A bit confused here...is the Audi TT on the way out of the garage or has it already left? I can't keep up with all the changes here!!! As of now, the Mazda3 is still in the fleet and the wife hasn't mentioned the "at" light or the a/c so I am assuming things are status quo. But she could come home any weekend in something new though if she did make a move, I know she'd call me to test drive the final pick to make sure everything works properly. But as far as making the decision about what she's going to end up with, am totally out of the loop. Must be a CPA thing but she also makes up her mind quickly once she knows exactly what she wants. But to be fair, the last few vehicles I've bought have also been on my own and she see's them once I pull into the garage. She did call my sales lady with the Tuscon but that was just to give her the info on the kid's Accent so I could get the rebate since we already had a Hyundai in the family stable.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
at this point in life, I just don't have the patience (or desire) to deal with nursing an old car with needs along. Just not worth the aggravation. Of course, the lack of investment capital for something much newer may mean I have to just deal with the problems!
for my car, not really an issue. And we already bit the bullet and got the nice family travel car to take the big miles. that one, would never deal with something unreliable or needy!
speaking of which, the other day my wife said she must have become a car snob since getting the Acura. She was out with a friend from work who has a middle-aged T&C, and was thinking how rattly, etc. it was. She doesn't remember her Odyssey being like that, but I think she just doesn't remember at this point!
you do get spoiled when you have something on the nicer side.
@sandman_6472 said:
A bit confused here...is the Audi TT on the way out of the garage or has it already left? I can't keep up with all the changes here!!!
It's on the way out of the garage. We went out shopping this past weekend - we should be finalizing a deal tomorrow and I'll share the details then. We've agreed on pricing over the phone but not yet on paper, and I don't want to jinx it.
Is three years too early to start shopping? Caution: long post ahead.
The wife's CX-7 will be paid off in February 2017 but will have +/- 100K on it (currently at 53K). It's been reliable but just not sure how long I'd want to keep it.
On a separate but related thread, we should be seeing the proceeds of an inheritance in the next week or so. Not a life changing amount, but could allow us to do things we've previously only dreamed about - one of which is to take a trip to Europe. Wife is 1/2 Italian and would like to see the old country. One caveat - she won't fly economy. So I start looking at business class airfares. Wow! $3 grand and up for a r/t ticket - each.
So, I start thinking - 2017 is also the year of our 20th anniversary, she'll need a new car, and we want to travel to Europe.
Can you say Overseas Delivery? Wife has ha a soft spot for Volvos, so I start looking into their OSD program. R/T economy airfare included, which we could upgrade on our own dime. Transportation in Europe is covered; we'd drive the new car. Distance from Gotheborg to Milan is about the same as it is from Denver to LA - 1100 miles or so.
But which Volvo? V60, XC60 or XC70?
This might actually work - if I can get the wife on board.
kyfdx....very nice engineering job on that 'vette engine to BMW transformation. That begs the question, how much does a crate vette motor cost + whatever the extensive fabrication costs were + the electrical jiggering + etc, etc, etc. vs getting an M crate motor from BMW which would drop right in?
@graphicguy said:
kyfdx....very nice engineering job on that 'vette engine to BMW transformation. That begs the question, how much does a crate vette motor cost + whatever the extensive fabrication costs were + the electrical jiggering + etc, etc, etc. vs getting an M crate motor from BMW which would drop right in?
I would guess that the Vette motor is a lot cheaper... As far as the other costs? That guy can fabricate just about anything.. He started out as a hot rodder, and gravitated to BMW.
Mostly, I think he did it, just because he can... lol
@kyfdx said:
Mostly, I think he did it, just because he can... lol
No argument with that. Clearly, he's very good.
Must be a regional thing, but I'm seeing less and less of the "big winged" franken cars on the road these days. And, the ones that I do see are just very poorly done. If you're going to drop some serious coin on customizing, it doesn't cost any more to do it well.
Saw a ~5-6 year old cobalt last night all tricked out. It actually was done well. Nice body kit, little lip spoiler, some matching wheels (black to match the car). He revved it up trying to do some cafe racing with me (he lost) and I could hear the waste gate open and close, so he put a blower on whatever it was he had under the hood. Quick little car, though. First one of the customized cars of that ilk that actually had a decent sounding exhaust on it (vs the terrible sounding "blaaaattt" exhausts most of them have).
