Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

@qbrozen - being in love & buried in a car at the same time is a good thing.  

ab348

I honestly don't know why GM doesn't just standardize on the MyLink technology all their other brands use. It seems to be fairly well-reviewed. Cadillac can still call it CUE if they want to. I think each of the other brands that use MyLink has a slightly different name for it anyway.

breld

@qbrozen -

You may have already read it, but the latest Motor Trend has a comparison of the CTS V-sport, Audi S6 and Lexus GS - meant to be a comparison of those models "below" the top-notch sport model.

Probably not surprising to you, they were pretty enthusiastic about the V-sport, picking it as the top choice, with the S6 last.

roadburner

ab348 said:

I honestly don't know why GM doesn't just standardize on the MyLink technology all their other brands use. It seems to be fairly well-reviewed. Cadillac can still call it CUE if they want to. I think each of the other brands that use MyLink has a slightly different name for it anyway.

I heard former Car and Driver editor Csaba Csere speak at a dinner a few years ago. He said that one problem GM was still trying to deal with was the division and segregation of engineering talent. That is, Chevrolet had their own steering engineers/designers and they wouldn't/couldn't talk to their counterparts at Buick or Cadillac. Mr. Csere went on to say that he understood each division had its own market and design philosophy, but he believed that the segregation prevented the engineers from learning from each others mistakes and successes.

thebean

road burner said:

... Car and Driver editor Csaba Csere ...

How this gentleman's name is pronounced "Chubba Chedda" is beyond me.  

carnaught

thebean said:

road burner said:

... Car and Driver editor Csaba Csere ...

How this gentleman's name is pronounced "Chubba Chedda" is beyond me.  

I believe he is of Hungarian descent.

houdini1

stickguy said:

you buy a new one.

I don't know if this car uses run flats, but the problem with run flats is that they cannot be repaired, they have to be replaced, plus they are expensive. If you are even semi-compulsive about tires and have to replace one at 10,000 miles, you might be faced with replacing all 4 of them to keep things is balance.

stickguy

the Scion just uses normal tires, but an oddball size.

carnaught

"the problem with run flats is that they cannot be repaired, they have to be replaced..."

Not always. I had run-flats on a BMW 3-Series repaired wihout further problems. I guess it depends on what part of the tire, and how extensive the damage.

qbrozen

breld said:

@qbrozen -

You may have already read it, but the latest Motor Trend has a comparison of the CTS V-sport, Audi S6 and Lexus GS - meant to be a comparison of those models "below" the top-notch sport model.

Probably not surprising to you, they were pretty enthusiastic about the V-sport, picking it as the top choice, with the S6 last.

I did see that. Thanks. What I find particularly interesting is that the V sport is technically the most aged of that trio.

xwesx

stever said:

@iluvmysephia1, you may want to check on the iA tires. Apparently they are an odd-ball size and spares aren't common. TireRack only carries one model that fits it. P185/60R16 86H's.

That's true. Some of the subcompacts these days have fairly odd sizes! I think a 195/55/R16 would likely fit it as well. My Fiesta had that size and, while still a somewhat limited supply, options on Tirerack were more prevalent than just one!

roadburner

carnaught said:

"the problem with run flats is that they cannot be repaired, they have to be replaced..."

Not always. I had run-flats on a BMW 3-Series repaired wihout further problems. I guess it depends on what part of the tire, and how extensive the damage.

Same here; my tire shop-an authorized Michelin dealer-patched a leak in a Primacy MXM4 on my son's 328i, no questions asked.

graphicguy

ab348 said:

I honestly don't know why GM doesn't just standardize on the MyLink technology all their other brands use. It seems to be fairly well-reviewed. Cadillac can still call it CUE if they want to. I think each of the other brands that use MyLink has a slightly different name for it anyway.

AB...couldn't agree more. CUE has received a major update since it first came out. So, that helped. The CUE's performance in my '14 CTS vs the one in my '16 is pretty dramatic. In the '16, CUE no longer freezes nor is jerky when using the map/GPS. It is much better at speech recognition.

But, the biggest difference is integrating with CarPlay on my iPhone. GPS, music, podcasts, weather, text messages, reading emails (through CUE), etc, etc are much simpler, more accurate and much faster.

Even using CUE's voice commands only for mundane functions (controlling HVAC, controlling various car functions, etc) is much better.

