Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@stickguy That is an nice car that is for shore. Questian did you ever change the colent on the rdx and other flewids. I no it has lo miles for the year but good to do every few years.

I over maintain my cars (between that and the low miles, my cars are always prime candidates for resale!). Have done the brake fluid, differential fluid, and trans fluid already (at least once). Coolant, I think that is original, but will be on the list soon. Need to check the service requirements.

tjc78

@henryn
Congrats! That's two Mopars so far. Last year was heavy on VW, do we have a new trend?

@stickguy What's maintenance? Lol. I was OCD with the Merc, but with the leased cars oil changes only.

breld

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

Michaell said:

@28firefighter - my thoughts and such...

I thought the 2015 SE had the 1.4T engine, not the 1.8T.

I will agree with you on (1) - while I've not taken it on a road trip, I did experience the same fatigue in my legs on occasion.

I'm content with the level of tech in my car - Apple CarPlay and the rear view camera are all I need. The Outback has all the safety nannies I need.

Since I've not ever owned a luxury brand, I can't comment on the quality of the interior trim. Certainly not as soft as the Subaru.

I did a quick Google of the engine and the VW website came up as the 1.8. If it has the 1.4, that is damn impressive!

If this car had CarPlay it'd be perfectly fine. It's just that old Nav unit that kills it. 

Huh. I had a 2015 as a rental last year and I'll agree with you on the tech. Didn't realize it had the 1.8T engine. Not that I got to exercise it in Bay Area traffic.

I seem to remember the 1.4T sort of being "phased in," where it started in the base models, like the S, and then made its way up into the higher trims, until only the SEL retained the 1.8T.

I concur with @stickguy's sentiment on the Jetta Sport - I took my stepdaughter's in for its first service last week and was really impressed with the way it drives. Hers is a 2016, so it has an upgraded stereo unit, which is much nicer than the previous RNS-315, which I had in a couple of different VWs. The sport seats really do make the car, both from an aesthetic perspective and, I believe, comfort.

All in all, great package for the price we paid. When I was picking it up in the service area, one of the employees was admiring it, specifically saying how she loved the seats. Then she followed that up with, "And I don't like Volkswagens!" Hmmm...that's a funny thing to say, since you work at a VW dealership.

breld

Almost done "outfitting" the Durango. It didn't come with any floormats, so I took the opportunity to order some Husky liners and a cargo mat. Then I found an online resource that sold discounted codes to activate the navigation, which I did yesterday. It's a little funny to me that the infotainment system has all the hardware for navigation, but (on the SXT model anyway), you need to purchase a code to simply activate it. Whatever...I do like having the integrated navigation for running around various venues for the kids sports. But I did find that the Dodge is like my Mazda, where you can't enter an address while the car is moving. So annoying.

Next up, I'm trying to find a used cargo cover. And then tires to be installed next week.

Last thing may be to get that dent on the hood looked at, but since it's nothing I see while driving, it's last on the priority list.

Then...it will all be ready for trade.

rayainsw

lol - and congratulations [ again ] breld !
- Ray
Still enjoying my mopar...

suydam

The Volt is like that too -- can't enter an address while moving. Apparently they assume we never have passengers.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

Someone mentioned the ILX vs. Civic. There are, IMO, some differences. Biggest being the engine, though the 1.5t probably offsets the 2.4. The biggest difference though is the interior (dash, seats) which IMO are much better in the Acura. Plus feature content (some stuff, including BLIS/rear cross path) are only on the Acura.

but, the Civic is a nice package. And at this point, I too would likely look at the Accord instead of the TLX!

Stick...that was me. You and I like Acuras. But, they seem a bit directionless right now.

breld

I actually am really enjoying driving the Durango around. The drivetrain is impressive - the 8-speed automatic isn't as responsive as my BMW, but it's definitely better than what was in the Kia, and far more engaging than the CVT in the JX35 I tested out.

