Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

My wife and I are now making our last payment on her 2013 Accord EXL-navi. It's been a great car, and only has 50k on it after 5 years. Probably the best thing to do financially for us is to keep it for another 3-5 years. We have the HondaCare extended warranty until early 2021, and so it seems like it makes sense to keep the car at least until then. On the other hand, my wife has complained at times about the lack of AndroidAuto in her car, which my 2016 Accord has. If the next Accord Hybrid has a base model that's c. $27k, and her trade-in is c. $11k, is there any way it makes sense to trade in for that? Probably not. That still means c. $16k to finance over 5 years, and the gas savings of c. $500 a year (or at most $50 a month) doesn't come close to covering that. On the other hand, we're going to have to buy a new set of tires in maybe a year or so, and that might be as much as $1000. Still, I just can't see a rational reason for buying a new car. We'd best stick with what we've got.

If that is the only complaint, throw in an aftermarket stereo.

nyccarguy

benjaminh said:

My wife and I are now making our last payment on her 2013 Accord EXL-navi. It's been a great car, and only has 50k on it after 5 years. Probably the best thing to do financially for us is to keep it for another 3-5 years. We have the HondaCare extended warranty until early 2021, and so it seems like it makes sense to keep the car at least until then. On the other hand, my wife has complained at times about the lack of AndroidAuto in her car, which my 2016 Accord has. If the next Accord Hybrid has a base model that's c. $27k, and her trade-in is c. $11k, is there any way it makes sense to trade in for that? Probably not. That still means c. $16k to finance over 5 years, and the gas savings of c. $500 a year (or at most $50 a month) doesn't come close to covering that. On the other hand, we're going to have to buy a new set of tires in maybe a year or so, and that might be as much as $1000. Still, I just can't see a rational reason for buying a new car. We'd best stick with what we've got.

So really what you should do is trade her Accord in for an Infiniti Q50 3.0T.  Then once that's paid off, get yourself an Accord Hybrid so you'll really notice the has savings.

corvette

kyfdx said:

Half-Irish

Are those Snapchat filters?!?

fintail

I have heard the older ones can use oil, and I have seen those (or the 1.8s) with black smoke, too.

I haven't had a modern MB use oil - my old 1989 S-class used a little, but it was a 15 year old car with almost 200K on the clock. And of course the fintail uses a little, but all MBs of that era do, it is even in the manual:

andres3 said:

<
That's why I may have overfilled it. It appeared to be just barely, maybe almost 2/10th's of a quart low on the dipstick, and I was using a 5L jug I bought from my S4 days that is still pretty full with a funnel cup. Normally I'd let that little below the top line go for longer before topping off. The A3 drank a quart every 5,000 miles, so at 2,500 miles I'd put in half a quart. Those older 2.0T were known for drinking some oil. I think the specification on oil consumption allowed was quite generous. It appears the TTS needs about a quarter of that, if that, or none at all. The S4 didn't drink the stuff either.

28firefighter

Congrats, @breld!  

We’re not worthy....we’re not worthy. 

andres3

So a somewhat younger Assistant Superintendent at work got a ride in the TTS when we went to lunch together. I didn't hoon it around, but I did push him back into his seat and torque his head back into the head rest.

Apparently, he may have never been in a very fast car with sticky tires and AWD before (or any Audi) for that matter. He really seemed to be impressed. Particulary by the acceleration w/o any tire spin.

He kept asking me questions on costs and prices, including for what a used (say '14 S4) might go for CPO. He'd want something he can fit the family in, but still be sporty, for me that's the S4 in spades. However, if you need more room and like SUV's, I suppose the SQ5 would do.

S4 will be a better bargain on the used market though.

He mentioned the power and torque made him want to go get something fun too. I don't know if he'd actually act on it, but it helped me remember my early A3 days and how I was so impressed by that car.

