Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,853
    My Dad has a 2007 Q7 4.2 Premium and loves it - but it is a huge gas hog, goes through brakes and tires like crazy, and has been in the shop quite a bit.

    Just know what you're getting into.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    My Dad has a 2007 Q7 4.2 Premium and loves it - but it is a huge gas hog, goes through brakes and tires like crazy, and has been in the shop quite a bit.

    Just know what you're getting into.


    Sounds like fun.........NOT! My Titan was exactly like that, I loved it, but wow, I don't have time to sit at the shop. One major reason I loved my Pilot, change the oil and put gas in it, that's about it. I don't enjoy hanging out at the service dept all day.

    I think I'm going to stick with the MDX. Plan on bugging my salesguy this week to see what the status is, it *should* be about 30 days out from arrival, so maybe he'll have some better info.
  • jpp75jpp75 Member Posts: 1,535
    Hey all, I've been a long time lurker of CCBA, love reading everyone's posts and stories and can relate to most of them.

    Currently I'm in a 2008 4Runner, good vehicle but I never loved it and it doesn't have the options I wanted, so of course that's the perfect excuse to get something new. I'm looking at leasing this time because I know whatever I get I'll find a reason to get rid of it in 2 or 3 years. Right now the new Explorer is on the short list, but supply is so short I'll have to wait a bit. I liked the Grand Cherokee but the residuals on leasing were terrible and the Check Engine light was on during the test drive, not a comforting feeling.

    Too many choices out there. :)
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,350
    People really overreact to these sorts of things. I came very close to buying a used Volvo XC90 at an attractive price during the last "gas crisis."
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,350
    I haven't really seen any attractive leases from Ford in a long time. If you're going to lease, a subsidized lease is the way to go--there's no way you could buy a car and resell it after 2-3 years, and only be out the cost of a manufacturer-subsidized lease.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,853
    I completely agree - that is how we managed to pick up our Q7 at such a good price. Well that, and combined with the fact that the Q7 has absolutely terrible residuals.

    My dad bought it last february and has put 24,000 miles on it since then. He obviously does mostly highway driving, and gets about 21 mpg if he can keep it under 80 (which on I-95 through philly is virtually impossible if you want to live to tell the tale).
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    Speaking of the GTI - Q, how is yours?

    I really love it. It just doesn't get much better as far as hitting all the right spots. Mileage is decent, great room inside, pretty comfortable, very quick, and very fun.

    I only have small complaints at this point. As in pretty much every car made, I wish the steering wheel telescoped more. Either that or give me a tilt function on the seat. And mileage could be better. Most I've gotten in in the mid 26s. That's not bad, but when my V6 Accord could get me in the 28s, I have to wonder what other manufacturers are doing wrong.

    Do I look at other cars? Of course. I can never stop. But this is the first time in a very long time when I compare those other cars to the GTI and decide "nope. not worth the trade." Anything that DOES appeal to me is way too expensive. I've been eyeballing the used Jag XF 5.0s. But, even then, I'd have to suffer with horrible mileage and probably a rather boring car in the grand scheme of things. Best I think I could even hope for is an M3 sedan with a stick. Of course, still giving up the utility of the GTI and gas mileage. Everything is a compromise.

    '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

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,853
    Remember I told you my mom got an A5 a few weeks back?

    I was home this past weekend for the New Year and had the opportunity to drive it. The weight of the AWD system combined with a bigger car really kills the pep of the 2.0T. It was adequate...nothing more.

    GTI is way more fun.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    I figured. I'm surprised they even offered the 2.0 in that car. It is beautiful, though. Best looking Audi, IMHO.

    '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

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,853
    Actually right now, it is the ONLY engine they offer on that car. They discontinued the 3.2 V6. Might have had something to do with the exploding plastic water pumps.

