Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
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I can tell you that my '03 Max rides and drives like the day I drove it off the lot. I've owned the car for 4 years now, and it is ageless. I live in Michigan, junky roads and all, so it's somewhat of a surprise to have a four year old ANYTHING with no squeaks or rattles. The car is a rocket, too. It is strong from 0-whatever, and isn't a revvy engine like the TL's. If you like winding a car up to 7k RPM and listening to it scream, you're better off with the TL. The Max's engine is much more subtle, but will propel you to ridiculous speeds regardless if you're at a dead stop or already going 80 mph.
The I35, as I'm sure you know, is the Max's twin. It is much softer sprung, though, so it just depends what you're looking for. The one nice thing about '03 I35s is that some of them are wired for factory satellite radio (I think it has to have NAV); you can buy a $200-$300 OEM Nissan kit from eBay and be up and running. The Maximas from that era didn't have that capability.
The MAF issue is caused, I believe, by those aftermarket air filters whose name I can't recall but I think it starts with a "K". The filter is dipped in oil and cleaned every so often. Bad, bad, bad.
The only real flaw with the car is the Bose head unit, but I blame Clarion more than Bose or Nissan. If you can find one with the "normal" single CD player, those are more desirable than the 6-disc Bose changer units. The Bose uses its own amp, and special wiring/speakers, so if you want to upgrade you pretty much have to rip the whole thing out and start from scratch. You CAN buy a Scosche unit for $30 or so that will allow you to use an aftermarket unit with the Bose amp/speakers/wiring, but I've heard that they're not that great.
All in all, my Max is such a good car it cured my CCB'ing. Paid it off last month, and plan on keeping it for years to come.
03 Max was silver/black lthr. I sat in it and it was nice but I havent made up my mind yet. Somehow it didnt impress me as much the TL did. 03 TL is 3 grand more 17k CAD. But somewhere I have a soft spot for max. Cant explain it. Like you said its super smooth and get go is impressive.
Part of me doesnt want to deal with used cars (I had a bad experience with old ES250 - sludge monster - had a boat load of problems with it). My current ride LS2 is giving a ton of problems too. I just am not sure if I want to do the whole 60k mi or 100k mile maintenance etc on another car just yet. Another issue is that suspension and steering age a lot quicker than the powertrains these days. So, almost always engines are outlasting the rest of the car. Cold up here is not kind to cars either.
I am in a state of flux and not sure which way to go. But I gave myself timeline of couple more months to figure it out.
BTW, I was driving today behind salt truck and began to imagine how I'd feel if I was driving a new car. :surprise:
How much more is a New TL? Or new Maxima vs '03? Twice as much as an '03 maybe?
You were looking at new Civic-size cars also I think? What about a New Civic or Accord instead of used TL or Maxima? I know, not quite as nice, but you might really like a new Honda.
Personally, if I go into a weird (or any type of) dealership to look at cars, if it's easy to take a test drive, I do it. Much more efficient than going around just looking, then going back again for a test drive, etc.
So, did some practice negotiations while I was there. They are willing to deal but not by more than 2 grand. Their trade-in appraisal was laughable so I wont even bother. I took a test drive and car is good but nothing phenomenol. You can tell its a fourbanger but is decent enough for me. There is refinement and thats a compliment for a last year model. However, its not whisper quiet. You can hear road noise, engine noise etc.. Overall its a nice car especially in carbon bronze pearl. Walked out of the dealership with details. I bet they can do a little better but that requires me signing my life away then and there. I still got couple months to see how the apr pans out.
You know its kinda weird how hesitant I've become. My last car purchase was just walking into a dealership at lunch hour just for kicks and walking out with brand new. Now I'm dilly dallying a lot. Doesnt mean that I matured financially that much either. I took a 10 grand worth of family vacation last year. :surprise:
After reading a lot of other peoples' experiences, I feel fortunate that the Honda dealer nearest my hometown doesn't do any of this. Yes, they won't really discount a hot model, but they will also sell a less-hot model at invoice, and they only preinstall accessories on their demonstrator models.
I may not be in their target demographic, and I've never bought anything from them, but like a good realtor or accountant, it's a good thing to have in your address book.
Our most popular models are the SE and EXL, and I predict those will sell out first.
Plus there is no honda support money coming in on them at the moment (at least in Western Canada) so you do have a little less than $2k in the car. Not sure if they'll sell them at invoice though as we're definetly not.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
You were looking at new Civic-size cars also I think? What about a New Civic or Accord instead of used TL or Maxima? I know, not quite as nice, but you might really like a new Honda.
New Maximas and TLs are hideously expensive, but you do get what you pay for (at least with the Max, haven't really had enough seat time in a TL). The Max ages so much better than the VW or GM vehicles I've owned, it really does end up being a wash since at least in my case I'm going to keep the car a LOT longer than I did any previous vehicle.
That said, you will be able to STEAL new Maximas next year. The '09/'10 will be a completely new model. This is basically what I did with my '03; I bought it in late Feb of '03, when '04s were literally days away from hitting. I had to do zero negotiation, and I even remember the salesguy saying, "This is our absolute, bottom barrel price. My manager completely dropped his pants on this car, because the '04s are basically here." And judging from what I knew from Edmunds and elsewhere online, they actually came in a grand less than I had planned on paying.
That said, stay away from the showroom if you're thinking about a new Max. The '07s are really, really, really, REALLY nice. I saw the '04s-'06s as being nice, but flawed cars. The 2007 is perfect, though.
Are you talking about Accords, or? That's often been my reaction when test driving Hondas--good but nothing phenomenol. Of course I was also usually looking at all kinds of expensive high end Euro. & Japanese cars so naturally an Accord wasn't going to seem very exciting.
Still, $2K off list price (?) on a Honda is usually nothing to sneeze at.....
One of the worst is the Acura dealer in Boston. They have raised BS & game-playing to a high art. I was on the verge of buying a new Acura a few times over the years, but just couldn't deal with all of their hassles. (They're truly amazing, like some of the salesmen in "Glengarry Glen Ross").
Closer to home, there's a pretty good Toyota dealer a few miles from me. They almost never seem weird, & were giving me great "internet pricing" on RAV4's last I checked. Ditto with a more rural Toyota dealer about 20 miles from me. (I'm sure there are some sleazy toyota dealers tho).
Partly why I still have a couple of Toyotas on my list--RAV4 awd v6, probably a Sport, but I still can't shake the Taco fetish: I'd get an Access Cab V6 4x4, w/either TRD sport or TRD off-road package. Both comfortably under $30K with discounts....
Stateside perhaps.. MSRP of Honda Accord SE Auto is 27,700 CAD.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
So, I made it one year and 20 days before I purchased again, and now I think that will be it for a long time. My search over the last few weeks has led me to believe that the time of the beater has come and gone for me - I must be getting old. Half of the sellers didn't even respond, many cars were already sold, and every time I got a line on a car it was way TOO beaten.
I figure the only way I might buy anything in the next couple of years is if I get a hand-me-down from family or friends with a bargain price tag.
But this is my still my fourth new car and approximately 8th car purchase (including the used ones) in the last 5 years, so I figure my CCBA membership is good for the next two years even without further purchases in that time! ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I dont know about CCBA membership but definetely better than me. Ok a whole lot better than me
CCBA membership levels
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
CCBA membership levels
From the old post: Akangl - DCM-CCBA
I had to laugh when I went back and read that. Not sure what my membership status is now. I am on the hunt again, however I'm limiting my shopping to the junkyard.
Currently looking at a 94 Explorer Limited 4x4 with super minor damage (dent in the bumper) and a bad alternater. Has about 110k on it runs great and it is a salvage title, not that I care.
I kinda like shopping at the junkyard, so far I've gotten 2 good vehicles that way. However, I figure it puts my CCBA membership in jeopardy since I've only spent over $2650 in my junkyard endeavors.
One thing I noticed was that used were almost as much as new. So when(if) you go to trade next year it should hold it's value.
If you don't mind me asking , why did you ever get rid of your RSX? I have always wanted a Type-S, but with 2 seatbelts and 3 kids that ain't happening soon.
ak has the two Rams and the Ford truck - and is looking to add an Explorer?
Fin has the fintail and the E55.
I've got my two Saturns and the Subaru.
Help!
We've only gotten one 3-series BMW and it was a great drive until the temps hit 15 degrees outside and it wouldn't start.
Luckily we still have our Hondas. I just jumped out of the demo 06 18K mile BMW into my 04 54K mile Honda started it right up and left.
Hondas are always called appliances. But isn't that what a car IS anyway? A fridge is built to cool stiff, a blender blends, and a washing machine washes. What good is a great driving car if you can't count on it to start and get you where you are going? Would you keep a washing machine that only got your clothes clean part of the time?
The few German cars we've had have not changed per perception of them when I was driving cars cross country. The driving experience is awesome. But they are not cars I would want to have after the warranty is up.
Sure why not? Especially if the price is right.....less than $750. Actually I wouldn't mind having an SUV/minivan/wagon/something for a run around. If its a quick errand or grocery shopping I hate firing up the big diesel. 'Cides, the poor truck already has 19k on it and its not even 7 months old.
Then of course Katrina hit, the gas prices have been through the roof for the most part ever since, and so I traded in the 4Runner for the new Matrix. This is the first time in a decade I don't own a 4WD. We'll see how that goes!
Oh, and that answers michaell's question: I still have the Echo. I like the Echo more all the time, and just can't explain it in a way that would make any sense to the folks here. It is so basic, so elemental a drive that it takes me back to a time of simpler cars, I guess. That's about the best I can do by way of an explanation. That, and it is the "little engine that could". Even with that little 1.5, it charges up hills, never losing speed when all the family sedans and SUVs are falling back and downshifting. And I have the pleasure of knowing it is producing ULEV emissions and pulling 40+ mpg. :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Kinda like how I felt about Zippy. I wish I still had her, she was a great great car. Born with a halo over her roof! She was basic, roll up windows, manual locks, no a/c, her only option was ABS brakes, stick shift. Still a great car, probably one of the best I've ever owned.
I always tell anyone that wants a VW is to lease one for 2 or 3 years, and return it after. They are nice cars to drive, too bad about their reliability.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I'd love to see this guy's shopping list: New Belt: check. $40,000 Corvette: check. dozen eggs.....
My Echo has roll-down windows and push-down locks, my only concessions to a modern age are A/C, CD, and cruise. Doesn't even have a rear-window defroster - in the moderate climes of northern California, you don't really need one.
I get the sense that in your neck of the woods, cars get beaten up pretty bad. There is a reason that outside Anchorage itself most of the vehicles you see seem to be trucks, I guess. At least, from my limited observations on numerous trips to my favorite state-away-from-home. :-)
Otherwise, I bet you'd still have Zippy.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
When I got back in my 6 y.o. 5-series, with all the nice wood & leather, etc., I felt SO glad to have a really nice car.
I do share your phobia of recent benzes tho.....maybe people who can afford a new one can afford to keep a honda around too.....?
My Echo has roll-down windows and push-down locks, my only concessions to a modern age are A/C, CD, and cruise. Doesn't even have a rear-window defroster - in the moderate climes of northern California, you don't really need one.
I get the sense that in your neck of the woods, cars get beaten up pretty bad. There is a reason that outside Anchorage itself most of the vehicles you see seem to be trucks, I guess. At least, from my limited observations on numerous trips to my favorite state-away-from-home.
Otherwise, I bet you'd still have Zippy.
Yeah, the basic ones are the best. Zippy had a pretty good life, but suspension problems were starting to rear their ugly heads. The main reason we sold her was we really didn't need her anymore, at that time, however, I miss her and wish I still had her now. She was a great little car.
Trucks are easier to manage up here, they take the beating a lot better than cars do. I love having a big 4x4, can go just about anywhere I want to go!
I would not want it for a daily driver, mainly due to the maintenance, but simple has a charm all of its own.
I'm kind of in an anti-technology mood lately. CD's still seem like their new too me and now I have to go to MP3 and start down loading my music. :mad:
I think the wood kits on the Pilot and CR-V cover it up, though. Either of them have better interiors than the Escape or Explorer. I see a lot of Japanese products, but also see a lot of Suburbans and Expeditions and Escalades... Actually, the only place I remember seeing a glut of Japanese products was my last trip to the state capital. About half the cars there were Toyotas (and I don't think that many people working there are from Georgetown).
As much as I liked the exterior, I was really put off by the look of the interior - to me, it just seemed cheap. And, I didn't much care for the orange dash lighting.
With the L300, it was pretty much the opposite - the exterior styling was not as fresh as the Altima (and this was the new for 2003 'reskin' of the L300), but the interior was much nicer. I figured that I would spend more time inside the car rather than outside, so that was a big part of my decision making process.
(And, yes, the L300 also has silver painted plastic pieces on the center console.)
I have to admit that I've been paying much closer attention to the interiors of the cars I've sat in lately. The new Saturn Aura has a nice interior, especially with the brown leather. However, there are still some cheap pieces, particularly the arm rests.
OTOH, the Volvos that I sat in a couple of months ago really impressed me -- even the S40 and V50 have a more 'upscale' look and feel to them, and they are based on the same platform as the Mazda 3 and the European Focus. The XC90 was downright opulent.
When that time comes to get a new car, you can bet that this will be an item high on my priority list.
They make lousy cup holders though just like the germans.
For example, the cupholders in the center console of her VUE are down around the floor ... she can put a 20oz bottle of water in there and know that it won't tip over or otherwise dislodge. Also, it's a good place for her to put her purse.
However, in the latest incarnation of the VUE, GM redesigned the center console area so that the cupholders are more at arm level. Not nearly as nice for purses or bottled water, so sayeth the spouse.
Funny what's important to folks when they buy a car!
And, I agree with you completely on the seats in a Volvo. I've always read about them in the magazines, but until you've sat in them ....
The quick test drive I had in the V50 revealed some pretty comfortable front chairs. I had sat in the previous generation S40 (the one with the 1.9L turbo engine) and found it to be quite cramped for me. I had plenty of room in the V50, by comparison.
But, I'm not in the market for a new car anytime soon ... so I guess it doesn't really matter.
He can drive hundreds of miles in a week using that car and still feel refreshed.
He also likes them because they can decent gas mileage yet still have some power and if he needs to drive over a curb or drive in unprepared lots the extra ground clearnce helps.
I don't like the cupholder location though. Seems like an afterthought. but then again if you're doing 100MPH on the autobahn, sipping on hot Starbucks is not a priority.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I got the MSRP list yesterday and I went over it with a very large magnifying glass.
I'm planning on a factory delivery but I noticed there is a charge for factory delivery of $1,500. I email my salesman and ask why since I'm picking it up at the factory? He says whether you take a factory delivery or a dealership delivery, it covers the cost of explaining the total works of the motorhome with access to 1 or 2 technicians for 2 days. It also covers a full tank of diesel (150 gallons). So, if fuel is running about $3.00 a gallon in April (my p/u time), $3.00 x 150 gallons = $450. Since I'm getting a "percent" discount on MSRP... that would leave about $720 for their services. :surprise:
This unit does have a lot of "components" so it may very well take two days for me to understand everything.
Mark156
OTOH, they charge $490 for museum delivery of the Corvette, so three times that for a motorhome isn't too terrible. (Performance Center Delivery on my BMW didn't cost anything extra.)
I would imagine a "driver" would want to get from one location to another as quickly as possible. I can take my time and let the vehicle cool down if needed or whatever the process is.
Also, I will be making a big trip out of it too. After leaving Oregon, I'll work my way to Las Vegas to see my friends who purchased their new Motorhome a couple of months ago.
The fun will begin soon! Mark156
BTW, I didn't noice you were in Colorado too, how's that LR3 working out for you?
The "sport seats" in bmw's are also very, very good. But totally different from Volvo seats.
Hopefully they'll be up and running within the next couple of weeks.
Who-hoo!!!
The Sandman
The desert has been nice... low 70's and sunny today and will be in the lower 80's and sunny tomorrow. That's why we live here!! If the earth shakes a little bit, we just fix a cocktail and ride it out! :P
Mark156
I have had excellent luck finding "goodies" for my Tacoma on ebay. There is a picture of it wearing Mustang wheels on my carspace page.
james
I was talking to the wife and she said and I quote, "This is the first car that me and Matt(her husband) fight over who is driving. I will just call him in the middle of the day and tell him I am driving the LR3 and he can't have it."