Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

rayainsw

'And the last thing that it had to haul in recent memory was a bag of cat litter '
But a really BIG BAG, no doubt...
I had someone in the back seat for the first time this weekend.
- Ray
And I sat back there for a few miles - lots of room!

xwesx

andre1969 said:

Heck, I can go one worse than that...I'm driving a Hemi vehicle that is about the length of a '76 Buick Electra, but can only seat two people in comfort (legally). And the last thing that it had to haul in recent memory was a bag of cat litter

Well, if you would retire the Silverado, I'm sure your Ram would see a little more "truckish" duty.

andre1969

xwesx said:

Well, if you would retire the Silverado, I'm sure your Ram would see a little more "truckish" duty.

Yeah, I need to either sing or get off the pot with regards to that old truck, and stop treating the Ram like it's new. Heck, it's going to be four model years old in September!

Actually, the other day I spec'ed out a Ram online, equipped more or less the way I'd want it if I had it to do over again. I went for a quad cab, 6'4" bed, still RWD, Hemi, 8-speed automatic, sure grip, 3.55:1 axle, the dress up package that gives you a chrome grille/bumpers and alloy wheels, and a few other odds and ends. And I picked a dark green metallic, that looked kinda nice. Sucker stickered at around $34K! Probably not too bad, considering how easily you can get a 1/2 truck up to $60-70K these days. But, a bit too rich for my blood.

But, then, this past weekend I was at the Mopar show in Carlisle PA, and a truck decked out just like I had built online drove past on the fairgrounds. Yeah, I could see myself in something like that.

stickguy

well, you could make it a 3-fer. If the Buick needs to go, sell that, the Silverado, and the current ram, and replace all 3 with the new Ram. Free's up some yard space too!

Michaell

stickguy said:

well, you could make it a 3-fer. If the Buick needs to go, sell that, the Silverado, and the current ram, and replace all 3 with the new Ram. Free's up some yard space too!

Are we enablers, or what?

$34K for a full-size pickup sounds downright reasonable.

tifighter

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

well, you could make it a 3-fer. If the Buick needs to go, sell that, the Silverado, and the current ram, and replace all 3 with the new Ram. Free's up some yard space too!

Are we enablers, or what?

$34K for a full-size pickup sounds downright reasonable.

That's what I was thinking.

jpp75

@carnaught Congrats on the new car, atomic silver is by far my favorite color, I fell in love with it when I saw it on a regular IS350 at the auto show.

xwesx

andre1969 said:

xwesx said:

Well, if you would retire the Silverado, I'm sure your Ram would see a little more "truckish" duty.

Yeah, I need to either sing or get off the pot with regards to that old truck, and stop treating the Ram like it's new. Heck, it's going to be four model years old in September!

Actually, the other day I spec'ed out a Ram online, equipped more or less the way I'd want it if I had it to do over again. I went for a quad cab, 6'4" bed, still RWD, Hemi, 8-speed automatic, sure grip, 3.55:1 axle, the dress up package that gives you a chrome grille/bumpers and alloy wheels, and a few other odds and ends. And I picked a dark green metallic, that looked kinda nice. Sucker stickered at around $34K! Probably not too bad, considering how easily you can get a 1/2 truck up to $60-70K these days. But, a bit too rich for my blood.

But, then, this past weekend I was at the Mopar show in Carlisle PA, and a truck decked out just like I had built online drove past on the fairgrounds. Yeah, I could see myself in something like that.

It doesn't take much to spend a lot on a truck these days, for sure! I kinda-sorta want to get a Silverado for my truck's 50th anniversary, but I doubt I will splurge for one. I might keep my eye on something used (2019 model) about five years out though. Of course, mine is a C20, so a 3/4 ton means even more money. LOL

stickguy

you can spend more than 30K on a 4 cyl mid sized family sedan without really trying (well, MSRP, as with that Ram, not that you are paying close to it). At least with the Ram, you are getting more #s for your $!

stever

Did I mention the price on the pickup at the mega dealer that the salesguy and I walked past on the way to the detail shop to eyeball the HR-V? Probably did, since $61,000 really made an impression on me. And him too!

