YSSMAN's Infinite Crisis: Blackest Night (Post #816)

[YSSMAN]

Fox, usually. They're the closest to my house (I live in Kentwood). I've dealt with them on and off over the years, and needless to say, even when they were Duthler Honda, they were still douchebags.

- The Duthler boys at one time tried to convince my Mother and I that a Civic LX was "superior" to a cheaper Mazda 6i of the same year because of some rather silly features and other non-existent goodness. Needless to say, when the BS started flying, I got pissed, and I pulled Mom out of the dealer pronto. Funny thing is that the folks who owned the Mazda dealer (Fox) now own the Honda dealer.

- Every time I go to the Honda dealer I am never greeted by a sales representative or even the receptionist. I spend ten minutes looking at a Civic or a Fit, and no one offers to help... And consequently I leave. They don't deserve my business if they won't help me.

- Grandpa had been considering buying a Pilot for some time, and after sitting down with a salesman recently, he had a similar experience as I with the Civic when he discussed his possible purchase of a Chevrolet Tahoe. General cockyness and douchebaggery won't be tolerated when $40K worth of truck is being discussed.

They just aren't very good with customer service. The same can be said of what used to but Duthler Ford across the street. So odd that even their neighbor/sibling dealers, Saab, Kia and Hyundai are so much better at helping out.

===

On a personal level, I wouldn't want to deal with them whatsoever if I bought a Honda. I'd happily drive the extra 10 minutes to Grandville to have my car serviced.

 

[Thirdeye]

Rivertown Honda has always been really decent when I've been there. I had one issue with a somewhat snobby person working in the service department when there was a misunderstanding between what my sister said and what the facts were, and she appeared to think that we were wasting her time or something, so we left without getting the oil changed there and went to the Valvoline place across the street (they were too busy anyhow). But whenever I've gone there for parts, the people behind the counters in that department were always really knowledgeable and helpful. Haven't had any experience with their sales staff however. When I plan on getting a new (or certified pre-owned) someday in the future I may consider stopping there.

The only experience I've had with Fox Honda was when East Acura didn't have a specific part I needed so they had to have it delivered over from Fox Honda down the road, and they drove it over in a matter of only 15 minutes or so. The worker behind the counter at East Acura even let me have the part for free because I had to wait for it, score! But I've never actually been to or inside Fox Honda for any business.

 

[niky]

Perhaps it's just that you got the wagon version. Or you wore your tires out prematurely doing all that "Testing."

I don't remember, they may have come with an all-season tire option. I might have a brochure somewhere in my collection here. maybe you got stuck with that... You see, I don't remember any magazine complaining about Protege handling. Then again, all I seem to remember are the MP3 and Mazdaspeed...

Possible... but most P5 owners I meet online (even those who aren't happy enough with it to join one of the many Mazda communities) practically enthuse about the handling... and it's a mainstay of quite a few autocross courses. (even more so than the MSP or MP3.

 

[YSSMAN]

So as some of you may know my car has gone back to the transmission shop. After 5th gear was suspiciously sticky on Thursday, I had thought little of it, and on my way home from work on Friday night, it refused to find any gears (feeling as though the stick was loose). My guess is that the linkage has gone bad, Keef had thought it to be something internal... I'm not sure. We'll likely find out after tomorrow.

Otherwise, the good news is that the car has otherwise been running fairly well. The startup issue seems to have calmed down after I changed the distributor cap, but pretty cold temperatures can otherwise cause the car to not wish to start all together.

==========

So, I've been thinking about getting a new car again. While I love the Jetta to death, there comes a point at which you want to stop putting things in it every couple hundred miles, or cough up the cash, and try to get something new(er).

As you may recall, I had been considering a Mazda Miata (NA), but after the absolutely terrible winter we've had, I'm pretty seriously thinking against it. Days and weeks have gone by where there is at least an inch of snow on the ground, and the Miata would be otherwise useless even with snow tires I assume.

So, I've gone back pretty much to the FWD/AWD box again. The Subaru Forester continues to sit rather high on my list, as do its various Subaru siblings. I stumbled across a Legacy GT Sedan (a 2000) a few weeks ago, and I forgot how nice they were. After a quick look, I really do like what I found about the Legacy online, so it more or less becomes a question of finding what I like for the right price, and of course, having insurance be cheap enough to keep me happy.

Similarly, the VW GTI continues to sit high on my list. Insurance prices are a bit high, and my trust of the 1.8T is a bit shaky, but there are some decent examples around that seem to be nice enough to make me want one again. The local Saturn dealer had a nice Jetta Wagon GLS on their lot too, 1.8T with the slushbox. Unfortunately that is a popular combination around here, so I may eventually have to settle for an automatic (this goes with any car) at some point.

