I have to give two big thumbs-up to the Blizzak LM-25 tires on my wife's 328i. Yesterday we got hit by a fairly potent blast of winter precipitation and I wound up having to drive over 100 miles on mostly snow-covered roads. No problems at all. I had to try to get the car even a bit out of shape. Now, a lot of credit also goes to the 3er and its sophisticated stability/traction control system, but it sure proves that RWD works just fine in the winter as long as you have the proper rubber at all four corners.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Good to know. The BMW is my 1st DD that I haven't put snow tires on. It is good to know that the rear drivers are still safe to drive in the snow when properly equipped. You are correct about the 3er's sophisticated stability control/traction control system. I think the front axles (in my car) rarely get power unless I'm starting on a hill from a dead stop. The aforementioned trac/stab systems really do a lot of the work getting the car going and keeping it on the road.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
However...I've found that my WR-G2s (a grippy "all weather" tire) have made me overconfident in the snow. I've been speeding in my Subaru more, even with snow on the road.
The WR-G2s have helped the FWD van a lot in the wet but they haven't performed miracles with the snow.
@xwesx, since you aren't having winter this year, what are you doing to get your fix? We're up to around 120" and the morning walk was a bit chilly at 3 °F. But the sun is out today for the second time this month.
I am itchin' to buy a new ride but I am so screwed with my Mini Cooper that I can't count on it for the next down payment. It's a great car in great shape with all the right options but it has the notorious Mini Cooper "Chewbacca" sound, which is a shriek from the clutch in first gear with a cold engine. Goes away after 15 minutes tops. It's the dual-mass flywheel vibrating. Known factory defect....harmless to the car (I've had the noise for over 60,000 miles). But who's going to believe me when they hear this thing? What's the alternative? Spend $2200 to fix a squeak? S
Wait! There's more! Catch this----THREE YEARS after I buy the car on a clean CARFAX, an accident shows up on the report, from way back in 2008 before I owned the car! Say what, Carfax? Call 'em up, they say...well, accidents can appear anytime on your record, even years after you buy the car, as "new data is released".
So now this really nice, good-running $8500 car is worth diddley. Fortunately, it's fun to drive and I really like it--but it kills my options to trade in. It's either a distress sale or keep it I guess.
I was impressed with the drivers in last night's commute home. Rte 128s (aka I95, 93) was steadily slow all the way from work to home. No AWD maniacs and only one overly slow driver. But he was driving a first gen Caddy CTS, rwd, so maybe not overly cautious!
XF did fine, as expected. But, 128 was in good shape, well plowed and did not feel too slippery. Sadly (for me), I think the XK with the Conti DWS tires would have done fine also... The XF trac/stab did kick in once as I was going slowly around a sharp corner, must have been some ice under the snow as the XF started sliding towards the guard rail, but the electronics and my easing off snapped everything back into place.
Of course, this morning, when I opened the trunk to grab my snow brush, all the snow slid into the trunk! Ok, snow brush now in the car....
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@jayrider said:
Oh yeah, you can take a deduction by putting a tomatoe sign on your truck. I suggest you spell it "Termatas" which is how my uncle pronounced it. This way when you get audited, the IRS will go easier on you based on the obvious mental challenges you face getting your tax return in order.
Ha ha you have obviously seen my self prepared business tax return!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
And, speaking of the XF: Bit of a road trip last week, to the lovely hills of northeastern Connecticut for a bit of entertainment. Roundtrip:
~220 miles 80/20 Highway/local
Avg. 49 mph
Avg. 27.3 mpg
Well, I didn't buy a Prius. But, not too bad. Because it was a bit warmer, the Stop/Start was functional. I'm still getting used to it, but it's not overly obtrusive at restart. And nice to see the MPG-O_Meter static rather than falling as stops.
Really good ride/handling combo although the ride seems a bit "busier" than the XK. Possibly the tires or the extra weight and AWD system of the XF over the XK. But, the XF holds the road solidly, the body doesn't roll and it cruises at any speed effortlessly. There is noticeable wind noise around the side view mirror, however. Luckily, the 825 watt Meridian sound system negates that.
Same comfortable, firm, well-sized leather covered steering wheel as the XK, wish I had the XK seats. Although I've found a comfy driving position, I miss the infinite adjustmens (including side bolsters!) of the XK seats. Love the dashboard area, the touch screen can be a bit slow, mostly in the NAV function, but the graphics are sharp and it has quickly become familiar. Heated seats have three levels, but to me, all are scorching after a few minutes. And, heated steering wheel, where have you been all my life! Yes, I'm in love.
At night, the phosporesent blue interior lighting is "cool." But, and here is the biggest negative so far, the headlights are sub-standard (as I"ve read in a couple of reviews). And, no front fog lights, an oversight on Jag's part. If you're considering an XF, drive it at night first.
And, stylewise, both inside and out, I find the XF to be a sharp dressed man! About to hit 1000 miles on the odo, I guess it's time to start thinking about my next car....
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
@MrShift@Edmunds said:
I am itchin' to buy a new ride but I am so screwed with my Mini Cooper that I can't count on it for the next down payment. It's a great car in great shape with all the right options but it has the notorious Mini Cooper "Chewbacca" sound, which is a shriek from the clutch in first gear with a cold engine. Goes away after 15 minutes tops. It's the dual-mass flywheel vibrating. Known factory defect....harmless to the car (I've had the noise for over 60,000 miles). But who's going to believe me when they hear this thing? What's the alternative? Spend $2200 to fix a squeak? S
Wait! There's more! Catch this----THREE YEARS after I buy the car on a clean CARFAX, an accident shows up on the report, from way back in 2008 before I owned the car! Say what, Carfax? Call 'em up, they say...well, accidents can appear anytime on your record, even years after you buy the car, as "new data is released".
