Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

I can't give a direct link, but here is the deal from Bavarian Autosport, which does not include the belts and tensioner.

Complete cooling system overhaul in a convenient kit! Includes the following components:



•Radiator - Behr

•Radiator Expansion Tank

•Upper Radiator Hose

•Lower Radiator Hose

•Coolant Level Sending Unit

•Expansion Tank Bleeder Screw

•Water Pump & Gasket - With Upgraded Metal Impeller - Meyle

•Thermostat & Gaskets - Wahler

•Coolant Temperature Sensor



$ 364.95

nyccarguy

@henryn‌

With the Mustang, either go for a GT or don't even bother. Take a look at the resale value of GTs. With rebates and big discounts on leftover 2014s, it might pay to pay a little more for a GT.

A longtime poster on another board here bought a really nice 2012 V6 Mustang. He traded it in 8 months later for a GT.

Even our own @qbrozen was at one time considering a used Mustang GT. after he looked at how much 2,3,&5 year old GTs were selling for, he bought himself a brand new 2013 Mustang GT with just a few options that he's more than happy with.

kyfdx

@qbrozen said:
I can't give a direct link, but here is the deal from Bavarian Autosport, which does not include the belts and tensioner.

Complete cooling system overhaul in a convenient kit! Includes the following components:



•Radiator - Behr

•Radiator Expansion Tank

•Upper Radiator Hose

•Lower Radiator Hose

•Coolant Level Sending Unit

•Expansion Tank Bleeder Screw

•Water Pump & Gasket - With Upgraded Metal Impeller - Meyle

•Thermostat & Gaskets - Wahler

•Coolant Temperature Sensor



$ 364.95

I seem to recall my friend replacing the fan, as well. I think maybe it exploded, causing the need for the repair in the first place. That's a real good price from Bavauto. I would try to replace everything.

roadburner

Oh man...

Dropped by my BMW dealer on my way home from a Men's group at our church. In addition to the previously mentioned X1, they now have:

2010 370Z Touring/Sport(all the go-fast goodies plus heated seats and "Blose" audio), Platinum Graphite, 27k miles- $25,990.

2001 Z3 Coupe Bright Red, stick, 50k miles, EXTREMELY clean. Price: TBD

stickguy

nice looking Z. And I really, really really want the bread van. Good thing I am sure the price will be above my budget! But a boy can dream.

roadburner

The Z3 Coupe is definitely interesting- not many were built; while it lacks the M Coupe's raw power it is a bit more practical for daily use.

au1994

@stickguy said:
nice looking Z. And I really, really really want the bread van. Good thing I am sure the price will be above my budget! But a boy can dream.

Yeah, can't wait to see how much the clown shoe goes for.

RE: E46 cooling system. It is, as noted, a failure point for this model. I am at about 79k miles on mine and don't know if the PO had it done nor can I tell by a visual inspection. My plan is to get through the summer and early fall (top down season ) and then take her off the road for a bit and do that job and a full fluid flush. Did brakes a few months ago and checked the control arm bushings which is another known weakness and they seemed ok. Other things to look for on the E46 are a rattling VANOS and DISA replacement. There's enough info online to navigate you through those waters though.

kyfdx

If I'm going to buy a vehicle like that... I'm pretty much stuck on the M model. Early versions had the 240 HP engine, while later years had the new 316 HP model. I could live with either of those.

au1994

@kyfdx said:
If I'm going to buy a vehicle like that... I'm pretty much stuck on the M model. Early versions had the 240 HP engine, while later years had the new 316 HP model. I could live with either of those.

Yep, an ///M version is a Holy Grail for a lot of folks!

rayainsw

Not MY punch, but a good friend has negotiated a deal on a 2014 Chevy Volt - and will pick it up early next week.

I have only driven one 'around the block', at a GM event a year or so ago, but will likely have numerous opportunities to drive this one.

= Ray

Not a typical Volt kinda guy....

qbrozen

@au1994‌ - there should be a sticker about halfway down the radiator on the passenger side that has a date on it. That would at least tell you when/if IT was replaced.

@kyfdx - yes, good reminder. The fan should be done, too.

@roadburner‌ - Z isn't an awful price, but these seem to have dropped DRASTICALLY in a just a couple of months. For example, a black one in PA with 20k miles sold for $23,750 back in May. Now just a week ago, a black one in PA with only 15k miles did just $21,800. Without the touring pack, they are down around $19k-$20k right now. I have no Z3 coupes to compare to. Edmunds and Blue book say about $8k, but I'll take a WAG at them pricing that one at $10,995.

@nyccarguy‌ - I got ZERO options on my GT.

