Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Old coaches vs new 'stuff'
| Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193665] |
Sat, 22 December 2012 08:45  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to thinking about the alternatives.
My folks retired while I was in the army in the early 70's. Dad bought a used travel trailer and they headed to Florida. Apparently came back happy because they purchased a new Holiday Rambler and new 1 ton 454 crew cab Chevy dually (that I still have). About every couple years, they'd upgrade to a different Holiday.
Dad was ALWAYS working on his 'system'. He had plumbing problems, leaks, loose stuff, electrical etc. Actually most of his problems were with the truck in spite of being new when he started. Within 5 years (still a new truck imo) he went through at least two radiators, carbs, transmission, tires, brakes, oil coolers, hoses, thermostats, fans and that is just what I recall. MOST his problems happened on the road and they roamed all over the US and Canada. My Mother was very laid back and did not drive so she just went with the flow.
My point is that 'stuff' indeed happens and Mr. Murphy is going to guarantee that it happens when we least want it to.
My wife and I went with them once and remarked "Who the hell wants to stay in a prison cell and hang around with a bunch of old farts?" 
Times change don't they?
When Carolyn and I started thinking about doing some road traveling we first thought about a tow behind because I have a 2011 GMC 6 litter (piece of crap) pickup. After thinking about what Dad went through, I realized that the Motorhome would be a better fit.
Imo, stuff happens regardless of old or new. The main difference is that I have no hope of working on new. Did you know that 50% of the spark plugs on 4.6L Fords will break off when you try and remove them? Basically, unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy of the dealerships these days. I've messed with cars my whole life. Built or rebuilt engines, brakes, suspension, etc...never done a tranny or rear end but this new stuff just can't be worked on by a shade tree guy BY FACTORY DESIGN. IMO, the margin has gotten so low on new vehicle sales, that the factories have made repairs pretty much a dealer only option because of special tools/processes required and that is where the dealerships really make their money.
As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27 different and expensive things could be causing it.
I could go on but you get the point.
That said, my wife is not as laid back as my Mom was. I can probably get away with getting stranded once but... 
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193669 is a reply to message #193665] |
Sat, 22 December 2012 09:21  |
tmaki
Messages: 200
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On 12/22/2012 6:45 AM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
>
>
> In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to
> thinking about the alternatives.
> I have no hope of working on new. Basically,
> unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy
> of the dealerships these days.
>
> As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel
> replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a
> flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27
> different and expensive things could be causing it.
That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to. I just got
rid of my Lexus that I've had for 16 years (228,000 miles),
and the 2000 Metro (172,000 miles) - a good'un, Steve -
after realizing that I could no longer fix them. The Lexus
just wore out, but was still a nice looking and riding car.
The Metro developed a problem where it quit randomly. Had to
be towed 75 miles from Pasadena to home after it quit in the
Marengo/Fair Oaks tunnel in rush hour traffic (not really
the way I wanted to make my debut on KFI). Even the factory
service manual (2 thick volumes that cost me $100) didn't
have one dot of ink to t-shoot the problem I was having.
LSS - I'll keep the grease under my fingernails (and my
sanity) by hanging on to the GMC and my '74 Dodge B300.
There's nothing I can't fix on those.
Now the '07 Honda CR-V I just bought - maybe change the oil
and check the battery, but everything else - to the Honda
shop. I drive 1000 miles a week, and at least the Honda will
get me there and back. Well, we'll see...
Oh yeah, I sold both the Lexus and the Metro to the same
guy. He was happy to get them.
Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
Riverside, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193670 is a reply to message #193665] |
Sat, 22 December 2012 09:29 |
redmagicbus
Messages: 8
Registered: May 2008
Location: New Berlin, WIsconsin
Karma: 0
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Thanks Kerry for the reality check. (you TOO Jim Bounds!)
I know we are all anxious to get out and enjoy our wonderful coaches.
I too get frustrated that I can't get in & go when the spirit moves me.
But this is truly a special and wonderful example of the very best an earlier time had to offer.
I can appreciate that and am thankful to have a little piece of it. I have spent almost all
of my "nest egg" on this thing and it still isn't leaving the state. I guess it means going into it knowing you have
something to cherish....and therein lies the pleasure. I still go camping, I just don't expect the coach to make
all of those trips :)
________________________________
From: Kerry Pinkerton <Pinkertonk@MCHSI.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2012 8:45 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff'
In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to thinking about the alternatives.
My folks retired while I was in the army in the early 70's. Dad bought a used travel trailer and they headed to Florida. Apparently came back happy because they purchased a new Holiday Rambler and new 1 ton 454 crew cab Chevy dually (that I still have). About every couple years, they'd upgrade to a different Holiday.
Dad was ALWAYS working on his 'system'. He had plumbing problems, leaks, loose stuff, electrical etc. Actually most of his problems were with the truck in spite of being new when he started. Within 5 years (still a new truck imo) he went through at least two radiators, carbs, transmission, tires, brakes, oil coolers, hoses, thermostats, fans and that is just what I recall. MOST his problems happened on the road and they roamed all over the US and Canada. My Mother was very laid back and did not drive so she just went with the flow.
My point is that 'stuff' indeed happens and Mr. Murphy is going to guarantee that it happens when we least want it to.
My wife and I went with them once and remarked "Who the hell wants to stay in a prison cell and hang around with a bunch of old farts?" :lol: :lol:
Times change don't they?
When Carolyn and I started thinking about doing some road traveling we first thought about a tow behind because I have a 2011 GMC 6 litter (piece of crap) pickup. After thinking about what Dad went through, I realized that the Motorhome would be a better fit.
Imo, stuff happens regardless of old or new. The main difference is that I have no hope of working on new. Did you know that 50% of the spark plugs on 4.6L Fords will break off when you try and remove them? Basically, unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy of the dealerships these days. I've messed with cars my whole life. Built or rebuilt engines, brakes, suspension, etc...never done a tranny or rear end but this new stuff just can't be worked on by a shade tree guy BY FACTORY DESIGN. IMO, the margin has gotten so low on new vehicle sales, that the factories have made repairs pretty much a dealer only option because of special tools/processes required and that is where the dealerships really make their money.
As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27 different and expensive things could be causing it.
I could go on but you get the point.
That said, my wife is not as laid back as my Mom was. I can probably get away with getting stranded once but... :roll:
8o 8o 8o 8o
--
Kerry Pinkerton
North Alabama, near Huntsville,
77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, also a 76 Eleganza being re-bodied as an Art Deco car hauler
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193676 is a reply to message #193670] |
Sat, 22 December 2012 10:16 |
storm'n
Messages: 492
Registered: April 2007
Location: Ont. Can
Karma: 0
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Hey guys, when these coaches were new they had problems, so it's not only because they're 35 - 40 years old. When I bought my 76 in 79 with only 20,000 mi. on it I was always fixing something. The furnace & the fridge quit. With the help of a RV dealer I was able to repair both. The cruise control quit & had a vacum problem with the dash air. It chewed up front brakes. Window tracks rusted out, door wouldn't shut proper. To-day you would say it had middle age spread. By 1981 the GM dealer said we don't work on those anymore & there wasn't any internet & forum to get help from.
Norm.
Thanks Kerry for the reality check. (you TOO Jim Bounds!)
I know we are all anxious to get out and enjoy our wonderful coaches.
I too get frustrated that I can't get in & go when the spirit moves me.
But this is truly a special and wonderful example of the very best an earlier time had to offer.
I can appreciate that and am thankful to have a little piece of it. I have spent almost all
of my "nest egg" on this thing and it still isn't leaving the state. I guess it means going into it knowing you have
something to cherish....and therein lies the pleasure. I still go camping, I just don't expect the coach to make
all of those trips :)
________________________________
From: Kerry Pinkerton <Pinkertonk@MCHSI.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2012 8:45 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff'
In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to thinking about the alternatives.
My folks retired while I was in the army in the early 70's. Dad bought a used travel trailer and they headed to Florida. Apparently came back happy because they purchased a new Holiday Rambler and new 1 ton 454 crew cab Chevy dually (that I still have). About every couple years, they'd upgrade to a different Holiday.
Dad was ALWAYS working on his 'system'. He had plumbing problems, leaks, loose stuff, electrical etc. Actually most of his problems were with the truck in spite of being new when he started. Within 5 years (still a new truck imo) he went through at least two radiators, carbs, transmission, tires, brakes, oil coolers, hoses, thermostats, fans and that is just what I recall. MOST his problems happened on the road and they roamed all over the US and Canada. My Mother was very laid back and did not drive so she just went with the flow.
My point is that 'stuff' indeed happens and Mr. Murphy is going to guarantee that it happens when we least want it to.
My wife and I went with them once and remarked "Who the hell wants to stay in a prison cell and hang around with a bunch of old farts?" :lol: :lol:
Times change don't they?
When Carolyn and I started thinking about doing some road traveling we first thought about a tow behind because I have a 2011 GMC 6 litter (piece of crap) pickup. After thinking about what Dad went through, I realized that the Motorhome would be a better fit.
Imo, stuff happens regardless of old or new. The main difference is that I have no hope of working on new. Did you know that 50% of the spark plugs on 4.6L Fords will break off when you try and remove them? Basically, unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy of the dealerships these days. I've messed with cars my whole life. Built or rebuilt engines, brakes, suspension, etc...never done a tranny or rear end but this new stuff just can't be worked on by a shade tree guy BY FACTORY DESIGN. IMO, the margin has gotten so low on new vehicle sales, that the factories have made repairs pretty much a dealer only option because of special tools/processes required and that is where the dealerships really make their money.
As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27 different and expensive things could be causing it.
I could go on but you get the point.
That said, my wife is not as laid back as my Mom was. I can probably get away with getting stranded once but... :roll:
8o 8o 8o 8o
--
Kerry Pinkerton
North Alabama, near Huntsville,
77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, also a 76 Eleganza being re-bodied as an Art Deco car hauler
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193756 is a reply to message #193669] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 06:22 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Good to hear that Toby. Tough little cars and there is nothing being made
today for twice the price that can top the mileage those cars get.
On Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 8:21 AM, tmaki <tmaki@earthlink.net> wrote:
> On 12/22/2012 6:45 AM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
> >
> >
> > In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to
> > thinking about the alternatives.
>
> > I have no hope of working on new. Basically,
> > unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy
> > of the dealerships these days.
> >
> > As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel
> > replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a
> > flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27
> > different and expensive things could be causing it.
>
> That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to. I just got
> rid of my Lexus that I've had for 16 years (228,000 miles),
> and the 2000 Metro (172,000 miles) - a good'un, Steve -
> after realizing that I could no longer fix them. The Lexus
> just wore out, but was still a nice looking and riding car.
> The Metro developed a problem where it quit randomly. Had to
> be towed 75 miles from Pasadena to home after it quit in the
> Marengo/Fair Oaks tunnel in rush hour traffic (not really
> the way I wanted to make my debut on KFI). Even the factory
> service manual (2 thick volumes that cost me $100) didn't
> have one dot of ink to t-shoot the problem I was having.
>
> LSS - I'll keep the grease under my fingernails (and my
> sanity) by hanging on to the GMC and my '74 Dodge B300.
> There's nothing I can't fix on those.
>
> Now the '07 Honda CR-V I just bought - maybe change the oil
> and check the battery, but everything else - to the Honda
> shop. I drive 1000 miles a week, and at least the Honda will
> get me there and back. Well, we'll see...
>
> Oh yeah, I sold both the Lexus and the Metro to the same
> guy. He was happy to get them.
>
>
>
> Toby Maki
> '73 Glacier 230
> Riverside, CA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Take care,
Steve
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| Re: Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193759 is a reply to message #193665] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 07:52 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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After all the airplane hunting I've done (and this applies equally to motorhomes or sports cars, etc.) is that there are no screamin' deals out there. Folks who are "clueless" about the value of their airplane or coach (read ridiculously low price) are just as likely to be clueless about how to maintain that piece of equipment. They have extracted the value of it and leave it to you the next owner to replace the money they did not.
I was hunting for Stinson 108's last spring because it was the only 4-place airplane I could "afford". What I discovered was that I couldn't afford it if it was given to me. All of these neglected old birds was a cash vacuum. The fully restored beauties were priced so high that they competed with much newer and more reliable planes and if something major broke, you were permanently upside down (financially that is).
We should do what we can to keep the coaches we have from sliding into the condition where they become attractive to the unrealistic expectations of would-be restorers who become disallusioned after many years and many thousands of dollars. As custodians of these coaches, we need to drive them regularly locally and keep them on a scheduled maintenance plan so that the number of "round tuits" we need to get doesn't become overwhelming.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193761 is a reply to message #193665] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 08:07 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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It's actually a Subaru. The Subie Boxer does have Toyota Fuel Injection and engine management. It's also sold in the US as both a Scion FT86 and a Subaru BRZ. Should have been called a Toyota Celica.
Should make a nice toad.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193764 is a reply to message #193761] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 08:20 |
Mike Teets
Messages: 299
Registered: January 2004
Location: Dublin, OH
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I see a lot of folks here say "you can't fix the new stuff". After
building cars from scratch in the 70's, the first computer controlled cars
of the 90's left me feeling lost even as a technology guy. However, most
cars now have gone to the standard OBDII or EOBD for European cars. (On
board diagnostics). The scanners are between $30 and $100. Plug in your
scanner to your laptop and it will likely tell you exactly where the fault
is. You may have to do an internet search or two. After that, it is
often just the case of unscrewing a sensor and replacing it! New RV's are
likely much less standard than autos, but I find I can now fix just about
everything on new GM cars.
Mike, Dublin OH, 77 PB
On Sun, Dec 23, 2012 at 9:07 AM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> It's actually a Subaru. The Subie Boxer does have Toyota Fuel Injection
> and engine management. It's also sold in the US as both a Scion FT86 and a
> Subaru BRZ. Should have been called a Toyota Celica.
>
> Should make a nice toad.
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> Scottsdale, AZ
> "The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive,
> 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Mike, GMCing since 2002
77 Palm Beach, 260, 403
Dublin, OH
http://teamteets.com/gmc/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193766 is a reply to message #193764] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 08:41 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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| Mike Teets wrote on Sun, 23 December 2012 08:20 |
I see a lot of folks here say "you can't fix the new stuff". ...
|
For me, it's not that it can't be fixed but rather it's a pain in the butt to work on. Yes, if you get lucky you can get a good read from an OBDII and if you are REALLY lucky, you can perform the work without special tools or processes. I'm only speaking about my experiences.
Couple months back, my younger son brought his 2007 GMC Pickup by. It was WAAAY down on power, idled great but wouldn't pass 60 mph and made a lot of engine noise when you tried. The codes said it was one of several things in the fuel management or emissions. I have a older local guy that has done some heavy repair work for me. He works on everything from farm tractors to cars. I took it by him, described what it was doing and without even hearing it run said "your catalytic converter is plugged....probably the left side one." He was right. I would have started replacing things and spent a lot of money before I got to the cats.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193770 is a reply to message #193769] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 09:42 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
It pointed to one of three things... MAP sensor, O2 Sensor and one other thing. I searched and found the discussion on the Avalanche Fan Club forums... http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=15.0 Pointed right at the clogged cat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If, you'd taken it to the dealer, You probably would have paid for those three other thinges before they discovered the "real" problem.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193784 is a reply to message #193756] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 11:42 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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A customer of mine has an 04 silverado 4x4 pickup an his speedometer stopped working. I took it to a mechanic shop up the street from my body shop to get a diagnostic. The whole gauge cluster is bad but for $325 (shop cost, retail $650) and $180 in labor he can have his speedometer back. Almost a grand to fix a speedometer in an 8 year old truck.
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 23, 2012, at 4:22 AM, Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com> wrote:
> Good to hear that Toby. Tough little cars and there is nothing being made
> today for twice the price that can top the mileage those cars get.
>
> On Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 8:21 AM, tmaki <tmaki@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> On 12/22/2012 6:45 AM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to
>>> thinking about the alternatives.
>>
>>> I have no hope of working on new. Basically,
>>> unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy
>>> of the dealerships these days.
>>>
>>> As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel
>>> replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a
>>> flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27
>>> different and expensive things could be causing it.
>>
>> That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to. I just got
>> rid of my Lexus that I've had for 16 years (228,000 miles),
>> and the 2000 Metro (172,000 miles) - a good'un, Steve -
>> after realizing that I could no longer fix them. The Lexus
>> just wore out, but was still a nice looking and riding car.
>> The Metro developed a problem where it quit randomly. Had to
>> be towed 75 miles from Pasadena to home after it quit in the
>> Marengo/Fair Oaks tunnel in rush hour traffic (not really
>> the way I wanted to make my debut on KFI). Even the factory
>> service manual (2 thick volumes that cost me $100) didn't
>> have one dot of ink to t-shoot the problem I was having.
>>
>> LSS - I'll keep the grease under my fingernails (and my
>> sanity) by hanging on to the GMC and my '74 Dodge B300.
>> There's nothing I can't fix on those.
>>
>> Now the '07 Honda CR-V I just bought - maybe change the oil
>> and check the battery, but everything else - to the Honda
>> shop. I drive 1000 miles a week, and at least the Honda will
>> get me there and back. Well, we'll see...
>>
>> Oh yeah, I sold both the Lexus and the Metro to the same
>> guy. He was happy to get them.
>>
>>
>>
>> Toby Maki
>> '73 Glacier 230
>> Riverside, CA
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Take care,
> Steve
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193793 is a reply to message #193665] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 13:19 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Interested in my favorite old coach story??
Tough, here it comes.
I have an acquaintance (this man is no kind of a friend, but we used to have a professional relationship) that has made disparaging remarks about all the old stuff I have and have had in my inventory. I didn't buy most of it old, I acquired (sometimes bought) it, and much of it has gotten old. Functional, reliable, but by calendar - Old.
Several years ago, this individual bought a brand new class A coach. He often remarked about my GMC that it was amazing to him that something that old could have any value at all. He would be afraid to take it across the state. I had had the GMC about two years by then and was using it routinely in the business. (Great thing, instead of loading a little car way past capacity and still missing something, I have a tool crib, a meeting room, an office, and place to work on electronic and other instruments that is clean and air conditioned, I can supply power to a boats shore power system, and I have a restaurant and motel right there.)
Can you see this coming?
His new coach broke down and they were headed out for their family vacation. He called me when he ran out of other ideas. The coach had been towed to a local dealer and the parts would take at least a week. He needed to get the family home. I didn't do it for spite, but the coach is the only vehicle we own that could transport his family and gear. So, I showed up at the dealership with my 37yo GMC. We loaded people gear and the contents of the refrigerator (some stuff no - mine is only 3.5) into the GMC and had very quiet ride back to his place. When unloading, Marilyn (the wife) asked me how old this coach was. Then asked what I do if I need parts. Well, I haven't, but if I did, I can get anything I might need shipped to me in three days. (Thanks Jim)
The part that their coach needed was not in stock, because it was warranty, they had to get it from the manufacturer and it took almost six weeks.
Do you think I get any lip about my "old stuff" anymore??
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| CR-V [message #193795 is a reply to message #193669] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 13:30 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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How many miles were on your Honda when you bought it?
What's a good price on one with maybe 6/8 years on it?
Have you found a GMC like forum for owners?
Thanks!
| tmaki wrote on Sat, 22 December 2012 07:21 |
On 12/22/2012 6:45 AM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
>
>
> In light of Chris' "the hell with it thread", I got to
> thinking about the alternatives.
> I have no hope of working on new. Basically,
> unless you are very, very skilled, you are at the mercy
> of the dealerships these days.
>
> As for me, I'd rather lay on my back on the gravel
> replacing a governor gear than be confronted with a
> flashing 'check engine' light that tells you that 1 of 27
> different and expensive things could be causing it.
That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to. I just got
rid of my Lexus that I've had for 16 years (228,000 miles),
and the 2000 Metro (172,000 miles) - a good'un, Steve -
after realizing that I could no longer fix them. The Lexus
just wore out, but was still a nice looking and riding car.
The Metro developed a problem where it quit randomly. Had to
be towed 75 miles from Pasadena to home after it quit in the
Marengo/Fair Oaks tunnel in rush hour traffic (not really
the way I wanted to make my debut on KFI). Even the factory
service manual (2 thick volumes that cost me $100) didn't
have one dot of ink to t-shoot the problem I was having.
LSS - I'll keep the grease under my fingernails (and my
sanity) by hanging on to the GMC and my '74 Dodge B300.
There's nothing I can't fix on those.
Now the '07 Honda CR-V I just bought - maybe change the oil
and check the battery, but everything else - to the Honda
shop. I drive 1000 miles a week, and at least the Honda will
get me there and back. Well, we'll see...
Oh yeah, I sold both the Lexus and the Metro to the same
guy. He was happy to get them.
Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
Riverside, CA
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Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: Old coaches vs new 'stuff' [message #193798 is a reply to message #193793] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 13:40 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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| Matt Colie wrote on Sun, 23 December 2012 12:19 |
Interested in my favorite old coach story??
Tough, here it comes.
I have an acquaintance (this man is no kind of a friend, but we used to have a professional relationship) that has made disparaging remarks about all the old stuff I have and have had in my inventory. I didn't buy most of it old, I acquired (sometimes bought) it, and much of it has gotten old. Functional, reliable, but by calendar - Old.
Several years ago, this individual bought a brand new class A coach. He often remarked about my GMC that it was amazing to him that something that old could have any value at all. He would be afraid to take it across the state. I had had the GMC about two years by then and was using it routinely in the business. (Great thing, instead of loading a little car way past capacity and still missing something, I have a tool crib, a meeting room, an office, and place to work on electronic and other instruments that is clean and air conditioned, I can supply power to a boats shore power system, and I have a restaurant and motel right there.)
Can you see this coming?
His new coach broke down and they were headed out for their family vacation. He called me when he ran out of other ideas. The coach had been towed to a local dealer and the parts would take at least a week. He needed to get the family home. I didn't do it for spite, but the coach is the only vehicle we own that could transport his family and gear. So, I showed up at the dealership with my 37yo GMC. We loaded people gear and the contents of the refrigerator (some stuff no - mine is only 3.5) into the GMC and had very quiet ride back to his place. When unloading, Marilyn (the wife) asked me how old this coach was. Then asked what I do if I need parts. Well, I haven't, but if I did, I can get anything I might need shipped to me in three days. (Thanks Jim)
The part that their coach needed was not in stock, because it was warranty, they had to get it from the manufacturer and it took almost six weeks.
Do you think I get any lip about my "old stuff" anymore??
Matt
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Great story Matt. I happen to live in an upscale neighborhood, not because I am upscale myself, but because I got a good deal on the lot (thanks to the foresight of my father) and spent 2-1/2 years building the house myself (for about a fifth of what it is worth). My daily driver is a 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo that I bought about eleven years ago, when it 'only' had 138,000 miles on it. The newest vehicle we own is our '03 Tracker, our towd, that Kathy drives to work, and we use on weekends. I often get funny looks when I pull up to my mailbox, in an old, lifted, Jeep with all the clearcoat evaporated off of it, but, so far, most of my neighbors have held their tongues.
A couple of years ago, at the sand dunes, I got flagged down in my 1953 Willys CJ-3B Jeep, by a guy whose long travel, Northstar powered, $80,000 buggy had broken down. As I was towing him back to the camp area, where he could get help, I realized I was having MUCH more fun in my old Jeep, with a tenth of his investment into it, than he was having.
So it goes with the GMC.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] CR-V [message #193805 is a reply to message #193795] |
Sun, 23 December 2012 14:20 |
tmaki
Messages: 200
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On 12/23/2012 11:30 AM, Richard wrote:
>
> How many miles were on your Honda when you bought it?
>
65,000
> What's a good price on one with maybe 6/8 years on it?
Partially dependent on trim level and options. I paid
$17,000 for mine. It's an EX-L, 2WD, but not with the nav
system. No fancy wheels, etc. Excellent condition, one owner.
If you check either Edmund's or Kelly Blue Book, you'll get
a good idea of going prices. I'd expect in the +/-$15,000
range, may down around $9k or $10k for an '04 or '05. I
bought mine at CarMax. Their price was within $200 of the
KBB price. If you have CarMax in your area, check with them.
Look at the inventory in surrounding areas.
>
>
> Have you found a GMC like forum for owners?
>
There is a CR-V forum, but I haven't looked into it deeply.
Can't really evaluate it honestly. Seems commercially
sponsored. I'm sure there are others.
http://www.crvownersclub.com
I've had the car a month today, and am enjoying it thoroughly.
I had been looking at the Kia Soul. Test drove one, checked
around for deals. But the Honda seemed a better solution for
the same money. I bought a new Accord LX in 1987 and put
247,000 miles on it with only the normally expected
maintenance expenses. My wife bought a new Odyssey in 1995,
and has almost 200,000 on it. So, Honda is a known quantity
to us. The Kia, not so much.
Good luck. If you find a nice one, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
TM
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