Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

breld · November 2012

I've been doing a lot of "building my own" X1 as well, except I've been focusing more on the 28i model. Sportline with the "Ultimate" package and HK comes to $44,295.

When I was down in Dallas last week, one of the dealers had an Alpine White with literally nothing else other than the M Sport (xDrive 28i model). I think it was something like $37k - really nice car if you didn't need all the "premium" stuff.

My wife thinks it's a bit quirky, but I like it for the way it drives like an E90 and adds some functionality with the hatch.

Q - I know that 35i model retains the older 6-speed auto. Is that the same trannie that's in your 135i? 'Cause you like it quite a bit, right?

qbrozen · November 2012

Q - I know that 35i model retains the older 6-speed auto. Is that the same trannie that's in your 135i? 'Cause you like it quite a bit, right?

Does it? Huh. I wonder why when the 3-series is using the 8-speed. In any case, yes, its been good so far.

breld · November 2012

I imagine it has to do with the 35i only being available in the US. So perhaps with the "limited" run, they reached into the parts bin for the 6-speed.

Sandman6472 · November 2012

While I was putting in applications to be a shuttle driver at a bunch of dealerships today, got to sit in a bunch of different cars and was quite impressed. The new Jetta's were so nice with great seats...everything was where it should be and especially liked the SE model. The Kia Optima was also a real looker with comfy seats and good switch gear...and much nicer looking than it's Sonata cousin. I liked the interior of the Elantra better than it's exterior...a much nicer place than my current Civic. I'd buy one right now were I in the market...I felt it was that comfortable!

The Camry was so much better than what I have heard in here...the seats were comfortable with a nice multi colored cloth with good visibility. A nicer looking car than the last generation. The used '03 and '11 C Class's were both nice though the comfort award went with the newer model but size wise, the '03 won my heart. It only had a bit over 59k and looked to be in pristine condition but I'm spoiled with the low cost maintenance and insurance on my Civic that even though my heart wanted to do the trade right there & then, my fiscal part of the brain just said no...so I walked. But it sure was nice!

Will hit a bunch more dealerships the beginning of the week and remain hopeful. I'm much younger than the older men who they have employed now and hope that will work in my favor. Am hoping the powers that be can look past my cane and realize that driving a car or minivan will not be a problem for me. As I am only looking for part time here and really have no problem working any day or any shift they would let me, maybe that could work in my favor. It also would be a fun thing to do while making some extra $ and getting in my quarters so I can eventually get social security also. Hopefully G-d will make this happen for me as I'm still young enough and have the desire. And yes, the wife wants me to finally do something that gets me out of the house besides the food shopping even though I have basically taken over all the household stuff.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

mark156 · November 2012

Sandman, you know, I think that is something that would be a lot of fun to do. I just used the shuttle for my Honda CR-V at the local Honda dealer.... the CR-V needed a new blower motor (rare, I know). Anyway, the two shuttle drivers were two older guys, I can say older when they are older than me! (I'm 54), as they were both retired from long careers. One was a retired fireman and the other retired from radio station advertising sales.

I have to say though, please don't be offended, but having a cane might not put you on top of the list. Some passengers may need a little help getting in and out and the hiring person may see that as a hindrance. But, I guess that would depend on how much you use the cane and how. Can you walk up a staircase to knock on a door to tell them the shuttle is here?

Having been through using a wheel chair, walker and cane, I know the feeling. Three years ago the flu shot attacked my spinal cord paralyzing me for two weeks from the neck down. Slowly but surely I recovered, I'm at 99% with a few small issues that I can live with. I'm just glad to be alive.

Good luck though!
Mark156

Sandman6472 · November 2012

Just turned 58 this week, so I consider myself pretty young. And I can definitely walk up stairs and help others...I just can't sprint anywhere and use the cane because of the pain and weakness in my left leg and lower spine. I would hope any employer would give someone like me a chance to prove what I can do. And this is something that I'd just love to do...something in the auto industry. My kids think I'd be a natural to since I enjoy talking to other folks. I sometimes embarrass them as I'll talk to anyone really.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stickguy · November 2012

what about trade drivers? Do they still have those? Old guys that shuffle dealer trades from place to place?

stever · November 2012

Hey, watch it - 58 isn't old.

