Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

Just in case anybody asks, yes a 24" snow blower will fit into the cargo area of a 2017 Honda Pilot with the 2nd row in place.

Looks like the Pilot has been adequately broken in. 

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

Just in case anybody asks, yes a 24" snow blower will fit into the cargo area of a 2017 Honda Pilot with the 2nd row in place.

Looks like the Pilot has been adequately broken in. 

Frightening to think that you'll need to use a monster like that in the very near future.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

Just in case anybody asks, yes a 24" snow blower will fit into the cargo area of a 2017 Honda Pilot with the 2nd row in place.

Looks like the Pilot has been adequately broken in. 

nyccarguy said:

Just in case anybody asks, yes a 24" snow blower will fit into the cargo area of a 2017 Honda Pilot with the 2nd row in place.

Looks like the Pilot has been adequately broken in. 

Frightening to think that you'll need to use a monster like that in the very near future.

Oy. I don’t even think something that long will fit in our garage. 

pensfan83

xwesx said:

The little town of Ohiopyle was a wonderful stop for my family last year (ooookay, so it was May of 2016, which doesn't count as "last year" anymore). We did not tour Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob, but we did stay at the campground that was just across the way from Kentuck Knob, as well as hike and bike all around the little town (and its surroundings). The original plan was to go on a rafting trip, but the company cancelled on us.

Anyhow, there is a little restaurant on the corner of the main drag along the riverfront, which is combined with a convenience store. Excellent food, dirt cheap. Recommend....! Maybe called "Falls Market;" I don't entirely recall. It's just before you cross the bridge over the Yough (or just after, if you're coming from Fallingwater).

If you're inclined to stick around a little while and walk the riverfront or many of the numerous trails in the immediate area, head up a couple streets behind the restaurant to the corner of Sherman and Sheridan to grab some fabulous ice cream cones at the Kickstand ice cream shop.

I'm familiar with all the places you referenced, we love Ohiopyle and spend a fair amount of time there biking, canoeing, etc. The wife and myself stayed at Nemacolin this last trip, quite a nice experience if you're ever inclined to indulge yourself.

stickguy

Pilot needs a bath. I washed the RDX yesterday. Now we are buried in snow. But it as too disgusting to live with. But, was free. Guy in front of me at the spray yourself booth, left almost 4 minutes on the timer. Not sure why, but mine as free.

pensfan83

Both cars look horrible, especially the TLX since it was subjected to highway salt spray. It's pretty much gray at this point. I haven't used a tunnel wash in years since they destroy the paint but at the very least I'm going to need to go to the self-serve place just to give both cars a rinse until I can give them a good handwashing.

tbirdmarco

@xwesx so my brouther came clean told me he did try all you did say in your posting above he forgot to change one filter under the truck that has an water saparater in it! like he does once an year! man o man and he whent to get an nother SUV now has to think he just wanted an nother car! he is an CCBAR like us all think! it is what it is! to let you no!

Michaell

We've been lucky - just a inch or two of snow around Christmas, nothing since.

I got the Jetta through a good wash place this past weekend, but both the MINI and the Outback could use some attention.

tbirdmarco

@nyccarguy nice nice! glad it fit whell! lots of room in that SUV!

tbirdmarco

@qbrozen thanks for the update on the Rover no did not give one in quite sum time good luck with it all! sounds like that could be the problem with it! yes I no the snow is going to slow you up an bit on the fix! bad hear to as whell shore for a lot of us in hear! stay safe all!

kyfdx

It's so cold here, that even the guys with snowblowers didn't bother clearing off their walks and driveways.

graphicguy

Q....jeez-Louise...prices on those Fusion Sports and SHOs really dropped like an anvil.

Looked at both of those this past Spring before I bought the TLX. Thought they were both decent cars...a little lite on the build quality and materials, but not bad driving cars, at all. ACtually, I liked the way they both drove (SHO and Fusion Sport).

That said, I would be kicking myself right now if I had bought either after seeing how much their value has dropped.

