|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816 |
I guess everyone is burned out of this thread already...
Test drove the Mazda after it was 'fixed by the dealer' and they actually did fix the engine problems.
Runs totally smooth now with no CEL, 650-750 idle, etc.
However, the vibration, which I thought could have been a wheel bearing at worst is now louder and actually vibrates the car on the highway.
I'm thinking the vibration issue is the worn out rear tires and possibly out of balance also. Noise is pretty consistent from about 70km/h to 130km/h with the light vibration setting in at about 120km/h.
Going to test drive both of the Foci tomorrow, but if the 2000 Focus has nothing wrong with it, I'll probly go with that one.
*Note that my SVT is getting worse, now I've got a misfire to take car of along with my idle problem, plus I noticed some smoke coming out of the exhuast (couldn't tell if it was black or blue, but I'm hoping black due to the misfire)... I really need to park it and work on it!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,709
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,709 |
The Mazda sounds like the tires are either/worn out or and the wheels are out of balance. Definitely sounds like the most fun of the vehicles to choose from.
Originally posted by Chickens:
Religion can't do much for ashholes (unless you are an alterboy)
98.5 Se w/SVT mods
98 E0 SVT~ sold
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,786
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,786 |
Originally posted by Big Daddy Kane:
Since it's my birthday, think y'all could give me a present and giving me some advice on a [nearly] new car...
I have been qualified for a $20K loan, but don't want to necessarily max that out unless the vehicle is very new and exactly what I want.
Get a Saab 92x Aero. Wagon, AWD, Stick option, TURBO and it's a WRX in Saab clothing. Lee just picked up an 05 with 20k miles on it for well under 20k.
I love my 92x.
Subie mods are endless, too.
-Auto Mak or-
-Experiment or
-Station Wagon or-
-Computeriz or-
I have a foot that is bigger than a foot.
SuperChipFOR SALE
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
|
|
I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
From reading this thread I don't think he has that option nor is it in his price range.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816 |
Originally posted by todras:
From reading this thread I don't think he has that option nor is it in his price range.
Affirmative...
However... I may be able to swing this little guy: 2003 WRX Wagon - 43k miles, 5 speed, $15,995.
When I test drive the cheap-o Focus, I'm going to ask them about this WRX...
I would love a 9-2x... but I don't think there are any used ones around here (new is way too expensive). Guess it wouldn't hurt to ask the US Spec Saab dealer, though 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,143
Hard-core CEG'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,143 |
Are you buying a car just to buy a car (it kind of seems that way)? Do you have any other options besides these dealerships that cater to military personnel? (ie buying a car next time you are in the lower 48 and bringing it back to Germany with you?) It seems that a lot of what you have been looking at all have problems with them, and it sounds like at least a few have been abused. Nothing worse than inheriting someone elses problems 
"Bros before Hoes" <-- More men need this mentality.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816 |
Originally posted by Pete D:
Are you buying a car just to buy a car (it kind of seems that way)?
Do you have any other options besides these dealerships that cater to military personnel? (ie buying a car next time you are in the lower 48 and bringing it back to Germany with you?)
It seems that a lot of what you have been looking at all have problems with them, and it sounds like at least a few have been abused. Nothing worse than inheriting someone elses problems
You pretty much nailed it. I don't need another car, but it seems the more I drive the SVT, the more things I need to fix on it, but can't since I have to drive it. Having a second car will allow me to have the SVT down for days-weeks at a time for major repairs if they come.
I could buy a car in the States, but then I'd have to procure shipment and delivery on my own... Not a huge ordeal, but I don't plan on going home any time soon. So buying a car here, I'm limited to what a US spec dealer sells here, or what someone brought over with them.
And yes, I'm definitely trying to avoid the inheriting of the problems... that's why I would like to stray away from that Mazda, but also, from what I hear, a Focus isn't very reliable either.
Now that WRX wagon on the other hand... hmm... maybe I should talk to the credit union. Getting something like that is a car that I can keep for a long time, where as a Focus I would probly get bored with.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,709
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,709 |
I'd have to agree. I'd wait until you find the right car, meaning not settling on just a car that will get the job done. Since you're not in dire need of a 2nd vehicle wait until you find one that really gets you excited, you can afford easily and is in great shape. I would avoid the Focus and probably the Mazda at this point. Hold out a bit longer and see what pops up!
Originally posted by Chickens:
Religion can't do much for ashholes (unless you are an alterboy)
98.5 Se w/SVT mods
98 E0 SVT~ sold
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816 |
Originally posted by XKontour98:
I would avoid the Focus
Yeah, me too now!
Didn't get to drive the $5000 Focus, but the dealer was saying it probly isn't in good shape anyway. I started the process to get this 2003 Corolla down here to check it out, but that isn't final yet.
The $10k Focus... ok, it runs/drives really well. Sounds like some clanging on the passenger front suspension and the tires are worn down (doing about the same thing as the Mazda). The big kicker is, I found a dependent ID card, metal silverware, and a cheap ring underneath the back seat...
I mean, WTF? How are you going to put your car on a lot (realize the dealer doesn't own these cars... they're merely selling them for people) for people to check out/test drive when you haven't even cleaned it out?
So a big HELL NO on that one since if they can't take care of the inside, why would they bother with the rest of the car?
--------------------
Now I've got a different car I'm looking at... I didn't put 2+2 together until today at work when I realized that the yellow Nissan on the website was a dude that I talk to every day... Dude works in my squadron and lives in my dorms!
Anyway, it's this car: 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V - 60k miles - $10,500.
Car is flawless! It's actually clean, has new tires, underbody is in perfect shape (looks like a new car)...
Dude says there's nothing wrong with it, and he's never had any problems, but he just wants to upgrade to a new ride. I am going to believe him since it would be pretty dumb to lie to someone that works with you...
So when he gets up Friday, we're going to test drive it and see what's up. Before that, I'm going to talk to the credit union and see what they'll do.
NADA is like $13k-something and trade in is about what he's selling it for. If he sells it thru the "US Military Mart," they will want $500 of the sale price, but if he sells it to me, they have no charge. So I'm going to go the second route if the car drives perfect.
Pic:
Think I found my car!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
|
|
I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
If you get the sentra and it doesn't already have a header on it, then get one right away. Don't rev high until you do get one. The catalytic converter breaks up and gets sucked back into the engine and kills it. May also want to put some loctite on and retorque the screws on the intake butterflies. They tend to come loose.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
|
|
|
|
|
