Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

@Mr_Shiftright - Used Porsches aren't cheap, especially used 911s. Let's say you find the perfect 911 _ that you are looking for. Is $36,000 a reasonable budget? $54,000? Wouldn't it be better to just try to find a 911 C2 that you can lease for $1,000 - $1,500 per month? You wouldn't have to worry about the car's history, the car would be under warranty. You drive the daylights out of it for 3 years, take it in for a couple of oil changes, buy a set of tires, and give it back.

Mr_Shiftright

Sure that's one way to go, especially if you want all the convenience and performance of a modern Porsche. The older Porsches are rather deficient in things like ventilation, heating, noise level, etc.

But an older 80s Porsche, if you buy a really good one, shouldn't cost more than $200 a month to maintain very thoroughly. They are quite reliable, and unlike some "exotics", very long-lived. I've seen SCs and Carreras from the 80s with 250K---300K on them. You'll never see a Ferrari or Lambo or even a Corvette with those miles. (now, of course, someone will dig one up...)

fintail

The local high end specialty dealer has an 87 911-930 Turbo with something like 125K on it, highest mileage one I've seen.

ab348

kyfdx said:

Looks like this one:

Lady I used to work with had one like that, bought used. I think every electrical sensor on the thing (there seemed to be many) failed, and replacing them was expensive every time. It wasn't like you could drive it without some of them either. She dumped it after a few go-rounds on that.

28firefighter

GTI Update:
Dealer completed the recall work last week and were able to finish their test drive analysis. In normal driving, the car was averaging 14 MPG, which is way less than the expected up to 24/25 city that is advertised.

They are still going back and forth with Volkswagen to diagnose and come up with a repair plan. Today marks 20 days out of service for the month.

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

The local high end specialty dealer has an 87 911-930 Turbo with something like 125K on it, highest mileage one I've seen.

Yes I'd imagine a 930 is not much fun as a daily driver. The car is a bit of an animal.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

GTI Update:
Dealer completed the recall work last week and were able to finish their test drive analysis. In normal driving, the car was averaging 14 MPG, which is way less than the expected up to 24/25 city that is advertised.

They are still going back and forth with Volkswagen to diagnose and come up with a repair plan. Today marks 20 days out of service for the month.

Boo

Sandman6472

Had the recall done last week also and the fuel gauge seems to move a tad slower now, got 100 miles on the first quarter tank, hoping to hit the 200 mark at half a tank this week. I know I did smell gas when I got into it to drive it home from the dealer. Thought I spilled some gas while refilling the tank but that was four days earlier so had to be from the recall.

The Sandman

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

GTI Update:
Dealer completed the recall work last week and were able to finish their test drive analysis. In normal driving, the car was averaging 14 MPG, which is way less than the expected up to 24/25 city that is advertised.

They are still going back and forth with Volkswagen to diagnose and come up with a repair plan. Today marks 20 days out of service for the month.

28FF....it's a major PITA, but I might think of filing for lemon law. Not sure what the law is in your state, but in OH, if the car is in the shop for 30 days within (I think) an 18 month period, you can file.

28firefighter

Here is the body of the WA Lemon Law - I think I already hit a number of these, even without the time:

1. Unrepaired Nonconformity
A ‘nonconformity’ covered by a manufacturer warranty where:
The ‘nonconformity has been subject to diagnosis or repair four or more times including at least once during the period of the manufacturer’s written warranty and during the“eligibility period” (see What Is The Eligibility Period?)
The nonconformity continues to exist
The consumer sent a written request to the manufacturer asking for repurchase or replacement of the vehicle
The manufacturer failed to respond or did not reach a resolution with the consumer within 40 days.

2. Unrepaired Serious Safety Defect
A ‘serious safety defect’ covered by a manufacturer warranty where:
The ‘serious safety defect’ has been subject to diagnosis or repair two or more times including at least once during the period of the manufacturer’s written warranty and during the“eligibility period” (see What Is The Eligibility Period?)
The serious safety defect continues to exist.
The consumer sent a written request to the manufacturer asking for repurchase or replacement of the vehicle and
the manufacturer failed to respond or did not reach a resolution with the consumer within 40 days.

3. Multiple Serious Safety Defects
Two or more different ‘serious safety defects’ (whether or not repaired) covered by the manufacturer's warranty:
Occur within a twelve-month period during the first 2 years and 24,000 miles (the “eligibility period” - see What Is The Eligibility Period?)
Each ‘serious safety defect’ has been subject to diagnosis or repair one or more times at least once during the period of the applicable manufacturer’s written warranty
The consumer sent a written request to the manufacturer asking for repurchase or replacement of the vehicle and
The manufacturer failed to respond or did not reach a resolution with the consumer within 40 days.

Note: Whether or not a ‘serious safety defect’ has been repaired is not a factor for a ‘two serious safety defects’ claim.

4. Days Out of Service
Days out of service accumulated during attempts to diagnose or repair due to one or more ‘nonconformities’ or ‘serious safety defects’. The vehicle has been out of service due to diagnosis or repair:
a cumulative total of 30 or more cumulative calendar days
at least 15 days occurred during the period of the manufacturer’s written warranty and during the “eligibility period” (see What Is The Eligibility Period?)
The consumer sent a written request to the manufacturer asking for repurchase or replacement of the vehicle and
manufacturer failed to respond or did not reached a resolution with the consumer within 40 days

Note: Days out of service are included whether or not a substantial defect has been repaired.

Sandman6472

Am trying a new schedule at work the next few weeks, a Monday, Wednesday, Friday scenario. The two days on, two days off was hard for me and by mid Tuesday, I was dragging. Wednesdays were often spent in the house just trying to feel better. So figured we'd try this new setup for a few weeks and see how I feel. The big bonus is that I don't have to work with the abrasive bully they hired last year. He sucks all the air out of the room, never shuts up literally talks non stop...totally annoying and I am choosing to just avoid him at all costs. Luckily he quit working Fridays which made a couple of us extremely happy.
So, we'll see how this works out. And that will leave Thursday for me to get an extra hours along with Saturday. Still would like 30 or a few more so figure this new schedule will help me get those wanted extra hours as they're doing it for another driver who's managements pet! Just trying to level the playing field for us all who want a few more hours.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Hit 23K yesterday so will be calling the VW warranty guy today or tomorrow to see what I need to do to get one. Now that I caved and got the 3 year alignment policy, time to get the extended warranty. My mechanic and the VW advisor both said it might not be the worst thing in the world to have one especially if I want to keep the Golf up to 90K miles. Thinking any major repair will just about pay for it and it's transferrable if I want to sell the vehicle myself before the time runs out. I understand the cons about it, just put some funds away for any future repair...this could work but would hate for something really major to happen and be out much more than the warranty cost.
But will call and get the particulars and go from there. Has anyone ever done this on a vehicle with not great reliability?

The Sandman

nyccarguy

Just paid my car insurance. $1091.90 for 6 months. In light of my friend's sister-in-law's recent accident, I upped my coverage to $500,000/$500,000 & $100,000 property damage.

I renewed my registration a few weeks ago. $90 for the year.

stever

Just switched mine over a couple of weeks ago. $218 for six months for 100/300. Renewed the registration yesterday for a year - $50.

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

Just paid my car insurance. $1091.90 for 6 months. In light of my friend's sister-in-law's recent accident, I upped my coverage to $500,000/$500,000 & $100,000 property damage.

How many cars?

nyccarguy

All 3. Prelude, Pilot, & Legacy.

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

All 3. Prelude, Pilot, & Legacy.

Not bad, considering you drive to the Bronx, daily.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

All 3. Prelude, Pilot, & Legacy.

I pay more than that for the Outback and Jetta.

28firefighter

That is about what I pay for the Escape, GTI, and A3. It used to be considerably lower, but then my wife hit a house with the Escape did about $4000 in damage between the house and the car.

nyccarguy

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:

All 3. Prelude, Pilot, & Legacy.

Not bad, considering you drive to the Bronx, daily.

That was part of my reasoning as well. I live & register my cars in CT. If I lived & registered my car in NY, the insurance would be a lot more.

If heaven forbid, we ever have a terrible accident with all 5 of us in the car, I want to make sure I'm covered. Either last year or 2 years ago, our Governor signed a bill into law that allows illegal immigrants to legally obtain a driver's license. I'm sure most of them driving around just have the state minimums as far as insurance goes. There are so many WAY out of state plates here in The Bronx (and in The City in general) of people who have their cars registered & "insured" at a relative's house in PA, NC, SC, FL, GA, WA due to the high insurance rates here in NYC (and their accidents, fraud, speeding, cell phone use tickets...). I'm sure many of those people are either under insured or have no insurance at all. So it is an extra piece of mind for me for not a lot of extra money per year to have the extra coverage.

stickguy

I pay a little more, for the 3 cars, but that includes my 20 (21 in a month, Lord help me now) on the policy. But I also put hardly any miles on. Last year, I think combined the RDX and sonata only did 10-12k max. Daughter does about 10 just on the Jetta.

A year and a half from now, she graduates, Jetta goes back, and she is on her own! Dropping a car and driver from insurance, along with at least 2 car payments (never mind tuition bills) will seriously improve my monthly cash flow!

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I pay a little more, for the 3 cars, but that includes my 20 (21 in a month, Lord help me now) on the policy. But I also put hardly any miles on. Last year, I think combined the RDX and sonata only did 10-12k max. Daughter does about 10 just on the Jetta.

A year and a half from now, she graduates, Jetta goes back, and she is on her own! Dropping a car and driver from insurance, along with at least 2 car payments (never mind tuition bills) will seriously improve my monthly cash flow!

Plus rates in NJ are usually higher anyway

stickguy

That they are, but I don't think it is as bad as used to be.

Mr_Shiftright

You want to be sure you have enough property damage coverage. There are lots of cars out there now worth well over $100K. I carry $100K. I don't want to pay for a Ferrari.

28firefighter

I have 100k property damage and then carry a $1mm umbrella policy.

Mr_Shiftright

It's only abougt $140 a year for me to pile on the property damage. Gives me peace of mind. I mean, can you imagine a scenario like being totally at fault and T-boning a brand new McLaren or some such and totaling it? (not as difficult as it sounds BTW).

kyfdx

I used to have 100/300/50. I priced an umbrella policy, but decided to forego that and up my limits to 250/500/100. ($150 for the auto liability upgrade vs. $800 for the umbrella policy).

I feel like I'm insurance poor, and if you read over the exclusions, there is no possible way to cover every possibility in a cost effective manner.

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

I used to have 100/300/50. I priced an umbrella policy, but decided to forego that and up my limits to 250/500/100. ($150 for the auto liability upgrade vs. $800 for the umbrella policy).

I feel like I'm insurance poor, and if you read over the exclusions, there is no possible way to cover every possibility in a cost effective manner.

Super interesting! My umbrella policy is something like $200 a year...

corvette

$800 is crazy for an umbrella policy in Ky. Mine is about $170 a year. My carrier requires underlying limits of $250/500k in order to sell the umbrella policy. 

Mr_Shiftright

No of course you can't cover all possibilities, but the insurance should at least be "realistic".

On the other hand, sometimes I wonder why I keep comp/collision on an old 2003 Mini Cooper. Oh, I know why...the day after I cancel it I'll back into a lake.

kyfdx

corvette said:

$800 is crazy for an umbrella policy in Ky. Mine is about $170 a year. My carrier requires underlying limits of $250/500k in order to sell the umbrella policy. 

Yes, since I made that choice, my carrier has instituted that requirement, as well.

Try pricing an umbrella policy with a young male driver on your auto policy, then we'll talk.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

No of course you can't cover all possibilities, but the insurance should at least be "realistic".

On the other hand, sometimes I wonder why I keep comp/collision on an old 2003 Mini Cooper. Oh, I know why...the day after I cancel it I'll back into a lake.

Same here on a '95 M3, that's worth maybe $6K-$7K.

stickguy

I have a pool. With diving board. Have to remove that (planning to anyway) to even qualify for an umbrella.

stever

Hm, never thought about the pool being an umbrella issue.

In other news, had a nice test drive this morning of a '17 Civic EX-L Hatchback. Really liked the camera in the passenger side mirror that would light up the lcd screen whenever you signaled - too bad there's not one on the driver's side.

The nav seemed to work well and I could get used to swiping for the radio volume, although a knob would be better. Plenty of oomph for us, 34 mpg combined, seemed big enough.

The driver's power seat was okay although it'd be back to the rolled up t-shirt since there's no lumbar that I could find. The passenger seat was marginal, might get uncomfortable after an hour or two. Black leather interior wasn't exciting in this climate either; supposedly there's a black/ivory combo available, like the combo in the Coupe.

Also made a brief stop at the Chevy dealer and sat in a Cruze LX hatchback. Seemed a bit smaller inside although there was more knee room (slightly smaller console). Seats seemed good but I'd want to try out the ones in the Premier.

andres3

28firefighter said:

GTI Update:
Dealer completed the recall work last week and were able to finish their test drive analysis. In normal driving, the car was averaging 14 MPG, which is way less than the expected up to 24/25 city that is advertised.

They are still going back and forth with Volkswagen to diagnose and come up with a repair plan. Today marks 20 days out of service for the month.

Yeah, that's not normal! On the bright side your car is not pretending to be OK while they have it in the shop. It is performing miserably for them and you! Sounds like the Mexican plant might have bought a few knockoff engines and transmissions from the wrong builder; who knows?

andres3

Having been hit by someone carrying only 10K of property damage coverage, it seems like that's the way to go, because insurance companies don't seem to want to sue anyone anymore, at least not over property losses.

Now when it comes to injuries, that might be another story, but I really hope to never be forced to recover money for injuries, for multiple reasons (knock on wood).

stickguy

Steve they will cover (usually) an in ground pool. But the diving board is an automatic failure. We never use it anyway so this winter I am just taking it out.

interesting about the Civic. I am a big seat pill (have eliminated many cars from consideration over the years due to driver's seat issues). That was my only complaint with the EX, I could not get the driver's (manual) seat tilted back enough. Otherwise I think it was OK. And can't get the power seat with the stickshift. Of course.

Maybe an Accord. But I think that has to be the coupe, which was actually kinda nice.

houdini1

stever said:

Hm, never thought about the pool being an umbrella issue.

In other news, had a nice test drive this morning of a '17 Civic EX-L Hatchback. Really liked the camera in the passenger side mirror that would light up the lcd screen whenever you signaled - too bad there's not one on the driver's side.

The nav seemed to work well and I could get used to swiping for the radio volume, although a knob would be better. Plenty of oomph for us, 34 mpg combined, seemed big enough.

The driver's power seat was okay although it'd be back to the rolled up t-shirt since there's no lumbar that I could find. The passenger seat was marginal, might get uncomfortable after an hour or two. Black leather interior wasn't exciting in this climate either; supposedly there's a black/ivory combo available, like the combo in the Coupe.

Also made a brief stop at the Chevy dealer and sat in a Cruze LX hatchback. Seemed a bit smaller inside although there was more knee room (slightly smaller console). Seats seemed good but I'd want to try out the ones in the Premier.

I recently read where CR no longer was recommending the 2017 Civic. Some sort of recall problem.

houdini1

stever said:

Hm, never thought about the pool being an umbrella issue.

In other news, had a nice test drive this morning of a '17 Civic EX-L Hatchback. Really liked the camera in the passenger side mirror that would light up the lcd screen whenever you signaled - too bad there's not one on the driver's side.

The nav seemed to work well and I could get used to swiping for the radio volume, although a knob would be better. Plenty of oomph for us, 34 mpg combined, seemed big enough.

The driver's power seat was okay although it'd be back to the rolled up t-shirt since there's no lumbar that I could find. The passenger seat was marginal, might get uncomfortable after an hour or two. Black leather interior wasn't exciting in this climate either; supposedly there's a black/ivory combo available, like the combo in the Coupe.

Also made a brief stop at the Chevy dealer and sat in a Cruze LX hatchback. Seemed a bit smaller inside although there was more knee room (slightly smaller console). Seats seemed good but I'd want to try out the ones in the Premier.

I recently read where CR pulled their recommendation on the 2016 Civic. Engine stopping, fires, etc.

stever

No recall I don't think, just an irritating touch screen for the radio (no knob), no lumbar in the seats and CR thinks the blind spot system is lacking. And the Sensing option isn't readily available on the lots yet.

Consumer Reports no longer recommends Honda Civic (autoblog.com)

I didn't have issues with the radio on the hatchback, although a knob would be nice.

28firefighter

GTI Update:
I'm starting to forget what the car looks like.

Regional technician came out and looked at the car. They asked the service consultant to unplug part of the fuel evaporation system to see if that cured the problem and it did, which leads them to believe this is a fuel ventilation or re-circulation issue.

That is well and good, except that they have no idea how to go about fixing it. They've reached out to their engineering center in California that investigates problem cars to determine what the next step is, but at this point they don't have an answer or an ETC.

I'm parking the A3 in preparation for the buyback, so I am picking up a loaner car from the dealer tomorrow morning.

corvette

28firefighter said:

GTI Update: I'm starting to forget what the car looks like.  

So, it will almost count as a punch if and when you get the GTI back? 

andres3

corvette said:

28firefighter said:

GTI Update:
I'm starting to forget what the car looks like.  

So, it will almost count as a punch if and when you get the GTI back? 

GTI 2.0 with a 2.0T engine.

28firefighter

corvette said:

28firefighter said:

GTI Update:
I'm starting to forget what the car looks like.  

So, it will almost count as a punch if and when you get the GTI back? 

Haha! Maybe a half punch?

Sandman6472

That's nuts, they know what the problem is but have no fix? Crazy!! they need to just buy your car back at this point and let you move on. I've never heard of something like this before...these folks engineered the vehicle, so fix the bloody thing!!!

The Confused Sandman

Sandman6472

Finally drove about 100 miles in a new 2017 Elantra SE and liked it, a lot. Liked it better than the Civic and the Civic is pretty damn good! The dash has a smallish digital speedo but just thought it was way too small. The Golf has a much larger one which I like, had one in my '06 Civic so am used to having one and use it to tell me my speed.
Elantra accelerated very nicely with very smooth shifting of the tranny, felt like I was driving a Sonata really. If I were to get one, would get the Limited model with all the goodies plus it has a moonroof, something I've gotten quite used to having.
On another note, my mpg's have definitely improved since the recall was done, at 200 miles and not even at 1/2 a tank. Figuring with all highway and no a/c, could probably squeek out at least 460 miles per tank, maybe even a bit higher. Driving around 65 seems to be the sweet spot for excellent mpg's though when I do do 65, I'm being passed by most vehicles out there and getting honks and dirty looks and gestures. no one wants to go under 70 it seems!

The Sandman

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

That's nuts, they know what the problem is but have no fix? Crazy!! they need to just buy your car back at this point and let you move on. I've never heard of something like this before...these folks engineered the vehicle, so fix the bloody thing!!!

The Confused Sandman

Yeah, agreed. I think it would probably cost them less in the long run if they just bought the thing back; or a goodwill gesture to swap you into a 2017 otherwise the same unit (except without the bugs...?). Otherwise, not only do they have a customer without his car, but they are paying for the loaner, expenses to the dealer, other stuff on top, and all under the clock. Buy it back, give it to the techs and engineers to pore over, and apply that knowledge to future claims avoidance.

qbrozen

Crud!!
how flexible you think they'll be on price?
http://www.porschemonmouth.com/detail-2008-porsche-cayenne-4dr_suv_turbo-used-15625238.html

I mean, it is WAY overpriced, and when you factor in the accident...hell, I think this is about a $23k vehicle.

corvette

Dang, it was only two years old when it was wrecked. On vehicles that are several years old, I tend to consider recent accidents less of a negative than older ones--with a recent accident, if it were severe, it probably would've been totaled, since the vehicle isn't worth as much.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Crud!!
how flexible you think they'll be on price?
http://www.porschemonmouth.com/detail-2008-porsche-cayenne-4dr_suv_turbo-used-15625238.html

I mean, it is WAY overpriced, and when you factor in the accident...hell, I think this is about a $23k vehicle.

Put the words "PORSCHE" & "TURBO" together with the 34K miles and you @qbrozen of all people should know they'll start out asking for the stars.