Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tjc78

I won’t put numbers to it… but my prediction is that Q > Breld this year as well.

breld

tjc78 said:

I won’t put numbers to it… but my prediction is that Q > Breld this year as well.

I agree with this…Q has a lot of momentum!

breld

Just getting caught up on posts…we spent the week between Xmas and New Years at Disneyland. It was rainy most of the time while we were there, but still nicer than coming back to snow and single digits here in the Denver metro area, not to mention the fires that devastated some neighborhoods that were quite close to one of our old neighborhoods in the northern metro area.

Congrats @stickguy on the Maverick! Looks nice.

Got to drive a little bit in the snow both with the XC90 and M340i…both performed well with their snow tires.

I don’t anticipate a high punch count for 2022, but you never know. My wife seems to be considering filling up the empty spot on her side of the garage (I notice she parks her M340i to one side so as not to get used to using the entire 2 spaces ). And I know I want a sports/sporty car on my side. A lot of it depends on when/whether the used market comes back down to earth. I miss the days of finding gems out there for a good buy.

stickguy

sat down last night and read the owners manual. Learned a few things. then went out this afternoon and set some stuff up and went into every menu and settings. Pretty much have it set up, for now. Phones paired, which was easy. Very intuitive.

had a big pile of stuff to put into it and discovered it has a lot of storage space. Big glove box, and lots of nooks and crannies. I got out a big tarp and an old UHaul packing blanket, and a big container of bungee cords, and all that fit in the under seat storage cubby (only took 1 side, I have the other have for something else). Have not even needed to use the big center compartment yet.

even tried out the XM app and Amazon prime music through carplay. Both just fired right up. Will likely just listen to FM normally around town (being close to Philly there are actually a lot of stations to pick from) since it is easier that pulling out the phone. Though I have not yet determined if I can stream something like pandora via Bluetooth. That can be for next time. I did add a bunch of favorites to the XM app though.

slow progress!

xwesx

Michaell said:

2022 predictions:

36 for the group
3 for @breld

No insider guessing.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
sat down last night and read the owners manual. Learned a few things. then went out this afternoon and set some stuff up and went into every menu and settings. Pretty much have it set up, for now. Phones paired, which was easy. Very intuitive.

had a big pile of stuff to put into it and discovered it has a lot of storage space. Big glove box, and lots of nooks and crannies. I got out a big tarp and an old UHaul packing blanket, and a big container of bungee cords, and all that fit in the under seat storage cubby (only took 1 side, I have the other have for something else). Have not even needed to use the big center compartment yet.

even tried out the XM app and Amazon prime music through carplay. Both just fired right up. Will likely just listen to FM normally around town (being close to Philly there are actually a lot of stations to pick from) since it is easier that pulling out the phone. Though I have not yet determined if I can stream something like pandora via Bluetooth. That can be for next time. I did add a bunch of favorites to the XM app though.

slow progress!

Are your Volvos leased? Volvo finance has you seriously locked in now. No transfers, no third party buyouts. Only way out is through a Volvo dealer.

The dealer I got my S60 from is already trying to get me to trade out. Problem is they don’t have anything in stock I want.

stickguy

I will predict 1 for me. though if the 1 is a house, might not be any cars! But probably 1 of those. Either a flip of the Maverick, or (possibly and) some sort of toy joins the stable. But that won't happen before we move. Probably. Maybe.

tjc78

Edit above … meant to quote @Breld’s post.

qbrozen

Good result here. Can't get any closer to mine than this in terms of model, history, and condition. Tossup as to which would do better. I've found internet folks typically seem fonder of the '67. I do have a better color, slick top, and cleaner chassis, as well. And, yes, I'm talking about when mine is back together and running. This '68 has a center console, which is considered desirable.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-dodge-coronet-10/

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Good result here. Can't get any closer to mine than this in terms of model, history, and condition. Tossup as to which would do better. I've found internet folks typically seem fonder of the '67. I do have a better color, slick top, and cleaner chassis, as well. And, yes, I'm talking about when mine is back together and running. This '68 has a center console, which is considered desirable.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-dodge-coronet-10/

well, that one is a whole year newer. So less depreciation!

Not a bad looking car though.

explorerx4

Style changed for the better in 68. That's when the classic B body style started.

qbrozen

@explorerx4 said:
Style changed for the better in 68. That's when the classic B body style started.

Hey now. Bite your tongue, mister!