So now this really nice, good-running $8500 car is worth diddley. Fortunately, it's fun to drive and I really like it--but it kills my options to trade in. It's either a distress sale or keep it I guess.
You can do what some of our customers used to do. Just make sure it's good and warmed up before you trade it in!
I lost confidence in Car Fax a long time ago. Key scratches can show up as "accidents" and
a lot of events never show up. Car Faxes can scare people away from great cars and vise versa.
Glad you are happy with the XF! I LOVE the heated steering wheel. Are the XF's light's Xenon? Auto leveling? Adaptive? If they are Xenon, maybe you can have them adjusted at the dealer ("raised maybe"). It would make a world of difference and not blind oncoming traffic too much.
unfortunately, carfax has made a name for itself. People know the name from advertising & I'm sure it helps sell used cars. Look at @graphicguy 's 2011 Acura TL SH AWD. It was involved in an accident that sustained what, $14,000 worth of damage. He traded it in after it was fixed and it never showed up on the car fax.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Car fax is good if it picks up something major and reports it accurately (say airbag deploy or frame damage). But you sure can't assume no news is good news!
The other problem is magnitude. A few used cars I looked at recently showed an accident with a generic rear impact note. But with that no clue if it was a parking lot bump with no damage or maybe a new bumper cover vs. losing half the rear if the car.
At least when you sell on Craig's no one asks for or expects a car smack! Though one lady asked for one on my odyssey so I found a real cheap (maybe free) online version. And of course she did not end up buying it anyway.
Edmunds has partnered up with Carfax again. (link). AutoCheck from Equifax is the other big player and I think they are tied in with Kelley. Carfax has been getting some pushback from some dealers. (dealerlaw.com).
Seems like if you were selling on craigslist, offering a free report would help (assuming it doesn't look like Shifty's. ).
Well interestingly enough, Autocheck doesn't show my car in an accident. What's annoying is that this "accident" has zero details. When i bought this car I went over it with a fine tooth comb--it's never been hit that I can see.
Yeah sure, I could warm the car up and sell it, but "do onto others" and all that. What really bugs me is that the noise is meaningless. It has no mechanical consequence. All it is, is BMW's built in "Don't Buy Me" alarm system.
@MrShift@Edmunds said:
My formula: Success in snow driving is 25% car, 25% tires, 50% driver.
I'm not sure of the exact breakdown, but I'm pretty sure tires are twice as important as the vehicle... (He says, as he passes the Nissan Sentra going uphill in his RWD BMW coupe with winter shoes..)
@kyfdx@Edmunds said:
I'm pretty sure tires are twice as important as the vehicle...
If we were only talking about drivetrain layout vs. tires, I would agree. But, you have to consider the full mechanical functionality (including condition of parts) when referring to "vehicle." When you do that, the vehicle is just as important as the tires.
Steve, to answer your question, I have had no disappointment in the roads this winter. It is much warmer than a normal winter, to be sure, but warmer weather generally equates to slicker roads. And, naturally, slicker roads results in a bigger smile on my face. Now, if only I could figure out some way to convince all the timids to stay home one day a week. Is that really too much to ask?
Traffic aside, it takes quite a bit to slow me down (I typically drive w/in 5 of the speed limit). I haven't hit that point yet this winter.
In some ways, I really miss the slalom action I was able to experience in Buffalo, NY, on I-79, December 24th, 2001. The conditions (including car, which was a FWD rental w/ all seasons) warranted significantly slowing down (I drove 35-40), yet that hour of driving remains one of my fondest driving memories.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
@xwesx said:
In some ways, I really miss the slalom action I was able to experience in Buffalo, NY, on
We had a drive like that in the late 90s that's still pretty vivid to me too. Flew into Newark from AK, and promptly drove a rental a few hours north to near West Point on the Garden State and Palisades parkways. There was ~6 inches of fresh snow for one stretch and quite a few idiots had simply stopped in the middle of the road, in the dark.
Something tells me that car shopping is pretty bad east of the Mississippi right now. Good month to buy used though.
"Used cars typically lose a good chunk of their value when the clock strikes midnight New Year's Eve and models suddenly become one year older in many buyers' minds. For instance, Edmunds says the typical 2009 model sold for $19,392 in December 2012 but $18,738 in January 2013 — a 3.4% drop in just one month." (thestreet.com)
Glad you are happy with the XF! I LOVE the heated steering wheel. Are the XF's light's Xenon? Auto leveling? Adaptive? If they are Xenon, maybe you can have them adjusted at the dealer ("raised maybe"). It would make a world of difference and not blind oncoming traffic too much.
isellhondas
unfortunately, carfax has made a name for itself. People know the name from advertising & I'm sure it helps sell used cars. Look at graphicguy 's 2011 Acura TL SH AWD. It was involved in an accident that sustained what, $14,000 worth of damage. He traded it in after it was fixed and it never showed up on the car fax.
I actually felt badly about that.....trading it before Carfax could register the accident. Still do. That said, I didn't feel badly enough to keep me from trading it in. I hope (pray) whomever bought that car has had nothing but issue free motoring (which I've convinced myself they have).
