Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Stories from the Sales Frontlines
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Strangely, neither my sons ’02 Grand Caravan that was traded in on his ’08 T&C have had either of those problems but a guy I work with has an ’04 Grand Caravan (I think) and I know he has had suspension problems. Not sure about the seals but definitely suspension problems and he does ALL of his work himself. He does some towing so I’m sure that’s a contributor. My son has not towed anything so that seems to answer the suspension thing.
FWIW, my son has the oil changed at around 4K miles but not synthetic. He can’t get over how his ’08 T&C eats up brakes and so did his ’02 Grand Caravan. He now has a little over 96K on it and he has not gotten 20K miles out of any pad set brand he has tried so far. When he mentioned this to the indy shop that he trusts to do some work that he doesn’t want to do at times, the guy told him the brakes on those vans are woefully undersized and have been since day one. You’d think they would have run out of those calibers by now but apparently not. Chrysler must have bought at least 2 full warehouses of those things when they started that platform.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
This vehicle was for sale last August at the dealer where I brought my Fusion.
Reading a report like this is very interesting.
Reading a report like this is very interesting.
It is interesting...the first time I have seen a Carfax report or any report. I wonder why it had a safety problem at 20K miles? Also, why is a car with just 60K miles for sale a few times through auctions?
I guess it could mean nothing, but it could mean something. Also, that blue color is beautiful, but it doesn't look like an original Ford paint job.
Maybe I am just too suspicious, I know some people love buying used cars, I have been burned on a few times. I came out way ahead just biting the bullet and buying new, if I could. Then again, it looks good considering the price. Then again, I saw a beautiful silver Corvette for sale by the side of the road....$15K. A few wild thoughts went through my mind...........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One thing I learned was not everything goes in the report.
Another thing is that the descriptions are open to interpretation.
For example, the instrument panel in my Focus was replaced.
The report had it as 'checked'.
They asked me to estimate the odometer reading when I was going to bring it in, as a new one was going to be swapped in.
I under estimated by about 30 miles, but that was what the replacement cluster had on it.
This ties into Houdini's post about how easy it is roll back odometers.
The safety problem could have been a burnt out light bulb.
BTW, that is a factory Explorer color and I really like it.
The fluid leaks have been numerous. Cooling system pipes due to corrosion, upper intake, lower intake, valve covers, transfer case output shaft, rear differential output shaft, steering rack, and more recently, the trans shift solenoid pack seal. It's been annoying, but only the steering rack was pricey to fix. I'm a maintenance nut, so any leak I detect, even just some wicking, I attack. I'll replace the solenoid pack in the summer when I next dump the tranny fluid.
In 05 Chrysler updated the 3.8 motors that resulted in some problems, and then I believe there were some manufacturing issues starting in 07 if memory serves. Many motors were replaced, and I'm not surprised to learn about your son's. The 3.8 has been exceptionally robust through 04, and then not so much starting in 05. His replacement motor will have fixed those problems and should be reliable with regular oil changes. It's very forgiving on oil types and viscosities.
In our house my wife and I are retired and eat most meals at home, so we run it every day. When my daughter comes to visit it seems to run 2x/day. She takes a sip of water, glass in the DW, cup of tea, in the DW, another sip of water, glass in the DW, etc. By noon the top rack is already 1/2 full. And I don't want to be sexist, but I repack ours all of the time.
I keep a water glass by the sink and it is lucky if it gets rinsed once a month.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
Richard
It could have been something as simple as burned out brake light or as extreme as steering issues. But since it was reinspected and passed the same day, it leads me to believe it was something simple.
Also, why is a car with just 60K miles for sale a few times through auctions?
It looks like owner one traded it in and it went to auction. For whatever reason the dealer didn't want to sell it on their lot - it happens all the time. It then wound up at a dealer in CT and sold. 18 months later, it must have been traded at Hoffman Auto Group which has 9 different brands. They kept it for a week and then sent it off to auction - the used car manager may have decided they didn't want it or needed one more car on the trailer for the auction. It was then picked up by a Subaru dealer for resale where it sits today.
Richard
Richard
Really good summary of "how to interpret" a Carfax Report. It seems it definitely has some value, but, you may have to read between the lines a bit.
I guess it is like most reviews, you have to interpret it as best you can, and look for glaring problems, like a car that was in a flood area, or had a major accident.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I find that with many of the younger generation too (like my grandchildren).....esp. under 30 year olds. They talk about conservation but, don't worry about it too much themselves. I have grandchildren who leave lights, computers or TVs on, use a new glass when they could have just refilled their current glass, need a ride when they could walk...etc.
I often think if we can all cut back 5% or 10% by being a little more careful, it might make a big difference overall. But, many people are oblivious............
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Good info rob. The car looks so perfect, I would think that is the kind of car a new car dealer would want on his lot. But, I agree, the new car dealer may have been overloaded or didn't want it for some reason. Still, when we traded in my wife's 335 for an Audi, they gave me $24K, and the used car manager said he would try to sell it for $28K, and if it didn't move he could always sell it for $25K and make a quick $1000 and move us into Audi's.
It seems to me, and I say this with my businesses....if a product has potential there is a way to market it and making it profitable. The guy who figures out how to do it will be successful. I think this car should have potential....I am a little suspicious that it ended up at an auction.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There could many reasons why it ended up at auction. As I said, the UC manager needed another car to fill a trailer. The UC manager may have been yelled at by the owner for putting a V8 Explorer/SUV on the used lot when nobody wanted to buy them or they already had too many. They may have had a buyer (ie call me when a nice Explorer gets traded in) and it fell through. The UC manager may have had a bonus due based on some criteria that sending it to auction made more sense. The dealership may have had an inventory tax due so off it went. They may have put a low trade value on it so auction would get them a great return with little effort.
We were not there so all we can do is guess.
Unfortunately, no. I'd like to have one to understand some of the car's functions. Does Ford offer these on line? Someone told me they did.
I can get a used one on Amazon for $20. Might do that.
In regard to SOHC vs. DOHC I've read that the SOHC gives better gas milage but the DOHC gives better power. Is that true?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I googled "replace battery in lexus key fob" and got the answer immediately. You had to remove the key from the fob, and insert the key into a little slot (which you couldn't see until you removed the key) and twist it to snap the case open.
The whole operation was posted on you tube (video) and turned out to be very simple.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
Does this get you to the Ford owner manual links that you need? FREE.
Let it finish downloading then click on the save button and put a copy on your computer in your car information folder.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
"For average consumers, '3G' and '4G' are two of the most mysterious terms in the mobile technology dictionary, but they're used relentlessly to sell phones and tablets. If you're shopping for a new phone, the answer isn't clear-cut, and you shouldn't always go for the higher number." Read the full story at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2399984,00.asp
Your joke went over driver's head. It was funny, and yes, you could've gotten banned. J/K.
Thanks but the best I could find was back to 1996. Mine is a 95. Tried to acess 96 but they said it was unavailable.
Update: just ordered one from Amazon for 10 bucks.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I went by my old house and all i see is wall to wall cars on the block. Times have changed.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
" Accident Reported"! That could be a broken side mirror or a key scratch.
Some accidents never show up.
I have looked at hundreds of Car Faxes and I simply have no confidence in them. They can scare potential buyers away from some excellent cars.
Yeah, like what does "fleet vehicle" mean?
I do believe they sometimes specify certain accidents as causing over $1000 or $1500.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Thanks for replying houdini.....I got it too! And I knew what you were doing too....so, it may have gone over someone elses head.(smile)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_dec2013/NewFordLine.htm
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I totally agree. Why don't they just say "Budget rental car for one year"? Those reports can be so misleading. When I purchased the convertible, it was 10 months old and traded in because the owner decided that a convertible wasn't for him. The Car Fax report said that it had been in an accident, though the original dealer where it was purchased told me it wasn't true. He suggested that I speak with the guy who bought the car.
Here's what happened. The guy parked the convertible in a crowded mall parking space. A flim-flam artist parked beside him in an old car that had a dent in the right front fender. The con guy told the convertible owner that he had hit the con guy's guy while parking. He wanted a $100 and he wouldn't call the police. Well, the convertible owner decided to call the cops and report what he knew was a flim-flam incident. When the cops arrived, they sided with the convertible owner---no transfer of paint from the convertible, no scratches on the convertible, etc. Still, when the cops wrote up the report, it was listed as an accident. Therefore, Car Fax picked that up in their report. Things are not what they always seem to be.
These parking lot flim-flam incidents are more common than many people realize. The same thing happened to my mother after Dad died. She immediately called me and I told her not to dare given those fools any cash. By the time that the cops got there, the two con artists (man and woman pretending to be husband and wife) were screaming and cursing at my mother. They had threatened her with everything but murder. My mother was a nervous wreck. I wanted Mom to press charges, but she wouldn't do it for obvious reasons. The cops ran the couple off, but that was little justice for traumatizing my mother.
About a year ago, one of my wife's friends had the same thing happen to her. This time, the con guy made a BIG mistake. He physically pushed my wife's friend and there were witnesses in the parking lot. He was arrested and charged with assault.
This might be something good to share with your wives----or husbands. These flim-flam artists really look for women and the elderly in those parking lots.
Richard
Richard, one of the major reasons auto insurance costs so much, especially here in south Florida is because of fraud. Florida still has a no fault statute on its books for personal injury. Thus, all policies are required by law to have at least $10,000 in PIP (personal injury protection) which pays the insured driver for the first $10,000 in medical expenses caused by an accident, no matter who was at fault. This is coverage above and beyond the liability coverage.
So doctors, lawyers and other medical providers have, for years, defrauded insurance companies by "staged" accidents. Let's say there are 4 passengers in a car who are in collusion with this fraud group. They spot a car being driven by an older driver. They get in front of the older driver's car and slam on their brakes, causing the older driver to hit them. They then go to doctors, clinics, physical therapists, etc., and the insurance companies pay out claims through PIP. The clinics, doctors, therapists each get a kickback.
The State has tried to tighten up the no fault, but to no avail. The average policy is $200-300 a year just for PIP. There is currently an attempt in the legislature to do away with PIP (no fault). I hope the law is repealed due to the hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent claims filed each year. It will save the average south Florida driver about $300 a year in insurance costs.
