Its not a hatch, like I said I wanted. And not even 4 doors. If it was a manual trans, I probably would not even be thinking about it and would have gone up to see it this past weekend.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
You've already owned an M6; I might suggest, "move on". An E28 M5 is not as "gorgeous", but that almost makes it cooler IMO.
When I see M6 ads now, people are asking high $$'teens for ones with 150K miles. That seems nuts to me. Of course a lot of owners with cars like these want very unrealistic prices.
There is a section in the latest Roundel about what E28 M5 costs would be, compared to a non-M: "Every part on this car not shared with the regular E28 will cost 2-4 times as much", etc. But if you find a really really nice one, I say go for it.
Its not a hatch, like I said I wanted. And not even 4 doors. If it was a manual trans, I probably would not even be thinking about it and would have gone up to see it this past weekend.
Yeah, the slushbox is the only negative. The I6 is a sweetheart and the coupes came with the sport suspension standard. I like the Sienna Red color as well. I'd thrown on a new water pump at @60K, but other than that it's just plugs, filters and fluids.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
There is a section in the latest Roundel about what E28 M5 costs would be, compared to a non-M: "Every part on this car not shared with the regular E28 will cost 2-4 times as much", etc. But if you find a really really nice one, I say go for it.
I fortunately have a leg up on servicing those cars ; back when dinosaurs walked the earth I was the East Coast Tech Advisor for the old M Register newsletter- which only dealt with the E24 M6, E28 M5, and E34 M5. There's still an active Yahoo group, and parts can often be found at a substantial savings. Maintaining one of the older M cars will never be cheap, but the expense can be kept to a reasonable level. I look at it this way: if I buy a nice one for @$15K and pay cash(by selling the Mazdaspeed), it will wind up being less expensive to run than just about any new car over the long haul. Prices have bottomed out so there will be no depreciation and even if service and repairs run up to $1500-$2000/year that's still cheaper than a lease/loan payment.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
There was a '91 M5 w/128,200 miles on feebay, sold for $7,400. An '02 w/46K miles that went for $14.3, looked beautiful, if an e39 would work. 1988 BMW M5 w/150K sold for $8K, looked nice.
This weekend I officially start the minor restoration of my 1975 2002 slushbox. I just got my new radiator and associated parts from Silicon Garage so I'm ready to tackle my first major project- fit a refurbished heater box, a new radiator, and the Aardvark Racing Recaros that have been sitting in the basement since February. I plan to start a blog detailing my various vehicular triumphs and tragedies, so I'll let everyone know when it's up and running. Here goes nothing...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Murphy's Law standing by. Ready to deploy in 5... 4... 3...
LOL! Thanks for the vote of confidence... :P
Actually, I've decided to clean up my 1995 318ti first so that it will be ready to hit Road Atlanta in a couple of weeks. Now I'm looking at starting on the '02 next Wednesday or so...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I guess yours was a 24-month lease? Honda has a fair-to-middling lease deal on the Civic and Accord right now, and Rallye Motors has quite an inventory of the used Mazda3 and Mazda6.
I haven't seen a dirt-cheap lease in over a year now, but I do think a lease is probably cheaper overall for a CCBA, because it has a definite end point and pretty much prevents you from trading whenever you feel like it.
Went to one lot today that had a few different wagons. Wound up driving a 2000 Nissan Quest and then a 2003 Passat wagon. We didn't dig on the Quest, but wife and I both were quite impressed with the Passat. We were upfront with the salepeople and told them the models they had on the lot didn't interest us, but I asked politely if we could drive them and determine if we liked them. The Passat had 90k miles and cloth interior and no moonroof. 3 strikes. But they were kind enough to indulge us.
Anyhoo, a search online turned up an '04 1.8T loaded up GLS with just 16k miles. SOOO... the new thought of the day is that we trade in both my G and her XC90 on this Passat (or one like it, anyway) to reduce ourselves to 1 payment that would be lower than either of our payments now and I go buy myself a cash car. This would potentially save us somewhere in the $550/mo range, all things considered.
By the by, while chatting it up with one sales person, he was telling me how the used car biz is a real bear right now. Cars are getting stupid money at auctions and while they used to see 10k cars per week go across the block, it is now around 3k per week. His low inventory reflected this. And when we left there, we went down the street to another favorite lot of ours. That one was even worse. Whereas this guy usually has 100 or so quality cars, he had maybe 20.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I saw a 2005 inthe late fall when I was looking in PA. loadedup 1.8gls, roof,etc. only about 14K on it, CPO at a vw dealer, and IIRClastedat(andnotselling) for $14,995 maybe?
Oddly enough, we found the back seat to be pretty darned close to our XC90. And the boot is pretty decent, too. Fun to drive, too.
Although I'm not sure why I've always read the 1.8T has virtually no turbo lag. I found the lag pretty darned pronounced, actually. I think maybe folks don't feel it as much because the turbo spools slowly so it doesn't have that sudden kick in the pants that a bigger turbo (like our XC90) has. The Volvo is nearly dead for about 2 secs, then rockets forward. The VW starts moving like a Geo Metro from a stop and then builds over the course of a few secs to the pace of a V6 midsizer.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I was about to mention this if you hadn't already noticed. The 1.8T has awful turbo lag. An automatic transmission probably makes it worse. I never noticed anything near as bad with Volvo's 2.5T. VW's newer 2.0T is just great, no turbo lag (and downright fast in the A3 and GTI with manual transmission), but still sounds like a four-banger. I'd be worried about the reliability on any VW/Audi.
I'm not sure about this, but I read one comment that stated Jettas are built in Mexico and Passats in Germany. The Jettas are what give VWs a bad name. (???)
Anyhoo... I've been reading up on the Passats and I'm not seeing a whole lot to worry about. Edmunds (via a system that looks and reads suspiciously identical to MSNautos) gives it a 4 out of 5 star reliability rating. Coil packs and AFM being the 2 sticky points, both of which I was already aware.
Reading the boards seems to give alot of the same info. The one thing that has caught my attention and given me pause is a "sludge" issue in the 1.8T. So, although I really wanted the 4-cyl turbo, maybe I should consider the V6. (?)
Honestly, I take alot of the stuff I read with a grain of salt. If it is a very very common occurrence from many many posters, I give it thought (like how I bought a 2.5T volvo instead of the T6). But, as it is, I've bought several cars where folks said "don't do it! you'll regret it!" because they had a lemon or heard bad things (my S70, my Alfa, my 350Z). I've never had the same issues and they were all great cars.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yeah... 24 month lease... it was stupid-cheap... and, it freed up the equity in my 100K+ mile CR-V, to put towards the lower-level finishing...
But, I'm definitely bored with it... plus, don't love the Subaru drivetrain, either..
Probably won't lease the next one, unless another crazy deal comes up.. The wife is also leasing, and it's harder to keep the mileage allowance thing straight with two of them.. especially, when she won't drive the stick-shift.. It's a lot easier with one lease and one purchase..
I'm probably looking at something used, in the low-mid teens..... a daily driver that won't be boring... If I go new, maybe a MINI or a GTI... but, I'd really rather not take on a 60 month, $400+ payment.. Just under three years until college starts, and teenager car insurance starts next August, as well..
1.8T
I've never seen the appeal, and even worse with a slushbox... The 2.0T is much, much better....
how about a nice 2005 Accord 5 speed? I think I know where you can find one...
It has been a while since I drove a 1.8T VW, but I don't recall it being annoying with turbo lag. Or maybe it just didn't bother me, the way I drive? The Volvo 2.5T to me was a rocket. That baby scooted, and I never noticed it having a dead spot.
