Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

andres3

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

@stickguy - Thank-you for the compliment. I happen to like the car too. I love the color. I love the Lapis Blue over Ivory/Black interior. It rides great. Very compliant without feeling like I'm driving my couch. I like the way it handles with the thicker rear sway bar. I just wish it had more giddy up (and a little less wind noise). The car has been reliable and very dependable over the last 25 months & 40K miles. Maintenance costs are reasonable. My dealer's service department is 1st rate. I owe less than $15K on it.

That's a solid ownership experience all around. Lot to be said for that.

As others have mentioned, the return of a turbo Legacy would be welcome and I don't think it'd infringe much on WRX sales. Different audience for the most part. Heck, I'd even say limit the transmission on the Legacy to auto only! Keep that exclusive to the WRX.

Subaru needs a dual clutch DSG type transmission pronto! It's 2016! It is almost 2017, why haven't they done this? They used to be seen as a sporty brand, not so sure anymore.

That being said, I think a Forester XT with the 2.0T is a solid competitor to replace the wife's Sportwagen TDI being lost to a diesel buyback settlement sometime in the near future - I'm thinking January. I think Americans pay way too much money for SUV's though, and the price will probably scare me.

Michaell

andres3 said:

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

@stickguy - Thank-you for the compliment. I happen to like the car too. I love the color. I love the Lapis Blue over Ivory/Black interior. It rides great. Very compliant without feeling like I'm driving my couch. I like the way it handles with the thicker rear sway bar. I just wish it had more giddy up (and a little less wind noise). The car has been reliable and very dependable over the last 25 months & 40K miles. Maintenance costs are reasonable. My dealer's service department is 1st rate. I owe less than $15K on it.

That's a solid ownership experience all around. Lot to be said for that.

As others have mentioned, the return of a turbo Legacy would be welcome and I don't think it'd infringe much on WRX sales. Different audience for the most part. Heck, I'd even say limit the transmission on the Legacy to auto only! Keep that exclusive to the WRX.

Subaru needs a dual clutch DSG type transmission pronto! It's 2016! It is almost 2017, why haven't they done this? They used to be seen as a sporty brand, not so sure anymore.

That being said, I think a Forester XT with the 2.0T is a solid competitor to replace the wife's Sportwagen TDI being lost to a diesel buyback settlement sometime in the near future - I'm thinking January. I think Americans pay way too much money for SUV's though, and the price will probably scare me.

Forester XT is over $30K to start ....

graphicguy

sda said:

I sometimes toy with the idea of getting a V6 Accord. But experience tells me that it would not make much of a difference and that I'd be driving the same car. I had a '96 Mazda Millenia that I leased for 24 mo and then bought a '98 Millenia that was virtually identical to the '96. Nothing wrong with the '98, but I traded it within 18 months as I wanted something different. No complaints about the Accord. It has been a joy to own and drive. The mileage that I drive has reduced greatly to about 1k a month down from 2k as I look for a new job. After almost 29 years the dept that I managed was merged and my position eliminated. Such is life with a big company. The Accord has had only regular maintenance, tires and battery at 61k and its first alignment last week when I had an oil change. They said the original brake pads are still thick and are fine. At 62k, I am pleased. I do like to ponder what I'm going to buy next, but I have other priorities now!

SDA...sorry to hear of the job situation. Wishing you the best in your next career move.

nyccarguy

@sda - everything happens for a reason. You'll find something better! Best of luck to you!

ab348

I mentioned before I think that my buddy bought a 2016 Canyon SLT double cab earlier this year. Really nice truck with leather and all the electronics, but not really that small. It is narrower than the fullsizers but is quite long. It's still too big for my tastes. He got only a minimal deal on it due to demand. Almost none were on local lots at the time and he had to order it and wait 6-8 weeks.

