Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

@benjaminh - I left more a detailed review a 5-10 posts back.

The financial pros and cons are probably not what they would be for most. I spend anywhere from $75-$100 a month on fuel for my personal driving and had a monthly nut of $350 including tax on the X1.

The i3 lease is incredibly cheap - $225 due at signing and $225/month including tax for 24 months, 10k miles per year. If I'm able to take advantage of a sales tax exemption here in WA, my costs will drop to about $145/month. In terms of electric costs, a rough calculation based on my driving habits and a blended charge per kwh here in Seattle (about $0.11/kwh) shows my energy consumption will be about $15-$20/month. So between the monthly savings on payment and savings on fuel, my monthly savings (assuming no tax exemption) will be anywhere from $180-$210/month.

Sandman6472

28FF, that sounds pretty good to be honest. I like the vehicle but since I drive around 13K miles/year, I'd need to have better terms. It really is the perfect size for me as I like a smaller vehicle, we both do. Looks to be fun to drive to.
Got to drive the Toyota CR-V again at work today, my lead knows how much I like it. The one real issue for me is the rear blind spot is pretty big in the C-pillar area. I drove a silver over black model and it was quite dark back there in the middle of a sunny day. Guess the interior doesn't get that warm. Just wondering if they have an ash or gray interior which should lighten things up a bit. They are a blast to drive and honestly, the looks are growing on me. Could definitely see myself in one on a daily basis and since we use the A3 when we go out mostly, shouldn't be an issue with the other half. But also like the Corolla hatch to be honest. Just not sure if Sirius/XM is an option on either of them. Would have no issue going back to a Toyota to be honest as I do love the smaller size of both. And since both have Apple Car Play, I could give up my XM if really necessary though I'd be unhappy.
Stick, glad to hear that the batteries of a hybrid should last a decent amount of time as I like the idea of increased mpg's. Just have to decide if I really want to get something new in 2020 or wait another year or two. Right now, the Golf is behaving very nicely and having new sneakers has just added to the fun.

laurasdada

Hi, Folks: Back from an Eastern Caribbean cruise that became a Western Caribbean cruise. Wonderful, either way. I never weigh myself, but probably gained 5 or 6 lbs! Totally worth it.

My XF was parked for over a week at a public lot (as always, took bus to Logan). Interestingly, the formerly (and perhaps again) rear left failing tail light, is now working fine. CEL is on, throwing a broad code, bringing to my mechanic on Thursday. The diagnosis will guide me in the next step.

College boy got an internship, "needs" a car, as previously noted. He expects, and told his mom that I would be buying a new car (Dad, you have like 5 years left. Treat yourself!) and giving him the XF. Um, likely no. If Dad does go new, XF is trade or Carvana/Vroom/CarMax bound.

Told boy more than likely, if/when I talk to the ex to confirm, I'll shop for a used Fusion/Milan, Mazda 3/6, Altima etc. for him. Looking at max $9k OTD. I4 to keep the kid who learned to drive on Grand Theft Auto in somewhat check.

One other thought, the ex hardly drives her '11 535xi. I'm told she's Tesla shopping. She planned to give the '21 college graduate her car, so perhaps she'll accelerate that plan? Either a long road trip from OR to MA or ~$1200 to ship east.

But, as mentioned, nothing currently is exciting me enough to trade for the XF. At least not until the year end, as is my tradition to get deal o rama. But, he needs wheels end of October. Or, Uber...

benjaminh

28firefighter said:

@benjaminh - I left more a detailed review a 5-10 posts back.

The financial pros and cons are probably not what they would be for most. I spend anywhere from $75-$100 a month on fuel for my personal driving and had a monthly nut of $350 including tax on the X1.

