Before you buy, make sure there are a good number on indy German mechanics around you. German speciality shops will charge upwards of $100/hr labor and the more spare they are, the more they will charge. Also find a german shop that will let you use your own parts so you dont need to buy everything OEM through the shop, shit gets expensive. It also helps to be able to do some stuff on your own. There are many sensors in German cars that go out around 10 years into the car lifespan. They are usually pretty to replace yourself (around $40-80 parts and 1 hour DIY) but that cost will get upwards of $500 at a shop. I get most my parts at https://www.fcpeuro.com or https://www.ecstuning.com
The new models may not be that bad - after looking at pricing on Ford, Ram, and Chevy/GMC, I may still consider GM, but I’d get a hell of an extended warranty on it (as I would on the others too, with the amount of computers & everything being electronically controlled these days)
Strike one - no service records Strike two - aftermarket open K&N air intake in place of the stock closed air intake Strike three - two owners: half its life in Michigan, half its life in upstate NY
Plus the IMS bearing issue on that year. A 996 turbo would be the only model from that gen I would consider.
Air intake is one thing, as stock filters and housing are known to limit airflow. I cringe when people add catless downpipes or exhaust. It can just be tacky.
No way, a BMW being a money pit? Shocker! I just took mine into the dealership to get a misfire diagnosed.... they want $13,000 to do all the maintenance to it. Fuck no, I'm going to buy OE parts for 2/3 price and do what I can myself.
Generally I agree with you but an air intake is the mildest upgrade a person can do, wouldn't scare me. No service reports wouldn't scare me as long as it was green lit by a good mechanical inspection, corrosion on the underside is a simple visual check. If it were to check out, I'd use the lack of service reports as a bargaining chip on the price.
Yeah that is a fair point. I think I'm still in shock from all horribly modified WRX's I looked at years ago.
You should see the underside of my 07 F150, woo boy. Kicking myself when I bought it for not getting it undercoated 6 yrs ago but I’m off loading it next year at some point anyways.
Been talking to a private seller about buying his car for 36 days now. He has been a real pain in the ass to communicate with (as he'll not respond to my emails for over a week at a time) but the car is exactly what I'm looking for, relatively low miles, and a fair price. Vehicle got inspected by a third-party mechanic and came back great so as much as I want to say fuck it and buy somewhere else, it makes sense to stick it out with this pain in the ass guy. After over a month of interaction, he says he can finally deliver it to me later this week. I'm just anticipating some bullshit though. First and maybe the last time I'll purchase from a private seller.
The most expensive car is an inexpensive Mercedes... Unless it's an E-55 AMG, those are okay if you can find one.
My only comment on this is from the friends I have who own them; the maintenance is a killer. Normal maintenance jobs cost twice or three times as much as normal cars. Brake jobs and things like that require special parts or tools. Overall just a bitch to maintain. That’s all I have though.
I will be looking to purchase a used SUV, $20k-30k range. What are the best models to look for? No kids yet, but possibly in the near future. Dog will ride in the back to/from daycare. Would prefer 4x4. Kinda feeling a 4Runner right now, but not many available in my area. Thanks for any help.
Really just need 2 rows. Would put the seats down for the dog. Consumer Reports likes the 4R, Rav4, CRV, Mazda CX9. 4R obviously the biggest of those.
Honestly, CX-9 seems like an overkill unless you plan to have multiple kids in the next few years. Look at a CX-5.
Wife is trying to buy an Acura MDX. I want her just to get an Explorer, but she seems pretty intent on the Acura. Think I’m just going to do Carvana because I just don’t want to deal with sales people. Any pros/cons on an MDX?
New explorer is having a lot of quality problems, would avoid until next model year. MDX is nice we test drove one this spring but went with an XC90 instead, the Volvo is def worth a look. MDX/Pilots are fucking everywhere in Columbus since Hondas aremade here. Never heard a complaint about them
I have concerns on the XC60s trunk/storage capacity. A couple of buddies wives have them and that is their complaint.
Side note .. my dad had a MDX when they first came out ... 450,000 miles .. was a solid vehicle. # coolstory
Update on this? She happy with the MDX? Any dislikes you or her have? My wife is considering replacing her vehicle, just weighing whether she values a new car or no payment for the time being. She's most interested in the QX60, then MDX. I want her to consider the Pilot and the Ascent (or at least test drive them). Any feedback anyone has on any of those would be appreciated. I see there ITT the MDX and Pilot seem to be pretty well thought-of.
Wife loves it thus far. She said it drives just like a car, which makes sense considering it’s essentially a Honda. I still haven’t driven it. It looks good though. Apparently we got the “technology package” whatever that means.
Wife has a 2019 pilot elite. We absolutely love it and have no complaints. We looked at the ascent when we were buying because I’ve been a Subaru guy. I personally am not a fan of the way newer Subaru’s drive.
I do like the MDX's though. Was very close to buying one the last time I went car shopping, but decided late in the game I wanted a smaller payment to have more extra money to buy dumb shit every month.
anyone drive a Jeep Gladiator? Hwy driving back and forth to Greenville has brought back the need for a taller/bigger vehicle.
My lease is up (sorry buy_dont_lease) and now I’m gonna buy (yay buy_dont_lease) because I didn’t enjoy this leasing experiment. I drive 75 miles a week max. Thinking just significantly downgrading and getting something basic/used for around $20k. Things like the Camry/Civic my best bet? Haven’t been in the market and last time I was I went luxury/sporty. Don’t really need an SUV. Appreciate any help thanks.