Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Michaell

Yay! Another opportunity to spend someone else's money.

A5 - it's a coupe, like the XK. Standard 4-cyl turbo engine (is there a V6 option available?)

XF - sedan, slightly larger, you are already familiar with Jag service

Test drive both and get back to us!

stickguy

isn't the A5 going to be about 29K cheaper?

Both look nice though.

au1994

The A5 is a 6 if you get the S5 which add significantly to the cost. Either way great looking car. The sunroof only tilts not retracts, if thats a big deal to you.

Jag is classy looking as well. Reliability...well you'd know better than I on a Jag reliability. Not that Audi has a stellar history but they seem to have improved.

kyfdx

I think the S5 is the supercharged-6 cylinder.. and, if I'm spending your money, that's the way I want to go..

You can also get a 6-cylinder in the A5, I'm pretty sure.... Figure around $50K for a nicely equipped model.

au1994

I shopped the A5 pretty hard when I got my 335i and the only 6 was with the S5. Maybe they changed for 14. If so I'm mad! But the lack of a retracting sunroof is a deal breaker to me. Also shopped the A5 cabriolet. Thats a nice looking ride too!

kyfdx

You are correct... only the turbo-4 in the A5, now..

nyccarguy

Either way, make it snappy. We've got a punch quota to meet! C'Mon people! What was our 2012 total again?

laurasdada

Thanks, no pressure...

A5 is indeed a 2.0 T4. S5 comes with Summer Tires, trying to avoid having (again) to buy snow shoes. Although it would be smart to do so... One thing I do miss is the roof hole, XK is sans (you want sun with your XK, buy the convertible!). XF has retracting roof hole vs. A5 tilt. Not a deal breaker.

A5 would be a few $ cheaper, I believe I could get a decent deal on a remaining XF, the XK would probably be better trade value at a Jag dealer. Although, local Audi dealer said they would love to have the XK sitting out front, attract attention. Which it does. "Boy, you sure got a purty....car."

A5 does have $1k conquest cash, I believe. I did the Jag "Drive Alive" event, $1500 off a Jag, but it expired a few months ago. But, Jag dude said we'll talk... He also said he would knock $15k right off the msrp of an XJ, but too big and expensive for me.

Of course, I haven't stopped to smell the 3/4 series, IS350 and Q50 coffee yet... I will admit, I'm shallow. I have to be taken by a car's styling to put it on the short list. Of course, it must drive well, too. I'm a GT kinda guy, the XK more than checks the boxes there...

The XK has had a couple of issues under warranty, but nothing major (but, thank goodness they happened under warranty!). So, (naively) I'm not too concerned with Jag reliability.

I really don't want to lose the XK, I saved many a year to buy it. But, man plans and God laughs...

Got some priorities to take care of before I'm ready to test drive. Although, test drives might be a good tonic for me.

Maybe a Maserati Ghibli?

stickguy

I want a Volvo. In this color combo. Love the interior.

http://www.cherryhillvolvo.com/used/Volvo/2013-Volvo-S60+T5+FWD+PREMIER-e9b5cb5c- 4046381240b39542cfc2cbb4.htm

stickguy

breld

You may be sad to see the XK go, but what a fun opportunity to buy something nice and new!

Though I did trade my A5 earlier this year for the 335i, I did really like the Audi - more luxury than sport, which is why I switched, but all depends on what you're looking for.

I thought the 2.0T, paired with the 8-speed auto, provided ample power. The facelift for 2013 is sharp. Quire a bit of room in the rear seat (if needed), particularly for a coupe.

Don't know much about the Jags.

The XF and A5 are, IMO, more distinctive than the 3/4 series, IS and Q50, but those certainly are nice (and freshly designed). I really liked the interior of the new IS when I sat in it recently. 4 series would probably be a bit more unique than all the 3 series around. Personal preference, but I would go with the Lexus or BMW before the Infiniti. Can't get into a 6 series Gran Coupe in that price range, can you?

My $.02 for what it's worth.

jayrider

The Buick LaCrosse has awd available but it is a domestic and probably not on yopur radar. I think the Fusion also has the option as well as the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

corvette

2012 total was 25.
2013 total so far is 20.

