grandparents want a car. - Page 2 - United Bimmer Community

craig · 05-21-2006, 01:37 PM

^but those have some troubles according to autos.msn.com and they dont want that. but yeah i think they are getting the sable...

**TJsBimm** · 05-21-2006, 02:14 PM

Ya i think they're stuck at 40km at all times whenever i've come up behind one. Then i pass it and there's 2 little grannys sitting just above dash height.

drz · 05-21-2006, 07:11 PM

Not very many options will meet their criteria. I am guessing they want cheap maintenance and good reliability. That puts Japanese vehicles on my mind. Although not very big, I would suggest any of teh following:

Accord, Camryy, Galant, Mazda 929.

What about an older Passat? What do you guys know about those (I know the newer ones have reliability issues)?

The problme is tha they are looking for such a high gas mileage. If they don't drive too much, then it really shouldn't be too important. In that case, they can look into Buicks and Chryslers.

drz · 05-21-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig

^but those have some troubles according to autos.msn.com and they dont want that. but yeah i think they are getting the sable...

That may work out well.

**Chris** · 05-22-2006, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig

^but those have some troubles according to autos.msn.com and they dont want that. but yeah i think they are getting the sable...

uhh, all cars have troubles, even the most bullet proof cars have problems. so unless you know exactly what "problems" msn is talking about, i wouldn't discount anything yet.

**celsdogg** · 05-22-2006, 07:21 AM

how about an avalon?

drz · 05-22-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celsdogg

how about an avalon?

I thought about it, too. That would have been my pick. However, there aren't old enough Avalons to fit in the $3k bracket.

craig · 05-22-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisdoesntknow

uhh, all cars have troubles, even the most bullet proof cars have problems. so unless you know exactly what "problems" msn is talking about, i wouldn't discount anything yet.

well duh moron but it has more problems then usual

Engine

Significant Problems Common problems on this vehicle are failures of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Passages and the Air Bypass Tube.The cost to repair the EGR Passages is estimated at $130.00 for labor.The cost to repair the Air Bypass Tube is estimated at $15.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Transmission & Driveline

Moderate Problems A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Torque Converter.The cost to repair the Torque Converter is estimated at $350.00 for parts and $130.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Steering & Suspension

Minimal Problems Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.

Brakes

Minimal Problems Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Moderate Problems This vehicle was originally charged with R-12 refrigerant which is no longer being manufactured. The refrigerant is still available, but it is very expensive ($25.00-$50.00 per pound, 2-5 pounds per vehicle). Conversion to the new R-134A refrigerant is possible, at an average cost of about $200-$300 parts and labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Starting & Charging

Minimal Problems Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.

Accessories

Significant Problems A common problem on this vehicle is failure of the Wiper Motor.The cost to repair the Wiper Motor is estimated at $160.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

they rated it a three out of five for reliability

**Chris** · 05-22-2006, 01:54 PM

^^^ just playing devils advocate.....

**EnvyM3** · 05-23-2006, 09:45 AM

They should get an old lincoln continental. Very big and comfortable ride. Not sure about gas mileage and maintenance though

**Dudesky** · 05-23-2006, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig

Engine

Significant Problems Common problems on this vehicle are failures of the . . . . . Yaddi ya . . . . based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Not telling you to buy one, but that list is way shorter than the average vehicle, and none of it is way out unusual. I can think of at least 5 or 10 things about BMW's that are worse, more expensive, or downright dangerous.

The thing to remember is that those are issues reported, and it doesn't mean in any way that they will occur on all cars produced. And you have to weigh the pro's of any car against its con's . . . remember that hardly anyone creates a list of the great things a car excels in, except of course, the manufacturer

**celsdogg** · 05-23-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky

remember that hardly anyone creates a list of the great things a car excels in, except of course, the manufacturer

when I think of BMW's i cant think of anything else except what it excels in!

**94bmw325i** · 05-23-2006, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celsdogg

when I think of BMW's i cant think of anything else except what it excels in!

can't think of the crazy maintenance costs for even basic parts, and dealership labor well thats another story, never went there for work to do on my car