So then I had a thought the other afternoon... What about a MINI Cooper? Not to steal Joey's thunder, but I forgot that my Boss's father in law's shop does a lot of work on them (since we don't have a MINI dealer within three hours of here). After some simple research, I'm not sure of it. They seemed to have a lot of issues with their early models (I'd be looking at a 2002 or 2003 Cooper, no S), and I've got no idea what the pricing and insurance would be like. I'd like to have one just for the sporty ride/drive factor, and the fact that they look cool and are incredibly rare here in Grand Rapids... But I don't know...

So, just like it before, its a "wait and see" thing I guess. If its a cheap fix on the car, I'll continue to drive it and maybe just put a "for sale" sign in the window and ask for $2200 OBO. She runs fine, gets good gas mileage, but she has some issues. Get the taxes done, pay some bills, and I may have a new car by the end of May (possibly).

 

[Joey D]

I don't know a ton about R53 Minis but if you are curious go to www.northamericanmotoring.com and look around. There is a section just for issues with your car and you can see what people are having problems with. The insurance on my car is pretty cheap and the cost of owning it is pretty good. The fuel mileage is awesome as I've said numerous times to people. They also hold their value really well so you might pay a little more now but you will get it back when you go to sell it.

Also look at a stick because the CVT wasn't very good in the early cars.

 

[Philly]

You're back to looking at GTI's? That gives me one more reason that I have to convince my parents to let me drive mine out to school next year.

I love the Legacys/Outbacks too. I don't know if they fixed it from the 1990s cars, but you should be ready to replace the head gasket at ~140,000 miles in certain engines.

The MINI would be cool, especially if you can find somebody to work on them. I seem to recall from somewhere something about a MINI branch in Grand Rapids, and they had a pretty large showing at the GR show, so something might be up.

 

[Joey D]

Sharpe BMW is trying to get a MINI dealer out there but I wouldn't hold my breathe. My family is friends with the Sharpe's and I some how don't think it's going to happen anything soon...although he tells us he is working on it.

 

[YSSMAN]

They were "working on it" years and years ago and nothing ever came of it. Not having an official authorized dealer makes it harder for me to put the money down on one, because if anything major goes wrong, I've heard several nightmare stories about BMW dealers not knowing what to do with the car.

====

I think my big thing now is that I need to try not to be too picky, and find whats going to be "cheap" and fairly "reliable" so it can last me a while. Unfortunately that does require leaving the door open for automatics, no matter how much it pains me...

I've been thinking about a newer GM W-Body as well. They're pretty cheap, really reliable, and the 2006+ cars look really nice. I've found a few Impalas and Monte Carlos for right around the $10K bracket with less than 30K on the clock, which seem like a fair deal. They're just really "uninteresting" thats all.

 

[TopHat]

I think my big thing now is that I need to try not to be too picky, and find whats going to be "cheap" and fairly "reliable" so it can last me a while. Unfortunately that does require leaving the door open for automatics, no matter how much it pains me...

I've been thinking about a newer GM W-Body as well. They're pretty cheap, really reliable, and the 2006+ cars look really nice. I've found a few Impalas and Monte Carlos for right around the $10K bracket with less than 30K on the clock, which seem like a fair deal. They're just really "uninteresting" thats all.

The Impala, and the Monte Carlo are pretty nice cars. Try and find one with the 3.9L. A really reliable power plant, bullet proof transmissions, and they look clean.

 

[YSSMAN]

Its what I was thinking. I'd really like to get a 2006+ 9C1 Caprice, but they're hard to find. My guess is that after the summer, they'll be a bit easier to come across.

But I found this, which makes me wish I could afford it RIGHT NOW. This car would be absolutely AWESOME to have!

For $13K, its not a bad deal (I think?), but its a bit too far away to get, and furthermore, I've never driven one, so I don't know if I'd like it. I like the look of the later ones in that generation, and even more of a bonus, it has the H-6 engine, so the extra power would be nice to have.

====

EDIT: After some quick calculations, it looks like the Legacy/Outback would be fairly affordable if I can find one at the right price. Insurance rates, it seems, are going to be about what I already pay on my VW ($120 a month), so its a matter of being able to afford the car payments. I'd be considering a three year loan, probably, looking to spend $200 or so a month (maybe-ish). That pretty much puts my price cap right around $10,000. I'd really prefer the Outback in this situation, they seem to be a bit more common and a bit cheaper... It sucks that most have automatics, but I'm willing to bend a bit if I have to.

 

[socomplayer2]

Its what I was thinking. I'd really like to get a 2006+ 9C1 Caprice, but they're hard to find. My guess is that after the summer, they'll be a bit easier to come across.

But I found this, which makes me wish I could afford it RIGHT NOW. This car would be absolutely AWESOME to have!

For $13K, its not a bad deal (I think?), but its a bit too far away to get, and furthermore, I've never driven one, so I don't know if I'd like it. I like the look of the later ones in that generation, and even more of a bonus, it has the H-6 engine, so the extra power would be nice to have.

====

EDIT: After some quick calculations, it looks like the Legacy/Outback would be fairly affordable if I can find one at the right price. Insurance rates, it seems, are going to be about what I already pay on my VW ($120 a month), so its a matter of being able to afford the car payments. I'd be considering a three year loan, probably, looking to spend $200 or so a month (maybe-ish). That pretty much puts my price cap right around $10,000. I'd really prefer the Outback in this situation, they seem to be a bit more common and a bit cheaper... It sucks that most have automatics, but I'm willing to bend a bit if I have to.

That is a gorgeous Subaru! Those are real nice cars. My dad had an 2001 4cyl wagon in that same color combination and he loved it. The Subaru awd is amazing and hugs the road. Actually this is the car I learned to drive in.

 

[Perfect Balance]

This just randomly popped into my head, and I don't know how you feel about these cars, I just think they look good, and they have a decent engine (a bit weak, but great aftermarket), along with good handling.

Infinity G20.

The level of "sportyness" is about equal (probably better) than your jetta.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

They made Outback sedans?

Never knew that.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

You say that you like GM dealers in your opening post but not a single GM car in your posssibles. Get a GM car.

 

[Perfect Balance]

You say that you like GM dealers in your opening post but not a single GM car in your posssibles. Get a GM car.

Any suggestions?

 

[YSSMAN]

Infinity G20.

Not a bad car, but I've never really looked into them all that much. Edmunds is saying that even the 2002 cars are reselling for pretty cheap (less than $8000), and I can't imagine the insurance being any more expensive than that same $120-140 range that I keep checking out. Thing is, would a Nissan Altima be any better?

I'll check out the local market and see if I can find one... Reviews online are nothing but positive...

 

[Perfect Balance]

Not a bad car, but I've never really looked into them all that much. Edmunds is saying that even the 2002 cars are reselling for pretty cheap (less than $8000), and I can't imagine the insurance being any more expensive than that same $120-140 range that I keep checking out. Thing is, would a Nissan Altima be any better?

I'll check out the local market and see if I can find one... Reviews online are nothing but positive...

I think unless you can find an SE-R somewhere, the G20 would be much more fun to drive, but make sure you get a manual, the auto really ruins the fun.

EDIT: Reading a few reviews, you really do need a manual to get any fun out of this car.

 

[YSSMAN]

You say that you like GM dealers in your opening post but not a single GM car in your posssibles. Get a GM car.

Generally speaking, I'd love to. Problem is, they don't offer much in the United States that does what I want to do. If I could find a Chevrolet Impala 9C1 (ie, Police Car) for cheap, I'd go that route... But they're hard to find since they just entered service. Maybe a Saab 9-3, but they're hard to find for cheap, and their overall reliability doesn't go too far.

I'm not looking to spend more than $10,000 which really limits my choices.

 

[Slicks]

A Miata with chains.

Don't let a little bad weather get the best of you - It's generally a tossup between FWD and RWD in the snow, so if you're really focusing on cars that are good in the snow, start looking in the AWD direction.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Generally speaking, I'd love to. Problem is, they don't offer much in the United States that does what I want to do. If I could find a Chevrolet Impala 9C1 (ie, Police Car) for cheap, I'd go that route... But they're hard to find since they just entered service. Maybe a Saab 9-3, but they're hard to find for cheap, and their overall reliability doesn't go too far.

I'm not looking to spend more than $10,000 which really limits my choices.

Might I ask what you want them to do? Then I'll help you research if need be.

 

[JCE]

Its what I was thinking. I'd really like to get a 2006+ 9C1 Caprice, but they're hard to find. My guess is that after the summer, they'll be a bit easier to come across.

But I found this, which makes me wish I could afford it RIGHT NOW. This car would be absolutely AWESOME to have!

For $13K, its not a bad deal (I think?), but its a bit too far away to get, and furthermore, I've never driven one, so I don't know if I'd like it. I like the look of the later ones in that generation, and even more of a bonus, it has the H-6 engine, so the extra power would be nice to have.

====

EDIT: After some quick calculations, it looks like the Legacy/Outback would be fairly affordable if I can find one at the right price. Insurance rates, it seems, are going to be about what I already pay on my VW ($120 a month), so its a matter of being able to afford the car payments. I'd be considering a three year loan, probably, looking to spend $200 or so a month (maybe-ish). That pretty much puts my price cap right around $10,000. I'd really prefer the Outback in this situation, they seem to be a bit more common and a bit cheaper... It sucks that most have automatics, but I'm willing to bend a bit if I have to.

That Subby is absolutely STUNNING. BUT, if you have a budget of $13,000 USD...you NEED to consider this:

Volvo S60 2.5T AWD. AWD Turbo Volvo FTW!

 

[YSSMAN]

Might I ask what you want them to do? Then I'll help you research if need be.

- Cheap, there is a $10,000 price cap... Preferably closer to the $8000 range, but I'm flexible

- Reliable, I'd prefer to go without the small, yet frequent issues that my VW has had constantly

- Snow. We have a lot of it. Has to be able to get through it...

- Size, preferably seat four, but that is flexible

- Must have a manual transmission as an option, but I'll take an automatic

 

[Perfect Balance]

- Cheap, there is a $10,000 price cap... Preferably closer to the $8000 range, but I'm flexible

- Reliable, I'd prefer to go without the small, yet frequent issues that my VW has had constantly

- Snow. We have a lot of it. Has to be able to get through it...

- Size, preferably seat four, but that is flexible

- Must have a manual transmission as an option, but I'll take an automatic

With this criteria I really think you should just stick with Subaru. It meets all of your criteria, better than probably anything else for the same money. The legacy, outback, forester, they are all sort of the same, just keep all of them in mind, it shouldn't be too difficult to find one.

 

[YSSMAN]

Thats what I'm thinking as well. I've been hard-pressed to find many cars that have, on average, extremely positive reviews across the board. I think the transmissions are really the only thing I have to worry about, as at least from what I've read, they tend to be a little problematic.

When I get some spare time this week I may go out and have a look at a used one at a local lot. There are a couple of Outback Wagons for sale nearby. I'll probably go to the Subaru dealer and talk to a service guy about the cars too. Subarus are a shade on the boring side for me, but I'll survive. I just want something reliable, easy to drive, and something that will keep me happy year-round.

 

[High-Test]

- Cheap, there is a $10,000 price cap... Preferably closer to the $8000 range, but I'm flexible

- Reliable, I'd prefer to go without the small, yet frequent issues that my VW has had constantly

- Snow. We have a lot of it. Has to be able to get through it...

- Size, preferably seat four, but that is flexible

- Must have a manual transmission as an option, but I'll take an automatic

I found one.

Eh? Eh?

That satisfies most of the requirements, methinks. EDIT: It lies! That's not a 400E... Why does it have a 400E badge?

Man.. I want that one!

 

[YSSMAN]

Hmm, I dunno. I'd usually prefer something a little bit newer, but I'm open to different ideas. Its really weird, because going into this winter, I really didn't think much of having AWD ever. We had gone about three years without much snow at all, so yeah, I really wouldn't have thought much about having it.

This year? Yeah, we've had waaaaay too much snow to not keep it as a viable alternative. It isn't completely necessary, but it certainly is a major bonus. I've had too many Subarus taunting me on snowy hills this year.

 

[Philly]

Volvo S60 2.5T AWD. AWD Turbo Volvo FTW!

We have one of those. It's sloooow. It'll get you what you need done, but don't expect anything peppy that will go when you want it.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

But I found this, which makes me wish I could afford it RIGHT NOW. This car would be absolutely AWESOME to have!

For $13K, its not a bad deal (I think?), but its a bit too far away to get, and furthermore, I've never driven one, so I don't know if I'd like it. I like the look of the later ones in that generation, and even more of a bonus, it has the H-6 engine, so the extra power would be nice to have.

Those heated seats and mirrors would be nice in the winter.

 

[JCE]

We have one of those. It's sloooow. It'll get you what you need done, but don't expect anything peppy that will go when you want it.

I'm probably getting one. 20% chance. There is also a 20% chance on an S80 T6. I'd prefer the S80.

 

[High-Test]

Hmm, I dunno. I'd usually prefer something a little bit newer, but I'm open to different ideas. Its really weird, because going into this winter, I really didn't think much of having AWD ever. We had gone about three years without much snow at all, so yeah, I really wouldn't have thought much about having it.

This year? Yeah, we've had waaaaay too much snow to not keep it as a viable alternative. It isn't completely necessary, but it certainly is a major bonus. I've had too many Subarus taunting me on snowy hills this year.

It accelerates like a battleship, but is a true highway star. I can't speak for the M103 but there are a few other members here that can. It's nearly bulletproof either way, I think. It's definitely slower than the S60. But it would be one hell of a daily driver. Look at that interior, Brad. It speaks to you. I know it does. It isn't gray. The materials aren't cheap. There's another point for the car. Join us. We've been expecting you...

:idea:It is from Deutschland! If that helps...

(But it's not MBTex.)