Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

Howdy - just returned to Colorado today after spending the last 5 days in California visiting the family. A few car related notes.

Mom and dad's 2003 Hyundai GLS V6 has a whopping 34,000 miles on it! Took it to the doctors on Monday, then got it washed, inside and out. Looks pretty decent for a 12 year old car ... a few door dings and it's now an "S V6" as the "GL" badging on the rear has broken off. Drives nice, too; the 2.7L V6 still makes enough power for cut-and-thrust driving in town. Didn't get it on the highway.

Also blew the cobwebs and carbon out of dad's 1970 Chevrolet C-10 pickup. 350 V8 with a 3 speed auto. Drove it to the beach, where I snapped a couple of pics on my phone (I'll try to get them to appear right side up before posting this time). Man, what a time machine. Steering wheel is in my lap, feels like about 37 turns lock-to-lock on the steering wheel, but dad has always had a nice exhaust on it. Rolled down the windows and floored it a few times on the 2 lane roads to/from the beach. Not particularly fast, and certainly not something I'd drive every day, but cleaned up it would look real nice on a cruise night.

My cousin came down from Central CA on Saturday to visit, so I got a ride in her new car .. 2014 or 2015 Avalon Limited Hybrid. She's a grandma now, so the car completely fits her. Quiet, nice ride, lots of tech. Same engine as the Camry, correct?

And, last but not least, my rental for the trip ... a 2015 Toyota Yaris. 3-door. No cruise, no remote key fob (I had to manually lock and unlock the doors!) but Bluetooth and power window equipped. I was all set to hate it, but the darn little thing grew on me. Yeah, it's slower than molasses in January, but I kept my foot to the floor pretty much the whole time. I filled it up and discovered that I got 23MPG on the tank. It did everything I asked of it. Never had more than two people in it - my son (6'4") or my best friend (6'2") both fit fine in the passenger seat. Flipped down the rear seat and my son's golf clubs fit. Streamed the music off my iPhone the whole time - only once did it drop the connection. It was maneuverable as all get out and could fit into most any parking space.

I totally get the idea of a city car after this experience. If only there was one with AWD ....

The best part is that it had Nevada plates, which gave me license to drive like a maniac and use the excuse that I'm from outta town. Had to swerve over three lanes of traffic to make that freeway off-ramp? Sorry. Drive at 10 under the limit looking for a particular cross street? My bad - I don't live here.

Driving the Elantra home from the airport was like a luxury car by comparison.

kyfdx

I got 31 MPG for the week that I had the Ford Focus..

qbrozen

stever said:

My niece and her hubby in Chattanooga would love to move to Hotlanta. The rest of the family thinks they are crazy to want to move there, especially since 'nooga is practically a suburb already. Kind of curious what your attraction to the big "new South" is. Lots of cars dealers there I suppose.

Several reasons. Property taxes there are roughly 1/3 what we are currently paying, and we can get a house equivalent to ours for about 60% the price. That would allow us to function as a 1-income family so one of us could be home for our special needs son rather than paying others to do it, and give us more free time in general. Yet its still in the heart of civilization with a large population who have relocated from our neck of the woods already. Plus, we are getting the feeling that possibly a consistently warmer climate may benefit the family, too (particularly the aforementioned son).

stever

Makes sense. Still may want to check out Chattanooga too (Siskins is well regarded there).

Mr_Shiftright

There's hardly a truck worth a damn out there under $5000. You picked the hardest to find combination of V-6, 4X4, club cab and stickshift. (You don't want the 4 cylinder, it's doggy).

stickguy said:

I d a strange craving yesterday. I wanted a pickup truck. my wife of course thinks I am nuts (nothing new there).

then I went on line to poke around. Man, I see what Shifty went through. old, miled up, overpriced yuck.

All I wanted was a later run Ranger extended cab 2-door, 4x4, stick shift. In clean shape, higher miles but all redone in the expensive areas. Is that too much to ask for? of course, I would have to someone undo the Sonata lease to make room for it. So there are a few flaws in my plan.

down the line, especially if I manage to get us moved and have more parking, I'll get one. Probably. the truck and a convertible for nice weather sounds like a good combo.

Sandman6472

Drive many Yaris's at work and they get the "job done" in a very base sort of way but do love the smaller size. Noticed this morning when I pulled into our garage how much room I have on my side with the Golf and how it also gets into any parking space...haven't yet hit the back with the garage door either, another great thing. For some reason, I see so many more Jetta's and Passat's down here, a small fraction are Golf's but think that'll change once the new wagon comes out. At the 3 month mark and no buyers remorse yet, absolutely none...it really is the perfect vehicle for my needs at this stage of my life but for some reason, I had to get the bigger vehicle out of my system. But honestly, if the other half had ended up with the Mazda3, doubt I would've swapped out vehicles so soon. But so glad she did what she did, for once she actually listened to what I had to say!

The Sandman

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

But so glad she did what she did, for once she actually listened to what I had to say!

Don't let it go to your head!

breld

For those more mechanically inclined than I (you all qualify)...

I'm considering this short shift plate kit for the Mazda3. Any thoughts on the "legitimacy" of such a product - meaning, would you expect it to make a noticeable difference?

corksport.com/mazda-3-6-cx5-short-shift-plate-kit.html

roadburner

breld said:

For those more mechanically inclined than I (you all qualify)...

I'm considering this short shift plate kit for the Mazda3. Any thoughts on the "legitimacy" of such a product - meaning, would you expect it to make a noticeable difference?

corksport.com/mazda-3-6-cx5-short-shift-plate-kit.html

First off, Corksport is VERY highly regarded in the Mazda Community- so no worries there. And it will make a difference- some like it and some don't. There's no free lunch; when you shorten the shift throws you increase the shift effort. On a stock Mazda the hardest part is getting the airbox out so you can install the plate.

slorenzen

roadburner said:

breld said:

For those more mechanically inclined than I (you all qualify)...

I'm considering this short shift plate kit for the Mazda3. Any thoughts on the "legitimacy" of such a product - meaning, would you expect it to make a noticeable difference?

corksport.com/mazda-3-6-cx5-short-shift-plate-kit.html

First off, Corksport is VERY highly regarded in the Mazda Community- so no worries there. And it will make a difference- some like it and some don't. There's no free lunch; when you shorten the shift throws you increase the shift effort. On a stock Mazda the hardest part is getting the airbox out so you can install the plate.

I noticed Corksport also sells a cold air intake assembly. Just install that too!

kyfdx

Yes.. Shorter shift =more effort. Getting the balance correct makes all the difference. Almost every vehicle can benefit from a short-shift kit. But, it needs to be the right one. Read up on it, in a Mazda specific enthusiast forum, before jumping in.

stever

sandman_6472 said:

Drive many Yaris's at work and they get the "job done" in a very base sort of way but do love the smaller size.

We had company thawing out here last week and they wound up with a Yaris. Plenty of room for two and minimal luggage but they weren't impressed with it. Buzzy, and they really hated the gravel shortcut we sent them on to hook up with the highway to White Sands.

roadburner

slorenzen said:

roadburner said:

breld said:

For those more mechanically inclined than I (you all qualify)...

I'm considering this short shift plate kit for the Mazda3. Any thoughts on the "legitimacy" of such a product - meaning, would you expect it to make a noticeable difference?

corksport.com/mazda-3-6-cx5-short-shift-plate-kit.html

First off, Corksport is VERY highly regarded in the Mazda Community- so no worries there. And it will make a difference- some like it and some don't. There's no free lunch; when you shorten the shift throws you increase the shift effort. On a stock Mazda the hardest part is getting the airbox out so you can install the plate.

I noticed Corksport also sells a cold air intake assembly. Just install that too!

Might as well; in for a penny...

nyccarguy

Leasing residuals are out of control. There are some sick deals out there right now. People leasing cars like a Lexus GS or E-Class Mercedes in the $500 per month range.

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

Leasing residuals are out of control. There are some sick deals out there right now. People leasing cars like a Lexus GS or E-Class Mercedes in the $500 per month range.

Yeah... but, it's still $500/mo. for a lease..

Did that once...

nyccarguy

True, but better than $800 per month on a 60 month loan;)

breld

Thanks for the feedback on the corksport short shift plate. I knew @roadburner and @kyfdx would come through with sound advice.

I'll think about it - I can't really say I was disappointed in the feel of the stock shifter. I'll keep reading up on it - the little I read so far on a Mazda forum was all positive.

Thanks!

sb55

breld said:

For those more mechanically inclined than I (you all qualify)...

I'm considering this short shift plate kit for the Mazda3. Any thoughts on the "legitimacy" of such a product - meaning, would you expect it to make a noticeable difference?

corksport.com/mazda-3-6-cx5-short-shift-plate-kit.html

Breld,
Try a round VooDoo shift knob. It screws on deeper, so it does shorten the shift throw and feels great in your hand. I have it on my NC Miata and it is great.

breld

@sb55 - thanks for the suggestion. I just went to their website and there's a note that says they don't fit the 2014+ Mazda3s. Bummer.

There are plenty of other manufacturers of shift knobs, and I may consider those too.

thebean

Wow, nearly a whole day without a post.  Is everyone out looking at rides??

nyccarguy

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

Yeah, but I know you're thinking of how / when / with what to replace the Pilot....

All is good in Colorado .. with a '13, a '14 and a '15 in the fleet, I don't see anything changing until November of 2016, when the lease on the E-GT is up.

stickguy

With a 13 lifer (RDX) and a 15 lease, only possible move is if the Volvo fails us. So far so good traveling the country. Daughter just took it from NC up to penn state with no reported issues. About 500 miles total. Another 200 or so Sunday when she drives back to Jersey.

28firefighter

I wish I had a punch coming up, but I have 17 months left on my CC lease and a paid off 2011 Mazda3.  My wife would sooner trade me in than trade her Mazda, so until I can come up with a compelling reason to flip it...

corvette

Well, I have equity in the GLI, but it's a 1.9% loan, so I'm not trying to pay it off early (still got about two years left). I've never traded in a car I owed money on, but there is a first time for everything!

A house in a neighborhood I really like went up for sale about 2:00 Wednesday. Scheduled a showing with my realtor at 1:00 Thursday. Got a call at 10 AM Thursday that the showing was cancelled. It was already under contract. The good ones go faster than I can go look at them!

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

I'm having much fun sparring with the BMW "experts."

Michaell

roadburner said:

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

I'm having much fun sparring with the BMW "experts."

I might have to ask you to put one arm behind your back in that "discussion"

roadburner

Michaell said:

roadburner said:

nyccarguy said:

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

I'm having much fun sparring with the BMW "experts."

I might have to ask you to put one arm behind your back in that "discussion"

I thought I've been pretty nice actually...

Michaell

roadburner said:

roadburner said:

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

I'm having much fun sparring with the BMW "experts."

I might have to ask you to put one arm behind your back in that "discussion"

I thought I've been pretty nice actually...

  I wasn't talking about tone – I was talking about depth of knowledge

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

no. a few of us are having a "discussion" on the entry level luxury performance sedans board:)

Yeah, but I know you're thinking of how / when / with what to replace the Pilot....

All is good in Colorado .. with a '13, a '14 and a '15 in the fleet, I don't see anything changing until November of 2016, when the lease on the E-GT is up.

I'm really OK with keeping the Pilot for the long haul now. It's got 60K miles worth of minor dings & scratches. It still cleans up nicely and literally does everything our family of 5 asks it to.

Once it is paid off next May, I'm really going to enjoy having only 1 car payment for a while. Once I add the Pilot's $678.66 to our savings account/home improvement project fund that includes the monthly savings I just acquired by refinancing to 4.125% from 5.125% I should be able to tackle a lot.

I do know that my wife isn't exactly in love with driving the Pilot. Eventually I might look to lease her something nice like an E, 5, or GS.

tommister2

I've been thinking about selling my 2 Wranglers and buying a new one. I'll say I am not in a rush but you know how it is when you get the itch...guess it depends on how long it takes to sell my Wranglers. I haven't listed them yet.

au1994

tommister2 said:

I've been thinking about selling my 2 Wranglers and buying a new one. I'll say I am not in a rush but you know how it is when you get the itch...guess it depends on how long it takes to sell my Wranglers. I haven't listed them yet.

I had an 07 Wrangler. You are likely to be very pleased with how well they hold their value especially if you went the private party route.

slorenzen

au1994 said:

tommister2 said:

I've been thinking about selling my 2 Wranglers and buying a new one. I'll say I am not in a rush but you know how it is when you get the itch...guess it depends on how long it takes to sell my Wranglers. I haven't listed them yet.

I had an 07 Wrangler. You are likely to be very pleased with how well they hold their value especially if you went the private party route.

Boy, no kidding.

A friend has an '07 Rubicon that he bought 5 years ago. It sells today(private party) for about 1K less than he paid.

And where I am in Oregon, they sell FAST!

stickguy

I poked around before I got my last car at used Wranglers. The prices made that dalliance not last long.

fintail

My brother just bought a little truck - something that sounds like a big risk but might be OK. 1995 S-10 extended cab, 4cyl stick, just under 200K. I think it was $1750. But he might have picked the right one - it has history going back to day one, was bought new as a fleet vehicle for a local company which used to be located just down the street from my brother - it is close to its original home. It was maintained by the book for 10 years, then sold to an employee who also kept it up. Completely bone stock, no "upgrades" or botched repairs. He sent me a couple pics, it looks to be in decent condition. I guess any truck that starts, stops, drives, for that money is a fair deal.

It replaces his beloved 1983 Toyota which he let a friend borrow, said friend put it in a ditch on an icy road and destroyed it - but insurance actually paid very well for such a vehicle, so my brother kind of got lucky. He says the newer truck is much smoother and sturdier feeling, but the Toyota had a better clutch and was more fun to drive.

tommister2

No kidding on Wrangler resale. Mine are both slightly modified and very clean so private sale is the way to go. I listed my 94 last spring and the phone was ringing off the hook. Obviously I decided to keep it a bit longer. I can't keep it forever though...

Mr_Shiftright

Extended cab pickups are worth considerably more money, so if it's a clean straight truck with no major ills that's a good deal! Having the 4 cyl instead of a V-6 depresses the value somewhat. The truck will struggle with a load in it.

fintail

He'll never haul more than a lawnmower or lawn debris in it, or maybe a random household dump run, so I am sure it will be fine. I think he did OK on the deal. He shopped around for awhile.

roadburner

tommister2 said:

I've been thinking about selling my 2 Wranglers and buying a new one. I'll say I am not in a rush but you know how it is when you get the itch...guess it depends on how long it takes to sell my Wranglers. I haven't listed them yet.

Since I had the front end sorted out and threw on some BFG All-Terrain KO tires I love my 1999 more than ever. The newer JKs with the Pentastar V6 are REALLY nice, not so nice that I want to pay the going price.
But if Jeep builds the Wrangler Africa? Maybe...

corvette

fintail said:

My brother just bought a little truck - something that sounds like a big risk but might be OK. 1995 S-10 extended cab, 4cyl stick, just under 200K.

My dad put 150,000 miles on a 4-cylinder stick Sonoma over the course of three years. It had a huge oil consumption problem for the first few months, but there was a TSB which fixed it. A seat adjuster handle broke off, the armrest disintegrated, and the rearview mirror vibrated badly as it got older. Typical GM stuff... Other than that, it was very reliable.

stickguy

for that price, I would have bought that S10 too, if it really was that clean with records. that is below rock bottom for a decent looking, running and driving car (even more so for a truck).

kyfdx

I have a friend with a pickup truck.

roadburner

kyfdx said:

I have a friend with a pickup truck.

Me too- or else I just rent one.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

I have a friend with a pickup truck.

My son has a friend with a Chevy Silverado. Can borrow it whenever I need to.

au1994

slorenzen said:

au1994 said:

tommister2 said:

I've been thinking about selling my 2 Wranglers and buying a new one. I'll say I am not in a rush but you know how it is when you get the itch...guess it depends on how long it takes to sell my Wranglers. I haven't listed them yet.

I had an 07 Wrangler. You are likely to be very pleased with how well they hold their value especially if you went the private party route.

Boy, no kidding.

A friend has an '07 Rubicon that he bought 5 years ago. It sells today(private party) for about 1K less than he paid.

And where I am in Oregon, they sell FAST!

That sounds familiar. In true CCBA style I had my Wrangler about 19 mos and it depreciated 1k.

au1994

kyfdx said:

I have a friend with a pickup truck.

That's the way to go. I've been the friend with the pick up before too. At some point no amount of free six packs, free pizza, slipping you a $20 etc make up for the hassle.

Michaell

au1994 said:

kyfdx said:

I have a friend with a pickup truck.

That's the way to go. I've been the friend with the pick up before too. At some point no amount of free six packs, free pizza, slipping you a $20 etc make up for the hassle.

When I lived in CA, I owned an Isuzu P'up. Got requests to borrow it pretty regularly.

slorenzen

reminds me of the old adage: "The only thing better than owning a boat is to have a friend that owns a boat"

Where I live, I can't think of anyone I know that DOESN'T own a truck, so I never get asked to borrow mine.

xwesx

When a friend was rebuilding his house a few summers back, he asked me for my help (and my '69 C20) a few times early in the summer. Usually, these work parties included a group of guys that made it so that my truck was really the more valuable part of the deal (when compared to my help). So, I just lent it to him for the rest of the summer, told him to let me know whenever he needed my help, and picked it up in September after he'd finished for the season.

stever

I think my brother has solved the pickup problem. When he got a new F-150 a couple of years ago, he just kept his old one as the "loaner".

Then he sold it cheap to one of his sons in town. Now he sends all requests to the kiddo.