Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy · October 2016

I did read the reviews about the 3,0. I assumed that was too slow for you speed demons. also did not realize it was a 1 year only model. Would not want to be sourcing interior and exterior unique parts for that. Mechanical is probably not an issue.

stickguy · October 2016

how about that A4? seems a little pricey, but not too far out of line.

Dang, I wish I was shopping now.

tifighter · October 2016

@28firefighter Same to you. Should be a fun ride tonight!

qbrozen · October 2016

Me want:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/jeep/wagoneer/1871334.html

28firefighter · October 2016

qbrozen said:

Me want:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/jeep/wagoneer/1871334.html

A guy who blogs over on Jalopnik is OBSESSED with the Wagoneer.

stickguy · October 2016

that is certainly cool. Not a bad price I guess for what you are getting. Not like a lot of them around. But I suspect that driving it would get pretty old real quick.

Don't think the wheels really match though.

stickguy · October 2016

This B doesn't look half bad either, for the price. Especially if it really is rust free (and the undercarriage pics look good).

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/mg/bgt/1844399.html

qbrozen · October 2016

I like the Falcon he has, too

stickguy · October 2016

I'll take the 68 Barracuda. Probably a little bit faster.

I like the 72 Vette also. Nice colors.

Mr_Shiftright · October 2016

The MBG-GT looks pretty good. Doesn't look like it has overdrive, though, which was often seen on that model. That's too bad--it makes a big difference. I like the GTs very much. Very nice car all around, well-built and they can be made very reliable, too. I don't see the usual "mistakes", like chromed wire wheels and a Weber carburetor.

The Jeep restoration looks a bit budget so it would need some eyeballs on it before purchase. However, the price reflects that so maybe it's fine.

stickguy · October 2016

I would prefer OD, but on one of those, probably not doing much highway. Can add it I suppose, and isn't there an easy swap to a 5 speed gearbox available?

breld · October 2016

Checked out some SUVs yesterday.

Spent quite awhile at Land Rover. As mentioned before, wife likes the Evoque, which was affirmed by a test drive. It's definitely a compact SUV, which is perfectly fine with her. Relatively sporty with a now-ubiquitous 4-cyl turbo. Not an apples-to-apples comparison, but $35k for a CPO Evoque versus the $35k Mini Clubman she drove the previous day - obviously getting more for your money on the Evoque, but she definitely liked the character of the Clubman, particularly once she started viewing it as a wagon more than an awkward hatch.

Also drove a Discovery Sport (also CPO) - I liked that quite a bit actually, though much of that may have to do with the cool orange color with the black top. It's more than just a kissing cousin to the Evoque, but the packaging offers a more roomy feel for passengers and cargo. It drives nice, but more in the "for an SUV" category.

Stopped by the Jaguar dealer to check out the F-pace. None available to drive - apparently they're all spoken for through March. But they had a few sold models to look at. Really sharp looking SUV with some presence. Sort of splits the difference in size between an X3 and X5, which seems perfect to me, as long as you don't need a 3rd row. They had a "Premium" model lightly equipped for around $48k. That's with a supercharged V6 good for 340 hp. And it's pretty nicely equipped as is. Of course you can go up from there well into the $60k's.

Mr_Shiftright · October 2016

stickguy said:
I would prefer OD, but on one of those, probably not doing much highway. Can add it I suppose, and isn't there an easy swap to a 5 speed gearbox available?

Yes you can get a kit that uses a Datsun 280Z transmission. It provides new trans mounts, driveshaft, rear engine plate, flywheel, clutch, ring gear, starter motor, speedo cable adapter, clutch slave cylinder and misc. small parts. Not exactly "easy" but you don't have to cut, drill or weld anything.

corvette · October 2016

I need to get my neighbor on this board. He's been here a year and is on his fourth car since moving in!

28firefighter · October 2016

I had some solo time today and took advantage of it to do some driving for replacements for my wife's Escape when the lease is up.

Drove a 2017 Outback Limited 2.5i with EyeSight and then a VW Alltrack SE.

Option for option, the Outback wins - EyeSight is great technology. However, as I expected the 4 cylinder engine in a car of that size is painful. Wanted to drive a 6 cylinder but the sales guy could not find them on the lot. The build quality is considerably better than the last iteration of Subarus I drove, but the interior was already rattling from the sunroof and the dash - not a promising start given that that is my #1 complaint about the Escape.

As far as driving dynamics and build quality, the VW takes the cake. The powertrain, although not fast, is more than adequate and there was plenty of oomph when I leaned into it. The interior was rock solid and well laid out, very similar to my GTI, and not a single rattle. My only complaint really is about options. There is no blind spot monitoring offered even though it's available on base trim Golf SportWagens. This feels like a glaring oversight given that it's seemingly direct competitor offers some of the most advanced safety technology on the market in the price range.

To to be driven yet are the 2017 CR-V, 2013/2014 X3, Q5 and RDX. My hope is to narrow the field down to two or three cars before taking the wife driving.

Sandman6472 · October 2016

Love the Clubman myself but pricey new so going CPO is the logical way to go. Wondering if the ride is a jarring as I've heard the Mini Cooper is? The test drive I took just wasn't long enough, like 8 minutes, and would need to do at least an hour in one on all kinds of roads. Also hated the standard wheels so that would have to be changed if I ever considered one. Nice to dream though.
Have noticed that the seats in the Golf SEL are a bit different than mine...not sure why I never looked at that model because it does have a few things I do like, except the 18" wheels. The 17" ones on my SE seem quite adequate in all situations so far and am betting the price difference is a good 25%, if not higher. Looking back, would've at least driven one just to see how it felt and think I would've gone for the lighting package.

he Sandman/i>

(Talked with the guy at the Motorsport VW/Audi indie shop and after hearing about my driving, said the front anti-sway bar is something I really don't need. My driving style is quite tame and the only time it gets a bit hairy is getting off the expressway and going around a very steeply banked exit ramp. The majority of my driving is straight on the expressways or city streets so why spend the extra $. Am I missing something here???

tifighter · October 2016

breld said:
Checked out some SUVs yesterday.

Stopped by the Jaguar dealer to check out the F-pace. None available to drive - apparently they're all spoken for through March. But they had a few sold models to look at. Really sharp looking SUV with some presence. Sort of splits the difference in size between an X3 and X5, which seems perfect to me, as long as you don't need a 3rd row. They had a "Premium" model lightly equipped for around $48k. That's with a supercharged V6 good for 340 hp. And it's pretty nicely equipped as is. Of course you can go up from there well into the $60k's.

I have to confess that the F-Pace looks pretty good. Right size, pricing seems really competitive. So when you eventually test drive one @breld please make sure to tell us how terrible it is. My wallet thanks you in advance...

nyccarguy · October 2016

"Option for option, the Outback wins - EyeSight is great technology. However, as I expected the 4 cylinder engine in a car of that size is painful."

I second that

If also like to add that I've survived quite nicely without EYESIGHT on my 2015 Legacy for 2 years. You should drive a 3.6R Limited & let us know what you think.

stickguy · October 2016

Sandy, they eliminated the SEL Golf for 2017. Just the base (SE) and Wolfsburg (close to the SEL but with a few less features, but some added ones)

Mr_Shiftright · October 2016

nyccarguy said:
"Option for option, the Outback wins - EyeSight is great technology. However, as I expected the 4 cylinder engine in a car of that size is painful."

I second that

If also like to add that I've survived quite nicely without EYESIGHT on my 2015 Legacy for 2 years. You should drive a 3.6R Limited & let us know what you think.

I've read that Eyesight is strictly camera based and so becomes useless in heavy rain. Any truth to that?

Michaell · October 2016

Mr_Shiftright said:

nyccarguy said:
"Option for option, the Outback wins - EyeSight is great technology. However, as I expected the 4 cylinder engine in a car of that size is painful."

I second that

If also like to add that I've survived quite nicely without EYESIGHT on my 2015 Legacy for 2 years. You should drive a 3.6R Limited & let us know what you think.
I've read that Eyesight is strictly camera based and so becomes useless in heavy rain. Any truth to that?

We have Eyesight. Haven't paid attention to how it works when it isn't sunny.

Michaell · October 2016

@stickguy - question for you.

Since your Sonata will have so few miles on it when your lease is up, do you plan on trading it in should you have equity in it?

I'm pretty sure you aren't going to lease another Hyundai, so I figure you'll want to avoid the disposition fee, as well.

stickguy · October 2016

If I decide to buy something to replace it right away, could possibly do that. Still not expecting to have actual equity though at the end, thanks to typical inflated residuals. or likely not enough to matter on a trade in.

but good point. I need to remember to try it if I find something else I want.

haven't eliminated another Hyundai though. but at the moment, the Ioniq is the only one that vaguely interests me. Subject of course to change!

I should probably check at some point to see what the residual is. I am thinking mid-18's?

28firefighter · October 2016

nyccarguy said:

"Option for option, the Outback wins - EyeSight is great technology. However, as I expected the 4 cylinder engine in a car of that size is painful." I second that If also like to add that I've survived quite nicely without EYESIGHT on my 2015 Legacy for 2 years. You should drive a 3.6R Limited & let us know what you think.

I'm planning to as soon as they find one for me to drive.

As as far as eyesight, I'm interested in it for the obstacle avoidance. My wife is not as careful as I would like and while front sensors would work, having technology to stop the car would be better...

Michaell · October 2016

28firefighter said:

nyccarguy said:

"Option for option, the Outback wins - EyeSight is great technology. However, as I expected the 4 cylinder engine in a car of that size is painful."

I second that

If also like to add that I've survived quite nicely without EYESIGHT on my 2015 Legacy for 2 years. You should drive a 3.6R Limited & let us know what you think.

I'm planning to as soon as they find one for me to drive.

As as far as eyesight, I'm interested in it for the obstacle avoidance. My wife is not as careful as I would like and while front sensors would work, having technology to stop the car would be better...

Since my wife doesn't read these discussions, I can confess that I've seen it work.

A moment of inattention and the car in front of slowed to turn into a parking lot. The Outback applied the brakes quickly to avoid the collision.

I'm not as big a fan of the lane keeping technology. But, I guess I tend towards a desire to shave my apexes which sets off the alert.

I love the adaptive cruise, however.

And, you'll never go back to the 2.5 after testing the 3.6.

BTW, 20 months and 16,000 miles and our car is as tight as a drum.

stickguy · October 2016

I like the idea of the auto emergency braking. as long as it works right. after the first couple of phantom slamming on of the brakes on the highway, I would be turning it off.

fancy cruise, means nothing to me. I barely ever use the normal one, and would be too nervous to trust the fancy one!

and lane keep, that drove me nuts when I test drove a couple of BMWs with it. again, in concept, sounds wonderful. But I did not like it feeling like a wheel was falling off and yanking on the steering wheel, leading to a tug of war when I had a reason to be over the line (something in the road, a pothole, stuff like that).

actually I am perfectly happy with what I have on the sonata. BLIS, and rear cross path monitoring.

breld · October 2016

I'm with you @stickguy - BLIS and rear cross traffic are high on my list, if not must-haves, for my daily driver. The more active safety features I can live without. In fact, one of the turn offs of the new CX-9 is the overly sensitive emergency braking, according to some reviews.

Then again, this afternoon we were sitting at a traffic light and as I was rubbing my eyes, apparently I let up a bit on the brake and was unknowingly creeping forward until my wife yelled out "stop!" Seemed as though I was inches from tapping the car in front of us. Embarrassing.

tbirdmarco · October 2016

@breld Nice! on those s u v testdrives.

tbirdmarco · October 2016

@qbrozen Those are really nice those old Jeeps. Truth be tolde. I am big fan of all jeeps the new ones are growing on me.

tbirdmarco · October 2016

@28firefighter did injoy reading about the testdrives of those few cars.

tbirdmarco · October 2016

@stickguy Those are sum nice old cars you posted above.

tbirdmarco · October 2016

Have an good upcumming week to all. Will try to keep up on all postings threw out the week!

kyfdx · October 2016

breld said:
I'm with you @stickguy - BLIS and rear cross traffic are high on my list, if not must-haves, for my daily driver. The more active safety features I can live without. In fact, one of the turn offs of the new CX-9 is the overly sensitive emergency braking, according to some reviews.

Then again, this afternoon we were sitting at a traffic light and as I was rubbing my eyes, apparently I let up a bit on the brake and was unknowingly creeping forward until my wife yelled out "stop!" Seemed as though I was inches from tapping the car in front of us. Embarrassing.

I really like the rear-view camera on my wife's X3. Along with the Servotronic steering and the park distance control, I can parallel park in spaces that I just pass up with my 3-Series. If we are heading into town, where parking is tight, it's the only car we take. I have a lot of pride in my parallel parking skills, but it's ridiculous what you can do with that kind of vision and steering ratio.

The driving nannies? No, thanks.

Mr_Shiftright · October 2016

Ditto. I'd go nuts with a car that is bumping me back into my lane or doing braking for me. Since I would only turn all those things off, why pay to have them? I'd opt for the camera and the blind side warning light, that's about it.

tifighter · October 2016

Adaptive cruise with full stop and go is the bee's knees in traffic. That is some active safety I'm happy to have.

roadburner · October 2016

Mr_Shiftright said:
Ditto. I'd go nuts with a car that is bumping me back into my lane or doing braking for me. Since I would only turn all those things off, why pay to have them? I'd opt for the camera and the blind side warning light, that's about it.

I'd just as soon have what BMW calls Park Distance Control- audible and visual cues to tell you how close you are to objects in front or behind you. As for blind spot monitoring, I do find it to be useful on SUVs and larger cars- but last week I drove my 2er to SC and back, and I'll reiterate my prior comment that if you need BLIS on a 2 Series I'd advise that you surrender your driver's license and rely on Uber and public transit.

breld · October 2016

Marcothecarguy1986 said:
Have an good upcumming week to all. Will try to keep up on all postings threw out the week!

@Marcothecarguy1986 - you have a nice week too! Always fun to see what this forum brings - just wait until the VW TDI buyback happens! @qbrozen's search will be fun (already is)!

rayainsw · October 2016

Moderators -
It looks to me like the Edmunds Long Term blog has not
been updated since 5 Oct. True ?
- Ray
Seems odd to be so long without any entries .....

tommister2 · October 2016

@rayainsw There's some discussion about changes in the comments on the last post. They are moving to Instagram (maybe?). Changing update frequency, style and distribution. A bit of a bummer for me, but I guess I am not in their target audience.

andres3 · October 2016

sandman_6472 said:
Love the Clubman myself but pricey new so going CPO is the logical way to go. Wondering if the ride is a jarring as I've heard the Mini Cooper is? The test drive I took just wasn't long enough, like 8 minutes, and would need to do at least an hour in one on all kinds of roads. Also hated the standard wheels so that would have to be changed if I ever considered one. Nice to dream though.
Have noticed that the seats in the Golf SEL are a bit different than mine...not sure why I never looked at that model because it does have a few things I do like, except the 18" wheels. The 17" ones on my SE seem quite adequate in all situations so far and am betting the price difference is a good 25%, if not higher. Looking back, would've at least driven one just to see how it felt and think I would've gone for the lighting package.

he Sandman/i>

(Talked with the guy at the Motorsport VW/Audi indie shop and after hearing about my driving, said the front anti-sway bar is something I really don't need. My driving style is quite tame and the only time it gets a bit hairy is getting off the expressway and going around a very steeply banked exit ramp. The majority of my driving is straight on the expressways or city streets so why spend the extra $. Am I missing something here???

Remember, I said if you aren't shaving off the OEM rubber completely off in 10-20K miles, you are not taking curves fast enough to warrant suspension tweaks. The Golf is already sporty enough for you. If you wanted sportier, you'd have bought a GTI.

andres3 · October 2016

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:
Ditto. I'd go nuts with a car that is bumping me back into my lane or doing braking for me. Since I would only turn all those things off, why pay to have them? I'd opt for the camera and the blind side warning light, that's about it.
I'd just as soon have what BMW calls Park Distance Control- audible and visual cues to tell you how close you are to objects in front or behind you. As for blind spot monitoring, I do find it to be useful on SUVs and larger cars- but last week I drove my 2er to SC and back, and I'll reiterate my prior comment that if you need BLIS on a 2 Series I'd advise that you surrender your driver's license and rely on Uber and public transit.

I'd agree smaller cars like 2-door coupes like my TTS do not need BLIS. I find that I do not rely on what the light is telling me. So far, it has only served to falsely alarm me since it blinks for too long after I've cleared and passed the cars to my sides.

The parking sensors are a bit more useful, only because you do sit pretty low. I wonder if the sensor works right when backing up into a lifted pick-up monster truck though. I have a feeling the car might go under the truck before warning me. Might get a bumper into my rear window.

qbrozen · October 2016

I, of course, know this is not very reliable. BUT, at something like 40% the cost of most of my other choices, does it make any sense?

stickguy · October 2016

for the money, miles and new tires, looks nice. Go for it. You already have experience wrenching on that engine, so you are way ahead of the game.

put all the savings toward a fun 2nd car.

qbrozen · October 2016

It has certainly spent a good amount of time in a service bay. I also see Freehold BMW held onto it at one point and resold it at auction. Kind of odd. BTW, the current dealer paid $6300 for it.

stickguy · October 2016

I noticed that on a lot of these carfaxes, where units seem to flip place to place, and in and out of auctions. Never quite sure what to make out of it.

for a BMW V8, actually seemed to be a pretty clean service history! Did have an accident that required towing, so RF section would need a good looking over.

knowing what they paid certainly helps. Get it for something like 9K, and really not in it for much.

28firefighter · October 2016

qbrozen said:

I, of course, know this is not very reliable. BUT, at something like 40% the cost of most of my other choices, does it make any sense?

Wasn't the 4.4 prone to very expensive, labor intensive failures?

I suppose if it's not your primary vehicle, you can fix it yourself, and buy it right, it could be fun.

stickguy · October 2016

the fixing yourself part is key to keeping the running costs manageable. Still, as nice as it looks, and with the miles, buy it for 9K or so and could easily drive it for a year and potentially bail without losing any money on it.

tifighter · October 2016

I don't think you'll be happy with it. We're talking about a 13 year old X5 with the Vsport still fresh in your memory. It's going to feel like a time warp, and not in the fun way with a classic.

qbrozen · October 2016

tifighter said:
I don't think you'll be happy with it. We're talking about a 13 year old X5 with the Vsport still fresh in your memory. It's going to feel like a time warp, and not in the fun way with a classic.

Maybe. But I have been stuck in the Jetta for a couple of months now.

corvette · October 2016

My E39 (similar platform and parts) leaked all kinds of fluids. Coolant, power steering, oil, and ATF. I would pass unless you have a gravel driveway.

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