Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

That's a beautiful color, I think it's the same color as the A4 that I leased. If it is, it looks stunning in direct sunlight. I'm not fond of the wheels, but other than that, it looks awesome.

corvette

"There is a girl at the pizza place who wants to get a new car - specifically, a Mazda 3 in white."

Kind of a shame to buy a new vehicle and stink it up delivering pizzas, but she didn't ask me. :P

jayrider

You can probably buy a brand new Jetta and not pay much more. VW is very aggressive trying to move units. Try shopping October 31st. A 5 year old Audi ? Why not get something with all the latest occupant protection and full warranty/service. New S automatics at $16400 ---base autos lower. I must be missing something on this Audi because a new Jetta seems like a much better deal.

xwesx

projecting your needs/desires on your daughter is a lot different than attempting to do the same with your wife. ; )

Hahahahahahaha! That's the understatement of the week! :P

fintail

I can believe the lease deal - G37 is an old old car and costs little to make now. I've seen them advertised on TV with little initial payment for under 300 - not a stretch to go cheaper if one is friendly with a dealer and might get it at cost or close.

I agree about the Tahoe, pay it off and deal with it.

Man I am not unhappy to be single. What will be my next car...hmm...whatever I want, within my budget. Yay me.

stickguy

I like it. a lot. at 16K or whatever you got it down to, seems like a fine deal to me. I would have trouble deciding.

love the colors.

stever

Ah, Audi at the Acura place. Well, if it was an Audi at the Audi place the "official" CPO cutoff would have been 5 years, which is what I looked up before I really got confused.

But those dealer CPOs mostly make me want to run the other way, kind of like ADM.

ohenryx

I can believe the lease deal - G37 is an old old car and costs little to make now. I've seen them advertised on TV with little initial payment for under 300 - not a stretch to go cheaper if one is friendly with a dealer and might get it at cost or close.

If qbrozen (our official car pricing guru) thinks the lease deal is "nuts" (see msg 34410), then I'm going to go with that opinion. The MSRP is still around $34k, and the lease deal mentioned 20k miles per year, which is going to jack the lease price higher, so ....

Michaell

Kind of a shame to buy a new vehicle and stink it up delivering pizzas, but she didn't ask me.

Sorry, should have clarified. She's not a driver, but one of our shift leads, so she works inside. Also, she's all of 18 years old.

Having said that, there is another driver who just bought a new Nissan Altima.

ateixeira

The "stutter" has been completely eliminated upon shut off & start up vibration is 98% better. It is barely detectable.

Glad to hear it, I thought the car was having a seizure when I test drove it.

Under $42k nowadays can be considered a good value.

breld

You're probably right on being able to buy a brand new Jetta for not much more, though I'd want at least an SE model with the 2.5l vs. the 2.0l (non-turbo). Probably $18-19k for a leftover 2013. You could get a 2014 with the new 1.8T for around $20k.

But the way I look at it (right or wrong) is the relative value of the car itself - i.e., a year from now I imagine we'll experience much less depreciation on the much-depreciated Audi vs. a new Jetta. Buying used is the only reason we're able to switch out like we do.

The good value really is a slightly used 2011-2012 Jetta - those are all around for $14k-$15k. After test driving the previous gen Jetta though, my wife and I both became more fond of that than the new ones. Though VW is gradually adding back the quality each year.

If there were much more miles on this Audi, I wouldn't be considering it, but at 37k, and considering my step-daughter won't be putting many miles on it (unlike my wife and I would), I feel pretty comfortable with it.

Thanks!

breld

I'd be curious to hear how the 320i drives, though I don't know if you're really saving all that much.

Like ateixeira says, it's kinda eye-opening that the $42k price tag seems like a reasonable deal these days. When you start talking about the "M Sport" package and such, you sure pay dearly for it (unless you buy used like I did : ))

stever

A reporter is looking to talk with someone who recently secured a subprime car loan. If you'd able to assist, please contact pr@edmunds.com by Thursday, October 24 2013.

nyccarguy

There are a lot of things the F30 328xi does better than my E90 328xi. It is much faster, it has a stiffer chassis, it handles better, it gets much better gas mileage, it has a bigger back seat, a larger trunk, it absorbs carter size potholes like a Lexus.

But sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. My car is smoother & more polished. Everything about is just fluid and natural.

