Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tbirdmarco

@28firefighter sounds like an good deal! if you and the wife like the car would say go for it!

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

Someone tell me this is a terrible idea.

I have a line on a 2018 Outback 3.6R Limited with EyeSight and Nav (MSRP $38,7XX) for 36/10, $297/month including 10% tax. Due at signing is first month, tags and doc fee - about $950. I also have a Subaru ambassador coupon which I could use to drop the payment to $281/month inclusive of tax. 

We have been discussing the long term viability of the GTI and had no intention of holding it too much longer than next year. But it’s early. I’m balancing whether this is the kind of deal I should jump on. 

Thoughts?

16% off a Subaru and terrible idea don't go together so I'm no help. That's a steal in my opinion.

au1994

@Marcothecarguy1986 a belated happy birthday to you!

@28firefighter that’s a hard deal to pass up on a loaded Outback. You’re familiar with the X1 so you know the trade offs from the GTI to the X1. I shopped both when I got my X1. My commute is long so I appreciated the more refinement from the X1. That’s not a knock against the GTI btw. Still love those and an incredible bang for the buck.

Wish we were in the market. I love the aggressive year end deals!!

kyfdx

@28firefighter So, the wife is okay with an Outback vs. her X1? That would be a deal breaker at my house.

Do you really want an Outback? Or, is it just the great lease deal? (that's how I ended up with a Tacoma).

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

Someone tell me this is a terrible idea.

I have a line on a 2018 Outback 3.6R Limited with EyeSight and Nav (MSRP $38,7XX) for 36/10, $297/month including 10% tax. Due at signing is first month, tags and doc fee - about $950. I also have a Subaru ambassador coupon which I could use to drop the payment to $281/month inclusive of tax. 

We have been discussing the long term viability of the GTI and had no intention of holding it too much longer than next year. But it’s early. I’m balancing whether this is the kind of deal I should jump on. 

Thoughts?

Good deal, but I would much rather be driving a GTI

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

@28firefighter So, the wife is okay with an Outback vs. her X1? That would be a deal breaker at my house. Do you really want an Outback? Or, is it just the great lease deal? (that's how I ended up with a Tacoma).

The wife would prefer the Subaru. My sense is she is having some buyers remorse over the X1.  I on the other hand do not feel the same. 

It’s a great deal on a great car. Timing just may be off. 

stickguy

Great deal. For that payment, I would get it myself. Wife would like it. I would flip the RDX and use the money to pay off the Elantra. End up with more loaded new wheels, and net monthly payments go down.

Key is, also a really nice car. But, has to work for you. It would for us. But YMMV.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

Great deal. For that payment, I would get it myself. Wife would like it. I would flip the RDX and use the money to pay off the Elantra. End up with more loaded new wheels, and net monthly payments go down.

Key is, also a really nice car. But, has to work for you. It would for us. But YMMV.

It would certainly work for us. No question. Tons of space, super reliable, all of the safety gear. Plus me driving the X1 is hardly a consolation prize. I just love the GTI.

stickguy

If the X1 would be more practical, and you are probably selling the GTI in a year or so anyway, makes a ton of sense to do now. Plus the VW is just going to depreciate more anyway.

28firefighter

For once in my somewhat ridiculous car buying history, I have a perfectly logical and reasonable argument for making a punch. And yet, I'm wavering.

ab348

28firefighter said:

We have been discussing the long term viability of the GTI and had no intention of holding it too much longer than next year. But it’s early. I’m balancing whether this is the kind of deal I should jump on. 

Thoughts?

Not sure what you mean about "long term viability" - is the transmission still a concern for you? IIRC you had some issues with that. A GTI seems fairly practical otherwise. But if you're not in love with it, don't keep it if there's something you like more.

I know little about Subies but somebody on one of these boards recently was dissing the flat-six engine and suggesting that it was not long for this world, to be replaced by a turbo 4. Can't recall who that was and dunno how true it is.

28firefighter

ab348 said:

28firefighter said:

We have been discussing the long term viability of the GTI and had no intention of holding it too much longer than next year. But it’s early. I’m balancing whether this is the kind of deal I should jump on. 

