Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

explorerx4 · August 2016

Friday I sent out an email to the salesguy at the dealership I have a long relationship requesting info about a new 2016 Escape Titanium they had listed for 25% off MSRP.
Got the predictable respond, it was sold.
However, they have another similar one they will give me the same deal on.
It's red, not my favorite, and has a pano roof, which I did not really want, but I'm going to take it for a drive.

driver100 · August 2016

stever said:
I'd be curious to know how long the data store is - just the last 30 seconds or ?

And if it's only 30 seconds, if I rear end someone, maybe I'll shut my car off and then restart it and let it idle a few minutes in the hopes that it erases the speedo reading showing me going 80 in a 30. Assuming there's anything left in the front end to restart.

I think in henryn's wki report it talked about storing about 8 pages of data, and that was in about 2010. I am guessing but the storage should be a few minutes at least. The information can be valuable for making cars safer, and also to access fault. Some examples proved who was speeding and who applied their brakes. Trucks should have them for sure. Cameras that record could probably be added at very little cost, especially since the cameras are already there.

stickguy · August 2016

there was an interesting article in a magazine not too long ago about it. Might have been CR, otherwise one of the car mags.

IIRC, it is not a real long time (short loop that writes over), but if there is an accident, it somehow locks in that data, and it won't be overridden.

the bigger issue is, the car makers control the access. so you can't just download it, and if you want it, will require a court order, and I think they like to resist.

so more likely, it would only come into play in a serious accident, with criminal charge implications.

stever · August 2016

Better solution would be to install a dashcam, like @fintail has in his MB.

Unless you're the party at fault, I guess.

driver100 · August 2016

explorerx4 said:
@Driver100,
You should call Sirius and cancel your service. You will get a credit.
I wonder if the place where the car is stored will let you take pictures of the destinations in the NAV.
Can't hurt to ask.
My guess about the stuff on the hard drive ins that it is lost.
You might ask your MB contact if there is a way to back it up so it can be downloaded.

Good idea asking if my recorded music from the hardrive can be downloaded. The MB salesman told me when I bought my new car they delete all the GPS and music from the hardrive of my trade-in.

I have a feeling there won't be a way to copy it, I'll ask my salesman......but, I have most of it on my USB stick too, and actually use that more. I have to see if Mrs Driver took it out of the car. I have 2 large bags full of stuff the tow truck driver and Mrs D removed from the car.............that was something I didn't even think about.

Good thought though about canceling Sirius. . I just want to see where I stand with the car first....make sure it is a write off. If I get the new one I'll have 6 months for free.....but then for sure I will cancel. Good idea, I will write it on the calendar to check in September - cancel if I get the new car.

driver100 · August 2016

stever said:
Better solution would be to install a dashcam, like @fintail has in his MB.

Unless you're the party at fault, I guess.

If you are at fault, you should throw the dashcam into the woods asap.

stever · August 2016

And erase all the "idiot driver" vids you posted on your YouTube channel.

oldfarmer50 · August 2016

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

bwia said:

driver100 said:

bwia said:

driver100 said:
Tonight we were on our way to meet friends for dinner. We were almost there and we came to an intersection, and the light changed to amber. I had a fair bit of time and easily stopped, but a large waste type truck plowed into the back of us. It sent us flying across the road and up onto the sidewalk on the opposite side of the road. Thankfully, we seem to be OK physically, but we are shaken up and very tired. We have dealt with police and the towing company, filed reports, and I was on hold with the the insurance company claim department for about 30 minutes while being told "I am a priority". how long do you wait when you aren't a priority?

Any ideas how you can get fair value for your car.....tow truck driver said don't trust the insurance company.
*Driver, I hope both you and your wife are okay. I was away from the board for the past two weeks totally absorbed with the Rio Olympics and just now catching up with the posts that I missed.

Don't know if the insurance company has already settled. More than likely they will offer fair value if deemed a total loss. Not sure how the E-400 ranks in resale value but it should be near the top minimizing your potential loss. Nonetheless, stay safe and minimize night time driving.

Thanks for writing bwia. Actually, I did take the advice of many here who said to see my doctor. I went yesterday, and he said a fuzzy head was normal because I hadn't slept (I believe it is true I had such an adrenaline rush that youo can't possibly sleep), if I hadn't lost conscious, felt dizzy, felt sick, and if I had no pain that should mean I am OK....but, he is glad I came in.

The accident happened in broad daylight, perfect conditions, at 4:45 p.m. But, we avoid traveling at night time as much as possible as the even crazier drivers are out there at that time.

Insurance company hasn't actually settled yet, but, on the phone they did say we paid for full value coverage, meaning, if your car is in an accident within the first 2 years (car is 22 months old) we will get whatever we paid for the car.

We have chosen a new 2017 E400 and the MSRP was about $400 less than that, however now they give me only 3% off list instead of 4% off.....dealers getting squeezed more.........so now I will be paying out about $300 extra.

Thanks again, I feel pretty much back to normal which to me is a miracle.
*Driver, thank goodness there were no injuries and both you and your wife walked away unscathed. And with MB's obsession with safety that outcome is not surprising.

Can't tell from the picture but did any of the airbags deploy? Or that recognizing that there was no one sitting in the back seat the rear and curtain airbags remained mute.

bwia, No airbags went off, and I don't believe they are supposed to as all the impact was from the rear bumper and trunk area. I think the seatbelts really did their job, they tighten up like a straightjacket. You can hardly breathe, and my wife has a bruise where the strap crosses her chest. I think that keeps you from being thrown forward and then back...resulting in whiplash. For some reason the headrests fall apart......maybe it cushions the blow, like a crumple zone for your head.

I don't think airbags would help, and they may make it worse if you could steer, but I think the car shut down.

IMPORTANT QUESTION: I am wondering, are there black boxes in the truck and my car? Can they check to see what speed we were both going, and whether he applied his brakes? Would they use that information to decide on charges?
All our school buses have GPS systems that record speed and breaking. Depending on how new the truck was it might have the info you want.

Are you thinking of a lawsuit?
Not thinking of a lawsuit at this time, as long as there are no hassles. If I get the full cost of the car back, and if we don't have lasting injuries, and if my insurance rates don't increase then I am not out. If the moron cop gives input that I am partially at fault because I didn't know the idiot driving the truck was going to try to beat the light, I'd like some back up information. That's where his speed and whether he hit the gas would help, and they could see what my speed was and when I hit the brakes........it would print a pretty good picture.

One friend has a dash cam and I thought that was a bit much. That would have really helped in this case, but, I would probably show it to a lawyer before I showed it to the cops!

In Russia and Eastern Europe dash cams are common. I guess there's a lot of fraud and the police are corrupt. Just google 'car crash'.

Our newer buses have cameras that look out the front window supposedly to see if the kids are following proper crossing procedures but they document anything that goes on in front of the vehicle.

In your new car invest in a Go-Pro system that records both front and back. A local guy used his to bait the police into beating his butt on camera and scored a $50,000 settlement.

Of course a few years later he wound up dead in Mexico.

In more pleasant news the first Shelby Cobra sold today for $14 million.

oldfarmer50 · August 2016

This may be old news to you guys but it was shocking to me.

I was watching Jay Leno's Garage and he was taking a ride in a wheelie popping 2500hp. Hemi Cuda when it flipped and rolled. Jay is always talking about what the insurance company will or won't allow. I bet there were a few white knuckles until they found out Leno was unharmed.

berri · August 2016

Oh, the tipsy topsy world of TV. Leno's on a roll

driver100 · August 2016

Most new cars have cameras on all sides these days. Why can't they make all the cameras record all the time, or at least 20 minute loop? That might make people drive more carefully, it would also be good information if there is an accident.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2016

driver100 said:

stever said:
I think every car has black boxes now. Whether the info is still available is the question - should be for your car since you didn't drive it again. Getting to the info may be too expensive for a "run of the mill" accident unless lawyers start getting involved.

Got any pics of the headrests btw?
Unfortunately I didn't get pictures. My wife took the pictures, I was busy with forms and trying to get through to insurance. I am hoping to be able to see the car again...still have a few items in it I would like to have. I'll take pictures if I can.

Oh well, the tow truck drivers or lot boys have probably stolen those already. Let's hope not.

jmonroe · August 2016

explorerx4 said:
Dipped my toe into the new vehicle possibility.
Local dealer has a new 2016 Escape Titanium for 25% off list.
Sent the salesguy I bought a few vehicles from an inquiry for more details.
To be continued...

Could be a demo with around 5K miles on it. Dealers still consider it new because it's never been titled. That doesn't mean it's not a good deal but with demo miles and it being a '16, that's about what you should expect.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 · August 2016

driver100 said:
Most new cars have cameras on all sides these days. Why can't they make all the cameras record all the time, or at least 20 minute loop? That might make people drive more carefully, it would also be good information if there is an accident.

Most people don't want every little mistake recorded for all to see. I know that one of the reasons I'm retiring next year is that there're are more cameras looking at me on the bus than at the kids. The thought that 20 years from now somebody might be watching me pick my nose really creeps me out.

driver100 · August 2016

jmonroe said:

explorerx4 said:
Dipped my toe into the new vehicle possibility.
Local dealer has a new 2016 Escape Titanium for 25% off list.
Sent the salesguy I bought a few vehicles from an inquiry for more details.
To be continued...
Could be a demo with around 5K miles on it. Dealers still consider it new because it's never been titled. That doesn't mean it's not a good deal but with demo miles and it being a '16, that's about what you should expect.

jmonroe

Aren't we being the not very trusting one......but, I think you are probably right

driver100 · August 2016

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:
Most new cars have cameras on all sides these days. Why can't they make all the cameras record all the time, or at least 20 minute loop? That might make people drive more carefully, it would also be good information if there is an accident.
Most people don't want every little mistake recorded for all to see. I know that one of the reasons I'm retiring next year is that there're are more cameras looking at me on the bus than at the kids. The thought that 20 years from now somebody might be watching me pick my nose really creeps me out.

Like the monitor that Allstate will put on the car and you get a 15% discount. They want to see how fast you drive, if you brake suddenly, etc. I wonder how many people go for that deal.

oldfarmer, I don't think someone is going to be watching a video of you driving the bus 20 years from now....and if they do, they must have an extremely boring life.

driver100 · August 2016

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

stever said:
I think every car has black boxes now. Whether the info is still available is the question - should be for your car since you didn't drive it again. Getting to the info may be too expensive for a "run of the mill" accident unless lawyers start getting involved.

Got any pics of the headrests btw?
Unfortunately I didn't get pictures. My wife took the pictures, I was busy with forms and trying to get through to insurance. I am hoping to be able to see the car again...still have a few items in it I would like to have. I'll take pictures if I can.
Oh well, the tow truck drivers or lot boys have probably stolen those already. Let's hope not.

If the lot boys steal my UPS stick they are in for a big surprise, 50's and 60's music!

oldfarmer50 · August 2016

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

stever said:
I think every car has black boxes now. Whether the info is still available is the question - should be for your car since you didn't drive it again. Getting to the info may be too expensive for a "run of the mill" accident unless lawyers start getting involved.

Got any pics of the headrests btw?
Unfortunately I didn't get pictures. My wife took the pictures, I was busy with forms and trying to get through to insurance. I am hoping to be able to see the car again...still have a few items in it I would like to have. I'll take pictures if I can.
Oh well, the tow truck drivers or lot boys have probably stolen those already. Let's hope not.
If the lot boys steal my UPS stick they are in for a big surprise, 50's and 60's music!

I'd be more concerned with them stealing all those money bags I saw sticking out of your crushed trunk.

graphicguy · August 2016

A gentleman who works for me is from Pakistan. He has become a U.S. Citizen and has been in this country for over a decade. Very smart person, and loves the U.S.

However, he has two cams in his car (a Hyundai minivan). One is on the dash, the other is rigged up to the roof inside the back cargo area pointing out the back window. I thought he was being overly cautious. But, he is afraid of getting pulled over, and being Pakistani, somehow having some harm come to him or his family by any officials who may pull him over.

I tell him all the time he has nothing to fear. He feels differently. As they say, perception is reality. Shame it's come to this.

jmonroe · August 2016

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:
Most new cars have cameras on all sides these days. Why can't they make all the cameras record all the time, or at least 20 minute loop? That might make people drive more carefully, it would also be good information if there is an accident.
Most people don't want every little mistake recorded for all to see. I know that one of the reasons I'm retiring next year is that there're are more cameras looking at me on the bus than at the kids. The thought that 20 years from now somebody might be watching me pick my nose really creeps me out.

Retiring next year eh? You should be making a list of all the things you want to show the cameras, on your last delivery of the brats to school, that you have been holding back on for years. We'd pay to see that video. It might even get you free membership in here for life.

jmonroe

bwia · August 2016

I too plan to retire next year. My wife retired two years ago and for a while there, I thought she had regretted that decision; but no more. She no longer relies on me to travel or do fun things.

