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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • countsmackula1countsmackula1 Member Posts: 61
    During 2006 , I bought a 1998 Ford Contour, a 1983 Mercedes 300SD, and a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. I have finally learned my lesson, 13 cars in 12 years of driving, but it's sooooooo fun! whoo-hahahahahaahahahahahahahahha!
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Akangl.... 02BRVN?? 02 is for water??....Braven?... hmmmm... what does it mean? :confuse:

    I've never been good at figuring out license plates.

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Oh, to be RVing... ???
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    Wow, only the second person to guess got it, that's impressive!! It more or less fits the truck since that was orginally its purpose in life, to haul the RV around, course now its hauling horses too.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    We're in 2007 now so you have to start planning for another one soon.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    congrats Dad23... Great tag Akangl!!!

    Mark
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • zodiac2004zodiac2004 Member Posts: 458
    I got it the moment I saw it -- honest.

    I'll admit I wouldn't have if it wasn't in the context of motorhomes.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,814
    I would never have figured it out..

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  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    That the power steering pump on my C240 has a leak. My mechanic had a look at it today. I can have it resealed which will cost me about $300, or if I want to replace it it would be about $1000.

    I have to look online to see if I can get one cheaper in the US.

    I asked him to duct tape the pump, but he doesn't recommend it. :sick:

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    I would never have figured it out..

    I wondered how many people would get it when I put it on the truck, but then it didn't matter to me, I know what it means and that's all I care about. I think its cute and well, it fits the truck.

    Sooooo, what's the latest pool on me buying something else?? LOL

    I will have to buy a new windshield for my truck soon, it cracked all the way across and ended up in my line of sight, drives me nuts. Didn't make quite the same pretty designs that the driver's side window made when it broke. Then there's the broken fog light, now its got some pretty cracks going on. :sick:
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Right you are, "not everything needs an investment return schedule." Having said that, we can certainly look at alternatives to how we are going to rip through 400-600K.

    In my case whenever I see a late middle age guy and the missuz (this is always the demographic) driving down the turnpike in a truck/bus chassis RV all by their lonesome,I wonder. Whats with these people? Why are they putting themselves through this? Wouldn't they be a lot happier if they just took all that money, bought a new Mercedes sedan and made reservations all across the North America at the very best hotels, say the Ritz? Certainly, it would be cheaper, they would meet a better class of people, and have more freedom to come and go as they pleased. If they had to really pretend that they were diesel truckers they could even buy an E Class Mercedes with the new diesel.

    Sign me up for 365 nights at various Ritz locations instead of blowing 600K on a bus and an (unpaid) bus driver's job.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    If I had the cash and the time, I think a mobile home would be the only way to go. A house on wheels. With satellite and cellular technology you have every convenience that you have at home. The missus can be cruising the net looking for destinations or making reservations while you listen to cd quality XM radio and the kids are in the back watching HD TV on the Dish. I know high end hotels are nice and all, but if you have 300K to spend on a land barge, a night at the Ritz is well within the limits of your black Amex. But you have the option to stay in BFE if you like in complete comfort.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Blckislandguy... Great, there will be one more vacant RV spot for me! :P LOL

    I never said I would give up regular hotel travel, having a motorhome will just enhance my travel choices.

    Please don't confuse "class" with "money", those two don't always go hand in hand... (ex.. Donald Trump).

    Mark156 :)
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Re: Confusing class with money. The Donald has had more brushes with bankruptcy than anyone knows. I don't think that he has all that much (unsecured) "money". He is probably one real estate recession away from negative net worth.

    But you guys really amaze me. I truly don't understand why anyone would want to pay to pound down the Interstate to then pull up to an RV park.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Sorry, please enlighten me. What is "BFE"? A term used by Class 8 truckers?
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Blckislandguy, you right about Trump...if it wasn't for his Dad bailing him out...he would have been "Fired" years ago.

    A better example would be Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, etc, etc.... They have plenty of money, are attractive, but really don't have much class in my opinion. So, inferring that people in RV parks have "less class" is incorrect.

    Remember when Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were in "It's a simple life"? They traveled the country in a GM Truck pulling an Airstream trailer. The Airstream trailer was for sale at an Airstream dealer in Irvine, CA, as I had seen it on their website. It was near where I rented motorhomes so I stopped by to see it but it wasn't there. As I recall, they were asking a normal used price for it.

    Back to the motorhome lifestyle, I guess I don't understand why you don't get it. When motorhome traveling, you are in your own cocoon and you don't have to pack and unpack as you would moving from hotel to hotel. Your have your own kitchen to prepare your own food or you can eat out. Everyday, you can have a new view out your window whether you are in a big city or way out in the country.

    Also, I really enjoy driving. I find class A motorhomes easy to drive and handle.

    Sometimes, in smaller towns, there are not really great hotels to pick from. I drive across country several times a year and I've been caught having to accept a "lower grade" hotel because that was all that was available. Sometimes, you don't know when or where you will be stopping and have to take what's there. In a motorhome, your level of luxury is right there whether you are in a Crackle Barrel parking lot or a Outdoor Resorts RV park. Just close the curtains and you are in your mini luxury suite.

    I plan on going to Yellowstone National Park this summer and maybe swing through Lake Tahoe... I will hit all 48 states before the motorhome is sold (maybe about five years). Rough estimation is that a $331,000 MSRP motorhome (minus 25% purchase price) will retail for about $90-100K (depending on mileage and condition).

    For a dingy, a Jeep Liberty is popping to the top of the list because I know Jeep's have the lever to disengage the drive-train. I will just need to have the towbar installed once I purchase it.

    Happy Travels... Mark156 :)
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Is Bum F*** Egypt. In the middle of nowhere.

    You may say Trump has no class. But saying he doesn't have that much money is funny. He may be heavily leveraged but these days he is doing a lot more than real estate. He has his likeness on a very successful reality show and other projects. And even though very successfull people DO declare bankrupcy, I'm sure they don't end up "poor" by our meaning of the word.
  • nj2pa2ncnj2pa2nc Member Posts: 811
    i agree, it is alot of fun. I keep saying this will be my last car but i see something else i like and it is all over for me. my last purchase was a 2006 acura tsx.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Do your wife and kids enjoy the RV lifestyle too? It sure sounds like fun to me except for the dimensions of the motorhome. Seems like the length & width could be a potential problem in certain situations.
    It does sound like fun though...but my family would probaly prefer the nice hotels...go figure.

    The Sandman :)
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Hey Sand...

    Don't have a wife or kids... just an S.O.

    Going to look at motorhomes on Wednesday.... I have one salesman that is pulling units in the 400K plus range... He better offer a huge discount for that to work!

    I told him $300K - $350... and he sends me invoices for much more... :confuse:

    I have a feeling I'm going with the other dealer I was working with but we'll see.

    Mark156 :)
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Sounds very cool. Good luck.
    Taking my '06 Civic in for it's 1st oil change tomorrow & to have a TSB taken care of. Hopefully they will get it all done right the first time. Have also been looking on Ebay for some 16" Honda wheels to replace my steelies. Don't really need them, but new alloys would make the car look really sweet. And all I'd need is to buy the wheels & put my exisiting tires on them, as I only have 5030 miles on the car in 7 months. My son who just left to go back to school in St. Louis, put on about 500 miles in the 3 weeks he was home for vacation.
    Time will tell on the alloys though. If I can find some nice looking one's with the correct fitment and all, I just might treat myself. Just have to pass it through the wife's scrutiny though. For some reason, most woman don't understand that we car lovers really enjoy customizing our rides just a bit. We don't see it as wasting money, but more of a way to enjoy our rides more. Would sure put a big smile on my face! Wish me luck!

    The Sandman :)
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    I only have 5030 miles on the car in 7 months.

    Wow, I WISH I could put that few miles on a vehicle. My truck is just over 6 months old and turned 18k on Thursday. Hubby's Ram has around 12k on it so its on family duty, RV duty, grocery duty, and anything else I can find until it catches up with mine, lol.
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    I'm continually amazed that the Hilton family doesn't understand the long term damage to their "brand" that this idiot is doing to it. Buying a used RV that she had "used"? No thanks. It would need too much steam cleaning.
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    So, you are not going to try and squeeze 17" wheels on the civic ? But, then you would also have to explain new tires also to the boss.

    I must say I the looks of the sedan have grown on me. Originally I only liked the coupe, but the more I see the sedans I think they have almost as nice lines.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    You would probably need to send it to one of those HAZMAT decontamination units.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,360
    most likely, any Ebay take-offs will have tires too. And I'm not even sure if the alloys are exactly the same size as the steelies on the civic (sometiems they are bigger diameter), but you would certainly know better than me!

    I know what you mean about the wife. I sometimes think about looking for a set of TSX 17" for my Accord (which already has alloys), but can't really think of a justification, other than they look nice, which ain't going to fly.

