Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

venture · February 15

roadburner said:
My wife talked with a lady at the MBCA event who also owns a new X5. She has had several X5s in the past and loved them but she is disappointed with the current car. She has tried to adapt to the new touchscreen but absolutely hates it; too far away and it is hard to navigate between the submenus.

That is a mouthful. When you almost have to get out the manual just to changes radio stations something has been made Unnecessarily difficult.

cdnpinhead · February 15

Ya think?

Sandman6472 · February 16

And the manual in my GTI has no clue how to add a station to my Sirius/XM. Tried what the manual said to do and it was totally wrong. After 3 stops at my dealer, think I finally got it down. Now, if Sirius/XM would stop moving channels around, I'd be just fine. I have my 10 favorites I listen to and that's all I need. Even though I don't drive much, don't mind paying for the yearly subscription. Just makes driving that much more fun. And will be nice to have it when we take a road trip up to St. Augustine this May.

xwesx · February 16

Plus, it is one of the more interesting phone conversations you get to have when your subscription comes up for renewal!

kyfdx · February 16

We just renewed, last week, on two different cars.. Did it on two separate occasions.

Last year, when getting dealer service (VW), XM had a promotion for $50 for 12 months. Generally, I don't have XM on the VW, because I'm not in there enough to make it worth it. This was cheap, so I took it.

This time, I told them I only wanted it, if I could get it for $50 for a year.. Took about ten minutes, and had to drop down twice, but I got it. ($4.21/mo, including tax.. monthly on the CC)

A few days later, had my wife's car, and this was non-negotiable for her. I can't just say: No thanks. Previously it was $104 including tax for the last 12 months. Took a little longer, but said cheaper than $104. Ended up for $101 total, including tax.

rayainsw · February 16

"I liked the driving experience of the X3, and the hood issue became a non-issue after the first day."
Agree.
- Ray
On 2nd X3 = 2026 M50

roadburner · February 16

@cdnpinhead You have a pm.

ab348 · February 16

Sandman6472 said:
And the manual in my GTI has no clue how to add a station to my Sirius/XM. Tried what the manual said to do and it was totally wrong. After 3 stops at my dealer, think I finally got it down. Now, if Sirius/XM would stop moving channels around, I'd be just fine. I have my 10 favorites I listen to and that's all I need. Even though I don't drive much, don't mind paying for the yearly subscription. Just makes driving that much more fun. And will be nice to have it when we take a road trip up to St. Augustine this May.

I remember when I still had XM I couldn’t figure out how to set a preset for it for a long time. I finally figured it out though I don’t recall how. Of course I later got fed up with the annual renewal grind and ditched it.

tjc78 · February 16

Apple Music and Pandora premium are light years ahead of SiriusXM in terms of content and sound quality.

I’d assume they’re a little more expensive than XM because they give some pretty good yearly contracts that works out to like five dollars a month.

sda · February 16

I believe the head unit in Sandman’s GTI is similar to other current VWs like the Arteon. Select Tune, if you know the XM station number, enter that, press OK, select the preset tile you want the station saved on, press for about 5 seconds and it is saved. Move on to the next. I have 30 stations saved as presets. XM frequently calls me or sends me a mailer to resubscribe for the Passat. I asked my daughter is she wants XM, nope. I keep telling XM it won’t be used in that car. I subscribe to XM in our other cars and enjoy having it.

explorerx4 · February 16

@tjc78,
Can I listen to MLB, NFL, Nascar or college games on those services?
I also like the human component(DJ) for the music channels.

stickguy · February 16

I like the convenience of the traditional radio experience. I never have to fish out my phone or plug it in. Turn the car on, and the radio is on. Only time we use the spotify app usually is on road trips, when the wife feels like playing with it.

oldfarmer50 · February 16

Sandman6472 said:
And the manual in my GTI has no clue how to add a station to my Sirius/XM. Tried what the manual said to do and it was totally wrong. After 3 stops at my dealer, think I finally got it down. Now, if Sirius/XM would stop moving channels around, I'd be just fine. I have my 10 favorites I listen to and that's all I need. Even though I don't drive much, don't mind paying for the yearly subscription. Just makes driving that much more fun. And will be nice to have it when we take a road trip up to St. Augustine this May.

