Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

qbrozen · July 2012

But I'm really liking this one.

I mean, for the same value as a similar year/mileage mazda3 or civic, it seems like alot of car for the money.

nyccarguy · July 2012

with leasing my 2011 328xi is that "all good things must come to an end.". Fortunately for me that day is more than 2 years away. The mindset of any CCBAer is "what's next?". Between now & the end of my lease (9/22/14), I'll throw out dozens of "next car" thoughts that run through my brain. Here's my latest idea:

Around the same time my lease is up, so will the 3 year lease on my best friend's wife's 2012 X5 35i (they got it in 2011). It's a beautiful truck (Alpine White/Black) with lots of nice options. Here's the thing. He leased it with a somewhat normal residual value because at the time, BMW wasn't pumping up residuals & subventing leases. I think his buyout at the end of the lease is somewhere around $30K. I could buy it out, have it CPO'd, & buy the extended maintenance for much less than a comparable CPO X5 from a dealer.

Whaddya think?

stickguy · July 2012

I thought about one of those too. Not sure what the future (parts really) will bring, but the bang for the buck is there.

Torchlight has been getting a bunch of these recently, and at some pretty rock bottom prices.

ronsteve · July 2012

Nice one... but the worst thing Saab did with the 9-3 was dropping the hatchback when that generation came out.

isellhondas · July 2012

Why pay for a CPO or extended maintenance on a car that has been taken care of. I would just pay for maintenance as it's due and if something breaks, just deal with it at the time.

But...that's me. Some people are more risk adverse than I am.

28firefighter · July 2012

I thought you were the one that said owning a german car out of warranty was a disaster?! Oh wait...maybe that was me...

28firefighter · July 2012

What is parts availability like?

Definitely an intriguing option assuming it wasn't a 9-3 of the vintage with tons of electrical problems.

akangl · July 2012

Took the Civic in for its appt on Thursday. They found that it was the timing chain cover seal that was leaking. The service advisor came out and advised us it would be $297 to fix it, confused, I mentioned we have an extended warranty on the car. He looked surprised and said he would check again. A few minutes later he came back and said that indeed we do have an ESC on the car which would cover the repair but we would have to pay the diagnostic fee and the shop supplies......Huh?? I've dealt with a LOT of ESCs and have NEVER heard that, zero deductible should be just that, $0 out of pocket. We politely declined and asked for the car back which he gave us.

After getting home, hubby called HondaCare and once again the dealership is trying to screw us. The guy at HondaCare said he gets calls all the time from customers in the same situation, dealers trying to get paid twice for the diagnostic fee. He said any more trouble and just call him back, he'll take care of it. The car goes back on the 25th for repair.

I think we will stick to american cars after this.......at least the warranties have never been an issue *sigh* :sick:

qbrozen · July 2012

I dunno. Reliability data here on edmunds gives it the green light.

ronsteve · July 2012

I thought you were the one that said owning a german car out of warranty was a disaster?!

I'm a little skittish about driving a European car with an automatic into its old age. Actually most intrigued these days by cars of similar age and mileage, only Japanese brands with manual trannies...

stickguy · July 2012

It seems at least that she decided. I asked he this AM if she had made up her mind, and if so, which of her (not 2 on the short list options) she wanted. Her answer, "the Hyundai". Though there may have been a "I guess" or some such in there.

but, that leaves us in limbo for the next 6 weeks or so until they actually show up in the dealer to drive. Unless they finally put up pricing/options/colors so I can figure out what can be done at what price.

I am good with the decision, assuming it drives as nice as I expect it to (and my friend that had the demo raved about how nice it drove). The Acura was nice enough, but the Hyundai had noticeably more cargo and interior space. Either one however would likely make the wife perfectly happy!

I am antsy to get out of the van an into something new. I just don't trust the van now (paranoia setting in!)

michaellno · July 2012

I am good with the decision, assuming it drives as nice as I expect it to (and my friend that had the demo raved about how nice it drove). The Acura was nice enough, but the Hyundai had noticeably more cargo and interior space. Either one however would likely make the wife perfectly happy!

Sounds like a plan! However, I'm curious --- if the Hyundai doesn't drive as well as you hope, is the RDX plan B?

nyccarguy · July 2012

Point well taken isellhondas. I probably wouldn't go for the CPO, but the extended maintenance does pay for itself due to the 20K per year I drive. It's all a moot point now because I checked his lease end residual last night & it was $35K+. I'm going to try and keep my next purchase (yes, I said purchase not lease) under $30K.

stickguy · July 2012

well, if we get to September and finally get to drive one, and it turns out she doesn't like it, I assume we will just wander over to the Acura dealer and take the hit.

jayrider · July 2012

2013 Kia Sorento prices start at 23k for LX 4 cyl to 32k for SX 6 cyl -- awd adds 2k to the price. All options and packs are at the website. should be very close to Santa Fe.

stickguy · July 2012

that's getting to be a bit long in the tooth.

my contact says they expect to keep the santa fe pricing very close to the current model. I assume that means the 2.0T model will be priced like the old model with a V6.

how they package and price the options will make a big difference. sometimes they combine the moonroof with the navi and other tech stuff that I may not want. But, we shall see.

28firefighter · July 2012

The #1 reason why I like(d) Saab are their seats. For the life of me, them and Volvo are the only manufacturers that can make seats that don't make my back hurt after an hour of driving.

The-soon-to-be-Mrs. 28FF's Mazda3 kills me just on the ride from Pittsburgh to Cleveland.

bolivar · July 2012

Just where do you hook up a diagnoistic cable for a leak?

Sounds like I would make a Better Business complaint on the dealer.

qbrozen · July 2012

Can't say I was terribly fond of the seat in my wife's Saab. Very very flat. My '98 Volvo, however, was by far the best ever. I think they lost a bit of that, though. The '01 wasn't quite as nice.

michaellno · July 2012

My daughter tells me that the MINI is throwing a code indicating that a bulb is out.

Take it to the dealer this morning. The only bulb out is the one for the rear license plate, so it gets replaced. Code doesn't clear. Tech checks both headlight bulbs - the filament is looking suspect, so both of those bulbs get replaced as well.

Still can't clear the code, so the diagnostic tool gets used. Code indicates that the fog lights aren't working.

One problem - the MINI doesn't have fog lights!

So, the dealer wants to update / reflash the computers .. which, depending on how many updates there are, could take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2.5 hours. Didn't have time this morning to wait, so set up another appt for Saturday after next to have it done.

isellhondas · July 2012

" throwing a code"?

Are you sure your MINI isn't a BMW in disguise?

michaellno · July 2012

Are you sure your MINI isn't a BMW in disguise?

Trust me, my step-daughter knows the heritage of her car. I don't have the heart to tell her that issues like this could become quite common.

So long as it's covered by the warranty, it's all good for her - it's me that has to take it to the dealer 45 minutes from here.

breld · July 2012

I'm pretty intrigued with the new model Passat in TDI form. It seems like the cost-cutting on this model was done with some thought - unlike the new model Jetta, the Passat doesn't seem particularly cheap anywhere inside.

For our 60-mile roundtrip commute to work, I appreciated the mileage on the Insight we had for a short while, but my wife nor I could get over the driving dynamics and uncomfortable nature of it. The rear legroom in the Passat is pretty amazing - so a nice size, comfortable car that gets 40-ish MPG has me interested.

I drove a DSG model last week and though it performed pretty well. I may stop on the way home this evening and drive a 6-speed manual they had in stock. But if it'd be primarily a commuter car, the DSG would probably be nicer.

Problem is, I don't really want to replace anything we have.

tjc78 · July 2012

A guy at work just got a Passat TDI. He says the mileage is very good (raving about it actually) and he loves the car. I was checking it out, very roomy inside and looks really nice.

nyccarguy · July 2012

Don't want to replace anything you have? What kind of a Chronic Car Buyer are you? Lol!

This is way to easy - qbrozen sells his 540i, he buys your 530i, & you buy the Passat TDi.

Do I have to do all the work around here myself?

stickguy · July 2012

someone down the street from me has one. Very sharp looking, and IMO much nicer than the prior model. Ditto for the jetta.

and when I sat in a Passat at the car show, I really liked it. if I needed a larger mid-size sedan like this and could buy new (I don't, and I can't!) it would be on the short list (probably not TDI though) with the Legacy, next Fusion, and maybe the Altima and Camry (highly unlikely I got either one of those though).

stickguy · July 2012

wait, can I have dibs on the 530? I am short a car!

stever · July 2012

A reporter is interested in talking to someone who had trouble getting a car loan but finally had success within the last couple of months. If you fit this description, please contact pr@edmunds.com with a brief description of your experience and your preferred contact information by the end of day Tuesday, July 17 2012.

corvette · July 2012

The analog clock in the center stack is very unattractive. It's like they looked at Infiniti's clock and decided to get the parts for ten cents on the dollar.

I still have concerns about VW's long-term durability and ownership costs. Have you test driven a Prius?

nyccarguy · July 2012

I agree with you about the Passat stickguy. Very handsome design. The size appeals to me (3 kids under 6) so maybe we wouldn't have to take my wife's Pilot everywhere. The 40 mpg highway appeals to my 60+ mile per day, 6 days a week commute. I don't think they offer Xenon Headlights though.

I saw a Jetta GLI the other day. Very sharp.

VW reliability scares me though, so I'd have to be madly in love with it to take the plunge.

stickguy · July 2012

hey, for the right price, could be interesting.

http://torchlightmotors.com/newandusedcars/5241/2083165/aa92abda-ecdc-4811-9ba6-- 05e906302073/none/2002-Subaru-Outback-Parlin-NJ-08859.aspx

stickguy · July 2012

you might like the new legacy then. Roomy back seat, AWD, and the steering feel and handling/ride was very European. As long as the CVT doesn't bother you, really could be a great commuter car option.

stever · July 2012

For those of you longing for more garage space:

"Where a visitor sees 350 acres of emptiness punctuated by mounds of scrub brush to be hauled, Tim and Twanna Rogers envision 4.5 miles of racetrack etched into the chalky terrain, a place wealthy car collectors can speed along at 200 miles per hour and, when done, house their fleets in individually built 20-car garages. "

The Fast and the Affluent (NY Times)

qbrozen · July 2012

For $1? Absolutely!

Hey... wait a sec... you want his 530 but not my 540?

I'm going to keep an eye on this one.

stickguy · July 2012

Hey, I like that one too.

28firefighter · July 2012

I actually like that one. That car has to be a rare bird, though.

nyccarguy · July 2012

I'm a bit skeptical as to the durability of the CVT. Is it a belt driven CVT or a Chain Driven CVT (Like the V6 Altima)? Besides the chain driven cvt V6 Altima, all the other CVTs out there are in cars that have relatively little torque. Subaru uses a 5 speed auto for its H6 equipped Legacy. I do business with a salesman who had a 2WD Jeep Patriot (fwd). His original CVT got replaced at 60,000 miles (under warranty). At 120,000 miles it had to be replaced again (on his dime).

breld · July 2012

Don't want to replace anything you have? What kind of a Chronic Car Buyer are you? Lol!

I know! My wife was remarking it's been several months since we've had any temp tags!

Although the Passat would seem a logical replacement for the 530i, as in, sedan for sedan, my wife suggested the GTI, with the point that a GTI can be replaced easily, while the 530i - e39 with stick, sport and 60k miles - cannot. One of many reasons I married her.

We'll see - I'm very intrigued, but the fact is the GTI is pretty darn practical with its hatchback, reasonable back seat space and relatively good gas mileage. I didn't get a chance to drive that 6-speed Passat TDI this evening though - it was raining cats and dogs here in Denver. That might be engaging.

stickguy · July 2012

I have no clue what they are using in the Sube CVT. My wife also crossed that off the list. Not because of the CVT (since she has no idea what that is!), but because of the seats not being as comfortable (personal opinion), but mostly because the OB was too "frumpy" for her. Hey, she drove a minivan for 17 years, she deserves to get herself something with some style.

roadburner · July 2012

First off, sincere thanks to Nissan- a brief examination of the Rogue CUV convinced my wife to stick with a European car. Not that the Rogue was bad -far from it- just inexorably, soul-crushingly bland. She also hated Nissan's bundling of items she wanted with those she didn't; you have to get a hole in the roof, nav, and 18" wheels if you want Xenons and heated seats. Meh.

So here are the three current players:

2011 Audi A3 TDI: It's at our BMW dealer. Deadly boring color combo(silver/beige) but a nice interior. She like the 34 mpg fuel economy as well. One owner trade. Fairly well equipped(xenons, iPod/USB ports, etc,)

2008 BMW 328xi wagon: One owner CPO. Dull color scheme again(white/beige) but decent options- xenons, Cold Weather package, Premium package. It certainly doesn't get either of our hearts racing, but it is a known quantity- and we are certain we'll receive excellent service. We also get $250 cash from the BMW Car Club owner loyalty program- every little bit helps.

New Mini Cooper Countryman S/All4: We decided to go with a new Countryman if we are going to get one, but it sure doesn't look promising. All the cars wear a $1,995 ADM "Mini Protection Package(Mop 'n Glow) sticker. We like our sales guy, but the sales manager is a bit of a jerk; methinks they won't budge off sticker- which is ludicrous. Plus, the sales guy told us up front that their service department is very busy and it can take up to 7-10 days to get an appointment. My wife REALLY wants a Mini but the dealer isn't making it easy...

au1994 · July 2012

I've got to think the VW reliability is getting better. The ex had a Passat wagon when we split and it was flawless for the 36 mos of the lease. Routine service only.

nyccarguy · July 2012

I have a customer with an A3 TDI sLine (2010). He's got over 60K miles on it & has not had a single issue with the car. Just routine maintenance. He LOVES IT!

qbrozen · July 2012

Wow. A whole 60k miles. Pretty soon they might be up to 1980s GM quality.

:P

au1994 · July 2012

point well taken but what I was getting at was the annoying problems (pwr window problems, coil packs) that reared their head early in ownership of VW's and Audi's of a certain vintage seemed to have gone away.

kyfdx · July 2012

I think this might be my next ride...

convertible

roadburner · July 2012

Nice; one of the last models designed while engineers still ran the company...

stickguy · July 2012

lot of car for the money. and still what I consider "old school".

and to answer your question, nothing that a boatload of money can't take care of.

isellhondas · July 2012

Yep, a whole 60,000 miles without problems.

Tick tick tick.....BOOM!

fintail · July 2012

Add a wheeled hoist for hardtop removal - it aint a one man job.

Lots of car for the money though. Fairly solid quality - better electricals than early 90s models. Fairly unusual color. Thirsty and not really sporty, but a nice cruiser.

kyfdx · July 2012

I might have been joshing...

It is a lot of car for $9K, though....

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