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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951

    @stickguy said:
    We are getting a brand new one when we move. But bringing the 3 YO one that came with this house in the basement, a basic top freezer. Probably about 20 CF. Plenty big enough for most 2 people households! so we should be plenty covered since we still have the dorm fridge ( a taller one with separate freezer, not a cube) and are getting a beverage bar fridge designed into the kitchen.

    So some quick math, that is 2 fridges for each of us. I think we can survive on that.

    We have two at the shore, but somehow survive with one at home (always had two at old house) may have to make a move in the next couple weeks. Wife is hosting a monster Christmas party for work people and there will be 30+ people. Not sure I can fit all the food to prep…let alone the inevitable leftovers.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    Christmas is easy up here. Nature supplied a gigantic fridge for free!

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    No wonder the other discussion is quiet. It migrated here.

    '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

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284
    nyccarguy said:

    Not sure if I updated everyone on my washing machine. So I researched and figured out from the code that the control board was bad. The you tube appliance mechanic went to work and ordered a new control board for about $300. I took everything apart. I didn’t break any plastic tabs or lose any screws. I unhooked the old control board and plugged in the new one. Same error code. So I chatted up with a local appliance store who said the problem might be the part where you select the cycle is not communicating with the control board. That would have been $200ish, so I gave up.

    Back in Sept my 13 y-o LG washer/dryer pair began to act up as I mentioned in the other discussion over at C&C (maybe a mod ought to move all this chatter there). When the dryer seemed on the verge of not working at all I decided that, combined with the dead display on the washer, was enough to replace them, so I did. They are nice washers otherwise so I got the current-day versions again.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,617
    @nyccarguy We're on our 2nd LG top-loader. The first one was pretty good.. about 10 years, with one minor repair. LG dryer (electric) still going strong at 12 years.

    @corvette
    We've only had counter depth refrigerators, since we built the house. Necessary for our kitchen plan. The french-door models are pricey, but my wife insists on a side-by-side. Those are relatively cheap. Our plain jane Bosch stainless side-by-side (2nd one) was around $2200 delivered.
    The first one had a leaking coil ($600 repair), after about 7 years. It made it 12 years. This one is 2 yrs old.

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  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496
    And now my dishwasher is leaking. Bought the 10 year warranty from PC Richards, so we'll see how that goes. Another headache for me. I'll have to schedule for the guy to come out and look to see what the problem is and diagnose the repair and then he'll have to order the part and schedule a time for the repair person to come back. Oh, and one of the morons that I employ fell while getting out of the delivery truck (he was most likely on the phone and not paying attention) I think he broke his ankle.

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,617
    Almost hit, last night. In the Porsche. :o It was so close, I almost closed my eyes.

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  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    I did drive the old Buick Encore about 18 months ago and liked the size, a lot, but that small 1.3 turbo engine just wasn't very strong. Ruined the whole experience to be honest. Nice enough vehicles, Buicks, but doubt she'll like it better then the new Kona. But if she needs to try the Encore GX out for herself, knock yourself out I said. Think the Q3 is out as it's too costly to be honest, I think another A3 could work.
    Still no word from Audi about her A3, very annoying. We just want it fixed and back in the garage. Just not sure how long it'll stay around as I doubt she'll be throwing anymore cash at it. Spoke with the girls last night and there's been a slight change in plans. Turns out our oldest is coming down to her best friends place this weekend, maybe five minutes from our place. The new plan is to leave the Accent in Orlando and come home with the oldest. We'll have my VW to do things until her Audi comes home. Then on Thursday, we'll take the Audi and spend turkey day with the kids. I'll sleep at their place and will be driving the Accent back to St. Augustine while the wife & daughter will go back in her vehicle. It's maybe a two hour drive so I don't mind driving alone, the Accent has a usb connection for my iPhone.
    I called the Hyundai store and was sent to voicemail...again. But he just called me back and was very receptive. I wasn't rude, I just expressed my dissatisfaction with the service advisors treatment and wanted him to be aware. I believe in praising a good experience but, on the other hand, have no issue speaking up about a bad one. Not sure it'll do any good as she'll probably deny the whole situation but since there was three of us there who heard the whole conversation, I know we did nothing wrong here.

    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: 7,218
    The rain has finally ended, had almost 10" here in Coral Springs. Naturally I forgot to turn the sprinklers off as I saw them on at 5 am today as I went out for the third time to pick up the green garbage can that the wind knocked over. It's still a bit windy here and I had to go out three times during the night to pick-up the garbage can which was blown over with the top open. Now, the sun is out and looks beautiful and the winds are supposed to diminish by early evening. Guessing our drought is finally over in our area of South Florida after all this rain. But now, our dry season has begun.

    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)

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496
    Just to keep my washing machine and dishwasher saga automotive related, basic cars are often referred to as appliances. Camrys, Accords, RAV4s, & CRVs work a lot better and last a lot longer than appliances these days!

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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,685
    corvette said:

    If that @#$% thing gives me one more problem, I can get by with a medium sized dorm room fridge or two, which would free up a lot of additional storage space. And if you have two and one of them dies, you have redundancy and can remove your soft drinks, water, condiments, etc. and use the one that's working to keep the more perishable items cold.

    The nice thing about those "dorm" fridges is that they don't have any electronics, so they tend to last forever! I have one in my "kitchen" that we've been using for 24 years now.... Of course, our full-size refrigerator, also sans circuit boards, is about twelve or thirteen years old, and it is also working just fine!
    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
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951

    I just spent $200 on new door bins for my Samsung fridge because 4 of the 6 broke. If I bought them direct it would have been over $400.

    How can a 14” plastic shelf be $144? Found it used for $49 shipped and still feel ripped off.

    The others were $88 OEM and $50 for the Amazon knock offs.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Tried to drive around the block, went better then expected but the dizziness is still there. Not a good thing as it's been about 6 weeks that it first appeared, the morning of our trip to St. Augustine back in October. The meds do help a bit but, this is the longest bout I've had in the last 24 months. I'm starting to get a bit concerned here as I just need it to go away...for good! And now that I've been home for a few weeks now, have decided that retiring again now is just not going to happen. I still like my gig at Enterprise and don't want to stop. Thinking playing with the schedule could be a good option right now. Plan A is to go down to two days/week, a Monday/Wednesday work week. Plan B is to do a Monday/Wednesday/Friday work week like I had at my Hertz job. Having a day in between work days has worked well for me in the past so it's definitely an option. Not sure I really want to go down to two days quite yet to be honest. Working Monday/Tuesday is sometimes problematic as I'm not feeling well the next morning so maybe every other day would be the best scenario going forward.
    Guess it's something I need to think about a bit more and then sit down with my boss to get his view on all this. I've always prided myself on my work ethic in that I show up unless it's unsafe to drive...I like going to work! But, my health issues of late have me a bit off my game, which isn't fair to my boss or my co-workers. Working two days is definitely a viable option also and the one the kids think I should do. At this point, not even thinking about the money though nice to get, it's not something we live off and I save most of it really. So, have a lot to ponder these next few weeks about my next move. Still am out for the next three weeks but am hoping to go back to work the first week of December, depending on how I feel.

    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)

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,685
    That's so hilarious. I love it!
    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
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    My response:

    You have a customer looking for a non-running Mini Cooper S? Cool. When will the tow truck be here?

    '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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,327
    I suppose it's like so many online scams in that a significant number of people fall for it.

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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Stopped by the Audi dealer to check on the A3, I wanted to see how driving was since I haven't done much in the past two weeks. Service advisor said they're super busy and no one has really looked at it since Tuesday morning! I kinda gave him a strange look and said that we're going to need it back by Wednesday as we're going out of town on Thursday for a few days. Told him I don't want to have to rent a vehicle and that it just weird that they think it could take up to ten days to diagnose & repair the vehicle. He just gave me some lame excuse and answered his ringing phone! Not what I consider an upscale dealership conversation to be honest...wonder if a Lexus, MB or BMW store would treat their customer this way?
    All we know is that we just want our vehicle back as I don't want to take the Golf on Thursday if possible. Think we'll need the extra room the A3 offers. Got a good feeling that by sometime in the Spring, they'll be another vehicle on her side of the garage! If not then, it'll definitely be gone by this time next year.

    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)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    You have way more tolerance for troublesome cars than I do.

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

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,166
    tjc78 said:

    I just spent $200 on new door bins for my Samsung fridge because 4 of the 6 broke. If I bought them direct it would have been over $400.

    How can a 14” plastic shelf be $144? Found it used for $49 shipped and still feel ripped off.

    The others were $88 OEM and $50 for the Amazon knock offs.

    I feel your pain. The very next day after getting a new refrigerator Mrs. venture decided to wash all the shelves and bins that hang on the door. One of the bins must not have been secured very well fell on the floor and broke. She was really, really bummed.

    I quickly found one on the net, (I think I used Whirlpools web site, but don't remember) and it was here in a few days.

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    edited November 2023
    mjfloyd1 said:

    andres3 said:

    qbrozen said:

    @andres3 said:

    Neon's literally had a 99% head gasket failure rate; so it's earned; not bashing, just truth telling.

    I have no idea what that has to do with a 4.7 v8.

    Both American made.
    I read somewhere that Audi 3.0 V6 could have fuel pump problems that can lead to catastrophic engine failures.

    Any car manufacturer can have problems. BMW V8 tend to be suboptimal. Audi 4.0 V8 recalled for turbo oiling issues

    It’s not unique to American vehicle manufacturers.

    That's the typical absurd and ridiculous defense of American Lemon manufacturers.

    Full of black dots for almost every part in their cars year after year after year after year, after years, after years, after years, but no, let's just say every manufacturer has a black dot at some point in history for something. Let's ignore that other manufacturer's typically had a lot of red dots, year after year, after year. Some car models had nothing but red dots for every category of parts.

    Some manufacturer's gained a reputation for not honoring warranties. Some drove themselves out of business sans bailouts. One has even been bailed out twice by taxpayers.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736
    edited November 2023

    Aren’t you the fella who replaced the engine in his low-mileage Audi?

    I have yet to replace an engine in any of my “American” 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

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    edited November 2023
    qbrozen said:

    Aren’t you the fella who replaced the engine in his low-mileage Audi?

    Yes, but it's a rare failure, not one that happens at a 100% rate like head gaskets on Neons.

    On one hand... maybe there's some solace to be found as fellow owners have the same troubles, but I don't see it that way.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    @andres3 said:
    Yes, but it's a rare failure, not one that happens at a 100% rate like head gaskets on Neons.

    So it gets a pass? Interesting.

    Some years Subarus also guarantee head gasket replacement, yet folks leave them alone. We live in a very biased society from both sides.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,736

    I should note that I am not defending a Neon. Just as I would not defend the Hyundai Excel nor Toyota Paseo. No nation’s manufacturers are lemon-free.

    '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

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    qbrozen said:

    @andres3 said:

    Yes, but it's a rare failure, not one that happens at a 100% rate like head gaskets on Neons.

    So it gets a pass? Interesting.

    Some years Subarus also guarantee head gasket replacement, yet folks leave them alone. We live in a very biased society from both sides.


    I think people only give even rare failures a pass if the rest of the car is otherwise good. If the transmission, air conditioning/compressors, and everything else were engineered with planned obsolescence as the main concern, it's another story. That's the difference. I can understand putting up with an unreliable car because it has redeeming qualities, but for me, some of those redeeming qualities has to be the reliability of other parts of the car.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    qbrozen said:

    I should note that I am not defending a Neon. Just as I would not defend the Hyundai Excel nor Toyota Paseo. No nation’s manufacturers are lemon-free.

    Was the Paseo bad? I suppose it is suspicious it likely became the Echo. Name changes (errr. Neon -. PT. -> Caliber -> Dart) usually are a red flag.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199
    nyccarguy said:

    Not sure if I updated everyone on my washing machine. So I researched and figured out from the code that the control board was bad. The you tube appliance mechanic went to work and ordered a new control board for about $300. I took everything apart. I didn’t break any plastic tabs or lose any screws. I unhooked the old control board and plugged in the new one. Same error code. So I chatted up with a local appliance store who said the problem might be the part where you select the cycle is not communicating with the control board. That would have been $200ish, so I gave up.

    I found an LG top loader that was the highest rated from consumer reports. I spoke to an appliance guy I deal with and a different local appliance place that confirmed LGs are excellent washers & dryers. Now where to buy it from. I could order from my guy at a significant discount and not have to pay tax, it I’d have to bring it home, unload it from the Tacoma, and schlep it into my basement. Everyone has it at the same price. Home Depot offered to knock $100 off, but then wanted $50 to haul it away, and wanted me to buy their Stainless Steel washing machine hoses for $40 (the same ones I buy for $8 each). So I decided to order from Costco. 2 year manufacturer warranty and a 3rd year for $90. It’s being delivered and installed next Saturday.

    Couldn’t you have it delivered to your store and expense it as a trial run at starting an appliance sideline? After a few days when it doesn’t sell you can “throw it away” at your house to save the landfill charges.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199
    nyccarguy said:

    And now my dishwasher is leaking. Bought the 10 year warranty from PC Richards, so we'll see how that goes. Another headache for me. I'll have to schedule for the guy to come out and look to see what the problem is and diagnose the repair and then he'll have to order the part and schedule a time for the repair person to come back. Oh, and one of the morons that I employ fell while getting out of the delivery truck (he was most likely on the phone and not paying attention) I think he broke his ankle.

    Maybe you should start an appliance sideline for real.😂

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199

    I did drive the old Buick Encore about 18 months ago and liked the size, a lot, but that small 1.3 turbo engine just wasn't very strong. Ruined the whole experience to be honest. Nice enough vehicles, Buicks, but doubt she'll like it better then the new Kona. But if she needs to try the Encore GX out for herself, knock yourself out I said. Think the Q3 is out as it's too costly to be honest, I think another A3 could work.
    Still no word from Audi about her A3, very annoying. We just want it fixed and back in the garage. Just not sure how long it'll stay around as I doubt she'll be throwing anymore cash at it. Spoke with the girls last night and there's been a slight change in plans. Turns out our oldest is coming down to her best friends place this weekend, maybe five minutes from our place. The new plan is to leave the Accent in Orlando and come home with the oldest. We'll have my VW to do things until her Audi comes home. Then on Thursday, we'll take the Audi and spend turkey day with the kids. I'll sleep at their place and will be driving the Accent back to St. Augustine while the wife & daughter will go back in her vehicle. It's maybe a two hour drive so I don't mind driving alone, the Accent has a usb connection for my iPhone.
    I called the Hyundai store and was sent to voicemail...again. But he just called me back and was very receptive. I wasn't rude, I just expressed my dissatisfaction with the service advisors treatment and wanted him to be aware. I believe in praising a good experience but, on the other hand, have no issue speaking up about a bad one. Not sure it'll do any good as she'll probably deny the whole situation but since there was three of us there who heard the whole conversation, I know we did nothing wrong here.

