Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

stickguy said:

Shotgun approach here for the hosts (well, maybe the opposite, but save me a lot of time!)

since you deal with lease questions all the time, out of these options, are you seeing any particularly strong lease deals on any? 2016s fine of course.

Mazda CX5
Acura RDX
Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2.0t
Volvo XC60

Don't need numbers, just direction at this point.

My SIL is shopping to replace her MDX, and that is what I came up with as a short list for a compact/smaller CUV that fit her criteria (and what I know of her taste).

2016.5 CX-5 is leasing better than it has in recent months
2017 RDX is leasing OK; MF is still somewhat high
Haven't seen any lease numbers for Hyundai in September; we're hoping to get them in October
2016 or 2017 XC60?

Sandman6472

Hurricane Matthew is coming and I think this time, we're going to feel something. Told the wife if it indeed is coming, I'm getting in the car and leaving. After the hell we went through with Wilma back in 2005, I never want to be here for another! Being without electricity isn't pretty and after a few days, it's downright nasty...just can't go 9 days without it again. Since they have us working only 20 hours last week and this week, only working today and Tuesday as Monday is Rosh Hashana. Did 10 today and will do 10 Tuesday. Then if Matthew is in fact coming, can hit the road then for Orlando and points north. Next week's a year since my last vacation so might just say enough of this and leave Tuesday morning and take a few vacation days. Just can not deal with another hurricane, no way, no how!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Took a customer home today and we got to talking about vehicles. She's had them all over the years and told me to stay away from Volvo, MB, and BMW and to definitely get a warranty for my VW. She has an Acura now and says it's been the most reliable vehicle she's ever owned along with Toyota, Lexus and Honda. Then this afternoon, I had to take a C 300 to another office and it was an outstanding ride. Hit the gas and vrooom, off it went with seemless shifts, much smoother than the CLA 250 I drove recently. A nice burst of acceleration up the power band which felt amazing! No turbo lag to speak of but, it turned the engine off when I came to a complete stop and once I took my foot off the brake, it rattled back to life. And I hated that and that would be the first thing I would disable if I owned one. It was a horrible feeling having the whole vehicle shake once it came back on and something I would not put up with ever!
Funny, liked the interior appointments better in the lesser priced CLA and they are both screwed together very nicely with nice comfy seats and hides on them. But if I were to get one, definitely would go with the CLA, hands down. So, now, I still am pondering getting the extended warranty or just winging it and if something goes terribly wrong, then just dump the Golf and look elsewhere. Just not sure still.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Garage door possessed again and this time they say a logic board is bad and they want $225 or a new unit for $425, all plus tax of course. Or we can re-up the warranty for a bit under $150 but would have to wait 30 days for them to come back and fix it. I wasn't here when they came but something sounds a bit weird there.
Going to Home Depot and Loews tomorrow to price new garage door openers and will look seriously at belt driven also, have always had chain drive. In 29 years, this is our 3rd Sears unit. Might want to try another brand now, like Chamberlain or Lift Master.
Any suggestions???

The Sandman

stickguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Shotgun approach here for the hosts (well, maybe the opposite, but save me a lot of time!)

since you deal with lease questions all the time, out of these options, are you seeing any particularly strong lease deals on any? 2016s fine of course.

Mazda CX5
Acura RDX
Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2.0t
Volvo XC60

Don't need numbers, just direction at this point.

My SIL is shopping to replace her MDX, and that is what I came up with as a short list for a compact/smaller CUV that fit her criteria (and what I know of her taste).

2016.5 CX-5 is leasing better than it has in recent months
2017 RDX is leasing OK; MF is still somewhat high
Haven't seen any lease numbers for Hyundai in September; we're hoping to get them in October
2016 or 2017 XC60?

2016 RDXs all gone? I really have not been paying attention to those! And I assume 2016 XC60, if they are trying to unload them.

Not positive when she plans to do this. I'm thinking she will be out this weekend. I'm hoping to stay out of negotiating type stuff, but I suspect I will start getting pinged with questions about offers soon enough.

stickguy

sandy, I hate messing around with old stuff like that.

for a little more money, get something new that won't give you grief.

I think both of mine are still craftsman chain drives, but If I have to replace one again (neither one is all that old) I would look at a better brand, and belt drive.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

sandy, I hate messing around with old stuff like that.

for a little more money, get something new that won't give you grief.

I think both of mine are still craftsman chain drives, but If I have to replace one again (neither one is all that old) I would look at a better brand, and belt drive.

My local Acura dealer is advertising the 2017 base AWD RDX for $360/mo, with $360 due at signing for 36/10. (plus tax and license).

sda

I would replace the opener. We have two Chamberlain belt drives. They are a lot quieter and operate more smoothly than a chain drive. Knock on wood, they are 12+ years old and have been trouble free.

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

sandy, I hate messing around with old stuff like that.

for a little more money, get something new that won't give you grief.

I think both of mine are still craftsman chain drives, but If I have to replace one again (neither one is all that old) I would look at a better brand, and belt drive.

My local Acura dealer is advertising the 2017 base AWD RDX for $360/mo, with $360 due at signing for 36/10. (plus tax and license).

I feel like that would be a good SUV to lease for 10K per year & it will most definitely be worth more than the residual. There are a lot of good used ones out there too in the mid $20K range.

stickguy

make a good enough offer, and I will sell you mine. Only 35K on it, and over maintained by the dealer!

Sandman6472

Matthew, please do not come to South Florida! Told the wife I'm gone if it looks like we're going to get hit, just can't go through another Wilma again...was just too rough on me. HAte hurricanes with a passion!

qbrozen

Finally started the test driving today. Got only 2/8 done due to other engagements. Stopped at the Benz store, too, but nobody was available to help. 

Stopped at GMC first to check out the low mileage 2016 Terrains. Took a black on black SLT V6 out for a spin. I liked it quite a bit. Rode very nice and had good power. I was impressed. After striking out at Mercedes, I hit the Lexus dealer and tried on a 2012 RX350. While the interior was definitely nicer than the GMC, it was down on power, the engine was not nearly as pleasant sounding, and it actually rode rougher over small imperfections. Add in the fact that a 2012 is about the same as a 2016 Terrain, I gotta give the win to GMC on this one.

Still to come: Q5, SRX, FX35, XC60, GLK350, and RDX

nyccarguy

Uh oh. We drove one of my wife's co-workers to a wedding in NW Connecticut last night (near Lime Rock). I find out the woman's girlfriend is the assistant sales manager at the Subaru dealer where I bought my car & service my car. This could not end up well if we end up going out socially & I get invited to come down to test drive a WRX.

stickguy

sounds like Kismet. Divine fate. Meant to be.

28firefighter

GTI is parked. The DSG did a first-second shift yesterday that was followed by a jolt, metallic bang and then massive loss of power. No lights. 

Dropping it off on my way to synagogue tomorrow for Rosh Hashana. 

L'Shanah Tovah and a happy, healthy year to all of you here celebrating!

ab348

Ouch.

henryn

28firefighter said:

GTI is parked. The DSG did a first-second shift yesterday that was followed by a jolt, metallic bang and then massive loss of power. No lights. 

Dropping it off on my way to synagogue tomorrow for Rosh Hashana. 

L'Shanah Tovah and a happy, healthy year to all of you here celebrating!

Well, at least it's under warranty. That helps. Not enough, though. The best warranty is one you never use.

corvette

Did it only happen once? Chances the dealer can't reproduce the problem are probably over 50%.

28firefighter

corvette said:

Did it only happen once? Chances the dealer can't reproduce the problem are probably over 50%.

I guarantee they won't reproduce it. It happened twice yesterday. 

Its still down on power and jolting from first to second, but not clanging. 

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

corvette said:

Did it only happen once? Chances the dealer can't reproduce the problem are probably over 50%.

I guarantee they won't reproduce it. It happened twice yesterday. 

Its still down on power and jolting from first to second, but not clanging. 

They have a fix for that. It's called a stick-shift.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

corvette said:

Did it only happen once? Chances the dealer can't reproduce the problem are probably over 50%.

I guarantee they won't reproduce it. It happened twice yesterday. 

Its still down on power and jolting from first to second, but not clanging. 

They have a fix for that. It's called a stick-shift.

Ha. 

I did do some research and others have reported my symptoms as being a failed clutch or dual-mass flywheel. We shall see. 

corvette

Yikes. You have a warranty?

28firefighter

corvette said:

Yikes. You have a warranty?

Oh yes. My GTI is 11 months old with 4600 miles. Plenty of warranty. 

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

GTI is parked. The DSG did a first-second shift yesterday that was followed by a jolt, metallic bang and then massive loss of power. No lights. 

Dropping it off on my way to synagogue tomorrow for Rosh Hashana. 

L'Shanah Tovah and a happy, healthy year to all of you here celebrating!

Ouch! Keep us posted. Car didn't go because you are supposed to walk to temple! Ha! Happy New Year to all who celebrate!

nyccarguy

Used Fiesta ST with less than 10K anybody? Might be some cheap fun if it could be had for $15K.

stickguy

another reason to push my son toward leasing a new A3! First year that one gets the DSG.

Hopefully it is an isolated fluke, manufacturing defect.

one good thing about a 4 year warranty. I do believe in the theory that many components are either going to fail early (defective) and if they are good after 4 years, are probably going to be fine for the long run.

nyccarguy

http://stamfordford.com/used-ford-fiesta-st-2015-stamford-ct-57754

stickguy

looks like fun. My wife would hate it, I can almost guarantee that. Though she seemed OK last year with getting the Civic Si, but she was probably just humoring me, if I really wanted it.

but man, it looks like rubber bands wrapped around the wheels. 205/40 tires just ain't gonna cut it around here. And even better, summer tires, so need a call in to Tirerack for some winters.

nyccarguy

This looks really cool in person

http://stamfordford.com/used-ford-mustang-gt-premium-2016-stamford-ct-57745

stickguy

nice car, but really don't like the color combo on that one.

kyfdx

That new Mustang GT really does it for me. Saw the Roush version on the way to work on Friday.

stickguy

Hey QB, you consider the baby Infiniti? Or just too small? I remember sitting in these at the car show when they first came out, and really liking it. I have driven the FX in the past (my BIL had a 1st generation) and found the front end kind of bulbous.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-infiniti-ex35-awd_4dr_journey-used-15557797.html

stickguy

went poking around, found this one that I really like. Wouldn't spend this much on it, but IIRC Carmax is often crazy high priced.

andres3

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

corvette said:

Did it only happen once? Chances the dealer can't reproduce the problem are probably over 50%.

I guarantee they won't reproduce it. It happened twice yesterday. 

Its still down on power and jolting from first to second, but not clanging. 

They have a fix for that. It's called a stick-shift.

I've known and heard of people breaking clutches on manual transmission stick-shift's as well. Now whether it was a faulty clutch (or bad design), or abuse/neglect/incompetence is up for debate.

andres3

stickguy said:

another reason to push my son toward leasing a new A3! First year that one gets the DSG.

Hopefully it is an isolated fluke, manufacturing defect.

one good thing about a 4 year warranty. I do believe in the theory that many components are either going to fail early (defective) and if they are good after 4 years, are probably going to be fine for the long run.

Wait, are you sure A3's ever stopped doing DSG's? I know the '06-'XX generation were all DSG, and that is the A3. Only the A4+ went without DSG for awhile, but the S4 got one. I know the S3 has always had DSG; I wouldn't worry about that at all.

andres3

28firefighter said:

GTI is parked. The DSG did a first-second shift yesterday that was followed by a jolt, metallic bang and then massive loss of power. No lights. 

Dropping it off on my way to synagogue tomorrow for Rosh Hashana. 

L'Shanah Tovah and a happy, healthy year to all of you here celebrating!

so what's the update, did they take in the vehicle, duplicate the problem; and give you a free loaner most importantly?

Other than interior elegance, a few things have always steered me towards Audi and steered me away from VW:

1) German/European vs. Mexican/American built cars (vast majority even today).
2) Longer Warranty with free loaners when you need one (VW has longer power train coverage though).
3) The fact VW doesn't seem to try very hard to improve their quality control while Audi has seemingly made it a #1 priority (used to be Ford's slogan right?). If you don't follow CR you might not know about or believe this.
4) Back in '06 Audi also had free maintenance. I think that was the last year they copied BMW with that though, and switched in '07. Unlike BMW, they never covered brake pads though.

However, our '15 VW TDI has been flawless for 16,000+ miles so far. Only defect seems to be the fact that the computer is telling us to get Ad-Blue in 700 miles when it shouldn't be due for at least another 3K miles.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

http://stamfordford.com/used-ford-fiesta-st-2015-stamford-ct-57754

Nice, but I'd want one with the Recaros. Lots of fun for the money.

roadburner

Saturday I drove a ZL1 we have over on the used car side. It's not blindingly fast(12.4 seconds in the 1/4 mile- only 0.5 seconds quicker than my 2er) but the V8 soundtrack is simply fabulous. Still, it didn't make me regret passing on the 1LE I drove this past spring; outward visibility is horrendous and it just feels massive. If I'm buying a retro street cruiser I'll take a Challenger Scat Pack.

breld

Wife is starting to talk about eventual replacement options for her MINI - still wants some sort of hatchback, and is very willing to give up the manual trannie:

• New VW Alltrack
  
• Used Range Rover Evoque
  
• Used (but new-gen) Mini of some sort
  
• Maybe even another used X5
  

At least she's looking at very reliable cars.

All bets are surely that she would do something sooner than later but there are two reasons I would say it won't happen at least until next year:

1. She really does like her car and I think she'd be sad to let it go too soon.
   
2. And...we are still reluctant owners of two houses. This month is the second month of carrying an extra mortgage payment, second set of utilities, insurance, etc. It's painful.
   

ab348

stickguy said:

nice car, but really don't like the color combo on that one.

Agreed. All-black is my least favorite combo.

28firefighter

Update so far is they can't replicate it. I didn't take a loaner since I have the A3 and it would end up sitting on the street. 

They're keeping it overnight to try again.

It's the second time it's been in for power loss related issues. I told them that I have zero motivation to make this up and that if they can't do more than a simple test ride and diagnostic scan on a return visit, I'd open a case with VW to help them figure it out. That seemed to get them a lot more interested. 

ab348

andres3 said:

Other than interior elegance, a few things have always steered me towards Audi and steered me away from VW:

1) German/European vs. Mexican/American built cars (vast majority even today).

In other news, Audi is now building cars in Mexico:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/2016/10/03/audi-avoids-trumps-wrath-opening-first-luxury-car-plant-in-mexico/#27fc135b6bc0

nyccarguy

I made a classic CCBA blunder. A friend is over for Holiday dinner tonight. She's the one with the Q5 that I wrote about a little while back (dark blue, brown leather, 19s) that has the 3 year/7500 mile per year lease. She picked up her Q5 last Halloween & doesn't even have 6K miles on it yet. Anyway, she gushes about it & tells me I have to take it for a ride. I drove it. I liked it. A lot. I'll post a bit more later.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Hey QB, you consider the baby Infiniti? Or just too small? I remember sitting in these at the car show when they first came out, and really liking it. I have driven the FX in the past (my BIL had a 1st generation) and found the front end kind of bulbous. http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-infiniti-ex35-awd_4dr_journey-used-15557797.html

I have some tagged in my favorites, yes. Will have to see if it is tall enough for me.

went and tried out a 2013 glk350 this afternoon. Drivetrain is pretty sweet. Vehicle is just about the right size. Nice interior. I didn't find it as comfy as I had hoped, however. 

stickguy

I might go out tomorrow and check out the one I found. Because, why not? Beats working.

nyccarguy

There's a lot to like about the Q5. I can see how @breld is so smitten with his SQ5. The interior is gorgeous! The brown leather seats are thick & very comfortable. Steering is light at parking lot speeds, but builds heft nicely the faster you go.

Speaking of building speed. The 2.0 Turbo 4 doesn't push you back into you seat, certainly gets you going at a deceptive pace. I can see how this motor must be downright fast in a lighter car like the GTI. The 8 Speed automatic changes between gears smooth and quick.

With 19" wheels, the Q5's suspension is tuned for a firm glass smooth ride. It's impressive.

Rear visibility is terrible. The resolution on the backup camera is not great.

suydam

Does it have rear cross traffic alert?

ab348

Sadly I must admit I have no idea what a Q5 is or who makes it.

corvette

ab348 said:

Sadly I must admit I have no idea what a Q5 is or who makes it.

It's a compact Audi SUV. Like the VW Tiguan, but doesn't look like a shoe.

Michaell

Just chatted with my sister. Still trying to figure out her transportation needs.

Son #2 gets his license in a month. Latest plan is to buy out my sons share of my dads pickup, convert the brakes to disc, and have him drive it. Everyone seems to be ok with that.

Next, my sister wants to get rid of her miles up navigator and lease a small SUV. She asked about the Audi Q3; I told her to look at the Q5 instead. Her issue is that she wants her payment to be around $250/mo. I'm telling her CX-5 or similar for that kind of payment. We shall see.