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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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Comments

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I feel for you - this is your second vehicle (including the Titan) that the service department could not properly fix!

    Weren't you thinking about getting a CRV or something? Perhaps this is the sign that it is time to do so. :-(

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    Sounds like its time to trade that Durango in for something thats much better, i'd go for the Honda :)
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,427
    Heads up, Mathias!! Independence Day is looking good! ;)

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  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    I feel for you - this is your second vehicle (including the Titan) that the service department could not properly fix!

    Weren't you thinking about getting a CRV or something? Perhaps this is the sign that it is time to do so.


    The Titan they did fix it just kept breaking, not really their fault and I am still friends with the service manager, lol. At least that service dept was pleasant to deal with and they bent over backwards for me. The dodge dealer acts like they could care less if they fix it or not.

    Funny thing was the honda salesguy called my hubby today and hubby told him it was a good day to call me, of course he passed along my cell phone number. I stopped over and spoke with the salesguy, he understood how I felt. He just said to give him a call when we are ready and he's sure he'll have the right CR-V on his lot. I told him I want good gas mileage, safety, and reliability. He said "well, the CR-V fits all those and it has great resale value" Then he snickered and said "not like you (laugh) will be getting rid of it or anything" LOL, he's known me for a while.

    I told hubby if he wants to keep the Durango then its HIS problem from now on. He said just stick it out until September and we'll sell it. He thinks the CR-V is a good choice and the honda dealership has a nice service dept (dealt with them when I had a subaru).

    All in all I'm ready to scream, I hate wasting time, it irritates the heck out of me. I had a million other things to do other than drive 100 miles and sit for 8 hours!
  • growwisegrowwise Member Posts: 296
    Ok I have been away for sometime and folks are buying up CRVs. :shades:

    akangl, have you looked at Suzuki SX4 awd? It is half the price of crv and does pretty much what crv does minus cargo and niceties. If you have other vehicles in your fleet for cargo/towing etc, then sx4 should make a good commuter car and awd is a bonus on a compact car. Just suggesting thats all..
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    have you looked at Suzuki SX4 awd? It is half the price of crv and does pretty much what crv does minus cargo and niceties. If you have other vehicles in your fleet for cargo/towing etc, then sx4 should make a good commuter car and awd is a bonus on a compact car. Just suggesting thats all..

    I really need the cargo room and ability to be able to drive down snowy/dirt roads, nothing major, just a little more than a car can handle. The CR-V is the only thing I've found that fits the bill. So, unfortunatly a compact car won't work too well for us.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    akangl, have you looked at Suzuki SX4 awd? It is half the price of crv and does pretty much what crv does minus cargo and niceties. If you have other vehicles in your fleet for cargo/towing etc, then sx4 should make a good commuter car and awd is a bonus on a compact car. Just suggesting thats all..

    I think given how often she changes vehicles, the resale value of the CRV might work to her favor. I don't think the Suzuki is bad in any way, but after watching friends try to get out from under a Suzuki or Kia, if you have plans to dump a car, its harder to go wrong with a Honda.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Never again will I own a Chrysler product

    I probably wouldn't either. Because of their reliability reputation, & my own, & family history, of owning Chrysler products with endless problems, altho that was a very long time ago.

    What kind of deal are they giving you on a CR-V? Last I checked, a local dealer was offering $1K off of MSRP. Not great, but they're popular.

    And have they given you a trade-in price on the durango? I don't know that I'd wait 'til Sept given all the problems--that is, if the Honda dealer gives you a great deal on your trade, etc. etc.

    Is the Pilot idea still a possibility? When I went to check out the CR-V, the salesman was going on about what great deals they had on the Pilot, so a Pilot "wouldn't cost much more than a CR-V", but I didn't get into specifics.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    So excited, finally have some buyers for our Civic, going to exchange keys for funds tomorrow morning, then off to the lots! Still trying to justify the extra $$ for a TL when the Accord would more than suite us :)
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    And have they given you a trade-in price on the durango? I don't know that I'd wait 'til Sept given all the problems--that is, if the Honda dealer gives you a great deal on your trade, etc. etc.

