Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

nyccarguy · November 2016

@stever - you are correct. MAPP gas (in a yellow cylinder) burns hotter than Propane (Blue Cylinder). I only sell MAPP gas ($8.99 each).

stever · November 2016

What do you sell for stopping the drips while you solder, Wonder or Bimbo?

28firefighter · November 2016

jmonroe said:

My new ride is a '15 Genny V8 with Ultimate Package. See it at the bottom of my posts, its shown there. You have to list yours on your profile page. Anyway, I got it in May of '15 to celebrate my retirement in February of '15. Yeah, I know I'm still a little sloooow. Went to VA to get it. Doesn't even have 6K miles on it yet. Should last me a while and I'll need the time to figure out a way to convince Mrs. j that I deserve a new car in a few years.
You sound a lot like me with my ATS. It too was a retirement car, acquired a few months after I packed it in. But it is just coming up on 6000 miles now, 2 years after getting it. I love it, but the problem I am starting to think about is what to do when the lease expires in a year's time, do I buy it out and keep it for a while, or do I jump into something new? Decision, decisions...
Your decision is based entirely on what you want. If you like it you buy it. If not, you get another car for a few years. It's not like you have to get permission, right? Hey guys, I have to leave for a while right now. Son #1 called and wants some help putting in a new water heater. I'm going to let him do the torch work this time. I'll just stand back and see how much he has learned from the old dog over the years. See ya later. jmonroe
Don't forget to strap it in. There are asteroids out there we don't know about.
Here in PA there is no requirement for strapping since we don't have earthquakes at least none that I know of. Of course tomorrow you'll hear about an earthquake that hit South Western PA and about 4 million water heaters fell over and caused more property damage than the quake did. I don't think we have to worry about asteroids either but one could hit us overnight. Listen to the news and call me if you hear of one that's getting close. I'll run over to my Sons house and strap it down after I do mine The installation went off without a hitch other than he conned me into making one of the sweat fittings. His excuse was that it was in an "awkward position". I didn't think it was and I told him get used to it cause you're not always going to have the fittings starring you right in the face. Anyway, all done, no leaks, and lots of HOT water. Life is good. Just have to keep the quakes and asteroids away. jmonroe
I just looked it up. There was an earthquake in Oakland PA and in Lowellville 6 months ago. Rather puny by California standards, but still....
Oakland is the area where Pitt and CMU are located. If there was a quake of any size in Oakland, the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Leaning building would have toppled for sure. I don't know of any real earthquake safe structures around here. I guess I'll just take my chances. jmonroe

My old stomping grounds, @jmonroe! I miss Pitt like crazy.

Keeping it relevant to the conversation, we have EQ coverage on our home because of the odds of a severe earthquake hitting Seattle basically at any time now.

nyccarguy · November 2016

stever said:
What do you sell for stopping the drips while you solder, Wonder or Bimbo?

A wet rag to wipe around the joint when you are done soldering. You really don't need THAT much solder. Clean the pipe, clean the fitting, apply soldering paste, heat the joint evenly, then apply solder. It will get sucked into the fitting. Wipe with a wet rag to make those joints look professional & even.

If you don't want to solder, you can also use "shark bite fittings" or brass nipples & fittings.

Michaell · November 2016

@imidazol97 - the trial XM on my new Jetta expires on 11/22. I got a notice to renew for 6 months for less than $35. I'm having them send me a bill - probably an extra $2 for the paper statement.

However, I just also wrote them a check for $14 to finish out the subscription on the Elantra, which had expired not long before I traded it in.

jipster · November 2016

houdini1 said:

driver100 said:

jipster said:

driver100 said:

jipster said:
What's been going on guys? Seeing a lot of the same names I first saw over a dozen years ago. Way to hang in there. :-)

Still driving my 2008 Mercury Mariner. Looking to change coolant and plugs at 110k, a bit over manual. Put on set pair of rear brakes after only 2 years. Wifes 2012 Hyundai Veracruz doing well. Son will turn 16in March. He wants a Camero for his birthday. Yeah, right. Jipster says no way. ;-)
Welcome Back! Stay awhile.
Thanks Driver. Just got a new tablet. Kindle HD 8" . Makes it a lot easier to post... with my big meaty hands. Been posting quite a bit on Tennis Warehouse. But always remember you guys are my fave...even that Jmonroe guy.
I just bought tennis shoes from Tennis Warehouse. I checked to see who has some in the area and I would have to drive about 20 miles just to try some, and who knows what kinds these little stores sell. So I ordered from TW, free shipping over $100 and free return if they don't fit. Sometimes buying online is a good thing.
Welcome back Jipster. Isell is retired, and in spite of his past being robbed by Edmund's, he is doing fine.

Thanks Houdini. And yes, glad you remembered the Jipst Method of Car buying. :-)

Kirstie still around? Would like to write on her wall... cheer her up. ;-)

.

jipster · November 2016

Oldfarmer mentioned Craigslist. I've sold a few things, and bought a few things. But the car sale ads are the most in and weird. Most ads seem to be from wholesalers. Usually short and to the point, or a list of options and features 30 lines long. A lot of rebuilt wrecks. The ads from private owners that write how long they owned the car... themselves, not their cousin Vinny, .. and other specifics, would be the ones I would be most interested in.

jmonroe · November 2016

nyccarguy said:

stever said:
What do you sell for stopping the drips while you solder, Wonder or Bimbo?
A wet rag to wipe around the joint when you are done soldering. You really don't need THAT much solder. Clean the pipe, clean the fitting, apply soldering paste, heat the joint evenly, then apply solder. It will get sucked into the fitting. Wipe with a wet rag to make those joints look professional & even.

If you don't want to solder, you can also use "shark bite fittings" or brass nipples & fittings.

"shark bite fittings" ? That's cheating. I guess you'll tell us next about using solvent weld plastic or PEX tubing.

REAL men use solder. :@

jmonroe

stickguy · November 2016

I was going to ask Bradd how big a move there has been to plastic. I don't do my own plumbing, but watch a lot of rehab shoes (houses, not people), and it seems to be common now. makes a lot of sense to me. Way easier to run it seems. And junkies won't break into your place to steal it.

nyccarguy · November 2016

jmonroe said:

nyccarguy said:

stever said:
What do you sell for stopping the drips while you solder, Wonder or Bimbo?
A wet rag to wipe around the joint when you are done soldering. You really don't need THAT much solder. Clean the pipe, clean the fitting, apply soldering paste, heat the joint evenly, then apply solder. It will get sucked into the fitting. Wipe with a wet rag to make those joints look professional & even.

If you don't want to solder, you can also use "shark bite fittings" or brass nipples & fittings.
"shark bite fittings" ? That's cheating. I guess you'll tell us next about using solvent weld plastic or PEX tubing.

REAL men use solder. :@

jmonroe

I agree with you @jmonroe. Believe it or not, those shark bites do help in a pinch. Even some of the old school professionals I deal with have a few in their bucket. In NYC, there are a lot of buildings that are well over 100 years old. Many times there are shut off valves only in the basement that don't hold.

A great invention is the pro press tool & fittings. Saves TONS of time, and if there's ever a leak, you just go back over it with the tool without having to drain he system back down.

nyccarguy · November 2016

stickguy said:
I was going to ask Bradd how big a move there has been to plastic. I don't do my own plumbing, but watch a lot of rehab shoes (houses, not people), and it seems to be common now. makes a lot of sense to me. Way easier to run it seems. And junkies won't break into your place to steal it.

PVC is only legal in NYC for drainage use if the building is 3 stories or less (fire code). PEX is illegal for domestic water (rats eat it & cause major leaks). I stock copper pipe & fittings 1/2" - 4".

stever · November 2016

I love the idea of plastic and the shark bites too. Not much of an issue here, but we did plastic in the UP when we redid much of the plumbing in our house there. Wind up in a three day power outage in the dead of winter and the plastic will tend to just expand when it freezes and not break (been there, done that with copper).

@jipster, you can find @Kirstie_H's wall here. She's really busy these days with backend coding/look and feel/broken stuff issues.

js06gv · November 2016

stickguy said:
hey, 3 years is a long time.

at my current pace, in 1 year when my Sonata goes back, it will be right in the 20-21K range. Still no intention of buying it. Even with the low miles, probably not a good financial deal. Plus, why pass up the opportunity to get something different?

