Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

oldfarmer50

breld said:

By the way, figuring I’d be trading that 228i in, I did manage to get my 15 year old out in it on Sunday for one initial lesson in driving a manual. My other kids who already are driving show little interest in learning, but this one, our youngest, seems to have a genuine interest in cars and driving. He did well - I assume within a year or two we’ll have another manual in the fleet to continue his lessons.

I taught the kids manual shifting on an old cargo van out in the fields. Nothing to hit. I doubt they will ever encounter a need for that skill in their lifetime.

tjc78

I like the sensors. They are pretty accurate in both of our cars. The Volvo is a bit annoying when you get too close to something backing up it decides to stop the car for you. The first time it did it, I got out and looked. There was still about 4-6” before I would have tapped the car behind.

roadburner

I like the sensors as well as the surround view. A rear view only camera isn't a necessity.

pensfan83

breld said:

corvette said:

@nyccarguy to me, a GTI would be very close in spirit to the Prelude. Even the five door has very small dimensions, by modern standards. I know when I bought the GLI, the equivalent GTI was priced a couple grand higher, and all you got feature-wise on the hatchback was real leather vs. fake leather on the GLI, which wasn't enough to sway me.

I’m sure you’d love a GTI - hard not to. But I don’t know if there’s much of any current vehicle that captures the spirit of your Prelude, at least in the sense of a high-revving n/a engine. Maybe a BRZ/86? I actually thought of testing out one of those, but just never got around to it, and now since it’s about to be updated, I figured it wouldn’t capture my attention for long.

It's a very sharp contrast between the Prelude and ZHP. High revving 4 cylinder that needs to be kept north of 4K most of the time to wring out the most fun vs a smooth, I6 that never leaves me wanting for power in any gear. For "only" 235 HP it's quite lively.

benjaminh

Wow the Prelude was/is a very low car....

benjaminh

VW GTI specs...10" shorter than a last gen Prelude and about the same width.

The great thing about a GTI is that it has the room inside of a midsize car, but it's more compact on the outside than most vehicles out there. Plus imho it's a real sports car. They are really fun to drive.

benjaminh

Here's a nice looking GTI at my local dealer offered for c. $27.3k.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2020-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw5t7au4lm001982








"A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to C/D that the new policy, first reported by Automotive News, drops the six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to four years and 50,000 miles for its 2020 models. As compensation, VW is now including two years of factory-covered maintenance for regularly scheduled services."

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28567261/2020-volkswagen-warranty-changes/#:~:text=A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to,maintenance for regularly scheduled services.

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

Here's a nice looking GTI at my local dealer offered for c. $27.3k.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2020-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw5t7au4lm001982








"A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to C/D that the new policy, first reported by Automotive News, drops the six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to four years and 50,000 miles for its 2020 models. As compensation, VW is now including two years of factory-covered maintenance for regularly scheduled services."

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28567261/2020-volkswagen-warranty-changes/#:~:text=A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to,maintenance for regularly scheduled services.

What’s with those seats? Farm country?

graphicguy

GTI seats in plaid....it’s one of their trademarks since the ‘80s.

ab348

stickguy said:

Corvette, what to come over and do our RDX next? It is disgusting. got back from our trip up to NY. after parking under trees for few days, and being slaughtered by bugs, I don't even want to go near it. I hope the fresh paint is putting up a good fight, because the sap and bugs are big. Was not planning to clay it this soon, but probably will have to. Might be time to invest in a foam cannon!

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Foam it up, let it soak, foam it again, then blast it off. Will save much wear and tear on the old body (yours). :laughing:

28firefighter

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

ab348

Having had a 1990 GTI new and loving it, I keep drifting back to considerations of a new one every time I am in car-buying mode. I *almost* pulled the trigger on one in 2017 when my lease was coming to an end - found a GTI demo at the dealer across town on their lot, in white. However it had black leather instead of plaid cloth and at the time I had it in my head that would be what I wanted. Was an OK deal, not screamingly so, and I let it slide.

