Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Bradd, that blue 2014 is also quite tasty. Probably not too bad a deal. Though for slightly more, I might go with the gray 2016 C class I found over in PA. Down below 36K now.

actually, just read the carfax on the Blue E350. One listing after another about tires being mounted/replaced. I wonder if that really was constant damaged tires, or actually related to rotating> Though they did have about 3 different instances noting tires replaced.

fintail

13 is a real oddball with leather but no P2 (keyless go, fancy lights, etc). Someone might have special ordered that one. That was also the last year before the facelift, which I think impacts values. Could be a 7500/yr lease return. I am sure one could do a lot with the price on it and the 14. In 14, P2 went away in favor of ala carte choices, notice that car has keyless go but doesn't have lighting package. Both of those are options I like a lot.

For the 3ers, how rare is HUD? I would want that too.

nyccarguy said:

On the other end of the German iron spectrum, here's a 2013 MB E350 Sport 4Matic with only 19K miles with a $32K asking price:

corvette

nyccarguy said:

Legacy tires are starting to get noisy. I'm sure there is no shot that's covered under the Tire/Wheel insurance part of my Subaru 5 year/100K mile gold warranty:(

If they're not directional, get them rotated in an X pattern (a lot of shops only swap straight front to back), and drive a few thousand miles. That may help reduce edge wear that occurs when tires only turn in one direction.

roadburner said:

I clocked in a Tanzanite Blue 340i M Sport today; saddle interior, three pedals, and every option. I almost asked the NCM what a 3 year lease would cost but I found out it was already sold...

This new job could get to be expensive for you!

nyccarguy

@corvette - I've had the tires rotated at the dealer every 7500 miles. Tires are original with over 42K on them.

stickguy

Subaru still using the "blow"tenzas OEM on the Legacy? If so, 42K is a miracle! Actually, considering where you drive, any tires on that car at 42K are going to need serious oversight.

I have a strict nervous nellie policy on tires. I always will change a little early, to avoid a situation where I find out that I really waited too long. And tread is not a great indicator of traction unfortunately.

28firefighter

I have Potenzas on the GTI and they are truly terrible. The A3 actually has a nearly new set of Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires in the identical size to the GTI.  I've been debating swapping them over before I sell the A3 back. 

stickguy

I certainly would. VW won't care. Probably worth paying the cost at the tire store, though I suppose that might run close to $200? Still, a lot cheaper than buying a new set!

28firefighter

stickguy said:

I certainly would. VW won't care. Probably worth paying the cost at the tire store, though I suppose that might run close to $200? Still, a lot cheaper than buying a new set!

Yeah - about that after tax. And agreed. I've been holding off putting any money into the GTI until I figure out what's happening with the lemon law claim. 

tjc78

Bridgestone does make some crappy tires. I had Turanza EL400s on my 06 Avalon and they were completely shot at 27K. First (and only) car I ever had to replace tires on during a lease.

New Elantra has Nexen tires on it. Seem pretty good, I doubt I'll put 25K on that car so I'm figuring they will be fine at turn it.

@roadburner I'm not a huge BMW fan, but that blue and those wheels look fantastic on that 3.

stickguy

Got a teaser email from Hyundai. Apparently coming out with an Elantra sport. 201 HP turbo. Could be fun!

Interesting. Loaded one up, came out just below 25. Before usual discounts. Turbo, 6 speed (no DCT issues!), leather, navi package, blind spot, roof. Pretty much all the stuff from my car, with sports seats and bigger wheels. Has to be quick with that drivetrain. And real good mileage.

Hmmmmmmm.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Got a teaser email from Hyundai. Apparently coming out with an Elantra sport. 201 HP turbo. Could be fun!

Yep, same setup as @andres3 Optima - has the 7-speed DCT.

sda

tjc78 said:

Bridgestone does make some crappy tires. I had Turanza EL400s on my 06 Avalon and they were completely shot at 27K. First (and only) car I ever had to replace tires on during a lease.