The i3 lease is incredibly cheap - $225 due at signing and $225/month including tax for 24 months, 10k miles per year. If I'm able to take advantage of a sales tax exemption here in WA, my costs will drop to about $145/month. In terms of electric costs, a rough calculation based on my driving habits and a blended charge per kwh here in Seattle (about $0.11/kwh) shows my energy consumption will be about $15-$20/month. So between the monthly savings on payment and savings on fuel, my monthly savings (assuming no tax exemption) will be anywhere from $180-$210/month.

Wow. That is a great deal.++

Sandman6472

So guessing the car can "juice up" in probably 8 hours which seems reasonable. Now, if one gets the better set-up with a special plug, if there is such a thing, betting that time could be cut by almost a quarter. And I forgot what the range is but would have to be enough for one to do "normal" driving around town the next day.
How does one find out about which city has charging stations and their locations. That's why I'm thinking of possibly going hybrid next time as overall, it just might be a bit easier. Betting the infrastructure of charging locations need to increase going forward so more folks can use this system. The idea of forward proportion with less petrol is very intriguing to be honest. And like the idea of the vehicle being so quiet when accelerating. Price wise though, not really sure most Americans are willing to go the all electric as of now, it being a longer process to get folks to join up. Hybrids seem to be an easier way to go if one really wants to go in this direction.
I really do want to join up so thinking a hybrid should be my first step forward.

Sandman6472

And think leasing might just be the way to go here also but again, I'd need an agreement with more miles/year. Glad more and more name plates are jumping on the bandwagon here with hybrids and electric vehicles. Saw a new Kia Nitto by the airport today and it's a 5 door which I prefer.
Picked up about 5 brand new Nissan Muranos at the Miami airport lot and they all had the plastic on the wheel covers and in the interior, all with less than 6 miles on them. Not much petrol so we had to go over to the rental center at MIA to get them filled up a bit. They drove very nicely and couldn't tell if they had a CVT tranny propelling them. All I know is that when I pushed my foot down on the accelerator, off I went and driving on the always crowded 826 & 836 was effortless! They're a bit too big for me, but for most folk, a Murano isn't a bad choice. Saw a mess load of new 2020 Hyundai Sante Fe's there also and even more up at the Ft. Lauderdale lot. Have driven a few of them plus the new Tucson/Sportage cousins and Hyundai/Kia has some nice vehicles in their current line-up. Glad to see more and more 2020 models being put on the road, as many of the complaints I hear are from customers saying our fleet is a bit too old. But from what I can see, Hertz is doing all it can to get those new vehicles on the road for service.
Seems like I'm back with the other drivers now and am volunteering to go to to that other HLE location on Saturdays. Was there a couple times today and my boss there tells me he's also asked to have me come back but the big guy isn't budging on his decision to put me back on the team with the other drivers. Must admit, just having that extra body helps in getting more vehicles moved each day, so I can see the logic in bringing me back over to the group, I'm just not happy about it. At first, wasn't pleased about going and the way they did it, but made lemonade out of the lemons and don't think it's fair to pull me away again after only 3 months. But again, I wasn't consulted in the original decision to send me over nor with the decision to bring me back. The only good thing is that I'm doing a lot more driving which I'm happy with. Truth be told, I love breaking in brand new vehicles and this time of year, we sure do get a lot of them, so many that not all of them can go straight to one of the two airports. So this part, I'm really enjoying and hopefully, we'll have some more trips to Ft. Myers and Vero Beach in the near future as just love the longer trips especially getting behind the wheel of something new or something I've never driven before. It's helped more whittle down my short list immensely!

28firefighter

With my driving each day it can easily juice up each night.

tjc78

@Sandman6472

Your gig is perfect for a semi-retired car lover!