The V6 would be the 2.8L squished moter, right? No idea what those are like. I'm sure it is quicker and smoother, but gives up some MPG. And didn't a lot of the V6 wagons come with AWD?
I almost bought a V6 5 speed Passat sedan (a '98) back in 2001. That was quick. Shouldn't have let my wife have a say in it though..
I don't think I've heard you mention used volvos (That are old enough to fit your price range)? Personally, I'd go for a used volvo over a used VW anyday.
Is there anything new, inexpensive Japanese maybe (CRV? Forester?), that you could tolerate? I know it'd be a real let-down from a G and a XC90, but.....
Esp. if used cars are "getting stupid money" right now......
The VR6 was the 15º V6 engine used in the old Jetta. The Passats at that time used a regular 60º V6. I had a VR6 Jetta, and it was great to drive but irritating to own. Very smooth engine, felt much more powerful than it was rated.
The current R32, Passat, and Touareg use a variation of the VR6 engine. Source.
I think the 1997-2005 Passat was prone to sludge with both engines. VW required a 5,000 mile oil change interval on them. I'd use synthetic oil if I owned one.
Price is the problem. Volvo wagons command a premium. One the used side, the VW and Saab wagons seems to depreciate the fastest of the lot.
Just to throw some comparisons, the trade-in values of a loaded up VW, Saab, and Volvo are as follows (all loaded up '04 FWD turbos w/45k miles): $7k, $8k, and $10.5k, respectively.
We had a Forester at one time. Wife won't go back to it. Nissan never made a wagon, unfortunately. And Toys/Hons are too expensive used. Besides, the wife likes luxo options. Leather and moonroof are not negotiable with her.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Hi, yes, I think I'm in the right place. Not that I can afford it, but I'm pretty well on the way to trading a very good 6 spd 2007 Jeep Liberty 4wd for a new Chevy Silverado SWB 4wd. Problem is, three times in the past twenty years I've gone from a Chevy SWB 4wd to a small SUV and this would be the third time I've returned to a Chevy SWB 4wd.
The Jeep Liberty is probably a better off-road vehicle and definitely more utilitarian on a daily basis. But somehow, driving around in an SUV just doesn't seem to cut it. I've owned a variety of Chevy trucks from 1973 to 2004, now it looks like I'm going back again. Yes, I'd definitely say this is some kind of new car buyers syndrome.
Any suggestions or recommendations? This is probably the last new vehicle I buy, as I'm 64, and am looking at retirement. Stay with the Jeep?
Uh... no thanks... We've had four Accords.. I'm done with them..
I share your pain, except I still have one. :sick:
Life could be worse, but man, if I am making payments on a car, I should like it more or something.
Oh and the Subaru Legacy wagon has been fantastic (2.5i BASE 5 speed wagon). I took backroads out to the Battle of the Brits car show today and its so much more fun than the Accord.
I was trying to find a wagon (or larger hatch) last fall when I got our dog (80 lb. lab). Doesnt fit too well in the back seat of an accord, and it is a pain trying to swap cars with the wife if I want to take him someplace.
That, and I was doing a long daily commute at the time, and was willing to got AT!
Really wanted a V70, but insisted on the 2.5T (turbo) and not too old (2005 or 2006). TUrned out they were much rarer then expected, and the few around had tons of miles, were beat to crap, or were crazy expensive for the nice ones.
I had a Sube wagon back in the day (1992 IIRC). Actually the most reliable car I ever owned. Kept it for 3 years and 40K, and didn't go to the dealer once. Other than an overly stiff clutch, a good car.
Too bad they ditched the legacy wagon after 2007. Did not care for the outback. I did find a 2007 COP with only 14K on it, for IIRC ~17,000? But is was later in the winter and I had decided at that point to hold onto the Accord for the commuting.
If I do unload the accord, and keep my TL til the kid comes back in the summer, I will try to get an older cash car (wagon). It will give me something to do for the next 6 months, start looking early!
