Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

oh, I really want to see the hatch version of the Civic. Sedan sounds nice enough, but man, I love hatchbacks.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

You guys are close.  It isn't an Explorer or a Flex.  Our Pilot is mere months from being paid off, so it will remain as part of the fleet for the long run.  A Taurus SHO.  Now you don't get something for nothing.  The low interest rate & pile of lease cash barely offset the dismal 45% residual value.  I know it isn't the performance machine it was hyped up to be, but still... If it is cheap enough...

One of my friends in the BMW club has a SHO for a company car(he's required to get a US car). He ordered it with the "SHO Performance Package" which, among other things, includes an upgraded braking system. Not upgraded enough, apparently; he took it out in an instructor session at one of our track schools and after five laps he pulled in with the brakes billowing so much smoke that I thought the pads had caught fire.

corvette

They aren't meant to be tracked. Just like 95% of SUVs will never see worse than a washed out gravel driveway, 95% of cars with "performance packages" will never see a track. The 95% who buy those cars but don't take them to the track would complain of short brake pad life, brake dust, harsh ride, and short tire life, if Ford actually included the good stuff in that package.

roadburner

corvette said:

They aren't meant to be tracked. Just like 95% of SUVs will never see worse than a washed out gravel driveway, 95% of cars with "performance packages" will never see a track. The 95% who buy those cars but don't take them to the track would complain of short brake pad life, brake dust, harsh ride, and short tire life, if Ford actually included the good stuff in that package.

True, but I still think it is akin to offering an "off road" package that doesn't improve a 4X4 vehicles capability. Why offer a brake upgrade at all if it doesn't make the vehicle track capable? That's why I prefer the STI over the base WRX; the changes to the STI DO make a difference.

nyccarguy

@roadburner - my best friend (who makes me look like a Chronic Car Buying amateur) test drove a WRX STi Limited the other day.  He said he was shocked at how comfortable it was considering the car's performance credentials & rubber band summer rubber.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner - my best friend (who makes me look like a Chronic Car Buying amateur) test drove a WRX STi Limited the other day.  He said he was shocked at how comfortable it was considering the car's performance credentials & rubber band summer rubber.

That's encouraging; I drove one a while back and didn't find the ride to be that punishing either. However, some road tests and reviews make it sound like the STI has a very uncomfortable ride. I guess it all depends on what you are used to. An MS3 owner was on one of the old Inside Line blogs complaining that his wife and kids didn't like riding in it because it was "noisy and had a rough ride." My first thought was to suggest that he needed a new family rather than a new car, but I decided to just remain silent...

breld

@nyccarguy - sounds like it's already on your short list, but do make sure to take a hard look at the WRX if/when you do go down that road. Since you seem to like most of the qualities of your Legacy quite a bit, particularly the AWD, but would appreciate the added oomph, a WRX may just be the ticket.

I'll be interested to hear your take on the GTI vs WRX. Definitely distinct personalities.

nyccarguy

Speaking of added oomph, it was nice enough outside that I drove the Prelude to work today and got it washed.

roadburner

Beautiful!

28firefighter

That is one hot car and in immaculate condition!

graphicguy

Brady....oooohhhhh....pretty Prelude!!!!!!!!

My best friend's wife is on her 2nd SHO. Absolutely loves them. I've driven it. Quick car, comfy, pretty much comes all loaded up. If they're discounting them by that much, might be worth a look. She's never had one ounce of trouble with either of her SHOs.

nyccarguy

Thank-you for the compliments! I got it's good side in the picture. 

breld

Mmmm....Love the Prelude.

Sandman6472

GG, hate to ask, but what's up with the Caddy and GM??? I'm no longer on the other forum so haven't been kept up to date on the progress...or lack there of!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

