Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

suydam

Why not get a new Golf?

andres3

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

not everybody wants to spend that much money and get a stripped car.

well, I think even stripped an Audi S4 would have all the basics down, you might miss:

- Safety Nannies and Wizards and Gizmos
- Upgraded Audio
- Settle for Alcantara rather than Napa Leather
- Nav
- hot spot internet stuff
- whatever bells and whistles they've thought of since 2016
- The sport diff might be extra..... Anyone that likes AWD should get the sport diff!
- upgraded wheels and tires (huger)

And not everyone finds an S4 useful enough. The Stinger is a midsized hatchback

Didn't seem all that much bigger inside to be honest. I suppose the S5 4-door sport-back is the better comparison then for 9/10ths the size. S5 cost might be higher than S4 though.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

I know @breld is contemplating buying a Q7 at some point. If he goes for the Volvo now, he'll have the Q7 by Labor Day. Was talking to one of the other Dads I'm friendly with from hockey. He's really into cars and m,akes me look like an amateur. He was telling me about a friend of his asking for advice on what to replace a leased Q7 with. The guy (his friend) owns an S4 and leases the SUV for his wife. The S4 just recently needed some work (Thermostat and something else that would have been $2,300 at the dealer) and the MMI controller on the wife's Q7 stopped working (it is leased and well under warranty). The dealer won't replace it. They say he MUST have spilled something on it. My friend says the Q7 is showroom clean. This is the kind of thing you keep hearing second hand about Audi dealers.

I can't speak for all BMW dealers, but our service department usually looked for ways to help a customer- especially with respect to warranty issues.

Sandman6472

Next, stopped at the Subaru sore in the same auto plaza. Loved the new 2018 Imprezza Sportswagon in the white pearl paint with the beige cloth. Had all the safety nannies plus the Rockford Fosgate music system. This could be the one folks. Mileage is impressive and it even has my moonroof. Found a salesguy who seemed nice but he was going out for some training. Told him I'd come back to him on Thursday as I liked his vibe. He even said we can take it home and put it in your garage to see if it fits.
Well, now after telling the wife, she's saying I need this and that's not good. Again, let her go on because didn't want to start anything since we're not 100% sure the Golf will be totaled. My rental runs out at 30 days so after that, it's on my dime. So they need to make a decision within the next day or two so I can do my shopping if need be.
Loved the Encore and the fold down right arm rest, for that alone I'd buy it. The drivers seat felt super comfy and it was the cloth. As much as I want leather again, I might not get it. All depends on how much I want to spend up and above of what amount of check they give me.
Hyundai did have a 2017 Elantra GT with 17K plus change on the speedo that I liked. Some paint nicks around the hatch handle that they'd need to touch up but could get it for around $17K otd I'm thinking. But do I want to go used this time and worry about it when I retire again the end of next year?
Right now, my head is swimming with so much information that I came home a few minutes ago to just rest my brain. I'm thinking that hopefully Thursday I'll know which way things are going and will proceed from there. This stuff is supposed to be fun but I think when it's forced on you, the fun part isn't that important anymore Just want to make the right decision here and not do another "Tucson mistake " again!
Hell, if I were a drinking man, I'd have a real stiff one right now to relax my mind!!

The Sandman

andres3

nyccarguy said:

I know @breld is contemplating buying a Q7 at some point. If he goes for the Volvo now, he'll have the Q7 by Labor Day. Was talking to one of the other Dads I'm friendly with from hockey. He's really into cars and m,akes me look like an amateur. He was telling me about a friend of his asking for advice on what to replace a leased Q7 with. The guy (his friend) owns an S4 and leases the SUV for his wife. The S4 just recently needed some work (Thermostat and something else that would have been $2,300 at the dealer) and the MMI controller on the wife's Q7 stopped working (it is leased and well under warranty). The dealer won't replace it. They say he MUST have spilled something on it. My friend says the Q7 is showroom clean. This is the kind of thing you keep hearing second hand about Audi dealers.

Hmmm, that hasn't been my experience, but I'm only going to Audi dealers in Southern CA. This is a true dealership horror story though, and you hear them for all brands.

I would hope they'd show a plastic panel or circuit board with sticky Pepsi residue before saying "you must have spilled something on it." Are they assuming, or making an educated guess?

I'm not sure why a dealership would take a combative attitude with a customer when it comes to warranty work.

About the only good reason I've heard is that the manufacturer first takes a combative attitude with dealerships to approve payments for warranty work, and then the dealership stupidly follows suit with the customer.

I had a boss once who did admit to frying his Mercedes with spilled coffee on the center console/transmission area. Was apparently an expensive mistake.

Sandman6472

Hoping a few of you who know vehicle pricing will be able to help me if and when I narrow down my choices if the insurance folks do total the Golf. It'll probably come down to maybe five or so vehicles. The Subaru Imprezza Sportwagon, the Hyundai Kona, the Hyundai GT, the Kia Forte or possibly a new Golf SEL. I'll start getting my numbers together and then ask for your thoughts but thinking around invoice should get the job done here.
Think the Honda Civic will be too long but do want to try the Honda HR-V just to see how it drives. Heard it needs some more horsepower under the hood but want to see for myself. Think the Fit is just too small and not enough fun stuff on it.
Then, will need to think about financing. If totaled, they'll give me a check but will need to decide if I finance a part of it. Luckily, I do have a stock paying me a very nice monthly dividend so I won't need to go into my savings like I usually do. I drive too many miles to lease, around 1300/month...heck, I've always owned all my vehicles and only financed one. But, financing a part could work if they have low financing offers right now and luckily, I have excellent credit and a great FICO score according to Credit Karma.
But, bottom line, I'm not enjoying all this right now!! But, do not want to screw it up by getting the wrong vehicle!!

The Sandman

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Next, stopped at the Subaru sore in the same auto plaza. Loved the new 2018 Imprezza Sportswagon in the white pearl paint with the beige cloth. Had all the safety nannies plus the Rockford Fosgate music system. This could be the one folks. Mileage is impressive and it even has my moonroof. Found a salesguy who seemed nice but he was going out for some training. Told him I'd come back to him on Thursday as I liked his vibe. He even said we can take it home and put it in your garage to see if it fits.
Well, now after telling the wife, she's saying I need this and that's not good. Again, let her go on because didn't want to start anything since we're not 100% sure the Golf will be totaled. My rental runs out at 30 days so after that, it's on my dime. So they need to make a decision within the next day or two so I can do my shopping if need be.
Loved the Encore and the fold down right arm rest, for that alone I'd buy it. The drivers seat felt super comfy and it was the cloth. As much as I want leather again, I might not get it. All depends on how much I want to spend up and above of what amount of check they give me.
Hyundai did have a 2017 Elantra GT with 17K plus change on the speedo that I liked. Some paint nicks around the hatch handle that they'd need to touch up but could get it for around $17K otd I'm thinking. But do I want to go used this time and worry about it when I retire again the end of next year?
Right now, my head is swimming with so much information that I came home a few minutes ago to just rest my brain. I'm thinking that hopefully Thursday I'll know which way things are going and will proceed from there. This stuff is supposed to be fun but I think when it's forced on you, the fun part isn't that important anymore Just want to make the right decision here and not do another "Tucson mistake " again!
Hell, if I were a drinking man, I'd have a real stiff one right now to relax my mind!!

The Sandman

No reason you should be on the hook for any rental expenses. The at-fault party (and their insurance) has to reimburse you for rental car costs, deductible costs, DV (contentious) and tow truck fees (if any).

kyfdx

I would think that most of those cars would suck, after owning a Golf.

Sandman6472

Really? so after the 30 days that mine gives me, I can send his company any rental bills for reimbursement? That would be great as I might need a few extra days to decide on a new vehicle. But have started to whittle down my short list to about five or six now. And that's brand new vehicles, as I haven't considered a used vehicle. But, really like the new infotainment "tablets" that Hyundai and Kia are using plus I really want the Apple Carplay since I've got an iPhone now. Have used it a couple times at work and its very seamless and fun to use.
And like I said, don't want to screw things up like I did buying the Tucson when it was totally the wrong vehicle for my needs. So more time here to look would be beneficial to be honest.

