Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

@rayainsw - very dissapointing review of the Q50 indeed. I'm sure the $58K sticker Q50 you drove was the 400 hp "RED SPORT" with the optional "DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING." The Direct Adaptive Steering has been somewhat of a disaster since the Q50 was introduced. It is standard on the Q50 Hybrid, and optional on all other Q50s that have a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6.

Just to complicate things, there seems to be 4 different types of steering available on the Q50:

Q50 2.0T RWD or AWD - Get a traditional Hydraulic Rack
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Premium - Get Electronic Power Steering
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Sport & Red Sport - Get Fast Ratio Electronic Power Steering (Direct Adaptive Steering Optional)
Q50 Hybrid RWD or AWD - Get Direct Adaptive Steering Standard

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

@rayainsw - very dissapointing review of the Q50 indeed. I'm sure the $58K sticker Q50 you drove was the 400 hp "RED SPORT" with the optional "DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING." The Direct Adaptive Steering has been somewhat of a disaster since the Q50 was introduced. It is standard on the Q50 Hybrid, and optional on all other Q50s that have a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6.

Just to complicate things, there seems to be 4 different types of steering available on the Q50:

Q50 2.0T RWD or AWD - Get a traditional Hydraulic Rack
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Premium - Get Electronic Power Steering
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Sport & Red Sport - Get Fast Ratio Electronic Power Steering (Direct Adaptive Steering Optional)
Q50 Hybrid RWD or AWD - Get Direct Adaptive Steering Standard

That has to be a killer for Infiniti, given the amount of iterations for steering alone....let alone engines (2.0, 3.7. 3.0 turbo, Hybrid).

Michaell

graphicguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@rayainsw - very dissapointing review of the Q50 indeed. I'm sure the $58K sticker Q50 you drove was the 400 hp "RED SPORT" with the optional "DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING." The Direct Adaptive Steering has been somewhat of a disaster since the Q50 was introduced. It is standard on the Q50 Hybrid, and optional on all other Q50s that have a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6.

Just to complicate things, there seems to be 4 different types of steering available on the Q50:

Q50 2.0T RWD or AWD - Get a traditional Hydraulic Rack
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Premium - Get Electronic Power Steering
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Sport & Red Sport - Get Fast Ratio Electronic Power Steering (Direct Adaptive Steering Optional)
Q50 Hybrid RWD or AWD - Get Direct Adaptive Steering Standard

That has to be a killer for Infiniti, given the amount of iterations for steering alone....let alone engines (2.0, 3.7. 3.0 turbo, Hybrid).

The 3.7 has been dropped - only engines are the 2.0T, 3.0T or 3.0TT

rayainsw

[[ Q50 you drove was the 400 hp "RED SPORT" with the optional "DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING." ]] -
Correct.
And I should add that there were just enough other 'issues' [ FOR ME ]
that I did not even generate a clear impression of the steering...
- Ray
Really wanted it to be 'better' ...

xwesx

kyfdx said:

@xwesx Do you have a projected profit from the buyback?

A lot of uncertainty at this point. So, if an eligible prior owner makes a claim, then minimum of: $4.1K w/ cert fix, or 50.8 buyback / 6.8K approved fix.
Otherwise, minimum of: $8.3K w/ cert fix, or 57.7K buyback / 13.7K approved fix.

@breld, yes, I thought long and hard about the overall options. I wanted to buy a Flex about two years ago, planned for this spring. I then discovered that I *really* liked the Passat I bought last August. So, I look at this as a way of having both at, worst case scenario, a significant discount. So, adding in the profit from the Passat, worst case scenario is that I spend ~$25K out of pocket for this car. That's not a bad deal. Best case scenario, I am out a Q7, but pocket $19.6K, plus another 8K from the Passat, less related Q7 expenses (trip home, insurance, etc.).