New Elantra has Nexen tires on it. Seem pretty good, I doubt I'll put 25K on that car so I'm figuring they will be fine at turn it.

@roadburner I'm not a huge BMW fan, but that blue and those wheels look fantastic on that 3.

Those Turanza ELs have been around for ages and have received poor scores on Tire Rack. I am surprised they are still available. 30k on those tires seems to be the limit. I had them on my '96 Millenia and also our '09 Civic. Never made it to 30k on either car.

stickguy

No DCT for me. Hyundai bucking the trend, and offering the manual trans on the loaded model.

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

Taking a look (nothing wrong with a little online browsing) at a few CPO cars since I saw that out of warranty 335i 6MT ///M Sport last week at my local Ford dealer. Cars aren't as expensive as I thought, but still out of my price range:

Here's a 2015 328xd ///M Sport with 35K miles for $34.5K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2015-BMW-328d+xDrive+Sedan-9d6745510a0e0a6b0cf40ddb13d5f3be.htm?geoZip=06902

2014 335xi ///M Sport with 29K miles for $35.3K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2014-BMW-335i+xDrive+Sedan-290121620a0e0a175e1e14e3c9604fa8.htm?geoZip=06902

2014 335xi ///M Sport with 29K miles for $36.5K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2014-BMW-335i+xDrive+Sedan-e81071b20a0e0a175837ce585edbe0a3.htm?geoZip=06902

A BMW search would not be be complete without an Estoril Blue car. Here's a 2014 335xi ///M Sport with 22K miles for $36.9K

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/2014-BMW-335i+xDrive+Sedan-73fc2cf50a0e0adf4ae7cb91b58d9575.htm?geoZip=06902

I really like the Estoril Blue one. Me thinks any of them would look good on you.

suydam

I had some version of Turanzas but not the EL on my Maxima. They were great.

kyfdx

@stickguy That 2016 with the sport seats is really nice!

Bridgestone makes some great tires. A lot of them carry the Potenza designation. None of the great ones are OEM all-season tires, however. Those have been some of the worst tires for me, as well. 2008 Impreza came with them. AWD car that I was afraid to drive in the snow.

kyfdx

This guy needs help:
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/43866/toyota/camry-solara/should-i-get-it/p1?new=1

andres3

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Got a teaser email from Hyundai. Apparently coming out with an Elantra sport. 201 HP turbo. Could be fun!

Yep, same setup as @andres3 Optima - has the 7-speed DCT.

201 HP would be perfect in the Optima, but my 1.6T isn't up-tuned like that. I think they rate it around 175 HP. Feels maybe like 185 though, so that's a good thing. 201 HP in the Elantra would leave me wanting for a more tuned suspension for fun driving. It's got decent handling (the Optima), but with more power I'd want it more buttoned down.

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

This guy needs help:
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/43866/toyota/camry-solara/should-i-get-it/p1?new=1

Q is on it !

28firefighter

That Elantra Sport looks interesting - I should go drive one.

stickguy

Well, the Elantra does have a "sport suspension", and 40 series tires on 18s, so should be a bit more buttoned down.

And a flat bottom steering wheel.

Basically an A3 FWD. With a manual (Audi should be embarrassed to not offer one).

andres3

stickguy said:

Well, the Elantra does have a "sport suspension", and 40 series tires on 18s, so should be a bit more buttoned down.

And a flat bottom steering wheel.

Basically an A3 FWD. With a manual (Audi should be embarrassed to not offer one).

Take a look at '06-'08' A3's; they were sold with a 6-speed manual option, and they are Sportbacks (otherwise known as 5-door hatchbacks). Not sure what the take rate was though; as I found the DSG to be excellent even back then. I'd say they had it more "nailed" 10 years ago than Kia does today. Of course, they've now had a decade head-start.

rayainsw

Not an A3 - but the A4 manual is coming here...

https://www.audiusa.com/newsroom/news/press-releases/2016/09/2017-audi-a4-six-speed-manual-transmission

28firefighter

stickguy said:

Well, the Elantra does have a "sport suspension", and 40 series tires on 18s, so should be a bit more buttoned down.

