Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Sandman6472

suydam said:

"My Golf has very comfy seats, extremely happy."

You know the guy who does Alex on autos said really it's more important to drive what you like. I also think that of the VW line, Golfs have a pretty good reliability standing. So enjoy yours, Sandman!

Yep, happy as a pig in you know what and honestly, I think this really is my favorite vehicle I've ever owned, both of them are now. Just wish the wife would give me some actual seat time in her A3. Amazed at how similarly they both drive to be honest. Guess I should let it go know but I've always had a deep deep passion for the automobile that started as a young child where I'd actually stand behind either one of my parents when they drove. I could name most makes, models & year of vehicles back then. Loved those little Matchbox toys and anything automotive. Growing up, we were a mostly GM family with a Lincoln or two thrown into the mix while my grandparents loved Dodge and Chrysler. Heck, my one grandad owned a Dodge dealership when I was very young.
Definitely lucked out with my current retirement part time gig at Hertz. Get to drive most makes and models and my lead driver is very good about giving me nice vehicles to transport. I think if I didn't have the Golf right now, a used BMW 1 Series would really float my boat as I like the small size of it and even don't mind that it's not a 4 door. At first I was a little bummed out about the longish 29 mile hike to work but now with the Golf, I actually look forward to getting in and going...the exhaust sound to me is intoxicating, crazy as that might sound. Just glad that I finally have the funds to afford what I really like without having to ask permission but have worked long and hard to get to this juncture!

The Sandman

corvette

robr2 said:

I know the LS isn't the best car for my situation. I'll keep looking at Volvos.

Pretty big difference in modern conveniences and safety features between a 2002 Lincoln LS and a 2013/14 Volvo S60. The newer S80s are also really cheap on the used market, if you can find them--not as many of them made and not as many coming off lease. And I'm not sure it's really "more car" than the S60 anymore.

robr2

If I was still commuting 30 miles a day round trip, I would seriously consider the LS. Since I often drive 400+ miles in a day, I need something with better fuel economy and reliability. I still take my 130K mile Passat on those drives but I trust the car although it's age is starting to show.

CPO S80's are in the $32K+ price area. IMHO, the S60 is a better value and since it's only a 4 YO design, a more modern design.

qbrozen

I came across a $26k CPO S80 T6 AWD. Pondered it for a few minutes. I think it was a 2012.

On the other side of the value debate, I saw a 2004 S80 2.5T with low miles for $8k. Can't seem to find it again; the ad is dead.

I know my wife would probably prefer this, though.

js06gv

qbrozen said:

I came across a $26k CPO S80 T6 AWD. Pondered it for a few minutes. I think it was a 2012.

On the other side of the value debate, I saw a 2004 S80 2.5T with low miles for $8k. Can't seem to find it again; the ad is dead.

I know my wife would probably prefer this, though.

Nice wagon. Volvo is one of the few brands that I'm not at all knowledgable on, but is that marketed as a true SUV or it it more of a tall wagon similar to an Outback? I thought all "XC" models were SUVs, and it could just be the pics but it looks lower and longer like a wagon would be. Years ago, I believe there was an 850 wagon. Is there a modern day equivalent?

qbrozen

Oh, they still have the CPO S80 T6 AWD. That's a gorgeous car.

But for $4k less and 9k fewer miles, but a year older, this may be a better value prop. Tough call.

Or, if pinching pennies, could justify a FWD model for quite a bit less. Personally, I'd probably have to pick the turbo, though.

Michaell

The VW free fall may have started.

Have a poster in the GTI lease forum saying he's got an offer of $6K discount from MSRP on an S trim.

Base lease payment under $200/mo!

stickguy

I line that FWD. Even has 3 more years of warranty. Those are the best seats going.

robr2

I checked out the certified S60's at Red Bank and they are asking the same $22K or so as they are here in New England. AWD are in the $24K asking range.

qbrozen

js06gv said:

qbrozen said:

I came across a $26k CPO S80 T6 AWD. Pondered it for a few minutes. I think it was a 2012.

On the other side of the value debate, I saw a 2004 S80 2.5T with low miles for $8k. Can't seem to find it again; the ad is dead.

I know my wife would probably prefer this, though.

Nice wagon. Volvo is one of the few brands that I'm not at all knowledgable on, but is that marketed as a true SUV or it it more of a tall wagon similar to an Outback? I thought all "XC" models were SUVs, and it could just be the pics but it looks lower and longer like a wagon would be. Years ago, I believe there was an 850 wagon. Is there a modern day equivalent?

Yes, its a wagon. It is a V70, just hiked up a bit on suspension and some plastic cladding thrown on. Where Subaru used to take the Legacy wagon and turn it into the Outback, Volvo did the same with the V70 to make the XC70. The 850 wagon's equivalent now would be the V60. Although I believe the 850 had more usable space.

qbrozen

robr2 said:

I checked out the certified S60's at Red Bank and they are asking the same $22K or so as they are here in New England. AWD are in the $24K asking range.

Their prices are a bit wacky. The most expensive S60 they have is a 2013 T5 for $25k with Premier, climate, and 24k miles. Meanwhile, for $22k, you can get another 2013 T5 with premier, climate, and just 11k miles. Or get the 2012 with 20k for $20,599.

Of course, these are all just asking prices. I'm sure they would come down.

Volvo's website shows 22 CPO S60s with leather with less than 40k miles for under $20k. 14 of those have under 35k miles. It is certainly a compelling car for under $20k.

robr2

One Volvo dealer had a CPO 2013 T5 with premier and climate with 18K with an asking of $21,998. When I arrived they had just taken a deposit on it. They showed me the same vehicle with 12K and a different color for $23,998.

The salesperson then looked at what they did between the two cars to certify them. The first car took tires, a full detail, and the 20K service. The latter car was basically washed as they had just done a 10K service on it 3 months earlier just before the owner turned it in. They had similar in service dates. I tried to negotiate down and they told me they were not budging on the car since it had so few miles. I responded that 6K miles didn't warrant an additional $2K. It's been a month and it's still there.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

The VW free fall may have started. Have a poster in the GTI lease forum saying he's got an offer of $6K discount from MSRP on an S trim. Base lease payment under $200/mo!

Wow. I posted asking if OP could break it down. My issue is I really don't want to lease this go around if I can avoid it - but I also recognize buying a VW at this juncture is a risky enterprise. 

I think I've officially driven my wife crazy. She asked what she could get if she traded me in...

corvette

Back when Terry used to post here, I remember he said he didn't get very much for his ex-wives, even with low miles. 

stickguy

This hurts, being all carred up for 2 more years. A gti fir cheap would be hard to pass up.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

Wow. I posted asking if OP could break it down. My issue is I really don't want to lease this go around if I can avoid it - but I also recognize buying a VW at this juncture is a risky enterprise. 

I think I've officially driven my wife crazy. She asked what she could get if she traded me in...

Some peace and quiet? That's worth A LOT (or so MY wife tells me....).

Michaell

stickguy said:

This hurts, being all carred up for 2 more years. A gti fir cheap would be hard to pass up.

The breakdown of the discount includes $1000 trade in allowance, $500 from VW Credit, $2000 owners loyalty, in addition to the discount from sticker.

I think I'm gonna be on the "value" wagon this next go around - even more so than my current lease. If I can get something for under $200/mo that would be great.

28firefighter

That $3500 is a big swing if you don't qualify for it....

Curious what next month brings for VW and if they do anything for non-VW owners. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

That $3500 is a big swing if you don't qualify for it....

Curious what next month brings for VW and if they do anything for non-VW owners. 

Given that two VW dealers have emailed me directly regarding the $2000, I suspect they aren't going to be very strict about who qualifies.

The $1000 trade credit is dealer specific...

kyfdx

If I could get that $2K loyalty (never owned a VW), I might have a hard time passing up a GTI.. Nothing keeping me from selling the current ride, other than inertia.

nyccarguy

Since we are talking about former $40K + luxury sedans (Volvos) that have now dipped into the $20K range, I've seen a few 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD w/ Techs that must have come off lease. 36 to 37K miles, CPO, asking $25K & change. (Not that I'm looking or anything)

stickguy

Bugs me that I could walk in, grind a nothing deal, then get another 2K off the top for already owning one.

nyccarguy

So you could pay off the RDX, pawn your Sonata off on your wife & get yourself a GTI. Or you could use the loyalty cash to offset any negative equity you have on the Sonata. Or since you have 2 Jettas, maybe they are desperate enough to give you 2 $2000 loyalty bonus;)

stickguy

pretty sure you can only use 1. plus the 2nd Jetta is actually registered to my son in Albany, but close enough! I can dig up paperwork with my address on it.

get both, and I will just add another car.

The wife just might take the sonata, but we would likely miss the space in the RDX. maybe!

good plans though.

nyccarguy

Just checked out the local Volvo dealer's inventory - some of these CPO AWD S60s have so little mileage on them, are still covered under factory warranty, then the CPO warranty. Maybe @robr2 & @qbrozen as well as the other Volvo fans are on to something.

robr2

The best part is the 7 year/100K mile warranty from in service date. It's basically bumper to bumper and based on the age/mileage, there are services still included.

I've seen most with under 20K miles. They are off lease units and it seems like nobody drove them.

qbrozen

Yup. I've seen many with 4 years of warranty on them. So tempting. But we did just buy a house. sigh.

corvette

They seem like good deals relative to price of a new one. The XC60s seem to hold their value better. 

stickguy

Well new S60s are IMO overpriced at MSRP.

Michaell

Hmpf ... There are only 6 CPO AWD S60's within 100 miles of me ... all of them are priced between $25,300 and $27,800.

qbrozen

I've noticed that the 2015 T5 V60s are really cheap, relatively speaking. I wonder why. Auction values for T5 Premier FWD wagons are mostly mid to low 20s. With a couple even below 20, such as a white example with 30k miles that got $19,700. Huh.

AWD brings them up to $28k for 10k-15k miles, and the T6 R-designs, on the other hand, are pushing $38k.

stickguy

I could be real happy with a loaded FWD v60 for reasonable money.

qbrozen

leather, bun warmers, and moonroof here for $23.5k.

laurasdada

Speaking of Jags, my '13 XF turned 20k miles over the weekend. I am not driving as much as I used to, but life changes... Anyway, nothing to report reliability or quality wise; other than an occasional rattle when the sunroof shade is open (and the roof is closed). Vents continue to rotate (which, Jag, feel free to eliminate that bit of theatrics. I can program them to stay open, which I've done on occasion), hockey puck continues to rise and fall. The puck is actually a nice piece of work, feels good to the touch and solid. However, when in the sunlight for too long, gloves are recommended!

Still a looker, both inside and out. Good overall mpg, 20-22 mixed. But, made for highway cruising/charging where mpg is in the upper 20s, if I keep below 70 likely ~30. Holds the road beautifully, steering response is instant, if not total feel from the fronts. A bit of wind noise, think it's the side view mirrors, but overall a quiet, composed ride. With the fold down rear seats and ski pass through/bag, it's a mini SUV! Power more than adequate, when not, just shift into "Sport" mode, woo hoo! Visibility not a strong suit, but with mirrors, rear view camera and swiveling the old noggin to look around, I accept this for the lovely styling. Infotainment hasn't failed, but it is you father's system!

So, I'm lovin' it! Really looks like Jag (at least iron-wise, if not sales-wise yet) is on the rise; the Auto mags all seem to love the F-Type, early reviews of the XE are aces, and, egads, the F-Pace will hopefully make a ripple... Think about it folks! The 2016s now come with 5/60k warranty/service (of course, after I bought a '13!).

I think I want an F-Type... Although my work has put in four electric charging stations in the garage for use, gratis. May be time for an i8! Or, a place to live/own...

stickguy

qbrozen said:

leather, bun warmers, and moonroof here for $23.5k.

Ok, that is a good deal. If it was not in lousy colors in and out, and was in jersey, I might do something stupid!

Got city safety too. Looks like just missing navi.

Love that car. Would ditch my RDX for that. Heck, might get close to that money on a trade. And pick up years of warranty.

qbrozen

agree it is one of the worst color combos. Not sure Navi is worth it since it is on that tiny screen anyway.

Wonder if a Polestar version will ever be as reasonable used.

stickguy

I just want the loaded fwd with the 2.0 engine. Plenty for me! If it was dark blue over beige, perfect.