The miles means some extra risk, but trying to get the miles down a significant amount (like 40,000 or fewer) meant significantly higher initial cost. Also, wanting a light interior definitely limited the overall selection of vehicles, which is why I'm looking at nearly 5,000 miles to get home. The possibility of keeping it longer term meant I wanted to consider things I would want long term, and a black interior was not on that list. I also felt that staying under $40K was an important part of this acquisition, which meant looking at vehicles with 45,000 - 55,000 miles.

xwesx

cdnpinhead said:

Montezuma's Well and Montezuma's Castle are ~50 miles south of Flag, so I don't know if you want to go that far out of your way, but they are larger examples of what you'll see in Walnut Canyon. The Canyon is really pretty.

When I went to AK I went up US89 to Utah, then picked up I-15 all the way to Alberta, then on up by Edmonton. You probably already know all the various options, but a journey of that length is always an adventure. I'll be interested in hearing how it goes.

Forest Lakes shares its climate with Flagstaff, but is over between Payson & Heber. If you're interested, we could meet for a cup of coffee in Flag the morning after your epic day, but I certainly understand how something like that could upset a carefully-made plan.

Thanks for the information! I'll relay the other sites to my wife for her consideration. The latest feedback from her looks like we may not try to push all the way to Flagstaff that second day (Saturday), but still keep the plan to do a hike around ruins that morning. My current guess is that our actually being "in" Flagstaff will be nearer to noon, but I'll keep you posted!

Edit, I just looked at where your community is located, and we might even be able to meet up somewhere near Holbrook, which would be a place we would probably hit in the morning hours (not sure when, but wife wanted to reach the Canyon when they open, which is 0900), and is a lot shorter drive (per Google) for you.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I am surprised they are willing to hold it that long for you. 

Well, I don't think it will end up being all that long from the time the purchase is complete. We're only 2.5 weeks out at this point, and they actually haven't sent me the purchase agreement yet. I didn't expect them to get it to me on Saturday, since it was near to closing for them at the time, but I did expect to see it in my email by now (1330 hours Houston time).....

So, maybe up to a week of actual holding it once all the paperwork is complete.

qbrozen

It is a risk on their part, though. Not typical. They are usually so gung-ho to get the units off their lot.

andres3

According to a recent Consumer Reports story, the Q7 is nipping on the heels of the 4Runner and Rav4 as the most reliable SUV. If it's true that SUV's are the most profitable thing to an auto company, then this bodes well for Audi's future.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

It is a risk on their part, though. Not typical. They are usually so gung-ho to get the units off their lot.

Good point; you're not wrong! I guess I am not thinking it is a big deal because this is similar to the timing of all of my other trips for vehicles (four so far).

Mr_Shiftright

You know what the problem is with new cars?

I'll tell you what the problem is with new cars...... :@

They are just too damn heavy. Even with the most precise steering and fantastic suspension, you can't defy physics.

That's why a Miata is still so much fun---the concept of being "nimble"....light of hand, light of toe.....ahhhhhhhhh

stickguy

I like the Miata. Especially now that can actually fit in one, and even drive it without resorting to contortions. Only drawback now is the long drop into the seat and climb out of it!

but will at least be a fun test drive. Should be able to do that without the salesdude at least, unless he wants me and the wife to go separately!

Mr_Shiftright

The Miata is brilliant. A comfortable reliable weatherproof modern MG-B (although the MGB still has more legroom).

The car isn't "fast", but you can drive it really fast---if that makes any sense.

kyfdx

Sat in the RF with the folding targa top, at the car show. It's very, very cool.

stickguy

it is fast to me on paper (I think 0-60 is about the same rating as my RDX, which IMO is a bit of a hot rod). And from experience, oodles of fun driving it at less than max velocity.

really starting to think of this option, if my needs are the same (spare car, no commuting, can stay inside when weather is bad). And not like if I wait I will be getting any more limber as I get older!

A test drive might sink me. Might try to find used, but I want this generation, so won't be saving much since it would only be 1, or 2 YO max I guess the end of this year. Just kind of pricey to have as a toy!

sda

I had a '92 Miata with the 'A' package back in '97. It was a fun car that I remember fondly. I sold it just before I got married as I didn't want 3 cars in the driveway and all that goes with moving them around. 20:20 hindsight, I should not have sold it so soon.

stickguy

I think the one I had was a 2001. Fun car, but I just did not fit. Very uncomfortable to drive.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

graphicguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@rayainsw - very dissapointing review of the Q50 indeed. I'm sure the $58K sticker Q50 you drove was the 400 hp "RED SPORT" with the optional "DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING." The Direct Adaptive Steering has been somewhat of a disaster since the Q50 was introduced. It is standard on the Q50 Hybrid, and optional on all other Q50s that have a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6.

