Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

helping a coworker look for a replacement vehicle, I came across 2 Jetta TDIs at the local dealer with stick shifts. A grey and a red. Internet price at just $20,698 with a $22,350 MSRP. Hell, truecar even has it listed $1k lower than that. Seems like a heckuva car for $20k.

stickguy

Must be stripped at that low sticker for a tdi

stickguy

Bradd, nice Altima. Nit the color. Can't tell if those are alloys or steelies? I forget details when I looked but I think on the S there is a small package ( sport?) needed to get a few niceties like alloys on a base S. I would grab a super low mile 14 to save a couple K. Especially if CPO.

stickguy

Ok just checked. That car seems to have the $330 radio package. An absolute must have. Probably rare to find one without it.

The sport package is $860, and the white car doesn't have it. Basically alloys and a lip spoiler. I guess neither is that important but I could never bring myself to own hubcaps! Oh and remote start which I don't want anyway.

Put the packages in and other than the missing moonroof, a great commuter car!

qbrozen

I think that's a value edition TDI with floormats. That's about the only combo I can come up with for that price. Description on their website says it has Bluetooth and aux input, so as far as I'm concerned, its perfect.

breld

Yeah - I think they just came out with a "stripped down" TDI model for 2014.

Speaking of Jettas, not sure if anyone saw, but C&D just published a comparison test for compact sedans, pitting the Civic, Corolla, Forte, Mazda3 and Jetta against each other. Not surprisingly, the Mazda came out on top. What was notable, to us 1.8T VW owners, was the Jetta took second - the article pointed out that it took last in the previous comparison, but the new 1.8T engine, and independent rear suspension, transformed it enough to put it 1 point behind the 1st place Mazda3.

Mr_Shiftright

I'm lookin' hard at a 2001 Porsche Carrera 4 cabriolet, deep blue, tan top, blue matching hardtop, 65K on it. Downside? Definite vibration in the clutch (clutch? motor mounts?), needs two tires (pricey), key fob doesn't work.....and, of course....while we're doing to clutch, the owner of any 996 Porsche would be crazy not to replace the Intermediate Shaft Bearing just as a security measure.

So what we have here is a very nice car that needs a good $5,000 worth of work.

Naturally, the owner wants the price that it WOULD sell for had it none of these problems.

So we are, at the moment, too far apart.

I might offer $18.5K but even then I think I'm being a tad generous. He wants $23.5K and there's no way I'm doing that.

Standoff! One of us to going to be lying in the dirt.

But I DO like the color combo. This is a beautiful car.

Oh, and I'm not keen on an All Wheel Drive Porsche, as the car is heavy, and it pushes pretty good in the turns.

graphicguy

Shift...I wonder if 150 crisp new $100s in a nice package would do the trick?

stever

@graphicguy, that would probably take care of all the work needed, but Shifty still has to come up with the money to buy the Porsche.

Mr_Shiftright

I got the cash but I'm not in any hurry. "If you can't get up from the table and walk away, you can't negotiate"

corvette

@roadburner said:
My dealer group cut the price on the 2012 Regal GS again- it's now $25k. CPO and just 23k miles. Even I would be tempted if it had 100 more horsepower- or weighed 500 lbs. less.

That's a crummy radio display for a 2012 model year car.

corvette

@qbrozen said:
helping a coworker look for a replacement vehicle, I came across 2 Jetta TDIs at the local dealer with stick shifts. A grey and a red. Internet price at just $20,698 with a $22,350 MSRP. Hell, truecar even has it listed $1k lower than that. Seems like a heckuva car for $20k.

If it's the TDI Value Edition, they will probably want to step up to the plain old TDI to get things like alloy wheels and audio controls on the steering wheel. Or get a 1.8T with Connectivity and get those things at a lower price.

corvette

@breld said:
What was notable, to us 1.8T VW owners, was the Jetta took second - the article pointed out that it took last in the previous comparison, but the new 1.8T engine, and independent rear suspension, transformed it enough to put it 1 point behind the 1st place Mazda3.

I'm currently rocking a loaner 2013 Jetta 2.5 SE with the old suspension, steel wheels, and no Bluetooth. The 2.5 liter engine is eager to rev but is clearly less strong than the 2.0T. The suspension in the SE is a little too soft and wallowy for my liking. Meh.

kyfdx

Shifty, that's a perfect 911, except for the ragtop and AWD..

ab348

@corvette said:
That's a crummy radio display for a 2012 model year car.

Interesting to see that. It's the same base display as they used on my 2011 (which, when I got it in 2011, seemed better than the 2009 car I had previously but which wasn't as good as the optional color display you got with the step-up package). I thought in 2012 the GS would have had the color display standard, but evidently not.

graphicguy

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
I got the cash but I'm not in any hurry. "If you can't get up from the table and walk away, you can't negotiate"

Agree wholeheartedly.

breld

@28firefighter said:
2013 CC - Breld, I read a few pages back that you're interested in one of these. I love mine and find it to be a good balance of the old european feeling VWs at a very reasonable price point (I'm paying around $280/month including WA tax with 0 due at signing). My only complaint is that the dash rattles a bit more than I care for, which I'll have looked at during my next service appointment. Other than that, no issues whatsoever mechanically or otherwise. I've only driven the new Passat with a 5 cylinder engine, and that was grossly underpowered and felt much cheaper inside than mine.

Thanks for the response and feedback. Do you have the 17" or 18" wheels? Here I am complaining a bit about the soft feel of my Passat with its 17" wheels, but the truth is I've come to appreciate the comfort that goes along with it. My test drive of a 2013 CC Sport Plus (18" wheels) seemed a tad rougher over the bumps in the road. Not bad, and I wouldn't have thought anything of it coming out of my 335xi, but not convinced I want to give up the cushy ride of the Passat. Of course, the tradeoff is improved handling in the CC, so there is that.

Michaell

@breld said:
Thanks for the response and feedback. Do you have the 17" or 18" wheels? Here I am complaining a bit about the soft feel of my Passat with its 17" wheels, but the truth is I've come to appreciate the comfort that goes along with it. My test drive of a 2013 CC Sport Plus (18" wheels) seemed a tad rougher over the bumps in the road. Not bad, and I wouldn't have thought anything of it coming out of my 335xi, but not convinced I want to give up the cushy ride of the Passat. Of course, the tradeoff is improved handling in the CC, so there is that.

I'm thinking we may need to rebrand this discuss CADD - Car Attention Deficit Disorder.

breld, you wanted the room and comfort of a sedan, so you got the Passat. Why, after only a few months, would you want to revert back to something with less room and comfort? Because you can?

Mr_Shiftright

Ah but is there the "perfect used car" anywhere? I don't really fancy ragtops anymore (am I allowed to call a Porsche a "ragtop"?), but all the other really nice, and affordable 911s I've seen have been either a) in a horrid color, by my standards or b) tiptronic.

I'm not ready for TIP yet, although I fully understand all its virtues. Heaven knows I've tried--I've taken them out for test drives, breathed deeply and said "this isn't so bad". "this isn't so bad" 100X, but I can't convince myself.

Maybe on another type of car I would love TIP or equvalent---like on a Jetta TDI wagon or some such.

But GEEZ, this is a 911.

@kyfdx@Edmunds said:
Shifty, that's a perfect 911, except for the ragtop and AWD..

breld

@Michaell@Edmunds said:
breld, you wanted the room and comfort of a sedan, so you got the Passat. Why, after only a few months, would you want to revert back to something with less room and comfort? Because you can?

Fair point, of course.

When I got that Passat, I went with a relative budget model so that I could keep my 335xi. In fact, I liked the Accord better, but the Passat was a better buy. Knowing now that I was going to sell the BMW anyway, if I could do it over again, I would have spent more on a model (Passat or otherwise) with better features - both for comfort and convenience as well as functionality for my commute and carrying kids around everywhere.

So, with that in mind, I am indeed considering biting the bullet and making the change - and one option is to simply "upgrade" the Passat to a nicer model. But while I'm at it, why not consider all the options? I mean, if I'm going to go through the trouble anyway. In addition to a better-featured model, I do wish the Passat was a bit sportier in its handling. So, that's why I'd consider something like a Mazda6, or the CC. The Passat is so roomy, almost everything else is somewhat of a compromise in that area.

The best option, of course, is to stay the course with what I have. And I'm actually trying hard to take that route. I even told my wife just the other day, that we are so used to simply making a change in cars when there is something we don't like about it (or do like about another car), that it's simply become a matter of course.

Here's my main challenge right now - I'm considering upgrading the stereo and possibly the wheels on my Passat. Let's say that'll cost around $2,000. If I can trade the Passat for something that addresses those desires, and possibly others, for, let's say a few grand, I'd certainly consider that. I'd hate to put $2k into the car and still wish I had something else.

Anyway - that's a long-winded answer to your question. I'm trying to reform a bit!

corvette

@breld said:
If I can trade the Passat for something that addresses those desires, and possibly others, for, let's say a few grand...

The 2015 Golf will be on sale in a few weeks.

breld

I was just reading the press release on the new Golf.

qbrozen

Shifty,
IMHO, if getting a 911, get the perfect one. No compromises. Wait and it will reveal itself.

Mine is RWD, hardtop, manual. At least for an older one. If I could ever get new enough for PDK, that's my transmission of choice.

kyfdx

Same here... coupe, manual.

28firefighter

@breld said: Anyway - that's a long-winded answer to your question. I'm trying to reform a bit!

I won't try and talk you out of it. After all, I know better.

My CC is a 2013 CC Sport (not a plus), so I have the 17" wheels, no sunroof, no NAV. This is fine for me since all I really want as an option is Satellite Radio and Xenon Headlights, which came standard on the CC in 2013. I prefer the 17" wheel for parallel parking purposes - less risk of curbing them.

I'm intrigued by the 2015 Golf...

stickguy

I really want to see the Golf too. Of course, I can guarantee I will love it, because I have no money to pay for it now!

Sandman6472

Wife and girls are going away today for work/vacation and I've got the Acent on my side of the garage till they return. Besides needing a bath, badly, all is good with it and I plan to drive to to work Friday and Saturday to get it on the highway and blow it out a bit. Have already powered up my ipod since we didn't extend the XM radio or use the flash drive but something tells me there is no connection. Still a very nice small vehicle that checks all the boxes for basic tranport. And talking with the wife lately, she's leaning towards a 2015 model of the same vehicle for her next ride. Who knows, we could be a 3 Hyundai vehicle family by this time next year!

The Sandman

nyccarguy

@breld‌

I know you are on a Civic Si kick (this week). I know you've been looking at used '08s. Why not consider new? You'll most likely be able to finance it cheap through Honda & these Si Civics seem to hold their value very well. In 2 years, you'll be able to dump it on some kid who has to have an Si, but has an LX budget. It will always be worth more than you owe on it.

breld

It is a good suggestion nyccarguy.

These Si's do seem to hold their value annoyingly well (from a buyer's perspective). You should be able to buy a brand new 2014 for around $22k. And that's with all the improvements that Honda has been putting back into the Civic.

There's a couple used 2012's in my area, with 20-30k miles, listed in the $19k's! And that's the "new" model, but the one that they had to make all the changes and improvements to for 2013.

So, I'd prefer to get into the $14k's or lower, but that's definitely putting me back into '07-'08, maybe an '09. And likely with 40-50k miles.

Now that you mention it, maybe a new one is the way to go. Hmmmm....

tifighter

I liked the Civic Si I test drove last year and think it still represents a decent value new, and a way better value then used. Plus the 14's have more schtuff.

breld

So, either $22k for a new Si or $15k for a used one - if depreciation is about the same on both, it really comes down to the same cost at the end of the day since I don't keep them all that long anyway. Sounds good to me.

Officially sold the wagon today to a buyer in Boston. Got the check in the mail this morning, put the car on a truck this afternoon. 4th bmw sale this year - three of them out of state. I'm getting good at this.

stevedebi

I used to buy cars all the time, but I've been in my same Escape Hybrid for 8 years - a record. However, my wife just got a new ride - a 2014 VW Passat SE TDI. She absolutely loves it. They added about 4 inches of rear seat room over the Euro model; it is like a limo back there. Haven't had to fill up the tank yet, still over 500 miles to go according to the trip computer. It really is the most amazing combination of economy, handling, and comfort.

Michaell

stevedebi said:

I used to buy cars all the time, but I've been in my same Escape Hybrid for 8 years - a record. However, my wife just got a new ride - a 2014 VW Passat SE. She absolutely loves it. They added about 4 inches of rear seat room over the Euro model; it is like a limo back there. Haven't had to fill up the tank yet, still over 500 miles to go according to the trip computer. It really is the most amazing combination of economy, handling, and comfort.

Congratulations! Is this the 1.8T or the TDI?

Yes, the US spec Passat is quite different than the Euro model.

stevedebi

@Michaell said:
Yes, the US spec Passat is quite different than the Euro model.

Ouch! Forgot the most important part. It is a TDI.

nyccarguy

@stevedebi‌

Congrats on the diesel Punch!

corvette

@stevedebi said:
I used to buy cars all the time, but I've been in my same Escape Hybrid for 8 years - a record. However, my wife just got a new ride - a 2014 VW Passat SE TDI. She absolutely loves it. They added about 4 inches of rear seat room over the Euro model; it is like a limo back there. Haven't had to fill up the tank yet, still over 500 miles to go according to the trip computer. It really is the most amazing combination of economy, handling, and comfort.

Congrats! We're at 12 purchases for the year, so far. I guess Ford doesn't really have a similar replacement for the hybrid Escape, other than maybe the C-Max, which is FWD only. Still, it doesn't hurt to look (famous last words)!

brian125

I like the Passat. I see its due for redesign and upgrades for 2016.

stevedebi

@corvette said:
Congrats! We're at 12 purchases for the year, so far. I guess Ford doesn't really have a similar replacement for the hybrid Escape, other than maybe the C-Max, which is FWD only. Still, it doesn't hurt to look (famous last words)!

If you are really in the market, I'd look at a used 2012 FEH, the last year they were made. I think it is the only reasonably priced Hybrid with a mechanical AWD system. The Toyota HH uses electric propulsion on the rear wheels, which can shut down if it overheats in use.

We looked at the C-Max, which would have been about the same price for the SEL C-Max vs the SE VW TDI. I really liked the C-Max, but still would buy the TDI if I were in the market for myself. And no, the C-Max does not come in AWD.

Sandman6472

Drove the kid's Accent to work today, the 1st time it's been on the highway since last August and I gave it a good workout...plan to take it again tomorrow and use it a couple of days more till everyone gets home. A vehicle needs to be driven, and more than once a week for a few miles. Filled her up and will give it a much needed bath and then hand back over the keys. Her next oil change is slated for mid August as I do it once a year since she hardly drives it...think she put on about 800 miles since the last one but I won't go longer than a year. Luckily her air still is freezing, we could hang meat in there as it gets that cold! Got a strong suspicion that we're going to add another one to the fleet the last week of this year as I think that's a great time to purchase since folks will be tapped out from their holiday shopping and we could possibly get a better deal the last couple of days of the year.
I do love the added height I have in my Tuscon and not sure I could go back to a regular sedan anymore! So much easier to get in and out to!!!

The Sandman

stever

Hm, since I'm shopping minivans, maybe I should get this one and just stay in the UP for a few more years. The YouTube is fun too.

tifighter

Wow, I got cold just watching that video.

stever

Looks like there's at least four minivan snow plow videos on YouTube. Who knew?

Mr_Shiftright

I really like this quote from the ad: "It has been used for 2 winters now and the transmission is just starting to slip for some reason"

YA THINK?

qbrozen

hahahaa. "for some reason."
gee, you mean the notoriously weak caravan transmission when it does nothing but serve as a minivan didn't get BETTER when you made it push snow?? What the hell is the universe coming to?!

stever

After a few years in the UP you'd understand these guys.

tifighter

Yeah, I'd guess anyone would be willing to sacrifice a transmission or two when you have case of grade A, 24 karat cabin fever.

Mr_Shiftright

Oh I understand them all right...that's why I'm laughing. It reminded me of when we were kids and had our first really bad idea: "Hey, let's get our bikes and then we'll build a ramp".

andres3

@graphicguy said:

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.

Hoping to get a check from Mercury to cover $2,400 in deductible and rental car costs, and $7,600 in diminished value. That'll go a long way, but they sure are making me wait and wait and wait for it. That all assumes they make a fair offer and give up the whole $10K bag the guy was carrying, and then of course my company (Geico) must be willing to let me have it since contractually they could tell Mercury to prorate it.

Last option is to hire a "dream team" lawyer and just sue the hell out of everybody. I could easily see piling onto my claim to sue for $50K not including legal fees, which of course I'd include those in the lawsuits too.

By everyone I mean everyone. I'd sue Geico, Mercury, the body shop, Audi (for recommending the body shop and certifying them, and towing my vehicle there), the at-fault driver, and anyone else that wants a piece.

andres3

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.

The A3 is a nice car, but I actually think I preferred the previous version which I did own until I sold it for $8,000. Added to that, it has lost some features that are now optional and make the car very expensive (shift paddles, 2.0T engine). The price has gone way up since 2006. The free maintenance is 1/5 of what it used to be.

Sure, there are some new added features, but certainly nothing that'll make me say it's worth $10K more than it cost in 2006.

For my money, the A4/S4 is a significantly better all-around vehicle in countless ways, and doesn't cost much more, and is bigger, which suits me better at this point in my life.

Having said all that, I'd love if my wife selected the A3 2.0T Quattro as her vehicle (and my secondary back up car There's no way I'd want her to offer more than invoice price on one though.

Michaell

Attention, breld!

I may have encountered someone with a more itchy trigger finger than you.

The husband of a friend of my wife's bought an ATS earlier this week. They currently have a Sequoia and a 750iL.

However, he just saw an ad from Lincoln that promises current Cadillac owners some sort of incentive for trading in. So, he's considering it!

Is 3 days some sort of record? My wife's friend is absolutely convinced that there will be a new Lincoln in her driveway when she gets home today.