Lost? Ask a Host for Help!

stever · January 2011

Try this discussion:

Questions About Financing New Vehicles

caddyman32 · January 2011

im new to this site but i dont know where to go to click on link to sell my 2 two cars can some one help me thanks :shades:

stever · January 2011

We don't sell cars here, but if you click on the Used Cars tab above and then click on "Find A Used Car For Sale", you'll be taken to AutoTrader. There's a Sell Your Car link there.

astphard · January 2011

I'm interested in the Acura RSX v. Toyota Celica v. Mitsubishi Eclipse - READ ONLY thread being reactivated. The thread was active when those models were still new, and I'm wondering how they're holding up several years later and what people think of them now. Please let me know if we can do this, or if a new thread would need to be started. Thanks!

Kirstie_H · January 2011

I can re-activate it if you really want, but I am thinking that it isn't likely to get much action given that it's been dead so long, and some of those aren't available new anymore. I think you will get reasonable feedback if you post in Help Me Choose.

Howzabout you try there, and if you're not getting what you want, let me know (I track that discussion) and we'll try something else?

smohapatra · February 2011

i want to know about the new upcoming cars

Karen_S · February 2011

You may find more information on future vehicles on Inside Line.

albeback · February 2011

I am in the process of assuming a lease. Based on what I have read I will not have to pay sales tax on the lease assumption (transfer of equity). Also, I have read that in Texas sales tax is charged on the full value of the vehicle at lease inception, not just the leased value. Dealers usually pass on this charge to the lessee.

The lessor (dealer) has informed me that they only charged sales tax on the leased value of the car, and that if I opted to purchase the vehicle at lease end, I would need to pay sales tax on the residual value. Looking at the original lease agreement, I am having trouble determining if the original lessee paid sales tax on the full value of the car, or just on the leased value. Please help.

Here are the numbers:

Agreed upon value of vehicle (I think this is called base cap cost): 32267.50
Gross cap cost: 33560.55
Cap cost reduction: 2755.14
Adjusted cap cost (I think this is net cap cost): 30805.41
Residual value: 16242.20
Depreciation amount and any amortized amounts: 14563.21
Rent charge: 3251.75
Total of base payments: 17814.96
Lease payments: 36
Total monthly payment: 494.86
Lease term in months: 36

Amount due at lease signing: 3250
- itemized
-- cap cost reduction: 2755.14
-- first monthly payment: 494.86
How amount due at lease signing will be paid
-- Rebates: 250
-- Amount paid in cash: 3000

Thanks,
Al

stever · February 2011

Try the Vehicle Sales Tax Questions discussion.

marsha7 · February 2011

for the new (???) Chrysler 200 (not 300)...anybody know anything about this???

Mr_Shiftright · February 2011

We don't have a lot on it just yet but you might scan these articles from Inside Line
Chrysler 200

aae2808 · March 2011

Hi! I am currently driving an X3. My lease is up in October. I would like to keep the same payments and am looking for a small/mid-sized SUV. I love my X3, and would love to get the new one for the same price, but I seriously doubt I will be able to. I got my lease during the "recession" and got a good deal (or so I think). I only paid for destination, title and first month and then $475/35 months after for a 12k/year lease. I was quoted 60% residual and .00125 money factor at the time.

1) I want to drive something with performance
2) I want 4 or all wheel drive, but doesn't need to be all-time
3) small/mid sized SUV
4) Bluetooth is a must
5) would like scheduled maintenance included
6) Automatic tailgate lift

Any thoughts on were to start to narrow down my choices?

TIA!

Amie

Kirstie_H · March 2011

Hi Amie,
One thing our members love to do is help other people spend their money.

You might start in our discussion What is the best SUV for me?.

You can also look at a list of our other SUV discussions on the SUVs board, where you can find general SUV-related discussions and make/model-specific discussions.

aae2808 · March 2011

Thanks, I just did that! (feel free to delete this if it is deemed inappropriate in this thread.)
Amie

graboid · March 2011

Where should I post to ask for advice on buying a used car?

stever · March 2011

You can start in the Purchasing Used Vehicles discussion.