I, for one, definitely prefer my tail panel and grille.

explorerx4

1968, year of the iconic Charger and Roadrunner. Sorry.

qbrozen

well, we're talking Coronets here. lol.

As for the Charger, I personally prefer the '69 with the split grille.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

Good result here. Can't get any closer to mine than this in terms of model, history, and condition. Tossup as to which would do better. I've found internet folks typically seem fonder of the '67. I do have a better color, slick top, and cleaner chassis, as well. And, yes, I'm talking about when mine is back together and running. This '68 has a center console, which is considered desirable.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-dodge-coronet-10/

I have read that the ‘67 is becoming more collectible, I assume because performance versions were not as numerous. If anything it would be worth more.

How much do you have into it at this point?

corvette

@tjc78 said:
Are your Volvos leased? Volvo finance has you seriously locked in now. No transfers, no third party buyouts. Only way out is through a Volvo dealer.

I’m assuming you can still buy out the lease early, paying sales tax on the purchase price, and then resell. Not ideal, but could be a better alternative in some cases.

stickguy

that works if you want to trade it in on another car, as long as your state gives a sales tax credit. You pay the tax on the buyout, but save it on your purchase. Just takes a lot longer!

corvette

Imagine lighting tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on fire just by taking your car on a road trip.

Sandman6472

Drove an Ecoboost Ford 5-door wagon at work today, the EcoSport(?), and I was truly underwhelmed. Hit the accelerator and the thing just didn't want to move much, very sluggish acceleration which got annoying very quickly on I-95 in West Palm. What is Ford thinking here? Great size vehicle though but the rear door opens in a truly odd way. As much as I like the size & interior space, just not something I'd ever consider after having owning my Golf.
Sat in a new 2022 Mini Cooper CountrymanS at the dealer this week & again, found I like it. A bit on the expensive side unfortunately but do like the size. But since the chip situation seems like it'll stretch into 2023, just going to stay the course & pray that nothing major goes wrong. That goes for both vehicles...just keep 'em until things calm down and then go from there.

corvette

@Sandman6472 - the EcoSport was previously offered with a three cylinder turbocharged engine. Apparently in 2022, they made AWD standard and offer it only with a four cylinder normally aspirated engine. Both seem to be very underwhelming, based on the reviews I've seen.

stickguy

it is not a good car. IIRC I think it was some poor country cheapo car they spiffed up a little to sell here.

qbrozen

@oldfarmer50 said:
I have read that the ‘67 is becoming more collectible, I assume because performance versions were not as numerous. If anything it would be worth more.

How much do you have into it at this point?

Oh, I don’t know. I suppose, if I had to ballpark it, when you include sales tax and shipping on top of all the parts, I think somewhere right around $24k. Tough to recall parts cost. Intake manifold, cam, carb, radiator, cooling fan, air conditioning, brake booster and master cylinder, steering wheel, stereo, headers, lifters, valve springs, fuel pump, and all the other odds and ends.

corvette

stickguy said:

IIRC I think it was some poor country cheapo car they spiffed up a little to sell here.

Kind of like the current Ranger?

stickguy

you could look at it that way!

breld

tjc78 said:

@stickguy said:

sat down last night and read the owners manual. Learned a few things. then went out this afternoon and set some stuff up and went into every menu and settings. Pretty much have it set up, for now. Phones paired, which was easy. Very intuitive.

had a big pile of stuff to put into it and discovered it has a lot of storage space. Big glove box, and lots of nooks and crannies. I got out a big tarp and an old UHaul packing blanket, and a big container of bungee cords, and all that fit in the under seat storage cubby (only took 1 side, I have the other have for something else). Have not even needed to use the big center compartment yet.

even tried out the XM app and Amazon prime music through carplay. Both just fired right up. Will likely just listen to FM normally around town (being close to Philly there are actually a lot of stations to pick from) since it is easier that pulling out the phone. Though I have not yet determined if I can stream something like pandora via Bluetooth. That can be for next time. I did add a bunch of favorites to the XM app though.

slow progress!

Are your Volvos leased? Volvo finance has you seriously locked in now. No transfers, no third party buyouts. Only way out is through a Volvo dealer.

The dealer I got my S60 from is already trying to get me to trade out. Problem is they don’t have anything in stock I want.

The XC90 is financed, and the Polestar is leased.

Out of curiosity, what could the Volvo dealership interest you in?

tjc78

@breld said:
The XC90 is financed, and the Polestar is leased.

Out of curiosity, what could the Volvo dealership interest you in?

I haven’t dug in at all, but the salesman emailed directly. I can only assume they want to roll me into another S60. The only Volvo I’d be interested in now is the S60 Recharge since you can no longer get the T6 powertrain. Naturally, there aren’t any of those around. Maybe I should look at doing an order for one.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Drove an Ecoboost Ford 5-door wagon at work today, the EcoSport(?), and I was truly underwhelmed. Hit the accelerator and the thing just didn't want to move much, very sluggish acceleration which got annoying very quickly on I-95 in West Palm. What is Ford thinking here? Great size vehicle though but the rear door opens in a truly odd way. As much as I like the size & interior space, just not something I'd ever consider after having owning my Golf.
Sat in a new 2022 Mini Cooper CountrymanS at the dealer this week & again, found I like it. A bit on the expensive side unfortunately but do like the size. But since the chip situation seems like it'll stretch into 2023, just going to stay the course & pray that nothing major goes wrong. That goes for both vehicles...just keep 'em until things calm down and then go from there.

The first time I drove one of those I was not impressed either but I have subsequently driven others that seemed to have more power. Maybe they have different versions.

I know the first EcoSport I drove have a very cheap looking interior and for me to notice that it must have been really cheap.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

I have read that the ‘67 is becoming more collectible, I assume because performance versions were not as numerous. If anything it would be worth more.

How much do you have into it at this point?

Oh, I don’t know. I suppose, if I had to ballpark it, when you include sales tax and shipping on top of all the parts, I think somewhere right around $24k. Tough to recall parts cost. Intake manifold, cam, carb, radiator, cooling fan, air conditioning, brake booster and master cylinder, steering wheel, stereo, headers, lifters, valve springs, fuel pump, and all the other odds and ends.

So you’re thinking of $5k more to sort it all out? I guess it’ll be a wash as far as getting all your money back but as I said before, do it for your own enjoyment if you can afford it.

My buddy had a ‘67 Plymouth Fury with the 440 and the seat of your pants thrill you got driving that thing was something a modern car just can’t match.

explorerx4

Ecosport was from India, Ranger was ROW.

mjfloyd1

BMW dealer where I bought the X3m40i has a M340xdrive in mineral grey (same as @breld ) with mocha leather. Must resist.

au1994

mjfloyd1 said:

BMW dealer where I bought the X3m40i has a M340xdrive in mineral grey (same as @breld ) with mocha leather. Must resist.

That would be very tempting…

andres3

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

I’m going to guess with a cracked block it wasn’t running as well as one might think for as long as one might hope.

andres3 said:

graphicguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

andres3 said:

sda said:

@xwesx Between you and @andres3 your mechanical issues with the Audis is not giving me the warm and fuzzies about long term ownership of our Q5 or VW. I hope it isn’t a serious problem. Bah humbug!

The VW Tiguan has been stellar up to 19K miles now, and the TTS continues to rack them up and is fine nearing 54K miles.

The S4 is catastrophic engine failure of course.

Metal and junk and shavings everywhere. They tried to clean the oil housing and oil cooler but they are beyond saving; just uncleanable. Don't want to introduce old engine metal to the new engine, so ordering an aftermarket housing to save some money on plastic as German plastic is expensive, and went OEM oil cooler as that has metal components and it was only $100 more than aftermarket.

Latest message from the shop:

Looks like we had to disassemble the supercharger as well. There’s a bunch of crap inside it along with metal shavings as well. I’m hoping we can get most of it out and cleaned out from behind the intercoolers so we don’t have to replace them.

The water jacket in the block broke causing coolant and oil to mix everywhere.

It probably is easier to replace than "fix" things.

Looks like a 2022 finish on this repair job.

Am I getting this right, the engine block actually failed? That would seem to be a manufacturing defect. Should Audi stand behind something like that? Blocks don’t usually crack, at least not internally.

Exactly what I was thinking. Also thinking the term “catastrophic failure” is an apt description. Personally, I’d try to find out what the scrap value would be for it. Have to be decent money to part it out.

Refresh my memory….what has Audi said?

Audi said it was highly unlikely help could be provided in my case. They said a "buyback claim" was my best bet, but in CA lemon law doesn't apply to used cars nor old cars, nor cars over 18,000 miles I believe. Seemed like a lost cause in talking to several knowledgeable sources.

Perhaps a media campaign would have done the trick, but I want to get the car fixed sooner rather than "later." For 11 months and 12K+ miles the car was running just fine. It's fully loaded, prestige model, with a good record (no collisions) and is clean. With used car prices right now, made sense to fix it.

Yeah…Audi isn’t going to touch that one. I agree with @28firefighter. That block has had issues for a long while to get to the point it is today. Could be previous owner overheated it. Could be previous owner’s lack of maintenance. Problems just took a while to manifest. Could be a myriad of other things. If it came from a BMW dealer, they have no skin in the game, either.

This is just my opinion (and we know how much that’s wroth), don’t take the time to file buyback paperwork….too many miles, too many title changes, too many hands have touched it. You can try, I suppose. Audi in OH allows for arbitration via BBB. But, if Audi doesn’t agree to come to the arbitration table, and the car isn’t under warranty, I’m not thinking even that would be a possibility, unless you can get an Audi expert (or two) to testify the block had a manufacturing defect of some sort from the factory….AND….it took a while for it to show up. But, it’s more likely Audi would just claim “abuse” as the cause.

Not sure what a new motor would cost, but it can’t be too far off replacing a block, water jackets, etc, etc, etc.

New motor is $14,200 from Audi. The rest is labor and miscellaneous parts; lots of labor for this V6 longitudinally mounted engine. Then there's Tax which in CA is 7.75% (or more if you live somewhere with higher local taxes).

I agree the buyback or appeal to goodwill are just super long shots; like a 500+ foot homerun at least.

My shop's labor rate is less than half the Audi dealerships.

Is abuse the same as neglect? If the facts were on my side I'd fight, but I don't like fighting losing battles. If the provable facts align, then I'll fight for justice to be served as hard as anyone.

andres3

"The S4 is great until something breaks, and then it's $1-$2K" - Facebook B8/B8.5 Audi S4 Poster

Oh to be naïve and young again!

stickguy

Andre, what series is a 2021 S4? That a different design than yours? I assume same drivetrain though.

andres3

stickguy said:

Andre, what series is a 2021 S4? That a different design than yours? I assume same drivetrain though.

It's a B9, and different drive train entirely. Went from supercharger to turbo, and uses a ZF-8 speed auto instead of DSG. Still a 3.0 V6 but I think that's the only similarity.

Every review I've read of it when saying they like it as compared to the older version includes caveats:

1. 1. It's great when/after tuning the engine/transmission/turbo.
   
2. 2. I like the tech and gadget updates and that's what I care about.
   

Sandman6472

We like our Audi when it's working fine. Mechanic finally found the coolant leak, a smallish plastic part which luckily Audi had in it's parts department. All is fine now and we'll just move on until the next issue, if any. Hoping to keep it another few years or at least until she hits 100K miles. Then we shall see what the next move is. But I do know one thing, we're coming back to either a Japanese or Korean vehicle for their reliability and longer warranty.
But currently, both vehicles are working fine with no issues except I need to replace the strut that holds up the Golf's hood. Hear it's not too difficult to replace but will need a friend's help to get it done. Luckily one of my co-workers is very handy and says he can help me once I get the part from VW.

stickguy

I can verify from personal experience that the new S4 is absurdly fast.

breld

mjfloyd1 said:

BMW dealer where I bought the X3m40i has a M340xdrive in mineral grey (same as @breld ) with mocha leather. Must resist.

Why resist?

stickguy

I see no reason, if you got the $!

mjfloyd1

@breld said:
Why resist?

Selling at MSRP but mandatory mop and glow - interior coating, exterior ceramic coat and windshield treatment for $1144. Apparently has 5 years warranty….

explorerx4

Windshield treatment = Windex?

mjfloyd1

@explorerx4 said:
Windshield treatment = Windex?

“Diamond fusion” which is described as Rainex on steroids

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

Windshield treatment = Windex?

cdnpinhead

It's a P. T. Barnum moment. Something tells me that there will be many more.

jmonroe1

breld said:

mjfloyd1 said:

BMW dealer where I bought the X3m40i has a M340xdrive in mineral grey (same as @breld ) with mocha leather. Must resist.

Why resist?

I was waiting for someone to say that. Why am I not surprised it was you?

jmonroe

jmonroe1

mjfloyd1 said:

@explorerx4 said:

Windshield treatment = Windex?

“Diamond fusion” which is described as Rainex on steroids

Good description and only buyers on steroids would fall for that.

jmonroe

mjfloyd1

I think it is ridiculous and I do not agree with their description but that’s how things are right now.

corvette

Truly not your father’s Buickmobile.

roadburner

It IS the most Buick-like of BMWs...

stickguy

dang. Buicks used to be good looking. what happened?