Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

The girls just called from the Orlando train station where our middle girl went this morning. The Versa won't shift out of park!!! Told her to let it sit for five minutes and then call me back. Now, who said bad things happen in three's???

Sandman6472

Kid read the owners manual, got the car moving again. Will call me later. Gotta feeling the Golf might be going to a new home in the near future!!! Or we just get her into a new Elantra or Forte. She likes the Cruze hatchback also. Luckily she works from home but, she still needs wheels and with over 106K on the clock, we got some talking to do!!

Michaell

@Sandman6472 - I did test drive the Compass Trailhawk. My one big complaint - and, it's a show stopper - is how uncomfortable the headrest is. The way it's designed, the bottom of it hits my shoulders, and there is no way to adjust it to make it better.

I haven't yet sat in the Cherokee, but peering through the window on Sunday, it looks like the seats and headrests may be more comfortable for me.

Mr_Shiftright

Sandman6472 said:

The girls just called from the Orlando train station where our middle girl went this morning. The Versa won't shift out of park!!! Told her to let it sit for five minutes and then call me back. Now, who said bad things happen in three's???

She needs a screwdriver--c'mon, you know how to do this.

stickguy

Could be many things. But a trip to dealer might be in order. And let her get her own car, either new, or good candidate for a CPO. And let her take care of it. I do think passing along the VW is not a good idea either.

laurasdada

New idols: This weekend, with temps in the low 20s, couple of dudes in a 911 cabriolet having a discussion and smiling; with the top down.

xwesx

Sandman6472 said:

The girls just called from the Orlando train station where our middle girl went this morning. The Versa won't shift out of park!!! Told her to let it sit for five minutes and then call me back. Now, who said bad things happen in three's???

Good that she read the manual! In general, it can happen if there is a shift interlock issue (e.g., shifter requires input from the brake circuit to say it is safe to move from park). Other option is if parking on a slope and not using the e-brake, the pressure on the physical transmission lock can be sufficient to make it difficult to shift out of park.

For the interlock, there is usually a small cover located on the console near the shift lever. Pop the cover, push the button or switch underneath, and it will release the shifter to move.

breld

Driving my stepdaughter's Jetta today, as we are getting the windows tinted.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the car - we got the SEL model, so it has all the safety tech. I used the ACC on the way in and thought it was quite smooth. Popped it into Sport mode for a little while too and am surprised at the power the 1.4T puts out (@michaell certainly likes that engine in his Jetta). And the Beats audio system is a huge step up from what she had in her previous Jetta Sport. That was worth the upgrade to the SEL for sure.

breld

On the subject of safety nannies for young drivers, I would tend to agree with what some others have posted...it's probably a good idea for kids to learn without the benefit of all the tech features at first, so they can develop an appropriate level of attentiveness and skill.

I'm glad my stepdaughter's first car(s) was devoid of the newest set of features, so at least she had about 4 years of driving "on her own" before stepping into the new Jetta.

The plan for my 15 year old son is for him to inherit his mom's MDX, which is at least 5-6 years old. By all means a really nice car for a young driver, but other than a rear camera, it doesn't have any of the new safety tech.

tbirdmarco

 You are welcome  JPP 74  Love the color of that Chevrolet SS different that’s why I like you so much, I could even see that, I know it’s obnoxious but great. I guess it’s a good thing I don’t drive all this talk about driver nannies and the way people drive. Ha ha ha. Send man, yes you have to talk with our youngest daughter about starting to look for a car replacement. Sounds like she has a few choices in mind but you said that she likes, and eventually you’ll still look for a replacement at the end    Of the year for your self. 

tbirdmarco

 Stick guy, that I missed a comment somewhere how come you have to bring your car into the dealer and have a loaner car for a few days? On my mom’s room it’s not it once or twice how long after she got it where the train tracks it stops don’t know what it thinks but only did it twice and that was it. All the times on the highway it beeps like it’s going to do something but it didn’t actually stop the car. 

tbirdmarco

 Glad you got your car back though stick guy. 

qbrozen

Sandman6472 said:

In a new Jeep, give the Compass a shot. It's a new model for 2019 and takes the place of the old Compass and the Patriot, one of the most dismal vehicles ever built! We have a bunch of the 2019 models in the fleet now and they drive nicely and I even like the interior. Feels like a more upscale vehicle and something I wouldn't mind having in my garage, I think it's that good! But think it's just too big for my needs to be honest. Hit 49K this morning, so the miles are piling up. Probably be right around 60K or so come years end which might just be the perfect time to retire and get myself a new vehicle. But that would mean nixing the 2018 ILX and to be honest, prefer the looks of the 2018 model better than the brand new 2019 for some reason. Stick was right, the interior is basically the same and the Tech package is the model to get.. One day when I get off early, should go next door and drive one just to see if I even like it. Many times we see something but when in it and then driving it, we wonder what the hell we were thinking!

I think the compass is the best looking of the jeep SUVs right now. But 2019 is the same as the 2018, FYI. 

It reminds me of the xc40 from the side. I saw one with the X package treatment and thought it cool. Wife turned her nose up at it though. Now THAT with the 2.0T would be tempting!

tjc78

Saw one of the new Jeeps today with “sport” on the back. Guessing it was a compass but couldn’t tell.

suydam

I had one as a rental. It was ok but nothing special. Awful FE.

Michaell

tjc78 said:

Saw one of the new Jeeps today with “sport” on the back. Guessing it was a compass but couldn’t tell.

I think the Renegade, Compass and Cherokee all come in a Sport trim.

Renegade is much too small, the Compass was just not comfortable and I haven't had the chance to sit in the Cherokee just yet.

stickguy

saw a new wrangler unlimited on the road yesterday. Nice looking. similar red to my car.

speaking of which, I have gotten a number of unsolicited comments from people that really like the way it looks.

28firefighter

This popped up on the local Craigslist:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-volvok/6793327477.html

28firefighter

Didn't even know this existed:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2006-bmw-530-xit-e61-6-speed/6794183845.html

breld

I almost special ordered a 2007 530xi wagon with the manual, but ended up going with a sedan instead. I'm not sure how you end up with a manual without the sport package!

tifighter

@28firefighter I see a link that says seattle.craigslist and I run away from my laptop with my fingers in my ears screaming "La, la, la, la"...

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Didn't even know this existed:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2006-bmw-530-xit-e61-6-speed/6794183845.html

Yes, it was called the Sport Wagon. Price is just....okay...if the car checks out really well.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

This popped up on the local Craigslist:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-volvok/6793327477.html

Nicely equipped! Color is...well...unfortunate---I think they look best in silver or blue. Price seems fair enough for the low miles and options. All this car needs is some mods for better handling. They came kinda "soft" from the factory, and didn't match the handling prowess of the Mini or the GTI.

28firefighter

tifighter said:

@28firefighter I see a link that says seattle.craigslist and I run away from my laptop with my fingers in my ears screaming "La, la, la, la"...

I’m here to help. 

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

Didn't even know this existed: https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2006-bmw-530-xit-e61-6-speed/6794183845.html

Yes, it was called the Sport Wagon. Price is just....okay...if the car checks out really well.

It looks pretty rough. My guess is that has something to do with the Alaska license plate (no offense @xwesx). 

tjc78

28firefighter said:

Didn't even know this existed:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2006-bmw-530-xit-e61-6-speed/6794183845.html

@stickguy ... when do you go and pick it up?

stickguy

I would absolutely buy a wagon like that. Right up my alley!

and I love the C30.

jpp75

Nice find @28firefighter, I don't mind the orange but don't know that I'd want it.

I picked up my C30 today and took it to a local independent Volvo specialist who checked it out for me. Overall the car is in great shape, there's a crack in the coolant reservoir which the selling dealer will fix under their 90 day warranty, it still has the original timing belt but at only 55k miles I'll wait a few months to replace that. This car is even better than the first one I had and they found it also has a rear sway bar and an aftermarket tune, so nice surprises there!

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

This popped up on the local Craigslist:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-volvok/6793327477.html

I like the color, but what the hell is that growth off the back of the roof? ugh.

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

28firefighter said:

Didn't even know this existed:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2006-bmw-530-xit-e61-6-speed/6794183845.html

Yes, it was called the Sport Wagon. Price is just....okay...if the car checks out really well.

It looks pretty rough. My guess is that has something to do with the Alaska license plate (no offense @xwesx). 

What are you noticing? The interior looks a tad scruffy, but the body seems good. Maybe it's all chipped up, being up in Alaska and all? If it's like a # Three Minus car, then yeah, the price needs to drop a few thousand.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

It looks pretty rough. My guess is that has something to do with the Alaska license plate (no offense @xwesx). 

Hey, tell me what you REALLY think!

xwesx

I really like the burnt orange of the C30; much preferable to any other shade save for the really pretty blue they have.

xwesx

So, I think the issue with the Q7 was a low battery. On Saturday (after the super-chilly Friday night with temps near -50F) morning, I went to start it after I thought I had it plugged in all night. While I did have it plugged in, I did not have the plug ON, so my attempt to start met with raucous laughter from the car (well, okay, it just couldn't even turn the engine over). One go at that leads to no umph left from the battery, so I hooked it up to the charger and left it.