(The things I do for you folks when I'm on vacation...) :P

28firefighter

I love that color combination.

Sandman6472

Have driven a number of these at work and they did a great job. My neighbor just got rid of her last generation one for a 2013 but it has to be the base model as it has the cheaper looking hubcaps. Still, a nice job by Ford at a reasonable price for a nice driving mid size vehicle. Ford should move a ton of them over the next few years and think I'll be seeing a lot more in the hertz fleet soon.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

laurasdada

My Dad had the S60, nice piece of work. But, he traded it for a new Mazda 6, nice piece of work...

6 Gran Coupe, A7, CLS, a bit too pricey for me. In my travels today (no car shopping) a ~90 year old gentleman stopped me as I was exiting the Jag. We talked, very sharp man (however, hunched over with a hand-carved looking cane) and wanted to know all about the XK. He said it looked like it should have wings, loved all the wood, leather and chrome in the interior. His advice, don't sell it! That seems to be a common theme, except for those who want me to simplify my life (which is becoming more complex every day...) and get a 52 week car.

I was also approached by a young boy, ~8-ish I'll guess, who asked if I had a bicycle. Why, yes, yes I do. Could I fix his broken front brake? Why, yes, yes I did. A big smile and a thank you, Sir! as he rode away. Nicest moment of the day, maybe the month, year.... But, sir? I am old.

Thanks, I'm not sure Buick is yet on my radar. Not that I'm an import snob, two cars back I had a Chrysler 300M. Nice car.

As with the XK, I don't see XF and A5 every day (well, maybe an A5 a day...), which appeals to me. The analysis paralysis continues.

rayainsw

Passed 2,000 miles this weekend, including a drive into the north Georgia mountains – to spend a morning at Anna Ruby Falls. A few general comments:

This is an excellent long distance vehicle – drove approx. 1.5 hours up & the same return, without stops. This is about as far \ long as I typically drive these days without a stop to stretch my legs, etc. The seats remained supportive and comfortable. The drive dynamics at cruising speeds were calm and composed. The MPG are acceptable. Wind and road noise are typically quite subdued – the only exception being worn \ coarse pavement, where some tire noise becomes noticeable. Otherwise, it is an excellent spot to relax, sip good coffee, enjoy music and watch the world go bye. Maintaining legal-ish speeds and highway speed passing is effortless.

Off the highways, the handling works very well for me, the cornering in brisk driving is fun. And I find the braking bite excellent & progressive and the acceleration rewarding. Even in hilly terrain, the motor pulls fine.

Cheers.
- Ray
1 happy driver …..

Michaell

You're killing me, Ray. The more you gush about the GTI (and corvette about his GLI), the more it moves up the list when and if I get a new ride.

Am curious about your opinions regarding the DSG. My wife would prefer an "automatic" but I'm thinking a stick would be nice for a fun car.

I test drove the GTI with a stick but have sampled the DSG in a CC.

rayainsw

I have selected & almost always driven automatics with a manual function for almost 15 years now.

The BMW 335iS I had for 2 years & almost 30,000 miles also had a dual-clutch automated manual trans. - a 7-speed DCT. It was a blast to drive – most of the time. Certainly, in enthusiastic driving, it was excellent – snapping off crisp upshifts and rev-matched downshifts with both speed and smoothness. In the stop&slow slog I often encounter during my afternoon commute home, out of midtown Atlanta, it was not quite as impressive – sometimes not cushioning the on\off throttle transitions smoothly and often shifting with some harshness at low RPM. Still, I liked it, a lot.

Clearly, the 6-speed DSG in this VW is not quite in the same league, partly because it does not need to handle nearly the same amount of Torque – 207 here, vs. 370 in the BMW.

I find the VW’s device to be just as satisfying when driving in haste, and even better at slow speeds, compared to the BMW. The manual upshifts are very, very quick, yet typically the only indications apparent are the tachometer dip and the exhaust note change. Whether it is spark interruption, fuel cutoff, or a combination, the speed and smoothness I find remarkable & really enjoyable. The same goes for the downshifts. In fact, the only criticism I have is that when slowing with a closed throttle in first gear, the clutch disengages below about 5 - 10 mph, and that transition is not quite as smooth as I’d prefer.

It also selects up and down shift points in full automatic mode so close to what I would manually that I typically do not want \ need to utilize manual mode as often as I did in the BMW. Quite impressive.

I primarily drove manual transmission cars [ and owned them exclusively ] for many years. [ 30+ years. ] But I see no way that I would go back to a traditional, true manual, with a clutch. [ a 'manual' clutch? One with a third pedal you must press... ]

I can not imagine a better device for connecting an internal combustion engine to the drive wheels of a car.

My 2 cents worth.
- Ray
DSG = OK for me . . .

nyccarguy

That makes 2 of us Michaell. I've recently become interested in the prospect of owning a Jetta TDI when the lease is up on my BMW in a year from next Monday (but who's counting?)

Michaell

I've recently become interested in the prospect of owning a Jetta TDI when the lease is up on my BMW in a year from next Monday (but who's counting?)

Hey, at least you've got a date established for a new ride.

Mine is in some indeterminate future.

Wife has been talking about a new house .. perhaps next year, when she gets her Masters and her job (and earning) opportunities are different (aka better).

I've put in my one request ... a 3 car garage. One slot for the CX-7, one for the MINI, and one TBD. The Saturn would still live outside.

Have you thought about a Golf TDI?

nyccarguy

Yes, I've thought about a golf TDI as well. Next summer I'll go on a test driving spree & let y'all know my 2 cents

Michaell

Next summer I'll go on a test driving spree & let y'all know my 2 cents

Next summer? Next summer?

You ought to start your evaluations now .. it's gonna take at least two or three test drives - in different seasons - to figure out what's going to live in your garage next.

12 months is going to fly by in a hurry.

stickguy

If I ever pull off my plan to move elsewhere after my daughter graduates HS next year, and build a "elder years" home, the one non-negotiable item is the 3 car garage.

and with any luck, a detached spare for all the extra cars!

breld

My wife and I were just talking about an hour ago about how much we liked our GTI. I mentioned that if I were to go down to one car, that would probably be it - practical, fun, sporty, affordable. We both agree we'll own another at some point.

I've driven the DSG in a Jetta and Golf TDI, but not in the GTI. I haven't heard anything but praise for the DSG from owners (other than a bit extra in the maintenance cost). FWIW, I think the manual in the GTI is one of the easiest ones to drive - easy to shift and the clutch is easy on the leg.

Anxious to see the new batch of Golfs/GTIs here in the U.S. next year.

breld

I had a couple of hours to kill yesterday as my son was at baseball practice, so I checked out some local lots (closed on Sundays here in CO).

I went to the Mazda dealer in hopes of seeing a 2014 Mazda3 - no luck, but I did take a look at the Mazda6's. They had one Touring model with a manual - for about $23k, seems like a great car. Peaked my interest a bit anyway.

tifighter

I'd be curious to hear your impressions. I've now driven a GTI and a Golf TDI with DSG. I found the transmission worked well with the GTI 2.0t, not so well with the TDI. When you want to accelerate harder (say on a freeway merge), you step on the pedal and the transmission drops down a gear per usual. But on a TDI, the torque dies out after 3k rpm, so a downshift to higher revs is not really helpful. In the end, you end up having to manually upshift to get moving. This oddity isn't really the fault of the DSG specifically, just how its programmed. Anyway, it was immediately noticeable to me on the test drive; YMMV...

kyfdx

I agree... the DSG feels differently, depending on the car it's programmed for... Pretty nice in the GTI, pretty boring in everything else...

Though, it's still not a substitute for those who really want a stick... (IMO)

corvette

The DSG "feels" like a manual in terms of engine braking (and often allowing the RPMs to build to a higher level before shifting). Of course, shifts occur much more quickly and smoothly than a conventional manual. (I've never been all that smooth with a clutch.) My understanding is that it uses a predictive algorithm rather than learning your particular driving style. Overall, I think it feels much more responsive than a conventional automatic or CVT. Shifts in normal mode typically occur around 2500-3000 rpm. If you put it in sport mode, it tends to hold a gear until around 4000 rpm unless you really have your foot in it.

At low speeds, it can be a little jerky, and a time or two, I've dropped it into Drive on a hill and stabbed the gas pedal before the transmission had a chance to get everything lined up.

The only major downside to the DSG is the fluid and filter change which is required every 40,000 miles. The price of this service seems to vary pretty widely and is regularly a topic of discussion on the VW boards. I plan to have a dealer or Euro mechanic perform the service when it's required. The other 40,000 mile stuff is essentially just an engine oil change and pollen filter, which should be an easy DIY.

corvette

IIRC, there is a tuner who sells a DSG tune for the TDI models to force early upshifts to alleviate that behavior. I do remember that, despite the low amount of horsepower, you could chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift in my dad's old Beetle TDI (with a conventional 5 speed manual).

oldfarmer50

When Carfax says a car was part of a "corporate fleet" does that necessarily mean it was a rental car? Could it have be a salesman's car or a dealer's demo?

Any way to tell one from another?

stickguy

I just read the long term wrap up (automobile?) on a Passat TDI DSG, and the biggest problem they had with it was the DSG. Actually was just an issue around town (stop and go driving)

roadburner

How are those Coopers holding up?

Sorry I missed your post a while back; the Coopers are wearing slowly and quietly on both the MS3 and the X3. Two thumbs up for the Zeon RS3-A.

lemmer

I have those on my Acura TL. Thumbs up.

corvette

Thanks for the feedback from both of you! They're definitely in the running when the OE tires on the GLI wear out.

rayainsw

How many miles do you currently have
on the GLI?
- Ray
Tires not even really broken in, yet....

Sandman6472

We're also interested to see the new 3s, as the wife said she'd definitely consider it again and specifically in the "s" trim that she has now which surprised me...I naturally assumed she'd go down to the 2.0 engine to save a few bucks on the purchase price but she said she likes the extra kick of her current 2.3 engine and would like the same if she goes for the new 3. I told her that she'd probably be the happiest just getting another 3s as she is so used to it and really likes her vehicle. Even though she says she could live with the Accent whenever she drives the kids car, I think when push comes to shove, she'd miss her Mazda and I'd be hearing it for years to come.

Have already told her that my next vehicle will not be the Civic and I plan to do something different than what I've done in the past. Definitely do not want buyers remorse after I purchase and now that I drive so many different vehicles, I will not settle when it comes to my personal ride ever again. The extra spent to get what one really wants doesn't average out that month extra per month and I don't want to own something that I am not happy with! And also reading what all you guys own and purchase makes me want to really get something super fun! At the time I bought it, the Civic was perfect for its intended use but now I've decided I want fun & different next go round! And now I have the funds put away to accomplish this goal! Thank you dad!!!

The Sandman

stickguy

I just read a review of the new Mazda 3 in the latest car and driver issue. they liked it a lot. Sounds to me like a nice upgrade all around from the current car, while still feeling like a 3 (if that makes sense). IOW, if you like a 2005, you should really like a 2015.

also, the "big" engine is now the 2.5l, and there is a pretty steep price premium for that. Plus, the 2.0l has been upgraded and has more oomph (and nearly the same power as her 2.3l). So definitely would recommend trying the base engine out since it likely will feel comparable. But, as always, get what makes you (or in this case her) happy!

stickguy

decided last weekend for some reason that I should get a Jeep. Not too old though. And the 2 door, not the 4 door. Not quite sure why, but I just decided it would be fun to have one. Will fill the convertible niche at least.

I am sure that the itch will pass though by the time I can actually get a car. I may veer back to a Mustang convertible by then. Or something completely different.

I do want a pick up again. We have done some reworking of the furniture (my kids rooms and our guest room/office) and ended up with 2 stray desks that I managed to sell on CL. both people that came to pick them up had PUs (a tacoma and a Chebby), and dang, they looked so handy. Not that I have much use of course.

what I really need (well, besides money...) is more parking space. the 2 garage bays are full, and I have no driveway spots that don't block a door, and I hate having to move cars around. My son parks his TL in the road (not putting a good car out there!) but if I get a toy again, that means the Volvo goes back outside, and that gets to be a pain in the winter since my daughter leaves for school before 7. And icy cars stink (and not safe either!).

yet another thing for my fabulous new house I am building in my mind. Along with the 3 car garage, plenty of extra off street parking that does not block the garage or driveway access!

stever

That's the nice thing about a Jeep - you can park it in the front yard, the back yard, on the roof....

Sandman6472

The price bump might make her reconsider especially since it should drive very similarly so you say. I also got my Car and Driver and Motor Trend in the mail but have yet to read the article on the new 3. I will get her to take a gander at it if she will but car stuff generally bores her...she knows what she likes and that's it. She expects her car to start when needed and everything working as they should or "I" hear about it! I make it a point to make sure her vehicle is in perfect working order at all times. I can tell she really wants to stay put in her current '05 for awhile but I did convince her that once the tires get really bad, we won't replace them...just replace the vehicle which makes sense since spending another $500 or so on new sneakers is pointless since by then it'll probably have close to 165k on the clock. So I'm resolved to the fact that she'll be purchasing a 2015 model and that the a/c will have to be repaired sometime before that...unless something major happens that costs a whole lot to repair. There will come a point where it won't make sense anymore.

The Sandman

breld

The engine upgrade itself isn't all that expensive - it's just that for now, Mazda basically forces you to get a lot of extras to get into the 2.5l (like xenon lights, navigation, leatherette seats, touchscreen display, etc.).

The "s" model basically starts with a grand touring "i" model, deletes the sunroof and adds the larger engine, for $800 (comparing automatic models, since that's the only way the "s" model comes for now).

Too bad you can't simply add on the larger engine to a lower trim. But like others have said, the 2.0l seems to work pretty well in the 3 (much better than in the CX-5).

Sandman6472

Agree with you here as I am smitten with one since I drove that Wrangler with the broken top up to Orlando a few months back...awesome vehicle and the ability to go topless at a moments notice is a great perk! And now they drive so much like a regular vehicle with all the creature comforts of mainstream stuff. They all have a Chrysler/Dodge interior and dash it seems.

We also had/have the same parking situation as you do Stick...when all the kids are home, there are 4 vehicles out front and our new mail guy goes crazy if we block the neighbors mailbox. And I like it when the Mazda and Civic go into the garage at night. Now that the girls have both moved out on their own, that problem rarely happens. And if my son ever gets a vehicle and moves home, well it could happen I guess. Still not sure if he's going to want the Civic to bring back to Chicago, that would sure be an interesting turn of events as I don't really know what I'd just go out and get this minute!! Right now, the Buick Encore is looking very good and so is the Verano. Another dark hours is the...Acura ILX!!! Saw another one up close yesterday at the auction and it was very nice especially the leather and the nicely done shifter...a very nice job by Acura. I don't like the new Civic one bit and the ILX looks different enough as to be a real contender here!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stickguy

The ILX is very nice. Not at all civic-y, and well equipped (other than that pesky XM issue). And pretty good deals to be had on them. Drove well too.

jayrider

One nice benefit with Buick and Acura is the 4 year bumper to bumper warranty. It might just be me, but I like the extra year.

corvette

8800 miles and counting. The front Dunlops have about 7/32" of tread remaining and the rears have about 8.5/32". I'm guesstimating it will need new tires around the 30,000 mile mark.

kyfdx

Ray. don't you live down south? Michelin Pilot SuperSports... woo hooooo!!

rayainsw

'Ray. don't you live down south? Michelin Pilot SuperSports... woo hooooo!! '
North Georgia.
Michelins are a distinct possibility, when the time comes.
- Ray
Not expecting 30,000 out of the OEM Dunlops ...

kyfdx

They have a new A/S tire out, that is getting rave reviews.... the guys from TireRack says it's only good for a light dusting of snow.... that it's really performance oriented... might be right up your alley, if you don't want to go for a full summer tire...

http://www.michelinman.com/tire-selector/category/ultra-high-performance-sport/p- ilot-sport-a-s-3/tire-details

corvette

I love Michelins, but they're probably double the price of the Coopers roadburner and I were talking about. :P