Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

I always thought Equus was a rather creepy name actually.

stickguy

No particular reason, but I priced out a new Jetta (Michael, pay attention!). A new 1.4t SE is quite a good deal. Lots of stuff, great MPG, and not much money. Especially factoring in discounts!

actually looks like the Sport, just with 16" version of what looks like the same snazzy wheels. No Navi, but now has Carplay (and Android auto) so even better!

Consumers reports loved this model BTW. With the MPG, said it basically made the TDi redundant. If I needed something basic, would give a hard look. And if you want, can save $1,100 by getting a stick! Assuming any dealer has one in stock.

http://www.vw.com/models/jetta/trims/2016/se-trim/edit/tab/summary/exterior-color/2r2r/transmission-type/automatic/options/a5c7061550a041/

breld

I drove the daughters A3 into work today to get a repair done at the audi dealership.

After awhile, I noticed a "shuddering" at certain gear shifts with the DSG. Sort of like a hesitation before the gear change would complete. Daughter said she experienced it too, but was worse for her at times, with the engine light flashing at the time in some instances.

Seemed intermittent when I drove it - how concerned should I be?

stickguy

better question. What did you trade it in for?

Anyway, somewhat. I know that these are finicky about fluids, and they do call for regular changes, at somewhat early miles. First thought is if that is due (or overdue) get it done. Unless they can diagnose some other issue from ECU codes?

28firefighter

I just did some quick googling and it looks like it could be related to the dual mass flywheel (DMF) wearing out on the DSG. Apparently a known issue. Sounds like the part isn't super expensive but labor can be pricey - you know how German cars can be. 

Also might be the MAF sensor going bad - I had that happen in my old BMW and the symptoms were similar. 

If the CEL flashed on at some point for your daughter I imagine the ECU stored the code for a tech to pull. 

breld

Well, naturally a trade is where our heads are at now. And as a matter of fact the Jetta you're speaking of is probably a top candidate for the value it offers.

The A3 did go through a full routine service within the past few months at the dealership, and for that matter, they checked it out today in connection with repairing a leak with the windshield washer fluid - no mention of any issues, so maybe it's not all that major.

I did look at a very nice 2007 X3 with only 75k miles at a sister dealership and liked it quite a bit. But perhaps trading an 8 year old Audi for a 9 year old BMW is not necessarily the right approach? A 1-2 year old Jetta could be the ticket.

28firefighter

breld said:

But perhaps trading an 8 year old Audi for a 9 year old BMW is not necessarily the right approach? A 1-2 year old Jetta could be the ticket.

I think that logic is wise. Alternatively if it's been reliable, take it to a good Audi/VW mechanic and let them give it a once over.  

breld

Yeah - we've been pretty fortunate with our older BMWs, but except for the E39 530i, they haven't served as our daily drivers. For the "off-to-college" car, I may want to go for something newer.

Michaell

@stickguy - nice Jetta. Ticks all the features boxes (heated seats, rear camera, push-to-start). And I like the mileage. I'm OK with the automatic. Any chance the Golf will get this engine?

@breld - where is your daughter going to school? We got our kid the ION in '06 for her drive to Ft. Collins. It was that or the '03 L300 I was driving.

stickguy

@breld, the upgrades to the S are for 2016 ( including the 1.4l engine). But the 14/15 models with the 1.8l are also nice. Some good deals on lightly used SEs now too. Stay away from the S 2.0 (but you already knew that!).

The 2.5 is a lump but reliable. I recall from getting my sons 14 that there were a bunch of other upgrades along with engine. More for 2015. The upgrades to the 2016 S/SE 1.4 (SE is basically an S with heated seats) make it the screaming value. Buy it new, and you are done with her thru college (a big plus for getting my daughter her Jetta! That and being 450 miles away).

Michaell

stickguy said:

@breld, the upgrades to the S are for 2016 ( including the 1.4l engine). But the 14/15 models with the 1.8l are also nice. Some good deals on lightly used SEs now too. Stay away from the S 2.0 (but you already knew that!).

The 2.5 is a lump but reliable. I recall from getting my sons 14 that there were a bunch of other upgrades along with engine. More for 2015. The upgrades to the 2016 S/SE 1.4 (SE is basically an S with heated seats) make it the screaming value. Buy it new, and you are done with her thru college (a big plus for getting my daughter her Jetta! That and being 450 miles away).

@stickguy - was looking closer at some of the dimensions of the Jetta compared to my E-GT. 2" less headroom in the Jetta - does it have a sunroof? Same wheelbase, but the Jetta is over a foot longer - trunk vs. hatch.

Something to check out this summer when I start shopping in earnest. Denver Auto Show is in March, so I'll try to get to that to at least sit in all the contenders.

breld

Well, if we do something (and I recognize "if" is probably more a matter of "when"), I do think the Jetta is gonna be the way to go.

I'd like to stay around $15k - less would obviously be nice, but the closer you get to $10k, the sketchier it seems to get, and there's A LOT of nice options at $15k. And I don't think I want to go the older higher mileage German make again, not for this purpose. Wife and I are pretty free to swap out as desired, but we want this car to cause no headaches for the next four years of college for the daughter.

I'm more open to domestic and certainly Japanese imports, but the wife, and therefore the daughter, would still like something with "more character." A bit spoiled? Yes, but we (I) did have a hand in creating the monster.

So, I'm gonna come up with several options, likely to include Civics, Elantras, maybe some Scion models, but bang for the buck, I do think a Jetta will win out. I would like to stay away from the 2.5l and 2.0l engines, so likely looking at a 2014 or newer SE - as @michaell mentioned, there are some nice lightly used, some even CPO, examples of those. Also some deals out there on GLIs - but given what's prompting this thought of trading out, another 2.0T/DSG combo doesn't necessarily make sense, huh? And to @stickguy 's point, I won't rule out a new 1.4t model - rather not buy new, but if the value is there...

Occasionally, I've seen some base Golfs (2015) dip to around $15k on the used market, so I'll keep my eye out for those too.

Basically, I'd like to test the waters at the VW dealerships to see how hungry they are for the business. I'd consider a good deal on a CPO TDI model, but 1) VW is protecting the dealerships on price, so those aren't dropping all that dramatically and 2) with a "fix" still in process, not so sure they'll bounce back any time soon.

Michaell

Way cool -

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/street-smarts/daily-news-drives-domino-delivery-car-article-1.2500528

breld

Michaell said:

@stickguy - nice Jetta. Ticks all the features boxes (heated seats, rear camera, push-to-start). And I like the mileage. I'm OK with the automatic. Any chance the Golf will get this engine?

@breld - where is your daughter going to school? We got our kid the ION in '06 for her drive to Ft. Collins. It was that or the '03 L300 I was driving.

She's also going up to Ft. Collins starting next fall. Not too far for us.

stickguy

I have seen a lot of 2014 SEs dropping into the lower (sub 14/15) range with lower miles. Easy to do. Stay away from a GLI for her. More economical drivetrain, and 16" wheels with some sidewall! You do want if possible the nicer radio (in 14, part of connectivity package) and Bluetooth.

@michael, I have driven them with and without moonroof. I sit "tall" and still have plenty of room either way. Seat is height adjustable.

No clue if there is going to be a base golf 1.4 though. I don't think they ever had a 2.0s Golf.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I have seen a lot of 2014 SEs dropping into the lower (sub 14/15) range with lower miles. Easy to do. Stay away from a GLI for her. More economical drivetrain, and 16" wheels with some sidewall! You do want if possible the nicer radio (in 14, part of connectivity package) and Bluetooth.

@michael, I have driven them with and without moonroof. I sit "tall" and still have plenty of room either way. Seat is height adjustable.

No clue if there is going to be a base golf 1.4 though. I don't think they ever had a 2.0s Golf.

Thanks for the feedback, stick.

The Golf had either the 2.5 5-cyl or the 1.8T.

I think the Jetta looks pretty good on the inside, but I like the versatility of the hatchback configuration.

stickguy

I like the hatch too. Just ends up costing more.

andres3

breld said:

Well, naturally a trade is where our heads are at now. And as a matter of fact the Jetta you're speaking of is probably a top candidate for the value it offers.

The A3 did go through a full routine service within the past few months at the dealership, and for that matter, they checked it out today in connection with repairing a leak with the windshield washer fluid - no mention of any issues, so maybe it's not all that major.

I did look at a very nice 2007 X3 with only 75k miles at a sister dealership and liked it quite a bit. But perhaps trading an 8 year old Audi for a 9 year old BMW is not necessarily the right approach? A 1-2 year old Jetta could be the ticket.

How many miles on the A3? I've heard the DSG Routine 30K mile service for DSG Oil change is quite an involved process, and it's easy for shops to take shortcuts, including dealerships. There is a right way and a wrong way, and I bet many shops choose the short cuts.

houdini1

Mr_Shiftright said:

Oh, was that the "Ioniq"? Are they really going to use that name in the USA, or is that only Korea?

Yeah, I left out the i. Supposed to be here this year. Not a bad looking car, and no CVT, but I hope they change the name.

stever

I thought the name was clever - got the "electric charge" component and the "smart" component. Won't be long before we see a bunch of "it's ironic that the battery lasted 80 miles" jokes.

Best one ever was the Dodge though.

It's a car.

It's a van.

It's a Caravan.

anony336

A few weeks into owning another Prius and no regrets. My personal best is 94.1 mpg for a 6 mile trip. My daily commute is averaging about 50 mpg. The Prius isn't fun to drive in the traditional sense but it's competent and the mpg game is entertaining. A friend recently started a new job which will require 25-30,000 miles per year on his personal car. In trying to sell him on the Prius but he is leaning more towards and Accord or Camry.

I am not a fan of the new Prius. Gee drove the boys up to Detroit for the auto show. He said it's even less attractive in person. 

Gee is now thinking he wants a BMW X3 with the rare manual transmission. Says it will make the perfect "boy truck" for his trips with the kids this summer. 

stickguy

Good luck finding that.

stever

anony336 said:

A few weeks into owning another Prius

What year is this one?

Oh yeah, a 2015. There's plenty around Las Cruces last I looked but they were all base models.

laurasdada

I bought one of the last Samsung Plasma TVs, 55" Great picture, no motion blur. And not bad at generating heat this winter!

Isn't it ironic: Went to the New England International Auto Show last Friday. A bit disappointed, not much to dazzle, seemed to be lacking in energy. Alfa was there, a 4C convertible and Giulia. Both open windows, but locked as the (rather attractive) spokesmodel noted that they weren't allowing the doors to be opened due to issues with the alarm systems. Everything old is new again, bon chance, Alfa (writes the guy who bought a British car...)!

Save for the Cayenne and Macan, all the Porsches were locked as was the BMW i8. Still think the MB S Class Coupe is a thing of beauty, the interior nicer than any home I'll likely own... But, it's a rather large beast. New Audi TT looks very much like the old Audi TT.

There was a Lincoln Continental up on a display stand, roped off. Clean, but I'm not sure distinctive. Perhaps it was the off-white color. Obvious nods to the classic Continental, with touches of Bentley, especially around/aft of the C pillar. Caddy CT6 also roped off. Imposing, overdone up front, busy rear in profile.

New Miata, neat. But (surprise!) really tiny, a snug fit. Top is a model of simplicity, manny tranny moved easily, finding gears no problem (haven't driven a manny since '02!).

Alas, Jag/LR nowhere to be seen... Really not a lot to get excited about at this show, although I know there are a lot of exciting cars coming down the road. The Boston show just isn't Detroit, LA or NY. No good SWAG, either.

Go Pats!

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

Good luck finding that.

Here you go!

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-BMW-X3-d392#listing=132618987

Pricey though...

stickguy

For some reason I was thinking X5. One of those just popped up by me, listed as manual (2006 I think). But, ended up being a AT.

Mr_Shiftright

I'm of two minds about large vehicles with manual transmissions. They can be a chore in metro traffic.

nyccarguy

Anybody able to get a hold of the ///M2's option list?  Starting at $51,700 + $995 destination & handling comes to $52,695 before you start ticking any option boxes.  365 hp turbo I6 - 60 mph in 4.2 with a stick

breld

nyccarguy said:

Anybody able to get a hold of the ///M2's option list?  Starting at $51,700 + $995 destination & handling comes to $52,695 before you start ticking any option boxes.  365 hp turbo I6 - 60 mph in 4.2 with a stick

Oh I'm sure everything is standard and you don't need to add any options.

rayainsw

http://www.bimmerfest.com/pdf/bmw-pricing/2016/2016-BMW-M2-Coupe-F87-Pricing-Guide.pdf

stickguy

I really like these. Thinking I could be really happy with one. This is just missing the BLIS option to be perfect.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658036667/overview/

anony336

stever said:

A few weeks into owning another Prius

What year is this one? Oh yeah, a 2015. There's plenty around Las Cruces last I looked but they were all base models.

Looks like we lucked out finding one in a color/options we wanted (three with solar roof). We bought ours on 12/27, there were still quite a few. Checked a couple of weeks ago for my friend, hardly any available in the southeast with the roof unless you want green or red. 

Gee has narrowed it down to a 2008-2009 X3. Neither of us like the latest redesign that much. The plan would be to sell the Accord, which is paid for and has given us no trouble, but not sure how much sense that makes. Then again, why worry about making sense now... 

stever

Yeah, I don't know if people really don't want holes in the roof in NM or if the typical buyer just wants something affordable. It's rare to see a loaded up Soul on the lots around here either.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

I really like these. Thinking I could be really happy with one. This is just missing the BLIS option to be perfect. http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658036667/overview/

Mileage is kind of high!  You want a C300 Sport 4Matic.  That's a Luxury version.  13 & 14 have the bigger 3.5L V6 plus adaptive suspension.

tjc78

The roads where Stick and I live aren't that great.  As a rule, cars without sport suspension and a little smaller rim do better here.   I'm sure where you drive you understand that! 

roadburner

stickguy said:

Good luck finding that.

They aren't all that common; but I know of at least two in my area.

Mr_Shiftright

For the determined shopper, not a problem.

roadburner

stickguy said:

For some reason I was thinking X5. One of those just popped up by me, listed as manual (2006 I think). But, ended up being a AT.

Those are rare. I ran across one about 8 years ago; 3.0 with the SP. Should have bought it.

stickguy

that was a 2014 MB. and 13K is too much these days?

They have a sport too. same price, about same miles.

As TJC said, with our bombed out roads, the super low profile tires are not a plus really.

stickguy

I did find a few X3 sticks around. one sounds interesting, but miles a little stiff. cheap enough. Too bad no pictures.

http://www.nissanofturnersville.com/detail-2007-bmw-x3-3_0si-used-14450719.html

Though it is a mechanics special, so maybe not cheap enough: It will need the following repairs: TIRES, OIL LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, FRONT STRUTS, R/S POWER MIRROR

This one is more money, but looks much nicer and fewer miles.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/651160799/overview/

1 X5 turned up though. Without pictures, won't bet it is true though.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658462109/overview/

anony336

stickguy said:

I did find a few X3 sticks around. one sounds interesting, but miles a little stiff. cheap enough. Too bad no pictures. http://www.nissanofturnersville.com/detail-2007-bmw-x3-3_0si-used-14450719.html Though it is a mechanics special, so maybe not cheap enough: It will need the following repairs: TIRES, OIL LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, FRONT STRUTS, R/S POWER MIRROR This one is more money, but looks much nicer and fewer miles. http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/651160799/overview/ 1 X5 turned up though. Without pictures, won't bet it is true though. http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658462109/overview/

Hmmm... The mechanic special is more appealing, mainly because the other is black/tan. However, even at $6500, doesn't seem worth it with the repairs needed. 

I have seen seen one manual X5 about 10 years ago. White with tan interior. I would imagine they are next to impossible to find now.

stickguy

I saw an X5 stick a year or 2 back for sale somewhere in Philly. Actually looked pretty nice, but i don't recall years, miles, or price.

the cheap one is great colors. May not be that bad in person (this is a very reputable dealer chain, so their standards are pretty high!). Plus, if it is heading off to auction, make an offer! Probably best for someone really handy, or that has a great (and cheap) indy handy.

Here is a low mile X5 (55K). Probably pricey for a 2002 though. And beige? Blah.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/657226229/overview/

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

that was a 2014 MB. and 13K is too much these days? They have a sport too. same price, about same miles. As TJC said, with our bombed out roads, the super low profile tires are not a plus really.

Whoops!  I misread the stock number as the mileage.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

I did find a few X3 sticks around. one sounds interesting, but miles a little stiff. cheap enough. Too bad no pictures.

http://www.nissanofturnersville.com/detail-2007-bmw-x3-3_0si-used-14450719.html

Though it is a mechanics special, so maybe not cheap enough: It will need the following repairs: TIRES, OIL LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, FRONT STRUTS, R/S POWER MIRROR

This one is more money, but looks much nicer and fewer miles.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/651160799/overview/

1 X5 turned up though. Without pictures, won't bet it is true though.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658462109/overview/

You want the 2007-2010 model, as you get the 255 HP engine. It feels like a lot more than that... pretty sweet, but not exactly thrifty with fuel.

corvette

stickguy said:

Though it is a mechanics special, so maybe not cheap enough: It will need the following repairs: TIRES, OIL LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, FRONT STRUTS, R/S POWER MIRROR

Run, do not walk!

graphicguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

Good luck finding that.

Here you go!

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-BMW-X3-d392#listing=132618987

Pricey though...

Aside from the manual tramsmission love we share around here, with a stick and that price, this dude is going to see that vehicle sit on his lot for awhile. I read that less than 1% of U.S. drivers even know how to drive a manual transmission car.

graphicguy

laurasdada.....the Samsung and Pioneer plasmas were the best on the market. Once Pioneer sold their plasma division to Panasonic, Panasonic ended up being on the the top plasmas. And yes, they could generate some heat.

I love Pioneer Elite electronics, Sound wonderful. Built like tanks. Advanced technology (digital amps, MCACC room/speaker correction, etc). They just sold off their Elite line of audio gear to Onkyo, which is a real shame because I loved their AVRs and disk players, again some of the best on the market.

I've never had a piece of Onkyo electronics that wasn't troublesome. I fear that fate awaits Pioneer, too.

I just bought what will probably be the last piece of Pioneer Elite AVRs (SC99) on the market.

roadburner

stickguy said:

Though it is a mechanics special, so maybe not cheap enough: It will need the following repairs: TIRES, OIL LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, FRONT STRUTS, R/S POWER MIRROR
/

If you could get that one for $5,000 AND do the work yourself it would be a pretty good deal- assuming those are the only issues. 127k miles is about the time that the cooling system, valve cover gasket, and filter housing gaskets go south. However, it is obvious that the prior owner didn't stay on top of maintenance and repairs, so I would be willing to bet that there are other problems lurking within. I'm also surprised that it needs struts at 127k; our 2004 has 183k on the original struts. It is nicely optioned; F/R heated seats, Xenons, and premium audio.

Mr_Shiftright

"There is no more expensive BMW than a cheap one".

There are plenty of nice examples of these on the road, even high mileage ones. You don't have to buy what appears to be, from the brief description, a car that someone obviously bailed out of.

houdini1

stickguy said:

that was a 2014 MB. and 13K is too much these days?

They have a sport too. same price, about same miles.

As TJC said, with our bombed out roads, the super low profile tires are not a plus really.

Do those come with run flat tires standard?