Yesterday, I fired it up to go to work and everything worked as it should; all issues gone. And, now that I consider it, it makes sense that if the battery is low, it will shed what it sees as superfluous stuff. So, maybe that's all it was?

Temps are also forty degrees warmer, so hard to say.

qbrozen

SOmething else I DON’t miss from the Alfa: stupid auto e-brake that won’t disengage unless you put on seat belt or push the button. I just want to move my car up the driveway, dammit!

28firefighter

I really like the orange color on the C30.  I especially like it in R-Design form. 

nyccarguy

tifighter said:

@28firefighter I see a link that says seattle.craigslist and I run away from my laptop with my fingers in my ears screaming "La, la, la, la"...

“I am not listening to Jeffrey, but he is still talking to me.”

tjc78

"Is that f^&** Foley in here"

One of Eddie's best!

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

"Is that f^&** Foley in here"

One of Eddie's best!

My favorite movie of all time!

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

I really like the orange color on the C30.  I especially like it in R-Design form. 

Not sure I could get used to driving a Swedish tangerine....I dunno...that was so....70s.

au1994

stickguy said:

saw a new wrangler unlimited on the road yesterday. Nice looking. similar red to my car.

speaking of which, I have gotten a number of unsolicited comments from people that really like the way it looks.

I really like the Wrangler, had a 07 2 door for a while. The new one is really nice looking and Jeep does a very good idea of refreshing that design and keeping the “Jeep-ness” there.

Toyed with getting another one but man, they do not want to negotiate on those. Maybe a couple hundred off MSRP when I was looking a few months ago. Resale is phenomenal as well. I saw 6-8 year old Wranglers with over 100k still asking 12-14k.

au1994

28firefighter said:

Didn't even know this existed:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2006-bmw-530-xit-e61-6-speed/6794183845.html

The new 5 Series wagon is a stunner. Of course EU only now as BMW won’t even bring us the 3 wagon anymore.

qbrozen

I'll be keeping an eye on these totally opposing vehicles for my next lease.

stickguy

I love the Jeep. Want to see the new Ranger too.

I better stay away from the volvo dealer though. Because I’m really going to want an S60.

henryn

That Jeep pickup is going to cost an arm and a leg. And possibly other parts of your anatomy.

au1994

qbrozen said:

I'll be keeping an eye on these totally opposing vehicles for my next lease.

You and me both. I love that S60.

Michaell

I'm pretty sure that the Jeep will lease about as good as the Wrangler - in other words, NOT.

The S60 is handsome, too.

au1994

henryn said:

That Jeep pickup is going to cost an arm and a leg. And possibly other parts of your anatomy.

Indeed. I was a regular on some of the Jeep boards and they have been clamoring for the return of the Jeep truck for at least 10 years probably longer.

With the prices of a loaded up Rubicon Unlimited already pushing 60k, no telling what kind of sticker prices we will see on the truck. Are they officially calling it the Gladiator?

Michaell

au1994 said:

henryn said:

That Jeep pickup is going to cost an arm and a leg. And possibly other parts of your anatomy.

Indeed. I was a regular on some of the Jeep boards and they have been clamoring for the return of the Jeep truck for at least 10 years probably longer.

With the prices of a loaded up Rubicon Unlimited already pushing 60k, no telling what kind of sticker prices we will see on the truck. Are they officially calling it the Gladiator?

Yes, that's the official name.

When I was at the CJDR dealer a couple weeks ago, there was a Wrangler in the showroom with a fair amount of aftermarket accessories on it, with a $60K asking price.

tbirdmarco

 Yes those jeeps are a lot of money agreed with everybody above, but they really do holder value especially the wranglers more so than any other jeep out there. Want to sit in the Ranger soon I was at the Ford dealer in Queens with my cousin not this past weekend but the weekend before, they didn’t have any in stock yet. Maybe have to go back this weekend, but stinks there’s a snowstorm coming Saturday into Sunday. Might go over to my cousins tomorrow night, after I meet with on employment in the afternoon, and the job fair that I am    Attending before I meet with on employment tomorrow morning from 10 to 1. Hopefully will be able to meet with them earlier we’re not gonna stay at that job fair for three hours ha ha Ha also trying to fight with the state about getting back into school for medical billing and coding, not fun all this fighting, but it is what it is have to keep at it. Looking forward to the auto show in New York city in April though everyone. 

tbirdmarco

JPP  read your new ride or you just got checked out good, don’t wait too long on the timing belt, even though the car has low miles you know how rubber things are. But enjoyed the next few months in the meantime do you do that job to the car.