Just to complicate things, there seems to be 4 different types of steering available on the Q50:

Q50 2.0T RWD or AWD - Get a traditional Hydraulic Rack
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Premium - Get Electronic Power Steering
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Sport & Red Sport - Get Fast Ratio Electronic Power Steering (Direct Adaptive Steering Optional)
Q50 Hybrid RWD or AWD - Get Direct Adaptive Steering Standard

That has to be a killer for Infiniti, given the amount of iterations for steering alone....let alone engines (2.0, 3.7. 3.0 turbo, Hybrid).

The 3.7 has been dropped - only engines are the 2.0T, 3.0T or 3.0TT

Didn't know that. Add the hybrid to your list.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

graphicguy said:

nyccarguy said:

@rayainsw - very dissapointing review of the Q50 indeed. I'm sure the $58K sticker Q50 you drove was the 400 hp "RED SPORT" with the optional "DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING." The Direct Adaptive Steering has been somewhat of a disaster since the Q50 was introduced. It is standard on the Q50 Hybrid, and optional on all other Q50s that have a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6.

Just to complicate things, there seems to be 4 different types of steering available on the Q50:

Q50 2.0T RWD or AWD - Get a traditional Hydraulic Rack
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Premium - Get Electronic Power Steering
Q50 3.0T RWD or AWD Sport & Red Sport - Get Fast Ratio Electronic Power Steering (Direct Adaptive Steering Optional)
Q50 Hybrid RWD or AWD - Get Direct Adaptive Steering Standard

That has to be a killer for Infiniti, given the amount of iterations for steering alone....let alone engines (2.0, 3.7. 3.0 turbo, Hybrid).

The 3.7 has been dropped - only engines are the 2.0T, 3.0T or 3.0TT

Didn't know that. Add the hybrid to your list.

Oh yeah, gotta count that 2% take rate on the Hybrid.

breld

I'd consider another Miata too - I liked my bright yellow 2009 model and despite being 6'3", I fit reasonably well.




I'd prefer the current gen as well, but if I found a killer deal on the previous gen, I'd consider that too. While I like the retractable hardtop, there is something to be said for the ease of use on the "one-handed" drop of the softtop.

stickguy

nice looking. Actually, I would have to try out that generation (I think there was only one in between the model I had and the current one?) since I honestly can't recall if I fit in that.

I had plenty of headroom (especially with the top down!) My problem was no space for my legs and feet (had to twist them around to use the pedals). And I think the wheel was too low on my legs. Just not comfy at all.

I would plan to stick with the soft top most likely. For $ reasons if nothing else. But the hard top is probably nicer if you have to drive with the roof up.

cdnpinhead

xwesx said:

I just looked at where your community is located, and we might even be able to meet up somewhere near Holbrook, which would be a place we would probably hit in the morning hours (not sure when, but wife wanted to reach the Canyon when they open, which is 0900), and is a lot shorter drive (per Google) for you.

Keep me posted. The fact is that I spend only part-time in Forest Lakes, but would still be able to make the run to Holbrook if it works out, or Flag if that's a better fit.

I'm not surprised you modified your plan. The original one was brutal. Either way, it'll be a fun drive across a lot of the country.

andres3

Any of you ever own an old Bug? Here's the new Beetle in topless form. I think these come with the powerful 2.0T....?:

stickguy

I thought the 1,8 was the standard bug engine now. But VW kept shift engines around so could have changed year to year.

I do like that green one though. Unique color, that really works on it. Equipped the right way, I might be able to live with one. If the wife was OK with it!

sda

breld said:

I'd consider another Miata too - I liked my bright yellow 2009 model and despite being 6'3", I fit reasonably well.




