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I’m looking to see if carfax is the best source to get a vehicle history report.
I found this info. from consumers report and have tried the “free” ones. It was not thorough, it just states whether the car is a salvage or not, etc. but no owner(s) info. and other relevant info.
“Many reports returned “clean” results, sometimes from all five services: Carfax (www.carfax.com), AutoCheck (www.autocheck.com), the free VINCheck from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (www.nicb.org), and two services providing information from the federal government’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information Systems database (www.nmvtis.gov).”
Interesting how carfax has 26 reports on the car yet autocheck only has 13. I might opt to buying the “unlimited” subscription so I can use the service again when I buy another car in the future. But “unlimited” with autocheck only means you can check as many vehicles BUT only for 30 days. I haven’t looked into carfax’s terms yet.
Ok so the problem was the brake booster. I got it replaced for $100 for the labor (mechanic originally estimated a $90 pay but decided it was a harder job than thought). I bought my parts online. I hope nothing was damaged when I had been driving the car for about over a month when I first noticed the noises. So far it brakes well.
Ok so the problem was the brake booster. I got it replaced for $100 for the labor (mechanic originally estimated a $90 pay but decided it was a harder job than thought). I bought my parts online. I hope nothing was damaged when I had been driving the car for about over a month when I first noticed the noises. So far it brakes well.
I don’t know how a booster or turbo works. Does it automatically kick in at certain speed or do I need to press a button to turn it on?
I don’t know how a booster or turbo works. Does it automatically kick in at certain speed or do I need to press a button to turn it on?
I cross compared how much the parts I spent on my Celica compared to BMW parts, I think the prices aren’t too far off maybe just by a couple dollars. I usually buy my parts online and go to a trusted person who knows how to work on cars. I’m not sure why someone here said BMW parts and repairs are costly. Wouldn’t repairing a BMW same as working on any other car (for example replacing a catalytic converter means going under the car and removing the screws, etc). The parts I ever spent on my Celica such as struts, catalytic converters, brake pads, brake booster, ignition coils, cabin/engine filters, etc. are about the same price as a 2003 BMW Z4. The ignition coil for my Celica cost about $40 a piece, the BMW is about $25 a piece. Some parts are about $20-$30 more, since it’s a BMW. When I test drove the car it was smooth. I’m still thinking about it. If I could get it for less than the asking price then that’s great.
Curious if what makes BMW’s parts and repairs “cost more” is because it requires frequent replacing of it or does it simply break down often or what? I find this hard to believe for a German car. When I test drove it, it felt stronger than a Japanese car, maybe because it has “real” wheels on it?
[quote=”Chevyman21″ post=102086]I would stay away from the BMW if I were in your shoes. I hope you have deep pockets for the Jaguar because not only will it eat gas but parts for Jags are expensive for the same reason parts for BMWs are expensive… it is a luxury vehicle. Jaguar electrical issues are all I ever hear about from owners. Other than those two points they are great cars.[/quote]
I cross compared how much the parts I spent on my Celica compared to BMW parts, I think the prices aren’t too far off maybe just by a couple dollars. I usually buy my parts online and go to a trusted person who knows how to work on cars. I’m not sure why someone here said BMW parts and repairs are costly. Wouldn’t repairing a BMW same as working on any other car (for example replacing a catalytic converter means going under the car and removing the screws, etc). The parts I ever spent on my Celica such as struts, catalytic converters, brake pads, brake booster, ignition coils, cabin/engine filters, etc. are about the same price as a 2003 BMW Z4. The ignition coil for my Celica cost about $40 a piece, the BMW is about $25 a piece. Some parts are about $20-$30 more, since it’s a BMW. When I test drove the car it was smooth. I’m still thinking about it. If I could get it for less than the asking price then that’s great.
Curious if what makes BMW’s parts and repairs “cost more” is because it requires frequent replacing of it or does it simply break down often or what? I find this hard to believe for a German car. When I test drove it, it felt stronger than a Japanese car, maybe because it has “real” wheels on it?
