OK so I finally decide to buy a new/used car. I find a KILLER deal on ebay. This is the car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...875288246&rd=1

The last bid did not change for FOUR and a HALF hours. I bid, and put in my last bid at the 2 minute mark. I was TOP BIDDER so I thought. Until the LAST SECOND! I lost it by $30!!!!!!!! I am so unbelievabley in shock its not even funny. I stayed in from a night of clubbin to babysit this auction and I had the air fare already ready.

Check out the bid history!

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-c...tem=1875288246

argggggggggghhhhhhhh!!

 

well think of it this way ... you saved $23,xxx

but that does suck when people do that, what a bunch of j/o's

 

damn that sucks....

man you bid way too early though....I'm a "final 10 second guy" myself! but that guy is quick, a 2 second blow out, good lord!

 

Yeah but had I put in the bid for $23,500 instead of my random 23,469.21 number I woulda still won cause it goes by $100 increments and first bids take priority.

 

2 seconds maybe you'll find something you like more later

 

Your max is better than that stupid car.

 

Nice car Eric. Check your email.

 

Thats a crying shame man. Better luck next time!

 

Ebay is a cruel, harsh world.

I've learnt to adapt ... I'm usually one of those guys who bids in the last 2 seconds. Don't hate me, it's the only way to survive

 

that sucks man....But believe me, You are prolly better off without that schittvrolet. I've been a Master Chevrolet Tech for 10+ years and I will tell you this, They are OVERPRICED CRAPP.

Unless you don't mind getting stuck in the rain (Because GM thought it was a good idea to locate the PCM and the TAC modules right behind the right front wheel right under the cowl cover runoff so it could get wet all the time and directly beneath the battery so if it leaks it kills the harness, PCM, TAC modules and Vacuum harness to all interior accessories)

Or if you don't mind getting in your car and going down the road only to find out that you can not steer for some reason because the Column Lock Module is stuck and as is its job subsequently you can no longer turn the wheel.

Anyway....better luck next time

 

Ah my young friend, you probably have never bought/sold stocks or a home, because last minute shenanigans is the RULE not the exception!!

I have sold stocks at 15:59:40 on a Fri. afternoon anticipating that Monday would be a down day. I have been both right and wrong, mostly wrong as one cannot time the market. Same thing with a house--my first one my bid was accepted but I found out the roof was bad. Sellers said F you as far as any compensation to fix it (would have been 7 grand or more). Some other su**** paid the full price for the house so the seller was about 17 grand better than what I was willing to pay. Who knows, in the end, maybe you're better off without that car and the winner of the bidding is getting a bucket of bolts! my advice to you is DO NOT give up your social life for wheels, chase those hotties until the sun goes down. Now go get them tiger! hehe

 

esnipe.

 

Of course everybody has their own opinions on the cars, however you're talkin to the tranny blowin man. It cant be worse then any of the nissan design that I'm used to. And also, I've never owned a v8 in my life, so its time to try something new. But otherwise yeah, I would never own any other GM vehicle. But this ones an exception, nothing for the money can beat its performance, luxury features, moddability and RESALE VALUE!

Yea looks like that car has the electro-magnetic steering column lock problem, but that problem is easily corrected. Otherwise there arent really any major problems. The differential and rear axle are made by Getrag (Toyota Supra TT 6 speed, and earlier Dodge Viper), the Tranny is the T56 Borg-Warner (dodge viper, F body) so I'm sure it'll stand up to more punishment then the nissan tranny will. Of course you already know this hehe.

Oh yeah and did I mention the insurance figures? Right now for the maxima Im charged $1500 a year. $500 collision, $0 comprehensive. The 99 Corvette Coupe is $2000 a year, and I'm 21 male and single. I could drop that further if I raised the comprehensive deductible. How's that for bang for the buck in insurance? The maxima's insurance is definately overpriced.

 

two things..
1 - your baseing your next purchase on the reliability of the tranny itself? good luck...i'll be expecting your complaints on the Corvette forum soon.
2 - don't kill yourself.

 

Eric, I thought I had bad luck until I started reading your threads! Sucks you lost that auction. Ebay rule #1: always bid 10 cents over an even number. (ex. If you are willing to spend $100, bid $100.10) This way if you match the high bidder, yours will become the high bid even though it's only .10 higher. I've won many autions that way.