After swearing them off, I said what the heck and changed my own oil this afternoon. Spilled oil wipes up real nicely on that epoxy garage floor (my plastic "tarp" leaked a little). My regular mechanic charges too much and while I could cruise down to a quick lube joint, mostly I hate having to go somewhere and sit around and wait on the techs.

xwesx

The only part of oil changes that annoy me are the filters. I can guarantee that I'm going to make a mess (mostly of myself) on that part. Otherwise, I have it down to an artform (Fumoto valves help a lot with that).

I can do the annual oil change and filter cleaning and replacements on my cars in about ninety minutes. But, that's with one oil pan and one set of ramps, so they go one by one. And, there's usually more than just that to do, so the whole annual maintenance job ends up being a solid day (and often a follow-up day due to parts or tools that I didn't know I needed for day one).

I sent the oil samples from the Foresters in for analysis this morning, so now I'm looking forward to those results!

stickguy

I can't remember the last car I did an oil change on. Probably 20 years at this point. And I have no desire to go back to it.

stever

At least on this minivan and the last one, I can reach the oil plug and filter without having to elevate the van any. And the bits are relatively close to the front so my head is basically under the bumper a bit. And the filter hangs down so that helps. But my technique is a bit stale - went through 3 pair of nitrile gloves changing it out.

stickguy

makes the $35 i pay to the Acura dealer to do everything under the RDX look like a bargain.

ab348

I change the oil on the '68 Cutlass myself, mostly because I don't trust anyone else to do it.

stickguy

different with an old car though. With one under warranty, I prefer that the dealer is the only one to touch it, as required. Just in case something goes wrong.

imidazol97

stickguy said:

With one under warranty, I prefer that the dealer is the only one to touch it, as required. Just in case something goes wrong.

"As required"? Who requires that only the dealer can service the vehicle under warranty?

Michaell

imidazol97 said:

stickguy said:

With one under warranty, I prefer that the dealer is the only one to touch it, as required. Just in case something goes wrong.

"As required"? Who requires that only the dealer can service the vehicle under warranty?

I think you're misinterpreting here ... 'as required' refers to the scheduled maintenance, not who does it.

More of a comfort level thing - I feel the same way about my new cars that are under warranty. Easier to dispute a problem if only the dealer service department has done all the work.

imidazol97

Michaell said:

imidazol97 said:

stickguy said:

With one under warranty, I prefer that the dealer is the only one to touch it, as required. Just in case something goes wrong.

"As required"? Who requires that only the dealer can service the vehicle under warranty?

I think you're misinterpreting here ... 'as required' refers to the scheduled maintenance, not who does it.

More of a comfort level thing - I feel the same way about my new cars that are under warranty. Easier to dispute a problem if only the dealer service department has done all the work.

It sounds as if the OP is saying only the dealers are allowed to do service within the warranty period.
That is not true. Just keep the paperwork. Many dealers were giving that impression during the 80s and 90s saying they wouldn't honor the warranty otherwise. Many car owners bought into the idea then.

Michaell

imidazol97 said:

Michaell said:

imidazol97 said:

stickguy said:

With one under warranty, I prefer that the dealer is the only one to touch it, as required. Just in case something goes wrong.

"As required"? Who requires that only the dealer can service the vehicle under warranty?

I think you're misinterpreting here ... 'as required' refers to the scheduled maintenance, not who does it.

More of a comfort level thing - I feel the same way about my new cars that are under warranty. Easier to dispute a problem if only the dealer service department has done all the work.

It sounds as if the OP is saying only the dealers are allowed to do service within the warranty period.
That is not true. Just keep the paperwork. Many dealers were giving that impression during the 80s and 90s saying they wouldn't honor the warranty otherwise. Many car owners bought into the idea then.

