Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

benjaminh

stick: do you need 4-wheel drive? If not, you could save some money and get higher mpg.

The Passport is 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the RDX, and so the Passport is pretty big. But the Passport does have a lot more cargo space, and of course it costs less.

Passport length 190.5 width 78.6 cargo with seats up 50.5

RDX length 186.8 w 74.8 cargo 29.5

Q5 length 183.6 w 74.5 cargo 25.1

V60 length 187.4 w 72.8 cargo 23.2

CR-V length 180.6 w 73 cargo 39.2

VW Sportwagen length 179.6 w 70.8 cargo 30.4


So the VW Sportwagen and the CRV have more cargo space than all of these except for the Passport.

stickguy

Wow. Love that car in those colors. Would be perfect for me! Wife might prefer sitting a bit higher, but would have to try it out. I won’t pay for the B&W stereo, but the seats, sure!

I want.

tjc78

I didn't audition the B&W because I would have wanted it (I have B&W speakers in my home).... having said that the Harmon/Kardon is no slouch. I still don't have it dialed in exactly the way I want it yet (lots of adjustments) but it sounds good.

Wife took it this morning and she commented how good it sounds. I think the Bose in the Enclave may be a touch louder if pushed, but the Harmon sounds better.

stickguy

A few inches longer, in that 185-190” range, is not an issue. Being much wider, that’s a problem. It’s already tight getting our RDX in the garage without nicking the mirror! Cargo measurements don’t mean much to me. That counts to the ceiling, and I’m obsessed about not going much above the seat top so I can still see out. Floor space acreage is a bigger deal. Volvo looks great there! But, the CRV was a tremendously useful cargo hauler.

The passport is really just a pilot with a slice out of the middle, no third row, and a nose job.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Tiguan might fly but the Golf will just be too small

Did the Tiguan get bigger? I saw one yesterday and it seemed much larger than I remembered.

The redesigned Tiguan is way bigger. Went from a tiny hatch to a roomy midsize CUV. great useful size.

graphicguy

You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....

I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.

2nd-VW GLI

3rd-BMW 330 or 340i

You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription

#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.

stickguy

Lease the Volvo, problem solved!

benjaminh

graphicguy said:

You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....

I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.....

My guess is that the all-new 2021 TLX Type S will arrive c. 10 months from now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAfjIt33ilI&t=1s

stickguy

Sharp. I think they should replace TLX with that, and the ILX with a small sedan and compact CUV version, something like the BMW x2.

ronsteve

tjc78 said:

Tiguan might fly but the Golf will just be too small

Did the Tiguan get bigger? I saw one yesterday and it seemed much larger than I remembered.

Yes it got quite a bit bigger. Went from being one of the shortest behind the 2nd row to having an optional 3rd row.

ronsteve

benjaminh said:

stick: do you need 4-wheel drive? If not, you could save some money and get higher mpg.

The Passport is 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the RDX, and so the Passport is pretty big. But the Passport does have a lot more cargo space, and of course it costs less.

Passport length 190.5 width 78.6 cargo with seats up 50.5

RDX length 186.8 w 74.8 cargo 29.5

Q5 length 183.6 w 74.5 cargo 25.1

V60 length 187.4 w 72.8 cargo 23.2

CR-V length 180.6 w 73 cargo 39.2

VW Sportwagen length 179.6 w 70.8 cargo 30.4


So the VW Sportwagen and the CRV have more cargo space than all of these except for the Passport.

Cubic footage of cargo space is less useful to me than the footprint. The shape of the back end of the greenhouse can make a big difference in terms of cubic feet but really only comes into play when you put a lot of tall boxes all the way back.

If I'm cargo-space-critical, I'm dropping the back seats...

stickguy

AWD is actually not important to me. Depending on the car, I am fine with FWD. the V60 for sure. RDX I would prefer the SH-AWD.

ronsteve

tjc78 said:

Nothing wrong with any of those choices, but aren’t you in few different size classes?

