Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

breld

I do like the look of the wheels though.

stickguy

this is why you sell the car instead. Much less complicated.

but I assume that you would need a spacer to push it back out if it bothers you.

breld

But dealerships are closed on sundays. Very annoying.

kyfdx

breld said:

But dealerships are closed on sundays. Very annoying.

Does an Audi have lug bolts or lug nuts?

Either way, with spacers, you may need to either install longer studs, or if you have lug bolts (like a BMW), get longer lug bolts.

28firefighter

There are a couple websites out there that let you compare wheel and tire specs to OEM and tell you what kind of spacers you need. I’m blanking at the moment. 

You don’t need the spacers to get you to OEM, but you’ll want it close to avoid rubbing. Not a biggie at all. 

breld

Thanks for the quick feedback guys. I figured it wasn't a big deal, but wanted to make sure.

I may just call up ECS Tuning - I imagine they can get me the right kit. @kyfdx - here's how much I know...didn't even know there were lug "nuts" and lug "bolts." I did notice some of the wheel spacer kits come with longer bolts, so that makes sense.

Sandman6472

ENT doc added Prednisone on Thursday as I just could not breathe. Starting to feel a bit better now and am set up for hearing and allergy testing on the 5th. Have had allergies for years, started in the spring of my freshman year at Tulane. Went through a bunch of scratch tests and was allergic to lots of stuff. A few years later in the early '80's, was giving myself weekly shots but after about 5 years of that, just could not do it no more.
This has been the worst year in awhile and I need some relief. Gonna be a bit expensive I'm gathering but I need some relief. Hell, starting to feel old at 64!
"Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64"!

mjfloyd1

breld said:

Perhaps someone can help me out with wheel specs and wheel spacers.

So...I assumed the OEM wheels off a 2018 A4 would be an exact fit for our 2018 A5. I did check Tirerack to confirm that aftermarket wheels for both models would be the same specs.

But...yesterday, when I got the A4 wheels put on, I immediately noticed that they were noticeably "inset" from the fender.

So with further research (which I should've done prior to purchasing them), I now realize the A5 wheels are an 18 x 8.5 ET29, while the A4 wheels are 18 x 8 ET40. I'm thinking Tirerack probably includes some spacers or something along those lines to compensate for the difference in offset?

So...if I want to keep the OEM wheels, is it a simple matter of getting some spacers to make it look right? Or do I have a bigger problem?

Thanks for any insight.

You need 1/2 of the 0.5 inches in wheel width (that calculates to a little over 6 mm) (half is on inside of wheel hub and half towards outside) plus the 11mm difference in offset

So you need something close to 17 mm HUBCENTRIC spacers and longer bolts. Audi uses bolts. Wheel bolt pattern is 5 X 112.

You need two sets of these

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-parts/wheel-spacer-bolt-kit-175mm-with-black-ball-seat-bolts/6-ecs-023~kt4/

These are less than half price (since you’ll trade soon)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/20mm-Hubcentric-5x112-Wheel-Spacers-66-6mm-10-14x1-5-Ball-Seat-Black-Lug-Bolts/162469792315?hash=item25d3f44a3b:g:qjEAAOSwh1haAbUH:sc:USPSFirstClass!47408!US!-1

mjfloyd1

Friend has a daughter with DM and a continuous glucose monitor that they were not using so he came over last night and attached the sensor to me and set it up. Now only two finger sticks per day!!

That's a weird thing to be excited about...but it sure beats 6 per day

breld

@mjfloyd1 - thanks so much!  That’s very helpful!  

mjfloyd1

@breld - no problem. I'm a wheel whore...

Are those winter wheels? If so, you could make an argument for leaving them as is assuming they clear your brake calipers. Narrower track and narrower tires (smaller section width) generally are thought to be better for winter traction.

If they are your summer / good weather wheels, then I'd probably go with the cheaper 20mm spacers since factory tires tend to sit a bit inside the wheel wells.

breld

I’m perhaps more aware of wheel sizing and things like that than the average person, but I’m definitely more of an amateur in this group.  So again, totally appreciate the insight.  