Thank God, we have a comfortable retirement nest egg but we have not yet made our last will and testament but last week we had "the talk" and that was an emotional moment. The entire family talked about my last wishes and how our real estate property should be divided. Frankly, I hadn't thought much about these details but after watching how quickly my wife's brother-in-law deteriorated after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, it's given me a new appreciation for end of life planning.

Now the hard part. I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?

ab348 · August 2016

Despite having a very interested buyer for the Cutlass I went ahead with a big part of this year's projects for it. I had ordered parts for a complete front end rebuild prior to this fellow appearing on my radar so last week I took it in to a shop I have used frequently with good results to have them installed and the car aligned. For the last couple of years it hasn't instilled confidence during highway driving and I wanted that fixed. I also had them go over everything they could see regarding leaks, etc., while it was up on the hoist.

They did find and fix a couple of leaks, the most serious of which was a couple of freeze plugs in the engine that were seeping (and which upon removal were seen to be about to fail entirely), which also resulted in a complete flush and refill of the cooling system, so that's a good thing. The bulk of the work was of course the front end. They discovered that one of the coil springs up front had not been installed correctly by another shop years ago and needed to be reinstalled properly. They put on all the parts I supplied, aligned it, and also said that as part of the service they checked and topped up all fluids and adjusted tire pressures.

When I picked it up on Friday I was very disappointed in how it drove considering all the work that was done. It was still squirrelly on the highway and it felt like one of more tires were out of balance as there was some noticeable shake on the highway. Weird because I had not asked them to do anything relating to balancing.I drove it again Saturday and it seemed a bit better but not much. I was feeling pretty down on it when I got home that night.

Yesterday was a nice day so I decided to take it out again, thinking that maybe this was the last drive. When I pulled it out of the garage into the driveway I realized I had left my phone in the house and went back to get it. As I came back to the car I could see that the LR tire was very low. When I checked it, it showed 15psi. This befuddled me and I do not yet know the reason. There is a gas station nearby that has an air station so I took it there and filled the tire. I drove it a few miles on the highway and obviously it was somewhat better than the day before but still did not feel great. The steering was twitchy and you could feel every irregularity in the road surface. A light went on in my head and I pulled into an empty parking lot and got out my tire pressure gauge again.

Both front tires were at nearly 45psi! The right rear was just over 40, and the one I had aired up was the only one close to correct at 34 (I had set it to 32 cold). I bled the 3 tires until they were all at 34 warm. Back on the same road and the car was transformed, not surprisingly. The steering was no longer twitchy and the ride was smooth with no feeling that anything was out of balance. They obviously messed something up quite badly at the shop. Disappointing, especially since this is the kind of shop that works on cars like this and is supposed to be sympathetic to their quirks. Today I am going to check the LR tire again and see if it has a slow leak. Regardless I will let the shop know what they did. Lesson is always check the work done by other people on your car.

After finally enjoying driving it again yesterday it feels redeemed in my mind and I am less sure I want to sell it. Decisions...

imidazol97 · August 2016

Did a trek to Cincy to a car show yesterday. Saw several car carriers with assortments of classic cars on them. Then it dawned on me these may have been cars that were trailered to Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise last week being returned home. One article cites 45,000 cars on Woodward. Going to the Woodward Cruise has been on my bucket list.

http://www.detroitnews.com/autos/woodward-dream-cruise/
Photos
http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/dream-cruise/2016/08/20/2016-dream-cruise-classic-cars-muscle-down-woodward/89045010/

Of course it wouldn't be Detroit without crime: Corvette stolen. Cars were stolen last year IIRC.
http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/194811184-story

stever · August 2016

bwia said:
I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?

How about buying a Macan? Roomy enough to grab the kiddos and show them your old haunts, then park it at the airport and take them to Paris.

Alma doesn't need your money, she's loaded.

jmonroe · August 2016

ab348 said:
Despite having a very interested buyer for the Cutlass I went ahead with a big part of this year's projects for it. I had ordered parts for a complete front end rebuild prior to this fellow appearing on my radar so last week I took it in to a shop I have used frequently with good results to have them installed and the car aligned. For the last couple of years it hasn't instilled confidence during highway driving and I wanted that fixed. I also had them go over everything they could see regarding leaks, etc., while it was up on the hoist.

They did find and fix a couple of leaks, the most serious of which was a couple of freeze plugs in the engine that were seeping (and which upon removal were seen to be about to fail entirely), which also resulted in a complete flush and refill of the cooling system, so that's a good thing. The bulk of the work was of course the front end. They discovered that one of the coil springs up front had not been installed correctly by another shop years ago and needed to be reinstalled properly. They put on all the parts I supplied, aligned it, and also said that as part of the service they checked and topped up all fluids and adjusted tire pressures.

When I picked it up on Friday I was very disappointed in how it drove considering all the work that was done. It was still squirrelly on the highway and it felt like one of more tires were out of balance as there was some noticeable shake on the highway. Weird because I had not asked them to do anything relating to balancing.I drove it again Saturday and it seemed a bit better but not much. I was feeling pretty down on it when I got home that night.

Yesterday was a nice day so I decided to take it out again, thinking that maybe this was the last drive. When I pulled it out of the garage into the driveway I realized I had left my phone in the house and went back to get it. As I came back to the car I could see that the LR tire was very low. When I checked it, it showed 15psi. This befuddled me and I do not yet know the reason. There is a gas station nearby that has an air station so I took it there and filled the tire. I drove it a few miles on the highway and obviously it was somewhat better than the day before but still did not feel great. The steering was twitchy and you could feel every irregularity in the road surface. A light went on in my head and I pulled into an empty parking lot and got out my tire pressure gauge again.

Both front tires were at nearly 45psi! The right rear was just over 40, and the one I had aired up was the only one close to correct at 34 (I had set it to 32 cold). I bled the 3 tires until they were all at 34 warm. Back on the same road and the car was transformed, not surprisingly. The steering was no longer twitchy and the ride was smooth with no feeling that anything was out of balance. They obviously messed something up quite badly at the shop. Disappointing, especially since this is the kind of shop that works on cars like this and is supposed to be sympathetic to their quirks. Today I am going to check the LR tire again and see if it has a slow leak. Regardless I will let the shop know what they did. Lesson is always check the work done by other people on your car.

After finally enjoying driving it again yesterday it feels redeemed in my mind and I am less sure I want to sell it. Decisions...

You just confirmed what I have always said about turning your car over to someone else to do repair work. I realize that most people cannot work on cars today, me included, but having to check someone's work is a pain.

You said the tires were waaay out of being correctly inflated and that does not surprise me. If I were you I'd go out to the garage right now and check all 20 lug nuts for the proper torque. Any shop that can't put in the correct air pressure is capable of not using a torque wrench. I never leave a shops parking lot without checking the lug nuts, except at the Firestone store I have been going to lately but I check them as soon as I get home, if the car was in for state inspection. The risk is too great.

jmonroe

jmonroe · August 2016

stever said:

bwia said:
I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?
How about buying a Macan? Roomy enough to grab the kiddos and show them your old haunts, then park it at the airport and take them to Paris.

Alma doesn't need your money, she's loaded.

I'm with you, my Alma mater got their money when my tuition was paid. I'd like to be in the position that I had enough to even think about donating to them, but me being me, I'd probably give it to fund some research for a cure for something, anything really.

jmonroe

stever · August 2016

To me it boils down to whether you want people to remember you. Or remember your money....

I have a year old nephew I've yet to see and that really bugs me. I suppose I could create some memories by leaving him my minivan.

driver100 · August 2016

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

stever said:
I think every car has black boxes now. Whether the info is still available is the question - should be for your car since you didn't drive it again. Getting to the info may be too expensive for a "run of the mill" accident unless lawyers start getting involved.

Got any pics of the headrests btw?
Unfortunately I didn't get pictures. My wife took the pictures, I was busy with forms and trying to get through to insurance. I am hoping to be able to see the car again...still have a few items in it I would like to have. I'll take pictures if I can.
Oh well, the tow truck drivers or lot boys have probably stolen those already. Let's hope not.
If the lot boys steal my UPS stick they are in for a big surprise, 50's and 60's music!
I'd be more concerned with them stealing all those money bags I saw sticking out of your crushed trunk.

For the record, those bags are empty and for taking into Costco so I don't have to break up cardboard boxes when we get home.

driver100 · August 2016

bwia said:
I too plan to retire next year. My wife retired two years ago and for a while there, I thought she had regretted that decision; but no more. She no longer relies on me to travel or do fun things.

Now the hard part. I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?

One thought to think about. I know of a case where a man died, his wife of course had everything in her name, a few $100,000 in savings, but, she remarried shortly after - met somebody right away. Unexpectedly she died shortly after, the new husband got all her assets and her children got nothing. I doubt that is what she intended,,,,,and most lawyers don't lay out this scenario.

We did it so that if something happens to one of us, children get a smaller cash amount, at that time.

sda · August 2016

I would have been greatly disappointed at the results after spending $$ to make the car right, though it sounds like after your discovery of improper tire pressure, it is pretty much set up correctly. As much as I like older cars, especially from the late 50's to the early 70's, I don't think I would be satisfied with one today. Today's cars just drive so well and are so refined in comparison. Yet, the character, and quirks of an older car can be engaging, and certainly makes you appreciate even more how far and how much better cars have become.

driver100 · August 2016

I changed my picture! Guess I should change my vehicles.

uplanderguy · August 2016

Geez, that's frustrating as all get out--to have such basic stuff screwed up on your Cutlass. Sheesh.

oldfarmer50 · August 2016

bwia said:
I too plan to retire next year. My wife retired two years ago and for a while there, I thought she had regretted that decision; but no more. She no longer relies on me to travel or do fun things.

Thank God, we have a comfortable retirement nest egg but we have not yet made our last will and testament but last week we had "the talk" and that was an emotional moment. The entire family talked about my last wishes and how our real estate property should be divided. Frankly, I hadn't thought much about these details but after watching how quickly my wife's brother-in-law deteriorated after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, it's given me a new appreciation for end of life planning.

Now the hard part. I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?

Wow, you sound like my wife's rich relative who lives up in Gloucester. Me? I don't have much but I don't want to just dump money on my kids. I'd like to set up some kind of trust that pays out a small amount monthly. Something to make their lives a little easier.

driver100 · August 2016

ab, when I see some of those classic cars, especially 57 and 58 T-Birds I think I would love to have one. But, cars don't hold up, and what we found acceptable to drive 30 years ago probably doesn't drive too well these days.

It is a shame you had all that work done, and it seems you were better off before. There should be an explanation, and if someone figures that out, maybe the problem can be corrected.

oldfarmer50 · August 2016

uplanderguy said:
Geez, that's frustrating as all get out--to have such basic stuff screwed up on your Cutlass. Sheesh.

Bet it was just some lot boy in charge of filling tires. You wouldn't have your top mechanics on something like that.

andres3 · August 2016

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:
Oh yes. Do tell. Inquiring minds want to know.
I'm interested in hearing that story, as well.

I usually help folks on the front end of the lease transaction; would be a nice balance to hear some end-of-lease stories, both good and bad.

Speaking of which, what's the percentage of transactions at your dealership, @roadburner, of leases to purchases?
My NCM said the leases make up about 40% of the new car transactions. I know BMW NA has seen leases really pick up over the last few years and most BMW dealers are preparing to sell a lot of the off-lease cars as CPOs.

Now for my unhappy lease customer...

The customer initially showed up at the receptionist's desk and promptly took a large manila envelope-without asking-and stuffed two keys in it, wrote "Lease Return" on it, and signed her name. She started to walk off but our receptionist told her she'd have to have the car inspected- so she called me. The first words out of her mouth were, "I have a flight to catch!" I had problems logging in on the iPad we use for turn-ins, and on top of that the car had several potential issues, so I decided to take the car over to the CPO side and let the used car manager inspect it- he makes the call on whether we keep it or not.

After further inspection the UCM settled on one worn tire and a bumper scratch on the rear bumper(10" long and into the primer)- but the big issue was that the car was overdue for service by over 10,000 miles. The customer swore up and down that the car had been serviced at our center numerous times but the vehicle history showed that she hadn't been to our service department-or any BMW service department-since 2014(and remember that any service work would have been performed at no cost to the customer). BMW FS charges around $800 to the lessee if service is overdue, so she was looking at turn in costs(including the disposition fee) of at least $1400. The customer continued to maintain that the service WAS up to date, even though she had no proof. We asked her to go back to the service department with with us so that we could verify the service history together but of course she couldn't do that because "She had a plane to catch!" She then begin to claim that the car had been pre-inspected and the car had been given a clean bill of health, but again, there was no record of a pre-inspection in the leasing database.

She was adamant that she wasn't going to accept the charge for servicing the car so we offered her a third party inspection through BMW FS- which essentially means that going forward she has to deal with them and not us. After much grumbling she finally took that option- stomping off in a huff proclaiming that she'd never come back to our dealership again. It was all I could do not to say, "Is that a promise?"

That's the type of BMW I'd avoid, even with a $800 discount, I might not take it for an $8K discount.

I think she was just "acting" to see if you all would be weak and cave in to her demands. You all essentially called her bluffs. Guess she isn't a Poker pro or Oscar winner. Maybe she just wasn't HOT enough to get away with it. A supermodel might have got a better result.

stickguy · August 2016

Set up a 529 plan for the kids? Some sort of education trust. Let them spend the money at your old school, if they feel like it.

stever · August 2016

My mom was always generous with her money when we were kids and needed it. That was much appreciated, don't much need it now. If she makes it to 104, at her current rate of spending, she'll die broke at that point.

Nice, if a bit unfortunate, sig file @driver100.

Doubled the value of my minivan this morning. New shoes.

Guess it'll stay in the stable for another 4 years now, mechanicals permitting.

houdini1 · August 2016

stever said:
I'd be curious to know how long the data store is - just the last 30 seconds or ?

And if it's only 30 seconds, if I rear end someone, maybe I'll shut my car off and then restart it and let it idle a few minutes in the hopes that it erases the speedo reading showing me going 80 in a 30. Assuming there's anything left in the front end to restart.

Pretty clever. I'll try to remember that.

houdini1 · August 2016

stickguy said:
there was an interesting article in a magazine not too long ago about it. Might have been CR, otherwise one of the car mags.

IIRC, it is not a real long time (short loop that writes over), but if there is an accident, it somehow locks in that data, and it won't be overridden.

the bigger issue is, the car makers control the access. so you can't just download it, and if you want it, will require a court order, and I think they like to resist.

so more likely, it would only come into play in a serious accident, with criminal charge implications.

With all the gizmos and connectivity in today's cars, I wonder if there is some way the mfgs can just send a signal to the EDR to just send the info to the mfg.

ab348 · August 2016

driver100 said:

One thought to think about. I know of a case where a man died, his wife of course had everything in her name, a few $100,000 in savings, but, she remarried shortly after - met somebody right away. Unexpectedly she died shortly after, the new husband got all her assets and her children got nothing. I doubt that is what she intended,,,,,and most lawyers don't lay out this scenario.

We did it so that if something happens to one of us, children get a smaller cash amount, at that time.

Actually something similar happened in the case of our family. Our mother died at age 62 and after a year or so our dad met a widowed lady and that arrangement became permanent. He died 10 years later and she got everything he had, whatever that might have been - not really sure how much he had left by that point as she had sucked him pretty dry I think. Myself and my 3 siblings never saw a dime, nor did we see a will, so we were obviously removed from it sometime during those 10 years.

houdini1 · August 2016

stever said:
Better solution would be to install a dashcam, like @fintail has in his MB.

Unless you're the party at fault, I guess.

I saw one of those eastern European dash cam wrecks once, where the guy was driving some sort of flat nosed box truck. The front of the truck was mostly windshield. When it hit, the windshield flew out, the guy flew out right behind it and landed on his feet running...he still had the steering wheel and part of the steering column in his hands. I don't think he was hurt at all, other than being scared half to death.

houdini1 · August 2016

bwia said:
I too plan to retire next year. My wife retired two years ago and for a while there, I thought she had regretted that decision; but no more. She no longer relies on me to travel or do fun things.

Thank God, we have a comfortable retirement nest egg but we have not yet made our last will and testament but last week we had "the talk" and that was an emotional moment. The entire family talked about my last wishes and how our real estate property should be divided. Frankly, I hadn't thought much about these details but after watching how quickly my wife's brother-in-law deteriorated after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, it's given me a new appreciation for end of life planning.

Now the hard part. I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?

My thoughts would be to take care of the grandkids. A nice inheritance for them would probably be much more needed and appreciated by them instead of your Alma mater.

While we are talking about end of life things, I saw a tombstone the other day with a quote from the decreased. Very simple, it said, "Well, this sucks".

houdini1 · August 2016

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

stever said:
I think every car has black boxes now. Whether the info is still available is the question - should be for your car since you didn't drive it again. Getting to the info may be too expensive for a "run of the mill" accident unless lawyers start getting involved.

Got any pics of the headrests btw?
Unfortunately I didn't get pictures. My wife took the pictures, I was busy with forms and trying to get through to insurance. I am hoping to be able to see the car again...still have a few items in it I would like to have. I'll take pictures if I can.
Oh well, the tow truck drivers or lot boys have probably stolen those already. Let's hope not.
If the lot boys steal my UPS stick they are in for a big surprise, 50's and 60's music!
I'd be more concerned with them stealing all those money bags I saw sticking out of your crushed trunk.

For the record, those bags are empty and for taking into Costco so I don't have to break up cardboard boxes when we get home.

Reminds me of an old song that goes, "He drives a big Cadillac, and way in the back, he's got money in a sack"

graphicguy · August 2016

My late parents used to tell me all the time..."we want to leave something for you after we're gone."

I would reply...."Don't worry about me. I'll get mine the same way you got yours." They must have listened to me. Aside from some jewelry and momentos, they didn't leave much to me. Their grand-children, on the other hand, will start life well once they turn 28.

Just what I had hoped my parents would do.

driver100 · August 2016

oldfarmer50 said:

bwia said:
I too plan to retire next year. My wife retired two years ago and for a while there, I thought she had regretted that decision; but no more. She no longer relies on me to travel or do fun things.

Thank God, we have a comfortable retirement nest egg but we have not yet made our last will and testament but last week we had "the talk" and that was an emotional moment. The entire family talked about my last wishes and how our real estate property should be divided. Frankly, I hadn't thought much about these details but after watching how quickly my wife's brother-in-law deteriorated after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, it's given me a new appreciation for end of life planning.

Now the hard part. I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?

Wow, you sound like my wife's rich relative who lives up in Gloucester. Me? I don't have much but I don't want to just dump money on my kids. I'd like to set up some kind of trust that pays out a small amount monthly. Something to make their lives a little easier.

See a financial planner. Should be able to set up a trust that pays monthly or bi-yearly. Best if they don't get a lump sum, though I think if they really need the money that could be arranged.

Personally, I don't worry about inheritance....I want to spend it all and leave kids with a few bills.

driver100 · August 2016

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

One thought to think about. I know of a case where a man died, his wife of course had everything in her name, a few $100,000 in savings, but, she remarried shortly after - met somebody right away. Unexpectedly she died shortly after, the new husband got all her assets and her children got nothing. I doubt that is what she intended,,,,,and most lawyers don't lay out this scenario.

We did it so that if something happens to one of us, children get a smaller cash amount, at that time.
He died 10 years later and she got everything he had, whatever that might have been - not really sure how much he had left by that point as she had sucked him pretty dry I think. Myself and my 3 siblings never saw a dime, nor did we see a will, so we were obviously removed from it sometime during those 10 years.

It happens a lot....lawyer said he goes to the person left and asks them to give something to the kid, but, they seldom do. Wills and inheritance can bring out the worst in some people.

If one of us goes, 3 kids get a payout at that time. If there is anything left the survivor can change the will or leave it. At least the kids from our union get something.

driver100 · August 2016

houdini1 said:

stickguy said:
there was an interesting article in a magazine not too long ago about it. Might have been CR, otherwise one of the car mags.

IIRC, it is not a real long time (short loop that writes over), but if there is an accident, it somehow locks in that data, and it won't be overridden.

the bigger issue is, the car makers control the access. so you can't just download it, and if you want it, will require a court order, and I think they like to resist.

so more likely, it would only come into play in a serious accident, with criminal charge implications.
With all the gizmos and connectivity in today's cars, I wonder if there is some way the mfgs can just send a signal to the EDR to just send the info to the mfg.

Cameras or recording devices could sure save a lot of time and energy settling court cases.......and it may make people drive more carefully too.

I have heard from a pretty good source that black boxes can be demanded and used in court cases.

The insurance adjuster called and said the E400 was a write off, and said they would appraise it's value. I said, why do you need to appraise the value, it was full replacement insurance. She looked at the contract and said "Oh yeh". We'll see what happens next!

Michaell · August 2016

My folks decided to split everything 6 ways - 2 kids, 4 grandkids. The only exception will be dad's '70 Chevy pickup .. once it gets sold, that money is only divided up amongst the grandkids.

Though two of them have taken an advance against those proceeds to help with down payments on their own cars.

driver100 · August 2016

stever said:
.

Nice, if a bit unfortunate, sig file @driver100.

I don't like to see older people do without.....to try to leave something. Spend it!

Once I know my new E400 will be paid for, I will take down my disabled car, and post a picture of a new one.

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