When I got it, the Finance guy even said not to. Partly because of the residual, but also something with the warranty. I think it was that the 10/100,000 piece did not transfer (that only goes to the original owner). So it was better to let it go back, and buy a replacement CPO if you want one

Was the finance guy saying that because the car is a lease, that you are not technically the original owner and not entitled to the 10/100 warranty? That doesn't sound right to me.

stickguy · November 2016

I think so. I won't swear to it, but basically you are turning it in and buying it back, so the warranty resets. If I bought a CPO off the lot, it would come with that coverage.

That, and pretty sure he was flat out admitting the residual was wildly inflated and I would not want it when the time came.

js06gv · November 2016

stickguy said:
I think so. I won't swear to it, but basically you are turning it in and buying it back, so the warranty resets. If I bought a CPO off the lot, it would come with that coverage.

That, and pretty sure he was flat out admitting the residual was wildly inflated and I would not want it when the time came.

That got me a little nervous about mine since I'll likely convert it over to a traditional loan soon. I did some quick research and found this. I'd expect Hyundai to be the same, and the manufacturer has to know that such a limitation would keep people from buying it out at lease end. Agree with you that the residuals at crazy high in some cases.

An Original Owner is defined as the first retail purchaser or lessee of the Kia Vehicle who takes delivery of the Kia Vehicle on its Date of First Service. If the Kia Vehicle was first placed in service as a lease vehicle, and the lessee purchases the vehicle at the end of the lease, the 120 month/100,000 mile Power Train Limited Warranty remains in effect. The Power Train Limited Warranty is not transferable to subsequent owners.

stickguy · November 2016

well, good to know. either he was misinformed, or I just misunderstood his point (maybe it was the difference between that coverage and CPO coverage). Or just hallucinated the whole thing. If does make a lot more sense that it carries over. Doesn't help the residual issue.

verdugo · November 2016

jmonroe said:

Oakland is the area where Pitt and CMU are located. If there was a quake of any size in Oakland, the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Leaning building would have toppled for sure. I don't know of any real earthquake safe structures around here.

I guess I'll just take my chances.

jmonroe

No way, CMU is not in Oakland, thank you very much. I like to think that it's Squirrel Hill South.

venture · November 2016

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:
@driver100,
The paint has a great metal flake to it, that you can't see in the picture.
I like that metal flake affect. Asked for it on my new E400 but it wasn't available yet, though it was supposed to be offered. Would look really good with the darker charcoal....made a slight difference with the white.

Mine is almost the same color - a different name. Here's a close up with the sun shining on it. From a distance it just looks gray.

jmonroe · November 2016

verdugo said:

jmonroe said:

Oakland is the area where Pitt and CMU are located. If there was a quake of any size in Oakland, the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Leaning building would have toppled for sure. I don't know of any real earthquake safe structures around here.

I guess I'll just take my chances.

jmonroe
No way, CMU is not in Oakland, thank you very much. I like to think that it's Squirrel Hill South.

Damn, I think you're right.

Just goes to show you I don't even know what part of the city where I went to school.

I guess I thought it was Oakland because I ate too many weenies at the "O" before night school classes.

jmonroe

jmonroe · November 2016

venture said:

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:
@driver100,
The paint has a great metal flake to it, that you can't see in the picture.
I like that metal flake affect. Asked for it on my new E400 but it wasn't available yet, though it was supposed to be offered. Would look really good with the darker charcoal....made a slight difference with the white.
Mine is almost the same color - a different name. Here's a close up with the sun shining on it. From a distance it just looks gray.

Yeah, that looks pretty familiar.

I ought to pull the Genny out of the garage and let it Sun bathe more often.

jmonroe

iluvmysephia1 · November 2016

Sunlight might fade your Genny's metallic paint job, jmonroe. Or does it have a lot of wax/UV protection on it?

explorerx4 · November 2016

@NYC,
I should be posting on CCBA, but reading what everyone else was doing would make the spiral worse!
In the last year, bought 3 new cars, traded 2, sold 1, gave away 1 and participated with one of my kids when they bought a new car.

imidazol97 · November 2016

This article report emissions-testing deception software on VW cars that are gasoline powered. Article also mentions software for 3.0 diesels was set up to deceived the testing equipment.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/us-regulator-found-another-cheat-device-in-audi-car-report/ar-AAjXcsZ?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartanntp

"...detected whether a car's steering wheel was turned.

If it was not, indicating laboratory testing conditions, the software turned on a gear-shifting programme which produced less carbon dioxide than in normal road driving. If the wheel was turned in any direction by more than 15 degrees, the programme was switched off, the paper said."

jmonroe · November 2016

iluvmysephia1 said:
Sunlight might fade your Genny's metallic paint job, jmonroe. Or does it have a lot of wax/UV protection on it?

I'm not worried, my last Genny was a burgundy metallic and the sun never bothered it.

jmonroe

js06gv · November 2016

I got to drive a friend's Porsche last night. This is a guy who has probably never spent more than 10K on a car or truck before, lives out in the country, has project cars, dabbles in buying and selling, etc. He came into a nice inheritance and decided to treat himself to a toy, and picked up a 1-owner 2001 911 Turbo with 58K miles. I gasped when he told me what he paid for it. I guess there is a cult following for the Turbo version of this car.

I've never been into Porsches, not just because they are out of my reach (they are) but they just never did anything for me and my tastes go more toward the muscle car side of things. I also had a stereotype in my head of a typical guy who drives one, and it wasn't good. Have to say, while the car still isn't my bag I was pretty impressed. For a 15 y/o car, it was very tight and buttoned down. The power was strong and seamless and the car handled beautifully, which I suspect are common traits of a German sports car but again it was my first time behind the wheel of one. I even fit inside the snug cockpit OK, although I felt like I was sitting on the ground.

oldfarmer50 · November 2016

venture said:

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:
@driver100,
The paint has a great metal flake to it, that you can't see in the picture.
I like that metal flake affect. Asked for it on my new E400 but it wasn't available yet, though it was supposed to be offered. Would look really good with the darker charcoal....made a slight difference with the white.
Mine is almost the same color - a different name. Here's a close up with the sun shining on it. From a distance it just looks gray.

That looks nice. Some of those heavy metal flakes make it look like the car is covered in tree sap or dust. Yours is just right. Must look great in the sun.

ab348 · November 2016

oldfarmer50 said:

That looks nice. Some of those heavy metal flakes make it look like the car is covered in tree sap or dust. Yours is just right. Must look great in the sun.

Yes, I find that is a real problem with the metallic blacks that were in vogue a couple of years ago, maybe still are. A friend has a Buick in "Black Diamond" or some such, and it always looks like it is covered in pollen or dust to my eye.

explorerx4 · November 2016

@venture,
That paint looks great!

houdini1 · November 2016

jipster said:

houdini1 said:

driver100 said:

jipster said:

driver100 said:

jipster said:
What's been going on guys? Seeing a lot of the same names I first saw over a dozen years ago. Way to hang in there. :-)

Still driving my 2008 Mercury Mariner. Looking to change coolant and plugs at 110k, a bit over manual. Put on set pair of rear brakes after only 2 years. Wifes 2012 Hyundai Veracruz doing well. Son will turn 16in March. He wants a Camero for his birthday. Yeah, right. Jipster says no way. ;-)
Welcome Back! Stay awhile.
Thanks Driver. Just got a new tablet. Kindle HD 8" . Makes it a lot easier to post... with my big meaty hands. Been posting quite a bit on Tennis Warehouse. But always remember you guys are my fave...even that Jmonroe guy.
I just bought tennis shoes from Tennis Warehouse. I checked to see who has some in the area and I would have to drive about 20 miles just to try some, and who knows what kinds these little stores sell. So I ordered from TW, free shipping over $100 and free return if they don't fit. Sometimes buying online is a good thing.
Welcome back Jipster. Isell is retired, and in spite of his past being robbed by Edmund's, he is doing fine.
Thanks Houdini. And yes, glad you remembered the Jipst Method of Car buying. :-)

Kirstie still around? Would like to write on her wall... cheer her up. ;-)

.

I think so, but we hardly ever hear from her. I miss her too.

houdini1 · November 2016

jmonroe said:

nyccarguy said:

stever said:
What do you sell for stopping the drips while you solder, Wonder or Bimbo?
A wet rag to wipe around the joint when you are done soldering. You really don't need THAT much solder. Clean the pipe, clean the fitting, apply soldering paste, heat the joint evenly, then apply solder. It will get sucked into the fitting. Wipe with a wet rag to make those joints look professional & even.

If you don't want to solder, you can also use "shark bite fittings" or brass nipples & fittings.
"shark bite fittings" ? That's cheating. I guess you'll tell us next about using solvent weld plastic or PEX tubing.

REAL men use solder. :@

jmonroe

The brass nipples got my attention.

ab348 · November 2016

houdini1 said:

The brass nipples got my attention.

I think I've seen those on brass monkeys.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2016

All this plumbing talk almost gets me yearning ta buy a house (we're renting) and smash my way through some construction materials again. The Mrs. and I got our buy 'em and fix 'em up ya ya's out 15-25 years ago. Except for our Arizona home. That one ignited some 2nd mortgage action up...again. Been several years of simply washing the car and mowing and trimming the lawn now.

venture · November 2016

explorerx4 said:
@venture,
That paint looks great!

That's right after using IronX (I didn't really need it. There was not much in the way of contaminates on the paint), clay, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant 3.0, Pinnacle Souveran wax (after the sealant cured overnight), followed by Pinnacle Crystal Mist. A lot of work.

It needs some attention right now though to get through the coming PA winter.

oldfarmer50 · November 2016

venture said:

explorerx4 said:
@venture,
That paint looks great!
That's right after using IronX (I didn't really need it. There was not much in the way of contaminates on the paint), clay, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant 3.0, Pinnacle Souveran wax (after the sealant cured overnight), followed by Pinnacle Crystal Mist. A lot of work.

It needs some attention right now though to get through the coming PA winter.

That's a lot of wax. Are you sure your name isn't jmonroe?

Good news, I got my car list to update here. Went back to signature settings and found that dispite my saved changes the list was back to the old one. Updated it again, hit save again, logged out, deleted all website data, turned the computer off, hit it with a hammer and BINGO! Fixed.

Ok, the hammer part wasn't true.

stever · November 2016

Ah, there's still hope for the pink Cadillac edition then.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2016

Ah, there's still hope for the pink Cadillac edition then.

Ya gotta keep us on our toes, stever.

driver100 · November 2016

So, I need some wise advice....I am sure I came to the right place. I don't usually keep cars past the warranty period, so I am wondering how to handle this.

The 2013 Passat is now 4 years old and has 5500 miles on it. There is a recall notice but I don't believe the parts are in yet...pretty sure it is for the airbags. It does need an oil change within the next 2 weeks.

The questions are:
Would you take it to the dealer (who has been excellent) for a simple oil change, or to a garage, or even a quick oil change place?

Would you let them do any service things they suggest at this time, or just limit them to an oil change?

Anything else I should have them check out?

I am having a pretty good time driving the little beast. It feels like about a 1980s bmw in many ways....though I haven't actually driven an 80s bmw. I just think the smooth shifting manual, the great handling and nice suspension, and the size of the car would make it similar to an 80s bmw. (no offence RR)

qbrozen · November 2016

5500 or 55000?

I suggest never using a quick oil change place. They can't be trusted to use the correct oil nor put in the correct amount. Whether you take it to the dealer or to a VW specialist depends on how much they charge for the oil change.

Would I let them do other things? Depends on what they want to do.

Mr_Shiftright · November 2016

Is that a typo? Did you mean 5500 or 55,000?

In any event, I wouldn't even bring a pedal car to a quick-change place. The dealer would be more expensive than a repair shop, generally, but sometimes dealers run coupons or "specials", just to get you in there.

As for services recommended, I'd go by what the owner's manual recommends, not a print out from the dealer or the repair shop. Of course, if they spot something while under the car, then it's a matter of you getting under there with them to verify it (torn CV boot, loose exhaust, oil leak, etc).

28firefighter · November 2016

My guess is 5500 - since it lives in Florida year-round and only gets driven when they are in Florida.

Mr_Shiftright · November 2016

Well if that's the case, then it needs perhaps more services than usual. If the coolant and brake fluid have never been flushed, that's a good thing to do.

ab348 · November 2016

If you like the dealer, I'd take it there. They will be astounded at the low, low mileage and who knows, maybe make you an offer you can't refuse.

stickguy · November 2016

Dealer. Just basic oil change, inspection, maybe tire rotate if never done. And could be good idea to do brake fluid.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2016

If you like the dealer, I'd take it there. They will be astounded at the low, low mileage and who knows, maybe make you an offer you can't refuse.
Ya thinkin' of tradin' it in, driver?

tommister2 · November 2016

driver100 said:
So, I need some wise advice....I am sure I came to the right place. I don't usually keep cars past the warranty period, so I am wondering how to handle this.

The 2013 Passat is now 4 years old and has 5500 miles on it. There is a recall notice but I don't believe the parts are in yet...pretty sure it is for the airbags. It does need an oil change within the next 2 weeks.

The questions are:
Would you take it to the dealer (who has been excellent) for a simple oil change, or to a garage, or even a quick oil change place?

Would you let them do any service things they suggest at this time, or just limit them to an oil change?

Anything else I should have them check out?

I am having a pretty good time driving the little beast. It feels like about a 1980s bmw in many ways....though I haven't actually driven an 80s bmw. I just think the smooth shifting manual, the great handling and nice suspension, and the size of the car would make it similar to an 80s bmw. (no offence RR)

I think you should stick with your dealer. Check their website to see if any oil change specials are available. Even if you don't see a coupon online it doesn't hurt to ask when you get there.

If they suggest anything else just say you will think about it. You have plenty of time...

sda · November 2016

tommister2 said:

driver100 said:
So, I need some wise advice....I am sure I came to the right place. I don't usually keep cars past the warranty period, so I am wondering how to handle this.

The 2013 Passat is now 4 years old and has 5500 miles on it. There is a recall notice but I don't believe the parts are in yet...pretty sure it is for the airbags. It does need an oil change within the next 2 weeks.

The questions are:
Would you take it to the dealer (who has been excellent) for a simple oil change, or to a garage, or even a quick oil change place?

Would you let them do any service things they suggest at this time, or just limit them to an oil change?

Anything else I should have them check out?

I am having a pretty good time driving the little beast. It feels like about a 1980s bmw in many ways....though I haven't actually driven an 80s bmw. I just think the smooth shifting manual, the great handling and nice suspension, and the size of the car would make it similar to an 80s bmw. (no offence RR)
I think you should stick with your dealer. Check their website to see if any oil change specials are available. Even if you don't see a coupon online it doesn't hurt to ask when you get there.

If they suggest anything else just say you will think about it. You have plenty of time...

Or see if other VW dealers have coupons. Dealers around here honor other dealer's offerings. That car is new!

driver100 · November 2016

ab348 said:
If you like the dealer, I'd take it there. They will be astounded at the low, low mileage and who knows, maybe make you an offer you can't refuse.

Lots of good ideas guys, and all suggestions are appreciated.

Not a misprint, the car has 5,500 miles on it, about 1400 miles a year. We use the E400 in Florida most of the time, my wife uses the Passat to get to her activities when I am at mine. In a way, it would cost less to use a taxi, but, the car has been worth it. One VW dealer offered $16000 as a trade in plus a coupon worth $2000, I think I could trade for a new one for about $7000. Tempting, since I miss not having a rear camera and blind spot warnings. I understand the new turbo models can really go, and that would really change the driving dynamics. I think they could make me a deal I may not be able to refuse...it is possible! I notice VW sales including Passats are down almost 50% from the best year, and down 10% from last year.

I think I will go to the dealer for the oil change, brake fluid I will have checked. I don't think rotating tires will help, these tires will detiorate before they get worn out at this rate.

jmonroe · November 2016

sda said:

tommister2 said:

driver100 said:
So, I need some wise advice....I am sure I came to the right place. I don't usually keep cars past the warranty period, so I am wondering how to handle this.

The 2013 Passat is now 4 years old and has 5500 miles on it. There is a recall notice but I don't believe the parts are in yet...pretty sure it is for the airbags. It does need an oil change within the next 2 weeks.

The questions are:
Would you take it to the dealer (who has been excellent) for a simple oil change, or to a garage, or even a quick oil change place?

Would you let them do any service things they suggest at this time, or just limit them to an oil change?

Anything else I should have them check out?

I am having a pretty good time driving the little beast. It feels like about a 1980s bmw in many ways....though I haven't actually driven an 80s bmw. I just think the smooth shifting manual, the great handling and nice suspension, and the size of the car would make it similar to an 80s bmw. (no offence RR)
I think you should stick with your dealer. Check their website to see if any oil change specials are available. Even if you don't see a coupon online it doesn't hurt to ask when you get there.

If they suggest anything else just say you will think about it. You have plenty of time...

tommister2 said:

driver100 said:
So, I need some wise advice....I am sure I came to the right place. I don't usually keep cars past the warranty period, so I am wondering how to handle this.

The 2013 Passat is now 4 years old and has 5500 miles on it. There is a recall notice but I don't believe the parts are in yet...pretty sure it is for the airbags. It does need an oil change within the next 2 weeks.

The questions are:
Would you take it to the dealer (who has been excellent) for a simple oil change, or to a garage, or even a quick oil change place?

Would you let them do any service things they suggest at this time, or just limit them to an oil change?

Anything else I should have them check out?

I am having a pretty good time driving the little beast. It feels like about a 1980s bmw in many ways....though I haven't actually driven an 80s bmw. I just think the smooth shifting manual, the great handling and nice suspension, and the size of the car would make it similar to an 80s bmw. (no offence RR)
I think you should stick with your dealer. Check their website to see if any oil change specials are available. Even if you don't see a coupon online it doesn't hurt to ask when you get there.

If they suggest anything else just say you will think about it. You have plenty of time...
Or see if other VW dealers have coupons. Dealers around here honor other dealer's offerings. That car is new!

I don't think you have to limit the discount/coupon offers to a VW dealer. Just mention to your dealer that you can go to Joe's garage for an oil change for less than what he is charging.

Let's face it, the discount/coupon oil price change come on's are just that. They want to suck you in for other work. A car with 5500 miles like @driver100's should not need anything. If it does it would more than likely be covered by the warranty. Joe's garage can't make good on that kind of stuff.

And that is not my humble opinion, that is a fact.

jmonroe

Michaell · November 2016

@driver100 - as so many others have said, stick with the dealer. I agree that, even though the miles are low, the time element means that you ought to have more than just an oil change. Other fluids, I should think. A good once over by the dealer may uncover other consumables that need attention.

My mom has an '03 Sonata she bought new; 14 years later, it has less than 40,000 miles on it. But, stuff has worn out mechanically that is going to take some $$$ to address.

houdini1 · November 2016

driver100 said:

ab348 said:
If you like the dealer, I'd take it there. They will be astounded at the low, low mileage and who knows, maybe make you an offer you can't refuse.
Lots of good ideas guys, and all suggestions are appreciated.

Not a misprint, the car has 5,500 miles on it, about 1400 miles a year. We use the E400 in Florida most of the time, my wife uses the Passat to get to her activities when I am at mine. In a way, it would cost less to use a taxi, but, the car has been worth it. One VW dealer offered $16000 as a trade in plus a coupon worth $2000, I think I could trade for a new one for about $7000. Tempting, since I miss not having a rear camera and blind spot warnings. I understand the new turbo models can really go, and that would really change the driving dynamics. I think they could make me a deal I may not be able to refuse...it is possible! I notice VW sales including Passats are down almost 50% from the best year, and down 10% from last year.

I think I will go to the dealer for the oil change, brake fluid I will have checked. I don't think rotating tires will help, these tires will detiorate before they get worn out at this rate.

Play it coy and dumb when at the dealer. If a salesman comes up tell him you just have your car in for service and you don't think there have been many changes in the last 4 years worth trading up to. That ought to set him off on his sales spiel. Just play the reluctant buyer until they offer you a deal you can't refuse. Then use the Cobra method and strike !!

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