    Does Nissan make anything that your wife would like? I know some of the 4 cyl. cars I’ve driven seem very fast and get good gas mileage.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199

    Stopped by the Audi dealer to check on the A3, I wanted to see how driving was since I haven't done much in the past two weeks. Service advisor said they're super busy and no one has really looked at it since Tuesday morning! I kinda gave him a strange look and said that we're going to need it back by Wednesday as we're going out of town on Thursday for a few days. Told him I don't want to have to rent a vehicle and that it just weird that they think it could take up to ten days to diagnose & repair the vehicle. He just gave me some lame excuse and answered his ringing phone! Not what I consider an upscale dealership conversation to be honest...wonder if a Lexus, MB or BMW store would treat their customer this way?
    All we know is that we just want our vehicle back as I don't want to take the Golf on Thursday if possible. Think we'll need the extra room the A3 offers. Got a good feeling that by sometime in the Spring, they'll be another vehicle on her side of the garage! If not then, it'll definitely be gone by this time next year.

    I’ve gotten the Audi snob treatment when I’ve gone to pick up company cars. One time the SA actually demanded that I pay the $1800 repair bill out of my own pocket before he would release the car! You would think they would trust a $26 billion dollar company but wouldn’t relent until I called the district boss and he gave them his personal credit card number to avoid having our car held hostage.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199
    andres3 said:

    qbrozen said:

    @andres3 said:

    Yes, but it's a rare failure, not one that happens at a 100% rate like head gaskets on Neons.

    So it gets a pass? Interesting.

    Some years Subarus also guarantee head gasket replacement, yet folks leave them alone. We live in a very biased society from both sides.

    I think people only give even rare failures a pass if the rest of the car is otherwise good. If the transmission, air conditioning/compressors, and everything else were engineered with planned obsolescence as the main concern, it's another story. That's the difference. I can understand putting up with an unreliable car because it has redeeming qualities, but for me, some of those redeeming qualities has to be the reliability of other parts of the car.

    Some people give the unreliable cars a pass because they cost a fraction of the “better” brands. If I bough a Neon I would be disappointed if the engine blew but not surprised. If an engine blew on an Audi after spending 3X as much for one, I’d be pissed.

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

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284
    nyccarguy said:


    I found an LG top loader that was the highest rated from consumer reports. I spoke to an appliance guy I deal with and a different local appliance place that confirmed LGs are excellent washers & dryers. Now where to buy it from. I could order from my guy at a significant discount and not have to pay tax, it I’d have to bring it home, unload it from the Tacoma, and schlep it into my basement. Everyone has it at the same price. Home Depot offered to knock $100 off, but then wanted $50 to haul it away, and wanted me to buy their Stainless Steel washing machine hoses for $40 (the same ones I buy for $8 each). So I decided to order from Costco. 2 year manufacturer warranty and a 3rd year for $90. It’s being delivered and installed next Saturday.

    When I bought my new LG washer & dryer from Best Buy in Sept., the guy not only included delivery and haulaway (a significant job since they are both in the basement) but installation including leveling/balancing for the washer, and a free set of those stainless hoses. I had only ever set foot in Best Buy a few times in the years prior, but that was my one and only stop when it was time for the kitchen appliances. The fellow I dealt with there impressed me.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,617

    andres3 said:

    qbrozen said:

    @andres3 said:

    Yes, but it's a rare failure, not one that happens at a 100% rate like head gaskets on Neons.

    So it gets a pass? Interesting.

    Some years Subarus also guarantee head gasket replacement, yet folks leave them alone. We live in a very biased society from both sides.

    I think people only give even rare failures a pass if the rest of the car is otherwise good. If the transmission, air conditioning/compressors, and everything else were engineered with planned obsolescence as the main concern, it's another story. That's the difference. I can understand putting up with an unreliable car because it has redeeming qualities, but for me, some of those redeeming qualities has to be the reliability of other parts of the car.
    Some people give the unreliable cars a pass because they cost a fraction of the “better” brands. If I bough a Neon I would be disappointed if the engine blew but not surprised. If an engine blew on an Audi after spending 3X as much for one, I’d be pissed.

    That's the fallacy, though. That a more expensive car is any more or less reliable than a cheap one.

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  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,951

    The engine, transmission, rear etc should all be the same or more reliable in a luxury brand…. It’s all the complex systems these days that will be the demise of many high end cars.

    In 50 years how will someone restoring a “classic” ever find parts or have access to dealer service tools to fix all the sensors, modules, etc.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,285
    tjc78 said:

    In 50 years how will someone restoring a “classic” ever find parts or have access to dealer service tools to fix all the sensors, modules, etc.

    We're already seeing that today. Most of the YouTube car guys I follow don't work on many carbureted engines.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Some news! The good first...the coolant leak is covered...under warranty! On a almost nine year old vehicle. So that'll be fixed. Now, for the bad. They say the turbo needs to be replaced...for $5K!!!! $5K! Needless to say, she's decided the time has come to cut it from the herd. Now being the wrong time to buy anything, have decided to bring the A3 home & park it for the time being. I'll be renting her a small vehicle for a couple of weeks so she can do more test drives. And then, she'll buy. Not the perfect scenario, far from it, but there comes a point where no more money should be thrown at a vehicle. And that time has finally come I'm afraid. I do like her A3 even though I hardly drive it. Another option is to go to my mechanic and have him replace the turbo and see what happens. But, at this point, she's already divorced herself from her A3, so doubtful I could get her to go down this road. And if we did, how long until another issue crops up?
    Hyundai offered her $8K towards a new 2024 Kona Limited. She's talked to her guy at Audi to see how much they'd give it if she buys another A3. They have a CPO loaner, 2023 A3, grey over grey with 5300 on the clock. Has never been titled, so basically a new vehicle. It really is a stunning vehicle. Or she could go for a brand new A3, that's strictly up to her. She's familiar with the A3 and the new dash design is a much needed improvement and think she'd be pleased. And she's o k spending that much again on another A3. And that CPO unit is beautiful and ready to go.
    She's supposed to go try a Buick Encore GX Sunday but doubt she'll like it. Dealer is on the other side of town which isn't the best but again, it's all up to her. Tech wise, not as good as the Kona and it looks like an old person's vehicle. I did sit down & make a list of a bunch of new vehicles with their length & width so she could compare. She doesn't want to go wider or longer than her current A3. And besides the A3, I've only looked at small CUV's as I think she likes the slightly higher seating position. But I know she liked the Kia Forte last time, so that's an option.
    So, these next few weeks should be interesting. Ironic that I thought I'd go first buying something new but again, she's taking the lead. She got the current A3 on 12/1/14, so it'll be nine in a week and a half. And unlike last time when I bought my Golf eleven days later, doubt I'll make a move right now. Even if we decided to get two new Hyundai Kona's, doubt they'd give us a special deal. Another issue is we both like that cement color but having identical vehicles would just be too weird! I did mention a Mini Cooper Countryman to her but she shot that idea down real fast. I know she loved the new tech on the 2024 Kona as it is really cool. I drove a new Kia Sportage and even I was amazed at the cool tech it had.
    In closing, she's a bit unhappy and won't drive it far anymore once we get it home. The service advisor said it could break down at any time but don't believe that. I would just decide what vehicle comes next and just do it. But by me renting her something for a couple of weeks, she can take some time & not make a mistake like I did. She mentioned getting the 2023 Kona but I truly think that within a couple of weeks, she'll have major buyers remorse and I'm trying to prevent that. As y'all know, my Tucson debacle of 2014 was a bad decision on my part and I still regret it as a waste of money & logic. A bad decision is a bad decision any way you look at it. And I would hate for her to do the same thing so, will do all I can to not let this happen.

    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)

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,285
    Sandy, that sounds extremely expensive for a turbo replacement. It appears from a quick Google search that the cost of the part may only be around $1,000. But, if she's decided it's time for a new car, it sounds like its days are numbered.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496
    corvette said:

    Sandy, that sounds extremely expensive for a turbo replacement. It appears from a quick Google search that the cost of the part may only be around $1,000. But, if she's decided it's time for a new car, it sounds like its days are numbered.

