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We got the bad news about her Cobalt a couple of weeks ago. Terminal case. It passed inspection, but needs about $5000 worth of work if it's going to pass next year's inspection. We decided to keep it. We'll use it as a spare until it either breaks too bad to be fixed or the inspection runs out in June of 2023.
So we went through a few choices, looked at different cars online, went to the dealer yesterday expecting a Kafkaesque experience but it was actually...pretty good. At least so far.
The dealer had one of each of the cars we were considering. We got to crawl all over them both, etc. Wife picked the one she liked best, there's one coming in a couple weeks with the color she likes. Boom. Done.
Not bad at all.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Follow Ups:
...put a "for sale" sign in the window of the old Cobalt (I'd probably put one in it today). It's got a full year of fresh inspection. Someone will throw you some cash to drive it til it drops or the inspection runs-out and won't pass again. Why pay for insurance and (possibly) have to renew a registration on it? It is at it's "peak value" right now, with a new inspection sticker and the car-market the way it is. Keep it til next year when the inspection runs-out and you'll get $300 for scrap-value.
And congrats on the new car! Not my kind of car, but if you and she are happy, that's all that matters. I'm not going to "trash" your choice--I don't have to drive it/live with it. Good luck with it--and I assume they still have their lengthy warranty?
"So I talk to the night, I head for the light, try and hold it on the road. Thank God for the man who put
the white lines on the highway"--a very dear friend for decades Michael Stanley (Gee)--RIP
" It passed inspection, but needs about $5000 worth of work if it's going to pass next year's inspection."
Hmmm. So, your mechanic/inspection place says everything is fine, but can see into the future? Cool. I've never met a mechanic who can say what will be an issue in the next 12 months, other than belts, hoses and spark plugs.
But, anyway... Did she get a new Nissan Pathfinder Armada, or, did she opt for the Cadillac Escalade?
****
We are inclusive and diverse. But dissent will not be tolerated.
"I've never met a mechanic who can say what will be an issue in the next 12 months..."
Must have been a shit mechanic. My independent BMW mechanic predicted that my water pump was on its way out in a few months and the transmission within a year. I am confident that he was correct based on other owners of BMW with the same drive train.
Traded the BMW on a new Honda 3 years ago.
...and how well you know them and how "respected" they are. If YOU don't know the difference between an ignition coil/module and an ignition switch, the greater the chance that you will be ripped-off. If there are two car-seats in the back seat--you're gonna need brakes/tires/shocks/struts to keep the kiddos "safe". You're always gonna need wiper blades and a cabin air filter too.
The mechanics that I know?--if they tell you to "dump-it" before it becomes a money-pit, I believe them. They'll fix it or "stretch it", but tell me the "real-deal".
"So I talk to the night, I head for the light, try and hold it on the road. Thank God for the man who put
the white lines on the highway"--a very dear friend for decades Michael Stanley (Gee)--RIP
Fuel lines, brake lines, fuel filler neck are all so badly rusted that I could probably put holes in them with a pressure washer. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to pick up a fuel line repair kit now just to have it on hand. GM didn't use stainless steel for the fuel and brake lines on the Cobalt, Chevy HHR, or Pontiac G5, so this is a known issue. Some consumer groups have been trying to get GM to issue a recall, but hey, it's GM.
The front subframe has a rust hole in it which should have been enough to fail the car, but the mechanic thinks it's in a place that isn't critical and he knows us well, my wife's been taking her cars there for a couple of decades, so he let it slide.
Both rocker panels need replaced.
There's a rust hole in the right rear quarter around the wheel opening.
He put the car up on a lift so I could see it all for myself, and I spotted an area of rust around the mounting point for the left rear trailing arm that's fatal. Mechanic didn't even show me that.
The timing chain rattles like Marley's ghost on cold start up. The chain isn't likely to break but at some point it's going to get loose enough to jump. Even if valves and pistons don't meet in a catastrophic way, the car won't run right.
Really can't bitch, we got 17 years out of the car and if the timing chain doesn't jump between now and June of 2023, it'll be 18 years.
The mechanic didn't give me any estimates, I did the research on repair costs myself.
