Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

stickguy

We drove a CRV before we got the RDX. It was a nice package. Just rolled a bit, and was way down on power from the Acura. But it would have been fine I guess (especially if I never let the wife try an RDX).

the redesign a year or 2 back helped with the power at least. Sounds like the new engine will be even better. Plus now the tech and toys blows our 2013 Acura into the weeds (that has a real antiquated infotainment set up).

Maybe I can get the wife to swap out next year.

28firefighter

corvette said:

2017 CR-V - looks like a nice small CUV. Volume knob isn't a big deal to me, as I use the controls on the steering wheel 99% of the time. I haven't seen all 50 photos, but the wood trim seems like a bit much in a mainstream CUV--maybe save it for the RDX? I'm not terribly fond of wood trim, regardless.

I see wood trim like that in a Honda and think another seam where it can rattle....I'd rather have soft touch plastics that don't rattle. 

nyccarguy

roadburner said:

nyccarguy said:

(Almost) 2 year old leftovers anyone?

http://www.garavelchryslerjeepdodgeram.com/new-inventory/index.htm?year=2015&make=Dodge&model=Challenger&referrer=/new-inventory/index.htm&reset=InventoryListing&lastFacetInteracted=

2015 Challenger R/T Plus
Automatic
Super Track Pack

No way would I pay $42k for a car that only runs the quarter in the high thirteens- but $35k? I'd at least consider it.

Considering my Legacy gets to 60 mph in about the high 13s (LOL), it isn't all that bad.

I know in my heart of hearts that a V8 is the way to go in a muscle car, but the difference in 0-60 mph times between the 3.5L V6 (6.4 sec) & 5.7L V8 (5.9) is a half second. They now offer a $699 Power Pack for Ecoboost Mustangs that bumps the horsepower to 335.

roadburner

V6 Challenger or EcoBoost Mustang? I'd probably go with the Mustang just for its ability to be pumped up to 335hp without killing the warranty. Of course you could pick up a CPO M235i like mine for around $35k- and Dinan tweaks can get you close to 400hp.
Just sayin'...

rayainsw

C+D test of a 2015 Charger R/T [ heavier than a Challenger ] shows 0-60 5.1 sec.
And their test of a 2016 V6 shows 6.2.

jpp75

28firefighter said:

Welp. The GTI is back at the dealer, albeit a new one, per VW corporate's suggestion. No transmission slipping this weekend, but it started getting down on power again in first/second gear and I started getting a quirky flash on the screen when I was starting the car about the car needing to be in Park to start (which it was).

Took it to the new dealer and the service advisor brought out a VCDS to scan codes - which it found 3. It found two emissions control system codes and one transmission lever fault code. All three were "intermittent" which isn't surprising, but he saved and recorded them and car is going to be spending the night AGAIN.

Progress...

Glad they at least found some faults. The Touareg has been back at the dealer since early Wednesday morning, haven't heard anything from them but I did a drive by last night and it has at least moved parking spots in their service area, so I guess that's progress?

Question on the fault codes, did you ever get any warning lights on the dash? I'm curious as to whether or not codes may be stored but no lights come on, seems plausible depending on the code and how often it occurs. I haven't had the Check Engine or EPC light come on but wondering if I might have some codes stored as well.

kyfdx

Member needs advice:

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/43261/mazda/cx-5/help-buying-used-between-rav4-cx-5-edge-cr-v/p1?new=1

28firefighter

jpp5862 said:

Welp. The GTI is back at the dealer, albeit a new one, per VW corporate's suggestion. No transmission slipping this weekend, but it started getting down on power again in first/second gear and I started getting a quirky flash on the screen when I was starting the car about the car needing to be in Park to start (which it was). Took it to the new dealer and the service advisor brought out a VCDS to scan codes - which it found 3. It found two emissions control system codes and one transmission lever fault code. All three were "intermittent" which isn't surprising, but he saved and recorded them and car is going to be spending the night AGAIN. Progress...

Glad they at least found some faults. The Touareg has been back at the dealer since early Wednesday morning, haven't heard anything from them but I did a drive by last night and it has at least moved parking spots in their service area, so I guess that's progress? Question on the fault codes, did you ever get any warning lights on the dash? I'm curious as to whether or not codes may be stored but no lights come on, seems plausible depending on the code and how often it occurs. I haven't had the Check Engine or EPC light come on but wondering if I might have some codes stored as well.

