Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

xwesx

breld said:

So, in looking for new wheels for the A3, I'm quite sure wheels from a Golf, GTI and maybe Jetta would fit, as well as possibly an A4.

If I match up on wheel size, offset and bolt pattern, is there anything else I need to consider on proper fitment?

The only other thing I can think of is the rim width. Especially with tires that have low profiles, there is generally a narrow band of tolerance. For example, a 16" rim, 5x100, and 40mm offset might be the perfect fit, but if it is 8" wide and your tires need 7" wide, that's a problem.

kyfdx

breld said:

So, in looking for new wheels for the A3, I'm quite sure wheels from a Golf, GTI and maybe Jetta would fit, as well as possibly an A4.

If I match up on wheel size, offset and bolt pattern, is there anything else I need to consider on proper fitment?

Also... back-spacing.

kyfdx

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hunters-ramblings/what-is-wheel-offset-and-backspace

xwesx

Michaell said:

The voucher I have states that either 0W-20 or 5W-30 oil can be used ... can someone tell me the difference?

You confused me a bit here.... is the voucher for an oil change, or does the car actually state that either of these weights are acceptable? 20 weight is a thinner oil than 30 (noticeably so!), but is standard for many of the small bore DI engines these days. My Fiesta asked for that weight, for example. I think Subaru engines still use 30-weight. And, if you can use either, go for the 30 weight because it will offer better protection. The car may get fractionally less fuel economy, but not in a significant way by any means.

the winter rating (0, 5, 10) just relates to the viscosity of the oil at lower temperatures. The lower that number, the longer the oil remains fluid. So, a "0" will be less viscous at -30F than a 5, and a 10 is probably going to be pretty darn thick (like cold molasses!). If you use the right external heaters, you can use a 10w-30 at any temp, but most likely the car won't start at temps under zero. For a 5w, you can probably get to -10 or -20 before the viscosity causes starting problems. 0w will eliminate those issues altogether.

I use full synthetic 0w-30 in my Forester; it offers excellent cold-weather performance and protection in any conditions. The 10-15K oil change interval is pretty sweet, too.

xwesx

Okay, so I bit the bullet! "New" car in the stable for $3,500. Feelin' good with my new hooptie so far, but I just picked it up this morning!

2008 Subaru Forester with 124K on the clock. The sad (very sad, so far) part of this is that it is *not* a manual transmission.

stickguy

The quote on the 6 was for a 2016. I need to read up. Sounds like the did some upgrades for 16.

Legacy was way higher. That is coming off the table.

corvette

xwesx said:

Okay, so I bit the bullet! "New" car in the stable for $3,500. Feelin' good with my new hooptie so far, but I just picked it up this morning! 2008 Subaru Forester with 124K on the clock. The sad (very sad, so far) part of this is that it is *not* a manual transmission.

Congrats! That sounds like a bargain for a Subaru, especially in Alaska.

14th punch for the year for our group. 

xwesx

Yeah, definitely a bargain, but there's a reason for it: The PO rolled it in March of this year. So, it has some "cosmetic issues" resulting an ~50% discount for me. But, mechanically, I couldn't find a thing wrong with it other than being equipped with the wrong transmission. Factory defect there, though.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Are Mazda's lease rates and incentives regional?  There is not a single deal like that on a 6 Touring out my way. 

Yes, for May there are Western region numbers from Mazda and everybody else.

stickguy

Oh, mine included $500 conquest cash thanks to the sonata. Every little bit helps.

Michaell

xwesx said:

Michaell said:

The voucher I have states that either 0W-20 or 5W-30 oil can be used ... can someone tell me the difference?

You confused me a bit here.... is the voucher for an oil change, or does the car actually state that either of these weights are acceptable? 20 weight is a thinner oil than 30 (noticeably so!), but is standard for many of the small bore DI engines these days. My Fiesta asked for that weight, for example. I think Subaru engines still use 30-weight. And, if you can use either, go for the 30 weight because it will offer better protection. The car may get fractionally less fuel economy, but not in a significant way by any means.

the winter rating (0, 5, 10) just relates to the viscosity of the oil at lower temperatures. The lower that number, the longer the oil remains fluid. So, a "0" will be less viscous at -30F than a 5, and a 10 is probably going to be pretty darn thick (like cold molasses!). If you use the right external heaters, you can use a 10w-30 at any temp, but most likely the car won't start at temps under zero. For a 5w, you can probably get to -10 or -20 before the viscosity causes starting problems. 0w will eliminate those issues altogether.

I use full synthetic 0w-30 in my Forester; it offers excellent cold-weather performance and protection in any conditions. The 10-15K oil change interval is pretty sweet, too.

The voucher is for the first service appointment and it listed both oil types on it. Haven't looked at the manual yet to see what it says.

Given that we bought the car in February, I can understand the inclusion of the 0 weight oil for winter conditions here in Colorado. MPG is not a huge priority for the wife - given the size of the gas tank, I don't think we yet to run it lower than a 1/4 tank before refilling.

I will be tracking fuel economy on our trip to AZ, however. See if we can get at or better than the 27 highway MPG the sticker says. On our previous trip to Sedona, the CX-7 got 25 MPG against an EPA rating of 23.

stever

xwesx said:

Yeah, definitely a bargain, but there's a reason for it: The PO rolled it in March of this year. So, it has some "cosmetic issues" resulting an ~50% discount for me.

Gonna buff it out or wear it as a badge of honor? (we need pics).

And congrats!

breld

stickguy said:

The quote on the 6 was for a 2016. I need to read up. Sounds like the did some upgrades for 16.

Legacy was way higher. That is coming off the table.

Changes for 2016 on the Mazda6 were all cosmetic. Minor facelift on the exterior (but mostly on the Grand Touring model), but really nice upgrades on the interior - leather trim accents, more integrated armrest, larger "floating" touchscreen like the Mazda3. Plus sport mode on the automatic trannie.

stickguy

Decided to drag her out to drive an Altima tonight. Just because I can.

ab348

stickguy said:

Decided to drag her out to drive an Altima tonight. Just because I can.

Any reason why a second Sonata (or Optima) isn't on the list of candidates? I would have to think either would be significantly less $$$ than the 6.

nyccarguy

@Michaell - I just went out to the garage at work. My Legacy (4 cyl) calls for 0w 20 full synthetic motor oil.

xwesx

I bought it last night at around 5pm and then picked it up this morning by hitching a ride into town with my wife.

Good, then we can safely assume that the rest of the household liked the idea.

stickguy

I don't really want another sonata. Plus it is glaringly obvious all the goodies it would be missing.

Might look at the optima, but not sure I feel like dealing with our Kia dealers (since I am not "credit challenged" nor do I care they can finance anyone)

xwesx

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - I just went out to the garage at work. My Legacy (4 cyl) calls for 0w 20 full synthetic motor oil.

Interesting! I think Michael's is the 3.6, which I think is still the 2008 design... ? I'm guessing 5W-30 on that one.

stever

@xwesx, I tried to quote you and would up editing your post. Working on restoring it. Meanwhile,

xwesx said:

I bought it last night at around 5pm and then picked it up this morning by hitching a ride into town with my wife.

Good, then we can safely assume that the rest of the household liked the idea.

Michaell

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - I just went out to the garage at work. My Legacy (4 cyl) calls for 0w 20 full synthetic motor oil.

Interesting! I think Michael's is the 3.6, which I think is still the 2008 design... ? I'm guessing 5W-30 on that one.

Yep, the wife wouldn't be caught dead with the 2.5i in a car that size. I've got to do some studying on the manual - still haven't set up the memory seats, among other things.

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - I just went out to the garage at work. My Legacy (4 cyl) calls for 0w 20 full synthetic motor oil.

Interesting! I think Michael's is the 3.6, which I think is still the 2008 design... ? I'm guessing 5W-30 on that one.

Yep, the wife wouldn't be caught dead with the 2.5i in a car that size. I've got to do some studying on the manual - still haven't set up the memory seats, among other things.

I agree with her. If they ever come out with a Legacy with the Turbo Motor again, it is trade in time. Other than the lackluster acceleration, I really have no complaints about the Legacy.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - I just went out to the garage at work. My Legacy (4 cyl) calls for 0w 20 full synthetic motor oil.

Interesting! I think Michael's is the 3.6, which I think is still the 2008 design... ? I'm guessing 5W-30 on that one.

Yep, the wife wouldn't be caught dead with the 2.5i in a car that size. I've got to do some studying on the manual - still haven't set up the memory seats, among other things.

I agree with her. If they ever come out with a Legacy with the Turbo Motor again, it is trade in time. Other than the lackluster acceleration, I really have no complaints about the Legacy.

The same can be said for the 2.0 motor in the Impreza / CrossTrek. The CrossTrek I borrowed was sluggish as well, but since I don't spend a lot of time on the highway it's not as big of an issue to me.

Michaell

Someone looking for help with transporting an old car:

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/34651/general/x/transporting-my-grandfathers-car#latest

xwesx

stever said:

Good, then we can safely assume that the rest of the household liked the idea.

Well, she liked two things about it:

1. It was cheap enough that we retained some residual funds from the sale of the Fiesta (~50%) and didn't take out a loan.
2. It's a Subaru Forester, so economy can reasonably be expected to approximate our 2010 and she's familiar enough with the layout to use it if needed.

Other than that, she said that if I'm comfortable with it, she's fine with it. Frankly, that's a lot more positive than anything she had to say about the other options I considered (including the Flex Ecoboost I really want).

Next items on the automotive agenda:

1. Interior detailing on Monday so that I don't smell like I just cuddled the PO's dog(s) every time I get out of the car.
2. Replace or fix/etc. the rear wiper motor (which apparently hasn't worked for a couple years).
3. Replace bulbs, wipers, and the cabin air filter.
4. Put new shocks on the C20 (I'm going to get Rancho RS9000 units, which should last the life of the truck).

stickguy

Altima was a non-starter. took a look at one, and the little one wasn't comfortable in it. so crossed that off the list.

not much on the list at this point. I did shoot a note to get a # on a lower level Sonata. Just in case.

Geez, when I started this process, I thought it would be quick. Ooops. But can't wait to see how it plays out.

sda

stickguy said:

Altima was a non-starter. took a look at one, and the little one wasn't comfortable in it. so crossed that off the list.

not much on the list at this point. I did shoot a note to get a # on a lower level Sonata. Just in case.

Geez, when I started this process, I thought it would be quick. Ooops. But can't wait to see how it plays out.

I haven't seen your post why you are looking for a new car for your daughter. With the Volvo all fixed up I was under the impression that would suffice for college duty. Now I don't need any excuse to buy another car ever..just curious. Recently when my wife was asking what I wanted for my birthday I replied cheekily ' A brand new car!'. Well that didn't go over well.

stickguy

it is a long drive (450 miles each way) and we just decided to get something new instead of pushing the 111K mini car.

brian125

stick

What were the incentives and out of pocket expense you were quoted on the 2016 mazda6. My neighbor has narrowed his lease search down to either the Accord sport or mazda6. The mazda6 sport model is probably a better choice here in the nyc area due to the bad roads. The knock on the 6 is w/ the 19' tires is a very hard ride. probably better for a 23 yr old kid w a 17' tire here in the 5 boro's.

stickguy

yeah, with the roads up there (well, outside philly not much better!) more sidewall is better. Me, I would love a touring with the sport wheels swapped on!

sport was $225, with a total of 1K OOP at inception. Included an extra $500 rebate for owning a competitor car (Sonata).

stickguy

come to think of it, though I have sat in it and read a lot, I have never driven a 6. probably should before I try and buy one.

brian125

Was that a 6 or accord sport. Could there be more incentive money in your area. most dealers in NY/ NJ wont go much below invoice on the 2016. There is a 500 rebate if you have a Chase acc. or chase credit card.

stickguy

6 sport vs. a 6 touring. If I got offered the Accord for $225/mo, I would buy it on the spot!

brian125

Ride and handling is excellent. somewhat of a stiff ride but this 6 takes turns very nice. The 2016 model seems quieter inside than the 2015. 2016 model has the sport mode built into the auto trans. nice feature. Mazda always had a lot of road noise problems in a lot of there vehicles. I think the Accord has less road noise inside.

breld

kyfdx said:

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hunters-ramblings/what-is-wheel-offset-and-backspace

Thanks for the link @kyfdx - that helps a lot!

breld

nyccarguy said:

Michaell said:

xwesx said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - I just went out to the garage at work. My Legacy (4 cyl) calls for 0w 20 full synthetic motor oil.

Interesting! I think Michael's is the 3.6, which I think is still the 2008 design... ? I'm guessing 5W-30 on that one.

Yep, the wife wouldn't be caught dead with the 2.5i in a car that size. I've got to do some studying on the manual - still haven't set up the memory seats, among other things.

I agree with her. If they ever come out with a Legacy with the Turbo Motor again, it is trade in time. Other than the lackluster acceleration, I really have no complaints about the Legacy.

The Mazda3 feels at least adequate, but I feel the same. Nice thing is there is a turbo version coming out for it within a year or two.

stickguy

good thing I am shopping now. I have no clue what the heck I will do in 2 years, when the lease on my car is running out. Pretty sure though my wife will have a divorce lawyer on retainer for that experience. I am likely to be all over the place.

speaking of which, I thought of another possibility that could work. A small CUV. compact, roomy. I was thinking an Escape FWD SE. got all the important stuff, looks stylish (not "old peoples car"). Can carry lots of stuff. Not too big so easy to park. a 1.6 SE FWD MSRP is $26,055. Plus of course, a boatload of incentives. Helps my neighbor sells fords too, at a dealership I could walk to!

Sent links to the princess to see if she would be interested in something like this, instead of a larger 4 door.

Michaell

stickguy said:

good thing I am shopping now. I have no clue what the heck I will do in 2 years, when the lease on my car is running out. Pretty sure though my wife will have a divorce lawyer on retainer for that experience. I am likely to be all over the place.

speaking of which, I thought of another possibility that could work. A small CUV. compact, roomy. I was thinking an Escape FWD SE. got all the important stuff, looks stylish (not "old peoples car"). Can carry lots of stuff. Not too big so easy to park. a 1.6 SE FWD MSRP is $26,055. Plus of course, a boatload of incentives. Helps my neighbor sells fords too, at a dealership I could walk to!

Sent links to the princess to see if she would be interested in something like this, instead of a larger 4 door.

Can't say I've looked at the Escape, but I can tell you we don't have any residual information on Fords this quarter, so you'll be partially blind when trying to calculate the numbers.

My limited research has shown that the mid-sized sedans are leasing the best - low MF, high residuals and good discounts from sticker. I think the MF on the Escape is 2.0% (.00083) and $1750 lease cash.

stever

xwesx said:

Other than that, she said that if I'm comfortable with it, she's fine with it. Frankly, that's a lot more positive than anything she had to say about the other options I considered (including the Flex Ecoboost I really want)

Bet you didn't toss the barn queen in Oregon option her way.

(sorry about messing up your other post; can't find it in the logs or cached anywhere)

xwesx

stever said:

Bet you didn't toss the barn queen in Oregon option her way.

(sorry about messing up your other post; can't find it in the logs or cached anywhere)

It's not the first time you've broken my heart, Steve!

And, regarding the "barn queen," I feel it is best just to let sleeping dogs lie.

In other news......

xwesx

......photos of the Forester!

As I warned previously: It is not pretty, but it is functional!

au1994

stickguy said:

good thing I am shopping now. I have no clue what the heck I will do in 2 years, when the lease on my car is running out. Pretty sure though my wife will have a divorce lawyer on retainer for that experience. I am likely to be all over the place.

I'm with you there! As noted I am still a ways out on the 335 lease but have poked around at these with some level of seriousness so far:

GTI
A3
X3
X4
Grand Cherokee
A4
M235i
4 Series GC
Q5
E350
GLK 350

Probably eliminate the SUV's at this point as the SO is going to continue that duty for us. She will be replacing her MDX in about a year (yay! I get to shop again!!) so I'm down to some sort of sedan. I'd like to stay on the lower end of a sport sedan line this time as I have the ZHP now which I didn't have when I leased the 335.

stever

Looks a lot better than I expected @xwesx - was that a "snow" roll? Seen worse hail damage.

(Anyone else have trouble seeing those pics in Internet Explorer?)

xwesx

stever said:

Looks a lot better than I expected @xwesx - was that a "snow" roll? Seen worse hail damage.

She said late March, so there was definitely a snow berm that initiated the roll and probably cushioned it somewhat. She indicated it was a single roll and she went all the way over (e.g., came to rest upright). The most significant points of damage are the left rear roof area and right front (both roof and the upper fender/hood), but she noted that neither mirrors nor glass broke, which is pretty shocking for an event like that!

The center line area of the roof was caved in more in the front and mid areas (between structural members), but they took the headliner off and knocked the dents back up, so you really wouldn't know it happened at all from inside the car.

kyfdx

stever said:

Looks a lot better than I expected @xwesx - was that a "snow" roll? Seen worse hail damage.

(Anyone else have trouble seeing those pics in Internet Explorer?)

Happens a lot with iPhone pics... they come out sideways..

xwesx

Not to toot my own horn, but I just loaded the page in IE 11; no issues with the photos showing as intended.

I took these the old-fashioned way (but not terribly old): Digital camera (10 MP native.... shocking, I know!), downloaded to computer, then uploaded to forum.

stever

Now they're showing up; maybe loading them in Chrome helped.

fezo

You could open a miniature golf course on the roof but other than that it looks good. A good deal that will likely fit the bill for quite some time.

nyccarguy

I'm most definitely NOT in the market, but this 2013 Mustang GT looks mighty tasty with about 6,300 miles on it: http://stamfordford.com/Certified-2013-Ford-Mustang-2dr-Cpe-GT-Stamford-CT/vd/26281238

Acoording to the window sticker it is a stick with optional cloth, recaro seats, & equipment group 301A. $33,885 original MSRP

nyccarguy

@xwesx - congrats on the punch! Looks much better than I expected from the way you described it.