Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

venture

sandman_6472 said:

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

From the SiriusXM web site:

If you wish to cancel a subscription because you have a new vehicle, please call us at 1-855-236-9238 and click here to find out how our Listener Care agents can help you transfer your service.

If you wish to cancel for any other reason, please call us at 1-866-635-5020 as we would like to understand and resolve any issue you may have had. Please note your subscription cannot be cancelled online. Our Listener Care agents are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.


If you click on the link it says:

Got a new Car? Congratulations!

Our dedicated listener care team is ready to set up your subscription in your new vehicle so you don’t miss a second of the programming you love.


Call 855-236-9238

To add your new radio to your account.


We’ll help you:
• Add your new radio to your existing account.
• Apply any unused credits toward your new subscription after your trial is over.
• Check to see if you’re eligible for a multi-radio discount.
• Let us know about any radios you no longer have so we can remove them from
your account.

Plus our call center agents can help you figure out which subscription is best for you after your trial is over.

qbrozen

They should be able to transfer your XM and tack it to the free months. Would prob be cheaper than canceling and starting over.

rayainsw

Sandy - Congrats & best of luck!
= Ray
22,000 miles on my GTI with no issues.....

graphicguy

Sandy....big congratz! Good job.

ab348

qbrozen said:

They should be able to transfer your XM and tack it to the free months. Would prob be cheaper than canceling and starting over.

When I got the ATS, the XM on my Regal still had 3 or 4 months worth of time on it. I called and they made it sound like it was impossible to add that on to the ATS account. It was all very confusing and the agent was not particularly helpful. I ended up cancelling the Regal sub and am supposed to get a credit for the unused time (which reminds me, I have not seen that yet). Now I am getting "Please come back" emails from XM since they obviously do not know I have a new car that has it. They seem to be very car-centric rather than person-centric in their account management. I am tempted to let it expire once it is done on the Caddy, since I find that using my phone for music is more satisfying.

suydam

Always ask to speak to a supervisor. Announcing you are canceling will often get you put through to one.

stever

sandman_6472 said:

What would be a good price for the warranty?

Mark-up is typically 100%; some dealers sell 'em online so you may want to call around to a couple of other VW dealers and see if VW lets them do that and get a quote. I wouldn't trust a non-VW third party warranty.

Good post here in the Extended Warranty discussion.

stickguy

Looks like I bought too early. Turns out instead of taking car back with her after Xmas, we will drive it down on January 31. So I really didn't need another car until then. Oops.

au1994

stickguy said:

Looks like I bought too early. Turns out instead of taking car back with her after Xmas, we will drive it down on January 31. So I really didn't need another car until then. Oops.

Aww shucks

corvette

Congrats Sandy! 34 punches so far this year. There is a guy on TDI club who sells the VW Drive Easy warranties close to cost. You can buy before one year or 10k miles without paying extra. I would not buy anything other than the OE warranty 

stever

Edmunds just got another one too.

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Happy to Have a GTI in the Fleet Again

Mr_Shiftright

guy's kinda loafin' in that moon rocket, don't you think? 130 mph in the back straight? Shoot, there are people in California who do that in school zones.

qbrozen said:

Just listen to this!

stever

A reporter is looking to interview a recent car buyer who bought a crossover SUV. To share your story, please email PR@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, December 16, 2014.

qbrozen

Mr_Shiftright said:

guy's kinda loafin' in that moon rocket, don't you think? 130 mph in the back straight? Shoot, there are people in California who do that in school zones.

qbrozen said:

Just listen to this!

Ha. Yeah, was thinking about that, too. And only 142 in the big boy. I'm not familiar with that track, though. I could hit 130 in my BMW with a "measly" ~350hp on the front straight on our NJ track.

laurasdada

Sandy, one though on the extended warranty: Self-insure. Take the money you would have paid for the extended and invest it (something safe, to ensure it is available e.g. cd, money market. Of course, no return to speak of so, depending upon your risk tolerance, you could slso go more speculative) for the term of the original warranty. This way, you have your money, plus any earnings, should the need arise to apply to the car. If no needs arise, you still have your money + earnings.

