If you like the dealer, I'd take it there. They will be astounded at the low, low mileage and who knows, maybe make you an offer you can't refuse.
Lots of good ideas guys, and all suggestions are appreciated.
Not a misprint, the car has 5,500 miles on it, about 1400 miles a year. We use the E400 in Florida most of the time, my wife uses the Passat to get to her activities when I am at mine. In a way, it would cost less to use a taxi, but, the car has been worth it. One VW dealer offered $16000 as a trade in plus a coupon worth $2000, I think I could trade for a new one for about $7000. Tempting, since I miss not having a rear camera and blind spot warnings. I understand the new turbo models can really go, and that would really change the driving dynamics. I think they could make me a deal I may not be able to refuse...it is possible! I notice VW sales including Passats are down almost 50% from the best year, and down 10% from last year.
I think I will go to the dealer for the oil change, brake fluid I will have checked. I don't think rotating tires will help, these tires will detiorate before they get worn out at this rate.
@driver100 - there are pretty good discounts on the 2017 Passats ... can't imagine you'd need more than the "S" trim, which you could likely get for low 20's before TTL.
$16K trade + $2K coupon would leave maybe $3-4K plus TTL (and tax wouldn't be all that much, what with the trade credit you'd get).
If you like the dealer, I'd take it there. They will be astounded at the low, low mileage and who knows, maybe make you an offer you can't refuse.
Lots of good ideas guys, and all suggestions are appreciated.
Not a misprint, the car has 5,500 miles on it, about 1400 miles a year. We use the E400 in Florida most of the time, my wife uses the Passat to get to her activities when I am at mine. In a way, it would cost less to use a taxi, but, the car has been worth it. One VW dealer offered $16000 as a trade in plus a coupon worth $2000, I think I could trade for a new one for about $7000. Tempting, since I miss not having a rear camera and blind spot warnings. I understand the new turbo models can really go, and that would really change the driving dynamics. I think they could make me a deal I may not be able to refuse...it is possible! I notice VW sales including Passats are down almost 50% from the best year, and down 10% from last year.
I think I will go to the dealer for the oil change, brake fluid I will have checked. I don't think rotating tires will help, these tires will detiorate before they get worn out at this rate.
$7k delta on a car with only 5500 miles is pretty steep on a per mile basis, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Oakland is the area where Pitt and CMU are located. If there was a quake of any size in Oakland, the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Leaning building would have toppled for sure. I don't know of any real earthquake safe structures around here.
I guess I'll just take my chances.
jmonroe
No way, CMU is not in Oakland, thank you very much. I like to think that it's Squirrel Hill South.
Damn, I think you're right.
Just goes to show you I don't even know what part of the city where I went to school.
I guess I thought it was Oakland because I ate too many weenies at the "O" before night school classes.
jmonroe
LOL There was an "O" branch on campus when the new University Center opened. I just checked and it looks like it's gone.
@driver100 - there are pretty good discounts on the 2017 Passats ... can't imagine you'd need more than the "S" trim, which you could likely get for low 20's before TTL.
Hey, c;mon Michaell... this is @driver100 we're talking about here. A guy who buys E-class M-Bs and audis and BMWs. For him it's SEL or nothing!
Without a manual transmission available, I dunno if Mrs. driver would agree to give that up, unless she's been spoiled by her GLK.
So, I need some wise advice....I am sure I came to the right place. I don't usually keep cars past the warranty period, so I am wondering how to handle this.
The 2013 Passat is now 4 years old and has 5500 miles on it. There is a recall notice but I don't believe the parts are in yet...pretty sure it is for the airbags. It does need an oil change within the next 2 weeks.
The questions are: Would you take it to the dealer (who has been excellent) for a simple oil change, or to a garage, or even a quick oil change place?
Would you let them do any service things they suggest at this time, or just limit them to an oil change?
Anything else I should have them check out?
I am having a pretty good time driving the little beast. It feels like about a 1980s bmw in many ways....though I haven't actually driven an 80s bmw. I just think the smooth shifting manual, the great handling and nice suspension, and the size of the car would make it similar to an 80s bmw. (no offence RR)
Talk about salesmen, go in for an oil change and they have you buying a new Mercedes.
