I'm going to buy a car soon

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn) 12/07/2015 at 17:50 • Filed to: None

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Is there any reason why I should not shop at CarMax? Is there any reason I should not buy a new (gas) VW? Is TrueCar any good?

I think that’s all for now.

HammerheadFistpunch > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 17:58

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buy at carmax? no, just don’t sell there. Gas VW is the same as all VW, if you know that its a VW and you are cool with all that “German engineering” than go for it. TrueCar? no clue.

DasWauto > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 18:00

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VW has a recall on for 1.8TSI and 2.0TSI engines right now, though I haven’t actually received any notice for mine yet. Just something to keep in mind, the newest cars may not be affected. I’m happy with mine, FWIW.

ttyymmnn > DasWauto 12/07/2015 at 18:02

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That recall is what I was concerned about. I’ve driven VWs all my life, and we’re replacing my ‘01 Golf that has 214k miles on it. With all the VWs sitting on the lots all over the world, it seems that now would be a great time to buy one.

jariten1781 > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 18:04

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1) No, just shop elsewhere as well. CarMax is easy mode, cars turn into cash...cash turns into cars. Not the best value though.

2) Meh, I don’t know. Mine’s been a headache and I’ve sworn them off for at least a decade after I get rid of it.

3) It’s a tool, not truth. I look at it with everything else.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 18:07

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I think Automatch wrote something about how TrueCar is a crock. I know somebody here did. I don’t remember much, but the bottom line being, like any price-matching system, that TrueCar sets a bottom threshold for the price because anybody participating in it has tacitly agreed not to play chicken with other dealers on low prices. Further, the TrueCar price might or might not include all the add-ins on price. If you search Oppo you might find it.

As to CarMax, I think it’s considered generally okay. Not great, not terrible, just a sort of mostly uniform median quality.

DasWauto > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 18:12

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I would think so as well. You can probably get an excellent deal on a ‘15. I don’t know if it’s still available but there was a $2000 VW owner loyalty bonus, which is pretty sweet.

If you want to integrate your phone with the car the ‘16s get Android Auto and Apple Carplay so that might be something to consider. The ‘15 isn’t bad by any means (I use bluetooth for my phone for calling and music) but the interface could be a bit better and definitely faster.

ttyymmnn > DasWauto 12/07/2015 at 18:21

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I’ve never had a car that integrated anything before (I still use a wired cassette adapter to play music in my Golf), so anything would be better than what I have now. I think I can talk my wife into a manual, too. But it will be her DD, so I’ll have to defer to her choice ultimately. I think she really wants a Civic.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 18:29

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CarMax is fine, so are other dealers, so are some private sellers. If you’re not someone who can do a full inspection yourself, stick to certified, or “reputable” dealers to avoid surprises.

Depends on the car, but not anymore of a reason than it being a VW and blah, blah blah. I found the Buick Regal turbo (stick) to be surprisingly VW-like in ride, and they’ve proven to be reliable things too. Pretty cheap on the market too. Something to consider.

I dealt with TrueCar once, it didn’t provide me with anything I couldn’t have done myself.

ttyymmnn > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 12/07/2015 at 18:35

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I dealt with TrueCar once, it didn’t provide me with anything I couldn’t have done myself.

So, how did you do it yourself?

Aaron M - MasoFiST > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 18:43

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I think the key with both CarMax and TrueCar is that you can’t fall into the trap of their marketing saying they’re somehow different than any other dealers or lead generation services. CarMax is a dealer and TrueCar is a lead generation service, and they operate in the same way as every one of their competitors in terms of how they make money: by selling cars, and selling them quickly. They are marketed at people who are quite afraid of the car purchasing process, so they emphasize ease of use and certainty over anything else. TrueCar will get you a good enough price, but if you do a little work you can do better. CarMax will offer you a good enough price, but if you’re willing to go to other dealers and sellers you will almost certainly do better.

iSureWilll > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 19:58

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We have a great selection of... Do it yourself.

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Andy

Don’t tell on me ok Andy?

I won't... Unless you like to be told on.... Beth.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > ttyymmnn 12/07/2015 at 20:13

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It was for a used vehicle. There are tons of outlets for value and other things, the deal it stated i should take was 1200 more than I signed the paperwork for on the exact same vehicle. Maybe a new car experience is different, but even then, if you know the invoice and how popular a car is, you should be able to get a reasonable deal right there. I am A-plan, GMS and my current employer gets employee discounts with Mopar, so I haven’t had to negotitate a new car for myself in a while.

Nibby > ttyymmnn 12/08/2015 at 09:17

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You’re finally buying a pink Toyota Sienna? NICE

ttyymmnn > Nibby 12/08/2015 at 09:20

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How did you know?!

Nibby > ttyymmnn 12/08/2015 at 09:24

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philphil > ttyymmnn 12/08/2015 at 11:48

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CarMax: It’s a one stop shop, true. Just don’t make it your only stop. I used it earlier this year to get a competing quote for my used, then took that quote to the dealer for my trade-in. They offered the same.

VW: You may get a great deal, now that they’re hurting. Just don’t buy a MKIV (like early 2000’s) Volkswagen. Mine was nothing but trouble after 50k miles.

TrueCar: Great for new cars, but they don’t do used (yet). Cars.com is good for shopping for used and new. Edmunds.com is good for more informed reviews and consumer info.

ttyymmnn > philphil 12/08/2015 at 13:10

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I’ve got a MkIV Golf (2001) with 214k miles on it. The interior has gone to shit, but I can’t kill it. The new car will replace the Golf.

philphil > ttyymmnn 12/08/2015 at 14:18

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Really? Holy smokes! What are the odds? My experience couldn’t have been more different. Mine was a VR6, if that matters. It ate its cat every two years and on the other alternate years, it needed to have the ignition coil replaced. It was a money pit after 50k, and I took excellent acare of it. Go figure.

ttyymmnn > philphil 12/08/2015 at 14:25

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I have heard that the VR6 was not a good engine. I have the 2.slow engine. Coil has been replaced once, cat once, and I’m still on the original clutch. It’s gone through its share of head gaskets and CV boots and axles, though. But it still runs and the AC still blows cold. I’ll actually be sad to see it go.