Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

sda

Too bad the Traverse and sister models become so problem prone as they age. They are nice vehicles.

tjc78

@sda said:
Too bad the Traverse and sister models become so problem prone as they age. They are nice vehicles.

Both of our Enclaves were flawless other than warped rotors, but I’ve heard of some horror stories.

laurasdada

explorerx4 said:

Last time I lent out a pickup truck that I drove occasionally, it was during the summer.
I went to drive it about a week later and it stunk due to the empty beers cans, gas tank was empty and it had a flat tire.

So, you're writing a country song?

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Last time I lent out a pickup truck that I drove occasionally, it was during the summer.
I went to drive it about a week later and it stunk due to the empty beers cans, gas tank was empty and it had a flat tire.

Who the heck did you lend it to? I just lent my Kia to the in-laws while they’re up from Florida. I hope they don’t go too wild. They’re attending a wedding over near Boston.

Now I’ll worry every day until they bring it back.

tjc78

May be a little sad to see this one go in November. Still looks darn good when clean. Who says you can’t have white interior with kids?

stickguy

any thoughts on what to replace it with?

stickguy

I decided to help my wife along by making a list of replacement options for the Acura, and will send her helpful links. I am sure she would enjoy that.

now just need to formulate a list. I like convertibles but she is not a fan really, so that is not essential. I would prefer a stick of course, but that might not be as feasible since I am sure she would rather not have one (though I assume she could still get by with one in a pinch). an AT would give more flexibility for what she would drive if going off be herself.

Miata is always on the list, but might come off after we find one to sit in (and try to get out of!) Probably a mini of some sort (a 2 door would be fine) with a pano roof, almost like a convertible! I would love a new BRZ but that would have to be a manual IMO.

something electric could work but not thinking anything there would fit the bill.

will pop into BMW store to see if something like a 2 series makes her happy. Or maybe keep in the Acura family with an Integra (though I would like a manual there too!) A GTI, though she has a strong VW aversion.

the other question would be how new/old. she really likes having new for herself but some of these options make a lot more sense used.

other suggestions always welcome!

tjc78

@stickguy said:
any thoughts on what to replace it with?

Wife doesn’t want a three row SUV since we have the truck. I’d like to put her in a TLX, but she claims to not like them.

If the good leases hold out a C40 could be the ticket. She really wants an electric and we would have loyalty and save the dispo fee.

At this point Volvo will let me out whenever I want, but I think want to keep it through at least the summer

stickguy

I really got interested in the C40 too. we drove right by the new Volvo dealer yesterday. should have stopped!

tjc78

Convertibles are tough these days. One of the only things new remotely affordable is a Mustang. I enjoyed the one I rented on Turo.

Does the Camaro still offer a ‘vert?

ab348

nyccarguy said:

The Car Wizard says: "You DID NOT get a good deal. You got a Traverse"

I have concluded the Car Wizard is a bit of a jerk. He has his biases just like anyone. He hates the GM 3.6 engine which did indeed have issues for its first several years but which have been addressed. Meanwhile he likes Northstar V8s. Go figure. All I can really take from him is that if reliability is your worry, buy a Toyota. Go figure. But then of course you are stuck driving a Toyota.

kyfdx

tjc78 said:

Convertibles are tough these days. One of the only things new remotely affordable is a Mustang. I enjoyed the one I rented on Turo.

Does the Camaro still offer a ‘vert?

Yes on the Camaro convertible

kyfdx

@qbrozen Saw this at CarsnCoffee, today. Seems like these would be an easy resale.

jmonroe1

@oldfarmer50 said:
Who the heck did you lend it to? I just lent my Kia to the in-laws while they’re up from Florida. I hope they don’t go too wild. They’re attending a wedding over near Boston.

Now I’ll worry every day until they bring it back.

————————————————
C’mon man, can anything be done to a Kia Soul that Kia hasn’t already done to it?

jmonroe

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
any thoughts on what to replace it with?