If you don't have a trusted independent garage take it to the dealer. A few extra bucks won't kill you. As they said at 5500 miles there's not much else you'd need. Coolant change might be indicated seeing how long it just sits. Don't let them upsell you.
Do you really want a new car? That's not what I think you were asking but if you were and you can afford it go for it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have almost never changed brake fluid, so I looked it up. To make it shortL Mercedes-Benz, for example, says brake fluid should be replaced every two years or 20,000 miles, and Volkswagen says that should be done on most of its models every two years regardless of mileage. Subaru recommends fresh brake fluid every 30,000 miles. More Car Maintenance Coverage On the other hand, most Chevrolets can go 150,000 miles or 10 years, according to Chevy's maintenance schedule, and many Ford, Chrysler and Toyota vehicles don't list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.
Michaell @driver100 - as so many others have said, stick with the dealer. I agree that, even though the miles are low, the time element means that you ought to have more than just an oil change. Other fluids, I should think.
I think best to see dealer. Since they recommend brake flush every 2 years for Passat probably best to do it....sensitive equipment involved, and moisture could lead to big problems. I think anti-freeze and clutch might need change....dealer "seems" trustworthy. Houdini Just play the reluctant buyer until they offer you a deal you can't refuse. My wife says she doesn't want to replace a 4 year old car with 5500 miles on it. She says one day when we aren't as active we may want to get a better car for Florida, then fly down each year. Seems like a good plan to me!
Michaell - there are pretty good discounts on the 2017 Passats ... can't imagine you'd need more than the "S" trim, which you could likely get for low 20's before TTL I think I'd have to get an SE or R Line to get a back up camera and blind spot warning. I'd also want a turbo or V6 to make trading worthwhile. The only thing you'd lose is the stick shift. My wife would really miss the stick......and that really makes the little car fun to drive. I would sacrifice the stick for a turbo or V6, but, I don't think Mrs Driver would. qbrozen $7k delta on a car with only 5500 miles is pretty steep on a per mile basis, though. Plus $900 DOC fee, taxes etc. Not to mention low Cdn $ so it will be more like $10 to $12k. Probably a bit much if I look at this realistically.
JMONROE Without a manual transmission available, I dunno if Mrs. driver would agree to give that up, unless she's been spoiled by her GLK I wouldn't go for the SEL model, it has things I would buy for my primary car, but not for a Florida car used for 5 months to go to tennis (state of the art sound system for one thing). The SE has all the things I would need, and costs about $6k less. She has adjusted to the automatic in the GLK, but the Passat needs the stick, unless it had a turbo or V6.
OF Talk about salesmen, go in for an oil change and they have you buying a new Mercedes. Wouldn't that be something. The dealer sells BMWs and Porsches just next door. Imagine the story the salesman would have for his wife that night....this guy comes in looking for a VW and guess what I sold him........
If you don't have a trusted independent garage take it to the dealer. A few extra bucks won't kill you. As they said at 5500 miles there's not much else you'd need. Coolant change might be indicated seeing how long it just sits. The car hasn't cost us anything for 4 years. I guess it is worth brake fluid, coolant change, brake fluid once every 2 years to keep it running well, so you can buy it in 5 or 6 years.
Do you really want a new car? That's not what I think you were asking but if you were and you can afford it go for it. I considered it because my wife and I prefer more power. But, she says she is happy with the Passat, so it will be a keeper for now.
Thanks all, you comments really help. I'll go to the dealer, get it done right, probably change the fluids and items they recommend, if it makes logical sense.....it will probably be worth it to keep this little gem of a car running nicely for as long as we need it.
the dealers near me are all very competitive with other garages. On price, and convenience. Including no appointment "quicky lube" style drive in for basic services. Plus they do a multipoint inspection. And I know they are using the correct fluids at least.
and key to me, if something gets screwed up, they can't blame me for doing it wrong. put that all together, and for the 1 time a year per car, I just go to the dealer.
learned something interesting today, by accident. I happened to log into my "my Hyundai" account for the first time in ages, and was poking around, and saw that there was a car software update available. So I checked it out.
