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32740 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 9:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying

Messages Page 3001 of 3275

#29994 of 32740 Re: Cruze TD [ateixeira] by corvette

Feb 07, 2013 (4:33 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 07, 2013 4:24 pm)
"Bet these hold their value better than the gas models do."
 
I bet so, too. People pay insane money for used VW TDIs, especially when gas prices spike. Note that GM's powertrain warranty is 5 years/100k as opposed to Hyundai/Kia's 10 year/100k plan. I think GM's warranty will transfer if you sell the car, while Hyundai/Kia's won't.

#29995 of 32740 Re: Cruze TD [corvette] by ateixeira

Feb 08, 2013 (7:21 am)

Replying to: corvette (Feb 07, 2013 4:33 pm)
Yeah, you only get the 5/60 portion of the warranty if you buy a used Hyundai or Kia, and that would affect me.
 
Of course, $23k for a 2 year old car that cost low $30s new sort of reflects that in the price. The used one only has 3 years left on the warranty, vs. 10 for new.

#29996 of 32740 Re: Cruze TD [corvette] by dieselone

Feb 08, 2013 (7:53 am)

Replying to: corvette (Feb 07, 2013 4:33 pm)
I bet so, too. People pay insane money for used VW TDIs
 
I can verify that fact. I sold my '00 TDI a year and a half after I bought it new and sold it for only $3k less than I paid for it with over 35k miles. I had people contacting me from all over country. At that time a new one was going for over sticker.

#29997 of 32740 New Chevy Spark by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (5:39 am)

New Spark by sandman_6472
Feb 08, 2013 (8:21 pm)
Drove in a small caravan of new Spark's from Lauderdale airport to a Hertz in Clearwater today and for what it is, it's not bad at all! It drove respectfully though it is a little noisy in the cabin from the overworked engine but once up around cruising speed, 70, it quieted down some. Wish the seat fabric was a bit more grippy and softer like the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent but at this price point one can overlook this shortcoming. The dash was interesting and tilted with the steering wheel and it looks like it was taken off a motorcycle. It was pretty basic inside though these models had cruise and Sirius/XM, a very nice touch indeed! It made the long drive pleasant but we had to put in a few bucks of petrol just to reach our destination. Granted with 6 miles on the clock, the engine is brand new and not seated properly so getting optimal mileage numbers isn't going to happen but still, those last few bars disappeared rather quickly. The sheet metal is a bit interesting but since these are made just for the rental fleet, it doesn't really matter. The car felt a bit wobbly on the highway but that could be due to improper tire inflation and nothing with the car itself as it did ride on 195/55/15 rubber. One knows that this is a small econocar by just opening the doors but it has all the basics needed plus the above mentioned extra goodies that people who rent require.
Overall, Chevy did a respectable job with this small rental fare vehicle, most folks want a low priced rental and this car definitely fits the bill here. Not as primitive as a Flintstone car but no one will expect Lexus quality ride and switchgear at this bargain price...it hits it's stated target with an almost bulls eye! Chevy and GM...ya done good here!
  
The Sandman

#29998 of 32740 Re: now this, is nice [ateixeira] by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (5:46 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 07, 2013 8:53 am)
Go to Ebay and look there. I did that back in'07 and got rims from a '05 Civic SI for my '06 LX and they were in pretty good condition. I paid a very reasonable price for them, as there was a small section of curb rash on one of them. Since they were Honda oem equipment, I knew the fitment would be perfect...and it was. Got some new lugs and brought them to my mechanic where I had them shipped. Transformed the looks of the car and make it a bit distinct looking. I'm pleased every day still even though the wife thought I was insane. Still have the old steelies and bolt on covers in the garage so if I ever do sell it, they can go with the car.
 
Ebay is the perfect place to look. Took me less than a wek to find exactly what I was looking for and the seller was excellent to deal with.
 
The Sandman

#29999 of 32740 Wrong Directions And A Smart Phone by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (5:59 am)

Thinking I should upgrade to a smart phone soon. Yesterday's trip to Clearwater was an adventure as we were given wrong directions to begin with. We were going to a Hertz store in town and not an airport site but we'd never been to this particular store before. The directions were wrong and the new Spark got down to 2 bars so stopping for petrol was happening. Got off to put some in and got back on 275 but the exit number I was looking for didn't exist...ended up in downtown Tampa. Called the boss and eventually got turned around and while keeping our cells on, I eventually got to the site. Naturally I was dead last and the rest of the crew was waiting on my sorry ass. After some ribbing, we were off back to Lauderdale. Having a smart phone would have made it possible to plug in the address so the gps could get me to the correct address. A Garmin unit would also work, but they are a bit bulky and I think a smart phone is the better alternative. Seems like they are the future in communication so why not do it now. Couldn't part of the cost be a tax write off also? need to ask the wife about that.
Nothing on tap for the weekend...as of right now. But that could change!
 
The Sandman

#30000 of 32740 Re: New Chevy Spark [sandman_6472] by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2013 (8:50 am)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 09, 2013 5:39 am)
You can get low cost Navi on the screen by installing an app on your smart phone. Cheap, cheap.
 
My kids liked it but it is a bit toy like for me. The Sonic feels more like a real car.
 
Thanks for the eBay tip, will look.

#30001 of 32740 Re: now this, is nice [sandman_6472] by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2013 (9:02 am)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 09, 2013 5:46 am)
Hmm only one set, no tires and no TPMS.
 
That would be a hassle. I will keep looking though.
 
I should place and ad there for a swap.

#30002 of 32740 Re: now this, is nice [ateixeira] by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (9:29 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 9:02 am)
It took me a couple of weeks way back in 2007 to find the perfect set of Honda rims, I also looked at Acura wheels in the same size, 16", as I knew they had the same offset and would fit Honda products, same company really. Once I found the set I wanted, I just bid and finally won. It was the 1st time I ever did Ebay and online buying and made a mistake or two, like bidding against myself, duh! But with the help of some friends, I got what I wanted at a ridiculously fair price, as I was prepared to pay double for a nice set of rims. Didn't want to go after market as I had many many problems when I bought after market years ago as a local shop...they had a rough time to make things fit and then cure a vibration issue. After numerous attempts, things were smoothed out but it was costly and time consuming!
 
That's why I think it's best to get manufacturers brand and never, I repeat never do a plus 1 or plus 2...could be nightmarish! I really wanted to go to a 60 or 65 series tire for the greater sidewall and smoother ride but decided to keep it stock as I had rubbing issues with the other vehicle I talked about earlier...just not worth it. The extra $ is one thing but the added aggravation just takes all the pleasure away. My next vehicle is going to have alloys as original equipment and hopefully a power drivers chair. Not sure if the Elantra can be equipped with the power seat but will have to see. Right now, that model is in the lead for my next vehicle. Anxious to test the new Kia Forte and Buick Verano. The one I sat in at the Buick store was so comfortable though a bit pricey. I think it's the same size as the Elantra and my current Civic which is as big as I'd go. Handling is going to be the deciding factor here as I will probably spend the extra $ if the vehicle is that good. Spending a little bit more on something that will be kept for about 10 or so years is not a big price to pay. I no longer choose to settle just to save a few bucks especially at my age! And I deserve what I want this time!
 
The Sandman

#30003 of 32740 Re: now this, is nice [sandman_6472] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Feb 09, 2013 (9:34 am)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 09, 2013 9:29 am)
It's really hard to tell how a seat is going to fit you in a 15 minute test drive. You have the perfect setup for testing seats over a couple of hours. Being able to compare with a lot of other cars is just gravy.

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