The wife called Thursday late afternoon and said a light came on the dash. Turns out they had to add some water to the radiator or something like that. She went to the Ft. Lauderdale new Audi store and they took care of the hiccup. She's supposedly going to our store this afternoon to let them give a look see. Guess this could happen in any vehicle but still, hate getting those kind of calls from her or the girls when I'm miles away.
Ah, the pleasures of driving a German machine I guess!! Guess I'm not too upset here because both our vehicles are really a blast to drive. And for one who never wanted a turbo, I'm finding it not too bad to live with. Find that the speedometer creeps up on ya very quickly and when I look at it, thinking I'm only going 65 or so, I see 80! Both are very quick to speed and there really is sort of a rush one gets. All I know is that I smile all the time when driving them!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Garage door has been acting a bit wonky for the last week or so and turns out the rollers needed to be replaced. I had been very good at lubricating them monthly but they still had to be replaced after 9 years...we got the new door after Wilma swept through South Florida, think in early 2006. Looked at the paper work and the rollers aren't covered in the long term guarantee so we had to eat the cost. Used HomeAdvisors and was very pleased with the results. Guy called me within 5 minutes and came the next morning, very early...he woke me up. An hour later, we're up and running and now, all is fine. He adjusted the door and checked the whole system and seems all is good. Glad it wasn't the springs as they've gone twice in almost 29 years here, both times on a Sunday when the cars were in there. Both times we heard a loud bang and I knew exactly what it was.
Homeownership...not for everyone but at this stage of our lives, am happy to be here. Just not sure I want to move into a condo as we's need a 3/2 or even a 3/3, and those are few and far between. Like having a garage and I have stuff, too much stuff that I really need to purge.

The Sandman

berri

I think the problem with garage door springs is that many are made from recycled metal which is a bit more brittle in this application.

stever

Interesting, my door is a bit wonky too. I figure my springs are getting tired (they date back to 2001).

I took a roller off a couple of weeks ago and it seemed to spin pretty easily. Occasionally my door will only partly open and then stop. Rinse and repeat and it'll usually open on the third or fourth try. The glitch isn't frequent enough to call a repair shop yet.

Our friend crosstown has one of those belt drive ones and it's so quiet, I really want to replace the whole shebang.

berri

Aren't you near the White Sands Missile range - not Roswell, but still

Sandman6472

Agree on the belt driven kind and next time, if there is a next time here, will look into that and a more powerful motor to. The new rollers are said to be self lubricating and the guy said I can spray them myself every 4 months or so just as a precaution. We use ours a lot since we hate using the front door...I did put a front door key on both key fobs just in case though, not sure what the other half has. Change out the car keys monthly so the battery won't run down, always on the first of the month. We keep a bowl by the front door which serves as "key central" for both vehicles though we keep the used set in the vehicle while in the garage in the down position.
VW and Audi made their key fobs a bit on the heavy side but it works. Some keys in the cars at work don't even have the buttons on them, just a separate piece to open and close the doors. Prefer the all in one method we have now. Got a feeling within a few years, all vehicles will switch to push button start just like the new trend of back up cameras...folks seem to like these new things and just makes life easier!

The Sandman

iluvmysephia1

The Scion iA has the keyless entry keyfob and then push-button start. That car has a lot to offer for only $15,470. It's locked and loaded into my mind - I would love ta have it's backup camera and it's entertainment center on the dash. It has a couple of buttons near the stick shift to use so you don't have to stare at the 7" screen as much while you drive. It also has a system up near the rearview mirror that senses objects and vehicles up ahead and electronically prepares your brakes to stop if you don't take action yourself to stop in time. "Low-speed autostop" or words ta that effect.

It does have that gaping maw up front but I am getting more used to it. I do love my '11 Kia Soul 5-speed and that car is a bargain for around the same price new. We'll see - cars are always fun ta deal with. And I'm not being sarcastic at all - I luv cars!

stever

@sandman_6472, anything special you are spraying the rollers with? May have to go find some lithium based stuff.

graphicguy

Hey Sandy....long and short of it, Cadillac offered to swap my troublesome '14 CTS for a new '16 CTS with no out of pocket from me. They are supposed to be sending the paperwork to me, which I have't received yet. I'm skeptical, to say the least. So, still waiting.

nyccarguy

Even though my commute is for the most part quite humdrum, there are parts of it that make owning a performance oriented car so worth it.

The on ramp to I-95: having to open up our store at 7:30 AM 6 days a week has its advantages. Namely that I beat rush "hour" traffic. Getting on to I-95 is a long, downhill entrance ramp. In the Prelude I roll down the hill at about 30 - 40 mph in 2nd gear until I can see I have a clear shot. This AM I looked back & saw an Audi Q7 in the right lane. I made sure my blinker was on, mashed the gas pedal, & shifted into 3rd at 80 mph by the time I got to the bottom of the highway. Once everything was all clear, I settled down & set my cruise at 70. In the Legacy, I wouldn't even think of trying to get in front of this guy.

