Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

rayainsw

At just past 16,000 miles and one year of driving, I thought I would post a few observations on the experience with the 2015 Charger R/T. [ In no particular order. ]
I have had no reliability issues. Taken it in for routine service twice. Both were free – at 2 different dealers. Odd, but I will take it!
The acceleration, ride and handling continue to impress me – particularly at the price point.
[ I paid just over $36K – and no ‘Doc Fee’ ! ]
I average just over 20 MPG in my typical [ lots of ‘stop & slow’ afternoon commuting in heavy traffic – sigh ] and mid- to high 20s when I am able to cruise at or near the highway speed limits. Range under those driving conditions is comfortably over 400 miles.
I do not really feel any ‘itch’ for a new car. Nothing at or near this price point interests me. Though that could change at any moment!
I find this a very comfortable highway cruiser [ several 300 mile plus driving days ] as well as handling well in the rest of my typical driving. This time of year [ even way down here where ‘really cold’ = 20s in the morning ] the heated seats that warm quickly, and the heated steering wheel are greatly appreciated!
Anyway – I am well pleased with this ‘punch’!
- Ray
Unlikely to punch again, at least in the next few months . . .

au1994

"Unlikely to punch again, at least in the next few months . . ."

Lol..spoken like a true CCBA'er

au1994

qbrozen said:

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.

We, well me really, liked the GLK but the option combo's were maddening. Xenon's, check, heated seats, check. Back up cam, nope....Next one would have cam and no Xenon's it seemed.

anony336

We sold the Highlander last week. Since gee and the kids are planning to make a trip to Alaska, he voiced his intent to find another "beater" before that trip. He does not want to put those miles on any of our 3 cars. So we found a 2004 RX330 with 110k. Nav/Mark Levinson. They are asking $9300, which is sort of over budget. But it's clean, no accidents, and reasonable well-maintained. I recommended we hold out for a later model after the switched to the 3.5L engine. 

nyccarguy

What year was the Highlander you sold?

I understand (sort of) not wanting to put miles on any of your cars for a big trip.  But why go out and spend upwards of $10K on a 12 year old used car with 110K (yes I know it is a Lexus/Toyota product)?  There are just too many "what ifs" that can go wrong on a 12 year old car regardless of mileage (IMHO).

Have you guys thought of renting a car for that trip?  Personally, I like driving my own car.  I see no harm that can be done by taking the Sienna on that journey.

stever

It's just a road trip, get in and go.

breld

rayainsw said:

At just past 16,000 miles and one year of driving, I thought I would post a few observations on the experience with the 2015 Charger R/T. [ In no particular order. ]
I have had no reliability issues. Taken it in for routine service twice. Both were free – at 2 different dealers. Odd, but I will take it!
The acceleration, ride and handling continue to impress me – particularly at the price point.
[ I paid just over $36K – and no ‘Doc Fee’ ! ]
I average just over 20 MPG in my typical [ lots of ‘stop & slow’ afternoon commuting in heavy traffic – sigh ] and mid- to high 20s when I am able to cruise at or near the highway speed limits. Range under those driving conditions is comfortably over 400 miles.
I do not really feel any ‘itch’ for a new car. Nothing at or near this price point interests me. Though that could change at any moment!
I find this a very comfortable highway cruiser [ several 300 mile plus driving days ] as well as handling well in the rest of my typical driving. This time of year [ even way down here where ‘really cold’ = 20s in the morning ] the heated seats that warm quickly, and the heated steering wheel are greatly appreciated!
Anyway – I am well pleased with this ‘punch’!
- Ray
Unlikely to punch again, at least in the next few months . . .

It's already been a year? Wow!

That is definitely some serious car for that money! Glad you're enjoying it!

carnaught

rayainsw said:

Unlikely to punch again, at least in the next few months . . .

Ray, glad you've been enjoying it, but being a member of the CCBA, it's just a matter of time till you get the itch.

Mr_Shiftright

You are never "cured" you know. That's why you still have to come to meetings.

PF_Flyer

au1994 said:

"Unlikely to punch again, at least in the next few months . . ."

Lol..spoken like a true CCBA'er

Unlikely... at least... forgot PERHAPS...LOL

tjc78

anony336 said:

We sold the Highlander last week. Since gee and the kids are planning to make a trip to Alaska, he voiced his intent to find another "beater" before that trip. He does not want to put those miles on any of our 3 cars. So we found a 2004 RX330 with 110k. Nav/Mark Levinson. They are asking $9300, which is sort of over budget. But it's clean, no accidents, and reasonable well-maintained. I recommended we hold out for a later model after the switched to the 3.5L engine. 

The 3.5 is sweet, but it had that VVT oil line (in the early years) that you would have to get fixed ASAP if it wasn't done already. The 3.3, while no where near as powerful as the 3.5 is super smooth! Was the timing belt done yet?

Mr_Shiftright

So....I see this Mini Clubman advertised on Craigslist...just the color I want, "S" model...check...manual transmission...check...heated seats....check....clean CARFAX....check...pano roof, cold weather package, auto dim mirror, leather....check.....low miles....check......fair price....check.......run down there IN THE RAIN...40 miles....and yeah, they got me again...it was an automatic.... DUMMIES! :@

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

So....I see this Mini Clubman advertised on Craigslist...just the color I want, "S" model...check...manual transmission...check...heated seats....check....clean CARFAX....check...pano roof, cold weather package, auto dim mirror, leather....check.....low miles....check......fair price....check.......run down there IN THE RAIN...40 miles....and yeah, they got me again...it was an automatic.... DUMMIES! :@

In the days before online VIN decoders I found an M3 at a Chevrolet dealer; the description listed heated seats. Figuring a Chevy store would not know Bimmers that well I called and asked a salesman to check on the seats. Turns out the car didn't have heated seats- the guy thought the memory position buttons were for heated seats. I would have been one ticked-off puppy if I had driven there and found that out.
Listing a slushbox as a stick is beyond moronic...

nyccarguy

@rayainsw - glad you are still enjoying the Charger.  It is a great looking car!  I'm sure if I test drove one, there'd be no way I'd leave the dealership without it.

Mr_Shiftright

This has happened to be twice now. Obviously, I'm going to have to call the dealer each time and run down their checklist with them next to the car.

Another pitfall---occasionally the dealer will have a "stock photo" in place because they haven't photographed the actual car yet. So you think you're looking at a red car and it's actually brown.

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

So....I see this Mini Clubman advertised on Craigslist...just the color I want, "S" model...check...manual transmission...check...heated seats....check....clean CARFAX....check...pano roof, cold weather package, auto dim mirror, leather....check.....low miles....check......fair price....check.......run down there IN THE RAIN...40 miles....and yeah, they got me again...it was an automatic.... DUMMIES! :@

In the days before online VIN decoders I found an M3 at a Chevrolet dealer; the description listed heated seats. Figuring a Chevy store would not know Bimmers that well I called and asked a salesman to check on the seats. Turns out the car didn't have heated seats- the guy thought the memory position buttons were for heated seats. I would have been one ticked-off puppy if I had driven there and found that out.
Listing a slushbox as a stick is beyond moronic...

cdnpinhead

rayainsw said:

At just past 16,000 miles and one year of driving, I thought I would post a few observations on the experience with the 2015 Charger R/T. . . .Unlikely to punch again, at least in the next few months . . .

Ray, you are the man -- definitely CCBA material. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. I monitor this board only to keep up with old friends, of whom you are one.

Remember when you got the LS? I got one about the same time and am now on the car that replaced it, while you've been through a whole fleet of fun cars over the same period of time. Glad you've enjoyed them.

Different strokes. . .

Mr_Shiftright

Tesla's Day of Reckoning?

Mercedes Rolling Out 4 New EVs

qbrozen

I've seen many times where they call a tiptonic type trans a manual. "well, you can manually shift it!"

Sigh!

Sandman6472

Drove a new Jeep Renegade yesterday and really did like it, had a smile on my face the whole trip! Seats were comfortable, good outside vision all around, drove nicely with good ergonomics. If I had bought this in place of my Tucson in 2013, would've held onto it no doubt, just saying', I liked it that much! Drove a Ford Escape right after the Renegade, and though nice enough, just didn't float my boat and so glad I didn't get that slightly used 2014 SE model I almost bought. The Renegade was just a more fun vehicle to drive, just like my Golf is...fun to drive! After that, drove a brand new, 176 miles, Jetta S and then a new Optima. Both really nice vehicles though found the Optima to be the smoother ride. Interior materials seemed a bit better in the Optima, the seat felt a bit more comfortable. Funny, they upgraded the alloys/wheels to 18" really nice looking alloys on a rental "S" model...could see if it was an "SE" model but a lowly entry level rental was a real surprise.
Gee, I love this job to be honest!! Luckily, Hertz is updating the fleet big time with new models and I get to reap the benefits of this!!

The Sandman

stickguy

Was the Jetta the new 1.4t motor? If so, how did it compare to the 1.8 in the golf?

Sandman6472

Not quite sure to be honest but think my Golf accelerated a bit better to be honest. But to be fair, the Jetta only had 176 miles when I started it up so it was a new engine. The same blue that I have but looks better on mine I must admit...hated the black seat material though. Like I said, it was a bare bones "S" model with the cool 18" alloys. Truth be told, so glad I went Golf instead of Jetta as the first VW I brought home for the garage test was a blue Jetta SE, blue over beige, same as my Golf.

The Sandman

breld

Fun discussion with my wife over the weekend about cars. After rambling about all the cars I'm fancying, she pointed out that I really want four different vehicles:

1. SUV - appreciate the higher driving position, increased ground clearance, AWD and overall utility of hauling stuff around. Something like the X5, Touareg or GLE.
   
2. 3 Row Family hauler - out of necessity for the times we have all our kids together, seating for at least 6 is a must. Minivan is the best option here, but other 3 row SUVs could work - Pilot, Highlander, XC90.
   
3. "Grand Touring" car - a nice comfortable "cruising" vehicle. Anything from a nice Accord to a BMW sedan/coupe. A 4-series GC is what I have in mind here.
   
4. Sports (or Sporty) car - Coupe, convertible, whatever. A stick shift is a must. Miata, Mustang, FR-S, etc.

Alas, absent getting a very large garage (and an equally large raise in pay), my ongoing quest is to find the right combination that satisfies all those tastes, the relative priority of which continuously change in my mind; hence the constant reshuffling of the fleet!

Like right now, the S4 meets #3 and #4 very well, and the Sedona is perfect for #2 and really meets most of the requirements for #1 too.

And my thought for the next move is to put more of the money in a 3-row SUV like the XC90 to have a nicer vehicle meeting #1 and #2, which is the one I end up driving the most, and going less on #3 and #4, with something like a GTI.

Oh, the endless opportunities!

Mr_Shiftright

Well maybe one day they'll make a Cayenne with a 3rd row and then you're covered pretty much--aside from paying for it.

qbrozen

Pretty sure #2 and #4 shall never meet.
Although there was a time you could get a rear facing 3rd row in some Volvo and Benz wagons. Not sure about the Benz, but Volvos used to always be available with a manual. Not sure I have ever seen a manual with the 3rd row, but then again, I wasn't looking for one.

roadburner

breld said:

Fun discussion with my wife over the weekend about cars. After rambling about all the cars I'm fancying, she pointed out that I really want four different vehicles:

1. SUV - appreciate the higher driving position, increased ground clearance, AWD and overall utility of hauling stuff around. Something like the X5, Touareg or GLE.
   
2. 3 Row Family hauler - out of necessity for the times we have all our kids together, seating for at least 6 is a must. Minivan is the best option here, but other 3 row SUVs could work - Pilot, Highlander, XC90.
   
3. "Grand Touring" car - a nice comfortable "cruising" vehicle. Anything from a nice Accord to a BMW sedan/coupe. A 4-series GC is what I have in mind here.
   
4. Sports (or Sporty) car - Coupe, convertible, whatever. A stick shift is a must. Miata, Mustang, FR-S, etc.

Alas, absent getting a very large garage (and an equally large raise in pay), my ongoing quest is to find the right combination that satisfies all those tastes, the relative priority of which continuously change in my mind; hence the constant reshuffling of the fleet!

Like right now, the S4 meets #3 and #4 very well, and the Sedona is perfect for #2 and really meets most of the requirements for #1 too.

And my thought for the next move is to put more of the money in a 3-row SUV like the XC90 to have a nicer vehicle meeting #1 and #2, which is the one I end up driving the most, and going less on #3 and #4, with something like a GTI.

Oh, the endless opportunities!

I'm liking the Empty Nest better all the time; it looks like our fleet will be configured as follows:

CUV: 2004 X3 2.5i(it's definite- Mrs. RB wants it back
SUV: 1999 Wrangler- where we live a vehicle with serious off-road ability is a necessity
Sporty/"Momentum" Car: 1995 318ti Club Sport- I'm never getting rid of it; way too much fun and dead nuts reliable. Cheap to maintain, too.
DD/Track toy: Who knows? Currently leaning towards a 2013 Boss 302 or 2015-up STI. I wish the 2012-2014 SRT8 Challengers were a bit lighter, as they offer great performance-and surprising comfort-for the money.

stickguy

Need a V70R. With a stick. Even if it didn't come with a 3rd row seat, could probably retrofit one!

breld

@roadburner - is this what you're after? I saw this on the showroom floor a couple weeks back when I was checking out new Mustangs.

2013 Boss

stickguy

Now that is snazzy.

fintail

I think every US-spec MB wagon has been automatic. But with the 25 year rule letting in relatively modern cars now, one could get something interesting from afar.

qbrozen said:

Pretty sure #2 and #4 shall never meet.
Although there was a time you could get a rear facing 3rd row in some Volvo and Benz wagons. Not sure about the Benz, but Volvos used to always be available with a manual. Not sure I have ever seen a manual with the 3rd row, but then again, I wasn't looking for one.

tommister2

breld said:

Fun discussion with my wife over the weekend about cars. After rambling about all the cars I'm fancying, she pointed out that I really want four different vehicles:

1. SUV - appreciate the higher driving position, increased ground clearance, AWD and overall utility of hauling stuff around. Something like the X5, Touareg or GLE.
   
2. 3 Row Family hauler - out of necessity for the times we have all our kids together, seating for at least 6 is a must. Minivan is the best option here, but other 3 row SUVs could work - Pilot, Highlander, XC90.
   
3. "Grand Touring" car - a nice comfortable "cruising" vehicle. Anything from a nice Accord to a BMW sedan/coupe. A 4-series GC is what I have in mind here.
   
4. Sports (or Sporty) car - Coupe, convertible, whatever. A stick shift is a must. Miata, Mustang, FR-S, etc.

Alas, absent getting a very large garage (and an equally large raise in pay), my ongoing quest is to find the right combination that satisfies all those tastes, the relative priority of which continuously change in my mind; hence the constant reshuffling of the fleet!

Like right now, the S4 meets #3 and #4 very well, and the Sedona is perfect for #2 and really meets most of the requirements for #1 too.

And my thought for the next move is to put more of the money in a 3-row SUV like the XC90 to have a nicer vehicle meeting #1 and #2, which is the one I end up driving the most, and going less on #3 and #4, with something like a GTI.

Oh, the endless opportunities!

This is why I now have 5 vehicles. I kept buying/selling them when my mood shifted. Now I have something for every mood

stickguy

As soon as I get a cheaper house with more garage space, so will I.

brian125

This CCBA board is a very dangerous forum to be involved in. Great bunch of guys who'll sell there first born for there next driven thrill...... Keep up the good work thru 2016.

rayainsw

"..who'll sell there first born for there next driven thrill.."
Please don't tell my daughter that.....

Michaell

breld said:

@roadburner - is this what you're after? I saw this on the showroom floor a couple weeks back when I was checking out new Mustangs.

2013 Boss

@breld and I would be happy to meet and test drive the Boss together and report back.

Even though it's way on the other side of town from me.

FWIW, that dealer has been around for over 100 years.

xwesx

stickguy said:

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

Depends on where you live! I've seen as many as three of these in the Fred Meyer (Kroger) parking lot at the same time. It seems like there are CrossTreks everywhere, and half of them are orange.

xwesx

Mr_Shiftright said:

So....I see this Mini Clubman advertised on Craigslist...just the color I want, "S" model...check...manual transmission...check...heated seats....check....clean CARFAX....check...pano roof, cold weather package, auto dim mirror, leather....check.....low miles....check......fair price....check.......run down there IN THE RAIN...40 miles....and yeah, they got me again...it was an automatic.... DUMMIES! :@

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice..... ?

I have to say, I don't think I've ever bothered to take the time to follow up with a CL ad that did not include photos (vehicle-related, anyway). I figure if the seller can't be bothered to photograph something as significant as a vehicle when placing it for sale, they don't really want to sell it that badly!

roadburner

breld said:

@roadburner - is this what you're after? I saw this on the showroom floor a couple weeks back when I was checking out new Mustangs.

2013 Boss

Yeah, but they are smoking crack if they seriously think the retail price is north of $50k. With those miles I'd only pay around $35k.

Michaell

Damn you, GM!

Just found out that GM has "topped off" my rewards card with an extra $3000, giving me just over $4200 to use against a lease or purchase of an eligible GM vehicle until 2/29/16.

I'm so not in the market at the moment, but this is so tempting.

With a $20-25K budget, is there anything in the GM stable that would interest you?

stickguy

well, for 24 month lease, that is $175/mo. So basically you could pop over to Chevy and lease a Cruze (hell, maybe a Malibu) on a sign and drive, with a payment of nada. Assuming you can apply the whole thing.

problem is the Elantra. So see if you can trade it in without putting cash in, and get a free cruze to drive? Heck, even your wife probably wouldn't complain about that!

other option (though I doubt you need it or have room) is get a screaming deal on a leftover PU, drive it 1-2 years, and sell it for what you paid for it. Probably the best bet to do that in their model lineup?

kyfdx

And... that's why I don't have a GM card.

nyccarguy

@Michaell - when is your E-GT lease up?

Sandman6472

That Encore $185/month lease looks pretty sweet, especially for what one gets...think if I was someone who drove less miles per year, I'd check one out. Two years isn't such a long time to be honest and they are nice to drive. Have had a few in the fleet but later, we seem to be seeing more Trax's than Encore's. Just saw another commercial about the lease special so they see like they want them on the roads. To be honest, the Encore is the only domestic that I'd even consider at this point to be honest. For some reason, the Encore/Trax twins seem to be smaller than my Tucson was.

The Sandman

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - when is your E-GT lease up?

I make my last payment on 10/7/16.

Michaell

sandman_6472 said:

That Encore $185/month lease looks pretty sweet, especially for what one gets...think if I was someone who drove less miles per year, I'd check one out. Two years isn't such a long time to be honest and they are nice to drive. Have had a few in the fleet but later, we seem to be seeing more Trax's than Encore's. Just saw another commercial about the lease special so they see like they want them on the roads. To be honest, the Encore is the only domestic that I'd even consider at this point to be honest. For some reason, the Encore/Trax twins seem to be smaller than my Tucson was.

The Sandman

sandy - the Encore/Trax duo is smaller the the Tucson. Hyundai/Kia doesn't have a competitor to it in the US just yet.

I poked around on-line -- can't get the Sonic with a stick shift in the LTZ or RS trim. Trax can be had for right around $20K.

The Encore lease deal looks good but the $185/mo is for 10,000 miles per year, which won't work at all. Figure another $20-30/mo for 15K, which is still in my budget area but there is the pesky issue of the E-GT lease disposition.

Grrr.

au1994

@Michaell....surely by the end of the summer, think Labor Day weekend sales, you would. E close enough on the residual and remaining payments to swap out even.

stickguy

Take it in for a trade in estimate. Never know. Might get you out even.

Funny timing. I guess I make my last payment 10/8/2017! I forgot that lease payments are done up front. Made first one when I got it 11/8.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Take it in for a trade in estimate. Never know. Might get you out even.

Funny timing. I guess I make my last payment 10/8/2017! I forgot that lease payments are done up front. Made first one when I got it 11/8.

You should be heavy into the car shopping by now..

Michaell

stickguy said:

Take it in for a trade in estimate. Never know. Might get you out even.

Funny timing. I guess I make my last payment 10/8/2017! I forgot that lease payments are done up front. Made first one when I got it 11/8.

I do have a CarMax in the town where I live ... could get an estimate from them and compare to my payoff.

stickguy

Bet you can find a Chevy dealer that can make it work. Crazy to turn down a free 3k when you have to get a car this year anyway!

anony336

nyccarguy said:

What year was the Highlander you sold?

I understand (sort of) not wanting to put miles on any of your cars for a big trip.  But why go out and spend upwards of $10K on a 12 year old used car with 110K (yes I know it is a Lexus/Toyota product)?  There are just too many "what ifs" that can go wrong on a 12 year old car regardless of mileage (IMHO).

Have you guys thought of renting a car for that trip?  Personally, I like driving my own car.  I see no harm that can be done by taking the Sienna on that journey.

The Highlander was a 2006 Limited 2WD. Gee doesn't want to put too many miles on the Sienna. He took the Highlander to Seattle from Atlanta last summer and put 10,000 miles on it. Thinks that would kill the Sienna's value and cause cosmetic wear and tear from road hazards.