Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

1227422752277227922803236

Comments

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337
    edited January 2021
    @nyccarguy I found something similar to replace your Tacoma when the lease is up... Long bed and everything! Might be missing a few features from the newer models, but only has 200k-ish on the clock. Just getting broken in!

    My first thought when I saw the ad was, "surely that has to be less than $10k!" Nope... :@ The resale value on these is insane.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    what the heck market are they comparing to?

    Odometer is 4865 miles below market average!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,605
    nyccarguy said:

    We are supposed to get 12” - 18” of snow tonight into Tuesday. The Prelude is resting under its blanket. The Pilot is in the garage ready for action. The Tacoma is ready to go to work tomorrow;)


    Magic carpet ride? I do like the blue color of your Pilot. As much as my wife likes the Q5, which she and the Q5 are in Jacksonville presently and she and her sister sent me pictures from the beach today, really? My wife still misses her Pilot.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,605


    From the balcony of my SIL in Jacksonville, and loading the Pilot for the trip there a couple of years ago.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,938

    breld said:

    So while I don’t like the driveway being taken up be extra cars, it is nice that...

    Friday, I took the cars to the car wash, so I got to drive the wife’s MINI JCW.

    Yesterday, we went to breakfast so I drove the X3. I then ran some errands on my own so took out the Supra for a couple hours. Then later my wife forgot a couple items at the grocery store so I made a quick run in the Leaf.

    Hard to find any reason to go car browsing really (though I still find reasons).

    My fleet isn’t as entertaining, but I do enjoy being able to change things up. I try to drive the 2er and Jeep several times per week- ditto for the Club Sport if there’s no salt.
    Oh I’d beg to differ - your fleet is much more interesting. I aspire to having a more seasoned fleet, but my shopping desires get the best of me, as we all know.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    Hello, Audi-philes. I test drove an '18 Audi A7 yesterday. Nice ride, comfy seat. Seemed to have a bit more road noise than the XF, but what I really noted was the brake pedal. A lot of travel, kinda soft feeling. Car stopped, no issue but such a different feel from the Jag. Is this an Audi trait or probably just this car?

    Was planning on driving a Macan, too, but time didn't allow. Even considering downsizing the wallet and may drive a new Mazda3 turbo.

    Next Saturday, we have a noon appointment to view real estate. On the way back, may surprise the fiance with a stop at an audi dealer on the way home to test drive an '18 S5. And, the "Fintail-like" '19 MB E450 sedan is still available about 40 miles north of me.

    But, while the trunk is no longer magic, the Jag ride remains so. Sigh.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,422
    Car dealers are closed on Sunday in Colorado, so it's always nice to walk the lots without any interruptions.

    Was able to coordinate with Mr. & Mrs. @breld and @jpp75, so we met up at the local Volvo/Audi/VW/Mazda stores for a bit of a walkabout.

    Nobody saw anything that made them go "ooo" (yes, even @breld was pretty happy with his current fleet), but I did get a chance to drive the Model 3 Dual Motor AWD that @jpp75 picked up a few months ago.

    My first experience with an EV. As we turned onto the 4 lane road that is next to the dealership, I was told "floor it". Holy Mother of all that is Sacred - I had my foot on the floor for maybe 1 or 2 seconds and I couldn't tell you how fast we were going. Lift my foot of the pedal and - wham! - the regenerative braking takes over.

    I got the hang of one-pedal driving pretty quickly, which is pretty cool. Had one other acceleration experience on a road that was marked at 35MPH. I figured I got it to 50+ MPH. When we got back to the dealer John told me "Nope, you were crowding 70". Yikes!

    It was comfortable on the surface streets we drove on; quiet, too, as you would imagine. Didn't get into the interior too much (focused on driving, you see), but having had a Saturn ION, I was sort of used to not having any dials or gauges in front of me.

    I certainly see the appeal of these, now. For just over $50K (before state tax credits), and not having to worry about maintenance beyond consumables (brakes, tires, wipers), I can almost say I can see one of these in my future.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,253
    corvette said:

    @nyccarguy I found something similar to replace your Tacoma when the lease is up... Long bed and everything! Might be missing a few features from the newer models, but only has 200k-ish on the clock. Just getting broken in!

    My first thought when I saw the ad was, "surely that has to be less than $10k!" Nope... :@ The resale value on these is insane.

    Wow! Words fail me. Somebody has to explain that to me. I suppose under perfect care and all highway miles but.....

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,605
    I haven’t driven any Audis recently except our Q5. There is a lot of travel and the pedal feels soft, almost mushy before the brakes engage, yet they work fine. The Passat has a more immediate, firm progressive feel. My wife drove the Passat for the first time for any significant distance and thought the brakes were too touchy yet said it took her a while to acclimate to the feel of the brakes in the Audi Q5 as compared to her Pilot which had a firmer more direct feel.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,205
    Thanks, SDA. Your Q5 brake description sounds similar to what I experienced.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337
    The GLI’s brakes also felt weird, but I got used to it after a couple months of ownership.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,231
    Breld, seriously, how do you like the Mini? I'm really leaning towards one next time I do buy for some reason. Think it's either going to be the Mini or the Corolla hatch, all depending on how much I really want to spend but more importantly, how they each drive. Must admit, "cheap to keep" is looking real good to me after these last few years with the Golf. But I want some sort of fun factor also even though I don't drive much anymore. Have decided to just wait till the 2022 models come out at this point unless something really goes wrong with the VW. Don't want to dump a whole lot of $ into it or it'll have to stay longer.

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,231
    My same thoughts the first and only time I drove a Tesla. The immediate acceleration is intoxicating and the first time one lets off the accelerator is quite a strange feeling. I also got used to driving mostly with the accelerator quite quickly as it's really the smoothest and best way to do it since the vehicle stops like a rock when ones foot comes off the go pedal. Definitely enjoyed that one time drive and think in time, could get used to it. The charging factor would be the only issue but since I hardly ever drive more than 10 to 15 miles at one time, could be doable. The only time it might be a problem is going up to visit the kids in the Orlando area. It's almost 200 miles each way so any EV vehicle I'd own would have to have a longer range just in case. Our mainly short trips would be just fine.
    Our friends in Southern California have a couple and swear by them. They've retro-fitted both sides of their garage so charging is super easy and never an issue. She keeps hounding me to get one but just haven't looked into one yet. Did see a Bolt and liked the style better than the Leaf but haven't seen the most current Leaf so really can't comment on it's looks. But with the right vehicle with the extended range and an easy way to charge it at home, think I'd be a good candidate now due to the change in my driving.

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,231
    Going to pay the 2021 insurance bill later this morning since we're both home today. They were right, taking the AARP senior driving class lowered our bill for each vehicle by 10%. Prefer the classroom setting like all the previous times, but with the covid, doing it from home online was the only choice this time. They said it was an 8 hour class and indeed, they were spot on as it took me the whole 8 hours but I split it over two days. With my spinal issues, it's hard to sit at my desk for that long so I did it in shifts over those two days. I need to get up and stretch every so often, move a bit, and it worked out just fine.
    We take it every 3 years which is just fine. Cost is reasonable and the savings really does help. Sure, it's not mandatory but why not take it? It keeps one updated on the little things we tend to forget over time, the little things that can really save us out there on the road. And the 10% is a nice bonus so basically, a win/win for us all!

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,938
    @Sandman6472 -

    My wife’s MINI is a bit harsh for my taste as a daily driver. But that’s the 2 door hardtop John Cooper Works version. I believe the current Countryman is much more comfortable in every way, so certainly worth a try. But just make sure to take a nice long test drive and pay attention to the ride.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337
    Nice! On the cell phone mount, I've had Panavise brackets in a couple of older cars, but now that I frequently use Waze for navigation, I prefer the higher position offered by an HVAC vent mount. Plus, they're not permanently mounted, so only take a few seconds to install.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    So I forgot one other detail. The AUX jack for the iDrive (a simple 3.5mm jack) is located in the backseat on the rear of the center console - so I don't know if I can successfully mount on a vent and have the cable reach. Not a bad idea though to try. Suppose I could get a really long cable.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    sda said:

    I haven’t driven any Audis recently except our Q5. There is a lot of travel and the pedal feels soft, almost mushy before the brakes engage, yet they work fine. The Passat has a more immediate, firm progressive feel. My wife drove the Passat for the first time for any significant distance and thought the brakes were too touchy yet said it took her a while to acclimate to the feel of the brakes in the Audi Q5 as compared to her Pilot which had a firmer more direct feel.

    I'll say the exact same thing about the Q7.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337
    After escalating the matter, I was able to persuade my insurance company to cover the $82.45 rental bill I incurred as part of the windshield recalibration. I'm sure I'm on their naughty list by now!
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    Don't worry - I'm sure they'll get it back from you when they raise your rates 40%.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,422

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    I responded. Based on my experience.

    it also sounds like he already has the new car, so really hard to go back now! I am thinking it was a sales tax credit screw-up by the Caddy dealer.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,715
    Michaell said:
    Replied. Mine echoes @stickguy, looks like the Caddy dealer screwed something up and is trying to get the customer to pay for their mistake.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    Michaell said:
    It reminded me of when my dad and his law partner leased a couple of 1978 Caprice Classics from the local Chevrolet dealer. His partner didn't lease a second car and two weeks after he turned it in the dealer sent him a letter saying the car didn't sell for the residual- so he needed to send them $2000 to make up the difference. He told them to pound sand and that's as far as it went...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,605
    @roadburner, did your son buy the BMW that you recently mentioned?

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337

    Michaell said:
    It reminded me of when my dad and his law partner leased a couple of 1978 Caprice Classics from the local Chevrolet dealer. His partner didn't lease a second car and two weeks after he turned it in the dealer sent him a letter saying the car didn't sell for the residual- so he needed to send them $2000 to make up the difference. He told them to pound sand and that's as far as it went...
    There did used to be "open-end" leases, which were almost the same as the (now defunct?) GMAC SmartBuy program and other auto loan programs which usually had 36 month terms with a balloon payment at the end. Either way, if you didn't buy the car at the end of the term, you were supposedly liable for the difference between projected resale and what it was actually worth.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    edited February 2021
    sda said:

    @roadburner, did your son buy the BMW that you recently mentioned?

    He's still thinking about it; the problem is that neither his townhouse or his work parking garages have any charging stations- so he'd have to charge it off-site.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,752

    '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

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,605
    edited February 2021
    qbrozen said:
    I forgot the 2 stroke engine was replaced by the Ford V4. Impressive, unique car. I watched the video, brought back memories of driving older 4 cylinder cars and what they were like. You could drive them hard, have fun and not be worried about speeding. They rev’d their hearts out at highway speeds but still did fine.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,492
    Saab is a bargain at the current price, but it aint gonna stay there.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,492
    Doesn't sound like a very Smart Buy.

    I suspect German (and probably Italian) lux brands in particular have amusing differences between residual and market value. On my prior E lease, they offered to sell it to me for something like 5-6K under residual.
    corvette said:



    There did used to be "open-end" leases, which were almost the same as the (now defunct?) GMAC SmartBuy program and other auto loan programs which usually had 36 month terms with a balloon payment at the end. Either way, if you didn't buy the car at the end of the term, you were supposedly liable for the difference between projected resale and what it was actually worth.

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,780
    That Saab is awesome. The roof rack probably knocks down the top speed 10 mph. :p
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    SAAB is very cool. even with a 4 on the tree.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478

    sda said:

    @roadburner, did your son buy the BMW that you recently mentioned?

    He's still thinking about it; the problem is that neither his townhouse or his work parking garages have any charging stations- so he'd have to charge it off-site.
    I would be fine with a plug in because I have a garage. I definitely would not get one if I did not have dedicated parking where I could easily charge it.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,531



    This is on our way to get my wife’s 2nd Covid shot. New Canaan. Very picturesque & pretty New England town.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,531


    This is I-95 South around 12:45 this afternoon.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,531


    This is a shot of my deck. The grill cover hasn’t been cleaned off.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    Soooo, shorts and t-shirt weather?
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,492
    Over 50F in Spokane today. Again. Winter?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,337

    Google says the highways in the Northeast aren’t moving at highway speeds for some reason... *scratches chin*
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,478
    well, I miss the absurdly warm and dry winters. This is more than enough for me.

    just came back in from shoveling what arrived since I cleaned the driveway off at about 9 this morning. That was heavy (part slush). Only about 3"or so this time, but it was incredibly heavy snow. would be great for a snowman or making iceballs!

    but, driveway and walk all clear. Hopefully don't get too much overnight. Will scrape it off after breakfast, then 1 last time later in the day once it is all over.

    I hate winter, and despise snow. At least (so far) I haven't had a heart attack from it!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697

    sda said:

    @roadburner, did your son buy the BMW that you recently mentioned?

    He's still thinking about it; the problem is that neither his townhouse or his work parking garages have any charging stations- so he'd have to charge it off-site.
    Just run an extension cord out the window of his townhouse. :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    nyccarguy said:


    This is a shot of my deck. The grill cover hasn’t been cleaned off.

    I'm jealous! We haven't had fresh snow (to speak of) in over two months now!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    stickguy said:

    well, I miss the absurdly warm and dry winters. This is more than enough for me.

    just came back in from shoveling what arrived since I cleaned the driveway off at about 9 this morning. That was heavy (part slush). Only about 3"or so this time, but it was incredibly heavy snow. would be great for a snowman or making iceballs!

    but, driveway and walk all clear. Hopefully don't get too much overnight. Will scrape it off after breakfast, then 1 last time later in the day once it is all over.

    I hate winter, and despise snow. At least (so far) I haven't had a heart attack from it!

    As little as you drive, you could probably just wait a couple days and have it all/mostly melted. :(
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,172

    Soooo, shorts and t-shirt weather?

    There was a guy at the end of my road shoveling his driveway yesterday with shorts on and no gloves. It was 27 degrees. :o

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,253
    nyccarguy said:




    This is on our way to get my wife’s 2nd Covid shot. New Canaan. Very picturesque & pretty New England town.

    NY shut down all vaccination sites. Some folks were making the 150 mile trek to the only place they could get an appointment when they heard the news.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

This discussion has been closed.