Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Budgets are for wimps.

And you don't seem like the lease type to me.

Get a base golf stick shift. Pretty cheap, drives great, and do a few tweaks. A budget sleeper mini-GTI!

ab348

stickguy said:

Budgets are for wimps.

And you don't seem like the lease type to me.

Get a base golf stick shift. Pretty cheap, drives great, and do a few tweaks. A budget sleeper mini-GTI!

He'd probably spend more on the "tweaks" than it would cost to move up to the GTI.

corvette

ab348 said:

Budgets are for wimps. And you don't seem like the lease type to me. Get a base golf stick shift. Pretty cheap, drives great, and do a few tweaks. A budget sleeper mini-GTI!

He'd probably spend more on the "tweaks" than it would cost to move up to the GTI.

Pretty sure my neighbor did that with her Golf. Lowered suspension, nicer wheels, exhaust...

Mr_Shiftright

Oh yeah, been there with "tweaks". It never ends once you get going.

As for budgets, well, they are more important with a used car than a new one I think. With a new one, if things go wrong, you have a warranty as well as a clearly defined degree of depreciation. With something like a used Porsche, I could incur a total loss in the snap of the fingers. (if engine grenaded, for instance).

You're right, I'm probably not a leasing type but if a great deal came along, I could adapt.

fintail

Regarding alignment, it is cool to find a place that specializes in alignment and suspension work. I've found this place, who solved some weird issues with the fintail that nobody else could really figure out. Top notch place, and it receives very good reviews.

stever

Soul tire question for you, @iluvmysephia1 over in Answers. TIA!

kyfdx

I bought tires from Tire Rack when I was re-doing struts and bushings and of course, had to have an alignment. Went to a specialty shop for all that.

But, not worth it, if I just need to swap out rubber. In my experience, BMWs stay within alignment specs for a long, long time.

Mr_Shiftright

yeah but now that most US roads rival Pakistan's in overall condition, a BMW's front end can get whacked out as easily as the next car's.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

yeah but now that most US roads rival Pakistan's in overall condition, a BMW's front end can get whacked out as easily as the next car's.

Pretty sure I'm driving on US roads..

Mr_Shiftright

C'mon, you blow $600 + bucks on tires and skimp on the alignment? You really think a BMW is invincible to a pothole?

xwesx

I do alignments when they need to get done. The treadwear on my tires tell me all I need to know. Would it *hurt* to do it more often? No (other than my pocketbook), but I just don't like to take my car to a shop unless I need to do so.

My 2010 Forester received one alignment thus far, and that was when I replaced the shocks and struts. Had I only replaced the struts, I may not have taken it in because it's pretty easy to set the car's camber exactly as it was upon removal, but since I put in the HD springs, it completely changed the dynamics of the suspension and an alignment was more than warranted!

sda

I keep a close eye on tire wear and how the car tracks. If tire wear is even and it tracks straight, I leave it alone. Two services ago I was told the Accord needed an alignment. Tires are wearing evenly and it tracks correctly. No dice. Just under 51000 miles and the tires look like they will go to 60k. I will have the alignment checked and done if needed when I replace the tires.

kyfdx

I agree with the last two comments. My cars get aligned, when they need it. Not because I'm buying new tires.

If it's all good, no reason to let someone mess with it.

tjc78

Yeah my car was done with tires at 50k ish.  Now with 98k (same set of tires) it still appears fine.  Tires wearing perfectly and I'm aiming for another 7500 miles at least.  

By that time (another year) I should probably be thinking struts and suspension work so an alignment would be necessary.  

Michaell

I don't want to talk tires ... I'm on my 3rd set for the Elantra in less than 35K.

And, the wife's Outback is throwing a TPMS code that I couldn't clear by adding air at the local gas station. Goes into the tire shop later today for a look-see.

And, I suspect the MINI is going to need tires soon, as well - thank goodness I'm not in charge of buying them, just dealing with the installation.

au1994

The 335i is probably going to need tires before its turn in date in April. As if a CCBA'er needs incentive, that's a pretty good one to try to cut a deal with an early turn in and a smokin' deal on something new here at the end of the year.

slorenzen

Then there's guys like me, with what I call my "farm truck", which only sees around 1500 miles per year. I go on Craigslist and pick up a used set for around $300 installed, and they have around 60% tread left(new in this size is closer to $1200).

No point in buying new, the tires will rot off the rims before I wear them out!