 

Eric-

If you think the resale value is great on that 99 C5, think again. That car sold for ~$42-45K back in 99. Now it's almost 2003 and the car has lost nearly 50% of it's value. You think that's good?

As for insurance, I don't know how your company charges you only $1500 for your Max and then says the C5 will only be $2000. It just doesn't make sense. Are you putting the C5 under your parent's and you'll be listed as the primary driver of another car? I was 21 when I got my 94 Z28 (back in late 96) and my insurance went from $1000/yr (90 CRX Si) to $2500/yr.

The C5 is a nice car and it's a little more reliable than the F-Body, but please don't kid yourself, it's not an easy car to work on. GM cars are a ***** to trouble shoot. The Maxima is cake to work on compared to my old Z28 or my father's 96 Tahoe. My father's friend has a 99 C5 6 speed and he's had all kinds of problems with the electrical system, oil consumption problems (very common among 98-99 LS1s), and yes, even the 6 speed. Good luck with the C5 because you won't be able to work on it like you can the Maxima. Be prepared to hand over your car to some other mechanic (may be a good thing in your case). I also recommend getting an extended warranty on any GM vehicle. I spent $900 on a warranty for my Z28. Over the span of 3 years I had $3500 worth of warranty work done. My father did the same with his Tahoe ($1100) and he's had ~$2500 worth of work done.

My 96 Maxima with 91K miles? Never been in the shop and has only needed a new knock sensor and the evaporative canister valve needed cleaning.



Dave

 

Well the car KBB's at 28k (at least that particular one) for a private party sale, and goes for $32K dealer retail price. You cant compare the bargains you find on certain cars that happen once in a while (find me another 6 speed vette with around 55k miles that was loaded like that one, and a 99 that goes for $23k- theres not many) to the full retail value when its new. If that was the case how do you think the Max's depreciation is. And also, another rating is Consumer Reports. Although it gets a black ball in relability, the depreciation and satisfaction gets a much better then average rating.

The rating is correct. Im through State Farm. I would be listed as Primary Driver for the Corvette. Although the parents would split the title for multi-line discount (they have house and life too i think). As for the rate-you probably think its not right but my 2001 Honda CBR600 Sportsbike is $500 a year for FULL COVERAGE, and thats for a 21 year old single rider, and that one is fully in my name. Once again very high risk. And my covereage is not state minumum either, its $100K+.

I have to check (and last semsters grades arent in yet) but I may even be able to go for good student discount which will even further drop the rate.

Im sure you already know this but according to the insurance agent, they say that the rates dont come from horsepower alone, but cost of repair, theft statistics, and CRASH TESTS. The max did absolutely poor in the crash tests.

Wouldnt you say that the Max's insurance is kinda high for what car it is vs. a 345 HP rear wheel drive sports car?

I know you dont think highly of me rebuilding things. I first thought I messed up on the tranny, however I asked the tranny guy if I had screwed it up and he said he didnt see anything wrong with the way I rebuilt it. If you ever saw the insides of the tranny you'll be amazed how simple it is. And why on earth nissan parts are so freakin expensive is beyond me. As for nissan motors, the double overhead cam v6 is probably one of those complex motors to work on.

Also many of my friends are die hard GM fans and thats all they work on. Small block chevy's, to buick motors, pontiac motors, LT1s, LS1s, Chrysler Hemi's, LT4s you name it, they've done it, so its not like I wont have help when I need it. I also live about an hour from Carlisle PA. I'm sure you've heard of them, all the domestic guys go and swap parts. LS1s for $1500 or less, trannys, entire cars you name it they've got it. Try that with the maxima.

Lets see I've had:
Transmission blow 3 times- and the parts are EXPENSIVE!
Transmission differential bearings fail ($35 a bearing!)
Humming vaccuum check valve ($90 part, i said scruit)
Leaky rear main seal ($50 rear main seal)
Crank position sensor failed ($100 part!)
Leaky front main/crank pully seal
Leaky oil pressure switch
Aftermarket Y pipe blow up 3 times
Rusty sunroof

But you're always the one to say any true gear head must own a piece of domestic iron (well, aluminum here) in their lifetime. And- that nothing beats the sound and the power and modability of an LS1 engine. I'm young only once too, so driving a family sedan while being single doesnt make sense. I dont have kids, and I hope I dont have any that I dont know about. I never thought about a C5 corvette, cause I thought the insurance would be out of this world (just like the sport bike), until I called and checked. What vehicle would you recommend then?