Michaell

There is 1 used 2017 Fusion Sport for sale within 100 miles of me.

6400 miles, on sale for $23,399.

And, it's not at a branded dealer ....

28firefighter

Fascinating about the Taurus SHO and Fusion Sport. My Dad had two when I was a kid - a White 1990 SHO (Generation 1) and then a Green 1993 SHO (Generation 2).

And now, they're basically outcasts of the Ford lineup.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

Fascinating about the Taurus SHO and Fusion Sport. My Dad had two when I was a kid - a White 1990 SHO (Generation 1) and then a Green 1993 SHO (Generation 2).

And now, they're basically outcasts of the Ford lineup.

A buddy from HS had a Gen 2 as his first car, passed down from his dad. I think it was a probably a 1993 as well so about 6 years old by the time he started driving. Pretty decent ride for his first car.

fintail

Earlier SHOs can be somewhat high maintenance, right? Still not much collectible value even for the best survivors. Seldom seen anymore, even here.

28firefighter

My Dad always loved the Yamaha Engine and Bosch (?) Transmission in them. He reminded me frequently that the body was still 1990s Ford, and thus constantly rattling and sounding as if they were going to fall apart.

fintail

My mom had a normal 93 Taurus back in the day. Build quality actually seemed good, but it had the 3.8, so it lost the head gasket at 80K, and wasn't worth fixing - my mom walked away from it and to Toyota.

ab348

As usual, up here in Canada the market never got the memo about the Fusion Sport. Found over a dozen used 2017s for sale across the country, cheapest was a bit over $30K CDN, a bunch around $33K, and some leftover ones with 100 or so miles on them asking $37K Cdn. I suspect buyers for them are thin on the ground here.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

at least in our case, she is the one that wanted it. I just let her get her way. But quite possibly she would not remember it that way, or would just say I should have talked her out of it (yeah, right)

If you don't have a recording of that original conversation, or video surveillance footage, I'd say you're out of luck.

tbirdmarco

@Michaell that is quite the deal man o man wow on one of those!

tbirdmarco

@kyfdx same hear to with everyone! the wind is crazy!

xwesx

pensfan83 said:

I'm familiar with all the places you referenced, we love Ohiopyle and spend a fair amount of time there biking, canoeing, etc. The wife and myself stayed at Nemacolin this last trip, quite a nice experience if you're ever inclined to indulge yourself.

Hmmm.... rates seem quite reasonable, and similar to what one would find here (except way more luxurious there). At eight miles away, that almost seems like too far from Ohiopyle proper, but I guess it would depend on the time of year. We were there in May, mid week, and it was a quiet, relaxing experience. Given the number of visitors they see annually, I suspect it could be a lot, lot crazier at times!

xwesx

I am in a loaner Q3 right now while my Q7 has the TDI recall performed as part of the settlement. It was supposed to be same-day, but of course didn't work out that way. Current estimate is that it is done tomorrow, so we headed home in the Q3 on Tuesday and I will drive back down; most likely Saturday morning.

Impressions on the Q3: Small, yet comfortable. The 2.0T gas engine is thirsty! Fuel economy is nearly identical to the 3.0L TDI on the Q7 (for a car half the size), yet this car takes premium gasoline. It is kinda wheezy sounding, and acceleration is meh. I'm not impressed, overall, and I would definitely be dissatisfied with it as a daily driver.

I hate the "infotainment" screen on it! It is literally a small tablet-like thing that juts out of the dash. And, you cannot close it (e.g., fold it down) to make it less obtrusive. I just looks lazy, tacked-on, and silly.

corvette

Dang, looks like the Q3 has the old 200 horse 2.0T. Yeah, that would feel underpowered. 

xwesx

corvette said:

Dang, looks like the Q3 has the old 200 horse 2.0T. Yeah, that would feel underpowered. 

Definitely feels that way. Seat-of-the-pants, it has way less pep than the MT Forester.

