Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

I've got a couple decades til I hit 58, goodness willing, and I drive a car that seems mature to 58 year olds. Maybe I'm related to lemko

Sandman6472

Just hit the big 60 recently and a month later, got the Golf. Never thought I'd go small again to be honest, never in a million years! Guess it all came down to the new A3 and how much I really liked it. Since the end of summer, I had also started to drive more German iron at work and was surprised how nice they drove, had driven Japanese since my 2nd vehicle in 1977 and never looked back. Even my Tucson was so similar to the Japanese, like dead ringers that I'm glad the wife opened the door to German products as never thought we'd ever own one. And it was totally an impulse on my part to pull the trigger so soon as totally out of character. So glad I did do it though.

The Sandman

roadburner

breld said:

Hmmm....Another option my wife and I have considered is getting a cheaper used fun car (to add to the fleet instead of replace anything), and I've always liked the Mazdaspeed3, particularly that first gen model like you have RB.

I know you had some issues earlier on with the car, but those seemed to have been resolved, right? Overall, would you recommend a used MS3? I imagine there are some specific things to look out for, huh?

I'd look for a 2008 or 2009; the 2007 cars were the ones with smoking turbos and defective variable valve timing actuators. I'd want one that hasn't been modded extensively, if at all; a cold air intake is OK but a lot of owners go overboard with home-brewed tunes, ultra-rigid engine mounts, catless downpipes, cheap coilovers, etc.

The factory damping IS garbage- Koni FSDs are an excellent and economical replacement- or you can also go with Bilsteins.

Anti-roll bar bushings and links can go south, but are relatively inexpensive and simple to replace.
Sometimes the EGR needs to be cleaned or replaced around 60k. Mine did, but the replacement has gone 88K with no issues. I also replaced the thermostat a while back.

Having said all that, from about 60k on I've had no major issues at all. My latest oil analysis indicates the motor is in excellent shape, and it uses no oil between 7.5k changes. So yes, I think they are a good choice- just make sure you find a nice one- it's a LOT of bang for the buck.

breld

Great info (as I expected) RB! Thanks.

If I go that route, hard part will be finding a non-modded, non-abused example, I suppose.

mark156

Hello Everyone, I lost this thread a while back and have just now been able to find it. At 1439 pages, this is a huge thread of which I participated in a long time ago. I certainly remember Sandman and Jolie from Alaska? Is she still around? Do you guys remember me from the past? Anyway, I'll try and catch up.

Mark156

nyccarguy

@mark156‌

We sure do remember you! Welcome back! Motor Home, Bentley, & CRV, right?

mark156

Yes nyccarguy... still have the '09 Bentley GTC, traded the '07 CR-V to a new 2013 CR-V to pull behind the motorhome... We ordered a new 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach just taking delivery on November 3, 2014 after a 7 month building process. Beautiful coach, enjoying it.

rayainsw

mark156 - welcome back!
- - Ray
Only 1 vehicle in my 'stable'...

jpp75

Welcome back Mark!

fezo

Hey, Mark! Great to see you back! I live vicariously through some of your posts - like the Lake Superior trip!

No word from Jolie. Would still like to hear from her.

qbrozen

it hasn't been THAT long, has it Mark??

fezo

Well, long enough that akangel has fallen off the face of the earth.....

stever

Great to see you @mark156. I think we last saw @akangl before we changed the forum software. Hopefully she'll find us again one day soon.

Sandman6472

Service manager just called, apologized because she had no idea the service writer blew off my request to drive another vehicle...said that's what they normally would do next. Going in at 3:30 to test drive another vehicle with her "tire guy" and I said I want to drive on the same expressway with him in the back seat so he can look at and feel the seat to see what happens. Just hope that the vehicle drives smoothly and that the seat is perfectly still, if so, think they'll just swap them to end this complaint and make me happy.
Again, the problem comes down to miscommunication which is one of the biggest problems in life I've found, that and different perceptions. Feel better now that I think we'll solve this issue today so I can move on to the next thing...whatever that'll be...lol!!!

