sounds like you are due for a new timing belt... and maybe a water pump.

then the regular stuff, a bunch of checks, fluid changes, maybe a spark plug change, etc.


does your car have a in cabin air filter? if so, maybe you should swap it for new ones.

 

ok, just called the dealer - it's actually the 105,000 mile service (not 100,000 - big deal)


holy crap it's $1,300 !!!!! : :wired:

it includes a lot though, everything from plugs and valve adjustment to the belt and water pump.

Now I'm seriously thinking about just trading the car in and putting that money towards the down payments of another car. I think I'll go shopping tomorrow. :woot:

I think it's a little odd though that it's a 105k service rather than 100k. Maybe because my car is warrantied until 100k and if they find other things they can charge me, where as if it's at 105k I'm well over the warranty.

Big decisions coming up now whether to just get the service or buy a new car.


Can't afford the '04 although it is growing on me. I think I'll look for a used '03 TLS Nav

 

well after all it's 100k, so it's big time service for sure. did you try to get quotes from mechanics outside the dealership? getting a new car isn't entirely a bad option too

 

Out of that $1300, probably $800-$900 is the timing belt/water pump. It certainly *should* be changed at 105K, but if you really are only planning on holding onto the car for another year, I'd skip it. Besides the usual oil/filter change, I would also change the plugs, change the coolant, change the brake fluid, change the drive belts, change the air cleaner, adjust the valves, change the tranny fluid (although you could probably pass on this as well) and change PCV valve. Everything else could be someone else's problem when you trade it in.

 

]Can't afford the '04 although it is growing on me. I think I'll look for a used '03 TLS Nav

Seriously check out the TSX. That is probably the best bang for the buck right now. It got voted (along with the RL) on Car & Driver's 2005 Top Ten list for the second time. You can save some serious $$$$ compared to buying a TL.

Or I could always sell you my '02 TL-S. 49K miles. aranoid:

 

Seriously check out the TSX. That is probably the best bang for the buck right now. It got voted (along with the RL) on Car & Driver's 2005 Top Ten list for the second time. You can save some serious $$$$ compared to buying a TL.

Or I could always sell you my '02 TL-S. 49K miles. aranoid:

I got something against 4 cyl. cars. I dont what it is, but I just can't get myself to own another one. :dunno:


I've been in your car, it has that smell that's never comming out. Besides I need something with fewer miles or I'm going to be in the same boat I'm in now in a couple years.

Volvo S60 AWD looks interesting.

Crap, I don't know what to get. I like a GS300, but for the used cost of one of those with low miles I should just get a new TL.

 

well after all it's 100k, so it's big time service for sure. did you try to get quotes from mechanics outside the dealership? getting a new car isn't entirely a bad option too

It's not so much the cost as it is the return. If I was planning on keeping the car for 2 more years, this would be a no-brainer.

I know the stuff needs to get done.

 

I got something against 4 cyl. cars. I dont what it is, but I just can't get myself to own another one. :dunno:


I've been in your car, it has that smell that's never comming out. Besides I need something with fewer miles or I'm going to be in the same boat I'm in now in a couple years.

Volvo S60 AWD looks interesting.

I've always said that about 4-cyl.'s too. But I'm telling you--go test drive one with the 6-speed (unless you have to get an auto for the missus) and you will be thoroughly impressed (provided the salesman will let you get it up above 5000rpms). You could probably get a leftover '04 with navi or a program car with navi for low-to-mid $20s.

I liked the S60 too, and really liked the S60R. I just don't know if I can find it in me to buy a Volvo.

Heck, check out the Honda Accord V6. You can get just about every option the TL had, 240hp and it's cheaper.

 

Plus my own theory--once you reach 100K on any car, it's an auction car which means you will get squat for a trade-in. Drive it into the ground and sell it to some 18 year-old going off to college in about 5-6 years. And all that time put money aside for a fat-ass down payment.

 

Plus my own theory--once you reach 100K on any car, it's an auction car which means you will get squat for a trade-in. Drive it into the ground and sell it to some 18 year-old going off to college in about 5-6 years. And all that time put money aside for a fat-ass down payment.

Ha....Am I the only one around here that's going to drive their car to the ground?!

 

check to see what a trustworthy independent mechanic would charge... My cousin got the ~100K mi service for his 99TL for about $800... they are independent mechanics speciallizing in Honda and Acura (but of course they will work on other things as well) they did everything listed in the service and more, with genuine Honda parts and fluids.

and you could probably do a lot of that stuff yourself and save even more... (although, DIY may not be worth it if you don't like the grease monkey thing)... the place said they would charge $450 for a timing belt only...

heck buy your parts from Tim and save even more

new cars are expensive, if you still like the car, you will be hard pressed to get a better value in buying a new car, than getting the service done.

Also, think very carefully before getting the volvo... sure it's great safety-wise, but IMO the excitment of a new car is about all the excitment there is in it... once the new car thing wears off, you are gonna be left with a very bland car... the interior, exterior, engine, sound, etc... is really boring... everything about the car seems ho hum. :dunno:

 

Also, think very carefully before getting the volvo... sure it's great safety-wise, but IMO the excitment of a new car is about all the excitment there is in it... once the new car thing wears off, you are gonna be left with a very bland car... the interior, exterior, engine, sound, etc... is really boring... everything about the car seems ho hum. :dunno:

What's ho hum about 300 hp and AWD?? :fro:

 

looks nice there...

but I didn't think that version was in the running for jeef...
and even the R has that really plain dash with plastic which seems to be a color and texture that makes it look like there is always a layer of dust on it.

and although I really liked the general styling of the s40/s60/c70/s80 and I like the sleeper aspect of the "R", since all the S60's so far look very similar, the look is getting plain to me... and unless I could get the benefit/excitement of the R, I imagine that I would get bored.

also, I forgot to mention that although IMO there shouldn't be much of a difference, getting a 5cyl car serviced always seems to a little more hassle than it should... It was that way for my mom's Audi5000T and, when I considered getting a Vigor, my mechanic complained about getting parts for it... and my buddy with an s60 seems to be forming a similar feeling about his... so it might be worth considering.

 

:wired:

I think I'm buying an '05 Maxima SL tomorrow

shhhhhh, don't tell anyone

 

I hope your joking about the maxima....

 

I hope your joking about the maxima....

uhhh, no I wasn't joking



I would have bought it this afternoon, but I need time to check maxima.org to do some research. So far, I've found a common "shimmy" problem - this may prove to be a deterent.

The car has everything the TL has. Leather, 265HP, dual climate control, memory seats, heated stearing wheel. 17" wheels with 225/55 tires (18" w/ 245/45 on the SE), plus the car seems roomier. And they're dealing more than the Acura dealer did (yes of course I looked at the new TL, also looked at an '03 TLS that was priced right but it had too many miles on it for me)

If you want to talk me out of it, now would be a good time.

 

I like the Maxima...

although I'm not sure I understand how they can keep pushing the Altima closer, into the Maxima's size and performance category.

I think the Maxima SE has bigger wheels than the SL and is considered the more sporty of the range... although if I am not mistaken, it is less expensive.

personally I think it would be a fun car to have... and to top it off, you will be an all Nissan household

are you gonna add the optional sunroof or keep that skyview (or whatever they call it)?

are you getting the four passenger (Elite package or something) executive seating... or the regular 5 passenger bench-in-back seating?

 

I would still have a problem buying any Nissan ( except the G35C ) after all their shady stuff a few years back.

 

My '97 Maxima SE has been bulletproof (151K and counting). The only thing I did not like about the new Maximas (and Altimas) was a real lack of headroom. I'm 6'4" and I could not get in a comfortable driving position without leaning back gangsta style in the new models. If I had another 1" of head room I would seriously consider one myself.

Jeff, make sure you really check out the headroom. Get your position exactly the way you want it and make sure you fit.

 

95-99 Maxi=Sexy
00-03 Maxi=Sexy
05+ Maxi=HIDEOUS

Bro...tell me your limit and i will find you the best ride for your dollar, guarenteed. i can also just throw out some ideas

20k and under:
-Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
-Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart(Prime choice, brother has and i love it)
-Toyora Corolla S
-Mazdaspeed Protege

20-30k:
-Acura TSX(don't recommend- personally it doesnt have enough pep for the price)
-Subaru WRX
-Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS(stripped down, no power windows/locks, etc.)
-Lexus ES330
-Toyota Camry
-Nissan Altima SE-R
-Volvo S40
-Audi 1.8t A4

30-40k
-Acura TL
-Volvo S60R
-BMW 3 Series
-Mercedez C Class
-Audi A6
-Audi S4

hope this helps some

 

I like the Maxima...

although I'm not sure I understand how they can keep pushing the Altima closer, into the Maxima's size and performance category.

I think the Maxima SE has bigger wheels than the SL and is considered the more sporty of the range... although if I am not mistaken, it is less expensive.

personally I think it would be a fun car to have... and to top it off, you will be an all Nissan household

are you gonna add the optional sunroof or keep that skyview (or whatever they call it)?

are you getting the four passenger (Elite package or something) executive seating... or the regular 5 passenger bench-in-back seating?

They now have a $31,000 Altima :wired:
The Altima SE-R (or something like that)

The SE does have bigger wheels and starts less expensive, but when you add everthing to equate it to the SL, it end up being about 400-500 dollar more. Which is basically the extra cost of the tires and wheels.

I would get the normal sunroof, not the POS skyview, and just the reg 5 passenger seating

 

Jeff, make sure you really check out the headroom. Get your position exactly the way you want it and make sure you fit.

I was very comfortable, and whatever seating position I was in yesterday was verey comfortable and I had plenty of room. Like I mentioned before, the interior felt much roomier than the TL.

 

95-99 Maxi=Sexy
00-03 Maxi=Sexy
05+ Maxi=HIDEOUS

Bro...tell me your limit and i will find you the best ride for your dollar, guarenteed. i can also just throw out some ideas

20k and under:
-Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
-Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart(Prime choice, brother has and i love it)
-Toyora Corolla S
-Mazdaspeed Protege

20-30k:
-Acura TSX(don't recommend- personally it doesnt have enough pep for the price)
-Subaru WRX
-Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS(stripped down, no power windows/locks, etc.)
-Lexus ES330
-Toyota Camry
-Nissan Altima SE-R
-Volvo S40
-Audi 1.8t A4

30-40k
-Acura TL
-Volvo S60R
-BMW 3 Series
-Mercedez C Class
-Audi A6
-Audi S4

hope this helps some

I'm closing in on 32 years old with a growing family (2nd kid is being worked on as we speak, well actually not "as we speak" but pretty close )
So half of the cars you listed are ruled out immediately

I'd like to start at about $30 +/- The TL is a little out of my budget right now because they aren't dealing on them. Nor do I feel they are dealing on a g35 coupe, plus I think it's too small. We've owned a '00 Max before we got rid of it for the Murano and I really liked the car. I think the '05 may be the right car for me right now.

 

Also, take a good look at the Mazda 6. That's not a half-bad car either and you can get it loaded with the V6 for about $27K.

 

the Mazda 6 is nice...
isn't there a MazdaSpeed version coming out soon?
or maybe it's already out...



and also...

I can't believe I'm gonna say this...

I think I like the Pontiac G6...

there, I said it. :bigcry: