From owner-diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Thu Mar 31 21:34:16 2011 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Friday, April 1 2011 Volume 01 : Number 3429 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] 300SD started instantly [db] shopping for wheels, and false hopes... Re: [db] shopping for wheels, and false hopes... [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Diesel Benz Digest Home Page: http://www.digest.net/diesel-benz/ Send submissions to diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Send administrative requests to diesel-benz-digest-request@digest.net To unsubscribe, include the word unsubscribe by itself in the body of the message, unless you are sending the request from a different address than the one that appears on the list. Include the word help in a message to stag-digest-request to get a list of other majordomo commands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:21:15 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jerry Kaidor" Subject: [db] 300SD started instantly > As "the kids" might write, > OM617 FTMFW! > > You added a trickle charger on that one, right? If so, seems like it > was a good choice. *** Trickle charger, yes. Also a quick disconnect on the battery. The charger is Harbor Freight's cheapest - I buy them when they're on sale for half price. I chopped off the cigarette lighter plug and connected it directly to the battery through a diode. The solar cell sits in the windshield. I also have a reflective cover in the windshield, and also reflective covers in all the other windows. The window covers are made of "reflectix" insulation, which they sell at the Home Depot. I do worry about the fuel. Think maybe I should throw in some biocide. - Jerry ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:57:02 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] shopping for wheels, and false hopes... false hope abounds... :) first, the amsoil prevented total destruction of the engine... providing false hope of a simple fix... second, a local wrecking yard posted a '90 300D on car-part.com... turns out it was gas... the shopping continues, albeit with a limited budget and less enthusiasm... as I'm venturing outside of my comfort zone and considering vehicles I have little expertise and experience with I am progressing slowly... my wife does not work outside the home so the biggest impacts are that I have to do grocery shopping and provide shuttle service, but we usually do those things together anyway so this isn't a big impact. shopping, research and oh yes, fun and adventure await... don't expect a big popcorn fest though, won't be swapping, chopping or creating any frankensteins this time... ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum tunc aperuit illis sensum ut intellegerent scripturas http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # She's not going any where. :). May have found an engine. Will know tomorrow. # john at http://wagoneers.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:00:55 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim Hoffman Subject: Re: [db] shopping for wheels, and false hopes... Then why not skip a "third" vehicle altogether? Save the $s spent on insurance, maintenance, fuel, etc.?? Jim - --- On Thu, 3/31/11, john wrote: > From: john > Subject: [db] shopping for wheels, and false hopes... > To: "dave" > Date: Thursday, March 31, 2011, 12:57 PM > false hope abounds... :) > > first, the amsoil prevented total destruction of the > engine... providing false hope of a simple fix... > second, a local wrecking yard posted a '90 300D on > car-part.com... turns out it was gas... > > > the shopping continues, albeit with a limited budget and > less enthusiasm... as I'm venturing outside > of my comfort zone and considering vehicles I have little > expertise and experience with I am progressing > slowly... my wife does not work outside the home so > the biggest impacts are that I have to do grocery > shopping and provide shuttle service, but we usually do > those things together anyway so this isn't a big > impact. > > shopping, research and oh yes, fun and adventure await... > don't expect a big popcorn fest though, won't > be swapping, chopping or creating any frankensteins this > time... > > > ----- > - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where > Jeeps don't rust, they mold > http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 > si vis pacem, para bellum > tunc aperuit illis sensum ut > intellegerent scripturas > http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us > - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > # She's not going any where. :). May have found an engine. > Will know tomorrow. > # john at http://wagoneers.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:35:00 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping we're looking for a reliable car that looks nice, has an automatic, and four doors. all wheel drive would be nice but not required. 20 mpg or better makes sense. spending less is the plan... but saving money when buying and spending it later fixing isn't good either. The possibility of departing from a Jeep, Mercedes, or VW is a new, and some what intimidating experience... I don't have an immediate interest in GM, Nissan, Hyuandi, Dodge, Chrysler, Ford... or many of the cars below... :) But, anything to be concerned about with any of these: Volvo ??? Audi? Quattro? Allroad? VW (automatics prior to 2005) Mercedes (avoiding 96-03) (have a problem with Japanese cars in general, need help to be convinced...) Subaru (2002 and up H6 has been recommended) - a good friend is recommending these, but I'm having trouble here... Toyota Rav 4? - I like these... not a jeep, but might be economical Honda CRV - I could see one of these too... have heard good things... Honda - having a real problem seeing myself piloting one of these things... Toyota? this one will really take some work to get me into.. Lexus - my skin is crawling, but I need to give them a try, maybe it'll work... recommendations? (with explanations) Right now Audi and Volvos are popping up on my radar... thoughts? we'll go through all this and likely end up with a nice clean Cherokee again... trying not to go back into debt... this vehicle won't be driven much after all... thanx john ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum tunc aperuit illis sensum ut intellegerent scripturas http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:10:54 -0700 From: Bruce Caruthers Subject: Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Based on rental cars, the Nissans have been great throughout the years. The small one, the Versa (FWD), easily got us through a major blizzard two Christmases ago: Long Island/NYC -> central NJ -> PA -> upstate NY -> NYC/Long Island, all during 5 days of blizzard and ice conditions, all with 30+ mpg. Other Nissans have been notable in the past. If we had to start looking right now, Nissan would be on the short list. Have never owned one, so can't speak for long term ownership or accident safety. Loved my old 1995 Subaru Legacy, but neighbors with newer ones have had lots of mechanical issues, and the one that was in a (low-speed) accident didn't do well (teenage daughter was in trauma surgery for days after being compressed into about a 6-inch space where the driver's side used to be). When my '95 was broadsided, it suffered a surpisingly large amount of damage, too. Every larger Toyota (Camry, Avalon, Cressida) I've ever driven handled like a boat. One rental Camry required almost 4 lanes of space to do a u-turn (as does Brooke's Celica)! And I find myself cursing Camry and Avalon drivers the most around here, far more than SUV or minivan drivers, for what that's worth. Have several friends who are happy with the little MB C230 hatchback (2002-2007), but that doesn't have 4 doors. If it is just for you and SWMBO, why do you need 4 doors? - -bkc Lynnwood, WA (his) '76 MB 240D [W115.117/616.916] (hers) '92 Toyota Celica GT (ours) '93 MB 300D 2.5 Turbo [W124.128/602.962] On Thu Mar 31, 2011, John Meister wrote: > > we're looking for a reliable car that looks nice, has an automatic, and four doors. > all wheel drive would be nice but not required. 20 mpg or better makes sense. > spending less is the plan... but saving money when buying and spending it later fixing isn't good either. > > The possibility of departing from a Jeep, Mercedes, or VW is a new, and some what intimidating experience... > I don't have an immediate interest in GM, Nissan, Hyuandi, Dodge, Chrysler, Ford... or many of the cars below... :) > > But, anything to be concerned about with any of these: > > Volvo ??? > > Audi? Quattro? Allroad? > > VW (automatics prior to 2005) > > Mercedes (avoiding 96-03) > > (have a problem with Japanese cars in general, need help to be convinced...) > Subaru (2002 and up H6 has been recommended) - a good friend is recommending these, but I'm having trouble here... > Toyota Rav 4? - I like these... not a jeep, but might be economical > Honda CRV - I could see one of these too... have heard good things... > Honda - having a real problem seeing myself piloting one of these things... > Toyota? this one will really take some work to get me into.. > Lexus - my skin is crawling, but I need to give them a try, maybe it'll work... > > > recommendations? (with explanations) > > Right now Audi and Volvos are popping up on my radar... thoughts? > > > we'll go through all this and likely end up with a nice clean Cherokee again... > trying not to go back into debt... this vehicle won't be driven much after all... > > thanx > john > > > ----- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold > http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum > tunc aperuit illis sensum ut intellegerent scripturas > http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:23:52 -0700 From: john Subject: Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping yes, that is a good question... but surprisingly enough my wife, son in law and daughter fault my 2dr vehicles... how about a 2000 Jaguar S-type? Saab? On 03/31/2011 09:10 PM, Bruce Caruthers wrote: > why do you need 4 doors? ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:19:47 -0700 From: "Paul Masterson" Subject: Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping Volvo had some pretty interesting issues in the 90's, not as bad as Mercedes, but I would not want one. My friend has a 96 v70 and has had constant issues with the computer throwing codes about his mass air sensor, gone through three new sensors, only to find it was actually some problem with his EGR (after 800.00 at the dealer) then three months later, it started the cycle over. I love my 2003 e320, but it may be more than you want to spend (think new Kia pricing, 14,000 and up. Mine was 16,900, but pretty clean) there are some issues, but easily to see if they are taken care of, such as a problem radiator that mixed glycol in the trans, mine was already replaced. The really option loaded ones had issues with the panoramic sunroof, distronic cruse control, etc, but the engines are bullet-proof. I am not a fan of the Audis, mainly due to the fact that to do anything at all to the engine, you have to take the front clip off and move it forward. (this is called "service position") which tells me the engineering may be lacking there. I also have issues with Japanese cars in general, but that may be due to having a shop in the 80's, and finding a rats nest of vacuum hoses controlling the most simple operations on that generation, I never forgave them that. One mans opinion. Paul. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "john" To: "undisclosed-recipients:" Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 8:35 PM Subject: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping > we're looking for a reliable car that looks nice, has an automatic, and > four doors. > all wheel drive would be nice but not required. 20 mpg or better makes > sense. > spending less is the plan... but saving money when buying and spending it > later fixing isn't good either. > > The possibility of departing from a Jeep, Mercedes, or VW is a new, and > some what intimidating experience... > I don't have an immediate interest in GM, Nissan, Hyuandi, Dodge, > Chrysler, Ford... or many of the cars below... :) > > But, anything to be concerned about with any of these: > > Volvo ??? > > Audi? Quattro? Allroad? > > VW (automatics prior to 2005) > > Mercedes (avoiding 96-03) > > (have a problem with Japanese cars in general, need help to be > convinced...) > Subaru (2002 and up H6 has been recommended) - a good friend is > recommending these, but I'm having trouble here... > Toyota Rav 4? - I like these... not a jeep, but might be economical > Honda CRV - I could see one of these too... have heard good things... > Honda - having a real problem seeing myself piloting one of these > things... > Toyota? this one will really take some work to get me into.. > Lexus - my skin is crawling, but I need to give them a try, maybe it'll > work... > > > recommendations? (with explanations) > > Right now Audi and Volvos are popping up on my radar... thoughts? > > > we'll go through all this and likely end up with a nice clean Cherokee > again... > trying not to go back into debt... this vehicle won't be driven much after > all... > > thanx > john > > > ----- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold > http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum > tunc aperuit illis sensum ut intellegerent scripturas > http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:28:17 -0400 From: Richard Welty Subject: Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping On 4/1/11 12:10 AM, Bruce Caruthers wrote: > Based on rental cars, the Nissans have been great throughout the years. The small one, the Versa (FWD), easily got us through a major blizzard two Christmases ago: Long Island/NYC -> central NJ -> PA -> upstate NY -> NYC/Long Island, all during 5 days of blizzard and ice conditions, all with 30+ mpg. Other Nissans have been notable in the past. If we had to start looking right now, Nissan would be on the short list. Have never owned one, so can't speak for long term ownership or accident safety. >> But, anything to be concerned about with any of these: >> >> Volvo ??? >> >> Audi? Quattro? Allroad? i really like my 2003 Audi A4 Avant (Quattro), but it is a complex car and not cheap to repair. the Allroad has its own set of issues, it'd be even more expensive to deal with. the 2003 cars still have the original Audi Quattro system, sometime in the past few years they came up with a lower cost AWD setup for their entry level cars. we just picked up a 2006 Mazda 3 4 door for the social director. my friend the used car dealer tells me that he is a big fan of the Mazdas because even used with 60,000+ miles, they never come back for warranty repairs. they're just plain dead solid cars. richard ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:33:57 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping one man's opinion, but listened to... knowning the risks going in and what may be faced help make for a better deal... sometimes one will like something that shouldn't be liked, knowing where the land mines and costs are are useful, even if stepped on. :) thanx. I'm working my way through CL starting at 3k-5k and working my way through private vehicles... will stop when I find a car or hit about 10k. believe it