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As a Ford manager on the Taurus project said in the book Car, Honda owners would come in with a problem and act embarrassed and apologize that they must have done something to cause their Honda to have a failure. They would never admit to others that their perfect vehicle brand actually had a problem. It must have been the owner's fault. Toyota has resisted responsibility for sludge (I mean "gel" problems) until they had to give in to public knowledge. Toyota also resisted acknowledging runaway acceleration, blaming the owners rather than even an idiopathic cause. If this were the GM ignition switch, people would be demonizing GM. I hadn't heard about this problem because I haven't had time to fish on the internet for car problems.
I am afraid they will do to Fezo what they did to Jmonroe and his Hyundai engine that blew up.
I contrast Fezo's experience with my own when the Cobalt was in for Ignition switch replacement:
A large GM SUV's owner came in to comment about using a large amount of oil on his drive to Cleveland and back (nothing like Fezo's 2 quarts). The techs looked over the engine for obvious problematic leaks. They filled the oil after writing up the claim. I don't know that they sealed the oil dipstick and oil filler opening, but they told him to come back after a certain number of miles and they would measure the oil needed to refill to determine usage rate.
They went on to explain about needing to remove the top of the engine to inspect for damage and possible replace rings, if the oil use rate was high enough. Nothing said about anything mitigating GM's responsibility if powertrain warranty work needs to be done. I suspect like most engines after 2-3 years, there's oil in some spots on the engine, but not enough to make a regular drip on the drive way. The car may have been a Denali or an equivalent.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But dang, pulling every "small print" weasel move to get out of repairs under warranty (the reason you have one, and people pay extra to be covered) is just really, really bad.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Cars are hugely complex electro-mechanical devices. Any number of things can, and do go wrong. Our recourse, our only recourse, is to depend on the dealer to carry our banner for us.
Manufacturer offers the warranty however. They're the ones telling us, the customer, "hey, we stand behind our product for X # of years. When they don't, we have every right to hold their feet to the fire. To add insult to injury, whether it be Fezo's Camry motor, your Audi clutch or my S4's transmission and driveline failures, we were/are treated like imbeciles. A little slight of hand to throw us off is the rule of the day.
Trade rags don't talk about those issues so much (although they did make mention that some of the Audis they tasted exhibited some form of the problems I had with mine). Even CR still recommends Camry.
In Fezo's case, it's a text book example of "we can't see the forest because of the trees" syndrome. They could have just replaced the engine.....and end up with a happy Fezo, with him extolling the virtues of Toyota all over these boards. Instead, they're willing to lose business with arrogance and a condescending attitude towards the Toyota Customer. Maybe not today, maybe not even tomorrow, but eventually that sort of malaise will come back to haunt Toyota (or Audi). And, it will probably happen when they most need to have loyal customers.
Cadillac lost me for over a decade. Their attitude and customer service today is head and shoulders above where they were then. And, they're as good at customer service as any brand I've ever driven. So, companies can change. It took Cadillac a trip to the edge of the cliff, but they did it.
I can't begin tell you how impressed I was at the entire GM lineup while at the auto show. The rest of the American auto industry has been reinvigorated, too.
"The traffic reports are transmitted through Sirius radio. They work wonderfully in the US… however, they do not work in Canada. If you subscribe the the Sirius, the traffic is included in the regular service – however, it only works in the US."
That's actually fine. Florida is getting so congested, I need the traffic reports much more down here. Back home it is -14F a record, and this cold weather has been almost continuous. Another winter like this and Florida will be flooded with even more baby boomers. One fellow I was talking to this morning says he knows a builder, and the builder could be building all kinds of units and selling them....he can't find enough skilled workers.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Cadillac is very fortunate you came back, and so did Richard after very bad experiences. Our 95 Volvo was a lemon and I would consider a Volvo, but it is way down my list. If they had fixed our 95 properly, then I would probably still be potential customer...maybe even loyal customer.
I am a very loyal customer, when I like a product, I stay with it - unless there is a very good reason to change. That works both ways though, I am loyal, but they have to treat me with respect too. Car companies are hard - nosed about it because they can be. In 2008 they would have done anything to sell a car, now, not so much.
If I go on much longer my next car might be a Tesla just to get away from the pack..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Looking on-line at Lowe's and see both gas and electric blowers. I don't have a huge driveway - maybe 30' or so, double wide, plus 50' of sidewalk I'm responsible for. I've got a single stage blower now, but it hasn't run in a few years. Thinking something a bit larger this time around.
Brands, engine, features - I'm willing to listen.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I didn't watch the Oscars, but a commercial ran during same showing the CT6 from Cadillac. It certainly has a nice appearance. It's commanding in presence during the shots. Even got a full wheel shot of the car's rim.
Click on picture to play video:
PS I think they must have changed ad agencies. The ad makes the point for me, unlike some past GM ads.
New Yorkers in the group... is this location at 8th and Mercer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGhaOV0BPmA
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2021 Genesis G90
They have a store in the Boca Raton mall and they are always busy. The have two cars on display - that red is really a nice color.
2021 Genesis G90
The article also mentioned that the first person to drive a Tesla from New York to California using only this type of superchargers is a professor at UK. These do a charge in 30 minutes instead of several hours at home.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
TL;DR version: Everything went well
We return to our saga to find our young (ok, not so young) protagonist confused how to proceed after the dealer wrote back with higher MF and Residual numbers.
The protagonist once again went to consult the Oracles of Edmunds and got some very good advice. He reached out to the dealer to figure out where the disconnect was. Turns out the dealer quoted the residual for 39 months instead of 36, and the higher rate because, well, because he could.
The dealer was powerless against the Oracles of Edmunds' truth spell and quickly agreed to the MF and Residuals provided by the high priest Michaell.
The date approached to celebrate the "Pick up of the Jeep" festival. In preparation of this most sacred holiday, our protagonist went to consult another kind of Oracle to inquire how many blessings he could get for sacrificing his 2012 Wrangler at the altar of CarMax. With that knowledge, off he went along with his beautiful wife, to see the dealer.
Arriving at the dealership with nothing more to defend himself that the knowledge provided by the Oracles of Edmunds and a Car Lease calculator app that he downloaded into his magical communication device thingie, he entered the lair of the dealer.
And ... it was totally anticlimactic which is a good thing. All the numbers made sense. The dealer structured the deal a bit different (applied rebate and the 1k deposit to pay off security deposit, DMV fees, and first month payment with the little bit left to pay down the amount.) The total amount paid was exactly the same, so it was good. The finance guy told us about how we could buy a warranty later if we decided to keep it. He also offered the scotch guard and paint protection, which we declined of course. Finally he offered the pre-paid maintenance plan (6 oil changes.) Since oil change intervals are 10k miles/12 months, it didn't make sense so we passed too. He was low key. They even threw a free oil change which I wasn't expecting.
Even the quote for the Jeep Wrangler was anticlimactic. They came exactly at what CarMax had offered, so I sold it to them. They'll email me a check in a couple of days (they're 30 miles away, so I didn't want to go pick it up.)
The end
Don't forget to go back to the JGC Lease discussion to post your results there as well. I'm sure others looking at the same car can benefit from what you learned.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Enjoy the new Jeep.
2021 Genesis G90
I'm very impressed with the Jeep so far. Jeep has made great strides.
Maybe you should have your own mechanic document on video the absence of leaks so your have proof that the dealer is being less than honest.
Two quarts in 500 miles is serious. How many miles on it?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
What's the chance of a new motor having the exact same problem but an identical new car not? Wonder if they just TOLD you they replaced the motor to see if it shut you up.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Here is more than anyone needs to know about snowblowers:
http://todaysmower.com/the-best-snow-blowers-and-snow-throwers-for-2013-2014/
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have an electric because the snow guys come if there is more than 3" of snow. So, I only have to do max 3". You don't want to go too far with an electric...that cord keeps getting in the way. You need a good pattern too, so the cord doesn't get in the way...I go down the centre first then do one side across and then the other side across...and blow out to the edges.
My gas one never worked the first time in the winter even though I drained it each year...what a hassle. I hate that the snow usually blows back into your face.
Toros are usually pretty good. Don't try to go as cheap as possible, get one strong enough to go through larger snow amounts. Nothing worse than an underpowered snow blower.
Hopefully I won't have to do snow shovelling again...I hate doing it. It is an easy way to get a heart attack too, if doing it by hand. If you do, don't lift higher than your heart.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I picked up a made-in-America Cub Cadet snow thrower 3 or 4 years ago. http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/2X-524-SWE It's been a godsend. No heated handles but it does have a pretty decent light and the electric start is a requirement.
I also agree on not getting something underpowered. My snowthrower has a 21" high intake and I've fed it 20" (had to go slow but it handled it).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
My old Craftsman is a dual stage, 6-speed forward and 2-speed reverse too with electric start, but mine is probably 15 years old - if not older. It also has tracks instead of wheels. Tracks are great if you have any slope on your driveway.
When it finally stops snowing I park it. The next year I put fresh gas in it and, occasionally a fresh spark plug. Over the years it got harder and harder to start the first time and I had to leave the choke on a little to keep it running.
I went to a local hardware store when it didn't want to start at all this year to see if they could get it started. They came and picked it up, fixed it, changed the oil for the first time in its life, and delivered it. All for a cost of $67. It's like new.
2020 Ascent Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Congrats on the Jeep! Keep us in the loop & let us know how you like it. The HEMI rocks!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
When I wrote to the president of Audi Canada I typed the letter, but the address and his name were all hand written on the envelope. In my course they said if you are writing to someone important like that, send a handwritten letter...they will think it is from a friend or it is an invitation to a party or something...less chance of it getting thrown out immediately with all the other form letters coming in.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I want to make an out the door offer and tell the guy I'll put a deposit down and if it's as advertised buy it Saturday. So here's what I'm thinking. Take the $998 off his price add 7% sales tax and maybe $200 for title and registration So it would go $16,000 +7% ($1,198.40) + $500 = $17,120.
Is this reasonable? I'd be putting $6,000 down, no trade and 1.9% Toyota financing for four years. Might do five years just because the money is cheap.
Comments?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Now I have the homemade John Deere plow I've probably mentioned before. LOVE that thing, when its working. I've used it 3 times this season. The first time, it ran without a hitch and finished the job in about 20 mins (I guesstimate my driveway and parking area encompasses probably about 1500 square feet). The 2nd time, it died about halfway through, and cost me maybe a half hour of tinkering to get it running again (bad plug wire on one side). The 3rd time was last week and the hydraulics konked out early on in the job. Somewhat luckily, the blade was in a position such that I could finish the job with alot of transmission work (forward, back, forward, back, etc, etc). Its been too damned cold and I haven't had time anyway to figure that out. Possibly the PTO coupling shredded itself.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Tell them if they make the fifer you can't refuse, you'll sign right there. See what them come up with. You can always give your take or leave # if they come in higher. You aren't that far apart anyway.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There one more within 75 miles and it's a lesser model and in silver, After all the grey, black and silver cars we'd really like a color.
By comparison the "good enough"new one would be out the door at $26,600
Still worth asking. Doesn't mean you have to walk.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.