He has another co-worker with a GTI that he drives around in S-mode all the time, but that must have not impressed him much. You can only do so much with FWD

I have to say I enjoyed it. I should give more people that maybe have never been in an Audi before, rides in one. Reminds me why they really should have S-cars in the loaner fleet; would help sales I'm sure.

I'm going to ask that Asst. Super if he'd like to see how fast it turns, lol. I have a feeling he'd be even more impressed with that.

Let's cross fingers and hope I added 1 more car enthusiast to the world with a Stage 1 TTS.

kyfdx

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

Half-Irish

Are those Snapchat filters?!?

My son's Instagram Stories, I think...

ab348

kyfdx said:

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

Half-Irish

Are those Snapchat filters?!?

My son's Instagram Stories, I think...

I must admit I didn't get either one.

It was odd to see a bar that allows smoking though. Up here that has not existed for a long time, over a decade.

kyfdx

ab348 said:

kyfdx said:

corvette said:

kyfdx said:

Half-Irish

Are those Snapchat filters?!?

My son's Instagram Stories, I think...

I must admit I didn't get either one.

It was odd to see a bar that allows smoking though. Up here that has not existed for a long time, over a decade.

Yeah... we usually stick to Ohio bars, as no smoking allowed, but that one is in KY. The only reason we stopped in, is a former Cincinnati Red just bought the place, and we wanted to check it out.. The cigarettes in the picture was my son's idea, obviously..

It was St Patrick's Day..

ronsteve

Mr_Shiftright said:

And he gets "permaplate" for the bargain price of $599!

That line item is a little bit off-putting, but I figure if I want a Volvo enough, I'll see what it actually takes to get it out the door, regardless of how any line items are broken out. I know that makes it $599 harder to get to the right number, but would just have to see what happens. Not yet into the hardcore shopping anyway.

breld

andres3 said:

He kept asking me questions on costs and prices, including for what a used (say '14 S4) might go for CPO. He'd want something he can fit the family in, but still be sporty, for me that's the S4 in spades. However, if you need more room and like SUV's, I suppose the SQ5 would do.

S4 will be a better bargain on the used market though.

Having had both, the S4 did indeed work well as a family vehicle - I thought the backseats were roomier than in the SQ5. But it's also hard to beat the easier ingress/egress with the extra height of the SUV, especially if you're putting kids into car seats still (not that I was at that point when I had mine). The trunk in the S4 is much deeper than the cargo area of the SQ5, but the large hatchback opening is very handy.

Both would be very nice family cars for an enthusiast.

breld

qbrozen said:

Oh, a second Rover owner in the room. Congrats. Although, with as much horse trading as you do, "congratulations" seems excessive. Maybe just a virtual high five is in order.

I'll take the high five. Maybe we can defer the "congratulations" for the first anniversary.

breld

Some obligatory garage pics.

breld

A little more insight into the decision if anyone's interested...

After another test drive of an XC90 last week (a 2016 used one - I kinda like driving used ones to see how they hold up), I more or less eliminated it - I love the styling of the vehicle, inside and out, but found it just wasn't at the same level of refinement as the other two options. The super/turbo charged 4 cylinder is very impressive, and plenty quick. But it was hard to compete with the overall feel of the V6s in the Audi and Land Rover.

So, down to the Q7 and Discovery. The Audi is pretty amazing - it's basically like driving a luxury sport sedan. But...I just found it a bit ubiquitous and unexciting. Still, with the great driving dynamics and aggressive pricing offered by the dealer I was working with, it was difficult to turn away from it.

At the end of the day, it came down to really liking the Durango and wanting something more like that, but with a more refined feel. And the Discovery fits that bill to a tee. I was simply more excited about this choice than the Audi. If there was any tie breaker, it was probably the diesel engine option. While not a V8, it mimics the character of the Hemi, with gobs of low end torque. I was finding myself a little swayed by the 0-60 times on paper between the diesel and gas versions, but by the seat of the pants, the diesel feels awfully quick and accelerates smoothly. And of course, the gas mileage is worlds better than the Dodge and the supercharged V6 option in the Discovery (which was a bit worse than the Dodge).

Thanks for indulging - this was an unusually long process for me, as my wife could attest to, as she graciously listened to my day to day diatribes on why one SUV was a better choice than the other. Along the way, each of the three choices was the #1 choice at one point or another. And thanks to @michaell and @jpp5862 for helping along the way too! It was only fitting that you two were there for the finale.

Sandman6472

No XM in my rental RAV4 so using my cd's once again which is a nice change. Burned so many back in the day so a nice change to hear them once again.
Love the Discovery B, but my heart's set on the Evoque to be honest. Whenever there's one at work, my lead usually throws me the keys and says have fun as he knows I love them. And for some reason, the white over tan is the way I'd get one myself. Just very classy looking. As much as I'd love one, new is a bit pricey and not sure I'd like a CPO unit as I'd always be wondering if the previous driver was as anal as myself on doing the required maintenance. But, maybe a CPO unit with like 10K on it could work. Honestly, for an Evoque, I wouldn't mind squeezing it in the garage every night. Just love the way the gasoline units run, have never tried a diesel, so can not comment on it.
Anyways, beautiful vehicle!!!


The Sandman

jpp75

A great day yesterday with @breld and family and @michaell. I was able to meet @breld at the first dealership for an extended test drive. The Discovery really is a great vehicle and as @breld noted while the XC90 is a superb vehicle it's just a different level of refinement. All in all a great day of car browsing and buying! Congrats @breld!

tbirdmarco

Congrads   Breld. On the new   Land Rover  new this was cumming  and that the darango. Would be gin  soon enough  after the type r  was gon. Love the colors of the new ride 

corvette

kyfdx said:

Half-Irish

Are those Snapchat filters?!?

My son's Instagram Stories, I think...

I had a yellow-green-ish margarita at my favorite Cuban place, if that counts. Some dude came to the bar and repeatedly asked what beer they kept on tap. When there are clearly no taps behind the bar. And they finally got it through to him that they serve bottled beer only. I don’t think they even stocked Guinness for the occasion—I know they don’t carry it normally.  

tbirdmarco

Reminds me on the current  explore 

xwesx

tbirdmarco said:

Reminds me on the current  explore 

Ouch! You offer congrats, then follow that up with this comment? That hurts, my friend!

(You're not wrong, though)

@breld - I'm very interested in your impressions on the diesel engine after you've owned it for a while (e.g., before you look to sell next fall/winter).

breld

Thanks all for the congrats!

And yes, the similarities in style between this new Discovery and Ford's Explorer are undeniable to some extent, and not lost on me. But hey, I actually think the Explorer is a handsome vehicle!

@xwesx - I'll be sure to post my experience with the diesel. So far I'm loving it. This morning I noticed that the primary gas stations around my house that I use have diesel, so that's nice.

Mr_Shiftright

A diesel makes sense in a vehicle like that.

stickguy

do turbo diesels have the same benefit at higher altitudes as the gasser turbos? I assume so.

The LR disco sport i rented in Ireland had the diesel (I assume a 4 cyl though) and it was impressive.

carnaught

Congrats Grand Poobah, @breld! Nice color combo, and I like the idea of a diesel. Keep the impressions, comments and pics. coming.

kyfdx

breld said:

Thanks all for the congrats!

And yes, the similarities in style between this new Discovery and Ford's Explorer are undeniable to some extent, and not lost on me. But hey, I actually think the Explorer is a handsome vehicle!

@xwesx - I'll be sure to post my experience with the diesel. So far I'm loving it. This morning I noticed that the primary gas stations around my house that I use have diesel, so that's nice.

When the current model Explorer came out, my first impression was, "Is that a Range Rover?" In a good way.

Michaell

stickguy said:

do turbo diesels have the same benefit at higher altitudes as the gasser turbos? I assume so.

The LR disco sport i rented in Ireland had the diesel (I assume a 4 cyl though) and it was impressive.

A turbo is a turbo is a turbo, regardless of the type of fuel.

I wonder if that Disco Sport you had uses the same engine found in the Velar and Jaguar F-Pace here in the US, of if it's a smaller displacement.

Fun fact - the LR dealer where @breld bought the Discovery is owned by Holman, a recognizable name on the east coast for ownership of Ford and Lincoln dealers.

tbirdmarco

I know I know West Ha ha ha leave it to when 

tbirdmarco

 Just from the sheep that’s why I made that comment above can’t wait to hear your driving impressions how you like the vehicle overall very few sport utility vehicles that I like these days the sheep one of them look the same but this is an awesome one 

ab348

Whenever @breld buys a new vehicle I am never quite sure whether to express congrats or some other emotion.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

do turbo diesels have the same benefit at higher altitudes as the gasser turbos? I assume so. The LR disco sport i rented in Ireland had the diesel (I assume a 4 cyl though) and it was impressive.

A turbo is a turbo is a turbo, regardless of the type of fuel. I wonder if that Disco Sport you had uses the same engine found in the Velar and Jaguar F-Pace here in the US, of if it's a smaller displacement. Fun fact - the LR dealer where @breld bought the Discovery is owned by Holman, a recognizable name on the east coast for ownership of Ford and Lincoln dealers.

That is the chain from which I bought my V Sport

Mr_Shiftright

Diesels like turbos. Diesels are inherently limited by the precision requirements of their injection during the compression stroke, so stuffing more air into a diesel is already a good thing--and stuffing more air at altitude--all the better for a diesel. Diesels can also run at higher boost pressures than gasoline engines.

stickguy

here is an oddball. Not just being RWD, but probably record high miles for one of these! Wonder what it has left in it?

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2013-cadillac-ats-4dr_sedan_2_0l_luxury_rwd-used-17449708.html

ab348

Base 2.5L non-turbo engine so likely longer-lived than the 2.0 turbo but less fun. Looks nice for so many miles.

stickguy

that one is the turbo though.

ab348

Description says otherwise. So does the picture. Plus no 2.0T badge on the decklid.

andres3

There are quite a few high-mile A3's floating around in San Diego with the old 2.0T motor. If you avoided self-destructing from the cam followers or high pressure fuel pump failing, it seems these cars were very well built, with just a few notable flaws.

thebean

ab348 said:

Whenever @breld buys a new vehicle I am never quite sure whether to express congrats or some other emotion.

Envy?

stickguy

maybe I should stop and look, because depending on where you look, it is listed both ways. I can't tell from the engine shot.

nyccarguy

Way to go @breld!  Enjoy it through Thanksgiving!

stickguy

wait, that is like 5 holidays from now. Seems, ambitious?

Michaell

stickguy said:

wait, that is like 5 holidays from now. Seems, ambitious?

Hey, he kept the Durango for a year. The Discovery is like the Durango in many respects, just more refined. I predict he will keep this one for a while.

goldws6w72

hello

qbrozen

stickguy said:

maybe I should stop and look, because depending on where you look, it is listed both ways. I can't tell from the engine shot.

From what I can find, it is non-turbo. Turbo engine has silver painted cover and different airbox.

graphicguy

breld said:

Some obligatory garage pics.

Beautiful.....congrats breld!

graphicguy

Stick....if that ATS has the 2.5, it is the non-turbo. The 2.0 is the 4cyl turbo.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

Half-Irish

Walt....you brought back some memories. I haven’t been to Arnold’s in at least 5 years.....longer than that for Bart’s.

kyfdx

@graphicguy Tom Browning just bought Bart's. Supposed to change the name, soon.

When I was younger, it was called Kelly's Keg. Doesn't look any different, 30+ years later.

au1994

Congratulations @breld!

Thats beautiful!

fintail

This could be interesting, depending on price

rayainsw

breld - congrats !
- Ray
Slacker here ....