The system will only throw lights if the faults exist for an extended period. Intermittent faults will be stored but not throw a CEL or EPC light. 

qbrozen

This is quite a screaming deal. When is the VW court date? Tuesday? Sigh.

Mr_Shiftright

breld said:

C&D, only half-jokingly, touts the return of the volume knob for this newest Honda.

Hey, no joke. I hate, hate HATE radios without volume knobs.

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

This is quite a screaming deal. When is the VW court date? Tuesday? Sigh.

You okay with that color?

qbrozen

more than OK. I actually like it. Better than black or silver, which most seem to be.

qbrozen

I will probably go at lunch today to check out this one. Just to make sure the EX meets my needs/wants.

breld

@qbrozen - I'm curious to hear your reactions. For the money, the EX does offer a lot with the nice V6, but it definitely felt cramped to me. How cheap are used GLAs getting these days?

On the Mustang talk, I saw an ecoboost model yesterday - how was I so sure it was the ecoboost? They put some aftermarket badge on the side that said "2.3T" on the side that mimicked the look of the "5.0" badge. And below that was an "ecoboost" badge.

I respect the ecoboost model and could even see trying one out some day - but I wouldn't add badges to boast of it.

jpp75

28firefighter said:

The system will only throw lights if the faults exist for an extended period. Intermittent faults will be stored but not throw a CEL or EPC light. 

Thanks, that's what I suspected. Maybe if they ever look at mine they'll find some codes.....

Mr_Shiftright

Well that's true. Somethin' different. Got it.

qbrozen

breld said:

@qbrozen - I'm curious to hear your reactions. For the money, the EX does offer a lot with the nice V6, but it definitely felt cramped to me. How cheap are used GLAs getting these days?

On the Mustang talk, I saw an ecoboost model yesterday - how was I so sure it was the ecoboost? They put some aftermarket badge on the side that said "2.3T" on the side that mimicked the look of the "5.0" badge. And below that was an "ecoboost" badge.

I respect the ecoboost model and could even see trying one out some day - but I wouldn't add badges to boast of it.

There is a lightly used GLA local to me for $29,995.

The GLA and QX30 are silly small, though. A Volvo XC70 or Outback sits higher than those. I THINK the EX is taller. The EX, as a matter of fact, is only something like 1 inch lower than an FX.

ab348

Well, IMO the GLA is a more acceptable choice than the CLA, but with both being built off the M-B "A" car platform there are some compromises, and they have cheaper interior materials than the rest of the line. But the GLA seems to pull off the concept better than the sedan does.

js06gv

breld said:

@qbrozen - I'm curious to hear your reactions. For the money, the EX does offer a lot with the nice V6, but it definitely felt cramped to me. How cheap are used GLAs getting these days?

On the Mustang talk, I saw an ecoboost model yesterday - how was I so sure it was the ecoboost? They put some aftermarket badge on the side that said "2.3T" on the side that mimicked the look of the "5.0" badge. And below that was an "ecoboost" badge.

I respect the ecoboost model and could even see trying one out some day - but I wouldn't add badges to boast of it.

Worse, I've seen some V6 Mustangs running around here with "3.7" badges on them!

qbrozen

I wonder if the 2.3 mustang works better than the 2.3 MKC I drove. I really did not think the engine was sporty enough. Very narrow powerband.

nyccarguy

breld said:

@qbrozen - I'm curious to hear your reactions. For the money, the EX does offer a lot with the nice V6, but it definitely felt cramped to me. How cheap are used GLAs getting these days?

On the Mustang talk, I saw an ecoboost model yesterday - how was I so sure it was the ecoboost? They put some aftermarket badge on the side that said "2.3T" on the side that mimicked the look of the "5.0" badge. And below that was an "ecoboost" badge.

I respect the ecoboost model and could even see trying one out some day - but I wouldn't add badges to boast of it.

That's bad. I have no problem with someone driving a 4cyl or V6 Mustang, but that's not something to flaunt.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

This is quite a screaming deal. When is the VW court date? Tuesday? Sigh.

that is pretty. I wouldn't mind having that. I thought though they were too small for you?

odd carfax. sold twice, and looks like sold by a dodge dealer in february, and somehow ended up at Jaguar in April? and they have had it for 6 months.

that is only 15 minutes from me. Always happy to pop in and look!

stickguy

wandered the local automall today while waiting on service. will post more thoughts later on stuff I saw.

but I did find a Roadburner special. CPO M235i, manual trans, and moonroof delete. Must be a rare configuration. It was even his color (white). Just noticed they have it mislabeled as an AT in the ad. that might keep down inquiries (or get a lot of disappointed people)

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2015-bmw-2_series-m235i-used-15499067.html

roadburner

stickguy said:

wandered the local automall today while waiting on service. will post more thoughts later on stuff I saw.

but I did find a Roadburner special. CPO M235i, manual trans, and moonroof delete. Must be a rare configuration. It was even his color (white). Just noticed they have it mislabeled as an AT in the ad. that might keep down inquiries (or get a lot of disappointed people)

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2015-bmw-2_series-m235i-used-15499067.html

Funny you mention that, we have an Alpine White M240i xDrive with the moonroof delete.and every other option. I've driven an M235i stick and I liked it okay but something felt a little odd about it- at least compared to other BMW manuals I have driven. I can't quite put my finger on what it is. That said, I'm still loving the Jekyll and Hyde nature of my 2 Series- Blitzkrieg or Geezer mode- take your pick!

kyfdx

qbrozen said:

I will probably go at lunch today to check out this one. Just to make sure the EX meets my needs/wants.

I think the EX35 is down about 50 HP from the EX37. Both fast, though.

qbrozen

I did think the EX would be too small for me, but today was the first time I sat in one. It isn't roomy by any means but, ya know, it is just enough I think. I quickly found a comfortable seating position and there was still some semblance of legroom behind me. Not for an adult, mind you, but should be fine for my 10-yr-old for a while. I really liked the interior and it is pretty darned attractive.

The VQ engine is exactly as you'd expect. The ride is very tight and sporty, which suits me just fine. Handling is sharp. I think this is a real nice intermediate step between sports sedan and SUV. I like it a lot. It has moved to the top of the list. I don't even see a point in trying the FX at this point.

qbrozen

kyfdx said:

qbrozen said:

I will probably go at lunch today to check out this one. Just to make sure the EX meets my needs/wants.

I think the EX35 is down about 50 HP from the EX37. Both fast, though.

28 hp, actually.
If that ex37 hangs around long enough, I would definitely take that for just a couple grand more.

andres3

28firefighter said:

Welp. The GTI is back at the dealer, albeit a new one, per VW corporate's suggestion. No transmission slipping this weekend, but it started getting down on power again in first/second gear and I started getting a quirky flash on the screen when I was starting the car about the car needing to be in Park to start (which it was).

Took it to the new dealer and the service advisor brought out a VCDS to scan codes - which it found 3. It found two emissions control system codes and one transmission lever fault code. All three were "intermittent" which isn't surprising, but he saved and recorded them and car is going to be spending the night AGAIN.

Progress...

Sounds like two steps forward at least! Seems to me VW is active in providing you good customer service, albeit it seems you got a quirky GTI. Also, your first dealer doesn't seem to have very good techs. Has this GTI had any problems prior to these transmission issues? Wasn't there some turbo issue? Time to list all the issues your car has had for us to digest.

stickguy

I see the EX as just a high riding G37 hatchback. Which is perfect for me. I might stop and look at that one, just for the heck of it.

I like more compact anyway. I know that an FX would never work for me.

qbrozen

Same here, of course. And the EX is something like 400 lb lighter than the FX. That is quite significant.

Just saw that the premium package has XM real-time traffic in the nav system. The one I drove didn't have Nav. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but now that I know it does traffic, I'd rather get the Nav. Davis Hyundai has a 2012 with 23k miles and premium for just $22,000. Sadly, it has black guts, though. Still leaning toward that EX37.

stickguy

Oh they had a new m240 no roof auto too. Pricey.

http://www.turnersvilleautomall.com/detail-2017-bmw-2_series-m240i_xdrive-new-15525317.html

nyccarguy

While we are looking at Infinitis, here's a Red 2013 G37xS:

http://www.cpo.infinitiusa.com/browse-inventory/06902/Stamford/Infiniti-G37/details-gwbvw2y

32K Miles - $26,995 Asking Price - Located near my In Laws "Honey, I'd LOVE to go out to your parents' house."

A black 2012 G37xS in NJ

http://www.cpo.infinitiusa.com/browse-inventory/06902/Stamford/Infiniti-G37/details-b9bvljf

22K Miles - $24,950 Asking Price

andres3

roadburner said:

V6 Challenger or EcoBoost Mustang? I'd probably go with the Mustang just for its ability to be pumped up to 335hp without killing the warranty. Of course you could pick up a CPO M235i like mine for around $35k- and Dinan tweaks can get you close to 400hp.
Just sayin'...

Are Dinan tweaks warranted by BMW or Dinan?

I think an EcoBoost Mustang at 335 HP starts to get interesting. How much do those things weigh?

28firefighter

The power loss issue has been around intermittently since June of this year - I couldn't troubleshoot.

In a nutshell:
(1) Power loss on the low end through second gear
(2) Slipping feeling and power loss from 1st to 2nd gear
(3) Poor fuel economy
(4) Random flashing that the car needs to be in Park to start

Update from this morning:
(1) They need to replace the DSG shift base - part is on order and won't be in until next week. They want to hold the car. It seems like replacing that isn't a huge deal, but it has potential other ramifications (particularly if this caused an issue while in gear).

(2) Apparently the EVAP codes shown in the scan tool the tech used was in a tool called VCDS (VagCom) which is not the same scan tool that the shop uses (a tool called OTIS). The OTIS scanner is not showing any codes, so they're currently going back to VW to see if the codes shown in VagCom combined with the symptoms I'm describing can lead to action.

The saga continues.

stickguy

Bradd, my son found his dream audi not too far (I assume) from you. At Audi Waterbury. Colors and options. So he knows at least 1 exists in the country! I'm surprised he hasn't driven down yet to look at it.

stickguy

I wish I could have gotten a G37 last year, when my local guy had 2 like those, similar miles, for much less money. That was a deal I hated to miss.

xwesx

qbrozen said:

I did think the EX would be too small for me, but today was the first time I sat in one. It isn't roomy by any means but, ya know, it is just enough I think. I quickly found a comfortable seating position and there was still some semblance of legroom behind me. Not for an adult, mind you, but should be fine for my 10-yr-old for a while. I really liked the interior and it is pretty darned attractive.

The VQ engine is exactly as you'd expect. The ride is very tight and sporty, which suits me just fine. Handling is sharp. I think this is a real nice intermediate step between sports sedan and SUV. I like it a lot. It has moved to the top of the list. I don't even see a point in trying the FX at this point.

I think the EX is the Infiniti version of the Juke, right? I have an employ who has the top-level version of that car, about five years old now. If the Juke wasn't so incredibly ugly, I would really like it. Aside from the lack of MT option, it is a very fun car, as well as being quiet and rattle-free even after five years. I've only used the car a couple of times, but my impressions from the inside are positive. The EX is a vast appearance improvement over the Juke; I could own one of those.

nyccarguy

xwesx said:

qbrozen said:

I did think the EX would be too small for me, but today was the first time I sat in one. It isn't roomy by any means but, ya know, it is just enough I think. I quickly found a comfortable seating position and there was still some semblance of legroom behind me. Not for an adult, mind you, but should be fine for my 10-yr-old for a while. I really liked the interior and it is pretty darned attractive.

The VQ engine is exactly as you'd expect. The ride is very tight and sporty, which suits me just fine. Handling is sharp. I think this is a real nice intermediate step between sports sedan and SUV. I like it a lot. It has moved to the top of the list. I don't even see a point in trying the FX at this point.

I think the EX is the Infiniti version of the Juke, right? I have an employ who has the top-level version of that car, about five years old now. If the Juke wasn't so incredibly ugly, I would really like it. Aside from the lack of MT option, it is a very fun car, as well as being quiet and rattle-free even after five years. I've only used the car a couple of times, but my impressions from the inside are positive. The EX is a vast appearance improvement over the Juke; I could own one of those.

The EX is built on the same platform as the G37 Coupe, Sedan, FX, & 370Z. RWD based. Not anywhere near related to the Juke.

roadburner

andres3 said:

Are Dinan tweaks warranted by BMW or Dinan?

I think an EcoBoost Mustang at 335 HP starts to get interesting. How much do those things weigh?

Dinan warranties anything BMW doesn't cover for 4 years/50k miles. It does NOT cover anything under the CPO warranty.

breld

Wife and I went car-looking over lunch.

She drove a new Mini Clubman and decided that could be her next car. Would prefer to wait for a used one though.

We stopped next door at the Honda dealership and checked out the new Civic hatch. They had a EX-L model on the floor in Sonic Gray, which we were both taken with. It's a nice car for the money - the hatch seems much larger than what I had in the Mazda3.

The customer service experience was deplorable, which was unexpected for this dealership. Inexperienced salespeople I can understand and take, but ones that don't care to help you at all drives me nuts. Me - "Do you have any Sport models I could look at?" Her - "I don't think so." Then...crickets.

Uh, okay, can you check? So she reluctantly checks on the computer and comes back and says they don't have any. No offers to take my contact info to let me know when they do come in or anything like that. And don't even get me started on their ignorance of the Type R. :@

cdnpinhead

She may be stupid, but at least she'll be voting.

Ain't the world grand?

houdini1

henryn said:

kyfdx said:

The CVT just kills it for me. I'd rather drive a stick, but if it's an automatic, I'll take a "normal" one.

If you drove in the traffic I drive in, you would not say "rather drive a stick".

Is it common for a cvt to have a turbo?

stever

The hatchback is in? Good to hear. Guess the Sensing package won't be available for a while yet.

andres3

roadburner said:

andres3 said:

Are Dinan tweaks warranted by BMW or Dinan?

I think an EcoBoost Mustang at 335 HP starts to get interesting. How much do those things weigh?

Dinan warranties anything BMW doesn't cover for 4 years/50k miles. It does NOT cover anything under the CPO warranty.

I think about a decade back Audi tried to copy BMW with the DINAN thing and joined with STASIS to do basically the same thing; aftermarket power tuning and performance warranted just like the original OEM version. It sort of fizzled out and never really caught on that much, probably because dealerships and STASIS were too greedy, and the after-market competition out-performed them either in performance improvement or bang for the buck.

breld

stever said:

The hatchback is in? Good to hear. Guess the Sensing package won't be available for a while yet.

Yup - should've taken some pictures just to show one "in the wild." My wife, who isn't the biggest fan of Hondas, thought it was real sharp and sporty looking. And that was an EX model - I'm anxious to see the Sport model.

qbrozen

One thing I forgot to mention about the EX is the height. It is very short when standing next to it, so I had my doubts, but the seat inside actually sits pretty high up. Comparing to the GLK, in which I felt like I was sittjng damned near on the floor, I had the sense in the EX like I was actually sitting higher than in the taller Benz.

andres3

houdini1 said:

henryn said:

kyfdx said:

The CVT just kills it for me. I'd rather drive a stick, but if it's an automatic, I'll take a "normal" one.

If you drove in the traffic I drive in, you would not say "rather drive a stick".

Is it common for a cvt to have a turbo?

I would say no. Only one I've driven is Subaru's 2.0T CVT combo in the Forester XT. My impression was the engine was good enough to overcome the CVT, whereas the 2.5 didn't seem to make the CVT look good.

ab348

Was out grocery shopping today and in a part of town I seldom visit, so I decided to roll though the lot of the large GM dealer there. This is not the one I bought my last 2 cars at but may patronize down the road. I was interested to see if they had any Cruze hatchbacks on the lot, and they did. It is remarkable how much shorter it looks compared to the sedan - it is shorter of course but I think the optical illusion makes it look even shorter than it is.

I like the design. Of course every single one I saw had a black cloth interior so it was both unattractive to look at and somewhat difficult to assess interior room from the outside. I checked later and online inventory says they have a couple of Premier level hatches with leather, but I didn't see them. There was a Malibu Premier there next to one of the hatches with what GM calls "Loft Brown" leather, really a saddle color, and it was gorgeous inside. I think the Cruze Premier offers something similar.

I wish GM would offer a Cruze SS or similar with the more powerful 1.5T engine from the Malibu.

andres3

ab348 said:

Was out grocery shopping today and in a part of town I seldom visit, so I decided to roll though the lot of the large GM dealer there. This is not the one I bought my last 2 cars at but may patronize down the road. I was interested to see if they had any Cruze hatchbacks on the lot, and they did. It is remarkable how much shorter it looks compared to the sedan - it is shorter of course but I think the optical illusion makes it look even shorter than it is.

I like the design. Of course every single one I saw had a black cloth interior so it was both unattractive to look at and somewhat difficult to assess interior room from the outside. I checked later and online inventory says they have a couple of Premier level hatches with leather, but I didn't see them. There was a Malibu Premier there next to one of the hatches with what GM calls "Loft Brown" leather, really a saddle color, and it was gorgeous inside. I think the Cruze Premier offers something similar.

I wish GM would offer a Cruze SS or similar with the more powerful 1.5T engine from the Malibu.

I'm not a GM expert, but I would think any SS model, including a Cruze SS would have to start at a performance level equal to the 2.0T in the ATS these days. The 1.5T should be standard equipment.

tbirdmarco

Keep on on the car shopping qbrozen love reading the folowup postings.