    And you're right - it is beautiful inside and out, and one of the most comfortable cars I've ever sat in. I was so excited to drive it until I hit the gas. Then I wanted my 330 back.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,350
    edited January 2011
    The 2.0T is a great engine, but it feels strained in the A4 with Quattro and an automatic. I'm sure it's quite a let-down in a larger, heavier vehicle.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Currently I'm in a 2008 4Runner, good vehicle but I never loved it and it doesn't have the options I wanted, so of course that's the perfect excuse to get something new.

    Boy, will you ever fit in here! :D

    Audis - they make a really nice looking almost everything.

    A friend of mine with far more resources than I leases a new A8 every couple of years. Amazing vehicle and way bigger inside than it looks outside.

    q - I'm getting worried. You could get me looking at a GTI which I really shouldn't do...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    Audis - they make a really nice looking almost everything

    They do, which is why they caught my wandering eye. However, I'm a leadfoot, I want a car that will GO when I step on it. I always thought the Pilot was a bit lethargic, so I can't imagine what the Q5 would be like. Probably one major reason I chose the MDX, lots of power, bad gas mileage aside that is, lol.

    I also liked the Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L V8, but the stability control is slow to correct and Chrysler is still on shakey ground it seems.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    Chrysler seems to have turned the corner. And all the reports about the improvements in the new models (mostly interior) are promising.

    Hey, you want power, get the Hemi Durango. The reviews make it sound like it is better almost every way over the Jeep, and more room. Better handling too.

    And it's got a Hemi!

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    BMW X3 turbo 6-cylinder.

    300 HP.. 19 city/26 highway..

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    Enabler.

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    Sorry... can't get off the stuff, myself..

    I know I'm getting a car this year.... the wife's lease is up in October..

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    I really want to check out the new X3. Should be safe, since there is no way I could afford one now, so no danger of an impulse buy!

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    BMW X3 turbo 6-cylinder.

    300 HP.. 19 city/26 highway..


    Hmmm, going to go look that up online. At this point hubby says I can have whatever I want as long as I don't go over the price of what the MDX would be.

    The Audi S4 is actually below that price........
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    the turbo with some options can be more. But a 2.8 (plenty of motor IMO) if you don't go crazy can be less.

    which MDX? one with the tech package can get pretty pricey.

    so yeah, an X3 can be less. Much smaller inside, and no 3rd row, but also less bulky. And way better to drive most likely.

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    which MDX? one with the tech package can get pretty pricey.

    MDX with the tech pkg. Its spendy, the X3 is less if I can watch the options, but even keeping them light its still up there. The S4 is right around the same as well. However, I fear for my driver's license with the S4, I'm already painfully close (read: ONE small speeding ticket away) to losing it.
  • oldcemoldcem Member Posts: 309
    I just went through this - looking for a replacement for our Jaguar S Type. Wife and I opted for a Mercedes Benz GLK350 4Matic with minimal options. You might check one of these out if you're interested in a small SUV with decent performance. They also offer a 2wd version that is about $2.5k cheaper that our AWD model was.

    Regards:
    Oldengineer
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,528
    The X3 turbo, loaded, without NAV.. is about $50K... add $2200 for NAV..

    The NA engine with 240 hp is probably the better buy, but you said you wanted more power.... A loaded model w/nav is about $5K less than the turbo.. Gas mileage isn't any better, though (according to the EPA)

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  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    edited January 2011
    The S4 was second place in the run for my
    new car dollars, to be spent later this year.
    I drove 2 - each w/the 7 speed dual clutch auto-manual.
    I found it excellent in most every respect.
    - Ray
    Going with first place - ordering in 3-4 months...
    2022 X3 M40i
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    You? In a NEW S4?? Crazy talk. Have you seen the depreciation on Audis? That is NOT a car a CCB'er should be buying new!

    '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

  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    'That is NOT a car a CCB'er should be buying new! '
    I will not dispute that assertion.
    And yet...
    I have not bought a car
    [ had a drink ]
    in over 2 years.
    - Ray
    Crazy talk, indeed...
    2022 X3 M40i
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    I might have my CCBA credentials revoked as well; the last car I bought was my 1975 2002- back in October 2008...
    (hangs head in shame)

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Now that's sad. Even I bought a car this past year. I will grant you it was a used Camry but it's still marginally a car....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,052
    I might have my CCBA credentials revoked as well; the last car I bought was my 1975 2002- back in October 2008...
    (hangs head in shame)


    Wow, has it been that long already?! Sure doesn't seem like it.
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    'a used Camry but it's still marginally a car.... '
    I guess - just barely...
    - Ray
    [ kidding ]
    2022 X3 M40i
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    My wife loves the thing. An 07 CPO XLE.

    If she's happy I'm happy.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I don't know if I'm bragging or looking for sympathy when I say this: we've bought a grand total of 6 cars during the last 25 years - for 2 drivers.

    We still have have 3 of those 6 cars.

    I had thought that I might buy something this year, but now I think that I'll wait until 2012.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hey, if you want to get rid of that 5 speed CRV.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    shows what Isell knows. There are 2 of us on this thread alone willing (and anxious!) to buy a used 5 speed CRV!

    if I was actaully in need at the moment, I absolutely would, and there is not a chance I would look at that vintage with an AT. would not even be on the shopping list.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    Heck, even I have bought something since you did, and that is sad (for you). 2000 Acura TL purchased in December, 2008. 146K at the time, now up to about a whopping 155k. Sons school car. Even just waxed it this week, so all the scratches are nice and shiny.

    last new car? 12/2005 (my accord) and 12/2004 (wifes odyssey). Both at just about 60K now, so we aren't exactly wearing them out. Wifee has been making noise about wanting to move on from the van soon (works for me), so if the personal financial situation ever changes to allow for that kind of indulgence, we might splurge for her.
    Although even then, it might have to wait 2 years until we are in the 1 year windw between college students!

    I will probably have the Accord until I die, or when Fezo makes me an offer I can't refuse. Or I find some used car I just can't pass up (3 series wagon still my dream) for a price that qualifies as a lateral swap!

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

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited January 2011
    we've bought a grand total of 6 cars during the last 25 years - for 2 drivers.

    We still have have 3 of those 6 cars.


    I'm right in there with you - 4 cars since 1982, and still have two of them, for two drivers.

    I tried to sell one last Fall but decided to keep it; guess that doesn't count for beans in here though. :D

    Got a "new" snowblower, but it came with the house we got, and I haven't tried to crank it yet.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,533
    I had 7 different cars for myself by the time I got out of college at age 22. Then bought a new one (#8) as soon as I got my first real job.

    I have slowed down a bit since then!

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

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    You? In a NEW S4?? Crazy talk. Have you seen the depreciation on Audis? That is NOT a car a CCB'er should be buying new!

    They don't seem to be any worse than an MDX as far as that goes. If I bought something like that its with me for a while, I have to stray from my CCB ways and keep whatever I buy for a few years. Probably why I can't decide what I want.

    Hubby is threatening to give me the Civic and buy a Toyota Tundra to commute with, I know he'd be safer in a truck, but OMG, I don't want the Civic! That would also mean I wait another year to get a new car........a year of driving the Civic. :sick:
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Hey, if you want to get rid of that 5 speed CRV.....

    I put new tires - Michelin Harmony - on it this past fall & just had an iPod adapter installed, so it's better than ever.

    Any desire that I might have had to replace it has diminished.

    As a 3-series BMW owner, I'm intrigued by the new X3, but I think that I'll wait until it's been out for at least a year.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    As a 3-series BMW owner, I'm intrigued by the new X3, but I think that I'll wait until it's been out for at least a year.

    I drove one a couple of weeks ago. The interior is much more upscale compared to its predecessor(my wife and I have never minded the austere interior of our 2004 X3, but then we use it like a true utility vehicle). The base engine has sufficient power for most people, I would think. The electric steering feels a bit odd and artificial- very similar to the steering in the 2010 535i I sampled. It's certainly not a vehicle I lust after, but I think it will prove to be very popular.

