Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

abacomike

benjaminh said:

Slowly getting ready to buy a new car in the next year, even though my current car, a 2008 Accord EXL navi 5MT has nothing wrong with it. Trying to clarify for myself things I value in a car. Here goes: 1. Reliabilty 2. Safety 3. Visibility 4. MPG 5. Performance 6. Sound System Given those requirements, and especially Visibility, I don't see any choice but the Honda Accord as a replacement. The only car I can think of that has visibility as good as the Accord is the BMW 3-series. But a comparably equipped 3-series costs c. $10k more than a Honda Accord. Since I'm not rich, I need that 10k for other things—like college money for kids, retirement, etc.

Sounds like you've narrowed your choices based upon the variables you listed to Honda.  I believe that if you are quite satisfied with a make and model, that leads the average car buyer to become a repeat customer.  But there is still much work left for you.  Hondas have changed significantly since 2008.

I would recommend taking the time to drive all cars in the same price range with the exact equipment you decided was important to you.  There's Suburu, Mazda, Buick, Chevrolet, Huyandai, Kia, Ford, Chrysler, to name a few.  Check out the ride, fuel economy, ergonomics, handling, available options, etc., before deciding to buy another Honda.

It sounds like you keep your cars for 7-8 years so you want to make sure that you select a vehicle that not only meets current needs, but also future needs as well.  Additionally, you will want to make sure the car you select is reliable, dependable and durable.  Read up on Edmunds and other sources that can give you their take on their research results for each make and model.

Whatever you decide on, I wish you many years of driving satisfaction.

Sandman6472

Owning a new VW and Audi, I think things will settle down sooner than later...am not worried here one bit. Both are excellent vehicles, we are both happy. That's all I need to know and will not play into the nonsense I am reading in other forums here. Too many folks with nothing else to do than [non-permissible content removed] over the internet with fellow posters about what other posters have written or other assorted nonsense. I prefer positive comments about everything automotive.
We really are not worried one bit here as we tend to keep our vehicles for longer than most, my one year ownership of my '14 Tucson was just a fluke, the wrong vehicle at the wrong time. We finally have our vehicle choices where they should be and hope to stay the course for a few years to come!

The Sandman

suydam

If you like the '08 Honda you'll like the new one even more. Same great visibility, fuel economy is even better, and a host of new tech and safety features.

stickguy

Just no stick on fancy models

Sandman6472

As of now, our trip to New York has been officially canceled. After agonizing for weeks, have decided that it's just going to be too much for me even having another family member to go, I'm just not up to it physically. We even thought to cut a couple things out or shorten it but I'm just not feeling good physically, working part time is more than I should be doing right now. Have decided to take a mini vacation within an hours drive time, a nice hotel on the beach where we can sit out and relax for a few days is on the agenda now.
Once the decision was made, felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Figure I can wait till the next reunion happens and by then, I should be retired...again. I know this is the right decision at this time. Turns out, I found a few certified birth certificates and my drivers license issue has been rectified since yesterday afternoon. No need to go to the clerks office in Peekskill for the certified copy. Guess all ends well except I am a bit disappointed with canceling but deep down, at this juncture, it is the right thing to do!

The Sandman

fezo

As long as you're keeping the VW and Audi long term you may well be OK. Especially since they are gassers and not diesels. You'd be ok if you leased since the residual has already been set. Last week I could see leasing a VW. Not this week.

Best that you recognize your limitations. Trying to more than you're realistically able almost always turns out badly. Good decision.

stever

Reading all about the VW mess and filling up with $2.19 RUG this week got my wife and I thinking about higher mpg again. So we may hang out and check out the '16 "regular" Prius when they arrive at the dealers. Which may not happen until January, lol.

Got passed going ~78mph on I-10 today by a Prius V.

Did a four hour road trip driving our friend's '13 Cruze and it was showing 37.9 mpg. Even with cheap gas, that's an appealing number.

