Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

Any Advice For This Member?

venture

tjc78 said:

I got one of those $50 test drive offers from Buick.  So.. since I was picking up the Enclave from service anyway I figured I would test drive a Regal and redeem the card.  

They were pretty busy with no available sales reps so I just had them enter it as if I did drive one.  Made $50 for a 3 minute conversation.  I’ll take it  

I was looking at my Subaru dealers web site this week before taking my wife's Forester in to get the battery replaced. Up popped an offer for $65 if I took a test drive. Thanks.

stickguy

quite a few of those recently. I think I cashed in Subaru and Hyundai this last shopping cycle. Maybe Lincoln too. Hey, gotta pay the bills somehow!

tjc78

It was just perfect timing I was there anyway. 

I dropped off the Hyundai next door one night, picked that up the next and dropped the Buick.  Pretty handy having both my dealers next door to one another. 

Had to pay for the Buick’s oil change.   You only get a year (2 services) with 2017.  2019 is down to just your first.  

suydam

That’s a shame. I got 2 full years with my Encore, and 2 services with the Volt. Now down to 1? That was a nice perk, I think it’s a mistake to do away with it.

stickguy

my wife was funny today. we were out in the new car and I told her she needs to set up her fob and actually drive it eventually (she did say she thought about taking it to work Friday, but she ended up working from home). Then she said it "might be too fancy for her". I think she might be able to handle it, but who knows! Will definitely need a tutorial on the technology though.

we stopped to do some shopping and walking back across the parking lot, she popped out with a comment of "that's a nice looking car". I thought she meant a blue car we were next to, but turned out she meant the TLX. Even though, as she said, she is "not a red person"

stickguy

suydam said:

That’s a shame. I got 2 full years with my Encore, and 2 services with the Volt. Now down to 1? That was a nice perk, I think it’s a mistake to do away with it.

nice of them to do it. I assumed it was more for the dealer, to get you into the service department. The new Acura did not come with any (unless the dealer offered the first as a freebie, but I don't recall it). At least it is just a basic oil change and rotation, and my local dealer usually has a coupon for $40-$60 (depending on if do the rotation too).

suydam

With GM I think it’s an added attraction for buying from them.

stickguy

our VW lease was nice. that came with 3 free services (ever 10k). which conveniently was exactly how many it needed. And those are pricier than what Acura charges.

venture

stickguy said:

my wife was funny today. we were out in the new car and I told her she needs to set up her fob and actually drive it eventually (she did say she thought about taking it to work Friday, but she ended up working from home). Then she said it "might be too fancy for her". I think she might be able to handle it, but who knows! Will definitely need a tutorial on the technology though.

we stopped to do some shopping and walking back across the parking lot, she popped out with a comment of "that's a nice looking car". I thought she meant a blue car we were next to, but turned out she meant the TLX. Even though, as she said, she is "not a red person"

It's nice she recognized it. My wife has no positive interest in cars. A few times when we were leaving somewhere and heading to my car, I didn't see her any more. When I turned around she was standing next to another black car waiting for me to unlock the doors. I remember one time it was a G37 and another time it was an Accord.

As I mentioned before, we will occasionally pass each other on the road to our house and she doesn't know it's me. That's OK though since it's her only "fault".

stickguy

my wife has done the old go to the wrong car move a few times. These days with so many gray/silver/white cars that look alike, hard to make fun. The bright red car certainly helps with that.

henryn

H___s Bells, I've done that. Back when I was driving the TDI Passat, I left the gym one evening and walked up to the wrong Passat. I was approaching the right side, and as I got nearer I could see a dent in the right rear quarter panel. I was quite worked up about that, "Who the heck knocked a dent in my car??!!??"

When I got close enough, I could see there were 2 identical Passats parked side by side, which wasn't true when I originally parked. I decided to take the one without the dent, end of story.

marcogallo1986

Lol on the above 

marcogallo1986

Nice breld. On the  car looking yesterday glad you all had  an good  time 

laurasdada

Spent the weekend car shopping with the GF to replace her totaled 328xi. Surprise, she wants an SUV, and a new one. Her top choice was the CR-V, but when she discovered the issues with some '17 & '18 engines, she decided nope. But, she waffles...

We test drove CX-5, I think the front runner and the Forrester, a close second. Looked at Sportage and Tuscon, she didn't seem interested. No time/interest in the Rogue, she might do RAV4 tomorow and Europeans are beyond her pocketbook as she wants new. She can't decide between the Mazda and Subie, I told her my choice would be Mazda, but it's hers to live with.

I was surprised by the Subie, comfy with great visibility. A nice ride, a weak stereo. The CX-5, obviously a better handler, spunkier , sharer looking and nicer interior. Both with real spare tires! Subie dealer was great, and aggressive in pricing. We'll see, she feels so much pressure she can't decide. End of the month is anon.

Speaking of Sportage, it appears that the local Kia/Alfa dealer has recently been sold. Here's the fun part, as we walked the lot to look at Sportages (none in the showroom?), each one we looked at had a $5K "Market Adjustment" sticker added to the Monroney! $5k. Sportage. Strange math. As she had no interest in even sitting in one, we told the young sales dude, no thanks. I had to say something about the ADM, he started talking about it covers a 200k warranty... I said, it's profit. Pure profit. There is absolutely no underlying value. He finally said, look, I'm just a salesman, but, yeah, you're right, it's just profit. What a country!

And, while the Alfa lot is full of new Giulia's and Stelvios, Kia dude said the new owners were going to drop the Alfa dealership and expand the Kia shop to its building. So, wonder if there will be a fire sale? Not a good sign for ALFA (and Fiat disappeared from the lot some time back) to lose one of the few Boston area dealers (although perhaps another house will pick it up? Herb Chambers already has two, Kelly in Danvers).

stickguy

the CX-5 was high on our list. Really nice car. I have not seen the newest Forester in person that I can recall, but it is very highly regarded. So, can't really go wrong. So either pick the cheapest, or if about the same, just go with whichever one you like driving better.

a lousy stereo is a drag. Is she looking at lower line models? Might get better tunes if you go up market a bit!

corvette

It’s pretty trivial to swap out speakers - and often that’s the only problem. Had to do that in the Mustang and it was very cheap. 

tjc78

stickguy said:

the CX-5 was high on our list. Really nice car. I have not seen the newest Forester in person that I can recall, but it is very highly regarded. So, can't really go wrong. So either pick the cheapest, or if about the same, just go with whichever one you like driving better.

a lousy stereo is a drag. Is she looking at lower line models? Might get better tunes if you go up market a bit!

I’m an audio nut and it kills me the stereo in the Elantra is so bad. If my next ride doesn’t have something better I’m doing my own upgrading.

stickguy

TJC, that was one of the tipping points for me. That base radio, was bad. if I had the window open at normal speeds (heck, even the moonroof) you honestly could not hear it. In the TLX, that is no longer an issue.

I suppose I could have spent money on upgrades, but that probably would have been a waste of money unless I knew for sure I was keeping it a real long time.

corvette

stickguy said:

I suppose I could have spent money on upgrades, but that probably would have been a waste of money unless I knew for sure I was keeping it a real long time.

Four speakers for the Mustang were $80 with wiring harnesses from Crutchfield - I sold the Mustang nine months later. It was still worth the $80 and my time installing them to have decent music for nine months.

stickguy

Elantra would have cost a lot more. I think it was way underpowered and would have needed an amp and sub to really make a difference. Plus, no way was I installing it all!

one drag on new cars is the way everything is integrated. No more popping out the old head unit on sticking in a new one in a couple of minutes.

laurasdada

Looks like CX-5 Grand Touring will be the winner. But, like the weather in New England, wait a minute for a change...
I might have swayed her by showing her the new C&D 10 Best Truck/SUV article.
Why do I want a Kona?

I'm no audiophile, but enjoyed the ELS in my TL and Bowers & Wilkins in my XK and XF..

stickguy

the Kona is smaller, and from what I have read, probably not as smooth and quiet. But pretty quick with the 1.6t. I did like it when I sat in one.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

my wife was funny today. we were out in the new car and I told her she needs to set up her fob and actually drive it eventually (she did say she thought about taking it to work Friday, but she ended up working from home). Then she said it "might be too fancy for her". I think she might be able to handle it, but who knows! Will definitely need a tutorial on the technology though. we stopped to do some shopping and walking back across the parking lot, she popped out with a comment of "that's a nice looking car". I thought she meant a blue car we were next to, but turned out she meant the TLX. Even though, as she said, she is "not a red person"

Already 4 months in with the RDX and the wife has yet to drive it. The separate fobs do have the potential to be annoying because the seat settings are tied to different fobs, and most of the time we switch off driving is when we are on a  long road trip. Would be nice if she could just press the 2 on the door and get her seat settings without switching fobs. 