The Sandman

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

andres3 said:

Oh, I also noticed another thing about the Stinger, they don't trust the US factory to make them, they are all from Korea, assembly, engine, and transmission all out of Korea.

Perhaps the alignment will last longer than 15K miles

Alignment could be gone in a day. Depends what you hit these days.

Odd that I didn't see the word "Kia" anywhere on the exterior of the Stinger. Did they forget or is that on purpose? --or did I miss it?

1) As to the badge, the non-blacked out Stinger's have a big "KIA" badge on the back, along with GT if they are a GT model. The "Stinger" rear badges remove both the KIA (replaced) and GT badges. One of the reasons I like it is because the oval KIA badge is unattractive to me.

2) That's the thing, I don't believe the Kia's taken any especially hard hits. The hardest hit was to my Audi TTS that tore a small gash in the sidewall right next to the wheel when the 30 series tire got pinched. Was lucky the wheel didn't appear bent.

I suppose those minor pot holes might be harder hits than I actually feel in the Kia, as it has very tall sidewalls and a softer suspension. These cars drive the same roads more or less. Maybe bad luck.

I used to take speed bumps pretty hard in the S4 and it never seemed to wiggle out of alignment much. The impression that car gave was that it would take a Lexus RX 350 or larger to get that thing out of alignment.

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Really? so after the 30 days that mine gives me, I can send his company any rental bills for reimbursement? That would be great as I might need a few extra days to decide on a new vehicle. But have started to whittle down my short list to about five or six now. And that's brand new vehicles, as I haven't considered a used vehicle. But, really like the new infotainment "tablets" that Hyundai and Kia are using plus I really want the Apple Carplay since I've got an iPhone now. Have used it a couple times at work and its very seamless and fun to use.
And like I said, don't want to screw things up like I did buying the Tucson when it was totally the wrong vehicle for my needs. So more time here to look would be beneficial to be honest.

The Sandman

I would give them the option to rent a car out for you (or set you up with their preferred vendor) if they wish. If they don't have a preference, just stick with what your doing, and add the rental car costs to the claim.

andres3

sandman_6472 said:

Stopped by the collision shop early this a m. My guy showed me the email he just got from the adjuster. Seems like she's 3/4 sure it's gonna be totaled!! Not sure how I feel to be honest. Not sure at all as I did tear up on the way home. I think the emotions of the past two weeks finally hit me when I read her email because to be perfectly honest, I LOVE MY GOLF!!!
I do not want a newer vehicle right now, the timing is just off! One good thing is that at least I got about 15 months with the new run flats which I really like. Would I buy again? Possibly.
Stopped by the Buick store and drove an Encore. Very nice but it was a base model and I think I want all the safety nannies now as the accident scarred me a bit. Saw the G M before I left and he said, don't know if he was bull [non-permissible content removed] me, but with the end of their fiscal year in March, I could possibly save a good few thousand on it. Just for kicks, I said, "on this unit that $25K and change, you're saying I could get it for around $21K and change before taxes"? He said yep! Now, personally, think he was bull [non-permissible content removed] me. I left but really liked the Encore. Wife thinks it's too tall and just like my Tucson but she's uneducated on this so I figured not get into a discussion quite yet. But, I'm getting what I want, if it comes to that!
Next went to Hyundai with my $40 Amazon gift card app I got from Hyundai in my email the other day. A lady drove up in a new white Kona, the one I like, and we started to talk. She loves it, loves her sales guy and gave me a slip with his name on it. We talked for a minute or two and said I'd be back for a test drive on the Kona and Elantra GT. They also have a Elantra "Special Edition" which comes with a lot of stuff for around $21K, something I could actually do!