Sandman6472

Got to drive one of my favorites today, a 2016 black over black CLA 250. I really do like it and could see myself in a white over beige unit as my next d d once I retire. Found a couple of good deals in the area but think the wife would kill me, or worse, if she came home Sunday and saw one in my spot. I also like the IS 250 and getting one with the turbo would be kinda cool, my neighbor has a regular 250 in dark gray and it's a looker. Drove a couple at work and it could work as long as they offer Sirius/XM radio. Plenty of good CPO units in the area, that OffLeaseOnly.com has a great selection which is always changing as they seem to have many sales per month. Have found out how high the depreciation really is especially with higher priced vehicles like my Golf...was shocked at the figure Q gave me for a unit that's 23 months old. Very disappointing!!!


The Sandman

(Starting to think about leasing my next ride especially if I can keep the miles down to 1K/month. Even a 15K/year lease could work I'd imagine.)

Sandman6472

Still not sold on getting the extended warranty at this point. The sticking point is that I'll be warrantied by the dealer and the other company for 11K miles, and also the $100.00 deductible whenever I use the warranty. Banking the funds is starting to seem like the better idea right now and see how it goes. Stick is right that my tolerance for things going wrong is low and I might just want it gone if things start going south. My guy at Tires plus thinks I should get it but my wife is against it. Even if I do continue to work past my December 2017 end date, the car should only have about 38K on it so hoping nothing major goes wrong by then. And if the wife decides to switch out of her A3 earlier than we had discussed, more ammo for me in getting something newer. And since we buy our own vehicles, it could work out o k for me. So, might just be best to not get the warranty at this time.
Opinions anyone?

The Sandman

28firefighter

GTI Update:

Volkswagen got back to me and is refusing to replace the car. As much as I hate doing this, I'm going to retain a lemon law attorney, mostly because I feel as though VW is banking on me not doing anything about it and continuing to deal with issues.

My big issue is this whole fuel economy mess - VW says they'll continue to fix the car within the terms of the warranty, but is refusing to fix this particular problem. For that reason alone, I feel as though I need to stir things up.

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

Opinions anyone?

The Sandman

Uh.... was that a rhetorical question?

I think that you just need to decide whether the EW is worth the peace of mind it affords. If you look at it strictly on sunk cost vs. potential repair costs, these things often don't pay off. If they did, then they would cost more up front! However, having one does offer peace of mind, so how much is that worth to you?

Also: 1., How long do you plan to keep the car?; 2., Is the warranty transferable?; 3., What is the best price you can get on it (shop around here, as your local dealer may not be the best source. Example: I purchased my Subaru Gold plan for the 2010 Forester from Mastra Subaru in Massachusetts for $1,500 - local dealer wanted MSRP at $2,695 IIRC.)?

When you go through all of that, if the warranty is worth it to you, then do it.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

GTI Update:

Volkswagen got back to me and is refusing to replace the car. As much as I hate doing this, I'm going to retain a lemon law attorney, mostly because I feel as though VW is banking on me not doing anything about it and continuing to deal with issues.

My big issue is this whole fuel economy mess - VW says they'll continue to fix the car within the terms of the warranty, but is refusing to fix this particular problem. For that reason alone, I feel as though I need to stir things up.

That sucks dude. How much does it cost to retain a lemon law attorney? Any shot you could try to sell it to carmax and not get slaughtered?

suydam

Extended Warranty? Never bought one. If I'm unhappy with a car I'll get rid of it.

nyccarguy

@sandman_6472 - I'd advise against the extended warranty for you.

cdnpinhead

Repeat after me: If warranties that you have to pay for made sense for the people buying them, they wouldn't exist.

This is where anecdotal evidence will be presented to the effect that certain individuals have made it pay, much like some people hit it big in Vegas.

That's not how the smart money bets, but, as P.T.Barnum once said. . .

corvette

28firefighter said:

Volkswagen got back to me and is refusing to replace the car...

My big issue is this whole fuel economy mess - VW says they'll continue to fix the car within the terms of the warranty, but is refusing to fix this particular problem.

GM did the same thing to me. It doesn't build goodwill for their brand when they dig their heels in and refuse to do what the law requires them to do in this situation. And VW desperately needs all the goodwill they can get at this point.

Sandman6472

Seems to be the majority opinion that I should forgo the warranty and hope for the best. As we speak, found a 2013 128i with just over 30K at the local BMW place. White over black just like the A3 Mrs. Sandman has. Might go check it out tomorrow and see if it's as heavy as I remember. Asking just over $20K for it which not sure if it's a good price. Will ask Q if I get that far to consider it, wife and kid are going to Tampa tomorrow for a job interview and won't be back till Sunday so have time to go see it. The white over coral one I drove back in July felt heavy and not light on it's feet like my Golf is. But have been drawn to this BMW since 2013 when they had a white over gray one in the showroom with a dead battery. I like the smallish size, it just fits me! So will go test drive it and see, figure $7K and my vehicle could get it done. But, do I really want to go older German with more miles? That's the $100,00 dollar question! Think if the Mrs. wouldn't care, would be more prone to pick it up and enjoy it for a couple of years.

The Sandman

fintail

Warranties depend on the car. 5 year old AMG? Go for it. New Camry? Don't.

28firefighter

We don't have CarMax up here in Washington. Regardless I won't take a loss on the car - VW can pay up for the faulty car. 

As as far as cost, I haven't seen the fee structure yet but my guess it'll be contingent and they'll take a cut of the settlement. 

28firefighter

corvette said:

Volkswagen got back to me and is refusing to replace the car... My big issue is this whole fuel economy mess - VW says they'll continue to fix the car within the terms of the warranty, but is refusing to fix this particular problem.

GM did the same thing to me. It doesn't build goodwill for their brand when they dig their heels in and refuse to do what the law requires them to do in this situation. And VW desperately needs all the goodwill they can get at this point.

Can you walk me through what the process was like?  Did you represent yourself or did you have a lemon law attorney handle?

corvette

28firefighter said:

Can you walk me through what the process was like?  Did you represent yourself or did you have a lemon law attorney handle?

It's very state specific. I was working for a firm at the time and had the fancy law firm letterhead with my name on it, which probably helped. There are no lemon law attorneys that I know of in my state.

I had it set for a BBB Autoline hearing and GM claimed they didn't have service records. They encouraged me to bring it in for yet another repair. I said #$(@, no, if by some chance you manage to successfully fix the car, you then have a legal defense to the lemon law suit I will eventually file. Why would I give them that? Unfortunately, I didn't get a repair ticket for each service visit, but I kept my own records. The dealer signed an affidavit that the car was in for repair on those dates. At that point, they offered to replace it with another GM vehicle, which would have been palatable had they offered that up to begin with. I declined and told them I wanted a buyback according to state law, which they agreed to do. I dropped the car off at the selling dealer and got a check for my equity in the car. Of course, I bought a used non-GM vehicle to replace it.

stickguy

I don't think they take a cut from you. they tack on the fee to what the company has to pay. otherwise, would really be no benefit to you.

28firefighter

Thanks @corvette. I'm not licensed in WA, so I can't really pull the Attorney card here like I used to be able to back in PA. 

I'm torn about the remedy since I really love the GTI, but I have a brain block about letting them off that easily if they're making me go through that kind of trouble. 

tbirdmarco

@sda good luck on your job hunting. All will tirne out for the best in the end!

tbirdmarco

@sandman_6472 Would not get it.

tbirdmarco

@28firefighter Man what an mes. Keep us all updated. you are dealing with an big company big pane in the but. Should just do the rite thing for you from day one but they don't.

graphicguy

28FF...man, that really does suck. But, having been there mayself, I totally understand your feelings of being jerked around and abandoned by the company you put enough faith in to drop ~$30K with to buy their product.

When I went through my ordeal on the CTS, GM did the whole stall, deny, "let's take another look at it" routine.

In the end, I tried a demon law attorney. But, it seems they were looking for the quick buck....something they could send a letter or two in and claim a fee for their services from the manufacturer.

BBB was more effective, but slow to move (perhaps being stalled given their fee is paid by GM).

Bottom line, it was Cadillac customer service who finally agreed to replace the car. I was so PO'd I wanted a full refund but settled for them replacing the car.

Given VW's current situation, you'd think they'd like a little goodwill. Having a dealer go to bat for you may prove helpful.

As much of a hassle as it would be, I'd continue to take it back to different VW dealers for service until one agrees to go to bat for you regarding a buy back. Getting a full refund is a whole lot tougher. So, you may want to float the idea you'll take another GTI. That's up to you, though. If you're willing to fight it out, go for the refund. It's going to take months, not weeks, though.

If we can help you along the way, even if it's for moral support, let us know. We have a wealth of experience, both good and bad.

28firefighter

@graphicguy - thanks for the support. I do appreciate it.

I can't seem to get a dealer to go to bat for me - seems VW has told them to work on my car as little as possible because of that 30 calendar day limit in WA which I'm 4 days from hitting.

As far as the attorney, I have no problem with them making a quick buck, as long as they get results for me. And if it spurs VW into action, that's all I really want.

jpp75

28firefighter said:

@graphicguy - thanks for the support. I do appreciate it.

I can't seem to get a dealer to go to bat for me - seems VW has told them to work on my car as little as possible because of that 30 calendar day limit in WA which I'm 4 days from hitting.

As far as the attorney, I have no problem with them making a quick buck, as long as they get results for me. And if it spurs VW into action, that's all I really want.

What a pain that you have to go through all this just to get the dealer to stand behind their warranty. I still can't believe the guy who told you the MFI was right and hand calculating was wrong, hard to believe anyone at VW corporate would stand behind such nonsense. At a minimum he should have to explain the differences between the two, are the gas pumps wrong? Is your odometer incorrect? What a joke.

I'm waiting on them to call back on the Touareg, I suggested driving a new one just so we can all agree mine drives "differently" and then let them go back to working on it. The dealer is nice but I can I get the feeling they're just playing "good cop" and placating me. They don't want to work on this any more than they have to since they're just chasing the problem and only doing what VW corporate tells them they can do. Depending on how this next round goes I may have to get corporate involved. Ugh.

You're lucky to have the option to try other dealers. We only have one here and the closest others are an hour or more away.

28firefighter

@jpp5862 - This was their regional quality technical manager that said that! The dealer even agreed with me that something wasn't right, but then things got quiet after VW Corporate told them to stop all work on the issue. The Regional QTM is apparently the last word on these issues and they won't act further unless he approves it.

To some extent this is why I'd rather have an Attorney involved. Corporate won't let me escalate further beyond the QTM, so hopefully an Attorney will get more action.

sda

jpp5862 and 28firefighter, I wish you every success on getting your cars repaired. What a challenge, which it shouldn't be. I've had multiple VWs in the past and really liked them. My last VW, an '06 Passat 2.0T burned a quart of oil every 900 miles and threw a check engine light every 5-6 weeks. Sensor after sensor replaced, the ignition switch replaced, just a few of the many repairs it needed. The service department knew me by first name. All before 50k. I really liked that car, but the bad experience I had meant I ventured over to Honda. I believe VW has improved since then and quite a bit. However stories like yours give me pause about considering another VW, at least in the near term. Don't let them off the hook.

nyccarguy

You guys keep fighting. It sucks because you both have cars that you really enjoy & VW corporate takes the fun out of the ownership experience.

breld

@jpp5862 - I may take a look at a Q7 TDI. Based on your experience with the Touareg, is there anything in particular you'd warn me off of?

jpp75

breld said:

@jpp5862 - I may take a look at a Q7 TDI. Based on your experience with the Touareg, is there anything in particular you'd warn me off of?

Hey @breld - The transmission shudder I'm dealing with doesn't seem to be a common issue from my search of the forums and other than this I couldn't love the car more. The only thing I would be aware of on the TDI is the AdBlue heater has been a common problem on Touaregs, not sure if it impacts Audi as well but they're pretty much the same vehicle so I'd make sure to check that out. I believe I read the other day that VW had finally extended the warranty to 10 yr/120k miles because of these issues but if you check out the Touareg forums you'll find many people had to replace them on their own dime around 50 - 70k miles which may not be an issue for you.

Other than that I have nothing but praise for the vehicle, I love the way it drives, looks and it has all the features I want.

jpp75

Thanks @sda and @nyccarguy Tfighter has is worse than me since he bought his and his really suffers from driveability issues. Mine is annoying but still driveable and it's a lease and under powertrain warranty through the end of the lease.

Where VW really loses with me is that unless this gets resolved quickly I'll be turning in the keys at the end of the lease and won't get another VW. On top of that everyone who knows me is aware that I've always wanted a Touareg, so when they ask about it they hear this story and that's not going to help VW either. Sad because I love the vehicle and would consider buying it at the end of the lease but it doesn't look like that's going to be a smart option the way things are going.

Sandman6472

Stopped by the BMW dealer and saw a few nice 328's and 320's but couldn't find the 128I but did get a call from the internet guy. Saw a beautiful 2013 Mini Countryman in a white/gray combo which looked outstanding. Miles in the 30's and priced around $25K. Nice looking vehicle but things I've heard about their ride has me apprehensive.
Stopped by Lexus and it had slim pickings in the IS 250 selection, mostly 2015's and 2016's with miles in the mid to high teens but all above $30K, a bit pricey. The VW store has a few CPO Tiguans in that nice red color with low miles and prices in the low to mid $20's, something I think I could live with. Like the SE model as I want to keep a sunroof especially this time of year down here. Have already pre-paid for the 30K service so sure they'd just let me use it on a Tiguan if I bought from them.
But each time I was walking up to my Golf, even though it's really filthy, I smiled because it's mine! And then I think, why the hell am I looking at replacing something that I really like and that's running perfectly! Makes no sense really!!!

The Sandman

qbrozen

sandman_6472 said:

something I think I could live with.

I notice you say that quite a bit. I suggest you find a much better reason to buy a vehicle. ;b

Michaell

@sandman_6472 - is the Countryman you looked at FWD or AWD? I'd guess the former, as you are in Florida.

My daughter has an AWD version of the Countryman; while it rides better than her first MINI, it's still pretty harsh compared to my Jetta and, I suspect, your Golf.

Go wash your car and vacuum out the interior and enjoy the fact that it's yours!

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

And then I think, why the hell am I looking at replacing something that I really like and that's running perfectly! Makes no sense really!!!

Maybe just rephrase your approach to this whole thing: You're keeping feelers out there for when you are ready to replace the Golf, and you're doing it now because it is fun!

Sandman6472

Guess this is so, I have the time now so just looking for the next time. Maybe it's a good thing I never did find that 128I at the BMW store while I walked the grounds. Yes, it'll get a good bath later today and that'll be it. Got the Audi in the garage since the girls took the Accent to Tampa for the weekend, supposed to take it on Saturday to the Audi store for a bath.

the Sandman

Sandman6472

Turns out my license has been suspended since last year! Went back down to Dade County after going first to Broward where I live to get this mess solved. Tuesday, I didn't stop at the line at a stop sign and there was a cop right there. He pulls me over and seeing that it's my birthday, he gave me a verbal warning. But comes back and says I have a suspended license! WTF!!!
Turns out there was am issue with the suspension last November where dade County said I never paid the fine for my fender bender. Went down last November 15th and naturally, they had a copy of my canceled check and my driving school certificate...they never put it into the computer!! They did when I was there but since I had that theft in Jacksonville where the guy stole my license info, I got an added number to my license number and the two numbers didn't match. It showed up on the computer as a suspended license! I tried to tell the cop this but he was pretty rude and a bit nasty and gave me a ticket for a suspended license anyways Tuesday. So now, I have to fight the ticket and go before a judge and have it dismissed because my license was really fine the whole time, there was a clerical error with the new drivers license number. Cop said the judge should throw it out because I did nothing wrong, things out of my control happened.
So now, I have to make an appointment to go before a judge and explain this nonsense...need to plead not guilty and set up a date within the next 30 days. I'd laugh if it wasn't so ridiculous to begin with but...it ain't funny!!

The Sandman

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

So now, I have to make an appointment to go before a judge and explain this nonsense...need to plead not guilty and set up a date within the next 30 days. I'd laugh if it wasn't so ridiculous to begin with but...it ain't funny!!

The Sandman

Well, it'll be one of those things you can look back on and laugh!

For now, condolences for your wasted time, and good luck getting it all sorted out.

Mr_Shiftright

ADVICE FOR A FRIEND:

My buddy is getting his 2011 Jetta TDI Wagon bought back from VW for $17,000 which is a hell of a good price.

He's ask me to advise him whether to take the money or have VW fix the car (he loves the car) and I told him to take the money because who knows what VW might come up with as a 'fix'.

He then asked what other car he could buy that might closely replicate what he says without spending too much more money.

I of course suggested the Golf Sportwagon TSI. Given that he like a manual transmission and the driving dynamics of the Jetta, I didn't recommend other wagons such as the Outback, and he's not so keen on compact SUVs

So....am I missing anything here except maybe a low miles CPO Volvo wagon?

corvette

Mr_Shiftright said:

ADVICE FOR A FRIEND:...

As noted in the TDI thread, I think VW plans to fix and remarket the bought back cars. Not sure on the timeframe for that. He may be able to delay his buyback and purchase a similar TDI for a lot cheaper. I'm guessing the ones VW resells would have some kind of powertrain warranty.

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

ADVICE FOR A FRIEND: My buddy is getting his 2011 Jetta TDI Wagon bought back from VW for $17,000 which is a hell of a good price. He's ask me to advise him whether to take the money or have VW fix the car (he loves the car) and I told him to take the money because who knows what VW might come up with as a 'fix'. He then asked what other car he could buy that might closely replicate what he says without spending too much more money. I of course suggested the Golf Sportwagon TSI. Given that he like a manual transmission and the driving dynamics of the Jetta, I didn't recommend other wagons such as the Outback, and he's not so keen on compact SUVs So....am I missing anything here except maybe a low miles CPO Volvo wagon?

Check out the Honda Fit, too. Not as nice, but cheaper and more tossable.

Sandman6472

Also the HR-V might work for him. Have heard it's a bit underpowered but since I haven't driven one yet, that's only hearsay at this point. The interior is quite nice on the EX and EX-L but the lack of knobs on the infotainment and HVAC system makes this vehicle a no buy for me. I like knobs and buttons and don't want to treat the important systems in my vehicle with using my fingers like on a smartphone or a tablet...it's dangerous while driving to take your eyes off the road for even a couple of seconds. Disqualifies this vehicle for me in the future.

The Sandman

tjc78

First person coming to look at the Merc on Sat. Said he is 60 and drives an older Town Car. Right in my wheelhouse! Wish me luck!

On the new car front, looks like similar deals still available on Elantras and Corollas in November.

Mr_Shiftright

corvette said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

ADVICE FOR A FRIEND:...

As noted in the TDI thread, I think VW plans to fix and remarket the bought back cars. Not sure on the timeframe for that. He may be able to delay his buyback and purchase a similar TDI for a lot cheaper. I'm guessing the ones VW resells would have some kind of powertrain warranty.

Not a bad idea. I think owners have until Sept 1, 2018 to make up their minds. At least that's what I've read somewhere.

ab348

The lack of a volume knob is a bit of a red herring. The HR-V has steering wheel mounted audio controls like most new cars do these days. I know in my ATS I use them about 90% of the time.

Mr_Shiftright

OK....Honda Fit and CR-V. I'll run that past them. One problem is that he's quite sour on VW right now, so maybe he would jump ship. He bought the car to be a "greenie" and to have something that would last them 200K or so. He took excellent care of it, always dealer serviced, and he kinda feels that he got screwed over.

tjc78

ab348 said:

The lack of a volume knob is a bit of a red herring. The HR-V has steering wheel mounted audio controls like most new cars do these days. I know in my ATS I use them about 90% of the time.

I couldn't tell you the last time I used the radio to change the volume in either car. Heck the Merc even controls the AC/Heat on the wheel, wish the Enclave had that.

stickguy

I use the steering wheel controls the vast majority of the time. Occasionally reach over for the volume knob, but would not miss it. The touch function to pick stations is more of a hassle, but with 18, buttons would be much worse. I generally just toggle through with the steering wheel lever to get to the station I want.