My guess is they way underestimated the compute and graphics power they needed to run CUE. Whomever did the testing, and let CUE pass in its original form, should be fired, on the spot.

qbrozen

I don't have a problem with CUE in my '14. The only delays I have ever noticed have happened when I first start the car. For instance, if I hit the starter button and immediately try to set the Nav, I'm largely SOL. It takes a minute or so for it to "boot up" I guess. Other than that, it runs smoothly. I use Siri to relay any commands to my phone, and that works through the car's bluetooth, so no issues there, either. The Pandora feature on CUE works flawlessly with my phone, too. I have never attempted voice recog for other car functions. Just seems silly and overcomplicated to tell the car what temperature I want rather than touching a single button on the dash.

Mr_Shiftright

I've seen them repaired successfully but not all tire shops will do it.

au1994

Mr_Shiftright said:

I've seen them repaired successfully but not all tire shops will do it.

Ditto. Had something stuck in a rear on the F30 at probably less than 5k miles. One shop wouldn't touch it and wanted to sell me 2 new tires, the second said no problem. 

roadburner

As I understand it, what actually compromises the safety of a RFT is driving it "flat"- with no or very low air pressure. If it just has a puncture it can be repaired just like any other tire.
I think some shops may be worried about liability- but but I suspect most just want to sell you a new tire(or tires if you have certain AWD vehicles).

Michaell

roadburner said:

As I understand it, what actually compromises the safety of a RFT is driving it "flat"- with no or very low air pressure. If it just has a puncture it can be repaired just like any other tire.
I think some shops may be worried about liability- but but I suspect most just want to sell you a new tire(or tires if you have certain AWD vehicles).

Exactly. My daughter got a flat in her RFT on the MINI. Drove it to the local tire shop where they patched it, no questions asked. She's still using the OEM tires after 25,000 miles, though they are pretty close to needing replacement.

Sandman6472

Just got home from the dentist, turns out a root canal wasn't needed and the crowns will go in in about 10 days or so. Dodged a big bullet there, thank G-d!
Saw a brand new Kia Sportage yesterday and very similar to the Tucson. Has the Kia family grill and the same neat separate turn signals out back. Couldn't see the interior as it was pacing us on the expressway on the way to the airport yesterday during rush hour. See many Tucson's down here with the new update and think the same will be said for the Sportage. It really is the right size for folks like us, empty nesters who want that little bit of extra room but don't need the larger SUV. CUV's like the Hyundai/Kia cousins, the Encore/Trax cousins, the HR-V and others are doing very well down here in South Florida and think that trend will continue. Being more economical, the higher seating plus the hauling capacity makes these vehicles a great compromise for many of us.

The Sandman

Michaell

My sister has been texting me today. Thinking about ditching her G37 coupe for a Mazda 3 hatch (shades of @breld).

She saw an ad for the 3 I Sport hatch for $209/mo and $0 down. 

Trying to to educate her about leasing via text message is making my fingers hurt. 

Mr_Shiftright

Yeah, plus acq. fee, destination charge, 1st month down, excludes title, taxes and other fees.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

Yeah, plus acq. fee, destination charge, 1st month down, excludes title, taxes and other fees.

All that plus negative equity.

andres3

graphicguy said:

andres3 said:

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Been reading over the 2016 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue---lots of interesting stuff in there. This year's worst overall automakers were Cadillac, Land Rover, Fiat and Jeep. Star of the show was Audi, with 100% of its product line making the CR "recommended" list.

Lexus and Porsche also did very well.

Mercedes scored badly on electronics complaints, as did a fair number of other brands.

I guess I must be a lucky guy, as my ATS has been flawless in the 18 moths I have had it. That's a first for me. Maybe I should but a lottery ticket.

Could go in the "all cars" are improving category, but then there's @graphicguy Caddy experience to bring it back into reality. His latest one seems to be made on the right day of the week though. Hit or miss scares me.

Andres...the two Caddys could not be more different, almost like they were two different models from two separate manufacturers. The first one, built and engineered somewhere in the old Czech with tooling from the 1960s made with scrap parts. And, the current one, with modern engineering made meticulously by people who care wearing white cotton gloves.

I'm serious.

The new one is solid as a titanium brick, even the door close "thunk" sounds expensive...no squeaks, rattles....everything lines up perfectly. The electronics work all the time, and are easy to use. Minor controls like turn signals when engaging feel expensive. Materials are all top notch.

It's faster, handles better, rides better (and I use sport mode all the time on top of it). It doesn't stall. Power steering is smooth and very communicative with no noises. Suspension feels just about perfect 99% of the time.

It's really a pleasure to drive. But, it falls into what seems to be my "sweet spot"....a car that does all things well, but isn't the best in any one category. I look at my recent purchases and that's what it says....

BMW 335i
Audi S4
Acura TL SH AWD
Cadillac CTS

To emphasize, feels like two different cars. I believe the first dealer who sold me the first CTS wasn't exactly forthcoming with the kind of car they were selling me. No one would admit what they did/didn't do to the CTS, but there's no way it should have left their showroom with the obvious issues that they claimed were "normal".

That's quite the list! No wonder you're in this forum. Of course, shouldn't you be listing Cadillac CTS 2 or 3 times in a row? Lastly, may I inquire if you incurred any legal expenses outside of your own time, blood, sweat, and tears to get Caddy to do the right thing and exchange your car. What did it cost you to fight the good fight?

corvette

andres3 said:

Lastly, may I inquire if you incurred any legal expenses outside of your own time, blood, sweat, and tears to get Caddy to do the right thing and exchange your car. What did it cost you to fight the good fight?

Can't speak for his case, but when Pontiac bought back my G6, when they made the initial offer to give me a new GM vehicle, the rep had already gotten authorization to offer a straight buyback after I rejected the offer of a replacement new GM vehicle. The fact that I emphasized wanting to patronize my original selling dealer again, then reminding them that I couldn't do that because they had terminated that dealer's franchise as part of their bankruptcy, probably helped achieve that goal. It was an uphill battle to get to that point and they were quite hostile towards their customer.

graphicguy

andres3 said:

graphicguy said:

andres3 said:

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Been reading over the 2016 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue---lots of interesting stuff in there. This year's worst overall automakers were Cadillac, Land Rover, Fiat and Jeep. Star of the show was Audi, with 100% of its product line making the CR "recommended" list.

Lexus and Porsche also did very well.

Mercedes scored badly on electronics complaints, as did a fair number of other brands.

I guess I must be a lucky guy, as my ATS has been flawless in the 18 moths I have had it. That's a first for me. Maybe I should but a lottery ticket.

Could go in the "all cars" are improving category, but then there's @graphicguy Caddy experience to bring it back into reality. His latest one seems to be made on the right day of the week though. Hit or miss scares me.

Andres...the two Caddys could not be more different, almost like they were two different models from two separate manufacturers. The first one, built and engineered somewhere in the old Czech with tooling from the 1960s made with scrap parts. And, the current one, with modern engineering made meticulously by people who care wearing white cotton gloves.

I'm serious.

The new one is solid as a titanium brick, even the door close "thunk" sounds expensive...no squeaks, rattles....everything lines up perfectly. The electronics work all the time, and are easy to use. Minor controls like turn signals when engaging feel expensive. Materials are all top notch.

It's faster, handles better, rides better (and I use sport mode all the time on top of it). It doesn't stall. Power steering is smooth and very communicative with no noises. Suspension feels just about perfect 99% of the time.

It's really a pleasure to drive. But, it falls into what seems to be my "sweet spot"....a car that does all things well, but isn't the best in any one category. I look at my recent purchases and that's what it says....

BMW 335i
Audi S4
Acura TL SH AWD
Cadillac CTS

To emphasize, feels like two different cars. I believe the first dealer who sold me the first CTS wasn't exactly forthcoming with the kind of car they were selling me. No one would admit what they did/didn't do to the CTS, but there's no way it should have left their showroom with the obvious issues that they claimed were "normal".

That's quite the list! No wonder you're in this forum. Of course, shouldn't you be listing Cadillac CTS 2 or 3 times in a row? Lastly, may I inquire if you incurred any legal expenses outside of your own time, blood, sweat, and tears to get Caddy to do the right thing and exchange your car. What did it cost you to fight the good fight?

Andres...actually, if I go back a dozen years I could add a Mazda RX8, a Mustang GT, a Honda Civic (2nd car to use in lieu of the RX8 and Mustang during off-season) and a Pontiac Vibe (same as the Civic).

I was offered legal "advice" to help with the CTS buyback. But, these legal companies who do it really aren't very good....at least not the free ones. The only thing they do is make a lot of promises, send a letter on legal letterhead to the manufacturer demanding they buy the car back (which netted nothing other than a phone call from a low level Cadillac "Customer Service" rep). So, no out of pocket there.

I had another legal firm out of Cleveland offer to take the case on a contingency basis, but if they lost the case, I had to pay them (vs them collecting from Cadillac if they win). Sounded like they had no motivation to win the case for me, given they get paid either way.

My time? Yeah...quite a bit of it. Between letters, gathering invoices and receipts from Cadillac service, logging when, where and circumstances when the power steering went out, when the car stalled in traffic, when CUE froze up, when the suspension or steering crashed/creeked/moaned/sounded nasty, tracking the number of days the car was out of commission and/or in the service dept, and where it was being serviced, etc.....that took awhile.

The above was the most frustrating part....knowing there were multiple issues with the car, which they couldn't/wouldn't fix, over a long period of time, and Cadillac doing everything to drag it out, irritate me, thwart my efforts, etc.

I think back about it, and as good as my current CTS is (and it is very, very good), and realize I should still be irritated with them and their dealership(s).

qbrozen

I was helping a guy at work find the right car given the info he provided and I came across this gem. Helluva lotta car for less than $30k.

stickguy

That looks like what fintail wants, but maybe a few years newer.

They have some cars I really want. Especially liked a few BMW models. Dang. One more place for my next years shopping list. Can see all the euro models in one place!

Some oddball sticks too. A BMW 535, and an MB SLK.

rny421

Hey guys,
So in true CCBA fashion, and now that spring has finally started here (I hope), I've got the itch for a new convertible.

I currently have a 2007 Saturn Sky Redline 5MT that I got for pretty cheap ($15k) three years ago. It had 23k miles on it when I bought it, and I only have 27k on it now. It's been pretty reliable, but the trunk is STUPID small, making it impractical to take it for anything longer than a weekend trip unless you only pack underwear, and pack it in something like a grocery bag.

I suspect the Sky is worth around $9k currently, so that can be put towards the next purchase. Here is my dilemma: I want to stay around $20-$23k. I have been looking at used 2007-2008 BMW 335 convertibles with relatively low mileage. I have been reading up on them, and it sounds like they are plagued with expensive problems - carbon buildup, eating up spark plugs, early water pump failures, HPFP failures on the N54 Engine. The N55 engine seems to be a bit more reliable, but those are 2011+, and are probably out of my price range. I don't mind paying for unplanned maintenance items, but I'm not interested in paying $20k for a 10 year old BMW that I traded in a perfectly good Sky Redline for.

I haven't looked into them seriously yet, but my other thought is an Audi TT convertible. If I recall, I think @breld had one?

I thought about an A5 convertible, but they aren't offered in a manual transmission!!

Any other thoughts?

kyfdx

VW Eos?

stickguy

Miata? Decent sized trunk on those.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I was helping a guy at work find the right car given the info he provided and I came across this gem. Helluva lotta car for less than $30k.

No doubt! I really like the saddle brown interior on that one, too.

Mr_Shiftright

BMW Z4? (if you can absorb the styling).

I would have added Porsche Boxster because of its excellent cargo capacity and handling, but they are too risky unless you buy 2009 or newer, and that's probably just outside your budget (it would probably be in the mid to high $20Ks).

fintail

That is a lot of car for the money, would have been in the 70s new, it's really loaded. I am more inclined to look at 2012+ due to the new twin turbo V8 and updated electronics, but for the money, that looks pretty nice indeed.

qbrozen said:

I was helping a guy at work find the right car given the info he provided and I came across this gem. Helluva lotta car for less than $30k.

houdini1

carnaught said:

"the problem with run flats is that they cannot be repaired, they have to be replaced..."

Not always. I had run-flats on a BMW 3-Series repaired wihout further problems. I guess it depends on what part of the tire, and how extensive the damage.

If they can be repaired, then they haven't served the purpose they were meant for. Their selling point is that you can drive 40 or 50 miles on a "flat tire"..... But if you actually do that, you ruin the entire structure of the tire.

rny421

@kyfdx - The Eos is a little girly to me, and I want something with a little more power.
@stickguy - Miata isn't quite my cup of tea style-wise. I'm surprised to hear it has a relatively big trunk.
@Mr_Shiftright - Z4 might be an option... Would they have the same issues that plague the 335 convertible?

Thanks guys!

stickguy

that must be annoying to owners. Getting the bill for new tires because they are disposable, unlike a donut.

carnaught

houdini1 said:

carnaught said:

"the problem with run flats is that they cannot be repaired, they have to be replaced..."

Not always. I had run-flats on a BMW 3-Series repaired wihout further problems. I guess it depends on what part of the tire, and how extensive the damage.

If they can be repaired, then they haven't served the purpose they were meant for. Their selling point is that you can drive 40 or 50 miles on a "flat tire"..... But if you actually do that, you ruin the entire structure of the tire.

I drove on mine for about 10 mi. or so after their pucture, before my repair. No, they're not perfect, but they can get you off the street or highway, and hopefully to a Discount Tire store.

stickguy

Good luck if it happens on a Sunday night!

breld

rny421 said:

@kyfdx - The Eos is a little girly to me, and I want something with a little more power.
@stickguy - Miata isn't quite my cup of tea style-wise. I'm surprised to hear it has a relatively big trunk.
@Mr_Shiftright - Z4 might be an option... Would they have the same issues that plague the 335 convertible?

Thanks guys!

Our TT was actually a coupe, but a convertible would certainly be nice - not sure what year you'd have to go to in order to get in your price range, but worth considering for sure.

On the BMWs, since you're looking at previous models, perhaps you could just focus on the naturally aspirated 6-cylinder (328i's)? On the Z4, I believe all the previous generation models were the n/a 6-cylinders. That would likely resolve some of the reliability concerns, and many of us will vouch for the sweetness of that engine.

stickguy

poking around at the latest used place discovered thanks to Q, they have a couple of nice looking units that aren't too expensive.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2012-bmw-1_series-certified_128i_coupe-used-14259015.html

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series-certified_320xi_xdrive_awd_sedan-used-14294070.html

Michaell

stickguy said:

poking around at the latest used place discovered thanks to Q, they have a couple of nice looking units that aren't too expensive. http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2012-bmw-1_series-certified_128i_coupe-used-14259015.html http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series-certified_320xi_xdrive_awd_sedan-used-14294070.html

 those are both nice units.  The 320 would be better for the winters here in Colorado 

stickguy

I have no intention of buying something based on winter. Partly because RWD does not bother me at all around here, and if I move, it won't be to someplace with more snow!

This one is nice too. I like these.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2014-mercedes~benz-c~class-certified_c300_4matic_sport_package_awd_sedan_navigation-used-14016729.html

fintail

That's a nicely optioned W204, would have stickered well into the 40s when new. The last year before a new design has cringe-worthy depreciation.

stickguy

I am happy to take advantage of that cringe. also helps that I always loved that design. And just the right size.

Just need to find one that isn't AWD, for even less money.

Sandman6472

Love the 1 Series and the C Class though prefer the BMW right now. Did drive a 2015 C Class on Tuesday and thought it was pretty nice, hit the pedal and zoom, I was down the expressway in no time. Think I prefer the last generation to be honest but just a tad too big for my needs right now. Would prefer to stay under 170" if at all possible going forward and luckily, the Golf fits that vision. Still brings a smile to my face whenever I see it so, for the next few years, I'm good to go unless something happens in my life. But as of now, staying the course.

The Sandman

stickguy

A barely used RWD. Odd duck up here. Nice colors too, at least the insides!

http://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/used/BMW/2015-BMW-320i-Mount-Laurel-40208cf80a0e0a1725669ccffe0ab3d3.htm

roadburner

stickguy said:

poking around at the latest used place discovered thanks to Q, they have a couple of nice looking units that aren't too expensive.

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2012-bmw-1_series-certified_128i_coupe-used-14259015.html

http://www.eimports4less.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series-certified_320xi_xdrive_awd_sedan-used-14294070.html

The base seats in the newer BMW hurt my back after 1-2 hours behind the wheel. I almost ordered a 128i M Sport back around 2009- the only options were to be Xenons, heated seats, and H-K audio. It would have been a great car.
The 320i? With the Sport Package and a manual it would be a fun-if pricey sport sedan. As for a regular 320i with AWD, all I can say would be: "Meh." I'd just as soon have a Mazda 6.

kyfdx

rny421 said:

@kyfdx - The Eos is a little girly to me, and I want something with a little more power.
@stickguy - Miata isn't quite my cup of tea style-wise. I'm surprised to hear it has a relatively big trunk.
@Mr_Shiftright - Z4 might be an option... Would they have the same issues that plague the 335 convertible?

Thanks guys!

What about a 1-Series convertible?

nyccarguy

Stick - I dig the last gen C-Class body Style too.  The 2013 & 2014 were designated as C300, but they actually have the larger 3.5L V6 from the C350.  

You don't want a 320i.  A 128i coupe or 328i coupe (with the 6 cyl) might be a nice ride.

I had my upgraded rear sway bar & remote start installed in the Legacy today.  It is amazing what 3mm can do.  The car definitely feels tighter around the few turns I got to take on the way home from the Subaru Dealership.

nyccarguy

Did someone here mention convertibles?  I was behind this bad boy on the way home tonight.