Thoughts?

Not sure what you mean about "long term viability" - is the transmission still a concern for you? IIRC you had some issues with that. A GTI seems fairly practical otherwise. But if you're not in love with it, don't keep it if there's something you like more.

I know little about Subies but somebody on one of these boards recently was dissing the flat-six engine and suggesting that it was not long for this world, to be replaced by a turbo 4. Can't recall who that was and dunno how true it is.

Well it has two meanings. First, given the issues we had with it during our first year, we are not inclined to keep it out of its B2B warranty, which will be up next fall. Second, it really isn't practical as a family car in any meaningful way. Once you put Sam in his rear-facing car seat and his stroller in the trunk, you better not need to pick up any groceries etc on your outing. Right now its OK with just the X1 serving as a family hauler, but that isn't going to work long-term.

stickguy

That last part is what you need to know. Seems like the stars aligned and time is right. Like when the X1 fell in your lap. Plus that is a nice consolation prize.

Mr_Shiftright

Am I missing something or do these Volvo "subscription leases" (CARE) seem like a pretty bad deal?

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

Am I missing something or do these Volvo "subscription leases" (CARE) seem like a pretty bad deal?

Pretty heinous from what I've read. Perfect if you have no interest in negotiating and don't want to try to find your own insurance.

suydam

28firefighter said:

ab348 said:

28firefighter said:

We have been discussing the long term viability of the GTI and had no intention of holding it too much longer than next year. But it’s early. I’m balancing whether this is the kind of deal I should jump on. 

Thoughts?

Not sure what you mean about "long term viability" - is the transmission still a concern for you? IIRC you had some issues with that. A GTI seems fairly practical otherwise. But if you're not in love with it, don't keep it if there's something you like more.

I know little about Subies but somebody on one of these boards recently was dissing the flat-six engine and suggesting that it was not long for this world, to be replaced by a turbo 4. Can't recall who that was and dunno how true it is.

Well it has two meanings. First, given the issues we had with it during our first year, we are not inclined to keep it out of its B2B warranty, which will be up next fall. Second, it really isn't practical as a family car in any meaningful way. Once you put Sam in his rear-facing car seat and his stroller in the trunk, you better not need to pick up any groceries etc on your outing. Right now its OK with just the X1 serving as a family hauler, but that isn't going to work long-term.

Yes, I’d say you are due for a bigger vehicle.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Am I missing something or do these Volvo "subscription leases" (CARE) seem like a pretty bad deal?

Pretty heinous from what I've read. Perfect if you have no interest in negotiating and don't want to try to find your own insurance.

Yeah, this "subscription" reminds me of other types of "convenience products", where the owner can't be bothered to do some legwork to save money. It's like taking a low-ball trade when you buy a new car, just to get the deal over with.

Mr_Shiftright

So Volvo offers a 24-month subscription lease on a new XC40 (msrp around $35K) for a mere $600/month.

You get insurance, early opt-out on a new lease (12 months), concierge service (whatever the hell that means) and maintenance, which it says "includes wear items". Not sure what wears in 24 months, but....

roadburner

28firefighter said:

kyfdx said:

@28firefighter So, the wife is okay with an Outback vs. her X1? That would be a deal breaker at my house.

Do you really want an Outback? Or, is it just the great lease deal? (that's how I ended up with a Tacoma).

The wife would prefer the Subaru. My sense is she is having some buyers remorse over the X1.  I on the other hand do not feel the same. 

It’s a great deal on a great car. Timing just may be off. 

Different strokes; my wife would be the exact opposite. Plus, the Soob has a CVT, no?

stickguy

Basically a long term rental. Probably makes sense for some people. Maybe someone in the country on a couple year work assignment?

Mr_Shiftright

The company picks up the tab? That might make sense.

corvette

28ff, pull the trigger already! 

kyfdx

I'm probably biased, because I would have no desire for the Subaru.

