Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

xwesx

pensfan83 said:

The entire area is close enough to be convenient but far enough to make you feel like the city is hundreds of miles away.

Very true! We came from the north side when we stopped in there, and it seemed fairly rural (for that part of the country, anyway) for a good many miles. However, we left from the south end and headed to Baltimore to catch our flight home, and I was shocked at how quickly that rural feel vanished.

It is probably one of the few towns in America that doesn't even have a fueling station.

28firefighter

Someone submitted an app on the Stelvio, so we'll see how that goes. I'll take over driving the BMW for 5 more months. Then we need to figure out what comes next.

For the life of me, I have no idea what I want - except another GTI of course, which is not a viable option at this point for size reasons.

pensfan83

With family hauling duties taken over by the Outback, what about a GLI?

28firefighter

It is high on the list. My one serious concern about it is that, wait for it, it has no rear air conditioning vents. I have no idea what clown came up with that cost cutting measure but the importance of cool air flowing to the back of a car with kids is crucial in avoiding motion sickness...

marcogallo1986

@ 28 firefighter good luck I hope it goes through readable to swap the lease to new person with no issues. What site are you using? You have five months to decide what you want, man eventually you’ll be able to get another GTI again when the kids are a bit older I guess. Anyone in here have any suggestions on what he should get, I’m guessing best to be an SUV?

pensfan83

Let me also add that as your son gets older having more than one USB port is a must if he has any electronic devices. If there's one gripe about the Acura it's that it only has one USB port in the front console. We're pretty regimented when it comes to "technology" as its known in our house but over a 4-5 hour drive things eventually die. Which means when devices need charged I need to unplug from Waze for example.

And that is a bizarre omission, I thought that was pretty much standard fare now.

laurasdada

Much against my better judgement, I'll be on the Cape this 4th weekend, with the GF and her family. Visiting such natural wonders as ice cream stands and mini-golf courses. Perhaps a trip to Martha's Vineyard on her uncle's boat for lunch (actually, I hope we do that, he does it somewhat regularly).

Likely, she'll be driving us down in the CX-5, easier for her mother to ingress/egress than my car.

The urge to new car grows stronger, perhaps I don't trust entering year 7 in the XF. Although, it's given me no signs of impending doom... In the realm of reality replacements, looking to go smaller, on my radar:

'20 Jag XE (I've read good reviews of the updates. And, well, Jag)
Volvo S60
Porsche Macan, likely used. Really, the only SUV/CUV whatever that interests me, not even the Jag SUV's pique my interest.
BMW M235/M240
MB C43
Audi A5 Coupe or SportBack.

But, it's so nice not having car payments and minimal property taxes on the 5.5 yo XF.

What's a staid, frugal New England boy to do?

corvette

pensfan83 said:

Let me also add that as your son gets older having more than one USB port is a must if he has any electronic devices. If there's one gripe about the Acura it's that it only has one USB port in the front console. We're pretty regimented when it comes to "technology" as its known in our house but over a 4-5 hour drive things eventually die. Which means when devices need charged I need to unplug from Waze for example.

I’d invest in a 12v USB charger that plugs into the lighter socket (and a splitter for the socket if it’s otherwise occupied). I have chargers like that in both cars.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

It is high on the list. My one serious concern about it is that, wait for it, it has no rear air conditioning vents. I have no idea what clown came up with that cost cutting measure but the importance of cool air flowing to the back of a car with kids is crucial in avoiding motion sickness...

What's more important? Driving Dyanmics or Rear A/C Vents? LOL!

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Someone submitted an app on the Stelvio, so we'll see how that goes. I'll take over driving the BMW for 5 more months. Then we need to figure out what comes next.

For the life of me, I have no idea what I want - except another GTI of course, which is not a viable option at this point for size reasons.

I know someone trying to unload an Alltrak!

stickguy

Open the windows. Will get more air than you know what to do with. Side bonus, can’t hear the whining!

On the USB, I have a USB splitter and a cig lighter adapter. So we make do. Other option is a power pack charger.

28firefighter

nyccarguy said:

28firefighter said:

It is high on the list. My one serious concern about it is that, wait for it, it has no rear air conditioning vents. I have no idea what clown came up with that cost cutting measure but the importance of cool air flowing to the back of a car with kids is crucial in avoiding motion sickness...

What's more important? Driving Dyanmics or Rear A/C Vents? LOL!

Yes.

tjc78

Other option is a power pack charger

I must have 10 of those around between briefcase, home and office (vendors give them out all the time) but never seem to have one when I need it.

