Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

andres3

When I was looking for a new A3 in '06 the salesman told me getting a cloth interior in the A3 would make it a tough hard resell, and lower resale value as compared to leather.

The cloth was really nice though!

I'd of opted for it if not for the following attributes:

1) Sport package included leather, couldn't get it without leather.

2) The cloth models came with the ugly plastic steering wheel, and I have a pretty leather steering wheel fetish :P

3) Not a deciding factor, but the DSG didn't come with shift paddles on the steering wheel on cloth models.

However, if I'm keeping my cars for nearly 8 years and 105,000 + miles, I don't think resale is a big factor really.

andres3

On the other hand, that car would have a brand new or rebuilt transmission; not necessarily a bad thing as compared to an original one that might need a rebuild right after you buy it used.

Maintenance records are valuable to me.

andres3

Haven't driven a modern Audi 8-speed auto...... have you compared that to the modern 7-Speed DSG/S-Tronic?

I heard they tamed the DSG in the A3's after 2006 a bit. Also, it is a "learning" transmission, and I trained my car well for sport. I heard lots complained about the mechanical "manual" feel the DSG had, particularly when stopping slowly from 1 to 0 MPH ( a bit of a minor bump/lurch). I don't mind that at all, but smoothness isn't necessarily the DSG's best strength. Rev matched lighting fast down shifts are the strength, and lightning fast up shifts too. Enhanced efficiencies too; All this equals faster and quicker acceleration with better gas mileage.

breld

I haven't tried the 7-speed S-tronic - heard it's great.

The way you describe some of the complaints of the DSG is consistent with my thoughts so far - "mechanical manual feel," "minor bump/lurch."

Now, while I may prefer the 8-speed auto on the A5 over this 6-speed DSG, it's still a nice transmission. The shifts are indeed super-quick, and it certainly responds quickly to throttle input - something that was simply horrible in the "DST" trannie in the Hyundai.

It's just a little different feel that takes some getting used to.

Michaell

Only two Saturdays left where the wife is teaching in the big city.

Am still looking at candidates for a cheap lease.

First stop was the VW dealer - "Sign then Drive" promotion is still going on. Drove two Jettas - S and SE, both 2014's.

I now get why folks call the 2.0L engine "2.slow". I had it in our '99 Beetle, but the manual transmission kinda sorta made up for it. Not in the Jetta. Ugh. The 6-speed auto was nice, but I don't think I could live with 115HP. Plus, the S trim level doesn't have either Bluetooth or cruise. Pass.

Next was the SE with the new 1.8L turbo and DSG transmission. This, I liked. A lot. Quiet, but when you put your foot into it, it gets up and goes. And, the DSG was not nearly as jerky as I remember it from a previous experience a year or so ago when I test drove a CC. Would like to see this engine available in both the Golf and Beetle. The SE also had the faux leather, which was not offensive at all. Also had Bluetooth and cruise. But, it was a bit pricey at something like $22K - before the dealer sticker added on $1500 for their "protection package". Sigh.

Next stop was the Dodge dealer. I figure the Dart might lease out pretty cheap if I kept an eye on what options it had. Have been to the dealer twice already - once this morning, again after lunch. Still haven't driven it. Not enough time in the morning, but I did get a brochure. Was planning to drive it after lunch, but a phone call from the wife redirected me to run an errand on her behalf. Sigh - again.

stickguy

Took the wife out this afternoon to run some errands, and stopped to look at the 2012 Mustang convertible I posted the other day. And, she didn't complain or anything! Getting mellow in her old age.

salesdude came out, and just made a copy of my license, pulled it out, and said to go have fun. So off we went. top up for a while, then I stopped 1/2 and dropped the top. Overall, I liked it. Comfy seats. Drove OK. A little stiff and some cowl shake, but not too bad. Wife even liked it, except the headrest really pushed her head forward. Helped raising it, and I think you could turn it around if needed I think. But, would have to try it again to make sure.

it was at a Chebby dealer, so sat in a camaro. Liked the headrests better, but overall we could not see ourselves owning one at our age.

