Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

Car and Driver compares 4 loaded sport sedans—the S60, the G70, Giulia, and the 3-series. And, not surprisingly, the 3-series won by a good margin....

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a30536061/2019-alfa-romeo-giulia-vs-2019-bmw-330i-vs-2020-genesis-g70-vs-2020-volvo-s60/

"....It’s barely heavier than the Alfa or the Genesis but feels vastly more solid. The interior design isn’t as exuberant as the G70’s, but like the exterior styling, it is simple and attractive. The driver’s seat doesn’t grab you the way the Giulia’s does, but it offers enough bolstering to keep you in place at 0.99 g or keep you comfortable for a 400-mile trip to Beckley. It’s an all-things-to-all-people-at-all-times kind of car. It’s eye-opening."

But the BMW has an msrp of $59k with some options.

Even a basic BMW 3-series now has an msrp of c. $44k, but amazingly it does get very good hwy mpg of 36 even with its 255 hp standard engine. But BMW says that even leasing that more basic model costs almost $400 a month even with c. $5000 due at signing. Makes a used BMW perhaps attractive?

EXCEPT they used a T5 rather than the T6, which still has a base price less than a 330i. So that bugged me big time reading that article.

roadburner

benjaminh said:

This c. $25k VW GTI probably has performance about as good as a base BMW 3-series, and is about as fun to drive. This is more in my price range....

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2019-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw6t7au7km018651




Special Offer
MSRP$30,310
Bachman Discount$6,320
Presidents Day Sale Price$23,990
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, autonomous emergency braking w/pedestrian monitoring (front assist)
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink)Back-Up Camera
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE -inc: Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert Forward Collision Warning autonomous emergency braking w/pedestrian monitoring (front assist)
Front Fog Lamps
Interior Trim -inc: Piano Black Instrument Panel Insert, Piano Black Door Panel Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry and Panic Button
Power Driver Seat
Rain Sensing Wipers
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Great car for that price!

It's an auto, but looks like it would still be fun to drive. And all BMWs are autos now iirc.

The G01 is too big for me, and I'm one and done with FWD hot hatches. I'd take a CPO F22 stick/auto over a GTI or Golf R. The fact that Louisville VW dealers refuse to hire techs with opposable thumbs only seals the deal.

corvette

benjaminh said:

This c. $25k VW GTI probably has performance about as good as a base BMW 3-series, and is about as fun to drive. This is more in my price range....

As I was driving my new 2013 Jetta GLI home, I detoured onto a desolate highway and realized it was at least 90% of the car the 2002 BMW 540i I had traded for it was. And didn't leak fluids in my garage!

corvette

Hint: The Onstar that I missed when the system in the Tahoe blew up - I'm getting something like that back.

xwesx

kyfdx said:

2018 GTI SE. About 14K miles. (15K, by the time I get home tomorrow)

You still aren't home?! Are you taking the scenic route and visiting friends along the way?

tifighter

andres3 said:

https://youtu.be/xA08EW8rBAs

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, not all AWD systems are created equal.

Nor are the window stickers.

stickguy

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

2018 GTI SE. About 14K miles. (15K, by the time I get home tomorrow)

You still aren't home?! Are you taking the scenic route and visiting friends along the way?

well, it takes a while to hit every BBQ joint, brewery, and distillery on the route.

tjc78

There is a night and day difference between the T5 and T6 in the S60/S90. I've driven both. The T6 has much more grunt off the line and the AWD helps make the car feel much more balanced than the FWD versions.

graphicguy

breld said:

@graphicguy - you may have already done this, but I'm curious...compare and contrast the driving and overall experience between the TLX and Stinger.

Will do. Let me think about it and I’ll post later.

kyfdx

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

2018 GTI SE. About 14K miles. (15K, by the time I get home tomorrow)

You still aren't home?! Are you taking the scenic route and visiting friends along the way?

They wouldn't let me out of town on Monday night. Had to go to dinner and the NHL game. It was horrible!

Anyway, only made it 80 miles out of town on Monday night. Really didn't want to do a 17 hour day, so I fit in one more hotel night. 11 hours on the road yesterday, including two gas stops and the BBQ lunch. 5 hours home today, with one gas stop.

