Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

Almost a month in and to be totally honest, I know I made the right decision with buying the Golf! Besides the somewhat weak audio system and the tire issue, I just love it and am glad I traded the Tucson. Got my registration today from the state so it's really really mine!!
Our insurance bill came and those tickets I got made the bill jump a bit and the spousal unit is pissed off, big time! 2013 and 2014 were not good years on the driving front for me but with all the miles I did drive, not surprised a few things happened. Was I guilty, sure and I have changed my ways drastically and watch my speed. Even keep the display on digital so I can see the exact speed I am going at all times. All those miles I drove transporting those vehicles all over the state made me a bit careless I guess and I pushed the envelope a few too many times and now I must pay. Just wonder how long the insurance company's will punish me for this???

The Sandman

venture

sandman_6472 said:

Golf going in at 7:30 tomorrow and getting a loaner, again. Told them they can have it till Thursday it to please get it right this time. Got the service manager involved now since it's been in twice with no difference and she said they want me to be happy. Happy will be making the vibration and shaking go away permanently so swap out the wheels/tires or any combo and let's move on here. I told her our '15 A3 has the same tire size and alloy rim size and is smooth as glass at every speed up to 85, the highest I got it so far. Checked to see if hers shook like mine but no, smooth as glass so there is a solution to this issue. Easiest thing to do is just get another diesel car and swap the alloys and if the problem is gone, great. Send me on my way and deal with the defected products, if any later on. All I know, this issue is not normal. And I know they will test drive it before I get it back because last time, there was a good bit of petrol used when I got it back, almost a quarter used.
i am very optimistic that come Friday morning on my way to work, all will be fine!

The Sandman

You have to wonder - if that much gas was used, why didn't they know it wasn't fixed? Something smells fishy.

rayainsw

roadburner - Yes, I did see that R/T test.
Those numbers are OK with me.
- Ray
Still waiting...

jayrider

sandman_6472 said:

Golf going in at 7:30 tomorrow and getting a loaner, again. Told them they can have it till Thursday it to please get it right this time. Got the service manager involved now since it's been in twice with no difference and she said they want me to be happy. Happy will be making the vibration and shaking go away permanently so swap out the wheels/tires or any combo and let's move on here. I told her our '15 A3 has the same tire size and alloy rim size and is smooth as glass at every speed up to 85, the highest I got it so far. Checked to see if hers shook like mine but no, smooth as glass so there is a solution to this issue. Easiest thing to do is just get another diesel car and swap the alloys and if the problem is gone, great. Send me on my way and deal with the defected products, if any later on. All I know, this issue is not normal. And I know they will test drive it before I get it back because last time, there was a good bit of petrol used when I got it back, almost a quarter used.
i am very optimistic that come Friday morning on my way to work, all will be fine!

The Sandman

Put on different tires and wheels then if it vibrates, it's the suspension. New model ? Could be the suspension. Take another Golf -- TDI for a test drive. That should tell you what you need to know.

Sandman6472

I bought a Golf SE but liked the rims on the TDI version so they swapped them for me to finish the deal. Am hoping they do just what you said, swap 'em off another one and see if the problem goes away. Being the same size, 17", there should be no issue doing this and if there were, they'd never have agreed to my request. Speaking with the head service manager, was told the same thing, they should be interchangeable here. This is going to be the 3rd visit in almost a month so I know they just want me gone already but I won't ruin a good set of tires because of this. So am confident that they will finish me off tomorow and solve things once and for all!

The Sandman

28firefighter

FWIW, my Dad has had two Touraeg TDIs (most recent is a 2014 Executive) and swears by them - he won't drive another SUV. Reliability has been phenomenal save for some poor dealer experiences where the dealer actually induced some issues.  Take care of these trucks and they'll take care of you seems to be the overwhelming experience. 

I love them, too. Hoping to buy his 2014 when he is done with it. 

As far as pricing, I've seen at least one mid-Atlantic VW dealer offering 3% under invoice less incentives.  You can probably get a screaming deal. 

jpp75

28firefighter said:

FWIW, my Dad has had two Touraeg TDIs (most recent is a 2014 Executive) and swears by them - he won't drive another SUV. Reliability has been phenomenal save for some poor dealer experiences where the dealer actually induced some issues.  Take care of these trucks and they'll take care of you seems to be the overwhelming experience. 

I love them, too. Hoping to buy his 2014 when he is done with it. 

As far as pricing, I've seen at least one mid-Atlantic VW dealer offering 3% under invoice less incentives.  You can probably get a screaming deal. 

That's good to hear, I'd be happy with a Lux model but the Executive does have the upgraded stereo which would be nice. Our local dealer doesn't have any 2014's left, I'll look around at some dealers and see what I can find.

qbrozen

Due to the really low temps this morn, I decided to drive the CTS (thanks remote start and heated seats/steering wheel!). It was largely uneventful until I was merging from one highway to another and decided to give it the boot to get around some very slow mergers. It downshifted a couple of gears and hit full boost while changing lanes through some salt. Whoops! Got quite a ways sideways, but it recovered very quickly. Stopped my heart, that's for sure, but I was impressed with the magic systems doing their thing. I drove it in manual mode the rest of the way to prevent the downshifts.

ab348

qbrozen said:

Due to the really low temps this morn, I decided to drive the CTS (thanks remote start and heated seats/steering wheel!). It was largely uneventful until I was merging from one highway to another and decided to give it the boot to get around some very slow mergers. It downshifted a couple of gears and hit full boost while changing lanes through some salt. Whoops! Got quite a ways sideways, but it recovered very quickly. Stopped my heart, that's for sure, but I was impressed with the magic systems doing their thing. I drove it in manual mode the rest of the way to prevent the downshifts.

My ATS has a "winter" mode that does something with power delivery I believe. Does the V-sport have switchable modes?

qbrozen

It does have winter mode, I just didn't have it engaged since most of the roads were clear. Not sure yet how it behaves with that on. I did try it when it was dry out just to see what would happen, and it didn't feel much different to me. I guess its tough to tame that much power.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Due to the really low temps this morn, I decided to drive the CTS (thanks remote start and heated seats/steering wheel!). It was largely uneventful until I was merging from one highway to another and decided to give it the boot to get around some very slow mergers. It downshifted a couple of gears and hit full boost while changing lanes through some salt. Whoops! Got quite a ways sideways, but it recovered very quickly. Stopped my heart, that's for sure, but I was impressed with the magic systems doing their thing. I drove it in manual mode the rest of the way to prevent the downshifts.

"With great power comes great responsibility."

Glad you are OK. The heated seats/steering wheel/Remote start combo are nice. When you NEED those magic systems, they are simply amazing. Glad you are OK and didn't get hurt.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

It does have winter mode, I just didn't have it engaged since most of the roads were clear. Not sure yet how it behaves with that on. I did try it when it was dry out just to see what would happen, and it didn't feel much different to me. I guess its tough to tame that much power.

Even the 2.0 turbo motor gets wound up when the trans downshifts a couple of gears. It gives a "slam" into the seat. I'm sure it's nothing like the dual turbo V6 set up, but it does take you by surprise. The CTS trans is not afraid to downshift when you spur it, that's for sure.

Maybe overconfident, but I found myself passing slower traffic on a snowy street last night. CTS was as confident and as steady as anything I've ever driven in such conditions (including the Audi Quattro)., probably moreso.

I still feel that if you're going out driving in snow, sleet, rain, ice, whatever weather, and you're scared to do so, please stay home. I can't tell you how many times I saw a long line of cars, with merely two inches of snow on the ground, following someone who was constantly braking and coming perilously close to causing a major pileup of several cars behind them.

If you can't, won't, or are afraid to drive in weather, save yourself and your fellow road warriors time, grief, and possibly their lives and yours, and stay home.

graphicguy

Off topic...when did Edmunds start to implement "AdChoce" in their forums? The ads used to be on the side, which I didn't mind so much. But, in the middle of messages themselves.......annoying as hell.

nyccarguy

@qbrozen‌

you put winter tires on the fit?

au1994

graphicguy said:

Off topic...when did Edmunds start to implement "AdChoce" in their forums? The ads used to be on the side, which I didn't mind so much. But, in the middle of messages themselves.......annoying as hell.

100% agree

stever

graphicguy said:

Off topic...when did Edmunds start to implement "AdChoce" in their forums? The ads used to be on the side, which I didn't mind so much. But, in the middle of messages themselves.......annoying as hell.

So, it took you two days to notice?

The ads rolled in on the 5th. Some ads went away too. Haven't seen any other comments about the ads yet, which has been a bit of a surprise.

houdini1

graphicguy said:

Off topic...when did Edmunds start to implement "AdChoce" in their forums? The ads used to be on the side, which I didn't mind so much. But, in the middle of messages themselves.......annoying as hell.

Download AD Blocker. It is free and it works.

fezo

Thanks, houdini1. Works like a charm.

Sandman6472

How does one download it??? Have no clue and these ads are annoying as hell!!! Please help!!

The Tech Challenged Sandman

Sandman6472

VW gave me a 2014 Passat TSI loaner and it's quite nice to be honest...guy at Publix supermarket asked if it was brand new? White over beige with just over 3200 on the clock and it drives very nicely. Can't figure out how to get into "S" mode because the shifter isn't like the Golf or A3 where one just pulls back on it. Spoke with my service writer and asked them to drive it with someone in back behind the passengers seat to see and feel the vibration and shaking of the seat. Also asked if they would check each tire and rim to make sure there are no issues there. Also reminded him that the A3 with the same size tires and rims is as smooth as glass all the way up to 87 so I know mine can and should be the same! Hope he heard what I was saying here as 3 visits for the same issue is just unacceptable!
Bottom line, I love, love, love this vehicle, it puts a smile on my face every time I see it, love the blue color with the great alloys. Guess there was a reason why G-d had me go through the Tucson to get to where we are now. I would never have been here if not for the wife getting her A3 to be honest because if I had just kept the Civic until now, doubt I would've even gone to look at the Golf in the first place as I would've gone with an cuv just to try one. And honestly, there's nothing out there that I really want except the Golf, the Jetta was great also but the size was just a bit too large and was afraid I'd eventually close the garage on it like the last few. The Golf is small enough so if I pull up to the mark on the wall, this should never be an issue. And I finally got my sunroof/moon roof, something I've always wanted and since getting a drop top wasn't going to work for us, this was the way to go. And lastly, the improved mileage is just the icing on the cake here.
I am truly in love with this vehicle!!!

The Happy Sandman

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen‌

you put winter tires on the fit?

Actually, no. I read up on the stock tires and reports are they perform pretty good in the snow, so figured I'd take the risk. One of my best snow cars was my FWD volvo with [good] all-seasons, so I am hoping for the best and avoiding changing yet more tires.

roadburner

The Club Sport needed an Oil Service and I wanted the alignment checked on my son's X3 so I now have a 428i xDrive Gran Coupe for a loaner. My thoughts on another new Bimmer still to come...

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen‌

you put winter tires on the fit?

Actually, no. I read up on the stock tires and reports are they perform pretty good in the snow, so figured I'd take the risk. One of my best snow cars was my FWD volvo with [good] all-seasons, so I am hoping for the best and avoiding changing yet more tires.

I'm with you on not changing tires. My Prelude with snow tires & a stick was fantastic in the snow.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

@qbrozen‌

you put winter tires on the fit?

Actually, no. I read up on the stock tires and reports are they perform pretty good in the snow, so figured I'd take the risk. One of my best snow cars was my FWD volvo with [good] all-seasons, so I am hoping for the best and avoiding changing yet more tires.

I'm with you on not changing tires. My Prelude with snow tires & a stick was fantastic in the snow.

Snow tires? What are those? I've lived in Colorado for 21 years and have yet to buy a set of snow tires for any of the vehicles we've driven.

Wife is a native and she's never used snow tires either.

houdini1

sandman_6472 said:

How does one download it??? Have no clue and these ads are annoying as hell!!! Please help!!

The Tech Challenged Sandman

Just google ad blocker and then follow directions.

Sandman6472

Firefox 34.0 won't let my computer download it for some strange reason. Very strange!!

The Sandman

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

Just wonder how long the insurance company's will punish me for this???

Answer? As long as they possibly can!!!! I think that, in this state, it is three years.

houdini1

sandman_6472 said:

Firefox 34.0 won't let my computer download it for some strange reason. Very strange!!

The Sandman

Looks like there is a certain version for firefox. Google ad blocker firefox.

xwesx

houdini1 said:

graphicguy said:

Off topic...when did Edmunds start to implement "AdChoce" in their forums? The ads used to be on the side, which I didn't mind so much. But, in the middle of messages themselves.......annoying as hell.

Download AD Blocker. It is free and it works.

I second this! I LOVE this program and installed it on all my systems. I even paid the guy $40 for it, and I'm not a big purchaser of software. This, though, is worth every penny.

jayrider

sandman_6472 said:

Firefox 34.0 won't let my computer download it for some strange reason. Very strange!!

The Sandman

My Firefox let it in -- enjoying the experience.

ab348

graphicguy said:

Off topic...when did Edmunds start to implement "AdChoce" in their forums? The ads used to be on the side, which I didn't mind so much. But, in the middle of messages themselves.......annoying as hell.

I fully agree, very annoying. So annoying that I downloaded AdBlock+ as a Firefox add-on to eliminate them. Now I just see blank spaces where the ads used to be. Not perfect, but better.

xwesx

Michaell said:

Snow tires? What are those? I've lived in Colorado for 21 years and have yet to buy a set of snow tires for any of the vehicles we've driven.

Wife is a native and she's never used snow tires either.

I was a "good all-season" user until we bought our Forester. I gave my wife the option of mounted winter tires when we bought it versus immediately replacing the stock tires (which I knew were junk even before we bought it) since I figured it would pay itself off over time. She decided to go with the winter tires.

WOW! What a difference! In most situations, you can "get by" just fine with good all seasons. In some (rare) situations, such as our November 2010 "Icepocalypse," you simply can't. But, in all circumstances, the difference between a good all-season and a good winter tire is "getting by" versus driving.

I can definitely understand reluctance to get winter tires in areas where winter typically means dry roads most of the time, but it makes all the sense in the world here where we have snow/ice on our roads, consistently, for half of the year.

Sandman6472

VW just called...bottom line, they say the car is fine. They blame the roads I take to work and say the shaking/vibration is normal. When I told them the A3 we have is smooth as glass, they say it's tunes differently even though it's got the same size wheels and tires. So, in their eyes, nothing is wrong. I am not convinced here and am a bit angry but what else can I do? It's taking some of the ownership fun away right now!

The Unhappy Sandman

Michaell

sandman_6472 said:

VW just called...bottom line, they say the car is fine. They blame the roads I take to work and say the shaking/vibration is normal. When I told them the A3 we have is smooth as glass, they say it's tunes differently even though it's got the same size wheels and tires. So, in their eyes, nothing is wrong. I am not convinced here and am a bit angry but what else can I do? It's taking some of the ownership fun away right now!

The Unhappy Sandman

Sandy, see my post in the other thread ... got some suggestions for you. Dealer needs to be thorough in their investigation.

qbrozen

Oh, I'm definitely a supporter of snow tires. It does make a tremendous difference. Really comes down to the winter you have, though. I lucked out and had them during one of our worst winters ever and it paid off big time. But in the several years since, its really been more work than it has been worth. So you just never know. I still make sure my wife has a car with snow tires to drive, though. Her banging her XC90 into a tree once was enough for me.

slorenzen

Several years ago I had just landed in Zurich after traveling from US west coast, seriously jet-lagged. Picked up the rental car(It was snowing really hard, about 4-5 inches on the travel lanes of the highway). I open the rear hatch of this Escort wagon, and I see tire chains.

I HATE installing chains.

This car was equipped with Michelin snow tires. I was AMAZED at how well they handled the bad conditions. I was delighted to not install the chains, and cruised around all week with just these snow tires.

If you have to live in a snowy region, they're a great way to go!

xwesx

slorenzen said:

If you have the privilege to live in a snowy region, they're a great way to go!

Fixed that for ya!

breld

I'm a pretty big believer in snow tires too, but fully acknowledge that it's partially mental for me - gives me much more confidence driving around in the white stuff.

As Michael can attest, our winters here in the Denver area have been pretty mild - so maybe there's a dozen or so days that you "need" the winter tires - but I figure it only takes the one time getting stuck, sliding hard into a curb, or smashing into another object/car to make it worth the hassle and cost.

breld

roadburner said:

The Club Sport needed an Oil Service and I wanted the alignment checked on my son's X3 so I now have a 428i xDrive Gran Coupe for a loaner. My thoughts on another new Bimmer still to come...

Anxiously awaiting your review - I'm not the only one here who is really intrigued by that particular model.

Michaell

breld said:

I'm a pretty big believer in snow tires too, but fully acknowledge that it's partially mental for me - gives me much more confidence driving around in the white stuff.

As Michael can attest, our winters here in the Denver area have been pretty mild - so maybe there's a dozen or so days that you "need" the winter tires - but I figure it only takes the one time getting stuck, sliding hard into a curb, or smashing into another object/car to make it worth the hassle and cost.

+1, breld. The wife and I talk about the "10 days" each year where you need snow tires / AWD / really good driving skills.

We haven't had a "bad" winter in 6-7 years, so I think most folks are getting spoiled.

breld

So, had a nice discussion with the wife on our commute into work this morning, and here's what I think I'll do sometime in 2015. With the recent minivan upgrade, I have a vehicle I enjoy driving that checks the boxes for functionality and comfort. So I'm thinking of swapping out the 5-series for a more compact, fun, sporty car.

My requirements, as of now, are: manual trannie, back seats at least usable for kids, budget at $30k tops, but preferably less.

Mental list currently includes:

1) Honda Civic Si - nostalgia from my younger Honda days. Like the traditional high-reving 4 cylinder and slick Honda gearbox. Despite the relative failure of the 2012 model, the upgrades for 2013 and 2014 are really nice. Not sure if the "boy-racer" image would get to me.

2) Subaru WRX - more mature in look, purpose and performance than the Civic, but (from what I've read) interior is still a little old school and shifter is not as slick as others.

3) Mini Cooper - I actually like the new base model with the turbo-charged 3 cylinder. Have to look at the new 4-door to see if the rear seat is actually habitable.

4) Ford Mustang - some love the new model, some don't; I'm in the former category. Budget likely keeps the GT model out of the running; ecoboost or V6? Lack of rear seat room probably eliminates this one, but it'd be an interesting change of pace from any previous cars I've owned.

The Civic Si is currently the front-runner - I really enjoyed my test drive of a 2013 model a while back. Lot for your money. But definitely have to take the WRX out for a drive and decide if it's worth the extra cash (for me anyway).

Thoughts? Suggestions?

qbrozen

GTI

Are we talking new only?

jpp75

qbrozen said:

GTI

Are we talking new only?

