Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

breld said:

I’ve been eyeing this as part of one of my routine searches and the price keeps getting lowered. I’m not ready to make the move yet, but the thought of potentially a straight swap on the Civic has its appeal considering what it is.

Manual S5

Still too much for a stickshift, IMHO. Gotta be a big hit on that car. I'd be inclined to pay $30k just to CMA, but I suppose $32k if I couldn't live without it. Regardless, it will continue to depreciate like used bread.

Mr_Shiftright

tbirdmarco said:

 My brother called me tonight having problems with his diesel truck in the extreme cold decided he’s going to get a new truck guess model instead he’s had this one for number of years think he might keep it anyway not sure what is going to do with it I want new brand of truck he’s going to go with now 

Is he using an anti-gel in his diesel fuel? Diesels get "cranky" below 20F.

Mr_Shiftright

carnaught said:

CCBA guru, @breld, by definition, is in constant search mode, LOL.

The Great White Shark of used car lots.

pensfan83

qbrozen said:

Still too much for a stickshift, IMHO. Gotta be a big hit on that car. I'd be inclined to pay $30k just to CMA, but I suppose $32k if I couldn't live without it. Regardless, it will continue to depreciate like used bread.

I'm curious what my A4 eventually sold for. I think they had it pegged over $25K at the outset but it was down to $23,900 after only a week and after a month I think it was around $22,500 which wasn't far off the RV. I stopped tracking it shortly after that and by the time I went back to the dealer it had sold.

stickguy

That is what worries me about an expensive used car like that. They tend to stay high, until hitting a certain point when it suddenly becomes an old or high mile car, and then fall off a cliff. Seems like that one, in a couple of years, could easily drop from 32 to 18. Not as bad maybe as the first 2 years, but you also are not driving a new car (and soon, one out of warranty). If anything, I would bet the Civic in the next 2 years holds it's value better. But has no where near the creature comforts!

Breld of course lives the credo, "buy and drive what makes you happy"

suydam

Took the Volt in for a tire rotation. I’m not sure it really needs an oil change but it’s free so why not. Mechanic recommended changing the cabin filter in the aftermath of the fires. Makes sense to me. We were wearing masks outdoors for over 2 weeks. The stuff was everywhere.

corvette

pennsfan, you should check out Fallingwater. It’s amazing. The sheer number of visitors they funnel through there is astonishing, so it does kind of feel like a tourist trap, but it’s well worth seeing. 

suydam

Also seen other amazing Wright house, Kentuck Knob, just 15 minutes away.

pensfan83

We're planning to go back in the spring to see it. A number of our friends have been there and have said it's an amazing home and experience. The nice thing is we're only a little over an hour away so it's easy to do a day trip and spring is beautiful in the Laurel Highlands.

28firefighter

So, some initial impressions of the 330e - I'm likely going to have it through tomorrow because the software update for the X1 is taking considerably longer than expected.

I really like the exterior styling - its sporty, yet not gaudy. I could only tell minor differences between this 2018 and the 2014 I drove yesterday.

The interior feels dated and full of plastic. An upsetting amount of hard plastic for the price point. I also find that the HK stereo does not sound all that impressive, especially compared with the Burmester or Bang and Olufsen audio. A decent sounding premium audio system is a requirement for me, if I have to give up driving my sporty GTI in favor of a "family" car. The backseat is certainly wider and more roomy than the GTI, but not impressively so given the extra length. Unsurprisingly the trunk is smaller (more shallow) than a normal 3er because of the batteries for iPerformance.

Performance is - well the performance is outstanding. The biggest benefit of the electric motor is that it eliminates the turbo lag with instant torque off the line such that when the gas engine kicks in, the turbo is already rockin'. This car is quick, no doubt about it. I was crossing the 520 and the car was driving so smoothly and quietly that I did not even realize that I was doing close to 85.

An interesting car and, if I could get it cheap enough (which it does not seem that I can), would be a fun lease.

qbrozen

I happen to think the GTI is very family friendly in 4-door guise. Back seat was quite impressive in my 2008. Easily bested any sedan I've had.

rayainsw

"... the software update for the X1 is taking considerably longer than expected."
Well, fancy that.
Glad to hear you are impressed with the acceleration.
- Ray
IT guy

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

I happen to think the GTI is very family friendly in 4-door guise. Back seat was quite impressive in my 2008. Easily bested any sedan I've had.

The backseat is OK - the big issue is that with a stroller in it, the hatch is full. As far as small cars go, it is OK, but it isn't great and with one convertible car seat in the back, carrying any passengers in back is a non-starter .

suydam

I’m a little unclear as to why this particular vehicle appeals. Are you thinking of replacing the GTI because you need a larger sedan, because you want a plug-in for fuel economy, or some combination of the two? There are other options that might be cheaper, also fun to drive (if that’s a priority), and with nicer interiors and sound systems.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

I happen to think the GTI is very family friendly in 4-door guise. Back seat was quite impressive in my 2008. Easily bested any sedan I've had.

The backseat is OK - the big issue is that with a stroller in it, the hatch is full. As far as small cars go, it is OK, but it isn't great and with one convertible car seat in the back, carrying any passengers in back is a non-starter .

My sugestion is to not base any car aquisition on the convertible car seat. It is rear-facing for a far shorter period than car ownership (for some people who actually hold a car for more than a year). I had a Lincoln LSv8 before realizing it was not rear-facing car seat friendly. Traded that on an Accord lease to fix the problem. Probably my biggest car mistake. Once the kid was forward facing, I could not get out of the Accord fast enough. Should have just made the wife keep the passenger seat all of 2 inches further forward than she liked in the Lincoln for those 9 mos. 

ab348

If you need back seat and trunk space, I'm not sure a 3-series is going to be much of an improvement over the GTI. It sounds like you need something like a Charger R/T.

28firefighter

I would love a Charger R/T. Doesn't fit in our garage - too long.

I like the idea of a slightly larger family sedan that will fit our needs a bit better (if I can, and can get it right) and is something I love. I won't jump just for the sake of jumping at this point.

28firefighter

Besides, since when does anyone here need to justify making a change other than "just because."

EDIT: This sounded more terse than I intended. I'm mostly enjoying a week of driving. The GTI will go before the end of next year one way or another because my wife has decided it has outlived stay. She doesn't care when it goes, just wants it gone next by the end of next year.

suydam

We’re just trying to enable you to get what you want! Whatever it turns out to be.

28firefighter

At any given moment, I'd like everything...which is why I'm doing some due diligence here.

imidazol97

Is anyone going to buy a car on the last business day of the year!

tbirdmarco

 Fire fighter you definitely will find a nice replacement soon you have a year to do it or maybe a little less the new year starts on Monday glad to hear you’re paid up on the lawn or three series electric that you were driving or your wife’s car is in the shop getting maintenance done 

tbirdmarco

 Shifty yes he is whatever additive he uses think that was it and he said it’s not helping he’s never had this much trouble please hand truck for a couple of years I think he’s gonna end up keeping it anyway and have two trucks I said do what you want he was talking about replacing it anyway for a while and us closer to 300,000 on it that’s the major issue he’s having other than that it’s been pretty good other than where in tear stuff it’s a Ford 2000 4F 250 fully loaded 

tbirdmarco

 Broiled thank you I know in the coming month or two pacific type or it’s going to go I know always in looking mode me too ha ha I’m sure all of us in this group why not 

tjc78

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

I happen to think the GTI is very family friendly in 4-door guise. Back seat was quite impressive in my 2008. Easily bested any sedan I've had.

The backseat is OK - the big issue is that with a stroller in it, the hatch is full. As far as small cars go, it is OK, but it isn't great and with one convertible car seat in the back, carrying any passengers in back is a non-starter .

My sugestion is to not base any car aquisition on the convertible car seat. It is rear-facing for a far shorter period than car ownership (for some people who actually hold a car for more than a year). I had a Lincoln LSv8 before realizing it was not rear-facing car seat friendly. Traded that on an Accord lease to fix the problem. Probably my biggest car mistake. Once the kid was forward facing, I could not get out of the Accord fast enough. Should have just made the wife keep the passenger seat all of 2 inches further forward than she liked in the Lincoln for those 9 mos. 

Agree, my Enlantra wasn’t great with the rear facing seat.  I knew my youngest wasn’t going to be rear facing forever so it didn’t bother me.  

suydam

I guess it depends on whether you’re planning to have another one.

28firefighter

suydam said:

I guess it depends on whether you’re planning to have another one.

Short answer is we’d like to. Reality and ability to may be very different. 

suydam

So that might be more important to have a car that can accommodate a rear facing car seat.

kyfdx

suydam said:

So that might be more important to have a car that can accommodate a rear facing car seat.

Not if it’s gone in a year...

tjc78

suydam said:

I guess it depends on whether you’re planning to have another one.

True.  In my case we have two and are all set !!

breld

My youngest is almost 13, so it’s been awhile since I’ve had car seats, much less a rear facing one, but I do remember it took a pretty sizable vehicle to accommodate one. I had a first gen TSX when my first kid was born, and that was definitely tight. I traded up to a 5-series when the second came along - that worked pretty well.

I agree the hatch space in the GTI is a bit short in depth. Sounds like you are targeting a sedan, but a wagon would really fit the bill with their large openings to accommodate strollers and such.

breld

On that S5, I agree with @stickguy - the silver over black doesn’t do much for me. That’s actually the same color combo I had on my A5. It was sharp, but a blue or white would be much more appealing.

