Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

About bringing my wife's Pilot in for service is that she gets a really nice loaner car, my BMW. So even though it is threatening to rain & I clay bar & waxed my Prelude last week, it gives me a good excuse to drive it.

akangl

I think this is going to be a $750 - $800 service visit.

Maybe this will make you feel better. I had to buy tires for my Sierra this spring, got lucky and found a nearly new set mounted on wheels on CL for $600. Right after that it was oil change time and in true Chippy fashion she had eaten yet another air filter so that was a $155 service. Had to buy tire pressure sensors for the new wheels, $270 + $75 for install. Next service, Chippy decided it was fuel filter time, oil change and the fuel filter was $250. Next on my truck's list is shocks, of course it's all 4 since 1 front and 1 rear are blown. Also needs an alignment, so $700 total. I haven't done it yet because I really don't want to spend the money. Last time I looked at the odometer it was creeping up on oil change time again, I don't go by the oil life monitor, I have it changed every 4k since its a diesel and its what has always been done with the truck. Oil change is $90 and if the air filter is still clean I might get out of there for just $90.

I had forgotten how expensive a diesel can be to own. After we sold our 24' car hauler trailer on Friday I mentioned to hubby that maybe it was time to downsize to something smaller and more fuel efficient. Something like a small or mid-size SUV which would be a bit better with the baby coming. He simply said "when have you ever been happy with your decision to trade in a vehicle you really like?" Yup, he's right, so the truck stays.

fintail

Those 2012 Civics just look a little "off" to me somehow, and they are notoriously decontented. A 13 might be a better car if you really want a Civic - they didn't quickly refresh the 12 for nothing.

The Accord looks nice, and as a 4 it should be easy to live with. I like the 2013s a lot more though.

nyccarguy

You are right, everything is relative!

You better not get rid of that Diesel Sierra Pickup! Carwise, I've never seen you so happy.

andre1969

The Accord looks nice, and as a 4 it should be easy to live with. I like the 2013s a lot more though.

I'd have to sit in the 2008-12 style Accord again to refresh my memory, but one thing I didn't like about the 2013 is that it seemed like they shrunk the seats a bit. Almost as it they put compact car seats in a midsize, to make it feel roomier. I kinda remember the '08-12 as having bigger, thicker seats, but again, I'd have to test-sit to refresh my memory.

Oh, and I just talked with the mechanic. Buick is ready to go. It was a rusted brake line. Between replacing that, a bleeder screw, flushing the system, and other adjustments, the bill came out to about $400. So, at least this time around it's not a wallet-killer. I did just run some numbers though, and calculated that over the last 12 months, this thing has cost me about $322 per month in maintenance and repairs. So, while not cheap, I guess it's still less than the monthly payment would be on a brand-new car that's comparable

fintail

The 08-12 is a pretty big car to begin with, so you are probably right. IIRC the 13 model weighs several hundred pounds less.

$400 is routine for a car of that age. Cheaper than a new car, but also not a new car. Have you factored depreciation into that? I ran some numbers (in my head) when I got the new car, and it came out with the new car not costing terribly more than the old one (due to the cheap subsidized lease no doubt) - the experience of having a new one being worth it. I have no regrets.

andre1969

$400 is routine for a car of that age. Cheaper than a new car, but also not a new car. Have you factored depreciation into that?

Nah, I haven't factored depreciation into it, although I probably should. My spreadsheet is a bit masochistic, I guess, in that doesn't take depreciation into account, but rather the purchase price, any monthly payments made (if financing), and then if there is an end value (sale, salvage, etc) that gets taken off when it happens.

So right now, my spreadsheet says the Buick has averaged $356 per month since the day I bought it. That includes the purchase price, tax, tags, registrations, emissions tests, repairs, maintenance. Everything that has gone into that car, except gasoline and insurance. If I assume it's worth, say, $3,000, that would drop the average cost per month to about $285.

I dunno what a typical monthly payment would be on something like a ~$32K Impala or Charger. Probably more than I want to think about right now!

fintail

Depreciation was easily the biggest expense of my previous car. I came out ahead ~$500 with the warranty I bought, but a $1300+ set of tires and a few non-warranty issues added up. Now that I run some numbers in my head again, I think the new car is costing a little over $100/month more than the averaged price of the old one. It's livable.

You'd be leasing at ~350 or financing around 500 for that new car, for sure.

corvette

The cabin filter and engine air filter should come up on the maintenance minder display at some point.

corvette

"I had forgotten how expensive a diesel can be to own."

Has anyone claimed Labor Day in the betting pool? :P

corvette

"...this thing has cost me about $322 per month in maintenance and repairs."

I always thought that the 3800-powered cars were fairly inexpensive to keep running due to the ubiquity of replacement parts, but I guess not. $322/month in maintenance and repairs would be beyond my comfort level on that car.

Weymouth Honda will lease you a new Accord Touring for $407/month with zero down (3 years, 36k), or an EX-L V6 (without navigation) for $345. I'm sure you could get an Altima in a similar price range.

andre1969

I always thought that the 3800-powered cars were fairly inexpensive to keep running due to the ubiquity of replacement parts, but I guess not.

It's not the 3800 that's the problem, but all the crap that's attached to said 3800! :sick:

Back in October, it needed brake work, new front sway bar bushings, and a new front axle. Around February, it needed a MAF sensor and some other emissions crap. And the in April, it needed two very expensive tensioners. About two weeks later it needed a battery. That's when I discovered that when one of the tensioners failed, the resulting shrapnel ripped a chunk out of the battery, and it slowly discharged.

Each of those three trips was about $1000-1100. Plus the $133 for the battery, that I did myself. Plus this $400 for the additional brake work I just had done.

suydam

When the repairs start getting closer and closer together, that's when I start to think it's time to look for a replacement.

Kirstie_H

Are you a female driver who has trouble finding a good place for her purse in the car? A reporter would like to talk. Please contact pr@edmunds.com by July 6, 2013.

akangl

Has anyone claimed Labor Day in the betting pool?

I won't get rid of the Sierra, if I did and regretted it there's no way I could replace it. A new one is $62k and I'd never find another '07 with only 60k miles on it. Kind of like when I sold my '07 Pilot, I've regretted it ever since and could never replace it. I feel the same way about Chippy, great truck that will never leave the stable.

On another note, our new neighbor felt so bad watching hubby try to mow the huge lawn at our new house with a push mower that he loaned him his riding lawn mower. That was Sunday night and our old landlord gave back our entire deposit including the pet deposit.....a cool $2k. I took hubby right out and bought him a brand new riding lawn mower. Who says I buy everything for me.....well ok I might mow the lawn sometimes.

Does a riding lawn mower count as a punch? It does have 4 wheels, a transmission, an engine, and you drive it.

akangl

What we did with our kids was match what they saved. That way she will have a significant stake in the car as she paid for half of it and knows how hard she had to work to save up for it, but she won't be drivi g a wreck either. For 7k you will still have an older, cheaper to insure car but it will probably run a lot better and be safer too.

That's basically what we are doing, she has approx $1500 and we are giving her $2k. Her brother survived almost 2 years driving a $1k car that we bought him before he bought his '11 Elantra on his own. I told her we would keep looking and if we can't find anything decent we will consider leasing in the fall.

I have good luck finding nice older vehicles that seem to run forever and I have a good shop that checks them out before I plunk down the cash. However, I wouldn't put her in something I felt wasn't safe.

andre1969

but for a moment, I had considered this:
2008 Grand Marquis GS, $31,804 miles, $11,995

I know it would most likely be a sturdy, durable, long-lived car, and the price doesn't seem too bad (although it's going on 6 model years old). But, I just don't like the way they cost-cut and decontented these cars in later years. I'm fine with the fact that it has cloth seats rather than leather, but the rest of it...dash, door panels, carpeting, etc, just scream taxi cab/police car. In fact, I once owned a police car, a 1989 Gran Fury interceptor, that had a ritzier looking interior than this!