Enclave has three ports, 2 of which are charge only in the second row. I wish it had a 110V outlet like our LaCrosse did. That was handy.

stickguy

I’m pretty sure my TLX has 2 USB ports up front. No clue about the back though.

nyccarguy

@28firefighter - That was quick!

pensfan83

stickguy said:

I’m pretty sure my TLX has 2 USB ports up front. No clue about the back though.

Are you referring to the bin in front of the gear selector? If so mine has a USB port and 12V there. In the center console there's the aux jack and another 12V port. There's no USB ports in the back.

stickguy

I need to check later.

marcogallo1986

New Palisades is on sale now thank went on sale yesterday because none locally here was looking online in case anyone’s interested in a large SUV.

marcogallo1986

You explore there’s also on sale two for none locally, who the search nationwide can’t find any just yet. Probably by next week will be some wasted. But plenty of leftover 2019 if anyone’s interested in a large SUV like that. I get my dad to start looking soon but he would need anything big like the two I mentioned. Need something mid size or smaller depending what he likes.

marcogallo1986

Something tells me my dad will go with another Hyundai, he was already talking about a Santa Fe or Tucson.

marcogallo1986

So I will see if my contact at the local Hyundai dealer and even 2 miles away if she still works there from a couple of years ago.

stickguy

I just now got an email from dealer that palisades arrived. Looks nice, good revues, but way too big for us.

kyfdx

US Bank just sent me the "you are getting close to lease end" letter on the Tacoma.. Just 358 days before lease end...

sda

I agree, too large, at least for our next purchase. I think the Passport will be a contender for my wife. She also likes the Audi Q5 but is wary of potential expensive maintenance and repairs based on our experience with previous German cars.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

US Bank just sent me the "you are getting close to lease end" letter on the Tacoma.. Just 358 days before lease end...

Funny, as I've got about 6 weeks left on the Jetta and haven't heard from VW about scheduling the lease end inspection.

The dealers, OTOH, are pretty persistent...

stickguy

my wife might like the passport. Will feel a little more like our RDX maybe. But who knows. If we were looking now, I would also show her the V60 and XC60 Volvos, BMW X3, and Subaru OB (new one). along with the Passport and RDX. Might throw in a Santa Fe just for kicks.

28firefighter

First day of rain here in Seattle. The outback definitely isn't new anymore now, though somehow I feel as though it will feel more at home in the rain and looking a little dirty than it will in shiny new condition.

stickguy

I had to chase after VW. they finally sent something maybe a month before. All the info was online though. Need to call to schedule someone to come out and inspect it at your house. Then just drop it at a dealer and go.

tjc78

Palisade will be on the list to replace the Enclave next year. I’m on the other side I wish it was the same size as the Enclave. I’m not sure what the numbers say, but it certainly seemed a little smaller (especially behind the third row) when I looked at it during the Philly car show.

tjc78

Hyundai hasn’t said a peep and mine goes back 11/7.

corvette

The CR-V is closer in size to the Q5, IMO. Can’t really comment on reliability, as my parents’ ‘18 only has about 10,000 miles.

sda

corvette said:

The CR-V is closer in size to the Q5, IMO. Can’t really comment on reliability, as my parents’ ‘18 only has about 10,000 miles.

Though we’ve had a CR-V in the past, a good vehicle that only required regular maintenance, my wife isn’t interested in another one. I won’t rule it out.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I had to chase after VW. they finally sent something maybe a month before. All the info was online though. Need to call to schedule someone to come out and inspect it at your house. Then just drop it at a dealer and go.

Thanks for the update. I make my last payment on the 17th, so if I haven't heard anything by then, I'll chase after them.

stickguy

you can go to VW credit website and log into your account. there is a tab for lease ending. I think you can request the inspection right from there. Or it has the number to call. you really don't need VW at all. Once the inspector comes out, he submits the eval to VWC and all you need to do is show up at a dealer and hand it over.

Michaell

stickguy said:

you can go to VW credit website and log into your account. there is a tab for lease ending. I think you can request the inspection right from there. Or it has the number to call. you really don't need VW at all. Once the inspector comes out, he submits the eval to VWC and all you need to do is show up at a dealer and hand it over.

Done!

Inspection set for 7/18, one month and one day before the return date.

stickguy

if you wanted a replacement they would take care of it all together. but even if you just hand it back, they bill you later and you have some time (60 days I think) to get a new VW and they cancel the disposition fee. That is what we did.

Michaell

stickguy said:

if you wanted a replacement they would take care of it all together. but even if you just hand it back, they bill you later and you have some time (60 days I think) to get a new VW and they cancel the disposition fee. That is what we did.

I read through the end of lease process. I may have to attend to the dent on the front passenger door, depending on the size, and I know there will be a disposition fee, which I'll get billed for.