Manuals are relatively rare, but not overly difficult to find, so there’s certainly no rush to get into one. I’ll stay the course with the Type R for awhile.

qbrozen

So this is rather interesting. They bought it at auction 7-8 weeks ago for $27,900, put a bit under 300 miles on it for some reason, and are threatening to send it back to auction already.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/717957923/overview?aff=share_other

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

So this is rather interesting. They bought it at auction 7-8 weeks ago for $27,900, put a bit under 300 miles on it for some reason, and are threatening to send it back to auction already.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/717957923/overview?aff=share_other

What’s wrong with it if they want to send it away again?

breld

Wow! That is very intriguing. I’m still not sold on the looks of the Guilia, but based on the accolades it’s getting as a drivers car, I’ve been paying more attention to them.

28firefighter

breld said:

My youngest is almost 13, so it’s been awhile since I’ve had car seats, much less a rear facing one, but I do remember it took a pretty sizable vehicle to accommodate one. I had a first gen TSX when my first kid was born, and that was definitely tight. I traded up to a 5-series when the second came along - that worked pretty well. I agree the hatch space in the GTI is a bit short in depth. Sounds like you are targeting a sedan, but a wagon would really fit the bill with their large openings to accommodate strollers and such.

Ideally yes. I’ve been watching the 330 and 328d xdrive wagon demos for any deals. Nothing so far. 

qbrozen

breld said:

Wow! That is very intriguing. I’m still not sold on the looks of the Guilia, but based on the accolades it’s getting as a drivers car, I’ve been paying more attention to them.

Really? I'm quite fond of its looks. The profile is nothing special, but the nose and tail are very attractive.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

So this is rather interesting. They bought it at auction 7-8 weeks ago for $27,900, put a bit under 300 miles on it for some reason, and are threatening to send it back to auction already.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/717957923/overview?aff=share_other

I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Alfas are back in NA. That said, I’d like to test drive one.....not sure I could tolerate the fact that it has more than slightly likely chance to live a lot of its days in the dealer’s service dept!

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

breld said:

Wow! That is very intriguing. I’m still not sold on the looks of the Guilia, but based on the accolades it’s getting as a drivers car, I’ve been paying more attention to them.

Really? I'm quite fond of its looks. The profile is nothing special, but the nose and tail are very attractive.

If I'm leasing, it's at the top of the list of small sport sedans. I'd take a chance for 27 months.

But, I want the TI model.
No stick, though.. if you are inclined that way.

stickguy

ad could be just to get you in. Or, may just be a timing thing (if it sits too long, off it goes).

I will have to take a long sit in one at the car show next month (only about 27 days!). One odd thing from the pictures though. It looks like the engine start/stop button is on the steering wheel? That is a strange place for it.

corvette

Yeah, that is a sharp looking Alfa. I’d rather lease than buy, though. 

tbirdmarco

 I’m liking the offers more and more to check them out in person I want to see that new Stillview SUV to seems interesting there’s only one dealer around here Michael look at it my mom was talking about leasing at 500 X one she likes it I don’t know we will see what her Peloch go in the coming months next year 

tbirdmarco

 World we’ll see what happens how much car is coming into your feet next and which one will be going ha ha Ha 

Mr_Shiftright

tbirdmarco said:

 Shifty yes he is whatever additive he uses think that was it and he said it’s not helping he’s never had this much trouble please hand truck for a couple of years I think he’s gonna end up keeping it anyway and have two trucks I said do what you want he was talking about replacing it anyway for a while and us closer to 300,000 on it that’s the major issue he’s having other than that it’s been pretty good other than where in tear stuff it’s a Ford 2000 4F 250 fully loaded 

yeah when diesels pile up the miles they don't start up as easily. Maybe a set of glow plugs (if that engine uses them) and a block heater?

ab348

Leasing a potentially troublesome car solves one problem, but if your local dealer doesn't have a great policy on loaners when it is in the shop for weeks at a time until artisan parts from an Italian craftsman make their way across the Atlantic, it will still be a bad experience.

Mr_Shiftright

Down time is down time, that's right--whether a lease or a purchase--and you're paying for the car while it sits at the dealer.

coldinohio

test drove the Guilia yesterday at end of season event; 2017 base with 2L turbo
very well put together on short test drive; quieter than my 2014 Audi A4; the 5.1-5.3 sec 0-60mph seems reasonable; flat in corners; interestingly, smaller than I thought (which is good)

2018 has more goodies standard: Carplay to name one

very intrigued; although I don't typically lease, if I did Alfa would lease

kyfdx

Give me a comparable loaner, and I'm good to go..

Of course, I'd check on that before leasing one.

roadburner

kyfdx said:

Give me a comparable loaner, and I'm good to go..

Of course, I'd check on that before leasing one.

My thoughts exactly.

carnaught

While I haven't driven a Gulia, except for it's driving dynamics, the looks of the car seem kind of low rent to me, including plain interior (have only seen it in black) and side panels. Opinion is subject to change, however. Agree with others, would only lease, not buy, unless there is a punishing disposal fee at lease termination.