Michaell

xwesx said:

I am in a loaner Q3 right now while my Q7 has the TDI recall performed as part of the settlement. It was supposed to be same-day, but of course didn't work out that way. Current estimate is that it is done tomorrow, so we headed home in the Q3 on Tuesday and I will drive back down; most likely Saturday morning.

Impressions on the Q3: Small, yet comfortable. The 2.0T gas engine is thirsty! Fuel economy is nearly identical to the 3.0L TDI on the Q7 (for a car half the size), yet this car takes premium gasoline. It is kinda wheezy sounding, and acceleration is meh. I'm not impressed, overall, and I would definitely be dissatisfied with it as a daily driver.

I hate the "infotainment" screen on it! It is literally a small tablet-like thing that juts out of the dash. And, you cannot close it (e.g., fold it down) to make it less obtrusive. I just looks lazy, tacked-on, and silly.

Funny, when I first saw the "iPad-on-the-dash" I didn't like it, either.

But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions).

Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

xwesx

Michaell said:

But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions).

Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

The system controls are decent enough. I don't mind them at all on the Q7, which functions exactly the same. I just don't like the video unit being so obtrusive.

breld

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

Michaell

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions).

Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

The system controls are decent enough. I don't mind them at all on the Q7, which functions exactly the same. I just don't like the video unit being so obtrusive.

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions).

Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

The system controls are decent enough. I don't mind them at all on the Q7, which functions exactly the same. I just don't like the video unit being so obtrusive.

I thought it would be intrusive, too, when I first saw them.

Never had a problem in the A4. Wonder if it's different because it's in an SUV?

corvette

breld said:

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

It has to be the stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

Edited: It may be because it's listed as having a stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

pensfan83

Michaell said:

Funny, when I first saw the "iPad-on-the-dash" I didn't like it, either. But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions). Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

Funny you say that, I feel the same way going from the knob in the A4 to a touchscreen in the Acura. The TLX lower screen isn't quite in your line of site so for me I often find myself glancing down to make sure I'm punching the right buttons. With the A4 it was easier to scroll through menu options with the knob and quickly glance to make sure the selection was right before using the knob again to select. Much more intuitive in my opinion and less distracting...for me anyway.

stickguy

I rarely touch anything on the screen while driving, so not sure it would really matter. The ipad look itself does not bother me. In some ways, it is better, because it puts the screen up in easier eyesight. Especially for navigation. But like most stuff, you can get used to anything with a little practice.

ab348

breld said:

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

C'mon, buy it back! We know you want to.

xwesx

breld said:

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

Craziest 6-speed manual I've ever seen.

xwesx

stickguy said:

I rarely touch anything on the screen while driving, so not sure it would really matter. The ipad look itself does not bother me. In some ways, it is better, because it puts the screen up in easier eyesight. Especially for navigation. But like most stuff, you can get used to anything with a little practice.

The only thing that gets me is how it looks so tacked on.... like it should be a fold-up unit, or an external device in a holder or something, yet it is permanently affixed. Placement for one's LOS, etc., is really just fine. Good, actually. the aesthetics are just all wrong. I'll have to snap a pic to really relay the obtusity of it (yes, I just coined that word! ).

xwesx

corvette said:

Edited: It may be because it's listed as having a stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

Funny that you mention that! I was thinking, "You know, this might actually be a really fun car! Oh, wait... that's NOT A STICK!!!!" Hahahaha; different strokes...

Michaell

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:

Funny, when I first saw the "iPad-on-the-dash" I didn't like it, either.

But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions).

Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

Funny you say that, I feel the same way going from the knob in the A4 to a touchscreen in the Acura. The TLX lower screen isn't quite in your line of site so for me I often find myself glancing down to make sure I'm punching the right buttons. With the A4 it was easier to scroll through menu options with the knob and quickly glance to make sure the selection was right before using the knob again to select. Much more intuitive in my opinion and less distracting...for me anyway.

Yeah, I feel the same way. Once you figured out the screen navigation, you could quickly scroll to the right selection, press the knob, and ... Bob's your uncle! .... you got what you wanted.

jeffb0101

I had a Q3 rental this summer. I didn’t mind it, but hated the infotainment in it. It also lacked a USB port, which was a huge source of irritation as I was in it quite a bit. 

I always pictured a snow blower as resembling a leaf blower. I guess you can tell I’m from the South!

tbirdmarco

 This cool weather finally clean the victim your brothers Ultima we need to get a new battery tomorrow they’re really cranked very little think it’s the regional battery you got the car in 2016 it’s a 2013 so going to go to the auto parts store and get a battery tomorrow also advised him the battery on those keyless keys go dead change yours to because it also prevent the car from starting to as well but it’s definitely the main battery this time we jumped it with really no luck 

tbirdmarco

@xwesx nice rite up on the Q3 rental you have! till Saterday Morning!

Sandman6472

Was thinking of a Q3 as a possible d d next time but sounds like it's not for me, premium plus thirsty equal a vehicle I will not buy! Do like the looks though. Funny, besides no USB in the wife's A3, have no issues with the infotainment center, just adequate though. And not having the USB in my Golf was an easy fix with the correct cord bought on Amazon.com. Thank Stick for solving that issue for me!!
Drove a couple new 2018 Camry's today and flame me all y'all want...I LIKE IT!!! Size wise, a bit too big for me but it drives flawlessly and Toyota did a fine job with the interior, once one gets used to it's quirky design. They've even come into the 21st century with their key fob and cruise control. Our LE units have nice looking alloys and dang, I like the whole package!! Seriously, if they make the next generation Corolla as good as this Camry is, I might seriously consider one. I got used to "cheap to keep" all those years up till I got the Golf and could do it again if need be. But have to wait and see what Toyota does with the next generation Corolla. Same with the Civic and what changes come with the mid cycle refresh.
All kind of depends on what happens these next couple of years with an out of warranty German vehicle. Just hope automakers remember that folks like me that want only smaller vehicles get decent looking ones with current tech, don't want to feel left out on certain things. Plus they have to be economical as well as fun to drive. Now, is this really asking too much??

The Sandman

tbirdmarco

@breld injoyed reading the car fax that said one owner oned for 6 munths in calarodo! one recall that neads addressing witch wiss issued when you guys had the car! was at the Honda dealer for quite sum time bofer solde to infinity dealer must be the stick holding it back!

breld

corvette said:

breld said:

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

It has to be the stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

Edited: It may be because it's listed as having a stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

The dealership we traded it in to had it accurately listed as an automatic for the past several months, up until a week ago or so. So it just seems it’s an unloved model. But yes, this Infiniti dealer isn’t doing itself any favors by listing it as a manual.

For $28k, it really is a fun car with character. And if you’ve driven one of these newer Mini models, you know that they drive much nicer than the older ones. Much more of a bmw feel than before.

roadburner

breld said:

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

My wife would snap that puppy up in a minute if it was within 100 miles of us...

Sandman6472

Was talking with a friend at work today and we both decided that having a chance to drive all kinds of new vehicles is what makes the job so fun. For a car guy like me, am getting paid to drive so many different kinds of vehicles, just like I'm test driving so much so I'll have a good idea of what I might want to buy or possibly lease next. Like the idea of leasing, then buying it to maybe get into a higher priced vehicle then I might initially look for. Best thing is if don't like it after the term ends, can just walk away. There's so much out there that I really like, this way at work, get to really test many of them to see if it's something I could really live with for an extended period of time.
Just sayin' that this Hertz gig is perfect for me, doesn't feel like work, so am excited to go in those days I do work. Never know what each day will bring, where we'll go and what I'll be driving which makes work fun for me. As long as my chronic pain doesn't get in my way, I love going in to work, that's why am not saying I'll only work one more year as I really have no clue. As long as it stays fun and the back holds out, I'll go in and really, working around 30 hours/week ain't no big deal. Not sure I'd want to be a full timer at this stage to be honest. Enjoy the flexibility right now!
I am a truly blessed individual and always thank the big guy upstairs every morning I wake up that I am so blessed in life. Tend not to take it for granted and have been able to find much joy in almost everything, big or small. I really love my life now and always remember when I hit rock bottom after my 2005 work vehicle accident and then look at how far I've come. All that happen didn't break me, just made me stronger and happier!!

The Blessed Sandman

stickguy

got an email from VW today touting that the redesigned 2019 Jetta is going to be released on 1/15. Interested to see it in person at the Philly show. Does not look all that much different from the spy pics. More cleaning up or evolutionary. I assume the interior is the same and will be similar to the current Golf.

Michaell

breld said:

corvette said:

breld said:

So the Mini Clubman my wife traded in on the Beetle Convertible...is still for sale!

2017 Mini Clubman

That was traded back on July 6th (and like 3 cars ago)! It recently changed dealership hands (why would an Infiniti dealership buy it from the VW dealership? Maybe through auction?).

It's listed for slightly less than the trade value we got. Apparently the quirky body style hasn't caught on. But still, not a bad deal for a fun AWD wagon-like vehicle.

It has to be the stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

Edited: It may be because it's listed as having a stick. I know it's a MINI, but in that body style (basically a CUV replacement), not many people are going to want a stick.

The dealership we traded it in to had it accurately listed as an automatic for the past several months, up until a week ago or so. So it just seems it’s an unloved model. But yes, this Infiniti dealer isn’t doing itself any favors by listing it as a manual.

For $28k, it really is a fun car with character. And if you’ve driven one of these newer Mini models, you know that they drive much nicer than the older ones. Much more of a bmw feel than before.

I've had a couple of these as loaners (with the base 3-pot engine) and I'll agree - compared to my daughter's 2014 Countryman, the new generation is indistinguishable from any small premium branded car.

The ergonomics, while better, are still a bit - er - different from anything else on the road.

Sandman6472

"Different" can be a two edged sword, and that's what scares me about a Mini Cooper product. Not sure I like having any drama from my d d to be honest. I just want it to start every time and not be a money pit or leave me stranded on the side of the road. Just wish one could change vehicles every year just to get the driving experience of many different makes and models. Now that would be the perfect scenario but unless one has an unending source of $, not gonna happen! Would be fun though!!
Off to work but another morning of upper 30's here in South Florida. We never got above the mid fifties yesterday!!

The Sandman

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

It's so cold here, that even the guys with snowblowers didn't bother clearing off their walks and driveways.

slackers ) ...first thing I did was to clear the snow from the sidewalks and driveway. We only got about 2-3 inches. But, I knew it would still pack and turn into an ice rink if I didn't clear it.

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

Michaell said:

Funny, when I first saw the "iPad-on-the-dash" I didn't like it, either.

But, after living with the rental A4 for 5 days, I have to say I've changed my mind. I got pretty proficient with the i-Drive knob in front of the shifter, though I didn't learn all the ins and outs of it (in addition to twisting the knob, you can nudge it up, down, left or right for specific functions).

Now that I'm back in my Jetta (with touchscreen), I'm actually missing the knob. A little.

Funny you say that, I feel the same way going from the knob in the A4 to a touchscreen in the Acura. The TLX lower screen isn't quite in your line of site so for me I often find myself glancing down to make sure I'm punching the right buttons. With the A4 it was easier to scroll through menu options with the knob and quickly glance to make sure the selection was right before using the knob again to select. Much more intuitive in my opinion and less distracting...for me anyway.

Was thinking on the lower screen in my TLX. I have the NAV controls, Apple Play, etc on the top screen. On the bottom screen, I have the music display (which I control from the steering wheel). The HVAC controls are all on automatic (including the seat heaters/ventilators), so I rarely change those.

I think it depends on what you default to as your preference of the way manufacturers set up their screen(s).

BTW, I've noticed the TLX gets warm in a hurry (less than a mile before heat is generated from the vents). And, it consistently holds cabin temp with no gaps or cold air gaps.

Couldn't say that about some cars I've owned that cost a lot more.