Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stever

Cam straps through the windows @xwesx? Good man.

stickguy

Oh, I doubt i would get a Jag that old. but interesting to look at!

This one could be interesting. Not a bad price I don't think for the year and miles. Would probably want it down another grand or so though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-volkswagen-cc-4dr_dsg_sport-used-14746789.html

stickguy

and one for old farmer, though I think everyone around here avoids Northstars.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2002-cadillac-eldorado-2dr_coupe_esc-used-14735525.html

nyccarguy

@british_rover - did the guy with the A5 buy the $7500 warranty?

Sandman6472

Love VW CC's, they drive really nicely and just love the wheels from the first couple of years, was hoping to have them put on my Golf when they offered to swap the 16's back to 17's but no such luck, they only gave me a choice of Jetta wheels. Will be interested to see the pics of that CC when the dealership posts them. If not for the long length of the CC, I would've loved to own one but the Golf is a much better fit.
Hated the original wheels that came with my Golf SE, silver with black...just hated them so made my offer conditional on a wheel swap when I went in for the negotiations. The wheel techs in service screwed things up by putting the wrong size/wrong wheels on the car and I had a vibration problem from day 1. So glad we finally got things figured out about three weeks later and things have been fine since. Saw a '16 Golf wagon today with the same ugly SE wheels on them and my opinion has not changed one bit...totally fugly! Not as ugly as the wheels on the Tucson I had, but very close. I am very particular about the wheel design on my vehicle and I won't settle for any I don't like as it kills the whole look of the vehicle for me.

The Sandman

suydam

To each his/her own. I like alloy wheels but beyond that I couldn't tell you what the ones on either of my cars look like.

Sandman6472

Drove a couple of new 2016 Lincoln MKC today and kudos to Lincoln/Ford for such a nice vehicle. Think the Ford version is the Edge which looks nice also. Nice leather thrones and ample power when I needed it on the expressway. Ergonomics are excellent with great vision out all sides, an all around excellent vehicle though a bit too rich for my blood. But if I wanted to spend that kind of cash and were we to buy a domestic, the MKC is one I'd definitely have to put on the short list. Good job Lincoln/Ford!
Also drove a couple new Optima's and am so impressed with the smoothness of the vehicle overall...never felt one shift as I drove down the highway, just incredibly smooth up the whole power band. Think it's the same engine my Tucson had, Hyundai/Kia's 2.4 4 cylinder which is a silky smooth set up. Sure the Sonata also shares the same 2.4 and it feels, at least to me, smoother than any Toyota engine and they also make great engines. Personally, I'm so in love with the Optima/Sonata cousins and think they are probably in the top of all mid sizers in the market place right now. At this moment, if we needed a family vehicle that fits 5, the Optima is the one I'd plunk down my coinage for and never look back because it is that good! Never thought I'd ever like any Korean vehicle after our love affair with the Japanese makes all those years we owned them but even I changed my mind on this and that takes a lot for me. Just ask my wife and she'll agree...I wouldn't look at anything but Japanese makes since the late 70's!

The Sandman

xwesx

stever said:

Cam straps through the windows @xwesx? Good man.

Indeed! Not the best solution in most scenarios, but the roof on this car is just all sorts of jacked up, so I have no way of strapping anything to it (unless I bolt some anchors down to what's left of the roof structure). I put some 4" memory foam squares down between the ply and the roof rails to protect the surfaces, then just ran a strap through each set of windows and cranked them down on the inside. LOL The car really wasn't any worse for the wear, but I do not recommend this method on a car that isn't already, um.... compromised!

The best part of the story was *after* I unloaded it. I drove up to the shed/shop, which is located behind my house, and parked to unload. This is situation in the photo. Afterward, I drove forward and to the right to get to the driveway in front of the house. While this maneuver works well in the summer months, it can be tricky this late into the winter. Thankfully, our snow depth is down to about 12" due to the nearly three months of no new snow, high rate of sublimation, and the crystallization of the snow. But, that crystallized snow is also very granular (sorta like driving on thousands of tiny ball bearings), so it is not easy to drive through it.

After turning the corner, the resistance proved too much and the car was stuck. So, I had to chain up the rear tires, which was a huge PITA (it is generally a much better idea to chain up *before* you get stuck), so I forewent doing the front tires. I was able to get momentum, but steering was another issue! LOL Finally, I managed to get the car up to the front of the house, but could not maneuver it out of the deep snow. So, still not wanting to chain up the front tires, I just hooked up a recovery strap to the front, coaxed my wife outside to pilot her Forester, and she gently pulled on the front end of the car with a strong bias to the right to assist the steering and get me back into the driveway without hitting either the side of the house or the septic pipes.

