Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stever

sandman_6472 said:

My intent has never to turn folks off to VW, on the contrary, just want to write about my ownership experience...good or bad.

You'd be a good candidate for doing a long term blog.

@xwesx, miss your Fiesta? There's one on the corner here that's clean and only overpriced by a couple of thousand bucks.

2011 SE, red, 77,000 miles, automatic, steering wheel stuff, heated seats (was a Mass car), keyless, newer Michelins. He put a Black Box printout with average price of $9,475 to $10,050 for good. He's asking $9,499 OBO.

We show TMV closer to $7,400 private party, clean.

I know, I know, the auto is a deal killer.

berri

Sandman - always enjoy your experiences and commentary. Never sounds to me like you are trying to influence people one way or the other. As for your VW and HyunKia, all that should really matter to you is how you like it.

nyccarguy

@breld - Congrats on that gorgeous S3

breld

nyccarguy said:

@breld - Congrats on that gorgeous S3

Thanks @nyccarguy!

Wife is on her way up to the dealership today so they can do the tint and clear mask. We're also swapping the stock GTI wheels for the nicer wheels that we had on it. My hope is that they will fit on the S3 as a winter set. If not, I may hold on to them in the event I were to get some sort of Golf in the future.

breld

VWs are indeed a funny thing.

The brand continues to be plagued by a reputation of quality issues - some of that is deserved, but much of it is simply based on historical track record long gone.

I think they do offer mainstream alternatives that can invoke more passion than the more reliable Japanese brands. Say what you will about the "Americanized" Jetta and Passat - I think they offer a bit more upscale feel than many of their counterparts. The CC is a beautiful offering not matched by the non-luxury competitors. And then of course there is a lot of heritage with the GTI. That they continue to offer a manual trannie on the highest trim level on their wagon impresses me.

We've had several - a Jetta, 2 GTIs, 2 Passats, a Beetle. No significant issues with any of them and we obviously keep going back to them here and there. But the longest we've had any of them was about 75k miles (that was on the wife's Jetta, before we got married and started enabling each other )

Mr_Shiftright

Two of my friends have had good luck with their new/newish VWs (one gas jetta, one tdi) and one not so good (VW "man bug")

corvette

The dealership service experience can make a lot of difference. Part of VW's problem historically has been the dealer network. Among the obstacles the automakers face are the strong franchise laws in the US which protect the dealers. 

stevedebi

benjaminh said:

Since I've become a Honda owner, once I heard that "the part is coming from Ohio," but it only took a day.

At the VW TDI club, their forum has a "report your turbo failure" thread. It's not for discussion (which is a separate thread), only for reporting the facts of your case. It's 27 pages long:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=375789

But VW has apparently extended the warranty to 10 years and 120k miles on some turbo diesel models, and they've also redesigned and strengthened the TDI for 2015.

I just had the 20K service done, and they updated the engine software. I think it may be related to warming up the car differently from what I've read.

rayainsw

German cars - 2 data points:
2011 BMW 3 - pinhole developed in a/c plumbing at about 20,000 miles.
That's it.
2013 GTI - repaint driver side rear door - defective application at factor.
That's it.
- Ray
Now driving something 'imported from Detroit' ...???

qbrozen

But how many miles did you put on each? That's the telling part. I've had many cars I would say were perfect...but since I only had them for less than 2 years and/or 20k miles, it doesn't mean a whole lot.

xwesx

stever said:

@xwesx, miss your Fiesta?

We show TMV closer to $7,400 private party, clean.

I know, I know, the auto is a deal killer.

Nope, not at all, apparently, because I really haven't thought about The Raspberry in a couple months now!

Sounds like that seller is looking to catch someone unawares. I take the opposite route and look for a reasonable sale, but without the intent of negotiations. I generally figure that anything that I add to the car is basically a sunk cost.

As such, the good part is that I get what I ask for my cars, but the bad part is that people don't try to negotiate most times, so I could probably squeeze a little more out of the sale if I priced a little higher to start. I keep them with care and put time into prepping them for sale, and that stuff leaves a good impression with potential buyers.

I sold my 2011 Fiesta for $10,200 with 56K miles. It was a fully loaded (sans moonroof only) SES hatchback manual transmission and included WeatherTech floorliners, a Curt hitch receiver and trailer wiring (as well as the receiver accessories), set of 15" alloy wheels with Blizzak tires mounted (to be fair, I would have replaced the tires (~$550) before this winter, but they could be used for another winter if someone wanted), and maintenance supplies for this summer's oil change (~$80 worth of stuff there). Oh, and it was still under factory 5/60 warranty for another 4,000 miles or 13 months (at the time), whichever came sooner. That always helps.

While it took a few weeks of advertising before someone came to take a look at it, they were the ones that bought it.

rayainsw

qbrozen -
'..I only had them for less than 2 years and/or 20k miles, it doesn't mean a whole lot. '
I was thinking mostly in terms of 'initial quality' here -
The BMW I had for 26 months [ 27 mo. lease ] and just over 30,000 miles.
The GTI [ um ] less...
- Ray
CCBA to the core

Michaell

 I crossed the 30,000 mile barrier in my Elantra last night.  With 15 months and one week left on my lease the question isn't whether I'm going to go over my mileage allotment, but by how much.  

xwesx

Michaell said:

 I crossed the 30,000 mile barrier in my Elantra last night.  With 15 months and one week left on my lease the question isn't whether I'm going to go over my mileage allotment, but by how much.  

Remind me, if you will, of your total allotment? Is it 42K?

Michaell

xwesx said:

 I crossed the 30,000 mile barrier in my Elantra last night.  With 15 months and one week left on my lease the question isn't whether I'm going to go over my mileage allotment, but by how much.  

Remind me, if you will, of your total allotment? Is it 42K?

45,000

jpp75

@oldfarmer50 Congrats on the Mustang! What a great looking car and a great deal.

@breld Great purchase on the S3!

xwesx

Michaell said:

45,000

Ah, well, you won't be inordinately far off. I'm going to project just a little bit of conservation your part and guess you'll end up 5,200 over. What would that mean at lease end in terms of penalty/overage charge?

Michaell

xwesx said:

45,000

Ah, well, you won't be inordinately far off. I'm going to project just a little bit of conservation your part and guess you'll end up 5,200 over. What would that mean at lease end in terms of penalty/overage charge?

 I'd have to look at my contract to see what the per mile charge is. 

 If it's $.20 a mile, I'm looking at just over $1000  if your estimate is correct 

Sandman6472

VW just called...seems like the part is in! Going on Monday mid morning to get it reattached. Just hit 8100 on the vehicle but just not quite ready to do the oil change so will wait till about 9300 or so. Not sure if they have an additive in their first batch of oil like Honda does so since they state a 10k first oil change interval, going to go a bit longer. The majority of my trips are about a half hour to 45 minutes so figure the engine does have enough time to warm up and get to proper operating speeds.
Really really do like this vehicle and nothing I'd rather have at this point...maybe that Honda HR-V but would wait a few years to see where I'm at mileage wise and how things hold up with the Golf. Right now, loving my Golf!!

The Sandman

nyccarguy

Sandy - I know you are annoyed with the teething problems with your golf, but you are in the situation to handle it well. Your work schedule gives you the flexibility to bring the car in when YOU need on YOUR time. You can sit with the service advisor or service manager to show them the problems you are encountering. Once you get the part you need for you seat, it should be smooth sailing. I know you dig the HRV, but I think you are going to have a hard time giving up the TURBO in your VW!

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

Sandy - I know you are annoyed with the teething problems with your golf, but you are in the situation to handle it well. Your work schedule gives you the flexibility to bring the car in when YOU need on YOUR time. You can sit with the service advisor or service manager to show them the problems you are encountering. Once you get the part you need for you seat, it should be smooth sailing. I know you dig the HRV, but I think you are going to have a hard time giving up the TURBO in your VW!

I will +1 on that, nyc.

As much as I like the concept of the HR-V, the fact that it only has 140HP gives me the feeling it will be very, uh, Honda-like. More of an appliance than anything you really engage with.

nyccarguy

My BIGGEST issue with my Legacy is it's 175 hp engine.  The rest of the car is fantastic.  Slap a turbo on it and count me in for a punch!

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

My BIGGEST issue with my Legacy is it's 175 hp engine.  The rest of the car is fantastic.  Slap a turbo on it and count me in for a punch!

I keep hearing that Subaru may drop the H6 in favor of more turbocharged engines - that seems to be the new big thing. Same with Toyota and Nissan ...

nyccarguy

@Michaell - I never gave the H6 a look due to cost constraints. From the reviews I read it is obviously faster than my 4 cyl (with 90 more hp), but not a road rocket (maybe mid 7s to 60). Subaru said it offers the H6 more for towing and smoothness. You could tell me about the H6's power delivery first hand though;)

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - I never gave the H6 a look due to cost constraints. From the reviews I read it is obviously faster than my 4 cyl (with 90 more hp), but not a road rocket (maybe mid 7s to 60). Subaru said it offers the H6 more for towing and smoothness. You could tell me about the H6's power delivery first hand though;)

I've been driving the Subaru quite a bit in the past week; I'm starting to get addicted to the smooth power delivery. Much different that the laggy turbo from both our previous Mazda and the daughter's MINI.

xwesx

I tell ya, auto vs. manual with the Subaru flat four makes one heck of a difference. Our '10 Forester is quite the peppy car. The '08? Not so much. And, while I found the Legacy (CVT) I test drove to be quite responsive, it definitely did not have the pep that our MT Forester has.

nyccarguy

It isn't a weak engine. It has adequate power. The engine & the CVT are quite responsive.

Sandman6472

Probably right here, just really annoyed right now with it. Hope this really is the end of the problems so we can move on!
Found out we're losing our BMW location the end of the month, a shame really, and they are bringing in Sixt now. First was Enterprise, then Hertz and now Sixt. This BMW store loses interest quickly it seems. Saw a 228i coupe today, never heard of it before, and it was really sharp in white but it was pouring rain...why do a test drive in the pouring rain except to see how it handles lots of rain water on the roads. Was just my size to except the doors seemed a bit large and heavy...but a nice looking vehicle. Also like the X1 but a bit too pricey for me!!

The Sandman

roadburner

sandman_6472 said:

Probably right here, just really annoyed right now with it. Hope this really is the end of the problems so we can move on!
Found out we're losing our BMW location the end of the month, a shame really, and they are bringing in Sixt now. First was Enterprise, then Hertz and now Sixt. This BMW store loses interest quickly it seems. Saw a 228i coupe today, never heard of it before, and it was really sharp in white but it was pouring rain...why do a test drive in the pouring rain except to see how it handles lots of rain water on the roads. Was just my size to except the doors seemed a bit large and heavy...but a nice looking vehicle. Also like the X1 but a bit too pricey for me!!

The Sandman

Ah yes, the 228i. Road & Track recently compared one to an EcoBoost Mustang and an FR-S- their conclusion: "More Buick than Bimmer."

fezo

I am working under the no doubt false assumption that I'm out of the market for a couple of years (pause for laughter). Have three cars for two drivers and like all of them each for its own reason.

Don't get me wrong - if I hit the lottery everything changes but that's my guess on the status quo. I'm hoping buying three cars this year gets me a pass.

abacomike

fezo said:

I am working under the no doubt false assumption that I'm out of the market for a couple of years (pause for laughter). Have three cars for two drivers and like all of them each for its own reason. Don't get me wrong - if I hit the lottery everything changes but that's my guess on the status quo. I'm hoping buying three cars this year gets me a pass.

If I waited to hit the lottery to buy a car, my Mercedes-Benz dealership would become very depressed and would develop apoplexy!  

But as I mentioned a few months ago, my current vehicle is definitely going to have an "A service" (oil change and other required services at the 10,000 mile mark) this November or December.  It will be the first car I have ever had to live through an oil change for in the last 15 years.  Even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still be driving my E400 at least until May/June of next year when the 2017 E Class hits the dealerships.

I know everyone on this forum doesn't believe me, but the proof will be in the pudding, so to speak.  

slorenzen

Trying to enable some of you Bimmer fans...

http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/5151028639.html

Mr_Shiftright

I'd want more info on who engineered the "aftermarket tune".

corvette

Those wheels are ugly, partly because they're too big.

Mr_Shiftright

Don't care for the color either, rather twee. Big (190" WB!) fat BMWs with miled-up V8s out of warranty and the looks of a Buick just aren't my cup of tea I guess. YRMV

Sandman6472

Drove a new '15 Mustang convertible with just over 13k on the clock yesterday...very comfortable and it moved along rather nicely. Not sure I'd ever own one but living down south here, it would be the Mustang to buy if I were to purchase one. Gray with a black drop top, it was a nice combo and can see Ford moving a ton of these. That's the fun part of working at Hertz, I get to drive a large variety of vehicles on a daily basis.

The Sandman

berri

Better watch out Sandman, that Hertz job has the potential to make you a chronic car trader

Michaell

I started a long term blog on the Subaru. You can find it here ....


http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/35957/subaru/outback/michaells-2015-subaru-outback-3-6r#latest

roadburner

Me too: RB's 2007 MS3 through the years...

graphicguy

Saw my first M4 on the street yesterday. I love some BMW, but I don't know that I've ever seen one so hideous. It was a yellowish-greenish color with black wheels. I personally would love to test drive an M4, but would be embarrassed to be seen in the one I saw yesterday.

fintail

That bright green-gold color fits with the kind of flamboyant no-signal-always-launch-at-4Krpm image BMW wants for it, I think. It might not help brand image.

nelsonf

That color is called Austin Yellow. Kind of a pukey green. It's actually growing on me a bit. My wife hates it, that's why I want it.

I did BMW's Ultimate Driving Experience last Thursday. Got to toss M3's, M4's, and M235's around all day.

M4's are fast, and handle like they are on rails. I've been interested in them for a while, but after driving them, I really want one now.

Really looking forward to not using my turn signals, and always launching at 4000 RPM!

roadburner

Haven't driven an M3/4 yet, and I'm underwhelmed by the 2er.

Michaell

@nyccarguy - drove a twin to your car today as a loaner while the Outback was at the dealer getting the Eyesight software reprogrammed.

Legacy 2.5i Premium - dark blue with black cloth interior. Nicknamed "Katherine Hepburn" - all the loaner cars at my Subaru dealership are named after famous actors.

I was expecting to be underwhelmed given the comments I've read, but in the 5-6 miles I drove it (all on city streets), I was kinda surprised. Decent pep - of course, 175HP is better than the 148HP in my Elantra, so there's that. Interior exactly the same as my Outback.

If the lease numbers are competitive next fall, it might be a contender ...

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

@nyccarguy - drove a twin to your car today as a loaner while the Outback was at the dealer getting the Eyesight software reprogrammed.

Legacy 2.5i Premium - dark blue with black cloth interior. Nicknamed "Katherine Hepburn" - all the loaner cars at my Subaru dealership are named after famous actors.

I was expecting to be underwhelmed given the comments I've read, but in the 5-6 miles I drove it (all on city streets), I was kinda surprised. Decent pep - of course, 175HP is better than the 148HP in my Elantra, so there's that. Interior exactly the same as my Outback.

If the lease numbers are competitive next fall, it might be a contender ...

Perception is everything. Around town the car is fine. The Flat 4 and CVT are a great combination. Most of my negative comments directed towards the car's acceleration have to do with trying to merge onto a 2 lane highway, with the car pointed up hill from a complete stop. The power is adequate. The car gets up to speed and drives well on the highway. It doesn't struggle to keep up with traffic.

stickguy

I hate those westchester parkway on ramps. Deadly. Were always fun in my 68HP colt.

breld

For varying reasons with guests in town and weekends with all the kids, I've been driving the minivan for a little while now. The Kia is a nice van, but still... Looking forward to getting back into either the ZHP or the Mazda today (well, after taking the S3 to lunch to meet up with Michael ).

I mentioned this in passing in another forum, so I'd be remiss not to share it on my "home" forum here. I am liking the wife's S3 enough to where I am having dangerous thoughts of something like an S4 or S5 for the next car.

I know I won't be alone here, but right now I'm having a hard time getting too excited about anything in the BMW line-up. I like the 4-series, particularly the Gran Coupe, but even that doesn't get my juices flowing too much. That may change - the infatuation with Audi could be temporary and just represent the shiny new toy...time will tell.

breld

With my new obsession with the Audi "S" cars, I read up on some fairly recent comparison tests, pitting the S5 against an ATS and RC 350 in one, and against the 435i in another. I found it impressive that the Audi, which came out for the '08 model year, bested all those competitors.

I like a car that's been around for awhile, yet is still very competitive. Makes for a nice used car buy.

stever

breld said:

For varying reasons with guests in town and weekends with all the kids, I've been driving the minivan for a little while now. The Kia is a nice van, but still...

Looks like the Edmunds fleet will be adding a new Sedona soon. Curious to see the blurbs about it, even though I'm not in the market for another van.

fezo

stickguy said:

I hate those westchester parkway on ramps. Deadly. Were always fun in my 68HP colt.

Are those like the on ramps on the Merritt Parkway? Weeeeeee!