Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

I have the RadRover Electric Fatbike and LOVE it.

I looked at those. Pretty cool. Those are more mountain bikes and are heavier. Great bikes, just not what I was looking for. I was looking for a road bike. Here's a link to the one I have.... https://flx.bike

I agree with you - it is pretty bulky. They JUST released their road-bike version.

28FF....I checked their road bike version. As you said, I guess they released it only a few days ago. That's more in line with what I was looking for. Looks good. What kind of range do you get on yours?

Well, that largely depends on how much pedal assist or open throttle I use.  If pedal and actually do some work, I see about 30 miles. If I'm heavy on the assist and going uphill, a lot closer to 15-20. 

jmonroe

PF_Flyer said:

jmonroe said:

PF_Flyer said:

Body work turned out just fine. Before and after

Looks good but why did they remove the rear door handle?

I don't see a deer whistle either.

jmonroe

Turns out that left side rear door handle is what attracted the deer in the first place

I didn't know that.

Well, it looks like I have to remove 4 rear door handles now. Thanks for the tip.

jmonroe

driver100

fintail said:

I like the W204. It aged extremely well, and still looks good - I think history will be kind to it. One thing to watch out for, however, is an ex-rental or basic lease special. Some of them can have very few toys, which may come as a shock coming from a nicely loaded E. Still, a good amount of car for the money, and they have proven to be solid.

driver100 said:

My wife came up with an interesting idea.

I appreciate the comments...really helps to decide. Let me try to answer all comments;
*We did need two cars down here, but, we are managing with one. Not always easy, but, it can work.

*The Passat is like a new car, but it doesn't feel great for travelling on I-75. I tend to stay in the right lane...it doesn't have the power to get you out of situations or to get on the highway as safely as I would like. Don't forget, we were in a serious accident and the car was a big factor in saving us from big injuries...so we want a car that is as safe as we can get.

*I thought about buying the Merc, and keeping the Passat, but two cars sitting here for 7 months is a bit much! Sounds too complicated and too impractical.

*Nothing to do with tennis club. This is not a fancy shmantzy tennis club, just basic players, most join because of silver sneakers or whatever the program is. Cost is about $50 a month, playing any sport doesn't get much cheaper.

*I don't think the dealer back home will have a problem holding the car for 2 to 3 months. They offered to keep the GLK for us during the winter.

*Stick, the one you found is almost $2000 more, though it is a C300. I prefer a sport model with the tri-star in the grill, don't like the bars as much, though not a deal breaker. That C300 is a 6 cyl though...that would be nice, but not necessary...the 4 with a turbo should suffice.

*room inside is not generous, but, it will probably do. We do take people with us quite often, and the Passat is like a limo in the back, but, the Mercedes should do.

*I doubt if it was a rental or leased...with 12k miles on it. It is a MB certified car, so should be in A1 condition. Fintail, like your comments about the design. Like others, I love the design of that C model. I particularly like the color combo, the red is a little different, and it suits the car. The beige interior brightens and contrasts....and 80% have black interiors!

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

thebean

bwia said:

Speaking of Buick, why can't GM build Buick into a super specialty brand competing directly with Audi and Lexus for example. This premium niche appeals to all types of buyers - young and old, affluent and the low profile. The Encore is a step in that direction. Nice interior, efficient use of space and premium looking material. 

Isn't that what Cadillac is supposed to be morphing into?  

jmonroe

ab348 said:

jmonroe said:

I'm paranoid about that kind of stuff. Another paranoid thing we do is checking to be sure that the dual shut off valve for the washing machine is off and the hose pressure is bled off before we go to bed. It is so automatic by now neither of us thinks twice about it. Just like making sure the lights are turned off and the doors are locked. I don't like the idea of the hoses being under pressure all the time and it takes no time to make sure it isn't.

How do you bleed off the hose pressure?

We have a pretty old Maytag now so that might make it easier.

All we have to do is turn off the water. We have a one handle shut off valve that shuts off both the hot and cold water at the same time but we used to have the old style separate handle shut off valves for the hot and cold water in our first house but the principle is the same. Once the water is shut off all we have to do is set the fill selector temperature switch to the WARM setting so that both the hot and cold water fill solenoid valves will open when we turn the mechanical timer to any wash setting. Then pull out the mechanical timer selector switch and we can hear the solenoid valves hum. Since no water is flowing you can hear the hum and the hose pressure is now relieved. To prove it, all you have to do is feel the hose and it will now be soft. We don't feel the hose anymore because you only have to do this one time to prove to yourself that it works. More proof that it works, for us, is that we still have the original hoses that came with the washer but I'm thinking about replacing them do to the shear fact that they are OLD, like 25 years old.

Mrs. j has been talking about getting a new washer and dryer because like I said they are old but she is so used to what she has, just like her attitude about cars, so far it is just talk. Of course, I help it along by saying, "I don't think the new style washers with the digital timers will allow the water pressure to be bled off the hoses", which I'm pretty sure is a lie. Therefore, I better fess up before she hears otherwise.

jmonroe

jmonroe

driver100 said:

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

@driver100, I don't think anyone in here cares whether you get a good deal or a bad deal.



EDIT: Hey guys, maybe I shouldn't have spoken for all of you. If I'm wrong just tell me or tell @driver100 what you think.

jmonroe

fezo

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

So, Buick became known as the car for dignitaries....and that is what most people want.

That's why I drove Buicks for so long. LOL

I had no idea you were Chinese.....

jmonroe

fezo said:

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

So, Buick became known as the car for dignitaries....and that is what most people want.

That's why I drove Buicks for so long. LOL

I had no idea you were Chinese.....

You too?

jmonroe

murphydog

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I like the W204. It aged extremely well, and still looks good - I think history will be kind to it. One thing to watch out for, however, is an ex-rental or basic lease special. Some of them can have very few toys, which may come as a shock coming from a nicely loaded E. Still, a good amount of car for the money, and they have proven to be solid.

driver100 said:

My wife came up with an interesting idea.

I appreciate the comments...really helps to decide. Let me try to answer all comments;
*We did need two cars down here, but, we are managing with one. Not always easy, but, it can work.

Driver - I have an 08, with the 3.5 V6, so a slightly different powertrain. That said I love the car especially on the highway - feels solid and smooth and very comfortable for me even over long distances.

I wanted the red as well, but wife vetoed that part of the purchase.

I have not driven the MB 2.0 liter turbo 4, but did drive a BMW 328i - I was pleased with the punch from the "little" motor. Hopefully the MB is just as good.

ab348

jmonroe said:

We have a pretty old Maytag now so that might make it easier.

All we have to do is turn off the water. We have a one handle shut off valve that shuts off both the hot and cold water at the same time but we used to have the old style separate handle shut off valves for the hot and cold water in our first house but the principle is the same. Once the water is shut off all we have to do is set the fill selector temperature switch to the WARM setting so that both the hot and cold water fill solenoid valves will open when we turn the mechanical timer to any wash setting. Then pull out the mechanical timer selector switch and we can hear the solenoid valves hum. Since no water is flowing you can hear the hum and the hose pressure is now relieved. To prove it, all you have to do is feel the hose and it will now be soft. We don't feel the hose anymore because you only have to do this one time to prove to yourself that it works. More proof that it works, for us, is that we still have the original hoses that came with the washer but I'm thinking about replacing them do to the shear fact that they are OLD, like 25 years old.

Mrs. j has been talking about getting a new washer and dryer because like I said they are old but she is so used to what she has, just like her attitude about cars, so far it is just talk. Of course, I help it along by saying, "I don't think the new style washers with the digital timers will allow the water pressure to be bled off the hoses", which I'm pretty sure is a lie. Therefore, I better fess up before she hears otherwise.

jmonroe

I have a 6 year old electronic LG set and I think you are right, I'm not sure how you would get it to do what you described. But why doesn't the washer go through all of its gyrations when you turn it back on?

If I were you I would keep those old Maytags as long as you can. Nothing like those being made these days.

suydam

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

oldfarmer50

Looks like snow tomorrow even though it's over 60 right now so I took the Mustang out to wash it before having to put it away for winter. On the way home I was feeling frisky and was driving in sport mode. As I entered the 1/2 mile straight-away leading up to my house the road was empty and I said what the heck...opened it up and floored it.

Reminded me why I bought such an impractical car in the first place. Now if I have to throw a blanket on it I know all the carbon was blown out. I'm still smiling.

Yes I know it was immature.

jmonroe

ab348 said:

jmonroe said:

We have a pretty old Maytag now so that might make it easier.

All we have to do is turn off the water. We have a one handle shut off valve that shuts off both the hot and cold water at the same time but we used to have the old style separate handle shut off valves for the hot and cold water in our first house but the principle is the same. Once the water is shut off all we have to do is set the fill selector temperature switch to the WARM setting so that both the hot and cold water fill solenoid valves will open when we turn the mechanical timer to any wash setting. Then pull out the mechanical timer selector switch and we can hear the solenoid valves hum. Since no water is flowing you can hear the hum and the hose pressure is now relieved. To prove it, all you have to do is feel the hose and it will now be soft. We don't feel the hose anymore because you only have to do this one time to prove to yourself that it works. More proof that it works, for us, is that we still have the original hoses that came with the washer but I'm thinking about replacing them do to the shear fact that they are OLD, like 25 years old.

Mrs. j has been talking about getting a new washer and dryer because like I said they are old but she is so used to what she has, just like her attitude about cars, so far it is just talk. Of course, I help it along by saying, "I don't think the new style washers with the digital timers will allow the water pressure to be bled off the hoses", which I'm pretty sure is a lie. Therefore, I better fess up before she hears otherwise.

jmonroe

I have a 6 year old electronic LG set and I think you are right, I'm not sure how you would get it to do what you described. But why doesn't the washer go through all of its gyrations when you turn it back on?

If I were you I would keep those old Maytags as long as you can. Nothing like those being made these days.

I don't know what you mean by, "...go through all of its gyrations when you turn it back on?"

jmonroe

houdini1

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

@driver100, I don't think anyone in here cares whether you get a good deal or a bad deal.



EDIT: Hey guys, maybe I shouldn't have spoken for all of you. If I'm wrong just tell me or tell @driver100 what you think.

jmonroe

Well, I'll just say you weren't speaking for me.

ab348

You said "Then pull out the mechanical timer selector switch and we can hear the solenoid valves hum. " Isn't the agitator going to start going or the drum start spinning depending on where the dial is turned?

On mine I'd be afraid the electronics would get messed up if I turned it on and then turned it off. I am not a fan of the electronic controls, having already encountered a problem with them that apparently cannot be easily fixed as the part is not available, requiring an electronics tech to remove, diagnose and repair a circuit board.

jmonroe

suydam said:

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

I know you are right about that but to dump perfectly good appliances for energy savings down the road, I don't know how long it would take to recoup the money spent by the energy saved. Now, if you are talking about being a tree hugger, you are correct. The old beasts are probably terrible by comparison.

Not that I don't like the idea of trying to conserve, I do it when I can, but you have to understand that I have a V8 420 HP car that takes premium gas to get the best performance out of it. Every so often I do what @oldfarmer50 did today, just because I can.

I hope no one in here would shoot me for that.

jmonroe

Mr_Shiftright

suydam said:

fintail said:

I think the pre-1949 Buick past matters to many of them. It's a hell of a coincidence that Buick was a very high prestige brand before the revolution, and is popular now.

Mr_Shiftright said:

Buick "has no past" in China. They don't know anything about the malaise years, the "old man" image---none of that. To them, Buick was just born maybe 10-15 years ago.

And you have been to China and know all about modern Chinese cultures, right? Neither do I. My friends who have been there report that it is all about new, new, new everywhere. But I haven't been myself.

All I know about China is that 90% of the population wasn't even alive in 1949. Seems unlikely that Buick resides in the collective consciousness.

The one car that everyone in the world knows merely by the logo would be Mercedes.

jmonroe

ab348 said:

You said "Then pull out the mechanical timer selector switch and we can hear the solenoid valves hum. " Isn't the agitator going to start going or the drum start spinning depending on where the dial is turned?

On mine I'd be afraid the electronics would get messed up if I turned it on and then turned it off. I am not a fan of the electronic controls, having already encountered a problem with them that apparently cannot be easily fixed as the part is not available, requiring an electronics tech to remove, diagnose and repair a circuit board.

On our Maytag and the other washers we have had that had a mechanical timer/cycle selector, the cycle will not start until the water level has been reached by whatever level it has been set to wash at.

For Mrs. j to relearn how to wash clothes with the new fangled washing machines on the market today, will not be fun for her.

jmonroe

henryn

jmonroe said:

suydam said:

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

I know you are right about that but to dump perfectly good appliances for energy savings down the road, I don't know how long it would take to recoup the money spent by the energy saved. Now, if you are talking about being a tree hugger, you are correct. The old beasts are probably terrible by comparison.

Not that I don't like the idea of trying to conserve, I do it when I can, but you have to understand that I have a V8 420 HP car that takes premium gas to get the best performance out of it. Every so often I do what @oldfarmer50 did today, just because I can.

I hope no one in here would shoot me for that.

jmonroe

It all depends. Would you insist on an expensive cartridge, like a .45 ACP? Or would you settle for a cheap 9mm? I can easily afford the 9mm, the .45 ACP not so much.

henryn

On the subject of trading in the 2013 Passat for the MB, that 2013 Passat has the 2.5L 5 cylinder engine. Which in my opinion is a real dog. If someone gave it to me, I would put it up for sale the same day.

Not knocking anyone else's choices, just saying for me, no way.

thebean

houdini1 said:

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

@driver100, I don't think anyone in here cares whether you get a good deal or a bad deal. WE WANT A SALES STORY !!!! :@ EDIT: Hey guys, maybe I shouldn't have spoken for all of you. If I'm wrong just tell me or tell @driver100 what you think. jmonroe

Well, I'll just say you weren't speaking for me.

Me neither.  @jmonroe, I hope you were joking.

explorerx4

@driver 100,
Here is a cars dot com review of the C250(sorry Edmunds).
https://www.cars.com/reviews/our-view-2014-mercedes-benz-c-class-1420689346429/

roadburner

jmonroe said:

suydam said:

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

I know you are right about that but to dump perfectly good appliances for energy savings down the road, I don't know how long it would take to recoup the money spent by the energy saved. Now, if you are talking about being a tree hugger, you are correct. The old beasts are probably terrible by comparison.

Not that I don't like the idea of trying to conserve, I do it when I can, but you have to understand that I have a V8 420 HP car that takes premium gas to get the best performance out of it. Every so often I do what @oldfarmer50 did today, just because I can.

I hope no one in here would shoot me for that.

jmonroe

I figure that the i3 at least partially compensates for owning a car that can roast the tires through the first three gears...

sda

jmonroe said:

suydam said:

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

I know you are right about that but to dump perfectly good appliances for energy savings down the road, I don't know how long it would take to recoup the money spent by the energy saved. Now, if you are talking about being a tree hugger, you are correct. The old beasts are probably terrible by comparison.

Not that I don't like the idea of trying to conserve, I do it when I can, but you have to understand that I have a V8 420 HP car that takes premium gas to get the best performance out of it. Every so often I do what @oldfarmer50 did today, just because I can.

I hope no one in here would shoot me for that.

jmonroe

New units are more energy efficient, however our luck for repairs has not been good. About 6 years ago we got rid of a perfectly good set of Maytags that were about 12 years old. We thought we were on borrowed time and looked to the better efficiency of newer models. After much research we bought top tier Samsung models. They have been a great disappointment and both have needed repair multiple times. Some electronics, and also mechanical. 20:20 hindsight we wish we had kept the Maytags. We went with a front load washer, think we will revert back to a top load next time.

thebean

Our Maytag is over 20 years old and we plan to keep it as long as possible.  They don't make them like that any longer. Two repairs in the 20 year life so far.  Our repairman said he can keep it going a lot longer.  

jmonroe

henryn said:

jmonroe said:

suydam said:

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

I know you are right about that but to dump perfectly good appliances for energy savings down the road, I don't know how long it would take to recoup the money spent by the energy saved. Now, if you are talking about being a tree hugger, you are correct. The old beasts are probably terrible by comparison.

Not that I don't like the idea of trying to conserve, I do it when I can, but you have to understand that I have a V8 420 HP car that takes premium gas to get the best performance out of it. Every so often I do what @oldfarmer50 did today, just because I can.

I hope no one in here would shoot me for that.

jmonroe

It all depends. Would you insist on an expensive cartridge, like a .45 ACP? Or would you settle for a cheap 9mm? I can easily afford the 9mm, the .45 ACP not so much.

Gee, if I had my druthers, I'd opt for you being a bad shot all together.

jmonroe

jmonroe

thebean said:

houdini1 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

@driver100, I don't think anyone in here cares whether you get a good deal or a bad deal.



EDIT: Hey guys, maybe I shouldn't have spoken for all of you. If I'm wrong just tell me or tell @driver100 what you think.

jmonroe

Well, I'll just say you weren't speaking for me.

Me neither.  @jmonroe, I hope you were joking.

Of course I was kidding.

However, since it wouldn't be our money, I thought having a car sales tale for once in a blue moon would be entertaining.

jmonroe

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

@driver100, I don't think anyone in here cares whether you get a good deal or a bad deal.



EDIT: Hey guys, maybe I shouldn't have spoken for all of you. If I'm wrong just tell me or tell @driver100 what you think.

jmonroe

Well I don't care if you get a new washer and dryer....so there.

Just joking...you don't have to read about my time spent at Auto Nation MB...which is a few posts down.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver 100,
Here is a cars dot com review of the C250(sorry Edmunds).
https://www.cars.com/reviews/our-view-2014-mercedes-benz-c-class-1420689346429/

Thanks explorer, really enjoyed reading the article. They point out quite a few negatives but the things they didn't like weren't big factors to us. We loved the look, the handling, the ride of the car. I have more impressions later, but, that was excellent information.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

@driver100, I don't think anyone in here cares whether you get a good deal or a bad deal.



EDIT: Hey guys, maybe I shouldn't have spoken for all of you. If I'm wrong just tell me or tell @driver100 what you think.

jmonroe

Well I don't care if you get a new washer and dryer....so there.

Just joking...you don't have to read about my time spent at Auro Nation MB...which is a few posts down.

I don't see any other post from you yet.

Are you going to tell us Mike talked you into buying from a salesman he once knew?

EDIT: OK, I see one now but no final result of your shopping.

jmonroe

driver100

I was replying to explorer who gave me some great info that was very worthwhile. This will take awhile to write, so be patient....just starting now...next post.

I thought you didn't want to hear about it :@

fezo

driver - I like that CPO and I'd certainly consider it. Would certainly save you a bundle but by all means use your money as you see fit. I also love the red/tan combo.

on Buick - I agree that the Encore is an example to follow. I get that Cadillac is supposed to be competing against the Audis and BMWs of this world. Let them compete on the higher end and give Buick a shot at the low end and let the basic designs and features trickle down to their lower end offerings. Were I buying right now I'd consider an Encore. I have always has a soft spot in my heart for Buicks which dates back to the 49 that my grandfather had. I'd love to see Buick get back to sporty, speedy models. And then hope they depreciate quickly so I can pick up a CPO.

China - when I was there 14 years ago to pick up my daughter Jettas were everywhere. I remember taxi rides in them. That was an adventure. These people make driving in NYC downright sedate. As long as the space between you and the car next to you as you pass is is wider than the paint on the car off they go! The scar

The alarming or rather more alarming thing is they have no seat belts in the back seat. The driver has one and wears it. Our translator always grabbed the front passenger seat and buckled right up. That said, they really frown on doing any harm to Westerners and it goes double for Americans.

A friend of mine goes to China every few years. He also has an adopted daughter but what keeps him going back is usually he's been invited to lecture and present a paper there. First time he went back his daughter was 6. He said the Chinese made 20 years worth of progress in 6 years.

They do like new, but a great deal of it when I saw it were apartment buildings. They were replacing ancient ones with modern new ones. They'd demolish the old ones from the top down with people still living perfectly normal live on the floors below - hanging out laundry and such.

And while they like to show off new (when up in Hunan, where my daughter's from) we were in a brand new hotel. When we went to Guangzhou (what used to be Canton) , where the American consulate is we were in an older, but perfectly kept hotel -The White Swan - which pretty much is where all adoptive families stay. They put a new in the box Barbie adopting a Chinese baby in our room. It's in Claire's 2001 box. There's a box for each of the 4 kids.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

I was replying to explorer who gave me some great info that was very worthwhile. This will take awhile to write, so be patient....just starting now...next post.

I thought you didn't want to hear about it :@

If it doesn't end with a sale you are just wasting our time.

jmonroe

driver100

Pull up to MB Sarasota....nothing to do with Mike...would like his advice but not a good time right now.
They have the car ready to go, just need some info from me. Before we find our sales rep I get asked by about 4 different sales guys if I need help. We sit down, I meet the guy who will appraise the Passat, and I meet the sales manager and some other dignitary (probably drives a Buick).
They get my license and phone number etc. They tell me they own VW dealerships so will give me top price for the trade in.
We test the car, and explorer, it looks exactly like the car you had on the cars.com link...red, with a spoiler and fancier wheels than average. The car is immaculate. It started out as a loaner car.....for 6000 miles. Then it was leased for 2 years and only went another 6000 miles. It is in mint condition. One crazy thing on the Carfax report was it is listed as red each time it came in for service, but once at about 9000 miles they said it was black. Salesman checked and said it was a mistake, happens quite often. Does make you wonder about accuracy.

We take the car out and we love it. My wife loves the outward vision, it is comfortable, it handles beautifully on the highway. The little 4 cyl 201 hp is a bit rough, but when you need power it is there, not like the 330 hp E400 but more than adequate for most situations. Cars.com talked about less interior room than competitors....wasn't a factor for us, very comfortable. It is solid and handles beautifully on the highway. Would have loved a rear camera and blind spot warnings but have gotten by for many years without.

I checked KBB for trading in the Passat (2013, SE, no options) and got a value range of $11365 to $12800 approx. I wanted $14000 because it is off the charts perfect with unusually low mileage. When they look it up they get $11300! I don't know if they just use the lowest figure or if they can get into a different screen. They claim the C250 was worth $26847 and they have discounted it as much as possible at $25167. One really great thing is it has a 5 year, 100000 mile warranty...that is incredible...only cars in top shape come with that warranty.

There is a $699 dealer service fee which I said they could drop, and they gave me a big story about why they can't do that....but, I said I think you can....take it off the C or add it to the Passat - I learned that trick from you guys.

The total difference using their prices including DOC fee, registration $400, taxes, $900 came out to $15850.

I told the salesman we are taking it in on Tuesday for the oil change and we will see what kind of value VW puts on it. In the meantime I sent him the KBBs for the Passat and C Class that I found, and said if we were arount $12500 differnce we could talk about it.

My wife and I love the car, and we think it would be perfect for our needs. The Passat served us well and it is great for getting around town, but I think it is pushing the envelope to drive it at 80. It is fine, but there is little reserve power if you had to get around someone. It just isn't as solid as a Mercedes, and the handling just isn't the same.

How much can I trust these Auto Nation guys? In total we must have been approached by about 12 different salesmen when we were on our own, all friendly and nice but a bit much....feel pounced on.

Comments are welcome!

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

I was replying to explorer who gave me some great info that was very worthwhile. This will take awhile to write, so be patient....just starting now...next post.

I thought you didn't want to hear about it :@

If it doesn't end with a sale you are just wasting our time.

jmonroe

It ain't over until it is over.

btw...the sale is no fun...it is the getting to the sale that is the fun part.

Buying a car is rarely straight forward and easy....especially with the big boys, you have to have your wits about you.

28firefighter

@driver100 I think the problem you will have getting $14k for the Passat is that VW has been discounting them
so heavily new that the used market simply doesn't support that high a value. I'd guess $14-$15k is darn near retail value. On top of that, yours is a 5-cylinder which is just not as desirable. 

Have you popped in at Real-World Trade In Values to get a value from Qbrozen?

driver100

fezo said:

driver - I like that CPO and I'd certainly consider it. Would certainly save you a bundle but by all means use your money as you see fit. I also love the red/tan combo.

.

That red with tan interior is unique, and it looks smart. For some reason, when we were in China, we saw lots of Jettas in some towns. If there is a Jetta plant in town, everyone buys a Jetta....the people in a town seem to buy whatever make of car they sell in that town. Did see lots of Buicks too, a lot of models that were different than here.

They have 10 day packages to China for under $1500 these days, sometimes as low as $1000. That includes meals, internal flights, meals, hotels...you can't go anywhere for that kind of money. The terra cotta soldiers and the Great Wall along with extraordinary cities like Shanghai and Beijing are amazing places to see....one of the best trips we have been on.

driver100

28firefighter said:

@driver100 I think the problem you will have getting $14k for the Passat is that VW has been discounting them
so heavily new that the used market simply doesn't support that high a value. I'd guess $14-$15k is darn near retail value. On top of that, yours is a 5-cylinder which is just not as desirable. 

Have you popped in at Real-World Trade In Values to get a value from Qbrozen?

Right on firefighter....you are probably correct. Sales manager said it was a stick too, but I think that may be an advantage...that is what makes it so much fun to drive. We paid $23000 4 years ago, so it is probably worth about 40% of it's original value, which probably is closer to $11500. I do find it hard to give up a car wwith so little mileage for $11300...it is really worth much more to me. On the other hand, it has done what it was supposed to do and served us well. I will check RRWVs....great idea.

explorerx4

My daughter dealt with one of the dealerships in that group in Ohio(they are big).
One time, she brought her car in for service and it needed upper control arms.
They charged 20% more than list for the parts.
I pointed that out to her and her fiancé went back to talk to the service manager.
They then discounted them 20% from list, so they did step up there.
When she was looking for a new Fusion, they played a lot of games.
The used car sales guy actually ran after them with a counter offer on her trade when they walked.
A week later, I went with her to look at the car she wanted at that dealership.
They had an added sticker on the car with paint protection, interior protection and remote start.
On the factory sticker the car already had remote start.
We drove to another dealer 15 minutes away and she drove out with a new car.
They gave a bigger discount and more for her trade, plus no runaround.
Driver100, just focus on the price difference, if you want that car.
Ignore their sales games.

stickguy

A passat with a stick is going to be a tough sell, probably even worse in Florida. So don't expect the dealer to step up big on it.

Also seems like the Passat is a better car to leave sitting for months at a time. Just MHO.

the C class does sound nice, but while I can live without the blind spot (for the right car, and it better have very good visibility) I am not buying a modern car without a BU camera. That is non-negotiable.

explorerx4

Just for fun, I priced anew Lincoln Continental.
You can still get a single CD player for $307.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

My daughter dealt with one of the dealerships in that group in Ohio(they are big).

Driver100, just focus on the price difference, if you want that car.
Ignore their sales games.

Our sales guy worked at one of their Ford dealerships in Cleveland, then they asked him to move to Mercedes...they felt he had potential. He was a nice young guy, but, I start o wonder when you are introduced to 4 or 5 higher ups who are all there to help.

I like the line about the price difference. It probably is worth $15k to trade for the C...it is a year newer, and it is a far superior car. Part of that increase is tax and registration, about 10%. We love the car, but not overly motivated because we have lots of time...could even do it next year. Also, there seems to be quite a few low mileage 2014s around. We would also consider a bmw 328 or an Audi A4, so we still have choices.

We take the Passat in for service on Tuesday, and we can walk across the road to their BMW dealership.....hmmm, they also sell Porches there too!

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Just for fun, I priced anew Lincoln Continental.
You can still get a single CD player for $307.

The Passat has one....you can buy it for $14k!

driver100

stickguy said:

A passat with a stick is going to be a tough sell, probably even worse in Florida. So don't expect the dealer to step up big on it.

Also seems like the Passat is a better car to leave sitting for months at a time. Just MHO.

the C class does sound nice, but while I can live without the blind spot (for the right car, and it better have very good visibility) I am not buying a modern car without a BU camera. That is non-negotiable.

I am thinking the dealer we bought it at may have a car we are interested in...and they may have a buyer looking for a used Passat with a manual.
I tend to think the Passat is better when left for months at a time too. Just a guess, but the small engine probably doesn't mind sitting for 5 months, and everything is in top condition for the trickle charger....like new battery etc.
I think back up cameras can be added pretty easily. The one I saw wasn't very clear, but it was an aftermarket job. I like to back into parking spots, and it is a lot more difficult without a camera. At least in the bmw the right mirrow sloped down in reverse so you could see the lines...not so easy without a camera. Blind spot warnings are nice, but can get by without them.

fintail

It's the only logical conclusion in my mind (and I have heard it from Chinese people, tons of relatively recent arrivals here in Seattle, you know).

Those with money who are able to emigrate seem to prefer German cars though, I don't see Chinese people here buying Buicks, mostly the big German 3 and Volvo.

suydam said:

And you have been to China and know all about modern Chinese cultures, right? Neither do I. My friends who have been there report that it is all about new, new, new everywhere. But I haven't been myself.

fintail

Is that color "Mars Red"? (a non-metallic red) It is nice with that interior color. What options does it have? Theoretically, a C250 could have toys, but I think odds are better on the larger engined model. I'd fight on the price, also mentioning that it is now a prior model.

driver100 said:

<

I appreciate the comments...really helps to decide. Let me try to answer all comments;
*We did need two cars down here, but, we are managing with one. Not always easy, but, it can work.


We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

tommister2

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

A passat with a stick is going to be a tough sell, probably even worse in Florida. So don't expect the dealer to step up big on it.

Also seems like the Passat is a better car to leave sitting for months at a time. Just MHO.

the C class does sound nice, but while I can live without the blind spot (for the right car, and it better have very good visibility) I am not buying a modern car without a BU camera. That is non-negotiable.

I am thinking the dealer we bought it at may have a car we are interested in...and they may have a buyer looking for a used Passat with a manual.
I tend to think the Passat is better when left for months at a time too. Just a guess, but the small engine probably doesn't mind sitting for 5 months, and everything is in top condition for the trickle charger....like new battery etc.
I think back up cameras can be added pretty easily. The one I saw wasn't very clear, but it was an aftermarket job. I like to back into parking spots, and it is a lot more difficult without a camera. At least in the bmw the right mirrow sloped down in reverse so you could see the lines...not so easy without a camera. Blind spot warnings are nice, but can get by without them.

Really think about that back up camera. It sounds like you would miss it. They sure do make backing up easier!

ab348

tommister2 said:

Really think about that back up camera. It sounds like you would miss it. They sure do make backing up easier!

Yes, I have become quite dependant upon the one in the ATS. When I had the XT5 loaner a couple of weeks ago I noticed its camera was much higher resolution than mine. Would love to have one like that.

cdnpinhead

bwia said:

. . . perhaps *Driver is a little image conscious, showing up at the tennis club in a Passat is probably too déclassé for a man of his station in life.

Nicely put. I was thinking something similar, but you put it better.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

jmonroe said:

suydam said:

New ones are so much more energy efficient, though.

I know you are right about that but to dump perfectly good appliances for energy savings down the road, I don't know how long it would take to recoup the money spent by the energy saved. Now, if you are talking about being a tree hugger, you are correct. The old beasts are probably terrible by comparison.

Not that I don't like the idea of trying to conserve, I do it when I can, but you have to understand that I have a V8 420 HP car that takes premium gas to get the best performance out of it. Every so often I do what @oldfarmer50 did today, just because I can.

I hope no one in here would shoot me for that.

jmonroe

It all depends. Would you insist on an expensive cartridge, like a .45 ACP? Or would you settle for a cheap 9mm? I can easily afford the 9mm, the .45 ACP not so much.

Well, like the high hp sports car the .45 APC is impractical for every day use but once and awhile you enjoy the kick.