I pointed out a few other options (including a mid-size Benz) and she said that she like the Mustang better. She really seems fixated on that car, which confuses the heck out of me. Must be part of that hormonal deal?

Did point out a 3 series, and she liked that (and knows from prior experience they are nice). Told her about the 1 series, and it seemed interesting. As was the Mini of all things!

Budget of course will be a huge part of the equation, but right now, the "medium" list is:

- Mustang 2011-new
- BMW 3 series, old to new
- BMW 1 series
- Volvo C70
- VW Eos
- Lexus IS (not likely, but hey, free to look!)
- Mini

so based on the rough criteria of something reasonably nice, a back seat, not too expensive or exotic, not too big, no "old fogey" cars, any other options to consider?

corvette

"However, if I'm keeping my cars for nearly 8 years and 105,000 + miles, I don't think resale is a big factor really."

Maybe in 8 years, you'll be ordering a new S6… After a 3-series and a 5-series, I'm not convinced that the larger car adds that much, even though the M5 is supposed to be the premier sport sedan (above the M3).

corvette

I agree that the DSG does feel like a manual, but not in a bad way, more like I can feel the direct connection of the engine to the wheels without a torque converter in between. Plus, all of its shifts are much smoother than the way I shift a manual. :P

If you want to really see it stumble, park on an uphill incline, drop it into Drive, and hit the gas pedal before all the parts have a chance to engage. I only did that once or twice!

Sandman6472

Drove one this week and it was great though ingress and egress were a bit challenging so as much as I want one, don't think it will work. But it is still on the short list along with the ILX and the Verano and Tuscon as I have taken the Elantra/Forte off as they are just too "econobox" and that is the category I want to get away from. The X3 I drove was stellar as was the C250 but these are a bit too pricey for me and even though the wife gave me her o k on these tonight, I don't think I could spend that much on an vehicle. My time frame is 2016 or 2017 so there will be new models on the market so my choices could change. But at that time, depending on life circumstances, I might just throw caution to the wind and finance a true lux vehicle...but now I got the o k to do exactly what "I" want...it's a nice feeling!!!
At work, pissed boss off royally yesterday on my birthday and things are getting to a bad point right now so am pretty much in the proverbial dog house so have decided to keep a low profile for awhile. The other crew chief has asked me to come over to his team and am weighing the possibility right now...even the wife told me to "just do it" at dinner earlier cause she can see how unhappy I am with my current boss but hate to leave the few friends on my crew whom I've really bonded with. So I will mull things over here and see where things lead me...if it is the right move for me, G-d will let me know. And that Hertz position is still up in the air but I think my age and use of a straight cane might be working against me even though they know I can do the work. It would be 28 hours/week with set days and hours, just what I've always wanted. So again, if it's meant to be, G-d will show me the way and they will hire me. I can only hope and pray!

The Hopeful Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Like your choices also especially the Eos, seems we are in the same frame of mind here but my time frame is much farther out there than yours. I want to earn some more interest on the funds I will be getting very soon, once the judge appoints me as executor...and since my Civic has such low mileage, just can't see getting rid of it unless the boy takes it. Would make a great "Chicago car" as I think he has off street parking where he lives. But his lady has a vehicle so he might not need it which is fine with me, I will just keep it the full 10 year time. If I can keep a job transporting vehicles, then my itch can be scratched with all the different models I get to drive. And to be honest, the Civic is in such pristine shape, makes no sense to just get something different. I hate wasting $, just hate it and will not do it...ever! I really am so out of my league here but keep me abreast of your plans as I like your choices sir!

The Sandman

stickguy

after cruising through autotrader a bit, I realize that convertibles are expensive. especially the nice ones if you want something pretty new. Stuff like BMWs is eye watering price or old. Not sure I want to go there.

The Mustang actually looks like the best combination of usability and cost. Even a used 2013 is not that bad, and most likely at some point they will be blowing out brand new leftovers if the new 2014 design comes out.

stickguy

did some more browsing. Starting to think that a more used 3 series might be a better overall idea. Of course better chance at a money pit, but definitely a nicer car, and I suspect a bit more our "style". I think my wife and daughter would be OK with one of these instead of a Mustang!

Something along these lines:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tab=summary&recnum=&actLog=&listingId=1- 21220252&paId=526933520&listingRecNum=4&criteria=feedSegId%3d28705%26rpp%3d50%26- isDealerGrouping%3dfalse%26sf2Nm%3dmiles%26sf1Nm%3dprice%26sf2Dir%3dASC%26stkTyp- Id%3d28881%26PMmt%3d1-8-0%26rn%3d0%26zc%3d08043%26rd%3d30%26crSrtFlds%3dstkTypId- -feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-bsId%26bsId%3d20202%26mdId%3d20439%26mdId%3d204- 06%26mdId%3d20443%26mdId%3d20408%26mdId%3d20444%26mdId%3d20409%26mdId%3d20445%26- mdId%3d21392%26stkTyp%3dU%26mkId%3d20005%26alMdId%3d26641%26prMn%3d0%26sf1Dir%3d- DESC%26prMx%3d19000&tracktype=usedcc&pageNumber=&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumRe- sultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&&aff=nat- ional

stickguy

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listin- gId=126986306&listingRecNum=10&criteria=feedSegId%3D28705%26rpp%3D50%26isDealerG- rouping%3Dfalse%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26stkTypId%3D2888- 1%26PMmt%3D1-8-0%26rn%3D0%26zc%3D08043%26rd%3D30%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegI- d-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-bsId%26bsId%3D20202%26mdId%3D20439%26mdId%3D20406%26mdId- %3D20443%26mdId%3D20408%26mdId%3D20444%26mdId%3D20409%26mdId%3D20445%26mdId%3D21- 392%26stkTyp%3DU%26mkId%3D20005%26alMdId%3D26641%26prMn%3D0%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26pr- Mx%3D30000&aff=national&listType=1

stickguy

this is not right for me, but dang, this must be a rare beast. Manual trans ZHP convertible? I did not know they even made them. Gorgeous.

http://www.delawarevalleymotors.com/inventorymanager.php?action=view&Id=505863

kyfdx

The nice thing about the ZHP, other than the higher entry price, and the cost of 18" tires, is everything else is basic 3-Series..

My coupe is a daily driver... Put my winter tires on last weekend.

oldfarmer50

"...charge extra for pizza smell..."

True. In fact they could probably resell that car to the same medicinal cigarette smokers once they got the munchies.

oldfarmer50

"...if the new 2014 design comes out..."

I think the new design comes out in 2015. That might make the 2014 cheaper once the new model is revealed around January.

But hey, if my wife gave me the nod on a Mustang vert I'd be driving right now instead of typing.

crkyolfrt

They don't charge extra for a car that was smoked in? Wow. I simply wouldn't buy a smoker unless the price was so low that all the seats, carpeting, headliner were replaced with new. Scrubbing the left over plastics I would bother to do but the price would not be nearly low enough to cover all these caveats...so I see a smoker as a very hard sell. Amazing that a lease co wouldn't ding huge on that. I sat in a used Ridgeline the other day and it was so hummy I didn't want to touch....anything basically..

suydam

I agree. Would never buy a used car that been owned by a smoker. You can never get the smell out.

corvette

I've never heard of it if they do. It's too subjective. A scratch, dent, or worn out tires can be measured and photographed. A bad odor is much harder to quantify.

nyccarguy

Kyfdx - how well does your car drive in the snow with its winter tires? As long as you drive like a sane human being, is it OK in a couple inches of snow?

Sandman6472

Just showed the wife your BMW's and told her how much fun it would be to have one. She said they leak, etc. and I told her not all of them do. I would actually love to keep the Civic and get a drop top for a fun vehicle to be used weekends but this is gonna take a whole lot of persuasion on my part because I know she'll say it is a waste of $ since the insurance will go up even though we'd put under 5k on it. This would be the perfect solution to be honest since I could keep the miles down on both vehicles and even keep the Civic longer! And I bet I could find a nice Miata down here which I know once she drove it, she'd love it. And I can afford to do this very soon since I am going to be the executor. And living in South Florida, a convertible is really a no-brainer and there hasn't been one in the family since our 1970 Caddy. This could actually work!!!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fintail

I have an idea - buy a vintage convertible. As you'll rarely be driving it, you can put it on an antique policy (Hagerty allows 2500 miles/year, I think, and costs little), depreciation will be low, maintenance might not be bad, and it will be fun.

corvette

After some wrangling, Swope agreed to repair the damaged area on my driver's door. It looks about 95% better. There is a small area near the bottom edge of the door where the clear coat looks slightly cloudy. Since it's in an inconspicuous location and you can only see it at certain lighting angles, I'm going to let it be. The color match was excellent and I couldn't find any overspray anywhere. The exterior of the car was fully detailed when I picked it up, which was a nice touch.

I don't think I can in good conscience give them a perfect survey with VW. At this point, since they did fix the damage, I plan to refuse to take the survey at all, which should be better for them than an imperfect survey.

I had a different 2013 Passat (this time, a black SE without a sunroof) as a loaner this time. I stand by all of my earlier impressions, especially the idea that it's too soft in general. I noticed more wind noise in this one. This car also exhibited the same popping and crackling from the second tier of the dashboard which worsened when the sun was shining on it. Truly a poor design. In the midsize segment, I think I would take the four cylinder Accord or Altima over the Passat.

stickguy

Sandy, I don't think leaks have been an issue for a very long times. BMWs may do a lot of things to you, but I don't suspect leaking is one of them!

As to the Miata, have you tried one out? They are tight and low. getting in and out is not that easy on the old back! Something that sits higher (like a 3 series) might be a whole lot more comfortable.

kyfdx

With winter tires, it's fantastic.. I can stop and turn better than our G37X with all-seasons, and the winters give it enough traction to get through anything that I don't have to plow the airdam through..

The handling and balance help in inclement weather, just like they do on dry roads.... traction control and stability control take care of the rest..

I've got a stick, but my wife drove automatics... 2003 325i and 2005 330i convertible... with winter tires, and never got stuck.... and, she didn't know if she had FWD or RWD... And, we live in a very hilly area....

Sandman6472

Yes, a Miata won't work because of the egress/ingress issues but I do like the look and size of them. I love the BMW verts but the interiors of any that I could afford look ravaged by the elements and the wood, or fake wood, looked terrible. I like the Eos hardtop drop tops and have driven a few...not too hard to get in/out of and the size I prefer and the prices I saw on Autotrader were reasonable so that might be the logical choice after I let the Civic go from the stable as I don't think a 3rd vehicle is going to fly since we can only fit two in the garage and leaving a vehicle outside is not an option really. We decided not to widen our driveway after the girls got their own places since they took their vehicles with them and we did discuss it last week again but have decided again that it is not necessary right now. If I did get a third vehicle then I would definitely have it widened immediately...but right now, that idea has been tabled for another day but it don't mean I have stopped looking and who knows if I do find something I like, I might just throw caution to the wind and just do it. Sometimes in life a situation presents itself where getting the o k from the significant other is just not doable...and at my stage of life, I don't need to ask anyone's permission no matter what the Mrs. thinks.
First thing I need to do is drive a 3 Series since I drove the Mini Cooper last week instead. But I need to drive a 3 Series just to see if it would work as my d d, I know the Eos would work fine, fit on my side of the garage and fit the budget I have in my mind. I like the hard top drop top a lot for the fact that it is very much so a hardtop and bet it would be more comfortable with our South Florida summer heat and do not remember it having a big blind spot in the rear...the drop top 3 Series look like it could be hard to see out the rear. But again I think a vehicle that I could slide over into makes the most sense for me and my spinal issues and I do like the Tuscon and X3 a whole lot. Too much to think about right now so I will just continue to look and maybe do a test drive here and there.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

nyccarguy

you know me too well. my next question was going to be about how it drives compared to your G37X:)

How many miles are on your car now?

oldfarmer50

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4170421386.html

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4115271171.html

And one for Mitchell to deliver pizza in:

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4155394511.html
Doubt it was tracked or otherwise abused.

stickguy

that white sedan sounds like buying a car from my BIL in Amsterdam. OCD owner, and in a nice garage all winter.

the black convertible is nice, other than the wheels.

