Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

My bad, the 1 had the 6 cylinder engine but just felt heavy and not something I would want to do daily. The Golf felt so much lighter the minute I drove it out of the dealership. Might try a 3 Series eventually as I recall, it felt closer to the Golf. But, since they called me into work today, the Mini test will have to wait. Luckily, this is all for my knowledge and nothing I need to do.

The Sandman

kyfdx

sandman_6472 said:

My bad, the 1 had the 6 cylinder engine but just felt heavy and not something I would want to do daily. The Golf felt so much lighter the minute I drove it out of the dealership. Might try a 3 Series eventually as I recall, it felt closer to the Golf. But, since they called me into work today, the Mini test will have to wait. Luckily, this is all for my knowledge and nothing I need to do.

The Sandman

BMWs in general have "heavy" steering. Meaning, less power boost and more effort to turn the wheel. Some people like that, and some don't.

qbrozen

sandman_6472 said:

My bad, the 1 had the 6 cylinder engine but just felt heavy and not something I would want to do daily. The Golf felt so much lighter the minute I drove it out of the dealership. Might try a 3 Series eventually as I recall, it felt closer to the Golf. But, since they called me into work today, the Mini test will have to wait. Luckily, this is all for my knowledge and nothing I need to do.

The Sandman

If you thought the 1 felt heavy, you'll hate the 3 even more. I drove both back-to-back and chose the 1 precisely because it felt more nimble.

graphicguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

Wanna cheap lease on a basic EV?

http://www.sanrafaelmitsubishi.com/lease-offer-specials.cfm

Heck....I'd consider that just because it would make a cheap grocery getter. That said, clicked on the ad and the dreaded "this car is no longer available" popped up.

Mr_Shiftright

I know that dealership. Good people. I think we could work something out for you

Ever driven one of those? Pretty humble. But fun in a perverse kind of way, if you live in a 0-40 universe.

tifighter

kyfdx said:

BMWs in general have "heavy" steering. Meaning, less power boost and more effort to turn the wheel. Some people like that, and some don't.

My wife doesn't really like the Volvo for exactly this reason. Our RDX had a lot more steering boost, and now she thinks the Volvo is a truck thanks to the heavier steering feel.

tifighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

I know that dealership. Good people. I think we could work something out for you

Ever driven one of those? Pretty humble. But fun in a perverse kind of way, if you live in a 0-40 universe.

I bought my Miata from these guys a few years back. Seems like mostly used car sales, but it is a Mitsu dealer after all. They had a dusty i-miev on the showroom floor back then; maybe it is the same one...

qbrozen

Gotta admit this is very interesting to me. If it wasn't black/black, I'd really be drooling.

tjc78

That's a lot of car for 20K. My wife always wanted one. I offered to get her a Toureg, but couldn't sell it that they are closely related cousins.

corvette

It's an 11 year old turbocharged German vehicle. What could possibly go wrong?

fintail

And in Brooklyn, where all well maintained no-problem cars spend a holiday on their way to a new home.

Sandman6472

Just left the Mini Cooper dealer, it's next door to the BMW place. Drove the base Mini Cooper with auto and sunroofs plus a few extra stuff. Liked the acceleration from the 1.5t engine and similar to my 1.8t. All they have are black interiors on these models and just can't do that in the Florida heat, am surprised my wife ain't complaining one bit about that. Think if she had waited a bit, could've gotten her into one with a grey interior or even beige like mine to cut down on the heat. Hated the skimpy wheels and that everything including Sirius/XM is an extra charge. Crazy!!!
They did have a 20152 door coupe in an odd greenish color with stripes, sunroof and these blacked out alloys, 17" I think. They are pushing this unit out at $23,500 about which is a screamin' deal but it's already 2 model years old. Sales lady said they have some other '15 models at similar savings but think with a Mini, I'd want new. Wasn't wowed away here like I was on my first drive in my Golf and on the way home, smiled because I really like the Golf as it does everything right!
Next on the list is the Honda HR-V. Just want to see what the fuss is all about. Hate the knobless infotainment center, same goes for the a/c and heat. We like knobs and we need knobs. Anyways, want to wait till the 2017's are out to see what tweaks they made and also to check out how good, or bad the CVT auto is.
Even though I'm looking still doesn't mean that I still won't consider taking the A3 off my wife's hands a couple years down the road. Hate the black interior and the ovalish rear view mirror but that's my only gripes with a fine automobile. Sure I could learn the infotainment center instructions in no time.
So, for the time being, I drive the Golf and continue my search. Who knows, could end up in a CPO'd Tiguan SE or even SEL as that's my favorite right now. It's my Golf just afew inches taller, something I wouldn't mind even if my twin has one!

The Sandman

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

Gotta admit this is very interesting to me. If it wasn't black/black, I'd really be drooling.

Wow.. a turbo, too.

Wasn't that about $90K-$100K, new?

qbrozen

yup. Base was $90k, and you know how Porsche is with options.

$20k is actually quite a bit overpriced. Granted, the super low miles make this pretty unique, but the highest price paid at auction for any was $12k for one with 100k miles. If I allow a 20% premium for the miles on this and $2500 profit, that still only puts me at $17k tops.

Sandman6472

"Heavy steering", maybe that's what I was feeling, just so confused now. Wanted to like it so much that I couldn't say no but just didn't. Also, think a longer test drive is in order without the sales guy saying nonsense stuff every so often. If it's still there in a few days, might go back and bring it home for the "garage test", hopefully alone or with someone a bit more quiet! Think if I wasn't working right now, it would be an easier sell because the reason I got the wife to go along with the Golf was because the mpg's were so much better, the main reason I told her I wanted out. No way was I gonna say "yes honey, you were right all the time, the Tucson is a bit too big for your needs"! The "mpg's story" worked and got the o k, got the o k to spend a portion of my inheritance on it but being the control freak she is, let her have it her way.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Loved the Clubman I saw, great color, 4 door, awesome alloys...marvelous automobile but price wise, so outta my league! Won't even drive one because I know I'll want it and that'll be just cruel, to drive something I could no way afford it. Shame that the perfect Mini is pretty expensive a la carte, hate the 15" alloys, prefer the 16" ones. Like the coupe, but the doors are a bit heavy so I'd really need a sedan but hate the sedan look. Ergonomics are so much better in the Golf, Mini has too many little buttons to be honest. But the interior lighting is pretty cool in the Mini!!! So there ya have it, liked it overall but didn't love it because the way I'd have to outfit one. The Golf is a better deal all the way around, even in SEL guise.
Think I'm describing the vehicle for me, and it's the one I've liked best since the beginning...the Tiguan!
Might be best to wait the 2 years of Golf ownership, and then go see what I can get a Tiguan for since by then, think the new model will be out and the older ones should have a decent discount for me to snap one up. They have one in a bronze color which looks pretty cool when cleaned up. Could be an interesting way to end up in the vehicle I should've looked at more seriously back in 2013. But didn't know that any German vehicle was on the table back then. If they had been, who knows!!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

I guess all the recent buying here lately has got me thinking. Thinking I might get more from someone with a Golf at under 30K as mine is in pretty great shape right now. Maybe some kid with a load of cash might just want it. Not a GTI but looks pretty sharp with the Jetta alloys and the blue over beige combo.
Really thought the BMW would give me the same silly grin as the A3 and Golf did when I first drove them. It didn't, and neither did the Mini today. Who knows, maybe the Tiguan will and if it does, I've got my answer! But, it would have to be any color besides black and white! Next thing on my list...go drive one and see.

The Sandman

suydam

Maybe the Golf is what you want all along.

nyccarguy

@stickguy - the GTI you saw was that dark blue? You liked it?

stevedebi

henryn said:

stickguy said:

Sat in my daughters friends GTI yo say. Gorgeous dark blue. Base model so plaid seats. Was smart turned down offer to drive. Poor thing was filthy though.

But dang, those seats, just too confining in the bolsters.

I actually did a trial fit in this 2013 Golf TDI, before I purchased the Passat TDI.

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/5696169263.html

Nice car, and actually has more headroom than the Passat. But the seats, dear lord, the seats!

My wife would have liked the Jetta, but there is no way she would fit in the seats - too confining. An interesting factiod: VW modified the Passat for the US market in two ways. It is longer, so there is a lot of back seat room, and they provided seats that were, um, accommodating to American hind quarters.

We are probably going to sell our TDI back, and possibly get a new Passat 1.8L. I have an appointment to test drive one tomorrow, although the buy back won't be for some months.

Sandman6472

Suydam, that or maybe the Tiguan a bit more. Back in the end of 2013, I looked at the Escape, Encore, Outlander Sport SE, CR-V and the Tucson. Owning another Hyundai in the family entitles us to an extra $500.00 off the price. Did like the Tiguan the best but it was a bit pricey, especially the SE trim which I had to have. Went with the Tucson without checking out the Sportage, CX-5 or the Rav-4 which as we found out was a mistake. About 375 days later, I went with the Golf as the Jetta didn't pass the garage test.
Am very happy now but if I don't take the A3 eventually, a CPO Tiguan might fit the bill. Luckily, just looking for the heck of it now and I'll know what to do once I see something I can't live without. At least I'm narrowing the short list down! All is good!

The Sandman

corvette

The Tiguan is a little awkward looking. May be due for an update/redesign soon?

Sandman6472

Yes, it's coming I think for 2017 But I like the current model to be honest. Figure I'll wait a couple of years and find a CPO'd 2016 unit and get that higher seating position back. The Mini Cooper just didn't do anything for me today and think my current Golf is superior especially in the interior and dash layout. The Mini's was just too busy and the knobs/switches just too tiny and hard for me to read the gauges and other things. VW does a better job on their dash layout in my opinion. So, cross off Mini at this point.
Keep looking at the BMW 1 Series but it drove like a barge to me...someone mentioned the lack of power steering as I'm used to but not so sure. Wood have to drive some other 1 Series vehicles to really tell. Think if I went a bit crazy and threw caution to the wind, the 1 Series might work, but, that's just not me. If the wife were on board, would consider it.
So, we're back to the Tiguan at this point. So have made some good progress this week. And to be honest, moving up to a Tiguan isn't the worst thing in the world. And it wouldn't be for a year or two and by that time, could have about 50K on the clock. Will drive one next week just to see because unless it just talks to me like the first time I drove a Golf, best just to stay the course. With the Golf, the minute I started driving it, I just knew I'd have one in the garage within the not to distant future and 10 days later, I drove my blue Golf into my side of the garage!
But life is so unpredictable, things could change between now and then. This all might just be a waste of time right now but, it is fun to test them all!

The Sandman

henryn

stevedebi said:

henryn said:

stickguy said:

Sat in my daughters friends GTI yo say. Gorgeous dark blue. Base model so plaid seats. Was smart turned down offer to drive. Poor thing was filthy though.

But dang, those seats, just too confining in the bolsters.

I actually did a trial fit in this 2013 Golf TDI, before I purchased the Passat TDI.

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/5696169263.html

Nice car, and actually has more headroom than the Passat. But the seats, dear lord, the seats!

My wife would have liked the Jetta, but there is no way she would fit in the seats - too confining. An interesting factiod: VW modified the Passat for the US market in two ways. It is longer, so there is a lot of back seat room, and they provided seats that were, um, accommodating to American hind quarters.

I know the automotive journalists have said that, over and over. I had a 2008 Passat, 2.0T, bought new, kept in the family for 6 years and 105k miles. I just sold it 2 years ago. The seats seem to be exactly the same to me, no difference that I can tell.

I think this 2013 does have a little more back seat legroom, but honestly there was a lot of space back there in the 2008.

I see 3 big differences in the 2008 vs the 2013. Number one, of course, the diesel engine. The 2.0T was a rocket ship, the diesel, is, well, it's torquey and it gets great fuel mileage (smile).

Number 2, this one has many more modern conveniences. Touch screen, bluetooth, etc.

Number 3, more room for my right foot. The reason I finally gave up and sold the 2008 was the brake pedal was too close to the center hump. I wear a size 16, extra wide shoe. Trying to lift my foot off the throttle to apply the brakes, my shoe would get hung up under the brake pedal. After almost hitting something several times, I decided to just sell it. The reason we had it for 6 years, for better than 5 years this was my wife's daily driver. I sort of inherited it when she moved to Australia (long story). This 2013 does not have that problem, just a little short on head room because of the sunroof.

Now the front seat in that 2013 Golf TDI (referenced above), that seat was made for someone with a really narrow ___.

stickguy

Bradd, the GTI was a base, dark blue. Gorgeous.

Son saws newc2 series in dark metallic red/brown over brown. Looked so nice. Moving up his list.

corvette

henryn said:

I sort of inherited it when she moved to Australia (long story).
...
Now the front seat in that 2013 Golf TDI (referenced above), that seat was made for someone with a really narrow ___.

Don't leave us hanging like that... We have to hear the Australia story.

If you didn't like the Golf seats, you especially wouldn't like the GTI seats.

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Suydam, that or maybe the Tiguan a bit more. Back in the end of 2013, I looked at the Escape, Encore, Outlander Sport SE, CR-V and the Tucson. Owning another Hyundai in the family entitles us to an extra $500.00 off the price. Did like the Tiguan the best but it was a bit pricey, especially the SE trim which I had to have. Went with the Tucson without checking out the Sportage, CX-5 or the Rav-4 which as we found out was a mistake. About 375 days later, I went with the Golf as the Jetta didn't pass the garage test.
Am very happy now but if I don't take the A3 eventually, a CPO Tiguan might fit the bill. Luckily, just looking for the heck of it now and I'll know what to do once I see something I can't live without. At least I'm narrowing the short list down! All is good!

The Sandman

The old saying "You get what you pay for."

Sandman6472

Yep, understand that and luckily, I don't have to spend a thing right now. Something very powerful in just knowing you really can afford whatever you want but just keeping the current vehicle because there's nothing wrong with it. Better to just save the funds and use them at a later time. Sat in a Tiguan at work and felt right at home, a very familiar place. It was an "S" model and a bit stark so I'd definitely go with an "SE" model.
All is good!!

The Sandman

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Bradd, the GTI was a base, dark blue. Gorgeous.

Son saws newc2 series in dark metallic red/brown over brown. Looked so nice. Moving up his list.

Evil

breld

The Audi dealer I bought the SQ5 from has my S4 listed for just a few hundred less than what I bought it for new a year ago.

That's crazy, but I guess that's why I got such a nice trade on it.

It's been a great vacation - we start our trek back tomorrow - but I am looking forward to getting some seat time in the new ride when I return.

breld

Just have to share - we rented this 1930's "mansion" (it's not as big as you may think but is very extravagant) about half an hour from Disneyland. For our group of nine, it works out to be pretty reasonable, and tons cheaper than getting accomodations at the Disneyland park for all of us.

It's been a lot of fun.

28firefighter

Looks like an awesome place to stay!  Very fun and probably a very different experience from staying at the park - for the better. 

xwesx

Yes, no doubt! That looks quite plush!

kyfdx

This guy needs some help and opinions:

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/42232/general/x/military-guy-needs-help-getting-an-affordable-reliable-commuter-car#latest

Michaell

Anybody looking for a pickup?

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1970/chevrolet/custom/100779427

Dads truck is up for sale.

ab348

That truck looks nearly identical to the one my neighbor was selling and seems to be in about the same condition except for mileage. It has disappeared so I assume it finally sold (I haven't seen him this week); last offer he had was $7500 Cdn.

xwesx

Nice, Michael. I seem to recall you saying that he had some cosmetic work done on it a while back, like paint, etc? I think the ad needs some mechanical photos to improve it's effectiveness.

What is that little grey circle mounted flush under the dash on the left side? Is that some sort of anti-theft device? If so, kinda funny. I can't remember the last time I pulled the key out of my truck's ignition.

Michaell

xwesx said:

Nice, Michael. I seem to recall you saying that he had some cosmetic work done on it a while back, like paint, etc? I think the ad needs some mechanical photos to improve it's effectiveness. What is that little grey circle mounted flush under the dash on the left side? Is that some sort of anti-theft device? If so, kinda funny. I can't remember the last time I pulled the key out of my truck's ignition.

Yep,  some sort of antitheft system 

corvette

Nice place, breld. You probably did the right thing driving there. I flew out of Seatac this morning and it was one delay after another. Probably 200 people in line to check in with Southwest. Security lines were also very long (I don't yet have the TSA Precheck credential, but have applied for Global Entry, which includes Precheck), and they actually completely shut down security so that a dog could come around and sniff everyone. The dog seemed excessively preoccupied with stopping and sniffing every kid he saw.

corvette

Two stops for you Seattle guys:


LeMay Family Collection Foundation
http://www.lemaymarymount.org/

and

LeMay - America's Car Museum
https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

I did both yesterday. LeMay Family Collection Foundation is kind of out in the sticks, but it's a really cool site that has been converted from an old military academy. About 500 cars on display. Be prepared to spend a lot of time, as two of the buildings require an escort, and the pace of the tour will depend a lot on the other people in your tour group. This one is not a museum in the traditional sense, more of a collection of the LeMays' cars that they allow the public to visit.

The museum is more polished and it's easier to see the cars, but "only" has about 200 cars. They're both impressive collections and I would recommend visiting both.

nyccarguy

2,653.2 miles later I am back home. Pilot is unloaded. Vacation was wonderful. Gotta come back to reality sometime.

28firefighter

@corvette you should have reached out!

SeaTac is brutal without PreCheck lately. Southwest in general has been a nightmare the last 2.5 weeks due to their systemwide computer outage that shutdown the entire airline.

tifighter

corvette said:

Nice place, breld. You probably did the right thing driving there. I flew out of Seatac this morning and it was one delay after another. Probably 200 people in line to check in with Southwest. Security lines were also very long (I don't yet have the TSA Precheck credential, but have applied for Global Entry, which includes Precheck), and they actually completely shut down security so that a dog could come around and sniff everyone. The dog seemed excessively preoccupied with stopping and sniffing every kid he saw.

Global Entry is worth the effort. Usually a long wait for the interview with CBP, though.

kyfdx

@corvette Can I go on vacation with you?

Michaell

I've applied for TSA PRE, as well. Denver funnels all passengers through two security checkpoints.

corvette

28firefighter said:

@corvette you should have reached out!

I will if I'm ever back in the area!

graphicguy

Michaell said:

Anybody looking for a pickup?

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1970/chevrolet/custom/100779427

Dads truck is up for sale.

That's a cool truck. I like...just don't need a truck.

stever

Went through LAX last week with no drama and the line moved fast; 7 pm on a Wednesday night.

I kind of resent having to pay extra for what really amounts to a cursory background check with PRE, and I kind of resent giving priority lines to first class passengers going through security. That's a government function and there should one line for everyone. While I'm ranting, all the private jet owners should have to go through the same TSA lines with us peons. After a few congressmen and movie stars suffer through the indignations, then we'd start to see some real change in the system.

Off to Mexico this morning with our company. She has a '92 Camry now in Montana and a 2000 Bug back in Anchorage. But she misses her previous ride a lot - a 1968 Gran Torino.

Which ties in nicely with my get off my lawn rant, lol.

(I know, the Gran's didn't come out until '72 but she can call it what she wants).

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

Anybody looking for a pickup?

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1970/chevrolet/custom/100779427

Dads truck is up for sale.

That's a cool truck. I like...just don't need a truck.

Neither do I ... and, I'm not sure I could get the carbs tuned for the altitude here in Denver.

And the lack of any creature comforts. And the fact that I'd have to either drive it or ship it here. And that I don't have a place to park it.

And .. and ... and ....

Michaell

Michaell said:

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

Anybody looking for a pickup?

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1970/chevrolet/custom/100779427

Dads truck is up for sale.

That's a cool truck. I like...just don't need a truck.

Neither do I ... and, I'm not sure I could get the carbs tuned for the altitude here in Denver.

And the lack of any creature comforts. And the fact that I'd have to either drive it or ship it here. And that I don't have a place to park it.

And .. and ... and ....

And .. most importantly, the money from the sale of the truck will be divided up equally against the 4 grandchildren.