If you really like the GTI, you have 10 more months to find a comparable deal on a different vehicle for the wife. I wouldn't jump out of the GTI, if you have that much time under warranty left.

28firefighter

Perfectly reasonable approach and is likely the approach we will take.

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

Am I missing something or do these Volvo "subscription leases" (CARE) seem like a pretty bad deal?

I read them as being like the old maintenance-included leases. Not sure if they have mileage limits though, that could be their only saving grace.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes they do.

tifighter

28firefighter said:

Someone tell me this is a terrible idea.

I have a line on a 2018 Outback 3.6R Limited with EyeSight and Nav (MSRP $38,7XX) for 36/10, $297/month including 10% tax. Due at signing is first month, tags and doc fee - about $950. I also have a Subaru ambassador coupon which I could use to drop the payment to $281/month inclusive of tax. 

We have been discussing the long term viability of the GTI and had no intention of holding it too much longer than next year. But it’s early. I’m balancing whether this is the kind of deal I should jump on. 

Thoughts?

This is an outstanding deal. You know that already. I'm frankly surprised; well equipped 3.6Rs don't stick around in the PNW so they must really need to pull out the stops to make the year. If your wife likes it and you are happy with the X1, then I'm not yet seeing the downside.

28firefighter

The biggest downside is getting rid of the GTI....

tifighter

...which you are getting rid of anyhow, right?

corvette

Or he could have 10 more months of waiting for the warranty clock to run out and trying to get a good deal on an acceptable replacement. 

breld

A little late on the update, but the Sunday morning drive with the neighbor in his 911 was fun. The car is crazy quick, at least compared to anything I've owned or driven. I'd never ridden with my neighbor before, but he's a competent and safe driver, having taken some performance driving classes and having a little experience on a track.

So he was certainly aggressive in showing off the acceleration of the car as well as it's handling capabilities in the twisties, but I could tell he was always in control. He enjoyed demonstrating how quickly the 911 could go from 70 mph to 100 mph. And around some tight mountain road turns, it was pretty amazing how the car tracked.

He asked if I wanted to drive it, but I declined - I don't know him that well yet so didn't feel comfortable driving such a car I don't own.

He did get one speeding ticket though. After pushing the car up to 100 mph in some places, and taking the turns much quicker than most other cars could safely do, he got a ticket for 50 in a 35. I figured that was much better than what could have been, and he agreed.

After a stop for some good coffee, we headed back down - fun morning. We'll probably do it again in my Type R, though I'm just not bold enough to drive quite as aggressive as he did.

His 911 had some modifications to it from the previous owner to be an occasional track toy. Not sure how much that had to do with it, but I tell ya, my Type R is Lexus-like in comfort in comparison!

Sandman6472

I'd go for it to be honest. She wants it, you get the X1 as your desktop d d, no downside here. Happy wife, happy life and it's so true. Getting the X1 is the bonus here for you, not a bad deal I'd say!
Pull the trigger and within a week, you'll be a happy camper.

The Sandman

roadburner

breld said:

A little late on the update, but the Sunday morning drive with the neighbor in his 911 was fun. The car is crazy quick, at least compared to anything I've owned or driven. I'd never ridden with my neighbor before, but he's a competent and safe driver, having taken some performance driving classes and having a little experience on a track.

So he was certainly aggressive in showing off the acceleration of the car as well as it's handling capabilities in the twisties, but I could tell he was always in control. He enjoyed demonstrating how quickly the 911 could go from 70 mph to 100 mph. And around some tight mountain road turns, it was pretty amazing how the car tracked.

He asked if I wanted to drive it, but I declined - I don't know him that well yet so didn't feel comfortable driving such a car I don't own.

He did get one speeding ticket though. After pushing the car up to 100 mph in some places, and taking the turns much quicker than most other cars could safely do, he got a ticket for 50 in a 35. I figured that was much better than what could have been, and he agreed.

After a stop for some good coffee, we headed back down - fun morning. We'll probably do it again in my Type R, though I'm just not bold enough to drive quite as aggressive as he did.