Not looking to go that old, but the price is right! Too bad on this purchase, it needs to be a slushbox...

breld

Stick - definitely try out some of those older 3's to see if you like them. I'm really happy with the one we picked up a couple of months ago. It's an '04 with 72k miles on, great condition, and I got it for $12,500. So those ones that you posted do seem to be priced a bit high considering the miles.

A ZHP manual 'vert? I'd like that, but at $19k with 80k miles? Not so sure about that.

breld

Hey Michael - thanks for sharing your impressions on the 1.8T in that Jetta. Sounds like a nice setup. That trannie actually is not the DSG, which may explain why you liked it - can't remember if it's a 5 or 6 speed, but it's definitely a "traditional" auto.

And that engine will make its way throughout the line-up - it's in the Passat now in certain models and it will make its way into the next-gen Golf next year. Not sure about the Beetle, but I think it will quickly replace the 2.5l engine in all instances.

oldfarmer50

"...a car from my BIL..."

Speaking of him, what did he do with that S2000?

kyfdx

Almost 79K miles.. Had 40K when I bought it in April 2010...

It's a 2006 model that wasn't put into service until July, 2006...

stickguy

my other BIL bought it (with what, I don't know!). Apparently it was funny to see him wedged behind the wheel driving it (his belly is a bit on the large size these days).

He claimed it before I had a chance to decide on it.

Michaell

It's a 6 speed.

Glad to hear that this engine/trans combo will find its way through the rest of the VW lineup.

Sandman6472

Was looking at Autotrader and found a local cool ride, a drop top, right down the street and am planning to take a run over there and check it out. It's the perfect color combo though it's a slush box but for me, that's perfect. It has some miles though, 88.3k, but for a toy I don't think that's totally terrible. It's a 2005 325Ci drop top in a stellar gray over gray combo and I am going to go over tomorrow to take a gander just to see. I know the misses would go nuts if I brought this puppy home but I think in time, she would absolutely love it and even drive it to be honest. By doing this, I could split my miles between it and the Civic and just keep the Civic longer cause it really is so cheap to keep and it's paid for. I can pay cash for this one also and they're asking $11,495 but who knows how long it has sat on their lot. Bet if I offered them $10.4k they'd probably take it but would love to start down around $10k and come up a bit. Doubt they have a line of folks wanting this puppy as the color combo might not be everyone's favorite, seems black or white does a lot better down south here for some reason. Saw it earlier on Autotrader and it was calling to me for some reason...it is calling my name! And how much fun it could be for all of us to!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

roadburner

No, I'm still hanging on to the Mazdaspeed, but this puppy ticks almost all the boxes:
http://www.louisvillefinemotorcars.com/2011-BMW-3Series/Used-Car/Louisville-KY/0- - - - /3428500/Details.aspx

M Sport, manual gearbox, manual heated seats, RWD, Xenons... Almost as if I optioned it myself...

qbrozen

iDrive with a manual seat? That's a new one.

And way way overpriced. Given the odd option list, this one would be down around $20k auction and $19k trade, I think.

roadburner

I agree on the price- $22k-$24k is more like it. Carfax says they've had it for two months...

nyccarguy

Most of you guys know my feelings on used cars. Many 1 - 2 year old, cream puff, low mileage, CPO cars are commanding quite a pretty penny these days. But given my current (short term) financial constraints, I was checking out some quality used cars that as long as they check out, should last (they are Hondas after all). Today's "what on g-ds green earth is Bradd thinking?" car is: 2007 - 2008 Acura TL Type S. Now the '08s being the last year "before the beak," still have asking prices for the low to mid $20s, but 2007s seem to be priced just under $20K. Tell me what you think:

This 6,500 mile example represents a car in perfect shape & the price reflects it. Besides the fact that the interior is too light for my use, but an almost $26,000 asking price for an almost 7 year old car is down right ridiculous.

This Private Sale 2007 TL Type S is an example of a fanatically maintained car that only has a little over 63,000 miles on it. Let's say it checks out (or one like it) and I get the guy to knock $1000 off his asking price. After 3 years, I'd have about 123,000 miles on it and it still could be going strong.