Michaell

Amongst all the house related stuff that has consumed my life for the past month, I do have a bit of automotive news to share. The Elantra got new tires tonight.

As I mentioned some time back, the treads on the current set were quite low - between 2 and 4 32nds. On Saturday I get a warning from the TPMS system, so I take it to the tire shop where I got the tires and they fill me up. Warning goes away.

Yesterday, the warning is back. Couldn't get to the shop until today and had them inflate the tires once more. Right rear was down to 26 (from a max of 32) - the other three tires were OK.

However, as I drove off, the warning didn't clear. I made a U-turn and headed into the showroom to figure out my options. This was at 5:40, and the shop closed at 6. Found that I would receive a credit of $220 from my old set that only gave me 15,000 miles. Replaced them with another set of Falkens, but supposedly better quality. We'll see. With the credit, but adding in all the protections and warranty, I was charged $330 with tax. Walked across the parking lot and had dinner, my car was ready about 6:20 or so.

Not a fun purchase, but at least I'm ready for winter. And, they only have to last a year or so - lease is up on 11/6/16.

au1994

Michaell said:

Amongst all the house related stuff that has consumed my life for the past month, I do have a bit of automotive news to share. The Elantra got new tires tonight.

As I mentioned some time back, the treads on the current set were quite low - between 2 and 4 32nds. On Saturday I get a warning from the TPMS system, so I take it to the tire shop where I got the tires and they fill me up. Warning goes away.

Yesterday, the warning is back. Couldn't get to the shop until today and had them inflate the tires once more. Right rear was down to 26 (from a max of 32) - the other three tires were OK.

However, as I drove off, the warning didn't clear. I made a U-turn and headed into the showroom to figure out my options. This was at 5:40, and the shop closed at 6. Found that I would receive a credit of $220 from my old set that only gave me 15,000 miles. Replaced them with another set of Falkens, but supposedly better quality. We'll see. With the credit, but adding in all the protections and warranty, I was charged $330 with tax. Walked across the parking lot and had dinner, my car was ready about 6:20 or so.

Not a fun purchase, but at least I'm ready for winter. And, they only have to last a year or so - lease is up on 11/6/16.

All in all not a bad deal with the credit. Basically like adding one more payment to the lease right?

Michaell

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

Amongst all the house related stuff that has consumed my life for the past month, I do have a bit of automotive news to share. The Elantra got new tires tonight.

As I mentioned some time back, the treads on the current set were quite low - between 2 and 4 32nds. On Saturday I get a warning from the TPMS system, so I take it to the tire shop where I got the tires and they fill me up. Warning goes away.

Yesterday, the warning is back. Couldn't get to the shop until today and had them inflate the tires once more. Right rear was down to 26 (from a max of 32) - the other three tires were OK.

However, as I drove off, the warning didn't clear. I made a U-turn and headed into the showroom to figure out my options. This was at 5:40, and the shop closed at 6. Found that I would receive a credit of $220 from my old set that only gave me 15,000 miles. Replaced them with another set of Falkens, but supposedly better quality. We'll see. With the credit, but adding in all the protections and warranty, I was charged $330 with tax. Walked across the parking lot and had dinner, my car was ready about 6:20 or so.

Not a fun purchase, but at least I'm ready for winter. And, they only have to last a year or so - lease is up on 11/6/16.

All in all not a bad deal with the credit. Basically like adding one more payment to the lease right?

A bit more than a payment, but yeah. What's not good is that this is the second set of tires I've put on it in the 33,500 miles I've driven the car.

au1994

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

Amongst all the house related stuff that has consumed my life for the past month, I do have a bit of automotive news to share. The Elantra got new tires tonight.

As I mentioned some time back, the treads on the current set were quite low - between 2 and 4 32nds. On Saturday I get a warning from the TPMS system, so I take it to the tire shop where I got the tires and they fill me up. Warning goes away.

Yesterday, the warning is back. Couldn't get to the shop until today and had them inflate the tires once more. Right rear was down to 26 (from a max of 32) - the other three tires were OK.

