Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

After picking up her "new" MINI last week, the wife quickly took care of getting windows tinted and a few dings removed. She even has an appointment this week already to have leather installed.

I gave it a quick wash over the weekend - here's a pic, along with one of her "old" MINI that she had previously traded for the Clubman. What's old is new again!

Michaell

breld said:

After picking up her "new" MINI last week, the wife quickly took care of getting windows tinted and a few dings removed. She even has an appointment this week already to have leather installed.

I gave it a quick wash over the weekend - here's a pic, along with one of her "old" MINI that she had previously traded for the Clubman. What's old is new again!

And the stripes are fixed, as well?

breld

Oh yeah - we picked up the new stripes after we all had lunch and took them straight to the "tint" guy. He was able to remove the old ones and apply the new ones that same afternoon.

Michaell

breld said:

Oh yeah - we picked up the new stripes after we all had lunch and took them straight to the "tint" guy. He was able to remove the old ones and apply the new ones that same afternoon.

Looks sharp!

Whose bike is on the back of the Durango?

Michaell

Uh oh. 1.8T dropped in the next Jetta? Say it isn't so, VW!

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/05/next-generation-jetta-launch-december-volkswagen-ceo/#more-1565369

ab348

I'm confused. I see two Minis apparently identical except for a slight difference in the wheels.

I don't understand? Clearly I have fallen behind.

I feel like I have a learning disability...

Michaell

ab348 said:

I'm confused. I see two Minis apparently identical except for a slight difference in the wheels.

I don't understand? Clearly I have fallen behind.

I feel like I have a learning disability...

The one on top is the "new" MINI - the presence of the hood scoop tells us that it's an S model, with turbocharging.

The bottom pic is the "old" MINI that @breld bought last summer - naturally aspirated, and was traded in for the MINI Clubman late last year.

Mrs. @breld missed the 2 door version, so they found and bought a replacement.

breld

ab348 said:

I'm confused. I see two Minis apparently identical except for a slight difference in the wheels.

I don't understand? Clearly I have fallen behind.

I feel like I have a learning disability...

@Michaell describes it well above.

Basically, my wife missed her previous MINI much more than anticipated. So, we found a another one - this one happens to be the S model, but clearly it was the color itself she was targeting!

Knowing how much she liked her old MINI, I strongly encouraged her to simply keep it when she acquired the Clubman as a more practical option. I only said "I told you so" once in recent weeks.

breld

Michaell said:

Uh oh. 1.8T dropped in the next Jetta? Say it isn't so, VW!

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/05/next-generation-jetta-launch-december-volkswagen-ceo/#more-1565369

The Jetta enjoyed a strong enthusiast following prior to the current version - with the new MQB platform and perhaps a bit more daring styling, VW could do well with a new version.

28firefighter

An MQB based GLI could be very very interesting.

breld

Michaell said:

breld said:

Oh yeah - we picked up the new stripes after we all had lunch and took them straight to the "tint" guy. He was able to remove the old ones and apply the new ones that same afternoon.

Looks sharp!

Whose bike is on the back of the Durango?

That's Krystal's bike - I was testing out the new bike hitch I picked up off craigslist.

xwesx

I rode my bike to work this morning for the first time of the season. It wasn't as brutal as I anticipated it would be! Much easier than my first run last year (which was also the first time I had ever attempted the feat). I ended up taking 55 minutes and haven't felt all that much post-ride fatigue. These are definitely good signs!

Michaell

28firefighter said:

An MQB based GLI could be very very interesting.

Oh yeah!

xwesx

So, if y'all recall, my wife's 2010 Forester was killed by an inattentive driver earlier this year (3/1). She had said she wanted to replace it with "the exact same car," but I quickly determined that to be an impractical approach.

After some research, we decided to look for a 2011 to 2013 model year Forester X Premium, manual transmission, with reasonable miles (ours had 107,8xx on it at time of death). I ended up coming up with two promising candidates:

1. In Connecticut, a 2013 with 67K miles - dealer asking $14,950. @nycarguy went and looked at this one for me.
2. In Illinois, a 2013 with 52K miles - dealer asking $17,999.

The cars were identical other than the IL unit has the "Plus" package on it, which looks to be fog lights, navigation, and backup cam. So, nothing of real value (to us).

After getting input on auction values, etc., I contacted the dealers. The guy in CT was brief in his responses, gave me the general run-down. Car only has one key and no manual (bit of a frustration point in general, but also means an extra $300 or so in cost to us down the road as we will need two keys for this one). Report from nycarguy, which he summarized above, is generally favorable on condition and driving characteristics. I was able to get an OTD agreement of $15,300 on this one, which is about $150 below full asking (including fees, etc.).

The guy in IL, on the other hand, was very personable and went over all the good and bad points of the car. Car has both keys + manual (yay!). After looking up some more information, I found that this one is also under the 5/60 powertrain warranty until (or perhaps through) October. So, that's a bit of a plus.

My wife was already a go on the CT car at $15,300, so I was targeting a price of $1,500 higher for this one (a value of $0.10 per mile). Added fees were pretty light compared to CT ($182.15 vs. $519.00). I offered them $16,800 OTD, and they came back the next day to counter at $16,800+ (so, $16,982.15 OTD).

I thought that was close enough, but then my wife decides that she "doesn't need a new car and doesn't see the point of spending $5,000 on the same car she already bought." I said I was fine if that was her actual, final, answer, and that she wasn't going to come back three months from now and say she wanted one (which would make me start all over again). I also reminded her that $5K for 55K+ fewer miles works out to about $0.11 per mile, which was less than the approximately $0.13 per mile that our 2010 cost us (just purchase price; this isn't adding fuel, etc., which is presumably the same on both vehicles). So, no, this whole situation isn't ideal, but actually spending the money isn't the end of the world, either. I told her that I was going to call the dealers back by the end of that day (which was around noon for us) and put this whole thing to bed one way or another, so she just had to make a decision.

Finally, with a few minutes to spare, she decided that she wanted the car, and that the IL car was the most practical choice overall. Deal is done; I'll probably head out on 6/2 to collect it.

xwesx

Oh, and she also told me that she wanted me to replace the head unit with a non-navigation unit. LOL I'm really hoping that I can just turn the thing off and she can pretend that it doesn't exist, but I guess we'll see. If I do "need" to replace it, it will give me a really good excuse to put a nice sound system in there (something that Subaru, in general, severely lacks).

A rather low-res photo of the car:

kyfdx

Looks nice. Fixing her NAV-phobia might be cheaper than modifying the vehicle.

Michaell

I like the color, especially with the tinted windows.

ab348

breld said:

Basically, my wife missed her previous MINI much more than anticipated. So, we found a another one - this one happens to be the S model, but clearly it was the color itself she was targeting!

Knowing how much she liked her old MINI, I strongly encouraged her to simply keep it when she acquired the Clubman as a more practical option. I only said "I told you so" once in recent weeks.

Ah. I didn't realize your affliction was contagious.

Michaell

ab348 said:

breld said:

Basically, my wife missed her previous MINI much more than anticipated. So, we found a another one - this one happens to be the S model, but clearly it was the color itself she was targeting!

Knowing how much she liked her old MINI, I strongly encouraged her to simply keep it when she acquired the Clubman as a more practical option. I only said "I told you so" once in recent weeks.

Ah. I didn't realize your affliction was contagious.

Oh, she is a great enabler.

corvette

I like that Forester too. She may change her mind about wanting a backup cam once she gets used to having it. Punch registered--we're at 24 for the year.

This Fusion looks interesting. Pricing is attractive, but I doubt the Sport model will lease well.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/05/2017-ford-fusion-sport-incognito-indulgence/

Michaell

corvette said:

I like that Forester too. She may change her mind about wanting a backup cam once she gets used to having it. Punch registered--we're at 24 for the year.

This Fusion looks interesting. Pricing is attractive, but I doubt the Sport model will lease well.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/05/2017-ford-fusion-sport-incognito-indulgence/

I read that article, and it intrigued me as well.

Saw a FB post within the past few days from a childhood friend who is in the business - he's just taken a job as the GSM of the Ford dealer in North Hollywood, CA. Wonder what kind of deal he'd cut me.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8BYDoONCnxo

tbirdmarco

@xwesx very nice on riding your bike to work! for the first time. so did I miss sum postings you did end up getting the 2013 Faraster in CT!

tbirdmarco

@breld Looks sharp the Minny.

tbirdmarco

@xwesx now understand y that car was in the cars you have now! congrads to you and your wife on the new to you guys 2013 Faraster!. Thaught I did mis sumthing lol lol. week from Thursday going to only be able to read not poast anything pane on the phone. for 10 days. going away to Canada Taronto aria.

xwesx

@Marcothecarguy1986 - sounds like that should be a fun trip!

I'm going to stop in to visit my father in Oregon when I'm out for this car. Unfortunately, he has cancer right now and is going through some very intensive treatment. Prospects are good, but there's no telling what these poisons will do to a person's body (everyone is different). I want to make sure I don't regret saving a few miles....

pensfan83

corvette said:

I like that Forester too. She may change her mind about wanting a backup cam once she gets used to having it. Punch registered--we're at 24 for the year.

This Fusion looks interesting. Pricing is attractive, but I doubt the Sport model will lease well.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/05/2017-ford-fusion-sport-incognito-indulgence/

When helping my brother lease a new Fusion SE I asked about these and the salesman said they are leasing, at least here in Southwest PA, between $400 and $425. The dealer had one on the lot and I believe it stickered at $40,XXX with almost every option box checked off. I didn't drive it but I like how they look, it's AWD, and comprably equipped comes in around $9,000 less than an A4, and that's before incentives and discounts are applied. Definitely on my list to check out.

stickguy

speaking of VWs and GLIs, I test drove one tonight. Had to go pick up the (finally completed fix) Jetta tonight, so daughter and I checked out and drove a nice gray GLI. Very nice. She really liked it. I thought it was fun (though pretty sure my wife would not be all that fond of it). Nice growl, plenty of punch from the engine. Great seats. New Navi interface is a vast improvement over the one in the Sport we have.

Spent some time discussing the upcoming Jetta remodel. Salesguy did not have timing, and no details other than it would move to the MQB platform. Most likely though, it will have some nice functional improvements, and the latest iterations of the tech stuff.

the GLI was very well equipped. Much more stuff for less money compared to a GTI. power seat, Navi, BLIS, Fender audio. Overall, they just loaded it up and are rolling with just 1 model. And surprisingly (maybe it was the red stitching) the black interior did not bother me all that much.

But the time I am ready, the new model will be imminent, but not out. So not likely that I will be trying to snag the first one to arrive. But could be deals to be had on remaining 17s if there are any. Something to watch.

stickguy

also took a very brief drive in a GTI. Noticeably tighter seats (my wife would never go for it). Sadly, something was thumping in the back (sounded like a flat, but no light on dash lit, and they seemed fine when salesguy looked at them). So I circled the lot and brought it back. Bummer.

best part, he had pulled up a 6 speed stick model. First time I drove a manual in almost 2 full years. Did not forget how (or stall it). I did notice that VW still has the abnormally high clutch engagement point. At some point I will need a longer test drive in one.

what they did have out front, was a new Golf Wolfsburg stick. Medium (sandy?) blue, over beige. Very snazzy looking. Really well loaded for the price. Basically a GTI with less aggressive tires, roomier seats, .2L smaller engine, 1 less gear, and $10K lower sticker price!

nyccarguy

@xwesx - well that officially makes me 0 for 3.  I'm glad you are going for the IL car.  It's got less miles, more equipment, and is much closer to you.  Best of luck to you.  I'm terribly sorry to hear about your Dad.  I hope you have a nice visit with him when you pick the car up.

Michaell

stickguy said:

speaking of VWs and GLIs, I test drove one tonight. Had to go pick up the (finally completed fix) Jetta tonight, so daughter and I checked out and drove a nice gray GLI. Very nice. She really liked it. I thought it was fun (though pretty sure my wife would not be all that fond of it). Nice growl, plenty of punch from the engine. Great seats. New Navi interface is a vast improvement over the one in the Sport we have.

Spent some time discussing the upcoming Jetta remodel. Salesguy did not have timing, and no details other than it would move to the MQB platform. Most likely though, it will have some nice functional improvements, and the latest iterations of the tech stuff.

the GLI was very well equipped. Much more stuff for less money compared to a GTI. power seat, Navi, BLIS, Fender audio. Overall, they just loaded it up and are rolling with just 1 model. And surprisingly (maybe it was the red stitching) the black interior did not bother me all that much.

