Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

xwesx

That's decent; how much of that is city driving? I won't talk about what my 5-speed nets me. :-D

nyccarguy

Minimal. I drive from my house to I-95 about 3 1/2 miles, then it's all highway until I get off the exit to go to work which is about 1 1/2 miles from the highway. That 1 1/2 miles is brutal though. Could take me 20 minutes.

I'd say of the 65 mile round trip commute, maybe 8 miles is "city" driving.

corvette

Yeah, I use Zaino. A lot less work than old fashioned wax. And it doesn't make a mess if you get it on plastic trim :P

qbrozen

well, although it comes in a bottle rather than a can, they still call what I use (Mother's brand) wax.

stever

A reporter would like to speak to a young buyer of a Ford Focus or a Chevy Cruze. If you are under the age of 34, and you are shopping for or recently purchased a Ford Focus or a Chevy Cruze, please send your daytime contact information to pr@edmunds.com no later than 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET on Thursday, 10/10/13.

corvette

This week, I was given the keys to a navy blue 2013 Passat 2.5 SE with sunroof as a service loaner. Here are a few random impressions:

The Americanized Passat is a handsome vehicle. The exterior looks very upscale, although it appears that VW still hasn’t figured out how to paint their XM antenna the same color as the body. The interior isn’t as nice as segment leaders like the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. Still, the fake leather wasn’t bad, the fake brushed aluminum trim looked kind of sporty, and the inclusion of heated seats is a nice touch.

The first thing that impresses about the Passat is how similar the interior layout and controls are to other VW products. Same buttons on the steering wheel, same cruise control, same audio systems, same sunroof controls and extendible sun visors, similar sunglass storage compartment, similar glove compartment, same information display in the gauge cluster, lane change feature on the turn signals, etc. Some of the other hardware, such as the door check straps and fuse panel, are similar to other VW models. There is much more consistency across models here than there is with some other brands. The Passat offers automatic headlamps and approach/departure activation of the headlights, which are features not offered in some VW models. The seats are comfortable (but flat) and the interior is extremely roomy. I’m only 5’ 6” tall, but I scooted the passenger seat all the way back, and there was still a ton of room in the back seat on that side. Even a significantly taller person could ride all day in the back. The trunk is also huge, and there is a nice center armrest with cupholders and a small storage compartment in the back seat. In the front, there is a center console with a 12 volt outlet, storage, a 3.5mm auxiliary input for the audio system, and an armrest that adjusts fore and aft but not up and down. There is also another 12 volt outlet in the large storage bin below the climate controls. As with other VW products, there is a grab handle above all four doors, a rotary sunroof control, and ambient lighting from the dome light area. I still think the analog clock in the center console looks tacky in the Passat. The climate control is manual and works well, but lacks the infinitely adjustable fan you’ll find on the Nissan Altima. The dashboard has a decorative second tier. The sole function of this second tier appears to be to pop and snap when you press on it, drive over bumps, or when it is heated by direct sunlight. The steering wheel is about three inches to the right of the center of the driver’s seat. This did not make me physically uncomfortable, as it does for some, but it does suggest a lack of forethought in the design process. Despite the color display on the stereo, there is no rearview camera.. Bluetooth audio streaming works better on this stereo system than it does with VW’s optional navigation system. The beltline is relatively high, but the pillars are less obstructive than what you would find in a comparable GM vehicle. Visibility is decent overall.