The Sandman

graphicguy

Mark....good to see you back!

mark156

When the new software went into place, I could not find the CCBA thread. So, whenever the new software started is when I got lost. (2 yrs.?). Back last fall, we ordered a 2015 Mercedes S550 4matic, it came in, they took our 2001 S500 and 1990 500SL in for evaluation and literally wanted to steal them from us (in our opinion), it made us so mad, we cancelled everything so we are back to ground zero. They did give us our 'special order' deposit back. Not sure what we are going to look for but the older 'low mileage' cars need to go. The S500 has 94,000 miles and the 500SL has 57,000 miles, both is very, very good condition.
Mark156

stever

I think the new software was cranked up in December of 2013. My last recollection of chatting with you was about Northern Michigan and an impending trip you had planned for there. Naturally, not being a native, I assumed that Northern Michigan meant the UP.

One of these years our ships will pass on the road. Well, your ship, my van.

Sandman6472

Glad you are back Mark and sorry about your dealership problems, going through an issue with my new vehicle right now and going back today to hopefully finally resolve the issue. Did have to get corporate involved because local wouldn't listen to me...they are now!!! Hope you figure out your vehicle situation soon with positive results!!

The Sandman

mark156

Sandman, I see that you bought a whole new lineup since I was here last. My brother bought a 2012 Passat and it has been excellent. And the new Audi's are sharp looking.

Stever, we took a Motorhome trip up to Traverse City, MI, for my nephews wedding in July of 2013. We went to the Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI, rode in a 1914 Model A....fun! Interesting how the major controls are on the steering wheel (Spark control, lever to make it go forward, etc.), the three pedals are for braking, reverse and I forgot the third use. Anyway, it was very different than a normal car of today.

We are trying to downsize our little fleet (8 cars). Some of them are just getting older and we don't use them but they still need service, etc.

roadburner

breld said:

Great info (as I expected) RB! Thanks.

If I go that route, hard part will be finding a non-modded, non-abused example, I suppose.

Pretty much; but they are out there...

xwesx

mark156 said:

We are trying to downsize our little fleet (8 cars). Some of them are just getting older and we don't use them but they still need service, etc.

I'm not sure that even counts as "little" as far as fleets go!

If you want to get a reasonable price on your older vehicles that need new homes, I think your only reasonable option is private sales.

mark156

xwesx, yes, I agree. Selling them ourselves might be the best thing to do to get a better price. We thought trading would off-set the tax a little bit. Don't get me wrong, we expected a fairly low price as this is not our first time at the rodeo...... it was crazy low.

Mark156

fintail

You still have that SC III, right? I'll give you 5K for it right now

I hate to say it, but W220s are being given away now, no matter how nice. Maintenance can be a chore and they are getting old, but not in a classic way yet. You should be able to get morefor the SL, but it will be shocking compared to original MSRP 25 years ago. What about the E?

mark156 said:

We are trying to downsize our little fleet (8 cars). Some of them are just getting older and we don't use them but they still need service, etc.

mark156

Hi Fin!!! The E320 is a keeper for now at 20 yrs. old this year.... just have 41,000 miles on it and it's a good driver. I did have to put a new wiring harness on it recently as the other one aged out ($2,900), a new water pump and something under the dash for the air conditioner. Otherwise, it's a good driver. Yes, still have the '64 Roller..... that's a keeper too.

I want to get rid of the '07 Lincoln (inherited), 01 MB S500 and the '90 500 SL and replace them with one nice car. Might consider a Jaguar XJ, if our hometown in TN had a Bentley dealer it would be a new Flying Spur (Dealer 200 miles away).

Mark156

fintail

Nice to see you again. The RR and E are the only ones in your little fleet I'd be interested in, What color is the E again? 3K is always what I estimate for a harness, so that sounds right. The SL would probably be an easy sell in a sunny place, but these need to go privately as was suggested - modern MB dealers simply don't have a place to sell cars that old, or with the potential issues of that S500, should something go awry in 3 months.

For R129s like your SL, they have the highest demand for late run models, where yours is a very early car - but at least it predates the wiring harness era. I'd only want a certain few high option W220s - full load cars in specific colors, or S65. And I'd always be worried about airmatic/ABC issues and a few other quirks. Maybe a RR Ghost would be a nice pair with that SC.

mark156 said:

Hi Fin!!! The E320 is a keeper for now at 20 yrs. old this year.... just have 41,000 miles on it and it's a good driver. I did have to put a new wiring harness on it recently as the other one aged out ($2,900), a new water pump and something under the dash for the air conditioner. Otherwise, it's a good driver. Yes, still have the '64 Roller..... that's a keeper too.

