Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Q, pretty sure that one was posted the last time (a week ago?) ZHPs were the topic du jour (thanks to Breld). If that is the one I am thinking of, check the feedback on that dealer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh Was it? That's just a lowly 325 though.
'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
Agreed! I am about to do the same thing on my recently aquired ZHP. They were so problematic on the E46's they sell complete rebuild kits. I haven't checked to see if its cheaper to buy by the piece or just go the kit route though. I'm right at 78k miles and can't tell/don't know if the PO did it so for peace of mind, I'll go ahead and bite the bullet.
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
A friend of mine did his '03 325i, last year... Bought the whole kit from either ECS or oembimmerparts, I forget... Of course, he waited until his fan exploded.. fortunately, got the car shut down before overheating.. I think he was around 120K miles.
My ZHP has 81K... So far, I've just done the thermostat and radiator cap, as they were needed. Spent my maintenance money on new struts/shocks, summer tires and CABs, this past year... that was a lot... The rest of the cooling system might happen this summer.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Sounds like your friend got lucky! I am a minor wrench turner at best so I'll just buy the parts and farm this work out to a local indy shop. While there I'm probably going to have a full fluid change etc. I might do a few other fun things to it as well (iPod connector, windscreen). Every year my tax return and bonus hit about the same time so I allow myself a bit of fun money out of that and bank the rest. Looks like this year most of the fun money is going into the 'vert for maintenance but thats ok, it pays back on sunny, spring days!
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
He was lucky.... he had the local garage do the work, as well. Normally, you would think they wouldn't want to use your parts, but they told him that having that whole kit, and not having to run back to the dealer three times for all the hoses, O-rings, etc, etc. was a big help.
The same garage replace my CCV and associated hoses, etc... a couple of months ago. I bought that kit from oembimmerparts.
On another note, my friend's '03 325i used to belong to my wife! lol
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Oh yeah...CCV...will probably do that one at the same time. Basicallly anything that needs to be on a rack and deep into the engine bay will probably get done at the same time.
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
Mine was bad.... full of water, and would freeze.. It was pushing oil... That problem disappeared, once it was replaced. With the sub-zero temperatures we've had, it probably would have blown out on me.. Also, a new alternator and rear brakes, last year..
Almost $5K of work, last year, including the new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Saved some money today. Dropped my son off our policy since he has his own. Same cars but without him we save $250/year. I'll take it. Plus he has to get his own ez pass now. Savings add up!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Dropped him from aaa too. Little bits here and there
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
A lot of shops take a dim view of customers who bring heir own parts in and a lot of places simply won't work on those people's cars or to make up for the lost profit on the parts they will simply charge more labor.
And, should that water pump fail in a short time they will probably charge again for the labor.
There used to be shops that had a cartoon type sign on the wall showing a man walking into
a restaurant with a couple of eggs and a slab of bacon asking the cook to make him breakfast.
The caption said something like " You wouldn't do this in a restaurant, why do it here"?
Other shops probably don't mind but I can tell you a lot do!
Never done it myself, but I know guys who take fish in and have the joint cook it. One friend caught a nice salmon and cleaned it but didn't filet it, figuring the cook would know best how to prep it from that point. Came back as hash.
Good point @isell. I will ask if the shop I chose has a problem with this. I know there are some of these cooling system parts I don't want replaced with stock but with an upgraded part.
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
Sounds like you are going to need to drop him from the tax filing for 2014, too. You might take a hit, but I'm sure it will be a boon for him!
We are pulling up to the pier in ft lauderdale right now. Bon voyage!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Read latest Motor Trend and saw some interesting oil change info. 15k service costs -- Audi Allroad - $380 Kia Optima - $205 - Range Rover - $485 Altima $205 for the first 2
GM cars like my Buick cost about $50 oil and rotation. Includes a multipoint inspection. The Motor Trend guys must just tell them to do whatever they want according to the dealers recommended service.
$485 for an oil change?? In 1995 I rented a 3br house for 495/mo!
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
To be fair, I think the Range Rover is due for its first major overhaul at 15K, so that cost is not just an oil change.
d'oh!
Found out that Nissan still holds the original leasee liable in the event of a lease transfer. I now took down my ad (didn't get any action anyway).
Oh well. Guess we've got 10 more months of hibernation.
'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
I know some of you guys are in tune with Subarus. What's the deal reliability & maintenance wise with the Legacy & Outback 2.5 XT?
I saw this 2005 at a local Toyota Dealership
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I can't speak to the others, but the Altima only calls for an oil change, tire rotation, and inspection at 7,500 miles, so $205 seems high. I think the 15k should include a pollen filter. Again, $205 seems high for that, as well. It's not rocket science and I'm sure an independent mechanic could take care of it for less money.