This Black 2007 for sale on a used car lot looks good too for an $18,000 asking price.

Car Max has this 73,000 mile silver/black TL Type S for $19,600.

qbrozen - are these cars bringing a killing at the auction or are they just typical high priced, used, Hondas?

corvette

I agree it's way overpriced, and a 335 would be more fun (probably at the expense of reliability). I don't see headlight washers, but it does have heated seats and claims to have a folding rear seat/ski bag. I'm not fond of the wood trim, especially on sport models, and prefer the aluminum, like my 325i had.

oldfarmer50

"...the misses would go nuts..."

Here's a hint. Bring it home with a big bow stuck on the roof and announce to the wife: "Happy early (pick an occasion). Look what I bought for YOU dear!"

She'll be so flattered that you'll have it in for the second oil change before she wises up.

corvette

I really, really liked those in the royal blue color they offered in (at least) 2004-2005, with a tan interior. Not sure how long that color combination was offered. It's been several years since I drove one but I remember feeling like the driving experience was bland.

oldfarmer50

"...just typically high priced..."

I think you're paying quite a premium for the perception of higher Honda quality. I don't get it but apparently enough other people do and you're bidding against them.

I like that one with 6500 miles best but oh that price! Still you have yourself a new car unless the guy drove demo derby on the week ends. You could put 50k miles on that and still have a good car to resell.

jayrider

don't act too excited and make sure they know your wife is against any car.

stickguy

by coincidence, I took my daughter out today to the place nearby that has a few BMW verts. They had 3, all in one shade or another of silver or gray.

the 2 autos were a 2006 (81K) and a 2004 (62K). Both nice. the 2006 was super clean overall. I could be very happy with either one, and probably enjoy driving it more than a Mustang (which I will admit is a better $ value).

if the one you are looking at was up here, and I was looking at about 10k (and it was that clean) I probably would have said what the heck, wrap it up and I will take it home today!

didn't drive one (it was getting late) but will probably bring the wife and daughter over 1st thing saturday morning to take one for a spin.

stickguy

that is my favorite generation of TL. Much nicer than the 2000 I have. and better than what it was replaced with.

those prices do seem kind of high though. And I do worry a bit about the tranny on a high mileage unit.

should have gone after that ES350 you found a few weeks back.

Sandman6472

That could work but don't think she'd want to keep it. I have decided to go take a test drive on Thursday just to see how it drives and go from there. It could drive terribly or those rear blind spots in the c pillar could be really bad making the rear vision dangerous which would be a deal killer for me. I think G-d is guiding me here because he showed me the vehicle online today in Autotrader and I got a check in the mail for almost half the price of the vehicle from an investment I had...so maybe G-d is really showing me that this is meant to be! Once I do drive it, I'll know better what my choices will be as it could sell before I get there and this will all be moot! But it is really sweet, and it would make me so happy...so happy!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Passed my Tires Plus this morning and they were empty in the alignment machine so I pulled in and asked them to please try and fix it properly this time. The guy took it in and eventually swaps the front tires and drives it. Comes back and asks me to with him in the car. I show him that he made it worse and he sees how crooked the steering wheel is and takes it back into the shop. Comes out 15 minutes later and does the same procedure but this time the wheel is almost dead on, like 98% correct so I said let's leave it alone and I drive off with a smile on my face. Now, my vehicle is as it should be for the time being and I am a happy guy.
Now I need to check out that '05 325 Ci drop top and see if it might just be what this 59 year old needs for a birthday gift...why wait till my 60th because we have no idea if I will even be around next year really...my siblings died before this and my twin and I could be taken at any moment so why not live. This is going to be my approach to my wife if I end up buying the vehicle, indulge me because I could be gone tomorrow and I bet she'd love it to if she gave it a chance. I feel like I need a life change right about now and I think I deserve it personally and the best part is I can afford it...I really can! Will call my insurance guy in the morning just to get an idea as to how much insurance would cost, as it would be used as a part time vehicle and I'd make sure to drive it less than 5k/year. I really want a convertible right now!!!

The Sandman :sick: :shades: