Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

oldfarmer50

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, (220,000k) what have you got to lose?

kyfdx

oldfarmer50 said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

sda said:

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Which car? Isn’t that covered by warranty?

2012 Forester with 126K miles

It's always a bummer when the car you just bought starts having trouble and shows its behind. Hopefully this will be the only issue it has for a long time.

I always assume that when you buy a cheaper, well used old car, to expect some immediate maintenance and repairs. Just hopefully nothing too major, and then it will be relatively sorted out.

Exactly...

Anyway, oxygen sensor on Tuesday was $425.
A lot of diagnostics and new plugs today was $300.
Bosch Icon wiper blades $57

Those are typical wear items you could expect on a car like that. What would irritate me is if the drivetrain developed issues. A smokey motor or a bucking tranny would be much worse.

Stick shift, so he has that going for him.

The thing is, we could have spent twice this much on a newer car with 60% of the miles, and still had these exact issues. Buying used cars is a crapshoot. And, this is typical stuff.

Plus, he had a budget, and this was the sweet spot.

kyfdx

xwesx said:

corvette said:

$425 for only one out of four oxygen sensors? That sounds steep, as do the wiper blades, I think they're usually cheaper on Amazon.

Unless they seriously changed things, the Forester only has two oxygen sensors. The exhaust routing merges fairly soon after the gas exists the engine - the first sensor is located in front of the engine just aft of the merger, and the second one is behind the engine just aft of the catalytic converter.

I'm going with my mechanic, who just told me that, and owns two other Subarus.
(and, just replaced one of the sensors)

Guess we'll find out, if we have other O2 sensor issues

The car has 126K miles

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

oldfarmer50 said:

kyfdx said:

stickguy said:

sda said:

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Which car? Isn’t that covered by warranty?

2012 Forester with 126K miles

It's always a bummer when the car you just bought starts having trouble and shows its behind. Hopefully this will be the only issue it has for a long time.

I always assume that when you buy a cheaper, well used old car, to expect some immediate maintenance and repairs. Just hopefully nothing too major, and then it will be relatively sorted out.

Exactly...

Anyway, oxygen sensor on Tuesday was $425.
A lot of diagnostics and new plugs today was $300.
Bosch Icon wiper blades $57

Those are typical wear items you could expect on a car like that. What would irritate me is if the drivetrain developed issues. A smokey motor or a bucking tranny would be much worse.

Stick shift, so he has that going for him.

The thing is, we could have spent twice this much on a newer car with 60% of the miles, and still had these exact issues. Buying used cars is a crapshoot. And, this is typical stuff.

Plus, he had a budget, and this was the sweet spot.

That’s why I keep a new car in reserve and then buy hoopties for fun. If the car that meets my fun budget blows up I can leave it on the side of the road. Tough to do if it’s your only car.

I’ve been there too.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

greg128

corvette said: sda said: stickguy said:I am oddly liking this one. Not a bad little car for the money, to serve as a spare. Well equipped, zippy engine, comfy. And I like the color combo.

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2013-buick-verano-4dr_sedan_premium_group-used-1g4pt5sv8d4140500.html

Those with a Turbo are rare. Too bad the back seat room is so limited. Nice car overall.
Yes, I think the Regal might have had the turbo standard at some point before it was canned.

The wife had that 2.0 turbo in a leased 2016 Malibu and it was smooth and quick. The Verano is about 300 lbs lighter so should scoot but I wouldn't trust any of these turbo motors regardless of make when approaching 100k miles

oldfarmer50

greg128 said:

corvette said:

sda said:

stickguy said:

I am oddly liking this one. Not a bad little car for the money, to serve as a spare. Well equipped, zippy engine, comfy. And I like the color combo.

https://www.royaleasing.com/details-2013-buick-verano-4dr_sedan_premium_group-used-1g4pt5sv8d4140500.html

Those with a Turbo are rare. Too bad the back seat room is so limited. Nice car overall.

Yes, I think the Regal might have had the turbo standard at some point before it was canned.

The wife had that 2.0 turbo in a leased 2016 Malibu and it was smooth and quick. The Verano is about 300 lbs lighter so should scoot but I wouldn't trust any of these turbo motors regardless of make when approaching 100k miles

I’d want to see documented scrupulous oil changes on any car but particularly a turbo.

stickguy

Regal is too big for my taste. One thing I don't need is rear seat room. I could be fine with a 2 seater, but still more convenient to have rear seats too.

