Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

Sandman6472 · August 2021

Yep, had a feeling the Prius would be on the slow side but that mileage is indeed impressive for 222K on the clock! I'd be a perfect candidate for an EV to be honest but am unhappy about the lack of suitable charging stations around our area at this point. And I've read that charging from one's home with a regular plug on 110 will take many hours to charge the vehicle to full, one really needs to retro-fit the house to 240. As I only put on about 40 miles/week now, could work for me. Did sit in the new 2022 Bolt last Wednesday at the dealer and was impressed by everything except the price tag. They had a unit in dark red which I really liked and it was pretty comfortable inside. I didn't fall down into it, something I'm looking for in my next vehicle and recall getting out was pretty easy. But, it needs to come down in price to the mid to high $20's for it to get any interest from me at this juncture, $26K to $28K would be in my ball park to be honest. I know my daughter & son-in-law would love it as they're both Chevy owners. Now, get me the price I'm looking for and help with the retro-fitting of my garage so it can be charged quicker, and I'd say I'm in...where do I sign?
I'll admit it, I do like a vehicle where I hit the gas...and it goes! I don't speed but I like power when needed and have found in my Golf, putting the gear lever into "S", gets me what I want. Sometimes, that turbo lag just drives me crazy and have noticed it happening more & more lately. Not sure if changing into new spark plugs would help. Really don't want to put anymore $ into it but if this would help, think I would. Still on the original brake pads & rotors with just about 68K on the clock and have only had the brake fluid changed out at the 30K service years ago.

Sandman6472 · August 2021

Have noticed that slight turbo lag happening more & more on my Golf lately. I'm about to hit 68K on the next couple of weeks and wonder if I need to change out the spark plugs to help with this issue? The brake fluid was changed out at the 30K service and am still on the same pads & rotors all around. Not looking to put much money into it since I might be getting a new 2022 Toyota sometime in the new year depending if what I'm waiting for fits my needs and comes out this fall. This chip shortage most likely might put a damper on my plans. But just wondering if I should attend to any of these things sooner than later? Luckily, I don't drive many miles anymore, maybe 40 to 50 each week, but still want to keep it up. Asking the experts in here if I should at least swap out the plugs?

tjc78 · August 2021

I think VW recommends a 60k spark plug change, so it’s due. Not sure if that’s why you are experiencing more pronounced turbo lag or not.

@28firefighter...that sucks. I still have to deal with the S60’s windshield as well. Luckily I have a $50 glass deductible.

xwesx · August 2021

I'm just shy of 115,000 on the Q7's ticker now.

I ended up having an issue with the EGR system while crossing through Nebraska last week (or maybe the week before now... last week of July). I was feeling the slightest of hesitations while on the highway (I80) running at 80 mph. It would run fine for a mile or two, then a brief blip, then continue to run fine. At one point, there were several hesitations in a row, followed by lots of flashing lights, and then no cruise. The car continued to run, but the speed drifted down to around 62 mph (perhaps a 100 kph "limp mode?") before I was able to hold it there. I continued to the next exit a few miles later, then pulled out the diagnostic tools to check it out. The system said there was a clear failure of the EGR system, and it seemed to be somewhat of a cascade because there were a multitude of related codes. I saved the report, cleared the system to try to get my cruise back, and then continued down the road.

It was hot (34C) and humid (near 100%) that day, so I decided to try reducing my speed to 75. Thankfully, it seemed to work fine for the most part for the rest of my trip. A few more intermittent hesitations, but nothing that ended like it did that first time. I have an appointment at Audi in Erie on Thursday.

kyfdx · August 2021

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

qbrozen said:
Enjoyed the trip in the Jeep this weekend.
It is NOT a city car, though! Parking was a bit of a chore.
We picked a good weekend to go to my son's first Phils game, though.
Sorry, Mets fans.
Us Mets fans are used to this sort of thing unfortunately. A bit of a surprise this year with the new owner, but it shows him that he needs to shake the front office and management corps up this offseason. The roster is full of players who are good enough to lose with. I’m just wondering how it’s possible for the Phils to have won 8 in a row.