You want a Spec B, Bradd. Trust me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
A turbo wagon. Must be rare. From my understanding, the weak link on those (I assume it applies to the turbo also) is the head gaskets. something about the cooling passages going through the block and head, and that being a chronic failure point. so check that carefully. I don't think there is a fix for it, just keep an eye on it and be prepared to replace them proactively.
the newer subes changed the engine design so the block and head have separate cooling passages, so no more weak point. OBs and Legacies got that engine for 2013.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I know the roads he has to drive on. Trust me, he wants as much ride compliance and sidewall height as possible! Something like that legacy with the extra turbo grunt could be a perfect solution for him.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My Jeep dealer took in a 2007 S4 with just 43k miles; it's on their lot for $23,200. Shame about it being a slushbox- plus, I'm less than confident about the quality of my local Audi dealer's service department...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, my Battery Tender Plus bit the dust while I had it tending the battery on my new lawn mower the other night. I got the thing in 2011 when I had two cars, and already had it replaced once under its 10 year warranty in September of 2013. When I went out to the garage, I smelled burnt electronics. Apparently, a capacitor had burst. Thankfully, nothing caught fire. My garage still smells bad. The Battery Tender has a metal case which makes it look really robust, but appearances can be deceiving.
It has to be out of warranty by now, so the dealer service department shouldn't be an impediment, especially if you have a good indy. Aftermarket support and availability of tech info on the enthusiast boards may not be as good as BMW.
I know a very good Audi indy shop in the San Francisco Area if anyone needs one (and you will).
Weird - for some reason you using the term "slushbox" caused me to have to stop and think while online for a sec. Slushbox? The term doesn't seem to be used as often as it was say, 4 or 5 years ago, even. Anyone agree? Or am I just not automotive net surfing near as much as I did 5-10 years ago?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
@stickguy
Is that on the 6cyls too? Or just the 4 bangers?
@roadburner
That Spec B looks like a blast! Bilsteins at all 4 corners plus a slick shifting 6 speed stick. @stickguy is right, I could use the extra ground clearance, longer suspension travel, and bigger side walls. The roads around here are awful on a good day.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Some Outback XTs within a 300 mile radius of my zip code:
Silver H6 Sedan w/ Tan Guts
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Silver with Tan guts H6 Outback
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Red with Tan Guts XT
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The indie shop I use for my Bimmers won't work on Audis, and anyway, I'd probably get bored with the AWD sooner than later.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I don't think the H6 has the same issue, but I am not an expert! It is a lot quicker and smoother than the base 4, that is for sure. Might not be quicker than the turbo but probably more relaxed.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Any opinions on the value of this sled?
2004 ZHP coupe, 33k miles, imolarot2/alcantara; H-K audio is the sole option. One OCD owner(I know him. He is.) It is literally immaculate.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner
Probably way more than a 10 year old BMW should be worth. As we've seen, the low mileage, showroom condition ZHPs seem to be bringing stupid money. The lack of options is a plus for you, but might be a negative on the open market. I wouldn't be surprised if he was asking $18K. If he asked you "make him an offer," see if he'll give you the title for $16K. Doesn't hurt to ask. Just my humble opinion:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
drove the Jetta for the first time yesterday (I never even drove on any of the test drives). Pretty nice. really like the engine. AT likes to upshift, but that is typical these days, and it does have a sport mode if you don't want to use the tiptronic.
nice handling, solid ride. Strong pull from the 1.8t. Nice car overall. and very roomy. So far, son is quite happy with it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@nyccarguy
Yeah, just kind of thinking out loud. I really don't know what I want, but I'm still leaning towards something older that I can maintain AND won't depreciate.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Speaking of stupid money:
http://sanfranciscosportscars.com/1976-bmw-2002/
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Looks like the nephew is trying to pay off his student loan.
think of it as him exercising his First Amendment Rights. Not only the "last" 2002, but the worst 2002. Such a deal.
The weekend is winding down. No new punches?
Something tells me it's going to sit another 30 years!
Those can bring big money but that is NUTS!!
well, at least it is a stick not an AT. But 75K? Unless the BMW museum just forgot to keep one, who would want one that bad?
at least if you need a restoration standard you got one.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
People bet 75K on a hand of blackjack. Seller is just fishing for a buyer that might have an emotional connection to that car and has so much money that the buy price is pocket change. I would think that the odds are heavily against finding someone like that but you never know.
The museum not only has one, it built an almost all-new one in 2005:
http://www.autointell-news.com/News-2005/July-2005/July-2005-4/J-27-05-p4.htm
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
And speaking of unintended consequences, BMW ran a spot called "Torch" during the Olympics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCR6rw1NZGs
I'm on several '02 forums and pages, and there are reports that more than a few dealers(as well as BMW NA) have been peppered with questions asking how to get an '02...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Ha ha and I thought I paid a lot for my old cars.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I like the 2002 more in a lot of ways. Just needs to be resto modded a bit.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.