Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

andres3

pensfan83 said:

If I stay with an Audi I'd love to get another manual but it took months until one of the local dealers received one and none of them have picked up any manuals once Audi made them available 

Would you consider a same model year as your A4, S4 w/ 6-speed trade up? Someone in the LA area just put one up for sale with relatively low miles for $37,500 asking (loaded model).

andres3

carnaught said:

That Mazda is a great bang for the buck. An acquaintance has one, and it's extremely well done. The only negaive, and I could be imagining it, is that the metal seems a bit tinny to me.

I noticed the same thing in my last Mazda rental, which was probably over 5 years ago. Thin sheet metal, but that's why the FWD A3 was a hefty and heavier 3,300 pounds.

tjc78

So I keep trying to sway the wife into the fact I'm not sure we need a giant SUV once our Enclave returns in December.   Naturally, she is hesitant....

Out of laziness (was parked behind and it had a full tank of gas) we drove the Elantra all week with both kids.  There was plenty of room even if we wanted to take the massive double stroller.  So in my mind there is no way a large or mid size sedan wouldn't do the trick.   

If we do a week at the shore or wahtever.  I'll just rent a minivan or take two cars.  The gas savings alone would pay for that week.  

What say the experts?  My kids will be 26 months and almost 4 when I'd make the change.   I'll always have access to an SUV (Mom) if needed to haul stuff

The lease on the Enclave is 515 month and it barely breaks 16 mpg so I'm thinking I could save a few bucks too.  

Smaller size SUV IMO doesn't make sense since I'm not gaining much space and still have to drive an SUV.  The one thing the wife and I 100% agree on is we prefer to drive a sedan. 

nyccarguy

@tjc78 - we did the "no SUV thing" when our sons were 4 & 2.  Plenty of room in the TSX for the double stroller plus just about everything else.  You definitely can get away with it.  Mid Sized sedan leases are so cheap right now.  The current crop has large trunks and very spacious back seats.  I say go for it.  You can always rent a minivan or borrow Mom's SUV when you need it.  As the kids get older, you'll find less and less "stuff" to bring with you.  Just bring the double and the car seats to the dealership when you test drive.  

Worse comes to worse, you turn the sedan back in 3 years and lease an SUV

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

mjfloyd1 said:

@qbrozen - did you find a reason for the belt exorcism on the big block?

Nope. My father is of the opinion that "big motor muscle cars from back then just do that sort of thing." He's owned several and this is my first, so I'll just have to take his word for it. 

Always good to check for pulley alignment on those blocks. You can usually just eye-ball it. Poor alignment will eat belts over time.

suydam

I would say the opposite. As the kids grow they take up more space and they will have stuff too. But you could get a minivan or other vehicle that does better than 16 mpg. too. I'm sure the Honda CRV or Buick Envision has more space inside than an ElantrA. But why not try it and see? If you miss the Enclave you can add a vehicle later. I am sure

ab348

I might be tempted to look at a VW Golf SportWagen in your situation. That is on my list as well.

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

So I keep trying to sway the wife into the fact I'm not sure we need a giant SUV once our Enclave returns in December.   Naturally, she is hesitant....

Out of laziness (was parked behind and it had a full tank of gas) we drove the Elantra all week with both kids.  There was plenty of room even if we wanted to take the massive double stroller.  So in my mind there is no way a large or mid size sedan wouldn't do the trick.   

If we do a week at the shore or wahtever.  I'll just rent a minivan or take two cars.  The gas savings alone would pay for that week.  

What say the experts?  My kids will be 26 months and almost 4 when I'd make the change.   I'll always have access to an SUV (Mom) if needed to haul stuff

The lease on the Enclave is 515 month and it barely breaks 16 mpg so I'm thinking I could save a few bucks too.  

Smaller size SUV IMO doesn't make sense since I'm not gaining much space and still have to drive an SUV.  The one thing the wife and I 100% agree on is we prefer to drive a sedan. 

I still prefer a wagon or small SUV for utility purposes. Some drive just as well as sedans. Heck, my ex35 drives way better than most mundane midsizers. The extra space isn't always significant with 4 people in there, but if you need to transport something larger with nobody in the back seat, a sedan will never compete with the cargo space of a hatch with the seats folded.

Mr_Shiftright

I think people tend to overbuy on size---it's similar to the "95% rule" on AWD---if 95% of your use doesn't require AWD, then don't buy it. Same for an SUV---I think some of the smaller ones drive very well and are a good compromise. Sure, if the family does lots of road trips, camping, etc, then bigger is better. But for 1/2 hour hops here and there, kids don't need a rolling ballroom. If you took a walk around a shopping mall parking lot and watched people loading or unloading their vehicles, I think you'd see how underutilized the space is in most large SUVs.

carnaught

suydam said:

I would say the opposite. As the kids grow they take up more space and they will have stuff too. But you could get a minivan or other vehicle that does better than 16 mpg. too. I'm sure the Honda CRV or Buick Envision has more space inside than an ElantrA. But why not try it and see? If you miss the Enclave you can add a vehicle later. I am sure

Ah, the Envision. Might be a nice vehicle, but something about a car conceived in, and built in China, then importd to the U.S., all by an American company, just doesn't sit right with me. For those reasons, there would not be the one in my garage. You could say the same about the Encore, which is sitting in my garage. The difference is that S. Korea is a friend. (BTW, our Encore's lease is up in Sept., sadly.)

suydam

I only mentioned it because of familiarity with Buick. I also pay very little attention to where cars are made. It's all global now. Anyway, the CRV is hugely popular. My point was you don't necessarily need a huge SUV, but might want more room than an Elantra.

tbirdmarco

@qbrozen congrads on the sail of the Volvo!

tbirdmarco

@tjc78 since you boath want an car would talk with the wife and go for an mid sized car than.

tbirdmarco

@stickguy nice cars the gray one or white one sound nice.

tbirdmarco

@mjfloyd1 nice glad they are stand up guys! and fixing the little problems you are having. since you just got the car!

stickguy

tjc78 said:

So I keep trying to sway the wife into the fact I'm not sure we need a giant SUV once our Enclave returns in December.   Naturally, she is hesitant....

Out of laziness (was parked behind and it had a full tank of gas) we drove the Elantra all week with both kids.  There was plenty of room even if we wanted to take the massive double stroller.  So in my mind there is no way a large or mid size sedan wouldn't do the trick.   

If we do a week at the shore or wahtever.  I'll just rent a minivan or take two cars.  The gas savings alone would pay for that week.  

What say the experts?  My kids will be 26 months and almost 4 when I'd make the change.   I'll always have access to an SUV (Mom) if needed to haul stuff

The lease on the Enclave is 515 month and it barely breaks 16 mpg so I'm thinking I could save a few bucks too.  

Smaller size SUV IMO doesn't make sense since I'm not gaining much space and still have to drive an SUV.  The one thing the wife and I 100% agree on is we prefer to drive a sedan. 

OK, now this I have experience with. We went from the minivan to the RDX when our oldest was in college. Missed the extra room occasionally, but we have managed to make multiple moves in/out of college with the smaller car. We will always have one utility vehicle of some sort, since we have no access to one otherwise. But, for normal use, we always take my car. And last few days, bopping around in the loaner passat.

much nicer driving, way better MPG. Much cheaper to buy. Both the Sonata and Passat are huge inside (the passat looks like I could fit old school Checker cab jump seats behind the drivers seat, and that is when set for me). And the trunk is huge. We have taken the Sonata for a week to visit family at Christmas, and fit fine. And the passat is even bigger.

so yes, especially if you are getting out of the monster stroller phase of life, a mid size sedan (though I consider these both full size!) will work just fine. Bonus, on a lease, you could get a well loaded Passat or Sonata for probably 250/month or so. The Passat can also push 40 on the highway, and likely well up in the 20s in overall use.

If I get something in the CUV class to replace the Sonata, it will be with the intent to effectively replace the RDX too. Though right now, I am probably ending up with a sedan. The only thing I might miss is sitting up a bit higher, so I will want a car that is not too low slung. The passat is better at that than the Sonata, but neither is bad.

You might even work well with an Impala, since you seem to like bigger cars. Or look at a loaded Sonata. Killer deals now.

stickguy

Shifty, the 95% rule applies to my wife. She grumbles on occasion that we should have a bigger SUV for the 1 or 2 times a year we carry a lot of stuff. Christmas, we fit fin in either car. Week at the shore, that is only an hour away, and we can fit if need be, but just take 2 cars. That leaves toting too and from college at beginning and end of year. I have managed that, plus we have 2 cars on the trip anyway. So basically, we have no need to haul around all the extra acreage every day.

And after the princess graduates (1 year left!), we really have no need for anything big. I could go down to an X1 size wagon just fine!

tjc78

Thanks guys, lots of time to decide but glad to hear many of you have been fine with a sedan.  

Q, wouldn't mind a wagon, but wife would be against it I've run it by her before.  