Not disputing the fact that you can have your car serviced anywhere; both the OP and I are of the opinion that our preference is to have the dealer do the regular maintenance while the car is under warranty.

And, given the complexity of modern automobiles, I would probably have the dealer address any issues beyond regular maintenance even after the warranty period.

andre1969

stickguy said:

you can spend more than 30K on a 4 cyl mid sized family sedan without really trying (well, MSRP, as with that Ram, not that you are paying close to it). At least with the Ram, you are getting more #s for your $!

Definitely true on the OTD price versus MSRP. I did a search on Cars.com to see what was in my area, and This is actually pretty close to what I spec'ed out.

Well, other than a few details such as color, axle ratio, etc. The main reason I'd prefer the 3.55:1 axle over the 3.21:1 is that the quad cab is a bit heavier than my truck, so it might benefit from the quicker ratio. But then, maybe the 8-speed automatic, versus the 6-speed my truck has, would help offset that, anyway.

Michaell

andre1969 said:

stickguy said:

you can spend more than 30K on a 4 cyl mid sized family sedan without really trying (well, MSRP, as with that Ram, not that you are paying close to it). At least with the Ram, you are getting more #s for your $!

Definitely true on the OTD price versus MSRP. I did a search on Cars.com to see what was in my area, and This is actually pretty close to what I spec'ed out.

Well, other than a few details such as color, axle ratio, etc. The main reason I'd prefer the 3.55:1 axle over the 3.21:1 is that the quad cab is a bit heavier than my truck, so it might benefit from the quicker ratio. But then, maybe the 8-speed automatic, versus the 6-speed my truck has, would help offset that, anyway.

That's a lot of vehicle for the price of a mid-level Camry or Accord. Though I'd probably want it to be a 4x4 here in Colorado.

stickguy

As the OP, I meant service required to be done. Not that it had to be done at the dealer. But, as our own JMONROE knows, it is safer to have it at the dealer in case something goes wrong. Much harder for them to deny responsibility if they did all the service per the schedule (or now, per the maintenance minder!).

stickguy

Andre, if you aren't towing, with all that power and the 8 speed, I doubt you need, or would really notice, the shorter gearing.

Nice looking truck. I like those. Maybe when I move down south tower the country! Big discount too. I just want some more features!

au1994

Spoken as a true CCBA'er...I don't worry about oil changes. I never keep one long enough to need it.

rayainsw

Gear ratios:
The Hemi Charger final drive ratio is 2.64:1.

First gear ratio in the 8-speed automatic =
4.7:1 = overall \ compound ratio = 12.4:1

I can easily spin the stock 20" Firestones starting in Second gear
even on smooth, dry streets.
With the lighter rear of an unloaded pickup, I doubt you would
need the 3:55. And the rear tires would be very prone to spin.
- Ray
Top [ eighth gear ] is the second overdrive = 0.67 to 1 = 1.77:1 overall in the Charger..

carnaught

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

ab348

imidazol97 said:

It sounds as if the OP is saying only the dealers are allowed to do service within the warranty period.

That's not how I read it. Read "as required" the sane as "when needed".

imidazol97

stickguy said:

As the OP, I meant service required to be done. Not that it had to be done at the dealer. But, as our own JMONROE knows, it is safer to have it at the dealer in case something goes wrong. Much harder for them to deny responsibility if they did all the service per the schedule (or now, per the maintenance minder!).

Thanks for clarification! But didn't the dealer refuse to replace @Jmonroe's motor on the Sonata when it failed after that oil change?

Michaell

imidazol97 said:

stickguy said:

As the OP, I meant service required to be done. Not that it had to be done at the dealer. But, as our own JMONROE knows, it is safer to have it at the dealer in case something goes wrong. Much harder for them to deny responsibility if they did all the service per the schedule (or now, per the maintenance minder!).

Thanks for clarification! But didn't the dealer refuse to replace @Jmonroe's motor on the Sonata when it failed after that oil change?

