Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

graphicguy

Michaell...not knowing equipment (Nav? Tech? Premium?). I'm at $22K. Make that offer....one time....today only and I buy the car. I'm thinking they've got $20-$21K in it.

carnaught

Had an '11 G37 coupe. Nice car but the non-sport seats not comfortable for me. $25k is too much for a '10; agree with the low 20's.

corvette

@Michaell@Edmunds said:
I'm thinking she should start negotiating at $23K .. what say you?

Dealer retail should be around $23,500 according to Edmunds (that's using my zip code). I may have left a few options off when doing the calculation. I'd start at $22 or less.

corvette

@fezo said:
How's VW done by you? (Anyone with a recent VW feel free to answer).

The GLI is a great drive. The seats are comfortable, the ride is firm, the 2.0T engine is great, and the xenon headlights are outstanding.

That said, the dealer service experience has been less than stellar, as has the (same dealer) body repair experience. As I have had bad sales and/or service experiences at the other two VW dealers in the area when we had two VWs in the family about a decade ago, I'm thinking it may be another decade before I get another one.

Michaell

@graphicguy said:
Michaell...not knowing equipment (Nav? Tech? Premium?). I'm at $22K. Make that offer....one time....today only and I buy the car. I'm thinking they've got $20-$21K in it.

GG - I did say. Premium and nav both.

I will call sis (she's in San Diego) and tell her to offer $22k firm.

ab348

@corvette said:
That said, the dealer service experience has been less than stellar, as has the (same dealer) body repair experience. As I have had bad sales and/or service experiences at the other two VW dealers in the area when we had two VWs in the family about a decade ago, I'm thinking it may be another decade before I get another one.

I had a VW nearly 25 years ago and loved it, and could see myself in a GLI or GTI - but the local dealers scare me. There is a VW dealership not too far down the road from me, but it is owned by a local mega-chain that has a well-deserved bad reputation for both slimy sales tactics and horrendous after-sale service. The other VW dealer is farther away though not ridiculously so. It is where I bought my VW all those years ago. The experience was not bad and the service was OK, though not great. But it is owned by a local guy who I absolutely despise. I cannot bring myself to give him my money.

graphicguy

Sorry, Michaell. I didn't catch the "options" on your post. I stand by the $22K number.

Michaell

I've talked with my sister. She's going in with the $22k number and see where it leads her.

stickguy

I had a great experience buying the Jetta with my son. I think our dealer has a good reputation. They are also one of the fairly small number of top tier VW dealers (whatever they call that honor)

Have not experienced the service department yet thank goodness. But they share the service facility with Porsche and Audi, so it has a good chance of working out.

stickguy

having a dilemma. Trying to plan ahead for schlepping the kid to college in August. Knowing how my wife packs (heavy) I am already expecting a battle of too much stuff staged to ever fit in the RDX. so, working on options.

went to the trailer place today. Not too much $ for a hidden hitch (about $220 installed, another $95 if I want the wiring harness installed too). That would really be so I can use our Thule bike rack again, but I could get one of those hitch baskets for overflow.

the trailer guy also mentioned just renting a small U Haul trailer if I got the wiring installed (for less than the cost of a basket). I have never towed before, but probably not that hard, though doing a maiden voyage down 95 through DC could be interesting!

Plan C is just renting a minivan, but dang, I hate spending money on something like that! Probably about $260 for the 3 days needed.

I suppose plan D is take 2 cars, but I have no real desire to take the TL or Volvo. I suppose I could just rent something small for a lot less than a minivan, but the double gas and tolls would probably eat up the savings.

I think I will get the hitch anyway next week for my wife's birthday. Gotta do something, right?

nyccarguy

@stickguy‌

Want to switch cars for a week? You can take my wife's Pilot which has substantially more interior space than the RDX. I just can't promise I'll get the Goldfish & Everything Bagel crumbs out by the time you return. But in all seriousness, the offer is on the table.

stickguy

thanks. If you weren't 3 hours north, it might make sense!

Too bad I don't have any family close that has something big. But, worst comes to worse, I will just leave some stuff behind, and stuff it to the roof. at least going south, she won't need winter clothes before thanksgiving break.

kind of annoying that Acura doesn't give you roof rails, and they are really expensive to add (about $700 I think just for the rails installed) so I can't use my roof bag.

nyccarguy

I could meet you in Rockland;)

stickguy

I do need to get back up there again to check on things. Though I think you just want a chance to flog an RDX to see how you like it.

Mr_Shiftright

You might wanna throw some flowers in with that trailer hitch

stickguy

flowers die. Hardened steel lasts forever.

breld

@fezo said:
breid - I love hearing how you're shopping! Good taste in cars. How's VW done by you? (Anyone with a recent VW feel free to answer).

Thanks! I had a 2000 Passat that gave me enough issues to the point that I returned to the Japanese brands with an '04 TSX. But we seem to always get drawn back to VW. My wife had an '07 Jetta, then we had the '12 GTI, and now my Passat. Other than the '07, which we had until 75k miles, can't say we've owned the other ones long enough to really "test" the brand. I guess we're just willing to take on the potential extra maintenance/repair costs based on how much we like the product. Same thing with BMWs.

The independent shop we've used (and trust) for the BMWs also works on VWs, so that helps.

andres3

Was offered $39K for my American built and assembled S4 at 4,400 miles, tempted because that's a good offer frankly. I wouldn't pay $35K for it given its fit and finish quality after the accident. I'd rather have a new one for $50K + taxes and fees.

breld

Drove the CC this morning and really liked it. I think I may end up with one. I found the roominess to be adequate, and almost as good as the Passat, but it adds a distinctiveness in styling and a extra level of sportiness in its feel and handling that I find lacking a little in the Passat.

The only drawback that gives me pause is the lower MPG. Thing is, I find the power with the 1.8t in the Passat to be more than adequate and quite responsive and lively. So the extra power of the 2.0t in the CC isn't worth losing MPG to me. But, on paper, the highway EPA rating is only 3 less on the CC compared to the Passat - curious what real-world results look like.

stickguy

I suspect real world MPG will be a little more than that. Plus, you are stepping up from RUG to PUG.

stickguy

Andres, if the money works, I would do the deal. Sounds like you are never going to be happy with the current car, and may end up costing you more to make a move down the road.

life is too short to be unhappy if you can afford not to be.

Actually, this is also a good reason to lease if the miles make sense.

fezo

andres - I'm with stick on this one. No sense living with the nagging lingering thought of the accident. As long as you can afford it go get the new one.

I had an accident with the Mazda (the only at fault accident of my life) but the body shop did such a good job I barely think of it. Of course I'm talking about a car with 100K on it. Not apples to apples.

stick - I'd go with NYC's plan. Meet halfway. If that doesn't work for you rent the minivan. Sure, it's a humbling experience but it serves all your purpose and it's only a couple of days.

stickguy

Oh, renting the minivan isn't going to humble me. I had that in the back of my mind as an option for the rare time we needed extra room, back when we downsized. I just have us on an austerity budget, and am frankly too cheap to want to spend the money on it! But in the big picture, probably makes more sense than trying out towing for the first time on that drive. Plus, have to deal with the chaos of move in day at college lugging a trailer around.

what blows my mind is how expensive a minivan is to rent. seems like at least double, if not more, a "full size" sedan. Even more than something fun like a convertible.

suydam

One thought that might inform your decision: college students should bring as little as possible. My kids never had more than they could carry in a sedan. It's better to bring the minimum and get what's needed later. Dorm rooms are really small. They all watch TV. In laptops now and listen to music on iPods. A bike can go on a rack. Most people who bring tons of stuff regret it. I teach at a small college, so I see this every year.

stickguy

we had that problem with my son. Brought way too much stuff (but he was the first kid we sent off). Hopefully will have learned from that, but based on my wife's packing habits, I doubt it.

at least it is a warmer climate school, so not that likely she will need much in the way of winter gear before Thanksgiving break!

we will be there for 2 days (drop off friday, then go back Saturday to visit and have a convocation/picnic before heading back home. So while it will be a nightmare trying to shop with her close to school, we can get stuff on our own later on Friday since we are staying about 1/2 an hour away (should have booked a hotel earlier!)

if they don't need a TV, that helps. and the school supplies the fridge. so mostly bedding and clothes. Though she has a lot of clothes.

graphicguy

andres....I'm with stick and fezo. Not sure if that's a good number or not, but sounds like the insurance company is really trying to stick it to you. That in itself irritates me and would make me want to fight them. It depends on if you're willing to put up with the headache, though.

Seems that's a big chunk of money to lose though. How about an A3?

C&D just voted the A3 as tops in its class. Plus, they sell for high $30s, all loaded up.

Sandman6472

Wife's Mazda3 got hit on Thursday by a driver with no insurance and no license! There's a nice sized dent in the front left fender but vehicle is driveable. Wife was nice and wouldn't call police because the girl said she'd take off so, they went to her bank and she gave the wife $500 cash, our deductible. Right now, with almost 130k on it, we're sitting tight and told the wife to do what ya want here. We're going to get almost nothing if she trades because of the high miles and the problematic a/c unit, so left it up to her. She's talking about getting her new '15 vehicle by years end but let her know that I will help negotiate when she finds the exact make and model she wants. Otherwise, I'm staying on the sidelines for the first time ever. Figure she'll have a $20k limit like I did and get whatever she wants. Nice that we purchase our own vehicles so we can get what we each want with no input from the other. My only requirement is RUG, that's it.

The Sandman

stickguy

That's a bummer Sandy. But, like you said, on an older, miled up car, not that big of a deal. See if you can find a dentless removal guy, or small body shop, that will do a quick & dirty repair job. Might get rid of 90% of the problem for just a few bucks. Won't be perfect, but can be a lot better.

fezo

Stick- that's why minivans are still around. You can't beat them for trips like you're talking.

My guess is the reason the rental prices are so high is that they can do it. Renting a convertible is a luxury. Renting a minivan is a necessity. They know this and price accordingly.

The only time I remember renting a minivan I think sweet talked the desk person I to an upgrade. Ended up in ann MVP. Probably the first Mazda I ever drove.

One time I was renting a Taurus and tried to get an upgrade they offered me an Explorer. I took the Taurus.

breld

Now if you want something a bit unusual and rare...

Subaru SVX

stickguy

Saw one a few days ago driving around

xwesx

@nyccarguy said:
(why don't they just make the car $20,171?)

Because the salesman doesn't get commission on that $200 processing fee!

xwesx

@breld said:
Now if you want something a bit unusual and rare...

Subaru SVX

That's a nice example! I haven't seen one around these parts that wasn't flogged like a rented mule. The sale will most likely represent the death knell for this car, but it appears to have a nice life thus far.

xwesx

Stick - I went coast-to-coast-to-coast in my first few months of the college experience, and took things to extremes in both cases. At my first college, I took a small duffel bag and the clothes on my back. But, they (USMA) issued me a plethora of things that more than made up for that!

At my second, I drove my Econoline to Alaska with a everything I owned (aside from my furniture). While I never regretted having a full complement of "stuff" at college, it did make for an interesting experience twice a year when moving in/out.

Well, actually, I did regret it for a day when, upon first arriving, I was plunked into "temporary housing." A week later, after receiving my permanent placement, I had to move all my stuff, including a refrigerator and a few large house plants, from this temporary location to the permanent location about a half-mile away.

Being my first week at school, I had no transportation and no contacts, so it was a solo job. Good thing I was young and in shape!

Anyhow, go for light. No trailers, no minivan. Get an tray like this for the overflow and, if nothing else, anything left behind will give your daughter a good excuse to visit!

stickguy

that's a pretty neat tray. Did not realize they came in plastic too. That might be a good compromise if we really run out of space (entirely possible). One thing we have is a plastic footlocker style trunk, which really doesn't fit all that well in the car. Would probably be perfect on the tray, stuffed full of the lightweight stuff like bedding.

xwesx

Yeah, that's the tray I have, and it is very lightweight (~35#), but can hold a lot of weight. Like I said somewhere before, I haul all sorts of odd stuff on there, including refrigerators a couple of times.

jpp75

@corvette said:
According to stuff.mit.edu/~jfc/laws.html, in VA, over 80 is reckless driving, and 90+ may get you jail time. The last time I was there, I had the cruise set at 70 because I saw a cop in the median every few miles.

I actually like their law that classifies failing to use a turn signal as reckless driving. I hope that one is enforced at least as well as their speed limit.

A co-worker of mine is fighting a reckless driving ticket in VA. 82 in a 70.

stickguy

interesting that some places the SL is 70, so not much of a delta between safe for anyone and reckless.

stever

@xwesx, just showed your tray link to my wife and she was definitely interested.

Anyone here have an Escape or recent experience with one?

nyccarguy

@‌stever

My father in law owns an Escape. What do you need to know? He is happy with it. It is an SEL 4WD. I think it has the smaller ecoboost motor.

Michaell

Greetings from California! Flew out yesterday to spend time with the parents - dad is going in tomorrow for hip replacement surgery.

My rental for the week is a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. I like it in that the controls are a lot like those in my E-GT. One difference is that the audio system is touch screen.

After driving to the folks' house from the airport and some running around, I'm averaging 38-39 MPG. Strange driving experience - still getting used to it.

Mr_Shiftright

Exactly. No one wants to work on these things, not even Subaru mechanics. Parts are very pricey and the car is no great shakes to drive. Put it in the "collectible curiosities" shelf, or file under "cheap and cheerful". (to buy, not to own).

@xwesx said:
That's a nice example! I haven't seen one around these parts that wasn't flogged like a rented mule. The sale will most likely represent the death knell for this car, but it appears to have a nice life thus far.

rayainsw

Fezo

I have a 2013 GTI. With now close to 12,000 miles, no mechanical issues. Service here NE of Atlanta has been OK. MPG almost OK.

Good enough experience, so far, that if I choose a similar price point for my next car, the 2015 GTI will remain on my radar . . .

• Ray

1 data point . . .

kyfdx

I want one... but, I'm such a bargain shopper.. will probably hope for a cheaper payment on the old model..

Only problem is... there are only about 5 manual transmission GTIs in our whole metro area.. What will be left by August or September?

breld

I also wonder if there will be an increase in number of the current model (since 2010) on the used market once the 2015 is released and available. I just think the type of owner of GTIs will be anxious to get their hands on the new one.

jpp75

@Stever@Edmunds said:
xwesx, just showed your tray link to my wife and she was definitely interested.

Anyone here have an Escape or recent experience with one?

I've rented several for work over the last couple of years and I've been happy with them. If you want power you'll want the bigger engine, if you don't care so much the non eco-boost engines are more than adequate. Decent ride, above average handling for the class, OK but not great fuel mileage. I'd be fine buying one, seems like the biggest issue is MyFordTouch which really isn't that bad these days.

Sandman6472

I passed on the Escape with the 1.6 eco-boost engine after what I had read and just didn't love it. It's a bit longer than the other models in this small cuv class and it just fit on my side of the garage...I liked the smaller size of the Tuscon better and the 5 year bumper to bumper was the deciding factor to be honest. Even though I expect nothing to really go wrong, just knowing I'm covered is a nice feeling and if our '08 Accent is an example of Hyundai quality and durability, I know I made the right decision!

The Sandman

fezo

Oh, a GTI would be sweet. Who the heck buys the without a stick???!!!!?!?!

kyfdx

@fezo said:
Oh, a GTI would be sweet. Who the heck buys the without a stick???!!!!?!?!

Most of the ones available are DSG

stever

@nyccarguy and @jpp5862, coming from the Quest the 1.6l felt plenty peppy for us. Very comfy seating, although the passenger seat in the Titanium one we tested didn't have power for some reason and the adjustment wasn't ideal. The My Touch is a concern and the sunroof was disappointing (started too far back for the driver to appreciate it, especially compared to the one in the Edge.

Going to have to peruse the real world MPG numbers; doesn't sound encouraging there.