Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

fintail

I bought a 4/50 warranty for my E55 when I bought it 10 years ago. I think it was around $2500. I ended up using over $4K in warranty work, I think, it was kind of a good investment. I doubt I would buy a warranty on a Camcord, but for a complex German car, one would be crazy not to.

jpp75

fintail said:

I bought a 4/50 warranty for my E55 when I bought it 10 years ago. I think it was around $2500. I ended up using over $4K in warranty work, I think, it was kind of a good investment. I doubt I would buy a warranty on a Camcord, but for a complex German car, one would be crazy not to.

I'm looking at one for the Touareg, I enjoy it enough to buy at the end of the lease but am well aware of risks of owning one past the warranty.

jpp75

stickguy said:

I don't need it, but for basic transit, or especially a HS kids car, this looks like a really good deal for the price. If it was a comparably equipped Toyonda, probably have to add at least another $5K to the asking price.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-chevrolet-malibu-4dr_sedan_lt_w_slash_1lt-used-15479226.html

You'll need that $5k to pay for repairs, no way I'd buy a 2011 Malibu with 85k on the clock.

kyfdx

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think it's an auction. Not a good idea with a rehab car. I suspect the 993 wave has crested anyway.

Yeah, it's here:

eBay link

This is out of Chip Lamb's operation in Savannah, Ga., who seems to have many nice cars of all types, from classics to newer stuff like this, go through there.

$48,900 Buy it Now seems about right for a re-paint car that didn't seem to be particularly well cared for. Not one that I would choose.

stever

If you lube the doors @sandman_6472, I'd just lube the rollers, not the track itself (unless your brand specifically recommends it). When mine was getting recalcitrant, I cleaned the old grease out of the tracks that the previous owners had stuck in there. That helped for several months, and then the spring broke. If you are on the original spring(s), I bet they are getting tired and weaker. Or it could be a simple alignment issue. Around here, it'd be cheaper to call the guys who install them for a tune-up than a general handyman.

ab348

kyfdx said:

$48,900 Buy it Now seems about right for a re-paint car that didn't seem to be particularly well cared for. Not one that I would choose.

Buy it Now is seldom a good option for a used car on eBay. Wonder what the reserve number would be.

henryn

What the h___ happened to the love affair with the Tiguan?

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think it's an auction. Not a good idea with a rehab car. I suspect the 993 wave has crested anyway.

Yeah, it's here:

eBay link

This is out of Chip Lamb's operation in Savannah, Ga., who seems to have many nice cars of all types, from classics to newer stuff like this, go through there.

$48,900 Buy it Now seems about right for a re-paint car that didn't seem to be particularly well cared for. Not one that I would choose.

German "classic" car buyers in particular are very sensitive to re-paints.

stevedebi

sandman_6472 said:

...
Think I also need to test drive a HR-V to see just why I seem to like it so much. Love the interior of the EX-L, felt very much at home in it. Figure I'd manage with the knobless infotainment center and wouldn't really care over time. Just afraid that Stick is right and I would get bored with it really soon after owning the Golf. Need to find out prices on the warranty and really weigh my options here. As of now, very doubtful that I'll take over the wife's A3 down the line as I'd probably want new after a short while and will be stuck. Luckily, no decisions have to be made at 2:49 a m. Think I'll just go back to bed as gotta go to work in a few hours and I'm tired.

...

I drove the HRV a couple of weeks ago. It is a great driving experience, although it doesn't have enough leg room for me (I'm 6 foot). I wanted to love it, but I was too cramped. The wife liked it though, and a 2017 is high on her list once they buy back our VW TDI.

It is very maneuverable, the ride is acceptable for an SUV, and it gets 35 on the highway. A lot to like there.

andres3

stevedebi said:

sandman_6472 said:

Just found one on a google.com search. Will call and get a quote and then go to my dealer and see which is the better one. Just not sure I trust my luck here unlike owning a Japanese or Korean model, then I'd just let it go as I've never bought one before on any vehicle. But have a strange feeling here as am not sure really how long I'm gonna keep it. Even my mechanic said, "You guys are leasing both, right"? Even he said he wouldn't want to own a Audi/VW out of warranty, which I did mention to the wife but she thought we'd be o k. But, she only plans to keep hers for maybe 3 to 5 years to begin with, no long term ownership in her mind here.
So will do my research this week and then go from there. Think if the HR-V had been out at the same time, might have gone that route...just not sure, as I really do love our current fleet, a lot!

The Sandman

A lot of folks don't suggest extended warranties. I've bought them on the last several cars; in each case they all paid for themselves in repairs after 3/36. I even got one on our Civic in 2002 - which also paid for itself.

It is a matter of choice. We have one on our 2014 Passat (because it is a VW), to 100K. But of course when we turn the car in we will get a refund on the unused portion.

What about if you put the time-value of money at 5% a year? Have you come out ahead several times then?

Since I only kept my last car 48K miles and it had a 50K warranty an extended warranty would have been a 100% waste, even if it was refundable, I'd have lost the value of that money for nearly 3 years.

If a vehicle is reliable its first 50K miles, that's a good indicator it will be fine the next 50K miles.

ab348

stevedebi said:

I drove the HRV a couple of weeks ago. It is a great driving experience, although it doesn't have enough leg room for me (I'm 6 foot). I wanted to love it, but I was too cramped. The wife liked it though, and a 2017 is high on her list once they buy back our VW TDI.

It is very maneuverable, the ride is acceptable for an SUV, and it gets 35 on the highway. A lot to like there.

Isn't it supposed to be bog-slow though? I hear very mixed reviews of it.

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

German "classic" car buyers in particular are very sensitive to re-paints.

I don't see too many German classics running around with chipped, faded or rust-bubbly paint though. Surely repaints are not uncommon.

andres3

cdnpinhead said:

Extended warranties make financial sense to the people selling them, not the people buying them. Otherwise they wouldn't be available.

It's the same way with insurance. Unless you are out there causing wrecks, you are probably getting shafted. Then again, you can't fully control thieves and under/uninsured drivers causing collisions with you.

Still, I wonder how much would be saved getting rid of all the crooked insurance claims agents/adjusters and eliminating that overhead only to approve any even semi-reasonable claim.

Mr_Shiftright

Well there are actual "classics" and just old German used cars. That's the difference....an actual German "classic" appreciates as it gets older, an old German used car depreciates or stagnants as it gets older.

So few buyers would get very fussy about paint when you're in the under $10,000 category.

Sandman6472

Sat in a HR-V today because I was at the Honda store's Hertz location for almost 10 hours. EX-L model and the leather(?) seats are very nice and the whole interior is done up nicely, about on par with my Golf. The LX has knobs on the infotainment and HVAC system but wouldn't want an LX. Still, I can see myself in one easily...also ingress/egress is quite acceptable with my spinal issues.
Will lube the rollers again and know that we're on our 3rd set of springs in 29 years. Went onto Thumbtack.com but got no hits about getting someone to come out and look. Am off the next couple of days so will monitor the door and go from there. Also need to service the Accent soon, last done on November 28th and it's only gone about 3K miles since then. needs to be re-aligned but have the three year policy so will rotate/align/oil change/detail within the next couple of weeks just in case the kid gets a job soon. Tires look good/battery good, both replaced last November...was an expensive month for me!!

The Sandman

Michaell

@sandman_6472 - I'd suggest you take a long test drive of the HR-V. I've read multiple reviews that the engine / CVT combination make for a pretty unpleasant driving experience. Coming from the Golf, you may be completely underwhelmed.

OTOH, if my mom (aged 78) ever decided to get a new car, I'd steer her towards a FWD HR-V in a heartbeat, for the exact same reasons you cite - ease of entry and exit.

stickguy

I liked sitting in the HRV, and conceptually, it would be great for me.

just need to make a sport model, with a power seat, moonroof, and the turbo engine and 6 speed combo.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I liked sitting in the HRV, and conceptually, it would be great for me. just need to make a sport model, with a power seat, moonroof, and the turbo engine and 6 speed combo.