Not feeling like it needs any more power - I mean the V-6 does put out 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. But, of course, the availability of the HEMI is hard to ignore.

Roominess is impressive - clearly it's not as functional as the minivan, but I was able to throw four tires and my kid's baseball stuff in the cargo area with no problem. I'm really happy I ended up with one with the captain's chairs - my younger son who rides back them says they're really comfy, and it "opens up" the feel of the interior. Also provides a pathway for smaller kids to get to the 3rd row (the captain's chairs also flip forward of course).

The driving position is great - nice sized armrests on both sides at just the right height for me.

So, overall very impressed with my first Chrysler product since...my 1985 Laser Turbo!

breld

That's not an picture of my actual car, but mine was very similar with different wheels.

It was originally my older brother's car, but I inherited it when he got....another Laser. But an XT model with T-Tops! Again, not his actual car, but just like this one:

tbirdmarco

@stickguy glad to hear I am the same way with my family members cars evan tho I don't drive alwas on them to mantane them big time. if it wher not for me they would not cair at all lol I alwas have to make the service apointments for them and go with them so the proper stuff does get done I don't mind it at all injoy it lol. and good way to go in to the show room to sumtimes to sit in all of the new cars.

tbirdmarco

@breld nice all sounds good to me.

houdini1

henryn said:

Overall, Verizon covers more places than anyone else. But that will vary, region by region, area by area. AT&T runs a close second, and then T-Mobile. But if T-Mobile covers where you are and where you go, then you can save a LOT of money with them. I pay $199 for 12 months of T-Mobile (via MintSim), and I get 2 gigs of data per month, which is more than I ever use.

I paid cash for my phone. There are some very good deals out there on last years top of the line phones, now down to about half price. Kind of like buying a left over model new car.

We've had Sprint for the last two years. Unlimited talk, text, 4 gig shared data. Service has been excellent. About $123. per month all in, including the cost of buying 2 iphone 6's at $200. up front and $30. per month for 24 months. Last payment on the phones Dec. 2016. Got the Jan bill and it was still $123. It was impossible to even get thru on the phone, so went into local Sprint store.

Local office calls HQ and they say, Oh, we forgot. LOL. Immediately changed current bill to $88.00. I would have been paying that extra 30 bucks a month ad infintium if I had not called their hand.

iluvmysephia1

Good thing you called and checked it out, houdini. My wife and I really watch billing from creditors closely. Errors are costly and annoying. They'll just take your payment, though, even if the amount is inaccurate. Same thing with grocery checkers-watch the individual amounts!

suydam

That's not an error. Verizon does it too. They conveniently "forget" to stop that extra charge until you notice it and complain.

houdini1

suydam said:

That's not an error. Verizon does it too. They conveniently "forget" to stop that extra charge until you notice it and complain.

Yep, SOP. Stealing money used to be against the law ! I wonder if the old "I forgot" excuse would work with the IRS.

corvette

Awesome deal, uplanderguy! I'm guessing you have the "old" GM card, or did they increase redemption allowances for the Cruze? I'm betting the payment on a 3-year lease would have been close to zero.

And congrats, henryn! I wish minivans offered AWD--I think the only one left is the Sienna, and you get runflats with that option.

28firefighter said:

They still have it until Monday because the tech broke two clips trying to reassemble the car and they had to be ordered. 

How annoying... Typical VW dealer, doesn't stock trim clips that are likely to be broken any time you remove trim pieces.

We have five punches so far this year. Impressive!

sda

breld said:

That's not an picture of my actual car, but mine was very similar with different wheels.

It was originally my older brother's car, but I inherited it when he got....another Laser. But an XT model with T-Tops! Again, not his actual car, but just like this one:

I thought those were sharp looking cars at the time. My good friend had a fairly base Laser with the turbo and 5 sp in garnet red, red striped interior. His brother had the top of the line Laser, black on black, sharp looking leather interior, turbo, 5 speed, sports suspension. They both drove the cars hard and enjoyed the heck out of them.

mjfloyd1

@breld

Not a husky liner but the price is better. Didn't know if it would work for you.