The other one I would consider if it were me would be a courtesy shuttle driver for a new car dealer. At the Buick dealer near me they have two older guys, one works early shift and one late. They get to drive around the local area in a new SUV either picking up parts or customers. Good way to kill a few hours everyday.

stickguy

I could see doing that for pocket money and to get out of the house. Doing dealer swaps sounds even better.

suydam

Sandman6472 said:

So guessing the car can "juice up" in probably 8 hours which seems reasonable. Now, if one gets the better set-up with a special plug, if there is such a thing, betting that time could be cut by almost a quarter. And I forgot what the range is but would have to be enough for one to do "normal" driving around town the next day.
How does one find out about which city has charging stations and their locations. That's why I'm thinking of possibly going hybrid next time as overall, it just might be a bit easier. Betting the infrastructure of charging locations need to increase going forward so more folks can use this system. The idea of forward proportion with less petrol is very intriguing to be honest. And like the idea of the vehicle being so quiet when accelerating. Price wise though, not really sure most Americans are willing to go the all electric as of now, it being a longer process to get folks to join up. Hybrids seem to be an easier way to go if one really wants to go in this direction.
I really do want to join up so thinking a hybrid should be my first step forward.

Your questions are exactly why I got the Chevy Volt instead of a full EV. I think it’s really stupid of Chevy to have ditched that model. It’s such a great bridge vehicle for those who are unsure about going the EV route. Right now I’m looking into some EVs to possibly replace it in December if I don’t buy out at lease end.

tifighter

suydam said:

Sandman6472 said:

So guessing the car can "juice up" in probably 8 hours which seems reasonable. Now, if one gets the better set-up with a special plug, if there is such a thing, betting that time could be cut by almost a quarter. And I forgot what the range is but would have to be enough for one to do "normal" driving around town the next day.
How does one find out about which city has charging stations and their locations. That's why I'm thinking of possibly going hybrid next time as overall, it just might be a bit easier. Betting the infrastructure of charging locations need to increase going forward so more folks can use this system. The idea of forward proportion with less petrol is very intriguing to be honest. And like the idea of the vehicle being so quiet when accelerating. Price wise though, not really sure most Americans are willing to go the all electric as of now, it being a longer process to get folks to join up. Hybrids seem to be an easier way to go if one really wants to go in this direction.
I really do want to join up so thinking a hybrid should be my first step forward.

Your questions are exactly why I got the Chevy Volt instead of a full EV. I think it’s really stupid of Chevy to have ditched that model. It’s such a great bridge vehicle for those who are unsure about going the EV route. Right now I’m looking into some EVs to possibly replace it in December if I don’t buy out at lease end.

How much gas have you used in your Volt since you've had it?

mjfloyd1

Someone must have put an “I want to race a Ford Forus or Honda Civic” sign on my RS7.

I have not laughed so hard in a long time

Sandman6472

I've tried numerous times at the new car dealerships right near our place, did the VW store a few months back once my service advisor told me one of the service drivers left. Filled out another app that same day and left it on the desk of the hiring manager who kinda "got lost" when I asked him again for another app to fill out. Told him I'll do it right now in the showroom and bring it back in about 15 minutes. Naturally, he was nowhere to be found and since I was still waiting for the recall to be done, I put the app right on his mouse on his desk and sat in the customers waiting area. I sat there for another hour and saw him once go into his office, and then dash out, not to be seen again! Left about ninety minutes later and he was just gone. Not that I'm surprised here.
Think I'm being discriminated here but just can't prove it. Think if I didn't have a cane that they'd have no issue. But truthfully, I do feel better using it and I do need it for balance issues. But I can drive with no problem. Hell, I've been at Hertz going on 6 years this January 13th and I show up when scheduled. I'd be a great employee if they'd just give me a chance. I know my bosses at Hertz would give me a good review because I'm a good employee. The travel time saved plus the unused petrol would be a lot plus no tolls would be needed to get there. Maybe if I put another app in, they'll get tired of seeing them and hire me!
As TJC78 said above, it really is a great car loving retirees gig. With Hertz, I get to drive many of the newest models which really is a blast. The VW store uses a minivan, the one which is really a Dodge Caravan underneath VW sold a few years back. Used to driving that size vehicle so no real learning curve. And I know the surrounding area pretty good and if not, have Siri on my iPhone to set me straight.
Maybe one day soon, G-d will decide that it's time for an employment change for me and get me something real close to home. And since I already own a VW product plus we have an Audi on the other half of my garage, we're all in the family! All they need is to call me to set up an interview!!

Sandman6472

Would also be curious as to how much you've saved on petrol since having the Volt? Don't see that many down here though more and more Bolt's are copping up. Many more hybrids out there which is probably a good way to get one's feet wet here. The more I see of the Hyundai Ioniq on the roads, the more I'm starting to like them. The Kia Nitto isn't that bad either and the extra versatility of the hatch is something I'm quite happy with. And the Hyundai store is right outside our development as is the VW and Subaru/Mitsubishi store among others. From what I've read, VW is looking at electric vehicles very closely now as an alternative to diesel. Think I might just be ready to start my search in this general direction going forward.

xwesx

Sandman6472 said:

Got to drive the Toyota CR-V again at work today, my lead knows how much I like it.

The Toyota CR-V. That's a rare bird!

Michaell

Sandman6472 said:

Would also be curious as to how much you've saved on petrol since having the Volt? Don't see that many down here though more and more Bolt's are copping up. Many more hybrids out there which is probably a good way to get one's feet wet here. The more I see of the Hyundai Ioniq on the roads, the more I'm starting to like them. The Kia Nitto isn't that bad either and the extra versatility of the hatch is something I'm quite happy with. And the Hyundai store is right outside our development as is the VW and Subaru/Mitsubishi store among others. From what I've read, VW is looking at electric vehicles very closely now as an alternative to diesel. Think I might just be ready to start my search in this general direction going forward.

VW is not "looking closely" at EVs. VW is committing many billions of $$$'s to EV development, part of it as penance for the dieselgate situation a few years back.

First EV, a small hatch, has been pre-announced in Europe, and sold out pretty quickly. The first model for the US is - naturally - a small SUV, due in the next couple of years.

I recently read an article on the VW CEO who was telling the design teams that the cars they are developing now are likely the last for internal combustion engines for the company.

qbrozen

So I wound up banging out the Equinox hub replacement in 90 mins. The amazon mechanic did me a favor after all. Spent 90 mins of my time to save $145. I’ll take that any day.

stickguy

Get the rear diff error code fixed yet?

suydam

tifighter said:

suydam said:

Sandman6472 said:

So guessing the car can "juice up" in probably 8 hours which seems reasonable. Now, if one gets the better set-up with a special plug, if there is such a thing, betting that time could be cut by almost a quarter. And I forgot what the range is but would have to be enough for one to do "normal" driving around town the next day.
How does one find out about which city has charging stations and their locations. That's why I'm thinking of possibly going hybrid next time as overall, it just might be a bit easier. Betting the infrastructure of charging locations need to increase going forward so more folks can use this system. The idea of forward proportion with less petrol is very intriguing to be honest. And like the idea of the vehicle being so quiet when accelerating. Price wise though, not really sure most Americans are willing to go the all electric as of now, it being a longer process to get folks to join up. Hybrids seem to be an easier way to go if one really wants to go in this direction.
I really do want to join up so thinking a hybrid should be my first step forward.

Your questions are exactly why I got the Chevy Volt instead of a full EV. I think it’s really stupid of Chevy to have ditched that model. It’s such a great bridge vehicle for those who are unsure about going the EV route. Right now I’m looking into some EVs to possibly replace it in December if I don’t buy out at lease end.

How much gas have you used in your Volt since you've had it?