I want to get rid of the '07 Lincoln (inherited), 01 MB S500 and the '90 500 SL and replace them with one nice car. Might consider a Jaguar XJ, if our hometown in TN had a Bentley dealer it would be a new Flying Spur (Dealer 200 miles away).

Mark156

corvette

Just for giggles, I got on the VW website to see what kind of incentives they have on TDIs, with diesel being 50% higher than gasoline nowadays. 3 years of free diesel? Maybe even 5 years of free diesel? Not even close. They will give you the privilege of leasing a diesel Passat for only $100/month more than a 1.8T model. And you get to pay for the fuel.

jayrider

corvette said:

Just for giggles, I got on the VW website to see what kind of incentives they have on TDIs, with diesel being 50% higher than gasoline nowadays. 3 years of free diesel? Maybe even 5 years of free diesel? Not even close. They will give you the privilege of leasing a diesel Passat for only $100/month more than a 1.8T model. And you get to pay for the fuel.

Folks who are pro diesel don't seem to be concerned about fuel costs. They just love diesels.

Michaell

corvette said:

Just for giggles, I got on the VW website to see what kind of incentives they have on TDIs, with diesel being 50% higher than gasoline nowadays. 3 years of free diesel? Maybe even 5 years of free diesel? Not even close. They will give you the privilege of leasing a diesel Passat for only $100/month more than a 1.8T model. And you get to pay for the fuel.

Yeah, I saw that too.

Perhaps the marketing boffins at VW will take the price discrepancy into consideration when determining next months lease numbers.

Speaking of leases, is 22 months before termination too soon to start thinking about the next car? Starting to give thought about life after the E-GT. A lot depends on the life circumstances - the wife was looking at job opportunities in warmer climates last night. If that happens, I'll retire from the pizza delivery business and really won't need much in the way of transportation since I work from home.

If we're still in Colorado, I'd like to find a cheap used AWD strictly for pizza duty. Subaru, Suzuki (SX4) or Jeep come to mind. Find one in a warmer climate like SoCal where I grew up and bring it back to CO.

Then, find a fun car to lease - GTI could be at the top of that list.

Sandman6472

Problem solved!!! I am happy, full story when I get some more time folks. But something came from outta left field that stunned us all!!! I am happy!!!
And yes, I still have my Golf!!!

The Sandman

stickguy

OK, I'll guess that they swapped you into a new unit entirely. Though probably not.

mark156

Fin, the '95 E320 Cabriolet is Arctic White with very soft grey lower panels, grey leather, black convertible top.

We have not had any trouble with the Pneumatic or ABS system on the '01 S500. Early in it's life, under warranty, the wiring harness was replaced. Otherwise, it's been pretty trouble free other than regular maintenance and a few minor things along the way that I can't even remember what they were. It would have been gone a long time ago if it was plagued with problems.

When we get back to TN from our winter in CA, we need to think about the car thing again.

Mark156

steine13

Hi Mark,
Good to "see" you again.

I pretty much just lurk here, having mended my ways... two cars in the family now, an '03 and a '14, both bought new, both quality & boring mass-market cars.

>> The E320 is a keeper for now at 20 yrs. old this year.... just have 41,000 miles on it and it's a good driver. I did have to put a new wiring harness on it recently as the other one aged out ($2,900),

And there you have it folks, Benz ownership in the new millenium.

But dangit, I still kinda wants one. I've come to realize that I simply cannot judge a Mercedes on its merits. They are "special" to my mind and probably always will be. My grandpa on my mother's side was a serial Benz owner, and my dad had a very basic W123 for 16 years. I'm conditioned or something.

Cheers -Mathias

tommister2

sandman_6472 said:

Problem solved!!! I am happy, full story when I get some more time folks. But something came from outta left field that stunned us all!!! I am happy!!!
And yes, I still have my Golf!!!