However, as I drove off, the warning didn't clear. I made a U-turn and headed into the showroom to figure out my options. This was at 5:40, and the shop closed at 6. Found that I would receive a credit of $220 from my old set that only gave me 15,000 miles. Replaced them with another set of Falkens, but supposedly better quality. We'll see. With the credit, but adding in all the protections and warranty, I was charged $330 with tax. Walked across the parking lot and had dinner, my car was ready about 6:20 or so.

Not a fun purchase, but at least I'm ready for winter. And, they only have to last a year or so - lease is up on 11/6/16.

All in all not a bad deal with the credit. Basically like adding one more payment to the lease right?

A bit more than a payment, but yeah. What's not good is that this is the second set of tires I've put on it in the 33,500 miles I've driven the car.

No, that's not good. Probably wouldn't do any good, but have you talked to Hyundai? That is extremely premature wear unless you are entering drift competitions on the side and not telling us

Michaell

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

Amongst all the house related stuff that has consumed my life for the past month, I do have a bit of automotive news to share. The Elantra got new tires tonight.

As I mentioned some time back, the treads on the current set were quite low - between 2 and 4 32nds. On Saturday I get a warning from the TPMS system, so I take it to the tire shop where I got the tires and they fill me up. Warning goes away.

Yesterday, the warning is back. Couldn't get to the shop until today and had them inflate the tires once more. Right rear was down to 26 (from a max of 32) - the other three tires were OK.

However, as I drove off, the warning didn't clear. I made a U-turn and headed into the showroom to figure out my options. This was at 5:40, and the shop closed at 6. Found that I would receive a credit of $220 from my old set that only gave me 15,000 miles. Replaced them with another set of Falkens, but supposedly better quality. We'll see. With the credit, but adding in all the protections and warranty, I was charged $330 with tax. Walked across the parking lot and had dinner, my car was ready about 6:20 or so.

Not a fun purchase, but at least I'm ready for winter. And, they only have to last a year or so - lease is up on 11/6/16.

All in all not a bad deal with the credit. Basically like adding one more payment to the lease right?

A bit more than a payment, but yeah. What's not good is that this is the second set of tires I've put on it in the 33,500 miles I've driven the car.

No, that's not good. Probably wouldn't do any good, but have you talked to Hyundai? That is extremely premature wear unless you are entering drift competitions on the side and not telling us

I haven't, but that's a good idea. I suppose a 4 wheel alignment is in order, just to be sure I don't have any issues there that are contributing to the wear.

Drifting in a 148HP FWD hatchback? That's funny.

suydam

I know new cars don't have the best tires but even so I wouldn't expect to change tires on a new car before 30,000 miles. Twice? That doesn't seem right. 

tjc78

I hate having to put tires on a leased car. My 2012 Lacrosse was getting close, as was my Genesis before I sold it to a dealer, My 06 Avalon with the crappy Bridgestone Turanza EL400s (which seem to be so common as an OEM Tire) were shot at 27k and I had to drop $800 on new tires I put 7,000 miles on. Luckily, that is the only car I got burned with. I'm hoping the Michelins on the Enclave hold up well.

breld

suydam said:

I know new cars don't have the best tires but even so I wouldn't expect to change tires on a new car before 30,000 miles. Twice? That doesn't seem right. 

Yeah - particularly for the Elantra, replacing the tires once would be an annoyance, but twice is certainly unexpected. By the way @Michaell, when you said you grabbed dinner while the tires were being installed, you wouldn't be referring to the Discount Tire on Arapahoe, with the Dickey's BBQ next door? That's my favorite tire changing experience.

breld

I was just on the VW website, and find it very interesting that they don't have their TDI models listed at all. Now, before you say "duh, have you been living in a cave," I do understand what's been going on as of late, but still - I thought perhaps they'd still have the TDI listed as an engine option and the ability to build one, with a disclaimer that there may be delayed availability. The fact that the TDI models aren't listed among the choices, and the engine is nowhere to be seen as a choice? I think VW knows the fix is a long-term thing.

au1994

breld said:

I was just on the VW website, and find it very interesting that they don't have their TDI models listed at all. Now, before you say "duh, have you been living in a cave," I do understand what's been going on as of late, but still - I thought perhaps they'd still have the TDI listed as an engine option and the ability to build one, with a disclaimer that there may be delayed availability. The fact that the TDI models aren't listed among the choices, and the engine is nowhere to be seen as a choice? I think VW knows the fix is a long-term thing.

Funny, I just checked one of the local Audi dealer sites and they list zero diesels on the site. Previously a good portion, say 30%, of the A3's and A6's were diesels.

henryn

I was on Autotrader an hour or so ago, and the local VW dealers have used TDI models listed. Even one CPO, which I thought was "blocked"?

Michaell

breld said:

suydam said:

I know new cars don't have the best tires but even so I wouldn't expect to change tires on a new car before 30,000 miles. Twice? That doesn't seem right. 

Yeah - particularly for the Elantra, replacing the tires once would be an annoyance, but twice is certainly unexpected. By the way @Michaell, when you said you grabbed dinner while the tires were being installed, you wouldn't be referring to the Discount Tire on Arapahoe, with the Dickey's BBQ next door? That's my favorite tire changing experience.

Nope, the Discount Tire in Parker on Lincoln ... I had a choice of the following restaurants:

Teppenyaki steak house
Greek
Jersey Mikes subs
Pho

I went with the latter.

slorenzen

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

Amongst all the house related stuff that has consumed my life for the past month, I do have a bit of automotive news to share. The Elantra got new tires tonight.

As I mentioned some time back, the treads on the current set were quite low - between 2 and 4 32nds. On Saturday I get a warning from the TPMS system, so I take it to the tire shop where I got the tires and they fill me up. Warning goes away.

Yesterday, the warning is back. Couldn't get to the shop until today and had them inflate the tires once more. Right rear was down to 26 (from a max of 32) - the other three tires were OK.

However, as I drove off, the warning didn't clear. I made a U-turn and headed into the showroom to figure out my options. This was at 5:40, and the shop closed at 6. Found that I would receive a credit of $220 from my old set that only gave me 15,000 miles. Replaced them with another set of Falkens, but supposedly better quality. We'll see. With the credit, but adding in all the protections and warranty, I was charged $330 with tax. Walked across the parking lot and had dinner, my car was ready about 6:20 or so.

Not a fun purchase, but at least I'm ready for winter. And, they only have to last a year or so - lease is up on 11/6/16.

All in all not a bad deal with the credit. Basically like adding one more payment to the lease right?

A bit more than a payment, but yeah. What's not good is that this is the second set of tires I've put on it in the 33,500 miles I've driven the car.

No, that's not good. Probably wouldn't do any good, but have you talked to Hyundai? That is extremely premature wear unless you are entering drift competitions on the side and not telling us

I haven't, but that's a good idea. I suppose a 4 wheel alignment is in order, just to be sure I don't have any issues there that are contributing to the wear.

Drifting in a 148HP FWD hatchback? That's funny.

Years ago, there was a recall for the rear alignment/camber on the 2006 Civic, wearing out tires in around 12-15K miles.

I wonder if there's something similar with the Elantra? I know Honda never notified owners of this problem, even though there was a recall about it.

I had mine in to the dealer for service, and mentioned it. They acted like they didn't know anything about it until I told them the recall # from Honda.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

Drifting in a 148HP FWD hatchback? That's funny.

I am eating up the tires on the Fit mighty quick. Haven't quite gotten it to drift, as it is definitely more prone to plow first, but maybe if I applied a bit of handbrake....

ab348

I think OEM tires are often pretty crappy, even if they are a reputable brand. I had Goodyear Eagles on my '02 Intrigue from the factory and they were used up pretty quickly. I replaced them with Michelins and those were still very good when I traded it.

Sandman6472

My '06 Civic had the premature tire wear issue and when I wrote to Honda corporate to complain, they sent me a check for 50% of my 4 tire purchase. Said I would've gotten 100% if I had shown my Honda store the tires for them to inspect but since they kind of kept this thing quiet, who knew. Figured 50% is better than 0% so took the check and moved on. That was one issue I had with that first year Civic with a few more to come. At least in my experience, Honda had some teething issues with this model and I had most of them happen. Was my first, and last, Honda and besides liking the new HR-V, nothing else in their stable interests me though I think the knobless touch screen radio is a big mistake. Not all of us want that kind of infotainment system to be honest.
Thinking about it, there's really no other vehicle I'd rather have right now besides what I've got. The new for 2016 infotainment choices have me pretty pissed off right now to be honest and plan on writing a letter about this though right now, VW has bigger fish to fry. But seriously, besides the HR-V, and possibly the A3, nothing out there really excites me enough to want to buy it. Luckily, I do get to drive a large selection of vehicles out there and many are very good vehicles...just nothing that really excites me.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Back in May, some jerk stole my identity and copied my drivers license and stole from our checking account. Luckily, we found out within 20 or so minutes and notified the bank. Unfortunately, they didn't freeze our account and he made another withdrawl the next morning at a different bank location which we noticed again and let the bank know. Only then did they freeze the account...what a nightmare but we were made whole within the week. Got the police report and let the drivers license dept. know what happened and they said I could get a new license with a new number. My auto tags are due on my vehicle in 6 weeks but never got a notice. Went online and turns out I have to take care of the license situation before I can get my tags. Took care of that Tuesday and got my tag renewed for another two years today. I have a handicap plate plus a blue placard for when I go in another vehicle but today, when I tried to get another placard, they said I have to go back to the drivers license place for some reason. I found the old placard, good till 2017, so will deal with this all in a couple of years.
Identity fraud is no laughing matter and this is the second time it's happened in the last couple years. A royal pain to get fixed and the best I can say to folks is be aware of all your accounts and look frequently. We do and it helped us both times minimize things to an extent but it was still a violation none the less...it ain't no picnic and am still cleaning up the mess months later!!

The Sandman

xwesx

Thanks for the reminder, Sandy, and sorry that all this happened to you!

nyccarguy

@tjc78 - long time my friend! Thanks for checking in! No 2015 punches to report?

Michaell

Help Needed. My best friend in CA is at the point of repair or replace. 

Hes got a '96 Infiniti J30 with over 200k on it. He's had the car 10 years or so. Needs an injector, which his local mechanic won't touch. Recommends he take it to the Infiniti dealer. No idea on cost but figure $2000 or so. 8 hours labor. Don't know if all injectors will get replaced or just the bad one. 

Does he he write it off and go shopping or fix it? 

kyfdx

If it runs, take the first $995 and run

Michaell

 I just found out it needs an oxygen sensor as well 

suydam

Time to replace. He'll just be throwing $$ at it from here on in.

Michaell

 Yep, that's what we are both thinking 

stever

Guess I need to make a macro - $2,000 is only four car payments.

Pretty old and miled up car to put money into though.

Michaell

 Steve – he's looking to pay cash for his next car, so no payments 

Michaell

 He found a 2004 infinity G 35 with only 54,000 miles on it at a local dealer . They are asking $12,000 for it 

corvette

As a teenager, I loved the J30. The smooth lines of the first-gen Altima in a more luxurious package.

Took an Uber home from the local beer festival. It was a current gen Ford Focus. The Powershift had a shudder in the first couple of gears. Not nearly as smooth as VW's DSG. I understand the hate for Ford's Powershift.

Michaell

corvette said:

As a teenager, I loved the J30. The smooth lines of the first-gen Altima in a more luxurious package. Took an Uber home from the local beer festival. It was a current gen Ford Focus. The Powershift had a shudder in the first couple of gears. Not nearly as smooth as VW's DSG. I understand the hate for Ford's Powershift.