What sort of adventures did the rest of you have yesterday?!

stickguy

I got ambitious and put pants on so I could go mail something at the post office.

stever

This is sad:

CarMax salesman killed when Corvette crashes in test drive; driver arrested (latimes.com)

iluvmysephia1

Was leafing through the latest issue of automobile last night. That had a wrap up on their long term test of a soul (2014 model). Women that did report seemed to love it. Made some comment about preferring it over a MB CLA (or maybe GLA). I have read other reviews that were very laudatory.

Not sure I could drive one. Pretty sure my wife wouldn't get in it! But conceptually would be perfect for me.

The more I poke around and look at other rigs the more I want to just keep my Soul and trade for a new one in 3 or 4 years. I read the article, too, stick. She said she never thought she'd fall in love with the car so such. I noted that maintenance costs were around $123.XX. Cheap - that's how we roll, stever. Oh, let's just explain it as value-oriented. Or words ta that effect. Or affect.

british_rover

laurasdada said:

stickguy said:

I would love to have that wagon. I just ave no desire to pay for it.

Just have to wait 2 years for it to show up used at half the price!

My favorite used place has a 2009 Jaguar XF coming in that sounds nice. Can't wait to see that. I will post pics when available.

2009 was the first model year for the XF, do a lot of due diligence. Don't remember details, but I think it took Jag a couple of years to get the gremlins worked out. Model updated for '12, AWD available with '13. My '13 continues on without issue. But, with style, comfort and fun!

At first I was like no way the first year of the XF had to be like 2007 or 2008. I drove one of those cars in January or February of 2008. Than I remember that was a pre-production XF.

As a buyer, that would scare me away from buying the car, guaranteed. My first thought would be that the dealer was trying to rip me off, big time. I mean, really, really big time. Then if investigation showed that not to be the case, I would start wondering "Why does this car cost so god-awful much for a warranty?"

When Land Rover adjusted their warranty coverage at the end of 2006 the cost of a seven year 100,000 mile bumper to bumper 100 dollar deductible warranty on a Range Rover HSE went to about 10,000 dollars.

That is dealer cost exclusive of markup which is typically only $1,000 dollars or less on most warranties.

Sandman6472

The latest MT I think had a long term wrap up of a 2014 Kia Soul and the upkeep costs were extremely low. Have a friend who bought a 2015 model and loves it...kinda quirky vehicle to be honest which is why I didn't buy back in 2013. Did the test drive and all and liked it especially the higher seating height but in the end, went with the Tucson. Looking back, maybe should of gone with the Soul. Ah yes, the " coulda, shoulda, woulda" game...funny how one small decision like which vehicle to purchase from our short lists can lead to happiness, love or extreme frustration. As much as we like our current rides, think we're always looking ahead to the next ride which is probably kind of strange really. But know I do it, am in the process now, and think most in here are the same.
Plan A is of course to take over the wife's A3 and call it a day depending on a few important factors. Plan B is to go the CPO route with MB and BMW at the top of the list right now. Plan C will take form if in fact A & B fall through. After speaking with a few friends in the auto business, all suggested when the time comes for me to switch out of the Golf, I should definitely try and sell it myself instead of doing a straight trade in. They think some kid would like it enough to take it off my hands but need to do it somewhere around the 50K mark or thereabouts. Makes sense and that should put me somewhere in year 4 or so of ownership. Around 2019 or 2020 and by then, there should be plenty of CPO iron out there to go with Plan B. By that time, I'll be fully retired again and will want a long term vehicle to scoot around town in as am sure I will be driving maybe half of what I do now.
Always fun to make future plans and see where we actually end up. Definitely enjoying the ride though!!

The Sandman

stever

That's funny Sandy, I keep thinking back to the '16 Tucson we eyeballed a couple of months ago. If it had been a bit less SUVish and more wagonish, dunno, might have pursued it a bit more. Seemed like a great ride for the money.

british_rover

nyccarguy said:

@british_rover - did the guy with the A5 buy the $7500 warranty?

He did not but he did buy the car.

qbrozen

Had to take the T&C to the dealer again. Headlights are out once more!

anyway, was looking hard at a new 300S they have in the showroom. Man, that is a gorgeous car. Love the black-chrome grille and contrasting stitched leather buckets. Had the tech pack and stickers for $36k. Seems like a pretty good deal when an Accord Touring is damned close to that. 