Sandman6472

Living in Florida, don't think we can buy extended warranties online. We didn't get one on the A3 and not sure what I want to do actually. There must be a time period where I can still get one from VW without having to commit on the first day of ownership. Just not sure I want to do it today even though the sales guy mentioned it a couple of times which I felt odd since shouldn't he be pushing the reliability of his product?? I know it's a VW but it's also a 1st year model which sometimes have gremlins. But it's a known engine and things should be up to snuff.
I just don't know! Will have to see what they offer me when I go in between 3 and 4 this afternoon.

The Sandman

xwesx

The primary difference in timing (from what I've found) when buying a factory warranty, is that if you buy as part of the purchase price, you can roll it into your financing. If you buy later, it is a stand-alone purchase. But, extended factory warranties can be purchased at any time during the initial bumper-to-bumper warranty period. This can sometimes work for or against you, but the bottom line is how much you pay for it up front vs. how much you expect it will save you over the longer term.

Generally, though, people tend to spend more on the extended warranty when they buy them at the time of purchase just because they are somewhat spontaneous about it and less price sensitive (e.g., they feel pressured into doing so). It is important to keep in mind that these warranties generally provide the owner ZERO benefits until the B2B period expires.

carnaught

SM, conrgats on the Golf.....fun car. If you decide to buy the extra warranty, consider 40-50% of the asking price, and make sure it's good at ANY VW dealer, not just yours. Good luck, and let us know about your driving/ownership experience.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

guy's kinda loafin' in that moon rocket, don't you think? 130 mph in the back straight? Shoot, there are people in California who do that in school zones.

qbrozen said:

Just listen to this!

Ha. Yeah, was thinking about that, too. And only 142 in the big boy. I'm not familiar with that track, though. I could hit 130 in my BMW with a "measly" ~350hp on the front straight on our NJ track.

Well the track looked like it had enough room. I used to do 135 in little dinky formula Dodge cars (neon engines!) and I was only a mid-pack student at the time.

jayrider

sandman_6472 said:

Living in Florida, don't think we can buy extended warranties online. We didn't get one on the A3 and not sure what I want to do actually. There must be a time period where I can still get one from VW without having to commit on the first day of ownership. Just not sure I want to do it today even though the sales guy mentioned it a couple of times which I felt odd since shouldn't he be pushing the reliability of his product?? I know it's a VW but it's also a 1st year model which sometimes have gremlins. But it's a known engine and things should be up to snuff.
I just don't know! Will have to see what they offer me when I go in between 3 and 4 this afternoon.

The Sandman

Go to volkswagenextendedwarranty.com to check on price. This is a dealer in Savannah, Ga that will give you a quote.

Sandman6472

Many thanks Jay. Just got home and all I can say is...WOW!!! Great little runabout that I'm gonna love for a long time, G-d willing!!! Really nice vehicle!!! I am very very happy right now!!!

The Sandman

ab348

Congrats, Sandy. Now change that signature line under your posts!

stickguy

you people are making me all bummed out with these cars. Though Sandy is the only one that bought something I could actually afford! I can blame my wife for wanting something bigger.

Next time I go smaller. I did not realize exactly how big the Sonata is until I shoved it in the garage. not much space at the front when I have it in far enough to clear the door. The Volvo looked lost in that same spot.

stever

jayrider said:

The Sandman Go to volkswagenextendedwarranty.com to check on price. This is a dealer in Savannah, Ga that will give you a quote.

Darn good excuse for a road trip in the new car.

Have to decide which new car to drive though.

sda

Is that buyer's remorse already? Hope not, your Sonata is a really nice car! I will admit, nothing wrong with my Accord, one of the best and most pleasant cars I've had and yet getting that itch again. I am beyond help and better be careful not to find myself in divorce court..

stickguy said:

you people are making me all bummed out with these cars. Though Sandy is the only one that bought something I could actually afford! I can blame my wife for wanting something bigger.

stickguy

of course. I thought you were supposed to regret what you bought when you finally did. Doesn't everyone?

Sandman6472

I tried but it doesn't show for some reason!!!

The Sandman

kyfdx

stickguy said:

of course. I thought you were supposed to regret what you bought when you finally did. Doesn't everyone?

When I first started buying cars, buyer's remorse took about 6 months to set in... later, it was when I drove it off the lot.. Now, it's when I make the offer and start dreading acceptance.

Sandman6472

No remorse yet, think I did the right thing for me at this point. Super glad I got a smaller driver now and will enjoy the extra mileage I will be getting. My sales guy said the Tucson will be going on their used lot after it gets detailed and I know they will sell it quickly as it still has plenty of factory warranty left and it had 16,220 on the clock. Hell, it was just broken in! The blue color is beautiful and finally glad to be out of the silver colors that we had for a long time. Just need to get used to the gas filler on the passenger side, have always had it on the drivers side before this one. I also have to remind myself that I am not driving a 2.4 engine anymore, it was pretty smooth though. this 1.8t seems to be pretty torquey and can't wait till after I break it in to have some fun with the paddle shifters...have it in "S" mode right now and will leave it there for the time being.
Great vehicle folks...absolutely great!!!

The Delirious Sandman

P.S. Have no idea how to post a pic so someone, please walk me through it as I am very tech challenged! I need step by step directions here folks!!!

stickguy

I have had the problem too. usually when I was trying to talk myself into something. And you hope they say no so you can bail without tossing back what they accepted!

at least in a lease, can live with anything for 3 years, and are forced to look again in a few years.

breld

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

of course. I thought you were supposed to regret what you bought when you finally did. Doesn't everyone?

When I first started buying cars, buyer's remorse took about 6 months to set in... later, it was when I drove it off the lot.. Now, it's when I make the offer and start dreading acceptance.

Oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has felt those pangs of regret at the time of a dealer's acceptance of an offer!

breld

stickguy said:

I have had the problem too. usually when I was trying to talk myself into something. And you hope they say no so you can bail without tossing back what they accepted!

Yup - been there, done that. "Oh shoot! They accepted!"

stever

How to Post a Photo

jwilliams2

"Great vehicle folks...absolutely great!!!

The Delirious Sandman "

So glad you are happy. Sounds like a great car for you!

Jim

graphicguy

breld said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

of course. I thought you were supposed to regret what you bought when you finally did. Doesn't everyone?

When I first started buying cars, buyer's remorse took about 6 months to set in... later, it was when I drove it off the lot.. Now, it's when I make the offer and start dreading acceptance.

Oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has felt those pangs of regret at the time of a dealer's acceptance of an offer!

I used to feel that way. These days, I know I've done my hompework and know I got a good deal. So, no real buyer's remorse, except when something new and shiny is sitting in the showroom within staring distance while I'm sitting in the service lounge a year or two after delivery.

Sandman6472

Felt exactly the same way folks, like "what the hell am I doing here"!!! There was no logical reason to do this except that I wanted to...and that I could. But deep down, was thinking they won't accept so I can go home and rethink this for the 999,999th time! And if they had not matched Carmax's good offer, I would've walked and waited another couple of weeks until the 31st to come back. But got what I wanted plus the rims that make it look 1000% better so heck, why not go for it!
The wife is a little concerned that I'll kick this one to the curb in a few years but have assured her this one is a keeper. If anything, she's the one that might want to trade after 4 or so years...and I would've taken over her A3 in a heartbeat if she really wanted me to. But she does seem to love it so that's all that matters. Think it's the amount that we spent in the last couple of weeks that has her spooked but now we go back into savings mode and all will be fine. I even wrote to the old company here in Lauderdale and asked to please bring me back so I can make some extra bucks...and I hope they reconsider personally.
But yep, we all get those same feelings when waiting to her aye or nay and 90% of the time, when they agree, we are happy...deep down!!!

The Sandman

roadburner

breld said:

stickguy said:

I have had the problem too. usually when I was trying to talk myself into something. And you hope they say no so you can bail without tossing back what they accepted!

Yup - been there, done that. "Oh shoot! They accepted!"

When I won my 2002 on eBay it wasn't so much regret as the realization I had to explain to my wife how I bought a car without leaving the house...

sda

roadburner said:

breld said:

stickguy said:

I have had the problem too. usually when I was trying to talk myself into something. And you hope they say no so you can bail without tossing back what they accepted!

Yup - been there, done that. "Oh shoot! They accepted!"

When I won my 2002 on eBay it wasn't so much regret as the realization I had to explain to my wife how I bought a car without leaving the house...

That could be a little touchy. Babe I bought a car and have never seen it. What??

stickguy

Sandy, I do like those Golfs. I probably should have pushed that harder. Oh well. Next time, maybe a GTI!

let the daughter drive the Sonata home from dinner out tonight (so I didn't have to worry about the 2nd pint of high octane!). She did fine. really seemed to like it. And she was in lust with the heated steering wheel (she seems to have very thin blood or something, and is always cold. One reason she went to school down south!). She didn't want to give it back. Between the powerful heated seats, rear heated, heated steering wheel and navigation (she seems to get lost easily), this is the car for her!

stickguy

About 10-12 years ago I dabbled on ebay motors. And bid (lowballs) on a couple, partly for the excitement (and figuring the worst that can happen is I land a screaming deal). so one day for some reason I bid on a Volvo S90 (probably a 1997 or 98). I think I bid $7,600, which seemed low, then forgot about it. Well, 5 days later, I get an email from the seller (a used dealer) asking who the heck am I, contact me (I think I had 1 feedback at most from buying something like a baseball card).

at the point, I really did not want to buy the car (though it was a good deal), being as it was in S. Florida, and I was in Jersey. So I went to bed without answering. Next morning, check and it turns out at the last minute someone outbid me by $100. Saving me the trouble of explaining to the wife that I had to fly to Florida to drive home in a used Volvo I had never seen. though that could have been fun!

roadburner

sda said:

roadburner said:

breld said:

stickguy said:

I have had the problem too. usually when I was trying to talk myself into something. And you hope they say no so you can bail without tossing back what they accepted!

Yup - been there, done that. "Oh shoot! They accepted!"

When I won my 2002 on eBay it wasn't so much regret as the realization I had to explain to my wife how I bought a car without leaving the house...

That could be a little touchy. Babe I bought a car and have never seen it. What??

It was only 90 miles away and we still have it. The fact that my wife likes to drive it doesn't hurt...

roadburner

My BMW dealer just took a one owner 2011 335i M Sport in trade- equipped with most every Dinan Stage 3 goodie: springs, wheels, exhaust, BMW Performance Edition Pkg(20 more hp).

Of course the thing had to be AWD and slushbox equipped... :@

Sandman6472

The wife sat in the Golf after i got home from work today and likes it to, similar dash to hers, saying she'll have no problem driving it when needed. It also fits much better in the garage so think overall, it gets her sign of approval. Drove home with the sunroof/moonroof open and what a joy...it was in the low 70's and the sun was starting to set. Right now, our weather is picture perfect for a drop top/sunroof so very glad I can enjoy it and it truly adds another dimension to driving fun. My commute is a bit boring with interstate the whole way so a good stereo is a must and now, having the hole in the roof, what more could I ask for! So glad I asked about swapping the rims out, just didn't like the standard SE rims at all...just like I didn't like the Tucson SE wheels either. I did ask several times to swap those out for the regular Tucson alloys but the sales lady basically said "no" each time so I dropped it. I was a bit stupid last year because I really had wanted the Limited model but let her talk me into the SE model instead and just knowing that I preferred the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport overall, there was always that "drivers remorse" whenever I saw another Outlander Sport on the road. Also, not trying the CX-5 or Rav4 before I bought was a dumb move actually. Guess I jumped at the wrong time just to get it over with and deep down, I knew that it wasn't going to be a "keeper" because my heart wasn't really in it. I settled when I didn't follow my original plan which was to keep the Civic and get the drop top for my toy...eventually I know I would've found the perfect convertible out there and been as happy as I am now.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

That fact was brought up at dinner tonight that I just should've kept the Civic last year as it would've had about 61k on it by now. And in all honesty, I had to agree with her inside...looking at some pics of it after we talked just made me realize that I should have kept it all along. I did learn a valuable lesson here, a life's lesson. And that is to follow your gut and not let anyone ever talk you out of something you know is right for you. I wanted a toy last year, pure and simple, I thought I found it and let her talk me out of it. Bad idea but I remedied the situation yesterday...finally. Spent a bit more than I should have but got to the same point. But it would've been great to have had 2 vehicles right now to switch in and out with depending on the weather and my moods. And trust me, if I had gotten a BMW drop top or any drop top for that matter, the wife would've decided to use it also. The moving vehicles around would've been no problem either.
I did bring this up to her tonight also and though she didn't like hearing it, she knew I was right. Just glad that I am a saver and had the funds sitting there to make this new vehicle a reality. But we both learned a valuable lesson here and I am finally happy now!
Didn't tell the girls yet but let my son know, I know they will be thrilled with it and am sure the younger one will want her new Mini even more now that I swapped vehicles. But I am able to afford this...and she's not at this particular time. Anyways, her Accent is in great shape and will hit 20k any day now, drives like a new vehicle and just needs new sneakers which we'll buy within the next few months. Plenty of good tread to take them on their holiday trip in 11 days from now...the A3 will sit in the garage with the mirror folded in and take a much deserved rest.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Am babying the Golf a bit and trying to not stay at one speed as I drive the interstate but wondering if I can use the cruise or should I wait until I hit the 500 mile mark? The Tucson definitely had more get up and go when hitting the accelerator and got up to speed much quicker but it did have the 2.4 regular engine. Though more than enough to move the car, the 1.8t is still a smaller engine but also, it is moving a lighter vehicle in the process. The Tucson was a heavier car and looking back, it was definitely a much larger vehicle...I do feel more at home in the Golf though, it really fits me perfectly! I knew this from the second I sat in one last Monday actually, within a couple of minutes behind the wheel, I knew I had found my next vehicle but again, twice in under 2 weeks, I broke my #1 rule of car buying..."never buy a 1st year model"!!! I did it with the Civic and vowed then never to do it ever again. Come less than 2 weeks ago, I let the wife buy a 1st year model and not even 3 days ago, I bought myself a 1st year model! I definitely threw logic out the window this time, we both know it, and probably should've waited another year here and stayed the course. But that wasn't happening and even though I thought I would wait, she says she knew I wouldn't. She knew I had changed my mind about the Lexus after last weekend with her there and am glad I took her along because I probably would've jumped on one and had real remorse right now. Saw that C-Max today at the Ford dealer and they had moved it outside trying to get someone, anyone to buy it. Again I'm glad I didn't jump on that one either because I would've been sorry in short order. No, I definitely made the right choice with this blue Golf SE hatch...not one bit of remorse as of right now and doubt there will be any.
I priced out the cost of the 20k and 30k services and bought the pre-paid plan, get the 10k free from VW so just like we did with the Audi, I got one for the Golf. Still debating about the other back to back $100 deductible warranty and will check with that online place. Just really do not know what to do here as we've never bought one before. Just not sure what to do here!!!

The Tired Sandman

stickguy

The golf was out for a while in Europe, so not exactly brand new. Plus the powertrain came out 1-2 years ago in the Jetta/Passat/A3, so also not brand new.

Pretty sure that on paper, the Golf is actually quicker, regardless of how it feels. You will get used to it. My son's Jetta moves just fine, and the Golf is lighter. Plus his gets 37+ on highway runs, even with some local mixed in, and not sitting in the slow lane!

as to the toy, I know the feeling, but remember you would have had to deal on a regular basis with "needs" on the older BMW (just ask Isell about that one!), which costs money. So enjoy the huge panoramic roof. Pretty close to a convertible!

stever

sandman_6472 said:

Am babying the Golf a bit and trying to not stay at one speed as I drive the interstate but wondering if I can use the cruise or should I wait until I hit the 500 mile mark?

You gotta do what the manual suggests. But look at the rest of your inventory - Hertz gets a new car in and boom - people are driving them like, well, like people will do. And the vast majority of those cars never experience any engine problems. Some engines probably do better because they've been revved like crazy the first few hundred miles.

These days breaking in the brakes is probably more critical than worrying about the engine, whether you hit the cruise for an hour or drive it like a banshee.

brian125

sandman_6472 ,

I don't think todays engines need much breaking in any more. Even motor oils today are so much better than years ago. I still break in my cars the first 500 miles nice and easy regardless what the dealer tells me. It may be hard with your Golf but you will survive a few weeks. Better to be safe then sorry.

I agree with @stever,

I would also want to break in the Brakes the first few weeks.

Have fun

Sandman6472

I definiely am!!! Drove the A3 today as we needed to gas it up and do some errands around town...she asked me to drive so why not. Started putting things back into the car this afternoon and was surprised at all the storage space the Tucson had, larger bins in the dash and around the driver which the Golf lacks and even the center compartment is so much smaller. Funny what little things you never notice until they are no longer there...but every vehicle is different and all it means is that I'll be hauling around less "stuff" from now on. All in all, a great little vehicle and think we're going to be very happy with each other!!!


The Sandman

abacomike

OK, add my new car to the tally.  Picked up my new Mercedes E400 Friday.  They are putting the 19" AMG wheels on tomorrow.  After waiting another 2 months for Mercedes to build me a replacement car, the waiting is finally over.