The Sandman

That's great news! I look forward to reading the story.

mark156

Sandman, good news, also interested to read the outcome.

Mark

stickguy

Mathais, I am all fascinated with a MB in 3 years when I need a car again. Though of course, that is subject to change. often.

fintail

White on grey two tone, such early 90s style, I like! Better than desert silver or something more common.

Maybe your S500 is the one out of 100 that held together (it happens, my family got almost 200K out of a Tempo, and it was running fine when sold), or it is a late bloomer. If I was driving it, I'd always be a little leery, and keep at least a couple grand stashed away for it, just in case. Sell it privately too, maybe join the MBCA and put it and the SL in their newsletter, it's free, and it might be easier to sell to an enthusiast who understands the cars, and the risk of quirks involved.

mark156 said:

Fin, the '95 E320 Cabriolet is Arctic White with very soft grey lower panels, grey leather, black convertible top.

Mark156

fintail

As Mark might agree, once you drive one for awhile, you get kind of attached, and the cars kind of "feel" the same even over long time periods.

I've had my fintail for 20 years this year, I haven't bought another brand since - and although I am not insanely resistant to change, I don't see a lot that makes me want to change. Heck, I'd rather have a late 90s S-class than a lot of cheaper brand new cars.

steine13 said:

But dangit, I still kinda wants one. I've come to realize that I simply cannot judge a Mercedes on its merits. They are "special" to my mind and probably always will be. My grandpa on my mother's side was a serial Benz owner, and my dad had a very basic W123 for 16 years. I'm conditioned or something.

Cheers -Mathias

nyccarguy

@steine13‌

We all mend our ways between punches;)

@stickguy‌

I'm into MBs too lately. I like the look of the outgoing C-Class sedans, the new E has grown on me, I really like how MB offers diesels at a similar cost to their gasser models. As a USAA member I also qualify for those insane rebates (not good for a guy with a CCBA card) like Mike. I also found an independent mechanic who is knowledgeable about German cars, reasonably priced, & close to where I work.

I just had the oil & filter changed, rotated the tires, & took the Pilot to one of my favorite car washes today. The mechanic told me my front brake rotors need to be resurfaced and the pads have about 15% life left in them. I'll bring it back to him in a week or 2 & have that done. I'm getting closer and closer to paying the Pilot off (May 2016 is in my sights). I've definitely maintained it as a "keeper." I also read about Honda's completely redesigned Pilot due out later this year as a 2016 model. Now of course I'm interested in seeing what Honda has on tap after keeping this current body style since 2009, but I'm more interested in seeing what kind of trunk money Honda starts throwing at the 2015s once the 2016s are announced. Yes, I know. I have a problem;)

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@steine13‌

We all mend our ways between punches;)

@stickguy‌

I'm into MBs too lately. I like the look of the outgoing C-Class sedans, the new E has grown on me, I really like how MB offers diesels at a similar cost to their gasser models. As a USAA member I also qualify for those insane rebates (not good for a guy with a CCBA card) like Mike. I also found an independent mechanic who is knowledgeable about German cars, reasonably priced, & close to where I work.

I just had the oil & filter changed, rotated the tires, & took the Pilot to one of my favorite car washes today. The mechanic told me my front brake rotors need to be resurfaced and the pads have about 15% life left in them. I'll bring it back to him in a week or 2 & have that done. I'm getting closer and closer to paying the Pilot off (May 2016 is in my sights). I've definitely maintained it as a "keeper." I also read about Honda's completely redesigned Pilot due out later this year as a 2016 model. Now of course I'm interested in seeing what Honda has on tap after keeping this current body style since 2009, but I'm more interested in seeing what kind of trunk money Honda starts throwing at the 2015s once the 2016s are announced. Yes, I know. I have a problem;)

Yeah, you'll start trolling the lease discussions again quietly ... but ky and I know your secret!

stickguy

I actually love the look of the outgoing C class too. I always stop to look when I see one parked. Just a stylish, classy look. and modestly sized. I could likely be happy with one of these. Maybe I should have trolled blow out lease deals on those when I was shopping!

nyccarguy

@Michaell‌

Trolling the lease discussions, looking at the incentives & rebates page, and using Weymouth Honda's most excellent lease calculator don't exactly help my recovery cause;)

stever

Sound like an early summer arrival for the '16 Pilot could be possible but the headline says later this year.