I paid $25,600 and here it is 14 months later, they are going for $24,300 on the low side up to $27k. Which means retail is way more than I paid.

corvette

Technologically, I think the Volt is neat in that I would use no gasoline on most of my trips, and the electricity to recharge it is extremely cheap where I live. When running it on gasoline, it seems like the MPG is disappointing compared to the Prius and Accord plug-ins. I've never driven any of the above, though.

The company who is first to market with a new technology is rarely the best or most profitable.

Mr_Shiftright

I had an E46 radiator break and blow up in my face, so I'm a BIG fan of that upgrade! Fortunately I had on safety glasses and a long sleeve coverall, but nonetheless my arm was scalded. I just went to press on the upper radiator hose to test it for softness and BOOM!

@au1994 said:
RE: E46 cooling system. It is, as noted, a failure point for this model. I am at about 79k miles on mine and don't know if the PO had it done nor can I tell by a visual inspection. My plan is to get through the summer and early fall (top down season ) and then take her off the road for a bit and do that job and a full fluid flush. Did brakes a few months ago and checked the control arm bushings which is another known weakness and they seemed ok. Other things to look for on the E46 are a rattling VANOS and DISA replacement. There's enough info online to navigate you through those waters though.

graphicguy

Those little Z3 coupes always looked...well....."funky" to me. Kind of like Jimmy Durante's nose (who remembers THAT guy?).

That Z? Like it...a lot. I agree with Q....it's on the high side. But, anywhere near $20K, I think I might have to pull out a check book.

henryn

Hmmm....

A suggestion for the mods: Perhaps we could rename this forum to "BMW Lovers Anonymous"? (smile)

stever

I dunno - I've about fallen in love with that Z3 coupe myself. Bet I could even find a red solo canoe to match to toss on top.

Mr_Shiftright

boy, this sure proves that "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder". Not for me, thanks.

ab348

@henryn said:
Hmmm....

A suggestion for the mods: Perhaps we could rename this forum to "BMW Lovers Anonymous"? (smile)

Indeed. It needs it's own discussion at this rate - though based on the posts detailing the long list of issues involved with buying any used BMW one wonders why anybody would ever consider such a purchase.

benjaminh

Did someone on this thread just get a GTI? If so, how's it treating you so far? Any comments on performance, mpg, quality, comfort, visibility, etc.?

breld

We just picked up a new GTI for my wife last weekend. Since it's only been a week, and I haven't even been in the driver's seat, not too much to report as of yet with regard to performance, other than the DSG seems much smoother than the previous model. Quality, comfort and visibility aren't terribly different than the previous version.

I'm happy to provide updates as we live with it longer.

breld

Looking for a little advice regarding snow tires. I know I'm at least a few months away, but we're gonna need to get snows for three of our cars this season - the Ody, A3 and GTI.

I'm probably gonna just go with Blizzaks for all of them - been looking at craigslist ads for lightly used tires, but tirerack.com seems to have some on closeout to a point it makes more sense just to buy some new ones.

My main question is on the GTI - on our past BMWs, we've generally purchased a second set of OEM wheels and snows to swap out, usually downsizing the wheel by an inch. For the GTI, I'm considering just getting Blizzaks in the stock size and just swapping the tires - easier to store just the tires than a second set of wheels/tires. But we're talking a 225/40/18 snow tire - Blizzaks are available, but how much do you think you're gonna compromise in snow performance versus a downsized 17" wheel setup?

Thanks!

qbrozen

I'm not sure why there would be any compromise. The footprint, tread depth, and compound would be exactly the same and that's all that matters in the snow. The height only affects sidewall flex, which means nothing in the soft stuff.

breld

Thanks Q. My understanding is a narrower tire, which would generally come with a smaller diameter wheel, performs a bit better in "cutting" through the snow. But the 17" setup on the GTI would still be a 225/45/17, so no difference there.

corvette

Does the 2015 GTI have TPMS sensors on the wheels? My GLI has the old-school system which uses the ABS sensors to detect relative differences in tire pressure. It used to be that this type of system wasn't accurate enough to meet regulatory requirements, but I suppose they have gotten better. I noticed that Honda has switched from TPMS sensors to the ABS-based system on the 2014 CR-V (and probably other models as well). I'm sure it reduces manufacturing costs.

breld

@au1994 said:
According to my secret sources on the interwebs its one of 14 coupes equipped with manual and that color combo.

@au1994 HEY! I saw you posted the listing for the IR/NB ZHP on another website letting others know it was available! That's not nice!

Just kidding of course - from that other site, looks like someone from Nebraska is having it inspected today and likely will buy it (and he was looking at it before you posted )

kyfdx

18" winter tires are pricy... you could almost pay for a cheap set of TireRack wheels with the difference between 17" and 18", and then they would come mounted and balanced at no charge...

The TPMS thing might be an issue, though.. if you have actual sensors in each wheel..

kyfdx

@graphicguy said:
Those little Z3 coupes always looked...well....."funky" to me. Kind of like Jimmy Durante's nose (who remembers THAT guy?).

That Z? Like it...a lot. I agree with Q....it's on the high side. But, anywhere near $20K, I think I might have to pull out a check book.

Even the guys that like them, call their annual meeting, "DorkFest"..

breld

@kyfdx said:
18" winter tires are pricy... you could almost pay for a cheap set of TireRack wheels with the difference between 17" and 18", and then they would come mounted and balanced at no charge...

The TPMS thing might be an issue, though.. if you have actual sensors in each wheel..

I had assumed there was a sensor in each wheel, but I guess I don't know that for sure.

You're definitely right about being able to get a cheap set of wheels, but there is an aesthetic consideration too. For the 10 days or so of bad snow here in Denver, it's nice to have the car still look nice and stock the rest of the time.

Tirerack has some Blizzaks in the stock GTI size for $158/tire - seems pretty reasonable to me. I may just go for that.

qbrozen

You could look for a set of Classics, which are the Golf wheels, look nice, and go pretty cheap on the used market. I had picked up a set WITH tires for $300 and then resold them later after my GTI was gone for $250.

Subscribe to the for sale board on vwvortex and keep an eye out.

roadburner

@breld said:
My main question is on the GTI - on our past BMWs, we've generally purchased a second set of OEM wheels and snows to swap out, usually downsizing the wheel by an inch. For the GTI, I'm considering just getting Blizzaks in the stock size and just swapping the tires - easier to store just the tires than a second set of wheels/tires. But we're talking a 225/40/18 snow tire - Blizzaks are available, but how much do you think you're gonna compromise in snow performance versus a downsized 17" wheel setup?

Thanks!

As others have said, I'd go with a dedicated 17" winter tire/wheel set. Even with TPMS thrown it it won't be much more than 18"winter tires I'd think- and you can do the changeover yourself for free and on YOUR schedule.

roadburner

@ab348 said:
Indeed. It needs it's own discussion at this rate - though based on the posts detailing the long list of issues involved with buying any used BMW one wonders why anybody would ever consider such a purchase.

You need to start a Buick Regal buyers' thread- that should really up Edmunds post count!

Speaking of which, that CPO 2012 Regal GS is still for sale at my local Buick dealer- going on four months now. Current price is $23,500. Get it while it's...

hot?

stickguy

my daughter has seemed to figure out what she likes as the replacement for our 2 cars. He stopped at the bank and there was a red mazda CX5 parked, and she went nuts loving on it. Really seems to want something of that style car, which doesn't really bother me, since I like them too! Probably more efficient (buy, mpg) to get a mid sized sedan like a Camry, but heck, who wants one of them?

after our vacation next week will have to go take a test drive,

roadburner

Exactly; the CX-5 is fun to drive on its own- and it is a revelation compared to every other Asian or domestic CUV/SUV. Get the 2.5, as the 2.0 is a bit slow- but I'd still take it over any Camry. But then, I'd take my 1975 '02 or 1999 Wrangler over a Camry as well...

roadburner

Well, well... RB Jr. found a 2009 128i M Sport.

Road Trip!!!

corvette

It's priced reasonably compared to some of the offerings I've seen from EAG in the past.

Sandman6472

Try all the cuv's before you buy, if you do...trust me on this. I drove a new Rav4 last week at work and really liked it, even better than the CX-5. The Sportage is very nice also, clone of my Tuscon and even a used Captiva is nice. The cuv class is really hot right now and I really do like having one even if there is a slight mileage penalty that goes with them. Personally, if all brands had the same warranty as Hyundai/Kia, not really sure what I would've had in my garage right now. I almost ended up with the Mitsu Outlander Sport SE and if the GM hadn't of been such a jerk, that's what I'd have bought truth be told but his stupidity cost him the deal. The Hyundai store was much easier to deal with plus the extra rebate for current Hyundai owners just sweetened my deal. And the wife can use it also if she goes the Hyundai route...seems like we'll have a punch for the 2014 year by the last day of the year at this point.

The Sandman

nyccarguy

@benjaminh‌

We've had 2 recent GTI "punches." 1 a new 2015 & 1 new 2014. Another poster also currently owns a 2013 GTI. We've also had quite a few former GTI owners here.

benjaminh

The GTI looks like it's really worth it compared to the base Golf. The base Golf, about to be introduced, is seemingly going to have an msrp of about $20k for the 4-door with the 5 speed manual. The base GTI, without any options, is $25k. For that $5000 you get a a lot, including a much more powerful engine (with apparently only a 3 mpg sacrifice in mpg), 6MT, and significantly upgraded wheels, tires, suspension, interior, and exterior.

roadburner

For me it would be a GTI or nothing(well, MAYBE a Golf R...)

laurasdada

Greetings from LA! Or, should I say TesLA, they are quite ubiquitous. I'm not sure any car will drop my jaw anymore, having been out this way more than a few times, but son and I spotted the usual suspects (Ferrari, Bentley, Porsche, etc.). But, a couple of notable moments: Driving up the PCH, we were cruising with a McLaren convertible which just couldn't shake the power and handling of our Honda Odyssey! Well, more like the traffic and red lights... Coming down Sunset, a Lamborghini Aventador with an Audi R8 right behind it. Saw several Ferrari Italia's, I still lust after a convertible. MB SLS AMG convertible in downtown Pac Pal. Endless summer weather, but dry,dry,dry here.

Oh, yeah. Stickguy, bro has an Acura RDX, which I drove briefly. Nice ride! Plenty of torque when needed.

nyccarguy

@roadburner‌

The GTI "S w/ lighting" looks nice. Xenon, hot seats, slick top, 6-speed...

roadburner

@nyccarguy said:

The GTI "S w/ lighting" looks nice. Xenon, hot seats, slick top, 6-speed...

I know; I think I mentioned that my wife suggested RB Jr. and I buy a pair of GTIs. A wee bit tempting, but unrealistic...

benjaminh

Actually the lowest priced Golf 5-door you can get lists for $21,515.

The GTI starts at $24,995.

I would say that makes the GTI quite a deal. It's only $3,500 more. I would guess it's "worth" at least 5k more—at least to me.

The bigger and much more powerful 2.0 Audi engine seems like it would be worth 2k right there. The upgraded suspension would be worth another grand to me, ditto with the massively improved wheels and tires, and ditto again with the much nicer interior combined with the exterior stuff.

With options the GTI really adds up. But if you can go easy on those it seems like something of an automotive bargain. It seems good like a performance car that has sedan functionality for a very fair price....

ab348

VW Canada is advertising a starting price of $18995, but maybe that a 2-door. Still it seems odd that it would be so much more expensive in the US since car prices there are usually less.

benjaminh

That's the "intro price"—a 2-door stripper only with the 5 speed manual, and for a limited time. In the US it's actually a thousand less.

To get the 4-door you need to move up to a higher trim level, plus you are required to get the auto trans (at least in the US), giving you the list of 21.5k.

nyccarguy

@roadburner‌

That's funny. You never mentioned that. Now is definitely not "the time" to buy a GTI as they just hit the market not long ago. Wait a little for production to catch up with demand. Look at the Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS. Lots of hype, high initial demand, MSRP ONLY OR MSRP PLUS in some markets. Now they are just like any other car on the lot. You could probably drive one off the lot for invoice at the most.

The GTI does seem to hold its value pretty well according to "asking prices." Guys on the board who had GTIs, were you happy with what you got for your GTI at trade-in/sale time? How long did you have it?

roadburner

@nyccarguy said:
roadburner‌

That's funny. You never mentioned that. Now is definitely not "the time" to buy a GTI as they just hit the market not long ago.

I know- and she said the same thing about the F56 Mini...

I suggested a 3 for 3 trade at our BMW dealer; trade in the 328i, X3 and MS3 for the X1, Z3 Coupe, and the 370Z...

stickguy

Hey NYC, how is the car looking going? Any test drives to report? Labor Day is right around the corner.

benjaminh

nycarguy is right that waiting a few months will probably get you a lower price. Once they ramp up production at that huge VW factory in Mexico, supplies should be good. There are currently fewer than 10 GTIs in the Louisville area, and none are the base model....I'm not going to get one of these, but da** that's a hot car.

press release for the 2015 VW GTI:

http://media.vw.com/release/748/

"2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI: THE ICON REINVENTED
May 12, 2014

The original hot hatch just got even hotter, starting at $24,395 for the two-door S model.

Seventh-generation Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient than previous generation

Room for five with a larger trunk than any mid-size sedan

Increases of 10 horsepower and 51 pound-feet of torque from new EA888 TSI® engine

$700 price decrease on content-adjusted comparison with previous GTI

EPA estimated highway fuel economy improves by 3 mpg with the manual transmission...."

much more at the link.

kyfdx

Man... all you guys ever talk about are Volkswagens...