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Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
More on the car & the process
when I have a few minutes to write it up...
Possibly tonight.
- Ray
The web site page still shows it - now as 'sold' ...
http://www.gunthervwbuford.com/vehicle/2013-Volkswagen-GTI-Buford-798251.html
Despite being just days before Sturgis, they areas were not very busy. We stayed at an old historic home in Custer built in 1882 (found it on vrbo.com) - it was a great alternative to local hotels and I'd highly recommend it.
We spent the first evening after arriving in S. Dakota at Mt. Rushmore. The next day was filled with local touristy places - "Cosmos" mystery area (look it up), Bear Country, Christmas Village and Rushmore Caves. All places I would tend to bypass, but that's what we were there for - the local flavor and strange things you can't find anywhere else.
xwesx mentioned Sylvan Lake - we ended up going there on a whim and it turned out to be our favorite part of the vacation. Beautiful lake, fun and easy hiking (except for the 30 minutes or so my 8 year old spent upset and crying after taking a pretty good spill, skinning up his knee ).
We had such a good time hiking around there and I had to remind myself that we have such places locally in Colorado - just need to make more of a point to get up to the mountains with the family.
We finished up Saturday at Crazy Horse and then drove on home to Denver, encountering thunder storm and tornado warnings along the way - an adventure of it own!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
Its funny, I've been thinking about one of these off and on recently. How do you like the DSG with the 2.0T? I've only driven DSG with a TDI didn't think it worked for the diesel. Also, curious why you didn't keep the 3 coupe...any issues?
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
Short answer - I like it a lot.
- Ray
Longer answer soon .....
The DSG is still my favorite part of the car.
I think he made a great decision as the FIATS are just too small, and the 2.0T too superior to anything FIAT has.
Knowing he's a manual driver though, I'm surprised the Golf/GTI R didn't tempt him. It's nearly stickering for $38K (that's probably why), but it's a great car, but you do have to get a manual.
I went to the VW dealer yesterday and they had not 2, not 3, but 4 Golf R's!!! 2 were 2 door, 2 were 4-door, and I bet they'd be willing to wheel and deal having so many. I was shocked they had more than one (if that!).
By the way, that Blue is the nicest color I've ever seen on a GTI. It seems they've finally expanded their color selection as in the past it has been abysmal.
I do like that blue, as well.
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
I'm sure you'll explain in your upcoming post, but why not wait until the updated 2014 model is available next year?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
The goals I set – I was looking for a lower cost, but still enough [ German ? ] driving enjoyment to keep me satisfied for at least a couple of years. I was looking for the best ‘bang for my buck’.
I really looked all over the map. Including:
Infiniti G37 short term lease.
Chrysler 300C Hemi – reviewed here a while back.
Another new BMW – another 335, a lease on a new 535i, a used 550, even a 535d.
[ diesel, TQ 400+ - but not cheap, and still not available at any local dealer ]
BMW [ trying to work with 2 different dealers ] never offered a compelling reason for me to continue with their brand. Either a new lease, or to buy out the 335. Very odd.
Various used Audis.
Honda Accord V6 Sedan. Very nice car – drove 2. Probably a more rational choice than the VW – however: More expensive. No paddle shift nor manual lever shift in any V6 sedan. The delay between signaling a request for a shift [ up or down ] and shift execution was very long. Longer than I recall in any such ‘request \ response’ lag in any car I have driven in the past 10 years. Though Honda marketing materials specifically references ‘rev match on downshift’ = “The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.” – I observed no such action in my several attempts, during the test drives. Without this, the downshifts were not nearly as smooth as I expected. I use the manual shift feature a lot. I know that I would miss some aspects I now really appreciate. And, with a V6 Sedan, you must have leather seats. But I digress.
I also considered several others.
So – last Saturday morning I drove a 2013 VW GTI – DSG, Convenience Package & Sunroof. MSRP = $28,870. All I wanted & nothing more.
