Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

sda · November 2016

28firefighter--did you ever get your GTI back? Is the issue resolved?

sda · November 2016

I have noticed 2013-15 Pilots going for crazy money. A 2015 is going for close to the price of a new 2016. I am guessing not everyone likes the redesign and prefers the boxy 2009-15 version? I was asking my wife if she would like to trade her Pilot for the new version or even a Mazda CX-9. The Mazda appeals to her but she wants to 'drive the wheels off the Pilot.' Getting ready to use all of the room in the Pilot for a Thanksgiving trip. It is a great vehicle for travel. It may be a bit early, but before time gets away, I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

28firefighter · November 2016

I did get my car back, it is not fixed. VW is saying the fuel economy and power loss is normal. I've hired an attorney and we are filing under lemon law with VW. They just sent written demand this week.

graphicguy · November 2016

28firefighter said:
I did get my car back, it is not fixed. VW is saying the fuel economy and power loss is normal. I've hired an attorney and we are filing under lemon law with VW. They just sent written demand this week.

Well...that's not good. Some of us have a bit of experience with that. Let us know if we can help.

Michaell · November 2016

Good news and bad news, this Monday morning.

Good news .. my dad's truck finally sold and has a new owner, as of last Friday. Was bought by a CHP officer, and I've been told he'll treat the truck well.

Bad news .. we sold it for nothing close to what we all thought it would. $5000 was the final price. It did need some work, though it looked decent from 20' and the brakes were just re-done.

I'm a bit sad, as my dad bought that truck new in 1970. I learned to drive in it, and used it once for a TSD rally when I was still living in CA. My dad used that truck hard - he always had a second job as a carpenter, and it hauled wood and tools often. He owned a bass boat, and the truck towed the boat to lakes all over southern and central California. Never went on any long road trips, to my knowledge.

28firefighter · November 2016

graphicguy said:

I did get my car back, it is not fixed. VW is saying the fuel economy and power loss is normal. I've hired an attorney and we are filing under lemon law with VW. They just sent written demand this week.
Well...that's not good. Some of us have a bit of experience with that. Let us know if we can help.

I'm not super excited about it, but I refuse to just take it lying down from them. The Attorney said it usually takes 120-150 days to resolve so it will not be a particularly fast resolution.

Mr_Shiftright · November 2016

That's about market correct I think if it had some needs.

sda · November 2016

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:
I did get my car back, it is not fixed. VW is saying the fuel economy and power loss is normal. I've hired an attorney and we are filing under lemon law with VW. They just sent written demand this week.
Well...that's not good. Some of us have a bit of experience with that. Let us know if we can help.

I'm not super excited about it, but I refuse to just take it lying down from them. The Attorney said it usually takes 120-150 days to resolve so it will not be a particularly fast resolution.

Sorry to learn and not very confidence inspiring. I've had better luck from VW. I bought new a 2000 Jetta GLX VR-6 5 speed. The engine ran roughly at around 2k rpm. Tested others, they did not. Turns out it was a bad engine mount and was repaired successfully--but only after 3 trips to them to diagnose. I was soured by my experience with my '06 Passat 2.0t. Loved that car, but the car liked the shop better. Was hoping things had improved as I had VW on my potential list of next cars when I make that move. Hope your case is resolved quickly and to your satisfaction.

Michaell · November 2016

Mr_Shiftright said:
That's about market correct I think if it had some needs.

Thanks, shifty. It's worth what someone was willing to pay for it.

I think the fact that it's not hanging over anybody's head anymore is a big relief to the family.

And, the 4 grandsons split the proceeds.

On a related note, my sister and her family are in Whistler, BC this week. They rented a Ford Expedition and my sister was wondering why gas was so cheap. "$1.15 per gallon" she tells me.

Had to break it to her that the price is per liter. After all the conversions, I think it worked out to about $3.25/gal. Given that they drive a Navigator in San Diego, probably not much more than they are used to paying now.

She's been texting me lately about leasing a new SUV. She'd like the payment around $250/mo.

Told her the CR-V and CX-5 both have strong lease deals, this month. She may do some Black Friday shopping.

breld · November 2016

Just got back this past weekend from our TCM cruise and finally catching my breath a bit after catching up with work today, and of course, this great forum!