    Haven't talked numbers on the CR-V yet. They have already said they will not accept the Durango in trade which is fine. I'll sell it on my own in September/October timeframe, mainly because of the permenant fund dividend checks and winter coming. I think it will sell easily for $9ish which is a whole lot more than its worth in trade.

    On another note, I called the Dodge dealer this morning to let them know its still not fixed. Service advisor put me on hold, then came back, said bring it in Monday and they will put me in a rental. I'm sure he went to the service manager who is well aware of the situation.

    I'm not sure I'm going to replace the Durango right away after its sold. Would like to pay off a couple other things first before jumping back into another car payment. We will still have 2 vehicles, just neither of them I'll drive in the winter! Then again I hate driving in the winter, just one more excuse to make hubby take me everywhere. :blush:
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Aint that the rub? I say go for the stretch into the TL, otherwise you will regret it in a year or two. I have always regretted when I have bought a car that met my needs perfectly adequately but left me reminiscing all the time about the more expensive car I could also have had that would have met my needs AND been a whole lot more fun, for not much more money.

    Of course, the price diff between the Accord and the TL is fairly substantial, so maybe that logic doesn't apply here...gosh, I think I am still addicted! What's the point of this group??!! :-P

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    I say go for the stretch

    Aren't you driving an Echo these days ? What was that a stretch from, a Kia Rio ?

    I agree to stretch, but my idea of stretching is getting the options I want. For example I would much rather have the Accord with a sunroof than the TL without one.

    But I guess it's all about compromises or we all would be driving Lamborghinis.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    No right now I am on my minimalist kick, and the Echo fits that theme perfectly! :-)

    The way I figure it there will never be another production car sold with such a low curb weight, except a $50K dedicated sportster like the Lotus. And I don't have to worry about ever repairing anything, because there's nothing in it to break!

    Funny thing is, I'm almost two years into this minimalist thing with no abatement so far. That's surprising. Yet it only influences my choice of car type, not the overall size of my fleet (currently at 4, soon to be 3 again, but still not exactly a minimalist number for a single guy). So I still need to attend CCBA meetings! :-P

    PS What I said was true though: in the past I have regretted not getting the swish model I wanted and settling for the plain wrapper sensible alternative. It has influenced me in trading a couple of cars early. So I say go for it! :-)

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    According to cars.com, their "target price" for a TL (non-S, no NAV), is $32,614. For a 4dr Sedan 3.0 EX w/Auto (no NAV), it's $25,255.

    You get a longer warranty with the TL, Xenons!, & I think (?) the stereo may be a lot better.....and supposedly the resale is truly excellent. I'd go for the TL in a heartbeat.

    Unless you decided to go for a more basic Accord, 4 cyl., no lthr., in the low $20's, & saved at least $10K vs. the TL--hard to argue with that.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    All that is true. However when talking to your wife you should mention how much safer it is with superior accident avoidance capabilities and occupant prediction. It doesn't even have to be true.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Well, after getting some more informaiton, it looks like the TL would be $100 more a month than the Accord, which isn't bad, but I told my wife I'd keep it reasonable. I am considering the TSX though, it's less than $20 more than the Accord, although there are some nicer features on it along with a smaller engine so better mileage. Any thoughts on those choices?
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    What versions of these cars are you considering, & options? Have you driven all of them?

    I get really bored every time I go to test drive a Honda (altho I haven't driven a recent Si, or an S2000). But I start getting real interested when I go into an Acura dlrship (even if the vehicles are based on the same "platforms").

    If your spouse "lets you", & you can afford it, get an Acura.....
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    If your spouse "lets you",

    LOL, she keeps saying get what you want, but I know what that means!

