Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

sda

sandman_6472 said:

Wife was in Miami today and light came on the dash. Went over to the Collection Audi store where they put in a quart of oil and sent them on their way. Oil light went out but she'll follow up with the local store during the week to see what's up. Funny, each time a light has come on, three times now, she's always out and about and calling me. Luckily there are a few Audi stores here in South Florida and best of all, ours is at the back of our housing development.
Guess [non-permissible content removed] happens with any vehicle and for some reason, a lot of it happens on the weekend! With almost 29K on the clock, hoping this is the end of these issues!

The Sandman

Sounds like it needs oil before it needs to be changed. Past VW/Audis I've had typically needed oil between changes, the worst being my '06"Passat 2.0t. It needed a quart in less than 1k. Let your dealer know you have a concern about oil consumption so they can put it on record and go from there. Probably not a real problem, but need to be aware when you might need to top it up.

Michaell

Found it!

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/2017-rrr-pca-fiesta-new-mexico-hilton-santa-fe-historic-plaza-roadrunner-027901

tjc78

@stickguy
I like my Elantra.  Does mostly everything well, and returns 30+ MPG every tank and I'm hard on it.  It's comfortable and for 21k has a really nice feature set.  Mine is an SE with tech (Auto climate, blis, and keyless). 

tjc78

sda said:

Wife was in Miami today and light came on the dash. Went over to the Collection Audi store where they put in a quart of oil and sent them on their way. Oil light went out but she'll follow up with the local store during the week to see what's up. Funny, each time a light has come on, three times now, she's always out and about and calling me. Luckily there are a few Audi stores here in South Florida and best of all, ours is at the back of our housing development.
Guess [non-permissible content removed] happens with any vehicle and for some reason, a lot of it happens on the weekend! With almost 29K on the clock, hoping this is the end of these issues!

The Sandman

Sounds like it needs oil before it needs to be changed. Past VW/Audis I've had typically needed oil between changes, the worst being my '06"Passat 2.0t. It needed a quart in less than 1k. Let your dealer know you have a concern about oil consumption so they can put it on record and go from there. Probably not a real problem, but need to be aware when you might need to top it up.

Guess I'm not used to anything "high performance". Other than my beat 79 Town Coupe I've never had a car that used any oil between 4-5k Mike oil changes.   Even my 100k Ford 4.6 didn't use a drop (and they are somewhat known for it). 

corvette

It's weird how the term "keyless" used to refer to remote keyless entry, which pretty much every car has standard now, and now refers to keyless ignition.

roadburner

I've had cars that use oil and others that didn't use a drop. No big deal either way.

Sandman6472

Since we don't have push button start, both missed by one model year, still consider "keyless" as the remote keyless entry. The first time I tried push button start in that loaner Jetta they gave me, I didn't care for it but by the time I returned it four days later, felt I couldn't live without it! It really is very easy and not having to insert one's key into the ignition works for me. Guarantee on my next vehicle, it'll have that and as many creature comforts as possible because I'm past the stage of getting a bare boned vehicle with just minimal equipment. At my age, I deserve it all!

The Sandman

tbirdmarco

@sandman_6472 I am with you 100 present get it all on your next car!

tbirdmarco

@roadburner I am with you look at owial leval and other flewids once an week or if you drive an little bit once an munth no big deal. and follow recommended owial change intervials sum cars it is longer than others depending on car company.

suydam

corvette said:

It's weird how the term "keyless" used to refer to remote keyless entry, which pretty much every car has standard now, and now refers to keyless ignition.

You still have to check that. I think push to start or push button start is the term.

fintail

I thought oil consumption was a "feature" of VAG 4cyls

My modern MBs haven't used oil. The I6 W126 would use a little, never figured it out as it didn't burn any and I never found more than minor seepage. The fintail uses a little, which can look bad but isn't the end of the world yet. I think it could use a little valvetrain work, but the owners manual specifies oil consumption up to 1 pint/200 miles - which is about what it uses (burns) now.

cdnpinhead

One pint in 200 miles works out to about a quart per fuel fill. Hopefully you meant 2000 miles. Otherwise. . .

fintail

Ha, the mileage isn't quite that good

Here's a snip from the manual:

cdnpinhead

Well, I got curious, so I used a few 4 significant figure conversion factors to determine that 0.15 litres in 100 km equals one quart in 392 miles, close enough to 400 for government work, or 200 miles per pint, just like you said. Wow.

stickguy

took advantage of the memorial day sales events, and got a free lunch along with a test drive. Stopped at Hyundai dealer. Place was mobbed. people at every desk, and lots of employees running around. Did end up getting a salesdude sent out to the lot (right next to the building) to show us the elantra sport we were looking at. Not a premium, which we would want, but close enough as a base model.

