Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

At the end of the day, I think VW will pretty much have to buy the car back from whoever is the registered owner at the time of the buyback.

But...

The definition of Eligible Vehicle in the settlement agreement does state that the affected vehicle must be either 1) registered at a state DMV (or equivalent agency) or 2) held by a non-VW dealership as of June 28, 2016.

stever

There's your angle @houdini1 - how lucky do you feel?

kyfdx

Need opinions here, please:
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/42092/general/x/first-car-2009-charger-vs-2015-veloster/p1?new=1

Michaell

Greetings from California - again.

Third trip to the coast in four weeks. Jumped a 6am flight this morning and was at the office in Palo Alto by nine.

Traveled with my new boss, who rents from National. I suggested we get the white Charger.

Yeah, it's got a hemi. I haven't driven it yet but my boss has a heavy right foot when circumstances dictated.

After the tiny cars I've been getting recently, this feels like a limo.

I'll try to post a pic if I get the chance.

xwesx

Congrats, Michaell! I hope this new job turns out to be both fun and challenging!

cdnpinhead

Yeah, all the best. A new job is such an excellent opportunity to begin fresh.

Not that I have any recent experience -- the last new job I got was in 1980, but the previous decade was a blast with five vastly different occupations, each enjoyable in its own way.

graphicguy

Cool Michaell. You have to be excited to open this new chapter.

Sandman6472

Only the best!!!

qbrozen

I put in a punch last night. For those not following the VW thread, I traded my CTS on a 2014 Jetta Sportwagon TDI with 27k miles. I spotted this online earlier at Thompson Toyota in PA. They had 2 identical wagons, but they were overpriced at $20k each. Fast forward to yesterday when I happened to look again and caught that they just dropped the price drastically to $15,990. I submitted my contact info online, along with my Caddy info and they immediately got back to me by email and phone. The person I talked to was very nice, professional, and accomodating. She understood I had an hour drive to get there, so she took my info to her boss and got me a preliminary range on my Caddy ($31k-$32k), which was not awful. I figured even if I got the top number in the Caddy range and paid the current sale price on the VW, it would be a fair deal. And that is exactly what happened. No surprises or tricks. It was a pretty easy deal. On top of that, they have just put almost $900 into the VW to recondition it (oil change, wiper blades, inspection, 2 new Continental tires, and pollen filter), and gave me the maintenance receipt for my records. Because I was burying so much negative equity, the only financial institution who would touch it was Toyota. 4.99% for 60 mos. Not really all that bad, all things considered. I dropped $2k on a credit card and away I went.

rayainsw

Wow - the Vsport is gone.
Interesting.
Congrats - and good luck !!!
- Ray
Vsport was on my short list, a while ago...

qbrozen

I love the Vsport. I figure if I really regret it, I can just repurchase one after VW buys my car (if they buy my car) for about $6k less than I owed on mine, and probably have it CPO'd, too. Maybe I can get one with saddle interior. Ha.

But, who am I kidding? Life is short and I already drove the Vsport for 19 whole months. I'm sure I will want to try something else next.

graphicguy

Q...congrats! Talk about shifting gears. Sounds like you did a good deal, though.

Forgot to thank you in the "other" thread for looking up the Cobra value at the auction block. Appreciate your effort. At least I now have a tangible baseline to work with.

andres3

qbrozen said:

I love the Vsport. I figure if I really regret it, I can just repurchase one after VW buys my car (if they buy my car) for about $6k less than I owed on mine, and probably have it CPO'd, too. Maybe I can get one with saddle interior. Ha.

But, who am I kidding? Life is short and I already drove the Vsport for 19 whole months. I'm sure I will want to try something else next.

How many miles did you drive the VSport in those 19 months though? Sounds like you got a tid bit more than my S4 returned.

sda

graphicguy said:

Cool Michaell. You have to be excited to open this new chapter.

X2! Good things to come.

qbrozen

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

I love the Vsport. I figure if I really regret it, I can just repurchase one after VW buys my car (if they buy my car) for about $6k less than I owed on mine, and probably have it CPO'd, too. Maybe I can get one with saddle interior. Ha.

But, who am I kidding? Life is short and I already drove the Vsport for 19 whole months. I'm sure I will want to try something else next.

How many miles did you drive the VSport in those 19 months though? Sounds like you got a tid bit more than my S4 returned.

19,262 miles.

Bought for $49k, sold for $32k. I actually count it as $33k, though, since the deal I would have been looking to make was $17k-$17.5k for theirs and $33k for mine. I paid $16k for theirs and got $32k for mine instead.

breld

Congrats @qbrozen! Looks like it's in great condition, indicative of the low miles.

qbrozen

Now I just have to think about what is next if VW buys it.

I'm feeling like I'd want a quick cute ute next, but the SQ5, GLA AMG, and Macan haven't fallen in value enough yet. The only one I can think of is the GLK350. 0-60 in about 5.8 isn't bad. If it got a bit better mileage, it would be far more appealing. But a 2013 with low miles can be had for less than $30k.

breld

I like the SQ5 too and have been looking at used ones - but like you pointed out, they seem to be holding pretty strong. My brother's Q5 3.0T is pretty quick in its own right, and more widely available.

One of the VW salespeople we've worked with in the past sent me an email yesterday about an incoming used GTI - 2016 model, white, S model with PP, manual. I'll be curious to see where they price it. Could be a nice replacement for the S4 - obviously not as nice, but tons cheaper!

breld

I'd consider this at a straight trade on the S4:

SQ5

[EDIT] Actually, I want this one, with those cool seats and brighter blue.

2016 SQ5

But, it's hardly used and the pricing reflects that.

breld

qbrozen said:

Now I just have to think about what is next if VW buys it.

My wife pointed out what a great deal this VW thing is (assuming it all works out as planned), in that I got to buy a car, but it's "built in" that there's a second purchase in the near future.

28firefighter

The assuming it all works out as planned part is what concerns me with making the plunge. I'm pretty sure if I bought a TDI and the buyback didn't go as planned, my wife would have me living in it for the foreseeable future...

breld

I hear ya - that's why I'd say it's somewhat important to get a TDI example that you like, and at a good price.

'Cause worst worst worst case - you have to accept a free fix to comply with the EPA and that's it.

But honestly, I've read through everything thoroughly - VW's settlement agreement, the FTC Order, the DOJ consent, and all the proposed mailings that will be going out to owners. It's pretty darn clear. The only hazy thing to me is whether us "post-June 28" buyers will have to share the restitution or not. The FTC Order is very specific about carving out those who purchased the car between September 18 and June 28 as those who share the restitution, while the VW documents simply make a distinction between those buyers who owned the car as of September 18th, and those who purchased it after that date.

We shall see.

ab348

28firefighter said:

The assuming it all works out as planned part is what concerns me with making the plunge. I'm pretty sure if I bought a TDI and the buyback didn't go as planned, my wife would have me living in it for the foreseeable future...

In that case, be sure to get a wagon.

sda

breld said:

qbrozen said:

Now I just have to think about what is next if VW buys it.

My wife pointed out what a great deal this VW thing is (assuming it all works out as planned), in that I got to buy a car, but it's "built in" that there's a second purchase in the near future.

I love her way of thinking. That wouldn't be the case here, I would be building my own dog house.

stickguy

That's why I liked the wagon Q bought, and the bronze sedan. Both good deals as purchased, even if there was no buyback in play. Lotta car, under warranty, for 15-16k.

Sadly just wasn't my time. Last summer, it would have been. I would have snagged one, and let princess have it at college.

laurasdada

I'm torn. Love my XF, champ in the snow, with the folding back seat/ski sack it's suv-ish. Came out of a furniture store Saturday to find an older couple admiring it, she loved the color. Style, comfort, ride, handling...it's really been a Swiss army knife for me. Yet, somewhere out there, the desire grows for something newer and shinier... But, five more years of tuition and other financial obligations... Yet... Is there any greater first-world problem to have?!

breld

sda said:

breld said:

qbrozen said:

Now I just have to think about what is next if VW buys it.

My wife pointed out what a great deal this VW thing is (assuming it all works out as planned), in that I got to buy a car, but it's "built in" that there's a second purchase in the near future.

I love her way of thinking. That wouldn't be the case here, I would be building my own dog house.

I love the way she things too, though you want to talk about enabling! In fact, I showed her the ad for the SQ5 I referenced above - she said we could drive up tonight to get it. And she's not kidding.

stickguy

Breld, your wife, is definitely not like my wife!

xwesx

Q - that wagon looks great in black (and I'm not typically a fan of the color on a car)!

After following all the antics on the VW thread, I would be sorely tempted to do the same if I didn't know I would have a spousal battle to wage. Seems like a perfect opportunity, but I doubt I would get any sort of traction on that idea at home.

andres3

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

I love the Vsport. I figure if I really regret it, I can just repurchase one after VW buys my car (if they buy my car) for about $6k less than I owed on mine, and probably have it CPO'd, too. Maybe I can get one with saddle interior. Ha.

But, who am I kidding? Life is short and I already drove the Vsport for 19 whole months. I'm sure I will want to try something else next.

How many miles did you drive the VSport in those 19 months though? Sounds like you got a tid bit more than my S4 returned.

19,262 miles.

Bought for $49k, sold for $32k. I actually count it as $33k, though, since the deal I would have been looking to make was $17k-$17.5k for theirs and $33k for mine. I paid $16k for theirs and got $32k for mine instead.

Looks like we both did about as well as can be expected trading in expensive cars at less than 3 years old. I paid $1K more than you for the S4, and sold it for a little over $1K less at trade-in (with near 48K miles though). Like you I didn't negotiate my trade-in amount at all (as my interest was solely in getting the TTS for the lowest amount possible (to reduce sales tax). Doesn't do me any good to get more for the trade and pay more for the TTS in exchange.

jpp75

xwesx said:

Q - that wagon looks great in black (and I'm not typically a fan of the color on a car)!

After following all the antics on the VW thread, I would be sorely tempted to do the same if I didn't know I would have a spousal battle to wage. Seems like a perfect opportunity, but I doubt I would get any sort of traction on that idea at home.

Same here......

qbrozen

My wife is skeptical, as we all are, but lowering my payment by $350 and doubling my fuel mileage was incentive enough for her to just let me do my thing.

stickguy

That is certainly a win, hard to argue with saving a ton of money like that.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

My wife is skeptical, as we all are, but lowering my payment by $350 and doubling my fuel mileage was incentive enough for her to just let me do my thing.

Congrats on the new ride. I was thinking about the bath you took on the VSport, then remembered that you probably cut your debt in half, by trading out, plus the mileage thing.

Skeptical wife... check.

stickguy

I explained the whole deal to my wife, including what Q just pulled off last night. She had a little trouble getting her head around it.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I explained the whole deal to my wife, including what Q just pulled off last night. She had a little trouble getting her head around it.

It's definitely counter-intuitive. Why would they pay you a bonus, when you knew about the issues and bought the car cheap?

But, on the flip side, part of the settlement is to make sure that polluting cars are taken off the road, no matter what, plus the punitive side of it.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

kyfdx

I guess I forgot to post this here. Put me down for a punch!

Bought this one, today. I pick it up on Saturday.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/664544686/overview/

jpp75

Congrats @kyfdx and @qbrozen! I'm getting the itch myself........

Sandman6472

Golf got a wash & wax today and looks brand new. Back center cushion has some kind of stain on it and whatever cleaner they tried didn't get it all off. What's a good leather cleaner that also protects? Guessing it's leather, it's perforated but maybe it's pleather? Just not really sure what VW really uses.

The Sandman

stickguy

that is going to be leatherette in your Golf. IOW vinyl.

Sandman6472

Just what I thought. So what's the best way to clean it? This is why I've never had a beige interior before...because stains can happen. Must of rubbed off on something I had in the back seat as I hardly ever carry anyone back there. Occasionally the kids but we usually let them drive their vehicle or we all pile in the A3 as the back seat is more comfortable, so they say.

The Sandman

tjc78

If all else fails go for a Magic Eraser (just take it easy). I use Lexol on the leather in my cars, gets most anything off and is gentle.

roadburner

qbrozen said:

I put in a punch last night. For those not following the VW thread, I traded my CTS on a 2014 Jetta Sportwagon TDI with 27k miles. I spotted this online earlier at Thompson Toyota in PA. They had 2 identical wagons, but they were overpriced at $20k each. Fast forward to yesterday when I happened to look again and caught that they just dropped the price drastically to $15,990. I submitted my contact info online, along with my Caddy info and they immediately got back to me by email and phone. The person I talked to was very nice, professional, and accomodating. She understood I had an hour drive to get there, so she took my info to her boss and got me a preliminary range on my Caddy ($31k-$32k), which was not awful. I figured even if I got the top number in the Caddy range and paid the current sale price on the VW, it would be a fair deal. And that is exactly what happened. No surprises or tricks. It was a pretty easy deal. On top of that, they have just put almost $900 into the VW to recondition it (oil change, wiper blades, inspection, 2 new Continental tires, and pollen filter), and gave me the maintenance receipt for my records. Because I was burying so much negative equity, the only financial institution who would touch it was Toyota. 4.99% for 60 mos. Not really all that bad, all things considered. I dropped $2k on a credit card and away I went.

Nice!!!

suydam

sandman_6472 said:

Just what I thought. So what's the best way to clean it? This is why I've never had a beige interior before...because stains can happen. Must of rubbed off on something I had in the back seat as I hardly ever carry anyone back there. Occasionally the kids but we usually let them drive their vehicle or we all pile in the A3 as the back seat is more comfortable, so they say.

The Sandman

We had beige leather on our Honda Accord. Never again! Denim rubbed off on it, it showed every little thing. Current Encore is grey cloth with black leather trim, and wears much better. The Mazda I'm considering has a grey cloth that also looks like it would wear well.

breld

Even with the leatherette, I would try some Lexol leather cleaner on it. My daughter's Jetta has those sport seats that are almost white, and the blue from her jeans definitely rubs off into it. I was able to get most of that out with Lexol.

corvette

On vinyl, I use diluted Simple Green.

I've never had a problem with beige leather getting stained by denim (although any denim I wear has been washed several times since new). I think the coatings and dyes they use on leather now are better than in the past.

Michaell

Congrats to @qbrozen and @kyfdx on their punches. 

Got to a text from the wife this morning. Outback wouldn't start. 

She tried with each key in her pocket, but when she pushed the button, nothing. 

Guess I will be calling Subaru roadside assistance on Friday when I'm home. 

Any thoughts?

28firefighter

Dead battery in the fob?

suydam

Dead battery key fob. It shouldn't die that soon but occasionally they get a bad batch. Happened to us on our '13 Accord.

stickguy

maybe a dead car battery, if "tried with each key in her pocket" means it was dead using 2 different fobs.

or she forgot to put it in park.