In nearly 3 years, 70% Electric, 30% gas — mainly long trips as the Volt’s range is only 50 miles; after that it runs like any regular hybrid vehicle. I never use gas in town. I’m thinking if I could get an EV that would get me 100 miles and back, that would be the majority of driving we do. For the occasional longer trips we have the Encore as a backup gas vehicle. I still can’t count on charging at my destination. Hopefully that will be changing in the near future. And I live in a condo, so I can’t install a 240 v charger. But a regular outlet would work fine as long as I charged it after 50 miles use — which is what I do now. There is also a public fast charger nearby that I could use after a trip. I really like the Volt as a vehicle, though, so any EV has to be as least as good as that — nice interior, great handling and acceleration, compact size.

corvette

@suydam sounds like an i3 lease would be perfect for you!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Get the rear diff error code fixed yet?

Nope. I have a plan, just need the time to execute. I cut out one 14-pin plug and wired around it. Now have more errors, so I need to recheck those connections. I wasn’t getting the warm and fuzzies from the batch of connectors I bought, so I’ll replace those. Then cut out the other 10-pin connector under there. These are TSBs to replace.

ab348

xwesx said:

Sandman6472 said:

Got to drive the Toyota CR-V again at work today, my lead knows how much I like it.

The Toyota CR-V. That's a rare bird!

Not as rare as the Kia Nitto! I think you mean the Niro, Sandy. I like those too though I wish they had a bit more power.

corvette

Looking at the i3 - my "litmus test" for these things is how easy it would be for me to make my annual pilgrimage to Nebraska. It's now very doable with Tesla's Supercharger network and the extremely fast charging it offers.

DC quick charging stations have improved, but the i3 has a slower DC quick charge rate, and I'd still have to hack the electronics to enable the charge maintaining mode. In addition, I'd have to try to keep both the 2.4 gallon fuel tank and the battery topped off as much as possible. It could be fun, but it sounds more like the equivalent of paying $150 a night to go camping when there's a perfectly good Hampton Inn with hot showers, a fridge to store my booze, and free hot breakfast.

Sandman6472

Probably so, I always seem to get the names mixed up. But do enjoy driving all the different vehicles we have. Just miss the long distance driving I used to do, like to spend some time just driving the vehicles. A bit different now that the Sirius/XM is an option and not given freely. And customers are not to happy about that either!! Amusing because it's always been something we should of charged for in the first place and now that we are, folks are angry because their freebie is gone. It was nice of Hertz to do this little perk all these years and folks should be thankful it was there all this time.
The public just slays me. So many folks come in and a lot are just not truthful which is sad. Had one guy come in to our office, threw the keys down and rushed out of the office and left. Parked his rental away from the building. Turns out there was a lot of body damage but it couldn't be seen from the way he parked it. Only problem is he'll be charged for the damage he didn't own up to because he left his home and business phone number plus his c c is on file. So his little game didn't do him any good. Usually someone goes out, checks the vehicle over, and gets the miles and amount of fuel left in the vehicle. But his running and dumping of the keys never gave anyone a chance to get out there to see the vehicle. Not sure why he thought he'd get away with damaging a vehicle, and now he's just made his situation worse actually! My guess is he used his own insurance coverage and refused the extra Hertz coverage he could've gotten where he'd be able to just drop it off damaged and go since he got the company insurance. Just speculating on this but why else would he return it the way he did? My bosses aren't stupid like he's hoping...they'll see this damage and take appropriate action. That's why honesty is always the best policy!!

28firefighter

corvette said:

Looking at the i3 - my "litmus test" for these things is how easy it would be for me to make my annual pilgrimage to Nebraska. It's now very doable with Tesla's Supercharger network and the extremely fast charging it offers.

DC quick charging stations have improved, but the i3 has a slower DC quick charge rate, and I'd still have to hack the electronics to enable the charge maintaining mode. In addition, I'd have to try to keep both the 2.4 gallon fuel tank and the battery topped off as much as possible. It could be fun, but it sounds more like the equivalent of paying $150 a night to go camping when there's a perfectly good Hampton Inn with hot showers, a fridge to store my booze, and free hot breakfast.

