[TriLUG] [way OT] new auto recommendations (fwd)

[Steve Litt]

On Fri, 17 Oct 2014 14:07:50 -0400 (EDT)
William Sutton <william at trilug.org> wrote:

> and while we're discussing cars, let's not forget routine maintenance 
> costs.  I have a 2010 Honda Civic DX (base model, no fancy whiz-bang 
> stuff).  It seems like every time it goes to the dealer for the 
> maintenance minder service, the cost is between $200 and $500.
> 
> Add to that the fact that it's only ever been serviced by two Honda 
> dealers, one of them broke the right rear control arm cam bolt hole
> (they didn't tighten down the bolt), and both dealers disclaimed 
> responsibility...  well, the Civic has a reputation as a reliable
> car, but I'm sick of Honda itself.

Glad you told me this stuff. I was thinking of buying a used Honda for
one of my kids. Now I won't, unless the thing's thousands below market.

With my brand new 2012 Jeep Patriot, I go to Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge
in Sanford, FL. Free car washes for life. Four oil/oilfilter changes for
$65.00, including checking all fluids. I have 18 months and 19,000
miles on this puppy, and IIRC my only out-of-pocket, besides oil
changes, has been about $50.00 for three tire rotations, and $20 for a
new set of windshield wipers.

The car had a constant-on check engine light at about 9K miles. I took
it in, they fixed it for free, it was something about the gas cap or
evaporative emissions system or something like that.

Every Saturday they have a free Barbequeue from I think 11am-1PM, you
come in and eat, and dream of buying all the cars. I think they figure
that if you bought a MoparCar from them, and you like it, and you get
your family used to coming to Fields Chrysler Jeep for barbequeues, your
family members will go to them when they need to buy a car. It must be
working, because I told my kids that when buying a new car, grind all
the car dealers, and when you get the lowest possible price, buy it from
Fields even if it's 5% more.

SteveT

Steve Litt                *  http://www.troubleshooters.com/
Troubleshooting Training  *  Human Performance