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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    Sharp looking wagon - congrats!
    - Ray
    And good luck !
    2022 X3 M40i
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,002
    I like the size of the Alltrack compared to the Outback. Not that I dislike our Outback - it's a great road warrior and the amount of interior space is pretty amazing.

    Just, that since I usually only have only myself in the car, the Outback seems a bit wasteful.

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  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,594
    andres3 said:

    Here it is during sunlight pre-sale pre-detailing, and one after sale after detailing picture:






    Congrats and enjoy! Just reading about the negotiations that took place made me tired. whew

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    @sda - agreed! Congrats, though, @andres3.

    I don't know if I could seriously consider VW sans diesel.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,841
    Congrats, @Andres3!
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,594
    henryn and Andres3 went thru the TDI process and decided to stay with VW with a new purchase. Both very nice cars, I would be delighted to having either one in my driveway. I wonder what percentage of TDI owners will do the same?

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    Michaell said:

    @andres3 - congrats on the Alltrack. Sharp looking ride. Sucks that you had to go through so much pain to make a deal.

    well, reading this, he did not have to go through nearly this much pain. Just to get the last $300 or so out of it. Sounds like he was getting a tremendous deal already even at the dealers all in point. Yeah, always nice to shave some more off, but not like he wasn't already probably getting a 95th percentile deal here!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    it is a nice looking car. I sat in one at the car show. Roomy enough. But yeah, it has the typical VW half powered seats. I don't get enough front cushion tilt out of them I don;t think.

    probably too small inside to be a travel car for my wife. she travels "heavy", The outback carries a lot of stuff, and is probably a lot more comfy road car.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,354
    rayainsw said:

    Sharp looking wagon - congrats!
    - Ray
    And good luck !

    Ditto!!!

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,126
    andres3 said:

    Here it is during sunlight pre-sale pre-detailing, and one after sale after detailing picture:






    Very nice! Congrats!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,002
    stickguy said:

    probably too small inside to be a travel car for my wife. she travels "heavy", The outback carries a lot of stuff, and is probably a lot more comfy road car.

    The one road trip we've taken with the Outback swallowed all our clothes, and my golf bag, with plenty of room to spare.

    However, I've read your stories about how your wife packs for a 3 day weekend. I don't think the Outback would be large enough for a weeks vacation.

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    the RDX going to a week at the beach is interesting. We need 2 cars for that really. And we don;t take 4 people along.

    My masterpiece was putting 3 people in that and all the stuff for my daughter when we took her to college the first time. Still not sure how I pulled that off. Needless to say no visibility out the back window. And somewhat surprised she did not get buried under an avalanche.

    would be easier if it had roof rails. but they were an expensive accessory so I never bothered.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,316
    Congrats, andres3! Sharp looking car. I think that's the 9th punch of 2017. Off to a good start! 
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351

    rayainsw said:

    Sharp looking wagon - congrats!
    - Ray
    And good luck !

    Ditto!!!
    Great color combo. Congrats

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    xwesx said:

    @sda - agreed! Congrats, though, @andres3.

    I don't know if I could seriously consider VW sans diesel.

    I like it. It's more fun to drive, and will still I think eek out 30+ MPG on the highway (EPA says 30). While the TDI wasn't fun, I look forward to driving this one! I think the AWD helps it feel sportier even though right now the tires are taller and skinnier, along with a "lifted" suspension vs. the Sportwagen. The TDI was all about MPG's, and it could handle well.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    that is a big mileage knock for the AWD. Our Jetta with the same engine (though normal AT) can easily get 38-39 on straight highway runs (and not babying it!) Heck, if I don't hit traffic, I can push and sometimes top 30 in the RDX (which still amazes me!)

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    stickguy said:

    it is a nice looking car. I sat in one at the car show. Roomy enough. But yeah, it has the typical VW half powered seats. I don't get enough front cushion tilt out of them I don;t think.

    probably too small inside to be a travel car for my wife. she travels "heavy", The outback carries a lot of stuff, and is probably a lot more comfy road car.