The manual on my Ford was pretty useless and seemed to be more focused more on warranty disclaimers. When I forgot how to set radio stations after a battery change I had to call the salesman because the manual didn’t even have that basic info.

roadburner · February 16

I use Spotify for podcasts and I also like to use the SiriusXM app in the Club Sport since I have to use the BT/FM adapter anyway and the app has additional channels.

roadburner · February 16

This being CCBA I still browse the web for interesting cars. I ran across a slick 2026 M340 xDrive 50 Jahre Edition- celebrating 50 years of the 3er. This one was Avus Blue (an E36 M color). Sadly, the interior just ruins it for me. I'm spoiled by the driver centric ergonomics of my C43 and to be honest even the Wrangler has more useful display options (and physical switches) than a new 3er. As it stands now a CPO C53 will replace the C43 in three or four years...

Sandman6472 · February 17

SDA, mine doesn't work that way, have to push an icon with 9 marks on it and go through that. Once inside, it gives one certain choices with Sirius/XM being one of them. Then, just follow the prompts. Pretty easy once one knows the process but until then, no clue. And the manual is totally different so it was zero help. Just happy I got "The Bridge" back among my other '60's, '70's & '80's songs I really like. And the Hardan Kardon sound system sounds pretty decent. But the Fender system I had in the Golf was pretty decent also. Just can't drive without any music. And have my iPhone for work as I use it a lot when moving vehicles. I carry 2 cables with me all the time, a usb-A to usb-C one and a usb-C to usb-C one, as many vehicles have both connections still. Certain brands have now gone to only usb-C to usb-C as that's the world standard now. And you'd be surprised how many folks leave their cables in their rentals after they bring them back.
Even the Mrs. has Sirius/XM in her Kona and enjoys it to. Never thought she was into music like I was as I've been a big fan since 1962 as I had older siblings that always had their radios on. Even brought the kids up with my music in the background.

au1994 · February 17

explorerx4 said:
@tjc78,
Can I listen to MLB, NFL, Nascar or college games on those services?
I also like the human component(DJ) for the music channels.

Yes, all of the stick and ball sports as well as NASCAR have a dedicated channel. ESPN and most of the big college conferences are represented as well.

The JGC is the first vehicle where I have extended the free trial. I am really enjoying it primarily for the aforementioned sports talk channels. Personality quirk alert…I hate listening to music in the morning so my go to is the talk channels.

The 80’s on 8, 90’s on 9 are great for a burst of nostalgia. There are some other good choices if you don’t feel like streaming your own music.

tjc78 · February 17

explorerx4 said:
@tjc78,
Can I listen to MLB, NFL, Nascar or college games on those services?
I also like the human component(DJ) for the music channels.

I don't think so, I'm sure that most broadcasts are available to stream on IHeart or directly from the station's website. So, if that is important to you then SXM has a good bit of value for the convenience of tuning into all those broadcasts. I forgot they offered that.

au1994 · February 17

I listen to some college games on SXM and golf coverage is on. Not a big pro sports fan but check the line up, I believe each team has its own channel which has the games.

Michaell · February 17

At the beginning of January, I took the Outback in for some service at the dealer. There must have been some sort of promotion in play, as I received a 3 month free "trial" of Sirius/XM. I've been listening to it every day I'm in the car - First Wave channel for me, with some time spent on the "Classic Rewind" channel.

andres3 · February 17

au1994 said:
Did not know that about the roof on the Q5 and thats a deal breaker for my wife as well. So we can check that off the list. Same with the X3, it doesn’t open either. We had a bad experience the the BMW dealer that really turned her off. High pressure ‘what can we do to get this done today?’ and the nail in the coffin was the fact she wanted Xdrive and the guy basically told her ‘you live in Georgia, you don’t need it’. She does not take kindly to anyone telling her what she does or does not need.