This is the wrong forum to ask because we will all tell you to go ahread and change your vehicle (as most of us do anyways). BUT if you can't afford it, then stick to the Jeep. I would assume you owe money on it still?
This is a chance for you to increase the size of your fleet - KEEP the Liberty and buy an older Silverado to go with it! That way you will always have the perfect vehicle around to drive as suits your mood. :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Besides, the wife likes luxo options. Leather and moonroof are not negotiable with her.
I'd add, heated seats to that list, at least. I can talk a good game when urging others (or myself) to buy a new honda or toyota. But when I go out to buy an economical Japanese car, somehow I always come home with a nice condition used bmw or range rover or some such.
I drove a 9-5 a few years ago, wasn't nearly the car a (pre GM) 9000 or even 900 was, IMO. But it wasn't horrible; a nice low-mileage 9-5 wagon at a good price......I could see that.
Well, after close to 2 months of sitting on that dealer's lot, the asking price of that rather nice '83 Celica has dropped from $6950 to $5950, and now to $4950. Oh boy. It is getting into tempting territory. At an asking price of $4950, offering $3500 doesn't seem too outlandish. Maybe I will stop by for a test drive.
It's probably just an internet quote sort of thing, where they turn you down and then harass you by e-mail for a year about their used cars you don't want......
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
want a low mileage 1998 Lexus ES300? I have been helping a distant relative shop for a new car, and she has to get rid of it. SOunds nice enough (little old lady car), other than a (maybe gone) oil leak from someplace.
I would buy it myself, but am already over car'd, and if I did sell my Accord, I would likely be looking for the smae thing as you! So if you find a 2nd, let me know...
Drop me an email if you get more info. I'd really like a lightweight hatch/wagon with a stick ... but beggars can't be choosers. I could "suffer" with a Lexus. ;b
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
You mean the Freestyle? ;b Thanks, but I dunno. I doubt she'd be interested. Those look to be more expensive than a used Passat, though.
Soo.. we went for a 1.5-hour drive up to north Jersey today to see an '05 w/26k miles, only to discover the vehicle had big repairs done to it. It was after we test drove that I started a thorough exterior inspection. Whole driver's side had been repainted, as well as the bumper and passenger front fender (probably hood, too, I'd imagine). I'm sure the dealer wouldn't have said a word about it had I not pointed all of this out.
Took a couple of detours on the way home. Closest match was another '05 w/40k, but it was CPO and they weren't backing down enough on price.
I'm pretty confident we'll find one. There doesn't seem to be a shortage. And I'm surprised at how many ultra-low-mileage ones are out there. Just sent emails inquiring about 2 others with less than 30k on the clock. There is even an '02 with only 23k!
Thing is, these others are out of state. I'm not sure how that works. I know if I trade my G for one here in NJ, I don't pay tax. What happens if I trade in another state? Will NJ DMV want the tax in that case? Doesn't seem right, but I wouldn't be surprised.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am a lot closer to PA, and it happens all the time down here. I haven't done it myself, but I am 99% sure that you still get the credit. Pay the tax in PA (or NY), and I don't know how it works out, but it does. I think that a lot of dealers close to the border can do the NJ DMV too.
Thanks for taking a look, stick, but at this point we are looking for something with much lower miles. When fair price on an '05 with 40k miles is $11k, it just doesn't make sense to pay $9k for one with twice the miles. (dealer in 2nd link is out of his mind asking $13k for an '04 with 63k on it.. and its a stick! But, hey, only $7k markup in that car. *sick*)
Only thing with the Audis is the extra gadgets I don't want to deal with when they break. Plus, isn't the Passat more A6 sized? And try and find an A6 Avant without AWD. Not sure they even made such a car.
I've pretty much given up on the 9-5. So far I've only found a few within a couple hundred miles and I think the lowest mileage was nearly 70k. Only other one I've kept in the back of my head is a Nissan Quest. But, again, I have not found an '04 with leather and moonroof that isn't all miled up.
I did find one V70 in PA that is tempting. Its an '04 with very low miles and all the right options (although not sure about bun warmers), except its a 2.4. Dealer seems to be rock bottom asking price at $13,995, which is pushing our budget.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
who cares about the miles? You will be selling it within 6 months anyway!
I will keep an eye out for lower miles units though.
and skip the Quest. Although you might get addicted to the room of a minivan (especially if you have a 2nd jr.), I doubt you (or the wife) will really take to it. Plus, the new styles Quests had a terrible reputation when they cam eout, but I don't recall what for, or if the issues are likely to have been fixed.
want a low mileage 1998 Lexus ES300? I have been helping a distant relative shop for a new car, and she has to get rid of it. SOunds nice enough (little old lady car), other than a (maybe gone) oil leak from someplace.
I actually like those cars, but alas, I'm not in a condition to add or replace anything in the fleet right now. I think a lot of people do consider those 90's ES'es to be old lady cars, but I always found their styling to be very sleek and attractive. I especially like the "pillared hardtop" look, with the frameless windows and barely-visible B-pillar.
We had (for a very short time) a 99 ES300. Nice enough car ... bulletproof. But it was a snoozefest. It sucked us in with the exterior and interior styling but it was a boring drive.
I have come across a 2002 Lexus IS300 manual transmission with 120k. One owner, great condition. Asking $6,000 for it. The plan would be to dump my 09 Accord (it has had to go back to the dealer 4 times for warped rotors) and by the Lexus.
Gee's 08 IS250 has been perfect and he loves the car. My Accord has irritated me even though I do like the looks, the NAV, and the interior.
I agree with Stickguy. When I worked at Nissan, someone told me to avoid the Quest like the plague, especially the early current generation models. But to be safe I was told to avoid any Quests. We didn't even carry any new ones, and avoided having used ones in stock.
Except for some camshaft issues the first year or two, the ones to avoid were the ones after 2004 that were made in Canton. The Ford assembled ones put together up in Ohio were pretty good, especially the drivetrain. Mine will be 10 in December.
haven't heard from the purchaser of the new car recently. Not sure if she has someone lined up, or what she would be looking for (I have also never actually seen the car). I do know that it is up on long island.
Sent out 4 information requests in response to ads we found on the net for Passats in the ... uhh... quad-state? area? A couple in Maryland, 1 in PA, and 1 in CT. Only one in Baltimore responded. Turned out to be the top choice of the bunch, though. An '05 GLS 1.8T with 22k miles. Carfax says it was a fleet vehicle in NY, accumulating just a hair over 5k per year. No runs, hits, or errors. Asking $11,995, which is a very reasonable starting point.
Been in contact back and forth today to start hammering things out. As long as we can come to agreements on all, we'll be making the drive on Thurs. Couple of big things still up in the air, though. The tax issue is weighing on me. I mean, that's like an $800 difference if DMV goes against me on it. I've got an email out to DMV. I'd be amazed if they respond in reasonable time, though. And I need them to step up on the trade, too, which I know will be difficult without them seeing it in person. We'll see.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Comments
This one in particular has been gnawing at me for a few days now.
Its not a hatch, like I said I wanted. And not even 4 doors. If it was a manual trans, I probably would not even be thinking about it and would have gone up to see it this past weekend.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
When I see M6 ads now, people are asking high $$'teens for ones with 150K miles. That seems nuts to me. Of course a lot of owners with cars like these want very unrealistic prices.
There is a section in the latest Roundel about what E28 M5 costs would be, compared to a non-M: "Every part on this car not shared with the regular E28 will cost 2-4 times as much", etc. But if you find a really really nice one, I say go for it.
Yeah, the slushbox is the only negative. The I6 is a sweetheart and the coupes came with the sport suspension standard. I like the Sienna Red color as well. I'd thrown on a new water pump at @60K, but other than that it's just plugs, filters and fluids.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I fortunately have a leg up on servicing those cars ; back when dinosaurs walked the earth I was the East Coast Tech Advisor for the old M Register newsletter- which only dealt with the E24 M6, E28 M5, and E34 M5. There's still an active Yahoo group, and parts can often be found at a substantial savings. Maintaining one of the older M cars will never be cheap, but the expense can be kept to a reasonable level. I look at it this way: if I buy a nice one for @$15K and pay cash(by selling the Mazdaspeed), it will wind up being less expensive to run than just about any new car over the long haul. Prices have bottomed out so there will be no depreciation and even if service and repairs run up to $1500-$2000/year that's still cheaper than a lease/loan payment.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Now you've got me looking at them (???)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
:P
LOL! Thanks for the vote of confidence... :P
Actually, I've decided to clean up my 1995 318ti first so that it will be ready to hit Road Atlanta in a couple of weeks. Now I'm looking at starting on the '02 next Wednesday or so...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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I haven't seen a dirt-cheap lease in over a year now, but I do think a lease is probably cheaper overall for a CCBA, because it has a definite end point and pretty much prevents you from trading whenever you feel like it.
Anyhoo, a search online turned up an '04 1.8T loaded up GLS with just 16k miles. SOOO... the new thought of the day is that we trade in both my G and her XC90 on this Passat (or one like it, anyway) to reduce ourselves to 1 payment that would be lower than either of our payments now and I go buy myself a cash car. This would potentially save us somewhere in the $550/mo range, all things considered.
By the by, while chatting it up with one sales person, he was telling me how the used car biz is a real bear right now. Cars are getting stupid money at auctions and while they used to see 10k cars per week go across the block, it is now around 3k per week. His low inventory reflected this. And when we left there, we went down the street to another favorite lot of ours. That one was even worse. Whereas this guy usually has 100 or so quality cars, he had maybe 20.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I saw a 2005 inthe late fall when I was looking in PA. loadedup 1.8gls, roof,etc. only about 14K on it, CPO at a vw dealer, and IIRClastedat(andnotselling) for $14,995 maybe?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Although I'm not sure why I've always read the 1.8T has virtually no turbo lag. I found the lag pretty darned pronounced, actually. I think maybe folks don't feel it as much because the turbo spools slowly so it doesn't have that sudden kick in the pants that a bigger turbo (like our XC90) has. The Volvo is nearly dead for about 2 secs, then rockets forward. The VW starts moving like a Geo Metro from a stop and then builds over the course of a few secs to the pace of a V6 midsizer.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Anyhoo... I've been reading up on the Passats and I'm not seeing a whole lot to worry about. Edmunds (via a system that looks and reads suspiciously identical to MSNautos) gives it a 4 out of 5 star reliability rating. Coil packs and AFM being the 2 sticky points, both of which I was already aware.
Reading the boards seems to give alot of the same info. The one thing that has caught my attention and given me pause is a "sludge" issue in the 1.8T. So, although I really wanted the 4-cyl turbo, maybe I should consider the V6. (?)
Honestly, I take alot of the stuff I read with a grain of salt. If it is a very very common occurrence from many many posters, I give it thought (like how I bought a 2.5T volvo instead of the T6). But, as it is, I've bought several cars where folks said "don't do it! you'll regret it!" because they had a lemon or heard bad things (my S70, my Alfa, my 350Z). I've never had the same issues and they were all great cars.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
But, I'm definitely bored with it... plus, don't love the Subaru drivetrain, either..
Probably won't lease the next one, unless another crazy deal comes up.. The wife is also leasing, and it's harder to keep the mileage allowance thing straight with two of them.. especially, when she won't drive the stick-shift.. It's a lot easier with one lease and one purchase..
I'm probably looking at something used, in the low-mid teens..... a daily driver that won't be boring... If I go new, maybe a MINI or a GTI... but, I'd really rather not take on a 60 month, $400+ payment.. Just under three years until college starts, and teenager car insurance starts next August, as well..
1.8T
I've never seen the appeal, and even worse with a slushbox... The 2.0T is much, much better....
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It has been a while since I drove a 1.8T VW, but I don't recall it being annoying with turbo lag. Or maybe it just didn't bother me, the way I drive? The Volvo 2.5T to me was a rocket. That baby scooted, and I never noticed it having a dead spot.
The V6 would be the 2.8L squished moter, right? No idea what those are like. I'm sure it is quicker and smoother, but gives up some MPG. And didn't a lot of the V6 wagons come with AWD?
I almost bought a V6 5 speed Passat sedan (a '98) back in 2001. That was quick. Shouldn't have let my wife have a say in it though..
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Is there anything new, inexpensive Japanese maybe (CRV? Forester?), that you could tolerate? I know it'd be a real let-down from a G and a XC90, but.....
Esp. if used cars are "getting stupid money" right now......
The current R32, Passat, and Touareg use a variation of the VR6 engine. Source.
I think the 1997-2005 Passat was prone to sludge with both engines. VW required a 5,000 mile oil change interval on them. I'd use synthetic oil if I owned one.
Just to throw some comparisons, the trade-in values of a loaded up VW, Saab, and Volvo are as follows (all loaded up '04 FWD turbos w/45k miles): $7k, $8k, and $10.5k, respectively.
We had a Forester at one time. Wife won't go back to it. Nissan never made a wagon, unfortunately. And Toys/Hons are too expensive used. Besides, the wife likes luxo options. Leather and moonroof are not negotiable with her.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The Jeep Liberty is probably a better off-road vehicle and definitely more utilitarian on a daily basis. But somehow, driving around in an SUV just doesn't seem to cut it. I've owned a variety of Chevy trucks from 1973 to 2004, now it looks like I'm going back again. Yes, I'd definitely say this is some kind of new car buyers syndrome.
Any suggestions or recommendations? This is probably the last new vehicle I buy, as I'm 64, and am looking at retirement. Stay with the Jeep?
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I share your pain, except I still have one. :sick:
Life could be worse, but man, if I am making payments on a car, I should like it more or something.
Oh and the Subaru Legacy wagon has been fantastic (2.5i BASE 5 speed wagon). I took backroads out to the Battle of the Brits car show today and its so much more fun than the Accord.
That, and I was doing a long daily commute at the time, and was willing to got AT!
Really wanted a V70, but insisted on the 2.5T (turbo) and not too old (2005 or 2006). TUrned out they were much rarer then expected, and the few around had tons of miles, were beat to crap, or were crazy expensive for the nice ones.
I had a Sube wagon back in the day (1992 IIRC). Actually the most reliable car I ever owned. Kept it for 3 years and 40K, and didn't go to the dealer once. Other than an overly stiff clutch, a good car.
Too bad they ditched the legacy wagon after 2007. Did not care for the outback. I did find a 2007 COP with only 14K on it, for IIRC ~17,000? But is was later in the winter and I had decided at that point to hold onto the Accord for the commuting.
If I do unload the accord, and keep my TL til the kid comes back in the summer, I will try to get an older cash car (wagon). It will give me something to do for the next 6 months, start looking early!
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2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'd add, heated seats to that list, at least. I can talk a good game when urging others (or myself) to buy a new honda or toyota. But when I go out to buy an economical Japanese car, somehow I always come home with a nice condition used bmw or range rover or some such.
I drove a 9-5 a few years ago, wasn't nearly the car a (pre GM) 9000 or even 900 was, IMO. But it wasn't horrible; a nice low-mileage 9-5 wagon at a good price......I could see that.
http://novatotoyota.com/Vehicle.aspx?v=2379968
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I would buy it myself, but am already over car'd, and if I did sell my Accord, I would likely be looking for the smae thing as you! So if you find a 2nd, let me know...