I had a similarly large list in the prelim phases of my shopping last year. Somewhere along the way, almost everything on the original list dropped off and when it got close to go-time the only serious looks went to the V60 (but didn't drive one), XC60, Outback, and the eventual winner was the RDX.

pensfan83

With its torque vectoring Acura's SH-AWD is tuned for performance and makes a noticeable impact on the driving experience. Unless you want to avoid the $2K upcharge altogether, I would at least give it a try. It operates similarly to the ATTS system on @nyccarguy's Prelude.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....

I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.

2nd-VW GLI

3rd-BMW 330 or 340i

You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription

#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.

I approve of this list. That might have to do with feeling validated since it is so closely resembles my own!

benjaminh

What I like about the TLX Type S concept is that it seems like a nice evolution from the current TLX. The c.2004-2008 Acura TL was a big hit, but then the 2009 TL, rather than evolving from that, introduced the "power plenum grille." As the NY Times headlined back then "Pace. Space. But Oh, That Face."

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/automobiles/autoreviews/08acura-tl.html

It was a really nice car, but the styling was a bit much. By 2015 when the TLX was introduced they had finally made it look good.

Anyway, from past experience iirc once Honda/Acura have released a concept car of this kind, usually the production model is on showroom floors less than a year later, and usually looking pretty close. This one doesn't have door handles, which obviously are going to be added....My lease is up in June of 2021. Probably I'll try to buy out my current car, but if the new TLX has a hybrid or electric option, or even just a regular model that gets good mpg, I might consider that.

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

With its torque vectoring Acura's SH-AWD is tuned for performance and makes a noticeable impact on the driving experience. Unless you want to avoid the $2K upcharge altogether, I would at least give it a try. It operates similarly to the ATTS system on @nyccarguy's Prelude.

Without the added expense & complexity of a $2,200 clutch job (2x in 160,000 miles).

pensfan83

One of the main reasons I was after a base model.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....

I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.

2nd-VW GLI

3rd-BMW 330 or 340i

You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription

#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.

The thing is you can now "put a face with the name" and know it wasn't just lip service from Acura. If the concept's good looks are matched by its performance I'm in.

jpp75

Here's the V60 @michaell and @breld looked at Saturday. As @breld noted it's perfectly optioned, everything you (I) would want but nothing you don't.

https://www.mcdonaldvolvocars.com/new/Volvo/2020-Volvo-V60+Cross+Country-4ce68adc0a0e0adf7555f6772a64a109.htm

I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.

benjaminh

jpp75 said:

Here's the V60 @michaell and @breld looked at Saturday. As @breld noted it's perfectly optioned, everything you (I) would want but nothing you don't.

https://www.mcdonaldvolvocars.com/new/Volvo/2020-Volvo-V60+Cross+Country-4ce68adc0a0e0adf7555f6772a64a109.htm

I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.

Beautiful wagon.

Here's the lease offered at that link....

"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"

And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.

28firefighter

benjaminh said:

jpp75 said:

Here's the V60 @michaell and @breld looked at Saturday. As @breld noted it's perfectly optioned, everything you (I) would want but nothing you don't.

https://www.mcdonaldvolvocars.com/new/Volvo/2020-Volvo-V60+Cross+Country-4ce68adc0a0e0adf7555f6772a64a109.htm

I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.

Beautiful wagon.

Here's the lease offered at that link....

"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"

And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.

They don't lease well. Because no one buys wagons. So they don't subsidize their sale to get them out there. So no one buys wagons. And on and on the circle game of the american car market goes.

jpp75

benjaminh said:

Beautiful wagon.

Here's the lease offered at that link....

"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"

And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.

Well and if you read the Disclaimer that's for a base model with no options:

Disclaimer:

No security deposit required. Monthly payment of $515, based on $46,095 MSRP of 2020 V60 T5 AWD Cross Country, includes destination charge. Lessee is responsible for excess wear and mileage over 10,000 miles/year at $.25 / mile.

Car shown with optional equipment. Advertised lease payment and financing excludes taxes, title, and registration fees and is available for qualified customers based on FICO score through Volvo Car Financial Services. Payments may vary, as dealer determines price. Offers available at participating dealers. See dealer for details. Cannot exceed 10000 miles per year.


As @michaell can attest this dealer group has really gotten somewhat slimy with their sales tactics, so if I was going to buy it I'd go to a dealer I like better first and see if they could swap.

au1994

28firefighter said:

benjaminh said:

jpp75 said:

Here's the V60 @michaell and @breld looked at Saturday. As @breld noted it's perfectly optioned, everything you (I) would want but nothing you don't.

https://www.mcdonaldvolvocars.com/new/Volvo/2020-Volvo-V60+Cross+Country-4ce68adc0a0e0adf7555f6772a64a109.htm

I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.

Beautiful wagon.

Here's the lease offered at that link....

"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"

And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.

They don't lease well. Because no one buys wagons. So they don't subsidize their sale to get them out there. So no one buys wagons. And on and on the circle game of the american car market goes.

That's too bad because that's a beautiful wagon. I love that interior.

ab348

I've never seen a newer Volvo with plaid upholstery like that before.

Is the wagon also refreshed like the sedan? I'm not up to speed on Volvos since very few get sold here and the dealer is terrible.

tifighter

I bought my XC70. It was below invoice, with 0% for 60mos on offer. Traded it about four years later for a good number. Maintenance was included. So all in all, it cost me about $4700 per year, excluding fuel etc. Not bad, and very comparable to a good lease deal IMO. It can be done.

stickguy

I would buy a service loaner of same model year, for the savings.

That wagon is same colors as the one in road test video. Would need to. See seats in person. Wife would likely hate them.

I would also pass on the polestar (am I the only one that thinks of a strip club when I see that name?) and 19” wheels. Mo sidewall is Mo betta.

au1994

I still hear the Beavis and Butthead laugh in my head when I hear Polestar. I know, I’m not proud.

nyccarguy

au1994 said:

I still hear the Beavis and Butthead laugh in my head when I hear Polestar. I know, I’m not proud.

Hey Beavis! Uh huh huh huh. He said Pole!

marcogallo1986

@ all of the above that’s funny just made me laugh thinking of B watson Butthead, and stick guy thinking that reminds him of a strip club every time he hears polestar ha ha Ha.

benjaminh

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/08/in-a-slowing-u-s-auto-market-minivan-sales-are-falling-7-times-faster-than-the-overall-market/#more-1685306

"In a Slowing U.S. Auto Market, Minivan Sales Are Falling 7 Times Faster Than the Overall Market
By Timothy Cain on August 20, 2019

The minivan as we know it is not dead. Credit for the minivan segment’s still-beating heart belongs in large part to the disappearance of most contenders – so few competitors remain that a handful of remaining minivan nameplates may well still sell in six figures in the United States in 2019.

Most automakers determined years ago that sticking their forks into this pie isn’t worth it; the pie was just too small. The absence of GM, Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, along with the steady rise of the family-oriented crossover, caused the pie’s shrinkage to continue. Nissan and Mazda left, too, and the pie kept shrinking.

In fact, the rate at which the minivan pie is shrinking has picked up speed. Auto sales are slowing, to be fair, but U.S. minivan sales volume in 2019 is slowing nearly seven times faster. And no, for FCA and Toyota and Honda and Kia, the whole “bigger slice of a smaller pie” argument just isn’t holding water these days.

According to Automotive News, auto sales fell 2.4 percent in 2019’s first half. Minivan volume, however, was down 15.8 percent...."

More at the link.

xwesx

ab348 said:

I've never seen a newer Volvo with plaid upholstery like that before.

Is the wagon also refreshed like the sedan? I'm not up to speed on Volvos since very few get sold here and the dealer is terrible.

Ironic, considering the area once had a Volvo factory, I think you said?

ab348

xwesx said:

Ironic, considering the area once had a Volvo factory, I think you said?

Yes, there was Vovlo assembly done here in 3 different locations from the mid-60s through the early '90s. In the '80s there was even a trial of a Volvo 760 as a police car and the Mayor had a Volvo provided as his official car.

In the '60s and '70s the dealers were small, locally owned operations that varied in quality but which were quite approachable. Later on they passed into the hands of one of the premium automobile groups as Volvo went upmarket and the same place selling Porsches, Jaguars and Land Rovers now had Volvo as well. They were not easy to deal with and tended to intimidate many buyers surrounded by very high-end cars, and treated Volvo as the poor cousin.

stickguy

assembly plant. I think they came in as kits.

I just remember the story he linked to about the car ship that went down taking a bunch of Volvos to the bottom.

stickguy

speaking of Volvo police cars, I remember a test from way back in the day (car and driver I think, could have been road and track) where they compared alternative police cars. Nova was one, and the Volvo 164 was another. The Volvo tested really well.

corvette

My “full size SUV” rental in Tampa is an Infiniti QX80. It feels every bit as big and ponderous as my Tahoe. I was shocked by the amount of brake dive, even in light to moderate braking. There is no CarPlay, and I made the mistake of trying to use the built in nav instead of Waze until I realized it was telling me to drive in circles. It does not feel like it has the 400 horsepower they claim it does. The 360 degree camera is pretty neat, but I was disappointed to find that my base model example stickers for $68k and doesn’t have blind spot monitoring, despite having relatively narrow mirrors. If someone gave me one to replace the Tahoe, I probably wouldn’t go to the trouble of selling it to buy something else, but I don’t think it would make the short list if I were shopping on my own. Maybe if I could find a better equipped used example for a song.

ab348

Is that the body on frame model based off the Titan pickup?

stickguy

Infiniti Armada?

fintail

Sounds like my rental Armada late last year - ancient ICE, I don't think it had a 360 camera, and some of the worst seats I've experienced.

corvette

Yes, I think they share the platform with the first gen Titan. Seats are okay so far, but I only drove it about 20 miles. Apparently the Limited trim (over $20k more) has a fancier suspension which might reduce the brake dive I experienced. Overall, I’m not completely disappointed, but also not shocked these are being sold to rental fleets.

stickguy

I get links to Odyclub posts (guess I never un-signed up for those!) Every time I read another VCM problem story, I think I need to energize the wife to look harder now!

nyccarguy

Why can’t I post a pic from my iPhone anymore?

Some jerk off on a bicycle clipped my rear bumper while i was waiting at a traffic light! Ugh!

breld

That stinks!

Any recourse with the bicyclist?

stickguy

my guess, he flipped Bradd the bird and kept right on riding.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

my guess, he flipped Bradd the bird and kept right on riding.

No. He went down. I opened my window and asked 3 times if he was ok. I saw him get up and start walking away. I went on my merry way.

breld

Would he have any legal liability for the damage? Nothing worth pursuing. Just curious.

Probably more of a Judge Judy type of thing. 😀

corvette

When I hear the term “donorcycle,” I immediately think of the way a lot of bicyclists ride.

andres3

28firefighter said:

Said the exact same thing tonight to my Dad. They’re both really compelling options. Just wish the interior of the GLI was a bit less plasticky.

Golf R.... but of course, costs a bit more, unless you go CPO/used.

28firefighter

andres3 said:

28firefighter said:

Said the exact same thing tonight to my Dad. They’re both really compelling options. Just wish the interior of the GLI was a bit less plasticky.

Golf R.... but of course, costs a bit more, unless you go CPO/used.

And a MUCH smaller rear seat.

mb_enthusiast

I took my Audi Q8 into the dealer Monday after having trouble with some creaking in the left b pillar. I believe it is coming from seat belt adjuster. I hear the creaking all the time without the stereo loud enough. The dealer claimed that they couldn't replicate the issue. Are they deaf? This issue has been mentioned on AudiWorld and YouTube as well. It would be one thing if they said it was normal. It's another thing to suggest that I am imagining things.

I also mentioned that the tailgate doesn't always open using the remote. Sometimes it only unlocks and pops up slightly. Same claim. Not able to replicate the issue. The first time I try to open the tailgate after picking it up Tuesday evening, it does the same thing. I happened to catch it on video.

Did I mention that the car appeared to be parked at someone's residence for most of the day Monday? The service advisor had claimed that she would contact me Monday afternoon and that everything should be ready by the evening...she never did contact me. I contacted her that evening. It's obvious that they just never got to my car. I've not been pleased with Audi dealership customer service so far. My preferred dealership was booked out a month in advance for service.