Baumblog EST 1968 - A blog for the Baumbachs who originated in Syracuse, NY

I'm somewhat sad to report that my little pontiac died peacefully in her sleep 2 nights ago. She was pretty spunky right up to the end--in fact, I had no warning, just tried to start her up as I was running late again for work and she was deader than a doornail. Tried to jumpstart the battery I replaced less than a year ago but I couldn't even get the dome light to come on. Had her towed to a shop last night, where I'm fairly sure they'll tell me it will take 3X the car's worth to fix her up. I was secretly hoping that I might get into just a wee bitty fender bender to get some money out of it. Oh well, I imagine I will probably only be able to donate her organs at this point....1 800 Kidney car?

If you had to pick between a (slightly used) Nissan Murano or Mazda CX-7 or 9, or a (new) Toyota Venza, what would you pick?

GJ said about 2 hours later

Just replaced the battery, and it's dead already? Yep, you'd be looking at a new battery *and* a new alternator--batteries don't just die after a year unless the battery is defective or (more likely) the alternator is. I've replaced three alternators in my gtp, likely due to my tendency to use them to power my sumps when needed. :) So I'm a little familiar with car charging systems.

So, your car isn't dead, but if you took it to a dealer you could expect $700+ in costs if they replace both components. Good service shop should be able to do that cheaper, and more importantly--probably do it right.

If I was picking between those, I'd take a cx-7. Sporty, small, fairly reliable. Would not touch the Murano with a ten-foot pole--horrible reliability and gas mileage. Toyota? Nope--very reliable, very soul deprived. If I really wanted a bigger car, I'd get the CX-9. But wait till you hear from Steve and/or Eric on this one--after all, I drive a ten year old grand prix.
Kristen said about 2 hours later

Thanks GJ...I figure that I'd have to think long and hard about putting more than $500 or so into it...especially since I just put $600 into it to replace the water pump like 2 months ago. I took it to a local mechanic that runs a good show, rather than a dealer, so we'll see. I feel like I'm either going to have to pay a new car loan soon, or pay the equivalent in repair costs every month (into a car that isn't worth anything either!) It's a gamble.

Strange, the Murano seems to have gotten great reviews from what I've seen online--better than the mazdas...but I guess it's hard to judge which reviews are the most reliable. I'm looking for a car that will get me at least 10 years, and one that I will still like after 5 of those years.
Marc said about 4 hours later

I've been happy with the Mazda 3 up to this point, so I would recommend Mazda out of those choices. One of my co-workers has a Toyota Venza and he seems to like it, but Toyotas I can't agree have the reliability. From what I've read online when I was looking into a car for Laura, was they had severe problems and sometimes weren't even being covered under a valid warranty. Issues like engines needing to be replaced, etc.

If you do plan to give away your car, Laura gave her Sunfire (which just sold in California recently) via Cars 4 Causes. They came and picked it up for free (tow truck) and it was sold within a month. Granted her car was still running. :)
Geoff said about 4 hours later

FYI, if you want a long running car, buy a Honda, not a Toyota. I can't say I'm really excited about any car from either of these companies, but a Honda Civic is cheap and will take you a long way.
GJ said about 5 hours later

Beat on Toyota all you want, but they have very high reliability, even better than Honda in many areas. However, Hondas are fun to drive, while Toyotas will simply suck the driver out of you. They make applications, not cars. Still, a Corolla would take you as far as a Civic, but you'd die of boredom long before then. The Venza is a new car for Toyota, though, and they are starting to have GM-like problems, so I might stay away from the Venza just based on that.

Nissan's reliability was lousy ten years ago--maybe they've turned things around by now. Back when I bought my car, I toyed with getting a Maxima mostly because I was having trouble finding a four-door muscle car, but found too many horror stories about Nissan at that time. So instead I buy a GM product. Hahahahahahaha. Actually, the GTP has been pretty good, as GM cars go.

Mazda makes very nimble cars with decent engines. I doubt they have the reliability of a Honda or Toyota, but they look sweet and drive really well. I'm with Marc, I'd go that route.
Kristen said about 7 hours later

I think I may have a Lazarus! Apparently I have a bad connector to the battery (I thought it was the alternator too GJ). I also need an induction service, power steering and brake fluid flush, and new spark plugs, to the tune of $650. I had Drew talk to him b/c I've heard those flushes are a waste of money, but apparently my brake fluid is brown instead of clear....I swear I thought this sucka was a goner.

Other than that he said the car is in great shape and can last a long time! Greeeaaat! (that was sarcasm) I think I can tolerate it until June, until then I'll continue debating import vs export cars....

I actually think Honda is boring! My friend just bought one of those snazzy CRV's and frankly it feels like el cheapo to me.

Geoff said about 7 hours later

Don't count Ford out either...they've got some nice products. The new Fusion is very nice, and the Taurus SHO is no slouch...but it's no G8 either :)

Nissan is much better than who they were. The new Altima and Maxima are sweet rides. I think most manufacturers have stepped up their games, except for Toyota (not surprisingly being #1).

Glad to hear the car may be revived! Get some more miles outta that puppy...I'd be weary of the flushes unless you are seeing a problem with your brakes and power steering. I had 115K on my car with ZERO flushes and it rode like a champ (same spark plugs too). They are just trying to get money outta you me thinks.
GJ said about 7 hours later

Scam alert. You brought the car in because it wouldn't start.

Induction service is generally a crappy add-on.

Brake fluid?? Brakes don't need to be checked for a car not starting. Skip.

Power steering? Ditto.

New spark plugs--likely, if you haven't had them done in 50k+ miles.

You didn't bring this to Valvoline instant oil change or Pep Boys, did you? :)
Steve said 2 days later

Ditto what GJ said. Don't do any of those things.

On the new car topic....The new Fusion is not as nice as the press says it is. The Chevrolet Malibu is still better than the Fusion. The Nissan Altima is pretty good too. In small SUV sizes, the Nissan Rogue is my favorite - great balance of comfort, fuel economy, . The Patriot and Escape are ok. I hate the Toyota RAV4. The Honda CRV is nice, but probably too sporty for Kristen's tastes.

As for midsize SUVs, I'm obviously partial to the Dodge Journey. The Murano is pretty sporty, as is the Mazda. The Ford Edge is pretty nice. I hate the Venza styling, but I have not driven one yet.