Yes, they’re winter wheels so I will probably just leave it as is for the remainder of the season and consider ordering the spacers IF we actually have the vehicle for next winter.  

ronsteve

qbrozen said:

Just got back from the Subaru dealer - the wife's Outback was experiencing a problem where the rear washer wasn't operating. Dealer removed the rear trim, disconnected the hose from the nozzle, blew everything out, and reconnected everything. It all works as expected, and didn't get charged for it. I did, however, get a quote for the 30,000 mile service (the Outback has 30,500 miles on it). No details, just a quote of $785. I'll need to look in the manual to see what needs to be done.

I'm sure that includes a lot of BS not in the owner's manual.

Flush and fill the turn signal fluid, inspect and realign the lever as needed? 

mjfloyd1

Blinker fluid is over-rated

fintail

One thing BMWs never have to worry about

Mr_Shiftright

That's because they didn't register their blinkers before using them

cdnpinhead

It's mostly because they don't get used at all, at least here in AZ.

Mr_Shiftright

See? That's what happens when you don't change the fluid. They get stuck. Don't you watch Scotty Kilmer?

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

See? That's what happens when you don't change the fluid. They get stuck. Don't you watch Scotty Kilmer?

That also happens when you don't use Genuine BMW (TM Regd.) Blinkerflüssigkeit (at a very reasonable $55.95/qt.)

Mr_Shiftright

How do I know when to change it? There's no dipstick!

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

How do I know when to change it? There's no dipstick!

Same as brake fluid. When the dealer tells you to do it.

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

How do I know when to change it? There's no dipstick!

don't worry. the car will simply refuse to start and call the dealership for you.

Mr_Shiftright

So if I don't use genuine BMW Blinkerflüssigkeit and my PCM fails, does that void my warranty, since the directionals are controlled through the PCM to the Signal Control Modules (one for each direction) and the in-dash Topographic Map Printer?

ab348

I think it depends on whether you properly registered your change of the aftermarket Blinkerflüssigkeit when you installed it.

Mr_Shiftright

Darn, you're right. It says so right on page 1,212 of my owner's manual.

laurasdada

A bittersweet Valentine's Day; my friend VJ, after a sudden and quick battle with cancer, passed away (~3 weeks). He was only 59 y.o., a good guy and a car guy including a racing fan (and I believe he worked pit for a local racer). So, if you're so inclined, raise a glass of 5W20 in his honor.

A somber couple of weeks, I can only hope that he accomplished all/most of his life goals (we haven't seen too much of each other since I moved to MA from CT. He's had a bit of a roller coaster personal life, from what I've been told).

Amongst other thoughts/feelings, CCB-wise, a sudden midlife crisis part II; in 2011 part I was fulfilled with my Jag XK. Now, I'm thinking of emptying my emergency fund for a used Porsche 911 (991; 991.5) or something equally appropriate. Likely logic will continue to win out over this impulse (two more years tuition for the boy...), but man; life is short.

ab348

Condolences on losing your friend, @laurasdada .

stickguy

a used Porsche does sound like an emergency to me. But waiting until tuition is done, and then treating yourself, is probably the appropriate move.

Mr_Shiftright

Let me know...I'm an enabler for people wanting to buy Porsches.

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

Let me know...I'm an enabler for people wanting to buy Porsches.

If by enabler you mean a ton of bricks...

nyccarguy

laurasdada said:

A bittersweet Valentine's Day; my friend VJ, after a sudden and quick battle with cancer, passed away (~3 weeks). He was only 59 y.o., a good guy and a car guy including a racing fan (and I believe he worked pit for a local racer). So, if you're so inclined, raise a glass of 5W20 in his honor. A somber couple of weeks, I can only hope that he accomplished all/most of his life goals (we haven't seen too much of each other since I moved to MA from CT. He's had a bit of a roller coaster personal life, from what I've been told). Amongst other thoughts/feelings, CCB-wise, a sudden midlife crisis part II; in 2011 part I was fulfilled with my Jag XK. Now, I'm thinking of emptying my emergency fund for a used Porsche 911 (991; 991.5) or something equally appropriate. Likely logic will continue to win out over this impulse (two more years tuition for the boy...), but man; life is short.

