Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Was up most of last night just thinking about what I should do and am leaning towards the new Golf though I want to test drive the Ford C-Max again. I found a 2014 SEL in silver in the showroom of the Ford dealer we have an office at and right now they have $3k of MSRP and 0% for 72 months. The price is $26,225 which doesn't seem that bad even though it is a '14 model. Looks good in silver though white is my preferred color and since we had two silver vehicles for awhile, no big deal if we both had white again. Drove a C-Max last year across the state from Miami to Ft. Myers and remember that it drove like a normal vehicle and none of the slowness or noise that the CT has. Front seats are pretty comfy to and with the SEL model, it has leather.
Like the white Golf but the blue is really nice with the diesel rims that we have planned to swap out for if I do the deal. Must admit the 1.8T engine is pretty sweet and the acceleration especially in "sport" mode was outstanding. Personally, I would've done the deal last night but wanted to touch base with the wife before I did anything. We talked about it again at dinner tonight and she agrees that waiting till the end of the month isn't a bad idea and if I work my schedule right, I will probably be able to take Tuesday the 30th off along with my regular Wednesday and Thursday days off. Best would be to purchase on the 31st and have them detail it that same day. Hopefully they'll need a few extra sales to make their bonus or other contest which will make them more eager to give me a great price.

The Sandman

stickguy

Sandy dude, you really are all over the place. not that I should talk, after what I put my wife through this fall!

I really did like the Golf. I let her sway me a bit toward getting something bigger. There is a chance that if I had held off until the end of the year or into January, I would have ended up with a VW instead. Though the Golf does not tend to lease out well, so maybe not!

Already looking forward to the next time. Only 3 years.

Sandman6472

Brought the Jetta home yesterday for the garage test and it just fit with not a lot of room to spare so think it's been crossed off the short list. Down to the C-Max, 200CTh and Golf SE right now. Looking for great mileage and these 3 seem to fit the bill so not that over the place. Would still love a drop top but don't think I'd like what the interior would have to deal with since i am pretty anal about keeping my rides as clean as possible. So far, the Golf has given me the most smiles per mile which is also extremely important to me and think I could easily live with the lower mpg's. We talked about going diesel but do prefer a gas engined vehicle at this stage. The more I think about the Golf, the more I really think will be the winner here as it does everything I want right now and think I could live with it for years to come. And close enough to the better half's A3 that I won't feel cheated one bit! I want to be car happy now and though we're almost there, I know I could be happier with the Golf SE!!!

The Sandman

stickguy

the Golf does have a lot of plusses. Will easily fit in the garage being way smaller than the Tuscan. And will certainly get better MPG, while being just as fast if not faster. And the glass roof is the next best thing to a convertible (and the opening part is huge).

My son likes his Jetta, and it getting very good MPG out of it. And it is quick, being the same basic set up as your A3.

breld

I don't think you'll lose much in the way of MPG on the Golf 1.8T vs the CT200h. I was easily getting into the mid-30's in my Passat, and sometimes close to 40.

And as you've pointed out, the responsiveness of the Golf is much better than the Lexus. Not to mention the added roominess of the VW vs the small Lexus.

If I were to get one, I would get that same blue. Nice choice (if you go that way)!

Sandman6472

Well, put an ad on Craigslist.com and will probably go over to Carmax just to see what they would give me for it. A waste of time I realize but curious. And the best part is I don't have to do anything right now, nothing. And if I do get the urge to drive a VW, got the wife's A3 right outside which she said I should drive more. So why spend the funds right now. Guess I am talking myself out of this because it isn't smart. Now if we were at $10k and mine, that might be a different story but, we're not there yet on the SE model and I do want the back up camera and the nicer Fender stereo.
Decisions, decisions...hate this but still, I think I really want it. Wish I had Breld's mindset...and their bank account...lol!!!

