Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

roadburner

@oldfarmer50 said:
I have had no problem with the Ford store where I bought the Mustang. I tend to not use dealers because of the cost though.

There are two decent dealers in the Cincinnati area but I’m not inclined to get back on the I-71 shuffle like I had to with the Mazdaspeed.

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
I haven't dipped into the power very much yet.
Was happy with the power and fuel mileage of the XLT(last 3 tanks 26,1, 25,2, 26,7).
First 2 mpg's listed each took about 4 weeks between fill ups.
I do a lot of my driving in the 45-50 mph range and it always felt it was in too high a gear.
The ST has a firmer ride, quicker turn in, drivetrain is definitely smoother and feels better at my normal driving speed. Really glad to have a memory seat.

breld

tifighter said:

@breld said:

So when I bought the used 840i a few months ago, it was with the intention (err, excuse, justification, what have you) it would be my fun car in place of the upcoming Integra Type S.

Well…I just never told my Acura dealer that I was going to cancel my reservation. My salesperson emailed me to tell me my Type S will be going into production next month.

My wife, bless her, simply said, “you’ve had that on order for almost a year…you kinda have to buy it.”

Remind me what color again?

It's white. I believe the interior will be red.

That was my first choice, though my half of the garage now has a lot of it.

breld

qbrozen said:

@breld said:

So when I bought the used 840i a few months ago, it was with the intention (err, excuse, justification, what have you) it would be my fun car in place of the upcoming Integra Type S.

Well…I just never told my Acura dealer that I was going to cancel my reservation. My salesperson emailed me to tell me my Type S will be going into production next month.

My wife, bless her, simply said, “you’ve had that on order for almost a year…you kinda have to buy it.”

I couldn’t imagine going from an 840 to a gussied up Civic. Talk about a downgrade. But whatever floats yer boat.

Sheesh...can't win here. Going from what many would consider a comfy grand touring coupe to an enthusiast-oriented sports coupe that only comes in a manual should be looked upon favorably around here, one would think.

With that, no one said I was trading the 840i.

sda

Some pics from a recent VW dealership visit. Impressive exhaust tips and brake rotors. Not so impressive $8k mark up in addition to the $2K of dealer add ons.

sda

2024 Limited Edition GLI. Too bad no sunroof, otherwise very nice. No dealer markup, only typical add ons. Already Sold.

28firefighter

Between the already amped up pricing of the GTI and Golf R to start with, an 8k markup puts you squarely into Audi S3 territory.

mjfloyd1

@breld said:
Sheesh...can't win here. Going from what many would consider a comfy grand touring coupe to an enthusiast-oriented sports coupe that only comes in a manual should be looked upon favorably around here, one would think.

With that, no one said I was trading the 840i.

Oh you’ll trade it sooner THAN later

kyfdx

VW: I didn't walk the lot, this morning. But, the only vehicles in the showroom were an Atlas and an ID.4

I just want to say... that VW spelling out the model name below the VW badge is not a good look.

(also, not a good look on dozens of other makes, now.. Who asked for that?)

Michaell

Speaking of VW, for those of you who don't follow the "Rental Car" thread, I picked up a VW Taos SE 4Motion in LA for my quick trip there for my mothers services.

Bright blue, with a grey interior (everything else in the Emerald Aisle was a GM product in a non-color). Pretty peppy for it's size and engine, though the DSG transmission does stumble a bit from a dead stop.

All digital dash, which I didn't play with much. CarPlay, which was nice for my use of Waze. Panoramic sunroof. Averaged around 30 MPG on my trips to/from the airport, some of which was at 20 MPH on the 405.

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

VW: I didn't walk the lot, this morning. But, the only vehicles in the showroom were an Atlas and an ID.4

I just want to say... that VW spelling out the model name below the VW badge is not a good look.

(also, not a good look on dozens of other makes, now.. Who asked for that?)

————————————————
I hear you. It didn’t need fixed so they fixed it.

jmonroe

explorerx4

When all the models looks similar you need a way to let people know which one it is.

explorerx4

No price yet but my old Explorer is on the dealer website.
https://www.mikebassford.net/inventory/used-2020-ford-explorer-xlt-4wd-4d-sport-utility-1fmsk8dh3lgc85169/

corvette

sda said:

2024 Limited Edition GLI. Too bad no sunroof, otherwise very nice. No dealer markup, only typical add ons. Already Sold.

No upcharge for the orange peel paint (or is that just a reflection)?

qbrozen

breld said:

Sheesh...can't win here. Going from what many would consider a comfy grand touring coupe to an enthusiast-oriented sports coupe that only comes in a manual should be looked upon favorably around here, one would think.

I can't get past it being FWD. Plus, you had the Civic R. Keeping both makes sense. Then I can get behind it. ;b

Sandman6472

I'm still a bit in shock myself but maybe just maybe...it was meant to be. On my way home from work today, my tire icon came on. Now, I just bought three new tires on August 31st, so it couldn't be one of he new ones...could it? Turns out, it was my right rear, the old tire. Luckily I got off at 4:30 after eight hours, so went to my Tires Plus store. They found a long nail in the tire and said it couldn't be replaced. But somehow, I already knew that was coming.
So, now, have got four brand new tires, all of the same brand & tread. While there, got the 3-year alignment policy and they did the alignment. Since the wheel was crooked, I implored the guy who did it to make the steering wheel straight as I'm super anal about that which my sales guy agreed with! Car tracks straight now, he also had to adjust the rear caster, or camber...just not sure. Steering wheel is straight, so I'm a happy camper. In total, wasn't an expense I had planned on but that's part of life, these unexpected issues that we all must deal with. And I did, so now, we're all good!
Must be a sign from G-d up above that my time with the Golf isn't over yet. So, she stays in the garage for at least the next year. But, had an interesting talk with the better half about her next vehicle. She just hit 80K and he oil light came on again last Thursday where the Audi dealer again, topped it off. They looked at her last oil/filter change in May & have no clue why it uses so much oil & to where it's all going. So, I asked what she wants next. We talked about a bunch of small vehicles like we both have now. Mentioned all the available products out there & then I asked..."what about another A3"? And she said that's on the of of her list! I was surprised because all the little issues she's had but, she loves the size & wants exactly the same size next time. So, if I were a gambling man, which I'm not, I'd wager that there will be a 2025 Audi A3 on her side of the garage, eventually. Will definitely have her test drive all the smaller vehicles I picked, but it's her choice...and her pocketbook. Did let her know that there's been a pretty big price bump since we got her 2015 A3, but she said that's not an issue! Since we both buy our own vehicles, we don't tell the other what to buy or how much they can spend. So, am happy that she's got the personal funds to buy anything she wants. I know our situation might sound strange to most, but that's just the way things are. I get that her folks left her much more than my dad left me & am perfectly o k with that. Just a subject we don't discuss, ever & again, I'm fine with that!

stickguy

That engine (the 1.8t, right?) has a reputation for using oil as the miles get up there. if it isn't leaking it is burning it so you won't ever find it, but it will keep disappearing!

I think that you can only get Quattro now on the A3? And I suspect the price will be quite a bit higher, but it has been redesigned at least once if not twice since you model.

Michaell

stickguy said:

That engine (the 1.8t, right?) has a reputation for using oil as the miles get up there. if it isn't leaking it is burning it so you won't ever find it, but it will keep disappearing!

I think that you can only get Quattro now on the A3? And I suspect the price will be quite a bit higher, but it has been redesigned at least once if not twice since you model.

FWD is still available, but I think the 2.0T engine is the only one available. Detuned for FWD.

28firefighter

Another punch for a family member.

My BIL and SIL picked up a 2023 KIA Niro EV Wind lease. Sold their 2016 Soul EV because the range was so degraded.

Funny enough they got about $9k for the Soul. That car was a 0 down $149 a month lease that they bought out for $14k in 2019. Drove it for another 4 years for $5000. Not bad.

corvette

@Sandman6472 - glad you now have four matching tires. I wouldn't worry about oil consumption, so long as there are no leaks. On my vehicles, I try to check tire tread depth, oil level, and 12v battery condition every 1,000 miles. The Prius burns a decent amount of oil, and based on the service history I've found, it started doing that around 100,000 miles. It now has almost 230,000 miles. Just top it off as needed, and you should be fine.

@28firefighter - sounds like they got their money's worth out of the Soul, and hope they have good luck with the Niro. Myself, my parents, my GF, her mom, and one of my friends are all entered into that contest to win a Solterra through the National Park Foundation. So we might have a surprise punch in a couple of months!

jmonroe1

Sandman6472 said:

I'm still a bit in shock myself but maybe just maybe...it was meant to be. On my way home from work today, my tire icon came on. Now, I just bought three new tires on August 31st, so it couldn't be one of he new ones...could it? Turns out, it was my right rear, the old tire. Luckily I got off at 4:30 after eight hours, so went to my Tires Plus store. They found a long nail in the tire and said it couldn't be replaced. But somehow, I already knew that was coming.
So, now, have got four brand new tires, all of the same brand & tread. While there, got the 3-year alignment policy and they did the alignment. Since the wheel was crooked, I implored the guy who did it to make the steering wheel straight as I'm super anal about that which my sales guy agreed with! Car tracks straight now, he also had to adjust the rear caster, or camber...just not sure. Steering wheel is straight, so I'm a happy camper. In total, wasn't an expense I had planned on but that's part of life, these unexpected issues that we all must deal with. And I did, so now, we're all good!
Must be a sign from G-d up above that my time with the Golf isn't over yet. So, she stays in the garage for at least the next year. But, had an interesting talk with the better half about her next vehicle. She just hit 80K and he oil light came on again last Thursday where the Audi dealer again, topped it off. They looked at her last oil/filter change in May & have no clue why it uses so much oil & to where it's all going. So, I asked what she wants next. We talked about a bunch of small vehicles like we both have now. Mentioned all the available products out there & then I asked..."what about another A3"? And she said that's on the of of her list! I was surprised because all the little issues she's had but, she loves the size & wants exactly the same size next time. So, if I were a gambling man, which I'm not, I'd wager that there will be a 2025 Audi A3 on her side of the garage, eventually. Will definitely have her test drive all the smaller vehicles I picked, but it's her choice...and her pocketbook. Did let her know that there's been a pretty big price bump since we got her 2015 A3, but she said that's not an issue! Since we both buy our own vehicles, we don't tell the other what to buy or how much they can spend. So, am happy that she's got the personal funds to buy anything she wants. I know our situation might sound strange to most, but that's just the way things are. I get that her folks left her much more than my dad left me & am perfectly o k with that. Just a subject we don't discuss, ever & again, I'm fine with that!

————————————————
If your oil leak started after the last oil change that tells me cause and effect is at play. A double gasketed oil filter (not removing the old filter gasket and putting the new filter gasket on top of the old one) will cause a leak but it’s usually a big leak and it happens right away but I’d have them check for that anyway.

jmonroe

roadburner

jmonroe1 said:

If your oil leak started after the last oil change that tells me cause and effect is at play. A double gasketed oil filter (not removing the old filter gasket and putting the new filter gasket on top of the old one) will cause a leak but it’s usually a big leak and it happens right away but I’d have them check for that anyway.

jmonroe

I'm pretty sure the A3 uses a cartridge filter and unless the tech was really inept the chances of a leak are very low. Me, I'd just add a can of LIQUI MOLY Motor Oil Saver with every oil change.

nyccarguy

Just took the Wrangler for a spin to fill it up for my son. It was a beautiful, hot day in the 80s today. Good for mental health after the brutal rain over the weekend. Not so conducive if you sell plumbing and HEATING supplies for a living. Nevertheless, I opened the roof and enjoyed the gorgeous, 60 degree night. I had to be about a month since I filled it up. Hand calculated 48.3 mpg.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

Just took the Wrangler for a spin to fill it up for my son. It was a beautiful, hot day in the 80s today. Good for mental health after the brutal rain over the weekend. Not so conducive if you sell plumbing and HEATING supplies for a living. Nevertheless, I opened the roof and enjoyed the gorgeous, 60 degree night. I had to be about a month since I filled it up. Hand calculated 48.3 mpg.

————————————————
That’s fantastic MPG. Both of our cars together don’t get that kind of mileage. I doubt they could get that kind of mileage even if they were being towed, downhill.

We’ve had very nice weather here too the last few days but today was unbelievable.

jmonroe

stickguy

this week has been gorgeous up here. party over starting Saturday (figures, when I wanted to do something fun over the weekend!) Though downside, the grass still keeps growing like crazy. Next week I plan to rotate the shed and unearth the snow blower, and get some fresh gas and see if it will fire up OK and let it run for a while.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

I have had no problem with the Ford store where I bought the Mustang. I tend to not use dealers because of the cost though.

The one time I was there for an oil change they seemed fine. Nice and perfectly competent. No free food and massages but they did have a CRT TV in the waiting room!

I generally just use the dealer during warranty for oil changes and free stuff. Brakes, tires, battery, stuff like that I am fine using a shop like mavis (my usual tire and brake place)

Google: Mavis, Schoharie limo.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

Some pics from a recent VW dealership visit. Impressive exhaust tips and brake rotors. Not so impressive $8k mark up in addition to the $2K of dealer add ons.

Are they taking advantage of the UAW strike or are they just naturally greedy?

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

That engine (the 1.8t, right?) has a reputation for using oil as the miles get up there. if it isn't leaking it is burning it so you won't ever find it, but it will keep disappearing!

I think that you can only get Quattro now on the A3? And I suspect the price will be quite a bit higher, but it has been redesigned at least once if not twice since you model.

Won’t burning a lot of oil eventually ruin the catalytic converter? I can imagine that’s pretty pricey on an Audi.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Won’t burning a lot of oil eventually ruin the catalytic converter? I can imagine that’s pretty pricey on an Audi.

Everything is pretty pricey on an Audi.

sda

explorerx4 said:

No price yet but my old Explorer is on the dealer website.
https://www.mikebassford.net/inventory/used-2020-ford-explorer-xlt-4wd-4d-sport-utility-1fmsk8dh3lgc85169/

Looks new, very nice

sda

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

That engine (the 1.8t, right?) has a reputation for using oil as the miles get up there. if it isn't leaking it is burning it so you won't ever find it, but it will keep disappearing!

I think that you can only get Quattro now on the A3? And I suspect the price will be quite a bit higher, but it has been redesigned at least once if not twice since you model.

FWD is still available, but I think the 2.0T engine is the only one available. Detuned for FWD.

At least the detuned engine runs on RUG and doesn't require PUG. I suspect for most folks that is a nice plus given the price spread between the grades seems to be frequently increasing.

Michaell

sda said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

That engine (the 1.8t, right?) has a reputation for using oil as the miles get up there. if it isn't leaking it is burning it so you won't ever find it, but it will keep disappearing!

I think that you can only get Quattro now on the A3? And I suspect the price will be quite a bit higher, but it has been redesigned at least once if not twice since you model.

FWD is still available, but I think the 2.0T engine is the only one available. Detuned for FWD.

At least the detuned engine runs on RUG and doesn't require PUG. I suspect for most folks that is a nice plus given the price spread between the grades seems to be frequently increasing.

The detuned ("40" in Audi parlance) 2.0T makes, what, 220HP? I know the full-zoot ("45") engine makes 260HP.

mjfloyd1

I thought those 4 cylinder Audis had problems with piston rings and several got new engines

xwesx

Speaking of oil consumption, I was quite pleased with how our Forester did on the trip to Ohio and back. Overall, about 12,000 miles, and I only added 16oz to it just before beginning the return trip (nearly 8,000 miles into the 12K total). After returning home, the dipstick measurement has not dropped enough to warrant adding more yet.

explorerx4

@sda,
If the strike continues, the price is going to go up.
It has the highest MSRP for a 2020 XLT that I've seen.
While we were waiting for finance, the new and old Explorers were parked side by side.
I told my wife the red one looked shinier.

corvette

Well, darn... Carvana offered me $27,700 for the Maverick (substantially more than I paid). Maybe I should have kept that 2023 hybrid order after all!

Sandman6472

No oil leak on floor since last oil change/filter in May. Just think it's disappearing into the engine and Audi tops it off when the light comes on. Luckily, they are within our development, less then 2 miles. We're very close to the Audi, VW, Hyundai, Subaru, Mazda, Genesis, Volvo & Mercedes stores so do have much to choose from.
Going on an interview trip tomorrow for our pharmacist driver. She really hates her new night shift hours, 8 pm to 6:30 am, so it's up to the Orlando area tomorrow. She asked me to go earlier today since I'm off the next couple of days. Her mother would go but has to work. Interview is in Ocoee but job is in Winter Garden. Closer to our kids in St. Cloud where we'll have dinner tomorrow night. Taking the Accent as it's newer and gets better mpg's then mine. Plus, it's just got about 15K in almost 4 years now. Figuring I'll do most of the driving but in case my back has an issue, best we take her vehicle as she's never driven mine.
It's always something with kids...even when their older. We tend to be good parents so have no problem going on a road trip with her. Staying in a Fairfield Inn & Suites in Ocoee, right next door to the hospital where her interview is. My wife wants us to go look at apartments but, she hasn't been offered the job yet so, no need to put the cart before the horse. Will be home on Thursday afternoon...late afternoon!

Sandman6472

Played the game with Sirius/XM today. Got the $4.99/month rate and did it on the website through chat. But since my c c on file was closed, had to put it on another one which screwed up the chat, so had to call them. Had a nice guy who told me I couldn't get the $4.99 rate but told him what happened. He looked it up and saw what the other lady had done. Plain out said if you can't match the $4.99 rate right now, cancel my account as I don't really need Sirius/XM as I already have music of my own. Of course, that $4.99 rate became doable again real quick.
Tried to use my Amex Everyday card but after two tries, it still failed. Strange, as I used it three times in the last couple of days. Oh well, put it on my Visa card and it went through like I thought. Had a credit as my old subscription still had 34 days on it, so out the door, cost me $72.46 for the next year, a price I can live with. Next year, I'll just do it through chat if that $4.99/month pricing is still in effect. And if not, I'll just cancel and use my Apple CarPlay instead. Have plenty of songs I really love so not a big deal either way. But have had Sirius/XM since December of 2014 and have gotten used to it. Plan to do the Audi's plan when I get back into town Thursday afternoon.

jmonroe1

xwesx said:

Speaking of oil consumption, I was quite pleased with how our Forester did on the trip to Ohio and back. Overall, about 12,000 miles, and I only added 16oz to it just before beginning the return trip (nearly 8,000 miles into the 12K total). After returning home, the dipstick measurement has not dropped enough to warrant adding more yet.

————————————————
Nice to be home I bet. Get some well deserved rest. That’s a lotta miles. I couldn’t do that when I was at my fighting weight.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@sda,
If the strike continues, the price is going to go up.
It has the highest MSRP for a 2020 XLT that I've seen.
While we were waiting for finance, the new and old Explorers were parked side by side.
I told my wife the red one looked shinier.

My closest Ford dealer is loaded with pick ups, Broncos and Mustangs. The used section has an entire front row all trucks.

Seems like there strategy is to go with high profit units. No Mavericks at all.

stickguy

they still are mostly just making customer orders. so no option for dealers to stock up even if they want to.

tifighter

Out on a walk this afternoon, I saw this and it made me chuckle-

Even a JLR dealer doesn’t trust a JLR product for a loaner.

corvette

There's a lot to unpack there... Used to be that GM had a contract with Enterprise that required they provide a current model year GM vehicle for warranty work. An other-branded dealer courtesy vehicle or loaner would have been out of the question!

kyfdx

1st time I had unscheduled warranty service at a BMW dealer (towed in), they were out of cars, and called Enterprise.

Chevy Super Duty Dually.. 10 mpg.

jmonroe1

tifighter said:

Out on a walk this afternoon, I saw this and it made me chuckle-


Even a JLR dealer doesn’t trust a JLR product for a loaner.

————————————————
I can understand that but why mile-up a vehicle that should sell right away? Maybe the dealer had to pick his poison.

jmonroe

stickguy

Working on options for my consult on a small SUV for a family member. HRV might actually work out. But man, leases Stink now!

Looking at Subaru too (crosstrek) but I assume leases Are awful on them too.

nyccarguy

Nothing to report for the group, but a punch on the hunt and a punch to report in my group of friends.

First is my friend Mike who traded in his 110K mile 6.2L Silverado for a C8 Corvette.

Next is my friend Scott who is on the hunt to replace his wife’s leased Q5 which has 9 months left on the lease. It’s got a hit on the carfax, needs tires, brakes, & an oil change. He’s about $5K underwater and figures the brakes, tires, & maintenance will cost him about $2,500. With the $2,500 already spent in his mind, he might as well throw the other $2,500 in the hat and get a new car. He and his wife both like the IS350 FSport. This is in FL. Ok.

Dealer #1 is a 1 price, no doc fee dealer shows him the screen with the MSRP, healthy dealer discount, base money factor, and incentives ($1K Lexus lease cash & $1,500 in Lexus Loyalty. Dealer says, let me show you this before we factor in you Audi’s trade in value. Sign & drive $740/month for 36/12K. Dealer #1 says he’s about $5K under on the Audi. Nothing they can do. Dirty carfax. Try taking it to an Audi dealer to have them buy it from you.

Since he’s very determined, he went to another Lexus dealer in South Florida. Complete opposite experience. He picks a similar MSRP car out of their stock. They don’t give any numbers except $7,500 DAS & $1,200 per month for 36/10K. He tells them no thank-you. Since you are intent on wasting my time, I won’t do the same to you. Where’s my car?

“It’s in the back, getting evaluated. Let me go see if I can I’m find someone to bring it around.”

While he’s waiting (for a long time), he gets approached and greeted by 4 different managers. “What’s the problem?” “What can we do to earn your business?” “Where do you want to be to buy this car today?”

He tells them their offer is way too high. And they say, well that’s just our starting point. He tells them his starting point is $5K DAS and $600 per month (which he knows is too cheap). $1,200 become $850. He presses a little further to see how they are coming to their numbers. They have a large doc fee, $2,500 in blessings, and have valued his Audi $1,500 less.

Finally he grabbed his keys and walked out.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Working on options for my consult on a small SUV for a family member. HRV might actually work out. But man, leases Stink now!

Looking at Subaru too (crosstrek) but I assume leases Are awful on them too.

Told you ... nothing in that class is leasing well at the moment.

venture

nyccarguy said:

Since he’s very determined, he went to another Lexus dealer in South Florida. Complete opposite experience. He picks a similar MSRP car out of their stock. They don’t give any numbers except $7,500 DAS & $1,200 per month for 36/10K. He tells them no thank-you. Since you are intent on wasting my time, I won’t do the same to you. Where’s my car?

“It’s in the back, getting evaluated. Let me go see if I can I’m find someone to bring it around.”

While he’s waiting (for a long time), he gets approached and greeted by 4 different managers. “What’s the problem?” “What can we do to earn your business?” “Where do you want to be to buy this car today?”

He tells them their offer is way too high. And they say, well that’s just our starting point. He tells them his starting point is $5K DAS and $600 per month (which he knows is too cheap). $1,200 become $850. He presses a little further to see how they are coming to their numbers. They have a large doc fee, $2,500 in blessings, and have valued his Audi $1,500 less.

Finally he grabbed his keys and walked out.

When I bought my Legacy last week, I wouldn't go into F&I until I had my keys and knew where my BMW was parked.

ab348

stickguy said:

Working on options for my consult on a small SUV for a family member. HRV might actually work out. But man, leases Stink now!

Looking at Subaru too (crosstrek) but I assume leases Are awful on them too.

We were discussing the 2024 Chevy Trax in anther topic. If you are looking for something inexpensive and they can live with FWD that might be an appealing option for them. Reviews are pretty good.