Under the hood, we have the much maligned 2.5 liter inline five cylinder engine mated to a conventional six speed automatic transmission. This engine is started by what may be the world’s smallest starter battery, and unlike the Jetta, it lacks a hard plastic cover, making do with only a flexible vinyl cover. I actually connected my Battery Tender to it as a precaution because I spent some time playing with the power seat and infotainment in my garage one night. The 2.5 is on its way out—VW has introduced a new, 1.8 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine (no relation to VW’s prior 1.8 liter turbo engine) which will replace it by the end of the 2014 model year. The new 1.8T has improved torque and fuel economy numbers, and has received positive reviews so far. The 2.5 has conventional hydraulic power steering, which is firm and very communicative. It lacks the numb, over-assisted feeling of the Accord. Starting from a dead stop, the 2.5 feels sluggish, but once underway, power is adequate. The engine makes a pleasant sound when you punch it. When I first drove this engine in the 2005 Jetta, I thought it sounded agricultural, so it appears that VW has improved its NVH characteristics. The transmission works fairly well and is willing to hold a lower gear while you’re going uphill, but does not shift as quickly as the DSG which VW offers on some other models. I averaged about 32 MPG in regular driving,. Still, fuel economy on the 2.5 is below average compared to other mass market midsize sedans, and its torque peaks relatively high in the rev range. The new 1.8 liter turbocharged engine will be a welcome improvement.

On the road, the Passat’s ride has a somewhat European feel, but is also extremely soft and floaty, a symptom of the Americanization of this version of the Passat (Europe gets a completely different Passat). The sporty brushed aluminum trim is just for show--it’s clear from the drive that VW is going after the Accord and Camry here, and not trying to appeal to enthusiasts. If you approach the Passat as an enthusiast, you will leave disappointed. If you approach it as a (very) slightly European alternative to the Accord or Camry, it works better in that regard. It’s a sad state of affairs when the Accord feels sportier than the Passat. That said, the Passat is an extremely comfortable and quiet highway cruiser.

The 2.5 SE with sunroof package and no other options stickers at $26,640 including destination. This is almost exactly the same price as an Accord EX (without leather). Compared to the Accord, the VW offers wider tires and heated leatherette seats which are not offered on the Accord, but the Accord offers greater fuel economy, a smart key with keyless ignition, a rear view camera, and Honda’s LaneWatch camera. Honda’s infotainment system is also much more capable than VW’s. This makes the Passat a dubious value proposition.

Overall, the Passat isn’t a bad car, and it offers a lot of nice features, but it’s clear VW has produced a car for the masses rather than listening to its enthusiasts. Even so, I would not blame an enthusiast for buying one. On the other hand, a sport suspension package combined with a more aggressive tune of the new 1.8 liter turbo engine would make it a more serious contender.

28firefighter

It has been just over 1 week of ownership with my new CC and I have to say, I am extremely pleased with my decision. I've got right around 350 miles on it so far.

My first impression is WOW - this car feels very solid and extremely well put together. It is heavy, but feels surprisingly agile for a car its size when I throw it into curves. When you close the door, it sounds like you're sealing a vault and the lack of road noise inside the cabin really reflects that. Interior fit and finish is very good and much to my pleasant surprise, there is not a single rattle inside the cabin on even the harshest roads around Seattle.

Actual driving dynamics are very similar to the Audi A5 -- the car is quick and very fun to drive, but is far from a high performer. The suspension seems to strike a good balance between sporty and floaty given the overall size. What has taken some getting used to is the DSG transmission. Initially it acted too eager to upshift for gas mileage purposes, but as I continue to drive it seems to be learning my acceleration habits and tuning itself accordingly. I have not had an opportunity to check out the manual shifting feature yet, but have a good bit of driving coming up this weekend.

For a base model, this car is extremely well equipped. Standard Xenons with LED lighting, Fog Lights, Upgraded 8 speaker touchscreen Stereo (though not Fender), Automatic Climate Control, Dual Power Heated Seats, Rain Sensing Wipers, Heated Seats, and Leatherette interior that rivals the quality of some of the leather interiors I've seen. While the interior is not as glitzy as its upscale Audi siblings, it is still clean and well put together.

Overall, I am not sure you can get a better deal for the money Volkswagen was offering last month on the CC. The dealer experience was painless and took less than an hour from the time I arrived until the time I was on my way. Looking forward to 35 more months of awesome german driving ahead!">

rayainsw

Interesting comments - I had not read this:
'The steering wheel is about three inches to the right of the center of the driver’s seat.'
- before.
That seems rather bizarre...
- Ray
I wonder why...??

qbrozen

So I get a daily email from ebay for all manual transmission BMWs up to a certain price and up to a certain distance from home. An interesting one came through today.