This is totally an around town car for us. The drive from Portland was 100% doable but not something I’d do regularly for the reasons you outlined.

suydam

The i3 does not interest me. I don’t like the looks and it just isn’t what I want. I know folks here love them, but it just doesn’t float my boat.

ab348

It just happens that my local newspaper published this review of the Kia Niro all-electric this morning.

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/wheels/2019-kia-niro-ev-is-an-electric-vehicle-at-the-top-of-its-class-358911/

It is a bit of a softball review but goes on at some length. The electric version does seem to address the lack of power the other versions experience. Overall it does seem like a viable alternative although the pricing is disappointing (note that the numbers are in our worthless Canadian $). I have heard the criticism about the harshness on bumpy roads in reviews of the other versions as well so I wonder why Kia has failed to address this.

nyccarguy

@breld - I found an electric car that suits your needs

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nGVVioOjCUU

stickguy

That was an impressive engineering project. Probably not cheap

suydam

@ab348 — thanks for sending that review link. I will take a look at the Niro too.

28firefighter

suydam said:

The i3 does not interest me. I don’t like the looks and it just isn’t what I want. I know folks here love them, but it just doesn’t float my boat.

To call it polarizing in terms of style would be an understatement. Can't say I blame you.

stickguy

I think the Kona EV has gotten really good reviews too.

Sandman6472

Have driven a few Niro's at work and they're just o k. No Hyundai Ioniq's in the fleet yet that I've seen. And now I've just read that 2019 is going to be the last year for the VW Golf, a shame as I do like mine overall. Sure, the drivers door lock repair was just too expensive as far as I'm concerned and it just shouldn't of happened. Plus the water pump/thermostat problem before the basic warranty was even finished didn't install confidence but these things are made by machines and man, a combination with some problems going forward. But at the end of the day, I still enjoy driving it and will keep it as long as it behaves but once it starts having issues, it'll be gone very quickly. 59K is rapidly approaching and can see me breaking the 70K mark before the end of 2020.

suydam

Did you drive the Niro EV or the hybrid? According to reviews driving dynamics are better in the EV version.

breld

nyccarguy said:

@breld - I found an electric car that suits your needs

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nGVVioOjCUU

That is unbelievable! It's like Tony Stark levels of crazy engineering.

Sandman6472

Drove the regular one at work and it drove just like any other Hyundai/Kia product to be honest. Reminds me of Toyota and Honda from many year ago. Good products at a decent price that most folks could afford.

ab348

One thing I learned reading that Niro review was that the 2020 model year will bring a Kia Soul EV. I can see that doing well if pricing is not crazy.

andres3

My take from 3 years with a '16 Kia Optima is they age in dog years. At 3 years old, the Optima seemed old, tired, and weathered. That's my take and 2 cents. It was reliable, but for how long past 3 years?

Unlike my A4, where new tires made it seem like new again, new tires didn't help the Kia much.

28firefighter

How long past 3 years? My guess is well longer than you would expect. That it isn't something you enjoy driving or looking at is an entirely different issue having nothing to do with reliability.

corvette

@ab348 I thought there already was a Soul EV?

28firefighter

There was - I think the last year for the previous generation was 2018 - was on the slower side and had about 80-90 miles of range. My BIL has one and @tifighter used to have one. The new 2020 is supposed to have 200+ miles of range.

stickguy

I had a 2015 Sonata for 3 years (lease). Dead reliable, and still looked, drove and smelled like new when I gave it back.

tjc78

Yeah even my Elantra at three (fairly hard) years old still looks and drives as good as it ever did.

Dropping that off Tuesday night. Kinda liked having a third car for a couple months. I’ll like getting it off my insurance though!

andres3

28firefighter said:

How long past 3 years? My guess is well longer than you would expect. That it isn't something you enjoy driving or looking at is an entirely different issue having nothing to do with reliability.

Maybe. Things like noise, exterior noise entering the cabin, and excessive drivetrain noises seemed to creep up with age too fast, including possibly some rattles/vibrations here and there. The performance seemed to taper off a bit, like it was tired of drinking 87 octane.

It might run, but it'll be hell to live in it for 10 years.

andres3

tjc78 said:

Yeah even my Elantra at three (fairly hard) years old still looks and drives as good as it ever did.

Dropping that off Tuesday night. Kinda liked having a third car for a couple months. I’ll like getting it off my insurance though!

Make sure not to take pictures of how many Key FOB's you leave behind.

sda

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

Get the rear diff error code fixed yet?

Nope. I have a plan, just need the time to execute. I cut out one 14-pin plug and wired around it. Now have more errors, so I need to recheck those connections. I wasn’t getting the warm and fuzzies from the batch of connectors I bought, so I’ll replace those. Then cut out the other 10-pin connector under there. These are TSBs to replace.

Wow, I admire your patience and skill. I think at this point I’d say nuts to it. Yet I’ve been known to persevere.

Sandman6472

But they are "cheap to keep" and sometimes, that's not a bad thing. I don't like auto drama personally, I want my vehicle to always start and never break down. With certain makes and models, one can achieve that goal...with others, not so much. But I like to know that before going in like I kinda did with my Golf. And now, have done it and going forward, looking for "cheap to keep" again but either a hybrid or electric but, need to find the right combo that fits into my life and not the other way around. But at this quiet stage of ownership, just enjoying the ride so to speak, as I'm not quite motivated to spend some serious cash on something new. Need to get my short list in order and then start the test driving process. Usually am up for the chase, but not quite there.
Hoping to find 0% financing when the time comes among my small list of requirements. Since I just sprang for new Eagle GT's, need to get some use out of them. Four wheel alignment policy has a little over a week to go before I'm done so getting it done next week.. Once the 2020 models come out, I can slowly start the process and see where I land. Might be I even wait till 2021 but that's the million dollar question, where am I going to find another vehicle that makes me smile every time I see it and drive it? Thems big shoes to fill!

sda

Sandman6472 said:

But they are "cheap to keep" and sometimes, that's not a bad thing. I don't like auto drama personally, I want my vehicle to always start and never break down. With certain makes and models, one can achieve that goal...with others, not so much. But I like to know that before going in like I kinda did with my Golf. And now, have done it and going forward, looking for "cheap to keep" again but either a hybrid or electric but, need to find the right combo that fits into my life and not the other way around. But at this quiet stage of ownership, just enjoying the ride so to speak, as I'm not quite motivated to spend some serious cash on something new. Need to get my short list in order and then start the test driving process. Usually am up for the chase, but not quite there.
Hoping to find 0% financing when the time comes among my small list of requirements. Since I just sprang for new Eagle GT's, need to get some use out of them. Four wheel alignment policy has a little over a week to go before I'm done so getting it done next week.. Once the 2020 models come out, I can slowly start the process and see where I land. Might be I even wait till 2021 but that's the million dollar question, where am I going to find another vehicle that makes me smile every time I see it and drive it? Thems big shoes to fill!

How many miles did you get from the Bridgestone runflats? Last I recall you were satisfied with them and they were not near needing replacement. By the way, while I prefer Michelin, I have had good experience with Good Year.

stickguy

Sandy, your Golf is probably at the sweet spot where it depreciated quite a bit, to where trading it might make you feel pain, but in the next 1-2 years will really go down relatively little. so the best time to just ride it out.

kyfdx

Walked by a car that could be my winter beater, today.

Subaru Legacy Outback
I think it’s a ‘98 or ‘99, but the sign didn’t say.

What it did say:
Runs
Cold A/C
244K miles
$700

White w/gray cladding.
Looks like a lower mile example (say, 225K)

Possible deal killer: automatic

Big plus: hood scoop!

Anyone think that could get me 500 miles/month?