The cruise was wonderful, as expected. They went to a larger ship this year, and it certainly didn't feel anywhere near capacity. And there were only a handful of children - honestly no more than around 20 kids on the whole boat, so it was a very relaxing vacation. Saw plenty of classic movies (of course), read 3 books, caught up on sleep and ate our way through the buffets and formal dinners with gusto!

One movie that I hadn't seen before but stuck in my head throughout the cruise is a Joan Crawford movie, "Straitjacket." Creepy! And even though they were released a little later than most of the "golden age movies," they showed a few James Bond movies from the Sean Connery era. Fun to see those on a big screen!

Anyhow, back just in time for the holiday craziness!

stickguy · November 2016

so, got a little bit of car shopping in today with the son. will be going out tomorrow morning to make the other direction loop.

1st stop, Acura. drove on the racetrack they have (TJC knows the place) a TLX V6 SH AWD. now this was a nice car. Very comfy, and plenty quick. Smooth ride, and seemed to handle well. And not ginormous. Even the kid liked it. Not cheap at sticker, but well loaded (this one had tech package). I could live with one. wife would love it. kid wanted something sportier and smaller.

then over to BMW. Only had 1 2 series in the whole place (new or used), a 2017 M240. Mid 50s sticker, so did not drive that. Chatted with salesguy, who searched around. Not much supply on the ground. No drive, so will hit up other dealer tomorrow.

they did have a bright blue M4 competition package on the floor, with a stick shift! Holy moly was that a nice car, with a mind numbing $82K MSRP. Ouch.

Next stop, Audi.

stickguy · November 2016

side note, kid was at VW this AM getting his Jetta serviced. They had a Golf R he wanted to try. One problem, it was in the showroom. But they only had 1, and would not allow a test drive without a credit check. So, pass on that. Stopped at Audi instead, and drove the S3 (which from what I understand, is basically the same car). Well, the kid fell in love with that (I told him it was a bad idea!). Seemed to think it felt noticeably quicker. Definitely felt rougher ride. I told him as an only car, living where they have crappy roads and lots of winter, might be a bad idea. But it was slick. Love the virtual dashboard. And it scooted real fast. But, for this time, he will stick with the normal model (which already pushes the budget),

and unlike VW with their Golf, Audi guy just asked what he wanted to see, told him S3, he said sure, let's go for a ride, and handed him the keys.

stickguy · November 2016

tomorrow, the plan is to go out early, hit BMW to try a 230i, Jaguar (XE), Infiniti (Q60) and Volvo (why not!). Should be fun. Just cold and windy.

breld · November 2016

@stickguy - sounds like a blast checking out all those cars! A lot of those vehicles should become much more obtainable as CPOs. Is your son considering that?

breld · November 2016

Man, this CPO 428i gran coupe has been listed for quite awhile with corresponding price reductions along the way. I've been lusting after these ever since they came out, but now I've become so enamored with the SQ5 that it's not quite as compelling as it once was. Though I'd be lying if I didn't say it's somewhat tempting when I consider the cost savings between the SQ5 and this 4-series.

CPO 428i Gran Coupe

ab348 · November 2016

@stickguy - While at the Acura dealer, did you have a chance to look at the ILX? I have seen a few new ones around here and have to admit it is a very good-looking car.

breld · November 2016

@stickguy - and on that TLX, did you notice anything off-putting about the transmission? That seems to be a major gripe in reviews, but sometimes those things aren't as bad as they're made out to be.

stickguy · November 2016

ab348 said:
@stickguy - While at the Acura dealer, did you have a chance to look at the ILX? I have seen a few new ones around here and have to admit it is a very good-looking car.

they had a few. I have driven them a few times. I really liked it. Lots of features for the money too, and plenty quick with the bigger 4. Drives well too. I think they are worth a look. Kind of sit in a middle spot between more basic stuff, and the luxo brands.

stickguy · November 2016

breld said:
@stickguy - and on that TLX, did you notice anything off-putting about the transmission? That seems to be a major gripe in reviews, but sometimes those things aren't as bad as they're made out to be.

I actually was thinking about that. It did seem a tad "sharp" accelerating hard in a low gear (not sure if 1-2 shift) but nothing excessive, or out of line with some other cars. Hard to tell just making a few laps of the little track they have. Would have to take a longer drive on real roads to fully test it out. Also a bit odd with the push button trans.

stickguy · November 2016

breld said:
Man, this CPO 428i gran coupe has been listed for quite awhile with corresponding price reductions along the way. I've been lusting after these ever since they came out, but now I've become so enamored with the SQ5 that it's not quite as compelling as it once was. Though I'd be lying if I didn't say it's somewhat tempting when I consider the cost savings between the SQ5 and this 4-series.

CPO 428i Gran Coupe

that is a really nice car. I could live with that. I mentioned the CPO a few times, but he seems to really want new. Plus, with the Audi, the 2017 has a lot of desirable upgrades, so right now, there are no CPOs around, especially equipped the way he wants.

The S3 we drove had the virtual cockpit option. Now that is going to be a cool feature to have.

fintail · November 2016

Waiting for Steve to chime in here with his next purchase

stever · November 2016

Does it count as a punch if someone punches your car lights out?

(Details here)

Mr_Shiftright · November 2016

stickguy said:
so, got a little bit of car shopping in today with the son. will be going out tomorrow morning to make the other direction loop.

1st stop, Acura. drove on the racetrack they have (TJC knows the place) a TLX V6 SH AWD. now this was a nice car. Very comfy, and plenty quick. Smooth ride, and seemed to handle well. And not ginormous. Even the kid liked it. Not cheap at sticker, but well loaded (this one had tech package). I could live with one. wife would love it. kid wanted something sportier and smaller.

then over to BMW. Only had 1 2 series in the whole place (new or used), a 2017 M240. Mid 50s sticker, so did not drive that. Chatted with salesguy, who searched around. Not much supply on the ground. No drive, so will hit up other dealer tomorrow.

they did have a bright blue M4 competition package on the floor, with a stick shift! Holy moly was that a nice car, with a mind numbing $82K MSRP. Ouch.

Next stop, Audi.

Hey how 'bout an Audi RS3? That's about M240 range in price, though.

stickguy · November 2016

they are both well out of his price range, or what makes any sense to get.

they did have a nice 10 cyl R8 in the showroom. only 182K. But you could look at the engine through the hatch window. And an RS7 there, for a bargain $119K.

corvette · November 2016

stever said:
Does it count as a punch if someone punches your car lights out? (Details here)

Geez, hope you and the missus are okay.

nyccarguy · November 2016

breld said:
@stickguy - and on that TLX, did you notice anything off-putting about the transmission? That seems to be a major gripe in reviews, but sometimes those things aren't as bad as they're made out to be.

+1 that's what I was going to ask

stickguy · November 2016

I liked the TLX. I think my wife would love it. Pretty sure though, I would still go with the 4 cyl FWD model with the 8 speed DSG. But man, it was nice burying my foot in the V6, Same basic drivetrain we have in the RDX, but a bit less weight, less drag, so slightly quicker and hopefully better real world MPG.

roadburner · November 2016

stickguy said:
side note, kid was at VW this AM getting his Jetta serviced. They had a Golf R he wanted to try. One problem, it was in the showroom. But they only had 1, and would not allow a test drive without a credit check. So, pass on that.
and unlike VW with their Golf, Audi guy just asked what he wanted to see, told him S3, he said sure, let's go for a ride, and handed him the keys.

A couple of years ago the local VW dealer treated me like an 18 year old looky-loo when I asked when the six speed manual Golf R would be available. I'm still tempted to drop by there in my M235i and mention how I might have bought a Golf R...

breld · November 2016

Arrogance at VW dealers (which I've witnessed myself too) just blows my mind given their situation these days.

stickguy · November 2016

funny thing, it is flanked by Porsche and Audi buildings, and either one would pretty much let you take out anything. Within reason.

graphicguy · November 2016

Stick...would love to hear your thoughts on the Jag.

28FF....that sounds about the same as what the lawyer told me when I was fighting with Cadillac. What would you do if VW comes back and offers you a new GTI? Drove my son's last weekend. Still like his, but it's been trouble free. Blast to drive.

Michaell....really like that truck. Congrats on the sale.

Michaell · November 2016

graphicguy said:
Stick...would love to hear your thoughts on the Jag.

28FF....that sounds about the same as what the lawyer told me when I was fighting with Cadillac. What would you do if VW comes back and offers you a new GTI? Drove my son's last weekend. Still like his, but it's been trouble free. Blast to drive.

Michaell....really like that truck. Congrats on the sale.