I’m so sorry for your loss @laurasdada.  My Closest Aunt just died of cancer last Monday.  The funeral was Thursday in NH.  She was sick for about 2 years and died at the not that old age of 68.  Cancer sucks and Chemo is damn near worse.

stickguy

If the chemo doesn't kill you, it often feels like it did anyway.

cdnpinhead

Life is a [non-permissible content removed], and then you don't die.

stickguy

Now I want a bag of spice drops from CVS!

inside joke.

roadburner

laurasdada said:

A bittersweet Valentine's Day; my friend VJ, after a sudden and quick battle with cancer, passed away (~3 weeks). He was only 59 y.o., a good guy and a car guy including a racing fan (and I believe he worked pit for a local racer). So, if you're so inclined, raise a glass of 5W20 in his honor.

A somber couple of weeks, I can only hope that he accomplished all/most of his life goals (we haven't seen too much of each other since I moved to MA from CT. He's had a bit of a roller coaster personal life, from what I've been told).

Amongst other thoughts/feelings, CCB-wise, a sudden midlife crisis part II; in 2011 part I was fulfilled with my Jag XK. Now, I'm thinking of emptying my emergency fund for a used Porsche 911 (991; 991.5) or something equally appropriate. Likely logic will continue to win out over this impulse (two more years tuition for the boy...), but man; life is short.

I can sympathize; I have lost several dear friends since January 1st- the most recent being the Judge I served with for nearly a decade. Cancer once again. She died only six weeks into her retirement. It can be just heart wrenching.

Sandman6472

Looks like my kid is gonna have a punch quite soon. She's getting a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier sedan in turquoise. She has a few dealers bidding for her business. The dealer is in New Smyrna Beach Florida. Now we're working out financing a part. If not good financing, told her I'd finance $13,500 at 0% and she'll just put down $10K cash. She's fighting me on this arrangement but since she just bought a new house in November, they might not give her the best rate. I've got the cash sitting in the bank so why not help her out. That's what parents do if they can. We're not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination but if I can help her a bit here, why not. Have decided to put my car shopping on permanent hold at this point so might as well help her.
Going up Saturday with the title but they said she could take possession before they get the title since they'll already have the vehicle on their lot. Car has 7 miles on it and she's thrilled. Not sure if this counts as a punch for our purposes in here since she's no longer living under our roof. But I'll defer to the rest of you if it counts or not. We'll find out tomorrow when they'll deliver the vehicle to her. Usually I like to test drive it to make sure the alignment is dead on but she can always go back for an adjustment if not. Just hard when we're almost 200 miles apart. this was going on all day with phone calls, texts and emails while I was at work. not a way to purchase a new vehicle.
On a side note, got to drive a 2018 Porsche 911 at work. White over tan and it was like a dream. The acceleration was intoxicating and the whole experience was, well can I print this word...orgasmic! As much as I enjoyed driving that first 328I, this was just, so much more. It was a short 25 minute cruise up the Florida turnpike from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale but the sun was out, just a perfect day to drive such a nice machine. I was walking on air the rest of the day!!!

Sandman6472

My condolences also. Lost my older sister a few years back. No one knew how sick she was, not even her. Went in the hospital on a Thursday and was gone by Saturday night, it had spread all over her body so fast. My one year older brother died of pancreatic cancer on his 58th birthday a few years back. He had been sick for about 6 months and we hadn't talked in a couple of years. Called him right before the end and we forgave each other for the stupid nonsense that money does to a family. He handed all the estate paperwork over to me and about 2 weeks later, he was gone. When I saw his last pic on FB, I almost lost it as he had lost all his weight and he was a large guy. All I saw was an old man and I cried for him. Didn't cry for my dad, mom or sister but for him, I cried. Felt it best to not go to his funeral and I know he understood, would've been a distraction that I felt was unnecessary at the time.
I just hope when I do go, I go to sleep and never wake up. Short & sweet is the best way! Again, my condolences!!!

corvette

Sandy, congrats on your daughter's pending punch. But, how is her price $23,500 plus her trade in if the internet price is $21,707?

As an aside, I can't even figure out how to build and price a new car on Edmunds' latest site redesign. When I put in Chevrolet Cruze, it just shows me nearby models for sale.

Sandman6472

Maybe I got the figures a bit wrong here. I'm a bit confused now with it all. I'll go back and delete that portion of my post till I get the correct figures. Thanks for pointing this out to me. Seriously, it's too hard to buy a vehicle when we're almost 200 miles apart...just too hard!!
Again thanks for pointing out my error in typing. After dealing with this at work since 10 am, the numbers get all mixed up as she sent me 3 different pdf's to look at and then my iPhone was acting a bit wonkey in the Miami area today. They have 0% financing but only on the 2018's and the 2019's had a bit of a refresh on the grille and fascia and also some other added goodies. Just waiting for her financial check tomorrow and what % financing they'll offer her. Told her I'd finance a big part at 0% if she'd let me. She's just super responsible and already owes me for the gutters and car repair and doesn't want to add to it. But I'm just trying to make things go smoothly and told her if not, let me co-sign the loan since my credit is excellent. So we'll just have to see how this all plays out. Guess the kids were listening to all our financial advice all these years about living under your means and saving as much as possible. She could pay it all out in cash she said but then she'd go under what she feels comfortable with in the bank. And I agree with her, the reason I'm offering to finance it for her. Let her keep a good chunk of her cash and she can pay me monthly at whatever she can do.
She's a great kid with a new job, a new house and engaged to be married. She's our oldest and just a wonderful child who really took over when I got sick last year and basically took over my health care decisions. She really stepped up to the plate to make sure I got well and was taken care of and took that burden off my wife who was so incredibly busy with her work. My kid saw that my wife needed the help and jumped right in and made things happen when I needed them to. So for me to help her out now is a no brainer to me. Now it's my turn to be there for her!

stickguy

I thought the same thing. seems like it should be $19,607 cash plus the Versa. Heck, would be better to buy the new one for the internet price and sell the Versa elsewhere. Will certainly get more than $300 for it!

suydam

Let her buy it. She’s an adult now and wants the responsibility. Nice that she respects your help in negotiations. Congrats to her in advance!

graphicguy

@laurasdada and @nyccarguy ....sincerest condolences to you both on the passing of family and friends.

Sandman6472

We're getting closer but still not there yet. Luckily am home today so I am near my computer and our fax. I did get the numbers wrong, I was working with an LT model but she's getting the top Premier model so that's the difference. Again, doing all this by phone, text and fax is hard. Waiting on the Mulooney sticker from the window of the particular unit and go from there.
A nice looking vehicle really. But for me, I'd go for the hatch.

kyfdx

Trip to dealer for oil change on my '06 BMW.

"Hey, Joe.. I have some deferred maintenance, can you give me an estimate on some stuff?"

Coolant flush
Manual transmission service
Rear differential fluid change
Spark plugs

I don't remember the breakdown, but it was about $800, not counting the oil change.
Not terrible, but the spark plugs alone are $310 with labor.
I passed on the $900+ service..

I know Joe pretty well... "This seems like a lot". "I know it is for you, but I see newer BMWs all day, and this would be $2500+ on anything newer than your car".

28firefighter

Yikes.

kyfdx

And, this:

Sunday, my wife tells me her TPMS warning is on. Reading on right/rear is 17 PSI (supposed to be 38).
Air up the tire and on Monday, she is out all day. Gets home and it's A-OK. This morning, it's at ZERO!

It's a runflat, so I drove the 1/2 mile to the gas station and back up to 38. It's holding for now. But, no one close to me will repair it. Tires have 30K miles on AWD, so I can't just replace the one tire, and they are Goodyears, so who knows how long to get one.

There are only four choices of runflats in her size. Local tire chain can get Pirellis, today. So, $13XX for a new set of tires. Sigh..

Fortunately for her, I have a new 2019 X3 as a loaner from my oil change today, so she has a new car to drive. Sport seats and paddle shifters, too!

28firefighter

Similar boat with my wife's X1. Car is down to 4/32 in the front at 22k miles, 5/32 in the rear. Minimum to return is 4/32 and we still have 11 months to go. I'm not happy.

tjc78

@28firefighter
Nothing worse than having to replace tires on a lease !!

I had to on my 06 Avalon. I knew they wouldn’t make so with about 15 months left sprung for a good set.  

tjc78

Kids got me sick, so hanging home today.  

Idle time = car research.  Checked out all the midsizers.  I’ll tell you what the Mazda 6 seems like a nice package.  I have to drive one at some point.  

au1994

I had to replace tires on the X6 before we turned it in. Put on some Goodyears for around ~900 or so all in. Cheapest that I could get away with per the requirements on speed rating etc. We probably put 2k or so on them so at least I got a little use out of them.