Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright · December 2016

I don't think The Subarus have changed all that much in the last two years, except for some new gadgets. And there's that CVT transmission to deal with. Have you looked at the Mazda CX-5? Much more fun to drive.

tbirdmarco · December 2016

Conggrads to all who have made sum puntches in the past few weeks. How has everything bin going with everyone.

tbirdmarco · December 2016

@Michaell Happy balated birthday.

stickguy · December 2016

so, son's big day is complete. made his RT to Connecticut, turned in the Jetta, and now has the A3 home in Albany. Got some pictures. So far, he is beyond impressed. Pretty much blown away, but knows he is going to have a pretty steep learning curve on all the goodies.

Also said it is much quicker than the 1.8t Jetta, especially on the highway. And that it will run up over 80, real quick, and really unnoticed. So has to watch that.

Virtual cockpit also is really cool. He is glad he decided to pony up the extra money for the fancy tech.

And at this point, no buyers's remorse!

I at least get to drive it in a few weeks when we go up for Christmas.

nyccarguy · December 2016

Sounds like you raised him right @stickguy! Wish him congrats for me! I can't wait to see pics and hear your thoughts and his ownership impressions. What dealer in a at did he buy at?

Michaell · December 2016

Marcothecarguy1986 said:
@Michaell Happy balated birthday.

Thanks, Marco!

stickguy · December 2016

nyccarguy said:
Sounds like you raised him right @stickguy! Wish him congrats for me! I can't wait to see pics and hear your thoughts and his ownership impressions. What dealer in a at did he buy at?

Valenti Audi in Watertown. Don't ask how he ended up down there, but they spent a lot of time working with him.

no pics yet, but looks just like this one, except his also has the sports package, with the most noticeable difference being the great sports seats.

The car he got actually came from this dealer as a trade.

http://www.audifreehold.com/new/Audi/2017-Audi-A3-freehold-0ebf822b0a0e0a6b278b2504f6035e56.htm

nyccarguy · December 2016

@stickguy - that color looks stunning! I wish him many years of luck with it!

suydam · December 2016

Beautiful vehicle! Congrats!

stickguy · December 2016

some pictures of the real thing, including the virtual cockpit.

http://imgur.com/a/XF9Fe

nyccarguy · December 2016

Outstanding interior color!

stickguy · December 2016

the sports seats also make a huge difference. Just like on the BMW, big improvement over the base ones. Just love the extendable thigh support.

fintail · December 2016

Definitely one of the highest option A3s I have seen. As someone with a brown interior car, I approve. I wish MB had moved to the thigh support feature earlier - took them forever to catch on.

stickguy · December 2016

Wife and I stopped at the Audi dealer today and she sat in a Q3 with that interior, and said she actually liked it. She is usually anti-brown interiors, but that is more of the real reddish ones I think. I like it.

It does seem that most of the A3s around are less loaded. A lot of dealers don't get the sport package, and the tech package is also not that common. Heck, the premium plus (required for Tech) is not even that common.

The only options he did not get were the LED lights, and the B&O radio upgrade. That is probably overkill, and he was fine with the regular HID lights.

nyccarguy · December 2016

@stickguy - I'm sure the standard HID lights will do the trick. The Q3 uses the 2.0 Turbo 4 that's only rated at 200 hp as opposed to the 2.0L in the A3/GTI/A4/A6 that's rated at 220 hp/256 lb ft of torque.

I really wish @28firefighter & @jpp5862 weren't having such issues with their VWs (even though @sandman_6472, @breld, @Michaell, & @stickguy have no problems to report). I keep seeing 2015+ GTIs around and really like them.

fintail · December 2016

Weird that it would be so loaded without the fancy lights - things like that happen on MBs too. Most people won't notice, and I don't think they are as distinct as on some MBs.

stickguy · December 2016

he was not that bothered by it, since they are just standard fixed lights. So basically, fancier bulbs. Might have worried about it more if they were fancy adaptive ones. he said the Xenons were good. Certainly going to be an upgrade over the Jetta. Plus a pricey option at $1050 (likely why it is not that common on an "entry level" car).

Michaell · December 2016

nyccarguy said:
@stickguy - I'm sure the standard HID lights will do the trick. The Q3 uses the 2.0 Turbo 4 that's only rated at 200 hp as opposed to the 2.0L in the A3/GTI/A4/A6 that's rated at 220 hp/256 lb ft of torque.

I really wish @28firefighter & @jpp5862 weren't having such issues with their VWs (even though @sandman_6472, @breld, @Michaell, & @stickguy have no problems to report). I keep seeing 2015+ GTIs around and really like them.

Just over 1700 miles on the Jetta and the only issue is that the drivers window squeaks when it goes up. I may try to get it to the dealer over the holidays, when I have some time off.

Wife has made comments about why I have my own car if I'm driving it so little. I may not replace it when the lease is up, if this continues.

Rental car question - I'm going to CA next month. A few co-workers are also flying in, so I've rented a mid-size SUV for all of us. I'm renting with Hertz - any thoughts as to what I might get?

stickguy · December 2016

mid size? The way rental cars classify now, probably a Suzuki X90. Or if you are real lucky, an Escape.

fintail · December 2016

I've read Hertz has a lot of Dodge Journeys in the middle SUV role. Have fun with that!