The Sandman

stevedebi

sandman_6472 said:

Well, put an ad on Craigslist.com and will probably go over to Carmax just to see what they would give me for it. A waste of time I realize but curious. And the best part is I don't have to do anything right now, nothing. And if I do get the urge to drive a VW, got the wife's A3 right outside which she said I should drive more. So why spend the funds right now. Guess I am talking myself out of this because it isn't smart. Now if we were at $10k and mine, that might be a different story but, we're not there yet on the SE model and I do want the back up camera and the nicer Fender stereo.
Decisions, decisions...hate this but still, I think I really want it. Wish I had Breld's mindset...and their bank account...lol!!!

The Sandman

Sandman,
From your posts, the VW has the nod! Nothing beats a smile behind the wheel.

laurasdada

Stick, New England International Auto Show is next month, an annual event for me. But, they jacked the price up to $15! There have been a couple of $2 discount offers, but that's still $1 more than years past. And, every little dollar counts when your current ride is just about a year old and you'll soon be forced to buy a new car...

stickguy

Even Philly is only $11 or $12, and stuff here is usually high.

breld

Funny - I've been receiving some e-mails to purchase advance tickets to the Denver Auto Show for a couple bucks off. At first, I was all excited thinking they moved up the show, but it's still out in March or April.

Michaell

breld said:

Funny - I've been receiving some e-mails to purchase advance tickets to the Denver Auto Show for a couple bucks off. At first, I was all excited thinking they moved up the show, but it's still out in March or April.

April 8-12, according to the email I got.

Sandman6472

Just got back from Subaru since they called the wife about the new Impreza's that came in. She wants me to look so off we go. They had only 5 doors right now still in plastic but I got to sit in them. Seems they redid the radio to be more modern and user friendly. Very nice piece of iron and prefer the Limited Sport model, a Premium limited Sport, but don't like the wheels on the 5 door and and to get just the Premium in the 5 door, have to give up the XM and navi with the Isight package. It is about 175" and would fit great in the garage but I prefer the Sedan which is 182.5" and the wheels on the sedan and I asked, they won't swap out the rims like VW will. But that Isight option is super cool and I'd have to have it. Mileage is 36 on the highway which is pretty damn good for a 4 wheel drive.
They have some sedans coming in next month but we sat down and made up a model on the computer with all the options I'd need and not a bad price actually. But really need to drive one first to see if I even like it. The wife is more interested than I am right now but it is a good looking vehicle in either iteration.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Went over to Carmax just to get a buy price and they came back with $16.5k which would work. Price is good for a week but don't see them going down in price until I hit at least 18k on the clock. But it is a way to go if I want. Also put an ad on Craigslist but think I priced it a bit too high. Will wait a week and lower the price at that point but wanted to start high and see if anyone bites. So far, nothing but it's been up for maybe 20 hours.
As of now, the CT has been forgotten about though they did call and leave a voice mail. Even the unit at the Hyundai store is no longer there as of 20 minutes ago but knew it wouldn't last long because they priced it to sell. The loudness and slow acceleration was just two things that I just couldn't live with on a day to day basis, couldn't pay a premium price for it even though the mileage figures were pretty impressive. Just know I'd be regretting it within a few weeks...so what's the point really. If asked right now, I'd have to choose the Golf hands down...it's got the quick acceleration that I need to merge onto the highway and it's there when needed. The mileage figures are quite acceptable and it definitely puts a big smile on my face. It doesn't have the great safety features that the Sube does but love the smaller size and that they would be able to swap out the rims without any problem. It just calls to me right now and it's a vehicle I could keep for a long time and be happy...really, it's a A3 with a hatch to me and the interior is Audiesque...something I want now.

The Sandman

P.S. Saw the exact car Bradd got, the blue over beige Legacy and showed the wife. She liked it, a lot, and said why not look at it instead. Once she saw the size of it though, she said it just won't fit on my side. Oh well, cool color though!!

roadburner

In for a penny- go WRX...

nyccarguy

Sandy

You really are all over the map! Whoa! So are you now looking for a "Sandy Punch" or a "Mrs. Sandy Punch?"

The Impreza is a fine car. I test drove one before I ended up buying my Legacy. I drove the "base" 2.5i model and was impressed with its fit & finish. I actually liked the "Sport" 5 door models because that gave the 17" 5 Spoke gun metal finished wheels. I think a Limited Sport Impreza would have cost almost the same as my Legacy Premium.

I know you are looking for a car with some decent acceleration numbers. I would categorize the Legacy's 2.5L engine acceleration as adequate. It does get up to speed and will pass when coaxed. There have been a few times when I put my blinker on, check my mirror, and wait for the guy coming up in the left to pass before I make my move. In the BMW it would have been a non-issue. In my Prelude, its drop down to 3rd, & engage the hyper drive (VTEC).

Overall I'm really happy with the Legacy. The build quality. The interior materials. The backup camera. The suspension. The car's neutrality.

Sandman6472

All over the map because I plan to do it right this time, buy something that I would be happy keeping another 8 or so years. If I wanted something that much, I would've traded for the Golf Monday night because it hit the bulls eye...it is a A3 with a hatch! Up until now, we never considered any VW product and vowed we'd never purchase one, ever. But now that door was opened when she bought the A3. And the A3 checked every box for a vehicle that the wife would be happy with, and it is just right for moma bear. Now it's time for papa bear to get something fun to. So yes, I'm all over the map so I can try everything I seem to like. And the funny part is I just might not do anything as there really is no dire need here. Since I happen to like her A3 so much, the Golf is a way to have something very similar that runs on regular petrol. Something to keep that [non-permissible content removed] eating grin on my face!
So, from starting at getting a convertible as a 3rd fun vehicle on to a cuv with a power seat that sat higher up on to a fun vehicle with a sun/moon roof, it's been a wild ride. And if I go through with it, of course I will be out some money and that's o k, just the price of getting what I think I really want. But as the other half just said, this has to be a keeper, one that stays in the stable which I totally agree. So waiting another 2 weeks from today might just be the right time!

The Sandman

stickguy

guess I need to read up. Is the Imprezza a full redesign, or just a large refresh?

I can't wait for summer 2017. Knowing I have to get a car means I have to look, not just looking because I like to look!

sda

Sandy, you are full of surprises! Would the Impreza be for you?

venture

sandman_6472 said:

Just got back from Subaru since they called the wife about the new Impreza's that came in. She wants me to look so off we go. They had only 5 doors right now still in plastic but I got to sit in them. Seems they redid the radio to be more modern and user friendly. Very nice piece of iron and prefer the Limited Sport model, a Premium limited Sport, but don't like the wheels on the 5 door and and to get just the Premium in the 5 door, have to give up the XM and navi with the Isight package. It is about 175" and would fit great in the garage but I prefer the Sedan which is 182.5" and the wheels on the sedan and I asked, they won't swap out the rims like VW will. But that Isight option is super cool and I'd have to have it. Mileage is 36 on the highway which is pretty damn good for a 4 wheel drive.
They have some sedans coming in next month but we sat down and made up a model on the computer with all the options I'd need and not a bad price actually. But really need to drive one first to see if I even like it. The wife is more interested than I am right now but it is a good looking vehicle in either iteration.

The Sandman

I have a 2013 Impreza 5-door. They sit real close to the ground. Will your back hold up?

stickguy

the other thing about the Imprezza is that it is not particularly fast. OK, it is kinda slow. Not sure it will play for speed demon Sandy.

nyccarguy

@roadburner‌

All used cars nowadays have crazy price tags attached to them, but the resale on WRXs are incredible. A CarMax in MA has a 2008 WRX Sedan with 41K miles with a stick, cloth seats, & slick top for $20,998. We are 2 weeks away from that car being 7 years old and it couldn't be had a sticker price of more than $25K - $26K back then. Nuts.

stickguy

I have noticed that when I looked at Carmax, all their prices seemed high, but they were worse on "middle aged" cars. Meaning, fairly new stuff was somewhat reasonable (high market?), but that kind of 5-7 YO unit was not much less, as if the law of depreciation did not apply to them.

stickguy

oh, certain Subes and Hondas have always had silly used prices it seems. Both cars that you are probably better buying new, especially at the time of year when you can get really deep discounts. Like, now!

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner‌

All used cars nowadays have crazy price tags attached to them, but the resale on WRXs are incredible. A CarMax in MA has a 2008 WRX Sedan with 41K miles with a stick, cloth seats, & slick top for $20,998. We are 2 weeks away from that car being 7 years old and it couldn't be had a sticker price of more than $25K - $26K back then. Nuts.

Much like JK Wranglers; I think their depreciation rate is less than 10%/year...

nyccarguy

I saw an ad for a CPO 2014 IS 350 F Sport AWD. Sticker price was $48K. The car has 11,000 Miles on it. Dealer was asking $40K & change. That's not too bad. The IS 350 seems to hold its value very well too. I just don't have the start up funds for something like that.

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

I saw an ad for a CPO 2014 IS 350 F Sport AWD. Sticker price was $48K. The car has 11,000 Miles on it. Dealer was asking $40K & change. That's not too bad. The IS 350 seems to hold its value very well too. I just don't have the start up funds for something like that.

I know you can pick one up around my 'burg...NEW...F Sport....Nav...AWD...new, about $47K with a nearly $50K sticker.

rayainsw

Not for me - but interesting,
in this day of CAFE regulations,
smog regulations,
and Chevy Volts...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-dodge-challenger-srt-hellcat-manual-test-review

Mr_Shiftright

That article seems a bit condescending doesn't it? Or is it just me? It seems to suggest that a buyer is predestined to a) drive like an idiot and b) destroy the car just because he can.

This C&D Juvenalia gets old sometimes.

qbrozen

doesn't stop me from wanting one.

roadburner

As my search continues I'm coming to the conclusion that there are no new OR used cars priced under $38k that interest me in the slightest... :@

xwesx

Mr_Shiftright said:

That article seems a bit condescending doesn't it? Or is it just me? It seems to suggest that a buyer is predestined to a) drive like an idiot and b) destroy the car just because he can.

This C&D Juvenalia gets old sometimes.

Quite condescending, yet I cannot disagree with Q either! Must be quite a car. LOL

qbrozen

Just listen to this!

Sandman6472

Who's keeping the list of new car purchases??? Houston, we have lift off!!!


The Sandman

venture

sandman_6472 said:

Who's keeping the list of new car purchases??? Houston, we have lift off!!!


The Sandman

Uh oh! The Eagle has landed.

stickguy

Smelling a Golf SE.

though the way Sandy is going, it could be anything from a CT to a 1952 Nash Metropolitan.

ab348

stickguy said:

Smelling a Golf SE.

though the way Sandy is going, it could be anything from a CT to a 1952 Nash Metropolitan.

LOL!!!

I know what you mean though. My mind is blown. I just hope he didn't spring for the Tesla.

stever

If you are a parent of young children (at least one under 12 years old) who owns a Honda Fit (2015), Mazda 3 (2014 or 2015), Volkswagen Golf/Golf TDI (2013 – 2015), Honda Accord (2014 or 2015), Hyundai Sonata (2015), Nissan Murano (2015), Honda CR-V (2015 preferred, 2013-14 acceptable), Subaru Outback (2015), Toyota Sienna (2015 preferred, 2013-14 acceptable) or a Chevy Traverse (2013 – 2015), a reporter would like for you to fill out a survey, due by December 22, 2014, for use in a print publication. Click here for the survey http://tinyurl.com/o8uzder

corvette

I'm the one keeping track, Sandy! What did you get?

Sandman6472

As of tomorrow afternoon, a 2015 Golf SE but got them to swap the standard rims for the rims from a diesel model. Both 17" so fitment should be a snap and they look so much better. Got the blue over beige leatherette and it looks fantastic. Got the sunroof, backup camera and XM radio in the Fender sound system. They ended up matching Carmax's price and I got Truecar pricing so out the door with a bit under $10k, which was my absolute top limit. Anything over $10k and I wasn't buying because there was no reason to do this, the Tucson was and is a fine vehicle but right now, just not the right one for me.
Yes, I was all over the place looking because I had to try a lot of different things to be absolutely sure here...ABSOLUTELY SURE! And it came down to the Jetta or the Golf, both great vehicles and that 1.8t engine, sweet is all I can say. They changed the blue from the one on the 2014 model which I did like better to be honest. I was all set to wait until the 2015 Sube Impreza sedans came in because I did like the look of it a lot also but I kept coming back to the Golf every time so might as well just get what I really want. So, I got a cheaper A3 hatch is the way I see this move and know that it's something I can and will be happy with for years to come.
Now to decide if an extended warranty is the way to go here. Folks, please give me your comments here on the extended warranty. I go to pick it up tomorrow at 3 so will log on before I leave and read any comments. My boss is letting me off early tomorrow which is very nice.
Folks, can't wait to read your comments and Corvette, let me know where we are in number of purchases for the year right now.

The Sandman

breld

Congrats Sandy! That's a wonderful car, and I love that color. The 1.8t is indeed a great engine, and mates well with the 6-speed auto - I don't think you would've been happy with the power in the Impreza.

The warranty is certainly worth considering - it's a new VW model to the U.S., from a new factory. Just a matter if you can get a good deal on the warranty. Others can probably give advice on what a good price would be.

breld

Sandy - are you getting the lighting package? The lights do look much better with that upgrade.

rae52

Sandman, which transmission r u getting?

fintail

Congrats Sandy, sharp color combo too.

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

As of tomorrow afternoon, a 2015 Golf SE but got them to swap the standard rims for the rims from a diesel model.... Corvette, let me know where we are in number of purchases for the year right now.

Come on, Sandy, stop padding the numbers!!! :@

LOL

stickguy

The SE Golf Tsi (gas engine) only comes with the 6 speed autostick. I think the diesel gets the DSG.

Sandy, the diesel wheels look nice, though I like the standard ones just fine.

nyccarguy

Wow! Bravo Sandy! Bravo! After keeping your Civic & your wife's Mazda (with its wonky AC) for so long, I can't believe you are at 2 punches in 2 weeks & that you are parting ways with your Tuscon so soon. You have earned the title Chronic Car Buyer! The new Golf is a sweet ride. You are going to be happy with it. Blue over Beige is an excellent color combination

Thanks for the compliment on my car's color the other day.

roadburner

Congrats, Sandy!

stever

@sandman_6472, congrats!

On the extended warranty, you may want to see if you can buy it a year from now (or anytime before the factory warranty expires). In a year, you may decide that the new Golf is running so well you can skip it.

There may be some other bene's to an extended warranty now though, like a free loaner car (that could be dangerous to your bank account though lol).

Michaell

@sandman_6472‌ - congratulations on the new car! Very happy for you .. had the 1.8T been available in the Golf last year when I was looking I might have leased one. I did test drive the Jetta with the same engine and really liked it, but I wanted a hatchback this time around.

I'll be interested in hearing about life with an Audi and a VW ... going from Japanese (then Korean) makes to German should be interesting, in terms of maintenance and reliability.

My last experience with VW was with a '99 New Beetle. We leased it, then bought out the lease. When we did that, we did get the extended warranty, which paid for itself within the first year after the lease ended.

Sandman6472

What would be a good price for the warranty? The sales guy did mention it and said today when I go into give them my bank check, I should consider it...was told I could finance it at 0% which might just work. Something to consider here. Also need to cancel my XM subscription in the Tucson since I get a free 3 month one in the Golf. Does anyone have the number off hand? My paperwork is in the black hole of my armoire where I throw all my papers unlike the wife who files everything, must be that cpa mindset I guess. I did find my title very easily in there though.
I was going to go with the white over beige, have never had a beige interior yet, but thought 2 white vehicles was a bit much...they had no silver or charcoal anywhere near here and the blue was very appealing actually, time to leave the gray area once and for all!
This is it folks, no more purchases and this was really a fluke. I think with me just turning 60, the wife finally going into unchartered vehicle ownership with her Audi and the fact that though I liked the Tucson just fine, I wanted something more fun and not so predictable finally. And getting the sunroof is what really pushed me over the edge since I really wanted a drop top in the first place. But this is it, for a long time!!!

The Sandman