The car is a champ!

corvette

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

jmonroe

corvette said:

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

I could do a Wendy's but I couldn't put up with Subway.

FWIW, that BBQ joint seemed kinda expensive to me. I think their board said over 15 bucks for 2 bones plus a couple sides. In my neck of the woods, 2 bones ain't even a good appetizer. But since we're on the subject, I think I'll throw a full slab of baby back ribs (about 12 bones, I think) on the grill this weekend when it warms up a little.

jmonroe

stickguy

wendy's is the only fast food burger place we would go to these days, and that is very rare. But no problem with Subway.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

2018 GTI SE. About 14K miles. (15K, by the time I get home tomorrow)

You still aren't home?! Are you taking the scenic route and visiting friends along the way?

well, it takes a while to hit every BBQ joint, brewery, and distillery on the route.

Going to take a day or three to get through Kansas City and St Louis, isn't it?

breld

Plus, @kyfdx had to get the clutch replaced halfway through his return trip.

breld

roadburner said:

benjaminh said:

This c. $25k VW GTI probably has performance about as good as a base BMW 3-series, and is about as fun to drive. This is more in my price range....

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2019-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw6t7au7km018651




Special Offer
MSRP$30,310
Bachman Discount$6,320
Presidents Day Sale Price$23,990
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, autonomous emergency braking w/pedestrian monitoring (front assist)
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink)Back-Up Camera
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE -inc: Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert Forward Collision Warning autonomous emergency braking w/pedestrian monitoring (front assist)
Front Fog Lamps
Interior Trim -inc: Piano Black Instrument Panel Insert, Piano Black Door Panel Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry and Panic Button
Power Driver Seat
Rain Sensing Wipers
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Great car for that price!

It's an auto, but looks like it would still be fun to drive. And all BMWs are autos now iirc.

The G01 is too big for me, and I'm one and done with FWD hot hatches. I'd take a CPO F22 stick/auto over a GTI or Golf R. The fact that Louisville VW dealers refuse to hire techs with opposable thumbs only seals the deal.

Wasn't a Veloster N on your short list?

Or what about this? https://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/civic-type-r-limited-edition

xwesx

corvette said:

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

I do it one better....

I swing into the nearest Costco to my origin point, where I buy two loaves of bread, a jar of jam, and a jar of peanut butter. I stop three times a day at points that seem of interest, make a sandwich, then walk around while I eat it. Keeps things simple and the costs low.

xwesx

jmonroe said:

corvette said:

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

I could do a Wendy's but I couldn't put up with Subway.

FWIW, that BBQ joint seemed kinda expensive to me. I think their board said over 15 bucks for 2 bones plus a couple sides. In my neck of the woods, 2 bones ain't even a good appetizer. But since we're on the subject, I think I'll throw a full slab of baby back ribs (about 12 bones, I think) on the grill this weekend when it warms up a little.

jmonroe

My favorite place for restaurants is Ohiopyle, PA. They had excellent food there, all at ridiculously reasonable prices. I could buy two meals for the family there for the price of one here in Fairbanks.

xwesx

kyfdx said:

Sounds horrible, for sure! Lesson learned on that one. I suspect I dodged a bullet with my Q7 trip when I re-routed.

benjaminh

Review of the new smaller BMW....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA5VNwAysJU

pensfan83

xwesx said:

jmonroe said:

corvette said:

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

I could do a Wendy's but I couldn't put up with Subway.

FWIW, that BBQ joint seemed kinda expensive to me. I think their board said over 15 bucks for 2 bones plus a couple sides. In my neck of the woods, 2 bones ain't even a good appetizer. But since we're on the subject, I think I'll throw a full slab of baby back ribs (about 12 bones, I think) on the grill this weekend when it warms up a little.

jmonroe

My favorite place for restaurants is Ohiopyle, PA. They had excellent food there, all at ridiculously reasonable prices. I could buy two meals for the family there for the price of one here in Fairbanks.

One of our favorite spots to day trip or spend a weekend. There used to be a roadside diner about 10-15 minutes from Ohiopyle that made phenomenal pies and we always stopped to pick up a few to take home. Around $5/pie IIRC no matter what it was, all homemade of course. Their strawberry rhubarb and lemon meringue are still to this day the best I ever had.

roadburner

breld said:

roadburner said:

benjaminh said:

This c. $25k VW GTI probably has performance about as good as a base BMW 3-series, and is about as fun to drive. This is more in my price range....

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2019-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw6t7au7km018651




Special Offer
MSRP$30,310
Bachman Discount$6,320
Presidents Day Sale Price$23,990
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, autonomous emergency braking w/pedestrian monitoring (front assist)
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink)Back-Up Camera
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE -inc: Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert Forward Collision Warning autonomous emergency braking w/pedestrian monitoring (front assist)
Front Fog Lamps
Interior Trim -inc: Piano Black Instrument Panel Insert, Piano Black Door Panel Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry and Panic Button
Power Driver Seat
Rain Sensing Wipers
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Great car for that price!

It's an auto, but looks like it would still be fun to drive. And all BMWs are autos now iirc.

The G01 is too big for me, and I'm one and done with FWD hot hatches. I'd take a CPO F22 stick/auto over a GTI or Golf R. The fact that Louisville VW dealers refuse to hire techs with opposable thumbs only seals the deal.

Wasn't a Veloster N on your short list?

Or what about this? https://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/civic-type-r-limited-edition

I didn’t think I could live with the rather spartan interior. As for the hotter Type R, I can only imagine the ADM stickers that will get slapped on those puppies.

stickguy

I liked that test. Nice car. Good size. Would work for me.

kyfdx

Any Volvo guys answer an antenna question?
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/60467/volvo/s40/antenna/p1?new=1

roadburner

stickguy said:

I liked that test. Nice car. Good size. Would work for me.

If I wanted a FWD based AWD vehicle from BMW Group(which I most definitely do not) I would just cut to the chase and get a JCW Clubman.

roadburner

Over on the Stinger Forum I monitor several people have leased Stingers and then almost immediately bought out the lease. The reason is because there is a $10k lease rebate as opposed to the $4k purchase rebate. I still need to crunch the numbers on a GTS but it’s food for thought.
Of course one of the problems that can arise is the abject ignorance or greed of more than a few Kia dealers- who throw up all manner of roadblocks to the process.

jmonroe

xwesx said:

corvette said:

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

I do it one better....

I swing into the nearest Costco to my origin point, where I buy two loaves of bread, a jar of jam, and a jar of peanut butter. I stop three times a day at points that seem of interest, make a sandwich, then walk around while I eat it. Keeps things simple and the costs low.

I think you screwed up buying that takeout lunch at Costco. They have sample tastings of some of the heat and eat stuff they carry. You could have impressed your kids with a nice hot meal. Maybe next trip.

jmonroe

jmonroe

xwesx said:

jmonroe said:

corvette said:

@kyfdx, that BBQ joint looked amazing. When I'm traveling, I try to avoid chain restaurants, but that's only once I reach my destination. If I'm in the middle of a long drive, I usually hit the first Subway or Wendy's I can find. I could definitely do a better job of planning my stops in little hole-in-the-wall places, even if it costs me some time.

I could do a Wendy's but I couldn't put up with Subway.

FWIW, that BBQ joint seemed kinda expensive to me. I think their board said over 15 bucks for 2 bones plus a couple sides. In my neck of the woods, 2 bones ain't even a good appetizer. But since we're on the subject, I think I'll throw a full slab of baby back ribs (about 12 bones, I think) on the grill this weekend when it warms up a little.

jmonroe

My favorite place for restaurants is Ohiopyle, PA. They had excellent food there, all at ridiculously reasonable prices. I could buy two meals for the family there for the price of one here in Fairbanks.

Isn't everything cheaper when you are not in Hawaii or Alaska? In Hawaii they call it "A Paradice Tax". What's it called in Alaska..."A Frostbite Tax"? Doesn't sound good to me. Anyway, I've never been to Ohiopyle but both of my son's have been there several times, even capsized once. Not my cup of tea. I had to turn in my flippers and parachute when I was discharged from the Navy.

jmonroe

xwesx

pensfan83 said:

One of our favorite spots to day trip or spend a weekend. There used to be a roadside diner about 10-15 minutes from Ohiopyle that made phenomenal pies and we always stopped to pick up a few to take home. Around $5/pie IIRC no matter what it was, all homemade of course. Their strawberry rhubarb and lemon meringue are still to this day the best I ever had.

It's always a shame when places like that call it quits, but at least the fond memories live on!

xwesx

jmonroe said:

Isn't everything cheaper when you are not in Hawaii or Alaska? In Hawaii they call it "A Paradice Tax". What's it called in Alaska..."A Frostbite Tax"? Doesn't sound good to me. Anyway, I've never been to Ohiopyle but both of my son's have been there several times, even capsized once. Not my cup of tea. I had to turn in my flippers and parachute when I was discharged from the Navy.

jmonroe

It is the "Sourdough Tax." "Sourdough?," you might ask... Sour on Alaska, not enough dough to leave.

I recommend that you not write off Ohiopyle just yet - there's something for most people there! Much more than just the "Yawk" (Youghiogheny River) and its associated white-water rafting to enjoy there. In fact, in the three days my family spent there, we did not do any rafting, yet we still had plenty to do and fond memories of the experience: Biking, hiking, walking, sight-seeing, touring, you name it. Well worth the trip.

As far as everything being cheaper outside of Alaska.... not so much. I am often surprised at how similar prices are on produce, household goods, restaurants, etc., especially when we pass through areas that are clearly of meager means, yet I might be paying 5-15% less than here. That's why Ohiopyle pricing is so memorable: I was getting out of the main diner for under $40 for my family of four (including tip) for dinner. That's a helluva deal unless your food is wrapped in paper imprinted with the golden arches.

Sandman6472

Drove an Audi Q5 yesterday and enjoyed it, plenty of power to merge into turnpike traffic. Size wise, the Q3 is a better fit for us. But, the mpg's are pretty awful to be honest, only in the 20's. Need to watch that BMW video.
So far, the Golf is behaving itself and will hit 63K this coming week. Amazed a how little petrol I'm using since I switched jobs. Have just topped off the tank a few weeks ago, and still have around 3/4 of a tank! At this rate, doubt I'll even be dong 5K miles this year instead of the 13K I used to do. A nice change really. Will still check out the new Seltos and Venue but will definitely wait till the 2021 Golf debuts just to see how it runs.

xwesx

Sandman6472 said:

Drove an Audi Q5 yesterday and enjoyed it, plenty of power to merge into turnpike traffic. Size wise, the Q3 is a better fit for us. But, the mpg's are pretty awful to be honest, only in the 20's. Need to watch that BMW video.
So far, the Golf is behaving itself and will hit 63K this coming week. Amazed a how little petrol I'm using since I switched jobs. Have just topped off the tank a few weeks ago, and still have around 3/4 of a tank! At this rate, doubt I'll even be dong 5K miles this year instead of the 13K I used to do. A nice change really. Will still check out the new Seltos and Venue but will definitely wait till the 2021 Golf debuts just to see how it runs.

Agreed on the fuel economy. I had a Q3 as a loaner for about a week two years ago. I put 1,200 miles on it. It returned about the same as my Q7 overall, for a vehicle substantially smaller: No thanks!

jmonroe

Sandman6472 said:

Drove an Audi Q5 yesterday and enjoyed it, plenty of power to merge into turnpike traffic. Size wise, the Q3 is a better fit for us. But, the mpg's are pretty awful to be honest, only in the 20's. Need to watch that BMW video.
So far, the Golf is behaving itself and will hit 63K this coming week. Amazed a how little petrol I'm using since I switched jobs. Have just topped off the tank a few weeks ago, and still have around 3/4 of a tank! At this rate, doubt I'll even be dong 5K miles this year instead of the 13K I used to do. A nice change really. Will still check out the new Seltos and Venue but will definitely wait till the 2021 Golf debuts just to see how it runs.

@Sandy, you're going to have a conniption when you read this post:

Right now I'm sitting in Mrs. j's 2018 Legacy 6 cylinder in a parking lot waiting for her to finish shopping at Marshalls.Trip "A" odometer shows 16.4 MPG for the last 29.7 miles driven. Trip "B" odometer shows 17.4 MPG for the last 4,855.6 miles driven.

I think that thud we just heard was you hitting the floor.

jmonroe

qbrozen

Not bad for a Limited.

stickguy

Other than having to drive a compass, nope.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Other than having to drive a compass, nope.

+1

qbrozen

i haven't drive since the redesign. I love the looks.

qbrozen

You want HOW MUCH?!

I don't think I have ever seen one with cloth seats.

jmonroe

qbrozen said:

You want HOW MUCH?!

I don't think I have ever seen one with cloth seats.

And filthy too. Par for a BHPH lot. However, we know there is a butt for every seat.

jmonroe

ab348

benjaminh said:

This c. $25k VW GTI probably has performance about as good as a base BMW 3-series, and is about as fun to drive. This is more in my price range....

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2019-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw6t7au7km018651

That sounds like a screaming deal on a very good car.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

i haven't drive since the redesign. I love the looks.

I do, too.

I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.

I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

You want HOW MUCH?!

I don't think I have ever seen one with cloth seats.

It's a stick with low miles, so that's a plus.

Of course, taking out time in the shop, you would have to drive the car continuously to get that many miles in 30 years.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

I do, too.

I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.

I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.

I just don't like the Cherokee. Not attractive, IMHO.

qbrozen

jmonroe said:

And filthy too. Par for a BHPH lot. However, we know there is a butt for every seat.

jmonroe

That particular lot often advertises stuff quite cheap ... but when you see it in person, you realize why. I swear they must get their stuff from charity auctions.

qbrozen

kyfdx said:

Of course, taking out time in the shop, you would have to drive the car continuously to get that many miles in 30 years.

nah. Those are fairly reliable. Possibly one of the most reliable Alfas ever behind the Spider. Well, OK, when I say reliable, I mean it runs. Power windows and the like are a different story.

rayainsw

There was discussion here a while back about RMDs -
and when to start taking them
For those interested, there have been 2 recent fundamental changes to the law.
This is a link to a .gov site that explains them:

https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/free-financial-planning-tools/required-minimum-distribution-calculator

- Ray
Not an investment guru - not even close...

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

I do, too.

I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.

I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.

I just don't like the Cherokee. Not attractive, IMHO.

When you're driving it, you don't see the outside.

But, horses for courses, and all that.

The test drive I had of the Cherokee was pretty surprising. I was expecting the ride to be harsh, given the off road capabilities of the Trailhawk trim. It was much smoother than that.

On an unrelated note, a guy I've known since elementary school posted on his FB page that he's purchased a controlling interest in the Acura dealer in my home town in CA. I congratulated him and suggested I could be in the market for a CPO TLX at some point down the road. Not sure that I'd get a "friends and family" discount, but it never hurts to know someone in the biz.

cdnpinhead

I depend on Vanguard to look after me in this regard. It's a very complex system, and there are lots of organizations willing (or eager) to separate retirees from their money.

Get off my lawn!

corvette

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

I do, too.

I test drove the Trailhawk trim level. Gutless with the 2.4L, and the headrest couldn't be adjusted so that I was comfortable behind the wheel.

I'd prefer a Cherokee Trailhawk, myself. With either the V6 or 2.0T engine.

I just don't like the Cherokee. Not attractive, IMHO.

I had one as a rental in Utah, put well over 1,000 miles on it in a week. It had the V6, leather, and a lot of options. Really liked the way it drove, but the V6 was a little down on power at that altitude.

corvette

rayainsw said:

There was discussion here a while back about RMDs -
and when to start taking them
For those interested, there have been 2 recent fundamental changes to the law.

By the time I get to that age, I hope to have done a lot of Roth conversions so that there's not much left in the conventional IRA/401k accounts.