That is correct .. because there was a record keeping error on JMonroe's part on his self performed oil changes.

stever

If I ever do get a new car I intend to use the dealer during the warranty period. If they make me mad, I'll do the "youtube" routine and film my own oil changes, save the receipts, etc. And you can bet the video will have lots of auditory editorial commentary and frequent quotes of the Magnuson Moss act.

roadburner

When Mazda was replacing turbos due to excessive smoking at idle on the MS3 and MS6 back in 2008 the TSB specifically stated:

1. Confirm that the proper maintenance intervals have been performed

and, if replacement was needed, the dealer was instructed:

...contact the Technical Assistance Hotline with the oil change history information, to attain an authorization for a turbo replacement.

I don't know how much hassle I would have been given if I hadn't had my oil changes performed at the dealer, but since the dealer had those records there was no issue whatsoever. In any case, my dealer provides free oil changes for as long as I own the car, so why wouldn't I take advantage of that?

au1994

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

Congrats and enjoy your punch. Just like elbows, everybody has an opinion on styling.

I'm certainly not going to cast any stones as I've asked a dealer to run some numbers on an X4 for me,

breld

@carnaught - glad you're sticking around. I didn't post earlier, and now it certainly seems a bit late, but I really do like the RC. I'm really digging the interiors of the current Lexus models now. I think you said you went from an ES to the RC - I imagine they're quite different in driving manner, huh?

@stickguy - wife and I were browsing the VW lot this past weekend and I pointed out the Jetta Sport to her, mentioning that you just got one for your daughter, and what a great value I thought it was. We really like those two-tone sport seats in it. Wife mentioned it would be a great option for her daughter, if we wanted to get something newer.

@michaell - how's the house sale going? All done and under contract?

Wife says she has the car itch. But there's really nothing she'd like better than her current GTI. Mercedes GLAs are catching her eye. I actually don't suspect she'll do anything this year.

I've mildly considered buying my brother's Allroad, which, as I've previously posted, he is looking to trade for a Q5. Given the somewhat surprising trade numbers on it, it would be a good deal. His best trade offer on it so far is $29k - for a '13 Allroad with 26k miles and a known track record. I'd either have his broker "transact" the deal for me at the $29k plus a reasonable profit/fee, or just pay my brother the grossed up amount for taxes. But...I'm really digging the Mazda3 right now.

The Mazda is feeling quicker than when I first purchased it. Some of that could be break-in, but I think it's more me learning how to best push it, which is a fun thing. I've gained more confidence in taking corners and I've gotten used to the feel of the car, and feel it's quite sporty, particularly for not being a "true" sport model (i.e., mazdaspeed, civic si, etc.). It fits all the usual occupants and their stuff - me, my two boys and all their baseball gear - comfortably. I enjoy all the features, like the head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, and rear camera.

The only thing I really find a bit offensive is the amount of road noise on less-than-perfect roads. It's far from unbearable, but is certainly noticeable on longer stretches. I've heard some of it has to do with the cheap stock tires, but I doubt new rubber would make a dramatic difference.

Of the cars I considered but ultimately decided against, none give me too much heartburn, but I do look a little longingly at WRXs, and I do wonder why the GLI didn't grab me more. I know it's not quite a GTI, but I like the styling of the facelifted Jetta, and I imagine it would feel a bit more upscale (and quiet) than the Mazda.

Anyway - that's my quick update on the current ride.

nyccarguy

roadburner said:

When Mazda was replacing turbos due to excessive smoking at idle on the MS3 and MS6 back in 2008 the TSB specifically stated:

1. Confirm that the proper maintenance intervals have been performed

and, if replacement was needed, the dealer was instructed:

...contact the Technical Assistance Hotline with the oil change history information, to attain an authorization for a turbo replacement.

I don't know how much hassle I would have been given if I hadn't had my oil changes performed at the dealer, but since the dealer had those records there was no issue whatsoever. In any case, my dealer provides free oil changes for as long as I own the car, so why wouldn't I take advantage of that?

