Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

suydam

Such a nice looking car!

jpp75

As @michaell mentioned we met up yesterday to browse lots while he was having the Jetta serviced. The V90 Cross Country was a great looking wagon and as he mentioned a $10k discount was offered without even asking.

We briefly discussed me trading in the Touareg for one, but the offer on the Touareg was so laughably (or saddeningly) low that it wasn't even worth talking more. I doubt I'd be happy with the V90 long term, but I just can't fall in love with this Touareg no matter how hard I want to. The torque is amazing, the fuel economy is great for the size and power, and the colors are great but it just isn't doing it for me. Fortunately (or unfortunately) negative equity means it is staying around for a while.

jpp75

This picture doesn't really do it justice but here's the V90 Cross Country:

corvette

Pretty.

tifighter

Looks like Twilight Bronze metallic, which is the same color as our XC70. It is a good looking car, although I’m a bit disappointed that it is longer then mine, yet somehow has less cargo space. Better mpg, though.

tifighter

fintail said:

How does the dashcam feature work for recording, does it have a micro SD slot for recording, or does it integrate into a standard SD slot that many cars have had for a few years now? Front and rear camera?

Now if we could just get about 500 real world miles of range

tifighter said:

I really like it. I got an over the air update last night that added some features to the car, like using the existing autopilot camera as a dashcam,

@breld Orders before Oct 15th are guaranteed to be delivered before the end of the year for the full federal tax credit. So if you need my referral code...

You put a stick drive into one of the USB ports, and it writes to that. I have one about the size of my fingernail, so you don’t really notice it. Forward camera at present, although more cameras are said to be coming in a future update.

tbirdmarco

 GPP, actually could see the brown in that picture awesome love it unique different. 

tbirdmarco

 Wasn’t meant to be trading in the Tori hang in there for a little while you can get rid of it down the road, the first one you had was gas right. If I’m remembering correctly sounds like you all had an awesome time yesterday browsing the dealerships. Corvette is that your core think it’s white right? Love it. 

jpp75

Thanks Marco, you're right the first Touareg was a gas V6 and I found the power barely adequate out here with all the mountains and the altitude. I'll be content with the current Touareg for a while, as much as I have the itch I've discussed with @breld and @michaell that since they don't make or sell the Touareg here anymore this is the last time I'll probably have one so I shouldn't be so quick to get rid of it. Plus I really don't know what else I'd replace it with, so it's more than fine for a year or two until the balance of the loan catches up with market value.

@tifighter , yes that's the color. Very sleek looking car for sure, and definitely has more cargo space than the Touareg.

stickguy

saw a really sharp looking new CX5 mazda today, in red. Told the wife I should trade my car in on something like that. I have been hobbling for a few days (apparently Sciatica) and man, it hurts. And when you have any sort of back related issue, sitting up a bit higher and being able to slide in/out is a nice thing. A softer ride is a nice bonus!

corvette

I think the CX-5 is supposed to get a turbocharged engine soon. Zoom zoom zoom!

stickguy

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

saw a really sharp looking new CX5 mazda today, in red. Told the wife I should trade my car in on something like that. I have been hobbling for a few days (apparently Sciatica) and man, it hurts. And when you have any sort of back related issue, sitting up a bit higher and being able to slide in/out is a nice thing. A softer ride is a nice bonus!

Imho a Mazda might not be the best choice if you are having back trouble. Mazdas are known for good handling, but also for having a firm and bouncy ride. For your back you might consider looking at luxury vehicles or mainstream vehicles with a softer suspension....? Acura and some other luxury cars have "amplitude reactive dampers." Here's what Acura says about them, and I from my experience they seem to work: "Two separate damping mechanisms are utilized, with one tuned for maximum efficiency on smoother roads with small inputs and the other tuned to handle large inputs such as rough roads, potholes, and sudden steering and braking action. Front triple-path damper mounts further improve ride comfort without sacrificing handling. The result is a vehicle that remains composed and comfortable in a wide range of conditions."

Even better might be the magnetic ride system found on some uplevel cars, including the Accord Touring. I think Cadillac, Buick, and others have this system on high end vehicles too.

stickguy

the ride is fine. The seats make the difference, especially having the right amount of cushion tilt and thigh support, and the seat sitting a little higher (you the legs bend down, instead of more straight out). The Acura outclasses the Hyundai in that area. The other big factor is how low you sit. No way I would want to be trying to get in and out of the Miata right now!

corvette

stickguy said:

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

Haven't seen the redesigned RAV4. The current CR-V has a few cheap interior trim bits, but is a solid competitor in its class. The current RAV-4 has an awful interior. Perhaps the upcoming one is better.

tbirdmarco

 GPP, you are welcome yes in two years like you said you see what you will do. Will go quick before you know it. Glad I was remembering correctly, you have that brown color that’s awesome love it. That I did not remember ha ha Ha. Stick guy you have to see what car you will by next, so many choices out there. But I think the red    You saw and that CX five is call Saul read if I’m remembering correctly. I think it’s a nice bright red, at least to me. Ha ha ha Corvette, I agree the interior of the current route four is horrible. My cousin has one can’t see much for any other Toyotas have to still sitting new Camry, anyway everyone have a good upcoming week   Will be back in here later on at some point throughout the day or tonight. By the way when with someone from one of the local bike clubs yesterday on a tandem bike, second time I’ve done that in my life time first time was years ago when I was a kid had an awesome time. Got hooked up with this guy from an ex coworker of mine. He put in posting out for me and one of the local bike club boards   Since he’s big into that potential he need another good friend, 

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

saw a really sharp looking new CX5 mazda today, in red. Told the wife I should trade my car in on something like that. I have been hobbling for a few days (apparently Sciatica) and man, it hurts. And when you have any sort of back related issue, sitting up a bit higher and being able to slide in/out is a nice thing. A softer ride is a nice bonus!

I've been seeing more and more CX5s out on the road lately. If I were in the market for that type of vehicle, it would surely be tops on my list. Especially the turbo. I'm not a fan of the Rogue (I actually HATE them actually). The RAV4 is just meh. I like the CRV, but they are ALL OVER the damn place.

ab348

corvette said:

I think the CX-5 is supposed to get a turbocharged engine soon. Zoom zoom zoom!

Yeah, and it needs it. The existing NA engine is a bit of a slug in that thing.

stickguy

The new RAV, from videos, looks vastly better at least. And I would never buy a Rogue.

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

saw a really sharp looking new CX5 mazda today, in red. Told the wife I should trade my car in on something like that. I have been hobbling for a few days (apparently Sciatica) and man, it hurts. And when you have any sort of back related issue, sitting up a bit higher and being able to slide in/out is a nice thing. A softer ride is a nice bonus!

I've been seeing more and more CX5s out on the road lately. If I were in the market for that type of vehicle, it would surely be tops on my list. Especially the turbo. I'm not a fan of the Rogue (I actually HATE them actually). The RAV4 is just meh. I like the CRV, but they are ALL OVER the damn place.

Yeah....around here, it seems the new CRVs are like rabbits. They’re multiplying like crazy.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

It's only the 1.5 engine that's affected. The 2.4 isn't.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

It's only the 1.5 engine that's affected. The 2.4 isn't.

The 2.4 only comes in the LX model, though.
That means 90% of CR-Vs have the problematic engine choice

stickguy

I’m not buying the strippo special.

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

It's only the 1.5 engine that's affected. The 2.4 isn't.

The 2.4 only comes in the LX model, though.
That means 90% of CR-Vs have the problematic engine choice

Is there really that big a difference in price? Seems like the LX is the better choice.

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

kyfdx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

It's only the 1.5 engine that's affected. The 2.4 isn't.

The 2.4 only comes in the LX model, though.
That means 90% of CR-Vs have the problematic engine choice

Is there really that big a difference in price? Seems like the LX is the better choice.

The LX is the stripper model. It doesn't sell.

Mr_Shiftright

I meant better choice because of the engine difficulties but I can see what you mean--you get a thirstier but less powerful engine, few options, no leather, not a lot of gadgets. Still, you can get AWD in the LX at least, so if you want a cheap CR-V, it might be okay for shuffling around.

tjc78

corvette said:

stickguy said:

that could be fun! I was seriously considering a CRV (we both really liked that) but the whole engine issue going on has that off the list. And don't hate me, but I am curious about the new Rav4 due out soon. Other than the RDX, which is pricey, not too much else interests me in the class. The new V60 would be wonderful, but just as pricey as the Acura.

Haven't seen the redesigned RAV4. The current CR-V has a few cheap interior trim bits, but is a solid competitor in its class. The current RAV-4 has an awful interior. Perhaps the upcoming one is better.

I wouldn't call it awful. Good bit of soft touch surfaces and the seats are pretty comfortable. You could do worse in the segment. My Mom has a 2017, I'm not a fan overall but the interior isn't the reason.

jpp75

nyccarguy said:

I've been seeing more and more CX5s out on the road lately. If I were in the market for that type of vehicle, it would surely be tops on my list. Especially the turbo. I'm not a fan of the Rogue (I actually HATE them actually). The RAV4 is just meh. I like the CRV, but they are ALL OVER the damn place.

I agree, I've had several CX-5s for rentals and really like them a lot but it desperately needs the turbo engine, especially here at altitude.

We sat in one on Saturday and it's definitely the top of the class.

nyccarguy

Right. But if you are OK with the 2.4/CVT in the CRV LX, but want more features then go with the Mazda's 2.5/6AT combo

stickguy

Yup. That’s my theory. The Mazda is faster too. Actually pretty close to the 1.5t too IIRC.

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

@28firefighter we make law enforcement aware but it's anyone's guess whether they pursue prosecution

@corvette the installment loan note cites misrepresentation, fraud, etc. as a default event that enables it to go immediately into collection. However I doubt we'll be able to pin this back on the dealer since we approved the loan

That being said we did have a situation where someone used a fraudulent loan check to purchase a new Yukon Denali. The dealer did a spot delivery of course and sent the paperwork in later, which we rejected after finding she was formerly on our books 3 years prior as a single individual with multiple identities and prior to generating her own loan check she applied for and was rejected by us. The dealer had to eat loss unless they pursued repossession through other channels.

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

saw a really sharp looking new CX5 mazda today, in red. Told the wife I should trade my car in on something like that. I have been hobbling for a few days (apparently Sciatica) and man, it hurts. And when you have any sort of back related issue, sitting up a bit higher and being able to slide in/out is a nice thing. A softer ride is a nice bonus!

I've been seeing more and more CX5s out on the road lately. If I were in the market for that type of vehicle, it would surely be tops on my list. Especially the turbo. I'm not a fan of the Rogue (I actually HATE them actually). The RAV4 is just meh. I like the CRV, but they are ALL OVER the damn place.

I think my son is going to get a CPO CX-5 or CX-3 Grand Touring; he can walk or take the train to work(his employer pays) so it would serve him well for a long time.

28firefighter

If he's driving that little, why not just keep the 3er?

I like the CX-5 and found the low-end grunt to be more than adequate, but getting on the highway it felt very slow. The turbo should make it an interesting contender. Then again, I think maybe my performance expectations are thoroughly warped now.

roadburner

He wants another SUV(he really liked the E83 he drove for a couple of years).

28firefighter

Ah! That makes sense. Can't say I blame him - I'm enjoying having the utility of the Stelvio in my DD.

tjc78

LOL.. I had to look up what an "E83" was. I'm terrible with BMW code names.

kyfdx

1st generation X3 for normal people..

28firefighter

@qbrozen - Have you scheduled your Stelvio to go in for the recall yet? I'm nervous to even have the dealer touch the car because it's been problem free...

pensfan83

Speaking of SUV's I somehow managed to end up in the exact same Equinox that I was given when the Acura went to the body shop. Going 75 on the Ohio Turnpike was quite the chore with that thing and thankfully Ohio is flat. I've read and heard the redesign improved it tremendously but there was nowhere to go but up.

ab348

Keep in mind that Mazdas may seem comparatively slower because they still use 6-speed automatic transmissions where most of the competition has gone to 8 or 9 speed boxes.

xwesx

fintail said:

How does the dashcam feature work for recording, does it have a micro SD slot for recording, or does it integrate into a standard SD slot that many cars have had for a few years now? Front and rear camera?

Now if we could just get about 500 real world miles of range

There are a few dashcam vids on Youtube from Teslas. They're definitely no Blackvues, but they look okay for the purpose.

xwesx

corvette said:

Got the G37 back. It was raining this morning. Went to fill up with gas and the traction control kicked in when I tried to take off from a stop. It's deceptively fast!

Oh, dear.... that new shell is not long for this world!

stickguy

If I only had 1 car, it would definitely be a smaller CUV or a wagon. So CX5 or V60 sized roughly. I only have a small sedan because we have the RDX too when needed.

nyccarguy

I saw a White Kia Stinger GT AWD yesterday AM. It was the only color I've seen a Stinger in that I like.

stickguy

I parked next to a silver one. Looked nice in person. Rare sighting though.

pensfan83

We generally get by just fine with 2 sedans. Sometimes it requires we take 2 cars to sporting events but that isn't often and now that we're down to 1 car payment we're rather enjoying that at the moment given our home improvement expenses this year. Once we knock down our HELOC we'll probably start putting aside money for the Altima's replacement. We were originally targeting the end of this year or early 2019 but we're going to probably push that out to mid-2019 or later now.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I parked next to a silver one. Looked nice in person. Rare sighting though.

Speaking of Silver, I saw a Silver Alfa Giulia (base model). It looked sharp.

I also saw an RDX A-Spec this AM in @breld Blue. Acura did a very nice job on the RDX.

stickguy

I often enough need the cargo “box” area I would miss it. Especially handy when moving my daughter around, and buying bulky items. Plus putting the dog in the back. Etc.

tifighter

I would have preferred a Model 3 wagon if such thing existed. I think the upcoming Model Y crossover will be on our very short list once it gets announced.

henryn

Come January, I will have been in the T&C for 2 years, which is a long time for me. But every time I think about replacing it, I remember just how practical it is, and how often I take advantage of that practicality. I could not replace it with a sedan or hatchback. Possibly an SUV, but it's going to need a lot of inside space. And the CR-V or something similar is definitely not enough fun to make it worth my time and money to replace the T&C. And most definitely won't fit everything the T&C fits. Maybe it would fit "enough", but overall I don't see it as an upgrade.

I did a fairly long trip (about 4 hours) in a Cadillac SRX belonging to a friend last year, and I enjoyed driving it. But the cargo space is really pretty limited.

Sandman6472

I like the size of the CX-3 but hopefully it will eventually have a turbo engine also. I guess all the newer vehicles are going with a tablet format for their infotainment systems. Have no issue with them but...they need to have two knobs as I hate to use my fingers on them, hate to leave the dirty, greasy fingerprints. It just looks so dirty and unnecessary really. Go back to knobs every car manufacturer and I'll be a happy camper.
Saw a new Corolla hatch and really like it, perfect size for me actually. Have grown very fond of my turbo engine and want push button start. Throw in Sirius/XM radio and I'm there. And I want a foreign vehicle as besides the Encore/Trax pair, not into domestics.
But, just am not ready to buy anything right now, the desire just isn't there unfortunately and that's just not like me. Before the Golf, I was always looking to my next vehicle but ever since my first test drive, I've been in love with my Golf. And now, so glad it was fixable and I still smile everytime I see it!!