Lots of makes and models have their own "Buying a Used XXXXXX" discussion so if you have a car or two picked out to research, try the Search Forums box on the right sidebar.

lilty83 · April 2011

I got into a accident 2 years ago and now I am having problems with it. I went to go for a wheel alignment and when I went the mechanic said they cant align it right due to a problem i had with a previous accident. I bring my car to my local dealership to see if they can fix the problem under warranty but it wont be covered because it was caused by the accident. Now im stuck in a situation because i called up my insurance company and told them the problem they told me to call the shop that had originally did the body work for it but i dont want them to fix it because they took 3 Months to fix my car and they did a very poor job, paint is chipping where it was hit and the axle is bent. Should i take legal action or should i bring it to the body shop?, however i doubt there going to admit fault because it has been 2 years.

samm43 · April 2011

I am not sure how to advise you on this, but I wanted to point out to our host and refer to a conversation we had last month in CCB's forum, and your unfortunate situation is dead-on exactly why some of us on that discussion were defending the position that there is a lot of risk involved in being the recipient of a car that has been 'fixed' after a collision. The closer it is to being written-off but not, the greater the risks. Rarely are there incidents that don't pop up later of varying degrees of seriousness. I plan to ask a friend about this and will get back to you, but I will advise you now that over the internet it is next to impossible to give the best advice and plan of action. I think he might advise a welded-in strengthening laminate steel plate in the crunched area, (hopefully there is room) to try to hold the proper factory spec position of what all was bent, so that a new alignment can be performed. Sorry to hear you are having this issue.

Sam

stever · April 2011

Try the Questions About Auto Insurance & Accidents discussion.

akcamai · April 2011

Stupid question... My son (who usually swaps out my winter tires this time of year) is on a work trip to Thailand...hardship. So I went to the garage and got so far as to plug in my very own Torque Wrench (son gave it to me with the caveat that "I'm not like the other mothers"). However, it appears that there are lug covers on these wheels. What the heck !! How do you take those off?
Thanks... from an old Mom in a snowbank in Alaska.

kyfdx · April 2011

Depends on what sort of lug covers. Most of them will pry off with a screwdriver.

But, I'd ask in a make/model specific discussion. Use the Browse by Vehicle buttons on the right, and pull up the model of car you are working on.

Regards,
kyfdx

micweb · April 2011

Can you reactivate the Fiat 500 thread?

Mr_Shiftright · April 2011

I can't do it but I'll put in a request for you asap!

Mr_Shiftright · April 2011

Okay, the Fiat 500 discussion looks open again!

Fiat 500

jasperlee · April 2011

It's great to meet you guys here as I am a fans of Vehicle and engines. wish we can exchange our acknowledges and helps each other here.

cfretty · May 2011

I'm probably just not using the right words to search on. But I'm looking for advice on purchasing a new car in a different state.

With internet shopping, this has got to be more common. Looking for advice and tips to make sure all goes well.

FWIW. I'm in MN, purchasing a new vehicle in GA.

kyfdx · May 2011

Try here: Internet vs. Traditional Car Buying

If that doesn't work for you, go to the right side of the page and choose the Browse by Board dropdown menu, then select Smart Shopper.

You'll see dozens of discussions..

regards,
kyfdx

heritageadam · May 2011

I am considering buying a particular 1979 oldsmobile regency 98 which I found for sale. For several years I have been on the lookout for one of this make/model/color which is the same as the first car I ever owned. It's located about 3 hours away from where I live. Im looking for some advice especially regarding the fact that the car hasnt been driven in years & what that may mean for me.