————————————————
A wise man would replace it with something that has darker seats.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
I decided to help my wife along by making a list of replacement options for the Acura, and will send her helpful links. I am sure she would enjoy that.

now just need to formulate a list. I like convertibles but she is not a fan really, so that is not essential. I would prefer a stick of course, but that might not be as feasible since I am sure she would rather not have one (though I assume she could still get by with one in a pinch). an AT would give more flexibility for what she would drive if going off be herself.

Miata is always on the list, but might come off after we find one to sit in (and try to get out of!) Probably a mini of some sort (a 2 door would be fine) with a pano roof, almost like a convertible! I would love a new BRZ but that would have to be a manual IMO.

something electric could work but not thinking anything there would fit the bill.

will pop into BMW store to see if something like a 2 series makes her happy. Or maybe keep in the Acura family with an Integra (though I would like a manual there too!) A GTI, though she has a strong VW aversion.

the other question would be how new/old. she really likes having new for herself but some of these options make a lot more sense used.

other suggestions always welcome!

————————————————
You’re bound and determined to get your name on your local memorial plaque before the weekend is over, huh?

jmonroe

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

@qbrozen Saw this at CarsnCoffee, today. Seems like these would be an easy resale.

————————————————
He’d probably want to keep that for himself for picking up engines and trannies. Sliding large items out the side is usually easier than out the back.

jmonroe

kyfdx

@jmonroe Back tailgate comes down, too.

Of course, that's the engine you see underneath the tailgate.

kyfdx

@tjc78 That Volvo is gorgeous!

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

@jmonroe Back tailgate comes down, too.

Of course, that's the engine you see underneath the tailgate.

————————————————
I noticed that and because of its versatility that’s why @qbrozen is likely to keep it for himself. Might even be a good rental truck for when he isn’t using it. That way it won’t always be taking up valuable space.

jmonroe

roadburner

Back from Seabrook; we left a day early as heavy rain was due to move in along with a gale warning. The C43 is an exemplary long distance cruiser and it averaged 29 mpg for the week. I’m still trying to figure out why some people think that it has a harsh ride.
Now to settle back and watch Monaco qualifying- and look forward to watching Monaco, Indy, and Charlotte- although it looks as if Charlotte might be rained out…

qbrozen

@jmonroe1 said:
————————————————
I noticed that and because of its versatility that’s why @qbrozen is likely to keep it for himself. Might even be a good rental truck for when he isn’t using it. That way it won’t always be taking up valuable space.

jmonroe

Oooohhh. Renting it out. That’s a very intriguing idea.

Importing those is quite popular. Probably the #1 JDM import. Almost all are white. I recently saw a “rare factory blue” Honda for quite a bit of money, and the popular opinion was that it was a fair deal. That made me start looking for non-white ones.

sda

Yep, the Charlotte forecast is dismal. My current office and the VW dealer where I bought the Passat is about 10 minutes from the Charlotte Speedway.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

@jmonroe1 said:

————————————————

I noticed that and because of its versatility that’s why @qbrozen is likely to keep it for himself. Might even be a good rental truck for when he isn’t using it. That way it won’t always be taking up valuable space.

jmonroe

Oooohhh. Renting it out. That’s a very intriguing idea.

Importing those is quite popular. Probably the #1 JDM import. Almost all are white. I recently saw a “rare factory blue” Honda for quite a bit of money, and the popular opinion was that it was a fair deal. That made me start looking for non-white ones.

The guy that owns this one bought it last month in NC. He said there is a guy down there near Mt Airy, NC, that specializes in these. Subarus, Honda, Mitsus, etc. Said he had about 200 of them on his farm.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

@jmonroe1 said:

————————————————

I noticed that and because of its versatility that’s why @qbrozen is likely to keep it for himself. Might even be a good rental truck for when he isn’t using it. That way it won’t always be taking up valuable space.

jmonroe

Oooohhh. Renting it out. That’s a very intriguing idea.

Importing those is quite popular. Probably the #1 JDM import. Almost all are white. I recently saw a “rare factory blue” Honda for quite a bit of money, and the popular opinion was that it was a fair deal. That made me start looking for non-white ones.

————————————————
My customary commission for “intriguing ideas” is 10%.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:

@jmonroe1 said:

————————————————

I noticed that and because of its versatility that’s why @qbrozen is likely to keep it for himself. Might even be a good rental truck for when he isn’t using it. That way it won’t always be taking up valuable space.

jmonroe

Oooohhh. Renting it out. That’s a very intriguing idea.