GG, I have no qualms trading in a repaired car to a dealer. They are professionals, and are perfectly capable of inspecting the car. And I am not going to volunteer anything about it to them if I don't feel like it.
hey, they are perfectly willing to sell me a car that had been repaired without mentioning the fact, even when they know about it. And of course, they will swear that it makes no difference to the value. But only if they have it for sale (certainly not if they are appraising it as a trade in)
@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Well interestingly enough, Autocheck doesn't show my car in an accident. What's annoying is that this "accident" has zero details. When i bought this car I went over it with a fine tooth comb--it's never been hit that I can see.
Yeah sure, I could warm the car up and sell it, but "do onto others" and all that. What really bugs me is that the noise is meaningless. It has no mechanical consequence. All it is, is BMW's built in "Don't Buy Me" alarm system.
Oh, I know you wouldn't fail to disclose this noise but I can tell you that others sure would in a heartbeat. I think I would simply tell any prospective buyer that this is non life threatening and that you have had this for 60,000 miles. That will no doubt scare some off and others will believe you (or already know about this) and won't care.
Same with the Carfax. You have a reputation as a professional appraiser and I would simply tell them how you look for evidence of accidents.
A know someone who had a kid on a bicycle bust off her outside mirror. The kid's parents had insurance that covered such things and it was easily replaced.
Ah, but the lovely Car Fax states** " ACCIDENT REPORTED"** This can easily
queer a sale. As I said earlier they aren't always accurate and I have not a lot of faith in them.
@isellhondas said: This can easily queer a sale. As I said earlier they aren't always accurate and I have not a lot of faith in them.
Yes, isell, it can. But CARFAX reports are merely a tool I used along with other tools to properly appraise a trade. You can't put all your eggs in one basket, if you know what I mean.
If a CARFAX report states there was an accident, I would show the report to the customer and ask him what happened. Once I know, I look at where he said the damage was. I then look for quality of repair, frame damage, etcetera. If the customer says he was unaware of any damage, then I put the trade up on a lift and really eye the car from every angle.
But I agree, the value of a CARFAX is limited because they do not specify the extent of the damage or what the cause of the damage.
If a body shop paints a door and it is reported to CARFAX, you don't know if it was a scratch, a ping dent or a side-swipe.
Breld, finally over that nasty flu...had it from Friday night till Monday night...just read that you decided against the purchase. Sorry to hear as I was willing to go over and do a look see. I am based over at Hertz on Pembroke Rd. just east of 95 and am not that far away. But I kinda agree with your wife here so probably passing on it right now is the best decision. But just in case, I am ready to go look as I am working at Hertz the next two days.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@breld said:
Thanks Sandy - if I change my mind (not that I ever do that ), I'll let you know.
Hope you're recovering okay. The flu is pretty nasty these days.
My sister in CA has been suffering from influenza A since late last week. I think one of her kids picked it up too.
Breld, we'll be up your way tomorrow. Wife has to teach in Loveland tomorrow night so we're driving up tomorrow afternoon. Staying the night up there then back to CR on Friday.
Of course it has to be the day where the roads are expected to be a mess!
I have my 2013 GTI back from the dealer. There was a patch low on the driver’s side rear door roughly 4” across where the clearcoat was coming off the paint. No damage – I had a body guy I trust look at it – no scratches, dents, etc.
They obtained authorization from VW to repaint that door under warranty. And they did a very good job.
My question is: will this ‘repair’ likely show up on a CarFAX ?
Thanks,
Ray
Happy to be back in the GTI – after a week in that doodle-bug . . .
Remember this ...... All reported accidents will end up on Carfax.. Any dealer approved work will end up there to. Your Vin number is like a inmates jail number.
Sometimes its best to find a mom and pop store to do the work that wont report a claim/accident to Carfax.. Once your vehicle is on these reports front , back, side accidents and even thou it was fixed the real value will be thousands less.
look at this example;
Your sitting at a light with your 2008 Bmw garaged and beautiful. Someone from behind hits you and puts a small scratch on your bumper. You exchange info and the police file a report, no ticket, no damange everyone's ok. You pay to have the bumber fixed. 3 yrs later you want to trade your nice bmw . book says 21k great condition.. dealers telling you 17,500 cause your vehicle came up on carfax it was in a rear end collision. You cant remember were you receipt was for just having to paint the bumber.. Carfax and dealer dont car at this point 3 yrs later..
My point also on above scenario is, If i hit you from behind I might want that police report to state nobody's hurt so later down the line its harder to sue me for false claims..
Claims clean carfax (since we are on the subject), but seems to me something is up. What is with the doorjamb that looks like the stickers have been removed and reapplied over a weld seam?? Or am I seeing things?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My understanding is that some of the repair guides (Mitchell 1?) also collect service information and provide that to the reporting services. Usually this is the kind of maintenance info that would show up where the oil change/odometer comments are but they might include body repairs. Part of the deal the indy shops have with the repair guides is that they will share this kind of information. So the Mom & Pop may report "collisions" too.
Claims clean carfax (since we are on the subject), but seems to me something is up. What is with the doorjamb that looks like the stickers have been removed and reapplied over a weld seam?? Or am I seeing things?
No, I see it too. Why would the BMW dealer sell it to another dealer? Seems odd to me.
The BMW dealer wholesaling a 13 year old trade-in isn't that unusual.. My BMW dealer sales team doesn't really want to deal with anything under $20K, as it brings in the riffraff (like me)..