I do love the big screen navi in my sonata, but could live without it if need be. Wonder if that has the apple CarPlay stuff?

tifighter

I think only the XC90 has carplay for now, with the other models phasing it in for '16+.

I had a V60 CC T5 for a loaner while they installed the trailer hitch on our wagon. Not bad; nice size in the city, but noticeably louder and rougher on the freeway vs the 70. It definitely has much less room than a RDX...

au1994

qbrozen said:

agree it is one of the worst color combos. Not sure Navi is worth it since it is on that tiny screen anyway.

Wonder if a Polestar version will ever be as reasonable used.

sorry but Polestar just brings out my inner Beavis and Butthead

ab348

qbrozen said:

agree it is one of the worst color combos.

Geez, I would guess silver paint with black interior makes up about half the new cars on dealer lots around here.

stickguy

my accord was silver over black leather. so got tired of it. and swore I would never have another full black leather interior.

plus there are many cooler colors!

I happened to find the same basic car up in Jersey (probably red bank) in white over saddle. now that, I liked! I think they wanted more like 32K for it (though it did only have 5K miles on the clock). to save $9,000, I will compromise on color and give up 12,000 miles.

robr2

qbrozen said:

leather, bun warmers, and moonroof here for $23.5k.

Similar car here in New England with 30K has an asking price of $26,500. Maybe I should look outside of the Northeast.

tjc78

For some reason I don't hate black interior as much as I used to, except in the summer! Glad my Merc has great A/C.

That Volvo wagon would look much better if the windows were tinted.

rny421

@qbrozen I remember looking at Red Bank Volvo when I was looking for my S60. They were always pretty fairly priced. I do have to say, watch out for the 18" Sleipner Alloy Wheels on the S60 depending on where you live. They're beautiful looking, but it does ride a tad rough for the pothole ridden upstate NY. I already have a bubble on the sidewall of one of the new tires (less than 8 months old), so I'll probably have to replace one tire already .
Other than that, great value for a lot of car! I highly reccomend!

stickguy

I just can't stand tinted windows. I would not do it on my car.

nyccarguy

Interesting things happen after you have a busy day at work, watch some baseball (congrats METS fans), and start paper work after midnight. I happened to start checking out the TLX lease questions board. Then took the information & plugged it into lease guide's most excellent lease vs. buy calculator. A 2015 TLX V6 with SH-AWD & the Tech Pkg stickers for $42,495. I deducted the $2250 lease cash from the invoice and got a selling price of $37,630 (I'm sure there is still meat on the bone to grind away). $478.38 per month for 36 months/15K per year compared to $717.31 for 60 months using Acura's 2.9% financing rate. Hmm (stay away from the dealership Bradd. Stay away from the dealership).

akangl

Back for a brief update while I procrastinate on homework. Got the '15 Focus back about 3 weeks ago, the body shop did an amazing job. To quote my wholesaler friend "if you didn't know you wouldn't know." Car is still the same as it was before the accident. I was hesitant about the repair but it's flawless and the car is fine. It was nice I was able to see it at various stages of repair which gave me peace of mind that it would be fine. Final bill was $11,035. Allstate was really good about diminished value, I had done some checking around with various used car dealers and my wholesaler friend and the general consensus was approx $3000 in diminished value. Allstate came back with $1750-2250. I held firm at $3000 and they gave it to me. I'll pay off our other Focus with that. Everything with the car is taken care of as far as insurance/repairs/diminished value now. Just the injury portion left to deal with and I'll probably hire an attorney.

rayainsw

Akangl -
Sounds like a reasonable outcome, so far.
Good luck with the next step!
- Ray
Not an attorney....

corvette

No spare tire on the S60/V60, but not sure people care about that anymore. 

Akangl, glad you got the car back in good shape and got paid for the diminished value without hassle. Hope your daughter is healing up. 

qbrozen

ab348 said:

qbrozen said:

agree it is one of the worst color combos.

Geez, I would guess silver paint with black interior makes up about half the new cars on dealer lots around here.

Dealers argue "that's what sells!" so that is what they carry. But if that's what you carry, of course that's what sells! Self-fulfilling prophecy?