Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

I would be a great candidate for a hybrid, but I don't think I could ever get a pure EV model. even if a lot of my use is perfectly fine for it. I worry too much to deal with range anxiety, and really don't want a car that doesn't have the flexibility to take on a trip on short notice.

Sandman6472

The new Insight looks to be the nicer vehicle, at least for me. Looks very "Civic like" and gets the great mileage. Saw it in one of my auto mags and it'll be released very soon. Liked it a lot really which got me interested in the Hyundai/Kia versions. Drove The Niro at work a couple of times and did nothing for me, The Ioniq also, quite boring but yet to have driven one. The sales guy the other day had one, easy to get out, but didn't even try. Hell, he had all vehicles I wanted to drive but never even tried even as the rain started to stop. Still a bit confused about that! But The Elantra Limited is one I'd like to try as well as the 1.6T GT, the sales guy said I'd be happiest with The Sport for some reason and was pushing that model. The blue color didn't do anything for me as I usually like a blue vehicle...mine is a much nice blue color to be honest.
Now Stick, why was this sales guy pushing The Sport model on me? Just said I wanted the Infinity audio, power drivers seat and a moonroof and mentioned a turbo engine. But hell, if I get one of those, wht not just keep my Golf is the big question here? And that's why I've haven't really moved to be honest, and really don't plan to. The lady called from the law form while I was at Hyundai and said the appraiser estimated the D V at $2500.00 and said he'd do it for free since my kid worked for the law firm also, a very nice jesture. Now, just to wait and see what happens and if I indeed do get anything. Vehicle looks great and drives nicely, think only an expert would even know it was in a major accident. But it was and it's not worth what an unmolested same vehicle was. So, I should be compensated for that and get my deductible back, put back to where I was as this was a stupid accident, totally stupid.
And the truth still remains that, at the end of the day...I still love my Golf, just do. But I need to slam the left side doors harder to not get an error message which I don't like, not at all. Nit picky I know but for now, gonna keep it unless VW comes out with an "SEL" model for the Golf or I find a great new Jetta. Or find a great 328i model with great miles/great price like that brown over brown model I saw months ago, a perfect vehicle to be honest!
Best thing is that I've got time, plenty of time and can wait unless the Golf starts to act up. And right now, only thing that needs to be done is get the brakes checked and fixed if needed.
As for me, still not sure about starting back to work on Monday but as of now, plan to give it a shot as of now. Not sure I'll stay all 9.50 hours...will just play that by ear!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

I'd be a great candidate for a hybrid as I'd only need the petrol to kick in a bit on the way home, most days I only do 60 or so miles depending if I stop anywhere on the way home or in the morning. And that's usually a no. Can't wait to get home afterwards and hate to be late, so leave a bit early but now since school has let out, last Wednesday, traffic should be lighter. The wife did suggest starting later, like 10 or so, but we usually leave the office around 8:10 as always PM's that need to get done. And best to get on the road right away so the big guy won't have a heart attach and call my boss so frequently. That's why I usually ask for the first set of keys and get out of there!!
Hell, I like to get on the road as quickly as I can, makes the day go quicker really. And since I only will do my three days now, M-W-F, just want to get up and go. Three days is plenty of time for me now, and gives me a decent check each week. And to be honest, job ain't that hard as long as we stay in Broward County as much as we can. Hate going into Miami-Dade but again, part of the job so just do it! And really wish they'd all speak English more and hopefully, that'll change!!!

The Sandman

suydam

I would test drive both the Clarity and the Chevy Volt for comparison. The review mentioned that the Clarity is loud in gas mode and has awkward handling. The Volt is very quiet in either mode and handles quite well. Certain plug in hybrids like the Volt and Clarity do qualify for the $7500 rebate. If the Clarity is as nice a car as the Volt I’d have no hesitation in buying one. You will save way more than $750 in fuel costs. I only use gas mode on weekend trips outside town. Most of the time I’m on purely electric charge. I am starting to see more Clarity’s around my town but Volts are more common.

benjaminh

It's planned that by c. 2020 Honda is going to add to their lineup a vehicle that looks kinda like this. This will seemingly be an all-electric vehicle (no gas engine backup like the Clarity) with a range of about 150 miles. It's trying to compete in the same performance area as the Tesla Model 3, but I assume will cost less, with an msrp of maybe c. $30k? With a bit of a discount and the 7.5k federal tax credit might be possible to get for around 20k.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

I would be a great candidate for a hybrid, but I don't think I could ever get a pure EV model. even if a lot of my use is perfectly fine for it. I worry too much to deal with range anxiety, and really don't want a car that doesn't have the flexibility to take on a trip on short notice.