I'd prefer the current gen as well, but if I found a killer deal on the previous gen, I'd consider that too. While I like the retractable hardtop, there is something to be said for the ease of use on the "one-handed" drop of the softtop.

I bought the '92 used with 40k on it. Got a pretty good price on it at the time at the Mazda store. It wasn't exactly the color I wanted, but it was a good and fun car. The '92 was the last year of Mazda not having a company logo/emblem, thus MAZDA spelled out front and back and on the wheel centers.

tifighter

My blue PRHT-

Sounds like a few of us have had them. It was a fun car; my wife still gives me grief for getting rid of it. I'm 6'2" and was on the edge. I'd like the seat to go back a little further on the next 'vert I have.

xwesx

@andres3, that green over white beetle does look sharp. I really like the blue over red(dish) interior on yours, too, @tifighter.

That's one vehicle type I have never been in before: A convertible.

Michaell

The 1.8T is the standard engine in the Beetle, now. The 2.0T is still optional on the coupe; don't know about the 'vert.

Never owned a convertible, but have rented them from time to time, mostly when I'm in CA.

Rule #1 with a convertible - if you're follically challenged, always remember to bring a hat.

andres3

xwesx said:

@andres3, that green over white beetle does look sharp. I really like the blue over red(dish) interior on yours, too, @tifighter.

That's one vehicle type I have never been in before: A convertible.

I suggest you swap that future Q7 purchase your planning and instead get your first convertible as an R8 Spyder. Should only cost a few gold nuggets from Alaska more.

suydam

My Dad drove his MGs with a snazzy cap. He always looked sharp in those days.

corvette

andres3 said:

Any of you ever own an old Bug? Here's the new Beetle in topless form. I think these come with the powerful 2.0T....?:

I think the 2.5 liter five-cylinder was standard for a while. The 2.0T was/is offered, but I doubt that one has it--the wheels look too small. My neighbor has one with the 2.0T and I think it has 19" chrome wheels.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LNUxnBzrFXU

stickguy

I specc'd one out. The convertible is not really that bad of a sticker price, for a convertible. The only engine option is the 1.8T now. Certainly more practical than a Miata. Just not as much fun. And no stick shift option (but I guess that is OK, since it is no kind of sports car).

tbirdmarco

Like the current jenaration of the bug in red or sum forme of blew my favorate colors on any car. no black interior.

stickguy

I don't care how ugly the ranch house is. I want the 2 acres and garage (doesn't hurt that it is in one of the top school districts in the state too!).

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/45-Parsons-Rd_Landenberg_PA_19350_M34230-48884#photo14

corvette

Looks like a foreclosure. Plumbing fixtures taped off and lots of air fresheners, plus a fresh coat of paint.

stickguy

yeah, the listing says that. Nice area though. Not sure if worth a massive remodel to that house, or just build a new one.

I just liked 2 professional quality hydraulic lifts in the garage. Though most likely, I would be afraid to put my car on one!

kyfdx

One word: bulldozer

stickguy

my thoughts too. Property too nice to screw around with fixing up a ratty rancher.

Sandman6472

Got to drive another CLA 250 today and liked it. Unfortunately, no hole in the roof, something I'd have to have. Sat in that 2013 328i again, very nice. They just put out a newish 2016 Acura ILX about the same price as the BMW but with less miles, 22 plus K, a dark red over ivory. Nice...very nice interior. And their asking price is on par with the local Acura store so seems somewhat fair. Outstanding condition but just looking at this stage. Could definitely see the ILX in the garage at Casa Sandman but honestly, just not enough to make me toss the Golf aside at this point. Loved the ILX color combo, almost as much as my blue over beige but again, I just can't throw the Golf aside which says something to me that I can't ignore. And since I just spent a lot on new sneakers plus having the 30K service already paid for, so staying the course unless something major happens before then.
Looking like I'll be keeping the Golf at least till I hit the 50K mark and then re-evaluate the situation. The thought of going back to Honda reliability and "cheap to keep" is very compelling. Also am curious to see if the next generation HR-V solves the knob issue and the lack of get up and go, two deal breakers for me right now. Sure, not as exciting as the others but it's the size and 5 door configuration I seem to prefer. Drove a new 2017 Nissan Juke today also. Great size, 5 doors, an odd interior but that face, that weird face is just such joke that Nissan should rename it the Nissan Joke! Totally too weird even for me!

