If you are considering buyback which cars are you looking at as replacements?

[rgoetz]

I bought an A4 myself - and am completely blown away by what an upgrade it is from the standpoint of the driving experience (so much quieter, quicker, stronger, and more comfortable. However, I too ultimately desire a wagon/hatch - I just want one that drives more like a luxury sports sedan and didn't feel the outgoing B8 platform allroad was justifiable for the cost and limited selection.

An Audi A4 Avant would work just fine with me, but Audi stopped selling those in US with MY 2012 and I want a newer car and I don't want a pano roof.

I don't care for the Allroad.

I'm not interested in the GSW because I want the Fender sound system and I don't want a pano roof.

waaaaaaa

 

[halfast3]

According to tirerack my 16"s will fit on a non performance pack GTI. I'll test it out in a few weeks.

Agreed.
Additionally, according to my research, 'standard' brake cars like our Golf can take a 15" wheel; larger brake cousins (GTI, GLI and Golf/Jetta SW) need at least a 16" and the Performance Package cars like the GTI with ...let's call them 'monster' brakes need at least 17".

 

[chadbag]

I'm about 1/2 way thru getting a Volvo V60. I went in yesterday thinking I needed to move fairly soon if I wanted to custom order one. But, they are offering $4950 off the 2016s (1K of which is a "Conquest" cash offer for people driving certain brands now...including VW).

I think I'll be able to end up with 7-8K off list.

Car had to be able to tow (my Golf was a great tow car), get reasonable mileage, and be "nice". Volvo also throws in 5 years warranty and maint on the 2016s...so cost to own should be good.

We ordered a Volvo V60 for Sweden delivery. The local Volvo dealer in Utah (and there is not another until Las Vegas and maybe Boise) is out of V60s so a 2016 is not an option. They would not negotiate on the 2017 that much (maybe $1500, they said $500-$1k despite the 2016 Edmunds data) as there is no sales data to back up any prices. However, the Sweden delivery option with a current $1000 promotion was like $2500 off and no delivery destination fee (another $995 for a 2017) and no dealer doc fee ($300) and while the packages are the same, some of the accessories are cheaper, so it was like $3800 off MSRP, plus 2 airline tickets and (with current promotion) 4 hotel nights in Sweden. As that was the best I could do here locally with no 2016 stock, we went for it. (Best thing is, I used the remaining value on my VW Debit Card loyalty card to help make the $2k deposit -- I had wanted to use the whole $1000 [we have 2 JSW so 2x$500] but bestbassgear.com had a 10% off sale and I needed some bass preamps for 2 basses I am building and we had not yet decided to pull the trigger on the Volvo so I used the VW money to get the preamps and just the remaining value on the Volvo)

If I were somewhere else with V60 stock (like Phoenix) I'd be negotiating much better deal on a 2016 sitting on the lot.

We did get to order it though with exactly the packages and accessories wanted, in the color scheme wanted. And for Euro delivery they offer additional colors and wheels not normally offered in the US, so we went with different wheels (N/C swap).

The V60 (especially if you can find one locally on the lot and negotiate a good price on) seems to offer a lot of bang for the (expensive) buck, and with a 2.0 gas engine turbo with 240hp / 259 ft/lb of torque (from memory -- very close to that at least), they move. I test drove a 2015.5 premier (we went with Platinum) on the lot, the only V60 they have and not the color, trim, or year I am looking for) and it does move really well, and the Hwy rating is 37 mpg still, which is excellent for that sort of engine that can also provide that sort of power (not that you get the MPG listed when abusing the power ).

We have 2 TDI JSW. We'll probably end up with a VW or Mazda this Fall, but I'd like to figure out how to swing an A3 e-tron. The local Audi dealers have a bunch on the lot and i've been watching them the last 2-3 months and they have not moved many of the ones listed, so there should be a good choice to choose from on the lot and hopefully there are incentives to keep me in the VW/Audi fold once things happen.