 I liked the J 30 as well.  However, the occasions where I rode in my friends car were kind of tough – it's very cramped inside 

Sandman6472

The 2015 Focus is much better in this respect than the 3 previous years...have driven many at work where that shudder was just horrible. The new ones I've driven are like 75% better but, it's still felt. Ford really needs to take care of this and actually fix the problem for all owners. I like the Focus but would never ever buy a Ford product due to this issue plus the couple our family owned. The worst was a 1972 Ford Torino Sport with a big engine that never made it home from the dealership the day my dad let me drive it home. Hell, 3 miles from the dealers, it died and had to be towed back. Never could fix it right...what a nightmare!!

The Sandman

qbrozen

I always hated the J30. I called it the jellybean car.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I always hated the J30. I called it the jellybean car.

There were a LOT of jellybeans on the roads in the late '90s!

xwesx

Michaell said:

 Yep, that's what we are both thinking 

If he doesn't do his own maintenance, I agree with the sentiments here.

Otherwise, sure, throw money at it. He'll still be saving a lot of scratch over the long run.

tifighter

Speaking of jelly beans, I always liked the last-gen Mazda 929.

stever

Michaell said:

 Steve – he's looking to pay cash for his next car, so no payments 

So, $12,000 vs $2,000. That's a lot of, er, scratch.

Hard to generalize about such a big state, but California doesn't seem like a good place to break down with car trouble.

kyfdx

stever said:

Guess I need to make a macro - $2,000 is only four car payments.

Pretty old and miled up car to put money into though.

Try using some math on that macro.... your car payments keep getting bigger.

stever

Inflation. I'm up to $500 x 4 but trying to avoid the $600+ payments that get posted around here sometimes.

How about "that's just ten lease payments"?

Ah, this is interesting if you can believe the source quoted back in '09 - "the average monthly payment on a new vehicle is $479. Considering your existing car is trouble-free, saving that $479 per month means an annual savings of $5,748 by postponing the purchase of a new vehicle." (Bankrate)

So I'm closing in on $90,000, throwing in maybe $4,000 in repairs.

Michaell

stever said:

 Steve – he's looking to pay cash for his next car, so no payments 

So, $12,000 vs $2,000. That's a lot of, er, scratch. Hard to generalize about such a big state, but California doesn't seem like a good place to break down with car trouble.

This is only the 5th car he's driven and I've known him since grade school:

1978 Chevette - inherited from parents
1987 CRX (not Si)
??? Dodge Colt
1996 J30
2004 G35

jeffb0101

I drove a J30 through most of high school and college. I can attest to the fact that they love their maintenance, so I agree it is time for a replacement. 

Michaell

jeffb0101 said:

I drove a J30 through most of high school and college. I can attest to the fact that they love their maintenance, so I agree it is time for a replacement. 

My friend got about 10 years and over 100,000 miles on his (had 100,000 or so when he bought it). First thing he did was to have the timing belt and water pump done. Between that and the purchase price, I think he said he was into it for $6200 initially.

Recently, he was having A/C and window regulator issues, so he was quite pleased when he reported he could roll down the windows in his new (to him) car.

Michaell

His purchase got me looking. I found a similar car ('04 G35), only with AWD, with 47,000 miles listed for $10,500 at a dealer in north Denver.

corvette

Those first-gen G35s guzzle gas, especially the AWD ones. But they were hailed as a 3-series fighter at the time.

I've had to navigate parking structures in the Yukon the past couple of days. I hate parking structures anyway, but it's unnerving when your roof is so close to the ceiling!

Michaell

corvette said:

Those first-gen G35s guzzle gas, especially the AWD ones. But they were hailed as a 3-series fighter at the time. I've had to navigate parking structures in the Yukon the past couple of days. I hate parking structures anyway, but it's unnerving when your roof is so close to the ceiling!

Yeah I noticed that. 17/24 for the G35X