Well That Escalated Quickly.

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
12/23/2014 at 21:33 • Filed to: None

So the Vue is having transmission issues suddenly, and it turns out it's a common problem that the 3-5-R shift solenoid is prone to failure in the transverse 6-speed autos pre-2010. Which being 3 and 5 are the gears having issues, ours is suffering the problem. It's inevitably going to fail and cost about $3k to replace, so my dad and mom decided we're going to look at cars this Saturday to replace it.

Was not expecting that.

We aren't buying Saturday, just looking. Mainly at the Chrysler 200 and Ford Fusion. I'm gonna try to get to a Mazda dealer for the 6. We wanna do it before the transmission gets too bad though so we can still use it as a trade in.

So yeah, that's happening. And we probably won't be buying GM or a crossover or larger vehicle. What's going on!?

DISCUSSION (21)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:36

They're looking at the Fusion but have they thought about a FoST? Same price range, better functionality, pretty comfortably, fun, etc... If not, yeah, try to get them to go Mazda.

Funktheduck > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:37

They didn't even test drive my car when I traded in. I highly recommend looking at the 6. Love my 3. The only issue I've had in 10k miles is today for some reason the radio decided to delete all it's presets.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
12/23/2014 at 21:38

Mom can't drive stick. Like my dad has tried to teacher her multiple times and she can't. Plus the FoST is a little.. juvenile for them.

PatBateman > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:39

Pro-Tip: find out where the Mazda regional office for your area is. Call them up, ask for the marketing manager. Ask marketing manager which dealerships need the most sales by the end of the year. Then, go to that dealership.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:41

>inb4 GM sucks

Unfortunate that it's happening though. The Vue is a good car. Good luck with what ever you guys decide to get.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:43

That reminds me of when I got married. The only car I/we had was manual. And it was paid for. And I just spent a ton of money on buying a condo and on the wedding. So getting another car was NOT happening. So either she learned or she didn't drive.

She learned and after about a month, she got the hang of it out of necessity.

If your mom can walk and chew gum at the same time, she is capable of learning stick.

The only question is whether she's willing.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
12/23/2014 at 21:44

It was a good little car for almost 7 years, I'd call that good because it was completely trouble free in that time. It just started happening this weekend too, the transmission thing.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
12/23/2014 at 21:46

She won't want to now. Neither of my parents have driven sticks in years so they wouldn't want to start again now. And like I said the FoST is a little too juvenile for them.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Funktheduck
12/23/2014 at 21:47

I'd totally dig a 6. I've only so much as sat in one and loved it.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:48

Yeah, around the bankruptcy things weren't that great. Our Envoy from around the same time never had any major issues though.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
12/23/2014 at 21:51

Actually, considering the circumstances of the company who made it, that car was amazing. Wonderful interior, good build quality, great engine, but I've always felt the transmission was a little... weird .

deekster_caddy > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:52

Call around to some local transmission shops with good reputations for better pricing?. Maybe a better deal, if you get the solenoid fixed can you avoid a full rebuild and keep an otherwise reliable car running reliably?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > deekster_caddy
12/23/2014 at 21:54

From the research my dad and I did, it's going to fail no matter what, especially now that it's already started. And rebuilds are going to be $3-$4k.

deekster_caddy > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 21:59

I've been through solenoid issues in the 4T85 transmissions. If you replace them early before the clutches get damaged, no long term effects. It's worth calling around and asking questions!

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 22:00

Yeah, the new Equinox is pretty nice. Say what you will about the exterior but the LTZ with the 3,6 is good. Nice interior, comfortable, the 3.6 has good power. It's a good car.

I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 22:17

As of right now, which is your top pick of the three?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
12/23/2014 at 22:30

I really like the 200, especially a Vivid Blue S. And that's what my mom would probably get if she gets a 200.

Nibbles > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/23/2014 at 23:59

after test driving the new 200, the Fusion 1.6 and myriad other new vehicles, we chose a slightly used Volvo. In the past few months I've driven every compact and midsize coupe and sedan on the market. Got questions? Aks away!

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/24/2014 at 00:22

I think the 200 would be an excellent choice.

That said, I would search for CPO Impalas, or left overs with offers to get a more "upscale" car.

Either way, im interested in what ends up in the driveway!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
12/24/2014 at 00:41

My parents aren't fans of the idea of buying a used car. We talked about that and they just think there's too much risk because we don't know if the previous owner abused it or not. Plus my mom just likes the idea of something completely new.

I am too. I'm so excited for something completely new!

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/24/2014 at 11:36

Can't argue with that!

My parents are exactly the same. And they think leasing is a pact with the Devil.