And a flat bottom steering wheel.

Basically an A3 FWD. With a manual (Audi should be embarrassed to not offer one).

I guess my problem is that with how much they're discounting cars like the GTI right now, I still think I'd rather have that...of course I haven't driven it yet!

stickguy

well, with all the discussion about VW issues around here, the Hyundai might be safer!

28firefighter

stickguy said:

well, with all the discussion about VW issues around here, the Hyundai might be safer!

It's true - and if its just as fun to drive, that's the ultimate goal, right?

ab348

I cannot see Hyundai being able to duplicate the GTI's driving dynamics as they have never been great at chassis/steering tuning. But if they could get 90% of it at a lower price then they might have something.

andres3

ab348 said:

I cannot see Hyundai being able to duplicate the GTI's driving dynamics as they have never been great at chassis/steering tuning. But if they could get 90% of it at a lower price then they might have something.

I'd agree that Hyundai and Kia haven't quite figured out what the word "Sport" stands for yet. But apparently they are coming out with some sporty cars in the near future; we shall see.

Michaell

andres3 said:

ab348 said:

I cannot see Hyundai being able to duplicate the GTI's driving dynamics as they have never been great at chassis/steering tuning. But if they could get 90% of it at a lower price then they might have something.

I'd agree that Hyundai and Kia haven't quite figured out what the word "Sport" stands for yet. But apparently they are coming out with some sporty cars in the near future; we shall see.

And, even with their more pedestrian models, I can tell the difference between my old Elantra GT versus my new Jetta. I like the Jetta a lot more, even for around town errand running.

xwesx

Michaell said:

And, even with their more pedestrian models, I can tell the difference between my old Elantra GT versus my new Jetta. I like the Jetta a lot more, even for around town errand running.

I feel the same way about my Passat. It is a near-luxury cruiser, and it does that job really well, but its suspension is also tuned such that I can toss it around and it feels very well-settled, perhaps even eager for it. That's an endearing combination.

As far as tires go, I think Subaru switched to a Continental as OEM on the Legacy and Outback models, but I don't know if they use the same or different on Forester and Impreza.

It used to be Bridgestone Potenza on all models except Forester, which used Yokohama Geolandar. Both of those were such crap on snow/ice.

Michaell

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

And, even with their more pedestrian models, I can tell the difference between my old Elantra GT versus my new Jetta. I like the Jetta a lot more, even for around town errand running.

I feel the same way about my Passat. It is a near-luxury cruiser, and it does that job really well, but its suspension is also tuned such that I can toss it around and it feels very well-settled, perhaps even eager for it. That's an endearing combination.

As far as tires go, I think Subaru switched to a Continental as OEM on the Legacy and Outback models, but I don't know if they use the same or different on Forester and Impreza.

It used to be Bridgestone Potenza on all models except Forester, which used Yokohama Geolandar. Both of those were such crap on snow/ice.

Your post made me go look - our Outback has the Bridgestone Dueler H/P as the OEM tire. They seem to do OK on snow for an all-season tire.

sda

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

And, even with their more pedestrian models, I can tell the difference between my old Elantra GT versus my new Jetta. I like the Jetta a lot more, even for around town errand running.

I feel the same way about my Passat. It is a near-luxury cruiser, and it does that job really well, but its suspension is also tuned such that I can toss it around and it feels very well-settled, perhaps even eager for it. That's an endearing combination.

As far as tires go, I think Subaru switched to a Continental as OEM on the Legacy and Outback models, but I don't know if they use the same or different on Forester and Impreza.

It used to be Bridgestone Potenza on all models except Forester, which used Yokohama Geolandar. Both of those were such crap on snow/ice.

Seems odd that Subaru would select those tires when they promote the safety and added traction of all wheel drive. Perhaps they were incented $$?

xwesx

Michaell said:

Your post made me go look - our Outback has the Bridgestone Dueler H/P as the OEM tire. They seem to do OK on snow for an all-season tire.

Interesting. Yours is a 2015, which was first year of gen5; I wonder if they switched OEM again that year? Now I have to research. LOL

xwesx

Sure enough! They used Continental tires from 2010-2014 (different models during that run), and then were back to Bridgestone for 2015. And, that is Outback only.

For all of '10-'14, the Legacy used Bridgestone Turanza EL 400, so that's probably what @nyccarguy has on his.

xwesx

And, Forester STILL uses the Geolandar on all models except XT and Touring: Those get the Bridgestone Duelers.

I know, I know.... TMI! :@

nyccarguy

@xwesx - my 2015 Legacy has Good Year Assurance tires with a 580 Treadwear Rating. I wouldn't go out and buy them again. They are OK. Nothing spectacular though.

stickguy

My wife never understood why the rest of the family was so excited by VWs. Not an easy sell to get her on board with getting one of them at this point! Plus, I would likely go with a Golf WB instead. At least she will fit in the seats.

sda

nyccarguy said:

@xwesx - my 2015 Legacy has Good Year Assurance tires with a 580 Treadwear Rating. I wouldn't go out and buy them again. They are OK. Nothing spectacular though.

I had those on the Accord and replaced them somewhat prematurely at 60k. They still had 4-5/32 and wore evenly. I benefitted from a Labor Day sale and while I would have preferred to go with a Michelin, I decided to buy Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds--about $200 less than what the Michelins cost at that time. I am happy to report they ride much better, they absorb the little imperfections and bumps better and seem to handle well and are quiet. Gas mileage seems to be unaffected. My drive is pretty conservative so I haven't really put them thru their paces. So far so good.

sda

Since my wife and I married in '99 we have had 3 VWs. A new '99 Passat 5speed 1.8T for the wife which she adored. We sold it when we had our daughter and we seemed to carry everything but the house when we traveled so we leased an '03 Odyssey. I had a '00 Jetta GLX VR6 5sp and a '06 Passat 2.0T. She really liked the '06 Passat but after continuous trouble with that car she shudders when I talk about another VW.

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

@xwesx - my 2015 Legacy has Good Year Assurance tires with a 580 Treadwear Rating. I wouldn't go out and buy them again. They are OK. Nothing spectacular though.

Oh, a 2015! I was thinking it was a '14 for some reason. Yeah, oddly enough, they do have the Assurance as stock beginning 2015, with the "Eagle" model being standard on Limited trims (both 2.5 and 3.6).

Hey, the good news on the Assurance is that it has a pretty decent treadwear rating (expected life = 65,000 miles), unlike the Bridgestone and Yokohama OEMs they use!


But, with Subaru having such a variety of makes in their OEM tires, it really makes me scratch my head as to how they solicit their contracts.

stickguy

got an interesting Email from local BMW dealer today, touting their big weekend sale. That is not unique, but the interesting part was all the special lease deals were for used cars.

I actually like this one, quite a bit (wish it did not have black guts though). Listed as $299/month, 36/30000 (10K/year). Zero DP, just tax, tags and doc fee listed as due. With only 4K miles, close enough to new for me, and going to be under BtoB warranty the entire lease term anyway. So, why not?

hope they are doing this next year, and I can snag a great deal on a 2017 X1!

http://www.bmwofturnersville.com/detail-2016-bmw-3_series-328i_xdrive-used-15639756.html

cdnpinhead

I monitor this board, but I'm about as far as you can get from a chronic car buyer. Typically I keep cars well past 100K miles and a couple past 200K. However, there's a fair amount of car buying knowledge here, so here's my situation:

My wife had a seemingly minor rear-ender with a car that stopped short in front of her a couple of weeks ago in her 12-year-old Pathfinder that's been bulletproof and has 176K miles on it. I've toyed with the notion of replacing it with a Forester over the past couple of years, but haven't seen the need. . .until now. Turns out that the PF is totaled, which seems a shame, but maybe a blessing in that I won't have to deal with the CL flakes to sell it.