Free oil changes? With the (I'm sure) very specific synthetic oil that YOU require? That's a good deal!

Michaell

As of last night, we are under contract to sell our house. 7 days on the market and we sold it for $5K under our asking price.

Now to address the 15 years of stuff lying about. The garage is much smaller than our current garage (still 2 car, however) so I'm not certain where the tools and golf clubs and such are going.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

Free oil changes? With the (I'm sure) very specific synthetic oil that YOU require? That's a good deal!

Nope; I have to provide synthetic since it's not required by Mazda- but it's still a good deal. The Mazda filter is a real pain to change- not a piece of cake like on the BMWs.

qbrozen

wow! congrats, Michaell. Did you say you did that yourself? Or did you use an agent? I'm trying like hell to get our house ready for sale, but its very very slow going.

xwesx

Michaell said:

And, given the complexity of modern automobiles, I would probably have the dealer address any issues beyond regular maintenance even after the warranty period.

I have no opposition to that, either. I just do the things that make sense for me to do. Shocks, brakes, fluids, misc wear items, inspection of belts/hoses/boots, etc.; all that stuff makes sense for me to do as well as saving many thousands of dollars over the years.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

wow! congrats, Michaell. Did you say you did that yourself? Or did you use an agent? I'm trying like hell to get our house ready for sale, but its very very slow going.

Oh, no. Our agent is a friend of my wifes who has stuck with us through multiple attempts to sell our home. Just that the market warmed up enough for us to make a bit of profit for the next house.

I talked with her this morning and told her it only took 9 years and 7 days to sell our home.

PM me directly and I can share some secrets if you're serious about getting your house ready to be on the market. We were lucky that we had the long holiday weekend to prepare.

roadburner

Michaell said:

As of last night, we are under contract to sell our house. 7 days on the market and we sold it for $5K under our asking price.

Now to address the 15 years of stuff lying about. The garage is much smaller than our current garage (still 2 car, however) so I'm not certain where the tools and golf clubs and such are going.


Congrats!

xwesx

breld said:

The only thing I really find a bit offensive is the amount of road noise on less-than-perfect roads. It's far from unbearable, but is certainly noticeable on longer stretches. I've heard some of it has to do with the cheap stock tires, but I doubt new rubber would make a dramatic difference.

Never underestimate the role your tires play when it comes to road noise! As an example, I have to really good sets of tires for the '10 Forester (for their intended purposes). My "summer" tires, which are GY Assurance TripleTred, are absolutely fantastic. However, they are somewhat noisy. I don't notice it typically, but I can tell you with certainty that I *do* notice how incredibly quiet the car seems when I first swap on my winter tires, which are GY UltraGrip Ice WRT. I know it seems a little counter-intuitive that winter tires would be quieter, but this is definitely the case here. Even still, the TripleTreds are not as noisy as the stock Geolandars they replaced.

xwesx

Michaell said:

Now to address the 15 years of stuff lying about. The garage is much smaller than our current garage (still 2 car, however) so I'm not certain where the tools and golf clubs and such are going.

Two Words......

YARD SALE (but, keep the tools and clubs)

stever

Garage sales are lot of work for not much payback. I like doing the craigslist thing better (but I had time and took months to dump stuff piecemeal). And I like meeting people and chatting about stuff without a crowd around. When I prepped the Boise house, I got six or eight "free" value opinions and lots of other good staging advice from realtors who answered ads for various things over the months.

About the only major things that didn't sell in Boise were the cars so wound up taking them to MI and they sold easily enough there. Go figure. Spent a long week and weekend in MI doing a garage sale. Chatted up some nice folks but only made a couple hundred dollars. Wound up moving a lot of stuff to the garage and then to the donation box at the thrift but would have been better off just going straight to the thrift.

tifighter

breld said:

The only thing I really find a bit offensive is the amount of road noise on less-than-perfect roads. It's far from unbearable, but is certainly noticeable on longer stretches. I've heard some of it has to do with the cheap stock tires, but I doubt new rubber would make a dramatic difference.