If I got this car, the first thing I'd do is loose those awful hubcaps and find some simple dog-dish hubcaps to put on it! And NOT to make it look like a copcar...I just think the cheap dog-dish hubcaps would be an improvement! In fact, I still have the old dog-dish hubcaps from my Gran Fury. I wonder if they'd fit a Ford wheel?

corvette

Look for a Lincoln Town Car--those were decontented, too, but still nicer than the MGM.

fintail

Wow, rental grade looking dash and a sloppily applied steering wheel cover. They don't stage their pics very well. I am sure the Buick feels a lot ritzier, too.

stickguy

My son got a cheap car to call his own, though it is in my name, and subject to repossession at my discretion. The one he has now only cost 2K 4.5 years ago, and only just decided to eat some money this past year (but still only about $1,200 total for alternator/battery, window regulator, and plugs/coil packs). He can use that until he finally gets a job (just graduated college), at which time I will probably take it back for me, but will help him with a DP or loan drive off on something new.

My daughter just drives my "good" car (the Volvo) since I don't really need it, though if you ask her it is "her" car. Which 1 rule violation becomes mine again! If we keep that through the rest of HS (1 more year) I will get it back for at least 1 year when she goes to college and the car stays home. and if it lasts all the way through college, i won't want it back anyway!

roadburner

Each of those three trips was about $1000-1100. Plus the $133 for the battery, that I did myself. Plus this $400 for the additional brake work I just had done.

Wow, that makes me feel much better about having to R&R the transfer case in my son's X3 last year...

michaellno

Kids and cars. Don't get me started.

Too late.

1998 Geo Tracker. 60k miles, owned by retired GM exec. Bought for 16 yo step son. Owned for 5 weeks before totaling.

2002 Saturn L200. Black/black with stick shift. Co-signed for step son. Less than a year after he paid it off, his gf (now wife) totaled it on I-80 in Wyoming.

Her parents co-signed for the next car.

2006 Saturn ION. Bought new for step daughter to get her to/from college. After 3 years and 34k miles, it acts up and wife refuses to let her drive it. Handed off to me - turned 91k tonight with only a few issues.

2010 MINI Cooper. Co-signed for step daughter. 25k miles and no problems other than having to replace two tires.

1993 Subaru Legacy wagon. 135k and stick shift. Inherited from FIL when he passed. Drove it from CO to CA and gifted to son as HS grad present. He bought a '95 or '96 Mustang and sold the Subie to a friend. Was totaled only months later.
:sick:

Best of luck on the car search, Jolie!

Andre - at what point do you ditch the Buick?

Sandman6472

Wife called today and said she heard noise once in front end...says she thinks it's axle boot problem. Asked her how she came to this conclusion by hearing it only once and she gave me an answer which made no sense...but she wants to fix it! Then mentions the a/c is wonkey again and doesn't know what to do. I've been after her for months to go test drive all she's interested in so she can make an educated decision once that time comes but she has done nothing at all. Refuses to purchase a 2013 model and now says she doesn't want to shell out $20k on a new vehicle but won't even consider used/cpo. All I can do is shake my head at this point! Finally told her to go to her friends a/c guy and have the a/c taken care of and stay the course and if that noise comes back, we'll investigate.

At 121k, the Mazda has given her faithful service with minimal problems and she loves the way it drives. But I've tried to explain that now it's starting to nickel and dime her to death and every little problem will get expensive to fix...there needs to come a point where it's just not worth the aggravation or expense and I think we're at that point or will be within the next month or two. Hate to put in a large sum of cash only to have her decide soon after that she's just gonna trade and buy new. And at the end of the day, it's all going to be my fault no matter what happens. So now every day I wait to see what will happen next!

Stopped by another auto collision place on Friday after the 1st place gave me an estimate of about $1100 to fix the body damage. Owner comes out looks at damage and calls for one of his guys to come over and sends me inside. About 5 minutes later he comes in and says I'm good to go! Huh? He brings me out and everything is o k and he tells me his guy just pulled out the part of the front fender that was pushed in and realigned the front door. There's a small mark in the paint but he said it's not a problem...door now opens perfectly and he explains that they felt that since the paint wasn't compromised and the metal was able to be pulled back out cleanly, no sense repalacing the fender, repainting, etc. And actually, it looks like nothing ever happened and that mark isn't that noticeable...I know it's there but the average person wouldn't see it. Yay...I'm a happy camper and they gain a new customer if we ever need any body work in the future, and with 4 vehicles in the family fleet, this is a distinct possibility at some future point. Am doubly glad that no paint work was required since that can be dicey unless the painter is a real pro at blending old and new. The idea of also going through the new insurance company for the claim was also something I had mixed feelings about so this is the best possible solution. And to be honest, after more than 7 years already, there are a few nicks, blemishes already on the vehicle and though it looks great overall, it's not a 10! The Sandman is a happy guy now!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

au1994

I'm not a large car type of guy, but if I were, I'd give the new Impala a long, hard look. I realize you may be trying to stay under a budget number so maybe thats out.

Heck, keep shopping. That's half the fun! Maybe you can happen upon a Crown Vic or Grand Marquis that was only driven to church on Sunday and to the hairdresser on Wendnesdays!

stever

That was a nice surprise (the free body repair). You should write up a review about that shop.

Let's see, I had a major "tune-up" right after my van turned 120k. In the last 65,000 miles since 120k, I've spent $5,805 on maintenance and repairs, including the usual brakes and tires and the unexpected CV joint, blower resistor, injectors. That's about .09 cents a mile; about two cents too high but I just dropped a timing belt and new tires in it to the tune of $1,200.

The $23k purchase price is down to 0.12 cents a mile.

Something tells me I'd really like your wife. :shades:

andre1969

Andre - at what point do you ditch the Buick?

This is kind of a cop out, but, when it "feels" right, I guess. Sort of like when you have an old dog that's sick but still has its good days. But, over time those good days become fewer and further between. In my gut I guess, I'll know when it's time.

Either that, or I'll be doomed to having the thing nickel and dime me to death (oh, if only they were just nickels and dimes :sick: )

andre1969

'm not a large car type of guy, but if I were, I'd give the new Impala a long, hard look. I realize you may be trying to stay under a budget number so maybe thats out.

Lemko and I both drove a 2014 Impala at the Carlisle PA GM show a couple weeks ago. That car was VERY nice. This particular model MSRP'ed for around $38,000, but as nice and loaded as it was, the price didn't seem to out-of-line.

At the very least, I'd want a V-6 and sunroof, so I imagine I'd still be looking at around $30K or so. And that's a bit more than I want to pay at this point. Plus, every once in awhile I'll see Charger R/T's for around that same price, so I'd probably be swayed towards one of those if I wanted to pay that much for a car.

For the time being, I'm probably going to just keep casually looking. Something might grab my attention, eventually. Actually, there is this blue beauty, only a few miles from my house. But something like that's really more of a toy than a daily driver workhorse, and I don't need any more of those.

au1994

yep, that Imperial is cool!

andre1969

They've had that Imperial on the lot for awhile now...at least 5 months. I thought about offering them $2500 or so, and seeing what happens. It does have a little rust in one of the lower quarter panels, has been repainted, and it was recalled for the fuel injection, like most of them were, and swapped out by the factory/dealer for a 2-bbl setup.

But, I've decided I'm not going to get any more antique/"toy" cars unless I get rid of something first.

rayainsw

I am currently seeing V8 Chargers, well equipped
[ heated leather seats, nav, sunroof, etc ]
for less than $30K around here...
- Ray
Tempted...

au1994

Yep. Just looked and Mall of GA Dodge has a Charger R/T w/a Hemi for just under 25k after all rebates applied. That's a lot of car for that price.

jayrider

The LaCrosse is due for a remake next year. Should be some great deals on used models with low miles. Buick has a 4 year warranty so a 2 year old car with certification would have 3 years of coverage. Took my 2012 on a mini-road trip yesterday in the rain -- highway and rural roads and was very happy. Quiet solid ride. I would stay away from that Imperial -- when I went to the site, my computer froze up --- had to switch browsers. :sick:

andre1969

I would stay away from that Imperial -- when I went to the site, my computer froze up --- had to switch browsers

Well, the electronics in the cars of that era could be incredibly sketchy...maybe that transferred somehow to your computer! :surprise:

akangl

Am doubly glad that no paint work was required since that can be dicey unless the painter is a real pro at blending old and new.

When Chippy was hit in the parking lot last year I was very worried about paint work on a 5 year old truck. Thankfully the body shop that repaired the pilot knew how picky I was and put one of the top body/paint guys in the state on it. When I first saw the repair there was issues but they fixed everything and even fixed a few other spots on the bedside that were unrelated. In the end you would never know there was a repair. I can spot paintwork easily on most cars but they did such an outstanding job on Chippy that I'd be hard pressed to find it if I didn't already know it was there. It must be good since I didn't trade the truck in right after!

Sandman6472

I'm just glad that we're doing nothing as I'm a bit anal like you when it comes to my vehicles, I want things to be perfect or as close to perfection as possible. Something the wife just doesn't get but I want all the vehicles to always look good inside and out and usually fix things right away. The issues with her Mazda are driving me nuts and I'm just at the point where I hate to keep throwing $ at it. If we keep it much longer, things like the timing chain and another tranny service will be needed and I still want to get her headlights cleaned up...a little bit here and a little bit there eventually add up. Right now the a/c is working and on trade-in we'll probably get squat so hate to do much else. Tires and brakes are good and if we can just nurse it through the summer and fall until the last week of 2013, I'll be thrilled...I like to purchase at the end of the year if possible, the best being on the 30th or 31st. And I need her to be happy in a safe, dependable ride with a great warranty...and since we've had such great luck with the kid's Hyundai and having the dealership within 2 miles of the house just makes it the logical choice. Just have to get her to like the Elantra though! As for me, I'm warming up to the GT model with the power seat option!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fintail

Back in 2009, my old E55 got a not-noticed-til-the-next-day parking lot bumper scrape, and as I am OCD, had to get it fixed. Used what is known as the best shop in my town, one the MB dealer uses to repair cars. I carry a $1000 deductible. The cost? $973.

You really need to split car duties - she buys and cares for hers, you buy and care for yours. Then you can be happy and not need approval. And for your 3 and Civic, they both have good enough resale value where you might benefit by selling privately.

nyccarguy

I've still got a while until my kids start driving. 9 years until son #1 can get his hands on a permit. Originally I wanted to pass my Prelude down to him. The problem with that is that son #2 is only 2 1/2 years younger and is just as much into cars as son #1. I'm thinking of maybe buying a car like a Civic Si maybe when son #1 turns 14 and driving it for a few years until he gets his license, but then what to do for son #2 & my daughter?

akangl

Just have to get her to like the Elantra though!

My son loves his '11 Elantra, it's been a very problem free car. He's right at 30k miles on it and is grumbling about its upcoming service. He did some of it himself but still has a few things the dealer needs to do. Overall great car!