Sandman6472

Can't see the Audi ad so not sure what we should be seeing though it does sound sweet! Would love one here to! But that's gonna have to wait as it looks like I am going to be unemployed very soon. Seems we lost the hertz account and the company might fold...very soon! Am super unhappy right now and have ramped up my search for a new part time job. I was hoping to keep this gig for a few years but hey, was nice while it lasted so I just need to move on here. Hopefully I can find something as good in the transportation field! I am very sad tonight!

The Sad Sandman :confuse: :sick:

stickguy

hopefully hertz comes through for you. They will obviously need people if they are taking it in house.

breld

Yeah, they took the ad down pretty quick since it was purchased (by us). I'll post a picture or two soon from our driveway. The daughter is actually very pleased and excited about it (as are we). She is much more comfortable with the improved visibility in the vehicle, as well as it's responsiveness. The Audi also displays digitally the speed on the driver's gauges, which is a nice feature for a new driver.

I don't think I've ever purchased an extended warranty on a car, but the finance manager provided what seemed to be a good offer on a 4 year/50k mile warranty on the Audi. After a little discussion, the wife and I decided to go ahead and purchase that to provide some peace of mind on the 2.0T/DSG combo, as well as the sunroof, electronics, etc.

As for your job Sandy, perhaps this will turn out to be a good thing - as much as you like the job itself, sounds like the experience has started to become pretty frustrating. I'm sure you will land in a better place before too long.

Sandman6472

My Civic has the digital dash which I love and so does my oldest as it is so easy to see the exact speed you are traveling...many don't seem to like it as much but after a few days, I think most would be thrilled to have it. Agree with the extended warranty here as there are all the electronics that could rear their ugly heads and it is a VW after all...better to be safe than sorry! And y'all have no idea how those 37k miles were driven as I have found that most do not drive as easy as I do so this is a good thing!
Already have a few interviews in the works so I know I will land on my feet. The other crew chief just called me to work tomorrow so I said sure...so far, he is easier to work with than mine is so think I will enjoy the change. Am seriously thinking of asking to be assigned to his team for however long the company stays open...if another gig comes along, can always work them both simultainiously or just decline the original one. And I do have my Hertz app in at the airport and the outer office so, I am putting my name out there to work. Just wish that my current gig can keep on going with the smaller clients and that my crew chief will start playing fair with me, luckily the other chief calls me when he needs a body...which he just did! I am working tomorrow...yay!

The Sandman

corvette

Congratulations, that's a great looking car! We're now at 24 for the year, and it looks like this is the first punch for October!

jayrider

Always liked the sitting position in the A3. Keep us updated on how things go. It will be interesting to see how the aftermarket warranty works if you need it.

Sandman6472

Just put in my application for another job off of Craigslist...that makes 3 new app's I have put in today alone! Damn, one of these has to take eventually but I'd still rather work for Hertz truth be told. I'd hate to take another position and then have the Hertz gig come through but I guess I can't wait around for something to happen while something else is offered to me. So I guess I will keep applying for positions and see what happens. This last one was for a full time gig even though I really want a part time one as I like a day off, or two, during the week and prefer to work weekends...got used to this all those years having rotating days off with the postal service. Weekdays are a great time to get things done while everyone else is at work, especially vehicle repair...everyone seems to go on Saturday morning. Much nicer and more relaxed during a weekday where there is no line waiting and they listen to what I am telling them about what I need. I guess if one only uses the dealer for maintenance it don't really matter but since I use an independent mechanic and tire place, I prefer the weekdays.
We shall see what happens here as I am a great employee with a willingness to work especially those days and hours that most others want off. Luckily my wife is very o k with this kind if schedule and encourages me to do this as she understands that the odds are greater for folks that are more flexible time wise. And since her job is also being an independent contractor, our careers work out just fine now. All I want is a good job with a defined schedule so I can have a life and do what I need to do when I need to do it. Seems fair to me!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

(P.S. Missed the text from my boss earlier, the volume was never turned back up after I left the AT&T store yesterday, so I missed the request to come in tomorrow. But just as I fixed the volume, the other crew chief called and asked me to come in at 9 a m and I said sure. Working for Sixt it seems so for the time being at least, our few smaller clients will keep us working a bit. I am very pleased!)

stickguy

I loved the A3 I test drove. Basically, it is the closest thing to what you get if you put all my criteria in a blender and mix it up. Configuration, function, size, driving experience. About as close to perfect as I can find.

and that one looked particularly nice!

breld

As always, thanks for the kind words on the purchase.