Stick, I would try the Impala and LaCrosse as well as the Sonata/Azera and probably Fusion/MKZ too

pensfan83

andres3 said:

pensfan83 said:

stickguy said:

Was chatting with the princess today. Planning out cars for her to look at. For after graduation, spring 2018. She has the gene.



And my son was texting about Audi dealer with a leftover S3, wondering what they would take for it. I told him to control himself.

I may look into one of those myself when my A4 lease is up in 4.5 months. They look small though and with a dog and 6 year old it might be tight. Probably will end up with an SUV this go round.

SQ5?

The A3 is smaller on the outside than the inside. They definitely made passenger space a priority, but the trunk space suffers for it. Still, one with 2.0T and quattro is a fun drive, and the S3 just makes it a blast I'm sure.

How about an RS3?

If I stay in the Audi family, which isn't a sure thing, the A3, A4, and Q5 will all get consideration. I have no doubt the S3 is a hoot to drive and that's probably enough for me versus an RS3

As for an S4 that's always a possibility though I'd probably go the CPO route so there's a warranty.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

Most all Audi models lease poorly. 

I never realized that until I came across these forums. Another reason I'm undecided on whether I would lease another.

pensfan83

Speaking of lists I may as well toss mine out there now in the hopes some of you can help me narrow it down over the next few months

Cars
A3
A4
3 Series
Fusion Sport - This is a late addition...I looked at one, but not drive it, when I helped my brother lease his Fusion SE a few weeks ago. Very well equipped for around 40K and the salesman said most are leasing at the 36/12 term for under $425/mo. Not bad for a car with turbo V6, AWD, and as much or more equipment than many other cars in that range. Seems pretty comparable to the A4 for about $9,000 less and I'm not at all concerned with the brand cachet.

SUV
X1 - my boss has a new 2017 and it's pretty sharp, I was surprised how much I liked it.
Q5
RDX
4-Runner (these don't seem to lease well though)
Grand Cherokee (Overland or Trailhawk)

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, the dealer the Jetta is sitting at apparently has 4. and good thing I did not see the one with the manual! Strong prices here I guess, listed at over $3K off sticker. That gray one with the pictures was right out front, and is the one that caught our eye. And we will drive monday.

http://www.cherryhillvw.com/new-inventory/index.htm?search=&year=&model=Jetta&bodyStyle=&trim=GLI&internetPrice=&saveFacetState=true&lastFacetInteracted=inventory-listing1-facet-anchor-trim-5

Man oh man. Sat in one at the auto show and really liked it. Would get a manual if I went GLI Or GTI, however. 

All depends on the budget I set for myself. 

stickguy

Pensfan, I loved the X1 when I drove it. even fairly roomy.

Michael, I go back and worth about getting a stick. My wife could fake it if needed at this point I guess (she did drive one every day for the 9 years or so that we owned just sticks, but she has only driven one a few times in the last 20 years or so, and probably not since 2008 at this point). So that limits us just a touch. Probably won't stop me though, since I could just give her some practice time to get back up to speed. I almost always drive when we are together.

tommister2

Punch! Been shopping for a Mustang for my daughter. Wound up buying a 2017 Civic coupe. Waiting to sign the paperwork now. 

Michaell

stickguy said:

Pensfan, I loved the X1 when I drove it. even fairly roomy.

Michael, I go back and worth about getting a stick. My wife could fake it if needed at this point I guess (she did drive one every day for the 9 years or so that we owned just sticks, but she has only driven one a few times in the last 20 years or so, and probably not since 2008 at this point). So that limits us just a touch. Probably won't stop me though, since I could just give her some practice time to get back up to speed. I almost always drive when we are together.

My wife drove nothing but stick when I met her. First automatic we had was the '99 Expedition. Now she won't drive anything else, though I'm sure she could work three pedals if she had to.

stickguy

same here. though she did not know how when we got married. Then I bought our 323 with a stick, and sold her Horizon. So it was either learn stick, or stay home. She learned. Actually did OK at it. Not up to my professional standards, but was decent. I am sure if I put her in a stick and she had to do it, she would make it work.

stickguy

tommister2 said:

Punch! Been shopping for a Mustang for my daughter. Wound up buying a 2017 Civic coupe. Waiting to sign the paperwork now. 

Just need to point out here, that a Civic is not quite a Mustang. Probably more practical choice for a daughter (though you did not specify age).

pensfan83

For 8 years I only drove a manual car, all were bought used:

1997 Maxima SE - I loved this car and bought it at 4 years old from the original owner who babied it. Too bad it was totaled in a non-fault accident 18 months later.
1999 A4 2.8 - This replaced the Maxima and was fun to drive, until the repair bills started adding up.
2005 Mazda6 S - Traded the Audi in on a Blazing Copper 5-Speed. It was my first brand new car and I kept it for 6 years, which is the longest I've owned the same vehicle. My brother was just starting to drive when I received an unsolicited offer that I couldn't pass up. He was so mad because he wanted to learn to drive stick on that car.

By 2011 there were so few midsize manual cars left, at least in my price range at that time. Ended up getting an AWD Fusion Sport which was very nice but after 3 years I wanted a stick again. Fortunately the price range was able to expand enough to get an A4.

slorenzen

mjfloyd1 said:

venture said:

ab348 said:

venture said:

I used to have a white '65 coupe - until a guy in a Buick pulled out in front of me. The gas gauge didn't work so I went poking around under the dash. I found 2 wires the same color so I twisted them together and the gauge worked. For some odd reason then the radio was full of static. I disconnected the wire and learned to watch the miles.

Because of the fiberglass body, Corvettes back then needed metal shielding around the distributor to block the electrical pulses from interfering with the radio. Usually chrome-plated pieces IIRC. Maybe yours didn't have that.

It had the shielding. The radio worked fine when I disconnected my "find". I never did discover the real problem, but I didn't spend much time on it either. I was young and even dumber than I am now.

Who needs a radio with a 327 and a 4 speed?

Best. Reply. EVER.

carnaught

tommister2 said:

Punch! Been shopping for a Mustang for my daughter. Wound up buying a 2017 Civic coupe. Waiting to sign the paperwork now. 

Nice. I happen to like that car a lot. Best of luck!

Sandman6472

Kia Nitto? Hybrid with pretty decent mpg's. A bit funky looking but not fugly like the Prius. But Mini Cooper Countryman now my #1 especially after reading a review in C&D just before. Seems the ride isn't as jarring as the previous models and only about 4" longer than my Golf so would definitely work with my limited garage space. Hit 30K Thursday so...looking like mid to late 2019 could be the time frame. Want to do it right before I retire again so if I want to finance, it'll still show I have employment income. If I could get 0% financing, might as well take advantage to be honest.

The Sandman

kyfdx

Niro

tbirdmarco

@tjc78 you are welcome!

tbirdmarco

@tommister2 congrads on the punch to your daughter. what trim and color did she end up getting.

tbirdmarco

@pensfan83 nice list of cars! now do you want an car or SUV mor?

tommister2

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@tommister2 congrads on the punch to your daughter. what trim and color did she end up getting.

Thanks! It's an Aegean Blue LX-P

tommister2

stickguy said:

tommister2 said:

Punch! Been shopping for a Mustang for my daughter. Wound up buying a 2017 Civic coupe. Waiting to sign the paperwork now. 

Just need to point out here, that a Civic is not quite a Mustang. Probably more practical choice for a daughter (though you did not specify age).

Yeah, she actually asked for a Civic first, but she's wanted a Mustang since she was very young so I wanted to give it a shot. Didn't want to spend more than $20k, and looking at used Mustangs was frustrating. There aren't many in my area. We spent hours on the road to look at 2-3 year old cars that seemed to be more like 5-6 years old. The last Mustang was at a Honda dealer. Only took 30 seconds to pass on the Mustang. Decided to take a Civic out, and that was that. Got a deal that I think folks would say is not possible, plus 0.9% financing for 60 months. Happy daughter, happy Dad!

suydam

I thought the Kia Niro is a plug in hybrid similar to the Volt.

tifighter

Niro is a standard hybrid for now. Sounds like there will be a PHEV and a full EV in the future, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

tbirdmarco

@tommister2 you are welcome! nice nice sounds like an real nice car!

stickguy

speaking of wagons, this is a nice one. I just couldn't do the color combo. at least 1 of the interior or exterior would have to be a lighter color. But nice otherwise. well equipped, super low miles, not even 1 YO so lots of warranty left, and price is not bad.

even better for me might be the 2.0l engine and FWD (this was the last year that AWD, which I don't really need, still came with the old school 2.5T engine).

But I would not kick it out of bed.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-volvo-v60-certified_v60_t5_premier_awd_wagon_blis_navigation-used-16112268.html

stickguy

well, problem solved. For only an additional $2k, can get the high rider version of it, in a gorgeous color combo! Same miles on it too.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2016-volvo-v60_cross_country-certified_v60_cross_country_awd_wagon_blis_navi-used-16112279.html

pensfan83

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

@pensfan83 nice list of cars! now do you want an car or SUV mor?