Turns out, I apparatly can download Apple CarPlay software if I want to. And it is DIY. I click to download to my PC, pull the sim card out of the car, plug that into the PC, download the update, pop it back into the car, and go into settings and hit update. Then wait for the car to load it, and viola. Not sure I will though. I probably would only real use it for Navigation, and I already got that in the car! By the time I learn how to do anything else that I would actually need, probably time to give the car back.
I just found it cool that I could just go online and download/update the car like that.
Well that's just another way to do, and IMO not a reliable way to do an update unless the car is in your driveway, in which case why do you want to be fiddling with the car in your driveway?
and it is a lot easier to do this sitting here watching TV, then to spend 2 hours at the dealer waiting for them to do it. And paying them for the privilege.
After the feedback I got yesterday for XMSirius, I called. They wanted $133 for a year with the Travellink (gas prices at nearby stations/movies/weather) and Select package of stations. No. Then they suggested $64 for 6 months of the same service. Not much different in rate so I said "Uh uh." As she was processing the cancellation approval, She said 5 months for $35. More than my current trial but fine. So I took that.
Now I have to mark my calendars to remember to cancel in April. Call center person was great. I said I rarely use the XM because I rarely drive that car and it's mostly for Fox News channels or other talk stations rather than the music. I asked if they had a talk package instead of the Select group. LOL. She was restate what I had said about use or prices and then go from there. Very calm, professional interaction.
Actually, anything under $99 out the door with tax, title, licenses, and doc fee would have suited me for a year.
I have almost never changed brake fluid, so I looked it up. To make it shortL Mercedes-Benz, for example, says brake fluid should be replaced every two years or 20,000 miles, and Volkswagen says that should be done on most of its models every two years regardless of mileage. Subaru recommends fresh brake fluid every 30,000 miles. More Car Maintenance Coverage On the other hand, most Chevrolets can go 150,000 miles or 10 years, according to Chevy's maintenance schedule, and many Ford, Chrysler and Toyota vehicles don't list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.
Michaell @driver100 - as so many others have said, stick with the dealer. I agree that, even though the miles are low, the time element means that you ought to have more than just an oil change. Other fluids, I should think.
I think best to see dealer. Since they recommend brake flush every 2 years for Passat probably best to do it....sensitive equipment involved, and moisture could lead to big problems. I think anti-freeze and clutch might need change....dealer "seems" trustworthy. Houdini Just play the reluctant buyer until they offer you a deal you can't refuse. My wife says she doesn't want to replace a 4 year old car with 5500 miles on it. She says one day when we aren't as active we may want to get a better car for Florida, then fly down each year. Seems like a good plan to me!
Michaell - there are pretty good discounts on the 2017 Passats ... can't imagine you'd need more than the "S" trim, which you could likely get for low 20's before TTL I think I'd have to get an SE or R Line to get a back up camera and blind spot warning. I'd also want a turbo or V6 to make trading worthwhile. The only thing you'd lose is the stick shift. My wife would really miss the stick......and that really makes the little car fun to drive. I would sacrifice the stick for a turbo or V6, but, I don't think Mrs Driver would. qbrozen $7k delta on a car with only 5500 miles is pretty steep on a per mile basis, though. Plus $900 DOC fee, taxes etc. Not to mention low Cdn $ so it will be more like $10 to $12k. Probably a bit much if I look at this realistically.
JMONROE Without a manual transmission available, I dunno if Mrs. driver would agree to give that up, unless she's been spoiled by her GLK I wouldn't go for the SEL model, it has things I would buy for my primary car, but not for a Florida car used for 5 months to go to tennis (state of the art sound system for one thing). The SE has all the things I would need, and costs about $6k less. She has adjusted to the automatic in the GLK, but the Passat needs the stick, unless it had a turbo or V6.
OF Talk about salesmen, go in for an oil change and they have you buying a new Mercedes. Wouldn't that be something. The dealer sells BMWs and Porsches just next door. Imagine the story the salesman would have for his wife that night....this guy comes in looking for a VW and guess what I sold him........
If you don't have a trusted independent garage take it to the dealer. A few extra bucks won't kill you. As they said at 5500 miles there's not much else you'd need. Coolant change might be indicated seeing how long it just sits. The car hasn't cost us anything for 4 years. I guess it is worth brake fluid, coolant change, brake fluid once every 2 years to keep it running well, so you can buy it in 5 or 6 years.
