Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen

done. although I couldn't help much.


So I'm still under 1k miles on the CTS, but I still adore it. The Fit has been sitting idle except for 1 day, and I missed the Caddy that day. The remote start, heated seats and steering wheel, and auto climate control have me a bit spoiled during this cold snap. Finally looked in the manual and figured out how to put the climate fan on auto. I had asked the salesperson, but he said it couldn't be done. Turns out there is an actual button. Who knew? Ha. That's twice now, once with the glovebox and now this auto fan, that it was a button right in plain sight that I just couldn't see for some reason. The layout is just not terribly intuitive, I suppose. I mean, a glovebox button to the top right of the nav screen and a fan button next to the rear defroster button towards the bottom of the stack, while the manual fan speed can be found up on the Nav screen. Odd. But, those little quirky asthetic things aside, loving it.

stickguy

funny how you get hooked on gadgets so quickly. I drove the Volvo a few times this week, and missed the backup camera, blind spot monitor, and really missed the heated steering wheel! and other than the camera, I miss all that on the RDX (which frankly seems old fashioned now in terms of radio interface and a few things like that).

the list of "must haves" for the next car just keeps getting longer.

Michaell

stickguy said:

the list of "must haves" for the next car just keeps getting longer.

Yeah, I'm truly afraid of what the wife will consider "must haves" when we get around to replacing the CX-7, which already has:

backup camera - but no guidance lines, which the wife would like

nav - dinky screen currently, I'm sure she'll want something bigger and voice activated

blind spot monitoring

bluetooth

heated seats

What I think she'll want:

lane guidance

USB port

cross traffic monitor

ventilated seats

heated steering wheel (if we're still in Colorado)

power liftgate

stickguy

For what you are looking at, most of that will be standard. Maybe not lane guidance. Heated steering wheel and ventilated seats might be a crapshoot too.

Back up cams and nav screens have really improved over what you have.

stever

I'd love a heated wheel even down here. It does get chilly but I mostly want it to just for my joints. Ditto heated seats.

(@Michaell, weren't you guys planning a scouting trip to Las Cruces? No idea on the job offerings for your wife though).

stickguy

Steve, be careful. Michael is the one in Colorado, not you.

rayainsw

'lane guidance'
FWIW, this was the FIRST thing I turned off
in the new Charger.
I found the 'torque' applied to the steering
wheel [ heated = very nice ] was very
annoying...
- Ray
Maybe if driving alone and tired and late at night........

qbrozen

the lane departure feature is passive on my CTS and it still annoys me, so I keep it off.

stever

@stickguy, we did scout Ft. Collins pretty hard, but I wanted less snow for a while. Would be fun to have Michael down here though. Maybe I could scam a ride in the MINI somehow.

kyfdx

My wife's X3 has the backup cam, parking sensors and servotronic steering (quicker ratio at lower speeds). Always been proud of my parallel parking skills, but it's unreal the spaces I can get into with this vehicle.

She loves the heated steering wheel..

ab348

My Buick had the backup sensors but no camera, and the ATS has the backup camera but no sensors. If I had to pick one, I would pick the sensors. But they really should be combined.

Michaell

stever said:

I'd love a heated wheel even down here. It does get chilly but I mostly want it to just for my joints. Ditto heated seats.

(@Michaell, weren't you guys planning a scouting trip to Las Cruces? No idea on the job offerings for your wife though).

Steve, any scouting trips are in the discussion stage. I did find that NMSU has an early childhood department, though I don't know of any job openings available.

She did find one for the Santa Fe School District, however, as a grant writer for the early childhood program.

stever said:

@stickguy, we did scout Ft. Collins pretty hard, but I wanted less snow for a while. Would be fun to have Michael down here though. Maybe I could scam a ride in the MINI somehow.

You're assuming the daughter moves with us ... she loves cold weather, so not certain she would want to head south.

kyfdx

We were looking for a place to go, the last week of February, and thought of Las Cruces.. But, when my wife saw the average high was low-'60s for that week, she nixed that idea...

stever

Yeah, it could be warmer. That said, I'm typing this in our front "courtyard" in full sun. It's 52°F and I'm barefooted, soaking up lots of Vitamin D. My wife is warmer natured and she's in short sleeves. C'mon down.

(My brother is camping in Florida this month and he's been razzing me about his 80° weather).

Michaell

stever said:

Yeah, it could be warmer. That said, I'm typing this in our front "courtyard" in full sun. It's 52°F and I'm barefooted, soaking up lots of Vitamin D. My wife is warmer natured and she's in short sleeves. C'mon down.

(My brother is camping in Florida this month and he's been razzing me about his 80° weather).

It was in the mid-50's yesterday here in Colorado and I was wearing shorts. Low 60's forecast for today.

graphicguy

kyfdx said:

We were looking for a place to go, the last week of February, and thought of Las Cruces.. But, when my wife saw the average high was low-'60s for that week, she nixed that idea...

I know some just don't like cruising, but the wife and I LOVED taking a cruise out of NYC (Norwegian Cruise Line) and went to Bermuda. There was nothing the least bit negative we could think of about it.

kyfdx

graphicguy said:

kyfdx said:

We were looking for a place to go, the last week of February, and thought of Las Cruces.. But, when my wife saw the average high was low-'60s for that week, she nixed that idea...

I know some just don't like cruising, but the wife and I LOVED taking a cruise out of NYC (Norwegian Cruise Line) and went to Bermuda. There was nothing the least bit negative we could think of about it.

I seem to have developed vertigo issues, when I'm on the water for a long time.. It started with a houseboat trip to Lake Cumberland, about 30 years ago...

We've only been on a couple of cruises... they were fun, but they don't really float my boat. (ha), and with the vertigo afterwards.. just not worth it.

We thought about an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation... but, just can't get excited about that either..

Turns out, we are going to New Orleans for 4 days.. Funny thing.. the high temperatures are low '60s in late February.. But, super cheap airfare, nonstop on a discount airline.. reasonable hotel rates (which is why we aren't going to Key West). We like "city trips". And, the food is fantastic in New Orleans.

stickguy

Steve, I was making a joke on youtpr " joint" comment. Looks like it went right over your head!

fintail

Tech is really addictive. Things I like: 360 cameras/parking aid and maybe sensors (often are mutually inclusive), power trunk closer, USB/SD input, definitely bluetooth, advanced lighting, blind spot and cross traffic isn't bad in these days of low visibility, either.

stever

@stickguy, heh, had to go back and re-read that a couple of times. D'oh....

Next someone will ask me for the 411 on CR-Vs.

stickguy

Or the 420

stever

lol, it's hopeless. How about a nice shot of Jim Beam in some OJ?

stickguy

Ok. But I don't like bourbon.

slorenzen

"Or the 420 "

Wait....what?

Says the guy from Oregon...

stever

I treat myself to some Mexican Coke every couple of weeks too, with my bourbon. Only 99 cents around here near the border.

Sigh, must be a long weekend coming up.

breld

We like cruises as well. But since we did one last year with the family, we're doing a Disneyworld/Universal Studios trip this February.

My stepdaughter is bringing along one of her friends, and my mom is going to join us too.

So, 2 teenage girls, 2 adolescent boys, 1 kid with special needs and my 73 year-old mom who doesn't get out much. What could go wrong?

Michaell

breld said:

We like cruises as well. But since we did one last year with the family, we're doing a Disneyworld/Universal Studios trip this February.

My stepdaughter is bringing along one of her friends, and my mom is going to join us too.

So, 2 teenage girls, 2 adolescent boys, 1 kid with special needs and my 73 year-old mom who doesn't get out much. What could go wrong?

You plan on renting a Suburban while you're there?

Sandman6472

Love New Orleans, went to college there in the early 70's and is a fun city, great food to!

Now the details. Got there for my 3:30 appointment and said hello to the folks who I needed to see and sat down. They forgot about me it seems and after 20 minutes, went in there again and they apologized over and over, they plum forgot I was sitting outside their office. Not a good start! Their tire/suspension expert wanted to take a drive in my car, again, with me driving and him in the back. As we are walking up to the vehicle, he says, "those are 16" wheels/tires but you're supposed to have 17" ones on the gas Golf"!! My heart dropped! Seems someone made a mistake with the swap. They checked the paperwork and they still had the vehicle my old wheels/tires went on so they got it. Turns out, that TDI model had the 16" wheel/tire combo but everyone said it's supposed to have 17" wheels/tires. We went on our test drive and he see's the shaking/vibration just as I described and admits it's annoying. We talk about the 16" hardware being a big part of the problem and he's not sure what or how this can be fixed.
Next, we take out another TSI like mine with the standard wheels/tires which I hated and on the same course, minimal vibration/shaking but it's still there. We talk and seems it's just the way things are...at least we know I need to have 17" wheels/tires put back on my Golf. But it's really up to management!!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Go see the general manager and another higher up guy in their office with the tire guy and they also call my sales guy in. Turns out no one realized the 16" ones were put on my vehicle and I say I paid for the 17" combo and that's what I want. Partly my fault here because no one actually looked at the size tires of the swapped wheels and we all thought they were 17's. We all go outside and they all go and talk while I stand around...they go look at a bunch of new vehicles and about 15 minutes later, they come back. They've decided I am due 17" rolling stock and they show me a new Jetta sedan and a new Jetta wagon, each with different styled 17" wheels/tires. Am told to pick one and if they fit my Golf, they'll swap them out and send me on my way but...I have only a few minutes to choose since it's already 5:15 and they close at 6. It's tough to choose as I like them both but like the 16" style the best but after all this, I know the 16's have to go as I can not live with the shaking and they don't want me to put any more miles on them, have already driven them over 1150 miles.
7. Choose the nicer Jetta sedan wheels and wait. Tire expert comes back about 1/2 later and says great news, they fit perfectly! At 6, they drive my freshly washed Golf around to me and they shake my hand and say enjoy your car!

The Sandman

ab348

Sandy, that is just bizarre.

Do the new wheels ride smoothly?

Sandman6472

A big miscommunication here but they stepped up to the plate and gave me what I wanted in the end. Told them I assumed I was getting 17" wheels/tires and that's what I paid for and they needed to make things right. Obviously, they agreed even though I could see they weren't thrilled here. They stood behind their word and I definitely appreciated it and let all the parties know this a couple of times before I left. I will write a letter thanking them for doing the right thing here and putting the customers wants first! Still prefer the look of the 16's but the ride is better with the 17's and in time, I will come to love them as much but it all went down so fast so I didn't have much time to process the whole thing like I wanted.
They did say that most folks don't request a tire/wheel swap like I did and honestly not sure they'll want to do it again for someone else in the future. But in my case, the stock wheels were just ugly to me and I knew I wouldn't be happy with them and figured I'd ask to swap them and see what happens. The new 17's still look better than the stock ones and only folks who have a Jetta sedan with this particular alloy wheel will ever know why my Golf TSI looks totally different from any other Golf TSI...and I am now happy!!! Thrilled actually!!!

The Satisfied Sandman

stickguy

good that it worked out. I was surprised when they swapped them in the first place, since they would end up with a TDI with the wrong wheels. But, once they said yes, they were kind of stuck.

I just can't believe that no one there ever noticed.

stever

Pics would be nice when you get a chance, Sandy.

stickguy

now, this one I really want to see pictures of. nice depreciation. 16K miles, and $29K off original sticker.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-mercedes~benz-e~class-4dr_sedan_e350_sport_4matic-used-13127743.html

breld

Michaell said:

breld said:

We like cruises as well. But since we did one last year with the family, we're doing a Disneyworld/Universal Studios trip this February.

My stepdaughter is bringing along one of her friends, and my mom is going to join us too.

So, 2 teenage girls, 2 adolescent boys, 1 kid with special needs and my 73 year-old mom who doesn't get out much. What could go wrong?

You plan on renting a Suburban while you're there?

We have a minivan reserved right now, which will probably work, but I have thought of calling and seeing if I could get a Suburban. Though the minivan was really cheap - doubt a Suburban would be as affordable.

fezo

Sandy, that's one of the longest crazy buying story in some time!

fintail

I'd be curious as to how it is really optioned, seeing as the ad says the car says it has tex and leather. P2 is really nice to have though, it was a necessity when I chose mine. Lighting + trunk closer + keyless are excellent.

stickguy said:

now, this one I really want to see pictures of. nice depreciation. 16K miles, and $29K off original sticker.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-mercedes~benz-e~class-4dr_sedan_e350_sport_4matic-used-13127743.html

roadburner

rayainsw said:

'lane guidance'
FWIW, this was the FIRST thing I turned off
in the new Charger.
I found the 'torque' applied to the steering
wheel [ heated = very nice ] was very
annoying...
- Ray
Maybe if driving alone and tired and late at night........

My X6 at the press intro had that abominable feature- on a twisting two lane it was nagging me 90% of the time. I had to pull over and pull up the OM on the iDrive to find out how to turn it off...

Michaell

roadburner said:

rayainsw said:

'lane guidance'
FWIW, this was the FIRST thing I turned off
in the new Charger.
I found the 'torque' applied to the steering
wheel [ heated = very nice ] was very
annoying...
- Ray
Maybe if driving alone and tired and late at night........

My X6 at the press intro had that abominable feature- on a twisting two lane it was nagging me 90% of the time. I had to pull over and pull up the OM on the iDrive to find out how to turn it off...

How are you supposed to hit the apexes if you don't cross over the lines?

The BMW's I drove at the PGA tournament last year had them turned on. Seemed overly sensitive, however.

jayrider

breld said:

Michaell said:

breld said:

We like cruises as well. But since we did one last year with the family, we're doing a Disneyworld/Universal Studios trip this February.

My stepdaughter is bringing along one of her friends, and my mom is going to join us too.

So, 2 teenage girls, 2 adolescent boys, 1 kid with special needs and my 73 year-old mom who doesn't get out much. What could go wrong?

You plan on renting a Suburban while you're there?

We have a minivan reserved right now, which will probably work, but I have thought of calling and seeing if I could get a Suburban. Though the minivan was really cheap - doubt a Suburban would be as affordable.

I've been using autoslash.com to get great deals on rentals. Free service -- they track your rental and notify you of any discounts. You can also use them to rent -- getting a week in Arizona --Ford Edge -- $345 total even with airport taxes. Check it out.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

How are you supposed to hit the apexes if you don't cross over the lines?

Ha. That's exactly MY problem and why I had to turn it off!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

now, this one I really want to see pictures of. nice depreciation. 16K miles, and $29K off original sticker.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2012-mercedes~benz-e~class-4dr_sedan_e350_sport_4matic-used-13127743.html

I wonder if it was this one:
12/22/14 PA Regular $30,900 16,640 Above Black 6G A Yes

If so, that's darned cheap.

stickguy

I did visit this place when I was shopping. They have a lot of very nice cars, and some very good prices from what I could tell. Should have keep looking for exactly what I wanted there, but I got antsy and went new!

assuming I still live around here in 3 years when the lease is up, it may be the way to go for a nice low mile 2014 or 2015!

breld

My boys were at a baseball training last night for a couple of hours so...

Test drove a 2012 WRX sedan. Clutch felt real heavy at first, and it took a little more effort to get into certain gears, but once I got used to it, it was quite nice to drive. Didn't push it too hard, as there was a lot of traffic, but the couple times I did, certainly was a rush.

This was a nice Limited model with leather, sunroof, HIDs, etc. I wouldn't have a problem going used and getting the previous model - that is, if the prices were what you'd expect for used. Just doesn't make much sense to go that way - this was a one price place, like Carmax. 2012 with 34k miles - $26,200. Granted, this was a loaded model, but I could get a new 2015 Premium WRX for $28k.

We'll see - idea of a WRX is growing on me. Though I was looking at used S4s online last night.

nyccarguy

I'd go for a NEW WRX over a used S4

breld

Yeah - that's the way I'm leaning too. Who was it on here who had nothing but trouble with their newly ordered S4? And then got a TL?

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

I'd go for a NEW WRX over a used S4

Me too. I have a friend who was the sales manager at an Audi/BMW/Porsche dealership and he told me point-blank that "Audis are 60,000 mile cars."

Michaell

breld said:

Yeah - that's the way I'm leaning too. Who was it on here who had nothing but trouble with their newly ordered S4? And then got a TL?

That would be @graphicguy‌   He traded in the Acura for a Cadillac CTS

venture

breld said:

My boys were at a baseball training last night for a couple of hours so...

Test drove a 2012 WRX sedan. Clutch felt real heavy at first, and it took a little more effort to get into certain gears, but once I got used to it, it was quite nice to drive. Didn't push it too hard, as there was a lot of traffic, but the couple times I did, certainly was a rush.

This was a nice Limited model with leather, sunroof, HIDs, etc. I wouldn't have a problem going used and getting the previous model - that is, if the prices were what you'd expect for used. Just doesn't make much sense to go that way - this was a one price place, like Carmax. 2012 with 34k miles - $26,200. Granted, this was a loaded model, but I could get a new 2015 Premium WRX for $28k.

We'll see - idea of a WRX is growing on me. Though I was looking at used S4s online last night.

Yesterday morning I was going to the Post Office and I heard the grumble of what sounded like a V8. I looked in the left lane and there was a WRX.

Since things aren't always as they first appear - it ended up being a pickup making all the noise and there was a little old lady driving the WRX. It looked like she had her hands (and feet) full.

breld

Does anyone know how reliability has been overall for the WRX? Not saying I'd keep it that long, but curious about used models.