (uplevel trim) that was black on black and stickered at $41K. I know you can option a Mustang to that price point as well, but if I were to have the cash equivalent to the purchase price dropped in my lap, I'd probably stick with something a little more minimal (Mustang with Brembo package, for example) and keep the cost around $30K.

    With loyalty rewards available and $2K of GM Card earnings expiring on Wednesday, it sure is tempting, however. But, I'd be single faster than the media can compare Jeremy Lin to Tim Tebow.

    As ever, I remain committed to living vicariously through those of you who are actively shopping and buying (breld and stickguy, I'm looking at you).

    Happy Motoring!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,380
    looks nice, that is for sure. But man, my fillings hurt just looking at those ultra low profile run flats! And I wonder if the problems with tires and wheels being destroyed apply to the 335 also 9or is that a 5 series issue?)

    anyway, twist my arm and I could live with that unit.

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

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,922
    $2k of GM Card earnings expiring Wednesday? That's like throwing money away - you must make some purchase! :)

    Here's a nice 2009 GTI, with no "push, pull or drag" deal:

    2009 GTI

    Having leather, I believe it has the "Autobahn" package.

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

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Can you use GM Card rewards for a CPO? Just curious.
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,922
    As ever, I remain committed to living vicariously through those of you who are actively shopping and buying (breld and stickguy, I'm looking at you).

    Well, my wife and I kinda made a pact this past weekend that we need to stick with what we have for awhile now. We recounted the car transactions over the past year and figured it was time to settle down a bit. She did qualify the whole thing with "unless there's something we just can't live without." :D

    The only thought I have is getting down to three cars, so there wouldn't be one sitting outside. But I wouldn't rush into anything - I like the contrast offered between the 530 and GTI too much to "settle" for one car.

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

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    breld - ooo, that's mean posting the GTI up at Shortline! Nice price, too.

    When I got the notification of the 'topping off' of my GM Card earnings (I've got $750, they upped it to $2K), I thought long and hard about my options within the GM family.

    (and juice, using those earnings on CPO isn't allowed, to the best of my knowledge)

    After much thought, there really isn't anything offered by GM, in my price range, that would cause me to want to trade in the ION.

    I did take a look at the Cruze ECO - the local dealer had one that was pretty stripped for about $20-21K - but, figuring $4-5K in trade value on the ION and the $2K in earnings, spending $13-14K on an appliance just wasn't exciting. Would be buying for buying's sake.

    OTOH, I am interested in a CTS Coupe, but they start around the mid to upper 30's, which is a bit out of my price range at the moment. I suppose I should take a closer look at it - especially if I could find a 6-speed manual (sure).

    Still looking and thinking.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    However, one thing I thinking of doing is replacing the stereo in the ION. It's got a double-DIN AM/FM/CD with an aux port. Thinking of getting something with a USB port and Bluetooth.

    I've poked around on the Best Buy website, but I'm finding that "Bluetooth Ready" and "Bluetooth Enabled" are two different things.

    Any car stereo experts out there?
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,973
    The CTS coupe is a really nice design. I bet with the DI 3.6 its a pretty good performer too.

    As for the car stereo, I would think "BT Ready" would mean you need to purchase an adapter to make it work. "BT Enabled" most likely means the unit has all the hardware built in. I would think the latter also comes with a microphone to be mounted somewhere in the car.

    I suggest going to Crutchfield.com and check out their offerings. They aren't always the lowest price, but they include all the harnesses and vehicle specific install instructions for free.

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

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    I'm not sure when I joined Edmunds, maybe 2000-2001? I know I was asking questions at the end of '05 about my new 2006 LR3 I was looking for..... traded that for a 2010 LR4 in Dec. '09.

    Anyway, I'm currently on a motorhome trip just arriving in Newport Beach, CA., for a couple of days. The next car purchase might be at the end of this year as I'm thinking of trading in the '07 CR-V for a 2013 CR-V.

    I noticed on the Honda website that they really don't make a beige/gold color, but they offer three grey's?

    I also need to find out if Blue-Ox makes a base-plate for the new CR-V, otherwise, if the don't, I'm not buying one as I need to tow it behind the MoHo.

    Mark156
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Did you recently purchase a compact or subcompact at least in part because it had very good fuel efficiency as gas prices continue to climb? A reporter is interested in speaking with you. Please send a brief description of your experience and contact information to pr@edmunds.com by Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    If someone has REALLY offered him that much as a trade in and that is a REAL number, it might be best to cut it loose since he seems to have lost interest.

    4 cyl Automatics never seem to give trouble but the V-6's will sometimes lose one around the 100K mark. Most of the time they are fine. It seems that once replaced the replacements last until it's time to get rid of the car.

    With those miles, one never knows but I've seen many a sweet running Honda with over 300K on the clock.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yeah, he's due.

    I was just trying to answer the "want" vs. "need" question. Personally, I would fix those small problems and drive it into the ground.

    We used to get some nice trades when people decided they "needed" a new car.

    Still, with those miles a major event could effectively total the car so maybe if he can REALLY get those trade dollars, his timing might be right?

    Even the wholesalers shy away from extreme high milers.

    Especially since it's now illegal to "clock" a car! :)
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yeah, I remember you Steve from the "old days". Remember Guitarzan?

    A lot of others back then and some lively discussions. Was it 1996 or 1997?

    Anyway, I lost my vesting and my seniority and two weeks vacation when that happened.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah I remember guitarzan.

    There was also this guy snurple who was the biggest pain. You could say the sky was blue and he'd argue it to death.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,878
    Well... actually, the sky isn't really blue..

    Light is refracted and.... aw... never mind.. ;)

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  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I KNEW someone would jump on that. You win the prize!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    edited February 2012
    I remember someone starting a topic entitled: "Most Annoying Person in Town Hall" It didn't last long. Neither did my topic "Survivor- Town Hall Style: Who's Off The Island?"
    :P

    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
    Sigh. I miss those days.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    edited February 2012
    Sigh. I miss those days.....

    I used to really enjoy tweaking the hotheads to the point they'd finally explode and respond with a profanity-laced diatribe- which would get them banned... :P :P :P

    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
    Yes. That is exactly what I miss! I could hardly bear reading the snurples of the world but it set you up so well and watching you hit one out of the park was a thing of beauty....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I'm guilty of doing the same thing. We had a few idiots that came along from time to time but we usually knew how to deal with them.

    Had to be careful though because the hosts knew what we were up to!

    Oh yeah, snurple! He was but one of many.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited February 2012
    If you are still in Newport Beach be sure to eat at the Crab Cooker. It's a funky place that has been there forever. Great food and not expensive.

    You are in my old stomping grounds now...enjoy!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh yeah, snurple! He was but one of many.

    Oh, but he was a world class knucklehead.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    I know they are prone to transmission issues, but what else? This would be my weekend, fun in the sun car. I miss a convertible.

    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/2873167738.html

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I'd certainly have a mechanic who speaks Saab check it out but they are great cars. My brother has one. About the best looking convertible a normal person can buy.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    transmission issues? I don't think I ever heard that one.

    '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: 265,878

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  • tommister2tommister2 Member Posts: 393
    What year is it? The outside looks nice.
    2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,380
    not a bad looking one. Brave man, living with just 1 key (though that probably has more to do with how expensive another one will be).

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

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    My crazy friend was busy looking yesterday. He called or texted me about 3 cars which are pretty different. First was a near new Golf diesel which had apparently been traded on a Passat. Then came an 08 1er coupe (he couldn't remember the model or transmission!) that he salivated over because of colors and high options. Then he found a loaded 40K mile 06 Accord hybrid that he somehow wants. ADD, I think.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    First was a near new Golf diesel which had apparently been traded on a Passat. Then came an 08 1er coupe (he couldn't remember the model or transmission!) that he salivated over because of colors and high options. Then he found a loaded 40K mile 06 Accord hybrid that he somehow wants. ADD, I think.

    Holy cow, this guy is all over the map. Does he have any idea what his priorities are? Given that two of the three choices listed above are higher MPG in nature, it seems like that is the direction he is leaning.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I want a diesel hatch, or a hybrid sedan. Either that or a sporty coupe from a luxury brand.

    Why not cross-shop a minivan and a bicycle while you're at it? :D
This discussion has been closed.