Just watched this review on the Mach-E. I actually like it quite a bit. Pricey though. And no, I still don't care about the Mustang name and styling cues. It looks great IMO. And the GT will outrun any factory real Mustang with a 3 second 0-60!

what they really need to do, is drop the GT's V8 motor in one of these to replace the EV drive. That would be a really good car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Cb-cMBNIA

ab348

I'm still trying to understand why you need another car just a few months after you dumped the TLX because it never got driven.

tjc78

My stepbrother had a few Veranos (cheap leases). He never said anything bad about them. I looked at them before I got the Elantra. The Hyundai leased better at the time.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

I ran Cataclean according to the directions in the X3. It kept it from throwing the Catalyst Efficiency fault for around 6 months.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

You know what really works? Sand. Throw a pound of that in your tank. The grit scrubs everything clean.

au1994

q

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

I ran Cataclean according to the directions in the X3. It kept it from throwing the Catalyst Efficiency fault for around 6 months.

Where do you find that? The LC isn’t throwing a code but I have picked up an intermittent smell.

stickguy

ab348 said:

I'm still trying to understand why you need another car just a few months after you dumped the TLX because it never got driven.

I don't. Just amusing myself looking, and planning ahead. My target estimate is 4/1 at this point. Maybe later if the wife's company still does not have them back in at all to the office.

if I found the right used car deal though I would still buy it.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

You know what really works? Sand. Throw a pound of that in your tank. The grit scrubs everything clean.

And then sell if fast before all the other lights come on.😂😂😂

roadburner

au1994 said:

q

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

I ran Cataclean according to the directions in the X3. It kept it from throwing the Catalyst Efficiency fault for around 6 months.

Where do you find that? The LC isn’t throwing a code but I have picked up an intermittent smell.

I found it at AutoZone.

28firefighter

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

mjfloyd1

Punch pending.

Channeling inner @breld works.

Found a used 2020 BMW X3 m40i in glacier silver and 19 inch wheels with all season tires. Retired service loaner with 7200 miles. Still has included prepaid maintenance they say. They are matching the insane Vroom offer for my Wrangler so I get the tax advantage too.

Have to drive 3.5 hours but I’m worth it...😂

kyfdx

mjfloyd1 said:

Punch pending.

Channeling inner @breld works.

Found a used 2020 BMW X3 m40i in glacier silver and 19 inch wheels with all season tires. Retired service loaner with 7200 miles. Still has included prepaid maintenance they say. They are matching the insane Vroom offer for my Wrangler so I get the tax advantage too.

Have to drive 3.5 hours but I’m worth it...😂

Sounds great! When we got our service loaner (2017 model), it automatically came with an extra year of CPO warranty plus 25K more miles (5yr/75K total). I wonder if they still do that?

mjfloyd1

It didn’t sound like it.

It is at Bluegrass BMW (Watermark BMW) and they have a Watermark lifetime drivetrain warranty so probably not worth spending $2200 for CPO. Apparently you call a 1 -800 number before service and just keep the paperwork.

Picking it up 12/22

mjfloyd1

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

You know what really works? Sand. Throw a pound of that in your tank. The grit scrubs everything clean.

Ahh. That’s how pounding sand works too

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

I do like this one. Seems reasonable for a CPO with 5.5 years and 62K miles on the warranty. Even with the DSG (stick is better, but that is also a good option).

Looks like that dealer has been sitting on it for a while though. Maybe that explains the price slash.

mjfloyd1

Difference for 2020 X3 m40i and trading 2018 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited was $8700 out the door.

28firefighter

stickguy said:

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

I do like this one. Seems reasonable for a CPO with 5.5 years and 62K miles on the warranty. Even with the DSG (stick is better, but that is also a good option).

Looks like that dealer has been sitting on it for a while though. Maybe that explains the price slash.

I’ve read some mixed things about the stereo (Beats vs Fender in the GTI) and about the GLI being a bit of a rattle box.

mjfloyd1

I hope it has 2 key fobs...

stickguy

When I test drove the GLI a couple years ago I know I turned the radio on briefly and it seemed fine, but I normally don't really exercise that on a test drive, unless I intend to buy it at the end of the drive. I am not that picky, as long as it will play decently at enough volume to hear on the highway with the windows down and roof open. Only car I had in a long time that failed was my Elantra since it had the base unit, not the upgraded one. That thing just sucked. If I had kept that car long term it would have gone to the stereo shop for an amp and speaker upgrade.

Rattles, that I would have no clue about, but my daughter's 2019 Jetta does not seem to have any.

corvette

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

They also have a previous generation one *three years older* on the lot at the same price. The 2019 looks like a bargain by comparison!

mjfloyd1 said:

It didn’t sound like it.

It is at Bluegrass BMW (Watermark BMW) and they have a Watermark lifetime drivetrain warranty so probably not worth spending $2200 for CPO. Apparently you call a 1 -800 number before service and just keep the paperwork.

Picking it up 12/22

Congrats! Sounds like a great trade in value on the Wrangler!

xwesx

kyfdx said:

I'm going with my mechanic, who just told me that, and owns two other Subarus.
(and, just replaced one of the sensors)

Guess we'll find out, if we have other O2 sensor issues

The car has 126K miles

Haha; that's no problem! While I've had seven, I've only replaced sensors on two of them.

oldfarmer50

au1994 said:

q

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Downside to a flat-4 vs inline-4

2 oxygen sensors per side. 4 total.

Had one replaced on Tuesday. Check engine light back on Thursday. Back in shop, today.

Sensors are not cheap.

How many miles on the car again? In my experience, the catalytic converters do tend to need replacing around 160-170,000 miles. I generally replace oxygen sensors around 120,000 miles as preventative maintenance on them, but the dreaded P0420 code is bound to start returning that that more advanced mileage. At that point, there's not much left to do but replace the cats (expensive!).

That said, I have never replaced a Subaru cat, and my highest miled example was my first, at 220,000 miles. Even at those miles, the code was intermittent. However, it was frequent enough that the CEL would not turn off unless I scanned and cleared the codes between events (once every few days).

How about the lacquer thinner treatment as a last resort? Or is that just a YouTube myth?

At that milage, what have you got to lose?

Huh? What’s involved? I hope not while the car is running because, in that case, what you can lose is a car when it ignites.

EDIT: i googled. Wow. Please don’t put that in your gas tank. Good god.

Oh, there’s quite an internet debate on the benefits. Some swear by it, some claim it’s hooey. The formula I’ve seen is 5 gallons of gas followed by one gallon of thinner, then drive 100 miles. When it doesn’t work the advocates claim that it wasn’t done right.

I thought it was kind of crazy myself but if I had a car that was worth less than new cats I might give it a try.

I ran Cataclean according to the directions in the X3. It kept it from throwing the Catalyst Efficiency fault for around 6 months.

Where do you find that? The LC isn’t throwing a code but I have picked up an intermittent smell.

I looked up Cataclean and found this on the active ingredients:

“ The main constituents of the Cataclean formulation are; Acetone, isopropanol, xylene and long-chain hydrocarbons, namely paraffin and has two functions; 1. Produce oxygen to help with oxidation of layer of carbon deposits on the catalytic surface.”

Aren’t some of those similar to lacquer thinner?

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

Price is fair.

stickguy

mjfloyd1 said:

I hope it has 2 key fobs...

that would be an issue with a place like Carvana, but not at a dealer. I would just make them include the 2nd one!

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

Price is fair.

I’d be more interested if (1) it wasn’t red, and (2) it wasn’t a press car. I’ve seen the YouTube reviews and those cars did not live an easy life.

stickguy

where is the press car idea coming from? Carfax says it was a personal use car, with a title issued at 10 miles. Would not indicate a manufacturer car of any sort.

I do like it in red.

explorerx4

@mjflyod1,
Great decision getting a quote on a 4x4 Wrangler when a huge snow storm was going to hit.

roadburner

28firefighter said:

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

Price is fair.

I’d be more interested if (1) it wasn’t red, and (2) it wasn’t a press car. I’ve seen the YouTube reviews and those cars did not live an easy life.

The press cars I had usually led a quite entertaining life while in my custody...

mjfloyd1

stickguy said:

mjfloyd1 said:

I hope it has 2 key fobs...

that would be an issue with a place like Carvana, but not at a dealer. I would just make them include the 2nd one!

That was another bad joke...

28firefighter

roadburner said:

28firefighter said:

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

Price is fair.

I’d be more interested if (1) it wasn’t red, and (2) it wasn’t a press car. I’ve seen the YouTube reviews and those cars did not live an easy life.

The press cars I had usually led a quite entertaining life while in my custody...

Case in point. Except you’re an experienced driver.

breld

Congrats @mjfloyd1 - I think you’ll be much happier with that color combo than the graphite.

@michaell accompanied me today to look at a few candidates for my SUV “downgrade.”

2020 CX-9 Signature - I can really appreciate what Mazda offers with their large SUV. Power was more than adequate from the turbo 4, though the sound naturally leaves something to be desired. Lots of nice features and 2nd row captain’s chairs are a nice touch for 2020. The cockpit feel may be sporty, but also contributes to a bit of a cramped space feel. Slightly used for $38k - great value.

2018 X5 40e - I like the idea of the plug-in hybrid, and I had enjoyed previous test drives of them, but for whatever reason this drive left a lot to be desired. Just didn’t feel very “athletic” and the braking was difficult to modulate. $39k, CPO with 37k miles. @michaell and I agreed the PHEV was probably a great new car to lease, but may not be the best choice to buy on the other end.

2018 X3 m40i - I get why @mjfloyd1 pulled the trigger. This I loved. Keeping in mind I’m a pretty conservative driver and don’t take full advantage of my Supra’s capabilities, I felt like the X3 was like my Supra on stilts. Other than leather, it’s very well equipped...Premium pkg, Driver Assist and Plus pkg, Parking Assist Pkg, Harmon Kardon, Wireless charging, CarPlay and best of all...Adaptive M Suspension. Not CPO but only 2.5 years old and 18k miles...so plenty of warranty left for me.

The used sales manager is a Porsche enthusiast so would be happy to take my Cayenne in and offered what I thought was a fairly generous trade.

Love the Cayenne...nothing I dislike about it. But as long as I’m okay with the smaller size, I also really like the X3 with $16k back in my pocket.

stickguy

so what color is it, and did you bring it home today or picking it up tomorrow?

breld

It’s white over black.

https://www.autonation.com/cars/5UXTS3C51J0Y97944?utm_source=3534&utm_medium=1004&utm_campaign=*000001327*used

I may need to hold out for a 2019 or 2020 model. Wouldn’t be the worst thing to skip the first year of that model, and I noticed the m40i got a much nicer steering wheel in 2019. And while I’m at it, why not get the increased power for 2020?

mjfloyd1

I really like the white. I’d prefer it over the glacier that I bought but it is what it is. I just don’t like dark colors and the upkeep. Yes, I’m lazy.

I looked at several BMWs and the pleather is nice. You can only tell by the lack of contrast stitching and the lack of rectangular stitched areas in the center of the seats.

The 2020 got a 30 ish boost in hp.

Mine does not have HK stereo but I’d rather listen to the twin turbo inline six

I can add wireless charging for $60 and install it myself but I honestly do not see the point. I’d use a lightning cable for CarPlay anyway

stickguy

I really like that one. I would love it with the brown or tan interior! I understand the 1st MY issue, but would not be worried about a power bump since that already has some much HP that I probably would never use. I drove a x30 and found that plenty fast enough so any 40 should feel like a hot rod.

corvette

28firefighter said:

qbrozen said:

28firefighter said:

Talk about depreciation:
https://www.campbellvw.com/inventory/used-2019-volkswagen-jetta-2-0t-autobahn-front-wheel-drive-4d-sedan-3vw6t7buxkm136370

This looks like it was maybe a VW Press car based on the Carfax. MSRP was $31-$32.

Price is fair.

I’d be more interested if (1) it wasn’t red, and (2) it wasn’t a press car. I’ve seen the YouTube reviews and those cars did not live an easy life.

I'm not convinced that being a press car makes it a no-go. It sounds a lot like people who dislike the idea of buying a former rental. Yes, they may have been driven hard. But, now that cars have rev limiters and other controls to prevent people from really damaging them, it's unlikely they've sustained any permanent damage, other than brakes and tires (which are easily checked).

roadburner

The M40i is really a nice vehicle. That said, from my standpoint it doesn't do anything better than my M235i and if I need to get around in really severe wintry weather I have the Wrangler and X1.

stickguy

after reading some stuff in the car magazines about how they treat some of them, I would pass on those test cars. No issue really if it is one that gets loaned out to the normal Youtube review folks like Alex on autos, or Sarah n tuned.

Michaell

stickguy said:

so what color is it, and did you bring it home today or picking it up tomorrow?

Dealers in Colorado are closed on Sunday; wouldn’t be surprised if something happened next week.

Michaell

breld said:

It’s white over black.

https://www.autonation.com/cars/5UXTS3C51J0Y97944?utm_source=3534&utm_medium=1004&utm_campaign=*000001327*used

I may need to hold out for a 2019 or 2020 model. Wouldn’t be the worst thing to skip the first year of that model, and I noticed the m40i got a much nicer steering wheel in 2019. And while I’m at it, why not get the increased power for 2020?

Because that $16k pile of cash would shrink considerably, no?

ronsteve

stickguy said:

I love the Raleigh area, or the Triad. My daughter went to college down there (midway between Greensboro and Raleigh). Great place to be.

Nashville has gotten overgrown and pricy. Clarksville is an interesting town. Something like that. Or Murfreesboro. Even Knoxville.

I did go to Greeneville a few years ago. Loved it. My wife might be OK there. She would die in the lowlands though in the summer!

Where did she go, Elon? I do find the Triangle pretty appealing, but not as fond of the Triad. I spent 11 years in Wilmington, and given the right opportunity there or in the Triangle, I'd go back to NC in a second.

oldfarmer50

breld said:

It’s white over black.

https://www.autonation.com/cars/5UXTS3C51J0Y97944?utm_source=3534&utm_medium=1004&utm_campaign=*000001327*used

I may need to hold out for a 2019 or 2020 model. Wouldn’t be the worst thing to skip the first year of that model, and I noticed the m40i got a much nicer steering wheel in 2019. And while I’m at it, why not get the increased power for 2020?

So it’s a SAV. Is that a new class of vehicle?