    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: 33,762
    edited January 2011
    They don't seem to be any worse than an MDX as far as that goes.

    oh, let me clarify.

    '07 S4 w/40k miles wholesale = $24,300 ... $48,700 original MSRP = 49.9%
    '07 MDX w/40k miles wholesale = $23,725 ... $39,995 original MSRP = 59.3%

    Not as bad as I thought it would be, but that's still significant. And that's not to say ANY new car is good for you! :P

    Just for fun, since someone mentioned an S Type ...
    '07 V8 S Type w/40k miles wholesale = $17,600 ... $55,335 original MSRP = 31.8%!

    '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

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,797
    Not to mention there is probably a ratio of 10 people at any given time looking for a MDX to 1 looking for a S4.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    What I don't get is how a S4 could be cross shopped to a MDX ... if the S4 works size wise (and price wise for that matter), seems the MDX would be overkill!! But it's fun to watch Jolie anyway!
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    You guys had to ruin it for me. Ok no Audi.

    How could I cross shop an S4 and an MDX? Well I don't *need* the size of the MDX really I just like SUVs. I considered the S4 for something different then what I've been driving for the past several years. I just don't think of be happy with a car long term.

    Hubby is off to look at a Tundra so I may be living with the Civic for a year anyway. I'm secretly hoping he hates it. *snicker*
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    The base engine has sufficient power for most people, I would think. The electric steering feels a bit odd and artificial- very similar to the steering in the 2010 535i I sampled. It's certainly not a vehicle I lust after, but I think it will prove to be very popular.

    Interesting & good to know. Thanks. As you say, the base 6 would be good enough for me.

    Wonder why BMW went to electric steering? The steering in my 330i approaches perfection.

    I've also looked at the Audi Q5, which would be just about perfect for me if it weren't an Audi. I had an Audi 5000 back in the 80s that was catastrophically unreliable. Although the brand has improved enormously since then - then again, it had nowhere to go but up - it's still reputedly near the bottom of the pack. So I'm not sure that I can bring myself to buy another Audi in this lifetime. Perhaps, if there's something to this talk about reincarnation...
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,797
    A friend of mine in Germany bought a Q5 TDI recently and gave me a ride. Beautiful car, like Audis always are, but after owning a few in the past, I know better.

    Owning an Audi is a little like owning a boat; the 2 happiest days are when...well, you know the rest. :blush:

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,762
    Sorry, Jolie. I don't mean to rain on your parade or anything. But us CCB'ers have to look out for each other. I'm all for another car. But a new expensive one that depreciates rapidly? Uh-uh. Buy used!

    '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

  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Owning an Audi is a little like owning a boat; the 2 happiest days are when...well, you know the rest.

    Bingo!
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    I don't mean to rain on your parade or anything. But us CCB'ers have to look out for each other. I'm all for another car. But a new expensive one that depreciates rapidly? Uh-uh. Buy used!

    After some thought I decided to pass on buying anything Audi. Hubby looked at a Tundra today, we made an offer, but the salesguy was too stupid to even mention it to his manager, he came back with full price. I was annoyed and walked out. He called me, but I told him we weren't interested anymore. So, hubby will drive the Civic for another year and I will get my car.

    I stopped by the Acura dealer and talked to my salesguy. They did get an allocation for the MDX and it went into production this week. Expected delivery is 4-6 weeks. We talked about accessories and I told him what I wanted, he said as soon as he had a VIN for the MDX he'd order them.

    They had an MDX sitting on the showroom floor, I sat in it, yeah, that's what I want. My salesguy laughed at my wandering eye, he said he expected it, lol, he knows me way too well. I've known him for about 6 years.
  • gouldngouldn Member Posts: 220
    Not a bad bad car to settle on ... a new MDX! If you're financing, they have some pretty good rates right now (.9% or 1.9% depending on term)
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