    The SEL has different "sport" seats, that are at least 3/4 all powered. You should try those if you don't mind being held by the bolsters more snugly. I managed to get a treadmill in the Sportwagen; lots of cargo space.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    unless I just go for the "cheapest possible least on a car I will actually consider driving" and a VW wins, I don't see us getting another one for me. My wife is not really a fan.

    though I did love the new Golf Wolfsburg. Stick, about $22-23K sticker (pre discounts) and all the stuff on it I want. Good value. Should would hate it.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,018
    @andres3 Congrats! I usually don't like black interior but on a white car I don't mind it as much.

    Last year for a week at the shore we filled an Enclave and a Venza (Moms). This year we need to pack lighter somehow. Not easy with young ones.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,462
    Nice Allroad err Alltrack :)

    Are they really made in MX? I remember the Jetta "Sportwagen" (which was a Golf, IIRC) was made in Germany.
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    Very nice car, Andres. I sat in one but didn't drive it.
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,931
    @andres3 - congrats! Seems like a great fit for you and your wife!

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @tjc78 congrads on the wate lause for you and your wife.
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @andres3 congrads on the new outback good luck with it.
  • tbirdmarcotbirdmarco Member Posts: 3,838
    @andres3 woops my bad did not read the hole thing was trying to katch up quickly have to ario down threw all to read. conggrads on the new all Tracks .
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,518
    @andres3 - how awesome would that alltrack be with the GTI motor?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    this seems like it might be an OK deal. unless the miles are too high. But what do I know? Like the colors.

    http://www.landrovercherryhill.com/used/BMW/2014-BMW-3+Series-6dfc96bf0a0e0a171812578acad1cb98.htm

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,316
    stickguy said:

    this seems like it might be an OK deal. unless the miles are too high. But what do I know? Like the colors.

    http://www.landrovercherryhill.com/used/BMW/2014-BMW-3+Series-6dfc96bf0a0e0a171812578acad1cb98.htm

    Seems to be fairly priced (probably less than half its original MSRP), other than it looks like it's missing a backup camera.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Carfax looks ok.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    edited February 2017
    nyccarguy said:

    @andres3 - how awesome would that alltrack be with the GTI motor?

    Or an All-Track R? Which is basically a souped up, fortified, and forged GTI engine (with a bigger turbo). I think they erred in not using the 2.0T motor, but then I guess that would step on the All-Road's toes. Then again, if there goal was to make it possible to undercut Subaru prices, they succeeded.

    I catch all the cost cuts, and here they are listed:

    1) Thinner wheels and smaller tires (205 vs. 225)
    2) 1.8T vs. 2.0T-Diesel (at least if you go by no replacement for displacement theory)
    3) Falken tires vs. Bridgestone (though they didn't squeal at all during a rather sharp u-turn at the end of a cul-dis-sac.
    4) No free first Oil Change

    Improvements:

    1) Larger center stack display screen (significantly larger).
    2) More HP
    3) Apple Car Play?
    4) A few little details, trim pieces, and badges here and there.
    5) I'm getting older and my back doesn't mind the higher ride height which helps for ease of entry/exit.
    6) Dual shiny exhausts with no metal slag splatter.
    7) Gas motor is quieter than Diesel motor.

    This one didn't come with the "monster" floor mats, the cargo blocks, the cargo nets, first aid kit, and roadside assistance kit, but those things somehow managed to not go back with the Sportwagen buyback, and stayed in the garage, and will fit in the All-Track; I'm sure of it :smile:

    And yes, I"m fairly certain both were assembled in Mexico with German Transmissions and about 35% German components. Old one had VIN starting with 3, this one starts with 4, but I think both came from Puebla, Mexico. The only Golf still made/assembled in Germany is the Golf R I think.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    You didn't get "Monster mats"? They were included with my 2017 Passat R-Line, and the first aid kit. Maybe you should ask the dealer about that?
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    henryn said:

    You didn't get "Monster mats"? They were included with my 2017 Passat R-Line, and the first aid kit. Maybe you should ask the dealer about that?

    You paid for them, look at the sticker on your vehicle; it's all listed! Our Sportwagen from '15 had all of the extras included on the sticker (which is why it cost more 17 months ago than we paid yesterday!), so in essence, we have them (or very similar mats). The last thing I wanted was more stuff we never use.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,518
    Has anybody driven a 4cyl TLX with the AWS?  impressions?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • coldinohiocoldinohio Member Posts: 170
    drifting back in after being away; lots of posts.... congrats to all on new cars, jobs, ...

    no longer cold in Ohio-- move ~200 miles north of Mike- abacomike- and 100 East of Driver to east Florida

    like the VW alltrak; wife wants new wagon to replace old Subaru Tribeca-- looking at Acura TSX wagon from 2014, but few wagon out there now --BMW and AUdi are ~$50K; will see how the BMW X1 looks since FF got one..

    tom


  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,002

    drifting back in after being away; lots of posts.... congrats to all on new cars, jobs, ...

    no longer cold in Ohio-- move ~200 miles north of Mike- abacomike- and 100 East of Driver to east Florida

    like the VW alltrak; wife wants new wagon to replace old Subaru Tribeca-- looking at Acura TSX wagon from 2014, but few wagon out there now --BMW and AUdi are ~$50K; will see how the BMW X1 looks since FF got one..

    tom


    Will you be changing your handle to "warminflorida"? :stuck_out_tongue:

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  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    Sat in a red/beige Alltrack at the VW store yesterday. Nice vehicle but a bit too long for my purposes. Also, no flat bottom steering wheel like the Golf has, a nice feature.
    On the way out of my development yesterday, that "EPC" light comes on again so called my service advisor and brought it in later in the afternoon. They saw the code and hooked up with corporate, according to my receipt, but could not find a cause. Cleared the code and sent me on my way though documented. Said if it came on again, come right back. A bit annoyed but I knew what I was getting into way back when, so not sweating it quite yet. My thinking right now is to get at least another couple of years out of it, and once retired again, make a decision. Still enjoying the vehicle and nothing really floats my boat right now that I have to have. And personally, not in the mood to even look right now which is strange because, I'm usually always looking!
    Hit 27K today, still liking it, so staying the course. Now, if it comes on again, going to want a resolution because this ain't normal...or is it?

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,075
    i had a Nissan Maxima that pretty much always had the Check Engine Light on. They would clear it at every service interval and within a hundred miles it would be back. Never did figure it out. I drove it 12 years and it's still going strong in someone else's garage today.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,748
    For a VW product to have electrical faults? No, totally unheard of! ;b

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    I had to look that one up. I own a Volkswagen and had never heard of "EPC". So, for those of you who also don't know that one:

    The EPC light on a Volkswagen stands for Electronic Power Control, and it is used to indicate problems in the engine. Ideally, it refers to the drive-by-wire system that prevents a car from skidding and spinning on slick surfaces.
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    Exactly!!! I skidded on the way to work Wednesday and it came right on. Now I get it. Dumb thing to happen and wonder why it does? Funny, forgot about it until just reading the post.

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,075
    Is that like Traction Control? TCS light will come on in slick conditions.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    edited February 2017
    Sounds like VW doesn't really know what it means. These are listed by Santa Monica dealership.
    http://www.volkswagensantamonica.com/blog/what-is-the-vw-epc-warning-light/

    Engine speed sensor: Some drivers have reported that the solution to getting the EPC light to go away was as simple as replacing an engine speed sensor. If the engine dies off while driving, you may want to look into this.

    Mass air flow sensor: Another potential part needing replacement is a faulty mass air flow sensor.

    Brake light switch: The brake light switch is another reported issue that some say has caused their EPC warning light to come on.

    Throttle body: Others have reported a problem with the throttle body that, once fixed, solved the EPC warning light issue.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    I think I am staying away from VW in the future. And Cadillac. Unless on a killer lease deal!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    Sounds like VW doesn't really know what it means. These are listed by Santa Monica dealership.
    http://www.volkswagensantamonica.com/blog/what-is-the-vw-epc-warning-light/

    Engine speed sensor: Some drivers have reported that the solution to getting the EPC light to go away was as simple as replacing an engine speed sensor. If the engine dies off while driving, you may want to look into this.

