[Rant] CAr shopping in Rants, Raves, and Praise http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19431875 en Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:25:37 EDT Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:25:37 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461541 Maccawolf : 's OK...

I didn't take it any other way.

(thick skin all over here, not just my head... :) )]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461541 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:01:28 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461536 Jodokast96 : It's ok, I was just trying to make a funny. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461536 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:59:57 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461527 Maccawolf : SORRY, I just didn't remember.....


BTW, still no apology from THEM (and the car is STILL listed as MANUAL) and not a word from Cars.com.....HMMMMMMM]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461527 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:58:28 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461501 Jodokast96 : Yeah, it is. 1 $2 toll about half way through, and smaller $.25 to $.50 tolls at most exits or entrances.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19461501 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:51:15 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19460943 Maccawolf : A/C expressway isn't a toll road, is it?

Wasn't the last time "I" was on it maybe 5 years ago or so.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19460943 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:17:40 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19460786 Jodokast96 : Hey! Just because you live up North doesn't mean you've got to be a snob to the stuff down in the South! There's also the Atlantic City Expressway. ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19460786 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:31:20 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19459499 Maccawolf : There are two. NJturnpike and the Garden STate Parkway. BOth of those run N/S, and FORTUNATELY, I didn't have to take either of them for this. IT was WEST.
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19459499 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:49:46 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19459463 dvd536 :
said by Maccawolf See Profile :

well, around here, it's FAR to go 10 miles......

I know when put in perspective, it's NOT far, but when you can go for more than a week on half a tank of gas, (and at $3.00/gal), the less distance yo have to drive to do things, the better.
Does NJ have toll roads? if so its even more expensive to go on a useless trip.
--
You can never be too rich, too thin or have too much Bandwidth]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19459463 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:42:52 EDT Re: Probably OT Rant on VW (was Re: [Rant] CAr shopping) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19456946 PhoenixDown : New cars are more expensive but I love the fact that you can negotiate with three or four dealers via email and you rates that are comparable to the market value listed on Edmunds.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19456946 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:30:35 EDT Re: Probably OT Rant on VW (was Re: [Rant] CAr shopping) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19456918 Jim Gurd :
said by Maccawolf See Profile :

While I must say that if my present 1996 VW Jetta was my first experience with VW, I'd probably never buy another one, I'm giving them another chance.
Avoid it if it's made in Mexico. A guy I work with will only buy European made VWs. There is a huge difference in the build quality.
--
We don't care. We don't have to. We're the phone company.

-- Ernestine]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19456918 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:27:33 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19454669 Maccawolf : well, around here, it's FAR to go 10 miles......

I know when put in perspective, it's NOT far, but when you can go for more than a week on half a tank of gas, (and at $3.00/gal), the less distance yo have to drive to do things, the better.
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19454669 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:09:52 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19452407 PCInTech :
said by lotusracer See Profile :

You've got a reason to be po'd! Especially after making a 50 mile round trip...
Hell, around here, we make a 50 mile round trip, just to get a loaf of bread. :( ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19452407 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:14:49 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19452388 Hall : CR gives an 'average' rating on the transmission for that model. On a 1-5 scale (1-worst, 5-best), it gets 2.5 basically. Reason I said the V6 was because they rate it a 2 for "Transmission major" and a 2.5 for "Transmission minor".

I'd say that the window falls under "Body Hardware". A 2.5 there also.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19452388 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:11:58 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19451440 rody_44 : it was a turbo. i dont remember if it was a 4 or 6. not diesel. the engine was the only good thing about it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19451440 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:56:09 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19451433 rody_44 : opps dp]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19451433 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:55:44 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19449571 Hall : What engine ? They list a 4-cyl, turbo, V6, and turbo-diesel. Looking at the ratings, I'm gonna say he had the V6....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19449571 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:47:01 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19449345 rody_44 : its been a while but my sons was a 2001 jetta. in the 2 years he had it the transmission went twice. the hub bearings in the rear went once and every single window in the car had the window tracts break at least once. im sure im not remembering more problems but if you want to have some fun. im sure you could have it with the 2001 jetta. my son actually was a lot like the OP before he purchased this particular car. had to be a vw and had to be a stick. he still has the stick mentality but now the vw part is converted to never again a vw. keep in mind this from a car that never reached 20000 miles on the odometer. it was the loaded version and wasnt cheap. i dont remember the actual sticker price but i remember thinking i didnt think vw made a car priced that high.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19449345 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:14:10 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19443922 Hall :
said by rgillis70 See Profile :