It says call for price so it may be lower if you call.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maxliner-D0113-MAXTRAY-All-Weather-Custom-Fit-Cargo-Liner-Mat-Fits-11-16-Durango/291699172416?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=2&asc=40807&meid=c5933dd675654d5f9c90e038be817eae&pid=100005&rk=6&rkt=6&sd=302151479785

stickguy

Tom, I only do extras for the Acura, since that is supposed to be in the family for at least 10 years (at 4.5 already, so could happen!). The leases, well, they get the basic every year/miles oil change (at the dealer) with a coupon. Throw in tire rotation, mostly to up the odds I can return it with the originals still on the wheels!

28firefighter

I really have to say...the more I drive this Jetta, the more I like it. Especially for the money. 

stickguy

yeah, nice package for the price. my daughter mentions buying out the Jetta lease at the end (assuming she starts right into a job). Not sure about that, but we shall see. It has been reliable too.

graphicguy

breld said:

I actually am really enjoying driving the Durango around. The drivetrain is impressive - the 8-speed automatic isn't as responsive as my BMW, but it's definitely better than what was in the Kia, and far more engaging than the CVT in the JX35 I tested out.

Not feeling like it needs any more power - I mean the V-6 does put out 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. But, of course, the availability of the HEMI is hard to ignore.

Roominess is impressive - clearly it's not as functional as the minivan, but I was able to throw four tires and my kid's baseball stuff in the cargo area with no problem. I'm really happy I ended up with one with the captain's chairs - my younger son who rides back them says they're really comfy, and it "opens up" the feel of the interior. Also provides a pathway for smaller kids to get to the 3rd row (the captain's chairs also flip forward of course).

The driving position is great - nice sized armrests on both sides at just the right height for me.

So, overall very impressed with my first Chrysler product since...my 1985 Laser Turbo!

I loved the looks of those when they were current. I was not far out of college when those "hit the street". Couldn't afford one at the time. But, I did test drive those turbo Lasers several times. For the day and age, those were pretty quick cars.

Sandman6472

Plenty of power with the 1.8T engine and I do get close to 40 on the highway. Agree the infotainment system sucks and a real travesty that they put the new stuff in the 2016 instead of the new 2015 model, this is the only thing I truly dislike about my Golf. But it's not enough of a dislike for me to get rid of it at this juncture. With just over 26,200 on the clock and it needing new sneakers by 30K, keeping it as of now. As much as I like that red Tiguan I saw a few weeks back at the local VW store, it's crappy mpg's are just unacceptable right now so no new punch here as of yet.
Golf has been flawless since the little starter wire hiccup a few months after purchase, and since I've pre-paid for the 30k service, will keep it and eventually put on new shoes. My tire guy is pushing his Bridgestone high priced tires but still deciding. Anyone have any good suggestions for new sneakers in the 225/45/17 size? Prefer touring tires with a quiet ride over summer ones to be honest.

The Sandman

js06gv

corvette said:

Awesome deal, uplanderguy! I'm guessing you have the "old" GM card, or did they increase redemption allowances for the Cruze? I'm betting the payment on a 3-year lease would have been close to zero.

And congrats, henryn! I wish minivans offered AWD--I think the only one left is the Sienna, and you get runflats with that option.

28firefighter said:

They still have it until Monday because the tech broke two clips trying to reassemble the car and they had to be ordered. 

How annoying... Typical VW dealer, doesn't stock trim clips that are likely to be broken any time you remove trim pieces.

We have five punches so far this year. Impressive!

I wish I had gotten in on that old card. I'm subject to redemption allowances like most who have a GM Card, although I do have a current offer through the end of Feb. that basically doubles the redemption allowances (so 2K on a Cruze for example). Too bad I'm not in the market, but if I was able to spend my entire 6K balance on something I think I'd have to make up an excuse for a punch.

stickguy

this is a nice looking car. especially if you are into seriously low miles! Nice and loaded. No clue if price is right, but car gurus seems to think it is a deal.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-audi-a4-4dr_sedan_automatic_quattro_2_0t_premium_plus-used-15984543.html

This one, is probably a really good deal. Budget Acura. lots of power and goodies. Price seems good.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-honda-accord_sedan-4dr_v6_automatic_ex~l-used-15980938.html

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

this is a nice looking car. especially if you are into seriously low miles! Nice and loaded. No clue if price is right, but car gurus seems to think it is a deal.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-audi-a4-4dr_sedan_automatic_quattro_2_0t_premium_plus-used-15984543.html

This one, is probably a really good deal. Budget Acura. lots of power and goodies. Price seems good.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-honda-accord_sedan-4dr_v6_automatic_ex~l-used-15980938.html

Audi is a used car where you want low miles.

Michaell

That Audi seems quite aggressively priced.

qbrozen

I can't see details, but autocheck is telling me that car has already had 2 owners. 

Otherwise, I'd agree that is cheap for 20k miles

Sandman6472

We have a lot of the new '17 Cruze's at work and I've liked them since I drove the first one with 500 miles. That, and the Buick Encore, are the only two domestic vehicles I think I'd even consider right now if I were in the market. Chevy did an outstanding job here though I'd go with a Premier model just to get the nicer looking alloys. The new for '17 Encore looks great, especially the interior and dash. The infotainment center is now a better fit in the middle of the dash, it fits now and no longer looks like an after thought. Haven't driven one yet but it is the perfect size for me since I prefer vehicles under 172" inches and it also has a hatch.
But at this moment, not in the market for anything new. When I will be is anyone's guess right now because I'm still not sure 2017 will be my final year to work. Thinking that 2018 will be the magic year as I will turn 64 then, the year my dad passed. Since my one sibling died at 57 and another on his 58th birthday, am very blessed to have made it passed 62 at this point. Luckily, I still like my job and the hours, every other day for about 10 hours, and it's flexibility. With my health issues, M-W-F seems to work for me even though I asked for M-T-F, working two in a row and having off two in a row. My boss gets it and let's me decide, knowing that if I do work two days in a row, there's a good chance that by mid afternoon on day two, I might be leaving early due to my high pain level. Working the M-W-F schedule is much easier on my body with no leaving early.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Must be strange in this forum to have a member who's content with their current vehicle and not looking to change it out on a regular basis. As a younger guy with a young family, I bought economy that as cheap to keep because I knew I had to keep them for a longer period of time. Now that we're empty nesters again, I can look towards a more luxurious vehicle and spend a bit more on it. Hitting two years of ownership last month with only that one issue has shown me that even a German vehicle can be reliable and fun to drive. So I've decided to stay the course for another couple of years unless something bad happens and keep the Golf. New sneakers are next on the agenda and my time table is sometime in the next four to six months depending on how they wear. Now all I have to do is choose what to get.

The Sandman

stickguy

man, am I looking forward to being an empty nester again. Actually, I am now. What I am looking forward to is finishing college tuition (1 more year of that) and getting the baby out on her own and out of my wallet. She can feel free to stay at home for a while when she starts working (if logistics make sense). And pay some rent for the privilege!. Thankfully this year, car payments start dropping off the books. really need that for cash flow.

henryn

sandman_6472 said:

Must be strange in this forum to have a member who's content with their current vehicle and not looking to change it out on a regular basis. As a younger guy with a young family, I bought economy that as cheap to keep because I knew I had to keep them for a longer period of time. Now that we're empty nesters again, I can look towards a more luxurious vehicle and spend a bit more on it. Hitting two years of ownership last month with only that one issue has shown me that even a German vehicle can be reliable and fun to drive. So I've decided to stay the course for another couple of years unless something bad happens and keep the Golf. New sneakers are next on the agenda and my time table is sometime in the next four to six months depending on how they wear. Now all I have to do is choose what to get.

The Sandman

Have you measured the tread on the tires? Needing new tires was one of my negotiating points on this new (to me) minivan. I measured the tread depth today, seems to be 6/32 all around. I need to drive it in the rain (we're supposed to have a rainy week here), and then I'll decide on whether I want to get new tires.

sda

I would think the tires should be ok at 6/32, replace at 4/32 or so. My local Discount Tire has given me a credit for my used tires when I have purchased from them. The rep told me the cutoff is 5/32 and the tires need to have worn evenly. When I recently replaced the Michelin LTX tires on our Pilot for Michelin Defender LTX, I got $130 credit plus the $70 Michelin rebate and $50 Discount Tire rebate for using their credit card. By the way, the new Michelin Defenders are great, quiet, smooth, good in rain and handle well. Might be worth asking about.

laurasdada

The Lazer was on my list back in the mid '80s, really wanted one. But, a bit out of my "second job out of college" salary/price range. Bought instead an '84 Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo. Arrest me red, woo hoo! Bro bought a (used) black GTI, that was probably the last decent car he owned! As he gradually made more money, his tastes turned more to horribly beat-up and deformed old convertibles (e.g. the Rambler Classic that died on, IIRC, the BQE. He gathered all his personal belongings, got home somehow and the car was stripped upon his return).

andres3

sda said:

I don't know if GM still does this but my last GM car, an '08 HHR displayed tire pressure for each tire. It was interesting to watch the pressure vary from wheel to wheel and it took out any guess work as to what tire might have triggered the light. On the Hondas we've had, only the light comes on and the burden is on me to figure out which tire.

My old Audi S4 would tell me which corner tire was causing the pressure sensor light (TPMS) to light up, in a message you could read every time you started up the car.

I think my TTS has a graphic that will highlight the tire in red with a full graphic of the whole vehicle in gray.

So did you know it is indeed possible to Start a VW Golf Wagen where your Key FOB is dead (battery dead), but the car is working. Looking at the car, first you'd think there's no way to get inside without breaking a window or calling a locksmith to break in, but, there is a way (hidden key hole). Roadside assistance wasn't helpful other than calling out a tow truck that would come in about 45-50 minutes after the call; VW needs to teach them the (what to do when your KEY FOB dies routine to avoid unnecessary tows). During that waiting time I decided to call a VW salesman at a dealership (It was 6 PM on Saturday) who was more helpful in figuring out the secrets of overriding the Key-less push-button start mechanisms when your remote battery is dead. I thought technology had thwarted and ruined us, but in the end, they had designed in some safe guards for this exact situation where you know the car's battery is fine, and it's just your damn key.

corvette

Yes, I think you hold the fob next to the steering column while pressing the start button. Nissan has a slot you put the fob in and mine is even supposed to warn you when the battery is getting low. 

stickguy

I just had this on my Sonota. Started getting a low battery (fob) message on the dash. And did notice it took a couple times pushing the unlock button. Thankfully I bought a 2 pack of flat batteries a few months back when the one in my Acura fob started to go. Pop open the smart key, swap battery, good as new!

Michaell

For all of you with dead fob batteries - do you switch out the fob you use as the primary?

stickguy

I don't. my wife carries one set and I carry the other. so both get used on each of the cars, just not evenly.

Not sure if the smart key works differently, since that is "working" whenever you approach the car, even if you aren't pushing buttons like you would have to on a normal keyless fob.

I just replace the battery when required. The Sonota was only 26 months old, so that seems short to me. I think the RDX I have replaced in one remote, not the other, in 4.5 years. But maybe I did the other one last year. Hard to remember at this point!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I don't. my wife carries one set and I carry the other. so both get used on each of the cars, just not evenly.

Not sure if the smart key works differently, since that is "working" whenever you approach the car, even if you aren't pushing buttons like you would have to on a normal keyless fob.