Do you really want a new car? That's not what I think you were asking but if you were and you can afford it go for it. I considered it because my wife and I prefer more power. But, she says she is happy with the Passat, so it will be a keeper for now.
Thanks all, you comments really help. I'll go to the dealer, get it done right, probably change the fluids and items they recommend, if it makes logical sense.....it will probably be worth it to keep this little gem of a car running nicely for as long as we need it.
I agree with your logic driver. My 2010 LS 460 really hasn't changed much in the last 6 years. I test drive a new one about every other year and I don't seen much change in the way they look and drive. In some ways I like what I have better, so no new car for me until a real game changer comes along that I can't resist.
After the feedback I got yesterday for XMSirius, I called
Actually, anything under $99 out the door with tax, title, licenses, and doc fee would have suited me for a year.
That is how I look at it. I called just before automatic renewal, the renewal price would be $20 a month, $240 a year. My, I can live without it price came down to $120 a year (Cdn) + $13 tax and fees........It is worth about $10 a month to me, and that is my limit.
I have almost never changed brake fluid, so I looked it up. To make it shortL Mercedes-Benz, for example, says brake fluid should be replaced every two years or 20,000 miles, and Volkswagen says that should be done on most of its models every two years regardless of mileage. Subaru recommends fresh brake fluid every 30,000 miles. More Car Maintenance Coverage On the other hand, most Chevrolets can go 150,000 miles or 10 years, according to Chevy's maintenance schedule, and many Ford, Chrysler and Toyota vehicles don't list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.
Michaell @driver100 - as so many others have said, stick with the dealer. I agree that, even though the miles are low, the time element means that you ought to have more than just an oil change. Other fluids, I should think.
I think best to see dealer. Since they recommend brake flush every 2 years for Passat probably best to do it....sensitive equipment involved, and moisture could lead to big problems. I think anti-freeze and clutch might need change....dealer "seems" trustworthy. Houdini Just play the reluctant buyer until they offer you a deal you can't refuse. My wife says she doesn't want to replace a 4 year old car with 5500 miles on it. She says one day when we aren't as active we may want to get a better car for Florida, then fly down each year. Seems like a good plan to me!
Michaell - there are pretty good discounts on the 2017 Passats ... can't imagine you'd need more than the "S" trim, which you could likely get for low 20's before TTL I think I'd have to get an SE or R Line to get a back up camera and blind spot warning. I'd also want a turbo or V6 to make trading worthwhile. The only thing you'd lose is the stick shift. My wife would really miss the stick......and that really makes the little car fun to drive. I would sacrifice the stick for a turbo or V6, but, I don't think Mrs Driver would. qbrozen $7k delta on a car with only 5500 miles is pretty steep on a per mile basis, though. Plus $900 DOC fee, taxes etc. Not to mention low Cdn $ so it will be more like $10 to $12k. Probably a bit much if I look at this realistically.
JMONROE Without a manual transmission available, I dunno if Mrs. driver would agree to give that up, unless she's been spoiled by her GLK I wouldn't go for the SEL model, it has things I would buy for my primary car, but not for a Florida car used for 5 months to go to tennis (state of the art sound system for one thing). The SE has all the things I would need, and costs about $6k less. She has adjusted to the automatic in the GLK, but the Passat needs the stick, unless it had a turbo or V6.
OF Talk about salesmen, go in for an oil change and they have you buying a new Mercedes. Wouldn't that be something. The dealer sells BMWs and Porsches just next door. Imagine the story the salesman would have for his wife that night....this guy comes in looking for a VW and guess what I sold him........
If you don't have a trusted independent garage take it to the dealer. A few extra bucks won't kill you. As they said at 5500 miles there's not much else you'd need. Coolant change might be indicated seeing how long it just sits. The car hasn't cost us anything for 4 years. I guess it is worth brake fluid, coolant change, brake fluid once every 2 years to keep it running well, so you can buy it in 5 or 6 years.
Do you really want a new car? That's not what I think you were asking but if you were and you can afford it go for it. I considered it because my wife and I prefer more power. But, she says she is happy with the Passat, so it will be a keeper for now.
Thanks all, you comments really help. I'll go to the dealer, get it done right, probably change the fluids and items they recommend, if it makes logical sense.....it will probably be worth it to keep this little gem of a car running nicely for as long as we need it.
I agree with your logic driver. My 2010 LS 460 really hasn't changed much in the last 6 years. I test drive a new one about every other year and I don't seen much change in the way they look and drive. In some ways I like what I have better, so no new car for me until a real game changer comes along that I can't resist.
I have often wanted to try to keep a car I really like running as long as possible. One car I really wanted to keep forever was my 2000 Jeep Cherokee, it was a nice size, it had nice square lines, I thought of it as a real classic.
I know, not every ones cup of tea, but I wouldn't mind having that Jeep today....except the dream is probably better than the reality....they don't hold up that well and it was already getting pretty noisy and dated, I don't think it would have survived. I wanted to keep the E400 as long as possible, I thought that was a car I could live with for a long time. We definitely want to keep the GLK as long as possible, my wife loves it (so do I) and it has a great design.....comfortable, large windows, high seating, lots of power, nice backseat. Sorry to see they replaced it with a round swoopy looking, smaller windows, low roof line GLC
I've driven the GLK. Looks small on the outside but drives like a much bigger SUV and has a very substantial feel to it. Somewhat heavy solid feeling steering. I also like the upright style, large windows, high seating, and good visibility.
I know, not every ones cup of tea, but I wouldn't mind having that Jeep today....except the dream is probably better than the reality....they don't hold up that well and it was already getting pretty noisy and dated, I don't think it would have survived.
I have a buddy that has that same Jeep give or take a model year or two, even the same color. Yeah it's a bit noisy now and seems like it is falling apart and it rides rather rough. However being around 15 years old (or older) with over 200K miles of which only about 125K had any type of road under it it seems to be doing pretty well.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
If someone would make a thoroughly modern, up to date SUV that looked exactly like that old icon, they would sell tons of them. Come on Jeep/Fiat, get with the program.
Driver, your model of GLK looks at home in the African desert. The new one looks at home in a Target parking lot.
I couldn't agree more.
I'm not one that likes a boxy looking vehicle. Unless you get more cargo room in it, I don't know what the benefit is. However, I'm not one for either one of them even though I could use the hauling capacity more than most folks. But, that is why I like the idea of both of my Son's having vans. I don't think I'll ever discourage either one of them not to have a hauling vehicle of some type that I can use when I need one.
I guess you can call me a selfish father.
FWIW, when I lived in SC there were more pickups down there than I could count. At one point I thought about getting one just for self defense, but I chickened out. When I needed to haul something everyone in the neighbor hood was more than willing to loan me their pickup so that helped squelch my decision too. Yeah, I'm a pretty selfish guy and could be called a "user" but so far I can live with name calling.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Driver, your model of GLK looks at home in the African desert. The new one looks at home in a Target parking lot.
I couldn't agree more.
I'm not one that likes a boxy looking vehicle. Unless you get more cargo room in it, I don't know what the benefit is. However, I'm not one for either one of them even though I could use the hauling capacity more than most folks. But, that is why I like the idea of both of my Son's having vans. I don't think I'll ever discourage either one of them not to have a hauling vehicle of some type that I can use when I need one.
I guess you can call me a selfish father.
FWIW, when I lived in SC there were more pickups down there than I could count. At one point I thought about getting one just for self defense, but I chickened out. When I needed to haul something everyone in the neighbor hood was more than willing to loan me their pickup so that helped squelch my decision too. Yeah, I'm a pretty selfish guy and could be called a "user" but so far I can live with name calling.
jmonroe
Yep, pickups are a big deal here. A lot of top of the line models that never see anything but the occasional bag of mulch. It is like a little Texas. I wouldn't mind having one as an extra vehicle but not as an everyday driver. Too big, thirsty and hard to maneuver.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Talk about pickups...these days I am constantly checking my rear view mirror, to see how close the car is behind me. I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
Driver, your model of GLK looks at home in the African desert. The new one looks at home in a Target parking lot.
The older GLK looks unique and it has the major design points covered....the newer GLC looks a lot like an Acura RDX or many other similar looking SUVs.
I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
I'd throw in the Ram ppickups as well.
There seems to be a sense of entitlement with the higher vehicle and the size. I know that being higher off the ground makes speed seem less because of the appearance of slower passing of the ground beneath your wheels.
I've driven the GLK. Looks small on the outside but drives like a much bigger SUV and has a very substantial feel to it. Somewhat heavy solid feeling steering. I also like the upright style, large windows, high seating, and good visibility.
It does feel solid, and takes the bumps like a luxury car. Has lots of power (330 hp) and it has great handling. I agree completely with the other points too. It really is a well thought out nice riding SUV, just short on storage room if that is important.
got a JD power survey solicitation today, for my Sonata. Not having done one before, and not being busy, and curious, I decided to do it. Did not take that long, and seems like it could identify useful input. Pretty much just digging for any problems I had. Plus I get entered into a contest to win $100. Not that I expect to.
I wonder if the PUs are really closer, or just seem that way because the front end is so tall you see grill instead of windshield?
I do see grill instead of windshield but that grill looks pretty close. I think the F-150 and Dodge truck (just see more F-150s probably) drivers feel entitled and like to "push" a bit. I suppose many use their trucks for work and time is money and they feel they are in a hurry to do something, and regular cars are just obstacles to be dealt with. I just leave more space in front of me, and may have to go through a yellow light once in awhile.
Just called VW service department. The service guy said the brake fluid was done at the 3 year service time. He said coolant is sealed and is lifetime, but you should probably do it one day though, like in 5 years at this rate. All they want to do is the oil change, and one day when the airbags come in they will do that...probably also in a few years years!
Talk about pickups...these days I am constantly checking my rear view mirror, to see how close the car is behind me. I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
I believe that if you tailgate in a pick up it shows how manly you are.
Now explain to me why soccer moms in Hondas do the same thing.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I see a lot of BMWs weaving through traffic, missing by inches. And many older cheap cars, Honda Civics, etc. Newer Hondas, not so much. This morning, it was a fairly new Avalon that missed me by inches. I don't think any make or model has a corner on the market of being driven by ________.
Talk about pickups...these days I am constantly checking my rear view mirror, to see how close the car is behind me. I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
I believe that if you tailgate in a pick up it shows how manly you are.
Now explain to me why soccer moms in Hondas do the same thing.
I think you nailed it. Something about having the power to make the people in front of you feel intimidated....it's a feeling of having POWER.
The soccer mom's....I dunno. Probably similar concept...power hungry women maybe?
I see a lot of BMWs weaving through traffic, missing by inches. And many older cheap cars, Honda Civics, etc. Newer Hondas, not so much. This morning, it was a fairly new Avalon that missed me by inches. I don't think any make or model has a corner on the market of being driven by ________.
If it was an Avalon that just missed you that is a very different situation, that is not power hungry and aggressive, that is old guy who just didn't see you there!
Old Hondas with a kid wearin g a baseball cap backwards and sitting with his seat way back and really low are really bad...they like to cut in front and change lanes constantly
Talk about pickups...these days I am constantly checking my rear view mirror, to see how close the car is behind me. I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
I believe that if you tailgate in a pick up it shows how manly you are.
Now explain to me why soccer moms in Hondas do the same thing.
I think you nailed it. Something about having the power to make the people in front of you feel intimidated....it's a feeling of having POWER.
The soccer mom's....I dunno. Probably similar concept...power hungry women maybe?
Power hungry women? They already control 80% of the wealth..... and 100% of the _____. What else could they want?
My SiriusXM subscription trial expires 11/10. What kind of rate should I expect them to offer if I call this week about a renewal for a year?
Depends how many times you say no and ask to just cancel it. If they don't tell you goodbye, they'll make another even lower offer than the previous one.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
I'd throw in the Ram ppickups as well.
There seems to be a sense of entitlement with the higher vehicle and the size. I know that being higher off the ground makes speed seem less because of the appearance of slower passing of the ground beneath your wheels.