But the time I am ready, the new model will be imminent, but not out. So not likely that I will be trying to snag the first one to arrive. But could be deals to be had on remaining 17s if there are any. Something to watch.

Does the GLI have the DSG?

stickguy

yes. Basically the A3 drivetrain. 210HP 2.0l, and 6 speed DSG

Michaell

stickguy said:

yes. Basically the A3 drivetrain. 210HP 2.0l, and 6 speed DSG

Any lurching from it on your test drive?

stickguy

did not notice anything. Was not looking for it, and likely didn't do anything that would cause it to happen ( I assume it is related to creeping at really low speeds?)

Michaell

stickguy said:

did not notice anything. Was not looking for it, and likely didn't do anything that would cause it to happen ( I assume it is related to creeping at really low speeds?)

I test drove a CC a number of years ago and could feel the clutch slipping when pulling away from a dead stop. I keep getting told that the newer DSGs are much better, so I guess I should test drive one and see (or rather, feel) for myself.

andres3

stickguy said:

also took a very brief drive in a GTI. Noticeably tighter seats (my wife would never go for it). Sadly, something was thumping in the back (sounded like a flat, but no light on dash lit, and they seemed fine when salesguy looked at them). So I circled the lot and brought it back. Bummer.

best part, he had pulled up a 6 speed stick model. First time I drove a manual in almost 2 full years. Did not forget how (or stall it). I did notice that VW still has the abnormally high clutch engagement point. At some point I will need a longer test drive in one.

what they did have out front, was a new Golf Wolfsburg stick. Medium (sandy?) blue, over beige. Very snazzy looking. Really well loaded for the price. Basically a GTI with less aggressive tires, roomier seats, .2L smaller engine, 1 less gear, and $10K lower sticker price!

Smaller brakes too.

tjc78

Who needs brakes 

stickguy

It's got plenty of brakes. I'm not taking it out on the track.

nyccarguy

@stickguy - I like the Jetta GLI styling. You definitely don't see one on every corner either. They don't seem to lease well though. You'll probably be better off in a GTI. I'd like to hear your impressions of the GLI & GTI when you get to test drive them more.

stickguy

Funny. Salesguy said the Jetta would lease better. Though with the discount and cheap financing, lotta car to buy for 25k

Michaell

stickguy said:

Funny. Salesguy said the Jetta would lease better. Though with the discount and cheap financing, lotta car to buy for 25k

36/10 lease numbers:

GTI - .00130 and 57%
GLI - .00025 and 56%

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Funny. Salesguy said the Jetta would lease better. Though with the discount and cheap financing, lotta car to buy for 25k

36/10 lease numbers:

GTI - .00130 and 57%
GLI - .00025 and 56%

I stand corrected

nyccarguy

I was behind a Q50S (with the same 3.7L V6 as I have) with some sort of stainless steel exhaust last night. Oh did that sound sexy. He had a STILLEN license plate frame, so I don't know if that meant he had a STILLEN exhaust (Steve Millen?)

stickguy

That is him.

stickguy

Not sure with VW how much lease cash is on the GTI, but I think there is a lot for the GLI. Don't believe those are hot sellers.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Not sure with VW how much lease cash is on the GTI, but I think there is a lot for the GLI. Don't believe those are hot sellers.

Bzzzzzzt!

No lease cash for either.

stickguy

Money coming from somewhere. The ones at my dealer are listed at over $3k off

roadburner

I would have to go with the GTI; the GLI is too Americanized for me.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Money coming from somewhere. The ones at my dealer are listed at over $3k off

Dealer discounts?

Hidden trunk money?

Those are good deals. 

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

@xwesx - well that officially makes me 0 for 3.  I'm glad you are going for the IL car.  It's got less miles, more equipment, and is much closer to you.  Best of luck to you.  I'm terribly sorry to hear about your Dad.  I hope you have a nice visit with him when you pick the car up.

Aw, I am very sorry about that, Bradd! The final decision in no way lessens the level of appreciation I have for your efforts!