Surprisingly nice car. Very well done interior. plenty roomy. lots of features. Comfy seats. Were actually fine for me in terms of cushion angle and thigh support, at least based on short test drive. Snazzy flat bottom steering wheel. And of course, being the sport model, skinny little tires!

drove well. the turbo engine (201 HP) pulled real hard. sharp response, and got up to speed fast. Much snappier than the motor in my Sonata, and I suspect a lot quicker than a 2.0l base car.

daughter liked it quite a bit. Reminded both of us of the GLI. It really was comparable in terms of power, ride, seats, etc. Just a lot cheaper!

Someday I will go back and take a 2,0l limited for a ride, to see how that compares, Most of the Sonata features, but a lot shorter!

stickguy

Discussed options with the daughter on the way home. Most likely option at this point is actually for her to get a new Jetta on a lease. She likes hers, but would like a few more features (blind spot, maybe a moonroof, and a better navigation display), So since the new design will be out by then, should have more features standard (like on the Golf), including a more modern interface screen. And better Navi with Carplay.

plus, would be able to save the lease turn in fee by getting a replacement. And VW has a college grad program, which would help out.

Just have to see if they come out with a new Sport model, and if so, what it includes. I really don't think she needs (or would want to pay for) a GLI.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Discussed options with the daughter on the way home. Most likely option at this point is actually for her to get a new Jetta on a lease. She likes hers, but would like a few more features (blind spot, maybe a moonroof, and a better navigation display), So since the new design will be out by then, should have more features standard (like on the Golf), including a more modern interface screen. And better Navi with Carplay.

plus, would be able to save the lease turn in fee by getting a replacement. And VW has a college grad program, which would help out.

Just have to see if they come out with a new Sport model, and if so, what it includes. I really don't think she needs (or would want to pay for) a GLI.

I've heard that the 1.8 will be dropped with the new Jetta - just the 1.4 and 2.0 engines will be available.

stickguy

I am fine with the 1.4. And I doubt she would notice the difference, Plus it should get even better MPG! It still gets off the line well, and will be fast enough. More interested in the equipment level. that will be noticeable!

stickguy

for me, I know that I really don't need anything particularly hot rod-ish. But driving the Elantra today with the turbo, it was nice to have some instant Go power. I am sure I could get sucked in if I drive too many cars with more HP than actually required.

suydam

stickguy said:

Discussed options with the daughter on the way home. Most likely option at this point is actually for her to get a new Jetta on a lease. She likes hers, but would like a few more features (blind spot, maybe a moonroof, and a better navigation display), So since the new design will be out by then, should have more features standard (like on the Golf), including a more modern interface screen. And better Navi with Carplay.

plus, would be able to save the lease turn in fee by getting a replacement. And VW has a college grad program, which would help out.

Just have to see if they come out with a new Sport model, and if so, what it includes. I really don't think she needs (or would want to pay for) a GLI.

All the options she wants -- as long as she's paying for them!

nyccarguy

Spent yesterday afternoon cleaning it and organizing the garage.  Today I hung this home made tire rack for my Q40's winter shoes.izingn 

stickguy

suydam said:

stickguy said:

Discussed options with the daughter on the way home. Most likely option at this point is actually for her to get a new Jetta on a lease. She likes hers, but would like a few more features (blind spot, maybe a moonroof, and a better navigation display), So since the new design will be out by then, should have more features standard (like on the Golf), including a more modern interface screen. And better Navi with Carplay.

plus, would be able to save the lease turn in fee by getting a replacement. And VW has a college grad program, which would help out.

Just have to see if they come out with a new Sport model, and if so, what it includes. I really don't think she needs (or would want to pay for) a GLI.

All the options she wants -- as long as she's paying for them!

yes, she is paying for the next one. but don't have to spend a fortune to get a graphical interface that looks like it dates from the 21st century.

qbrozen

You dare me?
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B1462CF

sb55

qbrozen said:

You dare me?
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B1462CF

I drove one back in the day. At the time I remember it being the quietest car I ever drove.
I like it. But tan carpet with gray seats? Is that a strange color combo or is carpet faded out?

qbrozen

They list the interior as platinum but it all looks tan to me. The door panels certainly do.

I have been doing some reading and it doesn't seem the reliability is all that bad. Unfortunately, their asking price is absolutely insane. $9k would be the MOON on it. But the one time I went there, they were completely unwilling to negotiate on the Hummer we were interested in. Not sure if that is their usual MO. 

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

They list the interior as platinum but it all looks tan to me. The door panels certainly do.

I have been doing some reading and it doesn't seem the reliability is all that bad. Unfortunately, their asking price is absolutely insane. $8k would be the MOON on it. But the one time I went there, they were completely unwilling to negotiate on the Hummer we were interested in. Not sure if that is their usual MO. 

LIke the car, not the price, as you've noted.

stickguy

Nice looking car. Not for me though!

stickguy

Started poking around for info on new Jetta. Found a picture Michael posted of a red one (concept car). If that ends up being the production version, on the golf chassis, could b a winner. Princess liked it! Real short n details but guessing a Q3 release. No hurry for her.

kyfdx

I think the carpet is faded... it's all light gray.

qbrozen

nah. look at the back seat pic. those carpets are clearly tan. they would not be so evenly colored if faded.

corvette

qbrozen said:

You dare me?
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B1462CF

Our CEO has one of these, of about the same vintage. Sharp looking car. 

ab348

corvette said:

Our CEO has one of these, of about the same vintage. Sharp looking car. 

The company can't be doing too well if the CEO has to drive a 12 year-old Audi...

toomanyfumes

My boss recently bought a A8 L, used but not that old. I'll have to ask him if he's had any service yet. I like the tirend rack NYC, I need to do something similar for the Mustang's winter wheels.

thebean

ab348 said:

corvette said:

Our CEO has one of these, of about the same vintage. Sharp looking car. 

The company can't be doing too well if the CEO has to drive a 12 year-old Audi...

I think it's Mary Barra.

nyccarguy

toomanyfumes said:

My boss recently bought a A8 L, used but not that old. I'll have to ask him if he's had any service yet. I like the tirend rack NYC, I need to do something similar for the Mustang's winter wheels.

Thank-you! I used less than $20 worth of material. Let me know if you want me to go into more detail

tbirdmarco

@qbrozen go for it dair you.

qbrozen

Ha. Thanks, Marco. It is tempting but only if they get real on their price. I think the JGC is a better buy at that $12k mark, and will probably hold its value far better.

stickguy

floated one of my alternative plans to the wife today, and did not get totally shot down. Saw a really nice looking new Santa Fe (the bigger one) and I pointed it out. She liked it. So I suggested looking at one, and if they were offering a killer lease deal when the time came, could get one of those to be the primary car, and hers. Then I could sell the Acura and buy something cheaper to use as a 2nd/spare car. Tried to convince her that she wins by getting the new car in this deal. Not sure if it worked!

nyccarguy

@stickguy - I dig the looks of the Kia Sorrento SXL.  I assume the Santa Fe's mechanical twin.

stickguy

I think the sorrento is the smaller one (santa fe sport)? I was looking at the larger, V6 model. A discount MDX basically!

I would have to travel for a Kia though. not sure how far, but I would not consider stepping into one of my local Kia dealers to try and buy something

tjc78

The Santa Fe is on my list (if I to stay SUV. Looks like a nice package.

Wife still thinks we need an SUV **Sigh**

Honestly getting a car is going to be an afterthought by then. We are in process of beginning a massive remodel/addition and moving my Mother in. So remodel, clearing out her home, the Enclave lease is up, and the holidays all at once!

@nyccarguy
Nice garage! Jealous.

Edit; sorry for the OT thought this was the other thread.

rayainsw

Passed 3,000 miles on the drive to work this morning in the 340i.
A few observation, for those interested:
Terrific car – for me.
Excellent balance of entertaining acceleration, when I want it –
And excellent MPG, when I can’t use it . . .
Multi-adjustable sport seats fit me and support my [ old ]
body very well.
I never push the cornering hard, on public roads –
What I want & expect is a balanced feel, good steering feedback
as side loads build, no tire screech – all present here.
The overall size fits my requirements exactly.
- Ray
1 very happy BMW driver . . .

sda

I sat in a VW Atlas on Monday. The launch edition,though lacking some features has the panoramic sunroof and lists for $33.5 about $35k with shipping. I could live with that as it gets very expensive as more features and you progress thru the higher trim levels. The conservative but strong styling is a plus. The Pilot has a larger third row seat and can seat 8 total in the interior where most, including the Atlas seat 7. The sales person said, and I witnessed all were sold, and there was a waiting list for those being trucked in. Will be interesting to see longer term how they sell. The enhanced 6/72k warranty is a real plus.

corvette

I can't believe there would be that many lining up to buy a first-year VW CUV when there are so many other good choices out there. 

nyccarguy

sda said:

I sat in a VW Atlas on Monday. The launch edition,though lacking some features has the panoramic sunroof and lists for $33.5 about $35k with shipping. I could live with that as it gets very expensive as more features and you progress thru the higher trim levels. The conservative but strong styling is a plus. The Pilot has a larger third row seat and can seat 8 total in the interior where most, including the Atlas seat 7. The sales person said, and I witnessed all were sold, and there was a waiting list for those being trucked in. Will be interesting to see longer term how they sell. The enhanced 6/72k warranty is a real plus.

It is always good to hear your thoughts on 3 row SUVs since we've both got the Pilot. With 92,500+ miles, the Pilot continues to suit our needs as a family of 5 perfectly (aside from the fact that it isn't blue and doesn't have a power lift gate). Just this past weekend, I was able to load up the 5 of us (Mom & Dad up front, Son #1 & #2 in the 3rd row, Princess in the 2nd row) plus enough toys and gear for a full day at the beach, & still had plenty of space to pick up my wife's cousin.

I noticed the steering wheel shakes above 65 mph. My mechanic said to have the tires balanced 1st, then he'll check the front end to see if any of the tie rods are in need of replacement. This lead me to an "Only in New York" moment.

My mechanic tells me to have the tires balanced at this tire shop not too far from him. They also happen to be a certified Tire Rack installer and get excellent Google reviews. I call the tire shop yesterday and Tony tells me they don't open until 8:30 am. I tell him I have to be at work at 7:30 am and ask if there is a night drop. Tony tells me "no, but leave the keys with Juan at the bodega next door." So I found a parking spot on the street 3 cars in front of this tire shop, dropped my keys off with Juan, jumped on the train 3 stops, then walked 10 minutes to work. From 7:30 to 8:30, there was a thought in the back of my mind that Juan was going to put my Pilot on a boat to Santo Domingo instead of giving it to Tony.

The wheels are currently off now and getting balanced. Tony calls me and tells me that my rear brakes are shot and need to be replaced as do the rotors. I tell him to hold off and will have my mechanic look at it this coming Monday. According to my records, I last had the rear brake pads replaced and rotors resurfaced on 7/2/2013 at 37,289 miles so it does seem appropriate that they are due for replacement. As always, my mechanic will ONLY put genuine HONDA parts on my car.

Michaell

I'm back!

Put about 800 miles on the Outback over the long weekend. Averaged a touch over 25MPG for the whole trip, which included about 100 miles of in town driving. Both the drive down and the drive home were uneventful. Kept the CC at 80 for most of the drive down; I was able to surreptitiously bump it to 85 (shhh! don't tell the wife) for a fair bit of the drive home yesterday.

As previously noted, there was a big Porsche meet over the weekend in Santa Fe. I also spotted a Bentley Turbo R a couple of times. Yesterday, I encountered the same Bentley on I-25 just south of Co Springs. I'm surprised it made the trip without incident.

Continue to love the Outback as a road trip car. I wasn't uncomfortable, and the adaptive cruise is a great, great feature. As mentioned, I kept the cruise at 85 yesterday through most of NM and southern CO, but there were stretches of construction where we were down to one lane. Car slowed itself to pace the car in front of us, then when the cones went away and traffic cleared, it was back up to 85 without any intervention. Nice.

Had a few automotive related conversations with the wife on the drive. Talked about autonomous cars - that the technology exists now for lane discipline, and that almost full autonomous driving exists for the interstates. It's the in town stuff that needs to be better developed.

And, we discussed my real need for a car since I work from home. Jetta may not get replaced immediately when the lease is up.

But, that won't stop me from continuing to test drive potential replacements.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

You dare me?
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B1462CF

My friend runs an Audi shop so I can set you up with an emergency suicide prevention hotline. We're here for you, Q.

stickguy

Michael, I may do the same thing. Send lease back and don't replace right away. Only reason to do right away is if leasing another hyundai to save on turn in fee. Just need about 6 weeks payment free to offset that! Putting me around New Year's Eve to shop for a killer end of year deal.

breld

I imagine the high demand for the Atlas will be short-lived. Not that it's a bad car - there's just too many solid choices out there in the segment for this one to be highlighted for too long. It's just the newest, shiniest entrant into a high demand market for such cars.

I'm interested to see how it drives - @michaell and I poked around the one at the Denver Auto Show and I was impressed with the interior look and feel. A used one could make a nice buy in a year or two.

breld

Civic Type R sticker has been released at $34,775.

Seems good to me - undercuts the Focus RS and Golf R, which it should, and more or less in line with a loaded GTI or WRX. Of course, the Honda will be selling for no discounts for the foreseeable future, but once that dies down, or someone who just had to have one of the first ones finds it's too harsh for their daily driving and wants to unload it, I may have to try one out.