His 911 had some modifications to it from the previous owner to be an occasional track toy. Not sure how much that had to do with it, but I tell ya, my Type R is Lexus-like in comfort in comparison!

That was a major advantage of my Mazdaspeed 3; it looked like a compact station wagon- no scoops, big spoilers, or stripes. I could get away with murder because the police never gave it a second glance...

tbirdmarco

@au1994 thank you!

tbirdmarco

@breld nice nice nice! that really did sound like an nice fun Saturday morning! when you get to no the man a lot bettor than take that porsh out for an drive if you feal up to it! and yes you have to take the type R out and have fun with it before it gos back on the market! lollollol

tbirdmarco

@sandman_6472 I would have to agree with you! happy wife happy life! lollol every maryd person has told me that! good for me to no when that does happen for me! lollollol

xwesx

Glad to hear from you, breld! I thought maybe he dumped you up there on the mountain somewhere.

Bummer that he received a ticket, but I guess you have to pay to play! If you don't want to push your Type R too hard when it is your turn, just wait until you get some nice snow, put good tires on it, and carve up that mountain in style!

stickguy

finally cracked 600 miles tonight, so officially out of the break in period. Celebrated by romping on it a bit from a stoplight so it shifted at 3,500 instead of 2,500. Moved along quick nicely that way. Maybe in a few days I will really wind it out and hit 5K on it!

tbirdmarco

@stickguy nice nice sounds good to me!

tjc78

finally cracked 600 miles tonight, so officially out of the break in period. Celebrated by romping on it a bit from a stoplight so it shifted at 3,500 instead of 2,500. Moved along quick nicely that way. Maybe in a few days I will really wind it out and hit 5K on it!


Just drive it like you stole it! I've never babied a new car.... I think I hit redline on the drive back to work from the dealer!

At least your Elantra is quick. Mine is such a turd, I pretty much wind it up constantly when I'm by myself.

Told the wife, by the time the lease it up kids will be out of paid school and I'm getting a moderately quick sedan.

28firefighter

Wife and I have decided to sit tight. We're still getting rid of expenses related to our move and I'd like to give the ole credit report a break for a while.

I may regret this in 10 months, but somehow I'm sure I'll have moved onto the next thing by then...

stickguy

T, I did drive a limited too, and that one you had to wind out to keep it moving. Not so with the sport. You do get used to having a quick car. Both mine now can do low-mid 6s 0-60. Might be dangerously slow menaces to RB, but plenty fast for us. And I love he turbo torque, since I never go close to the redline. My Honda’s VTEC was wasted on me.

stickguy

FF, a perfectly reasonable move. There will be other cars to get in the fall. Maybe even a leftover 2018 outback!

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

Wife and I have decided to sit tight. We're still getting rid of expenses related to our move and I'd like to give the ole credit report a break for a while.

I may regret this in 10 months, but somehow I'm sure I'll have moved onto the next thing by then...

That's a deal that could be hard to replicate in 10 months if you're still zeroed in on the same car but I don't think you lose with either choice.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

28firefighter said:

Wife and I have decided to sit tight. We're still getting rid of expenses related to our move and I'd like to give the ole credit report a break for a while.

I may regret this in 10 months, but somehow I'm sure I'll have moved onto the next thing by then...

That's a deal that could be hard to replicate in 10 months if you're still zeroed in on the same car but I don't think you lose with either choice.

The perks of being a CCBAer is that I'm generally not zeroed in on any car. It would have been a good fit, for sure, but I think the timing is just off for us.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

The perks of being a CCBAer is that I'm generally not zeroed in on any car. It would have been a good fit, for sure, but I think the timing is just off for us.

And, if your wife is unhappy with the X1, I am happy to let her borrow my '08 Forester for a month or so to restore her appreciation for that fine machine.

28firefighter

HAHA!

stickguy

FF, I feel ya about timing. Usually right after I buy, something pops up that would have been perfect if I hadn’t just got a car.

tbirdmarco

@tjc78 @stickguy nice nice sounds good to me!

tbirdmarco

@tjc78 sounds good for the next car! when the leese is up! on your current one!