Ooo, the 1.5T would make it a blast. 

stickguy

yes, I would really consider buying that. possibly even the automatic version of it, depending on how it drives.

Michaell

stickguy said:

yes, I would really consider buying that. possibly even the automatic version of it, depending on how it drives.

Maybe not a Sport trim, but how about a Touring trim, similar to the CR-V and Pilot.

stickguy

close enough. as long as it has the right goodies, and powertrain.

I'm also quite excited for the Civic hatch to come out with the turbo stick combo.

nyccarguy

@Michaell - one of the teachers that parks in the lot next to me started school this year with a brand new, White, Jetta GLS TSI with really sweet looking two tone beige & black seats. The car looks pretty loaded up. LED DRLs, Sunroof, & I think xenon headlights. She had a JSW TDI with over 110K on it. I'll try and find out what she did with it. I know from talking to her that her husband has a Passat TDI as well.

stickguy

what school? You anywhere near St. Nicholas of Tollantine?

corvette

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

yes, I would really consider buying that. possibly even the automatic version of it, depending on how it drives.

Maybe not a Sport trim, but how about a Touring trim, similar to the CR-V and Pilot.

I'm guessing that's about the same priority for Honda as offering a Fit Touring trim, although they do offer a Civic Touring now.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - one of the teachers that parks in the lot next to me started school this year with a brand new, White, Jetta GLS TSI with really sweet looking two tone beige & black seats. The car looks pretty loaded up. LED DRLs, Sunroof, & I think xenon headlights. She had a JSW TDI with over 110K on it. I'll try and find out what she did with it. I know from talking to her that her husband has a Passat TDI as well.

Not GLS, probably SEL. Still, fully loaded with the 1.8T

nyccarguy

Yes - an SEL. Shares its bones with your car. I liked it a lot. It will be interesting to see what they do with the GLI once they move it to the new MBQ platform.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Yes - an SEL. Shares its bones with your car. I liked it a lot. It will be interesting to see what they do with the GLI once they move it to the new MBQ platform.

Hope that will happen before my current lease is up.

stickguy

it should. I think the Jetta only has another year on the old platform.

au1994

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

Michaell

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

But, a moment of silence; the two door GTI is no more:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/09/volkswagen-axes-two-door-golf-gti-report/

au1994

Michaell said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

But, a moment of silence; the two door GTI is no more: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/09/volkswagen-axes-two-door-golf-gti-report/

No!! I prefer the 2dr! I know it's not as practical but I just love the look.  Money (sales) talks though.

Michaell

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

But, a moment of silence; the two door GTI is no more:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/09/volkswagen-axes-two-door-golf-gti-report/

No!! I prefer the 2dr! I know it's not as practical but I just love the look.  Money (sales) talks though.

Yeah, I felt the same way. Not too many 2 door hatches available in the states.

Scion tC

And ... that's it?

nyccarguy

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

$27,200? That's got to be a 6-Speed stick.

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

But, a moment of silence; the two door GTI is no more:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/09/volkswagen-axes-two-door-golf-gti-report/

No!! I prefer the 2dr! I know it's not as practical but I just love the look.  Money (sales) talks though.

Yeah, I felt the same way. Not too many 2 door hatches available in the states.

Scion tC

And ... that's it?

MINI

qbrozen

you could argue for the Veloster since the 3rd "door" is more like an access hatch.

nyccarguy

Any takers?

http://www.bieneraudi.com/certified/Audi/2015-Audi-S3-df2a968d0a0e0a1733aaeffae54467cb.htm

2015 CPO Audi S3
8,100 Miles
$39,995 asking price

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

Michaell said:

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

But, a moment of silence; the two door GTI is no more:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/09/volkswagen-axes-two-door-golf-gti-report/

No!! I prefer the 2dr! I know it's not as practical but I just love the look.  Money (sales) talks though.

Yeah, I felt the same way. Not too many 2 door hatches available in the states.

Scion tC

And ... that's it?

MINI

You'd think I would remember that, as my daughter had one.

breld

@sandman_6472 - since you're potentially having your garage door springs replaced, I thought I'd share my recent experience.

About a year and a half ago, on a sub-zero freezing day, the cable for our garage door came unraveled and prevented the door from opening or closing. I did a internet search for a service company and found one that could come out that day.

Guy comes out, says part of the problem is these "builder-grade" springs aren't up to snuff, and he recommends replacing them. Price seems quite high, but I'm not really familiar with what they should cost, and given the circumstances, I just go ahead and have him do the whole job.

This past weekend, the same thing happens (this is our old house that we have yet to sell), and my wife has a guy come out. He makes the repair for a very reasonable cost, but says he can't warranty the work, since the springs are not appropriate for the weight of the door. He does provide a quote for replacing the springs, at a fraction of the cost I spent a year and a half ago.

Long story short, I called the original company regarding their "warranty," but was not getting a very good reception. I did a bit of research on the company, and found that they are notorious for making unnecessary repairs at exorbitant prices. They often go by names that "mimic" local service companies. Here's a crazy article on them:

dasma.com/articles/feature/GDS-The%20Worst_Fall2015.pdf

Clearly, I was pretty ignorant in all this and should have done more due diligence in the repair, but man this company is bad. Just want to share that with you all, and with you in particular Sandy.

andres3

nyccarguy said:

Any takers?

http://www.bieneraudi.com/certified/Audi/2015-Audi-S3-df2a968d0a0e0a1733aaeffae54467cb.htm

2015 CPO Audi S3
8,100 Miles
$39,995 asking price

I'd like to seem them come down to about 36,995 since the '17's are rolling out. I don't do black though.

breld

qbrozen said:

you could argue for the Veloster since the 3rd "door" is more like an access hatch.

I actually look back fondly on our short ownership experience with the Veloster. I thought it was a nice little car. The rear seats were surprisingly roomy, and that third door did make access easy. It was certainly short on power, so the turbo model would be welcome.

au1994

nyccarguy said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

$27,200? That's got to be a 6-Speed stick.

It's an auto. Manuals are about a grand less.

Michaell

breld said:

@sandman_6472 - since you're potentially having your garage door springs replaced, I thought I'd share my recent experience.

About a year and a half ago, on a sub-zero freezing day, the cable for our garage door came unraveled and prevented the door from opening or closing. I did a internet search for a service company and found one that could come out that day.

Guy comes out, says part of the problem is these "builder-grade" springs aren't up to snuff, and he recommends replacing them. Price seems quite high, but I'm not really familiar with what they should cost, and given the circumstances, I just go ahead and have him do the whole job.

This past weekend, the same thing happens (this is our old house that we have yet to sell), and my wife has a guy come out. He makes the repair for a very reasonable cost, but says he can't warranty the work, since the springs are not appropriate for the weight of the door. He does provide a quote for replacing the springs, at a fraction of the cost I spent a year and a half ago.

Long story short, I called the original company regarding their "warranty," but was not getting a very good reception. I did a bit of research on the company, and found that they are notorious for making unnecessary repairs at exorbitant prices. They often go by names that "mimic" local service companies. Here's a crazy article on them:

dasma.com/articles/feature/GDS-The%20Worst_Fall2015.pdf

Clearly, I was pretty ignorant in all this and should have done more due diligence in the repair, but man this company is bad. Just want to share that with you all, and with you in particular Sandy.

Ouch! I had the springs replaced at our old house. Used a local company - guess I got lucky.

Sandman6472

Thanks for the update on the springs, on our second set in twenty-nine years. Did go out and play with the sensors and so far, it's working o k. For the time being, in a holding pattern and we will monitor the situation. The pitfalls of home ownership I guess.
Think Honda will have to liven up the HR-V as they now know it's a bit underpowered and if they really want to make it a contender, this issue will need to be addressed, and soon. Once that happens, could see owning one down the line as I do like the current ergonomics and textures.
Have decided to hold off on the V W warranty until I hit the 30K mark as I already paid for the 30K service. Once that's done, then will pursue one and that should put me into mid 2017 if my mileage stays like it is now. Luckily, I'm good with the Golf for the time being and just enjoying the ride.

The Sandman

kyfdx

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

$27,200? That's got to be a 6-Speed stick.

It's an auto. Manuals are about a grand less.

All of the Sport/stick models in my area have an MSRP of $29K or so... Anything lower than that is an S model.

au1994

kyfdx said:

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

$27,200? That's got to be a 6-Speed stick.

It's an auto. Manuals are about a grand less.

All of the Sport/stick models in my area have an MSRP of $29K or so... Anything lower than that is an S model.

The dealer is listing a 3k incentive on the website.

kyfdx

au1994 said:

kyfdx said:

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

au1994 said:

GTI Sports are hitting the lots. Dealer has a silver 4 door for 27,200

$27,200? That's got to be a 6-Speed stick.

It's an auto. Manuals are about a grand less.

All of the Sport/stick models in my area have an MSRP of $29K or so... Anything lower than that is an S model.

The dealer is listing a 3k incentive on the website.

Wow... I'm surprised.

nyccarguy

I dropped the Legacy off for service. Regular maintenance. Synthetic oil, tire rotation, & asked them to check the front right tire for a tiny leak. I need to fill it with air every 2 weeks or so. They gave me a Black Crosstrek Hybrid Limited as a loaner.

I reset the trip odometer to see what the mpg display says when I turn it back in tomorrow. So far, after driving home from the dealership in heavy traffic & going to pick my boys up from the scout meeting it is sitting at 24.5.

I actually like the wheels on the Crosstrek Hybrid. The Black with the thick 5 spoke wheels, & raised ground clearance looks good. It doesn't scream "I'm a weenie!"

It drives just like the other Imprezza Hatchbacks. Short wheelbase & a somewhat taut suspension make for a little bit of an entertaining drive.

There is the cool requisite display of battery/engine/braking power. There is a definite 1/4 second hesitation & shake when you are stopped at a light. The car switches to EV mode when stopped & you feel it shake when the engine kicks back on. You can feel the battery give you a slight kick in the pants when accelerating

Overall I like it. It would be a cool car to own used at $15K & have something like a Mustang GT in the stable.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

I dropped the Legacy off for service. Regular maintenance. Synthetic oil, tire rotation, & asked them to check the front right tire for a tiny leak. I need to fill it with air every 2 weeks or so. They gave me a Black Crosstrek Hybrid Limited as a loaner.

I reset the trip odometer to see what the mpg display says when I turn it back in tomorrow. So far, after driving home from the dealership in heavy traffic & going to pick my boys up from the scout meeting it is sitting at 24.5.

I actually like the wheels on the Crosstrek Hybrid. The Black with the thick 5 spoke wheels, & raised ground clearance looks good. It doesn't scream "I'm a weenie!"

It drives just like the other Imprezza Hatchbacks. Short wheelbase & a somewhat taut suspension make for a little bit of an entertaining drive.

There is the cool requisite display of battery/engine/braking power. There is a definite 1/4 second hesitation & shake when you are stopped at a light. The car switches to EV mode when stopped & you feel it shake when the engine kicks back on. You can feel the battery give you a slight kick in the pants when accelerating

Overall I like it. It would be a cool car to own used at $15K & have something like a Mustang GT in the stable.

Hey @nyccarguy have you seen the ownership badges for Subaru? Apparently they're quite popular among the subie owners at my wife's work - and there are quite a few of them - and the wife and daughter have ordered some for the outback.

nyccarguy

Yes I've seen them. They are kind of cool. Extra badges just aren't my thing.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Yes I've seen them. They are kind of cool. Extra badges just aren't my thing.

I didn't get a vote....

I'll get a pic when it goes on the car.