Still no plans to replace it, at this point. I drive it maybe once or twice a week at this point.

tjc78

I still have to get my wife's Uh Oh taken care of the passenger door of the Enclave. That's going to ding me $1,000 for sure. Ugh

Elantra should be good to go as usual. No dents or curb rash on the wheels. Interior is perfect except for two 1" light scratches on a door panel from me carrying a metal fixture that slid and hit the panel.

stickguy

Michael, let them look first. they waive up to a certain size, and somewhat depends on the inspector's mood. if they are going to hit you for it you know up front, and have the option to just eat it or get it fixed yourself (though I believe that requires having someone come back out?) The couple of small items on my 2 leases I was worried about got noted in the inspection, but were both N/C.

tjc78

I really think the overall condition of the car plays into it.

I'm sure when they inspect the car if it's clearly been through hell you'll get charged for something that is a little beyond the specs. OTOH if the car is otherwise perfect and cared for I can see the inspector letting the one thing go.

For example... I'm sure a smokers car that was never cleaned in three years would cost the same to make right than one ding that PDR could fix.

stickguy

Hyundai sent a kit in the mail that included a measuring tool. if you could hide a ding or scratch under it, it was free.

tjc78

Good to know. Where do you return the car, dealer?

kyfdx

Input needed:
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/56813/general/x/advice-on-which-direction-to-go-with-a-new-truck#latest

stickguy

yup. once the inspection is done (at your house, or work, whereever) it is in the computer, and you just show up at a dealer and they finish up. Takes about 15 minutes for them to do a quick visual (comparing to the inspection report I assume) and check the miles, have you sign a turn in form, and you are good to go.

tjc78

Perfect. I'll have them inspect at work and then just return to Turnersville since that's closer.. I'm 99% sure I won't be getting another Hyundai so I'll be stuck with the dispo fee.

Funny story from years ago. My 2006 Avalon was leased through an outside bank (Hann Financial) and they would inspect and pick up the car the same day. I arranged to have it done at work. I had someone ask if I was having hard times... they thought it was being repossessed. I asked why they would think that and the response was it happened to them.

stickguy

while you are there can pick out the next car to take home! Unless of course you have it on hand first, since does not sound like you guys can get by with one.

tjc78

No those days are over. We go in completely different directions now.

Like I said a few weeks ago. I'm going to start test driving around Labor Day.

Budget is $400 /month with $1000 DAS (preferably less)

Short list:

Volvo S60 (will have to get a Costco membership, as they offer a huge rebate)
BMW 3/4 (loaners) Not having loyalty hurts on the 4
Infiniti Q50
Fusion Energi Titanium (wife really likes the idea of a plug in, me not so much)

I'm sure there are others, but the only thing for sure is it will not be an SUV!

au1994

tjc78 said:

No those days are over. We go in completely different directions now.

Like I said a few weeks ago. I'm going to start test driving around Labor Day.

Budget is $400 /month with $1000 DAS (preferably less)

Short list:

Volvo S60 (will have to get a Costco membership, as they offer a huge rebate)
BMW 3/4 (loaners) Not having loyalty hurts on the 4
Infiniti Q50
Fusion Energi Titanium (wife really likes the idea of a plug in, me not so much)

I'm sure there are others, but the only thing for sure is it will not be an SUV!

Nice list. I’m sure with the Costco discount you could get a nice S60 for those terms. That would be my choice.

28firefighter

au1994 said:

tjc78 said:

No those days are over. We go in completely different directions now.

Like I said a few weeks ago. I'm going to start test driving around Labor Day.

Budget is $400 /month with $1000 DAS (preferably less)

Short list:

Volvo S60 (will have to get a Costco membership, as they offer a huge rebate)
BMW 3/4 (loaners) Not having loyalty hurts on the 4
Infiniti Q50
Fusion Energi Titanium (wife really likes the idea of a plug in, me not so much)

I'm sure there are others, but the only thing for sure is it will not be an SUV!

Nice list. I’m sure with the Costco discount you could get a nice S60 for those terms. That would be my choice.

If still available. The $3k Volvo S60 Costco rebate has expired...for now.

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

No those days are over. We go in completely different directions now.

Like I said a few weeks ago. I'm going to start test driving around Labor Day.

Budget is $400 /month with $1000 DAS (preferably less)

Short list:

Volvo S60 (will have to get a Costco membership, as they offer a huge rebate)
BMW 3/4 (loaners) Not having loyalty hurts on the 4
Infiniti Q50
Fusion Energi Titanium (wife really likes the idea of a plug in, me not so much)

I'm sure there are others, but the only thing for sure is it will not be an SUV!

You can get a better deal on a loaner S60 without costco.

Someone is currently advertising $57k T6 models for $339+tax with $2500 DAS.