    Now, if I needed snows, that is the way I would go, but i suppose you don't run into that problem in sunny Fla.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    You might want to check out TireRack or DiscountTire to see what fitments are available for your car in the aftermarket. The 16" tire size (205/55) is very popular and there are lots of options at all peformance levels.
    Another thought would be to put your tires and wheels up on eBay/Craigslist and get new tires and wheels for your car.
    I would probably stay with 16" because they are lighter and cheaper with more options right now.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,292
    I guess any publicity is good publicity...
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    If you buy a set of those for a "regular" Honda, you'll need spacers. TSX wheels might also need spacers if you put them on an Accord. They will rub the calipers. I bought a set of 06 Civic Si 17's and they needed 3mm spacers to fit the Accord. They look AWESOME though. And firmed the suspension very nicely.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    ...restoration is complete.

    I had Midas put a new muffler on Barney today. Much, much, much better sounding (read: quieter) on the drive home from the shop.

    Midas also told me that it needs the front CV joint replaced. Couple hundred bucks, they said. I passed for now, since the car isn't driven very much (maybe 200 miles in the past year), and I've got until June to get everything taken care of.

    Next step is to get it to pass emissions and get permanent plates for it. That has to happen by the 26th of this month.

    Then:

    > Front CV joint, apparently - I might get a second opinion on this
    > Driver's door lock repaired - key just spins in the keyhole on the door
    > Oil change and new wipers

    But, now that I can actually hear the radio, I might be inclined to drive it more.

    I would love to get some custom wheels for it - it has 14" rims, so I can't imagine that it would be too expensive (< $300?) to get some basic alloy wheels.

    Plus, I'm thinking that somewhere down the line I'll get some new wheels for the L300 as well. The OEM chrome wheels are covered with brake dust and can't be cleaned up real well anymore.
  • growwisegrowwise Member Posts: 296
    If you live in a snow belt, I think its a better investment to go with snow tires/steelies for next few months than brand new alloy wheels. Even if I wasnt living in snow belt, I'd rather my car have new shoes over different set of alloys. Just my 0.02
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Your comments make sense. We do live in Denver, so we've seen more than our fair share of snow in the past month - like 50+ inches!

    The tires on Barney are pretty new .. I don't have the receipts, but there is quite a bit of tread left on them.

    The car will ultimately end up in Southern California as a graduation present to my son in June, so it's likely that this will be the last winter the car sees. I thought it would be nice to dress it up a bit with some new alloy wheels before giving it to him.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    I thought it would be nice to dress it up a bit with some new alloy wheels before giving it to him.

    Just so long as you are clear that you are dressing it up for YOUR benefit, not his. My guess is he'd rather you pass the money to him than have alloys on his ride (at least by the time he is living on a student's income).
  • zodiac2004zodiac2004 Member Posts: 458
    I posted this is purchasing used vehicles group, but it can't hurt to post here in the home of people who flip cars as a hobby :):)

    I'm looking for a car with a nice manual tranny - thinking along the lines of a >94 Integra or a >95 Maxima.

    Anybody have experience with those. Or any other similar cars. I prefer a 4 door, but open to 2 door as well.

    I also need something any mechanic can work on, and should have a good supply of aftermarket parts.

    Reliability and cost of maintenance/repair is also very important.

    Suggestions, please.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    1990-1993 Accord EXR would be a great choice.

    Integras and Maximas are good choices as well. Stick to japanese cars and you'll fare well, even though finding a decent 5 speed might be a challenge.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,292
    The Maxima has the wold-renowned Nissan V6 engine, but I don't think you could go wrong with either one.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    The late 80s to mid 90s was kinda the hay-day for Honda with respect to your requirements. Very sophisticated suspension systems for good ride and handling at their price-point, tons of after-market support, simple to work on, cheap to own, insure and maintain (with a few exceptions) with good fuel economy.
    They are also well supported in engine swaps (B16a into a CRX is kind of the classic one, but H22s in an Accord are common too)
    That said, depending on how big you want, the Infinity G20 of the early 90s shared a lot with the Sentra SE-R/NX2000, all of which are fun to drive. These might be below your price range at this point though, and finding a good example might be challenging.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    One suggestion I have is a 626 V6 5-speed. They are rare, but they are out there. Depreciation on them is pretty steep, so you can actually get a pretty decent one with low'ish miles for $5k. The maxima is zippier, but will cost you more for one of equivalent vintage and miles.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • zodiac2004zodiac2004 Member Posts: 458
    Thanks for the responses guys.

    I'm not a big fan on the pre-94 accords looks. It's like pulling teeth to find a 94-97 Accord with 5-sp.

    I should have mentioned I'm in Canada (near Toronto) so it's in general a smaller market that any big US city.

    qbrozen - 626? really. I have heard of spotty reliability with the 2.5 V6.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    i've never heard of such problems.

    the only issue with the 626 i know of is the automatic tranny that is coupled with the 4-cylinders. Its a Ford tranny and seemingly guaranteed to crap out.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    You should be able to find a 94 up Accord for under $5k, we take them in on trades for under that all day long in Vancouver.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    The rear hatch on my 6 y.o. bmw 5-series failed tonight for about the 3rd time in 2 years (ironic, because one of the main reasons I bought the car was to have a wagon with a rear hatch). And It's probably dumb to complain about it because it's one of the only things ever to fail on the car (knock wood). It seems to cost about $200 to fix it each time, not bad, but also I think I'm looking for an excuse to sell it.

    I'm thinking--get something bigger, with more headroom & cargo space--& 4wd or AWD for snow. Japanese this time instead of German or British. And a budget of hopefully under $30K. Only cars I can come up with are a used 4runner or MDX (w/o going nuts & buying a used Land Cruiser or LX470, altho I'd really like one). I've kinda ruled out cute-utes. I'm keeping a new Tacoma on the list (altho less practical for me than a SUV), & possibly a Subaru Outback turbo wagon (which is not bigger than a 5 series of course).

    Any ideas from anyone? I always go thru this same schizoid process when buying a car.....
  • growwisegrowwise Member Posts: 296
    Perhaps a used Lexus GX470? May be a used Toureg if Germanic handling is your cup o tea?
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    This one is sorta from left field, but did you see that lease offer MB had on the R-class not long ago? That was a pretty interesting deal. If they try to blow out CDI 4matics next year... ;)

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,814
    4Runner are fairly cheap right now... You could probably get a new one..

    You don't seem to drive a lot, so fuel prices probably aren't that important.. I think it makes a lot of sense, although I'm not sure you'll pickup a lot of cargo room over your wagon.. They are a lot smaller inside than outside.

    Great deals on Honda Pilots... I'd go that way, before getting an MDX. Also, more interior space than a 4Runner.

    I really like Touaregs... but, not sure I'd like to own one out of warranty..

    Sort of sad to think you are going from a wagon to an SUV.. :(

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,292
    The GX470 is also nice, but I'm not sure of the price of used ones. I concur with the suggestion of the Pilot--it seemed to have noticeably more power than the CR-V and less engine noise. I like the styling of the RX330/350, but I hear they're pretty boring.

    Totally off-topic, but since you know more about audio stuff than I do, are you using external speakers with your iMac, and if so, which ones did you choose?
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. I'll add the Pilot to my list. I'm pretty sure the 4Runner has more cargo space than an E39 wagon(?). Altho I'd have to look up the 4Runner info. again to be sure.

    One of the main things I don't like about the bmw wagon is a combination of the low ride height, & the short distance between the seats & roof, or between the load floor & roof. Just feels slightly claustrophobic inside, & I notice it when trying to load lots of stuff or my bike etc. (The rear hatch release breaking occasionally doesn't help loading stuff either).

    Today I had myself convinced to buy a V6 AWD Rav4. Buying new can be much easier than buying used IMO. I'd have to resign myself to the "cute-ute" look, but the power of the V6, the price, etc. could sway me.....I guess I could look at used "certified" X5's, but they certainly wouldn't be more reliable than a 5-series.....

    Any great lease options could sway me too.....
  • growwisegrowwise Member Posts: 296
    How about a used ML430 (v8) over a new Rav4 if fuel consumption is not a top priority. Merc knows how to build a good thing or two. A used ML320 (v6) should come a lot cheaper than new Rav.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    I have to say that the V6 RAV is just a super compelling package right now. Power, gas mileage, reliability, resale etc; it has it all. I have an itch for the AWD sport V6, or a Forester XT myself.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I think I remember Akangel also really liking the Pilot(?). That makes 3 people on the board recommending it--I should check it out. I assume it has good Honda reliability & resale value, etc?

    No external speakers with my iMac--I'm so obsessed with audio that I always have an excellent (separate) audio system in whatever room I have the computer in. But I'm sure there are people on some of the audio boards who know about this; try doing a web search for the words "audio", with "gone", & also "audio" with "asylum". If you find those 2 sites you can post questions, or search existing threads.

    Also I don't know the sound quality from the audio outputs of an i-mac? You want to play CD's? Off the top of my head I'd think look into powered speakers like Genelec--very high quality--some audio pros use the more expensive ones--I'd think they could be hooked up to a computer?--there's a giant music store in So. IN that sells them & should know--try searching "sweet" + "water". (not supposed to list other web sites here)
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