Yeah, this is a concern for me too. My current car has a highway range of almost 600 miles. The Accord Hybrid I was interested in also has a range of 600 miles. Going down to a range of 340 is still possible, but I'm not sure I'd want to go much lower than that.

My place of work has an EV charging station. Not sure of the policies for that, but some other places don't charge at this point for the charges of electric cars by employees. Anyway, if they do that obviously that would be a plus.

benjaminh

$5k more from CO on top of the federal rebate for a plug-in hybrid or electric?! Wow, they are just paying you to drive one of these cars. Amazing.

benjaminh

sda said:

....From Consumer Reports....[the Clarity's] handling is awkward because the body leans in corners, and the steering response is sluggish. The cabin is roomy but we found the front seats uncomfortable because of their short bottom cushion and lack of lower back support....

Hmmm. Bummer. Not sure I want to live with stuff like this. As pathetic as it is, I like driving my Accords because for a midsize sedan they still have a dash of the "fun to drive" stuff. Plus the Accord's seats are comfortable. Not sure I want to give up these things even for a tax credit and great mpg.

benjaminh

suydam said:

I would test drive both the Clarity and the Chevy Volt for comparison. The review mentioned that the Clarity is loud in gas mode and has awkward handling. The Volt is very quiet in either mode and handles quite well. Certain plug in hybrids like the Volt and Clarity do qualify for the $7500 rebate. If the Clarity is as nice a car as the Volt I’d have no hesitation in buying one. You will save way more than $750 in fuel costs. I only use gas mode on weekend trips outside town. Most of the time I’m on purely electric charge. I am starting to see more Clarity’s around my town but Volts are more common.

About how much does it cost to add fast charging to a garage? I'm hoping/assuming c. $1000 (c. 500 for parts + c. 500 for labor?).

How much are you saving on gas compared to your previous car? Didn't you own an Accord? How is the comfort of the Volt?

My work is about 10 miles away, and apparently there's a small charging area in one of the employee lots for EVs. And so even with a 47 mile range, much of my driving could be done all electric. I do drive from Louisville to Lexington a lot to get and return on our grown son, who has a disability and can't drive (constant migraines with auras). That's about an 80 mile drive each way, and so obviously I'd run out of charge and go into hybrid mode for that.

suydam

I did have a 2013 Accord which we sold before getting the Volt. I have filled the gas tank maybe twice since Jan (“filled” means 8 gal), only when going on weekend trips. Charging costs are free to minimal. When running in gas mode I get about 45 mpg as it tends to be highway and so less efficient. I live in a condo, so I charge overnight using regular outlet, and there are many free or minimal cost (like $1.50total) places in parking garages and malls around.
The Volt is smaller than the Accord. A 4 seater. Very comfortable seats. Great handling and plenty of power. I love it. Can’t see myself going back to a gas engine vehicle. Until there is a more complete charging infrastructure I’ll stick with the gas as backup. I could definitely see getting a total EV vehicle for a second car which is only city driving.

benjaminh

suydam said:

I did have a 2013 Accord which we sold before getting the Volt. I have filled the gas tank maybe twice since Jan (“filled” means 8 gal), only when going on weekend trips. Charging costs are free to minimal. When running in gas mode I get about 45 mpg as it tends to be highway and so less efficient. I live in a condo, so I charge overnight using regular outlet, and there are many free or minimal cost (like $1.50total) places in parking garages and malls around.
The Volt is smaller than the Accord. A 4 seater. Very comfortable seats. Great handling and plenty of power. I love it. Can’t see myself going back to a gas engine vehicle. Until there is a more complete charging infrastructure I’ll stick with the gas as backup. I could definitely see getting a total EV vehicle for a second car which is only city driving.