I'm doing my part to make our numbers for the year : )

I drove the A3 home from work this evening. It really is a nice package - pretty roomy for its size, sporty feel but comfortable and relatively quiet. It has a handsome look, but nothing particularly flashy (good or bad depending on what you're looking for). Controls and dash layout are typical Audi (which is a good thing). Truth be told, I kinda like the look of the current GTI a bit better, but I don't think I'd get close to this price for a comparable '10 or newer GTI. And the comparable '08 we looked at was priced similarly. So given that, I feel great about the Audi.

nyccarguy

Congrats on the A3 for your daughter! And thanks for keeping our punch count up;)

Michaell

I did a quick edit of the file and did a strikethrough of those guesses for 2013 that we've already exceeded.

jpp75

I haven't driven one, but a coworker and his girlfriend got one a few months ago and they really like it. I'll probably test one out when my lease is up though.

rayainsw

For those here that might be interested:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/news/731313/the-all-new-bmw-2-series-coupe/

corvette

I thought it looked different. So, it's kind of the reverse of The Price is Right's rules? Whoever gets closest without underbidding wins the contest?

xwesx

I'm doing my part to make our numbers for the year : )

No, no... you did your part to break our numbers for the year!

xwesx

Hahaha; wow! How perspectives do change over the years.

They make a "sub-compact" sports coupe, and then claim it is "light weight" at 3208#?! My Forester is barely heavier than that, and my Escort was nearly 1000# lighter. :sick:

Sandman6472

Please post some pics soon as I really want to see it. I've always liked these also and like Stick says, it is the perfect combo of everything i also want in my d d...the Civic is getting so boring and I see dozens where ever I go. It is a great vehicle but I want more now...much more, and that itch is getting more pronounced with every new purchase y'all make. I am soooo ready!!!

The Sandman

oldfarmer50

"...my crew chief will start playing fair with me..."

Have you considered that part of the crew chief's behavior is related to the imminent loss of his job if the company folds. I've seen situations where upper management of a troubled company puts extreme pressure on lower level supervisors as they spiral down. Some people crack under the pressure.

Not a justification for his behavior but maybe an explanation.

Other job possibilities could include driving the Hertz airport shuttle to their outlying lots or shuttling cars down to Florida for snowbirds coming from up north.

Good luck.

oldfarmer50

"...that might be interested..."

Nah, nobody on this board likes those things.....

I always was intrigued by the 1 series and this looks to be a step up. 5.4 0-60 on the 2.0L is pretty nice.

My only concern are the stories I've heard of BMW making their cars all wimpy for American buyers to the point where they aren't as much fun to drive. Will that be the same for the 2 series.

$44k would be my wildest dream.....$33k might only be a day dream.

stever

Links are nice but sometimes a pic will whet the buying juices more (yeah, trying to pump the numbers).

kyfdx

I like that!

I'm just a big fan of NA Inline-6 cylinders, though.... Even though the new 2.0 turbo-4 is faster than the I-6 it replaces... (Found that out, when I had to mash it to keep up with a new 328xi. ;-()

jayrider

With tips, those shuttle jobs can pay well. You do have to hop out and load and unload luggage.

Sandman6472

Yes, I have thought that could be the reason as he was downsized out of his last position but still doe not excuse his behavior towards me. I know some of the others don't like me because I get my government pension but they treat the social security guys different from me also...hey, it ain't my fault I had a government job and after all the years I put in, I get what I'm supposed to! Trust me, if I didn't need to work part time, I would not be doing this! But they just all need to chill and look for other employment same as I'm doing now.
Just find it funny that folks would be jealous of something I have no control over. I even try to be as generous as I can by having bought meals for a few folks who were down that week and have offered to treat the whole crew to a pizza dinner when we can work it out time wise. On the other hand, got to drive a Passat and a Tiguan yesterday and both were very nice and I've put the Tiguan on my short list. Also found out my twin drives one and seems to like it!

The Sandman

oldfarmer50

"...don't like me because...my pension..."

Just offer to kick them in the back a few dozen times so they know what the pain is like. Most people on disability pensions would give it all back in a second if they could have their health back.

corvette

I think the proportions are still awkward on the 2-series.

Sandman6472

I went out on regular retirement after 31 years...I earned it! Don't let haters bother me as luckily, we're on our own most of the day and only spend a few hours in the chase vehicle. Luckily I have my ipod and headphones if I don't want to participate in the fun. Will stay there as long as there is work and when it ends, will just find something else. I am lucky to have time on my side and can wait until the perfect job comes along...and I know it will as I am a good worker who cares about his job. One in the auto business or driving is just a natural fit for me!

The Sandman

breld

Alright Sandy, as requested:

stickguy

dang. I want that. Bad.

Let me know in a month or so when you are looking to sell.

stickguy

on my weekly trip down rt. 206 above Princeton. Decided to stop and look at a couple of units I see every week.

first was the burnt orange/red/rust (whatever you call it) 3 series. Turns out it is a 2007 335i. 4 door. All the options (navi, sport, convenience, premium, fancy HIDs). Loaded to the gills. AT. supposedly all just serviced up, and claimed to have warranty (so maybe a CPO?) (this was all from the window sign). But, no mention of miles. Asking $17,990, which could explain why it has been there for 5 weeks! Private sale parked next to a store.

then around the corner, at what is now a used car lot but formerly a small, old fashioned Jeep/Dodge dealer, a row of wranglers (including a red one that always catches my eye). That is a 2003 Wrangler X. Hardtop, 5 speed! the good old 4.0l straight 6. Only 50K on it, looked very sharp. Asking $12,990.

the other 2 were also sticks. a 1997 and I think a 2000, but with well over 100K on them. I think the '97 had 155K asking about 4 grand.

not sure if I would end up liking one of them, but would have to be a slushbox if it is going to be used by my daughter too.

someday I will go take one for a drive. That will either hook me or cure me!

corvette

It's a beaut. Same color combo as the A4 I leased. I love the ivory interior. You will want a set of rubber floor mats. The light colored carpet ones show dirt really badly. That was the only "mod" I did on the A4. I'm calling second dibs if stickguy doesn't buy it.

28firefighter

Congrats! I'm a big fan of the A3. As a car for a new driver, I think it covers all of the bases - has enough power to get out of its own way but is still built like a tank in the event of an accident (g-dforbid).

Your daughter is very lucky - my first car was a Ford Taurus that I drove until the transmission started slipping.

Michaell

Nice car. Remember, I'm a LOT closer than those guys on the east coast should you decide to sell. :-)

But, forget about us. Does your daughter like it?

roadburner

Nice!!!

Sandman6472

I think I should get it eventually because I have never ever had such a beautiful vehicle! I am stuck in "econoland" up till now and it's time for a change. Anyways, I tend to keep a vehicle the longest in here so I think i truly deserve this wonderful vehicle!

Also, how do I upload a picture of my vehicle in here? I have pics in my smartphone but have no clue how to get them into here. I am tech challenged so if anyone knows, I will need step by step directions...easy step by steps.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever

You need a place to "host" the pics Sandy, so you need to figure out how to get them from your phone to a hosting site. Someone with a smartphone will have to tell you how to get the pics off your phone - maybe email them to yourself so the hosting site will be able to grab them off your computer.

Imgur.com and tinypic.com are a couple of pic hosting sites I use, but there's lots more free ones out there.

After you get the pic uploaded to the hosting site, the site will give you a link to the pic - that URL link is what you'll use to get the photo to show up here.

The code to use in a forum post (assuming the IMG button is flakey) is the img scr= stuff in this pic. You'll insert the hosting URL you get for the "pic.jpg".



If the IMG button works, you can click it once, paste the URL following the = sign and then click the IMG button again to close the code.

breld

Thanks guys for all the compliments.

Believe me, it's not lost on us (or her) that our daughter has much more of a car than anyone her age needs or deserves - we all just recognize that she benefits from our love of cars.

Good tip on the floormats corvette - with winter coming up (and the dirt that comes with it), I'll start shopping for them soon.

So, maybe we'll need some sort of "lottery" process when the A3 is up for sale? :P Though to Michael's credit, he certainly is the closest! In any case, hopefully nothing to worry about for many years - contrary to our past habits, we want this one to stay the course. Once the daughter drives it exclusively in a few months, neither my wife nor I will really benefit from switching the daughter's car out. That and the van can become the stable parts of the fleet.

And FWIW, the daughter is really liking the Audi. Sometimes parents do know best. :P