    Mass air flow sensor: Another potential part needing replacement is a faulty mass air flow sensor.

    Brake light switch: The brake light switch is another reported issue that some say has caused their EPC warning light to come on.

    Throttle body: Others have reported a problem with the throttle body that, once fixed, solved the EPC warning light issue.

    -------------------------------

    Well that's a fair enough assessment from the dealer. It's kind of spooky to think about but there is really no such "thing" as traction control in a car. TC and SC are systems, not some unit that you can unbolt. So you have all these different systems talking to each other, any one of which can trigger the TC. So saying "it could be this or it could be that" is about as close as you can get without actually digging down into it.

    Ever notice there are no German electronics in big box stores? I think there's a reason for that. It seems to be the bane of German cars, but I have no idea why.

    German light bulbs go on when you hit the wall switch, don't they? I don't see notice of German cities blacking out on a regular basis.



  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,462
    VW has their own set of electrical issues that seems to dwarf even the most irritating MB and BMW quirks. It's usually not bulbs on the latter two, but it can be a fun game to see how many VWs have a burnt out light. Maybe outsourced material of dubious quality.

    I think the German electronics industry tends to be industrial, although the Loewe company is still a big player in Europe.



  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    fintail said:

    VW has their own set of electrical issues that seems to dwarf even the most irritating MB and BMW quirks. It's usually not bulbs on the latter two, but it can be a fun game to see how many VWs have a burnt out light. Maybe outsourced material of dubious quality.

    I think the German electronics industry tends to be industrial, although the Loewe company is still a big player in Europe.



    The Mexican built Sportwagen TDI in 17 months and 19.779 miles didn't have any electrical issues or gremlins.

    Unless you consider the KEY FOB eating up both original batteries in 16.5 months an issue or gremlin. Maybe.

    Probably has to do with the key-less entry sensors draining power, or some Korean Chinese batteries in the remote.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,075
    Korean Chinese???
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,594
    edited February 2017
    My '06 Passat had its share of electrical gremlins. Constant CELs which required unscheduled trips to the dealer every 6 weeks or so, some type of steering workshop idiot light which required doing something with the steering column and replacement of an electrical part, right headlamp burned out twice, and the sunroof motor failed. This was in a period of 24 months. It had the 2.0T FSI which gained the reputation as an oil burner. It was, about a quart every 750-800 miles. grrr. Don't get me wrong, I liked that car and VW. It was quick, drove extremely well and workmanship was top notch. Made in Germany. But it still gives me pause and am hesitant to buy another. But notice I didn't say never!

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,318
    suydam said:

    Korean Chinese???

    Those are rare and highly sought-after. ;)

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    sda said:

    My '06 Passat had its share of electrical gremlins. Constant CELs which required unscheduled trips to the dealer every 6 weeks or so, some type of steering workshop idiot light which required doing something with the steering column and replacement of an electrical part, right headlamp burned out twice, and the sunroof motor failed. This was in a period of 24 months. It had the 2.0T FSI which gained the reputation as an oil burner. It was, about a quart every 750-800 miles. grrr. Don't get me wrong, I liked that car and VW. It was quick, drove extremely well and workmanship was top notch. Made in Germany. But it still gives me pause and am hesitant to buy another. But notice I didn't say never!

    VW has never tried to, or caught up to Audi for making top notch durable reliable cars in this 21st Century. I don't think I'd have bought a VW in '06, but I did an Audi in '06.

    Took me/us until '15 to give VW a shot. Even then, I was a bit worried. Still am with the '17 model, but only a bit now after a good short-term experience. I would give my VW's more leeway to have problems, since they cost a lot less than my Audi's. I'd be less forgiving to Audi. So I buy the VW's knowing there might be a few problems, but that I'm getting a better price up front.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
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