The exit ramp from I-95 to Hutchinson River Parkway: once you cross into the city limits of New York City if you stick with I-95 (cross Bronx "expressway") you are assured of 2 things: a 50 mph speed limit & lots of traffic. I get off of I-95 at the 1st exit in New York City for the Hutchinson River Parkway. As long as there's nobody in front of me, the down hill, clover leaf ramp is a pleasure.

The exit ramp to get off of I-95 Northbound exit 5 (Greenwich): when I take 95 home, there is an exciting, flat, hair pin(20 mph) exit ramp that just begs the Prelude to keep going. This afternoon I rounded the corner at 50 and the Prelude didn't break a sweat.

sda

O

stever said:

Interesting, my door is a bit wonky too. I figure my springs are getting tired (they date back to 2001).

I took a roller off a couple of weeks ago and it seemed to spin pretty easily. Occasionally my door will only partly open and then stop. Rinse and repeat and it'll usually open on the third or fourth try. The glitch isn't frequent enough to call a repair shop yet.

Our friend crosstown has one of those belt drive ones and it's so quiet, I really want to replace the whole shebang.

Our house is almost 12 years old and the garage door openers have been trouble free. They are belt drive and are pleasantly quiet. This is the second house that I've installed belt drive garage openers and have not been disappointed.

sda

nyccarguy said:

Speaking of added oomph, it was nice enough outside that I drove the Prelude to work today and got it washed.

It is so refreshing to see a Prelude in such nice shape and not all boy racer enhanced! Are you able to keep in the garage to keep it out of the weather? I imagine rust is a real concern up your way. Better yet, you still have fun driving it! sweet

28firefighter

More details tomorrow but the punch is in and the deal is done. A 2016 White DSG S with Lighting Package, mud flaps and rubber floor mats. 

MSRP was $29,2XX and I paid $24,945 after conquest rebate. They also paid about $1500 over auction value on the trade. 

I drove about an hour and a half to get the car I wanted but it was well worth it!

stever

Congrats!

How busy was the dealer?

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

More details tomorrow but the punch is in and the deal is done. A 2016 White DSG S with Lighting Package, mud flaps and rubber floor mats. 

MSRP was $29,2XX and I paid $24,945 after conquest rebate. They also paid about $1500 over auction value on the trade. 

I drove about an hour and a half to get the car I wanted but it was well worth it!

Mazel-Tov & congrats on the new GTI!  Whit is the color for the GTI!  It looks great with the red trim & red calipers.  I look forward to heAring your story & driving experiences.

stickguy

Nice. I would love one of those. And $4,200 off on a 16, nice!

agree with Bradd on the white. I never liked white, but love the way it looks on our Jetta (which I have not actually seen for 2.5 months!)

28firefighter

stever said:

Congrats! How busy was the dealer?

Pretty dead. They just moved into a brand new building yesterday. A few lookers but I was the only one buying. 

stever

Hm, I bet they are wondering about their timing about the move. Count me in as loving the white.

breld

Congrats! Our first GTI was white and it remains my favorite color on that car as well. And plaid seats too - nice!

roadburner

28firefighter said:

More details tomorrow but the punch is in and the deal is done. A 2016 White DSG S with Lighting Package, mud flaps and rubber floor mats. 

MSRP was $29,2XX and I paid $24,945 after conquest rebate. They also paid about $1500 over auction value on the trade. 

I drove about an hour and a half to get the car I wanted but it was well worth it!

Nice!!!

28firefighter

So...apologies in advance for the length.

First impressions:
This car is better put together than my CC that was assembled in Germany.  Everything is tight as can be and there is not a single rattle to be found anywhere.  Anyone who has driven I-5 between Portland and Seattle knows that those are some very rough highway roads, so it was a great test.

The power stats are deceiving - this car is quick, at least by my seat-of-the-pants test.  I found myself needing to be very careful on the drive home not to 1) beat up on a new engine too much and 2) get a speeding ticket.  The DSG transmission is mated perfectly to the engine and power delivery is extremely smooth with shifts very quick.  I averaged about 31 MPG on the drive home, which is also quite impressive - not that I was shooting for efficiency...

As folks here have already been able to tell, as an S model I have a base model car with the retro plaid seats.  The major option I sprung for was the lighting package which is a must-have these days from my perspective.  Also included, new for 2016 was a rear-view camera as well as the new MIBII entertainment head-unit which includes Apple CarPlay.  From a technology perspective, I can't think of a great idea on VW's part.  I was able to run Apple Maps, Spotify, and do voice dialing using Siri, all on the screen of the head-unit without having to look at my phone.  Pretty nifty, to me, for a base model car.  I'm looking forward to more Apps being CarPlay compatible.

