Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

28firefighter

In case anyone was curious, VW is being very strict about the loyalty offer. They will only issue it if you or someone in your household has a currently registered VW. 

Curious what, if anything, they do to entice non-VW customers. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

In case anyone was curious, VW is being very strict about the loyalty offer. They will only issue it if you or someone in your household has a currently registered VW. 

Curious what, if anything, they do to entice non-VW customers. 

I've gotten two emails from VW dealerships the past couple of weeks about the $2000 - one from the dealer where we leased our New Beetle in 1999, the other a VW dealership in Colorado Springs affiliated with the Mazda dealer where we had our CX-7 serviced.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

In case anyone was curious, VW is being very strict about the loyalty offer. They will only issue it if you or someone in your household has a currently registered VW. 

Curious what, if anything, they do to entice non-VW customers. 

I've gotten two emails from VW dealerships the past couple of weeks about the $2000 - one from the dealer where we leased our New Beetle in 1999, the other a VW dealership in Colorado Springs affiliated with the Mazda dealer where we had our CX-7 serviced.

Yeah, which does not make a lot of sense to me. You'd think they would be trying to win both current VW and non-owners a like. 

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

In case anyone was curious, VW is being very strict about the loyalty offer. They will only issue it if you or someone in your household has a currently registered VW. 

Curious what, if anything, they do to entice non-VW customers. 

I've gotten two emails from VW dealerships the past couple of weeks about the $2000 - one from the dealer where we leased our New Beetle in 1999, the other a VW dealership in Colorado Springs affiliated with the Mazda dealer where we had our CX-7 serviced.

Yeah, which does not make a lot of sense to me. You'd think they would be trying to win both current VW and non-owners a like. 

Particularly the non-owners, who might find a VW to their liking if they can be convinced to come into the dealership.

akangl

I'm going to ban my daughter from driving my Focus. She backed into the garage door last night, said she opened the wrong door by accident and ignored the back up sensors because it always beeps. Car has a scratch on the bumper, garage door faired worse. Sigh. 

suydam

How old is she?

xwesx

So..... does that car not have rear-view mirrors?

That's the problem with these sensors (not to rub in the flaws of nanny tech or anything): People get used to their eccentricities and decide to ignore them "because they always do that," but forget that if you ignore the nanny, you better be certain that you know what the *bleep* is going on. And, as is frequently the case, history shows that they clearly did not.

Of course, they can be good things too.... for example, I parked my grandmother's 2013 Escape in her garage very close to the wall because she wanted to have enough room for both of her Escapes. I'm pretty good about dimensions, but those sensors allowed me to get within about 1/2" of the wall (which was closer than I felt comfortable going on visual cues alone) without hitting anything. However, I could have still put it within two or three inches without any chimes beeping at me incessantly, so the tech wasn't "necessary." It was nice to have, though.

suydam

If it makes you feel better, akangl, a friend of mine did that to his brand new Jeep a year ago. "I thought it was open." New garage door and dents pounded out of Jeep.

akangl

She's 19 and the car has mirrors, back up sensors, and even a back up camera!

Sandman6472

Own a '15 Golf and have gotten nothing from VW as of yet even though doubt I'd do anything about a new vehicle now. Might consider an Eos since I hear they are being discontinued and a hardtop convertible in South Florida would be a lot of fun. Still like the Tiguan though it's got a slightly bigger engine and worse mpg's than what I've got now. But to swap out of another vehicle after only a years ownership would be pretty stupid even though my kid asked if that was going to happen again. No, plan to stay the course since I've figured out the usb port issue. And truth be told, do like the vehicle.
One thing, read the Car and Driver year long road test of the 2015 Golf and read that they had the tranny reflashed due to a tsb. Looked online but didn't find anything about it. But, am experiencing the same symptoms they did, on take off, the car stumbles for a split second and then kicks in...like it has no power for that split second. Bringing it in Monday to see if they can adjust this issue or even do the reflash of the auto tranny. So, we'll see what happens. Still really like my car and am happy with my choice. Also had it re-aligned Thursday since I still have that policy through March 16, 2016...figure I'll use it one more time before it expires since I'l be due for a rotation on my dime within 4K miles. I always rotate the tires and the tires still have 7/32nds on them as of yesterday.

The Sandman

henryn

I was just looking at the site for the local VW dealer who sells very hard. Terrible service department, but they always have the best deals. 2015 Passat Limited for $20,700. With $2k loyalty incentive, $18,700 for a new Passat. And the Limited edition has heated front seats, satellite radio, 17 inch alloy wheels, rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, 8 speaker sound system, six-way power driver seat, leather wrapped steering wheel.

Dammmn, that's a lot of car for $18,700!!!

Now, if it had the 2.0T instead of the 1.8T, I would go buy one tomorrow.

stickguy

don't snooze on the 18.t. it is a sweet engine. Plus better MPG and RUG.

henryn

stickguy said:

don't snooze on the 18.t. it is a sweet engine. Plus better MPG and RUG.

My 2008 Passat with the 2.0T was a rocket. Faster than the 2001 Mustang GT convertible that I owned at the same time. The 1.8T is a nice engine, but it is NOT a rocket.

Sandman6472

But it does scoot both our vehicles very sweetly, the A3 a bit more than the Golf for some reason...smoother and for some reason, no stumbling on take off like my Golf. Hoping they can figure this out Monday morning with an easy fix...already tried keeping it in "S" instead of "D", but didn't like the ride that way. Not sure if they retard the shift points, but felt like they came at a higher speed and then the tranny jerked into the next gear. Hated it, truth be told, and hoping that re-flashing the auto transmission like they did to Car and Drivers test unit will fix this issue. If they tell me this is normal, then I will have to live with it but seeing how our Audi is so much smoother shifting with the same engine, I am optimistic here.
The car also tracks a bit better with the new alignment, not perfect and the wheel isn't exactly straight, but did improve a bit. Will have it done again when I rotate the tires at 15K miles which will put me at the end of my 3 year policy. Then I will decide if I want to do it again or if I decide to keep the vehicle till it's wheels fall off, go for the lifetime alignment. About the same cost but, "not transferrable once to another vehicle". Just need to really decide if there's a possibility of keeping it in the stable over 8 or so years. From what I've read and heard, VW/Audi vehicles seem to have major issues after their warranties expire and even an old friend said he hoped we both leased before he found out we bought. I feel confident here on both vehicles that we're both going to be fine reliability wise...and pray that this becomes our new reality!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Got home beat tonight as it poured all afternoon after 2 p m, there was mucho traffic everywhere and we worked till almost 6:30. When it pours, drivers seem to hit new heights in stupidity which makes the drive home that much more stressful! Then my commute takes me a half hour door to door. I walked in, sat down, and fell asleep for a couple of hours before I got up to eat a little something. To be honest, I could've just slept through overnight very easily but would've regretted it tomorrow morning. Naturally, it's almost 4 a m and can not sleep!! Luckily I've got many many posts to read up on especially in one forum where I've cancelled due to their constant VW bashing...they do the same thing to Audi also. Got tedious and annoying so just cancelled it from my bookmarks for the time being...also there are a few posters who have taken the forum over and I no longer care to read their posts at this juncture...too much negativity for me! I will miss finding out the outcome of one of the nicer posters and his issues with his Caddy CTS. Hoping Bradd will keep me up to date as to what the final outcome will be.
I come into Edmunds, a few times daily, and do not want to be annoyed by what certain folks keep saying...this is supposed to be a fun site and I plan to keep it that way! Maybe one day it will be time to wonder back in but right now, no way!

The Sandman

sda

henryn said:

stickguy said:

don't snooze on the 18.t. it is a sweet engine. Plus better MPG and RUG.

My 2008 Passat with the 2.0T was a rocket. Faster than the 2001 Mustang GT convertible that I owned at the same time. The 1.8T is a nice engine, but it is NOT a rocket.

I had a 2006 Passat 2.0T. It was indeed quick and very satisfying to drive.
Got good gas mileage and the Dynaudio sound system rocked. However, mine was not one of the better VWs and was in constantly in the shop every 6 weeks or so. It was one of those 2.0Ts that used oil, 1 qt every 900 miles or so. Loved the car overall, but have not bought another VW since, though that doesn't mean I won't again in the future.

stickguy

OK. I kind of like this. not sure if 2003 is a good or bad vintage, or how overpriced it is. And I don't need AWD in a toy. But looks like something fun to have in the garage. And it has the correct # of pedals. Not that I have the money for it, but a boy can dream.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2003-porsche-911_carrera-2dr_carrera_4_cabriolet_6~speed_manual-used-14276352.html

Mr_Shiftright

Hmm....rather overpriced and the miles are risky. With the demonic Intermediate Shaft Bearing defect, it's ironic that the MORE miles on the car, the less the risk of failure. Porsche Club has plotted IMS failures and the majority fall on the lower miles end of the graph. If I were buying a 996, I'd of course have it tested, but I'd also shop for around 75,000 miles or higher. Or, if you get the car at a very good price, you can just relieve your anxiety and have an improved IMS put in for around $3,000--$4,000. If you wait until the old one fails, that's an $18,000 repair bill.

I think the 2WD versions of this car are less expensive and more fun to drive, personally.

stickguy said:

OK. I kind of like this. not sure if 2003 is a good or bad vintage, or how overpriced it is. And I don't need AWD in a toy. But looks like something fun to have in the garage. And it has the correct # of pedals. Not that I have the money for it, but a boy can dream.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2003-porsche-911_carrera-2dr_carrera_4_cabriolet_6~speed_manual-used-14276352.html

js06gv

sandman_6472 said:

Got home beat tonight as it poured all afternoon after 2 p m, there was mucho traffic everywhere and we worked till almost 6:30. When it pours, drivers seem to hit new heights in stupidity which makes the drive home that much more stressful! Then my commute takes me a half hour door to door. I walked in, sat down, and fell asleep for a couple of hours before I got up to eat a little something. To be honest, I could've just slept through overnight very easily but would've regretted it tomorrow morning. Naturally, it's almost 4 a m and can not sleep!! Luckily I've got many many posts to read up on especially in one forum where I've cancelled due to their constant VW bashing...they do the same thing to Audi also. Got tedious and annoying so just cancelled it from my bookmarks for the time being...also there are a few posters who have taken the forum over and I no longer care to read their posts at this juncture...too much negativity for me! I will miss finding out the outcome of one of the nicer posters and his issues with his Caddy CTS. Hoping Bradd will keep me up to date as to what the final outcome will be.
I come into Edmunds, a few times daily, and do not want to be annoyed by what certain folks keep saying...this is supposed to be a fun site and I plan to keep it that way! Maybe one day it will be time to wonder back in but right now, no way!

The Sandman

Assume from the description that you are talking about the Cars & Conversation thread. If so, I don't know that I've seen any direct bashing there of either brand; just people giving their opinions which is what these boards are for. There are some posters who have said they will stay away from VW, Audi or some other particular brands based upon their specific experiences, but that is understandable.

Sandman6472

Just got annoying to keep reading about VW/Audi stuff. All car company's have had issues and such but sometimes one can beat a dead horse to death. Anyhow, it was just time to take a step away from that group over there and I'm not going back for a bit. Personally, I never was that vested with them anyways so I'm really not missing much.
I come in here for fun and to learn stuff but since I was no longer having fun and not learning a thing, it was time to go. No hard feelings I hope but sometimes in life, we come to the end of the road with things...this is just what happened!

The Sandman

nyccarguy

So speaking of VW/Audi, has @breld checked in lately? I assume he & his wife are thrilled with their S3, S4, & Sedona because we haven't seen a "so my wife & I had a free hour to kill this afternoon..."

breld

Ha!

Yes, we are indeed happy with our current rides, though I will admit that we did have a "free hour" yesterday and strolled the Carmax lot just to see what's out there on the used market. Nothing really caught our fancy. Maybe we're maturing.

henryn

breld said:

Ha!

Yes, we are indeed happy with our current rides, though I will admit that we did have a "free hour" yesterday and strolled the Carmax lot just to see what's out there on the used market. Nothing really caught our fancy. Maybe we're maturing.

Let's hope not. That isn't any fun at all!

stickguy

Parked across from a white S4 yesterday. My son was drooling. Literally I think!

Michaell

I think my cousin could be a member here.

Found out she traded in her 2014 Avalon Hybrid Limited for a 2016 RX350 AWD last week. She'd only had the Avalon about 13 months - she got rid of a Highlander Hybrid for it.

A few cars back she had a C-class of some sort - I think that was traded in for the Highlander. She loved the MB, and thought she would go back to one when she decided to get rid of the Avalon.

Guess not.

jpp75

@robr2 I've been really pleased with my S60 so far, the seats are great and I'd highly recommend them for as much driving as you do.

tjc78

Chronic car thinking. .. so was talking to the wife today and I expressed my thoughts of when the Enclave goes back to get a used pickup (four doors, short bed) for when we need a good bit of room and then leasing a sedan again. As much as we like the Enclave (GM did a great job with these SUVS IMO) we both miss the LaCrosse.

The 04 MGM would probably stay in the fleet, but really wouldn't be needed.

Michaell

tjc78 said:

Chronic car thinking. .. so was talking to the wife today and I expressed my thoughts of when the Enclave goes back to get a used pickup (four doors, short bed) for when we need a good bit of room and then leasing a sedan again. As much as we like the Enclave (GM did a great job with these SUVS IMO) we both miss the LaCrosse.

The 04 MGM would probably stay in the fleet, but really wouldn't be needed.

Like we're going to tell you "no" to that plan?

I think the issue is finding a used pickup at a reasonable price that doesn't have over 100K on it.

Leasing a sedan should be the easy part ... which one?

stickguy

I agree that a PU is a nice 2nd car to have. But expensive used. Actually can lease cheap though. Might be better to own sedan, lease truck!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I agree that a PU is a nice 2nd car to have. But expensive used. Actually can lease cheap though. Might be better to own sedan, lease truck!