The current owners bought it from an estate sale this year. They don't have a lot of documented background on the car (or at least not that they are sharing), but have some unsubstantiated stories. The car has not had license plate tabs since 1992 & has sat in a garage. The current owners recently changed the oil & spark plugs & it is running. I've been to see the car & drove it myself. It actually started easily & ran smooth. Clean exhaust coming out.

I am trying to gain a better understanding of the concerns involved in a car that sat undriven for years. (apparently the old man drove it to the store occasionally, though if it didn't have tabs I cant think he drove it very much)

The painted surface of the car & interior of the car are in good shape. (see pictures) I have no concerns there. However, I noticed some rust on some parts in the engine compartment, in particular on the master brake cylinder. There is some rust underneath & on the gas tank. Surprisingly to me the belts did not look particularly cracked. (I am not a mechanic.)

The current owners do not have documentation to support the mileage. (theyve advertised it at 25K miles though in my mind very well may be 125K). None-the-less the car appears in good, well cared for shape to me for being 32 year old & original condition. Its been in an area where cars are subject to salt/rust/winters.

My goal with this car would be to perform any "maintenance/repair" on the mechanicals that should be done in a car that has sat for nearing 20 years. I would expect the belts & hoses would need to be replaced & probably all the fluids flushed? what else? The current owner has changed the oil & spark plugs. Id probably tow it home & also drain & refill the gas tank.

Ideally I would like to be able to drive the car as a daily driver / general use type car & keep in as original as condition as possible. Im not looking to put it into car shows.

My questions for you:
- What would you expect would need to be done to a car in general that has sat since 1992 to get it going again? (such as belts/hoses, etc)
- Any ballpark on what it would cost to do what you think would be needed?
- I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone has after seeing the pictures, if anything catches your eye. Especially thoughts on the rust that is present. Could the rust in the engine compartment be due to condensation & having sat for so long?

I'm interested in the car but want to better understand the potential issues/future cost in a car that has sat undriven for years before I sink money into it to start with.

I'd appreciate any advice, whether general about issues that can arise in cars which have sat for years or specific after looking at the pictures that you can tell me.

Thanks

heritageadam · May 2011

I cant figure out how to attach pictures. Any ideas?">

heritageadam · May 2011

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63108712@N06/with/5738909164/

Link to pictures on flickr

bob252 · May 2011

HI, Saw your post and had to reply, can we first address your question about mileage, the odometer goes back to zero when it hits 100,000 so from the dubious (lack of) documentation there is no way to demonstrate any facts of the true reading there, that does not really mean that the is or not, that being said your next reality here is that at best only going to give you about 11 miles per gallon suburban and 15 mpg highway. (a second thought) That big ole 455 was a great engine, so was the transmission, only problems the engines had that was common was the timing chains that would normally last 90k miles. I hope you checked the rear frame rails, as I did not catch your area, as that was a major problem with most of those cars of that vintage as well as the whole frame before you go any further, when you discuss the master cyl rust issue, was it on the firewall, or just the cyl. itself? What you have shown here in your thought are common sense and all of those things need to be addressed, especially all of the brake lines as well, towing is a good idea, also check the prices on other sites for the price you are going to pay for that Gem. (before you buy it) I am retired and worked on those cars when they were new, most of the things on those vehicles were simple to service, the only nightmare was if the car was equipped with "climate control" it is easily identified it says it right on the a/c -heat controls it has a wheel for the temp settings, when they went haywire you only had heat/a/c to the windshield, be aware of that the parts at this time are probably impossible to find, if you are lucky some time it was a simple fix from what looks like a tomato juice can on the firewall the can either rusted out or the vacuum hose from the engine rotted out causing the malfunction to that control inside. There is a lot more to be said, but not enough room for this reply, but a good choice for and old safe andreliable ride. Bob 252.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2011

This is a topic to get directions; generally we don't use this space to actually discuss the question at hand.

I would suggest that you cut and paste your posts and re-direct them to here:
CLASSICS BOARD--Project Cars/Hold 'em or Fold 'em

This would be the best place to get advice for your situation!

heritageadam · May 2011

I thank the responders for their advice & thank the host for guiding me to a different area to post. I reposted there. Thanks!

Mr_Shiftright · May 2011

Hi bob252,

thanks for your help with this. I'm going to move your post to where the actual discussion on this problem of reviving a car in storage is taking place. This topic is merely to ask a host for directions on where to ask, it's not a topic that discusses problems in detail.

We'll see you, and your full post, over here:PROJECT CARS

thanks!

Host

laserguy1 · May 2011

I have a 2007 BMW 328i that has low miles (about 31,000) but is almost 4 years old and is near the end of its new car warranty. I am considering buying an extended warranty (breakdown protection). I would like to know what servicing BMW requires, so I can determine what big-ticket maintenance is required in the next few years. For example, in the past I have had several cars that required replacing the timing belt at 60,000 or 80,000 miles. But I have not been able to find a simple list of required service at various odometer readings. Does anybody know where I can get such a list?

Thanks

Mr_Shiftright · May 2011

Edmunds' Car Maintenance Guide should be able to help you with this. If there's anything else you need after reading from that list of service items, come back and let us know.

Host

bolivar · May 2011

You Owner's Manual will have a Maintenance Schedule, which will provide what you are asking. It also has a host of other information about your car.

But, when buying an 'extended warranty', I doubt you will find one that covers Scheduled Maintenance items. You will still be paying for these things yourself. Since timing belt replacement is a maintenance item, even though this is a significant repair, I doubt an extended warranty would cover it.

pennyco · May 2011

I was just offered a three month job contract that may or may not turn into a full-time position at the end. We will need a second car for my wife and I to both get to work and split daycare drop off and pickup duties. If the contract doesn't turn into a full time job we can't afford the second car. Are there are safe alternatives for getting a car and turning it over in three months? If we lease we're looking at $3k down and some kind of penalty for early cancellation. If we buy new we would lose at least that much in value as soon as we drive it off the lot. I looked into renting a car for the period and it's about $2,500. Maybe a pre-owned vehicle is our only option? Anybody have any ideas?

KCRam · May 2011

Some resources to try:

Good, Cheap Beater Cars & Inexpensive Commuter Cars - how to find one?

Lease Swapping Questions and Answers

kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host

bob252 · May 2011

I would think a decent running car that is used can be purchased for that amount of money, is your daily car in good condition? how much traveling is needed for that potential position? The purchase of a second "temporary" car for that is the wisest thing as you get to keep it without burdening your finances as you willl still have either way, give that opportunity deep thought. You can use either car if your present one is better if you need to travel. Good luck.

explorerx4 · May 2011

Can you deactivate my current screen name so I can activate a new one?
I'm sure you can.

KCRam · May 2011

Not allowed. Please check the Membership Agreement (link is at the bottom of the page) - you agreed that you will only register once with a single username.

kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host

explorerx4 · May 2011

How long is the period of inactivity before membership is terminated?
A day seems long enough

tallman1 · May 2011

Having a vehicle name in your username doesn't seem like such a great idea now, I bet.

(Gee, I hope I don't shrink.) :surprise:

PF_Flyer · May 2011

Having a vehicle name in your username doesn't seem like such a great idea now, I bet.

Sneakers always are in style :P

explorerx4 · May 2011

I'm old enough that your username wouldn't work for me either, anymore.
In my next life, I'll have to use something like 'Generic'.

tallman1 · May 2011

To be honest, I didn't give much thought to a username when I signed on. I had no idea I would still be around for several years. I'm guessing that others don't think about it much either.

There should be a warning asking new users if they would be able to live with their username in two, five, or ten years.

kyfdx · May 2011

Yeah... I know what you mean... :surprise:

Mr_Shiftright · May 2011

Why it's KYEFEDEX! Hi Kye! :P

Kirstie_H · May 2011

I think I'm safe on that one.

Lost? Ask a Host for Help!

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles