Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

mark156 · February 2015

rayainsw said:
Mark156 - what was their first offer
( not including the [ super low-balled ] trades )
?
- Ray
Did you drive the S550? Impressions?

The first offer was $111 that we agreed to (I know, not a steal). You know, I never drove the car, I rode in my neighbors 2014 S550 and it's a typical Mercedes which is very nicely done. The new style came out in 2014 so the 2015 is a second year run. We have bought 9 or 10 Mercedes from them over the years.

At the time we nixed the deal, the new car had not arrived (about a week later).

M156

au1994 · February 2015

mark156 said:

rayainsw said:
Mark156 - what was their first offer
( not including the [ super low-balled ] trades )
?
- Ray
Did you drive the S550? Impressions?
The first offer was $111 that we agreed to (I know, not a steal). You know, I never drove the car, I rode in my neighbors 2014 S550 and it's a typical Mercedes which is very nicely done. The new style came out in 2014 so the 2015 is a second year run. We have bought 9 or 10 Mercedes from them over the years.

At the time we nixed the deal, the new car had not arrived (about a week later).

M156

I would think they would take invoice or ~7% off at this point. That's not a cheap car to have sitting on the lot.

Did you further consider private party selling the trades?

corvette · February 2015

Honestly, if they want your business that badly, I would let them make the second offer. If it's not reasonable, you walk away. If you make the second offer they are going to counter it. If they offer within a few hundred of invoice I can see it being fair. They will still get holdback plus any volume incentives that way. That doesn't mean they will treat you fairly on your trade(s) though.

It rarely works out to be a better deal to trade more than one car in or buy multiple cars at once unless you're talking about a commercial fleet.

mark156 · February 2015

I think we will consider selling the 2 older cars. We might even donate them.

Thanks for the advice..... all opinions are appreciated.

M156

henryn · February 2015

Turbochargers (and superchargers) were very common in aircraft long before they became widespread in automobiles. One of their biggest advantages in airplanes is that they eliminate (or greatly reduce) “the power loss usually experienced in internal combustion engines as a result of reduced air pressure and density at high altitude”.

The part in quotes above is directly lifted from Wikipedia.

I am surprised that someone else didn't jump on this, I thought we had more engineering types here. I guess it's all lawyers and judges and retired car salesmen. (smile)

abacomike · February 2015

mark156 said:

I think we will consider selling the 2 older cars. We might even donate them. Thanks for the advice..... all opinions are appreciated. M156

I buy a new MERCEDES every year and I know there is trunk money on in-stock S Class sedans. Offer them $2000 under invoice for the S550. Stick to your guns and you have a 50-50 chance of making the deal.

Kirstie_H · February 2015

A reporter is looking to talk with a recent car buyer who traded a non-turbocharged car for one that is turbocharged. If you are interested in sharing your driving impressions, please email PR@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info no later than Tues, Feb 17, 2015.

rayainsw · February 2015

LOL - Hi, Kirstie!
I did exactly the reverse, last month!
- Ray
Current driver of a non-turbocharged V8...

boomchek · February 2015

abacomike said:

mark156 said:

I think we will consider selling the 2 older cars. We might even donate them.

Thanks for the advice..... all opinions are appreciated.

M156

What are the two older cars you'd like to get rid of?

fintail · February 2015

I'll even pay for shipping of your E cabrio if you donate it to me. The Rolls, too

mark156 said:
I think we will consider selling the 2 older cars. We might even donate them.

Thanks for the advice..... all opinions are appreciated.

M156

roadburner · February 2015

henryn said:
Turbochargers (and superchargers) were very common in aircraft long before they became widespread in automobiles. One of their biggest advantages in airplanes is that they eliminate (or greatly reduce) “the power loss usually experienced in internal combustion engines as a result of reduced air pressure and density at high altitude”.

The part in quotes above is directly lifted from Wikipedia.

I am surprised that someone else didn't jump on this, I thought we had more engineering types here. I guess it's all lawyers and judges and retired car salesmen. (smile)

I thought it was pretty obvious and just let it go; next question: Why is a turbocharger(or as it was originally known, a turbo supercharger) more efficient than a supercharger?

boomchek · February 2015

fintail said:
I'll even pay for shipping of your E cabrio if you donate it to me. The Rolls, too

mark156 said:
I think we will consider selling the 2 older cars. We might even donate them.

Thanks for the advice..... all opinions are appreciated.

M156

I'd accept a RR donation

My 5 year old son would love to be chauffeured to his kindergarten class in a classic like that

tifighter · February 2015

Michaell said:

rayainsw said:
Perhaps of interest to some here ?
[ VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF SPORTWAGEN ]

http://media.vw.com/release/923/

Yeah, but no AWD / 4Motion option yet. And, lots of griping that the Euro version has better features than what they are sending across the pond.

Mighta been a contenda...

Yet is right, but its going to happen-
automobilemag.com/features/news/1411-awd-confirmed-for-volkswagen-golf-wagon-expected-to-outsell-hatchback/

Not to throw another option at you or anything...;)

ab348 · February 2015

roadburner said:

I thought it was pretty obvious and just let it go; next question: Why is a turbocharger(or as it was originally known, a turbo supercharger) more efficient than a supercharger?

Since the turbo is driven by exhaust gases, I would guess the only cost is some additional back pressure, so some increased pumping losses for the engine. But a supercharger is being driven by engine power itself, so it is a parasitic load on the engine.

stickguy · February 2015

I knew that ab. You just beat me in. Also was going to mention planes but I forgot too.

Michaell · February 2015

tifighter said:

Michaell said:

rayainsw said:
Perhaps of interest to some here ?
[ VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF SPORTWAGEN ]

http://media.vw.com/release/923/

Yeah, but no AWD / 4Motion option yet. And, lots of griping that the Euro version has better features than what they are sending across the pond.

Mighta been a contenda...
Yet is right, but its going to happen-
automobilemag.com/features/news/1411-awd-confirmed-for-volkswagen-golf-wagon-expected-to-outsell-hatchback/

Not to throw another option at you or anything...;)

Well, hmmm.Wife likes VW's .. but, if it isn't available with the 2.0T, it'll probably be a non-starter. The 170HP in the 1.8T may not be enough.

stickguy · February 2015

That is a strong engine. Might be underrated. At least it fights above its weight.

stickguy · February 2015

Damn. This wagon, I like. Might have to rearrange my next car depth chart! Nice that you can get a stick on all trim levels on the TDI. Too bad with the gasser, you are stuck with a strippo model if you want a stick shift.

28firefighter · February 2015

I can tell you that 1.8T is a peppy engine and has way more power than it's 170hp rating lets on. We rented a Passat Wolfsburg over Thanksgiving that had it and I was very pleasantly surprise. It felt faster than my CC 2.0T with DSG.

My guess is that Sportwagen with 1.8T will be quite fun to drive.

Michaell · February 2015

28firefighter said:
I can tell you that 1.8T is a peppy engine and has way more power than it's 170hp rating lets on. We rented a Passat Wolfsburg over Thanksgiving that had it and I was very pleasantly surprise. It felt faster than my CC 2.0T with DSG.

My guess is that Sportwagen with 1.8T will be quite fun to drive.

I'm not disagreeing; I test drove a Jetta with the 1.8T and really enjoyed the engine. Just not 100% certain the wife would agree.

mark156 · February 2015

boomchek said:

abacomike said:

mark156 said:

I think we will consider selling the 2 older cars. We might even donate them.

Thanks for the advice..... all opinions are appreciated.

M156

What are the two older cars you'd like to get rid of?

Boom, we'll will be disposing of the '90 SL500 and the '01 S500.

Fin, the old Roller is a fun car.... a 20 footer.. (looks good from 20 ft. away). LOL!

M156

Sandman6472 · February 2015

Love both our 1.8 turbos, very sweet engines. Still miss the 2.4 the Tucson has sometimes but overall, best decision I ever made vehicle wise. So glad I got the wife to look at the A3 because once she did and signed on the dotted line, I was free to do the same. As of today, wife has just under 2k on hers while I'm just about at 2.5k...gotta drive hers a bit more in the next few weeks. Mine got a nice detail today and sparkles while I took the A3 into the dealer for a wash/vacuum but since the wife parked under a tree and had sap all over it, ended up waxing most of her vehicle once I got it home. White is not a very forgiving color when it comes to reddish tree sap. But overall, we love our 1.8 turbo's!!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472 · February 2015

Kirstie_H, just emailed that person since we purchased not one, but two 1.8 turbo engined vehicles within a week and a half in December of 2014. Sweet little engines which love to be driven...excellent mpg's also especially with my Golf. I get to use regular while the wife's A3 requires premium but such is life. We absolutely love our new vehicles!!!

The Sandman

fintail · February 2015

Just like my fintail, but probably worth 10x as much

If you sell the 500SL yourself, maybe try the MBCA publication.

mark156 said:

Fin, the old Roller is a fun car.... a 20 footer.. (looks good from 20 ft. away). LOL!

M156

corvette · February 2015

michaell, I bet you will be able to get an ECU upgrade for the 1.8T to make it peppier.

abacomike · February 2015

fintail said:

Just like my fintail, but probably worth 10x as much If you sell the 500SL yourself, maybe try the MBCA publication.
Fin, the old Roller is a fun car.... a 20 footer.. (looks good from 20 ft. away). LOL! M156

I agree - it's called "Star Magazine" - I get the mag as I am a member of the Club. Definitely worth a shot.

Sandman6472 · February 2015

The new wagon looks great and has a few features I should've gotten...among them is the lighting package and push button start. Still prefer the smaller size of my hatch and with the Jetta 17" alloys, it does look unique and have been approached at a few petrol stops about it. Think VW has a hit on it's hands here and am happy that I've got a vehicle, two actually, that put a smile on my face the second I open our garage!

The Sandman

Michaell · February 2015

New car update .. got the wife to agree to go to a second dealer in Denver tomorrow if they have an Outback 3.6R for us to drive.

And, no SUV / CUV this go around. Asked her about the Santa Fe and she flatly stated she wanted a 'wagon' this time around.

stickguy · February 2015

Makes it easy sine the sube is your only choice!

stever · February 2015

Boy, you really can't trust polls can you?

Look at that little doggie icon on the end - wonder who that belongs to?

Michaell · February 2015

stickguy said:
Makes it easy since the sube is your only choice!

Exactly.

Just looked at the dealer inventory ... 2 on the lot with Nav/Eyesight/Roof/Keyless. Blue with Ivory and Red with Ivory.

They have a Wilderness Green 3.6R on the lot, but without the option package she wants.

Wife was asking this morning which of the three cars had the most power. Told her the Mazda did, but the MINI could give it a run for the money given it's lighter.

(actually, just looked - the CX-7 has 15.5 pounds per HP, while the MINI has 18.03 per. My E-GT has 18.8, so the MINI is closer in performance to my car than to hers)

28firefighter · February 2015

Latest in the Focus saga...

Ford dealership replaced the clutch, detailed the car (as a good will gesture) and took it on it's check ride. About 15 miles from the dealership, the check engine light went on and the car shutdown. After it's 3rd flatbed back to the dealer in as many weeks, it is apparently showing a code related to the clutch friction plate though the dealer is unclear what that means since the clutch friction plate was replaced with the clutch.

Ford Corporate is remaining mum on the issue and is not even returning my calls anymore!

Michaell · February 2015

28firefighter said:
Latest in the Focus saga...

Ford dealership replaced the clutch, detailed the car (as a good will gesture) and took it on it's check ride. About 15 miles from the dealership, the check engine light went on and the car shutdown. After it's 3rd flatbed back to the dealer in as many weeks, it is apparently showing a code related to the clutch friction plate though the dealer is unclear what that means since the clutch friction plate was replaced with the clutch.

Ford Corporate is remaining mum on the issue and is not even returning my calls anymore!

There's something good about knowing the car failed while in the hands of the dealership. Makes your case for lemon law a little bit easier.

28firefighter · February 2015

Michaell said:

There's something good about knowing the car failed while in the hands of the dealership. Makes your case for lemon law a little bit easier.

They were actually glad that it failed on them, too, I think.

Interesting stuff with the Lemon Law situation - we've spoken with one Attorney who had to refer us out because the car is registered in PA but does not currently live in PA - it is with my sister at school, which makes inspecting the vehicle difficult for a PA based firm.

For some reason, I'm holding out hope that Ford will step up and make it right, though I'm not optimistic.

stickguy · February 2015

Good luck. I know for sure that if it belonged to us, my wife would gave already told he to do something to make it go away, because she would never be willing to ride in it again. And I can't blame her.

28firefighter · February 2015

stickguy said:
Good luck. I know for sure that if it belonged to us, my wife would gave already told he to do something to make it go away, because she would never be willing to ride in it again. And I can't blame her.

We are at that point. My sister doesn't want to drive it anymore. She's been in a Dodge Charger rental for the last 2.5 weeks while it's been in the shop.

Michaell · February 2015

Guys - it just occurred to me that there is a possible competitor to the Outback.

Anybody remember the Toyota Venza? Available V6, available AWD, wagon body style.

But, Lord, are they expensive. $40K and up for XLE or Limited, before options.

kyfdx · February 2015

Michaell said:
Guys - it just occurred to me that there is a possible competitor to the Outback.

Anybody remember the Toyota Venza? Available V6, available AWD, wagon body style.

But, Lord, are they expensive. $40K and up for XLE or Limited, before options.

It's basically a Highlander in different packaging...

stickguy · February 2015

Not anymore. New highlander is much bigger and karst generation was very tricky.

I do like the venza. I don't think they sell well. Go fir discount and see.

corvette · February 2015

Michaell, navy over ivory and burgandy over ivory are my favorite color combos. Can't go wrong with either.

Mr_Shiftright · February 2015

Venza's good on gas though. It's not a bad choice at all.

Michaell said:
Guys - it just occurred to me that there is a possible competitor to the Outback.

Anybody remember the Toyota Venza? Available V6, available AWD, wagon body style.

But, Lord, are they expensive. $40K and up for XLE or Limited, before options.

Michaell · February 2015

corvette said:
Michaell, navy over ivory and burgandy over ivory are my favorite color combos. Can't go wrong with either.

Which the wife immediately shut down.

I'll admit I'm worried about the Ivory leather with jeans and such staining the material. But, her car, her choice...

suydam · February 2015

Jeans do stain ivory leather as we have discovered with our '13 Accord. Never again. For some reason the light gray we had on our last car was not a problem.

laurasdada · February 2015

Took the cowards way out and only sprung for a new tire. But, egads!, another XF has appeared at work. Dark blue with brown leather interior. Blue was my first choice, but as the blue XF is as filthy as my silver, that is the reminder on why a dark color can be a drag (to those who are quite sad when their car isn't shiny and clean) in the Winter...

Two XFs at one work site, something must be done!

Michaell · February 2015

Dodge journey?

The Toyota dealer next to the Subaru dealer we are going to tomorrow has a couple of Venza Limited all-wheel-drive available. Discounted price of about $38,000

rayainsw · February 2015

'Two XFs at one work site, something must be done!'
Quick, but an F-Type R !!!

corvette · February 2015

suydam said:

Jeans do stain ivory leather as we have discovered with our '13 Accord. Never again. For some reason the light gray we had on our last car was not a problem.

It may depend on the leather and the newness of the jeans. Never had an issue on the Audi I leased. My parents have a 10+ year old Volvo and the light colored leather seats still look great. Other parts of the interior haven't held up so well.

If the Accord is under warranty I would try to get the dealer to replace the seat covering.

boomchek · February 2015

Venza is a nice car. I like the styling and it's very well finished, which gives it an almost Lexus like feel inside. The 4 cylinder is a bit weak for it, but it goes well with a V6.

Journeys are loaded with a lot of features for the money but depreciate like a rock and will feel like a budget crossover inside due to their materials used and just the overall ride.

xwesx · February 2015

This looking for an XT thing is starting to turn into a drag. Definitely makes it easier to hang on to what I already have. LOL

Another week or two of disappointments and I think I might have this car buying bug out of my system for a few more months!

qbrozen · February 2015

Kirstie_H said:
A reporter is looking to talk with a recent car buyer who traded a non-turbocharged car for one that is turbocharged. If you are interested in sharing your driving impressions, please email PR@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info no later than Tues, Feb 17, 2015.

wow. the 2nd request this week that I answered. I'm on a roll.

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