Clearly, this is not in the same class, regarding acceleration & many other aspects, as my 335iS. However, I do find it a lot of fun to drive. The acceleration is certainly adequate – and delivered in an entertaining manner. It feels light on its feet – it weighs about 3,160. The BMW weighs approx. 3,600. I could discern no FWD torque steer in moderate driving. The turbo 2.0L motor really pulls well from low RPM – something I appreciate. TQ peaks at only 1,700 RPM. And sounds happy at high RPM as well.
In the few miles I have driven so far, it always feels nimble, but also ‘planted’ – solid & secure in cornering and cruising. The ride suits me just fine. Short wheelbase, 40 series tires and the GTI suspension result in some chop, of course – but the ride \ handling compromises work for me.
The 6-speed DSG works well, for me. The shifts up & down in automatic or manual mode are quick & smooth. The console lever allows manual up & down shifts and there are also steering wheel paddles. These paddles are always active – in Drive as well as in Sport and in Manual mode. The DSG’s response to shift commands is immediate. I do often use both, as appropriate for the situation. There is also a ‘kick-down’ switch. This is also something I find occasionally useful!
The exhaust is noticeable on acceleration, though not loud. A pleasant tone, to my ears. And at cruise [ 65 – 80 ] everything fades to a distant hum. Wind noise [ with the sunroof in Vent ] road noise and engine noise all die away. Nice.
I am impressed with the fit, finish and materials quality inside – particularly at the price point. Except for the center seats fabric, the interior is basically all black. I may have to do something about that. I understand that there are a few aftermarket options here. The seats fit me perfectly. Immediately comfortable and very supportive. Multiple, useful adjustments – including lumbar support.
As many here may know, there have already been several published tests of the 2015 GTI – and GTD. Evolutionary, in most respects, but offering a rather substantial increase in Torque. I decided not to wait – largely because [ though VW appear to have addressed their reliability issues ] I do not think it wise to select an early build, first model year VW. We shall see . . .
Good quality cloth finished seats. I do not generally find leather particularly desirable as a seating surface.
An adjustable [ up\down & fore\aft ] cloth covered front center armrest.
The tires are NOT run-flats. And there is a spare.
The city EPA rating for the GTI is exactly the same as the highway rating for my BMW.
[ That will likely save me $50+ in gas per month. ]
My dealer will shortly be an APR dealer.
[ Their tune = more Torque. Yummmmmm. ]
Opening the sunroof to vent still allows the sunshade to be fully closed – there are vents in the front of the sunshade. This completely blocks the Atlanta area summer sun but allows good flow of fresh air.
This particular unit did not have the Navigation system – and my [ recent, $279 @ Best Buy ] Garmin does everything I need, and more, so that is just fine with me. Savings there = $1,500.
This was the only one this color anywhere around here – and I really do like the shade.
I happen to like the style of these 18” wheels.
Red brake calipers – and a blue car? Hmmmm.
4 seats and 4 doors to conveniently access those seats.
That is all I can think of, right now.
Cheers,
- Ray
Happy with the car, so far !!!!
I will detail “the deal” in a separate post
The dealer’s best and final offer, on July 31st, was $2,249 below invoice –
in fact well below ‘invoice less holdback’.
- PLUS a 0% APR loan for 60 months.
I did not expect the no interest loan deal to continue – so.
Sounded like a fair deal to me.
Sign & drive, I did.
- Ray
Driving . . .
- Ray
Hope you enjoy it for a looooong time....
[ CCBA inside joke ]
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
...
And, with a V6 Sedan, you must have leather seats.
...
I do not generally find leather particularly desirable as a seating surface.
...
I have no particular objections to leather seats, but I don't like the idea of being forced to pay for it in order to get the V6 engine. I was seriously thinking about a new Accord earlier this year, until I discovered that I could not obtain the V6 without a sunroof? Seriously? No V6 without a sunroof? (I dislike sunroofs.)
The turbo 2.0L motor really pulls well from low RPM – something I appreciate. TQ peaks at only 1,700 RPM. And sounds happy at high RPM as well.
That engine is one of the best reasons to purchase a VW. And you can no longer get it in the Passat. What were they thinking?
My dealer will shortly be an APR dealer.
[ Their tune = more Torque. Yummmmmm. ]
I'm very interested in hearing your impressions of the APR tune. In the meantime, enjoy your new ride!
You know that they install a speaker (called the soundaktor) near the firewall to create a fake engine/exhaust note? I thought the growl was a little excessive (especially when you're not pushing the engine very hard) and unplugged mine. It's extremely quiet now.
I agree with your other comments on the GTI and Accord. I like the features offered by the Accord Touring (which is only offered with a V6), but after reading several reviews of the Accord, I think the four-cylinder model is the one to get. Their CVT (only offered on the four cylinder) is supposed to be extremely responsive, but you can't get shift paddles unless you get the Accord Sport, which doesn't have much other equipment.
The spare on my GLI has a yellow warning sticker indicating that I shouldn't exceed 55 MPH, however, when I had to install it, I noticed that it's a standard 205/55/16 tire, not a mini donut, so I didn't feel nervous about driving a more normal speed. I'm betting the GTI has a full-size spare, as well.
If you remember, I went from a 2012 GTI to my 335 (well, with an A5 thrown in there). Of course the 335 offers more in the way of power and handling from a RWD (or AWD in my case) platform, but I sorely miss my GTI and imagine I will have another one someday. It's not that I want it instead of my 335 - I just want a GTI also :P .
The 4-door hatchback configuration is so versatile. The interior quality is up to par with the German luxury brands, I think. And I never was left wanting for more power or even cornering capabilities. I found the "stutter" upon takeoff as the front wheels found traction to be the only annoyance.
Enjoy!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
----
On a separate note, I rolled 30,000 on my Fiesta this weekend (started with a little under 14K less than a year ago when I bought it). I left Palmer at about 0500, so traffic was really light, and was getting 44 mpg after 60 miles of driving north (driving 50-to-60 depending on the zone). But, once I hit the 65 SL portion of the Parks, I bumped it to 70 for basically the rest of the trip to Fairbanks, and the car settled at 39 mpg after 330 miles.
I'm still debating whether the 5 mpg was worth the 30 minutes saved. I saved about 8% in time, but lost 11% in fuel economy. Ah, life's little choices....
I recently drove the Accord Sport with the CVT. It works pretty well, to the point that you stop thinking about it, even on a shorter test drive. And I'm no CVT lover...the Altima rentals I've had come to mind.
I'm going to try to drive the new Mazda 6 here soon. It is supposed to be a dynamic car. And it will have to be - local dealers here have little inventory and, as a result, are not too willing to deal. Hard to wrap my head around paying more for a 6 than an Accord...especially since the Accord is sort of the gold standard of resale, reliability etc. But the 6 GT is seriously well-equipped. We'll see.
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
I suppose a thousand dollars worth of Michelin Pilot Sports
in OEM size would help with that...
- Ray
Not in the cards - just yet...
We visited a couple of caves while we were there. Rushmore, and, I think, Crystal? Definitely something that should be done when visiting the Black Hills; caves are really an amazing experience. I remember seeing billboards for Cosmos while we were there, but we didn't bite. We were actually only in the area for two days, mostly with the intent of visiting some good friends who were running a youth camp there. We went on a long walk with them that first evening and they took us to an old (1800s) mine that was way up into a hillside. That was pretty neat, but we didn't have the constitution to brave the mine proper.
Did you stay in this place? That looks like it would have been great! We tend to camp.
The house was in a great location - there was a steakhouse across the street, a pizza place nearby, a Dairy Queen a block east, and "The Purple Pie Place" a block west (the place is purple, not the pie). What else do you need?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2024 Corvette - 2024 BMW X5 - 2023 Tesla Model Y
Other than maybe two hours of sleep, I'd say you're about set! A house like that is definitely a place you would need/want to have for several days in order to enjoy it to the fullest.
anyway, had the Volvo in for it's annual service today, and while I was there took a new S60 for a ride. Very impressed. quite the upgrade from my 2007 NA S40, but at the same time, felt familiar. I could very easily live with one. to me, the perfect size. Big enough, but still compact. And very quick (I drove a T5 FWD, albeit briefly).
the 3 months no payments (up to $450/month I did find out) and 1K loyalty rebate (but only $500 on a lease) were certainly an enticement. Plus, they had a few service loaners, that first offer (on the test drive) was 4K off sticker (plus the loyalty) so before even haggling, 4.5 or 5K off MSRP.
plus they had exactly the car I wanted, and even in a color I actually really liked (Flamenco red) which I was surprised at (the like, not that they had one). I really don't need one now, and should not be taking on a payment, so I stopped short of getting a lease quote!
did get a new motor mount on the S40. and soon, new brake pads. And maybe a CV boot. Ah, the joys of an older car! Though to be fair, in 1.5 years, I have done absolutely nothing to it other than 1 oil change, a tire balance, and new wiper blades.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes - the SP Sport 01 A/S.
- Ray
Not really stressed them - yet...
That bugger will be such a tight little handler...3100lbs of sturdy..
only way it could be better is if it was a rear driver of course. But then it would be 3200+..
Very interested to read about the well controlled torque steer, (around town not too aggressive) given the boost available with that mill. Well done VW.
I let her drive it before it even turned 100 miles. I trust her and she is a very good driver. I'd rather have her driving the Explorer rather than an old beater. She's getting her license this month or next, she has to since I've been so sick. I ended up in the ER last night, ambulance ride there, expensive taxi ride home since hubby is out of town. :sick:
On another note, the Focus has around 24k on it now in 11 months of driving. Hubby still loves it, it's been problem free, and averages 36 mpg consistently. Good little car.
- Ray
Hope you enjoy it for a looooong time....
[ CCBA inside joke ]
Funny, but I know you guys are already taking bets on the next purchase.
Congrats on your new GTI, love those cars, sold a new red one back in 97 when I sold cars at the vw/nissan/Honda dealer. Military guy bought it, he loved it.
:shades:
There are many, many posts by others who
have had APR tunes...
[ EDIT - Looks like APR has sales fairly often. ]
- Ray
Happy with 'stock' - so far ......
Hello, my name is Michael, and I buy a lot of tires.
Hello, Michael!
Within the next month or so, I'll need to get two tires for the ION and a full set for the CX-7. I bought two for the ION earlier this year.
Wow, that's a lot, Michael
The two for the ION should be pretty straightforward. Discount Tire did the first two for $137 installed - this was with a credit for the crappy Yokohamas they installed a year or so earlier and lasted about 20-25K. Not sure I'll be able to get off as cheaply this time around, but I should still be comfortably under $200. Some no name brand - Arizonian? - but with the way I chew through them, it's probably better that I go cheap and replace frequently.
Yeah, you're probably right on that account
The CX-7 is a different matter altogether.
How's that, Michael?
235/55-19's, is why. The cheapest (well, least expensive) tire offered by Discount is the new Bridgestone Dueler 422 Ecopia - at $193 a corner, before tax, installation, TPMS rebuild and other fees.
Whoa, that's a lot.
Prices go up from there. The most expensive is the Michelin Latitude Sport, at a whopping $304 each.
Yikes .. you're not driving a BMW; it's just a Mazda.
Exactly. Anyway, the good news is that a Firestore Tire and Car Care center recently opened in my town. Discount, all in, wanted $952.62 through their on-line quoting tool. I called Firestone and they initially quoted me $984.76, but when I told them about the Discount quote, they lowered the price to $930.81.
I think we can see where this is going, Michael
Yep .. called the local Discount store directly and got them to give me the $952.62 quote. Told them about the Firestone quote and they immediately beat it by lowering their price to $915.04. And Discount also told me their quote includes a pro-rated warranty.
So what's next, Michael?
I'm wondering how long I can go back and forth with the two stores. Each tells me that the quote is good for a month, and I gotta believe that there will be a point where one store is unable to beat the others price.
What say you, my CTBA brethren? Should I keep pushing?
Go for it!
Any thoughts are most welcome. The Ecopia is getting a lot of airtime on TV, but little in the way of reviews. 65K warranty, decent treadwear. I'm a little concerned about snow - the tread pattern seems more suited for rain than anything worse. But, it states all season, so it should be OK.
Thanks - not sure exactly where that came from. I guess I get inspired from time to time.
Back in late 1998, the wife really wanted a New Beetle. After we bought one, i found a VW forum and started posting as if the car was the poster. We had named it "Beauty" (to go along with our "Beast" - a '99 Ford Expedition), so I created a user profile and proceeded to post in the first person.
Was fun for a while but got tiring to keep it up.
Any and all thoughts about new shoes for the Mazda are most welcome.
I hope I'm done with my annual (or worse) flat tire record. Both rides have pretty new Nokian WR-G2s on them and I'm liking them on the van and on the Subaru.
I wouldn't be surprised if your tire stores use the same distributor - may as well go with the one you like best. How far you want to push them is another story. At this point, you need to be tipping the installer on the side. :-)
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As far as negotiating the prices on the CX-7, I doubt you can get them much lower--you're already down to a $15 negotiating differential. Is there a plus-zero size tire that is more affordably priced? If the car is a long-term keeper and tire costs are a concern, you might even swap out the wheels for 18s or even 17s if they will fit.
I have purchased two sets of tires from Discount Tire Direct, and their customer service was outstanding. I also had my sidewall-bubbled tire on my GLI changed out at a Discount Tire store, and was impressed with the service there, as well. I wouldn't feel bad about buying something from them.
That would define me.....all of our cars have 2 sets of tires and usually at least one of them has a second set of wheels and tire pressure sensors. The Focus gets a new set of winter tires every other fall and new summer tires every couple summers. That's how it was with the Civic.
I still have Chippy's set of winter tires/wheels/tire pressure sensors in the garage, I'll put them up for sale closer to winter.
I already checked on the price of Blizzaks for the Explorer and about died.........$360 each! 255/50R20......OUCH! I'll probably buy some wheels and tire pressure sensors next year since the tires are so expensive, unless I can score a deal off CL, that's doubtful though since the Explorer is a 2014.
Last fall we spent about $2000 on winter tires, new ones for the Focus and Chippy and scored a decent set of used winter tires for the Yaris off CL for $60.
Since we will most likely be adding a truck to the stable that will be another set of winter tires needed. Hubby is driving me nuts about buying a truck for him, he's wanted one for a while since I didn't like Chippy getting dirty.
Explorer and Focus
Explorer
The van has a trade-in value of $333 so the new tires didn't quite double the value. :-)
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
Almost but not quite. The ruby red metallic replaced the red candy metallic in 2013. Hubby's Focus was the last red candy Focus in the state when we bought it last year. My '11 F-150 was red candy as well, neat color but I like the ruby red better.
Congrats on the punch, you'll be happy with the Explorer, I've always enjoyed them when I had one as a rental.
@ the dealer...
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rayainsw/media/2013%20GTI/mybmwandthevwsamelight- photo4crop_zps5dbfba08.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2
Ah, so the truth comes out! That's much like having a quarter horse, but only riding it in parades.... :P
For your Explorer, you might consider going with a 17 or 18" rim on it (assuming a 17" would fit; I'm sure an 18" would). A 17" rim would likely drop the cost of your tires by a full $100 each (no joke!). Even if you splurge and spend like $800 or 900 on a set of rims, you'll make up that cost quickly.
It never ceases to amaze me how ridiculously over-sized rims are these days.