Thanks. My mom is struggling a little bit emotionally, now that it's gone. They've been in their house 48 years, and that truck was in the driveway for 46 of them. When dad bought it, mom told him it was the last truck he'd ever get. Turned out to be true...

Each of the boys are getting $2000 for thanksgiving - mom "topped off" the sale proceeds, as everyone was a bit optimistic about the sale price. Nephew #2 just got his license a couple weeks ago, so he'll put the money to good use quickly. He wants a Mustang. We will see what my sister has to say about it.

nyccarguy · November 2016

@stickguy - Honda's Corporate V6 is a nice motor. The TLX SH AWD is a nice ride.

graphicguy · November 2016

nyccarguy said:
@stickguy - Honda's Corporate V6 is a nice motor. The TLX SH AWD is a nice ride.

Agreed...it's been a little while since I've driven the TLX SH AWD, but last time I did, I liked it...quite a bit. Didn't notice any transmision trauma, but didn't drive it a lot, either.

28firefighter · November 2016

graphicguy said:

Stick...would love to hear your thoughts on the Jag. 28FF....that sounds about the same as what the lawyer told me when I was fighting with Cadillac. What would you do if VW comes back and offers you a new GTI? Drove my son's last weekend. Still like his, but it's been trouble free. Blast to drive. Michaell....really like that truck. Congrats on the sale.

Probably, but I am pretty miffed they're making me go through the process at all.

ab348 · November 2016

I read the review on The Car Connection for what its worth. The guy hated the SH AWD V6 version of the TLX but had nicer things to say about the 4-banger FWD version. That just seems counter-intuitive, so I just don't know what to think. I do know that I am not seeing many of either on the roads here.

houdini1 · November 2016

Michaell said:
Good news and bad news, this Monday morning.

Good news .. my dad's truck finally sold and has a new owner, as of last Friday. Was bought by a CHP officer, and I've been told he'll treat the truck well.

Bad news .. we sold it for nothing close to what we all thought it would. $5000 was the final price. It did need some work, though it looked decent from 20' and the brakes were just re-done.

I'm a bit sad, as my dad bought that truck new in 1970. I learned to drive in it, and used it once for a TSD rally when I was still living in CA. My dad used that truck hard - he always had a second job as a carpenter, and it hauled wood and tools often. He owned a bass boat, and the truck towed the boat to lakes all over southern and central California. Never went on any long road trips, to my knowledge.

Michael, I understand your feeling about your dad's P.U. I cannot see a circa 1960's green Ford P.U. without thinking of my dad, plus I had a lot of fun in that P.U. too.

stickguy · November 2016

I don't see many either, but always notice them when I do. Nice looking, and a bit different than most designs these days.

I did see a few reviews that liked the 4 cyl. better. Lighter on it's feet, better handling, still quick enough, better trans. A bit sportier, and better MPG. If you really don't need the AWD (I certainly don't), and can live with 0-60 in the 7 second range (I can) it makes a lot more sense.

sda · November 2016

I like the TLX and it is based on the Accord platform. Would prefer the V6, it is a sweet engine, but have read nothing but bad things about the 9 speed automatic. Not having driven one, I just have that to go by. I fear the 4 cyl, other than swapping the CVT for the 8 speed DCT would not perform not much differently than what I already have. Not a bad thing, but it is nice to feel a significant uptick in performance, especially if I am paying a lot more for the car. Hopefully Acura has added those little touches and made improvements that can't be seen that provide a more premium experience.

kyfdx · November 2016

houdini1 said:
, plus I had a lot of fun in that P.U. too.

I feel the same way about a Datsun 310 GX.. can't say why, though..

houdini1 · November 2016

kyfdx said:

houdini1 said:
, plus I had a lot of fun in that P.U. too.
I feel the same way about a Datsun 310 GX.. can't say why, though..

Me too !

xwesx · November 2016

Similar sentiments from me, Michael.

My truck has "been in the driveway" for a mere twenty years now, but both it and my van are staples of the home front. I can't imagine not having either of them there. Every year that goes by without doing some restoration work on the truck, though, makes me feel a little bit more guilty about continuing to keep it.

ab348 · November 2016

houdini1 said:

kyfdx said:

houdini1 said:
, plus I had a lot of fun in that P.U. too.
I feel the same way about a Datsun 310 GX.. can't say why, though..

Me too !

I don't think we want to know what you two were doing together in that 310GX way back when. Or was it a 310 G XXX?

nyccarguy · November 2016

stickguy said:
I don't see many either, but always notice them when I do. Nice looking, and a bit different than most designs these days.

I did see a few reviews that liked the 4 cyl. better. Lighter on it's feet, better handling, still quick enough, better trans. A bit sportier, and better MPG. If you really don't need the AWD (I certainly don't), and can live with 0-60 in the 7 second range (I can) it makes a lot more sense.

I do like the look of the TLX as well. I'm an AWD junkie & want my next ride to have some chutzpah. So I'd gladly pay for the privilege of the 290 hp V6. The TLX has been out since MY 2015. I'd assume Honda has made the proper adjustments & calibrations. Looks like they have $3,750 in lease cash on the V6 SH AWD models this month.

I'm an admitted Honda Kool Aid drinker. Prelude sitting pretty at 157K miles & I just had the oil changed, filter changed, & tires rotated at 86K miles on the Pilot.

stickguy · November 2016

so, did round 2 of test drives today (a good time, especially with the cold windy nasty weather this week, next to no customers). Only 3 stops, after deciding it was pointless to go to Infiniti.

first up, Volvo. I was out of touch with the changes they made for 2017 for the S60. A new Dynamic trim level, that is actually quite sporty. And an inscription, which has 3" extra rear seat legroom. So, we drove a 2017 Dynamic with lots of packages (climate, BLIS, tech). Pretty well loaded up. sticker was about 41K. The wheels and trim on it is pretty much the R design stuff, and even the kid was impressed by how good it looked. Similar to the S line on the Audi.

anyway, the drive was just a quick loop on local streets, but really impressed with it (note: I rode along on all of these, kid drove). Quick, smooth ride, nice engine note. and fantastic sport seats. good tech. I was really impressed by all the recent updates. Had everything I would require. And I know my wife would like it.

they buyer to be was surprised by how nice it was. And would actually see himself with one, but was still leaning toward the A3. But it made him think. And shot way the heck up my list.

stickguy · November 2016

skipping to 3rd stop, BMW. test drove (another brief lap on surface streets) a 230i. not all that well equipped, but still $45k sticker. I sat in back, with my head jammed into the roof. Turns out, kid did not like it that much. Cheap steering wheel, and something with the driving dynamics. Quick though, but he did decide also that the 2 door coupe was probably not the way to go. So, BMW is off the list.

stickguy · November 2016

the other stop was Jaguar. Had a 25t right out front, which surprisingly was "only" $37k. Modestly equipped (climate, Navi) but still nice. Pano roof standard. Very sharp looking. Nice interior (even with Pleather). roomy enough back seat, once I had the salesguy pull up the passenger seat. headroom fine.

driving wise, the salesguy drove first, and showed off a bit. but the car scooted, and had a real nice growl. honestly sounded more like a V6 than a 4. Then the kid took over, and loved it. Sucker was fast. went on a short highway leg, and he merged, went a lane left, booted it and ran up to 80 scary quick. And he also loved the steering and handling. Ride seemed fine to me, from the back seat. He thought it was good.

Basically, he loved the car. And might have changed direction from the A3, except for 1 issue. The 25 (the 2l turbo 4) model only comes with RWD, and living up in upstate NY he really wants to stick with AWD (if not getting FWD). At minimum, he would have to get a set of winter tires/wheels right away. He seriously was debating it though, and built one online with more options, the V6 AWD model, comparably equipped, is about $47k, which is out of range.

I however would be fine with RWD, and will absolutely give one a look next year.

only issue I had, there was a little creak/squeak of some sort in the headliner, right by the grab handle over the rear door. I probably would not have noticed if not sitting right by it, with no radio on.

anyway, for the price, blew away a comparable $ 320i, but again, comes down to being afraid of RWD or not.

stickguy · November 2016

so, right now, kid decided to stick with the A3, unless he gets his real wish (and financial hit) and splurges on the S3 he desperately wants!

sda · November 2016

I may have missed it in a previous post, is your son considering a TLX? They are in the price range of the A3.

tifighter · November 2016

stever said:
Does it count as a punch if someone punches your car lights out? (Details here)

Geez @stever glad you are okay. Sounds like it is T-bone week here at Edmundsland. Related, my car won't be fixed until mid-December. Parts, holidays, ugh.

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