The Sandman

to be honest, I'd be angry it is taking them so long to make a decision. If they are on the fence, you should help push them over. The Golf is a great car, but you don't want one that has come close to being totaled.

andres3

ronsteve said:

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

I have basically the same 1.6t motor. The manual specifies a bottle of their fuel system cleaner with an oil change (maybe every 6k? Something like that, but fairly frequent), but only if you don’t use top tier gas. I make sure I always do, so I won’t be paying extra for that cleaner.

Only other difference vs. the base non-turbo engine is shorter recommended intervals (6 mos or 6k normal I think, 3/3 severe). I am fine with the 6 months, which for me now is still just 3k or so.

But there is top tier 87 and top tier 91. I've seen both Shell and Chevron claim the premium Octane has more cleaning agents than their own regular 87 Octane fuel.

If your getting the power and gas mileage you expected, there's no reason to do the service.

Shell has the V-Power branding on their premium but the Nitrogen Enriched applies to all grades. The Techron secret sauce is in all grades of Chevron and Texaco, neither of which exist here in Marathon monopoly land. 

If they claim to meet Top Tier, all grades have to meet Top Tier. I didn't mind the premium when I got the Volvo 11 years ago, and the price difference was 20 cents a gallon. But now with a 60 cent spread, my checklist for my next ride will include the Elwood Blues "runs good on regular gas." 

the spread between 87 and 91 here in CA is usually .20 to .30. Not significant in the grand scheme of things. In AZ I did notice that the premium had about double that spread; I don't get it! Did help that gas is nearly a dollar cheaper in AZ per gallon.

I could have sworn Chevron would claim their Premium had MORE Techron, at least at one time they did, and perhaps it is MORE than top tier requires. Whether extra Techron beyond top tier requirements is a good thing or not is up for debate.

iluvmysephia1

The Sentra is o k, personally, the CVT zaps all the fun out of it. They do have a special edition that has alloy wheels and a sunroof which looks pretty nice. Not sure I'd go down that road again, had a 2003 that was sold right before the warranty was up. END OF STORY!!

The Sandman

sandy - yep, the Nissan Sentra doesn't get much praise, but I'm not one to take other's words for it. I would avoid the CVT at all costs, like you're agreeing with, but how 'bout a stick shift transmission? Oughta make a positive difference in performance. Nissan builds a competent car and competent tranny, too. The special edition would probably outprice me, but I would look for one that has the upgraded alloys on it - would make a world of difference at least in the looks department. No, I'm sticking with the Kia Soul, I'm house-hunting. But, one day, a gently used Sentra stick might float my boat.

Also, nice ta see you're sort of pursuing the Subaru Impreza hatch, though my preference is the Impreza sedan. Check it out thoroughly and get back to us - I like the new Impreza a lot.

Sandman6472

Like the new Soul also, but it has the old dash style and if I'm going to buy new, I want 2018 technology which includes the tablet like infotainment head unit and the Apple Carplay, the latter being something I won't settle for not having! Sure, I love my XM and will continue it at least for the free 3 months if we go in that direction. Also, I want a cd player and a usb port/aux port, which my 2015 Golf neglected to have. For a new year model, it was a total "f up" on VW's part and the 2016 and later models indeed had these things included. So going forward, I want the latest and most current tech plus as many safety nannies as I can afford. The Subaru Imprezza seems to be the winner hear plus the Rockford Fosgate audio system is wonderful. Like the Fender setup that my Golf has a lot, but the back up camera is lousy so hoping anything new will have a much better camera. Gotta give GM a hand here as they do their back-up camera color and clarity very good, the Encore's was pretty perfect this morning.
The wife things the Encore is Tucson size but she's so wrong here, so wrong. If I do go domestic, that would be it unless I get the Cruze hatchback but my oldest is getting one of those within the next year so do not want the same vehicle as hers. But the white over black Encore could just be the one but I'd have to give up the sunroof possibly. They were the only store today to say, "what do we have to do to get you to but this vehicle today" line. I almost fell over in my chair but didn't want to be rude to the guy, who obviously was not American born. He must've been taught by an old school salesman because he did most things I was always told to avoid. But he was really trying to act knowledgeable, was just a shame I knew more about the vehicle than he did! Anyways, would never use that store.
Lastly, need to test drive the new Ford Ecosport. Size wise, it's a perfect match!

The Sandman

iluvmysephia1

sandy, the Buick Encore is cool - white over black would rock like Foghat in1978! Keep us posted. I'm doing our taxes today - finally.

andres3

Does the Impreza still suffer from Subaru's low-powered 2.0 engine without a turbo and with a CVT? Of course, if they make a manual, that solves part of the problem.

iluvmysephia1

andres3 - I just came off of a crush on this new Subaru Impreza and reviewers say it's underpowered with the 2.0L 4 cyl. without turbocharging and with the CVT. Most reviewers recommend getting the manual transmission.

sandy, does the WRX whoosh over your price point?

stickguy

Sandy, my take on this. First, yes, if they total your rental will be on the clock. 30 days is a lot to get anyway. Really can't expect more than that. And based on this update, you really want this to end up totaled out.

as to the car, to start, ignore the price (within reason). You know you are looking at options that are within reasonable budget range (meaning you can make any of them work). So that should actually come last, and maybe can be a tie breaker.

First step is to list out your requirements list, and make a column for "must have" and one for "nice to have". In your case, short enough to fit in garage sounds like a must. As should ease of entry/exit, and seat comfort, given your back/pain issues. After that, you got stereo sounds, XM, Carplay, moonroof, BLIS, autobraking, etc. Write them down, and think it through. Oh, and of course, body style and MPG, and speed.

that will narrow down your list to look at to start with. Then do what you are doing, and go try them all out.

The cars you mentioned are all nice. But one thing I will bet is that a few of them are too much on the pokey side for you. So take them all out if possible and merge onto the highway to make sure.

worse case, go get a new Golf. Comes with a 6 (7?) year warranty now too! And all the features you missed on your car.

And please, don't talk yourself into settling. Even if it means spending a few $k extra to get everything. otherwise you will be unhappy as soon as you drive home. regret is bad,

and if me, I would not tell the wife anything. If it gets totaled, get the money, and since you have to get a car, surprise it when you get it home. You go with the his/her money plan, and it is your money and your car, so frankly she should not have a say in it! Besides, she drives and Audi, so how could she complain that you got something above bare bones transportation?

Oh, the Elantra sport is all new for 2018. Don't get the 2017. The new one is vastly nicer.

stickguy

the base imprezza is the 2.0 NA CVT. so yeah, not too speedy. The crosstrak is even slower. The WRX is IMO way to rough and rowdy for Sandy's needs!

tifighter

@sandman_6472 For what it's worth, my 2016 Soul has a touchscreen with Apple Carplay, so I'm sure the later ones have it as well. You can get a turbo motor in it now too.

Apparently, there's a new generation coming at the end of the year.

Michaell

I tried to get the belt changed on the Sonata this morning. However, the tech broke the tensioner nut trying to loosen it. A new part has been ordered, and I’ll get that and the belt changed later today. 

iluvmysephia1

tifighter, oh how glad I am to have come back on board. Your '16 Kia Soul has Apple CarPlay? How cool! I may eventually get a Kia Soul upgrade, but, I usually choose the base models. Bet it doesn't come with Android Auto.

Gotta see the New World Order Soul's.

stickguy

ILuv, when it is time, look at the Elantra sport. The base model with a stick shift is still nicely equipped, and quite affordable. You would probably love it.

thebean

@stickguy, why are you trying to get Sandman divorced?

"and if me, I would not tell the wife anything. If it gets totaled, get the money, and since you have to get a car, surprise it when you get it home. You go with the his/her money plan, and it is your money and your car, so frankly she should not have a say in it! Besides, she drives and Audi, so how could she complain that you got something above bare bones transportation?"

iluvmysephia1

stick, since it's not time and I have beaucoup research time, by all means, I'll take a good look at the Elantra Sport base stick model.

