opinions on potential new purchase

[dropnosky]

Just got back from carmax and wanted to bounce a potential deal off the forum. We are looking at a new car for the mrs, who needs a combination family commuter vehicle. 45 minute drive to and from work.

Just sort of browsing at the moment but looked at a 2012 passat TDI SE which she loved.

Car has 40k on it and they want 19k for it out the door with the bumper to bumper carmax warranty for a further 75k miles. What do you guys think of this price?

I have very little idea what newer cars cost in this level of the used realm

 

[mountain-valleymotors]

Which trim level?

 

[dropnosky]

Its an SE but it seems to be loaded with options. Nav system, sunroof, better rims, leather or leatherette, ect.

Car had zero physical or mechanical defects as far as i could tell

 

[dropnosky]

Ok doing research i may go for it. With the included additional warranty seems like it might be a reasonable deal at that price. I can bump the warranty up to 120k for another grand as well

Tough call for me. I have never spent more than 2k on a car in my life. Now im comparing the used tdi passat to buying a new one for 10-15k more same options.

The thing that may swing me is this carmax extended warranty that they have an excellent reputation for honoring which sort of duplicates the feeling of comfort you get buying a new car from the manufacturer

 

[atc98002]

If that warranty truly covers all engine and emissions equipment (I'm unfamiliar with Carmax), then I agree with the deal. NADA lists a dealer list price as $19,375 (for my zip code), and that's before the warranty and other out the door charges. That would mean a selling price of about average trade-in value.

Again, if the warranty is worth the paper it's printed on, looks good.

 

[tdiatlast]

2012 SE? w/40k miles? $19k? I don't get it. I thought VWoA was currently blowing out their 2015s, way under MSRP, because their inventory is so high? I think this price is high.

Warranty? I bought one in my life, never needed it. However, the "fine print" always makes me suspicious.

CarMax? I've shopped at CarMax several times, tried very hard to cut a deal, always thought they were 15-20% overpriced, never drove away with a car. I just don't care for the environment, would rather buy from a GOOD dealer. My brother has bought several cars from them, all good cars. Caveat emptor.

I know you're in RI, so the market prices are probably crazy high. I'll bet you can get yourself into a 2015, for a few thousand more, and YOU get to put the first 40k miles on it, not someone else.

(Who took over for Chris outside of Philly?)

Just my own opinion here, of course. Good luck with your decision.

 

[dropnosky]

New ones same options seem approx 28 to 32k locally

Trying to keep budget of 20k max, so this type of car is a bit beyond what our original target was. (actually went to go look at a 12k focus)

Car isnt going anywhere so i will probably visit VW and see what they have also. If they are overstock (TDIs are overstock?) maybe a deal can be struck

Very impressed with carmax experience as an aside. No shadiness, no dealer double dealing. Great place to go to experience lots of models. Showed up to test drive a focus, ended up driving 7 vehicles, simple as hopping in and heading out with the rep. Guy doesnt pressure you or try to act like a lifelong friend

 

[dropnosky]

If that warranty truly covers all engine and emissions equipment (I'm unfamiliar with Carmax), then I agree with the deal. NADA lists a dealer list price as $19,375 (for my zip code), and that's before the warranty and other out the door charges. That would mean a selling price of about average trade-in value.

Again, if the warranty is worth the paper it's printed on, looks good.

According to paperwork, carmax comprehensive warranty covers engine, transmission, and other elements of drivetrain, cooling system, front and rear suspension, electrical systems and electronics, assemblies and controls, elements of the interior, and braking system sans wear items including calipers.

All service can be performed anywhere including dealer US and Canada

Fine print has no coverage to weae or tune up items, maintenance items, body panels and glass ect.