I think it works both ways. I definitely notice a difference when I'm driving the Mini Cooper or the 4X4 truck. In the Cooper, people tend to try and push you around, or jump on you in intersections, etc.---but not when I'm in the truck.
Depends how many times you say no and ask to just cancel it. If they don't tell you goodbye, they'll make another even lower offer than the previous one.
I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
I'd throw in the Ram ppickups as well.
There seems to be a sense of entitlement with the higher vehicle and the size. I know that being higher off the ground makes speed seem less because of the appearance of slower passing of the ground beneath your wheels.
I think it works both ways. I definitely notice a difference when I'm driving the Mini Cooper or the 4X4 truck. In the Cooper, people tend to try and push you around, or jump on you in intersections, etc.---but not when I'm in the truck.
Ha ha that's true. When I'm in the Mustang traffic seems to get out of the way but in wife's PT with the cutsie license plate they cut me off .
They still like to pull up right to my bumper at lights.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Comments
$16K trade + $2K coupon would leave maybe $3-4K plus TTL (and tax wouldn't be all that much, what with the trade credit you'd get).
The only thing you'd lose is the stick shift.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Without a manual transmission available, I dunno if Mrs. driver would agree to give that up, unless she's been spoiled by her GLK.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
If you don't have a trusted independent garage take it to the dealer. A few extra bucks won't kill you. As they said at 5500 miles there's not much else you'd need. Coolant change might be indicated seeing how long it just sits. Don't let them upsell you.
Do you really want a new car? That's not what I think you were asking but if you were and you can afford it go for it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Here's WHY (as regards the coolant)
For the Brake Fluid, it should be checked a) for translucency and b) with a moisture test strip. That's how a pro would do it.
I have almost never changed brake fluid, so I looked it up. To make it shortL
Mercedes-Benz, for example, says brake fluid should be replaced every two years or 20,000 miles, and Volkswagen says that should be done on most of its models every two years regardless of mileage. Subaru recommends fresh brake fluid every 30,000 miles.
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On the other hand, most Chevrolets can go 150,000 miles or 10 years, according to Chevy's maintenance schedule, and many Ford, Chrysler and Toyota vehicles don't list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.
Michaell
@driver100 - as so many others have said, stick with the dealer. I agree that, even though the miles are low, the time element means that you ought to have more than just an oil change. Other fluids, I should think.
I think best to see dealer. Since they recommend brake flush every 2 years for Passat probably best to do it....sensitive equipment involved, and moisture could lead to big problems. I think anti-freeze and clutch might need change....dealer "seems" trustworthy.
Houdini Just play the reluctant buyer until they offer you a deal you can't refuse.
My wife says she doesn't want to replace a 4 year old car with 5500 miles on it. She says one day when we aren't as active we may want to get a better car for Florida, then fly down each year. Seems like a good plan to me!
Michaell - there are pretty good discounts on the 2017 Passats ... can't imagine you'd need more than the "S" trim, which you could likely get for low 20's before TTL
I think I'd have to get an SE or R Line to get a back up camera and blind spot warning. I'd also want a turbo or V6 to make trading worthwhile.
The only thing you'd lose is the stick shift.
My wife would really miss the stick......and that really makes the little car fun to drive. I would sacrifice the stick for a turbo or V6, but, I don't think Mrs Driver would.
qbrozen $7k delta on a car with only 5500 miles is pretty steep on a per mile basis, though.
Plus $900 DOC fee, taxes etc. Not to mention low Cdn $ so it will be more like $10 to $12k. Probably a bit much if I look at this realistically.
JMONROE Without a manual transmission available, I dunno if Mrs. driver would agree to give that up, unless she's been spoiled by her GLK
I wouldn't go for the SEL model, it has things I would buy for my primary car, but not for a Florida car used for 5 months to go to tennis (state of the art sound system for one thing). The SE has all the things I would need, and costs about $6k less. She has adjusted to the automatic in the GLK, but the Passat needs the stick, unless it had a turbo or V6.
OF Talk about salesmen, go in for an oil change and they have you buying a new Mercedes.
Wouldn't that be something. The dealer sells BMWs and Porsches just next door. Imagine the story the salesman would have for his wife that night....this guy comes in looking for a VW and guess what I sold him........
If you don't have a trusted independent garage take it to the dealer. A few extra bucks won't kill you. As they said at 5500 miles there's not much else you'd need. Coolant change might be indicated seeing how long it just sits.
The car hasn't cost us anything for 4 years. I guess it is worth brake fluid, coolant change, brake fluid once every 2 years to keep it running well, so you can buy it in 5 or 6 years.
Do you really want a new car? That's not what I think you were asking but if you were and you can afford it go for it.
I considered it because my wife and I prefer more power. But, she says she is happy with the Passat, so it will be a keeper for now.
Thanks all, you comments really help. I'll go to the dealer, get it done right, probably change the fluids and items they recommend, if it makes logical sense.....it will probably be worth it to keep this little gem of a car running nicely for as long as we need it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
and key to me, if something gets screwed up, they can't blame me for doing it wrong. put that all together, and for the 1 time a year per car, I just go to the dealer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Turns out, I apparatly can download Apple CarPlay software if I want to. And it is DIY. I click to download to my PC, pull the sim card out of the car, plug that into the PC, download the update, pop it back into the car, and go into settings and hit update. Then wait for the car to load it, and viola. Not sure I will though. I probably would only real use it for Navigation, and I already got that in the car! By the time I learn how to do anything else that I would actually need, probably time to give the car back.
I just found it cool that I could just go online and download/update the car like that.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Oops, it was a SD card, not a sim card. Back to Best Buy for another $40 dongle.
Who knew all those "if Microsoft made cars" jokes would come true, in relatively short order.
Besides the usual crash and reboot snark, this one really came true:
"13. You would press the 'start' button to shut off the engine."
and it is a lot easier to do this sitting here watching TV, then to spend 2 hours at the dealer waiting for them to do it. And paying them for the privilege.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
...or in a brass brassier (as in, colder than a witches ...)
Now I have to mark my calendars to remember to cancel in April. Call center person was great. I said I rarely use the XM because I rarely drive that car and it's mostly for Fox News channels or other talk stations rather than the music. I asked if they had a talk package instead of the Select group. LOL. She was restate what I had said about use or prices and then go from there. Very calm, professional interaction.
Actually, anything under $99 out the door with tax, title, licenses, and doc fee would have suited me for a year.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know, not every ones cup of tea, but I wouldn't mind having that Jeep today....except the dream is probably better than the reality....they don't hold up that well and it was already getting pretty noisy and dated, I don't think it would have survived. I wanted to keep the E400 as long as possible, I thought that was a car I could live with for a long time. We definitely want to keep the GLK as long as possible, my wife loves it (so do I) and it has a great design.....comfortable, large windows, high seating, lots of power, nice backseat. Sorry to see they replaced it with a round swoopy looking, smaller windows, low roof line GLC
2015 GLK:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm not one that likes a boxy looking vehicle. Unless you get more cargo room in it, I don't know what the benefit is. However, I'm not one for either one of them even though I could use the hauling capacity more than most folks. But, that is why I like the idea of both of my Son's having vans. I don't think I'll ever discourage either one of them not to have a hauling vehicle of some type that I can use when I need one.
I guess you can call me a selfish father.
FWIW, when I lived in SC there were more pickups down there than I could count. At one point I thought about getting one just for self defense, but I chickened out. When I needed to haul something everyone in the neighbor hood was more than willing to loan me their pickup so that helped squelch my decision too. Yeah, I'm a pretty selfish guy and could be called a "user" but so far I can live with name calling.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I noticed, a lot of people follow close, but usually the cars that follow the closest are F-150 pick ups. There must be something about driving one that makes the driver want to be as close as possible to the car in front.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There seems to be a sense of entitlement with the higher vehicle and the size. I know that being higher off the ground makes speed seem less because of the appearance of slower passing of the ground beneath your wheels.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Now explain to me why soccer moms in Hondas do the same thing.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The soccer mom's....I dunno. Probably similar concept...power hungry women maybe?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Old Hondas with a kid wearin g a baseball cap backwards and sitting with his seat way back and really low are really bad...they like to cut in front and change lanes constantly
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
They still like to pull up right to my bumper at lights.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible