Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

Sandman6472

Body shop was less then helpful with the door issue. Explained the issue numerous times but the guy was just not paying attention. Of course, everything worked perfect when he checked the door. Said he thinks it's electrical and mentioned bringing the dealer into play. Not something I'm really comfortable at this juncture. Asked when I could come back as workers were at lunch but got a confused look. By now, he was on his cell so basically nothing is resolved. Told him, "basically I'm screwed here" and he just walked away!
Figured best not to make a fuss right now as they are a good shop and might need them in the future. But will write a note to them that I was disappointed at how they've dropped the ball here, I've still got this issue & no plan has been put into place as what comes next. Doubt it'll do any good and am surprised that such a good shop just has no interest in helping me.
Waiting till the new 2020 Hyundai Venue comes out as it's really piqued my interest. Seems to be the same size as the Golf, something I really want. It sits up just a little bit so hoping ingress/egress will be a bit easier for me. Hoping it has the 1.6T engine so to get some better grunt off the line plus a few extra mpg's. And I'm happy to own another Hyundai or even Kia product going forward. The extra warranty is nice and I like a warranty. So, will wait till the fall and see it when it debuts and go from there. Plan is to keep on working at this point and have a hunch I'll be going into 2020. Like my co-worker said yesterday, you like this job, it's easy and you get paid to do something you really love. And staying home will get old after a few weeks. Your wife wants to keep working, so just stay the course. Agreed with him and figure, I'll know when the time has come to resign. Best not to put any limits on it now and just go with the flow.
One good thing, am finally ready to think about replacing the Golf. Think I'm finally ready!

stickguy

Michael, if you really want a car, get up and show up at home. Your wife will forgive you. Probably.

stickguy

Sandy, You ever test drive the Elantra GT?

corvette

henryn said:

Does the car have a cigarette lighter? If so, those are fused at 20 amps or greater. So get a "cig lighter to USB converter". Then a good USB cable, and you should be set. Something like this:

I have that. The issue is if I plug the phone into that alone, I can’t stream audio from the phone to the car stereo. I’m comfortable continuing to use the y-cable, just know now not to plug or unplug the power adapter when the car is on and it’s “hot.” 

corvette

Yeah, the G delivered a solid 24 MPG running 80-85 MPH, and 25 or 26 at lower speeds on non-limited access highways. 

28firefighter

Very true, @kyfdx. I'm actually thrilled with how the car feels now - much much tighter and 95% less steering play than I had.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, if you really want a car, get up and show up at home. Your wife will forgive you. Probably.

You don't know my wife. That's kind of how it went down with the Jetta.

I'll be ok driving the Outback. And, I'm sure I'll get a third car at some point down the road. Hoping the new business spins off enough cash...

corvette

Apparently the USB Y-adapter power cables don't work with iOS devices--I confirmed that my phone was only getting the 5 watts from the car regardless of whether I had the "enhancer" side plugged in. I'm returning it to Amazon.

I'm actually impressed that the phone was able to more or less maintain a charge with GPS running while only receiving 5 watts.

roadburner

So, just for giggles I decided to check into the car my wife thinks I “need.” I emailed a dealer that has received good reviews online as well as from a couple of my friends. I was specific as to year, color, and packages. I got a reply from the internet sales guy telling me he could assist me with finding the car I wanted. Only it was the wrong year and model. So I replied reiterating what I was looking for. Crickets. Called at lunch today and left a message. Ditto.
At least I tried. 

tjc78

My wife keeps telling me I “need” a BMW... I may have to take her up on that. 

Lease is up Nov 6th. Hitting the pavement week after Labor day to start the process.   Hoping to score a deal on a loaner.  

This one really has my eye. 

https://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/wholesale-used/BMW/2019-BMW-430i-Mount-Laurel-6a711e630a0d04fe49290f79eb81dfde.htm

For some reason I like the 4 series better than the 3.  

corvette

rb, that’s similar to my experience looking for a G37. Met with the Internet manager at a local used car dealership chain and he ghosted me, etc. It’s really a race to the bottom. 

Second free oil change on the G37 is this Saturday. Looking forward to hitting up a distillery afterwards! 

sda

roadburner said:

So, just for giggles I decided to check into the car my wife thinks I “need.” I emailed a dealer that has received good reviews online as well as from a couple of my friends. I was specific as to year, color, and packages. I got a reply from the internet sales guy telling me he could assist me with finding the car I wanted. Only it was the wrong year and model. So I replied reiterating what I was looking for. Crickets. Called at lunch today and left a message. Ditto.
At least I tried. 

Incredible, especially since you were very specific.

28firefighter

Well.  Viggen is back from Les Schwab. My oh my is this nice. Tight, responsive steering with no more play or chattering over bumps.  Car feels like new.  

Also the guy who did the front suspension bits reconnected the front bumper. Only thing left cosmetically is to deal with the wheels. 

sda

28firefighter said:

Well.  Viggen is back from Les Schwab. My oh my is this nice. Tight, responsive steering with no more play or chattering over bumps.  Car feels like new.  

Also the guy who did the front suspension bits reconnected the front bumper. Only thing left cosmetically is to deal with the wheels. 

Detailed pics always encouraged!

28firefighter

sda said:

Well.  Viggen is back from Les Schwab. My oh my is this nice. Tight, responsive steering with no more play or chattering over bumps.  Car feels like new.  

Also the guy who did the front suspension bits reconnected the front bumper. Only thing left cosmetically is to deal with the wheels. 

Detailed pics always encouraged!

I thought about taking some pictures during surgery but forgot. I’ll get some more when I figure the wheel situation out. 

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

Well.  Viggen is back from Les Schwab. My oh my is this nice. Tight, responsive steering with no more play or chattering over bumps.  Car feels like new.  

Also the guy who did the front suspension bits reconnected the front bumper. Only thing left cosmetically is to deal with the wheels. 

Awesome!  Nothing like having your fun car run great & look great too

Mr_Shiftright

Suggestions for this member, who is looking to tow a pop-up camper?

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/55827/general/x/what-would-be-best-for-towing-a-pop-up-camper/p1?new=1

roadburner

tjc78 said:

My wife keeps telling me I “need” a BMW... I may have to take her up on that. 

Lease is up Nov 6th. Hitting the pavement week after Labor day to start the process.   Hoping to score a deal on a loaner.  

This one really has my eye. 

https://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/wholesale-used/BMW/2019-BMW-430i-Mount-Laurel-6a711e630a0d04fe49290f79eb81dfde.htm

For some reason I like the 4 series better than the 3.  

I like the 4ers as well. When I worked at BMW my NCM had a 435i GC M Sport with a Dinan Exhaust and tune. I drove it several times. Really sweet. Later we had a new 440i GC M Sport with the Track Handling Package and M Performance Power and Sound. It was pretty quick.

roadburner

I have a 2019 X3 loaner while the X1 is in for the Takata recall and an oil service. I REALLY like the new X3. I'd be seriously tempted by an M40i.

stickguy

TJC, nice color combo. I like the 4 series too.

au1994

Yeah, thats a good color combo and the 4 series is good looking, both in coupe and GC form.

Personally I just don't find the BMW 4 as smooth as the VW/Audi 4

tjc78

I have a similar interior color in the Enclave. We will see... they only way I'm getting one is to score a loaner lease deal similar to what Q was able to do.

I won't throw an Infiniti Q out of my driveway either.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

I have a similar interior color in the Enclave. We will see... they only way I'm getting one is to score a loaner lease deal similar to what Q was able to do.

I won't throw an Infiniti Q out of my driveway either.

Speaking of driveways, my neighbor across the street just had his ripped up and re-done yesterday. I never in my life thought I would be envious of asphalt. It is PERFECT!

marcogallo1986

Nice 28 fire  fighter on having the toy all  fixed up and good to go.

marcogallo1986

TJC   Hope you are  able to get that BMW  you want in nov 

marcogallo1986

 Send man that’s a rarity I’ve never heard Dr. whair Life as of yet, how did your appointment go today? Sorry to hear the body shop wasn’t helpful if it should’ve been. 

marcogallo1986

 Wendy’s is one of my favorites too, think I had it once a few weeks ago got some chili. Don’t get to work as often as I should. There’s one around here more McDonald’s and Burger King though. Although I know you need that stuff often ha ha. Sounds like you’re having an awesome trip so glad to hear it. 

au1994

nyccarguy said:

tjc78 said:

I have a similar interior color in the Enclave. We will see... they only way I'm getting one is to score a loaner lease deal similar to what Q was able to do.

I won't throw an Infiniti Q out of my driveway either.

Speaking of driveways, my neighbor across the street just had his ripped up and re-done yesterday. I never in my life thought I would be envious of asphalt. It is PERFECT!

Thats funny. We got a new roof last year and went with a different color of shingle. Never thought when I was 20 I'd be exited about a roof and call it 'pretty'! Different priorities at different stages in life!

kyfdx

I was all fired up over my new gutters, last year.

ab348

I have 1970s aluminum siding on my house that is the older style (8" reveal, woodgrain pattern) thankfully in a muted shade of green. It is very dated-looking and periodically I think maybe I should bite the bullet and update it. But then I look at the options and the cost thereof and it doesn't bother me quite so much.

kyfdx

My wife wants granite counter tops. For the last ten years.

ab348

kyfdx said:

My wife wants granite counter tops. For the last ten years.

Granite is so last decade. It is Quartz or poured concrete these days. I like the first and don't get the love for the second.

corvette

I have very thick poured concrete. I like it, but if I were choosing, I’d get quartz. 

Sandman6472

Hate our asphalt driveway and get it resealed every year or so but after a month, looks like crap again. All the neighbors did stamped concrete on theirs and it looks beautiful. Next door, they even re-shaped the whole thing, so showed it to the wife and we discussed it. We're on a cul-de-sac and have a pie shaped lot, so a circular drive in front won't work. That's what I've always wanted because of the flexibility when have multiple vehicles. But since it's not possible, figured we'd just widen it enough so we could fit 3 vehicles across it. At that time, they were asking around $3500 and she couldn't decide. So, we did nothing. Still, I'd like to do something to get more space out front. No matter what we do, the garage will still house both vehicles at night unless we have to store something big temporarily. Have the cash all put aside so when she does give me the thumbs up, I'll take care of it.

sda

We installed quartz countertops 4 years ago. They look great, and have been maintenance free, no periodic sealers needed. It was a big spend and am glad we did so.

andres3

Did someone mention poor paint jobs on Fits?

I've noticed not even VW has paint jobs like this (photo credit to SDAC and ACLA members) I'll pay extra for a good paint job on a new car:

stickguy

back home after a 5 day mini vacation to Charleston. Wonderful city. Highly recommended. Anyway, after 5 days with a rental Fiesta (hey, I got the cheapo special rate, and wanted as small as possible!) getting back in my TLX was incredible. The Fiesta served it's purpose fine, but no way I could live with one permanently. Not just light on features, but functionally, lags behind.

but, city parking, it was amazing for that. And our airBnB came with parking (a huge perk in the city), but the spot was crazy tight (had to thread up a tiny alley and snake through some staircases). Something full sized (heck, possibly the TLX) would have needed 3 spotters to get in and out without taking down a couple of decks.

on the plus side, CarPlay worked flawlessly. easier than in my car.

tifighter

Looks like my "old" Volvo has now gone up for sale-

https://sandbergvolvocars.com/used/Volvo/2015-Volvo-XC70-lynnwood-wa-7235b83a0a0e0a170a28c3ba671eb4b3.htm

28firefighter

Looks really nice! Love the color. Only a few miles up the road from me.

stickguy

Nice wagon. I love it he color. But prefer beige interior with it.

au1994

I like that generation of the XC.

pensfan83

What I thought was the first hiccup with the Acura turned out to be a recall. The root cause is particulates clogging the pump and my complaint to service was the car felt sluggish off the line and accelerating at highway speed. The stated fix is a software update or replacement of the pump.

@graphicguy yours probably is impacted too, looks like it's 2015-2019 TLX's with the V6.

laurasdada

ab348 said:

kyfdx said:

My wife wants granite counter tops. For the last ten years.

Granite is so last decade. It is Quartz or poured concrete these days. I like the first and don't get the love for the second.

Two words: For. Mica.

marcogallo1986

Stick guy glad to  here you all had an good. Trip!

mjfloyd1

Ended up picking up a Bosch battery with a 4 year replacement warranty on sale at PepBoys for $146 and it also has a $40 rebate. I discussed battery replacement with the MB dealer and they charge 1.1 hours labor. He said you have to remove the front passenger seat. You really only have to move the seat all the way forward. You have to cut the carpet at the marks provided by MB to get the battery out. Simple process so I’ll do it with a friend (I still can only lift 10 pounds).

Have not had time to pick up loaner but they say it is available. I do not think that the parts are in yet.

I don't know if I came out and said it but I am 2.5 weeks out from robotic prostatectomy. Path was good and disease contained to prostate. Lymph nodes were negative. I stopped pain meds one week post op and started driving 10 days post op. I worked at 11 days post op as well. Laying in bed does not suit me well at all.

I'd like to say thanks to @thebean (Larry) and @28firefighter (Alex) for the PM's, texts and calls.

28firefighter

Really good news!!!

ab348

@mjfloyd1 that is great news about your procedure. The battery replacement is bizarre though. Cutting the carpet?

nyccarguy

Wonderful news @mjfloyd1

mjfloyd1

ab348 said:

@mjfloyd1 that is great news about your procedure. The battery replacement is bizarre though. Cutting the carpet?

It’s under the front seat so it will never be seen. They must put the battery in before the interior goes in and MB makes marks to show where to cut it. It’s just a couple inches on each side then you roll it under and out of the way. Take out one clip then squeeze two pieces and take out a piece of plastic above the battery. Remove 2 hold down bolts and the metal battery hold down. Then loosen + and minus clamps and pull battery out but it’s is like 48 pounds 

Even if you remove the front passenger seat, you still have to cut the carpet so I can’t figure out what the point is.

jpp75

tjc78 said:

I have a similar interior color in the Enclave. We will see... they only way I'm getting one is to score a loaner lease deal similar to what Q was able to do.

I won't throw an Infiniti Q out of my driveway either.

I had a Q50 3.0t for a rental in Atlanta this week, I put ~100 miles on it. The power is fine, but it's completely uninspiring. Even with the steering set to sport mode it felt loose. Comfy for sure, but overall nothing remarkable.