Also a bit concerned she will find it very jumpy off the line, especially compared to her Jetta. Needless to say we won't switch cars on a snow day until she has gotten some seat time. Though she is usually inclined to stay home on snow days anyway!

stickguy

actually, you can press the button on the door and it will change the seat settings, regardless of which fob is running the car. Actually that only matters if you unlock the door with a certain fob. Just starting the car (I am pretty sure) doesn't change it.

I know what you mean about being a bit of a hair trigger. I don't like driving with the wife (well, I don''t really like driving with most people!) because she tends to be somewhat abrupt with the gas.

stickguy

It does look like my grand plan (scheme? justification?) of getting something with more features for the wife to commute with is out the window. I just got a fancier car for myself, though she is now happy to have that as the "family" car that we use when out together. But for now, the RDX will be the commute beater for her.

suydam

So you got what you wanted. No surprise there!

stickguy

She shocked me. Just took the new car this morning without even a practice run. Now I will be worried about it all day!

laurasdada

And we have a new bouncing baby CX-5 in the family! Silver over black.
Now, I just have to get in and set the radio presets before she does!

Mr_Shiftright

As the waiters say in snobby restaurants: "Excellent choice, sir!"

au1994

laurasdada said:

Spent the weekend car shopping with the GF to replace her totaled 328xi. Surprise, she wants an SUV, and a new one. Her top choice was the CR-V, but when she discovered the issues with some '17 & '18 engines, she decided nope. But, she waffles...

We test drove CX-5, I think the front runner and the Forrester, a close second. Looked at Sportage and Tuscon, she didn't seem interested. No time/interest in the Rogue, she might do RAV4 tomorow and Europeans are beyond her pocketbook as she wants new. She can't decide between the Mazda and Subie, I told her my choice would be Mazda, but it's hers to live with.

I was surprised by the Subie, comfy with great visibility. A nice ride, a weak stereo. The CX-5, obviously a better handler, spunkier , sharer looking and nicer interior. Both with real spare tires! Subie dealer was great, and aggressive in pricing. We'll see, she feels so much pressure she can't decide. End of the month is anon.

Speaking of Sportage, it appears that the local Kia/Alfa dealer has recently been sold. Here's the fun part, as we walked the lot to look at Sportages (none in the showroom?), each one we looked at had a $5K "Market Adjustment" sticker added to the Monroney! $5k. Sportage. Strange math. As she had no interest in even sitting in one, we told the young sales dude, no thanks. I had to say something about the ADM, he started talking about it covers a 200k warranty... I said, it's profit. Pure profit. There is absolutely no underlying value. He finally said, look, I'm just a salesman, but, yeah, you're right, it's just profit. What a country!

And, while the Alfa lot is full of new Giulia's and Stelvios, Kia dude said the new owners were going to drop the Alfa dealership and expand the Kia shop to its building. So, wonder if there will be a fire sale? Not a good sign for ALFA (and Fiat disappeared from the lot some time back) to lose one of the few Boston area dealers (although perhaps another house will pick it up? Herb Chambers already has two, Kelly in Danvers).

Congrats on the CX-5! Either of the finalists would have been a great choice. CX-5 is definitely a looker!

Kia and Alfa. That’s an interesting combo!

Way back when they came out, Yugo was sold at the Buick,Volvo, BMW dealer. They added Isuzu at some point as well.

And yes, at some point they had a buy a car, get a Yugo free promotion. I think you got one with the purchase of a Park Avenue. I was in high school at the time and dad was a fan of the Park Avenue. I was deathly afraid he would take advantage and I’d end up with the Yugo!

stickguy

Can't go wrong with a CX-5 IMO.

laurasdada

I asked for the "BOGO" promotion at Mazda, asked for my free Miata RF. Planned to put it in the hatch of the CX-5 and drive off into the sunset. Alas, I guess I just missed that sale...
Too bad, Subaru dealer had better free food. But, free washes and loaners at Mazda. She didn't want the very cool red exterior, +$600 and she said she didn't want to "stand out."
So, now we each have a sliver/black vehicle. How are we going to tell them apart? Well, mine is actually Platinum, so that will make it much easier.

I gotta meet someone who paid $5k ADM on a Sportage. They're out there...

au1994

If you find a taker on the ADM, send them my way. I have a bridge I’m trying to unload.

suydam

I do love that red on the Mazda. It is just gorgeous. You could always find it in a parking lot, so if she doesn’t want to stand out I can see why she preferred the silver. Congrats on the purchase! Pics please!

Mr_Shiftright

au1994 said:

If you find a taker on the ADM, send them my way. I have a bridge I’m trying to unload.

Drawbridge or toll?

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

au1994 said:

If you find a taker on the ADM, send them my way. I have a bridge I’m trying to unload.

Drawbridge or toll?

Troll

au1994

kyfdx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

au1994 said:

If you find a taker on the ADM, send them my way. I have a bridge I’m trying to unload.

Drawbridge or toll?

Troll

Lol, yes it’s a troll. It’s been known to post inciting comments in chat rooms

kyfdx

au1994 said:

kyfdx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

au1994 said:

If you find a taker on the ADM, send them my way. I have a bridge I’m trying to unload.

Drawbridge or toll?

Troll

Lol, yes it’s a troll. It’s been known to post inciting comments in chat rooms

No... under the bridge.

corvette

kyfdx said:

If you find a taker on the ADM, send them my way. I have a bridge I’m trying to unload.

Drawbridge or toll?

Troll

I’ve been to the troll pub (under the bridge):
https://www.trollpub.com/louisville/

stickguy

looks like a cool place.

Mr_Shiftright

Looks like a good place to be during a zombie apocalypse.

Sandman6472

Saw a new 2019 Rav4 on the road the other day and it sure is a looker! Toyota did an excellent job with the exterior and from the interior pics I've seen, did a bang up job there also. Have always liked Toyota's and have had a couple of Corolla's and Camry's in the stable over the years. Seen the new Corolla hatch and it looks good also. The magazine said the driving position and the dash are first rate but not so much behind that.
Strange thing happened the other morning. Tried to open the drivers door of the Golf and the fob wouldn't open it, it worked on the other three doors and hatch but the drivers door wouldn't budge. Had to get in the passengers seat to open the inside lock and since then, all is fine. Must add that it poured the evening before and it got completely soaked inside and out just getting in and closing the umbrella. Figured it was the battery since neither have been changed since new. And now, working fine.
Just very strange. Tonight and tomorrow night will be in the upper 40's here, cold for South Florida, and just glad I have a garage to park in. The girl from Orlando is down this week for work and hers is parked outside. Seems like she and her ex have made up and he's moving in the beginning of March. Wedding talks have started again but I'm keeping my mouth shut for now. Once I see the fat lady sing, an old expression, will I believe it. But she's happy, and that's the main thing!

kyfdx

Here is our "under the bridge" place..

http://www.atthegruff.com/

stickguy

also looks like a cool place.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

also looks like a cool place.

It is.. nice craft beer selection on tap, too.

stickguy

I like places like that. I would like to downsize the house, and ideally be close to town. We are not "city folk", so not moving downtown Philly! But perfect would be a smaller down with a nice selection of bars/restaurants like that, where we could be able to walk down but still have a single with a garage in a quiet area. There are a few towns near us that would be perfect, but most likely we aren't moving anywhere in this area, instead waiting until we do something passing for retiring and actually leave the area.

this is one of our "go to" places, in a town like that. But about a 20 minute drive from where we are now. Usually a really good beer selection, and a number of oddball beers, and quite a few small brewery locals.

http://www.pjspourhouse.com/eat.php?loc=Westmont

kyfdx

That’s directly across the river from downtown Cincinnati. The bridge is the Roebling Suspension bridge, across the Ohio River. (Roebling later designed the Brooklyn Bridge).

Not sure you’d find what you are looking for within walking distance, but we only live about 3.5 miles away in an older suburb (though, newer house).

Covington has a nice casual restaurant scene. Anyone coming to Cincinnati, ring me up, and I’ll buy you a beer!

pensfan83

Beer you say? I was in Cinci over Christmas too 

pensfan83

How about "by the tracks"?

http://www.bluedustpgh.com