Its a general form for lots of vehicles. I would need a specific clarification on emissions equipment, but it looks like emissions stuff is NOT covered by this blanket phrase under items not covered-

4. Repairs made soley to meet or maintain any governmental emission standard.

 

[dropnosky]

According to paperwork, carmax comprehensive warranty covers engine, transmission, and other elements of drivetrain, cooling system, front and rear suspension, electrical systems and electronics, assemblies and controls, elements of the interior, and braking system sans wear items including calipers.

All service can be performed anywhere including dealer US and Canada

Fine print has no coverage to weae or tune up items, maintenance items, body panels and glass ect.

Its a general form for lots of vehicles. I would need a specific clarification on emissions equipment, but it looks like emissions stuff is NOT covered by this blanket phrase under items not covered-

4. Repairs made soley to meet or maintain any governmental emission standard.

It occurs to me there might be a potential loophole for the adblue equipment. Im reading in other threads how VW denies its an emission component for warranty. If VW denies that in writing it might come under the carmax warranty instead and be covered were an issue to arise.

Going to VW today to see what they have

 

[Jerryleejr]

Honestly you can get a new tdi SE for just a tick over 23k and most insurance companies include an extended warranty. Mines 7 bucks a month thru geico.

JJ

 

[tdiatlast]

dropnosky: Enjoy your search. ^^^ is closer to what I was thinking it should cost you.

Question still out there for someone: Who took over for Chris Farnham? (sp?) He always had amazing deals, very cooperative, not TOO far from RI, right?

 

[dropnosky]

Ok yes to both above

19k for a 40k mile passat se tdi is not a deal

Local VW has the same option car in 6 speed manual for 23k as mentioned by jerry.

Sportwagon auto 24k.


If only i could convince the mrs to drive a manual. She can, but has zero interest in one as a DD

 

[dropnosky]

It occurs to me there might be a potential loophole for the adblue equipment. Im reading in other threads how VW denies its an emission component for warranty. If VW denies that in writing it might come under the carmax warranty instead and be covered were an issue to arise.
Going to VW today to see what they have

Emissions dpf equipment IS covered via carmax warranty salesman states to update

 

[dropnosky]

Honestly you can get a new tdi SE for just a tick over 23k and most insurance companies include an extended warranty. Mines 7 bucks a month thru geico.

JJ

Out the door price on the 23k passat is now in the 25 to 26 range once tax, title, and incidental fees added ive calculated after futher discussion with john Q VW salesman. Same optioned as used car out the door price is 32k. Cannot get out the door for less than 25k on the cheapest tdi golf sportwagon. Now reconsidering the 19k out the door price for the used passat with the warranty up to 165k on the odo which includes DPF and adblue. (better get that in writing if i go that way)

Either way, after some waffling and dithering, its looking like the passat SE in general is the car of choice. I HATE this ****. Im an impulsive guy, but this is enough money either way that ive got to be intelligent about it.

Another thing to strongly consider is the local vehicle excise tax i pay yearly. New car can be a couple grand a year.

 

[Lincoln]

Tough call. 19k seems not unreasonable, particularly with the warranty. I love my 2013 SE with MT, but you might be better off with a used Accord or Camry gasser instead. Probably a few grand less for comparable year and mileage, and fewer things to go wrong depending on how that first 40k miles was put on. You'd lose on daily mileage, but if the wife likes the drive as much as the TDI (which is a major consideration for many of us--TDIs are just more fun!), it's a safer bet for upkeep, particularly if you're already stretching your budget on purchase price.

 

[Lincoln]

Oh, and since it's the DSG, rather than MT, you need to make sure the 40k service was performed at the dealership. That's a ~$600-800 service (repeats every 40k miles), which you MAY have to pay for immediately if not already done.

 

[dropnosky]

Well we went for the used one.
DSG maintenance had not been performed, so called the dealer, priced it out, and that was knocked off the sale price. (locally approx 540 bucks).

Also got in writing that exhaust system diesel specific regen and emission elements were specifically covered under extended warranty. With those two factors i was sold.

Car goes in for DSG service on monday. Seemed like a fun procedure id enjoy, but limited on flat clean space for that at the moment. Wife is very happy with the car so far. I have been allowed to drive it approx 72 feet.

First trip to work she reported 46mpg. Her previous commute vehicle needed twice a week fill ups and was jumping past 300 bucks a month fuel cost. This thing she might fill twice a month. We are going to test it out to see. Still cant believe the sheer size internally of the passat compared to achievable fuel economy. So far doing as well as my 2000 6 speed jetta

Savings in fuel cost are a big piece of the monthly payments, so im psyched. Eventually, i might take it for a test drive!

 

[Brent_B]

Use truecar app. Saved me thousands

 

[ChadS99SVT]

Well we went for the used one.
DSG maintenance had not been performed, so called the dealer, priced it out, and that was knocked off the sale price. (locally approx 540 bucks).

Also got in writing that exhaust system diesel specific regen and emission elements were specifically covered under extended warranty. With those two factors i was sold.

Car goes in for DSG service on monday. Seemed like a fun procedure id enjoy, but limited on flat clean space for that at the moment. Wife is very happy with the car so far. I have been allowed to drive it approx 72 feet.

First trip to work she reported 46mpg. Her previous commute vehicle needed twice a week fill ups and was jumping past 300 bucks a month fuel cost. This thing she might fill twice a month. We are going to test it out to see. Still cant believe the sheer size internally of the passat compared to achievable fuel economy. So far doing as well as my 2000 6 speed jetta

Savings in fuel cost are a big piece of the monthly payments, so im psyched. Eventually, i might take it for a test drive!

I think you got a fair deal. Congrats. With the warranty I'd be happy. Carmax has been pretty good from what I hear.

 

[Sigforty]

If you are wondering about the CarMax warranty read this article.

http://jalopnik.com/my-parking-sens...tm_expid=66866090-52.r5txldOmRkqnbJxnyozIeA.1

Doug Demuro has had his carmax warranty pay off in fixing the range rover he has. Basically, what he says is if the car has known issues it is worth it for the warranty. If it is a fairly reliable car do not bother.

 

[eats1963]

Just curious how long of a trip the Mrs. does? Is it long enough that the engine will get up to operating temp so the regen cycle will function correctly? If not, you will quickly clog up the dpf.

 

[tdiatlast]

Just curious how long of a trip the Mrs. does? Is it long enough that the engine will get up to operating temp so the regen cycle will function correctly? If not, you will quickly clog up the dpf.

...and the regens will occur more frequently.

All dpf equipped vehicle like complete warmups, so a nice highway cruise periodically will be benefit the dpf.

 

[dropnosky]

Just curious how long of a trip the Mrs. does? Is it long enough that the engine will get up to operating temp so the regen cycle will function correctly? If not, you will quickly clog up the dpf.

45 minute one way all highway, almost door to door highway. We were thinking tailor made for the TDI option

 

[tdiatlast]

Sounds good. Good luck with your new purchase!

 

[Lincoln]

Sounds like a great deal on a great car for your wife. Enjoy!

 

[dropnosky]

thanks everyone!

a few pics of the car-

 

[DeliveryValve]

Hey John, car looks great. And getting that extended warranty was smart. Nice job!

 

[DeliveryValve]

And... Just in case you didn't know.
http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/3209/vwp-14-04_turbocharger_limited_warranty_extension_2012_-_2013.pdf



.

 

[jrm]

looks like that road you live on is traveled at 50mph or so, make sure to take it easy for the first couple miles as the car runs threw the emission system warmup. I let mine warm up A minute or two of idleing on cold days.

 

[Lincoln]

Be careful parking on grass--if a Regen is happening you can start a grass fire. Some pics on here and elsewhere around the internet of fires started by cars doing a Regen. Your grass looks short enough and green enough to hopefully not be a problem, but it doesn't hurt to keep that in mind.