The other thing is the reputation of VW for having issues. My 1990 had a few in the time I owned it though nothing too serious. We have 2 dealers locally. The one nearby is part of a sleazy dealer group that I want nothing to do with. The one across town is owned by the same dealer group I have bought my last few cars through and has a better if not stellar reputation, but it is slightly out of the way. I don't know when I will be in th emarket again but if I can find one I like then, it might happen.

I wouldn't want a black one (my 1990 was that color), nor a red one. White makes it look a bit too pedestrian. There was a lady visiting a neighbor recently in a newish one that was a dark metallic gray, and I don't know if it had aftermarket wheels or not, but they looked really good on that car with that paint color.

qbrozen

I don't think a well cared for GTI is ever a bad choice.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

Darn. Would have loved to get your impressions on an M340i or even a 330i.

qbrozen

I've started communications regarding that '08 ML550.
Salesperson said no funny smells, no lights, no visible damage.
I've now asked for vid/pics of underside and what fees they charge.

28firefighter

I asked if they had any of them available - M340, M240, or X3 M40 and they said they were all out with customers.

I can tell you with 100% confidence if you were cross shopping the base engine X3 with anything else, you should get anything else. I used to love the base X3 (the model through 2017), but now...yikes.

ab348

qbrozen said:

I've started communications regarding that '08 ML550.
Salesperson said no funny smells, no lights, no visible damage.
I've now asked for vid/pics of underside and what fees they charge.

[music from "Jaws" starts playing]

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

I asked if they had any of them available - M340, M240, or X3 M40 and they said they were all out with customers.

I can tell you with 100% confidence if you were cross shopping the base engine X3 with anything else, you should get anything else. I used to love the base X3 (the model through 2017), but now...yikes.

Good to know because from a budget standpoint that's where we would probably land. And that's disappointing because I think an X3 M40i, even a loaner, is going to be a bridge too far $$ wise.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

28firefighter said:

I asked if they had any of them available - M340, M240, or X3 M40 and they said they were all out with customers.

I can tell you with 100% confidence if you were cross shopping the base engine X3 with anything else, you should get anything else. I used to love the base X3 (the model through 2017), but now...yikes.

Good to know because from a budget standpoint that's where we would probably land. And that's disappointing because I think an X3 M40i, even a loaner, is going to be a bridge too far $$ wise.

I’d have an RDX at the top of my list after the 40 miles I’ve put on the X3.

28firefighter

Here are my issues so far, condition aside:
(1) The engine seems very powerful, but even in sport mode, the transmission shift points just aren’t right. Maybe it’s just this car, but it’s simply not engaging. It is swift getting to speed, but not engaging at all, and the downshifts take forever.

(2) The interior rattles like crazy.

(3) The bolstering of the drivers seat is wonky. It looks like it should be comfortable and supportive, but it just isn’t.

On the plus side, it does handle well.

stickguy

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

Corvette, what to come over and do our RDX next? It is disgusting. got back from our trip up to NY. after parking under trees for few days, and being slaughtered by bugs, I don't even want to go near it. I hope the fresh paint is putting up a good fight, because the sap and bugs are big. Was not planning to clay it this soon, but probably will have to. Might be time to invest in a foam cannon!

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Foam it up, let it soak, foam it again, then blast it off. Will save much wear and tear on the old body (yours). :laughing:

not having the equipment for that, I was considering going to the spray it yourself place for the first pass. plenty of high pressure suds to knock a ton of the stuff off. and get the nooks and crannies. then bring it home for a normal hand wash. plus it is too sunny to really do it right today. maybe after I finish my yard chores!

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

Here's a nice looking GTI at my local dealer offered for c. $27.3k.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2020-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw5t7au4lm001982








"A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to C/D that the new policy, first reported by Automotive News, drops the six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to four years and 50,000 miles for its 2020 models. As compensation, VW is now including two years of factory-covered maintenance for regularly scheduled services."

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28567261/2020-volkswagen-warranty-changes/#:~:text=A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to,maintenance for regularly scheduled services.

