ugh, rear sway bar bushings squeaking AGAIN (going in for third "fix")
- Thread starter 5phreak
- Start date
so far the haggling at the dealer is going well. He offered me $9300 for my '07 5 with 65k miles. No complaints there. KBB.com says trade-in should be about $1000 more than that. I've never had a dealer give me the going rate on trade in though.
only problem so far is that I have come to like a model that is $4k more than I expected to spend, so I'm trying to squeeze him more. My girlfriend's family is friends with the dealership owner, so she is going to call him today to make sure I'm getting the best price I can, and if they come down just a tad more, or even throw in a few free oil changes or something, I'll be buying the car. It just means I have to dip into my savings for a bigger down payment.
I wish I could get 0% financing, but there's nothing out there, even though I'm putting a little more than half of the car price down.
and here's something weird... why are they offering me GMAC financing at a Dodge dealer?
only problem so far is that I have come to like a model that is $4k more than I expected to spend, so I'm trying to squeeze him more. My girlfriend's family is friends with the dealership owner, so she is going to call him today to make sure I'm getting the best price I can, and if they come down just a tad more, or even throw in a few free oil changes or something, I'll be buying the car. It just means I have to dip into my savings for a bigger down payment.
I wish I could get 0% financing, but there's nothing out there, even though I'm putting a little more than half of the car price down.
and here's something weird... why are they offering me GMAC financing at a Dodge dealer?
You're buying a Dodge? Good luck, you're gonna need it! Here's hoping you get a good one, otherwise you may end up wishing with you Mazda 5 and it's problems back if things go south. You think Mazda OEM parts are cheap, wait till you see the crap they use on Chryslers!
Seriously, I hope it works out for you, but having dealt with Chryslers win the past 20 years the odds are stacked against you.
Seriously, I hope it works out for you, but having dealt with Chryslers win the past 20 years the odds are stacked against you.
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- 2008 Mazda5 Touring
You really have the money to buy another vehicle, but don't have the money to put reliable suspension parts on the 5? I don't get it, everyone here knows that OEM shocks are crap, but if you can turn a wrench, you could replace all the shocks, struts & bushings for <$300. The front wheel bearing is only $30, but you'd need a press and service tool to replace. You could always hand the hub & bearing to a repair shop and ask them to do it for you, they'd probably do it for leas than $20.
nope, all done working on the 5... it's just one thing after another. I haven't even listed all the things I've fixed myself. And yes, I have the money to fix the 5, I never said I didn't, I said I was tired of all the suspension noise, and constant repairs. Didn't say I couldn't afford the repairs. (and there does not seem to be a cure for the stumbling issue - dealer was never able to fix it)
really moniz, Dodges are that bad? I checked the car's ratings online, and it's pretty favorable. I guess time will tell. I have plenty of friends that are into Mopars and they have not had more issues than any other brand.
all I know is, as soon as I drove the Journey, I was sold. It's a really nice ride.
really moniz, Dodges are that bad? I checked the car's ratings online, and it's pretty favorable. I guess time will tell. I have plenty of friends that are into Mopars and they have not had more issues than any other brand.
all I know is, as soon as I drove the Journey, I was sold. It's a really nice ride.
Wishmaster
Member
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- 07 Galaxy Gray AT Mazda5 GT
Again sounds like your pretty set... but just an FYI on that trade-in value (KBB is bulls*** by the way, just a tool for dealers to offer you less than what the car is worth)... a quick search on Craiglist in your area shows... #1 - Not many for sale, which generally means there is demand and it should sell quickly. #2 - The lowest price for a '07 was $11900 and the highest was just over $15000. So push them harder on that trade-in as right now your throwing away anywhere from $3000 to $5000!!
Again, the dealership does need to make money, auction or no auction they're not going to lose money, so there may not be anymore wiggle room because again they want to profit from your trade-in.
Sounds like your looking at the V6 model now?... Enjoy that real world average mileage of 18 - 19 MPG - http://www.fuelly.com/car/dodge/journey
vs. the real world average mileage of the Mazda5 at 24 mpg (that's a big difference... looks like you'll be dipping into that savings to pay for gas, especially as prices continue to rise. Most people are buying more fuel efficient vehicles these days rather than the opposite, just my two cents) - http://www.fuelly.com/car/mazda/5
Quick question... if you're set on buying new have you considered looking at a 2012 Mazda5... I know you have sort of a friend deal going on, (but with margins as they are right now I doubt that's getting you anywhere). You could end up with a brand new 25 MPG Mazda5 (average) without the issues and all the dynamics that a Journey just can't match.
Again, the dealership does need to make money, auction or no auction they're not going to lose money, so there may not be anymore wiggle room because again they want to profit from your trade-in.
Sounds like your looking at the V6 model now?... Enjoy that real world average mileage of 18 - 19 MPG - http://www.fuelly.com/car/dodge/journey
vs. the real world average mileage of the Mazda5 at 24 mpg (that's a big difference... looks like you'll be dipping into that savings to pay for gas, especially as prices continue to rise. Most people are buying more fuel efficient vehicles these days rather than the opposite, just my two cents) - http://www.fuelly.com/car/mazda/5
Quick question... if you're set on buying new have you considered looking at a 2012 Mazda5... I know you have sort of a friend deal going on, (but with margins as they are right now I doubt that's getting you anywhere). You could end up with a brand new 25 MPG Mazda5 (average) without the issues and all the dynamics that a Journey just can't match.
Rockin03mp5
Member
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- '13 Mazda3 / '13 Edge / Your Mom
My bushings didnt make noise till the dealer replaced the shocks under warranty. Then they squeaked pretty bad. They replaced them and all is well... there.
I too have had a lot of problems with my 5. I was hoping it was going to be a long term vehicle. Now I'm not so sure. Im giving it to about September to see how things hold up. We are now out of the bumper to bumper warranty, and we just got everything fixed after being at the dealer 6 times in the last 1000 miles. So, if everything seems fine the next few months, we should be good for a while, hopefully.
Oh, and i wouldnt touch dodge with a 10 ft pole.
I too have had a lot of problems with my 5. I was hoping it was going to be a long term vehicle. Now I'm not so sure. Im giving it to about September to see how things hold up. We are now out of the bumper to bumper warranty, and we just got everything fixed after being at the dealer 6 times in the last 1000 miles. So, if everything seems fine the next few months, we should be good for a while, hopefully.
Oh, and i wouldnt touch dodge with a 10 ft pole.
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- Toronto, ON Canada
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- 2017 CX-5 GT
Wasnt' the stumbling issue fixed with a flash to the ECU? I had this problem and is gone now after the latest update.
Had squeaking in the rear as well and turned out to be a TSB on the passenger rear coil had excessive weld material. They repaired that and no more rear end noise.
As other's have said, looks like you've made up your mind already to go Dodge so good luck in your travels.
Had squeaking in the rear as well and turned out to be a TSB on the passenger rear coil had excessive weld material. They repaired that and no more rear end noise.
As other's have said, looks like you've made up your mind already to go Dodge so good luck in your travels.
oh my gosh! - the Journey is SO nice. The girlfriend and I could not be happier right now. I bought one pretty loaded, with Alpine stereo with touch screen, nav, satellite, rear view camera, 19" wheels, sunroof, of course the three row seating, tint, 115 volt power converter, 12v power outlets everywhere, rear HVAC controls, blah blah blah... it even has a rechargeable flashlight in the back.
the V6 is nice after driving 4 bangers for so long (Eagle Summit, Focus, then the 5), the six speed transmission is nice too. But it's the ride that I love. So quiet, so perfect over road irregularities. This car is really impressive.
The dealer gave me $9,300 for the 5, I was pleased with that. The car is not perfect obviously, makes a ton of noise, needs rear brakes and struts. He gave me his family discount on the Journey due to my girlfriend's family link with him, and wether it's true or not, I don't know, but the paper work he showed me says he made $550 on the car. He also said he'll give me a loaner car when it's in for service. Something he only does for family and select friends. They do not actually have a loaner car policy. That will be a big help since my company moved out of town recently.
The 5 always felt fragile to me, something I posted on this forum back in '07 when I first got it. Turned out, at least in my car's case, I was right. First impressions with the Journey are that it's a tougher vehicle. I hope I'm right. But I will admit all the fancy electronics worry me. Things like that are usually the first to go in the long run.
I had a lot of fun on this forum, posting pictures of what would fit in the 5 especially. The 5 holds stuff like the Eagle Summit Wagon I had in the 90s. That I will miss.
have fun everybody... thanks for all the advice and information over the years.
EDIT: anybody want a Mazda CX-7 stubby antenna for their 5? I bought it at the dealer, and used it for 4 years, it's in perfect operating condition. I'll sell it for $9 shipping included to lower 48 states. PM me. (SOLD to hurschel - thanks)
also... if you're near CT I have 4 used Michelin x-ice (ice-x?) winter tires and stock 5 rims with still-useable summer tires on them that I'll sell for a good deal. pick up only.
the V6 is nice after driving 4 bangers for so long (Eagle Summit, Focus, then the 5), the six speed transmission is nice too. But it's the ride that I love. So quiet, so perfect over road irregularities. This car is really impressive.
The dealer gave me $9,300 for the 5, I was pleased with that. The car is not perfect obviously, makes a ton of noise, needs rear brakes and struts. He gave me his family discount on the Journey due to my girlfriend's family link with him, and wether it's true or not, I don't know, but the paper work he showed me says he made $550 on the car. He also said he'll give me a loaner car when it's in for service. Something he only does for family and select friends. They do not actually have a loaner car policy. That will be a big help since my company moved out of town recently.
The 5 always felt fragile to me, something I posted on this forum back in '07 when I first got it. Turned out, at least in my car's case, I was right. First impressions with the Journey are that it's a tougher vehicle. I hope I'm right. But I will admit all the fancy electronics worry me. Things like that are usually the first to go in the long run.