Importing those is quite popular. Probably the #1 JDM import. Almost all are white. I recently saw a “rare factory blue” Honda for quite a bit of money, and the popular opinion was that it was a fair deal. That made me start looking for non-white ones.

The guy that owns this one bought it last month in NC. He said there is a guy down there near Mt Airy, NC, that specializes in these. Subarus, Honda, Mitsus, etc. Said he had about 200 of them on his farm.
————————————————
Huh, 200 of them on his farm? Does he grow those things or what?

jmonroe

ab348

kyfdx said:

@qbrozen Saw this at CarsnCoffee, today. Seems like these would be an easy resale.

As my buddy quipped, “The nice thing about those is that if you get in a front-end collision, you’re first on the scene!”

tjc78

@kyfdx said:
@tjc78 That Volvo is gorgeous!

Thank you! It’s been a great vehicle.

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

Convertibles are tough these days. One of the only things new remotely affordable is a Mustang. I enjoyed the one I rented on Turo.

Does the Camaro still offer a ‘vert?

Among the many 4 cyl. Mustang verts Enterprise rents there are a few 5.0L I took one on a cruise Thursday. Unfortunately it was too cold to put the top down.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

nyccarguy said:

The Car Wizard says: "You DID NOT get a good deal. You got a Traverse"

I have concluded the Car Wizard is a bit of a jerk. He has his biases just like anyone. He hates the GM 3.6 engine which did indeed have issues for its first several years but which have been addressed. Meanwhile he likes Northstar V8s. Go figure. All I can really take from him is that if reliability is your worry, buy a Toyota. Go figure. But then of course you are stuck driving a Toyota.

I think the Wizard only likes the Northstar after the head bolts and oil gaskets are properly fixed.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

Who the heck did you lend it to? I just lent my Kia to the in-laws while they’re up from Florida. I hope they don’t go too wild. They’re attending a wedding over near Boston.

Now I’ll worry every day until they bring it back.

————————————————

C’mon man, can anything be done to a Kia Soul that Kia hasn’t already done to it?

jmonroe

Now you’ve gone and hurt my hamster’s feelings.😩

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

I decided to help my wife along by making a list of replacement options for the Acura, and will send her helpful links. I am sure she would enjoy that.

now just need to formulate a list. I like convertibles but she is not a fan really, so that is not essential. I would prefer a stick of course, but that might not be as feasible since I am sure she would rather not have one (though I assume she could still get by with one in a pinch). an AT would give more flexibility for what she would drive if going off be herself.

Miata is always on the list, but might come off after we find one to sit in (and try to get out of!) Probably a mini of some sort (a 2 door would be fine) with a pano roof, almost like a convertible! I would love a new BRZ but that would have to be a manual IMO.

something electric could work but not thinking anything there would fit the bill.

will pop into BMW store to see if something like a 2 series makes her happy. Or maybe keep in the Acura family with an Integra (though I would like a manual there too!) A GTI, though she has a strong VW aversion.

the other question would be how new/old. she really likes having new for herself but some of these options make a lot more sense used.

other suggestions always welcome!

I just saw a YT video discussing cars with current big discounts and the Mazda was listed as about 15% off sticker. I don’t know how accurate these “experts” are but it might be a good time to shop them.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:

@jmonroe1 said:

————————————————

I noticed that and because of its versatility that’s why @qbrozen is likely to keep it for himself. Might even be a good rental truck for when he isn’t using it. That way it won’t always be taking up valuable space.

jmonroe

Oooohhh. Renting it out. That’s a very intriguing idea.

Importing those is quite popular. Probably the #1 JDM import. Almost all are white. I recently saw a “rare factory blue” Honda for quite a bit of money, and the popular opinion was that it was a fair deal. That made me start looking for non-white ones.

The guy that owns this one bought it last month in NC. He said there is a guy down there near Mt Airy, NC, that specializes in these. Subarus, Honda, Mitsus, etc. Said he had about 200 of them on his farm.

————————————————
Huh, 200 of them on his farm? Does he grow those things or what?

jmonroe

What? You never heard of a truck farm? 🤪

stickguy

the Wizard is quite clear that the Northstar is OK only if you address the flaws, and don't have to pay for getting the work done. The head gasket cure and engine reseal is not for the faint of heart.

as to Miatas, I don't know where all these new ones with big discounts are but it is nowhere near here. Maybe SoCal. Up this way, lucky if there is one on the lot of every dealer combined. Usually there are none.

nyccarguy

@ab348 said:
I have concluded the Car Wizard is a bit of a jerk. He has his biases just like anyone. He hates the GM 3.6 engine which did indeed have issues for its first several years but which have been addressed. Meanwhile he likes Northstar V8s. Go figure. All I can really take from him is that if reliability is your worry, buy a Toyota. Go figure. But then of course you are stuck driving a Toyota.

If there are issues with certain engines & transmissions during certain model years of production, he should note that. Once the issue is fixed, he should say that as well. At the end of the day it is entertainment. No car is perfect.

Prime example is with the 5th Generation Prelude that he purchased and his daughter wrecked. The one he bought was an automatic. On the Prelude Facebook groups I follow, they are kindly referred to as Autotragic Transmissions. It’s not a matter of if, it is a matter of when it will fail. How much if it is a function of how the car is driven? How much of it is a function of the transmissions not being properly maintained by not changing the fluid or not using OEM Honda Transmission fluid?

stickguy

Nissan CVTs are similar I think. They have a pretty high failure rate, but it is heavily influenced by treatment and maintenance. beat on them and let the fluid get old, nasty and low, and almost a lock to blow up. But drive sensibly (goes for any transmission) and actually do a fluid and filter change every 30K miles, and could last just fine.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Nissan CVTs are similar I think. They have a pretty high failure rate, but it is heavily influenced by treatment and maintenance. beat on them and let the fluid get old, nasty and low, and almost a lock to blow up. But drive sensibly (goes for any transmission) and actually do a fluid and filter change every 30K miles, and could last just fine.

I think that’s true. My BIL’s 2015 Altima is getting up near 80k miles without problems but I’ve driven rentals with that same transmission and had them fail. I think you could get the engines and transmissions with the worst failure rates and baby them along with scrupulous maintenance but most people don’t do obsessive care. That’s the difference, the bad ones are those that won’t take normal abuse without failure. I think more and more of the over engineered cars we see today are like that.

stickguy

true. and also why some cars you really only want to buy new so you can take care of them correctly.

nyccarguy

I know you have all experienced this scenario multiple times. The "Hey, you are into cars. what should I get?" from a friend, co-worker, or family member. I always ask questions and try to find out what their preferences are. Are they buying or leasing? What features are important to them? Then they just go ahead and get what they were going to anyway and explain why they got their car.

Most recently my mother in law who has been leasing for quite a few years. She's currently on her 2nd Ford Edge, before that she had (I think) 2 Ford Flexes (wonderful vehicles), and one of those awful Jeep Patriots. She's a nurse in her early 70's & still does a fair amount of driving. Usually right around the 15K per year allotment. Her musts are AWD/4WD, a car that has "fun" styling, and a bright color (no black, white, silver, or any of the 50 shades of grey). She wants a reliable car that's cheap to maintain and gets good gas mileage. Her and my father in law still go shopping the old fashioned way. Hopping from dealer to dealer on a weekend and trying to grind out a deal.

She asked me what I thought of my plug in hybrid Wrangler. I tell her what I love about it and what I'm not so happy with. I tell her to take mine for a spin because I think she'd love it. "Oh no. When Jeep 1st came out with the Wrangler with the power top, the dealer only had loaded Rubicons on the lot with $70K sticker prices and $750/month leases."

I suggested she go drive a RAV4 Hybrid and a RAV4 Prime to see what she thought. Fully knowing that she wasn't going to get one. "Dad and I went to the Toyota dealer and the only RAV4 they had was $12,000 more than the Subaru Crosstrek."

So she got her hands on an incoming Crosstrek Limited. Red. I hope she didn't pay over sticker, but I didn't ask. She said she drove it and liked the seating position and the ride quality. She said the engine was "peppy."

My response? "The new Crosstrek is a nice car Ma. It gets good reviews and I'm sure you'll be happy with it."

qbrozen

@nyccarguy said:
I know you have all experienced this scenario multiple times. The "Hey, you are into cars. what should I get?" from a friend, co-worker, or family member. … Then they just go ahead and get what they were going to anyway and explain why they got their car.

Every damned time

ab348

nyccarguy said:

If there are issues with certain engines & transmissions during certain model years of production, he should note that. Once the issue is fixed, he should say that as well. At the end of the day it is entertainment. No car is perfect.

Agreed. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to do that.

The last few videos of his I watched had him on a rant about BMWs and the plastic fittings they use in their engines breaking. I don't know how big an issue that it for most. I imagine him dissing BMWs would get a bunch of folks in here all riled up.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

@nyccarguy said:

I know you have all experienced this scenario multiple times. The "Hey, you are into cars. what should I get?" from a friend, co-worker, or family member. … Then they just go ahead and get what they were going to anyway and explain why they got their car.

Every damned time

People don’t really want to know what you recommend. They just want a knowledgeable guy who can tell them that what they already decided on was a good choice.

breld

Plan is to do some car shopping tomorrow. I know most of you all are bemoaning the replacement of the wagon, but we do want an SUV that is a bit larger and comfortable for passenger hauling. It’s different than when our kids were all at home, but now we’re getting to the other side of things where we are driving our parents around more and more. As I write this, my wife is heading up to the north end of town to pick up her parents and her son to bring them down to our place for a BBQ, and then will take them back at the end of the day.

We’re sort of approaching this as we did back in the day when we had a minivan…functional but no one’s primary vehicle. So trying to resist the urge to go too nice and fancy, but still want something enjoyable to drive. Top candidates are the MDX and the GX460. Also looked at the new QX60 and liked it much more than I expected. GV80 would be a consideration too, but it’s actually quite a bit more expensive than these other options. Could save some money and go Palisade/Telluride/Pilot.

tjc78

My vote is for the GX. It’s a tank, super reliable and holds it’s value like crazy

breld

tjc78 said:

My vote is for the GX. It’s a tank, super reliable and holds it’s value like crazy

Considering we’ll likely look at the new GX next year, resale is high on our list, so that may be a good way to go.

We do have one “on reserve” with Carmax that is being shipped here from California.

qbrozen

@breld said:
Plan is to do some car shopping tomorrow. I know most of you all are bemoaning the replacement of the wagon, but we do want an SUV that is a bit larger and comfortable for passenger hauling. It’s different than when our kids were all at home, but now we’re getting to the other side of things where we are driving our parents around more and more. As I write this, my wife is heading up to the north end of town to pick up her parents and her son to bring them down to our place for a BBQ, and then will take them back at the end of the day.

We’re sort of approaching this as we did back in the day when we had a minivan…functional but no one’s primary vehicle. So trying to resist the urge to go too nice and fancy, but still want something enjoyable to drive. Top candidates are the MDX and the GX460. Also looked at the new QX60 and liked it much more than I expected. GV80 would be a consideration too, but it’s actually quite a bit more expensive than these other options. Could save some money and go Palisade/Telluride/Pilot.

I could very well be off, but don’t you HAVE an MDX?? Or was that trade on the Bronco. Oh, and you already have an SUV, FYI.

Just recalled maybe the Bronco is a 2-door. So trade that for a 4-door.

stickguy

Get the new Mazda with the straight 6. Haven’t had one of those yet!

jmonroe1

I need a little help.

I forgot who said they were having the Memorial Day cookout for this group. I hope it’s not too far for me to get there on time. I guess I could ask @roadburner for a ride since it’s never too late for him.

jmonroe

xwesx

I am. But, don't be late; we don't save leftovers!

laurasdada

Re: EVs; pre-Memorial Day weekend, local news story on EV charging station issues along the Mass Pike. At the Natick stop, 5 of 6 stations were offline; the state was bringing in temporary ones in the interim.
They noted one EV being trailered away, as it was down to its last kilowatt, with no place to charge (what of the one working station?).
Long live the PHEV.