Definitely go with the GTI.

Michaell

jpp5862 said:

qbrozen said:

GTI

Are we talking new only?

Definitely go with the GTI.

breld's wife already drives one

qbrozen

Michaell said:

jpp5862 said:

qbrozen said:

GTI

Are we talking new only?

Definitely go with the GTI.

breld's wife already drives one

Oh? So then why buy an inferior car for himself?

Reminds me of my sister and BIL when I took them to the mazda dealer to lease 2 new mazdas. Intent from the get go was that she get a mazda6 and he get a mazda3. After driving both, he was commenting how much nicer the 6 is for like $10 more a month. I kept urging him to get a 6, but he just refused to have the same car as his wife. Well, as I'm sure you would have guessed, he has regretted that decision ever since.

I guess the mustang isn't necessarily inferior, but the kids won't be happy in the back.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

jpp5862 said:

qbrozen said:

GTI

Are we talking new only?

Definitely go with the GTI.

breld's wife already drives one

Oh? So then why buy an inferior car for himself?

Reminds me of my sister and BIL when I took them to the mazda dealer to lease 2 new mazdas. Intent from the get go was that she get a mazda6 and he get a mazda3. After driving both, he was commenting how much nicer the 6 is for like $10 more a month. I kept urging him to get a 6, but he just refused to have the same car as his wife. Well, as I'm sure you would have guessed, he has regretted that decision ever since.

I guess the mustang isn't necessarily inferior, but the kids won't be happy in the back.

Been there, done that.

In a previous wife-time, we got rid of her Isuzu P'up and she bought a '91 Mazda Protege. Dark blue, LX trim, automatic.

A few months later, we decided to unload the Isuzu Trooper and get something new for me. I looked at a similar Protege, light blue with a stick, but I passed for the same (dumb) reason - didn't want two of the same make/model in the garage. Ended up getting a Sentra SE.

Should have gotten the Protege.

jpp75

Michaell said:

jpp5862 said:

qbrozen said:

GTI

Are we talking new only?

Definitely go with the GTI.

breld's wife already drives one

Ah that's right, I forgot she had one. Sorry @breld‌

I'd rule out the Mustang and Civic Si. The Mustang will be too small and you won't get the same satisfaction out of a Civic Si as we did when we were younger.

The WRX will be fun but you're right it's a bit cheap....so that leaves the Mini Cooper. I had one for a rental last month in Jersey, quirky but fun and the best of the bunch.

breld

If the wife hadn't gone with the GTI last year, that would likely be first on my list. Good reason or not to exclude it? I don't know - I figure we may as well take advantage of having an extra car and have the variety.

breld

jpp5862 said:

Michaell said:

jpp5862 said:

qbrozen said:

GTI

Are we talking new only?

Definitely go with the GTI.

breld's wife already drives one

Ah that's right, I forgot she had one. Sorry @breld‌

I'd rule out the Mustang and Civic Si. The Mustang will be too small and you won't get the same satisfaction out of a Civic Si as we did when we were younger.

The WRX will be fun but you're right it's a bit cheap....so that leaves the Mini Cooper. I had one for a rental last month in Jersey, quirky but fun and the best of the bunch.

You could be right as far as my nostalgia for the Civic Si not matching up to the current reality. But to be fair, my 1990 Civic Si had 14" wheels, no power steering, manual window cranks and all of 108 hp. The current model is quite an upgrade.

breld

Going used certainly is not out of the question.

Sort of miss my M-sport 335xi and wish I would have kept that, but not sure I want to go back to an E90 after having several. I'd consider a really nice E46 if I could find one, but that's getting tougher, and I am starting to get a little spoiled with all the current safety and tech features.

If I want the GTI experience but something different than the wife's, I've given a little thought to a GLI.

Lots of choices. Hopefully I can hold out until the Denver Auto Show - it would be fun to "shop" there.