I had a lot of fun on this forum, posting pictures of what would fit in the 5 especially. The 5 holds stuff like the Eagle Summit Wagon I had in the 90s. That I will miss.
have fun everybody... thanks for all the advice and information over the years.
EDIT: anybody want a Mazda CX-7 stubby antenna for their 5? I bought it at the dealer, and used it for 4 years, it's in perfect operating condition. I'll sell it for $9 shipping included to lower 48 states. PM me. (SOLD to hurschel - thanks)
also... if you're near CT I have 4 used Michelin x-ice (ice-x?) winter tires and stock 5 rims with still-useable summer tires on them that I'll sell for a good deal. pick up only.
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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
If it makes you happy, you made the right move. Good luck.
Keep us posted on how it goes. Regarding the revelations you are having in your new vehicle: if you didn't expect a 600 LB heavier car to ride better over bumps and feel "perfect over road irregularities" compared to a 5 then you haven't owned many vehicles. That's part of getting at least 5 MPG worse on average. It's a trade off that you have to weigh when you buy a car. 600 LBs and $10K in price SHOULD feel like a tougher car. I hope, as you do, that it is more reliable, not tougher because it is by nature. You are wanting carefree, not tougher. You bought a completely different vehicle with a completely different purpose. The comparison, while entertaining, is useless when it comes to comparing cars since they are in completely different categories.
I think Chrysler sucks, but just like Ford, they could have turned things around and the Journey could be a great car. In the interest of loving cars, not bashing people, I hope it turns out great for you. I would love it if you checked in periodically and kept us abreast of the status, good or bad. Enjoy the car you love man.
Greetings from T.O.!
I was wondering what kind of bushings you got to replace yours with. I was reading up on this elsewhere, and some people recommend polyurethane... others recommend thermoplast.
Our problems with the squeaky rear of our 2009 Mazda 5 started when the dealership fixed a "clanking" sound that the muffler was making bouncing around.
From what I've read, the problem seems to be with the stabilizer bar and bushings... I figure I'll try dealing with that before I look into the shocks, etc.
Thanks for any help you might offer.
I was wondering what kind of bushings you got to replace yours with. I was reading up on this elsewhere, and some people recommend polyurethane... others recommend thermoplast.
Our problems with the squeaky rear of our 2009 Mazda 5 started when the dealership fixed a "clanking" sound that the muffler was making bouncing around.
From what I've read, the problem seems to be with the stabilizer bar and bushings... I figure I'll try dealing with that before I look into the shocks, etc.
Thanks for any help you might offer.
haven't been in here in a long time... no need to since I don't have the 5 anymore, but I thought I would leave a 1-1/2 year impression of the Journey.
still a great vehicle, with only 25,000 miles on it. I average only 19mpg combined, and have gotten as high as 28 highway only. The V6 engine and six speed trans are a delight. The three rows of seating are good, and I've even had six 5-10" guys sitting in it on work lunch runs. The cargo area is not as tall as the 5, and I miss that. Two bicycles do not fit inside as easily as the 5.
I added some lower stripes to lessen some of the minivan look and tinted the fog lights:
only problem the car has had so far was front brake rotors. Chrysler redesigned them and replaced them under warranty, and now the new ones don't warp.
so far I'm very happy with this purchase. The wife likes it a lot too. She has a Subaru Forester (2010), and whenever she takes my car, she comes back saying "that thing is SO nice."
two more things; this is a completely different ride and experience than the 5. I have always liked both small sporty cars (I drive a Miata too), and large cushy cars (drove Town Cars for 10 years). This car has the same feel and sound as a Town Car, so it appealed to me immediately. But I'm weird like that.
the all wheel drive system works great. With all the storms we've been getting in CT lately, it's nice to have. I am not running winter tires, and have driven through some serious winter Noreasters and didn't need them (it's equipped with 19" all season Kumhos)
that's my update.
sorry for resurrecting an old thread.
still a great vehicle, with only 25,000 miles on it. I average only 19mpg combined, and have gotten as high as 28 highway only. The V6 engine and six speed trans are a delight. The three rows of seating are good, and I've even had six 5-10" guys sitting in it on work lunch runs. The cargo area is not as tall as the 5, and I miss that. Two bicycles do not fit inside as easily as the 5.
I added some lower stripes to lessen some of the minivan look and tinted the fog lights:
only problem the car has had so far was front brake rotors. Chrysler redesigned them and replaced them under warranty, and now the new ones don't warp.
so far I'm very happy with this purchase. The wife likes it a lot too. She has a Subaru Forester (2010), and whenever she takes my car, she comes back saying "that thing is SO nice."
two more things; this is a completely different ride and experience than the 5. I have always liked both small sporty cars (I drive a Miata too), and large cushy cars (drove Town Cars for 10 years). This car has the same feel and sound as a Town Car, so it appealed to me immediately. But I'm weird like that.
the all wheel drive system works great. With all the storms we've been getting in CT lately, it's nice to have. I am not running winter tires, and have driven through some serious winter Noreasters and didn't need them (it's equipped with 19" all season Kumhos)
that's my update.
sorry for resurrecting an old thread.
