Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

It's a bit refrigerator-like, but seems like a very reasonably priced winter ride.

breld

@stickguy said:
The SE also drives pretty well with the 1.8t engine. I would never have considered it with the doggy 2.5l 5 cyl.

Yeah, I wouldn't go with the GLI so much for the 2.0T, as much as for the cosmetic enhancements, particularly since the '14 SE now has the independent rear suspension. As you already know, the SE 1.8T has plenty of pep, gets great gas mileage, and certain things are probably cheaper in the long run, like tires and trannie maintenance (DSG vs. 6-speed auto).

And like you're saying, you probably can get a sunroof model for less than the base GLI without it.

stickguy

The SE w/roof does have some extra features (backup cam, moonroof, and keyless go I am sure of). But I do agree that the sport seats (cloth) in the GLI are nice, it is supposed to have a nicer dashboard (though I never notice that), and the "face" is better looking. Offset that with more sidewall (55 series vs. 45 I think), regular gas, better MPG and it is not a slam-dunk.

the 1.8t and IRS really narrowed the gap.

at this point, I am thinking it will come down to a choice of an SE or GLI (2014s) on a lease. Not thinking that a buy deal on the leftover 2013 GLI is going to make sense.

but, need to see #s tomorrow. Even better, now it is supposed to snow all day tomorrow. I plan to go while there is snow on the roads, and hopefully there will be no other customers. I have no problem sitting there for 2 hours, letting the salesmanager bid against himself!

stickguy

OK, tell me if I am nuts. But I keep thinking about leasing a deal for myself, on something like a Sonota GLS or (and I can't believe I am typing this) a Camry LE. Because some of the deals floating around on them are darned cheap.

my (admittedly shaky) logic is this. My son buys his car now (finally!). So I get my TL back. But I don't really want it all that bad. So I can sell that and get the cheap lease. I keep the Volvo for now, sharing with daughter (she can take that to HS for the rest of the school year). Once she goes to college, I sell the Volvo too.

Freshman year, she is car-less. Sophmore year, she can take the lease car (which I will be totally over by then) with her, and I get something else.

actually, I am not sure how I come out ahead in this deal. Probably better just keeping the 2 old cars until the summer, then selling them both late in the summer and getting a model year end screaming deal, or buy an interesting used car.

though if the job I interviewed for comes through, the new plan is more likely, because I will actually need a car to drive every day, and that won't be the TL or a toy!

breld

Good luck with that! Can't wait to hear what you and your son end up with.

Your son's experience may be different, but I know if I had to do it all over again with my Passat, I would've opted for the SE w/sunroof model to get the touchscreen, back-up camera, nicer wheels, etc. Don't fall into the trap I did with targeting the lowest payment without considering some of the features you may miss later.

corvette

@stickguy said:
The SE w/roof does have some extra features (backup cam, moonroof, and keyless go I am sure of).

That's weird... You have to get the fully loaded navigation version of the GLI to get the backup cam and keyless ignition. Actually, I don't see the backup cam as a feature on the SE with sunroof. I could have done without the (crummy) navigation system and maybe the xenon lights, but really wanted the keyless ignition.

corvette

@breld said:
trannie maintenance (DSG vs. 6-speed auto).

I think VW now specifies transmission fluid changes at 50 or 60k even for the conventional automatics, versus 40k for the DSG. Those of us in this group are unlikely to pay for more than one change!

@stickguy said:
OK, tell me if I am nuts. But I keep thinking about leasing a deal for myself, on something like a Sonota GLS or (and I can't believe I am typing this) a Camry LE. Because some of the deals floating around on them are darned cheap.

I would take a look at the Accord LX, EX, or Sport. The LX, in particular, always has a good lease program and has a lot of equipment for the money. The LX has small-ish 16" wheels and narrow 205mm width tires, but other than that, the content is pretty sweet.

stickguy

@corvette, correct on the backup cam. I am getting my cars mixed up. That requires the SEL (I assume it is connected to the Navi). But you get the keyless go with the moonroof for some reason. I think the GLI is slightly behind on some of the features.

I would probably look at the Accord if I was to get a mid size car. I was more interested in the ridiculous lease deals on the other cars. After more discussion, it does not make sense to get something now. At the end of the summer, when college (where, how much, and when she will take a car) is all settled and the daughter is packed off, then I will start the wheeling and dealing!