What’s with those seats? Farm country?

You are out of the loop; plaid seats have been a GTI hallmark since the beginning.

roadburner

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

Wow, someone would have been fired for that at my dealer.

roadburner

pensfan83 said:

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

Darn. Would have loved to get your impressions on an M340i or even a 330i.

I posted my take on both cars awhile back.

pensfan83

I remember reading your experience with the M340i xdrive loaner but I must have missed it on the X3 M40i

28firefighter

roadburner said:

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

Wow, someone would have been fired for that at my dealer.

I’m feeling a bit guilty for saying something - I don’t want anyone to lose their job.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

What happened to the sanitized for your protection routine?

corvette

28firefighter said:

The park assist on the i3 makes me crazy. Way too sensitive - starts beeping solid with like 2 feet to go.

This doesn't bother me. It's not precise enough to be a measuring device, it's an alert that you're getting somewhat close to another object and need to use other available information, including looking over your shoulder, your intuition, and the backup camera, in order to make an informed decision.

breld said:

Maybe a BRZ/86? I actually thought of testing out one of those, but just never got around to it, and now since it’s about to be updated, I figured it wouldn’t capture my attention for long.

You would probably be smitten, but if you had also driven the Supra, I think the Supra would win out.

corvette

breld said:

@corvette - the Tundra looks great! I love that color combo.

My friend who goes back and forth between a Tundra and something economical just got a new truck. I went with him to look at Silverados as he was very interested in those, but I met him for dinner and he surprised me with a new truck...his 3rd Tundra.

Thanks! I hope it will collect less grime now that it has a coat of sealant on it. I'm fine with leasing this one, but I don't think I would buy a Tundra right now without way more incentives than what are available right now. It's supposed to receive a full redesign "in 2021," which probably means for the 2022 model year.

28firefighter

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

I’m so bummed. Normally I do much better playing bmw loaner roulette.

What happened to the sanitized for your protection routine?

No clue. It had plastic around the steering wheel and shifter. I still wiped everything down myself with Wet wipes and let it dry before I touched anything. Didn’t discover the rest of the filth until I opened the cup holders and looked in the back.

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

If they run and aren’t rusted to death that’s a terrific bargain.

They are both in the "running when parked" category... which was "ten or twelve years ago" by his recollection. He is confident that the Blazer is a runner with fresh fuel and battery. The truck is in pretty good shape body-wise, but he noted that "it has a knock" that was occurring for a good long while before he parked it, so his motivation for the pair sale was to be able to use components of the Blazer to donate to the truck. Personally, I'm more interested in the Blazer, but who knows. He said there was some rust on the floor of that one.

corvette

28firefighter said:

I have an X3 xdrive30i loaner today while the i3 is in for maintenance. Heaven forbid I get one of the fun cars - nope - mine is boring AND filthier than a Budget rental car. Dog fur everywhere, soda spilled in the cup holders, and smells like someone smoked in it.

Does the dealer not care about their CSI score?

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

What happened to the sanitized for your protection routine?

Probably the same thing that happened to the airlines promising to leave middle seats empty.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

Here's a nice looking GTI at my local dealer offered for c. $27.3k.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2020-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw5t7au4lm001982








"A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to C/D that the new policy, first reported by Automotive News, drops the six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to four years and 50,000 miles for its 2020 models. As compensation, VW is now including two years of factory-covered maintenance for regularly scheduled services."

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28567261/2020-volkswagen-warranty-changes/#:~:text=A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to,maintenance for regularly scheduled services.

What’s with those seats? Farm country?

You are out of the loop; plaid seats have been a GTI hallmark since the beginning.

When it comes to VW products I am definitely out of the loop. The last VW I looked at was a diesel Rabbit back in 1980. The salesman was so nasty I haven’t considered one since.

oldfarmer50

“ (3) The bolstering of the drivers seat is wonky. It looks like it should be comfortable and supportive, but it just isn’t.”

Funny you mention that. I drove an x3 a few hundred miles and found the seats uncomfortable. Thought it was just me.

xwesx

Anyone have any information related to vinyl wraps? I see many vehicles out there with them nowadays - I'm curious as to their durability over time.

graphicguy

xwesx said:

Anyone have any information related to vinyl wraps? I see many vehicles out there with them nowadays - I'm curious as to their durability over time.

It’s not permanent. And, how it looks (aside from your taste in wraps) is significantly affected by the quality of the installation.

It shrinks over time and will end up pulling away at the seams and edges.

qbrozen

uh-oh ... I got reluctant approval from the wife on the Benz.

"I guess. You work hard enough."

Sandman6472

Took a short ride yesterday as I hadn't driven anywhere since Thursday coming home. Naturally there was fresh oil on the garage floor. I clean it up every time I drive out just to see if it's still leaking. So, we still have a leak and it'll be back again, Monday morning but honestly, it's getting pretty annoying now. Hoping the dye will show them exactly where the source might be as I'm not going to be very happy if it can't be found! And for the amount I do drive lately, not sure it's worth getting something new. Guess I could just get something cheap to keep for the next few years.
Hoping for good news Monday.

qbrozen

Benz sold

28firefighter

As in, not to you?

suydam

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

Here's a nice looking GTI at my local dealer offered for c. $27.3k.

https://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2020-volkswagen-golf-gti-s-fwd-hatchback-3vw5t7au4lm001982








"A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to C/D that the new policy, first reported by Automotive News, drops the six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to four years and 50,000 miles for its 2020 models. As compensation, VW is now including two years of factory-covered maintenance for regularly scheduled services."

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28567261/2020-volkswagen-warranty-changes/#:~:text=A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to,maintenance for regularly scheduled services.

What’s with those seats? Farm country?

You are out of the loop; plaid seats have been a GTI hallmark since the beginning.

Would be a dealbreaker for me.

ab348

suydam said:

Would be a dealbreaker for me.

Just like black leather was for me.

sda

Sandman6472 said:

Took a short ride yesterday as I hadn't driven anywhere since Thursday coming home. Naturally there was fresh oil on the garage floor. I clean it up every time I drive out just to see if it's still leaking. So, we still have a leak and it'll be back again, Monday morning but honestly, it's getting pretty annoying now. Hoping the dye will show them exactly where the source might be as I'm not going to be very happy if it can't be found! And for the amount I do drive lately, not sure it's worth getting something new. Guess I could just get something cheap to keep for the next few years.
Hoping for good news Monday.

Is your Golf still under the powertrain warranty? Might be worth a dealer visit.

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

Anyone have any information related to vinyl wraps? I see many vehicles out there with them nowadays - I'm curious as to their durability over time.

Probably less durable than paint. My question would be how difficult is it to replace.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

As in, not to you?

correct.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

uh-oh ... I got reluctant approval from the wife on the Benz.

"I guess. You work hard enough."

Man, where do you guys get these saints? The best I get is “go ahead, you’ll do what you want anyway”. Unless I’m buying cars for our kids, then it’s a good idea.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Took a short ride yesterday as I hadn't driven anywhere since Thursday coming home. Naturally there was fresh oil on the garage floor. I clean it up every time I drive out just to see if it's still leaking. So, we still have a leak and it'll be back again, Monday morning but honestly, it's getting pretty annoying now. Hoping the dye will show them exactly where the source might be as I'm not going to be very happy if it can't be found! And for the amount I do drive lately, not sure it's worth getting something new. Guess I could just get something cheap to keep for the next few years.
Hoping for good news Monday.

How big a leak do you have? After a few days is the spot bigger than a half dollar?

Sandman6472

Bigger than a half dollar. Come December, I'll have had it 6 years, both will be six. But the only issue with the Audi has been it's need for some extra oil to be added every few months. It happened again Tuesday and the advisor said it's not unusual for A3's.

suydam

ab348 said:

suydam said:

Would be a dealbreaker for me.

Just like black leather was for me.

That too.