The Sandman

andres3

I really do like VW's beige pleather interiors. They do beige correctly, where even the lower part of the door is beige. I'd argue the carpeting should be beige too (maybe a darker shade), but it appears I've been outvoted by the market and almost every beige interior I look at comes with black carpeting.

Porsche does an all beige interior (at least as of 2014), but a beige dash means more reflection on the windshield.

Michaell

andres3 said:

I really do like VW's beige pleather interiors. They do beige correctly, where even the lower part of the door is beige. I'd argue the carpeting should be beige too (maybe a darker shade), but it appears I've been outvoted by the market and almost every beige interior I look at comes with black carpeting.

Porsche does an all beige interior (at least as of 2014), but a beige dash means more reflection on the windshield.

The beige in my wife's Outback is pretty well done, too. It also has black carpeting.

The MINI service reminder went off yesterday. Scheduled an appointment for "Beckham" on President's Day. Have a loaner arranged, though it's likely to be another Countryman.

Ad on the dealer website for $5000 off MSRP and 1.9% for 72 months on all leftover 2016 Countrymans.

andres3

I'd be very hesitant to buy a '16 model in the year 2017 if it was priced "like-new." First year depreciation is the biggest. Don't most dealerships "blow-out" prior model year vehicles in September and October at the latest?

tifighter

17 Countryman is all new and just hitting dealers now. So now is when they are probably throwing out the incentives.

nyccarguy

@Michaell - $5K off MSRP is a decent starting point

Michaell

tifighter said:

17 Countryman is all new and just hitting dealers now. So now is when they are probably throwing out the incentives.

Given that this is one of only two MINI dealers in the entire state - and, much larger than the other one - I'm sure they have lots of extra inventory to move.

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - $5K off MSRP is a decent starting point

True - if I were in the market for a new car. Which I'm not. Nor is anybody else in the family, to my knowledge.

And, through the grapevine, I've heard that my step-daughter wants something more "luxurious" next time. I suspect the bloom is off the rose with the MINI.

Mr_Shiftright

Michaell said:

tifighter said:

17 Countryman is all new and just hitting dealers now. So now is when they are probably throwing out the incentives.

Given that this is one of only two MINI dealers in the entire state - and, much larger than the other one - I'm sure they have lots of extra inventory to move.

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - $5K off MSRP is a decent starting point

True - if I were in the market for a new car. Which I'm not. Nor is anybody else in the family, to my knowledge.

And, through the grapevine, I've heard that my step-daughter wants something more "luxurious" next time. I suspect the bloom is off the rose with the MINI.

Sometimes with the MINI's rough ride, people get a bit tired of being beat up on today's substandard road surfaces.

nyccarguy

substandard? That sounds like an "alternative fact" to me

There are only 2 MINI dealers in the entire state of CO? I've got 1 about 15 minutes north of me, another about a 1/2 hour south west of me. There's one in the city (45 minutes). That's not even getting into Long Island and New Jersey.

Mr_Shiftright

OK, instead of "substandard" how about "bomb-cratered"?

Having driven lots of MINIs of different styles and years, I've gotten used to the harshness of the ride, but I have to say that one inherent quality of the cars is that if you drive them hard, they are definitely "twitchy". You hit a hard bump and you're not sure where the car is going to point.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

substandard? That sounds like an "alternative fact" to me

There are only 2 MINI dealers in the entire state of CO? I've got 1 about 15 minutes north of me, another about a 1/2 hour south west of me. There's one in the city (45 minutes). That's not even getting into Long Island and New Jersey.

It's important to remember that about 85% of the population of CO lives along a 170 mile stretch of I-25 from Fort Collins to Pueblo. One dealer is at the northern end (where @breld got his wife the Clubman), the other is in the southern suburbs of Denver.

I don't see a lot of demand for MINI in Grand Junction.

EDIT: that northern dealer also gets some business from Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming, I should think.