@breld, no, for him, not shopping just on price. Minimum standards apply, as long as the price stays within range, but it could be the deciding factor between a couple of good options.

stever

Here you go:

Incentive Battle Heats Up in Midsize Sedan Segment

"Buyers can lease a 2014 Accord LX sedan for $219 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing." The heck with Franklins or even McKinleys - drop a couple of Chases out there and enjoy President's Day.

stickguy

too bad not looking at mid sizers right now (for the kid that is buying). I was surprised because he seemed to like the TL, but he wants something a size smaller. Still, from looking here, there are quite a few incentives floating around on the VWs too.

I wonder if I could live with an LX? That would probably have to be the daughters car. I have no interest in something like that for myself really, unless my commuting needs change radically. Still, that is about $270/mo + TTL at drive-off. Hard to go wrong there.

nyccarguy

@breld @stickguy

GLIs had the IRS last year. The "regular" Jettas get it for 2014. You are talking to a guy who has 2 leftovers in the fleet. Bought my '01 Prelude on 4/27/02 & my '11 328xi on March 21, 2012. Both cars were exactly as I wanted them (Type SH, Red & NAV, Xenon, heated seats, heated steering wheel, black interior, not black exterior).

I think the smarter choice is definitely the 1.8 SE. But like you said, its his money;)

qbrozen

@corvette said:
I always liked the look of those. It looks good in white. Although that example has low miles, it's beat all to heck on the outside, and the interior looks better except for the door armrest areas, which are sagging.

Sagging door panels are a given on all the S/V70s. Only the Rs escaped the disease because they had different stitched panels. There was a vinyl replacement kit, but I've never actually seen one of those in the wild. I believe the consensus was they were too crappy to justify the expense.

stickguy

@nyccarguy said:
breld stickguy

GLIs had the IRS last year. The "regular" Jettas get it for 2014. You are talking to a guy who has 2 leftovers in the fleet. Bought my '01 Prelude on 4/27/02 & my '11 328xi on March 21, 2012. Both cars were exactly as I wanted them (Type SH, Red & NAV, Xenon, heated seats, heated steering wheel, black interior, not black exterior).

I think the smarter choice is definitely the 1.8 SE. But like you said, its his money;)

I gave him all the advice about the 1.8 SE being the better idea. his answer was basically I don't care, I like the GLI.

interesting enough, 1 dealer by me (of course, not the one that I have been talking too) is listing a couple of the new Edition 30 models listed. Though I assume the price they are showing is a mistake (basically a loaded car priced like a base), otherwise that is one screaming deal. I will call them in the morning before we go out shopping to see.

nyccarguy

@roadburner

That Black is stunning on that Vintage ///M6. I feel like I've only seen them in Cinnabar Red. Was your car an ///M6 or ///M 635CSi?

nyccarguy

@stickguy

Is there a difference in insurance rates between the GLI & The 1.8?

stickguy

@nyccarguy said:
stickguy

Is there a difference in insurance rates between the GLI & The 1.8?

Son checked, and assuming he did it right (Geico on-line) it was just about the same. probably because it is classified as a Jetta.

roadburner

@nyccarguy said:
roadburner

That Black is stunning on that Vintage ///M6. I feel like I've only seen them in Cinnabar Red. Was your car an ///M6 or ///M 635CSi?

In the US the M 635CSi was called the M6. That said, I've talked to Germans who refer to the M 635CSi as an M6 as well. All US cars were fully equipped compared to the European cars; the only option was heated seats. By the mid-eighties the confusion over M cars was already beginning; in 1985 Europe there was an M535i and an M5; the M535i was merely a 535i with an M Technic bodykit and sport seats. In contrast, you could order a "plain" M5 that looked almost identical to a 518i. In the US the M535i became the 535is while the M5 was only available with the full array of spoilers, side skirts, and emblems.

breld

Well, if the overall costs of the GLI and the SE are roughly the same, the GLI certainly is the more emotionally satisfying choice, as long as he's okay with any trade offs (like a sunroof perhaps).

Make sure to pay attention to the different feel of the two transmissions, as they are pretty distinct. That could make a difference.

breld

Well, the 335 is theoretically sold. The buyer from SC agreed to my counteroffer this evening and is planning a trip out here in two weeks to personally inspect it and arrange for transport. He would like to do it next weekend, but my family will be on a cruise to Cozumel!

It feels good to do things in the right order for once - sell the car before buying a replacement.

kyfdx

@breld

Good idea on the swap.. but, I want to keep the ZHP! Right now, we have 3 cars for 3 drivers, but the lease on the Infiniti is up in October, and I'll need a car for my son to drive.

But, if you drive the 530i here, I promise to take you to dinner. ;-)

oldfarmer50

@stickguy said:
OK, tell me if I am nuts.

LOL, yeah, you're nuts....but in a good way.

Why not just get what you want for yourself and let the kiddies fight over what's left?

tjc78

Stick, good day for shopping.... Cold rain turning to snow. Name your price!

stickguy

I was hoping for snow covered roads and general panic to keep the shoppers away. I can sit there for 2 hours letting the sales team bid against itself. Especially because it isn't going to be my car!

Sandman6472

Pulled into my side of the garage just before and yep, scrapped the side view mirror on the side as I went in...scratched the paint off naturally! Am a bit bummed right now since it ain't even 3 months that I've owned it! Oh well, [non-permissible content removed] happens and I'll just keep a good coat of wax on it and then see about what I need to do to fix it.

XM has been calling me and they offered it to me for $99/year, their newest promotion which breaks down to $8.25/month, so I said o k. Of course there is tax added on but am happy that I got it for under the $9/month that was my target price. I really do enjoy the stations I listen to so am very pleased right now.

The Sandman

imidazol97

@sandman_6472 said:
Pulled into my side of the garage just before and yep, scrapped the side view mirror on the side as I went in...scratched the paint off naturally!

Did it scratch the paint off the mirror or did it leave a layer of house paint from the side of the door on top of the paint on the mirror? I've had the latter happen, and just using a strong polish with light, repeated rubbing took it off.

corvette

@breld said:
Well, if the overall costs of the GLI and the SE are roughly the same, the GLI certainly is the more emotionally satisfying choice, as long as he's okay with any trade offs (like a sunroof perhaps).

Make sure to pay attention to the different feel of the two transmissions, as they are pretty distinct. That could make a difference.

I haven't driven the new 1.8T yet, but I think APR has a chip available for it. Of course, you don't get the sport suspension of the GLI on the SE. The SE has a lot of equipment for the money.

fezo

Transplants - as most folks - probably everyone here - what I got donated were bone marrow stem cells. 7 million of them. Weird thing go with this. Because I have a new immune system my old one, which had been plagued with autoimmune issues, is a thing of the past. My old allergies are gone but now I have his. This makes spring a breeze and fall a disaster. Thanks a lot, Carl! I changed blood types. My blood had his DNA even as the rest of me has mine. I was always a late sleeper and night owl type (mostly staying at home I'd still stay up late.) I still like being up late but Carl wakes up with the sun and I've got some of that. It's strange but wonderful.

In order to donate that many stem cells they had to treat him for three days with stuff that increased his stem cells. As you might imagine a sudden addition of 7 million cells into your bones makes them ache. (Believe me, this conversation with Carl was one of the most interesting of my life!) He dealt with three days of that and then they put you in a lounge chairs, strap down your arms, so if your nose itches you have to call a nurse to scratch it. I did not discuss having to pee.... They put a needle in each of his arms and a centrifuge between them to filter out the cells. They go through his entire blood system 4 times. Takes 6 hours after which he's fine.

On the receiving end it's a snap. They've already got the catheter in you so they just pump the cells into you and they start their work in only a couple of days. They know immediately where to go and what to do. Knowing some of how this works makes it no less miraculous. My brother's roommate from college who spent a long time studying exactly how do cells operate, how do they know what to do, how do they function is the guy who got me to Sloan Kettering. This year he won the Nobel Prize for Medicine.

qbrozen - you have a lift and an inclination to a few (3) oil changes. I normally go up and see y buddy in Wappingers Falls for this and we have a lot of fun kibitzing but right now I'd feel like I was in a Jack London novel if I went up there. I do have a good local guy finally but he's retail (still cheaper than back and forth up to Wappinger's Falls, but not as much fun)

Mike - Ill have more free time in Florida than expected. Can your dad spare you enough time to meet halfway? Just a thought. Might just make it a shorter trip. It's tough when you're visiting working folk....

Richard - where the hell exactly are you? Anywhere remotely on the path to Florida?

stickguy

I think Richard is in Lumburton. Right on 95. EZ off, EZ on!

stickguy

@sandman_6472 said:
Pulled into my side of the garage just before and yep, scrapped the side view mirror on the side as I went in...scratched the paint off naturally! Am a bit bummed right now since it ain't even 3 months that I've owned it! Oh well, [non-permissible content removed] happens and I'll just keep a good coat of wax on it and then see about what I need to do to fix it.

Sandy, if it makes you feel better, I did the same thing to the RDX. Twice. Once each side. Not that big a deal. Took the wife a while to notice. I do hate how wide cars are now. very little clearance on each side. At some point I may get touch up paint to hide the damage a little better, but it is not that bad.

stickguy

OK, we have a punch pending. Scheduled to pick up new wheels Monday night. Here are some details.

went over late morning to the VW dealer. Started freezing rain by the time we got there. Just nasty out. And plenty of icy spots on the lot. Perfect shopping weather! Though I was surprised that there were a fair # of people in the place while we were there. Had to wait a few minutes for salesguy to finish with a customer, so went out back to browse the lot. Right near the door, saw a nice blue Jetta, still with all the white wrapping, fresh off the truck. Son and I both commented that we liked the color a lot. went to scope it out, and turned out to be an SE with connectivity+ moonroof. The exact model that was one of the options. Kismet!

also walked down to look at the 2013 GLI lot ornament. Compared front ends side by side. The GLI is a little snazzier, but not all that much different. At that point, we went back in to talk #s. First got a "drop the shorts" on the left over 2013. Ended up about 3K more than what we would do on it, and when I mentioned that to the salesguy, he did not bother to take the paper back, since no way we were closing the gap. Fine by me, since I was not high on that option anyway.

so asked for updated quote on the SE (we had shopped this model before). a little back and forth, clarification on incentives (we qualify for college grad rebate), we were at a # that worked for us. So, asked for a test drive before committing (it had been a while since driving an SE), he brought one up, and let us off on our own.

Really drove nice, comfy, quick, still had some turbo growl. fantastic bun warmers. Son was quite pleased, and over his GLI obsession. Plus, our roads are so horrible now, the 55 series tires were a nice bonus.

decided at the end that yes, this was a fine option, he liked it, and was good with this instead of a mazda 3 or GLI

oldfarmer50

"...I do hate how wide cars are now..."

Ha ha yeah, that's the problem, wide cars. I've scraped a few bumpers because cars were too long.

stickguy

So, the deal. Actually my first lease. Odd process to me. End up doing a true sign and drive. zippo at drive off, then 35 payments. Didn't even need a checkbook. Could be like a crack addiction it was so easy to drive off in new wheels.

I may have left something on the table, but I did try to knock another $10 off and got nowhere. And we were not willing to start running around trying to shop them. Son was happy, his money, so we said yes, and wrote up the package.

terms are 36 mo, 36,000 miles (should be plenty for him), true S&D, $285/mo (35 payments). Plus VW includes 2 years free maintenance, and 3 years roadside, so real cost certainty. This is on a 2014 SE with roof AT, MSRP $24,585. If we got ripped off, oh well. At least the kid has a reliable new car at a reasonable payment, and did not have to settle for a strippo model. Really well equipped overall.

Jetta is also "old school" design. Boxy, meaning tons of interior room and excellent visibility. Huge trunk too.

will report back on the delivery process monday night.

stickguy

Oh, most important part? I finally have my own car again, since I inherit back the TL. Just gotta deal with parking 4 cars now instead of 3. Snow better melt soon, since I really need the road parking back.

stickguy

not the car, but this is the color. Really sharp looking in person. Black guts.

fezo

Oh, that's fantastic! I'd take that.

No response form Mike or Richard. Maybe they like me more as their imaginary friend.

js06gv

@stickguy said:
terms are 36 mo, 36,000 miles (should be plenty for him), true S&D, $285/mo (35 payments). Plus VW includes 2 years free maintenance, and 3 years roadside, so real cost certainty. This is on a 2014 SE with roof AT, MSRP $24,585. If we got ripped off, oh well. At least the kid has a reliable new car at a reasonable payment, and did not have to settle for a strippo model. Really well equipped overall.

If it's a 36 month lease and you're talking about 35 payments, I assume it's first payment at delivery? You also mentioned sign and drive and no checkbook so was wondering. My Optima lease earlier this week was also first pmt only at delivery, all other fees rolled in. Was also my first lease in over 20 years of buying, so even though I'm always confident in my purchase deals that I'm not leaving any money on the table I'm really just guessing on this lease (researched the money factor, lease incentives, residual etc but who knows if there's more....). I'm at $374/mo on a $31,200 vehicle with the exact same terms as you.

js06gv

Prior post was the first since I changed my signature line with list of cars. On my profile it's updated but here it had the old list. Weird.

roadburner

@sandman_6472 said:
Pulled into my side of the garage just before and yep, scrapped the side view mirror on the side as I went in...scratched the paint off naturally! Am a bit bummed right now since it ain't even 3 months that I've owned it! Oh well, [non-permissible content removed] happens and I'll just keep a good coat of wax on it and then see about what I need to do to fix it.

BTDT, my Club Sport needs @$1,400 worth of bodywork- I grazed the side of my pit garage backing in after a track session. At least my BMW dealer has a truly first-rate body shop!

nyccarguy

@sandman_6472

Stinks to hear about "the 1st scratch," but it was bound to happen. At least YOU did it & not some one who backed into you in a parking lot. Of course, THE MOST IMPORTANT thing is that nobody got hurt.

@stickguy

Congrats & Mazel-Tov to you & stickguyjr on the Jetta. Smart choice. Having maintenance covered for 2 years is great too. If you are happy with the car & the deal, then it doesn't matter if you left money on the table or not. I can't wait to see some pics!

stickguy

@js06, the first payment was folded in. so technically part of the nothing down. truly sign and drive, with 35 more payments due.

stickguy

@nyccarguy, thanks. I posted that one pic to show the color. Will get some pictures next week if the weather clears up. Looks like the one I posted but with nicer wheels. I could have posted the dealer listing, but it was so new there were not even any pictures. Must have come off the truck in the last day or 2. They did not even have time to do initial prep and move it to car row (not that there was any room out there anyway!)

breld

Congrats! I think that's a great choice and love that color.

Though this is the son's car - maybe you can treat yourself to a nice new Golf thus summer!

Sandman6472

Very cool on the blue SE...like those a lot and did look but if I'd gone VW, the Tiguan would've been my ride as made no sense to swap out the Civic for another small sedan. To be honest here, the Tuscon is about the same width as the Civic was as it's based on the Elantra if I am not mistaken here. None the less, I did scrape the paint off pretty nicely even though I was going very slow. Funny thing is I was on the wife's side before my paycheck came from Fedex and decided to go put it into the bank. Knowing Mrs. Sandman was due home today from my kid's place, I put mine back into my space when I hit the side. Oh well. I know in time I might have a few other hits on it so put some fresh wax on it for now and will have to wait and see what happens. I know [non-permissible content removed] happens and am more angry at myself than anything else really as I am usually super careful pulling in. But I've become spoiled being the only one home from Sunday night till Saturday morning the last few months as I usually pull is right down the middle.

The stereo guy called and told me to come over to listen to the new speakers in a vehicle they just did and must say, sounded very good. They are using Hertz equipment, a new product for their store and suggested we just put a processor and replace the front door speakers to start. Mentioned the rears and he said to just do the fronts with the processor and see how I like the sound and go from there. Figured it'll save me close to $400 going this route first so I said sure. I like to be enveloped by the music like I had in the Civic and after sitting in the Mustang, sounded very similar...this guy is really good with his audio abilities so am pretty confident that he will get me what I am looking for. I do not mind paying a bit extra for great sound as I do spend a fair amount of time in my vehicle now.

The Sandman

roadburner

Nice car, Stick!

jpp75

@stickguy Congrats on the punch! I really like the color and sounds like a great deal.

jpp75

Like most of the east coast we got hit with a major winter storm, we had about 8" of snow here with some ice/sleet mixed in, quite a mess. I was impressed with the Q50 AWD in the snow, I got out Thursday and went to help a friend who had gotten her Lexus IS250 stuck and had to leave it in someone's driveway. Side roads were unplowed but had some tracks here and there, after we started out I thought I should have taken the Pathfinder since it has higher ground clearance, but it was outside and I didn't feel like cleaning it off. In the end the Q50 did great, no problems at all except for some clearance issues where the snow was deepest. Continue to be impressed with this car!

ab348

@fezo said:
No response form Mike or Richard. Maybe they like me more as their imaginary friend.

Richard is posting over at the Stories From the Sales Frontlines board that you're welcome to stop by.

ab348

@stickguy said:
nyccarguy, thanks. I posted that one pic to show the color. Will get some pictures next week if the weather clears up. Looks like the one I posted but with nicer wheels.

Paint color is nice. Do they come with any interior other than black? Up here VW only sells black interiors in the Golf and Jetta, having taken away the choices that they used to offer here and maybe still offer in the USA market. I hate black interiors so VW is a longshot for me to consider.

stickguy

You can get tan (cornsilk) which is OK too. This one happened to have the black, but my son liked it. They did have a nice SEL with a cornsilk/black 2-tone interior that was really sharp.

stickguy

@ab348 said:
Richard is posting over at the Stories From the Sales Frontlines board that you're welcome to stop by.

I put a note out on sales story warning Richard that Fezo might show up on his doorstep. He probably is either in witness protection, or locking up all the valuables.