I've come close to two Hyundai purchases before - a copper-colored '99 Elantra and a white stick 2003 Tiburon. Loved the drive in the Tiburon!

suydam

Hyundai Tucson dimensions: 176″ L x 73″ W x 65″ H
Buick Encore dimensions: 168″ L x 70″ W x 65″ H
So that’s just silly.
But I think a new Golf with all the new tech will be just what you want. The only thing that might change that is easier ingress/egress.

iluvmysephia1

A new Golf would be a great choice for sandman. Talk about a bit of a kid in a candy store scenario, eh?

ab348

kyfdx said:

I would think that most of those cars would suck, after owning a Golf.

I was trying to find a diplomatic way of saying the same thing, but you got me off the hook.

I know when I was shopping and tried a Golf years ago, all of the Asian makes that were in that same range just didn't measure up in terms of feel and driving dynamics.

tjc78

The Elantra is a fine little car, but the pure lack of power just ruins it. That’s the only complaint I have about mine. If the Sport was out when I got mine, I would have sprung for that one.

ronsteve

ab348 said:

kyfdx said:

I would think that most of those cars would suck, after owning a Golf.

I was trying to find a diplomatic way of saying the same thing, but you got me off the hook.

I know when I was shopping and tried a Golf years ago, all of the Asian makes that were in that same range just didn't measure up in terms of feel and driving dynamics.

The Golf Sportwagen/Alltrack might have been on my list at one point, pending how well stuff fits in it, but I'm just not sure I can get past VW's corporate ethics. I do like the way my better half's Jetta handles.

The V70 is definitely not as crisp, being a much different animal, but I'm a little spoiled by the Euro approach to turbocharging.

I'm shopping in a bit of a tricky niche, good thing I have a lot of time.

Mr_Shiftright

andres3 said:

nyccarguy said:

I know @breld is contemplating buying a Q7 at some point. If he goes for the Volvo now, he'll have the Q7 by Labor Day. Was talking to one of the other Dads I'm friendly with from hockey. He's really into cars and m,akes me look like an amateur. He was telling me about a friend of his asking for advice on what to replace a leased Q7 with. The guy (his friend) owns an S4 and leases the SUV for his wife. The S4 just recently needed some work (Thermostat and something else that would have been $2,300 at the dealer) and the MMI controller on the wife's Q7 stopped working (it is leased and well under warranty). The dealer won't replace it. They say he MUST have spilled something on it. My friend says the Q7 is showroom clean. This is the kind of thing you keep hearing second hand about Audi dealers.

Hmmm, that hasn't been my experience, but I'm only going to Audi dealers in Southern CA. This is a true dealership horror story though, and you hear them for all brands.

I would hope they'd show a plastic panel or circuit board with sticky Pepsi residue before saying "you must have spilled something on it." Are they assuming, or making an educated guess?

I'm not sure why a dealership would take a combative attitude with a customer when it comes to warranty work.

About the only good reason I've heard is that the manufacturer first takes a combative attitude with dealerships to approve payments for warranty work, and then the dealership stupidly follows suit with the customer.

I had a boss once who did admit to frying his Mercedes with spilled coffee on the center console/transmission area. Was apparently an expensive mistake.

Well, some execs of the Marin county Audi store is probably going to jail for fraud, if that means anything

http://www.marinij.com/article/NO/20180112/NEWS/180119914

nyccarguy

@sandman_6472

Don't try to talk yourself into a cheaper car.  You freakin LOVE your Golf.  You should at least look at a 2018 Golf or stretch tournament budget and spring for a GTI!  

Sandman6472

Been looking at the local VW inventory and no SEL's anywhere. With the new longer warranty and all the stuff now pretty standard, a new Golf might just be what I end up with. Just not sure. The Encore is a really nice vehicle, a bit more upscale really and the 1/2 captains chair was really nice. The new dash is a vast improvement and when driving it, it felt pretty peppy to me. Hit the accelerator and it moved out nicely. Since they're giving so much off, I could get the higher up model and still come in at a decent price. Besides the Cruze hatch, the Encore is the only domestic I like. And the other owners of Encore's in here seem to love them. And think they both have the older version...the new ones are so much nicer looking.
Honestly, the Golf is in first place right now but the Encore is a real close second choice with the Imprezza in third. The 18" tire combo on the Encore is a big drawback for me though as I find 17" tires to be the new sweet spot.
Definitely need to drive them both back to back to get a real good feeling but if no Golf SEL around, the Encore could win by default. I know back in the end of 2014, my only slight regret was I didn't spring for the SEL with lighting package and it bothered me for a long while so not making that mistake again!
Lastly, forgot all about the new Ford Ecosport SE. Like the size and the alloys. Sat in a Titanium model on Monday at the dealer and felt it comfortable enough. Not to big, felt just about right. Thursday, will take a test drive just to see how the whole package feels. Who knows, I might just hate the way they drive and having just hit the market, there may be no deals to speak of. They still are making the Focus hatch, but it's not changed one bit so doubt I'd ever consider it.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Do apologize to everyone about posting so much lately. Feel like I'm being pushed over a ledge here against my will so it's making me a bit more rattled than usual. My possible time table might get pushed up any day now and since it's out of my control, feel very uneasy. I usually take a decent amount of time from starting my search until I park the new rig in the garage. But now, no matter what happens, I'm working against the clock which runs out on the 28th of March. I'm uneasy with it all and just need to take a minute to exhale as I don't want to make the wrong decision if the Golf is indeed totaled. And the wife is right, if they do fix it, I'll still be unsettled once I start driving it again.
So thanks for putting up with this saga that I'm going through. Luckily, I've got Hertz now M-W-F on my new schedule where I can test for free so many vehicles. Hell, if the new Camry fit on my side, I probably would just get one and call it a day. Shame I don't like the Corolla at all, at least not enough to buy one, as it's a decent ride, bland as can be though. Like the Civic more but not loving the exterior one bit. And it's pretty long for my side of the garage.
Best to just put it out of my mind and go to bed now!

The Sandman

suydam

Don’t worry, sandy. We love vicariously helping people buy cars.

stickguy

oh heck yeah. Opinions galore.

speaking of which, what about a Mazda 3 touring hatch? All the goodies, pretty good price.

corvette

I really like the style of the Encore, both inside and out. It's smaller and lighter than what I prefer, but it looks very nice. I think the early models were underpowered, but may have a more powerful engine now.

tbirdmarco

 No need to feel bad Cindy we are all here for you and to help you out with the new car purchase you’re not a bother at all don’t worry I know I post more in the other group and rarely coming here anymore Ha ha ha didn’t forget about you all I know 99% you going to the route anyway so it’s OK 

tbirdmarco

 Vent away Sandy whatever it comes to be with your current car if you’re not getting it back in selling it or it gets totaled roll here to give you her personal opinions agree with everyone else above about the new Tucson I like that one or is it too big for your side of the garage I know you had the prior generation and were impressed with it 

tjc78

nyccarguy said:

@sandman_6472

Don't try to talk yourself into a cheaper car.  You freakin LOVE your Golf.  You should at least look at a 2018 Golf or stretch tournament budget and spring for a GTI!  

I can’t second this enough!!  When I sold my aging Mercury I said all I wanted was a cheap appliance car at $200 /month.  Well I succeeded in that and there is nothing wrong with the car I just don’t really enjoy it.  Maybe if I had the version @stickguy has I would feel differently.  

To top it off the “nice” car is an SUV which although I like it for what it is, I don’t enjoy that thing much either. 

I told the wife I would keep it full term... so in 20 months (not that I’m counting) I can stretch the budget and get something a little more me.  Heck one kid will be in public school by then $$$! 

xwesx

Ecosport, huh? That's an odd duck. Fuel economy isn't really all that good considering its size. It looks like a boxy Fiesta (perhaps made to be an Explorer "Mini Me?"), and I grabbed a solid 40 mpg out of that little gem. Speaking of Top Tier fuel, though, I always thought that was a bit of a sham; just a way to charge more for the same product. However, that Fiesta taught me otherwise. That car would hiccup and stutter with run of the mill fuel (I would fill up at Fred Meyer / Kroger with regularity, which was never (and still is not) a problem for our Subarus). Put some 87 from Chevron in there, though, and it was instantly better. /sigh

Sandy, it's funny how you really haven't mentioned anything from your "list" of vehicles that you talked about while you had your Golf. Perhaps the consideration was more fun than the prospect of actually owning any of those cars? Whatever you do, enjoy it; you're old enough that you don't need to make too many compromises.

Sandman6472

Well, I'm over the MB idea after having a GLA250 for a few days. The Mini Cooper is just going to be too much drama and honestly, am coming around full circle to the "cheap to keep" philosophy. Still love a BMW 328i but again, size may become an issue as well as a bit expensive to maintain plus not being able to afford brand new. And can not find many CT 200h's around here anymore as they are no longer being made after the 2017 model year run. No 2016's that I can find right now.
So, now that reality is coming into view, trying to make a short list that could actually work. And that's exactly where we're at. And who knows, tomorrow I could find out that yes, they're going to fix her after all so another waiting period begins.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

I think the kicker will be how the Subie runs on Thursday. Will the CVT tranny actually be livable for every day commuting? Will it have enough low end torque like the Golf does? Will it be comfortable and as fun to drive as the Golf always will? Lastly, will it fit into the garage at 175"'s in the first place. And most importantly, will it put that smile upon my face every time I get ready to drive it like the Golf does(did)!
The "fun factor" is still very important to me at this stage of life. And having a decent sound system is a deal breaker as far as I'm concerned. I want a cd player, a usb port and aux input so I can utilize my other forms of music. And want Apple Carplay along with Sirius/XM radio. And my new list has all these things. Still not sure I can trust the general manager at the Buick store and his claim about so much off due to the end of the fiscal year? If true, it makes the price of any Encore a basic bargain. And getting a moonroof would be something I'd not want to live without since the wife won't use hers and won't let me either.
And there we are. One's short list can be filled with vehicles when one deep down knows new wheels won't happen for awhile. But when the prospect begins to be something that's gonna happen, one must get serious and find something to push all the buttons. So I started with the most important variable, size, and went from there.

The Sandman

(And one last thing. Buying a new vehicle is supposed to be fun also. Shouldn't be painful like going in for a root canal!)

nyccarguy

@sandman_6472

"Will the CVT tranny actually be livable for every day commuting? Will it have enough low end torque like the Golf does? Will it be comfortable and as fun to drive as the Golf always will? Lastly, will it fit into the garage at 175"'s in the first place. And most importantly, will it put that smile upon my face every time I get ready to drive it like the Golf does(did)!"

Yes
No
No
Not Sure
DEFINITELY NOT

Will it have that "bank vault, German door thunk?"  
No

Ask yourself the same questions about a GTI
Yes (DSG)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

ab348

Is the Ford Ecosport based off a Fiesta? If so what automatic transmission does it get? If it is the awful DCT unit used in the Focus stay far, far away.

qbrozen

ab348 said:

Is the Ford Ecosport based off a Fiesta? If so what automatic transmission does it get? If it is the awful DCT unit used in the Focus stay far, far away.

According to wiki, yes on both counts

graphicguy

Sandy....fire away. We love spending other people's money in these forums.

My vote? You love the Golf. I can't imagine you'd want the old one repaired as the damage sounds extensive. Sure, you weren't planning a new car. But, that's life! Get a new Golf!

stickguy

The 2018 also has quite a few feature upgrades. And super long warranty.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@sandman_6472

"Will the CVT tranny actually be livable for every day commuting? Will it have enough low end torque like the Golf does? Will it be comfortable and as fun to drive as the Golf always will? Lastly, will it fit into the garage at 175"'s in the first place. And most importantly, will it put that smile upon my face every time I get ready to drive it like the Golf does(did)!"

Yes
No
No
Not Sure
DEFINITELY NOT

Will it have that "bank vault, German door thunk?"  
No

Ask yourself the same questions about a GTI
Yes (DSG)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Agreed; bite the bullet and go with a GTI.