What I can't understand is how Florida has allowed this to continue for years knowing full well that PIP is abused. Wonder if legislators are getting a piece of the action!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Well, they are mostly lawyers. Guess who gets paid to defend against frivolous claims.
Here in NY the state legislature is dominated by trial lawyers who donate to the ruling party. As a result no laws that would impinge on the lawyer's pay day stands a chance.
A few years ago leasing was completely shut down in this state because some shysters figured a way to sue car makers for damages caused by a leased vehicle. Even now, leasing in NY costs more because of the hoops that have to be jumped to avoid lawsuits.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My theory is that most lawyers are against the death penalty too....once their client is dead they can't make any more money from them.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's what you think! Where there's a "will", there's an "estate"!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike....love that.
Is it corny to take flowers on a first date? Is that considered too old fashioned (she's somewhere early-mid 40s I'm guessing)?
Funny thing. My passenger who distracted me (well, I let myself be distracted) has a blind RIGHT eye! It should have balanced out....
How many death row prisoners leave an estate? My guess would be around zero.
No. But thought should put into the decision because there underlying meanings (symbolism) to the type and color of flowers given. Here is primer and enjoy your date.
http://www.flowershopping.com/shop-by-color/flowercolorsymbolism/
My grandmother used to say that yellow flowers means "temporary relationship" so I have always avoided them. My personal favorite is purple or aubergine.
No.
I can't remember the sponsor, but here in W Ohio there's a TV commercial showing a guy taking a small but pleasing bunch of flowers in the taxi on the way to see a lady, then he ends up picking just one stem from it and leaving the rest in the taxi. I believe it ends with his holding the flower in front as the special person opens the door.
I suggest just picking a pleasing arrangement of mixed flowers that would look nice sitting on a formal dining table, entrance way table or chest, or on the kitchen counter as a display of fresh flowers. If they have a nice scent with a few fragrant roses (many now are NOT fragrant), that's all the better.
Check your local Kroger Marketplace store for premade choices.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
gg, I was hoping someone would get what I meant. For those of you who were stymied by my response, I'll try it again:
where there's a "will", there's an "estate"
Most people would say, "...where there's a will, there's a way". For a lawyer, we would say, "...where there's a will, there's an estate"
Now some of you might have gotten that and didn't think it was funny, but gg and I got it!!!! LOL
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
On a first date, yes I think it is a bit corny. But on the second or third date, (assuming you like her since you are taking her out a second/third time), much more appropriate. But it also depends upon where you are taking her on the first date. If you are going for dinner or a coffee stop, or a movie, I would wait until you think she is worth flowers.
On the other hand, if this is a formal evening for the first date, flowers would be more appropriate. But who goes out on a formal date for the first date with someone?
I would recommend going to the nearest Hallmark store and pick out a very, very funny card - then hand it to her at the door - ask her to read it - and if she laughs, you are home free. If there is no laugh, you can slowly step backward toward the door you came in through, then hightail it to the wheels for a fast getaway.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I think that is good advice. Just my opinion, but I think it is a bit much on a first date.....you don't really know the person that well yet. The first date is just exploratory (so to speak) to see if you are compatible. We don't know how well you know this nice lady, but, unless you have a pretty good idea this one is a keeper, at least long term, I'd wait on the flowers.
Also, just from my experience...movies are not a good way to start things off. Some movies are bad and ruin the whole thing. I took a hot date to a movie and she hated the movie...it took awhile to get things back to neutral again. Best to do an activity or sport that you both enjoy...even if it is running or going to a game. It will give you something to discuss. My future wife at the time won me over because she wanted to take up tennis (which I enjoyed) so we just played a bit of tennis, and then when I asked her if she wanted to go for dinner she said lets just order in a pizza - I never had that happen before...usually it was ok, lets go for dinner at Chris Ruth's.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But this one I never heard of before;
Don't Run On Fumes: Avoid letting your gas tank fall to less than a quarter full. ost electric gas pumps are inside the gas tank and stay cool by being surrounded by gasoline. If the pump isn't submerged it can get hot, which can shorten its lifespan.
I never heard that one before.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We'll see how it goes. Been a looooonnnnggg time since I've had a first date.
Will it kill it if you do it every once in a while? No. Doing it over and over though will shorten the life of the fuel pump.
Lets see...Oh, I did have to replace the fuel pump on my 64 Impala SS.
I do miss my old 409!
While I don't make it a habit of waiting for the light to come on, I have seen it plenty of times on my cars over the years. Living in a colder climate like the Burgh, I have subscribed to the wisdom of not letting the tank go too much below half in the winter. I don't see the benefit of calling AAA for some gas on a cold day while caught in traffic due to icy roads or accidents. Also, in the old days of rear wheel drive cars, extra weight in the rear helped you get around a lot better.
I'm usually a pretty conservative guy when it comes to taking car of your car but I think that bit about ruining a cars fuel pump is pretty much an old wives tale created by the oil companies. If it were truly accurate your owners manual would caution you about it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl