Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

You can get used to turbo lag but you also need to be careful with it.

My TDI reminds me quite a bit of my T5, actually. Step on the gas, wait 2-3 secs, then hold the wheel tight. If pulling out into heavy traffic, you have to step on the gas as the car you want to get behind is just starting to pass you so you can actually start moving by the time the gap presents itself. It is a dangerous game.

cdnpinhead

elias said:

Dear canadien pinhead, your implication that less-intelligent-people are not as qualified to vote as more-intelligent-people is false, unconstitutional, and just plain wrong on every level.

Well, it's obvious that I've done a microaggression, for which I should be contrite. I'd offer you a safe space if I could.

I'm not saying that they're not qualified but that their presence helps explain the results that we all end up living with.

Oh, and thanks for the French spelling of Canadian -- I actually like it.

andres3

elias said:

Who else can't stand it when they hear the term "rapid rate of speed" or "high rate of speed".

Rate of speed = acceleration.
So rapid rate of speed equals rapid acceleration. But that's not the common usage of the term.
Arrrrgh. The pet peeves of an engineer are never-ending!

cheers...

Did I mention the Audi S4 Owner's manual warns and cautions to not "Annoy other drivers with your loud and rapid acceleration." It's right after the couple of paragraphs on how to use Launch Control with your dual clutch direct shift gearbox.

sda

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

@michaell Bite the bullet and pay your penalties on the current lease and start over. Otherwise, you are getting something you might not really want, or passing up a good deal, with another brand.

Leasing a certain car, just so you can roll over negative equity is not a path to success in car ownership (or leasing).

Generally agree unless the manufacturer is offering specific incentives to forgive (vs. bury) that amount.

Good advice. I'm still in no rush, however. Last payment due on 10/7, lease ends on 11/6.

If I stick it out to the end of the lease, I've got maybe $1K of mileage charges and another $700 or so of damage (which I'd like to get repaired sooner; the wife disagrees). Plus the disposition charge if I turn it in and walk away.

I'll talk to the Hyundai dealership when I go in for service; I know they won't be beat, price-wise, on any deal. The real question is how much of the extra costs they'll be willing to forgive if I lease from them again.

You might want to check your lease contract for any wear and tear/other allowances. On the Odyssey that we leased I replace the tires before I turned it in. Come to find out I didn't need to as it was covered by this allowance, which also would have included typical bumper and door dings. It did not feel good to waste $$ on tires when I didn't need to.

stickguy

@Michaell, having driven Jettas (sport and 1.4t) back to back to back with the Sonata (I got a 1.4t loaner on the sport in May), I can confirm the differences. But, there is really not much diff between the Sport and 1.4t jettas. Mostly just notice the seats, and the looks outside, but they feel and drive pretty much the same. Even the smaller engine seems to have plenty of pull, in normal use.

Sonata definitely a much larger, cushier, "relaxed" ride.

Michaell

sda said:

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

@michaell Bite the bullet and pay your penalties on the current lease and start over. Otherwise, you are getting something you might not really want, or passing up a good deal, with another brand.

Leasing a certain car, just so you can roll over negative equity is not a path to success in car ownership (or leasing).

Generally agree unless the manufacturer is offering specific incentives to forgive (vs. bury) that amount.

Good advice. I'm still in no rush, however. Last payment due on 10/7, lease ends on 11/6.

If I stick it out to the end of the lease, I've got maybe $1K of mileage charges and another $700 or so of damage (which I'd like to get repaired sooner; the wife disagrees). Plus the disposition charge if I turn it in and walk away.

I'll talk to the Hyundai dealership when I go in for service; I know they won't be beat, price-wise, on any deal. The real question is how much of the extra costs they'll be willing to forgive if I lease from them again.

You might want to check your lease contract for any wear and tear/other allowances. On the Odyssey that we leased I replace the tires before I turned it in. Come to find out I didn't need to as it was covered by this allowance, which also would have included typical bumper and door dings. It did not feel good to waste $$ on tires when I didn't need to.

Good idea.

28firefighter

sda said:

You might want to check your lease contract for any wear and tear/other allowances. On the Odyssey that we leased I replace the tires before I turned it in. Come to find out I didn't need to as it was covered by this allowance, which also would have included typical bumper and door dings. It did not feel good to waste $$ on tires when I didn't need to.

This is a great point. I remember I had a 2009 Subaru Legacy lease a while back and it had about $1500 of wear and tear cushion built into the lease - I believe that it was serviced by Chase.

stickguy

I got sucked into the protection coverage (hey, it was my first lease). Included wheel and tire protection, but also dents and dings, and other waiver of stuff that could in theory cost me money. Thankfully, so far, not an issue. Could be one on the Jetta Sport, though daughter has mentioned maybe buying it out, since she will need to get something when that lease is up.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

I got sucked into the protection coverage (hey, it was my first lease). Included wheel and tire protection, but also dents and dings, and other waiver of stuff that could in theory cost me money. Thankfully, so far, not an issue. Could be one on the Jetta Sport, though daughter has mentioned maybe buying it out, since she will need to get something when that lease is up.

If she is anything like her Dad, she'll want something else.

stickguy

her dime for the next one. I will consult and help, but ultimately, up to her.

stickguy

So, I am strangely (and strongly) attracted to this one. If I needed to buy now, would get a look.

Q, maybe this could serve your need for "practical" 1/2 of your plan to go 2 for 1?

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2011-volkswagen-tiguan-s-suv-11c6ebf5edc9424da333cda31d19cccb/

qbrozen

The price makes it attractive but I'm pretty sure manual cloth seats won't cut it for me on my long commutes.

roadburner

cdnpinhead said:

roadburner said:

- I refuse to deal with complete idiots.

That's nice work, if you can get it. My daily grind involves many such people.

My prior job did too- for 28 years. Hence my lack of patience in my declining years...

kyfdx

stickguy said:

So, I am strangely (and strongly) attracted to this one. If I needed to buy now, would get a look.

Q, maybe this could serve your need for "practical" 1/2 of your plan to go 2 for 1?

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2011-volkswagen-tiguan-s-suv-11c6ebf5edc9424da333cda31d19cccb/

I like it. Of course, it's not AWD.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I got sucked into the protection coverage (hey, it was my first lease). Included wheel and tire protection, but also dents and dings, and other waiver of stuff that could in theory cost me money. Thankfully, so far, not an issue. Could be one on the Jetta Sport, though daughter has mentioned maybe buying it out, since she will need to get something when that lease is up.

Everyone makes mistakes on their first or second lease. I started early (1994).

Also, if you don't tell the wife the GTI is supposed to be sporty, she may never know. Practical is the way to sell it.

mjfloyd1

stickguy said:

So, I am strangely (and strongly) attracted to this one. If I needed to buy now, would get a look.

Q, maybe this could serve your need for "practical" 1/2 of your plan to go 2 for 1?

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2011-volkswagen-tiguan-s-suv-11c6ebf5edc9424da333cda31d19cccb/

I wonder if it has the 2.0 T oil consumption issues or if it has been repaired or is able to be fixed on VW's dime? 99k miles, so it's a drive it into the ground type of car...

Mr_Shiftright

what's your complaint against cloth seats? I would think that on long commutes they would breathe better.

suydam

I find leather more comfortable myself but in these days of pleather upgraded cloth seats seem just fine. Leather does breathe but vinyl not so much.

ab348

stickguy said:

I got a laugh out of her when I described the benefits of leasing another car from the same manufacturer. She said to get another Sonata, because it is a nice car and she likes it (and seems happy with the size of it). But really, getting the same thing a 2nd time, when there were no real changes? Sacrilege.

Since Hyundai has announced they are not continuing with it, maybe you could get a sweet deal on a Genesis coupe.

stickguy

I actually like cloth seats, and would prefer them. I usually insist on power, but would be fine with manual ones that I can adjust the way I want. Just not many of them around.

oil issues on that motor? Well, that could be an issue. I just liked the stick, and the price!

and FWD is fine by me. Probably better on something like this (less to go wrong).

and yeah, it would be as a spare car/beater. Perfect for that duty.

stickguy

also, the wife is well aware of what the GTI is. She really is not that big on VWs to start with. and doesn't like the GTI or Golf that much (too small).

henryn

roadburner said:

cdnpinhead said:

roadburner said:

- I refuse to deal with complete idiots.

That's nice work, if you can get it. My daily grind involves many such people.

My prior job did too- for 28 years. Hence my lack of patience in my declining years...

I'm rather spoiled. I deal at work with highly educated, very intelligent people. Some of them can be trying, but none of them are dumb.

corvette

stickguy said:

So, I am strangely (and strongly) attracted to this one. If I needed to buy now, would get a look.

Q, maybe this could serve your need for "practical" 1/2 of your plan to go 2 for 1?

http://www.royalautogroups.com/vehicle-details/2011-volkswagen-tiguan-s-suv-11c6ebf5edc9424da333cda31d19cccb/

Not wild about the cloth seats. I think the 2.0T in the 2011 has a timing belt (which is due for replacement at around 100k). No-name tires (Zenna Sport Line?). Only one key. No Bluetooth or steering wheel audio controls.

stickguy

well, that is a strippo model.

did you notice it is pretty cheap and has a clutch pedal?

kyfdx

The 2011 has the later TSI engine (2009 on). Much better reputation than the FSI engine that preceded it.

I like it.. it's like a jacked up GTI! For $6900, what could go wrong!

corvette

The lack of a timing belt makes me feel a little better about it. My GLI only burned about 1.5 quarts per 10,000 mile oil change... The ad should say, "take the money you're going to make on TDI arbitrage and buy this!"

cdnpinhead

henryn said:

I'm rather spoiled. I deal at work with highly educated, very intelligent people. Some of them can be trying, but none of them are dumb.

That's good to hear. Count your blessings. It is truly wonderful to work with good people, which is why I guess I miss it so much.

Michaell

I'm going to test drive the grey Jetta 1.4T SE this afternoon - see if I like it.

graphicguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

cdnpinhead said:

Yeah, and I heard a few weeks ago the number of people in the U.S. with IQs lower than 80. It was many tens of millions, and they can all vote. Explains a lot.

Below 80 is a pretty bad deal of the cards. I'd like to test all the poor people who do double and triple folds of negative equity into new loans. I can't believe some of the bad deals I read about.

No kidding! I absolutely can not believe my son's friends sometimes. Understand, these are college educated (many with business degrees), late 20s people with good paying jobs.

Over and over I hear....."I got such a good deal on the (pick a model from BMW, Benz, Lexus, etc)". Quizzing them, they got a decent deal on their new rides, but was taken on the trade and they rolled in so much negative equity, that I have to choke down a gasp.

These folks are paying $800-$1,000/mo for a mundane IS, 320i, CLA. Two years later, they're going to try to do the same thing again. And get even deeper into the negative equity merry go round.

They were teens when the last financial crisis hit. So, they are aware of what happened. They just don't care.

fintail

Basic financial literacy is virtually not taught in primary school, and I suspect many "business" related majors these days don't require even a rudimentary finance class, not to mention other majors. This might not be accidental.

These young people are exactly who should lease. Lower payment, low commitment, and so long as you ride out the lease, no negative equity when you get bored with the car in 24 months.

qbrozen

Well equipped, great color combo, and quite a good deal.

28firefighter

fintail said:

Basic financial literacy is virtually not taught in primary school, and I suspect many "business" related majors these days don't require even a rudimentary finance class, not to mention other majors. This might not be accidental.

These young people are exactly who should lease. Lower payment, low commitment, and so long as you ride out the lease, no negative equity when you get bored with the car in 24 months.

As one of the late 20-somethings many of you are referring to...

I've been very lucky to have been shown good financial habits both from my parents and my in-laws (my father-in-law is a financial planner). I understand the value of a dollar, the importance of saving, and the importance of keeping and maintaining good credit. It was has enabled us to buy a house, continue saving, and support my car habit (within reason).

But you're right, many of my contemporaries do not get it and do not care to get it.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

cdnpinhead said:

Yeah, and I heard a few weeks ago the number of people in the U.S. with IQs lower than 80. It was many tens of millions, and they can all vote. Explains a lot.

Below 80 is a pretty bad deal of the cards. I'd like to test all the poor people who do double and triple folds of negative equity into new loans. I can't believe some of the bad deals I read about.

No kidding! I absolutely can not believe my son's friends sometimes. Understand, these are college educated (many with business degrees), late 20s people with good paying jobs.

Over and over I hear....."I got such a good deal on the (pick a model from BMW, Benz, Lexus, etc)". Quizzing them, they got a decent deal on their new rides, but was taken on the trade and they rolled in so much negative equity, that I have to choke down a gasp.

These folks are paying $800-$1,000/mo for a mundane IS, 320i, CLA. Two years later, they're going to try to do the same thing again. And get even deeper into the negative equity merry go round.

They were teens when the last financial crisis hit. So, they are aware of what happened. They just don't care.

They need to choose cars that hold their value better.

My daughter bought a MINI in 2010 ... four years later, she traded it in for another MINI (Countryman, this time). She had almost $1000 of positive equity in the transaction.

That's why our latest purchase for my wife was a Subaru. They hold their value like crazy here in Colorado. If we hang onto it for a few more years, I'm certain it will be worth more than what we owe on it.

However, no plans to get rid of it. Wife loves it and it's only got 15,000 miles after 17 months.

I lease for the reasons that @fintail mentions - fixed budget and car ADD.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

I lease for the reasons that @fintail mentions - fixed budget and car ADD.

That's why I DON'T lease. I can't hold onto a car that long!

My wife's Pacifica was the only lease we happily drove till the last possible day. The lease on her Mitsu Galant she got before I met her, we had to hold till the end, but it sat for about 8 mos since she was going over the miles. My Mazda 626, Honda Accord, and Nissan Leaf leases I terminated early.

henryn

I'm not going to lease because my situation is too fluid. I'm working as a contractor for an oil company, which means I have zero job security at the moment. And being 65 years old, if I do get laid off the chances of finding another job are somewhere between slim and none. (Yes, there is age discrimination.)

I am trying to keep all of my ducks in a row so that if / when the axe falls, I can simply walk away into retirement. And that means no mortgage payment, no credit card debt, no reverse equity on a car loan, and no lease commitment.

stickguy

Nice X1. I used to live real close to tenafly.

I would prefer a little more sidewall. And I know my wife would hate coral seats. Make the terra cotta, and I would be fine with it.

nyccarguy

I like that X1 - no xenons though.

fintail

I see MBs like that BMW that confound me - moderately well optioned, but no lighting package? Lighting package is one of the first boxes I'd check on a MB, and pretty much a deal-breaker without it.

I kept my E55 for a long time, and didn't really get bored with it so much as maybe too attached, and became afraid it would be hard to let go (I already have a car like that). I jumped into the leasing world, and don't regret it. Although I like the current car a lot, and might not turn it loose, depending on the offerings at the time.

kyfdx

Didn't realize there were so many used X1s for sale, until my wife's niece asked me to look for one, for her.

Xenons are very rare on the 2.8 model, but standard on the 3.5 model, I think.

You can get a lot of car for around $26K, plus certified, so warranty for the next three years.

nyccarguy

I started "going solar" proceedings yesterday. I went with Solar City as a few of you have. I opted to lease from them with $0 out of pocket & a "fixed" utility bill for the next 20 years. Connecticut doesn't allow home owners to sell back to the utility company. So 37 Solar Panels will get me around 94% efficiency. It takes a while in Stamford where I live. I think it should be about 6 months before we are up & running.

nyccarguy

nyccarguy

The above are some shots of damage my poor (slow) legacy has endured at the hands of parking lot drivers.

stickguy

I will never give my car to a lot driver. Bad enough when I have to put it in a park and lock garage. Evil places.

nyccarguy

I always park & lock.

sda

nyccarguy said:

The above are some shots of damage my poor (slow) legacy has endured at the hands of parking lot drivers.

Ouch and grrrr. Is the scrape down the side new? That would totally tick me off. I like that color of blue.

qbrozen

Fun daydreaming site.

kyfdx

Last Monday, a week ago, took the wife's 2011 X3 to the dealer for regularly scheduled maintenance. Oil change and spark plugs, plus a few other things. 75K miles. Estimate was $550.

I knew that rear brakes were a possibility, but the call I got later that morning was a gut punch.. The new total estimate? $2750.

I won't go into the gory details, but one of the items was the belt tensioner pulley. I think it's spring-loaded or hydraulic or something like that. Anyway, it was losing it's "spring", and wasn't keeping the belts taut. "We really need to fix this, because the belts are starting to work their way off of the pulley, and if that happens, you'll be stuck on the side of the road".

The car had a recall that involved the body shop, so they had it all week. Picked it up on Friday. Final bill was $2685. (Rear brakes, leaking transfer case seal, aforementioned other items).

Fast forward three days later to Tuesday. My wife calls and the car is dead in the busiest intersection in town. And, the "wrench" symbol is flashing. She was very, very happy. Towed it to the dealer. Get a call the next day. Tech had installed the tensioner improperly, and the belts had come off the pulley. It's like the service advisor was psychic!

stickguy

Oh man. I really want that orange 72 duster. Yeah, I have weird taste.

qbrozen

Ha! So do I, stick!
also like the black one, the '62 bel air, and the green swinger

stickguy

Black ones an automatic. Push on that.