At this point I have no idea but if I had to pick today I would say SUV. I've always been partial to Jeeps and 4Runners but the RDX Q5, or X1 would be more car like.

Mr_Shiftright

tommister2 said:

stickguy said:

tommister2 said:

Punch! Been shopping for a Mustang for my daughter. Wound up buying a 2017 Civic coupe. Waiting to sign the paperwork now. 

Just need to point out here, that a Civic is not quite a Mustang. Probably more practical choice for a daughter (though you did not specify age).

Yeah, she actually asked for a Civic first, but she's wanted a Mustang since she was very young so I wanted to give it a shot. Didn't want to spend more than $20k, and looking at used Mustangs was frustrating. There aren't many in my area. We spent hours on the road to look at 2-3 year old cars that seemed to be more like 5-6 years old. The last Mustang was at a Honda dealer. Only took 30 seconds to pass on the Mustang. Decided to take a Civic out, and that was that. Got a deal that I think folks would say is not possible, plus 0.9% financing for 60 months. Happy daughter, happy Dad!

Did you drive it or just your daughter? I'd be interested in how it drove---haven't tried one yet.

Michaell

Had brunch at the Broadmoor this morning.  Old 5-star hotel and resort on the south side of Colorado Springs. Took the Outback. DTE when we started was 250 miles. Probably drove 70 miles or so, round trip. DTE was still at 250 miles when we got home. Trip computer showed the tank mpg went from 22.8 to 25.8. Saw this parked out front:

stickguy

I am actually enjoying driving the Passat around (my daughter appropriated my Sonata, since the car in the shop is hers). Drives well. Really like the great visibility. Especially to the front. Very easy to drive. comfy seats. Huge room. Still not sure I want something that big, but bang for the buck, might as well get the bigger model. Then complain about having such a big car for another 3 years. At least my wife will be happy with the room, and it will be good for our travel car.

so will put the Passat and new Accord on the list to try out (I think the Accord will be out by then). Maxima too, for the hot rod aspect (though giving up a lot of MPG).

May just stick with a sedan again, and keep the RDX for the utility vehicle. Then in a year or so, start working on the wife to upgrade that one too.

Unless I do something totally different.

tbirdmarco

@pensfan83 love the jeeps to as whell. we test drove an grand Chericky in jan nice no it has bin out since 2011 others have not bin in so cant say. love the fealing of being higher up my selfe. hope you had an good weekand! have an good up cumming week!

tbirdmarco

hope that everyone had an good weekend! mine was good worked on the Thunderbird did an change of the rad hoses and cullent drane and fill. had help with instoling an distributer convirzion cit that convirts it from points to the elactronick type. and did start on the trunk weather stripping have to finish next weekand. and also have an new water pump cumming and have belts to do did the new fule filter. gas tank and lines wher changed before I got it. and the fule pump to. think got everything lol lol if did mis anything will rite mor! have an good night all and upcumming week!

tommister2

Mr_Shiftright said:

Punch! Been shopping for a Mustang for my daughter. Wound up buying a 2017 Civic coupe. Waiting to sign the paperwork now. 

Just need to point out here, that a Civic is not quite a Mustang. Probably more practical choice for a daughter (though you did not specify age).

Yeah, she actually asked for a Civic first, but she's wanted a Mustang since she was very young so I wanted to give it a shot. Didn't want to spend more than $20k, and looking at used Mustangs was frustrating. There aren't many in my area. We spent hours on the road to look at 2-3 year old cars that seemed to be more like 5-6 years old. The last Mustang was at a Honda dealer. Only took 30 seconds to pass on the Mustang. Decided to take a Civic out, and that was that. Got a deal that I think folks would say is not possible, plus 0.9% financing for 60 months. Happy daughter, happy Dad!

Did you drive it or just your daughter? I'd be interested in how it drove---haven't tried one yet.

I've driven it some. First CVT for me. It wasn't as weird as I thought it would be. Drives well, it's just a basic Civic Feels very solid. No squeaks or rattles. 

andres3

tjc78 said:

Thanks guys, lots of time to decide but glad to hear many of you have been fine with a sedan.  

Q, wouldn't mind a wagon, but wife would be against it I've run it by her before.  

Stick, I would try the Impala and LaCrosse as well as the Sonata/Azera and probably Fusion/MKZ too

the Kia Optima is large just like the Sonata; a twin really. I find it to be very roomy inside. The trunk isn't what I would call huge, but it works.