Uh oh. Has anyone taken Labor Day yet for @breld?

qbrozen

yeah, my wife says "yard sale" and I say "no way." Seriously, putting up signs and dealing with people is NOT worth the couple of bucks per item. Let me throw it all away and keep my sanity. We've been donating a TON of stuff at this point and, when she isn't home, I fill up a garbage bag or two and get it out to the robocan. Shhhh... don't tell her.

stickguy

I thought you weren't moving south? Or have you decided to downsize locally?

I did everything in the winter to fast track getting my dads house empty in record time. Craig's, a garage sale at the end, multiple donations, and 2 large dumpsters (sister and I referred to that as "packing in the red box"). But, this was a case were it all had to go.

At the end, he had an outfit come in to remove everything left, which was not much, and clean it up for sale.

IMO, the garage sale isn't about money. More about getting stuff out of the house, and having people take it away for you. But yes, can just be easier to donate. I like the outfits that come to the house to pick up for you.

Throwing out as much as possible is a good thing too. Liberating. Worst option is packing it up and taking with you!

laurasdada

As of last night, we are under contract to sell our house. 7 days on the market and we sold it for $5K under our asking price.

Congrats, Michaell. I'm in the process of condo hunting myself. It appears to me that the market might be balancing a bit more around here. Some condos are staying on the market a bit longer, there are even price reductions! But, the right property at the right price=gone!

Or, instead of a condo, maybe an i8 or S-Class Coupe? An F-Type? Yeah, that would be the smarter move...

Sandman6472

Got some seat time in a newer ES 350 today and liked it, a lot except for the stereo which wasn't that great...mediocre at best. Would think at that price point, it would be a bit more upscale, leather seats were comfy and the engine pulled nicely though overall, a bit too big a vehicle for us. Just felt it was a nice, no make that a very nice Toyota. And I can see why they sell so many of them because there is a sense of quality there and knowing that it won't break down with minimal amount of maintaining, but...! There's something I can't put my finger on it, something is missing that the Germans have found. And being unreliable and expensive are not what I was thinking here...they feel like a precision machine like a Rolex while the Japanese/Koreans feel more like a Timex. Not sure if I'm explaining this correctly but am sure many of y'all get what I'm saying here.
All my automotive life, I've or we've been doing the Timex thing but for the first time we put on the Roles...and really like it! Though, again I sat in a HR-V today, an LX model this time but...it felt like a glove, like I was surrounded in my own little cocoon. The same feeling I got the first time I sat in the CT 200h...it's like being in your comfy place where you just exhale! Must admit, I lusted after the Golf and that's why I threw logic out the window and acted spontaneously by trading out of the Tucson so quickly. With the HR-V, it's more like falling in love, each time I sit in one, I love the whole vehicle more and more but have decided to just keep it at a distance. Still in that lust phase with the Golf and as long as it behaves, I'm in for the long haul or at least until the factory warranty is still in place. But if things keep going south and too many things, well...happen, I could see the HR-V somewhere down the road but definitely not in the LX mode.
But as of now, staying the course in "The Blue Devil"!!!

The Sandman

Michaell

laurasdada said:

As of last night, we are under contract to sell our house. 7 days on the market and we sold it for $5K under our asking price.

Congrats, Michaell. I'm in the process of condo hunting myself. It appears to me that the market might be balancing a bit more around here. Some condos are staying on the market a bit longer, there are even price reductions! But, the right property at the right price=gone!

Or, instead of a condo, maybe an i8 or S-Class Coupe? An F-Type? Yeah, that would be the smarter move...

A house that is the same model as ours down the street just went on the market today ... $277K. Glad we're under contract for $290K.

But, we back to a greenbelt and they don't. Plus, our house is nicer inside .. turnkey, as they say.