Sandman6472

Once she drives one I think she'll be hooked actually as I think the Accent will be underpowered to what she's used to. The few times I've had her use the '08 Accent for a few days, she says she's o k with it but I think she's trying to convince herself that she is really...in time I think she'd miss the extra power and the bit of extra room of the Elantra. But it's her choice/her funds so I'm just gonna sit back until the end. But got a feeling that we're gonna have a 2014 model in the garage by the end of December!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

akangl

Candidate for a kid car. Going to look at it in a little while. Mechanic owned and maintained, all services done including the timing belt and new tires. Garage kept and adult driven. Hopefully if its the right car he'll come down on the price because he's asking too much. Used cars here bring high prices unfortunately, it's not like the lower 48. :sick:

Focus

mark156

Hi Breld, what kind of motorhomes were you looking at? We've been 'motorhoming' for 6.5 yrs. now (2008 Monaco Dynasty). Currently on a trip in Michigan. Our odometer just turned over 60,000 miles.

So, I've been 'eye-balling' a new one. They have two on display at the the RV park that we are staying in. Both are 2014 Newmars.... one was $903,000 MSRP and other in the $700,000 range. Makes mine look even better! LOL!

Mark156

stever

Holler if you get up to the UP. Just about ideal weather this week (ignoring the 90 predicted for Saturday) and the first wave of bugs has dissipated. Long range weather forecast is looking good too. Pick up a new toad while you are at it.

stickguy

Bradd, you would never be able to pass that car down to a teenager anyway. And IMO it would be a lousy idea. It will be what, 22 YO pushing 200K? and your first "baby"? Not seeing how that could possibly end well.

just find them something boring and newer when the time comes.

and for #2, it should work out, because when he starts to drive, #1 should be heading off to college, freeing up the car!

stickguy

car looks nice for what it is. I know I would not pay that much down here, but it is also hard to find something much cheaper that clean.

akangl

car looks nice for what it is. I know I would not pay that much down here, but it is also hard to find something much cheaper that clean.

Just looked at it and believe me, looks were deceiving. It was a fairly clean car for its age. Ran great, transmission shifted smooth, BUT I made a left turn in it and heard the telltale signs of a bad cv axle. Guy swore up and down that's not what it was and its been like that for a long time. The more questions I asked the more nervous he got. He wouldn't take less than $3600 cuz book was $4500 and ya know they have a book for a reason. I didn't bother arguing, just told him good luck and we left. A lease is looking better and better.

stickguy

I was talking about cars with my wife today, and floated the idea of something like a jetta $200 sign/drive to cover us for the next few years.

my logic, the 3 of us (me and the 2 kids) could kind of share it. so when my Son needed to travel, he could take that instead of the old Acura. and it would keep some miles off the new RDX. And when hopefully our son gets a job, it might be an option for him starting out to take that.

but, until/unless I need to start driving more (I hardly leave the house these days!) we really don't need a 4th car.

Now, if the TL broke down again and we needed to dump it, I would likely go the cheap lease route.

mark156

Hey Stever, not going quite that far north. Nephew getting married near Traverse City so we are at the Traverse Bay RV resort. May take a day drive up to Mackinac Island as my brother and his wife have never been there (traveling with us in their Motorhome)... maybe we'll have lunch at the Grand.

Oh, and about the toad, I think my Lil' Honda rides a little bit smoother than the Jeep! LOL!

Mark156

stever

Mackinac seems a bit touristy but people do enjoy visiting there, but what do I know - haven't been there myself. It would be a hoot to drive the RV over "da bridge".

akangl

After much deliberation we have decided to go the cheap lease route for a car for our daughter. I'm sending out a check in the morning to pay off the Focus and we will get her a car in October. In the meantime she will learn to drive the Focus which is a manual transmission and Chippy.

Hard to believe we will be paying the Focus off and have only had it 10 months. Will be nice to be back to one car payment even if its only for a few months.

tjc78

Wow two completely different vehicles for her to drive. I guess if she can drive a huge diesel pickup she will be fine in anything.

I learned to drive in a Town Car, and then took the test in a first year Neon. Breezed through it !