I don't know about that ... trucks don't have the same type of lease support on them than sedans do.

And, trucks can get mighty expensive, new. Priced out a Colorado the other day, just for fun. Extended (not crew) cab, 4x4 was over $32K before any individual options were added.

But, used truck prices here in Colorado are almost as wacky as those for used Subarus.

corvette

I thought there was good lease support on the Ram trucks. 

Michaell

corvette said:

I thought there was good lease support on the Ram trucks. 

I don't have all the incentive information for Ram trucks - I would say support is "adequate" for Chevy and Ford. I suspect most trucks aren't leased, and that pickup buyers aren't as price sensitive as those buying (or leasing) cars.

28firefighter

In case anyone in the Miami area is interested, a local VW dealer there is offering guaranteed TrueCar pricing (before any incentives) of $5300 off MSRP on a GTI. Granted Florida has crazy doc fees, but even with that and shipping, I'd probably still come out ahead....

tjc78

Not quite sure what sedan would do it, but the Impala, LaCrosse, MKZ and ES 350 would probably be on the list.

Good points, used pickups get stupid money. I'd bet depending on the incentives and financing a new one may not be much more per month.

stickguy

$5,300?, so add the 2K loyalty, and I could get a more basic model for 20K. Hmmm..

Better not be stopping at the VW dealer any time soon!

Michaell

stickguy said:

$5,300?, so add the 2K loyalty, and I could get a more basic model for 20K. Hmmm..

Better not be stopping at the VW dealer any time soon!

I'd guess the $5300 already includes the $2K loyalty .. and farm bureau incentives, and military discounts, and an extra $500 if you're a left-handed accountant.

In other words, nobody qualifies for all the incentives.

28firefighter

I checked.  Supposedly before incentives. 

stickguy

yeah. That is what you said and I based it off of.

wonder if that is off a highly inflated dealer sticker?

28firefighter

I looked for that, too. I emailed the dealer. I'm assuming a hefty doc fee - waiting to see what else. 

At that price, I could buy and have it shipped to Seattle and still come out ahead. 

stickguy

That is pretty far. I would just fly down and drive it home!

28firefighter

Ironically, it's shaping up to be cheaper than when we shipped our cars from Pittsburgh 3 years ago. Then again, could be a fun way to break it in!

Michaell

28firefighter said:

I looked for that, too. I emailed the dealer. I'm assuming a hefty doc fee - waiting to see what else. 

At that price, I could buy and have it shipped to Seattle and still come out ahead. 

If it's Florida, it will be hefty - $699 or higher. 

berri

Seattle has all those high priced technology jobs and very well paid dockworkers, so I'm guessing they can gouge the heck out of buyers there.

stickguy

shop the price at the local dealers. hit them all, and tell them the first one that bites on it sells a car on the spot.

between the hefty doc fee and shipping, you probably have a good 1.5k wiggle room anyway.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

shop the price at the local dealers. hit them all, and tell them the first one that bites on it sells a car on the spot. between the hefty doc fee and shipping, you probably have a good 1.5k wiggle room anyway.

You read my mind. What I really want to know is how they are swinging a $5300 discount...

stickguy

I never worried about it. Like when I got my Jetta. they said yes, I said OK. how they made it happen, up to them!

berri

I've lived in Florida and been there many times. I like the place, but as far as car dealers go, it always seemed the wild west to me. You need to be very, very careful dealing with many of them.

kyfdx

A friend of mine flew to Maryland for a lease deal on a VW CC, a couple of years ago.. I couldn't figure out why the local dealers wouldn't match the price.. Found out a few weeks later that the Mid-Atlantic region had a special $1000 incentive that we didn't have in the Midwest.

So, you never know...

Michaell

I took a page out of the @breld playbook and wandered the lot at the local Carmax tonight. Sightings and observations:

Two VW TDIs - a Jetta wagon and a Golf. 

How long has the Lancer been available with AWD?

Several Infiniti G's - all with RWD (!).

nyccarguy

I happened to pull into the lot of a local Ford dealer tonight after getting the Legacy washed after work. Since I had about 10 minutes to spare until I had to pick my son up at hockey practice, I took a slow cruise around the lot. a couple of interesting used cars. Nothing had a price tag on it, so I looked them up when I got home:

2014 Acura TL SH AWD w/ Technology Package - 14K miles - asking $32K (Silver Moon over Black)

2015 Honda Accord Sport CVT - 5600 miles - asking $21K (Modern Steel Metallic over Black)

2013 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan - 34K miles - 5 speed - asking $23,400 (Grey over Black) - this is the strippo base model that couldn't have stickered for that much more back in 2013.