She got herself a Bulgemobile Fireflash.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
I repaired one brake line but three more were close behind. Easy to know if when the frame rot is terminal.She couldn't afford the Buldgemobile so she settled on a Kia Forte
...and clean used subframes are only about $200 shipped. But I can't install it, I don't have the tools. The subframe also acts as the engine cradle, and pulling the engine on a Cobalt and reinstalling it again is about 8 hours of labor. Getting the clutch replaced is $1200, and only $150 of that is parts.
The timing chain is also $800-$1000, fuel lines $600, brake lines $300, rocker panels $2-3000 depending on how well the job is done.
That would still leave the rust on the rear quarter, the fuel filler neck, any other rust on the main body structure.
If we were gonna replace the subframe, then mysul replace the control arms, too. They've got a lot of surface rust on them.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
...been through that with many "winter beaters". Knowing all of the existing or pending "issues", is it worth trying to keep it one more winter? If there's even the least bit of hesitation--probably not. And it's amazing (even more so now) how fast those "nickel and dime" things can add-up to or exceed a new-car payment.
"So I talk to the night, I head for the light, try and hold it on the road. Thank God for the man who put
the white lines on the highway"--a very dear friend for decades Michael Stanley (Gee)--RIP
The Bulgemobile Fireflash is a wonderful piece of goods. Should last AT LEAST until the ashtrays are full. The 4.17 V-5 IS sort of a problem and the Oil Bath Brakes CAN be an issue, but I think all that's been worked out.....I'd LOVE a car like the 'flash, where the driver sits dead center......
Get the OPTIONAL Parachute Emergency Brake.....you won't regret it!
Too much is never enough
Whoa, dude!
A Buldgemobile? Seriously? These days, I only see them in the grocery store wearing spandex pants.
So, she didn't get the Nissan Armada? Oh well.
;)
****
We are inclusive and diverse. But dissent will not be tolerated.
I've lived in apartments that were smaller than an Escalade.Here's the brochure for the Bulgemobile. If you don't remember the car, don't worry. It only existed in the fertile mind of Bruce McCall.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22 05/17/22
...and now I live in OH, where "all bets are off".
Someone just stole a couple thousand dollars worth of inspection stickers from a Ford dealership, just outside of Pittsburgh--Monroeville Ford. "Lick it and stick it".
"So I talk to the night, I head for the light, try and hold it on the road. Thank God for the man who put
the white lines on the highway"--a very dear friend for decades Michael Stanley (Gee)--RIP
Amateur Hour in Pitts.....
HERE where crime DOES pay? Catalytic Converter theft is a wonderful cottage industry. Mine's been liberated TWICE and I know other people who are on a first name basis with the parts store.
And I live next door to a house so brightly lit you need SUNGLASSES to drive by at night....
Too much is never enough
...it's been happening around here too. They've even gotten ballsy enough to hit-up some dealerships for brand-new ones. And they're getting "good"--based on security camera footage, they figure about 3 min per vehicle hit.
The inspection sticker thing is a big deal. I don't know the exact cost anymore, but right around $50/each is "face value"--so the $3400 worth of inspection stickers stolen = ~68 stickers which can be illegally applied (at a premium) of ~$150-200 apiece. And cops in PA don't "run" your inspection sticker number--they just look at the month/year to make sure that they're current. That stolen book of stickers could easily fetch $10-12K, and finding them would be like looking for $10K in counterfeit $20 bills scattered across the entire Pittsburgh area.
As for the "neighborhood" thing--I've had two vehicles stolen over the years--both from my own driveway in a "nice" neighborhood--a conversion van and a motorcycle. The cops basically told me that it was not surprising--the thieves go to "nice" neighborhoods to get what they want. I guess they were right--not much to take in a "bad" neighborhood.
"So I talk to the night, I head for the light, try and hold it on the road. Thank God for the man who put
the white lines on the highway"--a very dear friend for decades Michael Stanley (Gee)--RIP
First? You ACTUALLY spoke with a cop?
Here, we can't actually talk to the victim of such a minor crime. FILE A REPORT and we'll get back to you sometime around hte turn of the century. The 23rd.