"The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot SUV will debut shortly after the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V subcompact SUV this year, Honda's top U.S. executive said at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

John Mendel, executive vice president of Honda's U.S. Automobiles division, announced that the HR-V will debut this spring.

"Shortly after, we'll introduce an all-new Pilot SUV that will redefine what is possible with an eight-passenger midsize SUV," Mendel said."

Redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot Due Later This Year

stickguy

I'm looking forward to the new small one (HR-V?) I hope they have it at the philly auto show next month. Because after my recent shopping frenzy, I need to go about 50 miles from home to find a Honda dealer where I can show my face!

My local MB dealer seems to have a lot of 2014 C class models left. I thought they might be gone for now. I imagine at this point they are really anxious to move them.

breld

I've also grown more and more curious about some MB models. I really liked the GLA I tested out a couple months ago. And the new C has caught my eye. Even saw some already used on cars.com that seem to be reasonably priced.

Wife and I watched some movie the other night - Jack Reacher - and one of the main characters drove a C-class coupe. Those are definitely sharp.

breld

The trials and tribulations of selling the in-laws X-type came to an end tonight.

We were feeling really good about addressing the check engine light and a couple of other issues at a local independent shop for about $400. That was on New Year's Eve.

I quickly threw it on craigslist, priced a bit high in the $6k's, hoping for something with a 5 in front of it. Got a few inquiries. One person agrees to a price of $5,800 through phone texts, which seemed a bit backwards to me, but we did end up meeting one evening. He likes the car and asks me to follow him back to his house, at which point he pulls out his personal checkbook. I politely say that only cash would be acceptable, and we agree to meet at his bank the next morning. He never shows.

I met up with another interested buyer two nights ago - this one is legitimate. Drives the car and offers $4,800, which I feel is fair. But no one was in a position to actually deliver the car that night. Wife drives the car home - on the way, she calls me and says the transmission warning light came on and the car won't shift out of third gear - LIMP mode!

Drop it off at the mechanic - next day he tells us the codes that came back seem to indicate the transmission may be going. I call the buyer and tell him the bad news (good news for him, given the timing).

The in-laws picked up the car this evening, went to Carmax, and got $3,000 for it. I think it's a great deal.

I'm done for now helping relatives sell cars.

stickguy

well, that is a good example of the roulette nature of buying cheap used cars. Even something more well regarded reliability wise can do something like that to you.

and (like it would have been in your case) it doesn't mean the seller was trying to scam the buyer. sometimes parts do just fail catastrophically.

I agree about selling cars for other people. Rarely is it a good experience, or worth the trouble.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell‌

Trolling the lease discussions, looking at the incentives & rebates page, and using Weymouth Honda's most excellent lease calculator don't exactly help my recovery cause;)

It's worse for me ... I have access to all the lease information for all the manufacturers, so I know where the good deals are!

For example, MF on the GTI came way down in January.

jayrider

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell‌

Trolling the lease discussions, looking at the incentives & rebates page, and using Weymouth Honda's most excellent lease calculator don't exactly help my recovery cause;)

It's worse for me ... I have access to all the lease information for all the manufacturers, so I know where the good deals are!

For example, MF on the GTI came way down in January.

You can use your info to the max by leasing cars for 6 months / 6000 miles. You might even earn the title of "King Edmund."

Michaell

jayrider said:

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell‌

Trolling the lease discussions, looking at the incentives & rebates page, and using Weymouth Honda's most excellent lease calculator don't exactly help my recovery cause;)

It's worse for me ... I have access to all the lease information for all the manufacturers, so I know where the good deals are!

For example, MF on the GTI came way down in January.

You can use your info to the max by leasing cars for 6 months / 6000 miles. You might even earn the title of "King Edmund."

I don't think the wife would go for that, even if it were possible.

Michaell

@qbrozen‌ - can I get you to pop in over at the T&C discussion? Guy has a question about stackable incentives...

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/3612/chrysler/town-and-country/chrysler-town-country-prices-paid-and-buying-experience#latest