Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stever

I agree, but she just wants it gone. Shoot, I'm half tempted to take it myself. It's a more comfortable ride than my '97 Outback was. But it's burning oil now and I'm not sure it'd make it back to NM. I'll be seeing her in ~2 weeks in TN so I could skip my return flight home and drive it home - but that's an easy one to talk myself out of.

jpp75

stever said:

I agree, but she just wants it gone. Shoot, I'm half tempted to take it myself. It's a more comfortable ride than my '97 Outback was. But it's burning oil now and I'm not sure it'd make it back to NM. I'll be seeing her in ~2 weeks in TN so I could skip my return flight home and drive it home - but that's an easy one to talk myself out of.

Yeah I don't blame you on that one. If it were local then it would probably be a good "around town" car. It's not something I'd drive halfway across the country.

stickguy

That's how I got my steal of a deal on the 2000 TL. Was my sisters car. She wanted no part of private sale, but called me from deal with trade in number. Just had to match that and it was mine, so I did and it was!

stever

Well, if her current deal falls through, she may wait until April to buy and we may revisit the idea then. My wife surprised me by not immediately poo-pooing the idea, but she buys on comfort and she likes the '05's ride. My mom is having health issues so I may be going back and forth to Chattanooga several times this year and driving it home at some point could be doable. It's not like I'm a stranger to being stranded in a beater car 1,000 miles from home LOL.

Then again, while my one showing of our house didn't result in an offer (yet), I have another showing lined up in a couple of weeks so ideally we'd move to town and really wouldn't need a second car.

sda

I thought I might have the potential for an early 2016 punch, but not yet. We recently had an issue with the Pilot. The torque converter on the transmission was acting up and causing a 'shuddering' sensation when shifting from first to second. Thankfully it was replaced under the certified Honda warranty that covers the drivetrain to 100k otherwise it would have been a $1700 repair. It has 82k. Typically when something like this happens to the vehicle that my wife drives, this shakes her confidence thinking that the car will become unreliable and she wants nothing more to do with it. She surprised me and said Pilot fits like a nice shoe and she will keep it unless it really starts to act up.

laurasdada

Happy New Year, All! GG: Glad you liked the XF, it is a heavy car, negating some of the power and sport side of the car. However, among the gadgets are dynamic driving/sport modes that tighten things up. But, still a bit of weight to push around. Anyway, the '16 is new, from what I've seen an (nice) evolution. A bit smaller and lighter, but roomier inside. And, '16s come with the 5 year warranties/maintenance plans. I only got one "freebie" service on my '13. BTW, on NYE '13, my $65k msrp'd XF left the dealer for just a tick over $50k... Of course, depreciation is rather nasty. But, I buy the car I want to buy, not the car I want to trade/sell. And, that's why I'll be working for a bit longer... Well, that and 8 straight years of tuition... Well, that and....

Also, by keeping the CTS a bit longer, you can put the Jag XE on your radar. Most reviews have noted, "Now this is what the BMW 3 used to be!" No, don't work for Jag. Just something about the marque has a bit of a hold on me.

tifighter

@jpp5862 Congrats on the Touareg! Was one of my final contenders on the last purchase; nice cars.

carnaught

Guys, could you give me your impressions of this car? One of my sisters is considering it.
Trust you fellow car-guys. Thanks in advance.

https://autonation.com/miami/Mercedes-Benz/ft-lauderdale/landing-pages/vehicledetails?vin=WDCGG5HB8DG005595&Phone=7327138297

corvette

I think the GLK's proportions are awkward looking. It's a nice big engine for something that size. I like the color. I would want heated seats, even in the south. I would also want xenon or LED headlamps. The keyless go is a good feature.

fintail

Oh yeah, congrats on the Touareg. Comfy ride no doubt.

GLK looks like a Tonka toy to me, has a weird charm sometimes for it. I prefer the new GLC to it, a little sleeker. Saw a GLK Bluetec on the road today, fairly rare.

Sandman6472

Definitely like it but prefer a white one or even gray, have driven one last year and was truly impressed. Think some person in the other forum bought one last year in Canada. Like the new version to be honest but hey, it's a MB...how bad could it be! Thinking next time I do buy, will check out a cpo MB or BMW unless I take over the wife's A3. Their sister shop is right next door to my local VW store turns out.

The Sandman

stickguy

I like the GLK. That is also what Mrs. Driver recently got. And I love the color on this one.

Sandman6472

Just curious, has anyone heard if VW is going to use the 1.4t engine in the 2017 Golf? Just curious as the mpg's are a bit better than the 1.8t in my 2015. Still loving the vehicle with about 14k on the clock and it shows I'm getting 31 mpg's average according to the vehicles computer. Besides liking our A3 just a slight bit more, it seems to drive smoother than mine, just not sure why. Might be the engine is tuned a bit different as it does use premium...all I know is that it just drives smoother which I like more.
Do love mine and am happy to keep it for the duration but if the wife does indeed turn hers over in a few years, I am fully prepared to just buy it from her as white over black is a combo that always looks good especially down here in South Florida.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

See my intro date is still wrong but could be because I forgot my password and had to re-register back in '09. Truthfully think I first came in here back in early 2000 or maybe the end of 1999...just not sure now.

The Sandman

Mr_Shiftright

all kinds of rumors, including 48V electrics, electric turbocharging and 3 cylinder engines.

stickguy

I would not be surprised if they put the 1.4t in the base level Golf since it is in the Jetta, though the Golf never did have the base 2.0 motor like the Jetta.

jpp75

That's how I got my steal of a deal on the 2000 TL. Was my sisters car. She wanted no part of private sale, but called me from deal with trade in number. Just had to match that and it was mine, so I did and it was!

That was a great purchase. Growing up we always bought/inherited cars from my aunt. A Wagoneer, a couple of Oldsmobile 98 sedans, and a 70's Celica are the most memorable.

They bought a 1988 Cadillac Sedan Deville, the A/C was so problematic they traded it on a 1991 Lincoln Continental which was quickly replaced by a Lexus LS. She drove several LSs for years and then switched to an RX as she got older since she didn't need such a big car.

She and her husband are the poster children for the decline of the American auto industry.

sda

The Sandman

Sometime ago you mentioned that you were not all that impressed with the Fender sound system in your Golf. What is it that you don't like?

qbrozen

I like the GLK, and that would be my color choice. But that is strangely outfitted with RWD and nothing else but the appearance pack and keyless go. There are a dozens of these RWD GLKs running through auction, surprisingly. The price is actually quite fair, if its clean. I think they know this is a tough sell and may deal.

stickguy

It's in south Florida. No need for AWD down there!

Up in jersey, a tough sell. That I would be all over at a distress price on a snowy day!

Needs a moonroof though.

ab348

My former Board Chair has a GLK and she absolutely loved it. I always thought the styling looked dated for M-B compared to everything else they were selling - seemed a bit squared-off and almost military-ish, but it looks better than a bar of soap design IMO. Have to think RWD-only would be fairly rare for one of those.

houdini1

Nice car, nice price, good miles. Be sure to check the carfax. It says free carfax, but I could't get it to open.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

It's in south Florida. No need for AWD down there!

Up in jersey, a tough sell. That I would be all over at a distress price on a snowy day!

Needs a moonroof though.

well, yeah, the tough sell part isn't just the AWD. Its a Benz that lacks alot of luxo options you expect in a Benz.

graphicguy

laurasdada said:

Happy New Year, All! GG: Glad you liked the XF, it is a heavy car, negating some of the power and sport side of the car. However, among the gadgets are dynamic driving/sport modes that tighten things up. But, still a bit of weight to push around. Anyway, the '16 is new, from what I've seen an (nice) evolution. A bit smaller and lighter, but roomier inside. And, '16s come with the 5 year warranties/maintenance plans. I only got one "freebie" service on my '13. BTW, on NYE '13, my $65k msrp'd XF left the dealer for just a tick over $50k... Of course, depreciation is rather nasty. But, I buy the car I want to buy, not the car I want to trade/sell. And, that's why I'll be working for a bit longer... Well, that and 8 straight years of tuition... Well, that and....

Also, by keeping the CTS a bit longer, you can put the Jag XE on your radar. Most reviews have noted, "Now this is what the BMW 3 used to be!" No, don't work for Jag. Just something about the marque has a bit of a hold on me.

laurasdada....This one wasn't in their showroom at the time, but it looks exactly like the one I test drove....maybe the same one...not sure.

http://www.jaguarcincinnati.com/new/Jaguar/2015-Jaguar-XF-38d33d430a0a00e072c5655ff34a50d7.htm

It was a 2015....and probably the most gorgeous car I've ever had the pleasure to test drive. Yes, it was heavy and not quite as "sporting" as I like. That really didn't detract much from the car.

They made one final play for my business with a phone call on NYE. Still had money coming out of my pocket, so I passed.

I didn't know that they re-did it for '16. The sales guy hadn't mentioned that.

I totally understand your loyalty to Jag. My sister still wishes she got another Jag.

Mr_Shiftright

One owner florida car

carnaught said:

Guys, could you give me your impressions of this car? One of my sisters is considering it.
Trust you fellow car-guys. Thanks in advance.

https://autonation.com/miami/Mercedes-Benz/ft-lauderdale/landing-pages/vehicledetails?vin=WDCGG5HB8DG005595&Phone=7327138297

stever

The dealer is evaluating my sister's Subaru right now. It's worth $650 book and I think they were at $500 the other day. She's hot for a demo '15 Crosstrek - thinks the dash in the '16s is too big (they look identical in photos to me) and no one has a '16 in stock in an acceptable color.

I think she's going to pay too much for the demo, and will essentially have a two year old car when she could get a '16 for about the same price. But she never takes my advice. She doesn't trust the miled up Forester any more, and she needs a car to drive to TN in a couple of weeks.

stever

Getting close to a deal. $650 trade value, and the number is $22,500. That's TMV for her zip. But - the dealer will pay the $1,000 tax so the selling price is really $21,500.

She's trying to whack a few more bucks off but I think they are there.

laurasdada

laurasdada....This one wasn't in their showroom at the time, but it looks exactly like the one I test drove....maybe the same one...not sure.

http://www.jaguarcincinnati.com/new/Jaguar/2015-Jaguar-XF-38d33d430a0a00e072c5655ff34a50d7.htm

It was a 2015....and probably the most gorgeous car I've ever had the pleasure to test drive. Yes, it was heavy and not quite as "sporting" as I like. That really didn't detract much from the car.

They made one final play for my business with a phone call on NYE. Still had money coming out of my pocket, so I passed.

I didn't know that they re-did it for '16. The sales guy hadn't mentioned that.

I totally understand your loyalty to Jag. My sister still wishes she got another Jag.


That is my car, exterior-wise. But that has the (very nicely) upgraded interior. The "Portfolio" pkg back in '13. My interior is black; leather, wood and aluminum. Really modern, well done. The hockey puck rising shifter is kinda cool in that when I put my right hand over it to push the "Start" button, the shifter rises right into the palm of my hand. The rotating vents are a mild amusement, I could live without them. And do have the option of leaving them open. Which, once out of warranty, likely I'll do!

Of course, you could do the midlife crisis thing and go all F-Type...!

jpp75

stever said:

Getting close to a deal. $650 trade value, and the number is $22,500. That's TMV for her zip. But - the dealer will pay the $1,000 tax so the selling price is really $21,500.

She's trying to whack a few more bucks off but I think they are there.

Sounds like a decent deal, what color is she set on?

stever

Khaki was her first choice but none were available. She doesn't want white or blue, and likes the silver. So it's the Ice Silver Metallic.

It's been quiet the last hour so I assume that means they are doing all the paperwork.

jpp75

I've seen a few of the Khaki, not a bad color but I'd choose the silver if it were me.

stever

Just got an update and the tax wasn't in the deal. So now she's back at TMV and she got 'em down $100 off that. And they beat her credit union rate. So it sounds like a so-so deal, probably would have done a little better with a Price Promise certificate. But she has a car for the next 5+ years and she'll be out of my hair for a while, unless it breaks down.

Michaell

jpp5862 said:

I've seen a few of the Khaki, not a bad color but I'd choose the silver if it were me.

I think the Khaki is better suited for the Crosstrek. Silver is so 'meh'.

And I drive a silver hatchback.

stever

I would have gone for the blue or white over the silver.

stickguy

Cross trek? Should have gone with the burnt orange. Easy to find in a parking lot.

qbrozen

I feel your pain. I was back and forth with my BIL this past Saturday via text and phone while he was trying to work out a Fusion SE w/tech pack lease deal. I was just trying to make it easy and get the advertised deal, but they were throwing all kinds of fees at him and he was putting money down, etc. They were at $190 with 2k up front. They were working hard to confuse him, and he isn't very good with the numbers, so after alot of back and forth, I finally just gave him the absolute top number he should pay, which was about $5 more/mo than I thought was correct. He went straight for that top number. They were apparently upset with him and didn't understand why he was talking to me, but he stuck to his guns and said he trusted I was steering him right, and they finally bit and met it. $170/mo with $2k paid at signing (including first month's). In the end, I think he only overpaid by a couple hundred bucks, and, regardless, its a damned nice car for the money.

stickguy

That is a nice looking deal. Lot of car for money.

stever

Well, F&I got her for a prepaid maintenance agreement. "Only" $20 more a month and she says she "saved that by getting the lower interest rate."

[edited from "service agreement"]

suydam

She can cancel it immediately, but will still have to pay an extra $20/mo.

28firefighter

A co-worker of mine had her SUV blow a headgasket last week and she needed a new car pronto - the cost to repair far outweighed the value of the truck. She and her husband were ready to pull the trigger on a $300/month lease for a loaded up Corolla.

I did some searching around and put her in touch with an Infiniti dealer I've worked with before. She was able to land an Infiniti Q50 AWD Signature (has Nav and a bunch of other goodies) for 0 due at signing and 289/month + tax for 39 months, 12k miles a year. Backing into the numbers, she ended up with a discount of about 8000 off the MSRP on the car.

That's a lot of car for $289/month...

Michaell

28firefighter said:

A co-worker of mine had her SUV blow a headgasket last week and she needed a new car pronto - the cost to repair far outweighed the value of the truck. She and her husband were ready to pull the trigger on a $300/month lease for a loaded up Corolla.

I did some searching around and put her in touch with an Infiniti dealer I've worked with before. She was able to land an Infiniti Q50 AWD Signature (has Nav and a bunch of other goodies) for 0 due at signing and 289/month + tax for 39 months, 12k miles a year. Backing into the numbers, she ended up with a discount of about 8000 off the MSRP on the car.

That's a lot of car for $289/month...

We've been seeing similar deals on Q50's this past month, so long as you stuck with the base model. Some phenomenal deals on the Lexus GS, as well ...

No lease numbers for January - yet - so it'll be interesting to see who will manipulate the numbers to move the metal.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

We've been seeing similar deals on Q50's this past month, so long as you stuck with the base model. Some phenomenal deals on the Lexus GS, as well ...

No lease numbers for January - yet - so it'll be interesting to see who will manipulate the numbers to move the metal.

The thing is - a base Q50 with the Signature option package basically gives you everything you could possibly want. Nav, LED Headlights, Leather, Automatic Climate Control, Sunroof - I think the only thing it may not have is heated seats.

I'd be hard pressed to get anything above a base model.

stever

Just emailed my sister and recommended that she cancel the "service" agreement.

breld

Wow! Great deals on the Q50's huh?

I was helping a friend this past weekend who is interested in a compact SUV. She ended up considering a lease, which was way too hard to help out with over the phone and texts, so I drove over to help her out with the numbers. Together with some text exchanges with Michael (thanks Michael!), decided the dealership just wasn't anywhere close on proper numbers. She had a lot of anxiety over just "walking away," but I assured her the dealership would be okay.

She's targeting a monthly lease payment in the low $400's, which is probably where she'd be for a loaded CR-V, CX-5 or Tucson (which is what she was negotiating on ).

I'll have to point out some of these great deals out there, like the Q50.

stickguy

that was a great deal. I hope in 2 years when I am shopping again, I can do that on something like a GS or infiniti! Not sure if I am going to lease again, but something like that can sway my decision.

nyccarguy

Evil people talking about screaming deals on 326 hp cars! Bad! Bad! Bad!

As expected, our Pilot (72K on the clock) got a very clean bill of health from my trusted independent mechanic. $90 in parts (including $25 shipping) & $210 in labor to change the oil, filter, front differential fluid, rear differential fluid (Honda VTM4), & transmission fluid. He's impressed with how clean my Pilot's Fluid's always look draining out.

Mr_Shiftright

What do you guys think about how Consumer Reports thoroughly trashed the Q50's reliability? Blowing smoke, or ???

suydam

They didn't do it. The owners who filled out the surveys did.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

Evil people talking about screaming deals on 326 hp cars! Bad! Bad! Bad!

As expected, our Pilot (72K on the clock) got a very clean bill of health from my trusted independent mechanic. $90 in parts (including $25 shipping) & $210 in labor to change the oil, filter, front differential fluid, rear differential fluid (Honda VTM4), & transmission fluid. He's impressed with how clean my Pilot's Fluid's always look draining out.

I just received the used oil analysis from the 2004 X3 2.5i; at 182k miles and an 8k mile run of Mobil 1 0W-40 the wear metal numbers were either average or below- and no coolant, fuel, or insolubles were detected either. Which confirmed my wife's decision to repo the truck and give my son the 328i...

Mr_Shiftright

True but CR interprets and "weighs" the data. It was a pretty thorough smack down. However, that was for 2014 models.

suydam said:

They didn't do it. The owners who filled out the surveys did.