I remember when I was a young man shopping a V6 Accord Coupe the sales lady tried to pivot me to a 4 cylinder version. Why? Because that's what they had on the lot.

tjc78 · February 17

Michaell said:
At the beginning of January, I took the Outback in for some service at the dealer. There must have been some sort of promotion in play, as I received a 3 month free "trial" of Sirius/XM. I've been listening to it every day I'm in the car - First Wave channel for me, with some time spent on the "Classic Rewind" channel.

When I had it, Classic Rewind and 80s on 8 were on 90% of the time. They are the official Gen X channels lol

andres3 · February 17

au1994 said:
The Genesis sedan is nice. Depending on how our searches pan out, I would absolutely take an Integra.

In a perfect world, she would get a Macan. That’s what she really wants and I would consider a service loaner. But I just think there are better (read cheaper) options out there. She only drives 8 miles one way to work so its no like she’s in it for long periods of time daily.

I’m going to put the XC60 and RDX on the board and maybe one of the myriad of Lexus SUV’s. She likes the GV70 and I think the interior is gorgeous but the exterior just meh.

Jeep is up next summer and I have no idea which direction I’ll go. Integra, Maverick, Frontier, another JGC, QX60, Camry SE??? As you can see I have a clear vision in what direction we are heading.

Does she drive with a lead foot? A used SQ5/Q5 has an openable roof for sure. I personally like the new ones because they have a much improved transmission. However, I'm not a fan of Audi's design aesthetic these days, particularly on interior quality and too much screen.

xwesx · February 17

When I first bought the Q7, I was a huge fan of the glass roof. After nine years, though, I am definitely *not* a fan of the glass roof! That feature is most certainly a short-timers dream and a long-timers nightmare.

After all the squeaks, leaks, rattles, and (yes) explosions, I'm definitely "over it" when it comes to roof glass.

tjc78 · February 17

xwesx said:
When I first bought the Q7, I was a huge fan of the glass roof. After nine years, though, I am definitely *not* a fan of the glass roof! That feature is most certainly a short-timers dream and a long-timers nightmare.

After all the squeaks, leaks, rattles, and (yes) explosions, I'm definitely "over it" when it comes to roof glass.

The one in my truck is beyond massive. I love having the sunshade open, but when it was brutally cold it that much more exposed glass in the cabin made it take longer to warm up.

andres3 · February 17

xwesx said:
When I first bought the Q7, I was a huge fan of the glass roof. After nine years, though, I am definitely *not* a fan of the glass roof! That feature is most certainly a short-timers dream and a long-timers nightmare.

After all the squeaks, leaks, rattles, and (yes) explosions, I'm definitely "over it" when it comes to roof glass.

I heard rumors that my "Open-Sky-Less" A3 could have been a red dot in CR vs. an A3 equipped with the Open Sky single-handedly causing a black dot. Of course they don't use that dot system any more.

fintail · February 17

Interestingly (or probably not), I am not aware of MB pano roofs causing more than infrequent issues, usually related to a rattle. I think MB was the first in this market to put such an option in large scale production, first appearing as an uncommon option on the SL around 1996, then as a routinely seen option on the E-class from 2003 onward.

roadburner · February 17

Some W205 C-Class owners have mentioned problems with the sunroof, but since I have yet to open mine it's a non-issue for me.

fintail · February 17

Earlier 205s were known for a few weird issues especially at launch, I wonder if it is an age thing. My current car is my third MB with pano, no problems, but I don't open it every day or anything, and usually even when open it's on vent rather than pushed back,

venture · February 18

roadburner said:
Some W205 C-Class owners have mentioned problems with the sunroof, but since I have yet to open mine it's a non-issue for me.

I haven't opened the sunroof on at least the last 3 cars I have had. I wish all makers would make them optional.

nyccarguy · February 18

venture said:

roadburner said:
Some W205 C-Class owners have mentioned problems with the sunroof, but since I have yet to open mine it's a non-issue for me.
I haven't opened the sunroof on at least the last 3 cars I have had. I wish all makers would make them optional.

My Dad specifically ordered his 2023 Tahoe without a sunroof. Same with the 2018 Yukon he had before that. He sits upright and likes the extra headroom. Our Camry doesn't have a sunroof and I don't think it particularly bothers my wife.

I do like to open the sunroofs, but only in the mornings and evenings on nice days. I don't like it when the sun beats in on me.

au1994 · February 18

Sunroof is not a dealbreaker to me. I have had a lot of them but it’s just usually a part of the trim package that I want. I’ve used my current one an handful of times.

My wife really likes and uses hers a lot.

tjc78 · February 18

My prior Ram didn't have a sunroof. I did miss it a bit especially at the shore where it gets used the most since it isn't as hot on the island.

Michaell · February 18

The Elantra GT and Jetta I leased did not have a sunroof. The Outback does, but it rarely gets opened ... I have had the shade opened on it during the winter months, however.

The Sportage has a pano roof, though I don't think it's been opened (or vented) in the year plus my daughter has owned the car.

nyccarguy · February 18

I know some of you guys (@tifighter) have your pulse to the Porsche market. A friend of a friend just bought a 2024 911 GTS. The car is gorgeous. Guards Red. Carbon Fiber Roof & Mirrors. Under 10,000 miles. The entire car is wrapped in PPF.

Curious on your thoughts about the car and the price. It sold for only $500 less than original MSRP.

2024 911 GTS

corvette · February 18

I don't care for that bright of a red on a Porsche. On a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Corvette, yes, but Porsches tend to have more subdued styling.

laurasdada · February 18

nyccarguy said:
I know some of you guys (@tifighter) have your pulse to the Porsche market. A friend of a friend just bought a 2024 911 GTS. The car is gorgeous. Guards Red. Carbon Fiber Roof & Mirrors. Under 10,000 miles. The entire car is wrapped in PPF.

Curious on your thoughts about the car and the price. It sold for only $500 less than original MSRP.

2024 911 GTS

Ok, so you've now got a friend with a Porsche. Next, acquire some friends with:

Boat
Hot Tub
Ski House
Lake House
Ocean-front House
(As I'm not much of a connoisseur of alcoholic drinks, please ensure freezers are well stocked with Ben & Jerry's. Other members may make their own requests)

Once you've completed the list, please arrange for several chapter meetings of the CCBA club at the newly acquired appropriate venues.

laurasdada · February 18

I do like my roof-holes. Other than my company cars of the mid '90s, I believe all of my cars have had one in one form or another. No issues to report (even the Jag XF! Although the XK was solidly roofed).

As an aside, the FAA has demanded that I wear a hat on bright sunny days as the reflection off the top of my pointed has been known to blind pilots.

venture · February 18

corvette said:
I don't care for that bright of a red on a Porsche. On a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Corvette, yes, but Porsches tend to have more subdued styling.

I think it was Jeremy Clarkson who said Porsche has the laziest designers.

roadburner · February 18

venture said:

roadburner said:
Some W205 C-Class owners have mentioned problems with the sunroof, but since I have yet to open mine it's a non-issue for me.
I haven't opened the sunroof on at least the last 3 cars I have had. I wish all makers would make them optional.

I've mentioned this before, but I ordered my Club Sport in August of 1995; Bright Red and Black were the only two color choices, while options consisted of a premium audio upgrade, a 25% locking differential, and a sunroof. I placed an order for a Bright Red Club Sport with the locking diff and the audio upgrade. BMW tried to throw a wrench into the works by announcing that all Club Sports would be built with a sunroof- which would raise the price by $1200- shades of the "Mandatory Options" Max Hoffman tacked on to 1600s, 2002s, and Bavarias! My salesperson went to bat for me and my Club Sport -along with approximately 10 others- were built without a hole in the roof.

stickguy · February 18

I love the moonroof. I open it all the time. Especially when sunny. The wife, she is much more selective about it (she hates sun). She could live without. I at least want a glass roof to bring light in.

andres3 · February 18

My '06 A3 specifically was sought without the opensky pano roof. My TTS doesn't have a boat anchor glass roof.
My Macan doesn't have one either which is RARE on the Macan. I'd bet less than 10% avoided the saw blades on the roof.
The S4 I custom ordered didn't give an option to go moonroof-less, so it had one. I opened it a couple times because I paid for it, but if I had the option, I'd have ordered without it. I know for a while BMW was offering no credit moonroof deletes. I'd have wanted at least a buck back.
The AllTrack SE and Tiguan SEL both had pano roofs standard.

andres3 · February 18

corvette said:
I don't care for that bright of a red on a Porsche. On a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Corvette, yes, but Porsches tend to have more subdued styling.

I have no issue with Guards Red on a Porsche. But I guess I am in the minority that's anti-white and anti-black for car colors.

My issue is the roof is black on a red car. If it's carbon fiber it is forgivable. If it isn't, then it should be the death penalty for whoever caused that to happen.

jmonroe1 · February 18

There has been a moon roof on our last 4 cars (2 Subie’s and 2 Genny’s). Had to get them as part of an option package I wanted otherwise I wouldn’t have had them.

If each car has had the roof opened for more than 2 hours of ownership, I’d be surprised. Only open it in the Summer for a few minutes to allow the hot air out until the A/C takes over. Don’t even like the shade open because the sun shines on the screen making it unreadable, not that I have to read while driving, but you get my point.

jmonroe

explorerx4 · February 18

Here's the BenzAndBowties guy doing a preowned vehicle lot walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fINmPRL0fTY

stickguy · February 18

I know I am in the minority (possibly all by myself) but I would have the roof open as much as possible, and only use the AC in an emergency (or when the wife insists).

Sandman6472 · February 18

I use the sunroof as much as possible in our cooler weather we've been having lately. Did the same with the Golf SE also. Love having one especially now.

As for my Sirius/XM subscription, I listen to more then a few stations with the '60's being my favorite followed closely by The Bridge. A big fan of the 80's also. Classic Rewind is another favorite, think it's station 26 if i'm not mistaken. I really don't need XM because I've got an extensive collection on my iPod, I'd say almost 1200 songs by now and when using it, leave it in the shuffle mode so I never know what's going to come on next. But the best thing about Sirius/XM now is one can hear it on more then just the car radio, can listen on my computer, iPhone and iPad so I do get my money's worth out of having it. and the price per day is just pennies and one thing I don't mind spending on.

Sandman6472 · February 18

Am a bachelor again till Sunday as the Mrs. went up to St. Augustine this morning. Our daughter needed some help with some things and since my wife handles her finances mostly, was best she took a few days to go visit. I don't have enough PTO to take off so decided to stay back this time. Plans are to go up for about a week in May but we'll take the GTI to stretch it's legs a bit. Also will give us time to really explore the area and decide what we'll do. Right now, renting is what we think we'll do at first after staying with our daughter for a bit. I know there's a certain amount of time we'll have if we want to buy again eventually for tax reasons, but right now, we don't think we want to own again if possible. But, so much is up in the air right now because we still don't have a real timeline about us re-locating. Just know it'll happen sometime in 2027 right now.

corvette · February 18

I like a glass sunroof, especially to add natural light when it's overcast outside or to naturally warm up the interior when it's cold. Unfortunately, neither of my cars has one. I would have added it to my Maverick build (the sunroof was available on the XL trim only in 2022, IIRC), but there were significant concerns that additional options (especially unusual ones) would delay the build.

Michaell · February 18

corvette said:
I don't care for that bright of a red on a Porsche. On a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Corvette, yes, but Porsches tend to have more subdued styling.

Every time I hear "Guards Red" and "Porsche", my mind immediately goes to Jake's 944 in "16 Candles"

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