His only issue, he'd stomp it and torque steer had him hanging on for dear life to keep the car going in the direction he was pointing it.
@qbrozen said:
michaell - The V60, if you can stomach the price.
I like the V60 myself as well, but it's her DD, so ultimately it will be her decision. I think, however, that the way Volvo sets up their options (and the stuff the wife can't live without), any of them are going to be quite pricey.
@stickguy said:
I vote V60 too. And they have a very good OSD package. Last time I looked (a while back) you could actually option differently. More ala carte.
Yes, Volvo does offer quite a few a la carte options, but I suspect that she'll want pretty much everything. Should we decide to go this route, we'll carefully review the options list and evaluate each of the three cars to see which one fits her best.
And I would never pay that much extra for the plane ticket.
This would be a once in a lifetime gig; she's not into flying all that much, so the money spent on business class would be worth it for her, given the length of the flights.
The QEII is still running and supposedly if you can wait until the last minute you can get a good deal. I've heard it can be even cheaper than airfare.
saw the mother load of Audis today. I stopped at a local repair shop to get an estimate on installing a new suspension on the Volvo (in case I decide to keep it). They always have a lot of VWs and Audis scattered around. But, they are also a Tire Rack installer. and real close to my house.
had a nice chat with the owner. They do all kinds of fancy stuff, mostly on VWs/Audis. suspension, mechanical, shipping. Was showing me that they can update the ECU from an iphone (I think). Turns out they also make custom parts and sell them over the net. And he had cars in from all over the country (apparently get shipped in to get modified). Had an A6 from Utah that I saw.
So, pretty sure that they can handle my little putt putt Volvo. Plus, he gave me a price quite a bit lower than the other estimate (a tire chain I use). And hugely lower than the dealer. And on top of that, he was doing the rear shocks too, not just the front struts. This would be putting on Bilstein touring struts/shocks (non adjustable of course), and all the expected fresh rubber mounting parts.
now just have to decide if I am going to keep or dump. If things change and we are going to keep using it, I will definitely get it done (should make a huge difference in how it rides). If selling, everyone agrees it is a waste of money.
quoted about $900 OTD inc. tax for new stuff all around. probably not too bad, just not likely to get a ROI right away!
Promise I'll leave you guys alone with this soon enough:
"The main difference in SH and Base suspension is the front perch on the SH struts sits about 20mm lower than the Base. So if you had a set of SH and Base front springs, the SH are slightly more narrow and a tad taller. If you're completely replacing the struts AND springs, your only real option is getting them for a "Base." They will fit and work fine since you're replacing the whole assembly."
This is just one of many comments I found on various Prelude sites that sums up the answer to my question. So it looks like I'll be going for a set of Honda "base" Prelude Springs with Bilstein Sports and a new set of bushings.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Well, the deal I was working on for the wife's TT trade did more or less fall through. I can't say I'm surprised, 'cause I was a bit skeptical that my phone conversations and e-mails with the salesperson (I'm at a retreat in the mountains this week) would be properly translated to an actual offer on paper.
So, can I vent a little bit to my "car family" here? If you don't feel like listening to my rant, feel free to skip to my next post. I won't be offended.
I try to make my offer very straightforward: $1,000 discount off MSRP of the new car, and NADA clean trade on the TT (recognizing that's a pretty aggressive target for the trade value, but I like to have some sort of "support" for my trade offer). So my offer is basically the "difference" number, plus tax. Very simple, I think.
There's a lot of back and forth, with many iterations of the dealership's offer sheet. This is a place that is happy to offer "discounts" on paper, but then make it up with extraordinary fees and options - $500 dealer handling, $499 VIN etching, $799 clear mask, etc. etc. Some of that is optional (like the clear mask), and I don't get caught up in the crazy fees as long as the bottom line is where I want to be.
We finally get to an agreement, verbally and then on paper, that is within $200 of my offer, which I accept. They have the sale price of the car (MSRP), less a $1,500 discount, but plus their $500 dealer handling and a "reduced cost" of the VIN etching of $199 (and the trade value is what I requested). So, in theory, I hate those kind of "extra" fees and bogus charges, but again, don't care if it's all netted out in the end - I targeted a $1,000 off MSRP, and they're essentially giving me $800.
They're getting the car from another dealership, so I just want to confirm the MSRP of the vehicle is what is reflected on the offer I'm about to sign. Based on the MSRP, I assumed it included some minor options like a cargo mat, floormats, etc. Turns out the car doesn't have these options and is $400 less than reflected on the offer sheet. So, naturally, I say that should be adjusted accordingly. Minutes later, I receive the revised offer, which they deliberately label as "Final Offer" (I think they were getting tired of me), and it does indeed reflect the $400 reduction in the sale price to reflect the MSRP - and a corresponding $400 reduction in the "discount"!!!
Basically that's the last straw for me. At the end of the day, we were a mere $600 off from my offer, and that's still a really good deal. But how we got there just left me really annoyed and uncomfortable. So I told them I'd think about it and am now working with some other dealerships. Uuugh!
Wife and I spent a couple of days this past weekend car shopping. She wants something with 4 doors, with a bit of character, and a hatchback (basically no sedan), and wants to stay within high $20k's, maybe low $30k's.
We look at used X1's and X3's - she doesn't really care for them too much, particularly with the kind of miles required to get into her price range. We test drive an RDX and both agree it is very nice and comfortable (nice ride Stick!). I also have her drive a Mazda3. She appreciates both the Acura and Mazda but isn't really connecting with them.
We then visited VW and she's obviously very taken with the new GTI. She also drives a 2014 (previous model), but doesn't like the responsiveness of the DSG as much as the 2015 model.
So, long story short, we're targeting a new GTI, autobahn trim (she wants navigation), DSG, in Tornado Red (first choice) or Carbon Steel Gray (second).
@nyccarguy said:
Promise I'll leave you guys alone with this soon enough:
"The main difference in SH and Base suspension is the front perch on the SH struts sits about 20mm lower than the Base. So if you had a set of SH and Base front springs, the SH are slightly more narrow and a tad taller. If you're completely replacing the struts AND springs, your only real option is getting them for a "Base." They will fit and work fine since you're replacing the whole assembly."
This is just one of many comments I found on various Prelude sites that sums up the answer to my question. So it looks like I'll be going for a set of Honda "base" Prelude Springs with Bilstein Sports and a new set of bushings.
Sounds like that should work.
Is it possible to find the spring rates of the SH springs as well as that of the Base springs?
Note that the only difference between the Bilstein HD and the Sport is that the Sport is designed to work with shorter springs; their internal valving is identical with respect to jounce/rebound, etc..
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
We then visited VW and she's obviously very taken with the new GTI. She also drives a 2014 (previous model), but doesn't like the responsiveness of the DSG as much as the 2015 model.
Did the DSG change appreciably from 2014 to 2015 model year, or was this just perhaps differences in the individual units (not representative of the entire model year)?
There's a very interesting article over here on the new GTI:
1 - Buy new "Type SH" Shocks and Struts from Honda
2 - Buy Bilstein Sport Shocks & Struts plus "Base Prelude" Springs
3 - Buy Bilstein Sport Shocks & Struts plus Aftermarket Springs which will lower the car. Not sure how the ride would suffer with a 1.4" drop. Even aftermarket, I'd be buying springs that fit a "Base Prelude."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@Michaell said:
breld - if you don't mind sharing, what dealer were you working with for the GTI?
It was Larry Miller on colfax. I actually liked the salesperson - probably cause he was new to the business. I would've just appreciated a bit more transparency.
GTI DSG. Quote from a VW forum posting - by someone with a 2015, who is quite knowledgeable and previously had a 2013 GTI \ DSG.
FWIW " I drive through Los Angeles traffic each and every day of the week, to work and back. I sit in traffic 1.5hrs each way. In my humble opinion, then, the new DSG is quite noticeably improved in low-speed stop and go situations, as it no longer gets confused about which gear to choose. It's buttery smooth, and no longer frustrating during commutes. "
= Ray
Stuck in 'stop & slow' traffic most every commute home.....
We wondered the same thing about the DSG from the previous model to the new '15. It certainly felt more responsive to my wife, who shares the same concern with her current TT's trannie.
The sales manager (at a different dealership than the one I was working the deal with) stated there were changes made that he thought were significant. What we found in the brochure was the addition of some "launch control" that improved the initial response with the throttle, and that did seem to be reflected with my wife's experience (and I could notice it from the passenger side as well).
If we were going for a manual, like our '12 GTI, the previous model would probably be more in the running.
GTI \ DSG \ Launch Control - from the VW Press release for my 2013:
'As an added performance bonus with DSG, a Launch Control program can be engaged which, when the car is stopped, allows the engine to build revs before the first clutch is engaged, creating a perfect launch with controlled wheelspin.'
probably nobody here is interested, but I just noticed Toyota has a large amount of lease cash on the Prius Plug-in, making it even cheaper than a Prius C. The only cheaper Toyota lease is the Corolla. Plug-in Prius is advertised at $189/mo for 24 mos with $1399 up front. $23k cap cost on a $31k msrp and $19k residual after 2 years.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My Mazda salesperson has found two 3 s Tourings that they can trade for and will be getting me a price today. He says that it will be below the S Plan price.
More news as it develops...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I will pass 15,000 miles in the 2013 GTI later today.
Not much to report, really.
The GTI continues to provide reliable & reasonably entertaining service.
No mechanical issues.
MPG in the high 20s in my typical driving – largely commuting in & out of HotLanta. 30+ on a longer trip w/less traffic.
No squeaks, rattles, moans or groans from any components.
The acceleration & ride & handling remain as impressive [ for the price ] as anything comparable – to me.
No wear evident on any interior parts – seats, etc.
It is certainly not a BMW M235i –
but it is also costing me a lot less . . .
Comments
A bit confused here...is the Audi TT on the way out of the garage or has it already left? I can't keep up with all the changes here!!! As of now, the Mazda3 is still in the fleet and the wife hasn't mentioned the "at" light or the a/c so I am assuming things are status quo. But she could come home any weekend in something new though if she did make a move, I know she'd call me to test drive the final pick to make sure everything works properly. But as far as making the decision about what she's going to end up with, am totally out of the loop. Must be a CPA thing but she also makes up her mind quickly once she knows exactly what she wants. But to be fair, the last few vehicles I've bought have also been on my own and she see's them once I pull into the garage. She did call my sales lady with the Tuscon but that was just to give her the info on the kid's Accent so I could get the rebate since we already had a Hyundai in the family stable.
The Sandman

2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
at this point in life, I just don't have the patience (or desire) to deal with nursing an old car with needs along. Just not worth the aggravation. Of course, the lack of investment capital for something much newer may mean I have to just deal with the problems!
for my car, not really an issue. And we already bit the bullet and got the nice family travel car to take the big miles. that one, would never deal with something unreliable or needy!
speaking of which, the other day my wife said she must have become a car snob since getting the Acura. She was out with a friend from work who has a middle-aged T&C, and was thinking how rattly, etc. it was. She doesn't remember her Odyssey being like that, but I think she just doesn't remember at this point!
you do get spoiled when you have something on the nicer side.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Shoot, I'm spoiled just going from a '99 to an '09. Gimme Kyfdx's kiddo's blue thunder and I'd really be intolerable.
Now here's a BMW
You know... you can make a franken-mobile correctly, or you can do that..
Here is a nicer example of a Corvette-engined BMW:
And.. the whole build thread is here:
http://ohiobimmers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9665
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Slick package there Fin. I bet roadburner is out there going over his Ti with a tape measure right now.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@kyfdx
Now that's a SLEEPER. An E36 with a monster V8! Yummy.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
It's on the way out of the garage. We went out shopping this past weekend - we should be finalizing a deal tomorrow and I'll share the details then. We've agreed on pricing over the phone but not yet on paper, and I don't want to jinx it.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Is three years too early to start shopping? Caution: long post ahead.
The wife's CX-7 will be paid off in February 2017 but will have +/- 100K on it (currently at 53K). It's been reliable but just not sure how long I'd want to keep it.
On a separate but related thread, we should be seeing the proceeds of an inheritance in the next week or so. Not a life changing amount, but could allow us to do things we've previously only dreamed about - one of which is to take a trip to Europe. Wife is 1/2 Italian and would like to see the old country. One caveat - she won't fly economy. So I start looking at business class airfares. Wow! $3 grand and up for a r/t ticket - each.
So, I start thinking - 2017 is also the year of our 20th anniversary, she'll need a new car, and we want to travel to Europe.
Can you say Overseas Delivery? Wife has ha a soft spot for Volvos, so I start looking into their OSD program. R/T economy airfare included, which we could upgrade on our own dime. Transportation in Europe is covered; we'd drive the new car. Distance from Gotheborg to Milan is about the same as it is from Denver to LA - 1100 miles or so.
But which Volvo? V60, XC60 or XC70?
This might actually work - if I can get the wife on board.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
kyfdx....very nice engineering job on that 'vette engine to BMW transformation. That begs the question, how much does a crate vette motor cost + whatever the extensive fabrication costs were + the electrical jiggering + etc, etc, etc. vs getting an M crate motor from BMW which would drop right in?
I would guess that the Vette motor is a lot cheaper... As far as the other costs? That guy can fabricate just about anything.. He started out as a hot rodder, and gravitated to BMW.
Mostly, I think he did it, just because he can... lol
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@michaell - The V60, if you can stomach the price.
@fintail - WTH? How can that be legal to drive on the street? Full cage and wheelie bar? Pretty damned certain that wouldn't be allowed in NJ.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
No argument with that. Clearly, he's very good.
Must be a regional thing, but I'm seeing less and less of the "big winged" franken cars on the road these days. And, the ones that I do see are just very poorly done. If you're going to drop some serious coin on customizing, it doesn't cost any more to do it well.
Saw a ~5-6 year old cobalt last night all tricked out. It actually was done well. Nice body kit, little lip spoiler, some matching wheels (black to match the car). He revved it up trying to do some cafe racing with me (he lost) and I could hear the waste gate open and close, so he put a blower on whatever it was he had under the hood. Quick little car, though. First one of the customized cars of that ilk that actually had a decent sounding exhaust on it (vs the terrible sounding "blaaaattt" exhausts most of them have).
His only issue, he'd stomp it and torque steer had him hanging on for dear life to keep the car going in the direction he was pointing it.
I like the V60 myself as well, but it's her DD, so ultimately it will be her decision. I think, however, that the way Volvo sets up their options (and the stuff the wife can't live without), any of them are going to be quite pricey.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I vote V60 too. And they have a very good OSD package. Last time I looked (a while back) you could actually option differently. More ala carte.
And I would never pay that much extra for the plane ticket.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes, Volvo does offer quite a few a la carte options, but I suspect that she'll want pretty much everything. Should we decide to go this route, we'll carefully review the options list and evaluate each of the three cars to see which one fits her best.
This would be a once in a lifetime gig; she's not into flying all that much, so the money spent on business class would be worth it for her, given the length of the flights.
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Take the QEII. Is that still running?
And by 2017 the 90 will be new (due out this fall) and mostly likely the 60 too. And 70 if still around!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The QEII is still running and supposedly if you can wait until the last minute you can get a good deal. I've heard it can be even cheaper than airfare.
Getting back home could be the issue....
saw the mother load of Audis today. I stopped at a local repair shop to get an estimate on installing a new suspension on the Volvo (in case I decide to keep it). They always have a lot of VWs and Audis scattered around. But, they are also a Tire Rack installer. and real close to my house.
had a nice chat with the owner. They do all kinds of fancy stuff, mostly on VWs/Audis. suspension, mechanical, shipping. Was showing me that they can update the ECU from an iphone (I think). Turns out they also make custom parts and sell them over the net. And he had cars in from all over the country (apparently get shipped in to get modified). Had an A6 from Utah that I saw.
So, pretty sure that they can handle my little putt putt Volvo. Plus, he gave me a price quite a bit lower than the other estimate (a tire chain I use). And hugely lower than the dealer. And on top of that, he was doing the rear shocks too, not just the front struts. This would be putting on Bilstein touring struts/shocks (non adjustable of course), and all the expected fresh rubber mounting parts.
now just have to decide if I am going to keep or dump. If things change and we are going to keep using it, I will definitely get it done (should make a huge difference in how it rides). If selling, everyone agrees it is a waste of money.
quoted about $900 OTD inc. tax for new stuff all around. probably not too bad, just not likely to get a ROI right away!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
this is the place. Gotta figure that an AWD dyno is not a cheap piece of equipment.
http://www.autospeed.us/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Promise I'll leave you guys alone with this soon enough:
"The main difference in SH and Base suspension is the front perch on the SH struts sits about 20mm lower than the Base. So if you had a set of SH and Base front springs, the SH are slightly more narrow and a tad taller. If you're completely replacing the struts AND springs, your only real option is getting them for a "Base." They will fit and work fine since you're replacing the whole assembly."
This is just one of many comments I found on various Prelude sites that sums up the answer to my question. So it looks like I'll be going for a set of Honda "base" Prelude Springs with Bilstein Sports and a new set of bushings.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
It's all good - you're spending money on a car.
Now, if you don't like the new ride, you'll be able to blame the OEM or aftermarket parts as you please.
Well, the deal I was working on for the wife's TT trade did more or less fall through. I can't say I'm surprised, 'cause I was a bit skeptical that my phone conversations and e-mails with the salesperson (I'm at a retreat in the mountains this week) would be properly translated to an actual offer on paper.
So, can I vent a little bit to my "car family" here? If you don't feel like listening to my rant, feel free to skip to my next post. I won't be offended.
I try to make my offer very straightforward: $1,000 discount off MSRP of the new car, and NADA clean trade on the TT (recognizing that's a pretty aggressive target for the trade value, but I like to have some sort of "support" for my trade offer). So my offer is basically the "difference" number, plus tax. Very simple, I think.
There's a lot of back and forth, with many iterations of the dealership's offer sheet. This is a place that is happy to offer "discounts" on paper, but then make it up with extraordinary fees and options - $500 dealer handling, $499 VIN etching, $799 clear mask, etc. etc. Some of that is optional (like the clear mask), and I don't get caught up in the crazy fees as long as the bottom line is where I want to be.
We finally get to an agreement, verbally and then on paper, that is within $200 of my offer, which I accept. They have the sale price of the car (MSRP), less a $1,500 discount, but plus their $500 dealer handling and a "reduced cost" of the VIN etching of $199 (and the trade value is what I requested). So, in theory, I hate those kind of "extra" fees and bogus charges, but again, don't care if it's all netted out in the end - I targeted a $1,000 off MSRP, and they're essentially giving me $800.
They're getting the car from another dealership, so I just want to confirm the MSRP of the vehicle is what is reflected on the offer I'm about to sign. Based on the MSRP, I assumed it included some minor options like a cargo mat, floormats, etc. Turns out the car doesn't have these options and is $400 less than reflected on the offer sheet. So, naturally, I say that should be adjusted accordingly. Minutes later, I receive the revised offer, which they deliberately label as "Final Offer" (I think they were getting tired of me), and it does indeed reflect the $400 reduction in the sale price to reflect the MSRP - and a corresponding $400 reduction in the "discount"!!!
Basically that's the last straw for me. At the end of the day, we were a mere $600 off from my offer, and that's still a really good deal. But how we got there just left me really annoyed and uncomfortable. So I told them I'd think about it and am now working with some other dealerships. Uuugh!
End of rant - thank you.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
So no more artificial suspense.
Wife and I spent a couple of days this past weekend car shopping. She wants something with 4 doors, with a bit of character, and a hatchback (basically no sedan), and wants to stay within high $20k's, maybe low $30k's.
We look at used X1's and X3's - she doesn't really care for them too much, particularly with the kind of miles required to get into her price range. We test drive an RDX and both agree it is very nice and comfortable (nice ride Stick!). I also have her drive a Mazda3. She appreciates both the Acura and Mazda but isn't really connecting with them.
We then visited VW and she's obviously very taken with the new GTI. She also drives a 2014 (previous model), but doesn't like the responsiveness of the DSG as much as the 2015 model.
So, long story short, we're targeting a new GTI, autobahn trim (she wants navigation), DSG, in Tornado Red (first choice) or Carbon Steel Gray (second).
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I feel your pain - been there - and a good friend is in a similar position.
He is very discouraged.
What make \ model were you trying to buy?
Just curious ....
Ah - GTI - sorry, must have 'cross-posted'...
breld - if you don't mind sharing, what dealer were you working with for the GTI?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Sounds like that should work.
Is it possible to find the spring rates of the SH springs as well as that of the Base springs?
Note that the only difference between the Bilstein HD and the Sport is that the Sport is designed to work with shorter springs; their internal valving is identical with respect to jounce/rebound, etc..
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I wouldn't put on base springs, personally. I mean, doesn't that defeat the purpose? Unless you are looking for a softer ride.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Did the DSG change appreciably from 2014 to 2015 model year, or was this just perhaps differences in the individual units (not representative of the entire model year)?
There's a very interesting article over here on the new GTI:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1304_2014_volkswagen_gti_first_drive/
But I didn't see anything about a "new" or "improved" DSG. A lot of changes in the engine, but nothing mentioned for the transmission.
I've got 3 options:
1 - Buy new "Type SH" Shocks and Struts from Honda
2 - Buy Bilstein Sport Shocks & Struts plus "Base Prelude" Springs
3 - Buy Bilstein Sport Shocks & Struts plus Aftermarket Springs which will lower the car. Not sure how the ride would suffer with a 1.4" drop. Even aftermarket, I'd be buying springs that fit a "Base Prelude."
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
4- Do nothing.
5- Buy a new car.
It was Larry Miller on colfax. I actually liked the salesperson - probably cause he was new to the business. I would've just appreciated a bit more transparency.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
6 -- Just put on a set of bilsteins and don't change the springs. When it comes to messing with suspensions -- less is more in most cases.
GTI DSG. Quote from a VW forum posting - by someone with a 2015, who is quite knowledgeable and previously had a 2013 GTI \ DSG.
FWIW " I drive through Los Angeles traffic each and every day of the week, to work and back. I sit in traffic 1.5hrs each way. In my humble opinion, then, the new DSG is quite noticeably improved in low-speed stop and go situations, as it no longer gets confused about which gear to choose. It's buttery smooth, and no longer frustrating during commutes. "
= Ray
Stuck in 'stop & slow' traffic most every commute home.....
We wondered the same thing about the DSG from the previous model to the new '15. It certainly felt more responsive to my wife, who shares the same concern with her current TT's trannie.
The sales manager (at a different dealership than the one I was working the deal with) stated there were changes made that he thought were significant. What we found in the brochure was the addition of some "launch control" that improved the initial response with the throttle, and that did seem to be reflected with my wife's experience (and I could notice it from the passenger side as well).
If we were going for a manual, like our '12 GTI, the previous model would probably be more in the running.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I vote with Jay. replace the struts/shocks, leave the springs alone.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
GTI \ DSG \ Launch Control - from the VW Press release for my 2013:
'As an added performance bonus with DSG, a Launch Control program can be engaged which, when the car is stopped, allows the engine to build revs before the first clutch is engaged, creating a perfect launch with controlled wheelspin.'
6 - buy new shocks & struts and leave the stock springs.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
probably nobody here is interested, but I just noticed Toyota has a large amount of lease cash on the Prius Plug-in, making it even cheaper than a Prius C. The only cheaper Toyota lease is the Corolla. Plug-in Prius is advertised at $189/mo for 24 mos with $1399 up front. $23k cap cost on a $31k msrp and $19k residual after 2 years.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My Mazda salesperson has found two 3 s Tourings that they can trade for and will be getting me a price today. He says that it will be below the S Plan price.
More news as it develops...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Another vote for sticking with the springs you have..
As far as the GTI DSG? Maybe, it's the same DSG (more or less), but it just works better with the new engine?
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This guy is looking for opinions.. not that anyone in this discussion is opinionated...
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/19143/general/x/help-me-choose-a-car-under-6-500?new=1
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Koni FSD are the "yellow?"
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
the sports are yellow. Looks like the FSD set are gold colored. For that reason, I would get the sports!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
What stick said.. Koni Sports are yellow, and adjustable.. FSDs are the "OEM-like" ride and fitment...
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I will pass 15,000 miles in the 2013 GTI later today.
Not much to report, really.
The GTI continues to provide reliable & reasonably entertaining service.
No mechanical issues.
MPG in the high 20s in my typical driving – largely commuting in & out of HotLanta. 30+ on a longer trip w/less traffic.
No squeaks, rattles, moans or groans from any components.
The acceleration & ride & handling remain as impressive [ for the price ] as anything comparable – to me.
No wear evident on any interior parts – seats, etc.
It is certainly not a BMW M235i –
but it is also costing me a lot less . . .
= Ray
Kinda boring . . .
kydfx
you have the FSD's on your ZHP?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Bradd, go all out. Air bags so you can slam it. I am sure there are shops near your store that specialize in that!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.