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'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I could get you one of those.
Thanks, but I dunno. I doubt she'd be interested. Those look to be more expensive than a used Passat, though.
Soo.. we went for a 1.5-hour drive up to north Jersey today to see an '05 w/26k miles, only to discover the vehicle had big repairs done to it. It was after we test drove that I started a thorough exterior inspection. Whole driver's side had been repainted, as well as the bumper and passenger front fender (probably hood, too, I'd imagine). I'm sure the dealer wouldn't have said a word about it had I not pointed all of this out.
Took a couple of detours on the way home. Closest match was another '05 w/40k, but it was CPO and they weren't backing down enough on price.
I'm pretty confident we'll find one. There doesn't seem to be a shortage. And I'm surprised at how many ultra-low-mileage ones are out there. Just sent emails inquiring about 2 others with less than 30k on the clock. There is even an '02 with only 23k!
Thing is, these others are out of state. I'm not sure how that works. I know if I trade my G for one here in NJ, I don't pay tax. What happens if I trade in another state? Will NJ DMV want the tax in that case? Doesn't seem right, but I wouldn't be surprised.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
this is at the dealer that had the 2005 passat last spring. Cheap! I even like it.
http://www.vwfredbeans.com/VehicleDetails/487374973
A little pricey.
http://www.piazzavw.com/VehicleSearchResults?search=preowned&make=Volkswagen&loc- ation=vw-ardmore
VW DNA. This one I like. A lot.
http://www.jimwynnvw.com/VehicleDetails/479128793
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Only thing with the Audis is the extra gadgets I don't want to deal with when they break. Plus, isn't the Passat more A6 sized? And try and find an A6 Avant without AWD. Not sure they even made such a car.
I've pretty much given up on the 9-5. So far I've only found a few within a couple hundred miles and I think the lowest mileage was nearly 70k. Only other one I've kept in the back of my head is a Nissan Quest. But, again, I have not found an '04 with leather and moonroof that isn't all miled up.
I did find one V70 in PA that is tempting. Its an '04 with very low miles and all the right options (although not sure about bun warmers), except its a 2.4. Dealer seems to be rock bottom asking price at $13,995, which is pushing our budget.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I will keep an eye out for lower miles units though.
and skip the Quest. Although you might get addicted to the room of a minivan (especially if you have a 2nd jr.), I doubt you (or the wife) will really take to it. Plus, the new styles Quests had a terrible reputation when they cam eout, but I don't recall what for, or if the issues are likely to have been fixed.
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I actually like those cars, but alas, I'm not in a condition to add or replace anything in the fleet right now. I think a lot of people do consider those 90's ES'es to be old lady cars, but I always found their styling to be very sleek and attractive. I especially like the "pillared hardtop" look, with the frameless windows and barely-visible B-pillar.
What color is this ES?
I have come across a 2002 Lexus IS300 manual transmission with 120k. One owner, great condition. Asking $6,000 for it. The plan would be to dump my 09 Accord (it has had to go back to the dealer 4 times for warped rotors) and by the Lexus.
Gee's 08 IS250 has been perfect and he loves the car. My Accord has irritated me even though I do like the looks, the NAV, and the interior.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Just don't ask how many miles.
Well, not for the wife, anyway.
Could be for me ... if it is a stick.. which it ain't. ;b
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
if I get some info I shall pass it along.
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I'm dragging buying anything out as long as I can. Right now she drives the Ody which is fine by me!
Been in contact back and forth today to start hammering things out. As long as we can come to agreements on all, we'll be making the drive on Thurs. Couple of big things still up in the air, though. The tax issue is weighing on me. I mean, that's like an $800 difference if DMV goes against me on it. I've got an email out to DMV. I'd be amazed if they respond in reasonable time, though. And I need them to step up on the trade, too, which I know will be difficult without them seeing it in person. We'll see.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.