Stickers either get whole saled to the sales staff.....Or? I would not want to contact or talk to 50 people ONE of whom could be undercover or an informant. Much easier to steal Cats than drop the whole bunch at an uncaring metal reclaim guy.
Too much is never enough
Nt
Brings back memories of the old days. You went to the dealer and ordered the car. Seven weeks later, you got the call.
Good times.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Nt
A new car is always a good time ! Glad the process was pain free (it sounds like).
====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson
nt
It's easy to service, inexpensive basic transpo. Minimum of electronic garbage, pretty much just the government mandated stuff.
It's not a dumbass SUV, which means it ain't a Ford or GM product. Yeah, I know GM still technically has two Chevy sedans still in the lineup but the Malibu has reliability issues out the ass, and the Spark is going away at the end of the MY, no local dealers have any to sell.
It's a car I could easily live with myself even though there is no manual transmission available.
Did I also mention that the dealer didn't try to upsell us into a dumbass SUV?
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
No I wasn't...
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
You can go ahead and reveal it now. The opinion took point.
Hyundai Accent.
IMO, it's a thing of beauty. No electric parking brake, no touch screen, all routine maintenance items easily accessible. Built better than the old Cobalt, has about the same performance, gets about 10-15 more MPG.
2500 pound curb weight. Fits four adults. All ya need.
The Elantra has grown up. The new model is nearly as large as my daughter's 2017 Sonata. Although it's also designed to be easy to service, it's much more complex.
The other choices were the Toyota Corolla (too ugly), Honda Civic (none of the local dealers had the base model or knew when they'd be getting any), Subaru Impreza, and Nissan Sentra (no local dealers had any idea when they'd be getting a Sentra and the Impreza might as well not exist).
There's no manual available in the Accent this year. First car Mrs. Ghost every owned that has an automatic.
I could be happy with a car like that, even with the automatic. It does what it's supposed to do and nothing more.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
Sounds like a solid choice.
I hope Mrs. Ghost enjoys it and it serves her well.
Dean.
reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.
you know how guys are, we buy gifts for our cars.
I'll throw a coat of my good boutique wax and sealant on there, get the underside hosed down with Fluid Film before the snow flies.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Why were you concerned about telling everyone about a Hyundai Elantra (oops Accent)? It's a solid choice. My wife recently (Nov) traded her 14 Rogue for a 22 Santa Fe, a super nice vehicle so far. Good stuff.
Edits: 05/18/22 05/18/22
Not the Elantra.
If anything, the Elantra is even easier to service.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Saw where you lower down said Elantra... then typed it by mistake. The Accent is a perfectly fine car.
the Elantra is too big. It's a lot bigger than it used to be or needs to be. It's almost as big as my kid's 2017 Sonata.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
It will provide years of trouble free transport for Mrs Ghost!
Keep Your Hands Clean,
John K
I had a 2003 Elantra that I bought brand new. My daughter learned to drive on it, loved the car, so I paid it off early and gave it to her when she graduated college.
When she finally traded the old crate in, it looked like hell from spending its life sitting in the sun and never getting washed and waxed but it still ran like new.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
I remember a workmate buying a Excel in maybe 1995.
It looked like shit, but the lifetime service plan said Hyundai was serious!
Keep Your Hands Clean,
John K
When they did the under car segment, the mechanic--the guy who hates GM--talked about Hyundai replacing rusted subframes for free years after the car was out of warranty.
They've had issues with engine recalls but they've made good on all of them. Also oil consumption issues but that's a problem with many, if not most, manufacturers. Apparently they've gone to low tension piston rings in order to eke out a few hundredths of an mpg on the EPA drive cycle and the result is more oil blow by.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
My friend has one and likes it a lot - he bought an extended warranty - he never needed to use it and he got most of his money back as there was some kind of deal that if you do not use the warranty they give you the money back less a $250 fee.
So his Accent is now 7 years old and an automatic.
The only thing to be wary of with Kia/Hyundai seems to be engine fires - they still have not solved the issue from several years ago. My friend in Ontario got a brand new engine for her Kia under warranty.
This is as of February 2022 - so just be careful it doesn't affect your and check whatever needs checking closely.
Hyundai and Kia warn that 500,000 of their cars in the US are at risk of spontaneously catching fire and advise owners to park outside.
Short circuit. Affects SUVs only, up to and including the 2019 model year.
This kind of stuff is actually endemic. Nearly every manufacturer has had a similar recall, usually related to the vehicle electronics.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
OMG A Hyundai?
The wheels will fall off, the windows won't work & after a year or so parts will start falling off, Oh, it also has a CvT trans.
: )
Ok, Iam sure you will get many years of trouble free service out of it.
Have fun.
I sound like a broken record.
Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. The car gets better than 40 mpg and doesn't break the bank. Seems like a nice choice and great value for basic transportation needs. Hope Mrs. Ghost likes it!
I've had about 25. Many of them barely moved under their own power.
Actually, that isn't true. The only cars that left me needing a tow truck were the Rabbit GTi, and the two Mopar products.
We thought about looking for a used car but I'll be damned if I'll pay $15K for an eight-year-old car with 90K miles on it.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Sorry, just role playing.
I can't think of a car today that isn't half chips. You/she did good.
It's not a Daewoo or Isuzu, but what the hell ... Those are hard to find now.
That was my guess. You have to go a fair way up market to get a better and better looking car.
I can live with a touch screen--though I want no part of electric parking brakes because I can't service them, and I want physical controls for the HVAC--but Mrs. Ghost is really tech averse. She'd have ended up not wanting to drive the car if had much more in it than what's mandated by the Feds.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
You really need foveal vision to do the hand/eye. As an old motorcyclist I know that foveal vision is more about blindness to the environment than it is about precision: it is peripheral vision that keeps you alive. Thankfully the Audi S5 has physical controls for the HVAC and a couple of physical options for the radio and phone - on the wheel and on the console.
I'm a pretty serious car luddite: my E92 M3 was a very rare single hump (dash) without the NAV and other digital toys. On the other hand, if I do have NAV I want it to work properly, including waking up to warn me concerning road conditions and staying out of the way until needed.
while you're driving. Sound system, AC, that stuff should be physical. On my sister's Acura sedan, some of the functions are split between the screen and analog switches, which is ridiculous.
My iPhone has better nav than the Garmin I bought for Mrs. Ghost. I don't think I'd ever need the nav system built into the car.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Far safer to have an old fashioned indexed knob which you can find with your fingers (even in the dark) without looking and then click around to select what you want.
Keep Your Hands Clean,
John K
nt
talk about two crappy baseball clubs; woof.
To me cars are tools, I've never had the good financial fortune, nor desire, to buy one as a status symbol. Glad you found what you need.
Back for a bit again. Ignore me if you like.
I forgot to check the box scores and the Pirates are so irrelevant the game results aren't even run on the Post Gazette's front page.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
in the race to the bottom. I don't think either of our clubs can catch them.
Back for a bit again. Ignore me if you like.
Draft lottery, so worst doesn't translate to the No. 1 draft pick next year.
You'd think that would stop owners from tanking but no.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
I know if I were buying an economy car it would be a Kia or a Hyundai. While I don't intend to buy either a Ferrari or a Kia, I generally abstain from needless criticism of other people's wheels.
...not you, but some.
I like to rip on the Nissan Rogue, but it's all in good fun. The reality is, while the Rogue ain't my cuppa, it's inoffensive and capable.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
The 400 series highways around Toronto are choked with these things, one person per vehicle. There are a few, like the Porsche Macan, I could drive. But my S5 Sportback actually has more useful space for my purposes.
The first generation Rogue drove me a little crazy. The current generation is so generic I don't notice it.
Even though it has more cubic feet of space in the interior, the area behind the rear seats, under the hatch, is less useful than the sedan's trunk. I don't think she could bring home a load of groceries without folding down the seats on the "crossover."
Which is really just a tiny station wagon.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Because it sure seems like you crave attention.
Chris
What was your childhood like?
This is supposed to be a message board where we talk about stupid shit like, cats, cars, booze...you know, fun stuff.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
I'm guessin'.
"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful."
Go HEAT, go Panthers!
Chris
Betting Ricky more than you. :-)
Edits: 05/17/22
Nt
Yes, I had a lapse a couple of weeks ago, but I'm now back on the straight and narrow!
I do check in occasionally to see what the latest delusional fantasy is from our circle jerk of "Ukraine good, Russia bad" inmates. Yup, those Wunderwaffen will be there any day now! ;-)
Different Chris.
...different Chris.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Don't know what his story is, so I'm not judging.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
But I still don't post banal stuff.
Chris
Not politics or religion. Banality is a relief from the chaos.
We got something in common, I'm the oldest also. Of four, though.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
don't try and make a mountain out of a molehill.
Chris
But it ain't me. My OP was about the dealer experience in this time of new car shortage.
If you didn't like the post, you didn't need to respond.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
k
C'mon man.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Occasionally the Dealer experience isn't bad. However, my last 2 purchases have been mostly online. (and phone, 2015 Fiesta and 2020 Escape). The Dealer was for signing paperwork. While the Escape has some gizmo's that could have been deleted, the only option on it was the cargo cover, $110.
If my parents had a vehicle like this, when I was in High School, I would have never left home.
No complaints after a year and 19,000 miles. The Euro Kuga (Escape) can be had with a manual, Oh Well.
Was it a manual, or did it have the dreaded PowerShift transmission?
Reason I'm asking, if anything happened to my car, say, somebody texting doesn't notice stopped traffic in front of them, I'd consider a Fiesta with the manual as a replacement.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Loved it. And yes, I had a manual, but with the 3 cylinder turbo. It was totaled by a DD in SF last year. (66K miles).
For what it's worth, My Escape has the 1.5 liter 3 cylinder. Ford pitches these as sort of a Focus station wagon in Europe, (it's built on the same platform), not an SUV. My first ever assembled in USA car. (motor from Mexico).
Good luck on (your) Wife's new purchase, PA can be tough on vehicle's.
The previous owners and I have kept my own car rust free for 16 Pennsylvania winters, so I'm confident that I can do the same with her new car.
There's a local dealer selling a 2014 Fiesta hatchback with a manual, but it's been listed on CL for a couple of months. Same dealer got a 2011 with manual and it was sold before they had a chance to post decent pictures.
My daughter's Focus had the PowerShift. When it worked, it was fine. I could have lived with it. People bitched about the operation but it feels like a manual and responds like a manual.
The problem is that the clutch seals fail and fail often. Once the clutches get oiled up, the car shudders pulling away from a stop, and if the discs get hot enough, the transmission controller will immobilize the car. Ford agreed to fix the transmissions for the life of the vehicle but they'll only fix it once. There was a deadline on the buy back period.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Oil filter is easy to reach, air filter is easy to change, even the serpentine belt can be changed in minutes.
Oil changes are easy on the Cobalt but changing the serpentine belt means removing the right front wheel, removing the top of the airbox all the way to the throttle body, disconnecting the PCV hose, and unplugging the mass airflow sensor. Even then, a special thin ratchet is needed to take the tension off the belt.
Everything under the new car is open. Coating everything with Fluid Film before winter will be a piece of cake.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
Edits: 05/17/22
and that's why I've kept my car for so long.
I know I have to do ALL the work on it, almost all anyway. I won't have it any other way because today these big store mechanics can't do anything without a Work Instruction given online showing how and what, and a timeline to answer to.
I stopped at my neighbor next door (lots of swearing) to help him, he has spent 4 days now setting up his pool because the guys who did it left leaks and other problems he is trying to fix. I told him to abandon the pool thing, it's a bad joke. When people know you have a pool you have lots of friends, but if you close it they all disappear. Most of my friends moved to Fla anyway.
In fact, my car is down there today. He's replacing the driver's side axle, something I've done many times--too many times--on other cars in the past and just don't feel like fucking with anymore. And I left my goddam bike helmet and gloves in there and missed a day of good riding weather.
Getting the old axle out is easy. Shoving the new one past the clip in the transaxle is a pain in the ass. The CV joints flop around and it's tough to get enough force going in the direction it has to go.
Anyway, we don't have to worry about it with the new car, and it comes with free oil changes for three years but IMO the change interval is longer than I think is prudent.
The problem is not that there is evil in the world, the problem is that there is good. Because otherwise, who would care?
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