The Dealer Experience:
There are a number of VW dealers in the PNW, but there were not many that had a GTI 4 door DSG S with Lighting package, let alone interested in negotiating.  Despite VW's woes, many still feel strongly the the GTI is a hot commodity and therefore should not be discounted.

I took a page out of GG's book and put together all of my research and built a deal sheet including my trade after getting numbers from Q over on RWTIV.  It was very aggressive.  My logic was that I didn't need a car, and if I couldn't get a very good deal on it, I'd just sit tight.

Two dealers bit.

To be continued...

fintail

Should be interesting. I haven't heard tons of good things about PNW VW dealers.

28firefighter

Of the two dealers that were actively interested, only one had the color I wanted on the lot. The primary issue was that they were an hour and a half away. I had written offers from a VW and a non-VW dealer on my trades and also had the auction information from Q.  I decided to push forward with them because they had the car I wanted. 

We came to an agreement on the pricing and value for the trade, pending a final inspection of the car. I did the credit application online and then drove down today.  Half of me expected them to reneg. The price on the GTI was very aggressive as was the trade value. 

When I pulled up, you would have thought royalty was arriving.

They had 4 people work various aspects of my deal in parallel as soon as I walked in. The numbers were as agreed - no messing around. My sales guy, Roy, was wonderful and stuck with me the whole time in as non-intrusive a way as possible. It was the most thorough delivery I've had in a while which was useful given the new infotainment system. The finance office took less than 25 minutes from start to finish and it only took that long because I found a typo on two forms.

The coolest part of this was the final delivery. This dealer has an indoor delivery area on the showroom floor of this new building. They detailed the car after my test drive and then brought it in dried off so I could give a thorough look. The entire time I had sales people and service staff telling me how awesome my car was and how excited they were to see another GTI go to an enthusiast.  I literally drove my new car off the showroom floor - the second delivery for the new building. 

I can't say how much of my experience was due to how excited they were to have the business vs. overall dealer culture. Several folks mentioned that they were choking on the 2015 TDI's - paying interest with no clue what VW will do to make them sale able. That is on top of the 25-30% business hit they were taking from not selling them. 

Overall it was a phenomenal experience and I couldn't be happier with the deal or the car. 

kyfdx

@28firefighter I will forgive you buying my car, since you didn't get a stick.

Congrats!

graphicguy

Firefighter....very cool. Great car and sounds like a wonderful dealer experience.

stickguy

nice experience it sounds like.

VW gets a bad rap (well, the dealers) from many people. But from my personal experience, having done 2 deliveries at 2 different dealers in the last 1.5 years, no complaints. Both were above board to deal with (making the deal) then the delivery was smooth and pleasant. Every bit as good as my Hondas were. The Acura, well, that was a clown show dealer (will never set foot in that place again!)

robr2

My VW dealer was busy this past Monday as the $2K loyalty was expiring. At 11 AM on a Monday, every sales person was with a customer and others waiting.

stever

That's good to hear - I don't drive by the VW dealer here too often and it's such a small place, it's hard to know when they have any foot traffic anyway.

@28firefighter, feel free to do a dealer review.

iluvmysephia1

Mitsubishi and Kia and I believe VW are in the same place in Las Cruces. Treated me well for '08 Lancer GTS service there. Popped out a dent in the front valance after I hit a coyote on Highway 70 eastbound by the Border Patrol one night. No charge for doing that, either. Could not believe it!

28firefighter

I will, Stever. I did one last night for Yelp. I'll do another later today. 

28firefighter

kyfdx said:

@28firefighter I will forgive you buying my car, since you didn't get a stick. Congrats!

With the hills and traffic here, I'd have no knees left.

I'm very excited. The GTI has been my dream car a while now and to have bought exactly what I want feels awesome!

stickguy

28, remind me. what did you trade in on the GTI? You had a CC, right? But I thought that was already gone?

Gets hard to keep up around here.

28firefighter

Our 2011 Mazda 3.

fintail

Which dealer? By distance I assume not Bellevue?

28firefighter

VW of Olympia. 

fintail

Oh wow, didn't know they had one.

I've known people who have bought from Bellingham and whatever the one is in Burlington or Oak Harbor or something. They didn't rave about quality service...but that was years ago.