Options

Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

1308630873089309130923236

Comments

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974

    @qbrozen said:
    Need some opinions on this interesting one.

    2006 X3 3.0 with 98k miles. Clean appearance. Issues: 4x4 light is illuminated and OBDII code P0128. Those 2 are unrelated, as far as I can tell. I'm sure they didn't use a scanner that can even read 4x4 codes. Milk shows on the oil filler cap but not the dipstick. It would make sense the P0128 and condensation are related. I'd guess bad thermostat not allowing the engine to get up to full temp in the cold weather. The 4x4 light is a complete mystery without digging into it. I've read about bad actuators, which isn't a terrible job, but that usually produces more than just a 4x4 light.

    With fees and shipping, it looks like I could get it for $3k total.

    Good? Bad? Do I really need another project? Not really.

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

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707

    I think you’ve answered your own question here.

    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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907
    The 2006 is the old M54 225 HP engine from the E46 models. Could be the PCV clogged.
    That's an engine that needs a fair amount of preventative maintenance, as far as replacing cooling systems, etc. Fairly low miles, but that 4X4 light would scare me.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,292
    Good gravy, man, stay away!

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339
    nyccarguy said:

    Saw and drove some interesting iron these past couple of days at work. Got to drive an electric Volvo XC40 today and not sure it's something I'd want to do every day. Must say though, the power delivery was intoxicating to say the least...something I'd probably really enjoy! It was easy to modulate the accelerator without using the brakes much but think the range anxiety would drive me nuts! At least with a gasser, one knows exactly when it'll be time to pull into a station & fill up or put just a small amount in. Would think with an EV, one would need a level 2 charger at home in the garage so they could top it off nightly. And in my case, having one of those in my garage, my range anxiety would totally disappear. The only issue would be with an extended power outage of days or weeks making every EV a brick! So think that having that Bolt being sold last week was a sign from above.

    Got to drive a Porsche Panamerica this afternoon and it was fun. Nice power delivery but a little too low to the ground. Certainly nothing I'd ever want to own.

    Saw a Deloreon yesterday and got to sit in it also. Was delivering a Chevy Silverado that this upscale dealership bought us in Ft. Lauderdale. Was definitely a very cool vehicle to say the least. Did like the MB convertible, a 209 model with 2156 miles on it, which also had Maclaren badging on it. Had doors that went up which was also very cool, asking price was $469K!

    Plus it wouldn't fit on your side of the garage
    ————————————————-
    This would be a good time to take over the other side of the garage. Nah, on second thought, he’d be even more dizzy with no hope that therapy could help that kind of dizzyness. :'(

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339
    qbrozen said:

    Need some opinions on this interesting one.

    2006 X3 3.0 with 98k miles. Clean appearance. Issues: 4x4 light is illuminated and OBDII code P0128. Those 2 are unrelated, as far as I can tell. I'm sure they didn't use a scanner that can even read 4x4 codes. Milk shows on the oil filler cap but not the dipstick. It would make sense the P0128 and condensation are related. I'd guess bad thermostat not allowing the engine to get up to full temp in the cold weather. The 4x4 light is a complete mystery without digging into it. I've read about bad actuators, which isn't a terrible job, but that usually produces more than just a 4x4 light.

    With fees and shipping, it looks like I could get it for $3k total.

    Good? Bad? Do I really need another project? Not really.

    ————————————————-
    Lots of scaredy-cats in here.

    You could get more than $3K parting it out. Plus, you could learn something about BMW’s that you don’t know now. Yeah, at that price, go for it.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    edited January 2024
    This group is for interventions, right? So job well done, folks.

    Back to that Bravada. Just for comparison, I came upon a very well equipped Trailblazer of same vintage and miles, but in a FAR prettier meadow metallic green and 2-tone brown/tan interior. All cleaned up, new tires, etc, for $5700 asking, retail. Figure the dealer would have had to get that one for $2k-$2500 to be able to get it retail ready and make a profit at 5700.

    https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=697250748

    '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
    If no one buys the lemons and turds we won't have any good "I was left holding the bag" stories to tell.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    I stopped at our local Toyota dealer this afternoon. I want to get my wife something and figured a RAV4 would be pretty close to a Forester or even an Outback. I've never been in a Toyota place before. But anyway...

    The sales guy said Toyota does not discount their vehicles and that's why their resale values are so high. I didn't know what to say so I didn't say anything.

    I asked for his card and pulled one out of his jacket pocket that was all threadbare (the card not the jacket) and gave it to me. He probably figured I wasn't a serious buyer. He may be correct.

    His name on the card is Johnny K, Sales Professional.

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    @venture - if you decide on a Toyota, @nyccarguy and I both have a hookup for a broker in the Northeast that will get you a great price on what you want with no headaches. He works with buyers and lessees. The best deals are usually if you're willing to fly into Philly and drive the car back, but he also works with other dealers, and can ship from the Northeast nationwide.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,292
    I know the RAV4 sells like crazy, but based on the rental one I had a year and a bit ago, I cannot understand why. I hated it.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,182
    My fave was from a Mazda saleswoman who confidentially told me that there was no such thing as a turbocharged car with a manual transmission, after I asked for a test drive of a 626 turbo stick. A technological impossibility.

    Having walked the lot earlier, I was tempted to take her out to the back of the lot where there were several such animals... But I smiled and left for another dealership. And I believe I bought a Mitsu Mirage Turbo...with a 5 speed!, sometime thereafter. Arrest me red, fun.

    '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...)

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    corvette said:

    @venture - if you decide on a Toyota, @nyccarguy and I both have a hookup for a broker in the Northeast that will get you a great price on what you want with no headaches. He works with buyers and lessees. The best deals are usually if you're willing to fly into Philly and drive the car back, but he also works with other dealers, and can ship from the Northeast nationwide.

    Thanks. I mentioned it to Mrs. venture as we were on our way to get frozen custard and she said she doesn't like RAV4's. I didn't even know she knew they existed.

    No good deed...

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    ab348 said:

    I know the RAV4 sells like crazy, but based on the rental one I had a year and a bit ago, I cannot understand why. I hated it.

    I've never driven one and it looks like I won't. :)

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    venture said:

    corvette said:

    @venture - if you decide on a Toyota, @nyccarguy and I both have a hookup for a broker in the Northeast that will get you a great price on what you want with no headaches. He works with buyers and lessees. The best deals are usually if you're willing to fly into Philly and drive the car back, but he also works with other dealers, and can ship from the Northeast nationwide.

    Thanks. I mentioned it to Mrs. venture as we were on our way to get frozen custard and she said she doesn't like RAV4's. I didn't even know she knew they existed.

    No good deed...
    my wife hates a number of cars that she has never driven, sat in, or could pick out of a parking lot with 3 cars in it.

    I usually don't get a very definitive answer as to why, but I don't press the issue.

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    ab348 said:

    I know the RAV4 sells like crazy, but based on the rental one I had a year and a bit ago, I cannot understand why. I hated it.

    The only one I would consider is the RAV4 Prime. I have a neighbor who doesn't keep cars very long, but isn't a CCBA, and she traded a current-gen RAV4 hybrid for a non-hybrid one (which performs worse and gets fewer MPG)... Why?!?
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832

    The 4x4 scares me more than the milk - agree it could be the PCV or Thermostat. Or all of the above more likely. I think it’s probably not worth it. Bravada sounds more interesting at 5k…

    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832

    We’re off to Ohio tomorrow very suddenly due to a death in the family. Decided to rent a Suburban class so all 8 of us in the Seattle crew can get around together.

    Curious what I end up with - rented through Avis.

    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    sorry to hear about your loss.

    good luck with the "or similar" with that one. I rented a minivan for a couple of months from now to get from up in NY down to Newark airport. 5 of us are going on a trip together, and are going out of Newark instead of Albany to save a bunch of money. and a connection! no one has a roomy enough car (that they are willing to park there for 8 days...) so the solution was to rent a minivan at each end, and drop off when we get there/home. So it best be a minivan, since there really isn't an "or similar" to that. though I guess a Suburban would function, but I have zero desire to pilot one of those airport to airport.

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    edited January 2024
    @28firefighter - sorry for your loss. On the rental, if they provide anything that doesn't work at all, a Pacifica might be something to suggest as a backup (at a discount, since it's less than the vehicle you reserved, of course).
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    My rental Frontier has worked okay so far, it reminds me of a smaller version of the Tundra I leased: Trucky ride quality, larger displacement gasoline Japanese engine with a diesel-ish sound at idle, spartan interior. Haven't driven it a lot, but on the colder mornings, similar to other Nissans, you can use the keyless ignition to start it, then exit and use the fob to lock the doors. "Manual" remote start. I'll be glad to have the Maverick back, assuming it is properly repaired.
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339
    stickguy said:

    sorry to hear about your loss.

    good luck with the "or similar" with that one. I rented a minivan for a couple of months from now to get from up in NY down to Newark airport. 5 of us are going on a trip together, and are going out of Newark instead of Albany to save a bunch of money. and a connection! no one has a roomy enough car (that they are willing to park there for 8 days...) so the solution was to rent a minivan at each end, and drop off when we get there/home. So it best be a minivan, since there really isn't an "or similar" to that. though I guess a Suburban would function, but I have zero desire to pilot one of those airport to airport.

    ————————————————
    Nothing to it. @oldfarmer50 and his transport crew probably does that a couple times a month.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974

    @ab348 said:
    I know the RAV4 sells like crazy, but based on the rental one I had a year and a bit ago, I cannot understand why. I hated it.

    My Mother has had every generation. I’ve hated them all. Just not my thing.

    I did enjoy overloading the ever loving heck out of it with mulch and stone once though. (It was a lease, lol)

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506

    @28firefighter said:
    We’re off to Ohio tomorrow very suddenly due to a death in the family. Decided to rent a Suburban class so all 8 of us in the Seattle crew can get around together.

    Curious what I end up with - rented through Avis.

    I’m so sorry to hear about a sudden death in your family. Depending on when you arrive, Suburban “or similar” might be a Trax. It’s a Chevrolet. It’s an SUV…

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    venture said:

    corvette said:

    @venture - if you decide on a Toyota, @nyccarguy and I both have a hookup for a broker in the Northeast that will get you a great price on what you want with no headaches. He works with buyers and lessees. The best deals are usually if you're willing to fly into Philly and drive the car back, but he also works with other dealers, and can ship from the Northeast nationwide.

    Thanks. I mentioned it to Mrs. venture as we were on our way to get frozen custard and she said she doesn't like RAV4's. I didn't even know she knew they existed.

    No good deed...
    Luckily my wife's vehicle preferences usually mirror mine- BMW, Jeep, M-B and Mini. Even though she came from a family that only drove Buicks, nothing from GM interests her.

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338

    We’re off to Ohio tomorrow very suddenly due to a death in the family. Decided to rent a Suburban class so all 8 of us in the Seattle crew can get around together.

    Curious what I end up with - rented through Avis.

    Sorry to hear that.

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    When the Supra first came out I set up a test drive with a salesperson at a specific time. I arrived a few minutes early to find my salesperson was gone and that the dealer was not allowing Supra test drives without a signed buyers order.
    Idiots.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    corvette said:

    My rental Frontier has worked okay so far, it reminds me of a smaller version of the Tundra I leased: Trucky ride quality, larger displacement gasoline Japanese engine with a diesel-ish sound at idle, spartan interior. Haven't driven it a lot, but on the colder mornings, similar to other Nissans, you can use the keyless ignition to start it, then exit and use the fob to lock the doors. "Manual" remote start. I'll be glad to have the Maverick back, assuming it is properly repaired.

    Before I got the 1st Maverick, I almost leased a loaded new style Frontier (pro 4x) on a killer 24 mo lease offer. So ended up taking a test drive for the heck of it after ordering the Mav. Definitely felt and drove like a big truck. bulky and, well, truckish. And man, that had the worst parking lot steering I ever experienced. super heavy and lousy turning radius. As fun as it might have been off road (since I spend so much time there!) not really sorry I did not get it.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    jmonroe1 said:

    stickguy said:

    sorry to hear about your loss.

    good luck with the "or similar" with that one. I rented a minivan for a couple of months from now to get from up in NY down to Newark airport. 5 of us are going on a trip together, and are going out of Newark instead of Albany to save a bunch of money. and a connection! no one has a roomy enough car (that they are willing to park there for 8 days...) so the solution was to rent a minivan at each end, and drop off when we get there/home. So it best be a minivan, since there really isn't an "or similar" to that. though I guess a Suburban would function, but I have zero desire to pilot one of those airport to airport.

    ————————————————
    Nothing to it. @oldfarmer50 and his transport crew probably does that a couple times a month.

    jmonroe
    I'm getting it from his home base. just not his company.

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

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339
    stickguy said:

    jmonroe1 said:

    stickguy said:

    sorry to hear about your loss.

    good luck with the "or similar" with that one. I rented a minivan for a couple of months from now to get from up in NY down to Newark airport. 5 of us are going on a trip together, and are going out of Newark instead of Albany to save a bunch of money. and a connection! no one has a roomy enough car (that they are willing to park there for 8 days...) so the solution was to rent a minivan at each end, and drop off when we get there/home. So it best be a minivan, since there really isn't an "or similar" to that. though I guess a Suburban would function, but I have zero desire to pilot one of those airport to airport.

    ————————————————
    Nothing to it. @oldfarmer50 and his transport crew probably does that a couple times a month.

    jmonroe
    I'm getting it from his home base. just not his company.
    ————————————————-
    Why didn’t you ask @oldfarmer50 about the poster buddy discount?

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    he probably would have tried to rent me his cargo van.

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974

    @28firefighter said:
    We’re off to Ohio tomorrow very suddenly due to a death in the family. Decided to rent a Suburban class so all 8 of us in the Seattle crew can get around together.

    Curious what I end up with - rented through Avis.

    Sorry to hear. Safe travels.

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

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168

    venture said:

    corvette said:

    @venture - if you decide on a Toyota, @nyccarguy and I both have a hookup for a broker in the Northeast that will get you a great price on what you want with no headaches. He works with buyers and lessees. The best deals are usually if you're willing to fly into Philly and drive the car back, but he also works with other dealers, and can ship from the Northeast nationwide.

    Thanks. I mentioned it to Mrs. venture as we were on our way to get frozen custard and she said she doesn't like RAV4's. I didn't even know she knew they existed.

    No good deed...
    Luckily my wife's vehicle preferences usually mirror mine- BMW, Jeep, M-B and Mini. Even though she came from a family that only drove Buicks, nothing from GM interests her.
    Nothing seems to interest my wife. She just keeps saying she likes her car. I guess, if I were smart, I'd just leave it alone.

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168

    When the Supra first came out I set up a test drive with a salesperson at a specific time. I arrived a few minutes early to find my salesperson was gone and that the dealer was not allowing Supra test drives without a signed buyers order.
    Idiots.

    I never got that. Of course, I'm not too swift.

    Does that mean you are going to buy the car or what?

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    venture said:

    venture said:

    corvette said:

    @venture - if you decide on a Toyota, @nyccarguy and I both have a hookup for a broker in the Northeast that will get you a great price on what you want with no headaches. He works with buyers and lessees. The best deals are usually if you're willing to fly into Philly and drive the car back, but he also works with other dealers, and can ship from the Northeast nationwide.

    Thanks. I mentioned it to Mrs. venture as we were on our way to get frozen custard and she said she doesn't like RAV4's. I didn't even know she knew they existed.

    No good deed...
    Luckily my wife's vehicle preferences usually mirror mine- BMW, Jeep, M-B and Mini. Even though she came from a family that only drove Buicks, nothing from GM interests her.
    Nothing seems to interest my wife. She just keeps saying she likes her car. I guess, if I were smart, I'd just leave it alone.

    Where’s the fun in that?

    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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384

    My wife says the same thing. Boring. But she did keep me around a long time.

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

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,339
    stickguy said:

    My wife says the same thing. Boring. But she did keep me around a long time.

    ————————————————-
    You can’t ask for more proof than that.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    With every new vehicle she gets, I hear complaints for a few days and then...crickets! Guess over time, those issues seem less important and she gets used to them. I've been lucky in that most vehicles I've owned recently have had very little for me to dislike. And with the current Golf, I knew within maybe 5 minutes I'd own one very shortly. Sure, I didn't get the SEL model like I should have but am still enjoying the SE I have. But, on every vehicle, I've let price be a major factor in the decision process which has always disturbed me a bit. That's why I'll still consider price on the next one, but not as much. Have decided to push my limit to $30K plus my trade since the car business has definitely changed. And I seem to be a niche buyer now in that I need a certain size component because parking outside my garage ain't gonna happen! And the fun factor vehicle has moved up as I want to enjoy it whenever I drive it.

    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)

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974

    At this stage Sandy… if what you want ends up 32… 33 what’s the difference. Make yourself happy!

    Peanuts over the 5+ years you’ll own it.

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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Yes, once we're at this point, what's the matter with spending a bit more. Guessing by the amount of miles I put on each year, whatever I get should be here in 10 years with relatively low miles. Even if we do end up moving sooner then later, my monthly mileage will still be the same most likely. Just depends which child we live nearer I guess. And it's looking like it might be the St. Augustine area as our kid really is liking living there. The wife would just need to adapt to the chillier winter weather.

    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: 11,297

    @stickguy - I noticed the heavy steering, as well. The turning radius seems smaller than the Tundra, but definitely a lot wider than the Maverick.

  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168

    Yes, once we're at this point, what's the matter with spending a bit more. Guessing by the amount of miles I put on each year, whatever I get should be here in 10 years with relatively low miles. Even if we do end up moving sooner then later, my monthly mileage will still be the same most likely. Just depends which child we live nearer I guess. And it's looking like it might be the St. Augustine area as our kid really is liking living there. The wife would just need to adapt to the chillier winter weather.

    It's 41F here. Warm for the first of February. I saw a guy this morning riding a scooter (Vespa type).

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    venture said:

    When the Supra first came out I set up a test drive with a salesperson at a specific time. I arrived a few minutes early to find my salesperson was gone and that the dealer was not allowing Supra test drives without a signed buyers order.
    Idiots.

    I never got that. Of course, I'm not too swift.

    Does that mean you are going to buy the car or what?
    Yes, the same dealer group pulled that with the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3; in that case they definitely lost a sale as I bought my MS3 from a Cincinnati dealer that didn't tack on an ADM or play other ridiculous games.

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

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    edited February 2024
    ab348 said:

    I know the RAV4 sells like crazy, but based on the rental one I had a year and a bit ago, I cannot understand why. I hated it.

    Like many Toyotas the strongest feature is bullet proof lifetime reliability and durability. Cars like the Camry, 4Runner, and Rav4 have built this reputation (and rightfully so). Cars like the Echo, maybe not.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934

    When the Supra first came out I set up a test drive with a salesperson at a specific time. I arrived a few minutes early to find my salesperson was gone and that the dealer was not allowing Supra test drives without a signed buyers order.
    Idiots.

    VW acted like Golf R's were priceless diamonds when they first came out. I considered it before getting the TTS. They said I had to make an offer prior to test driving, so I did, 6% off MSRP (perfectly reasonable).

    They said no, they are selling at sticker. I said in order to even consider raising my offer I'd have to test drive. The test drive never happened and I bought the TTS without having to discuss money prior to the test drive at Audi.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    au1994 said:

    Did anybody ever go back to the original dealer and let them know of the purchase from a competitor?

    I did that on the Jeep lease. After getting a number that made me say “ I only wanted to lease 1 4xe, not 2”, I shot the offending dealer a note with my new and much, much more reasonable deal.

    I had something similar happen a couple times.

    1. At Escondido VW for the Alltrack the GM ultimately made the ultimatum that if I could get a better deal elsewhere I should take it and buy it!!!!
    2. Again, at VW (different dealership from #1 though) for the Tiguan, Costco negotiated a great deal with their preferred network of dealerships and one of the VW dealerships close to home said they were unwilling to match it, go ahead and buy it elsewhere. Turned down the business to match it.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    Who's in the market for a fast large SUV?

    https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/edmunds-u-drags-dodge-durango-srt-hellcat-vs-audi-rs-q8.html

    Engineering > Brute Force
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
This discussion has been closed.