Mr_Shiftright

Depends on the vehicle, that's true. On mine, with its skateboard suspension, once you hit a bumpy road, you have to kind of guess where a Mini is going to go. I can't imagine this suspension holding up to the tank proving grounds we also call "Bay Area Roads". And my car gets 15,000 miles a year of this punishment.

xwesx

slorenzen said:

Then there's guys like me, with what I call my "farm truck", which only sees around 1500 miles per year. I go on Craigslist and pick up a used set for around $300 installed, and they have around 60% tread left(new in this size is closer to $1200).

No point in buying new, the tires will rot off the rims before I wear them out!

That's definitely something I've done before. Unfortunately, I cannot (typically) get away with doing that on my old rigs because they have oddball rim sizes (16.5"). So, when I do find something that fits, the tires are most likely as old as the ones I already have on there (eighteen years on my pickup.... twenty on my van!). And, the owners think the tires are still worth 75% of new.

Sandman6472

Have a 3 year alignment policy which runs out in March and then, probably won't do it again. The tires are wearing nicely with 12K on the clock though I do rotate every 5K miles just to move them around. I know new sneakers are gonna be expensive for the Golf as well as the A3, they both wear the same size 17"ers. Have Continentals right now and like them but will look at all brands when I do change as I am not brand particular at this juncture...just don't want to spend a gazillion bucks and would like a touring tire if possible. Like Tire rack where they can be sent to a local shop but...if the tire is bad, then one has a problem with getting a replacement and do not want to deal with this nonsense. Like Tires Plus as if one picks up a nail, they will patch if possible or pro rate a new one.

The Sandman

henryn

Mr_Shiftright said:

Depends on the vehicle, that's true. On mine, with its skateboard suspension, once you hit a bumpy road, you have to kind of guess where a Mini is going to go. I can't imagine this suspension holding up to the tank proving grounds we also call "Bay Area Roads". And my car gets 15,000 miles a year of this punishment.

Interesting, "tank proving grounds". From 1999 to 2009, I live in Sealy, TX, the home (at the time) of Stewart and Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Division. They had a course there on the grounds for testing the vehicles, interesting place.

Mr_Shiftright

They should try the Nimitz Freeway, just south of the Bay Bridge heading toward Oakland.

henryn said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Depends on the vehicle, that's true. On mine, with its skateboard suspension, once you hit a bumpy road, you have to kind of guess where a Mini is going to go. I can't imagine this suspension holding up to the tank proving grounds we also call "Bay Area Roads". And my car gets 15,000 miles a year of this punishment.

Interesting, "tank proving grounds". From 1999 to 2009, I live in Sealy, TX, the home (at the time) of Stewart and Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Division. They had a course there on the grounds for testing the vehicles, interesting place.

nyccarguy

With 22,500 or so miles on the odometer, it was time for me to bring the Legacy in for service. Nothing major. Synthetic oil & Filter Change, tire rotation, an annoying wind noise coming from the upper left corner of the windshield, & a rear seat release in the trunk that came loose. I got a call from my service advisor today saying they changed the oil & filer, rotated the tires, as well as found & fixed the wind noise. Say what? Apparently there was a TSB issued for it, they determined my car was affected, & fixed it. They had to order a part for the back seat release in the trunk so I get to keep the 2015 Impreza Limited loaner for another day. I'm extremely pleased with my Subaru ownership experience thus far (almost 14 months).

I'm starting to see more & more Legacys on the road. I do like the way the wheels look on the Limited model. They are 18s instead of my car's 17s. My car's 17s have a nice, meaty sidewall that absorbs lots of bumps and I'm not scared if I accidentally hit a pothole.

Sandman6472

We now both have 17" tires on our vehicles and find it's a good compromise though I'd prefer a 55 series if possible since think the 45 is just not enough sidewall. When I do swap, will see what I could do by going up to a 50 or 55 series tire and see what size would fit. Just got home from a quick run to Miami on the turnpike and I-95 and must admit the ride is pretty quiet and smooth...just would like a taller sidewall. I know there's a chart that shows what the tire size does when one plays with the sidewall sizes, just not sure how to find it. Figuring there's going to be a price bump now that we both went from 205/55/16's to 225/45/17's, maybe a hundred bucks or so, but still want to see what and how much the 50 or 55 series will cost. Just want as much smothness as possible with a larger sidewall.

The Sandman

kyfdx

sandman_6472 said:

We now both have 17" tires on our vehicles and find it's a good compromise though I'd prefer a 55 series if possible since think the 45 is just not enough sidewall. When I do swap, will see what I could do by going up to a 50 or 55 series tire and see what size would fit. Just got home from a quick run to Miami on the turnpike and I-95 and must admit the ride is pretty quiet and smooth...just would like a taller sidewall. I know there's a chart that shows what the tire size does when one plays with the sidewall sizes, just not sure how to find it. Figuring there's going to be a price bump now that we both went from 205/55/16's to 225/45/17's, maybe a hundred bucks or so, but still want to see what and how much the 50 or 55 series will cost. Just want as much smothness as possible with a larger sidewall.

The Sandman

That won't fit, unless you buy 16" wheels... and then, those might not clear the brakes.

Sandman6472

Had to go to a Miami courthouse today because they screwed up on my accident ticket back in March. I paid the fine and went to driving school and thought all was good. Got a letter last Saturday saying my license would be suspended on 12/1/15 if I didn't take care of this ticket. went online and got a copy of the canceled check.
Left the house about 8:15 and after a quick bite, hit horrendous traffic in North Broward county taking the turnpike. More traffic in Dade county once I got to the turnpike's end. Took 163rd Street to Biscayne Blvd.(U S 1) and went south a few blocks to the court house. Crazy with people but my wait was less than 10 minutes. Got to the window and after a bit,they asked about the driving school certificate which naturally was at home. Told me to come back after i got it but I protested. Turns out they found it in their computer...they had never linked it to my ticket number!! I stayed calm and the guy said he'd fix it all right then and there and I would not have to then go to the DMV afterwards. he did it and I thanked him but really, their office screwed up big time! Hopefully, all is kosher now with my drivers license.
A shame that the government screws up things like this because it makes we the people jump through hoops to correct their mistakes. Not acceptable!!! Just glad it's done and just cost me gas, a few tolls and my time. But again, just glad this chapter is over!!

The Sandman

stickguy

Sandy, you can get a taller sidewall but that will screw up your speedo calibration. Only way you can keep same total diameter but more sidewall is do a -1 to a smaller wheel.

A 205/55-16 is almost identical to what you have now, total diameter. A 205/55-17 might fit, but is off by more than 3%. 215s more than 5%

Search for the Miata.net tire calculator and can play around. Tire rack probably has something similar.

xwesx

stickguy said:

Sandy, you can get a taller sidewall but that will screw up your speedo calibration. Only way you can keep same total diameter but more sidewall is do a -1 to a smaller wheel.

A 205/55-16 is almost identical to what you have now, total diameter. A 205/55-17 might fit, but is off by more than 3%. 215s more than 5%

Search for the Miata.net tire calculator and can play around. Tire rack probably has something similar.

Exactly right. If he goes to a "taller" series on the 17" rim, such as a 55, that just means that he'll need skinnier tires. And, since the series is a function of width (e.g., 55 is 55% of the width of the tread), a 205/55-17 doesn't really give much added sidewall compared to a 225/45-17. Drop an inch on the rim size, though, and you automatically add 1/2" to your sidewall (everything else being equal).

au1994

Just so everyone knows I am starting a Go Fund Me account for an Alfa Giulia.

What could go wrong with a 505hp Alfa, Right??

rayainsw

LOL !
[ Count me in for a buck ]

roadburner

au1994 said:

Just so everyone knows I am starting a Go Fund Me account for an Alfa Giulia.

What could go wrong with a 505hp Alfa, Right??

I'll believe it when I see it- in North America, at any rate.

Sandman6472

So, bottom line is the current tire size stays, forever! So far, no problems with punctures, whatever, so staying with what the engineers came up with is best. Just would've liked a slightly taller sidewall if at all possible but that does not seem to be in the cards. I like the car so much that can live with it for however long I need to.

The Sandman

stever

Giulia, Julia.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Bound for Dealerships Next Summer

Wonder if the real kickstarter campaigns will start once these are out of warranty?

stickguy

A Ferrari engine. Should be cheap to maintain. Wonder what the base car gets? The same 3.6 out of the 300?

robr2

stickguy said:

A Ferrari engine. Should be cheap to maintain. Wonder what the base car gets? The same 3.6 out of the 300?

Ferrari derived, not Ferrari engine.

It probably uses the block from their 4.3 V-8 and it's chopped down to a V-6. Using a true Ferrari engine would raise the cost dramatically.

Mr_Shiftright

Not sure about maintenance costs, but to rebuild a modern Ferrari engine is about $60,000

Michaell

Calling @nyccarguy .. got someone interested in a Legacy, thought you could help ....

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/38080/subaru/legacy/2016-subaru-legacy-prices-paid#latest

qbrozen

Went over to a dealer by work to check out a 2007 CX7 and 2007 Pacifica. Both were really rough. The Mazda smelled moldy and about halfway through the drive developed a very concerning engine noise. The Pacifica ran and drove nice but the front seats were extremely worn and I found a poorly matched painted fender when I parked it under the lights. Moving on.

stickguy

I never went out this week to see the Mazda at the Fiat dealer in Mt. Laurel. Got stuck at work instead.

But, you gotta sift through a lot of crap to find the diamond in the rough!

Mr_Shiftright

It has often taken me 3-6 months to find the right car, from the time it pops into my head until the time it lands in my driveway. Of course, I'm often shopping cars that are 5 or more years old, so I have to be particular, just as you are. I go through 3 vetting processes. The first is the immediate reject. Walk around the car, sit in it, smell it. If there's too much negative stuff at this point, I'm done already.

The second process is the test drive...a good long test drive...and that's often the deal breaker. Even if the car runs out really well, it sometimes doesn't shape up as "the car for me". For instance, I have no idea what it feels like to drive a CX7--never did---so the test drive might result in a perfectly good car being rejected. Or I might hear or feel some seriously bad things---pinging, transmission or diff noises, severe brake shudder, failing electronics.

The third process is the PPI--pre-purchase inspection. Only a few cars make it this far, because it gets expensive to run cars through a PPI....$150 to $350, depending on what it is (Mini, $150, Porsche $350).

I guess if I were shopping Camrys, I'd skip the PPI.

qbrozen

Well tomorrow may be a trip 1 hour north to look at an XC90 at a volvo dealer. Its a 2.5T, which is the good news, but it is AWD, unfortunately. Maybe I'll call ahead of time and see if I can find out if the Angle gear seal has ever been replaced. We'd probably be wiser to avoid them altogether.

stickguy

go take a look at the Mazda down this way. You already did the Volvo thing. Tons of other places to shop there. hey, an untapped market for you!

or just disconnect the rear shaft. No need for an angle gear!

Edit: tht CX-7 seems to be gone. don't see it listed any longer.

they do have this. other than the aftermarket wheels, I oddly really like this. wonder how good the price is?

http://www.fiatusaofsouthjersey.com/used/Toyota/2001-Toyota-MR2+Spyder-cf467e730a0e0a6b5144145c7530a738.htm

stickguy

so, poking around my usual haunts for an SUV for Mrs. Q. keeping below $10K and 100K miles, which helps keep the selection easy to sort though!

This looks nice. have to be a little brave. And in the listing, they lie about the tranny (it is a slushbox)

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2005-bmw-x5-3_0i-used-14416147.html

Missed on miles. But if you want big, this is big!

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2008-buick-enclave-awd_4dr_cxl-used-14378871.html

these are actually very nice. and no complicated AWD to worry about. Just serviced, new brakes and tires. Hmmm, I really do like this one.

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2008-hyundai-veracruz-fwd_4dr_gls-used-14231375.html

qbrozen

Thanks, stick!
actually, though, 80k miles is about my limit.
i do want to check out an SRX, so I may try to do that first.

stickguy

miles go down, price goes up! The 91K on a FWD Hyundai don't actually bother me. Those are pretty durable.

SUVs do seem to be priced much higher than comparable cars though.

This one is low 51K. V6 AWD.

http://www.msmazda.com/vehicle-details/2005-mazda-tribute-s-maple-shade-nj-id-11391861

If you can double your miles and feel lucky, AWD for $1,400! Does not actually look that bad. I know you like these.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5325363936.html

Close to you. Definitely a dealer posing as owner, but actually fits the criteria (well, 81K, close enough). Though that pesky brave factor comes in again!

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5308671156.html

qbrozen

I may have to check out that Benz. I will be 1 block from there in the morning anyway. That went through Manheim in NJ, was deemed above average condition, and they paid $5700 for it.

stickguy

I smell a winner! I like those. Don't really know ow that would be maintenance and running cost wise.

qbrozen

Still leaning toward the SRX on paper at the moment.

looks like C&D agreed once upon a time:
http://m.caranddriver.com/comparisons/bmw-x5-vs-acura-mdx-cadillac-srx-m-b-ml350-lexus-gx470-volvo-xc90-vw-touareg-land-rover-lr3-comparison-tests

Here is the closest one I may like to go see today:
http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#vdp?listingId=651679260

suydam

Remind me what kind of vehicle you're looking for and why? Is it a replacement for something else?

qbrozen

Replacing the Fit, technically. Looking for a not-so-huge SUV or tall wagon for less than $10k. Heated leather seats and moonroof are big pluses, as is less than 80k miles. 

I'm sure something in a lower class like a CX7 or Venza would be the smarter choice, but we are attracted to luxo brands, so it is tough to look away. Besides, when you look at the numbers, something like a 2007 CX7 and 2005 luxo ute with similar miles are similarly priced. Just the upkeep that may kill me in the end.