Thanks for the report. Did you get to claim some of the tax credit? If so, was that easy or difficult?

suydam

I leased it. The dealer gave me the full $7500 off the price, plus I got $1500 rebate from the state of Calif and $750 from Costco on some promo they were running. This year I just got $450 from our electric co for owning an EV, a nice perk I wasn’t expecting!

benjaminh

suydam said:

I leased it. The dealer gave me the full $7500 off the price, plus I got $1500 rebate from the state of Calif and $750 from Costco on some promo they were running. This year I just got $450 from our electric co for owning an EV, a nice perk I wasn’t expecting!

Wow. Incredible. Like driving almost for free....?? I was born and raised in California, but in KY we don't get any state credits. No surprise there.

stickguy

My opinion, a big part of the fun of buying a new car is the shopping, so test drive everything that is even vaguely interesting. Sometimes, you stumble upon what you really want that way.

Sandy, never know what a salesperson is thinking. My guess, since you mentioned Turbo, he pushed the sport. Keep in mind though that with the 4 door Elantra sport, you get the nice powertrain but no power seat. The limited has the seat, but is a real putt putt in comparison.

keeping the Golf for now certainly makes sense, especially if you conceptual plan to move is something that could happen relatively soon. If that is still years down the road, all bets be off!

tjc78

Yes ... non-sport Elantra = s l o w!!!

benjaminh

benjaminh said:

It's planned that by c. 2020 Honda is going to add to their lineup a vehicle that looks kinda like this. This will seemingly be an all-electric vehicle (no gas engine backup like the Clarity) with a range of about 150 miles. It's trying to compete in the same performance area as the Tesla Model 3, but I assume will cost less, with an msrp of maybe c. $30k? With a bit of a discount and the 7.5k federal tax credit might be possible to get for around 20k.

This 2020 electric looks almost like an homage to a 1980 Civic....

tjc78

Was just checking out the 2018 Sonata sport. Looks like a nice package, but why no Auto temp control? Can’t quite figure that out. @stickguy is the Elantra sport the same way?

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

I would test drive both the Clarity and the Chevy Volt for comparison. The review mentioned that the Clarity is loud in gas mode and has awkward handling. The Volt is very quiet in either mode and handles quite well. Certain plug in hybrids like the Volt and Clarity do qualify for the $7500 rebate. If the Clarity is as nice a car as the Volt I’d have no hesitation in buying one. You will save way more than $750 in fuel costs. I only use gas mode on weekend trips outside town. Most of the time I’m on purely electric charge. I am starting to see more Clarity’s around my town but Volts are more common.

About how much does it cost to add fast charging to a garage? I'm hoping/assuming c. $1000 (c. 500 for parts + c. 500 for labor?). How much are you saving on gas compared to your previous car? Didn't you own an Accord? How is the comfort of the Volt? My work is about 10 miles away, and apparently there's a small charging area in one of the employee lots for EVs. And so even with a 47 mile range, much of my driving could be done all electric. I do drive from Louisville to Lexington a lot to get and return on our grown son, who has a disability and can't drive (constant migraines with auras). That's about an 80 mile drive each way, and so obviously I'd run out of charge and go into hybrid mode for that.

Fast charging is vehicle dependent, as is what you mean by "fast charging." For the Leaf we had, it was, IIRC, $125 to get the cable upgraded, and took me a couple of hours to install the correct 220v outlet in my garage. Parts for that were probably $40-$50.

Michaell

I washed the rental Maxima yesterday:

iluvmysephia1

How does it ride, Michaell? I'm currently crushing on it's little brother, the Nissan Sentra S 6-speed stick.

stickguy

nice looking house. I like that style. Just don't find it much around here.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Was just checking out the 2018 Sonata sport. Looks like a nice package, but why no Auto temp control? Can’t quite figure that out. @stickguy is the Elantra sport the same way?

the Sport is pretty well equipped base (the Elantra) with moonroof, carplay, and BLIS. If you want the upgraded stereo, navi and auto CC, that is part of the premium (or tech, I forget exactly what they call it). The auto CC I can take or leave. I do miss the better stereo though. Yes, I was too cheap to fork out an extra $2,000 for some goodies and gadgets that were not must haves. I would have sprung for it however if they included the power driver's seat. That you only get on the GT Sport.

I assume the Sonata is the same way, though they did just come out with some sort of plus package (sounds like they just make a lot of formerly optional stuff standard without raising the price).

breld

benjaminh said:

suydam said:

I would test drive both the Clarity and the Chevy Volt for comparison. The review mentioned that the Clarity is loud in gas mode and has awkward handling. The Volt is very quiet in either mode and handles quite well. Certain plug in hybrids like the Volt and Clarity do qualify for the $7500 rebate. If the Clarity is as nice a car as the Volt I’d have no hesitation in buying one. You will save way more than $750 in fuel costs. I only use gas mode on weekend trips outside town. Most of the time I’m on purely electric charge. I am starting to see more Clarity’s around my town but Volts are more common.

About how much does it cost to add fast charging to a garage? I'm hoping/assuming c. $1000 (c. 500 for parts + c. 500 for labor?).

Q's much more handy than I am, so he saved quite a bit by being able to do the electrical work himself. I went for one of the nicer chargers (Chargepoint) and paid an electrician to install a 240v outlet. The Chargepoint system was about $600, and my contractor charged something like $450 for the outlet. My electrical box was right on the other side of the wall from where we installed the outlet, so that probably made the install easier (and cheaper).

I bought the Chargepoint system that plugs into the outlet (instead of the hard-wired one) - that way, I mounted the system to the wall myself and simply plugged it into the new outlet. Literally took 15 minutes to mount the thing. Then you can also take it with you if you move.

So yeah, about a $1,000 is a reasonable estimate. And well worth it IMO. The relatively small battery on the i3 took 10-12 hours to charge. Problem was, we didn't always have a full charge when starting out in the morning, then naturally used it all up, and so the cycle went. The 240v charger does it in about 4 hours. So always starting out with a full charge.

graphicguy

Iluv.....I get Sentras as rental cars all the time. Not impressed with them, at all. They don’t handle well. They are noisy. They ride rough. The ones I’ve rented are pretty spartan, though. The materials used inside are pretty dismal.

They do get decent MPG, though.

However, given a choice, I’d look at an Elantra, or a Cruze, or a Corolla, or a Civic, or a Fit.....just about anything in that class before looking at a Sentra.

breld

Speaking of Elantra Sports, I was browsing online and came upon a used Elantra Sport with the 6-speed manual. Listed at about $17k, seemed like a fun, inexpensive commuter car.

I actually just went to link the listing, but it's gone.

With the combined $12,500 tax credit on qualifying EVs and PHEV's, I'm certainly tempted to go that way. Even the ones with smaller batteries, like the Ioniq, would get $9,500 back (the CO credit of $5,000 stays the same).

I need to look into exactly when and how those will be phased out. The state one is in place for awhile I believe. And the federal one gets phased out once that manufacturer sells its 200,000th unit (of qualifying vehicles). So with the Volt and Bolt, Chevy will likely get there this year, as will Tesla.

I'm most interested in the upcoming VW electric vehicles. My wife wants the "Buzz" (the retro bus) and I like the "Crozz" quite a bit, but they all appeal to me. They're 2-3 years out though.

qbrozen

Oh, just thought better of my cost. I think converting fhe Leaf's plug was $200. It was a by-mail service.

tjc78

stickguy said:

Was just checking out the 2018 Sonata sport. Looks like a nice package, but why no Auto temp control? Can’t quite figure that out. @stickguy is the Elantra sport the same way?

the Sport is pretty well equipped base (the Elantra) with moonroof, carplay, and BLIS. If you want the upgraded stereo, navi and auto CC, that is part of the premium (or tech, I forget exactly what they call it). The auto CC I can take or leave. I do miss the better stereo though. Yes, I was too cheap to fork out an extra $2,000 for some goodies and gadgets that were not must haves. I would have sprung for it however if they included the power driver's seat. That you only get on the GT Sport. I assume the Sonata is the same way, though they did just come out with some sort of plus package (sounds like they just make a lot of formerly optional stuff standard without raising the price).

See that’s odd... on the build site it doesn’t allow you to add anything.  One way only .. maybe an availability thing.  There is only one sport turbo in the area and it is equipped that way too.  

Michaell

stickguy said:

nice looking house. I like that style. Just don't find it much around here.