 

[chadbag]

Earlier in the thread I mentioned I was strongly looking at a few sedans primarily an A4 Quattro. After looking at a few closer up I just can't see losing the hatchback. This was my first hatchback and there are so many advantages over a sedan I can't see why most Americans don't drive one. I have put some things in there that you wouldn't believe fit in a car that size. I recently bought a large 100 gallon fish tank from someone and they were shocked when I pulled up and even more surprised when I got the thing in there. I can't find any cars I like right now that aren't a golf or VW wagon.

It is expensive but the Volvo V60 "sport wagon style" car has almost the same space under the hatch as the JSW. It is just a hair under looking at the numbers, but the rear seats are true lay flat and the difference is inconsequential.

That is one reason we ordered a V60 to replace one of our JSW. I like the room of the JSW class vehicles too.

I also looked at Subaru but their engine choice is non inspiring, and I've read things about them rusting though I don't know the truth behind what I've read. Don't know how their wagon size compares as I did not look at the numbers.

 

[ericy]

It is expensive but the Volvo V60 "sport wagon style" car has almost the same space under the hatch as the JSW. It is just a hair under looking at the numbers, but the rear seats are true lay flat and the difference is inconsequential.

That is one reason we ordered a V60 to replace one of our JSW. I like the room of the JSW class vehicles too.

I have been looking at these as well. A couple of caveats:

For some inexplicable reason, backup cameras are not standard on these cars. Some have it, some don't. If you are ordering from the factory, you can order a "nav prep" kit, which basically means they run the required cabling when they install the wiring harness - without it, it is a pain in the neck to get the thing installed, but it apparently also allows you to easily install the overpriced factory navigation system.

I still haven't quite sorted through it all, but some models of Volvo no longer have a spare tire. They give you a small compressor and a can of some fix-a-flat type of stuff. This is common with some of the newer cars these days, apparently. And the other piece of it is that I have heard conflicting reports as to whether the well in the trunk will hold a spare or not - I have seen some people use a hacksaw to cut apart the trunk liner to make room for the spare tire. Or you can go to the dealer and spend more $$ and get a proper spare tire and a different trunk liner and do it that way.

And this is what I have come up with just lurking on the Volvo forums for a week or so.

One other option I have considered is the GSW, and one thing I like is that they are now tied into Android Auto. Instead of an overpriced navigation package, your phone does the navigation and displays on the screen.

 

[uncle fishhead]

Well.....I shook hands to buy a 2016 V60 Thursday night. Dealer was going to truck it about 1K miles from NC. They called the dealer with the car and it had sold that day. And apparently there were no more 2016s with the right colors and options.

Too bad....I'd negotiated ~8500 off MSRP (they have offers for $4950 off which made it less impressive on my part). But I was stuck with $1800 in shipping...so effectively it was about a $6500 discount. Good enough, if only the car was available.

For some reason, the dealer really didn't want me to order a 2017. Would offer no discount. Overseas Delivery would have gotten me a reasonable price and some option flexibility (for all of the reasons posted above), but my wife didn't want the trip.

I even tried driving an XC60. Felt too "high" and floaty after driving the Golf. And the dealer started with the same insulting 2K off MSRP offer (even though there are almost $4K in Volvo incentives on that model). I probably could have gotten it to ~5K off.....but since the car didn't appeal as much as a V60..not worth the time.

I decided to finally test drive the Suburu Outback.....and really liked it. Halfway between the Golf and the SC60 in perceived size. It has some great wood trim and nice leather...interior is probably as good as the Volvo. Seemed as quiet (from my very limited ~10 seconds in each car above 65 MPH) than the Volvo (both quieter than the Golf). It has less power than the Volvo, but does have AWD. Better mileage (27-28) than the Volvo XC60 (~24)...about equal to the V60 (all according to fuelly). And it has almost as many bells and whistles...adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, full auto braking for collision prevention, etc. The Suburu version of all the tech seems (at first glance) to have a less complicated interface than the Volvo. I'd prefer a real automatic over a CVT....but it wasn't whiny on my drive....I can live with it. I also like that the Outback oil filter is as easy to reach as the dipstick handle on my Golf.

Plus...with the Outback, the dealer was great. I asked about price and she showed me Truecar numbers and said she'd give me $100 extra off. A fair deal with zero negotiation ( I realize I could probably beat out another $200 or so, but I prefer to reward good behavior with respect ). And...I can roughly schedule when I get an Outback since they only have a few dozen variants of colors and options. Thus I can wait until my car is scheduled for buyback (or close) before I add a vehicle.

 

[rgoetz]

Tested a 2012 Audi A7 today. It's sexy but rear visibility is poor. Now thinking about an A6 -- I drove an A6 2.0 (eh) and a 3.0 TDI -- I liked the TDI but I don't know the risks.
Thoughts on an Audi 3.0 TDI?

 

[bubbagumpshrimp]

I keep putting off looking at replacement vehicles. I was supposed to go drive a few today, but I opted to take a nap instead (the dog woke me up at 0130). I hate car shopping.

 

[rjacobs]

For some reason, the dealer really didn't want me to order a 2017. Would offer no discount.

They arent the only ones. I have asked 3 Mazda dealers about ordering a 2017 Mazda 3. Ive also talked to 2 Chevy dealers about the 2017 Cruze Hatch. All except for 1 Mazda dealer acted like I was asking for an act of God to order a car. I get that they would "prefer" to sell off the lot, but none of the 5 dealers could tell me what would be on the lot come November or December. And my answer was "thats precisely WHY I want to order a car". I want specific options and color.

The 1 Mazda dealer said "yea not a problem, let us know when you are ready, its a $500 non-refundable deposit", BUT they werent willing to deal much.

 

[nwtim]

Tested a 2012 Audi A7 today. It's sexy but rear visibility is poor. Now thinking about an A6 -- I drove an A6 2.0 (eh) and a 3.0 TDI -- I liked the TDI but I don't know the risks.
Thoughts on an Audi 3.0 TDI?

The A7 checked a lot of boxes for me, but it was a bit larger than preferred and I agree that the view out the back was a bit disappointing. I've never seen an A6 with the 3.0 TDI, but I've read that it's incredibly smooth and powerful and surprisingly frugal at the pump. I'd be torn between the A6 and the A7 - Love that hatch - but they were both a few inches too long for our garage.

 

[nwtim]

They arent the only ones. I have asked 3 Mazda dealers about ordering a 2017 Mazda 3. Ive also talked to 2 Chevy dealers about the 2017 Cruze Hatch. All except for 1 Mazda dealer acted like I was asking for an act of God to order a car. I get that they would "prefer" to sell off the lot, but none of the 5 dealers could tell me what would be on the lot come November or December. And my answer was "thats precisely WHY I want to order a car". I want specific options and color.

The 1 Mazda dealer said "yea not a problem, let us know when you are ready, its a $500 non-refundable deposit", BUT they werent willing to deal much.

I didn't get that response from our local Audi dealer. In fact, I was told about the order sheet for the redesigned 2017 allroad the same day they got them. I guess it depends on the brand and the dealership.

 

[rgoetz]

The A7 checked a lot of boxes for me, but it was a bit larger than preferred and I agree that the view out the back was a bit disappointing. I've never seen an A6 with the 3.0 TDI, but I've read that it's incredibly smooth and powerful and surprisingly frugal at the pump. I'd be torn between the A6 and the A7 - Love that hatch - but they were both a few inches too long for our garage.

Brain says A6
Wallet says A6
But heart says A7

 

[Vidgamer]

What other nice hatchbacks are there? The MB GLA250 looks nice -- it looks less like an SUV and more like a hatchback. With all of the talk of expensive Audis, I guess price is no limit! ;-)

 

[da_jokker]

They arent the only ones. I have asked 3 Mazda dealers about ordering a 2017 Mazda 3. Ive also talked to 2 Chevy dealers about the 2017 Cruze Hatch. All except for 1 Mazda dealer acted like I was asking for an act of God to order a car. I get that they would "prefer" to sell off the lot, but none of the 5 dealers could tell me what would be on the lot come November or December. And my answer was "thats precisely WHY I want to order a car". I want specific options and color.

The 1 Mazda dealer said "yea not a problem, let us know when you are ready, its a $500 non-refundable deposit", BUT they werent willing to deal much.

I know this doesn't help you, but I was at my mazda dealer yesterday and THEY are starting to order 2017 mazdas.... I saw their ordering sheet...vin numbers and all. However as a customer, I was not able to order. In my case I want the SGT which Mazda has not aloted them to dealers yet.

However, I got my dealer to agree to give me $2,000 off sticker price and they are going to order it as soon as Mazda alows them to. Note, the 2000 is made up of 1,000 off for invoice, 500 off for. Being a current Mazda owner, another 300 off for buying my other mazda from them a few years ago...the remaining 200 was just to make me happy and match their current offer of $2,000 off any 2016 mazda on their lot.

Guess what i'm saying is you dealer is a dick

 

[Conrad -JSW]

I keep putting off looking at replacement vehicles. I was supposed to go drive a few today, but I opted to take a nap instead (the dog woke me up at 0130). I hate car shopping.

Good choice!

 

[bring]

I'm surprised none of you station wagon lovers have mentioned the new Mini Clubman. It's longer than before, and now comes with awd. You can still get it with a manual trans too.

 

[Mark SF]

It is expensive but the Volvo V60 "sport wagon style" car has almost the same space under the hatch as the JSW. It is just a hair under looking at the numbers, but the rear seats are true lay flat and the difference is inconsequential.
That is one reason we ordered a V60 to replace one of our JSW. I like the room of the JSW class vehicles too.
I also looked at Subaru but their engine choice is non inspiring, and I've read things about them rusting though I don't know the truth behind what I've read. Don't know how their wagon size compares as I did not look at the numbers.

Just picked up a 2016 V60 yesterday, on a 3 year lease. $257 a month, with $3.5 K down (both plus tax) for 10k miles per year. Discount was about $9200 off the list, including $4k lease cash, and $1K conquest cash. Their starting point for negotiation was $8200 off!

The way I see it, the buyback will pay my new downpayment once the loan on the Passat is paid off.

The Premier package is free until end of August, which makes for a pretty decent spec, with leather, moonroof, etc. I had to compromise on the colour. It's white, which I'm hoping will grow on me. But what a nice drive. Quiet, with a smooth ride, and the seats are fabulous! My spec has 17" wheels with Michelins from the factory, which helps the ride, Im sure.

 

[rgoetz]

I'm surprised none of you station wagon lovers have mentioned the new Mini Clubman. It's longer than before, and now comes with awd. You can still get it with a manual trans too.

Hadn't thought of that. I'll give it some thought. Thanks

 

[JCTDI]

Please be true, Please be true, please be true . . .

Elon Musk Confirms Tesla Minibus Will Be Based On The Model X

http://jalopnik.com/elon-musk-confirms-tesla-minibus-will-be-based-on-the-m-1784575759

 

[rjacobs]

I know this doesn't help you, but I was at my mazda dealer yesterday and THEY are starting to order 2017 mazdas.... I saw their ordering sheet...vin numbers and all. However as a customer, I was not able to order. In my case I want the SGT which Mazda has not aloted them to dealers yet.

However, I got my dealer to agree to give me $2,000 off sticker price and they are going to order it as soon as Mazda alows them to. Note, the 2000 is made up of 1,000 off for invoice, 500 off for. Being a current Mazda owner, another 300 off for buying my other mazda from them a few years ago...the remaining 200 was just to make me happy and match their current offer of $2,000 off any 2016 mazda on their lot.

Guess what i'm saying is you dealer is a dick

oh I dont disagree.

The 1 dealer that told me they would order me a car said "yea I have 2 17's incoming, probably late october/early november"(the ordering window just opened in July) and was willing to basically pre-sell me one, but neither were what I wanted(3 i, hatch, 6mt, white, unsure on package either touring or grand touring). I think both were auto's and sports.

The other issue is the options packages for the 17 Mazda 3 havent been "officially" released and the guy couldnt tell me exactly what was in them since it was a mid cycle re-fresh and things could change. The 2 cars they had coming in it didnt sound like they got to choose and they would in reality be destined to become their demo cars.

 

[Mark SF]

The 2017 Jaguar XE and XF have the 180hp diesel as the base engine. The 2.0T gasser has been dropped on the XF.

 

[Vidgamer]

Why would a dealer give you a good deal on a '17? Aren't they going to hold out trying to get people who want the latest thing? I dunno, I guess I'm just saying, I'm not surprised.

As for the Mini Clubman, I may have to look at that too, but they are kind of goofy looking. Moreso than the GLA! That Civic hatchback looks interesting, but I wonder if it'll be too much "boy racer" now that they've figured out how to make a sporty looking car again.

 

[uncle fishhead]

The 2017 Jaguar XE and XF have the 180hp diesel as the base engine. The 2.0T gasser has been dropped on the XF.

Although I'm now leaning towards an Outback (after missing out on a Volvo by one day), I might be interested in the F-Pace with the diesel. But, I have a feeling that VW may have spoiled diesels for almost everybody in the car business.

• The Jag diesel was supposed to be here by now and it keeps getting delayed. I was looking on a forum the other day and it looks like delivery has gone from Q3 out to Q4 for those who ordered months ago.
• The EPA doesn't have the MPG numbers for the diesel.
• I suspect that emissions testing is far harder than expected for diesels this year....whether driven by regulators or just the company lawyers.

It wouldn't surprise me if they gave up at some point. It would be a shame...engine stats look great. 5200 lbs. towing from a 2 litre that gets close to 35 MPG highway! And probably better than 40 MPG in the sports cars.

 

[Mark SF]

I was at the Jag dealer the other day, and the salesperson told me that they'd been told 6 weeks from now, for the diesels.

It's likely that some extra testing is being done, but there's no reason to suspect they'll fail. Jaguar would be mad to try and bring diesels here without being confident in their ability to meet standards.

The UK car with the same engine is rated for 67mpg, combined. Compensating for the smaller US gallon, that would be 55mpg. Not too bad!

 

[Mark SF]

Why would a dealer give you a good deal on a '17? Aren't they going to hold out trying to get people who want the latest thing? I dunno, I guess I'm just saying, I'm not surprised.

As for the Mini Clubman, I may have to look at that too, but they are kind of goofy looking. Moreso than the GLA! That Civic hatchback looks interesting, but I wonder if it'll be too much "boy racer" now that they've figured out how to make a sporty looking car again.

That is true, the best deals are usually at the end of a model year, like the 2016 I just picked up.

The problem with the Minis is the ride. It's horrible. It's horrible in a Civic too, but not as rock hard and unyielding as a Mini.

 

[Teepke]

We are considering the following options to replace our '11 Golf 4D MT for which we're getting 20,500 in buyback, car is paid for so all considered vehicles need to be under that since we don't want another car payment and hope to avoid other out of pocket expenses.

As such will be watching model years as they depreciate into our budget, ideally something with CPO or warranty coverage for the initial part of ownership and will time the return of the Golf when those prices align (spring/summer '17?).

Installed options need to match up to the buyback car, so ideally that means sunroof, and heated front seats. Ideally MT and don't care about nav, sound system, and other doohickeys.

Cooper Mini Countryman S AWD (or FWD)
VW GTI (allows me to keep my fairly new winter wheels/tires)
Volvo S60 (no MT)
BMW 328d xDrive (again no MT)

Had a Subie mechanic friend who talked me out of their current FI lineup (Forester XT & Impreza WRX) due to drivability issues as result of carbon buildup though I loved dearly my '02 WRX wagon.

What are we missing? Cheers & thanks!
-tp

 

[ATR]

I'm surprised none of you station wagon lovers have mentioned the new Mini Clubman. It's longer than before, and now comes with awd. You can still get it with a manual trans too.

Hmmm... I didn't consider one of those before. I'll have to give one a test drive soon.

 

[BuyMeBackSoon]

I'm surprised none of you station wagon lovers have mentioned the new Mini Clubman. It's longer than before, and now comes with awd. You can still get it with a manual trans too.

It is a nice car, test drove a few, none with All4. I don't like the rear lights however and the large upper ones are not brake lights so I consider that to be dangerous. When someone comes up with a hack for that I would consider the car.

 

[bring]

It is a nice car, test drove a few, none with All4. I don't like the rear lights however and the large upper ones are not brake lights so I consider that to be dangerous. When someone comes up with a hack for that I would consider the car.

The one over the hatch is the one I always look for.

 

[RSTX]

Just about any car with cooled seats.