Hi all,
Another one of my annoying threads, I know, but I get so much helpful information here and I am so confused about all of this...
I decided to pass on the 2007 Toyota Camry because I've heard of issues with
-I4 engines excessively burning oil
-Rough transmission shifting which has apparently lead to early transmission failures
-Paint peeling like an orange (almost all of the Camrys I looked at had paint that was in condition that was a little too worn out for its age)
So I've got a deposit now on the Sebring that I posted a week or so ago, found here:
http://www.bochtoyota.com/toyota-Vehicle...ser_id=14257306
Again, the main reason I am doing this is because my 2003 RSX is a manual and I live in a very congested city area, and everything the car needs is so expensive. I was offered $8,500 for my RSX with 1 accident by the previous owner on the Carfax. Combined with a $2,700 warranty and the car at $13,777, I'm looking at an even $8,000 difference. Is this logical? Does it make sense to do this? The car does have 60k less miles, and this particular year/engine combo of the Sebring has pretty good reliability (and I LOVE the car).
The main issues I've heard about the car are:
-Shifter won't shift out of park (TSB to address this, dealers should fix it for free)
-Engine stalling at low RPM (this is the I4, so it doesn't apply to me)
-Premature break wear (I4 has rear drums, small front pads/rotors, but the V6 has beefier discs all around)
Aside from that, it has EVERYTHING
Remote start, fog lamps, auto headlights, heated seats, heated side mirrors, power seats, EVIC computer, heated/chilled cupholders, premium Boston acoustics sound, and some more I won't blather into here, but it's quite a nice vehicle at a good price, fuel economy, looks, plus a smooth V6 and 6-speed auto. (I know, I sound like a salesman, but I just LOVE this car).
So is does this seem sensible to everyone?
As for maintenance, since the car is pretty low on miles, there's only a few things I feel I would need to do immediately (I'll loosely follow the severe service schedule with my private mechanic).
-Oil/Filter change (this is where I need the biggest advice), it calls for 10w30, or 5W30 if temps will be below 0F (1-3 times a year at most here in Boston), I presume I should go with 10w30? What do these Chrysler 3.5L's like? Synthetic or Dyno? What's a good synthetic for this engine? Filter? It only has 25k miles.
-Air filter/cabin air filter, because these should be taken care of at 15/30k intervals respectively
-Coolant flush. The car will be 5 years old, so this is due according to the service manual.
-ATF flush (30k miles)
-Drain any dormant washer fluid and replace it with the generic inexpensive -25F Blue stuff (never gets that cold here, and orange RainX is garbage).
So what does everyone think? Is this a good deal, and does it make sense? Will this particular Chrysler hold up? (I love the way it looks and drives), and what do you think of my maintenance schedule? Should I add anything to this list as well?
Thanks a ton for all your help so far,
smc733
Another one of my annoying threads, I know, but I get so much helpful information here and I am so confused about all of this...
I decided to pass on the 2007 Toyota Camry because I've heard of issues with
-I4 engines excessively burning oil
-Rough transmission shifting which has apparently lead to early transmission failures
-Paint peeling like an orange (almost all of the Camrys I looked at had paint that was in condition that was a little too worn out for its age)
So I've got a deposit now on the Sebring that I posted a week or so ago, found here:
http://www.bochtoyota.com/toyota-Vehicle...ser_id=14257306
Again, the main reason I am doing this is because my 2003 RSX is a manual and I live in a very congested city area, and everything the car needs is so expensive. I was offered $8,500 for my RSX with 1 accident by the previous owner on the Carfax. Combined with a $2,700 warranty and the car at $13,777, I'm looking at an even $8,000 difference. Is this logical? Does it make sense to do this? The car does have 60k less miles, and this particular year/engine combo of the Sebring has pretty good reliability (and I LOVE the car).
The main issues I've heard about the car are:
-Shifter won't shift out of park (TSB to address this, dealers should fix it for free)
-Engine stalling at low RPM (this is the I4, so it doesn't apply to me)
-Premature break wear (I4 has rear drums, small front pads/rotors, but the V6 has beefier discs all around)
Aside from that, it has EVERYTHING
Remote start, fog lamps, auto headlights, heated seats, heated side mirrors, power seats, EVIC computer, heated/chilled cupholders, premium Boston acoustics sound, and some more I won't blather into here, but it's quite a nice vehicle at a good price, fuel economy, looks, plus a smooth V6 and 6-speed auto. (I know, I sound like a salesman, but I just LOVE this car).
So is does this seem sensible to everyone?
As for maintenance, since the car is pretty low on miles, there's only a few things I feel I would need to do immediately (I'll loosely follow the severe service schedule with my private mechanic).
-Oil/Filter change (this is where I need the biggest advice), it calls for 10w30, or 5W30 if temps will be below 0F (1-3 times a year at most here in Boston), I presume I should go with 10w30? What do these Chrysler 3.5L's like? Synthetic or Dyno? What's a good synthetic for this engine? Filter? It only has 25k miles.
-Air filter/cabin air filter, because these should be taken care of at 15/30k intervals respectively
-Coolant flush. The car will be 5 years old, so this is due according to the service manual.
-ATF flush (30k miles)
-Drain any dormant washer fluid and replace it with the generic inexpensive -25F Blue stuff (never gets that cold here, and orange RainX is garbage).
So what does everyone think? Is this a good deal, and does it make sense? Will this particular Chrysler hold up? (I love the way it looks and drives), and what do you think of my maintenance schedule? Should I add anything to this list as well?
Thanks a ton for all your help so far,
smc733