Could be worse though, one could be a Cubs fan. Watching them tonight and it’s just sad. Looks like a minor league team.
If you want sad, watch the Pirates. They wouldn’t even come in last in the minor league. They are absolutely unwatchable. Count your blessings baseball fans.

jmonroe

The Reds appreciate the Pirates!

stickguy · August 2021

This car shopping might be harder than I thought. FB marketplace, as expected, was high priced crap. Local dealers were very proud of their used stock.

And using my reference point for leases (Rodo app) they range from bad, to horrible. And really better off getting something more expensive that is less desirable. Might as well pay $450 for a TLX instead of $400 for a Civic or $350 for an Elantra!

Did find an electric blue Ram Warlock for about $460 ($48k sticker) but that is probably not my vibe.

A decent ridgeline ran about $600. Rangers up there too. $500 for a mid level Taos. Stuff like that.

jmonroe1 · August 2021

kyfdx said:

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

qbrozen said:
Enjoyed the trip in the Jeep this weekend.
It is NOT a city car, though! Parking was a bit of a chore.
We picked a good weekend to go to my son's first Phils game, though.
Sorry, Mets fans.
Us Mets fans are used to this sort of thing unfortunately. A bit of a surprise this year with the new owner, but it shows him that he needs to shake the front office and management corps up this offseason. The roster is full of players who are good enough to lose with. I’m just wondering how it’s possible for the Phils to have won 8 in a row.

Could be worse though, one could be a Cubs fan. Watching them tonight and it’s just sad. Looks like a minor league team.
If you want sad, watch the Pirates. They wouldn’t even come in last in the minor league. They are absolutely unwatchable. Count your blessings baseball fans.

jmonroe
The Reds appreciate the Pirates!

Gee, I wonder why. I’m not sure what place the Reds occupy in that long line but they can’t be much further back than around the 32 nd spot. But let me be positive for a second, the Pirates will be getting tons of cards this Christmas and maybe a big mound of boxes under their tree. They may never go back to their olden days with treatment like that.

jmonroe

nyccarguy · August 2021

I've got a few updates for the board. One car related, one not.

We had a few mild days last week which softened the blow of not having air conditioning in the house. However, the last couple of nights have been pretty bad. Humid days and no breeze aren't a good combination. However there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have a very good customer who is an HVAC contractor. He came up to my house & took measurements. I buy from a distributor who is a rep for BOSCH. He's going to sell me the condenser/heat pump & air handler I need. My guy is going to install it. He's a licensed service rep for BOSCH. He's basically going to gut my duct work. He said there is a long return that runs the entire length of my house that is salvageable. He's going to send his workers to pickup the AC condenser & handler on Thursday and will start work on Monday.

Now to my car related post. I had to submit photos through allstate's photo claim. As most of you saw, it barely looks like there is any damage on the surface. The body shop estimated the job would cost a little over $1,900 to fix. This is before I told them about the leaking rear shock. Allstate sends me a check based on the photo estimate for $459.03. I know the body shop is going to have to do a facetime call with an allstate claims person to put in a supplemental claim and my truck will be fixed properly. GRRRRRRRR!

My best friend sold his wife's leased Grand Cherokee 10 months early. He ordered her a Tesla Model 3. When he gave the deposit, they gave him an estimated delivery date of late August - Early September. 2 weeks later that changed to Late September - Early October. A week after that his estimated delivery date got changed to Mid-November. He leased a 2021 Audi Q5 Premium Plus for his wife. He didn't do too bad given market conditions. His Q5 came with 2 keys. The sales manager said he was lucky. The newer cars are coming in with only 1 key due to the chip shortage. Audi figures they can sell 2x as many cars with only 1 key (for now).

mjfloyd1 · August 2021

Did he buy the one keyfob Audi from a Kia dealership?

corvette · August 2021

How does that work - do they give you an IOU for the second key when they are available?

mjfloyd1 · August 2021

Dealership says the 4xe ordered 6/22 is still gathering parts. The 4xe ordered 7/12 has a ship date of 8/18.

Must just be a run of Stingray already scheduled.

au1994 · August 2021

mjfloyd1 said:
Dealership says the 4xe ordered 6/22 is still gathering parts. The 4xe ordered 7/12 has a ship date of 8/18.

Must just be a run of Stingray already scheduled.

Lucky!! Still gathering parts for me. 6/28 order date and I had hoped to have it by Labor Day weekend but doesn’t look like that will happen.

andres3 · August 2021

corvette said:
How does that work - do they give you an IOU for the second key when they are available?

Furthermore, if the dealership loses the 2nd Key FOB before giving it to you, are you SOL?

andres3 · August 2021

corvette said:
How does that work - do they give you an IOU for the second key when they are available?

Furthermore, if the dealership loses the 2nd Key FOB before giving it to you, are you SOL?

If you lose your keys and have to have the car towed or have a professional start the car or Locksmith open the door for you, who pays for that??

stickguy · August 2021

I would want a serious rebate if they only gave me 1 key, since my wife and I each have our own and having to swap back and forth would be a giant pain in the rump. Especially since we always carry our keys and don't just hang them on a hook by the door.

tifighter · August 2021

Tesla's key cards have some benefits here. $35 for a pair of cards, and you can program them yourself (add or delete) on the touchscreen. But you'll use your phone instead, most of the time.

sb55 · August 2021

After a 3 month wait, I should have a punch tomorrow. I tried to get pro-active and see how to change my signature line. Should it be under the "account" tab when I activate the little man icon at the top right? If so, I can't find it there.

explorerx4 · August 2021

@sb55,
Click on your sb55, then click on the blue dropdown box on the right to edit your profile.
After that look on the right for signature and edit that.
I just removed my 2019 MKZ from my sig(sold).

breld · August 2021

tifighter said:
Tesla's key cards have some benefits here. $35 for a pair of cards, and you can program them yourself (add or delete) on the touchscreen. But you'll use your phone instead, most of the time.

I wish Polestar would get their act together and make the "phone-as-key" app more reliable. I'd say it's good 80-90% of the time - but the few times when I've been unable to start the car or lock/unlock it is pure frustration. I've never been left stranded...it'll start working with a reboot but that 5-10 minutes has left me pulling my hair out a bit.

I finally decided to just carry the "activity" key with me (a smaller fob).

mjfloyd1 · August 2021

That polestar won’t be around too long so don’t get too frustrated

stickguy · August 2021

sounds like the kiss of death right there.

tifighter · August 2021

breld said:

tifighter said:
Tesla's key cards have some benefits here. $35 for a pair of cards, and you can program them yourself (add or delete) on the touchscreen. But you'll use your phone instead, most of the time.
I wish Polestar would get their act together and make the "phone-as-key" app more reliable. I'd say it's good 80-90% of the time - but the few times when I've been unable to start the car or lock/unlock it is pure frustration. I've never been left stranded...it'll start working with a reboot but that 5-10 minutes has left me pulling my hair out a bit.

I finally decided to just carry the "activity" key with me (a smaller fob).

Any trips with it yet? I hear...things...about Electrify America.

stickguy · August 2021

that the charges are starting to be busted quite often?

Sandman6472 · August 2021

Spoke with mechanic yesterday, I'm 8K past the recommended spark plug swap out period. Probably have that done at same time he does the brake fluid change. Wonder if the slight turbo lag it's having will disappear with new plugs?

oldfarmer50 · August 2021

stickguy said:
This car shopping might be harder than I thought. FB marketplace, as expected, was high priced crap. Local dealers were very proud of their used stock.

And using my reference point for leases (Rodo app) they range from bad, to horrible. And really better off getting something more expensive that is less desirable. Might as well pay $450 for a TLX instead of $400 for a Civic or $350 for an Elantra!

Did find an electric blue Ram Warlock for about $460 ($48k sticker) but that is probably not my vibe.

A decent ridgeline ran about $600. Rangers up there too. $500 for a mid level Taos. Stuff like that.

At this point you might want to concentrate on cars owned by friends and neighbors. FB marketplace has an even worse reputation for scammers than Craigslist. Either place you’re liable to find people trying to make a killing on broke down junk.

At least with personal contacts you know something of the owner. Put out the word among your social network.

You might also want to hang around the old folks homes and try to pick up something low mileage.

stickguy · August 2021

Should have bought my neighbors beat up pilot. To heck with the wife’s opinion! But did not know they were selling until already went to a friend of theirs parents.

The only old person with a good car I know is my did. And I’d rather not think of what has to happen to get that!

stickguy · August 2021

Bizarre car market can’t last forever. Hopefully.

qbrozen · August 2021

@Sandman6472 said:
Spoke with mechanic yesterday, I'm 8K past the recommended spark plug swap out period. Probably have that done at same time he does the brake fluid change. Wonder if the slight turbo lag it's having will disappear with new plugs?

If it really is turbo lag, plugs have nothing to do with it. If you are running on 3 cylinders or getting a weak spark resulting in lower overall power, then plugs could help.

May want to scope the intake to check on carbon buildup on the valves, too.

stickguy · August 2021

Or trade it in!

stickguy · August 2021

Though the DI VW engines are known for carbon buildup and needing walnut blasting. At least the older 2.0t motors. Not sure about the 1.8t.

jmonroe1 · August 2021

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:
This car shopping might be harder than I thought. FB marketplace, as expected, was high priced crap. Local dealers were very proud of their used stock.

And using my reference point for leases (Rodo app) they range from bad, to horrible. And really better off getting something more expensive that is less desirable. Might as well pay $450 for a TLX instead of $400 for a Civic or $350 for an Elantra!

Did find an electric blue Ram Warlock for about $460 ($48k sticker) but that is probably not my vibe.

A decent ridgeline ran about $600. Rangers up there too. $500 for a mid level Taos. Stuff like that.
At this point you might want to concentrate on cars owned by friends and neighbors. FB marketplace has an even worse reputation for scammers than Craigslist. Either place you’re liable to find people trying to make a killing on broke down junk.

At least with personal contacts you know something of the owner. Put out the word among your social network.

You might also want to hang around the old folks homes and try to pick up something low mileage.

That’s not a bad idea and to speed up the process spread around some banana peels.

jmonroe

stickguy · August 2021

JM, you’re old, right? Want to sell the Genny, cheap?

jmonroe1 · August 2021

stickguy said:
JM, you’re old, right? Want to sell the Genny, cheap?

I’m not old, I’m experienced and NO I ain’t selling my Genny to nobody especially to someone who doesn’t appreciate experience.

jmonroe

stickguy · August 2021

That’s ok. I would want a nice red one, not old man gray. It would match my hair too well.

ab348 · August 2021

First review I've seen of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, typical early softball variety:

https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/41906/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review-a-charming-small-pickup-thats-weird-for-the-better

breld · August 2021

tifighter said:

breld said:

tifighter said:
Tesla's key cards have some benefits here. $35 for a pair of cards, and you can program them yourself (add or delete) on the touchscreen. But you'll use your phone instead, most of the time.
I wish Polestar would get their act together and make the "phone-as-key" app more reliable. I'd say it's good 80-90% of the time - but the few times when I've been unable to start the car or lock/unlock it is pure frustration. I've never been left stranded...it'll start working with a reboot but that 5-10 minutes has left me pulling my hair out a bit.

I finally decided to just carry the "activity" key with me (a smaller fob).
Any trips with it yet? I hear...things...about Electrify America.

No trips and no plans for longer trips. I know the charging network exists to some extent, but that's a big reason we like having something like the XC90 for the time being.

jmonroe1 · August 2021

stickguy said:
That’s ok. I would want a nice red one, not old man gray. It would match my hair too well.

Well then, you’re in luck.

jmonroe

ronsteve · August 2021

@tjc78 said:
I think VW recommends a 60k spark plug change, so it’s due. Not sure if that’s why you are experiencing more pronounced turbo lag or not.

Not sure how much difference between turbo and NA Volkswagen engines, but on the wife’s 13 Jetta it calls for plugs every 40k.

nyccarguy · August 2021

breld said:

tifighter said:

breld said:

tifighter said:
Tesla's key cards have some benefits here. $35 for a pair of cards, and you can program them yourself (add or delete) on the touchscreen. But you'll use your phone instead, most of the time.
I wish Polestar would get their act together and make the "phone-as-key" app more reliable. I'd say it's good 80-90% of the time - but the few times when I've been unable to start the car or lock/unlock it is pure frustration. I've never been left stranded...it'll start working with a reboot but that 5-10 minutes has left me pulling my hair out a bit.

I finally decided to just carry the "activity" key with me (a smaller fob).
Any trips with it yet? I hear...things...about Electrify America.
No trips and no plans for longer trips. I know the charging network exists to some extent, but that's a big reason we like having something like the XC90 for the time being.

Quote the Raven

stickguy · August 2021

Just built a Maverick again. Definitely a good value. XLT hybrid with luxury package, co Pilot package, moonroof, all season mats and a tonneau cover, still snuck in under $29k. Would give me everything I need, and can still tow a small utility trailer if need be. Probably not fast, but should get great mileage running around locally. Not like I’d be hot rodding it anyway. And it will fit in the garage!

sda · August 2021

The Maverick seems like a decent value. The styling is fresh yet conservative. It has an honest vibe to it. I like the size and for my purposes it would be a good choice. $30k seems to be the new price point to be able to get something nicely equipped and not subject to an entry level compromise.

au1994 · August 2021

stickguy said:
Just built a Maverick again. Definitely a good value. XLT hybrid with luxury package, co Pilot package, moonroof, all season mats and a tonneau cover, still snuck in under $29k. Would give me everything I need, and can still tow a small utility trailer if need be. Probably not fast, but should get great mileage running around locally. Not like I’d be hot rodding it anyway. And it will fit in the garage!

AWD. right? Thats a great deal.

stickguy · August 2021

That’s FWD. not towing much, so shouldn’t matter. AWD requires the non hybrid 2.0t and adds something like $3500 or more and hammers mpg. But much more of a traditional truck design.

corvette · August 2021

@au1994 said:
AWD. right? Thats a great deal.

No AWD on the hybrid, at least not right now. They offer the Escape Hybrid (on the same platform) with AWD, so I guess it’s a possibility in the future.

stickguy · August 2021

Must have done it for price? Lack if parts? Maybe it’s just too much weight for the hybrid drivetrain with AWD added.

mjfloyd1 · August 2021

@andres3 said:
Furthermore, if the dealership loses the 2nd Key FOB before giving it to you, are you SOL?

No, the dealership would give you a “we owe” receipt and you would get your second keyfob

corvette · August 2021

@stickguy said:
Must have done it for price? Lack if parts? Maybe it’s just too much weight for the hybrid drivetrain with AWD added.

I don’t think it’s price, the 2.0T is about a $1,000 option by itself, then about another $2k for AWD, if memory serves. Maybe lack of parts, weight, or it just wouldn’t perform well in that application with AWD. Or, they could be planning to offer it later in the production run, but not at launch.

ab348 · August 2021

Was out today and took a look at some dealer lots. Plenty of inventory at all the import places - Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Honda. Very thin on the ground at the Ford dealer, maybe 1 or 2 of each model and that's it aside from some F-250 and 350 pickups and some medium-duty trucks. What shocked me was the GM dealer - in front of the showroom they had some new inventory, maybe 15 vehicles total. But they have a huge lot out back and it was completely empty. I was shocked. I have never seen that lot even close to half-empty, and usually it is full with other new cars in overflow lots.

Interesting thing at the Ford dealer's used lot. The owner of that dealership used to own the GM dealer down the street but sold it to the current owners. He is a bit of a collector and has unloaded many of the cars in his collection at the Ford used lot over the last few years - a couple of Lotus Elises, a Solistice coupe, various Corvettes and Shelby Mustangs, etc. Today there were 3 last-gen Firebird convertibles there, I presume the ones with the LS1 engine from the early 2000s. Two were yellow with black tops and the other was white with a blue top. I never cared for those much but I discovered that they got good reviews at the time. They aren't up on the website so no idea about details. Also saw a 2008 Porsche 911 4S, orange in color. Doesn't seem like his kind of ride so I don't know it it is his or not.

sb55 · August 2021

Punch to report. 2021 Toyota Venza Limited replaced the 2014 BMW 535d.

BTW, I was able to see how to edit my profile. But after changing it on the page, then it said I didn't have permission to change it. Is this a moderator only step?

qbrozen · August 2021

sb55 said:
Punch to report. 2021 Toyota Venza Limited replaced the 2014 BMW 535d.

BTW, I was able to see how to edit my profile. But after changing it on the page, then it said I didn't have permission to change it. Is this a moderator only step?

If you are trying to change your signature, it is in a different place. When you get to the Edit Profile page, look on the right side for the Signature Settings link.

Very interesting swap, BTW. Diesel 5-series wagon for a hybrid 'yota wagon.

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