Either way, is there anything in the land of Subaru and/or Foresters that's changed, for better or worse, over the past year or two? I looked into Foresters a couple of years ago, but didn't act on it then., but now I have to.

Pardon the cross-post, if you monitor the Subaru board.

qbrozen

They have gotten bigger and more boring, but maybe that happened more than a couple of years ago.

stickguy

I have not actively shopped them in the last year, but pretty sure that the Forester has not really changed this year, after a pretty large refresh recently (maybe for 2016?).

Check the Edmunds review section. They always start off saying what changes were made for that MY

nyccarguy

@cdnpinhead - I'm glad your wife wasn't hurt. It stinks that you've loved & nurtured that Pathfinder for so long and you don't get the honor of watching it cross the 200K mark. I've had a Forester as a loaner a few times. It is a solid, comfortable ride. Definitely not cushy like a Toyota. Lots of cargo space. Like the 2.5 in my Legacy, I think it's underpowered. My sister has a properly motivated Forester XT & loves it. It will most likely have more wind noise than average at highway speeds.

I know you are a manual tranny die hard, but the CVT performs admirably. Plus you get the more sophisticated AWD system with the CVT.

2 + years and over 42K miles in my Legacy which hasn't been back to the dealer for anything except for scheduled maintenance (every 7500 miles) and to have a remote starter & thicker rear sway bar installed.

henryn

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

And, even with their more pedestrian models, I can tell the difference between my old Elantra GT versus my new Jetta. I like the Jetta a lot more, even for around town errand running.

I feel the same way about my Passat. It is a near-luxury cruiser, and it does that job really well, but its suspension is also tuned such that I can toss it around and it feels very well-settled, perhaps even eager for it. That's an endearing combination.

I do like this Passat TDI. If I were going to buy a car (sedan) to replace it after the buyback, another Passat would be high on the list of possibilities. A new or one year old Passat, or a 2 or 3 year old Genesis would probably be the only 2 cars that I would consider. Most likely a minivan, or some SUV.

js06gv

tjc78 said:

Bridgestone does make some crappy tires. I had Turanza EL400s on my 06 Avalon and they were completely shot at 27K. First (and only) car I ever had to replace tires on during a lease. New Elantra has Nexen tires on it. Seem pretty good, I doubt I'll put 25K on that car so I'm figuring they will be fine at turn it. @roadburner I'm not a huge BMW fan, but that blue and those wheels look fantastic on that 3.

Hope your luck is better than mine with Nexen tires. They came on my '14 Optima lease and were shot by 21K. Like you, I had to replace them during the lease and I was ticked about that. From what I've read they are low quality Korean tires. I was very pleased to find a nice set of Michelins on the '16 Optima replacement. 

kyfdx

Helpful advice needed here:
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/43873/general/x/buying-a-used-car-for-2-500-or-less#latest

stickguy

hit a couple of dealers quick today, with the wife. Acura was having an "event" so I got sucked in. Hey, chance to win a 2 year lease on an ILX (I did not), and a $30 Target gift card just for showing up (that I got!).

so, did that, and sat in a few things. She liked the TLX. Thought the RDX was identical to hers (inside, basically is).

then went next door to BMW. She sat in an X3, and liked that. Said she could see herself in one. Also looked at an X1 outside (wasn't open), and she thought it looked good. and price was not too bad on that one ($40,200, so lightly equipped!).

Also swung into Audi to pick up a keychain for the son. Had a nice Q3 on the floor (about $38K). She did like that one too. Something that size/design for my next car seems likely.

funny thing. I mentioned the new countryman yesterday. Turns out, she really likes Minis, just thought they were too small. Will be interesting to see that at the car show (hopefully the 2017 redesign in there).

stickguy

I did talk to the salesguy about the demo lease specials. He said no hidden costs. nothing down, just tax, tags, 1st payment stuff (probably incepetion, not sure). So for a loaded 3 series with 80 miles on it, about $2K to drive out, and $299/month. Yeah, that would have worked. But, it was gone last night.