    Yes, but it is an Audi #1, They live in South Florida #2, lord knows what they have to rip out in order to get to the turbo #3...

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,327
    edited November 2023
    I also think that it sounds high. How did the shop determine the turbo needs to be replaced? I've owned turbocharged cars from BMW, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and Volvo; the only time I've replaced a turbo was on my MS3, and that was a warranty fix due to a bad batch that Mazda received.
    I'm very skeptical.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
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  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284


    She's supposed to go try a Buick Encore GX Sunday but doubt she'll like it. Dealer is on the other side of town which isn't the best but again, it's all up to her. Tech wise, not as good as the Kona and it looks like an old person's vehicle.

    Sandy, if she’s interested in the Encore, she might be interested in the new 2024 Chevy Trax which is pretty much the same vehicle under the skin and looks very modern. It is also about $10K less. Not prestigious of course, but it gets great reviews - Car & Driver rates it #2 in that category behind only the Mazda CX30. Who knows, maybe she’d like it.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284
    Here’s something that you don’t see on the East Coast of Nova Scotia every day. I was getting some groceries and pulled in across from this:




    Maybe an acquaintance of @xwesx , who knows ?

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,347

    Seems to me that when you bed a car is actually the right time to buy one. Just take the Kona and be done with it.

    I would not repair it since she is done with the car. Cut and run.

    Pricey quote but expect that at the dealer. An Indy if you can find one should be cheaper. Just hope they know what they are doing.

    That engine I think is known for turbo issues. That alone is pricey but at that mileage odds are there is plenty of ancillary “while you are in there” items too it needs.

    8k actually seems reasonable.

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

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284
    I have known a number of people with Audis. The ownership experience always seems to end like that if you keep them beyond the warranty.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199
    corvette said:

    Sandy, that sounds extremely expensive for a turbo replacement. It appears from a quick Google search that the cost of the part may only be around $1,000. But, if she's decided it's time for a new car, it sounds like its days are numbered.

    Remember, this is an Audi. I’ve seen invoices for $900 for a key fob.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199

    I also think that it sounds high. How did the shop determine the turbo needs to be replaced? I've owned turbocharged cars from BMW, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and Volvo; the only time I've replaced a turbo was on my MS3, and that was a warranty fix due to a bad batch that Mazda received.
    I'm very skeptical.

    Isn’t one sign of a bad turbo excessive oil consumption? Didn’t she have a problem with chronically low oil?

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

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,218
    stickguy said:

    Seems to me that when you bed a car is actually the right time to buy one. Just take the Kona and be done with it.

    I would not repair it since she is done with the car. Cut and run.

    Pricey quote but expect that at the dealer. An Indy if you can find one should be cheaper. Just hope they know what they are doing.

    That engine I think is known for turbo issues. That alone is pricey but at that mileage odds are there is plenty of ancillary “while you are in there” items too it needs.

    8k actually seems reasonable.

    This is the same engine that is found in VW's of that same vintage? My nephew has a 2015 Jetta with that engine, with over 100K on the clock.

    And, the $8K quote was before the engine problems - not sure what it would be worth as a trade, now.

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  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,199
    Michaell said:

    stickguy said:

    Seems to me that when you bed a car is actually the right time to buy one. Just take the Kona and be done with it.

    I would not repair it since she is done with the car. Cut and run.

    Pricey quote but expect that at the dealer. An Indy if you can find one should be cheaper. Just hope they know what they are doing.

    That engine I think is known for turbo issues. That alone is pricey but at that mileage odds are there is plenty of ancillary “while you are in there” items too it needs.

    8k actually seems reasonable.

    This is the same engine that is found in VW's of that same vintage? My nephew has a 2015 Jetta with that engine, with over 100K on the clock.

    And, the $8K quote was before the engine problems - not sure what it would be worth as a trade, now.
    Sounds like the perfect car for a Marketplace scam.

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

This discussion has been closed.