I just replace the battery when required. The Sonota was only 26 months old, so that seems short to me. I think the RDX I have replaced in one remote, not the other, in 4.5 years. But maybe I did the other one last year. Hard to remember at this point!

Makes sense.

In my house, the girls each carry keys to their own car; I have the second set tucked away in a bureau drawer for when I need to use the car.

For the VW, I carry one set and the other hangs on a key rack by the door to the garage.

stickguy

was browsing earlier Accord listings (hey, need to pass a workday somehow!). My local guy has a nice V6 EXL 2012 (last year of that body style), reasonable miles and price. So, out of curiosity, I looked at what 2013 were listed at. Man, sellers on cars.com (dealers) don't think they depreciated much. Why buy a 5 YO one with 40-50K on it, when you can get brand new same model for probably 5K more, if that?

Mr_Shiftright

Asking prices are merely the buyers exercising their First Amendment Rights.

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Plenty of power with the 1.8T engine and I do get close to 40 on the highway. Agree the infotainment system sucks and a real travesty that they put the new stuff in the 2016 instead of the new 2015 model, this is the only thing I truly dislike about my Golf. But it's not enough of a dislike for me to get rid of it at this juncture. With just over 26,200 on the clock and it needing new sneakers by 30K, keeping it as of now. As much as I like that red Tiguan I saw a few weeks back at the local VW store, it's crappy mpg's are just unacceptable right now so no new punch here as of yet.
Golf has been flawless since the little starter wire hiccup a few months after purchase, and since I've pre-paid for the 30k service, will keep it and eventually put on new shoes. My tire guy is pushing his Bridgestone high priced tires but still deciding. Anyone have any good suggestions for new sneakers in the 225/45/17 size? Prefer touring tires with a quiet ride over summer ones to be honest.

The Sandman

since FL gets no snow, I recommend the Continental Extreme Contact DW's for you. They are about as quiet as any touring tire, even though they are technically a Summer tire. They are reasonably priced too.

kyfdx

Seems that lightly used Hondas or Toyotas are rarely good buys.

stickguy

kyfdx said:

Seems that lightly used Hondas or Toyotas are rarely good buys.

my philosophy has always been to buy mainstream Honda or Toyotas new if you want one for just that reason. And buy luxo, domestics or off brands used.

corvette

I've bought three used Nissans, and all three depreciated enough to make them good to buy used, but have been reliable enough that I can't help but wonder why they don't hold their value like Honda and Toyota. Guess I can't complain since I got the benefit of the high depreciation by buying them used!

stickguy

yes, Nissan should be a good candidate for that.

suydam

Interesting compare of the Chevy Volt and the Toyota Prius Prime.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2017-chevrolet-volt-premier-vs-2017-toyota-prius-prime-advanced-comparison-test
What the compare doesn't say is that the Volt is just a great looking and driving compact car. I don't understand why Chevy isn't marketing it better. I think anyone shopping a compact car ought to take a look at it. To me it's the anti-Prius -- a green car that pretty much looks and drives like a regular car, only better.
The overpriced MSRP also scares people. In reality the cost is nowhere near MSRP. It feels very lux without a premium price.

corvette

suydam said:

I don't understand why Chevy isn't marketing it better.

Is it a profitable vehicle for them or an "image" vehicle they are using to make GM look green? That might be the answer. The 1st generation Volts were also good vehicles, by all accounts I read, and seem to be very inexpensive to buy used.

Edited to add: Good grief, the performance numbers on the Prius Prime are awful. I'd take the Volt any day on that basis alone!

qbrozen

corvette said:

I've bought three used Nissans, and all three depreciated enough to make them good to buy used, but have been reliable enough that I can't help but wonder why they don't hold their value like Honda and Toyota. Guess I can't complain since I got the benefit of the high depreciation by buying them used!

It still comes down to the car rather than brand. I had a V6 6-speed Accord that depreciated harshly, for example.