[quote=”Chevyman21″ post=102086]I would stay away from the BMW if I were in your shoes. I hope you have deep pockets for the Jaguar because not only will it eat gas but parts for Jags are expensive for the same reason parts for BMWs are expensive… it is a luxury vehicle. Jaguar electrical issues are all I ever hear about from owners. Other than those two points they are great cars.[/quote]
I still don’t get why the 4 cylinder eco boost would cost more than the V6. It is said to be faster than the V6 which is weird. The 2014 V6 would be cheaper than the 2015, I think $2000 cheaper. I’m not positive on this one yet. Only plus with the 2015 is the weight is said to be less, plus it’s a 2015!
Would the 2015 4 cylinder eat more gas than the V6 then since it is faster than the V6 by just a few horse power, if I’m not mistaken. I’d probably get the 2014 V6 since it is cheaper and if it is better with gas compared to the 4 cylinder 2015. Plus I don’t have to wait for it. I’d need something by next month. LOL.
[quote=”mustangroddick” post=102131]Getting the 2015 Mustang with 4-cylinder Eco-boost engine is fine. I have 3 Mustangs now and would love a 2015. But I’d probably opt for the 6 cylinder (which is cheaper than the 4 cylinder and still 300 horsepower) or the V8. If you were the type to buy a new car and sell it in a few years the Eco-boost 4 may be the answer. I’m just concerned about the long-term reliability of the Eco-boost and when I say long-term I mean 150,000 miles and up. If you want to put 300,000 miles on the Mustang, well, keep it basic and take care of it. The Z4 is made in Greenville South Carolina. They made the Z3 there, now the Z4 plus they make some of the BMW SUVs there.[/quote]
I still don’t get why the 4 cylinder eco boost would cost more than the V6. It is said to be faster than the V6 which is weird. The 2014 V6 would be cheaper than the 2015, I think $2000 cheaper. I’m not positive on this one yet. Only plus with the 2015 is the weight is said to be less, plus it’s a 2015!
Would the 2015 4 cylinder eat more gas than the V6 then since it is faster than the V6 by just a few horse power, if I’m not mistaken. I’d probably get the 2014 V6 since it is cheaper and if it is better with gas compared to the 4 cylinder 2015. Plus I don’t have to wait for it. I’d need something by next month. LOL.
[quote=”mustangroddick” post=102131]Getting the 2015 Mustang with 4-cylinder Eco-boost engine is fine. I have 3 Mustangs now and would love a 2015. But I’d probably opt for the 6 cylinder (which is cheaper than the 4 cylinder and still 300 horsepower) or the V8. If you were the type to buy a new car and sell it in a few years the Eco-boost 4 may be the answer. I’m just concerned about the long-term reliability of the Eco-boost and when I say long-term I mean 150,000 miles and up. If you want to put 300,000 miles on the Mustang, well, keep it basic and take care of it. The Z4 is made in Greenville South Carolina. They made the Z3 there, now the Z4 plus they make some of the BMW SUVs there.[/quote]
The car report states this BMW Z4 is made in the U.S. so I’m assuming the parts would be easily available domestically.
I think I’m backing out of the BMW. So I got the VIN for it and it turns out it is a 2003, not a 2004. When I test drove it, it runs great, but it actually had 158,000, not 140,000 as originally mentioned to me. I see inside the car’s glove compartments several court date notices as if the original owner lived a fast life. Not sure how the person who runs the shop and who is also selling me the car got a hold of this car. Must be from an auction or either it was sent there for repair but the original owner is either locked up that the car ended up in the auto shop owner’s hands.
The guy wanted to trade it for my Celica plus $7500, which means he’s only giving me a $1000 offer for my Celica, since he was originally selling the BMW for $8500. LOL. He was actually surprised that my Celica is close to 300,000 miles and still pretty. I just had its brake booster changed.
Another car for sale at his shop was a 2000 Jaguar XJ8 convertible, which has 80,000 and listed for $11,000. It’s a V8 so it eats gas. I’m sure they probably got the year and model wrong again, maybe even the mileage. It looks good though.
Maybe buying the 2015 Ford Mustang 4 cylinder might be worth it?
The car report states this BMW Z4 is made in the U.S. so I’m assuming the parts would be easily available domestically.
I think I’m backing out of the BMW. So I got the VIN for it and it turns out it is a 2003, not a 2004. When I test drove it, it runs great, but it actually had 158,000, not 140,000 as originally mentioned to me. I see inside the car’s glove compartments several court date notices as if the original owner lived a fast life. Not sure how the person who runs the shop and who is also selling me the car got a hold of this car. Must be from an auction or either it was sent there for repair but the original owner is either locked up that the car ended up in the auto shop owner’s hands.
The guy wanted to trade it for my Celica plus $7500, which means he’s only giving me a $1000 offer for my Celica, since he was originally selling the BMW for $8500. LOL. He was actually surprised that my Celica is close to 300,000 miles and still pretty. I just had its brake booster changed.
Another car for sale at his shop was a 2000 Jaguar XJ8 convertible, which has 80,000 and listed for $11,000. It’s a V8 so it eats gas. I’m sure they probably got the year and model wrong again, maybe even the mileage. It looks good though.
Maybe buying the 2015 Ford Mustang 4 cylinder might be worth it?
Ok, it’s a 2004 BMW Z4, so it’s about 10 years old. I think the BMW is also 3.0 liter, 225 hp, version.
I would not sell my Celica either if it had your milegae. LOL. Mine’s close to 300,000 miles and feel it’s time to let it go before it becomes a money pit.
[quote=”mustangroddick” post=101888]Your post states you “know and trust” so if that is a long-term relationship and you REALLY know the shop can be trusted, that goes a long way. You have not stated the model year of the Z4 so that impacts value. If Z4 is recent year model, not sure why transmission had to be replaced if car only has 140,000 miles but stuff does happen (all Z4 cars are “relatively” new since it replaced Z3). Also, $8,500 is relatively cheap if car is in good shape and a recent year model. Your Celica will (should easily) beat the Z4 on gas mileage. You will also pay more (in some cases a lot more) for repairs with the Z4 since it’s a BMW. Since Celica has 290,000 miles it could be pretty worn out in a number of areas. I like the Z4 (I actually like the Z3 better) but I own an 02 Celica with 145K and I have no plans to sell it, if that tells you anything.[/quote]
Ok, it’s a 2004 BMW Z4, so it’s about 10 years old. I think the BMW is also 3.0 liter, 225 hp, version.
I would not sell my Celica either if it had your milegae. LOL. Mine’s close to 300,000 miles and feel it’s time to let it go before it becomes a money pit.
[quote=”mustangroddick” post=101888]Your post states you “know and trust” so if that is a long-term relationship and you REALLY know the shop can be trusted, that goes a long way. You have not stated the model year of the Z4 so that impacts value. If Z4 is recent year model, not sure why transmission had to be replaced if car only has 140,000 miles but stuff does happen (all Z4 cars are “relatively” new since it replaced Z3). Also, $8,500 is relatively cheap if car is in good shape and a recent year model. Your Celica will (should easily) beat the Z4 on gas mileage. You will also pay more (in some cases a lot more) for repairs with the Z4 since it’s a BMW. Since Celica has 290,000 miles it could be pretty worn out in a number of areas. I like the Z4 (I actually like the Z3 better) but I own an 02 Celica with 145K and I have no plans to sell it, if that tells you anything.[/quote]
Well I bought the part online for $110. It’s remanufactured. Had I bought it in stores it cost twice as much. I called advanced auto and autozone and they sell it for about $230.
Someone I know will install it for $90. Good deal?