or not found a nice looking '95 xj (best years for the 4.0 were 95-96) with leather interior, nice paint... my wife did not say no immediately. my '87 xj got 17 mpg in town with a 3" lift and 31s... jeeps are not consistent, you have to drive each one... no two are alike... sj, xj, wj or zj... variations exist... I would think the newer chryslers with IFS and dodge parts are more consistent, but then again those things ain't jeeps neither... I'm thinking about Audi, but nervous about the ATs in those... I see a lot of VW parts in the Audis... I like my jetta, but it's not a mercedes... When I lived in Germany Audis were just one notch above VWs and not all that great... so far this evening I have a set of firefox tabs showing 97 volvo 850, 01 volvo S80, 95 saab 2.4, '92 mercedes diesel (unknown model), 00 jag s-type, volvo s80, 94 c280 and that '95 jeep country... the only one my checkbook might open for tonight is that Cherokee... my wife was broad-sided by a Saab on SR 9, it spun the cherokee around a complete 360 degrees, ripped the front of the saab off, pulled the driveshaft out of the xfr case and moved the rear axle back about half a foot... the doors still opened and no glass (on the jeep) was broken... I just sent an email to the guy... if his gets more than 16 mpg in town I won't have a hard time convincing my wife to get it... :) jeep, jeep... john ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum tunc aperuit illis sensum ut intellegerent scripturas http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On Thu, 31 Mar 2011, Paul Masterson wrote: # Volvo had some pretty interesting issues in the 90's, not as bad as Mercedes, # but I would not want one. My friend has a 96 v70 and has had constant issues # with the computer throwing codes about his mass air sensor, gone through # three new sensors, only to find it was actually some problem with his EGR # (after 800.00 at the dealer) then three months later, it started the cycle # over. # # I love my 2003 e320, but it may be more than you want to spend (think new Kia # pricing, 14,000 and up. Mine was 16,900, but pretty clean) there are some # issues, but easily to see if they are taken care of, such as a problem # radiator that mixed glycol in the trans, mine was already replaced. The # really option loaded ones had issues with the panoramic sunroof, distronic # cruse control, etc, but the engines are bullet-proof. # # I am not a fan of the Audis, mainly due to the fact that to do anything at # all to the engine, you have to take the front clip off and move it forward. # (this is called "service position") which tells me the engineering may be # lacking there. # # I also have issues with Japanese cars in general, but that may be due to # having a shop in the 80's, and finding a rats nest of vacuum hoses # controlling the most simple operations on that generation, I never forgave # them that. # # One mans opinion. # # Paul. # # # ----- Original Message ----- From: "john" # To: "undisclosed-recipients:" # Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 8:35 PM # Subject: [db] OT: more questions on car shopping # # # > we're looking for a reliable car that looks nice, has an automatic, and # > four doors. # > all wheel drive would be nice but not required. 20 mpg or better makes # > sense. # > spending less is the plan... but saving money when buying and spending it # > later fixing isn't good either. # > # > The possibility of departing from a Jeep, Mercedes, or VW is a new, and # > some what intimidating experience... # > I don't have an immediate interest in GM, Nissan, Hyuandi, Dodge, Chrysler, # > Ford... or many of the cars below... :) # > # > But, anything to be concerned about with any of these: # > # > Volvo ??? # > # > Audi? Quattro? Allroad? # > # > VW (automatics prior to 2005) # > # > Mercedes (avoiding 96-03) # > # > (have a problem with Japanese cars in general, need help to be # > convinced...) # > Subaru (2002 and up H6 has been recommended) - a good friend is # > recommending these, but I'm having trouble here... # > Toyota Rav 4? - I like these... not a jeep, but might be economical # > Honda CRV - I could see one of these too... have heard good things... # > Honda - having a real problem seeing myself piloting one of these things... # > Toyota? this one will really take some work to get me into.. # > Lexus - my skin is crawling, but I need to give them a try, maybe it'll # > work... # > # > # > recommendations? (with explanations) # > # > Right now Audi and Volvos are popping up on my radar... thoughts? # > # > # > we'll go through all this and likely end up with a nice clean Cherokee # > again... # > trying not to go back into debt... this vehicle won't be driven much after # > all... # > # > thanx # > john # > # > # > ----- # > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold # > http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum # > tunc aperuit illis sensum ut intellegerent scripturas # > http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us # > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # > # # # ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #3429 **********************************