If only it actually had a manual trans!
Still, though, sport pack and climate pack and super low miles? Very interesting indeed.
I'm not in the market right now, but thought some folks here may be tempted.

Michaell

I like that 323i! Probably have to invest in a set of winter tires, but the miles and price sure are attractive.

And, I don't mind the slushbox.

crkyolfrt

Honda’s infotainment system is also much more capable than VW’s.

Interesting review. This quote above though made me curious. I have read recently from a number of sources that Honda's sound system leaves a LOT to be desired. Which I maintain there simply is NO excuse for that in this day and age of toy and entertainment features that people demand. I always find this sort of ironic, that the higher end luxo barges often comes with very capable stereos, yet the demographic that buys those types of cars, simply don't listen to music very loud at all, and even relatively anemic amps and speakers can handle a bit of bass when db levels are so subdued.

I last drove the 2.5 in a 2011 Jetta with that same tranny. It had lots of go and sounded terrific when wound out. Of course the Jetta is a fair bit lighter than the Passat. I had heard of comments saying the 5 cyl was course and rough sounding/feeling. The only one I drove was that 2011, and those comments made no sense to me. So is good to read that someone else likes the sound and feel of that engine.

Too bad about the tiny battery. I have the same beef with all the Hondas, altho not sure if they are still doing that...using barely larger than Harley Davidson sized batteries. I too use the battery tender anytime I know the car is parked for more than 5 days and that's not for playing with stuff, just to maintain usual key-off draws.

As the use of turbos (in gas jobs) becomes more and more wide-spread, it does raise my caution flags a little bit in terms of potential longevity abilitie$. It concerns me more than when they are used in a diesel due to the extra heat created. I know they are incorporating more coolant jacket cooled tech etc, but it is still a little early to read of any high mile turbos with trouble free service life.

A friend just bought a '13 Passat (Trendline trim). No sunroof (and so not missed, IMO...sunroofs should be made a STAND ALONE option in every vehicle they choose to offer the damnable things in) so is relatively base. I haven't seen it yet. He said it is noticeably quieter inside with a less sporty feeling ride than his 2011 Golf TDI wagon was. He also said, but was not surprised of course, that while the 2.5 has plenty of power for the size car, he said the TDI would annihilate it pretty badly with any roll-on gear you tried it with. An extra 60 ft lbs makes quite a bit of difference, especially when it comes in so low in the rpm range which is also in use in day to day driving.

corvette

I didn't test sound quality (my ears aren't good enough for that), only features on the audio system. Honda has a fancy display above the radio which is used for phone and radio, plus Pandora/Aha integration. I believe the Passat also lacks a USB input port.

I agree that the 2.5 does feel more powerful in the smaller Jetta. My four cylinder 2009 Altima also had a small battery, which died at about the 30 month mark. I guess it's something you can get away with especially if there aren't many accessories and it only has to crank a smaller engine.

nyccarguy

Thanks for writing that in depth review. I enjoyed it!

corvette

You're welcome! I'd enjoy doing more of them if I could convince the manufacturers to give me access to press vehicles. :P

sda

A month ago I bought an Accord EX. It has the 6 speaker 160 watt audio system. Like all Hondas that I've owned, the FM band sounds flat. CD sounds best, with USB and AUX, I have a portable XM unit, and Pandora sounds significantly better than FM. I rarely listen to AM. I've had cars with Dynaudio--super, Bose, etc. Though no match,very acceptable. It is good enough that I don't feel the need to replace speakers, etc.

Sandman6472

Now that's a gig I'd like for myself. Will have to do a few more reviews once I get to drive some more long trips. It's been mostly short hops lately but last weeks winner was the Hyundai Genesis, an exceptionally nice larger vehicle that seems to have it all. I think if more folks drove one that their sales would jump dramatically as the vehicle is that good. I'm also hoping to get one on a long trip as well as a Mercedes but the one thing i am unhappy about is the more expensive the vehicle, the more complicated the sound systems seem to be. they need to apply the "Kiss principle" to them and bring back more knobs that turn for the major functions. When it takes more than 3 minutes to figure it out, something is definitely wrong with it. Mercedes and Ford, are you listening here???

The Sandman

tjc78

"t last weeks winner was the Hyundai Genesis, an exceptionally nice larger vehicle that seems to have it all. "

I had an early build 09. It had a very poor ride (they revised many suspension pieces mid year) and it stranded me twice. That car had a great interior (nicer than my LaCrosse) and lots of nice features. The 3.8 also had plenty of power, the V8 is a beast.

ateixeira

The mid-cycle refresh gave it DI in the V6 and an 8 speed auto, too.

They'll replace it with something too flashy and raise the price, watch.

That's my "If I retired today" car. Good comfort for long road trips.

jayrider

People who buy high end cars expect very high technology in their driving experience. You have to learn the system for each car. Not fun for me but many enjoy that aspect.

Sandman6472

I like things simple and to the point, easy peasy and I hate those touch screens as my finger tips always seem to miss the mark. Prefer big knobs and buttons but want the rich surround sound. The sound was good though. Even the sound in the Mustang drop top was great yesterday...I used my ipod and I was surrounded my tunes. Am sure it wouldn't sound as sweet with the top down but once the weather cools down and I get the chance to drive another one, I will definitely drop the top and enjoy the fresh air. Out of the 8 of us yesterday, only 1 guy dropped his top and he looked pretty happy but really, it was just too hot in my opinion.

The Sandman

corvette

Yeah, I was disappointed to discover that the base audio system in my loaner Passat actually streamed bluetooth audio better than the optional navigation system in my GLI. The Passat's system has an option called "BT-Audio Autoplay" which will automatically resume playing your bluetooth audio when you restart the car. Mine doesn't have that! I don't mind the inclusion of technology features, but if they're included, I want them to work well.

nyccarguy

I've seen a few of our poster friends' cars on the road and wanted to comment on how sharp they look:

While the current GTI (ray's ride) has been out on the streets for a few years already, I have yet to see one like Ray's 2013 (Autobahn Edition?). I saw a flawless black 2013 GTI like Ray's (I know yours is blue). You made an excellent choice picking your car. I really dig it!

As far as VWs go, I see a decent amount of Jettas on the road. Mostly 2.5 SE & TDI models. This morning I passed a Jetta GLI with its bigger wheels & xenon headlights. I think it is a handsome looking car. Kudos to you corvette!

corvette

Thanks, nyc!

corvette

Got my GLI back from its 10,000 mile service at Sam Swope VW on Wednesday. They repaired the sunglass holder. They failed to diagnose a rattle from the B-pillar/driver's door area. Although they claimed that they road tested the car three times, the service ticket indicates that it was only driven a couple of miles, which is probably not long enough to hear the noise I’m experiencing.

Upon returning home, I discovered several parallel scratches in my driver’s door approximately 1” square. It’s too low in the door to have been caused by a parking lot ding. I had hand washed the car a few days prior to the service appointment, and the scratch was not present at that time. The shape and size of the scratches appear to have come from a metal tool, and the paint is scratched down to the primer in most spots.

I reported this to Swope on Thursday morning and emailed them photos, as they requested. I called the service writer today, as I hadn’t heard anything back from him. The service writer says that their manager will need to examine the damage, but they feel that it came from a rock impact. The size and shape of the damage is not consistent with a rock impact, and the angle is the complete opposite from the angle at which a rock might have hit the door.

I tried to make an appointment with the service manager tomorrow (their service department is open Saturdays) for this inspection, but was told that it was his day off. I told them I could make the lengthy trip on the 26th, and was told to call ahead the day before because they weren’t sure he would be there. Not customer friendly at all. I made it clear that they were being very inconvenient about the whole thing. I was not initially angry, but am now pretty livid, as they are giving me the runaround and inconveniencing me for trying to correct the damage that they caused to the car.

The service writer grumbled something about hoping I returned for my 20,000 mile service in a few months, and I told him that was very much up in the air at this point. I’ve sent them two very clear photos of the damage, I’m not quite sure what more they expect to gain by inspecting the vehicle.

I’m thinking that the scratches probably need to be airbrushed by a detailer to make them less visible. Not sure how much that will cost or how well that type of repair holds up long term.

What would you do?

rayainsw

'...Ray's 2013 (Autobahn Edition?)'
Thanks for the compliment -
I do like it.
No, just 'Convenience & Sunroof'.
That color is relatively scarce -
the one I bought was the only GTI
in that color within 200+ miles,
at the time.
And now it is discontinued, I understand.
- Ray
In a blue car rut, apparently...

nyccarguy

Tough call. Although it is technically your responsibility to check the car for damage prior to leaving the dealership, I'm going (as they should) to assume it was dark out & low enough on the driver's door that you really wouldn't notice it until daylight hits the car. I feel bad for you & know how you do keep your car in good shape. I think you are going to have to fight them "tooth & nail" to get the car fixed. Make sure you document EVERYTHING. You've taken pics & now you need to write down who you spoke to, when, & what they told you. Good luck!

carnaught

Sorry for the damage your car sustained. Worse comes to worse, I would consider filing a BBB complaint and/or resorting to your local television station's consumer help segment to resolve the issue if you do not get any results. Dealerships, and any business, for that matter, hate the bad publicity, especially if it's relatively high profile. Make sure you keep a journal of everything and everyone you spoke to in trying to resolve the issue. Start your documentation by describing when you brought the car in, and for what. Pay attention to the dates and times, and who you dealt with whether by phone or in person. Tell them, in a non-threatening tone that you are documenting the whole issue and how they handle it. This documentation enhances your ability for a successful resolution/outcome by several-fold.

stickguy

I parked next to a new (temp tag) Jetta GLI recently. White with black guts. Really sharp. snazzy wheels, and good looking interior. So much better than a plain jane SE.

Sandman6472

Parked next to a similar used Lexus like the Mt. Kisco one at the doctors office and it is a nice looking vehicle, appears to be very similar to the TSX y'all had there for awhile but I bet the Yota calls for regular, as it really is a gussied up Camry I'd bet. Nice overall vehicle and the wood steering wheel is a nice touch. Y'all probably should've just stayed in the TSX for a few more years but hind site is always 100% correct. I know you don't like domestic, but I think the Buick Verano is a real looker and they even have a turbo out now. Might be able to score one relatively cheap as one does not see that many on the roads and Buicks are usually pretty good vehicles. I know it is on my short list and if I could convince the wife to check one out, I would but she is stuck on a smaller sub compact and likes the Accent though I think the Rio is the looker here and it also has the nicer dash layout. But right now, her Mazda is working fine so it is going to stay for as long as possible and if the a/c goes, I suspect I will have to do the repair. Deep down, she wants to keep it and actually get a 2015 whatever and since it is her call, I will just sit back and wait till I am needed. In the meantime, I am getting antsy to swap out the Civic but won't...just hit 45.5k today!

The Sandman

corvette

All GLIs have black interiors and a black headliner... Not many color combinations that way!

Sandman6472

These are now in the rental fleets and they actually look pretty good, like a mini Optima which ain't a bad thing. The Elantra is a bit better looking all around methinks but the Forte has more engine choices from what I have read. Looks like Hyundai and Kia are hitting some real home runs lately and are making vehicles people want to drive. Not so sure Toyota and it's new Corolla is the styling success that they really need...it is a nice enough looking vehicle but I think the competition is catching up. A shame that Honda didn't just shrink the new Accord into the Civic size because the new Civic is pretty ugly, especially in the rear where is is just too busy. A shrinked Accord would've looked better as it is probably the nicest mid sizer at there looks wise, but that is my opinion. A great time for folks in the market for a compact and mid sized vehicle as there are so many good choices for the consumer. Hopefully in 2016 or 2017 the choices will be just as good as by then, I will finally be in the market for myself!

The Sandman

stickguy

Toyota hasn't sold a Corolla based on style in about 20 years, so not sure that will have any impact to sales.

and it will be interesting to see what happens to the Civic in a couple of years when it is up for renewal. The current one was really an evolution of your generation model. So will they do that a 2nd time, or move in a different direction and style it like a smaller scale Accord? or something completely new?

Sandman6472

They really need to make a 3/4 accord because the 2012 model flopped and the 2013 isn't much better to be honest...I think my generation looks so much better and it is a shame as we know Honda can do it, just look at the Accord and what a home run it is so why can't they get the same magic with the Civic! I got to drive mine on the expressway today and it really does drive very nicely for an almost 8 year old vehicle...I was very impressed actually! I am lucky that I get to drive such an assortment of iron whenever I go to work and the majority of these are so smooth it really is a pleasure. Though I prefer the compact size of automobile, the mid size seems to be the sweet spot for most families as they can fit 5 comfortably while carrying an amazing amount of stuff. A very good choice for most families and if pushed, I could get used to one as my daily driver but prefer not to. I do like the new Mazda6 and am hoping to see them start to show up in the rental fleets soon.

The Sandman

nyccarguy

Makes a really big difference between the GLI & the plain jane Jetta. The GLI is a sweet package. White on black is a nice color combination too!

nyccarguy

The safe bet would've been to stay the course & put the TSX on the 5/10 plan (finance for 5/drive for 10). It would've been paid off about a month before the lease will be up. I've ALWAYS wanted a BMW and don't regret my decision to trade in the TSX & lease the BMW one bit.

Sandman6472

Yes, you had the fun you wanted which is great. Part of me is thinking a few beaters would be cool just to get some interesting iron for awhile. I always buy and hold but going the beater route gives one the opportunity to try different makes and models for awhile until one finds that keeper. Remember Gee and Anony? They used to swap vehicles very often and got to get some very cool rides. Luckily they didn't have to spend a whole chunk of change due to her job at Carmax but it could get a bit pricey going this route. Just the insurance and license plate fees would be a lot but still, I'd like to do this for a bit if only my wife would let me. I'd get a few vehicles so out of character for me just for the fun of it! And what fun it would be!!!

The Sandman

stickguy

well, I just looked up the #s, and for 2013 the Accord is about 10% ahead of the Civic (282K vs. 253K, and 25 vs. 22 for September). So not sure that the Civic is not a "home run" too!

stickguy

the double your finance length to keep a car is not a bad plan. Good way to save money, but probably always have a reliable car, without getting too stale in it.

I used to do a similar gig. I would get a 3 YO car that interested me, and keep it for 3 more, then sell it and move on. Doing that right it did not take long to cut the finance part out after a few flips. I went from that (after a slight detour around 2005 of trading like Mike!) to but a new car and keep it 6 years (my Accord).

The Volvo that replace the Accord was actually 5 YO, and will probably be here 2 or 3, depending on how it goes with my daughter and college. And how badly I need something sooner (not having a car of my own is not really working too well right now).

Sandman6472

Guess folks do like it then but I think it isn't quite right and not that much of an evolution from my '06 model. Would have preferred a 2/3 Accord and that is one vehicle that I would definitely buy...I think the ILX comes closest to what I am talking about. Was at the Acura place last Friday and I simply fell in love...it is all the vehicle I could ask for, perfect size a perfect dash layout. I plan to test drive one day soon just to see how really good it is and I'd like to do a ILX and then a Verano back to back within the same day just to see how they compare since they are pretty close price wise and length size. These are at the top of my short list now with the Acura just a bit ahead as i prefer foreign to be very honest here.

The Sandman

isellhondas

I used to manage a large Auto Center and speaking from experience, you have NO IDEA how many dents and scratches got blamed on us.

I'm not saying they didn't do the damage but now days a lot of shops do a walkaround with the customer and have the customer initial any damage found.

It's not uncommon to hear..." Wow, where did that scratch come from? or " That must have just happened!"

So, a shop really can't win. If the fix the damage they will be out probably a couple hundred dollars to do a repair you may not be happy with. If the decline the repair the customer will be upset, trash them on a survey, trash them on Yelp and never return!

nyccarguy

Buying a 3 year old car, then keeping for 3 years sounds like fun. Plus it keeps my CCBA membership up to date. When you did this, did you finance the car? Let's say I buy a 3 year old car, something off lease with somewhere around 40K miles. In 3 years (dump time), it'd have 100K miles. I guess since depreciation isn't as steep in years 3 - 6 as it is in 1 - 3, so the car would most likely be worth more than I owe on it.

My whole ideology about cars is that as long as I'm making payments, I should buy new. If I buy new & finance for 5 years, then my free payment time comes @ 100K miles. If I buy used & finance for 3 years, my free payment time comes @ 100K miles. A point to ponder.

kyfdx

I bought a 4-year-old car.. .with the plan to keep it for 6 years (so, 10 years old when I sell...).

But, I'm 3.5 years in, and my eye is starting to wander.. I have to keep it at least one more year, until the lease is up on the Infiniti... At that point, a car will have to be added, as we will be down to 2 cars for 3 drivers.. Could just give the car to my son, and shop for one for me.... It will be 8.5 years old, then.. with about 92K miles.. Other option is to keep driving it, and buy him something cheaper...

crkyolfrt

How's the Sabaru doing that you got for your son last spring? Has it been a good car so far? Any unfortunate $urprise$?

carnaught

"I bought a 4-year-old car.. .with the plan to keep it for 6 years (so, 10 years old when I sell...).

But, I'm 3.5 years in, and my eye is starting to wander.."

The saga of a CBAA member.

kyfdx

We didn't get the Saabaru... nyccarguy looked at the one in NJ, but it didn't come back with a good report.. We looked so long, that I bought a car for his mother, instead.. a 2011 X3, in May... So, he drives her Infiniti lease, or my BMW about half the time, and I drive the Infiniti.

One year to go on the Infiniti lease... at that point, someone needs a car...

Makes perfect sense for a CCBAer...

laurasdada

Greetings, Chronics!

And so it (possibly) begins. Today I did initial test drives of the Jaguar XF AWD and Audi A5. The first, unfair disadvantage to both is that I'm currently driving a Jag X401(k) with a lovely V8 engine. The sound, oh the sound it makes. And, yes, I know that Jag uses a flux capacitor to pipe in (simulated?) V8 rumblings, but when I start the car, a smile just comes naturally to my ever-aging face.

The Apple:

First up, the Jag. As a four door, it takes the lead in the, "I have to grow up again and buy a sensible pair of shoes type car." Coming from a Jag (mucho wood and leather), the XF is a familiar place. Nice interior, restrained use of wood, leather and aluminum. Comfy seat, but surprisingly lacking in multiple adjustments (notably lumbar) as my XK has. But, the XK was fully optioned, the XF less so. Back seat, if you're 6' or taller, you will have to slouch a bit. But, I'm not and I don't sit in the back. Much as Baby doesn't sit in the corner...

Nice ride, no noticeable whine from the supercharged V6. Not neck snapping acceleration, although switching to sport mode livens things up a bit. Nice ride/handling balance. The 8 speed tranny does seem to shift a lot, I'll believe in search of mpg in normal mode. Wind noise wasn't an issue. Nice, tight steering, good feel. About a half hour behind the wheel, a bit highway (took her to 90mph), some back roads, some bad surfaces. Averaged ~20mpg on the certainly optimistic OBC.

I like it, I could live with it. Plus, I have two Jaguar hats and a golf shirt. As if driving the car wasn't pretentious enough...

The PIzza:

No, not the Audi. I stopped for pizza in between test drives. Yummy. Ran into a coworker and her family, then looked at new cell phones. Just shaking up my whole life...

The Orange:

The A5: Simple, handsome, well laid our interior, solid materials. I must have some wood, this had a smattering of Burled Walnut. Very comfy seat, I think more so than the Jag, with lumbar adjust. Did not play with MMI, that will come. BAck seat a major improvement over my XK, but still no place for adults to spend quality time (it is a coupe, of course). But, up front, very comfy.

On the road, more wind noise than the Jag. Noticeable. The turbo 4 isn't quick off the line, but once the turbo is spooled up, it pulls nicely. Didn't notice as much auto-shifting. I think steering goes to the Jag, and the four doesn't make as pleasant a sound as a good 6 or 8. But, the Audi will win the mpg battle. And, I could feel the lighter weight of the Audi. The XF is a bit of a porker, the A5 is no Calista Flockhart, but I could feel the lack of the extra (I'm guessing) 400 lbs.

The Streudel

I decided to extend the car day by stopping by the BMW dealer. I just haven't put the 3 on the list mostly because of its ubiquity (and runflat tires). But, I think I will at least drive one during Round 2. I did sit in a few and made vroom-vroom noises in the showroom. STandard seats, nothing to write home about. M sport seats, oh, yes! Tacked on "Ipad" screen, oh, no. But, a handsome sedan, nice, if somewhat lacking in panache interior and practical. Wife has a 535xi, no steering feel at all, feels large. Are two recent BMWs in one garage one too many?

So, I"m not sure I have a clear winner here. The Jag has it on emotion for me, the Audi as a cool, competent machine. Both are lovely to look at. And, with the current incentives on the Jag, I believe I could negotiate a transaction price in the same neighborhood for both. My XK might be worth a bit more at the Jag dealer.

Or, I could buy a winter "beater" (how about a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander with 105,000 miles for ~$5500?). I'm still not sure I want to abandon the XK, but it is our of warranty...!

Any thoughts, well-learned and articulate Chronicanistas?

oldfarmer50

"...a few beaters would be cool just to get some interesting iron..."

That's basically my program except that instead of getting a 3-4 yo car (which I don't think of as a beater) I buy 15-20 yo cars. These can be had for a few thousand and have pretty much reached the bottom of their depreciation cycle. If you get a few years use and the thing blows up you've got your money's worth. If it lasts more than 3 years you feel like the Mack Daddy of wheeling and dealing.

I don't necessarily go for the most collectable cars but just cars that I liked back in the day and couldn't afford when new. Most of my beaters were purchased for 5-10% of their MSRP.

Pretty cheap fun.

oldfarmer50

"...could just give it to my son..."

For years I purchased my dad's old cars when he bought a new one. He drove mainly Oldsmobiles and Buicks so they were nice riding but horrible handling. The saving grace was that I got them for dealer trade price (I refused to take them for free) and they usually had less than 30k miles. At the time I had little money so I ran them into the ground. My favorite was his 1991 Olds 88 with the 3.8L that I got with 27k miles in 1998. Put 100k miles on it and would still be driving it if the frame hadn't rotted out.

That explains my obsession with Florida rust free cars.

jayrider

Why no Mercedes E class ? Excellent reviews and reliable as well.

stickguy

I believe I financed part of the first one, and paid if off early. So ended up with equity + some cash saved and at that point it was always pay cash (except for the big purchases for the wife! I will be paying for that damned RDX forever).

Getting enough saved (from equity plus making the non-payment into your car account) to pay cash is a wonderful thing. It also, however, probably means you are going to be buying a cheaper car (or older).

For you, something with low miles for the years at about 3 YO makes a ton of sense since you mile it up. Or like that Lexus, which was relatively hi miles but you could run for a long time for next to nothing (depreciation wise).

If I was still putting on a lot of miles (I used to do about 90/day RT) most likely I would get something new that was nicely equipped and safe, with good MPG and comfort, but not "exotic", that I could reasonably expect to roll up a lot of reliable miles. A new Accord (depending on CVT thoughts...). A Camry (no, I never could, but the perfect example if you just don't car about driving). A Subu Legacy?

so a new Accord, 25K/year and figure on at least 6 years/150K, then "play it by ear" (meaning dump it when I stopped trusting it!)