 

Eric you go to your local dealer for parts right? Well right there is one source of your high priced parts. Unless it's one of the discount places like Courtesy.

Hey you know what? I would just get some type of 2-door sports car too. You're young. You can get a 4-door anytime. And ANY car is more reliable than that thing you got(although my tranny has 144,000 miles on it and still going strong).

 

So pops gave up on pushing the civic then I take it?

heh...a little off topic, but I had a dream two nights ago that I impulse-bought a new vette even tho I totally couldn't afford it. Maybe that's a sign. (For some reason it had a backseat, that was fairly roomy. Dreams are weird).

I'd probably buy an 00-01 prelude or something for that price in the name of daily driver/reliability, but...we all know you have lofty goals and means to achieve them, so go for what you can.

 

I dont know if you believe in GOD? but look at it this way, you lost the auction maybe it is not gods will for you to go and get that car. Look at it in the bright side, many things happen to us for a reason. Example: this one man from church got held up and he was about to get on this bus but something made him hesitate and not get it on it. So he didnt bother to get on the bus, next thing you know that bus flipped over a mountain side going thru a curve and killed all the passengers.

 

Well I don't think God wants Eric Wong to have a maxima

 

 

You've been sniped. But, if you had put in your true high bid, then you would never be disappointed.

 

look at his bid history.. he is a bid bumper

 

Eric,

Sorry to hear of your misfortunes,
Just end yourself now.

thanks,

Nycemaxima

 

Anyways, look at your luck this way: 98% of people can't just up and get a Corvette at our age Think about that and you'll realize it's not all bad.

Way to offer up a religious debate. I'd like to touch it but maxima.org isn't the place for it. Why do peeps always have to slide religion in like that? I know you're probably just trying to help him put things into perspective, but come on now.

 

I dont think its all that unreasonable. How many people do you know who drive NEW $23K cars? If you drive a 02 or 03 Maxima chances are thats about how much you paid, if not more. Also a WRX, Acura RSX, Celica GT are all in that price range. I havent checked the insurance rates of those, but I guarentee they would fall somewhere between the max now and the Corvette. its not like i went out and bought a z06, as nice as it would be that I cant afford.

Meanwhile, if anybody else can come up with a car I'd like I'm all ears. I need:
Rear/AWD
Capable of running at least 14s in the 1/4, stock or lightly modded
Room for my subs (2 15s or 18s)
Insurance thats a good bang for the buck and car
decent reliablity, any high performance machine is gonna have its quirks but no more tranny busters here
modability potential
Something that has good/not bad depreciation
open top- either convert, sunroof, T tops etc
sometihng that has at least half way decent fit and finish

Also would like
6 speed tranny
Luxo features- seat warmers, automatic climate etc
leather

The Corvette so far fits all of these very well.

 

I am in no way offering anyone jack, theres only one creator if you believe good for you, if you dont then good luck to you. Just remember to look at the dollar bill it clearly states "IN GOD WE TRUST" "not in the cow we trust"! Just trying to help the man out. If you been here long enough youd know hes the tranny Doctor and thats no joke!!!If you find another vehicle in the last 10 secs throw out a $200 plus bid and that should cover you.

 

Eric-

I guess I don't understand where you're coming from with parts being expensive for the Maxima. You really should check the prices of GM parts because they're just as bad. Believe me, I experienced it first hand with my Z28.

A C5 is a pretty complex piece of machinery and it's a far cry from the F-Body platform in terms of shadetree mechanics. The engine is pretty much the same as the F-Body, but that's where it ends. The drivetrain layout has the transmission in the rear of the car (not mounted to the engine). It's all very complex.

The insurance quote is still strange, but I don't doubt you one bit. I too have State Farm (always have). They've always treated me really well. I pay $500/yr for my 96 Maxima (full coverage, lots of add on's), but I also have my wife's car on there along with homeowners insurance. FYI, the F-Body is a very safe car crash wise, but when people wreck them, they're typically doing high speeds therefore they get killed and the cars are totaled. That's the primary reason why F-Body insurance is so expensive. It's branded as the "most deadly car in the US". The C5 would be the same way if kids could afford them.

I'd stay away from the C5 and buy something more tame, useful, and reliable. I did sya that everyone should own a domestic V8, but I said muscle car, not a V8 sports car. Why? Because the expense of a C5 is far higher than an F-Body. If you truely have $23+K to spend, get a WRX or VW GTI 1.8T (plus the APR stage III upgrade). You can find 2001 180hp GTIs for 17-18K and then get the APR stage III. You'll have 300-350hp, turbo fun, great handling chassis, excellent build quality, German looks inside and out, and leather.


Dave

 

Dave. If he wants a C5 vette then so be it.

 

Eric...don't feel bad...you didn't really want that car anyway...it's white...and we all know that a white vette is a chick ride. :P

 

How about a S14 240SX? Its RWD, decently fast, great handling, great modability, good looking, and much cheaper compared to a C5.

You can do a SR20DET swap, you can turbo the KA24DE, if your feeling extremely frisky you can put in a RB25DET. Lots of options and the car is well made too.

 

Hahaha, last time I checked the Nissan maxima was branded as a girl's car so

 

Take a good hard look around you next time you're driving. WOMEN DRIVE ALL THE NICE CARS. It's the truth. Women are fashionable therefore they buy fashionable cars. Typically, these are the cars most of us lust after.


Dave

 

Stuff like the $100 hall-effect sensor (CPS sensor), $90 for the vaccuum check valve, its ridiculous. What really bothers me is the transmission parts. A gear by itself is in the neighborhood of $100 for a single stupid gear. Bearings are $30+ a piece. The one huge fat bearing at the bottom of the mainshaft is $80. Oh yeah, and why is the nissan manual transmission $2400, and in the neighborhood of $1000 for a used one?

Does this car have special oil change, coolant flush or brake pad or spark plug replacement procedures? I asked a friends dad who owns one and you can do the same count the sequence of the lights flashing to pull codes as the maxima. What else is non-shadetree mechanicable? This isnt like the camaro when 1/2 the motor is stuffed under the dash and you need a special spark plug changing procedure.

Please tell me you are kidding about the VW GTI. Those cars arent even remotely in the same class. Stage III on any turbo motor scares me. How can you expect reliablity if your pumpin 3x the boost of what the turbo was putting in stock? Ontop of that its still a FWD car, and economy class car at that. Slap an exhaust on it and you'll still have a ricey 4 cylinder sounding bumble bee. If its a new car, any warranty would go straight out the window with a stage 3 modification.

As for the WRX, I have a friend with one who's is highly modified. His runs 12s and would beat any stock C5 corvette. However- he's blown his transmission 3 times. With my luck with transmissions I wouldnt touch that car with a 10 foot pole.

 

dam man...i wish i had money, that vette looks so beautiful, it has everything i would want and that's a amazing price. I'm in love with speed and...dam, i'm depressed now...there are so many cars out there which i drool over...stuck with a dam maxima, nto that its bad but we can do sooo much better...ah, i gotta smoke some weed tomorrow...

 

with the way i drive i would probably kill myself in a corvette.

and like dude all your transmission problems made me afraid to actually look at mine. i've pretty much had everything else fall apart so if the tranny goes i'll throw a tantrum

 

eric- my uncle is works on corvettes and only corvettes. he has an almost completely origional stingray with the only mod being side runnign exhaust and it is beautiful, he also has a 2k 6speed. i can tell you from first hand experience they are VERY fun cars, and as for bang for the buck with suspension speed luxery they are amazing. they are more reiable than the POS camaro and transam, but still expect problems, the great thing is NO RUST, EVER!!! but corvette parts will actually run you more money than nissan maxima parts, so think about that. personally i say get a toyota supra TT. you get the leather, 6speed, awesome turbo sound, t-tops, reliability and you can get a nicely maintained one for around 25k, plus the modability is endless

 

Sorry to do this 2 ya bro, but you probably seen this before anyway....


Corvette

(slow connectors will cry......)

 

In many ways it is, in many ways it isn't.