92 Passat GL.
Sorry, CR only goes back 10-11 years with their (online) data.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19443922 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:12:19 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19443635 rgillis70 :
said by Hall See Profile :

Just curious, can you list *any* issues you've had with your VWs ? If so, list the model and year and I'll compare it to what CR says.
OK. 92 Passat GL. Bought from a friend who bought it new in 92. Owned from 1997-2003. They had these same issues, so it sat a lot for them as well. Only had about 75k miles on it when sold in 2003. I feel sorry for whomever got it.

Electrical system was completely fried. Dash would go dead, all gauges, everything. Bang the dash in the right spot, it would come back on. If you did not do that in time the engine would begin surging (up and down from idle rpm) even while driving. Then finally - it would die. And after a while, it would start back up again. Had a nice spot in the dash from hitting it.

Could not hold an alignment. Had a crooked frame. Car was never in accident, but left front tire would wear worse of all. Some people believe it was dropped in shipping or something. In any case, mechanics that looked at it told me to keep buying tires or get the frame straightened. I bought tires as why should a undamaged frame need straighting.

Heater Core died at 73k.

It was at that point I gave up. After having it shut down on me in bad weather, leave me stranded on an interstate in rush hour traffic and numerous other issues...

VW dealership(s) - we took it to 3 of them - and other mechanics gave the electrical system a tremendous look over. Never could find the issue. The stalling had everything possible replaced, fuel pump, fuel filter, gas lines, throttles, and on and on...I just knew that the "paid for" car was costing me several thousand a year to keep running.

I loved the feel of the car, when it drove it was a blast to handle. It looked cool. But I'd rather look bad and make it home then look good on the the side of the interstate!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19443635 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:26:14 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19441271 Hall :
said by Maccawolf See Profile :

During the mid to late 80s when VWs were built in The US, VW almost went out of business. They have gotten MUCH better since then.
If people put weight in Consumer Reports, VW -- in fact, ALL German cars -- should be avoided like the plague. Remember, they report what vehicle owners tell them. Sure, many people with perfectly reliable cars don't report anything whereas Honda or Toyota owners may report flawless operation (they're proud of their cars ?). Is CR biased ? I don't know...

Just curious, can you list *any* issues you've had with your VWs ? If so, list the model and year and I'll compare it to what CR says.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19441271 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:48:25 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19439861 Maccawolf : During the mid to late 80s when VWs were built in The US, VW almost went out of business. They have gotten MUCH better since then. My 96 for example is mechanically sound, just that it spent the first 6 years of it's life in NH where there is more salt put down on the roads in winter than in any other state from what I hear now. (I should have thought of that before I bought it....).

THere are stupid design flaws in it which I thought VW wouldn't make, but they did.
I bought a MAzda a few months ago and ended up selling it for a few reasons. ONE being it is HUGE. Even a big (by my standards) JEtta is MUCH smaller than the 626, AND I am such a VW lover, that the thought of NOT owning a vw was just too much for me. I had the mazda for 3 months, and I drove it MAYBE 6 times. (two of them being inspection and re-inspection).
WHat can I say, I love VWs.....
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19439861 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:51:06 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19439777 Hall :
said by Kiwi See Profile :

One would think they understood the difference between auto & manual!
You think a car dealer would know, huh ? We all know that no one makes mistakes, let alone a car dealer !]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19439777 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:34:06 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19439635 Kiwi : That car buying thing is hard, three in three days, the other is on a 'Hold' pattern and if that continues I'll buy my old 1987 Jeep back from a friend I sold it to 7 years ago.

It's not cool to advertise what's not part of the package, doubt you will get any sympathetic ears from those concerned though, it's that old rule that never fails "Buyer beware". One would think they understood the difference between auto & manual! I wouldn't buy a VW, though I don't know how they fair after the late 80's, but before that, Oh, no. Any other cars you would be interested in, or are you locked down to a VW.
--
384 BC.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19439635 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:14:42 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19438665 Maccawolf : BTW Hall See Profile, I don't expect something for nothing. I EXPECT an apology for THEIR mistake that they attempted to blame on ME. But I guess even THAT is too much to ask for these days....
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19438665 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:36:21 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19438431 Maccawolf : Did I say under 1000? If I did it was a mistake, it's under EIGHT thousand.

Sorry for any misunderstanding there.
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19438431 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:54:41 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19438216 rody_44 : somewhere around the year 2000 my son bought a brandnew vw jetta. he only had it about 2 years and it spent a minimum of 6 months of it time in the shop. nice car but man what a piece of shit. 2 of the trips was to have the transmission replaced. a manual to boot. you really need to investigate the vw online before purchasing. they are a nightmare and not like the older vw. i highly suggest reading online forums about the latest cars. even the new car warranty sucks now. they actually tryed to get out of paying to replace one of the transmissions. that didnt go to well for them, me, or the dealership. I WILL SAY IT AGAIN JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT VW MAKES ONE PIECE OF SHIT IN THE EARLY 2000 YEARS. my sons was a fully loaded jetta and i believe he payed like over 20,000 dollars for the headaches. i dont remember where i found all the info but it was all over the internet. the transmission was a common complaint for the cars. he ended up trading it in on a new ford that really hasnt had any isses since. big change but its a change to this day that he often says he doesnt regret. he is just like you tho. a automatic is out of the question. i have to say tho under 50000 miles and 2000 or newer for less then a thousand is asking a lot. the only thing good about them is they have a good free towing plan.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19438216 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:17:52 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19437805 Maccawolf : Nope, haven't heard anything from them. and I'm REALLY not interested in buying the second car as it6's about $1000 MORE than I want to spend Out the door. (Only $500, but with tax and fees and crap, it's about $1000.

I'm still kinda PO'd though. I feel I have a right to be, and if I know anyone LOCALLY looking for a car, I will tell them NOT to shop there.
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19437805 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:12:34 EDT Re: Probably OT Rant on VW (was Re: [Rant] CAr shopping) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19437409 dvd536 :
said by gireesh See Profile :

Please reconsider your decision to buy a Volkswagen.
I bought a Jetta brand new in 2001 and have regretted it ever since. It has spent way too much time in the shop for stuff that should never have happened in the first place (windows falling into the door, coilpacks, coolant sensors, etc).
I would think it would only be worse on a used VW and you would be even more PO'ed
Yep!
theres a reason why people sell their cars, they're becoming a money pit and they want to cut their losses.
now i know Macca probably doesn't have the money to buy new but thats just my opinion buying a used car is just buying someone elses problems.
--
You can never be too rich, too thin or have too much Bandwidth]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19437409 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:05:57 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19436758 Phil : Whatever you decide, for your sake, don't let it be a Volkswagen. I've been intending on writing up a rant about my Volkswagen experience, but just have had the time...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19436758 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:20:54 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19436366 Hall :
said by Maccawolf See Profile :

I emailed them when I got home and included a copy of the ad that says MANUAL, just to see what they say.

They DID have a slightly more expensive car I ended up looking at, maybe to compensate they will give me THAT one at MY bottom line???? I think that would make up for my hassles.
Geez, I guess no one is allowed to make mistakes nowadays.... They did and you expect something in return from them (a deal on a different, more expensive car).

Hopefully, the dealer and/or cars.com fix the wording and are done with it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19436366 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:24:19 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19435942 s bassaw :
said by Maccawolf See Profile :

They DID have a slightly more expensive car I ended up looking at, maybe to compensate they will give me THAT one at MY bottom line???? I think that would make up for my hassles.
I hope it goes that way for you. Sounds like some sort of bait an switch, though! Good luck & enjoy your new wheels :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19435942 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:24:05 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19435853 anon : The point was to get you to come in. At which point the car you came in to see was not what you were looking for, and you ended up looking at one that costs a little more.

They will offer to "compensate you" by meeting you about halfway or so, after doing a lot of "number crunching" and running back and forth to get "approval" from the manager.

Man I hate buying cars. I was in a bad wreck about a year and a half ago, and ended up having to buy a new car. So my wife and I went to a couple of lots, got a lot of fast talking lot jockeys working us over. We decided on the car that we wanted, I went back to the lot, and suddenly the price and financing that we had worked out the two days before was out the door, and everything had to be renegotiated. The manager caught my wife and I at the sidewalk on our way out and caved to our initial agreement. After that I made him deal with her on all the paperwork. I didn't know car salesmen could sweat in an office with AC. :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19435853 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:09:36 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19434459 Maccawolf : well it usually IS easier. (at least when buying used, which I do), I've done it before, but this just really got my goat.
I emailed them when I got home and included a copy of the ad that says MANUAL, just to see what they say. They don't open til 7, so hopefully by the time I get home from work there will be a response. (curious to know what they say), and I also emailed CARS.COM, where the ad was listed to complain. Hope THEY email back too. Just curious what everyone will say.

They DID have a slightly more expensive car I ended up looking at, maybe to compensate they will give me THAT one at MY bottom line???? I think that would make up for my hassles.
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19434459 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:05:09 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19433477 s bassaw : I know exactly how you feel! I've purchased two automobiles for myself this year and am negotiating a third for a family member as I type this.. The automobile buying process is such a pain in the neck. Don't let those online ads that say it's easier to buy a car online fool you. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19433477 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:43:21 EDT Re: Probably OT Rant on VW (was Re: [Rant] CAr shopping) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19432235 Maccawolf : thanks for your suggestion.

BTW, the window fell on my dad's 2000 HONDA CRX, so it can happen to ANY car.

While I must say that if my present 1996 VW Jetta was my first experience with VW, I'd probably never buy another one, I'm giving them another chance.
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19432235 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:43:25 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19432229 jadinolf : When I saw your subject, I thought you wanted to buy a car for your buddy in Ojai,California.

I'm a little disappointed. :(

The magic word is HUMMER..... :)
--
This post printed on 100% recycled bytes]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19432229 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:42:55 EDT Probably OT Rant on VW (was Re: [Rant] CAr shopping) http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19432190 gireesh : Please reconsider your decision to buy a Volkswagen.
I bought a Jetta brand new in 2001 and have regretted it ever since. It has spent way too much time in the shop for stuff that should never have happened in the first place (windows falling into the door, coilpacks, coolant sensors, etc).
I would think it would only be worse on a used VW and you would be even more PO'ed

Regards
Gireesh]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19432190 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:39:06 EDT Re: [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19431907 lotusracer : You've got a reason to be po'd! Especially after making a 50 mile round trip...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19431907 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:58:50 EDT [Rant] CAr shopping http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19431875 Maccawolf : SO I see an ad on line for a car that fits what I'm looking for (almost)

2000-2008
Under 50,000 Miles.
Volkswagen
MANUAL transmission
at a reasonable price.

So I email them to ask if the car is still avail.

they said yes, so I called them to find out how to get there. TOLL CALL. (I don't have a phone plan).

25 miles away.
I hop in my car and rush right down there to look at it only to find out it's an AUTOMATIC.
Of course they tell me that it says AUTO in the ad.
I say OK, maybe it was my mistake, I have been looking at a lot of ads.
I get home and look again at the ad, and it says MANUAL.

MAN am I PO'd!
--
the light at the end of the tunnel is just an oncoming train.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19431875 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:53:39 EDT