That’s my next door neighbors house. I’ll grt one of ours. 

Michaell

Here you go:

iluvmysephia1

Iluv.....I get Sentras as rental cars all the time. Not impressed with them, at all. They don’t handle well. They are noisy. They ride rough. The ones I’ve rented are pretty spartan, though. The materials used inside are pretty dismal.

They do get decent MPG, though.

However, given a choice, I’d look at an Elantra, or a Cruze, or a Corolla, or a Civic, or a Fit.....just about anything in that class before looking at a Sentra.

graphicguy - thanks for the information. I will keep it in mind. I'm not really seriously looking, but a simple test drive should reveal if the Sentra exhibits lame driving qualities, it very well may, indeed.

fintail

That craftsman-adjacent architecture in modern residential tracts has been a thing in the PNW for about 20 years.

When I see a new Sentra, I assume "rental" then look closer to see if I am right.

corvette

Michaell said:

I washed the rental Maxima yesterday:

Look at Walter White over here, washing a rental car!

(There's a scene in Breaking Bad where someone takes a rental car through a car wash and it's deemed suspicious because nobody washes a rental car.)

breld

This caught our eye whilst browsing this weekend. Wife and I even went to take a look at it this morning.

Yes, we've had one already, but for an AWD S version with a nice level of equipment, seems like quite a deal, and a nice car for a fun commuter.

Q - seems aggressively priced. What do you think?

2017 Clubman S All4

Michaell

fintail said:

That craftsman-adjacent architecture in modern residential tracts has been a thing in the PNW for about 20 years.

Funny you should mention that. They are still building new houses in my development. The model I have is available in several different "elevations". Ours happens to be the Craftsman. If only it had a three car garage...

Mr_Shiftright

Good CARFAX, one-owner, about 18K miles ( a little high), good price, 5 day return guarantee. Definitely worth a look and a test drive. If it were me, I'd drive it over some rough roads to see if you can tolerate the ride and certainly to test for rattles. Are the stripes your style?

fintail

I'd be happy with a two car garage (in a house I could afford with less than a 90+ minute each way commute). I wouldn't even be picky about architecture. That style has some kind of nostalgic romanticism for people here, I guess. My mom lives in a 20s craftsman cottage, and it isn't without issues, but I will say the interior doors are fantastic.

When I rent a car and have a long trip or dirty conditions, I wash it, I am kind of OCD about car cleanliness. I also wipe down the interior upon delivery, especially the steering wheel/switchgear, and often the windows.

Here's my last German rental getting a well deserved bath after about 8 hours on dirty roads - black looks terrible when dirty, and amazing when clean:

Michaell said:

Funny you should mention that. They are still building new houses in my development. The model I have is available in several different "elevations". Ours happens to be the Craftsman. If only it had a three car garage...

breld

Mr_Shiftright said:

Good CARFAX, one-owner, about 18K miles ( a little high), good price, 5 day return guarantee. Definitely worth a look and a test drive. If it were me, I'd drive it over some rough roads to see if you can tolerate the ride and certainly to test for rattles. Are the stripes your style?

Good idea on testing for rattles - as far as tolerating the ride, I know we're good there since it's essentially identical to the one we traded in last summer when my wife got it in her head she wanted a Beetle 'vert. This new "generation" of Minis is actually quite compliant on the road - much more like a "budget" BMW than before.

FWIW, they gave us $28k trade on ours a year ago - that's why this seems priced well to me.

And...we still have the Blizzaks from our old Clubman!

breld

Something like this catches my eye too.

2016 Mazda6i Touring Manual

Not necessarily a "red" person, but Mazda's Soul Red is attractive, and I like the contrast with the light interior. I've driven the 6-speed manual Mazda6 before - pretty engaging. And I like that this is post-facelift. They made some nice improvements to that interior for 2016.

28firefighter

Seen on our walk with Sam and the dog this morning. I can see the CL ad now:

”For Sale: 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser. LOW miles. Needs a little work. No low ballers, I know what I have!”

breld

Well, hey, they don't make those FJ's anymore - you can't be picky on color or condition!

Mr_Shiftright

breld said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Good CARFAX, one-owner, about 18K miles ( a little high), good price, 5 day return guarantee. Definitely worth a look and a test drive. If it were me, I'd drive it over some rough roads to see if you can tolerate the ride and certainly to test for rattles. Are the stripes your style?

Good idea on testing for rattles - as far as tolerating the ride, I know we're good there since it's essentially identical to the one we traded in last summer when my wife got it in her head she wanted a Beetle 'vert. This new "generation" of Minis is actually quite compliant on the road - much more like a "budget" BMW than before.

FWIW, they gave us $28k trade on ours a year ago - that's why this seems priced well to me.

And...we still have the Blizzaks from our old Clubman!

Yeah I thought the price was good, too. And if you're used to short wheelbase cars, then the ride should be no problem for you.

I checked reliability ratings for the 2017s, and they are about as expected---"average". Same as BMW.

qbrozen

breld said:

This caught our eye whilst browsing this weekend. Wife and I even went to take a look at it this morning. Yes, we've had one already, but for an AWD S version with a nice level of equipment, seems like quite a deal, and a nice car for a fun commuter. Q - seems aggressively priced. What do you think? 2017 Clubman S All4

Yes, good price

Sandman6472

Still like the Mini Cooper to be honest, not sure which model but like them. Quirky and small, so I’m in, absolutely. Hard to explain but I just like ‘em though not crazy about the dash layout. The only test drive I had had a lot to be desired to be honest though, she made me feel like I was putting her out for some odd reason. If I do another one, it would have to be for longer and not on their designated testing route. I like to come home and put it on my side of the garage and then get on the local expressway I use numerous times during the week just to get a feel for how it’s going to react to my route. If it works on a simple test drive, I know I’m golden and can proceed with the purchase. So far, no dealer has refused me on this request and it always has lead to a sale because I know the vehicle fits into my life!
So, still not totally decided on the new car decision or the iPhone 8 Plus for that matter either. Want a iPhone with increased storage, at least 64 gigs and like the wireless charging feature. Every time I bid on eBay or any other trade site, have always been outbid at the end except for winning my 6s Plus a couple years back. So if I do get outbid, not a major deal as haven’t found an 8 Plus unit I’ve gotta have that badly yet. When I do, I’ll get it no matter what!!!

The Sandman

jpp75

@nyccarguy

Great pics! Thanks for sharing, sounds like a great day.

stickguy

I do like craftsman style houses. and nice porches.

looked at some houses today, including a new neighborhood that was set up in an old fashioned neighborhood style (like in the city). stand alone garages, with a "back alley" access. so the front of the house faced a street and sidewalk, but no parking. It was interesting. Best part, the garages were much bigger than a normal 2 car one.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I do like craftsman style houses. and nice porches. looked at some houses today, including a new neighborhood that was set up in an old fashioned neighborhood style (like in the city). stand alone garages, with a "back alley" access. so the front of the house faced a street and sidewalk, but no parking. It was interesting. Best part, the garages were much bigger than a normal 2 car one.

There are some developments like that here in CO, as well. Provides better curb appeal. 

I’ve had the Maxima 6 days and put about 60 miles on it. I really like it except for a couple of things. 

One, it has a foot pedal parking brake. Can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve driven a car with one of those. Haven’t used it, not sure I will. 

Second, and I’m not sure if this is due to the black interior or an issue with the angle of the glass, but there is an awful lot of glare. Can’t see the infotainment screen unless I’m driving into the sun, and visibility out the rear window isn’t that great, either. Even the rear camera isn’t as sharp as either the Jetta or the Outback. 

Just things to contemplate. 

corvette

My 2009 Altima and the 2012 Murano (both on the same/similar platform as the Maxima, I think) had foot pedal parking brakes. Weirdly, my 2002 Altima had a handbrake.

iluvmysephia1

corvette - are you pro-Nissan, or lukewarm on Nissan?

stickguy

my RDX has one. If I drive that for a while, when I get back in the Hyundai I sometimes find myself trying to stomp on the foot brake that isn't there.

Sandman6472

Want the electric "P" and push button start next time to be honest. Never liked them till I used them for a couple days at work and now...absolutely love 'em! Funny what using something you've never had makes you want them once you have them for a bit. We get spoiled and don't want to go back!!

The Sandman