I've also read they have oddballs - 4Runners, Hyundais, etc. You never know.

Michaell · December 2016

stickguy said:
mid size? The way rental cars classify now, probably a Suzuki X90. Or if you are real lucky, an Escape.

Nah. Hertz has a standard SUV class, which I'd guess is the Escape. What little I've seen leads me to believe it could be a Pathfinder.

fintail · December 2016

If the lights aren't adaptive, I don't know what benefit would be had by the upgrade. No harm done.'

It's weird going from xenon/LED to a normal car. My rental 300 didn't have xenon, and it felt like driving the fintail at night - why are my light yellow, and have such little range?

Michaell · December 2016

fintail said:
If the lights aren't adaptive, I don't know what benefit would be had by the upgrade. No harm done.'

It's weird going from xenon/LED to a normal car. My rental 300 didn't have xenon, and it felt like driving the fintail at night - why are my light yellow, and have such little range?

I notice the difference between the Jetta and the Outback when I drive them at night.

stickguy · December 2016

Michael, one of my possible plans is to just send the Sonata back and don't replace it. Might be OK as a temporary option, but can't see it working long term.

our problem is, we don't have the 2nd car floating around (even if with a 3rd driver like you have with the kid). So the only way I could have a car, is if the wife did not need it.

But, could easily get something cheap, because the 2nd car does not get many miles. I pulled out paperwork on the RDX today (stopped at dealer to chat about the brake fluid situation), and turns out is was a full 6 months ago I had it serviced (6/7). And since then, we only put 1.600 miles on it, and that is with the wife taking it to work. barely 250/month.

so,could just start using that for the primary miles (the whopping 7K my car gets), and find something older and cheaper to sit around and get local short hops. Would actually be a great opportunity to get a fun/sports car, or little PU truck. At least that could be useful. Plus, no loans! Might be the best way to go, especially if we are seriously looking at moving sometime in 2018.

stickguy · December 2016

actually, after teasing her today sitting in the BMWs, I probably could convince her to let me get something cheap, then trade her car in on something like an X1 or X3.

Maybe a used GLC. Just read the MT SUV of the year recap on that, and man, did they love the thing.

28firefighter · December 2016

Send my congrats to your son, @stickguy! Car is beautiful and a great color combo. I think I probably would have gone for the B&O stereo, but agree on the LED lighting.

@nyccarguy - problems aside, I still love my GTI. I still can't find a better value for the money.

Michaell · December 2016

@stickguy - we're keeping the Outback long term, and it's not getting all that many miles on it, either. I think just around 17-18K and we'll have had it two years at the end of February.

Obviously, I'll keep the Jetta for the duration of the lease, then figure out what our needs are at that time.

If I don't replace it, that will save about $300/mo in the budget (payment + insurance).

breld · December 2016

I have a hankering for a current gen Accord with a manual. Either a sport sedan or the equivalent coupe.

Total random squirrel thought.

breld · December 2016

Maybe something like this, though I'd rather have a Sport or EX-L to get the leather steering wheel:

Accord Coupe

Seems like a cool car for $15k. Won't lose your pants on depreciation either - good for me!

nyccarguy · December 2016

breld said:
Maybe something like this, though I'd rather have a Sport or EX-L to get the leather steering wheel:

Accord Coupe

Seems like a cool car for $15k. Won't lose your pants on depreciation either - good for me!

Nice car for $15K! Any V6/MT Coupes out there in that price range?

breld · December 2016

Didn't see any V6 manuals in the search today, but I'd imagine you could squeak into the high teens on a nice used model.

I test drove one a year or two ago. Definitely a nice car - I was testing it back to back with the civic Si and found myself more drawn to the civic despite the extra horses in the accord. Just love the Honda shifters.

Michaell · December 2016

breld said:
Maybe something like this, though I'd rather have a Sport or EX-L to get the leather steering wheel:

Accord Coupe

Seems like a cool car for $15k. Won't lose your pants on depreciation either - good for me!

You are a cruel, cruel man.

That is a lot of car for $15K. These stickered at close to $30K new?

Not thrilled with the black on black, but you can't be picky when shopping used.

stickguy · December 2016

nice Accord. Back before Thanksgivng when I was shopping with the Kid, they had a new EX coupe in the showroom (blue) with the stick. Nice package. Price was not all the bad either, especially when you add in the discounts. A 2017.

Found it! A bit bright blue, but I kinda like this one.

http://www.hondaofturnersville.com/detail-2017-honda-accord_coupe-ex_manual-new-15505008.html

houdini1 · December 2016

stickguy said:
some pictures of the real thing, including the virtual cockpit.

http://imgur.com/a/XF9Fe

Nothing like getting to share in the excitement of one of your kid's beautiful new car. Congrats !

breld · December 2016

@stickguy - yup, no doubt about it - that's a beautiful car your son picked up. Love the color combo. Good choice not pushing the limit for the S3 - there's plenty of time to step up in his future.

breld · December 2016

Michaell said:

breld said:
Maybe something like this, though I'd rather have a Sport or EX-L to get the leather steering wheel:

Accord Coupe

Seems like a cool car for $15k. Won't lose your pants on depreciation either - good for me!
You are a cruel, cruel man.

That is a lot of car for $15K. These stickered at close to $30K new?

Not thrilled with the black on black, but you can't be picky when shopping used.

Well, just something to think about. Your lease will be over before you know it.

Maybe I can live with one for awhile to test it out for you in the meantime.

stickguy · December 2016

I am really starting to like the idea for next year of trading in the RDX to upgrade to a newer CUV type (Countryman, X1, GLC), and just fill in a spare car for me that is cheap and fun. If our usage needs are the same, the "good" car, especially if it is my wife's designated wheels, is going to get most of the miles and all the travelling. So the spare car will mostly sit around and get very little use, but will be there when I need it.

perfect case for a sporty car really.

pretty sure I can sell her on the plan, by going out to test drive the good stuff!

could even make it work out cash flow wise. Trade in or sell RDX, and lease replacement. Take the cash out $, put some toward a 2nd car, and use the rest to pay tuition! Then maybe buy out the lease at the end.

so many permutations of conceptual ideas.

tjc78 · December 2016

Great color combo on Junior @stickguy 's Audi! The dashboard is really cool too.

Just read on another forum that VW scheduled the buyback for a particular poster's car for Jan 6th. How is this being done? In service date or luck of the draw?

I'm stunned, wife and I have to drive to separately tomorrow and she is taking the Enclave. First time that has happened since we got the Elantra! To be fair, it's not like we drive separate that often.

stickguy · December 2016

the VW thing is based on when you get your paperwork in, how quickly they process, and sunspots (just guessing on that last part).

True on the Audi. I have been getting updates as he plays with more stuff. Used the headlights finally, and said the standard HIDs are excellent, so does not miss the LEDs. That, and so far, he loves it, and is very happy he picked this one out of the options he was considering. Not having buyers remorse is good. Confusing here maybe, but good!

tjc78 · December 2016

Gotcha, so at their mercy!

I've never driven a car with LED headlights, but I'll tell you one thing once you have driven with HID's you don't want anything else. The Lacrosse had the swiveling HIDs, they were awesome.

stickguy · December 2016

I have HIDs on the Sonata. I honestly don't really notice them. I must not drive much where it is really dark enough that the headlights make a difference!

tjc78 · December 2016

Drive it on a road like RT55 at night, that is where they really do their job.

xwesx · December 2016

stickguy said:
so, son's big day is complete. made his RT to Connecticut, turned in the Jetta, and now has the A3 home in Albany. Got some pictures. So far, he is beyond impressed. Pretty much blown away, but knows he is going to have a pretty steep learning curve on all the goodies.

Also said it is much quicker than the 1.8t Jetta, especially on the highway. And that it will run up over 80, real quick, and really unnoticed. So has to watch that.

Virtual cockpit also is really cool. He is glad he decided to pony up the extra money for the fancy tech.

And at this point, no buyers's remorse!

I at least get to drive it in a few weeks when we go up for Christmas.

Fantastic! For some reason, I was thinking that his A3 wasn't expected until February.

Early is good, though!

stickguy · December 2016

tjc78 said:
Drive it on a road like RT55 at night, that is where they really do their job.

I hardly ever use high beams. that always surprises me. And guess I don't drive a lot on really dark roads like that. But yeah, good lights are nice to have!

stickguy · December 2016

oh, his ordered car won't actually be in until February. He just got antsy, and they managed to find an identical (down to the accessories) unit at another dealer and traded for it. Same price, he just got it earlier. dealer will just end up with the ordered one as an inventory unit when it finally arrives.

nyccarguy · December 2016

I had bi-xenon swiveling headlights on the 3er and loved them. The TSX had HIDs as well.

kyfdx · December 2016

nyccarguy said:
I had bi-xenon swiveling headlights on the 3er and loved them. The TSX had HIDs as well.

I always leave the adaptive part turned off. Not a fan of swiveling lights. I do like the HIDs, though.

nyccarguy · December 2016

So my wife told me to take our 3 kids to a local toy store to get some Hanukkah gift ideas. Her instructions were simple: Take pictures so we can go back during the week and pick up. Yes ma'am. Roger Roger. 10-4. Over & Out.

houdini1 · December 2016

stickguy said:
oh, his ordered car won't actually be in until February. He just got antsy, and they managed to find an identical (down to the accessories) unit at another dealer and traded for it. Same price, he just got it earlier. dealer will just end up with the ordered one as an inventory unit when it finally arrives.

Hey, you cal tell Mrs. Stickguy that you have to buy that one !!

houdini1 · December 2016

kyfdx said:

nyccarguy said:
I had bi-xenon swiveling headlights on the 3er and loved them. The TSX had HIDs as well.
I always leave the adaptive part turned off. Not a fan of swiveling lights. I do like the HIDs, though.

Me too. Something about those swiveling lights just ain't right !

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