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Had to take the T&C to the dealer again. Headlights are out once more!

anyway, was looking hard at a new 300S they have in the showroom. Man, that is a gorgeous car. Love the black-chrome grille and contrasting stitched leather buckets. Had the tech pack and stickers for $36k. Seems like a pretty good deal when an Accord Touring is damned close to that. 

HEMI?

stickguy

For 36k loaded, must be a V6

Michaell

stickguy said:

For 36k loaded, must be a V6

Which is still close to 300 HP, IIRC.

qbrozen

Yup. V6. 300hp. Wouldn't compare to an Accord otherwise.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Yup. V6. 300hp. Wouldn't compare to an Accord otherwise.

Probably a better cost-per-pound, for sure, when compared to the Accord Touring.

roadburner

stever said:

This is sad:

CarMax salesman killed when Corvette crashes in test drive; driver arrested (latimes.com)

In Louisville in 2009 years ago a salesman and some idiot were testing a Challenger SRT8; the guy was doing 100 in a 45 when a Taurus pulled out in front of them- both occupants of the Taurus were killed. The driver was found guilty on two counts of 2nd degree manslaughter.

carnaught

I considered the Soul for my third car also, but couldn't resist the Encore lease deal. No regrets.

qbrozen

So I was reading up on the Lemon Law here in NJ. Even if I go through the whole deal with the chrysler, the law states they can deduct 51 cents per mile. That would be near $14k. Huh. I could do better just trading it in (I believe we paid $36k and it is worth about $24k). So now I am curious about our current payoff and may go so far as to talk to our salesman. It is pretty annoying since I bought the lifetime warranty and all that. I am def not happy about it but the law is the law and aint no amount of complaining is going to change that. Thing is, she still wouldnt want anything but a T&C. I just don't want to keep risking being caught at a real bad time without lights, not to mention the traffic tickets. I drove it there this morn in the rain and even passed a cop, but luckily he didn't feel compelled to pull me over.

they never got around to it today and couldn't give me a loaner. Might be time for a new service dept.

nyccarguy

@qbrozen - this thing you have going on with the lights is definitely a safety hazard.  I can't believe (well I can) they haven't found out what's causing the problem.  I guess try a different service department, then if that doesn't work, check out the boatloads of leftover FCA products that have very generous incentives.  Keep us updated!

Sandman6472

The new '16 Tucson is a much better vehicle than the '14 model I had, it's more of a "mini Sante Fe" and has the looks and creature comforts to back this up. Hyundai/Kia have found a formula for success now in that they make their compacts into mini mid sizers and do the same with their cuv's and suv's, very similar inside and out so one doesn't feel like they aren't getting good value. And every new generation is just that much better than the last. Is working for the Korean companies and hopefully the domestics are watching their success in this business model.
We live right next to "dealers row" in our part of the county and see so many folks on test drives, just reinforces what I'm reading in many auto and business columns, folks feel very confident in the economy that they are ready to go buy a new vehicle. Add the lower gas prices to this consumer confidence, and it's like the perfect storm but in a good way. read somewhere that 2015 was a banner year for the auto industry and 2016 looks to be a repeat. Been a long time coming and hope the trend stays around for a long long time!

The Sandman

stever

roadburner said:

stever said:

This is sad:

CarMax salesman killed when Corvette crashes in test drive; driver arrested (latimes.com)

In Louisville in 2009 years ago a salesman and some idiot were testing a Challenger SRT8;

Haven't seen @isellhondas for a couple of weeks; always think of him when I read those stories. Almost saw a phone-using idiot take out a bicyclist crossing with the crosswalk signal on the way home from the dealer.

@qbrozen, I don't think lemon law is your only option in most places. If I buy a new car in TX, I can't use lemon law here, but I can still sue on a warranty type claim.

Spent 30 minutes at the Kia dealer, pretty painless. Laughed a bit when my salesperson came out with the four-square but he's a greenpea, so I tried to keep my snark level under control. Kia's options and colors are a bit screwed up and I don't think the dealer is having much luck figuring it out than I am. The "blue" we wanted is too dark and the "cream" is an ugly shade of tan. We're about $3,000 apart.

Not even sure if the bright white is an option in the trim we want.

stickguy

sometimes it really is just easier to walk the lot and find one you like. at least you know exactly what it is.

or shop Honda/Acura, since there are no options. a few models, all the same, just point out a color you like.

Sandman6472

Reason why I like Carmax is they have a complete variety and one can sit in virtually anything that looks interesting. They do not hassle you and I got to sit in a few vehicles I really wanted to test. Sometimes spending a few more minutes sitting in the drivers seat and getting the lay of the land can be very helpful. Are the controls within easy reach, are the seats comfortable enough, do my knees hit anything that might grow tiresome after a few weeks, etc. At least one has the time to sit and think and look around, helps me make a more informed decision to be honest. That's where I got turned on with the Lexus CT200 a few years back. Sat in the Carmax unit and liked the environment more than I ever thought I would. After driving a few, came to discover how load they are and how sluggish they are on takeoff, things that I just wouldn't settle for plus the premium price it being a Lexus and all.
The few times I did go, had a very cool sales guy who was quitting in a couple of weeks so I explained my purpose there and said go on ahead and take all the time you need. And I did!

The Sandman

tjc78

qbrozen said:

So I was reading up on the Lemon Law here in NJ. Even if I go through the whole deal with the chrysler, the law states they can deduct 51 cents per mile. That would be near $14k. Huh. I could do better just trading it in (I believe we paid $36k and it is worth about $24k). So now I am curious about our current payoff and may go so far as to talk to our salesman. It is pretty annoying since I bought the lifetime warranty and all that. I am def not happy about it but the law is the law and aint no amount of complaining is going to change that. Thing is, she still wouldnt want anything but a T&C. I just don't want to keep risking being caught at a real bad time without lights, not to mention the traffic tickets. I drove it there this morn in the rain and even passed a cop, but luckily he didn't feel compelled to pull me over.

they never got around to it today and couldn't give me a loaner. Might be time for a new service dept.

What do you have 27k miles or so?  It may have changed but lemon law protection ends at 24k miles. 

js06gv

Family punch. My dad sold his '07 G35 and leased a '16 Audi A6 2.0 Premium. Has tech pkg, 19" wheels and it sounds like a few other small options, so on the lower side of the price scale for this model but appears pretty well equipped already. First Audi for anyone in our family. He's not a huge car guy, but was very impressed. Many thanks to @Michaell for the last minute lease numbers this afternoon. They helped him substantially when negotiating the final terms. Car listed @ $51,600. Lease was based on $47K less $1,500 rebate.

corvette

qbrozen said:

So I was reading up on the Lemon Law here in NJ. Even if I go through the whole deal with the chrysler, the law states they can deduct 51 cents per mile. That would be near $14k. Huh. I could do better just trading it in (I believe we paid $36k and it is worth about $24k).

I was ready to trade in the G6 I had, if I wasn't successful in getting a buyback. Fortunately, I got a buyback. I don't think it works so well for higher mileage vehicles (the G6 had 12,000 miles or so). If the numbers were wrong going for the lemon law, it may be best just to trade it.

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

What do you have 27k miles or so?  It may have changed but lemon law protection ends at 24k miles. 

I have read some conflicting info, but I am led to believe that as long as the problem first developed under 24k, you are good to go. This has been ongoing since... well, I forget, but well under 24k. I think the first time may have been as low as 12k or 15k.

Michaell

js06gv said:

Family punch. My dad sold his '07 G35 and leased a '16 Audi A6 2.0 Premium. Has tech pkg, 19" wheels and it sounds like a few other small options, so on the lower side of the price scale for this model but appears pretty well equipped already. First Audi for anyone in our family. He's not a huge car guy, but was very impressed. Many thanks to @Michaell for the last minute lease numbers this afternoon. They helped him substantially when negotiating the final terms. Car listed @ $51,600. Lease was based on $47K less $1,500 rebate.

Glad to help. I wondered if the numbers were for you or what.

How many miles were on the G35?

nyccarguy

http://www.dodge.com/hostc/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=2C3CDXCT5FH857861

2015 Charger R/T
Black/Black
5.7L V8 - 8 Speed Auto - RWD
Super Track Pack

stickguy

so you bought a RWD Charger to replace the Sube? Should take care of your parkway merge concerns. Just watch it in the snow.

black on black with black tinted wheels. Should be a mean looking beast. Loaded up though for sure.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

so you bought a RWD Charger to replace the Sube? Should take care of your parkway merge concerns. Just watch it in the snow.

black on black with black tinted wheels. Should be a mean looking beast. Loaded up though for sure.

You know me better than that. I wouldn't make a snap decision. I was just looking. There seems to be glut of 2015 Leftovers out there. That is a mean looking car.

iluvmysephia1

Was it in 2015 that the Charger FE got redesigned? Or is it on their 2016 model? It's looking better but the Challenger really trumps it, IMO.

stickguy

that car really is huge though. Next car, I really hope to downsize a bit to something more manageable and "tidy" sized. Even the Sonata, and the other mid size offerings, are basically barges by my standards!

iluvmysephia1

Yep, I don't like ta go much bigger than the Toyota iA, if that gives any reference as far as vehicle body size. Lighter is better, too.

Chevy Spark/Mitsubishi Mirage for size? Jury is deliberating on that micro-size with me. 

stickguy

not that small. I was thinking more about something in the 182-185" range. Volvo S60, Jetta. something in that rough footprint, Or a BMW 3 series or baby Benz.

iluvmysephia1

Kia GT RWD 4-door sports sedan looks cool..8-speed automatic tranny .

Kia's mulling it over but they'll build it, yes.

stickguy

I like RWD. would be more than happy to get one again. no AWD required here.

js06gv

Michaell said:

js06gv said:

Family punch. My dad sold his '07 G35 and leased a '16 Audi A6 2.0 Premium. Has tech pkg, 19" wheels and it sounds like a few other small options, so on the lower side of the price scale for this model but appears pretty well equipped already. First Audi for anyone in our family. He's not a huge car guy, but was very impressed. Many thanks to @Michaell for the last minute lease numbers this afternoon. They helped him substantially when negotiating the final terms. Car listed @ $51,600. Lease was based on $47K less $1,500 rebate.

Glad to help. I wondered if the numbers were for you or what.

How many miles were on the G35?

One owner in great shape with 131K. He let his stepdaughter have it for same as the best trade offer he got, $7K.

imidazol97

qbrozen said:

So I was reading up on the Lemon Law here in NJ. Even if I go through the whole deal with the chrysler, the law states they can deduct 51 cents per mile. That would be near $14k. Huh. I could do better just trading it in (I believe we paid $36k and it is worth about $24k). So now I am curious about our current payoff and may go so far as to talk to our salesman. It is pretty annoying since I bought the lifetime warranty and all that. I am def not happy about it but the law is the law and aint no amount of complaining is going to change that. Thing is, she still wouldnt want anything but a T&C. I just don't want to keep risking being caught at a real bad time without lights, not to mention the traffic tickets. I drove it there this morn in the rain and even passed a cop, but luckily he didn't feel compelled to pull me over.

they never got around to it today and couldn't give me a loaner. Might be time for a new service dept.

The lifetime warranty may have a prorated refund if you dispose of the vehicle. That's what I remember being told about the warranty that I bought for my Cobalt back in 2010.

qbrozen

I knew Chrysler was coming with a hybrid minivan, but I just now learned (or realized) they are bringing back the Pacifica name. I have to assume that means the T&C name is going to die for now? Seems odd, but I can't imagine having both in the lineup considering the Pacifica will indeed be a minivan. Anyway, I texted our salesperson to see if he knows when they will start arriving, and he said they have no received word. I think we may have to deal with this headlight issue until then. Of course, I'd also want the typical deep Chrysler discount, so it may take even longer.

Pretty sure I wouldn't even care to get the hybrid since the standard gas version will get 28mpg highway. Can't imagine a plug-in hybrid is going to pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time. I'm assuming, of course, the premium for that drivetrain will be significant.

henryn

A Town and Country is one of the vehicles that I could see myself owning. I do fit, which is rather difficult to find (headroom and kneeroom). And I know that every make and model has an occasional lemon (witness GG and his Cadillac woes). But ... I just seem to hear / read too many of those horror stories when it comes to Mopar.

I know that VW service departments had a bad reputation for many years, but there are good ones out there. Has anyone ever found a good Mopar service department? If so, I haven't heard about it.

I actually like the Odyssey better, and I also fit in it -- but it doesn't fit in my parking garage downtown nearly as well as the T&C. The Odyssey (and Sienna) are really WIDE bodies these days.

berri

Years back while living in Georgia I swear every time the dealer touched my Plymouth it came back worse! But my parents had a good Chrysler dealer in the Chicago suburbs, but then my dad switched to Ford's sometime in the 70's so who knows today. Sometimes I think it just depends on dealer ownership and management. Used to have a Ford dealer with a great service department, but it switched ownership and I felt went downhill quite a bit. Big corporate conglomerate type ownership I fear is taking over more and more dealers these days while cars get more complicated to work on.

stever

My understanding is that the Pacifica was going to replace the Grand Caravan but that the Town and Country was going to continue on.

That would make sense to me because the Pacifica would be more like a Mazda5 size or midsize SUV instead of a full blown minivan.

What makes sense to me rarely makes sense to the automakers though.

berri

I thought the new Pacifica was introduced as a Chrysler? Either way, I also heard that they will keep the old minivan as well for now (whichever name they retain). Not clear if for general sale or just to fleets though?