(I've got two years on Sandman. :P )

oldfarmer50 · November 2012

"...what about trade drivers..."

That's what I thought Sandy was talking about when I first read his post. That's what I'd like to do if I ever get to Florida. Driving the courtesy shuttle would be OK but driving all those new cars by yourself would be a ball. Like an extended test drive with no salesman pressuring you to buy.

My last two new cars were dealer traded, one from 200 miles away. I can't think of a better way to tour Florida.

Sandy, any idea what they pay?

isellhondas · November 2012

I may hold the record and this isn't something I'm proud of.

Nine tickets in one year when I was about 18. One of these was for racing a cop in Palos verdes one night when he came up from behind blinding me with his high beams on. he tried to pass me on the right and the race was on!

Then he whipped in back of me and turned on his red lights. Wrote me for 90 in a 45. Took it to court and the cop didn't show up so I got off scot free.

Did the same thing with all of the other tickets to the point the judges knew me. Half the time I got off because the cops didn't show up.

Lots of tickets but never any kind of an accident.

Insurance company never found out and neither did my parents.

Finally they hauled me in and put my license on probation for a year.

Now? 30 years without a ticket. Guess I finally grew up! (?)

tjc78 · November 2012

A good friend of mine managed to get pulled over three times in one day (twice by the same trooper). He was a district manager for a retail outlet around the holidays and was shuffling merchandise between two stores. Pulled over on the way to and from. This was after being pulled over earlier in the day for a "california stop". He actually only got a ticket on the last stop. I still bust his stones for that.

isellhondas · November 2012

Sandman,

You might want to talk to the New Car Sales Manager about doing dealer trades. Our store had a couple of retired guys doing that. The only trouble is it's an on call type of thing. You might not do a trade for two weeks and then do three in one day.

isellhondas · November 2012

My record was three tickets in one week. Two of those were on the same day by the same motorcycle cop.

Come to think of it, almost every ticket I've received was from motorcycle cops!

jayrider · November 2012

You know your old when going to the department store to ride the escalator was like going to Disneyland. What a rush for me in 1951 at age 5.

stickguy · November 2012

I have found now that I hit 50 that I drive slower, especially on the highway. 10 over used to be the minimum, now more often it is 5!

stickguy · November 2012

from back in the days where I went through cars faster, but they cost a lot less!

my wife is doing a photo book as an Xmas present for her brother, and she had a bunch of old photo albums pulled out (pre digital days if you can imagine). And one apparently was mine, with the few pictures I took back in college days. I did not even know I had this book.

so, I leafed through and discovered pictures of 4 of my cars from college and immediately after, which I did not even know I had. My '74ish Gremlin (actually after I sold it to my friend), the Green Hornet (yes, it was green and a Hornet), my '75 Corolla (should have kept that longer) and the '85 Colt I got right out of college (replacing the Corolla).

such memories. Just missed 2 of the cars I had in college (duster and the evil Opel Manta).

stever · November 2012

After the escalator riding at Goldsmiths in Memphis (an hour away), we'd hit a cafeteria and then drive to the airport and watch the jets take off for an hour before heading back home. Remember making a special trip up there just to see The Sound of Music, since it didn't play the smaller theaters when it opened in '65.

The driver talk reminds me of the retirement enclave in Bluff UT; like other "adventure tourism" areas, several guys there pick up some cash helping the local outfitters run canoe shuttles for people doing the San Juan. Pretty seasonal work but you meet interesting people. River rats are lousy tippers though. :shades:

I think everyone went through cars faster back in those days; they didn't run very good for very long. That started to change in the 70s when Bugs raised the bar for reliability.

akangl · November 2012

The Sierra from the body shop yesterday. I used the same shop that fixed the Pilot and this time, well, all I can say is wow, they really did an outstanding job. They put their best guy on it, he's one of the top in the state and just as picky as me, he really took a lot of pride in the repair. He even went so far as to repair a couple other unrelated minor dents in that side of the bed along with all the rock chips on that side of the bed. All and all I am more than pleased with the repair and the fact I got the truck back a week earlier than promised, dropped it off on the 5th, picked it up on the 9th.

The general manager gets a chuckle out of how I go over every inch of the repair. He said I'm in the top 5% of his picky customers, keeps them on their toes. When I said I was thrilled with it, he gave me a hug and said he hoped he didn't see me again for a while and to stay away from minivans!

ateixeira · November 2012

stay away from minivans!

C'mon now that's just about the least likely vehicle to crash in to you.

My cheapest to insure by far is the van. I think they actually pay ME to drive it. Costs half what other cars do.

Plus sliding doors so you're not gonna get dings from them.

Stay away from all other types of cars!

dieselone · November 2012

C'mon now that's just about the least likely vehicle to crash in to you.

My cheapest to insure by far is the van. I think they actually pay ME to drive it. Costs half what other cars do.

Plus sliding doors so you're not gonna get dings from them.

That's no lie. Kids and swinging doors can be a bad combo. My kids alone have dinged several cars including my own.

Several years we were at an amusement park which had tight parking for the Suburban we had at the time. We had 8 people (4 adults + 4 kids) in the burb. We parked next to a Honda Odyssey and I specifically told the kids to wait, I'd open their door, well as I was telling them, my daughter in her excitement swung the rear passenger door open right into the sliding door of the Ody with owners still in it (I would have left a note had the owners not been there). Anyway, the Ody was full of adults and kids too and I spoke with the owner and he told me not to worry about it and refused to take my info. I felt bad, but I would have handled it the same way.

Sandman6472 · November 2012

Took the Mazda in for an oil change/tire rotation and asked them to check out this weird noise we've been hearing for months. I kinda knew what it was...a bad motor mount. Well, it's not the problem...two motor mounts are bad and need to be replaced! :mad: Not real pleased with the wife, as she nixed fixing the one bad one last year and with just at 113k now, really didn't want to put anymore into this car. The a/c only works on fan speed 3 & 4 also, occasionally on 2...the blower motor was replaced back in September of '11. New car here we come...yes!!

Text'd the Mrs. and told my guy to hold off for now. The quoted price is $440, not to bad but...! Along with the a/c issues, it's something to think about. After a brief discussion, bottom line is she loves her car, doesn't want to spend the $10k or so for a new one and doesn't want a '13 model...go figure! I do understand her point here...a little bit. With the car show being in Miami this week, what better time than now to go down and let her see what's out there. She's resistant about going so I'll have to work on her...maybe bribe her with a nice meal at a really nice restaurant...she absolutely loves to eat out. I just want her to sit in all the cars so she can narrow down her list for when the time does come. I already have decided that we need to go so I'll do my best to convince her.

But my gut feeling is that we'll have a '14 model in the garage next year!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

ateixeira · November 2012

She got a CR-V LX AWD, silver. Came by yesterday to show it off.

Traded in a 2003 Mazda Tribute (had bought that from CarMax used) that was starting to fall apart.

michaellno · November 2012

Text'd the Mrs. and told my guy to hold off for now. The quoted price is $440, not to bad but...! Along with the a/c issues, it's something to think about. After a brief discussion, bottom line is she loves her car, doesn't want to spend the $10k or so for a new one and doesn't want a '13 model...go figure! I do understand her point here...a little bit.

You can:

1) Fix the motor mounts
2) Fix the motor mounts and the A/C
3) Do nothing
4) Get a new car

You've been living with the A/C problem for some time now, so don't see any reason to invest money there.

The motor mounts, however, are a different issue. By not fixing them, don't you risk the exposure to more problems as the engine moves around in the front of the car?

Back in college, I had a '79 Pontiac Sunbird with a 4-speed manual. Was involved in an accident (not my fault) that resulted in some front end damage. I suspect that there were mechanical issues that were not addressed during the repair, including broken motor mounts.

Eventually, it led to problems with the transmission since the engine was twisted and got out of alignment with the transmission.

Is something like that possible with your Mazda?

xwesx · November 2012

I feel for ya! I replaced two motor mounts on my Escort a couple summers ago, and it felt like a new car afterward! The total damage was about $50.00, though, as I just bought the parts and replaced them myself.

I love the internet age, but one advantage of hanging out at a local haunt is that we'd be swapping out those mounts for you rather than speculating on the topic....!

akangl · November 2012

C'mon now that's just about the least likely vehicle to crash in to you

Ha, that's the SECOND altercation with a minivan I've had.......remember March 6, 2011? That was a Honda Odyssey that caused that accident, this time it was a Chevy Uplander minivan that hit the truck in the parking lot. Anyone else see a pattern??

I never realized how many darn minivans are out there until I started trying to avoid them.......both on the road and in parking lots!

Winter is here and I feel like I'm learning to drive all over again, it's been 6-7 years since I've had a truck or any vehicle in the winter without stability control. Almost swapped ends today at an intersection, startled me when the back end of the truck started coming around. Need to find an icy parking lot and play teenager I guess. A least the truck has winter tires, is heavy, long, slow to slide, and easy to get back under control.

And NO I won't be trading Chippy in on a truck with stability control, there will be no more punches to my card! :P

rayainsw · November 2012

'...no more punches to my card! '

Famous last words...
- Ray
Pool, anyone ?

steine13 · November 2012

I take Dec 30th.

corvette · November 2012

Yeah, if memory serves, the heavy duty trucks were one of the last vehicles to add stability control.

ateixeira · November 2012

I believe you, but you're experience is atypical.

I remember getting a quote for the van and a crossover SUV at the time, and the van was $180 less. Every six months! So $360 a year less. Incredible.

Sandman6472 · November 2012

Bottom line...the car gets new motor mounts tomorrow as she wants to keep her baby. When the a/c does crap out completely, we'll deal with it then. She decided she wants a '14 model so she made her decision. One thing though, I hardly ever drive her car...only for maintenance actually. Now more than ever, I don't want any failure to happen when I'm behind the wheel.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

nyccarguy · November 2012

Black Friday

Kirstie_H · November 2012

A reporter is looking to talk with anyone whose car suffered damage during Hurricane Sandy and received push-back from an insurance company about the claim. Any tips on how to have a seamless experience filing a car insurance claim after an act of nature would also be appreciated. Please email PR@edmunds.com no later than Friday, November 16, 2012 and include your daytime contact information and a few lines that help the reporter understand what information you can share.

michaellno · November 2012

Bottom line...the car gets new motor mounts tomorrow as she wants to keep her baby. When the a/c does crap out completely, we'll deal with it then.

Good deal. One thing at a time.

Speaking of maintenance, I've got an appointment to take in the daughter's MINI to the dealership next Wednesday. The maintenance notification showed up yesterday --- which is odd, since I just had it to the dealer over the summer for the annual service visit.

Guess I'll find out next week what this is all about. Either way, it's covered under the maintenance warranty; shouldn't be any money out of pocket.

Sandman6472 · November 2012

I understand it also...I service both of the girls cars whenever they need it done...just easier all the way around. I don't want them to get taken or buy unnecessary stuff. And since the younger one's still in school, I'm paying for it anyways!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

corvette · November 2012

If BMW still does it the same as they used to, when you do a low-mileage annual oil change, they don't reset the maintenance reminder. So if it would call for an oil change at 15,000 miles, and you take it in at 12 months and 12,000 miles, it'll still call for maintenance at the 15,000 mile mark (and they'll change the oil for free again so long as it's within the 4 year/50k free scheduled maintenance period).

michaellno · November 2012

So if it would call for an oil change at 15,000 miles, and you take it in at 12 months and 12,000 miles, it'll still call for maintenance at the 15,000 mile mark (and they'll change the oil for free again so long as it's within the 4 year/50k free scheduled maintenance period).

Interesting. I think the MINI has less than 20K on the clock after 2 1/2 years and it's had two services in that time.

However, on my last visit they did a major software upgrade so it's possible the OCI is farbled up in some way.

roadburner · November 2012

My Service Advisor told me to bring my wife's CPO 3er in shortly after we bought it so that we would get an extra Oil Service before the free maintenance expired.

akangl · November 2012

Yeah, if memory serves, the heavy duty trucks were one of the last vehicles to add stability control.

I think GM added it to the HD trucks in 2008 or 2009. It's really the only thing I wish my Sierra had, well that and side airbags. However, neither is enough to make me trade it in and punch the card.

To get one like it with both of those "wants" and all the options mine came with has an MSRP of $61k new and one new enough to have stability control and side airbags would run around $45k-$50k. Yeah, not worth it to me to spend the extra $20k-$25k plus trade in a perfectly good truck with only 50k miles on it.

Bet away boys, no one will win this time! :P

stever · November 2012

Truck prices are crazy.

Hm, you probably aren't towing the horses much lately, but the toys need to get to the trailheads.

I'll take December 15.

andre1969 · November 2012

I actually know someone who collects old appliances. Want me to put him in touch with you?

stever · November 2012

Thanks but there's actually quite a few of those old wringers out there and the prices don't justify the freight. Ditto my working Philco freezer that's 60 years old.

Just the sort of things to stuff in the trunk of your Desoto but not worth it for me to mess with them. You can stash our old ~~General Motors~~ Frigidare on the roof; the compressor is missing and it's just a cabinet now. :shades:

Sandman6472 · November 2012

Lucky us...now they say 3 motor mounts are bad...outstanding!!! Sometimes life just sucks but hey...coulda been worse...all four coulda been broke! Lately, I just can't catch a break. Now, my one daughter and I are placing bets for when the a/c unit goes south...totally. Oh well, maybe the big guy upstairs will finally take the target off my back now...no more repair costs for our cars...please!!!

The Sandman :confuse: :sick: :shades:

michaellno · November 2012

Lucky us...now they say 3 motor mounts are bad...outstanding!!! Sometimes life just sucks but hey...coulda been worse...all four coulda been broke! Lately, I just can't catch a break.

Ugh ... seems like the motor mount is a piece of hardware that shouldn't fail after only 113K miles.

akangl · November 2012

Truck prices are crazy.

Hm, you probably aren't towing the horses much lately, but the toys need to get to the trailheads.

I'll take December 15.

Duramax prices are crazy in Alaska, dealers are always on the hunt for low mileage new body style 07-09 Duramax trucks, since that seems to be the price range most people are looking for. The dealer I bought mine from has tried to buy it back, not get me to trade it in, just buy it back. Dodge and Ford diesels seem to stack up like logs on dealer lots around here. Of course they still have the '11 F-150 I traded in on my '07 Sierra.

As for the horses, haven't had any for several years, sold the trailer 4 years ago. Only trailer we have is the Haulmark 24' enclosed car hauler. Nothing like the hauling we did when we still owned the business.

isellhondas · November 2012

You know, if that wee my car and the cost wasn't through the roof, I would have them replace that 4th motor mount while they are "in there".

roadburner · November 2012

Ugh ... seems like the motor mount is a piece of hardware that shouldn't fail after only 113K miles.

Not in the MS3 community, several companies manufacture upgraded motor mounts(the car has three- all different) to address the early deterioration/failure of the OEM mounts...

akangl · November 2012

You know, if that were my car and the cost wasn't through the roof, I would have them replace that 4th motor mount while they are "in there".

Completely agree. Then again I tend to be visited very often by the car repair demons so I try to stay ahead of them. I always *know* I'd I just fix what's wrong and don't do a preventative option while they are "in there" I will regret it in about a week.

isellhondas · November 2012

After "only" 113K miles?

113K is a LOT of miles and motor mounts don't last forever.

It wasn't too many years ago when cars were totally shot at 100K!

mark156 · November 2012

Well, it's not mine. My nephew bought a new 2012 GMC Sierra because his '95 Nissan truck was rear-ended and totaled out.

The bad part was... when it was in the repair center to be evaluated, a clerk was going to lock the truck with the key fob and hit the auto start feature. The truck was in gear, the engine started, it continued to run into two more cars damaging the driver's front fender and door. The truck was totaled anyway but just worse after the incident.

Anyway, he is excited about his new Four Door GMC Sierra, medium grey that actually looks blueish. Black clothe seats, lots a nice features (rear bumper sensors, etc.). It's his first 'new' vehicle so he and his fiance` are excited. He has the 5.3 engine.

Also, his fiance's Dad works or has worked for GM and they got a special price because of it. I saw the list was about $33,000 or so.

Mark156

jayrider · November 2012

Bought a new 2012 Buick LaCrosse today. Big and beautiful AWD Premium I with the double moonroof , nav, extra rear airbag package, and Harmon Karden radio. Decent price and a great allowance for my 03 Liberty. Didn't need all that stuff but I wanted the AWD and the price was close to a less loaded 2013 FW. Keep it at least 9-10 years. Bought the Prius in Aug. 2010.

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