    I was looking at the Accord EX-L V6 and the base TSX sedans. The TL would be nice, but I can't see putting out the extra $$ right now. We've got three starting preschool on the next few months among other expenses we have and are about to put out. I guess the thing I like more about the TSX is I don't see tons of them everyday like the Accord.
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    I think you hit the nail on the head, the TSX is still an uncommon car around here.

    Plus everything is just a bit nicer over the Accord. The leather is just a bit softer and the control knobs are just a little more precise.

    But it ain't my money. How much more would the TSX be over a comparable Accord ?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    The best quotes I've received on the cars for a 36 month lease with 12K per year, just 1st payment out of pocket is $333 for the Accord, $375 for the TSX...
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    So, where have you been shopping?

    I was at Mile High Acura a week or two ago and test drove the TSX. I will admit that it didn't do too much for me, but perhaps that is because I drove an automatic. Seemed to hunt between gears quite a bit. The test drive was Havana to Hampden to Yosemite to 225 to Parker Road.

    Salesman was also off-putting. Young and eager, which I suppose are good things, but I just didn't seem to 'click' with him.

    I think (and this will come as no surprise to anyone) that I'm going to stand pat with the Saturn. As much as I liked the Volvo, I couldn't justify having more payments over and above the 6 left it will take to pay off the Saturn.

    Plus, the wife is going back to school in the fall, so the extra cash flow of not having payments will help in that arena as well.

    Every time I drive the Saturn, I think about what would be better and/or different about a new car that would cause me to get back into debt again, and I realize that, for me, the Saturn does pretty much everything well -- decent power, lots of features, good trunk space, adequate mileage for a V6.

    The only real complaint about it -- and this is from the wife -- is that it's very low to the ground. Well, compared to her VUE, most everything is! She finds it hard to get into and out of.

    So, for now, everything is status quo.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    I've been working with Mile High as well. I don't know if you met the GSM, but he's a good friend of ours, his girls were born the day after our boys :) I know several people at the various Honda dealerships, so any quotes I've received have been matched by Mile High. The only problem I've come across with the Accord is I have the cool mist metallic as my first color choice, which no one has right now except Schomp, and they are a one price shop.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Kinda disappointing no one has made any moves in the few months since my last post. We haven't either, still keeping ourselves occupied with the demo, which is a 05 RL right now. We also moved so my commute is 20 miles one way instead of 40. The Accord has crossed the 60,000 mile mark and the TSX is at 13,000 miles. No problems or good reasons to trade either one of them.

    Mark: The motorhome is gorgeous. Any time you get tired of it let us know and we will take it off your hands for a week, as long as you agree to still pay for the gas.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,733
    but that's a V6 accord, correct?

    '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

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Yes, it is the V6, and honestly, I have no idea why I'm making this so hard to decide. I wanted the Accord all along but then was presented with the TSX lease and it seems like such a nice vehicle with some added benefits, but if I were to be practical, the Accord would do just fine. I guess it doesn't help that a good friend of ours said the Accord was a grandpa car :surprise: The other dilemna is that a friend of mine who works at one of the dealerships traded for the color I want, which no one seems to have. As my wife says, just you know what or get off the pot!!!
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    I was under the impression that the US Accord is bigger than the EuroAccord/TSX. I noticed dad in your handle so if your kids are smaller, you might want to check for child seat clearance in the back.
    I honestly have no idea why they make child seats so big (especially the infant ones).
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    The american accord is a good bit bigger then the TSX which is just the euro accord for the US market.

    The TL is the acura version of the US accord with different styling, suspension and engine tuning.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    I think the Accord is longer and wider, they're the same height and the TSX has less than an inch more room in the back seat than the Accord. We have three guys still in car seats, the big Britax ones, which is what the Odyssey is for. But I agree, it'd be nice if they could make them smaller without giving up any safety, so I'm not sure if we could fit three booster seats in either vehicle.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,733
    Personally, I couldn't settle for the acceleration in the TSX compared to the V6 accord. But that's me.

    '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

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    it doesn't help that a good friend of ours said the Accord was a grandpa car

    Soon after I got my 5-series wagon, one person said said it was a "mom-mobile", another, a bmw fanatic, sniffed & said it was merely a "family car". I wanted to shoot them both. It's a great car tho, & others have praised it.

    I just read the "First Drive: 2004 Acura TSX" on Edmunds (it's still basically the same, right?). It looks so nice from the pics, & they rave about it; the interior, & the "razor-sharp handling".

    To me, it seems a couple of steps up from an Accord.....in a different class really. Maybe you should read that Edmunds review, if you haven't? I vote for the TSX.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    I haven't read the article yet, but there are numerous features that make it much nicer than the Accord, and you just don't see as many of them out on the roads as you do the Accords. But I already made my decision, there's a new TSX out in the parking lot and I can't wait for 5:00 to roll around ;)
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,783
    Wow, that was quick. Done like a true CCBA-er! Congrats.

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

  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    That's what I was saying, you have to but the TSX.

    Congratulations, now just make sure the 3 little ones now the rule about no lollipops in the back seat.

    The TSX is nice, I looked at it before I bought my Mazda6 wagon, but the price was just a bit more that I wanted to spend.

    Did you get the six speed or the automatic ? Leather or cloth ? Sunroof or no ? Details man we need details .
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    I just looked. It is leather with a moonroof.

    OK, I cheated. THey all come that way. Only real choice is AT or stick, and Navi or no.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    nice choice. I really debated between that and the Accord I did buy (EX-L 5 speed)

    The Accord does IMO have a bigger back seat. Not sure how much wider, but no mid size car like this is going to handle 3 big honking car seats most likely.

    In my case, the price differential on the car I got (a left over) was too great to pass up. I think it was close to 6K at the time (IIRC). And the TSX didn't really have much that I could honestly say I missed in content (or more accurately, the Accord had everything I required!)

    A little cash on suspension upgrades would close the gap even more. THough I did really like the seats in the TSX!

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    The Durango is on its 3rd trip to the dealer for the same issues. This time they refused to release it back to me until they at least have the engine surging fixed. The other noise I'm hearing is a gear in the power steering (or something like that), they have to order parts for that.

    In the meantime I'm in a rental (on them of course). Driving a 2007 PT Cruiser convertable, had about 350 miles on it when I picked it up today. Kind of a cool car to have on an 80+ degree day, but not so cool when it comes to getting groceries.

    Not sure when I'm getting the Durango back, hopefully some time this week. The CR-V is looking better and better. Dodge dealer tried to sell me a Jeep Liberty or a Dodge Nitro, I just laughed.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    Well, let them replace everything they can on the Durango, for free, and then give it another chance. Assuming they get the bugs worked out, it should last you a while.

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

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    I debated as well, but there were just a few little things I liked more about the TSX. That and the fact that the GSM is a very good friend of ours :) They have triplet girls who were born a day after our boys, so we do a lot with them and he cut me a pretty good deal. The difference between the Accord and TSX lease payment was only $31/month. I got the carbon gray pearl with quart leather, automatic, no navi. I'm very happy with the car so far, it's very nice, but I've only put 25 miles on it so far ;). I'll post the details in the TSX leasing thread in a while, trying to get three little monkeys to bed!
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    I'd definately be looking at getting into a Honda CR-V and rid yourself of the Durango issues, those problems has to get old after a while.
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    The CR-V is looking better and better.

    Do yourself a favor and at least look at the Pilot and Ridgeline if you do intend to buy. If you will be using it for any hauling of people or stuff you will regret not getting a bigger vehicle pretty quickly. Even though the gas mileage is not as good as the CR-V, they both should be at least 20 % better then the Durango.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    never occured to me before, but if there is anyone that should be a good candidate for a Ridgeline, it is Jolie.

    You get all the comfort and room of the SUV pilot, but have the benefit of the bedlet for hauling dirty stuff (I imagine a hay bale would fit nicely!)

    That, and it looks like it would stand up to the pounding of Alaskan roads better, and does have more ground clearance.

    They must be giving those things away by now, right? I never see any new ones on the road.

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

  • growwisegrowwise Member Posts: 296
    There is new accord around the corner...

    Check the pics here
    http://jalopnik.com/cars/priddy-knows-best/spy-photos-2008-honda-accord-v6-274340.php
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Mark: The Motorhome is gorgeous. Any time you get tired of it let us know and we will take it off your hands for a week, as long as you agree to still pay for the gas.

    Anony... thanks for the compliment on the Monaco Dynasty. I've even given her a name. Her formal name is "Princess Grace of Monaco".... her nickname is "Gracie". :blush:

    Getting ready for an RV trip starting Friday... driving west to California. Fuel prices have dropped a little so the sting won't be too bad on fill up. :cry:

    The Honda CR-V has 5,300 miles and is a perfect driving compact SUV. Took it out on a 600 mile trip loaded with four passengers.. luggage, coolers, etc... can't ask for anything more effiecent, comfortable and nice looking!

    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
  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,701
    Looks pretty good to me. I don't find anything bland about that styling.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    never occured to me before, but if there is anyone that should be a good candidate for a Ridgeline, it is Jolie.

    Never had an ounce of interest in the Ridgeline. I really don't need a truck. If I need to haul hay that's what the old ford or the dually are for. Poor hubby has been banned from driving his dually to work, he's stuck with the old ford. Seems like I'm hauling horses all the time now so I need the dually more than he does. Not that I'm conplaining, its my favorite in the fleet.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    Do yourself a favor and at least look at the Pilot and Ridgeline if you do intend to buy. If you will be using it for any hauling of people or stuff you will regret not getting a bigger vehicle pretty quickly. Even though the gas mileage is not as good as the CR-V, they both should be at least 20 % better then the Durango.

    The Pilot was my first choice, but its quite a bit more $$$ than the CR-V and the gas mileage isn't as good. The only things I need to haul in my vehicle is groceries (every 2 weeks) and about 150 lbs of bagged horse feed (every 2 weeks). Other than that its pretty much just a run around for me and the kids.

    I did learn really fast yesterday that you can't fit much into the "trunk" of a PT Cruiser convertable. Had to forgo horse feed and hope I can squeak by for a bit longer until I get the Durango back.

    On another note, the little PT Cruiser is actually a lot of fun. It has great road manners, is quiet with very little road noise, peppy (although the turbo model is much better), and just seems like a fairly well put together little car. Its a fun little toy, but not good for much else, lol. Gas mileage is mediocre at best, trip computer is reading 21.5 mpg and that's all hwy driving.

    After this fiasco is over with the Durango if it pulls a stunt like this again I'm done with it. I don't have time to spend sitting at a dealership for hours and hours. Sad thing is I kinda like the Durango.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I had one yesterday as a loaner while they were working on my Ody (routine stuff). An SUV that size is not my cup of tea, but if it were the Pilot is a nice one. This one had the misfortune of being white, which on a vehicle this size gives it the appearance of a marshmallow.

    If I do move back up into the hills in a couple of years as anticipated I could do worse than having oneof those!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I do like the exterior looks of the new CR-V (Not everyone agrees). I actually "notice" them on the road & check out the colors, etc.--they look more "upscale" to me than what they cost. I wouldn't feel too deprived having one in my driveway.

    I was not so impressed with the interior, which I thought was kind of Plasticky (on an EX-L). But probably as good as a RAV4 or Forester I suppose.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    So that I can continue my (expensive) bmw obsession, even tho I try to break the habit. And keep getting the Roundel mag, which imo is one of the world's great magazines.

    I saw a gorgeous new 328xi wagon the other day, in Montego Blue I think. I priced it on cars.com, & with the options I'd want, it's around $44K (ouch!). Maybe in 2 or 3 years, I can afford a nice used CPO one....
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    BMW makes the second best looking wagon out there. I have always wanted a Audi allroad . But even if I could afford to buy one the reliability scares me back to cheaper to own cars.
This discussion has been closed.