@stickguy said:
GG, I have no qualms trading in a repaired car to a dealer. They are professionals, and are perfectly capable of inspecting the car. And I am not going to volunteer anything about it to them if I don't feel like it.
hey, they are perfectly willing to sell me a car that had been repaired without mentioning the fact, even when they know about it. And of course, they will swear that it makes no difference to the value. But only if they have it for sale (certainly not if they are appraising it as a trade in)
Stickguy....you're right. I this case, the dealer was so much in a hurry to make a deal, they must not have looked very closely.
I know what I look for when buy a used car.....overspray under hood/trunk, mistmatched paint on frame and undercarriage, new parts and paint, doorjam mismatched paint, wheel rash, etc. Lots of ways to tell.
The TL was repaired very, very well. But, if someone would have put it up on a rack, they would have seen evidence of repairs. They didn't.
I'm imagining at some point the Carfax report would have caught up to the repairs. What that time delta is from repair to report, I really don't know.
That said, I was unaware of ANY issues with the car once it was repaired. If they would have asked if there were any issues or wrecks, I would have been forthcoming.
Maybe I'm trying to convince myself I'm a nice guy, also.
BTW....I forgot how good the TLs with SH AWD are in wintery weather, as well as great handlers in the dry.
Loveland, huh? There's a nice strip of car dealerships right off the highway up there, including COs BMW, and a nice Mini showroom! If you happen to be killing any time at the BMW dealer, ask for Zach Gurley. Very nice guy and an enthusiast himself - he special ordered a manual trannie F30 328i for himself.
@breld said:
Loveland, huh? There's a nice strip of car dealerships right off the highway up there, including COs BMW, and a nice Mini showroom! If you happen to be killing any time at the BMW dealer, ask for Zach Gurley. Very nice guy and an enthusiast himself - he special ordered a manual trannie F30 328i for himself.
I'll have a couple of hours to kill while the wife is teaching tonight, so I may pop by if the mood strikes.
You know, the wife has been talking about the MINI Countryman....
Remember this ...... All reported accidents will end up on Carfax.. Any dealer approved work will end up there to. Your Vin number is like a inmates jail number.
Sometimes its best to find a mom and pop store to do the work that wont report a claim/accident to Carfax.. Once your vehicle is on these reports front , back, side accidents and even thou it was fixed the real value will be thousands less.
look at this example;
Your sitting at a light with your 2008 Bmw garaged and beautiful. Someone from behind hits you and puts a small scratch on your bumper. You exchange info and the police file a report, no ticket, no damange everyone's ok. You pay to have the bumber fixed. 3 yrs later you want to trade your nice bmw . book says 21k great condition.. dealers telling you 17,500 cause your vehicle came up on carfax it was in a rear end collision. You cant remember were you receipt was for just having to paint the bumber.. Carfax and dealer dont car at this point 3 yrs later..
My point also on above scenario is, If i hit you from behind I might want that police report to state nobody's hurt so later down the line its harder to sue me for false claims..
Brian,
" All" reported accidents DO NOT always show up on Car Faxes. It's not that cut and dried and no talways accurate. You are assuming that.
Also, the most minor of "accidents" that amounted to next to nothing can show up.
As Mike said, Carfaxes are a TOOL and they can be helpful but they are not gospel!
book says 21k great condition.. dealers telling you 17,500 cause your vehicle came up on carfax it was in a rear end collision. You cant remember were you receipt was for just having to paint the bumber.. Carfax and dealer don't care at this point 3 yrs later..
I think the dealers use this harder against the person trading in the car than they should. Friend had an F150 where a lady backed against rear bumper. No damage. But when he went to trade the dealer acted like it was the end of the world because it showed on their CarFax or Verifax or something because of report. IIRC he did NOT have any repair work done. I think they were trying to lowball him on trade in value. He traded at another Ford dealer for essentially the typical trade in value.
@graphicguy said:
I know what I look for when buy a used car.....overspray under hood/trunk, mistmatched paint on frame and undercarriage, new parts and paint, doorjam mismatched paint, wheel rash, etc. Lots of ways to tell.
Since dealers don't have to disclose damage to a new car in most states (and the max can be a bit high - $6,000 iirc in Ohio), going over a new car with a fine tooth comb isn't a bad idea either.
Those stickers have definitely been removed & reapplied. That looks like a horrible clear coat drip too. Also, It looks like the back bumper isn't sitting quite flush. So I'm sure that's been removed & repainted too. Also, didn't those early E46 M3's have some kind of engine trouble where BMW recalled them because of faulty connecting rods. BMW fixed, then warrantied the repaired motors for 10 years or 110K miles.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Just wanted to rant. Started to car shop. Looked at an MDX, Explorer and and Pathfinder. The MDX process was awesome. Left in 15 minutes with a detailed quote. Ford was brutal had to ask for the selling price of the car (it was a lease). Was like pulling teeth. We basically got a payment and that was it. Nissan was just as bad. My wife got the quote. It was for a different trim even though she asked for a specific car/trim. And the one question she had they answered wrong.
" All" reported accidents DO NOT always show up on Car Faxes. It's not that cut and dried and no talways accurate. You are assuming that.
Also, the most minor of "accidents" that amounted to next to nothing can show up.
As Mike said, Carfaxes are a TOOL and they can be helpful but they are not gospel!
Isellhondas
I would consider myself lucky if i were in a auto accident that a police report was filed and Ins. company paid out and Carfax had no knowledge of..................... Here ie why..
Carfax buys info from Ins. companies. Carfax gets info from thousands of sources and has over 6 billion records on file. Carfax has deals with motor vehicle bureau's in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Where they get info about mileage, flood damage, titles, lemon buybacks,accidents,thefts,liens,and ownership transfers.
Carfax gets info from auto auctions, car dealers, repair svc facilities, rental co., fire and law enforcement depts as well as state inspection stations. Once your vin number is put into state DMV, and Ins. data base's you are on record and 95% will be picked up by Carfax or Autofax.
I asked my son who is a nypd sgt. in the anti crime unit. He tells me once dmv has you on record w/ accident carfax will know about it.
I took a look at the dealer inventory .. no Countryman S with ALL4 in stock. Which seems strange since that's the most popular configuration here in Colorado.
@brian125 said:
I asked my son who is a nypd sgt. in the anti crime unit. He tells me once dmv has you on record w/ accident carfax will know about it.
The accident on my car showed up on Carfax before it was even out of the body shop.
Update on my son. Since he is pretty sure that his temp job will at least last the year (though still hoping he gets a real job!) he is back on the new car bandwagon. Latest item researching is a Kia forte 5 door EX. If he can get over the Kia stigma! Nice package. Quick, still good mpg, and pretty loaded for the price after a rebate and college grad program. Could save a bit over the Mazda. Not sure if enough to matter though.
With the crappy weather lately better to hold onto the old one though.
@robbieg said:
Just wanted to rant. Started to car shop. Looked at an MDX, Explorer and and Pathfinder. The MDX process was awesome. Left in 15 minutes with a detailed quote. Ford was brutal had to ask for the selling price of the car (it was a lease). Was like pulling teeth. We basically got a payment and that was it. Nissan was just as bad. My wife got the quote. It was for a different trim even though she asked for a specific car/trim. And the one question she had they answered wrong.
@stickguy said:
Update on my son. Since he is pretty sure that his temp job will at least last the year (though still hoping he gets a real job!) he is back on the new car bandwagon. Latest item researching is a Kia forte 5 door EX. If he can get over the Kia stigma! Nice package. Quick, still good mpg, and pretty loaded for the price after a rebate and college grad program. Could save a bit over the Mazda. Not sure if enough to matter though.
I like the look of that new Forte 5 door. But I'd give some consideration to resale value - those Mazda3's do really well; not so sure on the Kia.
Funny - after I read your post I looked at their inventory too to see if I could tempt you over there. You're right - very slim on their Countryman inventory. Weird.
Comments
I have to give two big thumbs-up to the Blizzak LM-25 tires on my wife's 328i. Yesterday we got hit by a fairly potent blast of winter precipitation and I wound up having to drive over 100 miles on mostly snow-covered roads. No problems at all. I had to try to get the car even a bit out of shape. Now, a lot of credit also goes to the 3er and its sophisticated stability/traction control system, but it sure proves that RWD works just fine in the winter as long as you have the proper rubber at all four corners.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@roadburner
Good to know. The BMW is my 1st DD that I haven't put snow tires on. It is good to know that the rear drivers are still safe to drive in the snow when properly equipped. You are correct about the 3er's sophisticated stability control/traction control system. I think the front axles (in my car) rarely get power unless I'm starting on a hill from a dead stop. The aforementioned trac/stab systems really do a lot of the work getting the car going and keeping it on the road.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
My formula: Success in snow driving is 25% car, 25% tires, 50% driver.
At least 50% driver! All said, I think that formula is pretty much dead-on.
I love winter driving. LOVE it!
However...I've found that my WR-G2s (a grippy "all weather" tire) have made me overconfident in the snow. I've been speeding in my Subaru more, even with snow on the road.
The WR-G2s have helped the FWD van a lot in the wet but they haven't performed miracles with the snow.
@xwesx, since you aren't having winter this year, what are you doing to get your fix? We're up to around 120" and the morning walk was a bit chilly at 3 °F. But the sun is out today for the second time this month.
I am itchin' to buy a new ride but I am so screwed with my Mini Cooper that I can't count on it for the next down payment. It's a great car in great shape with all the right options but it has the notorious Mini Cooper "Chewbacca" sound, which is a shriek from the clutch in first gear with a cold engine. Goes away after 15 minutes tops. It's the dual-mass flywheel vibrating. Known factory defect....harmless to the car (I've had the noise for over 60,000 miles). But who's going to believe me when they hear this thing? What's the alternative? Spend $2200 to fix a squeak? S
Wait! There's more! Catch this----THREE YEARS after I buy the car on a clean CARFAX, an accident shows up on the report, from way back in 2008 before I owned the car! Say what, Carfax? Call 'em up, they say...well, accidents can appear anytime on your record, even years after you buy the car, as "new data is released".
So now this really nice, good-running $8500 car is worth diddley. Fortunately, it's fun to drive and I really like it--but it kills my options to trade in. It's either a distress sale or keep it I guess.
I was impressed with the drivers in last night's commute home. Rte 128s (aka I95, 93) was steadily slow all the way from work to home. No AWD maniacs and only one overly slow driver. But he was driving a first gen Caddy CTS, rwd, so maybe not overly cautious!
XF did fine, as expected. But, 128 was in good shape, well plowed and did not feel too slippery. Sadly (for me), I think the XK with the Conti DWS tires would have done fine also... The XF trac/stab did kick in once as I was going slowly around a sharp corner, must have been some ice under the snow as the XF started sliding towards the guard rail, but the electronics and my easing off snapped everything back into place.
Of course, this morning, when I opened the trunk to grab my snow brush, all the snow slid into the trunk! Ok, snow brush now in the car....
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Ha ha you have obviously seen my self prepared business tax return!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
And, speaking of the XF: Bit of a road trip last week, to the lovely hills of northeastern Connecticut for a bit of entertainment. Roundtrip:
~220 miles 80/20 Highway/local
Avg. 49 mph
Avg. 27.3 mpg
Well, I didn't buy a Prius. But, not too bad. Because it was a bit warmer, the Stop/Start was functional. I'm still getting used to it, but it's not overly obtrusive at restart. And nice to see the MPG-O_Meter static rather than falling as stops.
Really good ride/handling combo although the ride seems a bit "busier" than the XK. Possibly the tires or the extra weight and AWD system of the XF over the XK. But, the XF holds the road solidly, the body doesn't roll and it cruises at any speed effortlessly. There is noticeable wind noise around the side view mirror, however. Luckily, the 825 watt Meridian sound system negates that.
Same comfortable, firm, well-sized leather covered steering wheel as the XK, wish I had the XK seats. Although I've found a comfy driving position, I miss the infinite adjustmens (including side bolsters!) of the XK seats. Love the dashboard area, the touch screen can be a bit slow, mostly in the NAV function, but the graphics are sharp and it has quickly become familiar. Heated seats have three levels, but to me, all are scorching after a few minutes. And, heated steering wheel, where have you been all my life! Yes, I'm in love.
At night, the phosporesent blue interior lighting is "cool." But, and here is the biggest negative so far, the headlights are sub-standard (as I"ve read in a couple of reviews). And, no front fog lights, an oversight on Jag's part. If you're considering an XF, drive it at night first.
And, stylewise, both inside and out, I find the XF to be a sharp dressed man! About to hit 1000 miles on the odo, I guess it's time to start thinking about my next car....
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
You can do what some of our customers used to do. Just make sure it's good and warmed up before you trade it in!
I lost confidence in Car Fax a long time ago. Key scratches can show up as "accidents" and
a lot of events never show up. Car Faxes can scare people away from great cars and vise versa.
@laurasdada
Glad you are happy with the XF! I LOVE the heated steering wheel. Are the XF's light's Xenon? Auto leveling? Adaptive? If they are Xenon, maybe you can have them adjusted at the dealer ("raised maybe"). It would make a world of difference and not blind oncoming traffic too much.
@isellhondas
unfortunately, carfax has made a name for itself. People know the name from advertising & I'm sure it helps sell used cars. Look at @graphicguy 's 2011 Acura TL SH AWD. It was involved in an accident that sustained what, $14,000 worth of damage. He traded it in after it was fixed and it never showed up on the car fax.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Car fax is good if it picks up something major and reports it accurately (say airbag deploy or frame damage). But you sure can't assume no news is good news!
The other problem is magnitude. A few used cars I looked at recently showed an accident with a generic rear impact note. But with that no clue if it was a parking lot bump with no damage or maybe a new bumper cover vs. losing half the rear if the car.
At least when you sell on Craig's no one asks for or expects a car smack! Though one lady asked for one on my odyssey so I found a real cheap (maybe free) online version. And of course she did not end up buying it anyway.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds has partnered up with Carfax again. (link). AutoCheck from Equifax is the other big player and I think they are tied in with Kelley. Carfax has been getting some pushback from some dealers. (dealerlaw.com).
Seems like if you were selling on craigslist, offering a free report would help (assuming it doesn't look like Shifty's.
).
Well interestingly enough, Autocheck doesn't show my car in an accident. What's annoying is that this "accident" has zero details. When i bought this car I went over it with a fine tooth comb--it's never been hit that I can see.
Yeah sure, I could warm the car up and sell it, but "do onto others" and all that. What really bugs me is that the noise is meaningless. It has no mechanical consequence. All it is, is BMW's built in "Don't Buy Me" alarm system.
I'm not sure of the exact breakdown, but I'm pretty sure tires are twice as important as the vehicle... (He says, as he passes the Nissan Sentra going uphill in his RWD BMW coupe with winter shoes..)
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If we were only talking about drivetrain layout vs. tires, I would agree. But, you have to consider the full mechanical functionality (including condition of parts) when referring to "vehicle." When you do that, the vehicle is just as important as the tires.
Steve, to answer your question, I have had no disappointment in the roads this winter. It is much warmer than a normal winter, to be sure, but warmer weather generally equates to slicker roads. And, naturally, slicker roads results in a bigger smile on my face. Now, if only I could figure out some way to convince all the timids to stay home one day a week. Is that really too much to ask?
Traffic aside, it takes quite a bit to slow me down (I typically drive w/in 5 of the speed limit). I haven't hit that point yet this winter.
In some ways, I really miss the slalom action I was able to experience in Buffalo, NY, on I-79, December 24th, 2001. The conditions (including car, which was a FWD rental w/ all seasons) warranted significantly slowing down (I drove 35-40), yet that hour of driving remains one of my fondest driving memories.
We had a drive like that in the late 90s that's still pretty vivid to me too. Flew into Newark from AK, and promptly drove a rental a few hours north to near West Point on the Garden State and Palisades parkways. There was ~6 inches of fresh snow for one stretch and quite a few idiots had simply stopped in the middle of the road, in the dark.
Something tells me that car shopping is pretty bad east of the Mississippi right now. Good month to buy used though.
"Used cars typically lose a good chunk of their value when the clock strikes midnight New Year's Eve and models suddenly become one year older in many buyers' minds. For instance, Edmunds says the typical 2009 model sold for $19,392 in December 2012 but $18,738 in January 2013 — a 3.4% drop in just one month." (thestreet.com)
I actually felt badly about that.....trading it before Carfax could register the accident. Still do. That said, I didn't feel badly enough to keep me from trading it in. I hope (pray) whomever bought that car has had nothing but issue free motoring (which I've convinced myself they have).
GG, I have no qualms trading in a repaired car to a dealer. They are professionals, and are perfectly capable of inspecting the car. And I am not going to volunteer anything about it to them if I don't feel like it.
hey, they are perfectly willing to sell me a car that had been repaired without mentioning the fact, even when they know about it. And of course, they will swear that it makes no difference to the value. But only if they have it for sale (certainly not if they are appraising it as a trade in)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh, I know you wouldn't fail to disclose this noise but I can tell you that others sure would in a heartbeat. I think I would simply tell any prospective buyer that this is non life threatening and that you have had this for 60,000 miles. That will no doubt scare some off and others will believe you (or already know about this) and won't care.
Same with the Carfax. You have a reputation as a professional appraiser and I would simply tell them how you look for evidence of accidents.
A know someone who had a kid on a bicycle bust off her outside mirror. The kid's parents had insurance that covered such things and it was easily replaced.
Ah, but the lovely Car Fax states** " ACCIDENT REPORTED"** This can easily
queer a sale. As I said earlier they aren't always accurate and I have not a lot of faith in them.
Yes, isell, it can. But CARFAX reports are merely a tool I used along with other tools to properly appraise a trade. You can't put all your eggs in one basket, if you know what I mean.
If a CARFAX report states there was an accident, I would show the report to the customer and ask him what happened. Once I know, I look at where he said the damage was. I then look for quality of repair, frame damage, etcetera. If the customer says he was unaware of any damage, then I put the trade up on a lift and really eye the car from every angle.
But I agree, the value of a CARFAX is limited because they do not specify the extent of the damage or what the cause of the damage.
If a body shop paints a door and it is reported to CARFAX, you don't know if it was a scratch, a ping dent or a side-swipe.
So, it's just one of many tools available.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Breld, finally over that nasty flu...had it from Friday night till Monday night...just read that you decided against the purchase. Sorry to hear as I was willing to go over and do a look see. I am based over at Hertz on Pembroke Rd. just east of 95 and am not that far away. But I kinda agree with your wife here so probably passing on it right now is the best decision. But just in case, I am ready to go look as I am working at Hertz the next two days.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Thanks Sandy - if I change my mind (not that I ever do that
), I'll let you know.
Hope you're recovering okay. The flu is pretty nasty these days.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
My sister in CA has been suffering from influenza A since late last week. I think one of her kids picked it up too.
Breld, we'll be up your way tomorrow. Wife has to teach in Loveland tomorrow night so we're driving up tomorrow afternoon. Staying the night up there then back to CR on Friday.
Of course it has to be the day where the roads are expected to be a mess!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Question for the Group -
I have my 2013 GTI back from the dealer. There was a patch low on the driver’s side rear door roughly 4” across where the clearcoat was coming off the paint. No damage – I had a body guy I trust look at it – no scratches, dents, etc.
They obtained authorization from VW to repaint that door under warranty. And they did a very good job.
My question is: will this ‘repair’ likely show up on a CarFAX ?
Thanks,
Happy to be back in the GTI – after a week in that doodle-bug . . .
Rayainsw,
Remember this ...... All reported accidents will end up on Carfax.. Any dealer approved work will end up there to. Your Vin number is like a inmates jail number.
Sometimes its best to find a mom and pop store to do the work that wont report a claim/accident to Carfax.. Once your vehicle is on these reports front , back, side accidents and even thou it was fixed the real value will be thousands less.
look at this example;
Your sitting at a light with your 2008 Bmw garaged and beautiful. Someone from behind hits you and puts a small scratch on your bumper. You exchange info and the police file a report, no ticket, no damange everyone's ok. You pay to have the bumber fixed. 3 yrs later you want to trade your nice bmw . book says 21k great condition.. dealers telling you 17,500 cause your vehicle came up on carfax it was in a rear end collision. You cant remember were you receipt was for just having to paint the bumber.. Carfax and dealer dont car at this point 3 yrs later..
My point also on above scenario is, If i hit you from behind I might want that police report to state nobody's hurt so later down the line its harder to sue me for false claims..
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
Lots of red
Claims clean carfax (since we are on the subject), but seems to me something is up. What is with the doorjamb that looks like the stickers have been removed and reapplied over a weld seam?? Or am I seeing things?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My understanding is that some of the repair guides (Mitchell 1?) also collect service information and provide that to the reporting services. Usually this is the kind of maintenance info that would show up where the oil change/odometer comments are but they might include body repairs. Part of the deal the indy shops have with the repair guides is that they will share this kind of information. So the Mom & Pop may report "collisions" too.
No, I see it too. Why would the BMW dealer sell it to another dealer? Seems odd to me.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
The BMW dealer wholesaling a 13 year old trade-in isn't that unusual.. My BMW dealer sales team doesn't really want to deal with anything under $20K, as it brings in the riffraff (like me)..
Not liking that picture of the VIN tag, though...
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Stickguy....you're right. I this case, the dealer was so much in a hurry to make a deal, they must not have looked very closely.
I know what I look for when buy a used car.....overspray under hood/trunk, mistmatched paint on frame and undercarriage, new parts and paint, doorjam mismatched paint, wheel rash, etc. Lots of ways to tell.
The TL was repaired very, very well. But, if someone would have put it up on a rack, they would have seen evidence of repairs. They didn't.
I'm imagining at some point the Carfax report would have caught up to the repairs. What that time delta is from repair to report, I really don't know.
That said, I was unaware of ANY issues with the car once it was repaired. If they would have asked if there were any issues or wrecks, I would have been forthcoming.
Maybe I'm trying to convince myself I'm a nice guy, also.
BTW....I forgot how good the TLs with SH AWD are in wintery weather, as well as great handlers in the dry.
Loveland, huh? There's a nice strip of car dealerships right off the highway up there, including COs BMW, and a nice Mini showroom!
If you happen to be killing any time at the BMW dealer, ask for Zach Gurley. Very nice guy and an enthusiast himself - he special ordered a manual trannie F30 328i for himself.
Drive safe!
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I'll have a couple of hours to kill while the wife is teaching tonight, so I may pop by if the mood strikes.
You know, the wife has been talking about the MINI Countryman....
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Bring the title. Just in case you want to swap rides for drive home
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Brian,
" All" reported accidents DO NOT always show up on Car Faxes. It's not that cut and dried and no talways accurate. You are assuming that.
Also, the most minor of "accidents" that amounted to next to nothing can show up.
As Mike said, Carfaxes are a TOOL and they can be helpful but they are not gospel!
book says 21k great condition.. dealers telling you 17,500 cause your vehicle came up on carfax it was in a rear end collision. You cant remember were you receipt was for just having to paint the bumber.. Carfax and dealer don't care at this point 3 yrs later..
I think the dealers use this harder against the person trading in the car than they should. Friend had an F150 where a lady backed against rear bumper. No damage. But when he went to trade the dealer acted like it was the end of the world because it showed on their CarFax or Verifax or something because of report. IIRC he did NOT have any repair work done. I think they were trying to lowball him on trade in value. He traded at another Ford dealer for essentially the typical trade in value.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Since dealers don't have to disclose damage to a new car in most states (and the max can be a bit high - $6,000 iirc in Ohio), going over a new car with a fine tooth comb isn't a bad idea either.
Nah, we were just talking about this a few days ago and she's pretty happy with the Mazda. Almost 45K on it and no problems (knock on wood!).
With that said, I may take a quick look at the inventory on the lot at the MINI dealer and see if anything grabs my attention.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
@qbrozen
Those stickers have definitely been removed & reapplied. That looks like a horrible clear coat drip too. Also, It looks like the back bumper isn't sitting quite flush. So I'm sure that's been removed & repainted too. Also, didn't those early E46 M3's have some kind of engine trouble where BMW recalled them because of faulty connecting rods. BMW fixed, then warrantied the repaired motors for 10 years or 110K miles.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Just wanted to rant. Started to car shop. Looked at an MDX, Explorer and and Pathfinder. The MDX process was awesome. Left in 15 minutes with a detailed quote. Ford was brutal had to ask for the selling price of the car (it was a lease). Was like pulling teeth. We basically got a payment and that was it. Nissan was just as bad. My wife got the quote. It was for a different trim even though she asked for a specific car/trim. And the one question she had they answered wrong.
Isellhondas, Said
Brian,
" All" reported accidents DO NOT always show up on Car Faxes. It's not that cut and dried and no talways accurate. You are assuming that.
Also, the most minor of "accidents" that amounted to next to nothing can show up.
As Mike said, Carfaxes are a TOOL and they can be helpful but they are not gospel!
Isellhondas
I would consider myself lucky if i were in a auto accident that a police report was filed and Ins. company paid out and Carfax had no knowledge of..................... Here ie why..
Carfax buys info from Ins. companies. Carfax gets info from thousands of sources and has over 6 billion records on file. Carfax has deals with motor vehicle bureau's in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Where they get info about mileage, flood damage, titles, lemon buybacks,accidents,thefts,liens,and ownership transfers.
Carfax gets info from auto auctions, car dealers, repair svc facilities, rental co., fire and law enforcement depts as well as state inspection stations. Once your vin number is put into state DMV, and Ins. data base's you are on record and 95% will be picked up by Carfax or Autofax.
I asked my son who is a nypd sgt. in the anti crime unit. He tells me once dmv has you on record w/ accident carfax will know about it.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
I keep mine with me at all times... ;-)
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I took a look at the dealer inventory .. no Countryman S with ALL4 in stock. Which seems strange since that's the most popular configuration here in Colorado.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
The accident on my car showed up on Carfax before it was even out of the body shop.
Update on my son. Since he is pretty sure that his temp job will at least last the year (though still hoping he gets a real job!) he is back on the new car bandwagon. Latest item researching is a Kia forte 5 door EX. If he can get over the Kia stigma! Nice package. Quick, still good mpg, and pretty loaded for the price after a rebate and college grad program. Could save a bit over the Mazda. Not sure if enough to matter though.
With the crappy weather lately better to hold onto the old one though.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You might cross shop the MDX with the Lexus R350.
OK. Brian...as usual you know more than I do.
Unfortunately you are wrong. Accidents happen that are never reported or show up years later.
Minor key scratches can show up as accidents.
If you son thinks Car Faxes are 100% accurate he is mistaken.
Mix is much roomier and has 3rd row. From what she is looking at seems they want to go big!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I like the look of that new Forte 5 door. But I'd give some consideration to resale value - those Mazda3's do really well; not so sure on the Kia.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Funny - after I read your post I looked at their inventory too to see if I could tempt you over there. You're right - very slim on their Countryman inventory. Weird.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman