Tonight my son and I were coming home from a showing of Spider-Man: Homecoming when a guy in a modded diesel Silverado tried to take my 2er away from a light; I figured he was going to try that so I was already in Sport mode. I let him gain half a car on me before I nailed the throttle and it was all over. To quote Harry Callahan, "A good man always knows his limitations..."
I've noticed that too with trucks. Just because they put another pipe on it they think they really have something.
About a year ago, while driving my Genny in broad daylight one afternoon, as I was coming to a light, a noise making pickup (I think it was a Toyota but don't hold me to that because I didn't study it) is going well beyond the 35 MPH speed limit not too far from a Lowes. I can, however, see 4 pipes on it and it is a V8. I'm thinking to myself, I hope he gets the light just so it will slow him down. Because there is no traffic ahead of him past the light, in either lane, I then think he'll blow through the light. I give him credit, he didn't run the light and he stopped in the left lane. I come up to the light and stop in the right lane about 2 or 3 seconds after he got there. All of a sudden I hear a horn and the passenger in the truck has his arm out the window and is motioning, down the wide open road in both lanes, that he wants to run me. I gave him a wave off because I didn't want to bother. Evidently my wave off was interpreted as a YES.
When the light turned, the guy floors it and burns some tire. Even though he is a good 2 truck lengths ahead of me, I figured alright let's do this. In almost no time I'm way past him so he backed off and so did I. Now I'm coming to another light but this time I'm in the left lane because I want to make a left turn about 30 yards down the road into a strip of shops. Although I can make it through the light, I slow was way down to make sure I get the red light. The truck is now in the right lane and this time the driver puts down his window and wants me to put down mine. I put down the passenger window and lean over to see him because his truck is a little jacked up, but not ridiculously. He says, "hey man, what you got in that thing"? Not wanting to have a discussion with this dope I said, "more than you have in that thing". As my passenger window is going up I can hear him yelling, "c'mon man I'm serious, I'm serious". So was I. I didn't want to talk about it.
The light turns green and this time he killed me off the line. Pretty easy to do when the other guy doesn't want to play anymore but I'm sure he felt better.
All I can say is, I'm glad Mrs. j wasn't with me like the time she was when I was driving her Subie 6 cyl. that taught a lesson to some kid with a 4 cyl. something that he thought was bad. I still hear about that episode every now and then when I come to a light.
I'm willing to admit that I need to grow up and I don't need her reminders but she still thinks I do. :@
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Hello, Laurasdada here. Perhaps you remember me from such cars as '09 Jag XK or '13 Jag XF...
No offense intended, and I will grant the quality and reliability heritage of the British auto industry. But, from the outside looking in, to me it is ironic that folks that are currently driving GM products are leery of Jag's reliability!
Full disclosure, after 3+ years of no issues, the "Keyless Vehicle Module" did retire on me earlier this year putting the Jag offline for a bit. But, props to Jaguar and my local dealer (i.e. Warranty!) for no out of pocket costs and loaner Land Rovers for that time (and why do they always give the loaner F-Type to the client just prior to me! Same at Acura, the loaner NSX always went to the prior service customer!). XK only had one issue, and it was a recall that the prior owner obviously did not take care of. And wasn't a show stopper. But, soon I will be out of warranty on the XF...
Wonder if the new XF wagon will gain any traction here in Los Estados Unidos?
We all have our biases and preconceptions, don't we? There are certain makes that I just won't go near regardless of how good the reviews are or how attractive the design may be. For me these include Chrysler, Jag/Land Rover, and Mazda among others. While my ATS has been flawless, those here know of GG's ownership experience with his. A lot depends upon the dealer and for those three brands locally the dealers all have a bad rep. With a good dealer there way be no issues. Personally, though, I think a GG/Jag saga would be one that I'd be willing to buy tickets to see.
Yep, a lot of tickets can be sold for that story.
But you gotta hurry because the line forms to the right and I'm first in line and there are lots of regulars there already behind me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
One of my favorite stories was from my days as a Metro North commuter (mid-late '80s). Eaves dropping on a conversation between two gentleman one Monday morning, it went something like this:
Monty: So, how do you like your new Jag? Python: I love it! Monty: Really? Python: Really; I found the best mechanic!
You buys your ticket, you ride the ride. I really enjoy the overall balance of my XF, ride/handling/nvh/style/utility... But, of course, I'm no roadburner!
I've owned a few cars in my years on this small planet, I'm not sure I've had a truly "bad" one in the bunch. This included 5 years of plain vanilla salesman's cars (Old, Mercury, Dodge) as well as a VW, a Mitsu, Acuras, Saab, Lexus, a Chrysler (!), and Jags. Just enjoyed them all, warts and all (well, maybe not the Lexus RX300, that was for the ex., an appliance. A nice appliance...). XF is probably my fave...so far.
No schadenfreude here, I want everyone to get the car of their dreams, no matter the make/model and have many years of joyful motoring. Or, if you are in the breld family, many days of joyful motoring and then trade in the perfect car for the even more perfect car...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
They only thing I want from the salesman is a price. And a baseline level of personal hygiene. I pay no attention to anything he says otherwise.
With a comment like that, I bet you would just be a joy to deal with!
Don't you remember? Stick is the one who wrote a book no how to grind for hours over $50. He even suggests bringing a sandwich.
Not true. If they keep me there for hours, they need to buy me a sandwich.
Craig, I am also a dreamboat buyer. I probably know more (at least as much) about the car as the salesperson, and don't need any time being sold. Just show me the car, if I like it I will ask for a price, counter if needed, and be done with it (one way or the other). Plus I am an easy finance, so that saves time! And I do shower before going looking (being big on that personal hygiene business).
Funny, some of the rags still have issues with the cruise control and COMAND interface, even though they are virtually the same as 20 years ago. These are the people who had VCRs and microwaves blinking 12:00 all day in 1985.
Traditional MB styling is also hard to beat. A 25 year old MB is generally still a good looking car. Most makers aren't so good at designs that age well.
The E Series is ideal for old men who want a luxury car, controls are still relatively easy to use, and it is designed that way because MB knows it's market. Car has pretty conservative styling that won't ruffle feathers, and comfort is hard to beat. Not complaining, those are good things.
I'm lucky now if they guy I met and chatted with a month earlier during my preliminary looking is still there when I finally go back to finish doing a deal.
I know the local MB has a number of salespeople who have been there for some time - I think the sales manager has to be at least 15 years though, and another salesman the same. They did lose at least one old timer when the Autonation semi-monopoly came in though, he walked and went to an independent.
I suspect turnover is lower at mass market/high volume brands.
Tonight my son and I were coming home from a showing of Spider-Man: Homecoming when a guy in a modded diesel Silverado tried to take my 2er away from a light; I figured he was going to try that so I was already in Sport mode. I let him gain half a car on me before I nailed the throttle and it was all over. To quote Harry Callahan, "A good man always knows his limitations..."
I've noticed that too with trucks. Just because they put another pipe on it they think they really have something.
About a year ago, while driving my Genny in broad daylight one afternoon, as I was coming to a light, a noise making pickup (I think it was a Toyota but don't hold me to that because I didn't study it) is going well beyond the 35 MPH speed limit not too far from a Lowes. I can, however, see 4 pipes on it and it is a V8. I'm thinking to myself, I hope he gets the light just so it will slow him down. Because there is no traffic ahead of him past the light, in either lane, I then think he'll blow through the light. I give him credit, he didn't run the light and he stopped in the left lane. I come up to the light and stop in the right lane about 2 or 3 seconds after he got there. All of a sudden I hear a horn and the passenger in the truck has his arm out the window and is motioning, down the wide open road in both lanes, that he wants to run me. I gave him a wave off because I didn't want to bother. Evidently my wave off was interpreted as a YES.
When the light turned, the guy floors it and burns some tire. Even though he is a good 2 truck lengths ahead of me, I figured alright let's do this. In almost no time I'm way past him so he backed off and so did I. Now I'm coming to another light but this time I'm in the left lane because I want to make a left turn about 30 yards down the road into a strip of shops. Although I can make it through the light, I slow was way down to make sure I get the red light. The truck is now in the right lane and this time the driver puts down his window and wants me to put down mine. I put down the passenger window and lean over to see him because his truck is a little jacked up, but not ridiculously. He says, "hey man, what you got in that thing"? Not wanting to have a discussion with this dope I said, "more than you have in that thing". As my passenger window is going up I can hear him yelling, "c'mon man I'm serious, I'm serious". So was I. I didn't want to talk about it.
The light turns green and this time he killed me off the line. Pretty easy to do when the other guy doesn't want to play anymore but I'm sure he felt better.
All I can say is, I'm glad Mrs. j wasn't with me like the time she was when I was driving her Subie 6 cyl. that taught a lesson to some kid with a 4 cyl. something that he thought was bad. I still hear about that episode every now and then when I come to a light.
I'm willing to admit that I need to grow up and I don't need her reminders but she still thinks I do. :@
jmonroe
Not at all. All that being grown up means is that you are prudent enough to do that sort of thing only when it's safe and there are no cops around.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yup! Don't know if they still offer it, but it was an option in June 2014 when we bought the new T&C. Cost me $2400, IIRC, which I think is a pretty damned good deal. I don't see how it would not pay for itself as long as we KEEP the vehicle. I don't remember if it is a $50 or $100 deductible. Anyway, it covers EVERYTHING on the vehicle, which is the only reason I got it. Blu-ray players? Power doors? Power seats? Stereo? Yup, all covered.
The "end date," if you will, is when the repair will exceed the FMV of the vehicle in good working order, in which case Chrysler can opt to pay us the value of the vehicle rather than fix it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yup! Don't know if they still offer it, but it was an option in June 2014 when we bought the new T&C. Cost me $2400, IIRC, which I think is a pretty damned good deal. I don't see how it would not pay for itself as long as we KEEP the vehicle. I don't remember if it is a $50 or $100 deductible. Anyway, it covers EVERYTHING on the vehicle, which is the only reason I got it. Blu-ray players? Power doors? Power seats? Stereo? Yup, all covered.
The "end date," if you will, is when the repair will exceed the FMV of the vehicle in good working order, in which case Chrysler can opt to pay us the value of the vehicle rather than fix it.
Oh, was that when Chrysler was almost bankrupt and then they give out lifetime warranties because if they survive they will be happy to honor it, if they go under they won't have to honor it anyway....kind of the hail Mary of companies going bankrupt.
btw....Sears Canada has now declared bankruptcy and may not honor people who had retirement pension plans. Once banks and creditors are paid there may not be anything left....not fair to workers.
My buddy who moved to the boonies keeps sending me pics of his big garage/shop which is now under construction. Excavation is finished, concrete is poured for both footings and floors, and wall construction is now underway. He's gotten quotes for the 7 garage doors it needs along with the 2 lifts, which seem a bargain at just over $5K each. I suspect it will be all the fitting out and finishing he's going to want to do that will really run up the price to well over $200K. I can only imagine what he's going to pick for a floor finish.
In what will no doubt be the first of many debacles, the contractor snagged the buried water line from the well to the house when they were excavating. Nobody knew it was there and they were without water for a while as they decided to drill a new well since the old one was giving them problems beforehand. Over 300 feet and no water before a trickle was found around 340'. It has been flushing itself out for a week or so now. Not sure what they have been doing for water in the interim. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy, he just bought another car to restore, a '71 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX convertible, a tired but mostly rust-free runner, for $12K. I don't know what's making him do this. The shop better be finished before the snow flies because I expect their first winter there is going to be pretty awful.
Yup! Don't know if they still offer it, but it was an option in June 2014 when we bought the new T&C. Cost me $2400, IIRC, which I think is a pretty damned good deal. I don't see how it would not pay for itself as long as we KEEP the vehicle. I don't remember if it is a $50 or $100 deductible. Anyway, it covers EVERYTHING on the vehicle, which is the only reason I got it. Blu-ray players? Power doors? Power seats? Stereo? Yup, all covered.
The "end date," if you will, is when the repair will exceed the FMV of the vehicle in good working order, in which case Chrysler can opt to pay us the value of the vehicle rather than fix it.
How does that dovetail with Chryslers "lifetime power train warranty" that came on most Chryslers back in the day? My wife's PT supposedly has that but since we haven't had any work done at the dealer in 6 years I doubt they would honor it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Tonight my son and I were coming home from a showing of Spider-Man: Homecoming when a guy in a modded diesel Silverado tried to take my 2er away from a light; I figured he was going to try that so I was already in Sport mode. I let him gain half a car on me before I nailed the throttle and it was all over. To quote Harry Callahan, "A good man always knows his limitations..."
I've noticed that too with trucks. Just because they put another pipe on it they think they really have something.
About a year ago, while driving my Genny in broad daylight one afternoon, as I was coming to a light, a noise making pickup (I think it was a Toyota but don't hold me to that because I didn't study it) is going well beyond the 35 MPH speed limit not too far from a Lowes. I can, however, see 4 pipes on it and it is a V8. I'm thinking to myself, I hope he gets the light just so it will slow him down. Because there is no traffic ahead of him past the light, in either lane, I then think he'll blow through the light. I give him credit, he didn't run the light and he stopped in the left lane. I come up to the light and stop in the right lane about 2 or 3 seconds after he got there. All of a sudden I hear a horn and the passenger in the truck has his arm out the window and is motioning, down the wide open road in both lanes, that he wants to run me. I gave him a wave off because I didn't want to bother. Evidently my wave off was interpreted as a YES.
When the light turned, the guy floors it and burns some tire. Even though he is a good 2 truck lengths ahead of me, I figured alright let's do this. In almost no time I'm way past him so he backed off and so did I. Now I'm coming to another light but this time I'm in the left lane because I want to make a left turn about 30 yards down the road into a strip of shops. Although I can make it through the light, I slow was way down to make sure I get the red light. The truck is now in the right lane and this time the driver puts down his window and wants me to put down mine. I put down the passenger window and lean over to see him because his truck is a little jacked up, but not ridiculously. He says, "hey man, what you got in that thing"? Not wanting to have a discussion with this dope I said, "more than you have in that thing". As my passenger window is going up I can hear him yelling, "c'mon man I'm serious, I'm serious". So was I. I didn't want to talk about it.
The light turns green and this time he killed me off the line. Pretty easy to do when the other guy doesn't want to play anymore but I'm sure he felt better.
All I can say is, I'm glad Mrs. j wasn't with me like the time she was when I was driving her Subie 6 cyl. that taught a lesson to some kid with a 4 cyl. something that he thought was bad. I still hear about that episode every now and then when I come to a light.
I'm willing to admit that I need to grow up and I don't need her reminders but she still thinks I do. :@
jmonroe
Not at all. All that being grown up means is that you are prudent enough to do that sort of thing only when it's safe and there are no cops around.
I my defense, the only reason I gave it a try was because the road was totally clear in both lanes for as far as I could see. I have seen this road like this before but very rarely in all the years I have lived in these parts. So that is why I did it because no one would be in danger. However, the first thing I thought about when I got out of the car was, if the cops were behind me that excuse would not fly.
Kinda reminded me what we all heard as kids growing up, when we were caught doing something we knew was wrong. I can hear it all now..."you should have thought about that BEFORE you did that".
I thought I was above that stuff but I guess I'm not.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My buddy who moved to the boonies keeps sending me pics of his big garage/shop which is now under construction. Excavation is finished, concrete is poured for both footings and floors, and wall construction is now underway. He's gotten quotes for the 7 garage doors it needs along with the 2 lifts, which seem a bargain at just over $5K each. I suspect it will be all the fitting out and finishing he's going to want to do that will really run up the price to well over $200K. I can only imagine what he's going to pick for a floor finish.
In what will no doubt be the first of many debacles, the contractor snagged the buried water line from the well to the house when they were excavating. Nobody knew it was there and they were without water for a while as they decided to drill a new well since the old one was giving them problems beforehand. Over 300 feet and no water before a trickle was found around 340'. It has been flushing itself out for a week or so now. Not sure what they have been doing for water in the interim. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy, he just bought another car to restore, a '71 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX convertible, a tired but mostly rust-free runner, for $12K. I don't know what's making him do this. The shop better be finished before the snow flies because I expect their first winter there is going to be pretty awful.
Tipping is a strange issue but 20% is becoming the standard, for good service that is. Prices always go up, almost never down, that's just the way things are. For years, 15% was the norm but since around 2000, 20% has taken it's place. Down here, many places add in an 18% gratuity for parties of 7 or more and have no issue with that. Larger parties tend to tip less as many times the bill is split up between parties. Having the 18% already in there just makes sure the wait staff gets what they deserve for dealing with so many folks at once. I used to have a lot of snowbirds from the Great White North and only about 50% ever remembered me during the holidays and I was happy to get even that!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Yup! Don't know if they still offer it, but it was an option in June 2014 when we bought the new T&C. Cost me $2400, IIRC, which I think is a pretty damned good deal. I don't see how it would not pay for itself as long as we KEEP the vehicle. I don't remember if it is a $50 or $100 deductible. Anyway, it covers EVERYTHING on the vehicle, which is the only reason I got it. Blu-ray players? Power doors? Power seats? Stereo? Yup, all covered.
The "end date," if you will, is when the repair will exceed the FMV of the vehicle in good working order, in which case Chrysler can opt to pay us the value of the vehicle rather than fix it.
How does that dovetail with Chryslers "lifetime power train warranty" that came on most Chryslers back in the day? My wife's PT supposedly has that but since we haven't had any work done at the dealer in 6 years I doubt they would honor it.
Well they replaced the tranny in Son #1's '08 T&C van before he sold it in June of 2015 and it was fully covered via the lifetime power train warranty he had on it. This warranty was being given at no charge in '08 to attract customers. If it didn't have the total freebie lifetime power train warranty, he would not have bought that van.
Here is the post I made back in June of 2015, if anyone wants a refresher. Otherwise just scan to my new comment at the end of this tale:
It's final, Son #1 sold his '08 T&C with around 180K miles on it. Here's the story:
A big reason why my son bought his van in '08 was because it came with an unlimited mileage lifetime power train warranty to the original owner. After he bought his '15 Kia van he put the T&C up for sale but since the transmission was not shifting like it should have, he didn't ask top dollar for it. Even with noting in the add about the transmission, he still got 4 nibbles. One was from a guy who sold transmission parts and was familiar with the problems with that transmission and told my son, "if it's what I think it is, that transmission can last for many miles before it goes out completely but I'd like to drive it before I know for sure".
My son meets the guy and they take a test drive. The guy said it was what he thought it was but he'd have to think about it and he'd call my son the next day. By the time my son got home he has a call from a guy in West Virginia and he wants to come the next day to see it but my son put that guy on hold waiting for the first guy to get back to him.
Then my son figured what the hell, he might as well take it to the dealer about the lifetime warranty and get an excuse of some kind but he was willing to try it. He calls the first guy and tells him what is going on and that he feels obligated to sell it to him at his asking price but he'd let him know how it works out after getting word from the dealer. Of course this guy likes that idea.
He makes an appointment and the service advisor says they'd have to drop it but if it showed signs of abuse the warranty would not cover it and he'd have to pay the labor for the work to reinstall the original transmission. This is exactly what my son thought would be the out for Chrysler but after a senior tech drove it he said it was the typical tranny problem and if he had to guess (not his money) he'd say the warranty would cover the full replacement cost. A little cute story here, the senior tech said he needed a water pump because he heard some noise and that for sure would be covered by the warranty. My son takes a deep breath and "says drop it and let me know".
Three days later after examining it they said it did not show any signs of abuse and that it would not cost him a penny for the replacement tranny. He damn sure wasn't expecting that because he thought for sure that they'd throw him a number that wouldn't be too bad and he'd bite just to be sure he could sell the beast and if the first guy didn't buy it he would relist it for a higher price than what he first listed it for.
He calls the first guy and tells him about the van now having a new Chrysler rebuilt transmission and this dope says, "that's great, how about dropping your price $400 and I'll buy it". My son can't hardly believe what the guy said and tells him, "there is no way I'm going to lower my price now". The dope says, "let me think about this and I'll call you back". My son told him not to bother and that ended the phone call. My son is still shaking his head about that.
My son relists the van at $1100 more and notes that it now has a new Chrysler rebuilt transmission along with the new tires and brakes that he put on it a few months ago before he thought he'd sell the beast.
His phone didn't stop ringing and he had to take the names/numbers of about 7 callers after he agreed to show it to the first guy who eventually bought it for his new asking price.
Now I ask you, has anyone ever come across an idiot like the first guy that didn't buy his van? I mean, c'mon man, how dumb can a buyer be?
After I made that post he told me his phone didn't stop ringing for about 2 days even though he posted on CL that it was sold. It seems that when you place an add on CL not only do you have to deal with flakes as you are trying to sell your vehicle but you also have to deal with them after it's sold.
Here is the tale he told me after the van had already been sold and posted as such on CL:
Two different guys called and said almost the same thing. They asked if he still had the van and he said he sold it. Then they asked if he would mind telling them how much he sold it for and he told them at the full price it was listed for on CL because it had a new tranny in it and it was well worth that price. They both said, "that was a great price for that van. I would have given you $300 more".
Like I said, flakes on both trying to sell it and after the sale too.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Craig told a story a few times about his days selling Hondas. One where some lot guy screwed up, and put the wrong sales tag in an Accord, pricing it many $1,000s too low (something like the tag for a stipped LX into an EXL). And no one noticed. So, a buyer shows up, sees a crazy low price, and drives the car. Craig realizes then what happened, admits they screwed up, but says they will honor the price if they do the deal. Well, the idiot buyer still can't make themselves take the deal of the century, and walks to "think about it"
of course, they go shop, and realize how great a deal that car was, so come back later and want it. Only to find that as soon as they walked away, car got retagged. And no way were they getting that price again. Some people, just can't help screwing themselves over.
Even though the new Ram has the 5.7 liter Hemi I have made every effort to drive smoothly, especially in town from green light to red light. Lots of power, but it is a big truck so I don't think I will be drag racing anybody, however one pleasant surprise is the ability to pass slow pokes on the highway. A few times out on the Washington coast on the 101 I came up on the folks driving 5-10 MPH under the limit. The Ram made quick work of them, in fact I over shot my speed several times as it absolutely leaps from 50 to 75 in a blink of an eye. Very handy to have that passing power.
Speaking of shops, the wife boards her horse out in Woodinville, and the barn owner is building a "little" shop for him and his 4 sons (youngest is ~20) who are all into cars. He has several projects stashed in the barn for the shop - several post war pickups, an old fire truck, a late model Honda Prelude, and several others. All in pretty good shape, and have great bones to work from.
Oh and his little shop? 12,000 square feet...must be nice....
Not at all. All that being grown up means is that you are prudent enough to do that sort of thing only when it's safe and there are no cops around.
I my defense, the only reason I gave it a try was because the road was totally clear in both lanes for as far as I could see. I have seen this road like this before but very rarely in all the years I have lived in these parts. So that is why I did it because no one would be in danger. However, the first thing I thought about when I got out of the car was, if the cops were behind me that excuse would not fly.
Kinda reminded me what we all heard as kids growing up, when we were caught doing something we knew was wrong. I can hear it all now..."you should have thought about that BEFORE you did that".
I thought I was above that stuff but I guess I'm not.
Tonight my son and I were coming home from a showing of Spider-Man: Homecoming when a guy in a modded diesel Silverado tried to take my 2er away from a light; I figured he was going to try that so I was already in Sport mode. I let him gain half a car on me before I nailed the throttle and it was all over. To quote Harry Callahan, "A good man always knows his limitations..."
I've noticed that too with trucks. Just because they put another pipe on it they think they really have something.
About a year ago, while driving my Genny in broad daylight one afternoon, as I was coming to a light, a noise making pickup (I think it was a Toyota but don't hold me to that because I didn't study it) is going well beyond the 35 MPH speed limit not too far from a Lowes. I can, however, see 4 pipes on it and it is a V8. I'm thinking to myself, I hope he gets the light just so it will slow him down. Because there is no traffic ahead of him past the light, in either lane, I then think he'll blow through the light. I give him credit, he didn't run the light and he stopped in the left lane. I come up to the light and stop in the right lane about 2 or 3 seconds after he got there. All of a sudden I hear a horn and the passenger in the truck has his arm out the window and is motioning, down the wide open road in both lanes, that he wants to run me. I gave him a wave off because I didn't want to bother. Evidently my wave off was interpreted as a YES.
When the light turned, the guy floors it and burns some tire. Even though he is a good 2 truck lengths ahead of me, I figured alright let's do this. In almost no time I'm way past him so he backed off and so did I. Now I'm coming to another light but this time I'm in the left lane because I want to make a left turn about 30 yards down the road into a strip of shops. Although I can make it through the light, I slow was way down to make sure I get the red light. The truck is now in the right lane and this time the driver puts down his window and wants me to put down mine. I put down the passenger window and lean over to see him because his truck is a little jacked up, but not ridiculously. He says, "hey man, what you got in that thing"? Not wanting to have a discussion with this dope I said, "more than you have in that thing". As my passenger window is going up I can hear him yelling, "c'mon man I'm serious, I'm serious". So was I. I didn't want to talk about it.
The light turns green and this time he killed me off the line. Pretty easy to do when the other guy doesn't want to play anymore but I'm sure he felt better.
All I can say is, I'm glad Mrs. j wasn't with me like the time she was when I was driving her Subie 6 cyl. that taught a lesson to some kid with a 4 cyl. something that he thought was bad. I still hear about that episode every now and then when I come to a light.
I'm willing to admit that I need to grow up and I don't need her reminders but she still thinks I do. :@
jmonroe
Not at all. All that being grown up means is that you are prudent enough to do that sort of thing only when it's safe and there are no cops around.
I my defense, the only reason I gave it a try was because the road was totally clear in both lanes for as far as I could see. I have seen this road like this before but very rarely in all the years I have lived in these parts. So that is why I did it because no one would be in danger. However, the first thing I thought about when I got out of the car was, if the cops were behind me that excuse would not fly.
Kinda reminded me what we all heard as kids growing up, when we were caught doing something we knew was wrong. I can hear it all now..."you should have thought about that BEFORE you did that".
I thought I was above that stuff but I guess I'm not.
jmonroe
No defense necessary. As I told my buddy when he wanted my opinion on buying his Mustang:
"Don't look at me, I'm the enabler not your wife".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My buddy who moved to the boonies keeps sending me pics of his big garage/shop which is now under construction. Excavation is finished, concrete is poured for both footings and floors, and wall construction is now underway. He's gotten quotes for the 7 garage doors it needs along with the 2 lifts, which seem a bargain at just over $5K each. I suspect it will be all the fitting out and finishing he's going to want to do that will really run up the price to well over $200K. I can only imagine what he's going to pick for a floor finish.
In what will no doubt be the first of many debacles, the contractor snagged the buried water line from the well to the house when they were excavating. Nobody knew it was there and they were without water for a while as they decided to drill a new well since the old one was giving them problems beforehand. Over 300 feet and no water before a trickle was found around 340'. It has been flushing itself out for a week or so now. Not sure what they have been doing for water in the interim. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy, he just bought another car to restore, a '71 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX convertible, a tired but mostly rust-free runner, for $12K. I don't know what's making him do this. The shop better be finished before the snow flies because I expect their first winter there is going to be pretty awful.
That guy needs a new hobby....like pickleball!
I disagree. If I had the money and the talent that's what I'd be doing. I'd turn hoopties into dream cars and be very happy.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yup! Don't know if they still offer it, but it was an option in June 2014 when we bought the new T&C. Cost me $2400, IIRC, which I think is a pretty damned good deal. I don't see how it would not pay for itself as long as we KEEP the vehicle. I don't remember if it is a $50 or $100 deductible. Anyway, it covers EVERYTHING on the vehicle, which is the only reason I got it. Blu-ray players? Power doors? Power seats? Stereo? Yup, all covered.
The "end date," if you will, is when the repair will exceed the FMV of the vehicle in good working order, in which case Chrysler can opt to pay us the value of the vehicle rather than fix it.
How does that dovetail with Chryslers "lifetime power train warranty" that came on most Chryslers back in the day? My wife's PT supposedly has that but since we haven't had any work done at the dealer in 6 years I doubt they would honor it.
Well they replaced the tranny in Son #1's '08 T&C van before he sold it in June of 2015 and it was fully covered via the lifetime power train warranty he had on it. This warranty was being given at no charge in '08 to attract customers. If it didn't have the total freebie lifetime power train warranty, he would not have bought that van.
Here is the post I made back in June of 2015, if anyone wants a refresher. Otherwise just scan to my new comment at the end of this tale:
It's final, Son #1 sold his '08 T&C with around 180K miles on it. Here's the story:
A big reason why my son bought his van in '08 was because it came with an unlimited mileage lifetime power train warranty to the original owner. After he bought his '15 Kia van he put the T&C up for sale but since the transmission was not shifting like it should have, he didn't ask top dollar for it. Even with noting in the add about the transmission, he still got 4 nibbles. One was from a guy who sold transmission parts and was familiar with the problems with that transmission and told my son, "if it's what I think it is, that transmission can last for many miles before it goes out completely but I'd like to drive it before I know for sure".
My son meets the guy and they take a test drive. The guy said it was what he thought it was but he'd have to think about it and he'd call my son the next day. By the time my son got home he has a call from a guy in West Virginia and he wants to come the next day to see it but my son put that guy on hold waiting for the first guy to get back to him.
Then my son figured what the hell, he might as well take it to the dealer about the lifetime warranty and get an excuse of some kind but he was willing to try it. He calls the first guy and tells him what is going on and that he feels obligated to sell it to him at his asking price but he'd let him know how it works out after getting word from the dealer. Of course this guy likes that idea.
He makes an appointment and the service advisor says they'd have to drop it but if it showed signs of abuse the warranty would not cover it and he'd have to pay the labor for the work to reinstall the original transmission. This is exactly what my son thought would be the out for Chrysler but after a senior tech drove it he said it was the typical tranny problem and if he had to guess (not his money) he'd say the warranty would cover the full replacement cost. A little cute story here, the senior tech said he needed a water pump because he heard some noise and that for sure would be covered by the warranty. My son takes a deep breath and "says drop it and let me know".
Three days later after examining it they said it did not show any signs of abuse and that it would not cost him a penny for the replacement tranny. He damn sure wasn't expecting that because he thought for sure that they'd throw him a number that wouldn't be too bad and he'd bite just to be sure he could sell the beast and if the first guy didn't buy it he would relist it for a higher price than what he first listed it for.
He calls the first guy and tells him about the van now having a new Chrysler rebuilt transmission and this dope says, "that's great, how about dropping your price $400 and I'll buy it". My son can't hardly believe what the guy said and tells him, "there is no way I'm going to lower my price now". The dope says, "let me think about this and I'll call you back". My son told him not to bother and that ended the phone call. My son is still shaking his head about that.
My son relists the van at $1100 more and notes that it now has a new Chrysler rebuilt transmission along with the new tires and brakes that he put on it a few months ago before he thought he'd sell the beast.
His phone didn't stop ringing and he had to take the names/numbers of about 7 callers after he agreed to show it to the first guy who eventually bought it for his new asking price.
Now I ask you, has anyone ever come across an idiot like the first guy that didn't buy his van? I mean, c'mon man, how dumb can a buyer be?
After I made that post he told me his phone didn't stop ringing for about 2 days even though he posted on CL that it was sold. It seems that when you place an add on CL not only do you have to deal with flakes as you are trying to sell your vehicle but you also have to deal with them after it's sold.
Here is the tale he told me after the van had already been sold and posted as such on CL:
Two different guys called and said almost the same thing. They asked if he still had the van and he said he sold it. Then they asked if he would mind telling them how much he sold it for and he told them at the full price it was listed for on CL because it had a new tranny in it and it was well worth that price. They both said, "that was a great price for that van. I would have given you $300 more".
Like I said, flakes on both trying to sell it and after the sale too.
jmonroe
Had something similar with my son's 2005 Sable only from the other side. Was looking for something low milage, great condition and cheap...a real unicorn. Anyway, I see the CL ad and called immediately. 49k miles Florida car for $3700. We went to see it the next day and the thing was pristine. I offered $3500 and the 91 year old sharpie bumped me another $50. Sold.
When we came back with the plates the next day the old gal said she had recieved several calls from other buyers who said they would have paid more. She almost seemed on the verge of reneging on the deal but I reminded her that $3550 in cash could buy a million dollars of talk. Deal done.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Even though the new Ram has the 5.7 liter Hemi I have made every effort to drive smoothly, especially in town from green light to red light. Lots of power, but it is a big truck so I don't think I will be drag racing anybody, however one pleasant surprise is the ability to pass slow pokes on the highway. A few times out on the Washington coast on the 101 I came up on the folks driving 5-10 MPH under the limit. The Ram made quick work of them, in fact I over shot my speed several times as it absolutely leaps from 50 to 75 in a blink of an eye. Very handy to have that passing power.
Speaking of shops, the wife boards her horse out in Woodinville, and the barn owner is building a "little" shop for him and his 4 sons (youngest is ~20) who are all into cars. He has several projects stashed in the barn for the shop - several post war pickups, an old fire truck, a late model Honda Prelude, and several others. All in pretty good shape, and have great bones to work from.
Oh and his little shop? 12,000 square feet...must be nice....
One of the mechanics at my old job built himself a professional level garage at home including lift. Nice to love your work.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Even though the new Ram has the 5.7 liter Hemi I have made every effort to drive smoothly, especially in town from green light to red light. Lots of power, but it is a big truck so I don't think I will be drag racing anybody, however one pleasant surprise is the ability to pass slow pokes on the highway. A few times out on the Washington coast on the 101 I came up on the folks driving 5-10 MPH under the limit. The Ram made quick work of them, in fact I over shot my speed several times as it absolutely leaps from 50 to 75 in a blink of an eye. Very handy to have that passing power.
Speaking of shops, the wife boards her horse out in Woodinville, and the barn owner is building a "little" shop for him and his 4 sons (youngest is ~20) who are all into cars. He has several projects stashed in the barn for the shop - several post war pickups, an old fire truck, a late model Honda Prelude, and several others. All in pretty good shape, and have great bones to work from.
Oh and his little shop? 12,000 square feet...must be nice....
One of the mechanics at my old job built himself a professional level garage at home including lift. Nice to love your work.
I really like that Mustang....and the color. However, that color on later model Mustangs really doesn't do it for me. Not sure why.
Sales People......the guy who sold me all of my Acuras (first one in '04) has been at his store for 17 years. The GM and SM have been there since the inception of the dealership (and the Acura brand). Not sure but didn't Acura become a brand in mid '80s? So, they've been there a while.
Come to think of it, I've bought more Hondas/Acuras than any other brand.
Whenever I look at Mercedes, I go to the same sales person, who has been at his dealership since the '80s. He keeps saying that one of these days I will buy a Mercedes from him. I've become a challenge for him.
Same with BMWs. I have bought 3 of them (the first in 1988)....all from the same dealership and sales person.
I'm betting some of the domestic stores have long tenured sales people. But, I don't think I know of any. I seem to gravitate to those who are more experienced and they all seem to be working at the lux dealerships. Maybe they are successful because of their longevity (like isellhondas).
That said, I've bought 1 Civic and 3 Accords (counting the one I helped my ex buy) all from the same person at the same dealership.
Met a relatively new neighbor last night who is also a car guy. Has a new Roush Mustang and F-pace in the garage as well as a '60-something Mustang at a restoration shop somewhere (we did not talk long enough to get details). Also a 4-door GMC pickup in the driveway. Interestingly, I took notice of the trucks while strolling the neighborhood. On our one large and relativley affluent block of about 2 dozens houses, 6 have 4-door pickups that I saw. Many in conjunction with a Lexus or Benz. There are 5 minivans total, and we seem to be the only home with a minivan and truck combo. Just some random data.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Met a relatively new neighbor last night who is also a car guy. Has a new Roush Mustang and F-pace in the garage as well as a '60-something Mustang at a restoration shop somewhere (we did not talk long enough to get details). Also a 4-door GMC pickup in the driveway. Interestingly, I took notice of the trucks while strolling the neighborhood. On our one large and relativley affluent block of about 2 dozens houses, 6 have 4-door pickups that I saw. Many in conjunction with a Lexus or Benz. There are 5 minivans total, and we seem to be the only home with a minivan and truck combo. Just some random data.
Met a relatively new neighbor last night who is also a car guy. Has a new Roush Mustang and F-pace in the garage as well as a '60-something Mustang at a restoration shop somewhere (we did not talk long enough to get details). Also a 4-door GMC pickup in the driveway. Interestingly, I took notice of the trucks while strolling the neighborhood. On our one large and relativley affluent block of about 2 dozens houses, 6 have 4-door pickups that I saw. Many in conjunction with a Lexus or Benz. There are 5 minivans total, and we seem to be the only home with a minivan and truck combo. Just some random data.
Q....I always knew you were affluent.
And wise! The two (affluency + intelligence) don't always go together.
Met a relatively new neighbor last night who is also a car guy. Has a new Roush Mustang and F-pace in the garage as well as a '60-something Mustang at a restoration shop somewhere (we did not talk long enough to get details). Also a 4-door GMC pickup in the driveway. Interestingly, I took notice of the trucks while strolling the neighborhood. On our one large and relativley affluent block of about 2 dozens houses, 6 have 4-door pickups that I saw. Many in conjunction with a Lexus or Benz. There are 5 minivans total, and we seem to be the only home with a minivan and truck combo. Just some random data.
Q....I always knew you were affluent.
Better than being "effluent".
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary defines effluent as "liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea". Effluent in the artificial sense is in general considered to be water pollution, such as the outflow from a sewage treatment facility or the wastewater discharge from industrial facilities.
My buddy who moved to the boonies keeps sending me pics of his big garage/shop which is now under construction. Excavation is finished, concrete is poured for both footings and floors, and wall construction is now underway. He's gotten quotes for the 7 garage doors it needs along with the 2 lifts, which seem a bargain at just over $5K each. I suspect it will be all the fitting out and finishing he's going to want to do that will really run up the price to well over $200K. I can only imagine what he's going to pick for a floor finish.
In what will no doubt be the first of many debacles, the contractor snagged the buried water line from the well to the house when they were excavating. Nobody knew it was there and they were without water for a while as they decided to drill a new well since the old one was giving them problems beforehand. Over 300 feet and no water before a trickle was found around 340'. It has been flushing itself out for a week or so now. Not sure what they have been doing for water in the interim. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy, he just bought another car to restore, a '71 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX convertible, a tired but mostly rust-free runner, for $12K. I don't know what's making him do this. The shop better be finished before the snow flies because I expect their first winter there is going to be pretty awful.
That guy needs a new hobby....like pickleball!
I disagree. If I had the money and the talent that's what I'd be doing. I'd turn hoopties into dream cars and be very happy.
Be different! Try turning dream cars into hoopties....that would be even more fun.
He is about 45 minutes drive from even being able to buy a jar of pickles, pickleball is out of the question. It's nuts.
We lived on a 100 acres about 20 minutes from town. It sounds ideal. I got to hate it, 20 minute ride each way every time just to get groceries or buy something. You almost never see a neighbor. Some days you are very isolated and feel you have to go into town to a mall or store just to have human contact. Now we are in town, even if I don't talk to my neighbors if they aren't around, I feel like I live in civilization. If I wasn't so busy with tennis and pickleball I would join a seniors center and take some classes, shoot pool, play badminton, dodge ball, 60s music, current events, history, yoga....something!
People enjoy woodworking, fixing up cars, reading, posting on Edmunds, etc., but it is nice to have hobbies that don't cost huge amounts of money....like fixing up old cars, unless you got the money to do it.
Speaking of Mustangs, I was driving past a used car lot yesterday and they had a Mustang and Miata at the front of the lot along the road (went back this morning to get a pic, but they had been moved), and it put a thought in my head... what are the favorite/best vehicles by letter of the alphabet? Or what might be the most interesting alphabetical matchups? I HAD to post the question or it would be stuck in my head all day
I was reading an interesting article in the "Autos" section of our newspaper. According to their research, fewer than 50% of drivers down here in Southeast Florida use their directional signals to indicate they are turning or changing lanes on a highway or interstate. I don't doubt that in the least based upon my own observations while driving. I "ALWAYS" signal turns or lane-changing with my directional signals - always! Perhaps Florida should administer driving tests to 10% of all drivers every year. Perhaps that might bring the stats up for those who do use directional. Of course, more enforcement by police by issuing "Failure To Signal" citations might help a bit.
Flashing red turn traffic signals are another major "failure to stop before turning" problem with many drivers. They wrongfully think the red flashing arrow means "proceed with turn if the coast is clear" rather than "make a complete stop and then proceed to turn if traffic permits"!
Another pet pet peeve of mine is those drivers who make "right turns on red" without coming to a complete stop. Thousands of accidents occur each year because this traffic regulation is ignored by drivers.
I am am sure Florida isn't the only State that experiences drivers who bend or break traffic laws and/or regulations with abandon. Driving is becoming more hazardous every year. If my car's camera(s) can pick up the speed limit shown on road signs on every road or highway and then "post" it in my heads-up display and my instrument cluster, why can't it pick up red lights and prevent right turns on red unless the car comes to a complete stop? Another nanny feature is not the best way to solve these dilemmas, but it might save lives.
My buddy who moved to the boonies keeps sending me pics of his big garage/shop which is now under construction. Excavation is finished, concrete is poured for both footings and floors, and wall construction is now underway. He's gotten quotes for the 7 garage doors it needs along with the 2 lifts, which seem a bargain at just over $5K each. I suspect it will be all the fitting out and finishing he's going to want to do that will really run up the price to well over $200K. I can only imagine what he's going to pick for a floor finish.
In what will no doubt be the first of many debacles, the contractor snagged the buried water line from the well to the house when they were excavating. Nobody knew it was there and they were without water for a while as they decided to drill a new well since the old one was giving them problems beforehand. Over 300 feet and no water before a trickle was found around 340'. It has been flushing itself out for a week or so now. Not sure what they have been doing for water in the interim. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy, he just bought another car to restore, a '71 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX convertible, a tired but mostly rust-free runner, for $12K. I don't know what's making him do this. The shop better be finished before the snow flies because I expect their first winter there is going to be pretty awful.
That guy needs a new hobby....like pickleball!
I disagree. If I had the money and the talent that's what I'd be doing. I'd turn hoopties into dream cars and be very happy.
Be different! Try turning dream cars into hoopties....that would be even more fun.
Nah, everybody's doing that.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
fewer than 50% of drivers down here in Southeast Florida use their directional signals to indicate they are turning or changing lanes on a highway or interstate.
I'm surprised it's that high. I'd guess about 30% here. Worst ones are the distaff drivers who have a cell phone up to their ear and can't be bothered to use turn signals because they might miss something on the phone. Some even have a cigarette in another hand. Some of them even have a "Baby on Board" sign in their car window while their own driving is putting their little one at risk. Hmmmm.
Don't get me started on the elderly folks in their Rav CRV which has replaced the Buick allegedly the car of elderly folks in the past who shouldn't be driving..
Florida? How many of the older drivers have a license from Florida? Way back many Ohioans kept their Ohio license because eye testing apparently wasn't required. I recall an elderly lady mowing down pedestrians in a crosswalk who couldn't see well enough to drive but had maintained an Ohio license. Ohio upgraded their testing after that. But probably not enough.I would be offended at having to take an actual driving test regularly on renewal but I'd have to understand it. My comment would be that youthful drivers need retesting on-the-road as well.
How do foreign visitors who live in Florida on long term visits have their driver licenses? In Canada, e.g.? Or do they apply for and obtain a Florida license.
I was laughing to myself about the snowbirds this week who pass through Dayton area. There were lots of campers and smaller mobile homes being towed north on I75 instead of March and November.
Then I realized it's the Country Music Festival (Woodstock like) at Ft. Loramie. Many live in their campers on the property. Blake Shelton is one of several country music stars this weekend.
Met a relatively new neighbor last night who is also a car guy. Has a new Roush Mustang and F-pace in the garage as well as a '60-something Mustang at a restoration shop somewhere (we did not talk long enough to get details). Also a 4-door GMC pickup in the driveway. Interestingly, I took notice of the trucks while strolling the neighborhood. On our one large and relativley affluent block of about 2 dozens houses, 6 have 4-door pickups that I saw. Many in conjunction with a Lexus or Benz. There are 5 minivans total, and we seem to be the only home with a minivan and truck combo. Just some random data.
Q....I always knew you were affluent.
RELATIVELY. Very important distinction. In Cali, we'd probably be homeless. ;b
My wife asks "do you think we're the hicks of the neighborhood and they all look down on us?" Haha. As if I would care.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We lived on a 100 acres about 20 minutes from town. It sounds ideal. I got to hate it, 20 minute ride each way every time just to get groceries or buy something. You almost never see a neighbor. Some days you are very isolated and feel you have to go into town to a mall or store just to have human contact.
We live on a small farm @25 minutes outside of Louisville(I rent the tillable acreage to an adjoining landowner). We are less than 5 minutes away from several groceries and restaurants. It's perfect for me and my family. If I don't want to cut the grass more often than every 10-12 days I don't have any annoying old coots asking me if my mower is broken. If my son and I want to watch a BD on the main HTS at 12:00 am at near Reference Level there's no one to complain. Ditto for working on one of the cars and leaving it on jack stands for a day or two. We have a "stealth" entrance so we almost never get any unwanted visitors. I subscribe to the belief that if you can't take a leak in your front yard then your neighbors live too close.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Email update from my buddy in the boonies today. Still no usable water from the new well. $17K into it so far and no water. Yikes.
That is another reason I didn't want to stay in the country. Our well water was actually exceptional, but that could change instantly as more homes got built, there was a cement factory that had a quarry and that kept expanding, and you could get run off that could potentially contaminate the water.
City water could be a problem too....as in Flint, but moving to a town just seems to have fewer hassles.
Another problem we had at the farm....it was just a tree farm was some guy would park in our driveway, drink buttermilk for some unknown reason, and throw the carton onto the lane when it was empty. Others would leave old tires or chesterfields in the trees near the road. Lots of reasons for moving, a big one was as we got older we wanted to be closer to doctors, hospitals and ambulances.
Some things look ideal......but, you really have to live it to find out!
How do foreign visitors who live in Florida on long term visits have their driver licenses? In Canada, e.g.? Or do they apply for and obtain a Florida license.
There are bad drivers everywhere, and it is getting worse every day. The biggest problem was DUI, then it was distraction - phones etc., now it is aggressive driving. But, Florida is truly the worst place to drive. Talking on a cell is basically legal....only a small fine but you have to be pulled over for some other reason to charge. You have the older people who are slow, then the young people who drive obeying no rules, anything goes....and when they are mixed together it is very volatile.
Friends who have lived in Florida all their lives say it has become extremely crazy on the roads.......people being aggressive and taking chances people didn't ever do before.
People can drive in Florida with an out of state license. You can get a Florida license if you want one, you save going to some parks that way. If you keep your own car in Florida for over 6 months (in our case, shorter depending on insurance company) your insurance won't be in force....you need a Florida plate and insurance company.
A few years ago the license department said you would need a Florida drivers license if you want to drive in Florida. There was a big fuss made because millions of people rent cars every year, so they promptly went back to all drivers licences are honored.
We lived on a 100 acres about 20 minutes from town. It sounds ideal. I got to hate it, 20 minute ride each way every time just to get groceries or buy something. You almost never see a neighbor. Some days you are very isolated and feel you have to go into town to a mall or store just to have human contact.
We live on a small farm @25 minutes outside of Louisville I subscribe to the belief that if you can't take a leak in your front yard then your neighbors live too close.
I get it, I really do.....just saying, it isn't for everyone and there are certain things to consider before making a huge change in lifestyle, that may sound more ideal than it is.
Don't get me started on the elderly folks in their Rav CRV which has replaced the Buick allegedly the car of elderly folks in the past who shouldn't be driving..
Up here the RAV4 is too expensive for much of that group. But Buick has fallen to 4th or 5th place as the old W-body Lacrosses age and the newer Buick models are either out of their price range or otherwise unappealing to that set. I would submit that the #1 car or that group here is the previous-gen Corolla, followed by the Hyundai Accent, with the Camry of virtually any generation beyond model year 2002 (older ones are mostly rusted away here) in third.
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About a year ago, while driving my Genny in broad daylight one afternoon, as I was coming to a light, a noise making pickup (I think it was a Toyota but don't hold me to that because I didn't study it) is going well beyond the 35 MPH speed limit not too far from a Lowes. I can, however, see 4 pipes on it and it is a V8. I'm thinking to myself, I hope he gets the light just so it will slow him down. Because there is no traffic ahead of him past the light, in either lane, I then think he'll blow through the light. I give him credit, he didn't run the light and he stopped in the left lane. I come up to the light and stop in the right lane about 2 or 3 seconds after he got there. All of a sudden I hear a horn and the passenger in the truck has his arm out the window and is motioning, down the wide open road in both lanes, that he wants to run me. I gave him a wave off because I didn't want to bother. Evidently my wave off was interpreted as a YES.
When the light turned, the guy floors it and burns some tire. Even though he is a good 2 truck lengths ahead of me, I figured alright let's do this. In almost no time I'm way past him so he backed off and so did I. Now I'm coming to another light but this time I'm in the left lane because I want to make a left turn about 30 yards down the road into a strip of shops. Although I can make it through the light, I slow was way down to make sure I get the red light. The truck is now in the right lane and this time the driver puts down his window and wants me to put down mine. I put down the passenger window and lean over to see him because his truck is a little jacked up, but not ridiculously. He says, "hey man, what you got in that thing"? Not wanting to have a discussion with this dope I said, "more than you have in that thing". As my passenger window is going up I can hear him yelling, "c'mon man I'm serious, I'm serious". So was I. I didn't want to talk about it.
The light turns green and this time he killed me off the line. Pretty easy to do when the other guy doesn't want to play anymore but I'm sure he felt better.
All I can say is, I'm glad Mrs. j wasn't with me like the time she was when I was driving her Subie 6 cyl. that taught a lesson to some kid with a 4 cyl. something that he thought was bad. I still hear about that episode every now and then when I come to a light.
I'm willing to admit that I need to grow up and I don't need her reminders but she still thinks I do. :@
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
But you gotta hurry because the line forms to the right and I'm first in line and there are lots of regulars there already behind me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Monty: So, how do you like your new Jag?
Python: I love it!
Monty: Really?
Python: Really; I found the best mechanic!
You buys your ticket, you ride the ride. I really enjoy the overall balance of my XF, ride/handling/nvh/style/utility... But, of course, I'm no roadburner!
I've owned a few cars in my years on this small planet, I'm not sure I've had a truly "bad" one in the bunch. This included 5 years of plain vanilla salesman's cars (Old, Mercury, Dodge) as well as a VW, a Mitsu, Acuras, Saab, Lexus, a Chrysler (!), and Jags. Just enjoyed them all, warts and all (well, maybe not the Lexus RX300, that was for the ex., an appliance. A nice appliance...). XF is probably my fave...so far.
No schadenfreude here, I want everyone to get the car of their dreams, no matter the make/model and have many years of joyful motoring. Or, if you are in the breld family, many days of joyful motoring and then trade in the perfect car for the even more perfect car...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Craig, I am also a dreamboat buyer. I probably know more (at least as much) about the car as the salesperson, and don't need any time being sold. Just show me the car, if I like it I will ask for a price, counter if needed, and be done with it (one way or the other). Plus I am an easy finance, so that saves time! And I do shower before going looking (being big on that personal hygiene business).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Some might see it as good justification for a proxy server, too. Big data is not based on a few clicks, its your entire Internet history. Here a link to the article cited in my earlier post.
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/internet-can-tell-us-really/?utm_source=kw_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-07-06
Traditional MB styling is also hard to beat. A 25 year old MB is generally still a good looking car. Most makers aren't so good at designs that age well.
In an earlier time, I could keep a vehicle for 8-10 years and go back to the dealer to work with the same sales person. Those days are so, so gone.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I suspect turnover is lower at mass market/high volume brands.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The "end date," if you will, is when the repair will exceed the FMV of the vehicle in good working order, in which case Chrysler can opt to pay us the value of the vehicle rather than fix it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
http://www.chryslerwarrantys.com/maximum_care.cfm
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
btw....Sears Canada has now declared bankruptcy and may not honor people who had retirement pension plans. Once banks and creditors are paid there may not be anything left....not fair to workers.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In what will no doubt be the first of many debacles, the contractor snagged the buried water line from the well to the house when they were excavating. Nobody knew it was there and they were without water for a while as they decided to drill a new well since the old one was giving them problems beforehand. Over 300 feet and no water before a trickle was found around 340'. It has been flushing itself out for a week or so now. Not sure what they have been doing for water in the interim. Crazy.
Speaking of crazy, he just bought another car to restore, a '71 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX convertible, a tired but mostly rust-free runner, for $12K. I don't know what's making him do this. The shop better be finished before the snow flies because I expect their first winter there is going to be pretty awful.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Kinda reminded me what we all heard as kids growing up, when we were caught doing something we knew was wrong. I can hear it all now..."you should have thought about that BEFORE you did that".
I thought I was above that stuff but I guess I'm not.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
This is different. That lifetime warranty was powertrain only and 2006-2009 only. It is one of the tabs in the link I provided.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I used to have a lot of snowbirds from the Great White North and only about 50% ever remembered me during the holidays and I was happy to get even that!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Here is the post I made back in June of 2015, if anyone wants a refresher. Otherwise just scan to my new comment at the end of this tale:
It's final, Son #1 sold his '08 T&C with around 180K miles on it. Here's the story:
A big reason why my son bought his van in '08 was because it came with an unlimited mileage lifetime power train warranty to the original owner. After he bought his '15 Kia van he put the T&C up for sale but since the transmission was not shifting like it should have, he didn't ask top dollar for it. Even with noting in the add about the transmission, he still got 4 nibbles. One was from a guy who sold transmission parts and was familiar with the problems with that transmission and told my son, "if it's what I think it is, that transmission can last for many miles before it goes out completely but I'd like to drive it before I know for sure".
My son meets the guy and they take a test drive. The guy said it was what he thought it was but he'd have to think about it and he'd call my son the next day. By the time my son got home he has a call from a guy in West Virginia and he wants to come the next day to see it but my son put that guy on hold waiting for the first guy to get back to him.
Then my son figured what the hell, he might as well take it to the dealer about the lifetime warranty and get an excuse of some kind but he was willing to try it. He calls the first guy and tells him what is going on and that he feels obligated to sell it to him at his asking price but he'd let him know how it works out after getting word from the dealer. Of course this guy likes that idea.
He makes an appointment and the service advisor says they'd have to drop it but if it showed signs of abuse the warranty would not cover it and he'd have to pay the labor for the work to reinstall the original transmission. This is exactly what my son thought would be the out for Chrysler but after a senior tech drove it he said it was the typical tranny problem and if he had to guess (not his money) he'd say the warranty would cover the full replacement cost. A little cute story here, the senior tech said he needed a water pump because he heard some noise and that for sure would be covered by the warranty. My son takes a deep breath and "says drop it and let me know".
Three days later after examining it they said it did not show any signs of abuse and that it would not cost him a penny for the replacement tranny. He damn sure wasn't expecting that because he thought for sure that they'd throw him a number that wouldn't be too bad and he'd bite just to be sure he could sell the beast and if the first guy didn't buy it he would relist it for a higher price than what he first listed it for.
He calls the first guy and tells him about the van now having a new Chrysler rebuilt transmission and this dope says, "that's great, how about dropping your price $400 and I'll buy it". My son can't hardly believe what the guy said and tells him, "there is no way I'm going to lower my price now". The dope says, "let me think about this and I'll call you back". My son told him not to bother and that ended the phone call. My son is still shaking his head about that.
My son relists the van at $1100 more and notes that it now has a new Chrysler rebuilt transmission along with the new tires and brakes that he put on it a few months ago before he thought he'd sell the beast.
His phone didn't stop ringing and he had to take the names/numbers of about 7 callers after he agreed to show it to the first guy who eventually bought it for his new asking price.
Now I ask you, has anyone ever come across an idiot like the first guy that didn't buy his van? I mean, c'mon man, how dumb can a buyer be?
After I made that post he told me his phone didn't stop ringing for about 2 days even though he posted on CL that it was sold. It seems that when you place an add on CL not only do you have to deal with flakes as you are trying to sell your vehicle but you also have to deal with them after it's sold.
Here is the tale he told me after the van had already been sold and posted as such on CL:
Two different guys called and said almost the same thing. They asked if he still had the van and he said he sold it. Then they asked if he would mind telling them how much he sold it for and he told them at the full price it was listed for on CL because it had a new tranny in it and it was well worth that price. They both said, "that was a great price for that van. I would have given you $300 more".
Like I said, flakes on both trying to sell it and after the sale too.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
of course, they go shop, and realize how great a deal that car was, so come back later and want it. Only to find that as soon as they walked away, car got retagged. And no way were they getting that price again. Some people, just can't help screwing themselves over.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Even though the new Ram has the 5.7 liter Hemi I have made every effort to drive smoothly, especially in town from green light to red light. Lots of power, but it is a big truck so I don't think I will be drag racing anybody, however one pleasant surprise is the ability to pass slow pokes on the highway. A few times out on the Washington coast on the 101 I came up on the folks driving 5-10 MPH under the limit. The Ram made quick work of them, in fact I over shot my speed several times as it absolutely leaps from 50 to 75 in a blink of an eye. Very handy to have that passing power.
Speaking of shops, the wife boards her horse out in Woodinville, and the barn owner is building a "little" shop for him and his 4 sons (youngest is ~20) who are all into cars. He has several projects stashed in the barn for the shop - several post war pickups, an old fire truck, a late model Honda Prelude, and several others. All in pretty good shape, and have great bones to work from.
Oh and his little shop? 12,000 square feet...must be nice....
I my defense, the only reason I gave it a try was because the road was totally clear in both lanes for as far as I could see. I have seen this road like this before but very rarely in all the years I have lived in these parts. So that is why I did it because no one would be in danger. However, the first thing I thought about when I got out of the car was, if the cops were behind me that excuse would not fly.
Kinda reminded me what we all heard as kids growing up, when we were caught doing something we knew was wrong. I can hear it all now..."you should have thought about that BEFORE you did that".
I thought I was above that stuff but I guess I'm not.
jmonroe No defense necessary. As I told my buddy when he wanted my opinion on buying his Mustang:
"Don't look at me, I'm the enabler not your wife".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When we came back with the plates the next day the old gal said she had recieved several calls from other buyers who said they would have paid more. She almost seemed on the verge of reneging on the deal but I reminded her that $3550 in cash could buy a million dollars of talk. Deal done.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One of the mechanics at my old job built himself a professional level garage at home including lift. Nice to love your work.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sales People......the guy who sold me all of my Acuras (first one in '04) has been at his store for 17 years. The GM and SM have been there since the inception of the dealership (and the Acura brand). Not sure but didn't Acura become a brand in mid '80s? So, they've been there a while.
Come to think of it, I've bought more Hondas/Acuras than any other brand.
Whenever I look at Mercedes, I go to the same sales person, who has been at his dealership since the '80s. He keeps saying that one of these days I will buy a Mercedes from him. I've become a challenge for him.
Same with BMWs. I have bought 3 of them (the first in 1988)....all from the same dealership and sales person.
I'm betting some of the domestic stores have long tenured sales people. But, I don't think I know of any. I seem to gravitate to those who are more experienced and they all seem to be working at the lux dealerships. Maybe they are successful because of their longevity (like isellhondas).
That said, I've bought 1 Civic and 3 Accords (counting the one I helped my ex buy) all from the same person at the same dealership.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
And wise! The two (affluency + intelligence) don't always go together.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary defines effluent as "liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea". Effluent in the artificial sense is in general considered to be water pollution, such as the outflow from a sewage treatment facility or the wastewater discharge from industrial facilities.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
People enjoy woodworking, fixing up cars, reading, posting on Edmunds, etc., but it is nice to have hobbies that don't cost huge amounts of money....like fixing up old cars, unless you got the money to do it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Flashing red turn traffic signals are another major "failure to stop before turning" problem with many drivers. They wrongfully think the red flashing arrow means "proceed with turn if the coast is clear" rather than "make a complete stop and then proceed to turn if traffic permits"!
Another pet pet peeve of mine is those drivers who make "right turns on red" without coming to a complete stop. Thousands of accidents occur each year because this traffic regulation is ignored by drivers.
I am am sure Florida isn't the only State that experiences drivers who bend or break traffic laws and/or regulations with abandon. Driving is becoming more hazardous every year. If my car's camera(s) can pick up the speed limit shown on road signs on every road or highway and then "post" it in my heads-up display and my instrument cluster, why can't it pick up red lights and prevent right turns on red unless the car comes to a complete stop? Another nanny feature is not the best way to solve these dilemmas, but it might save lives.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Don't get me started on the elderly folks in their Rav CRV which has replaced the Buick allegedly the car of elderly folks in the past who shouldn't be driving..
Florida? How many of the older drivers have a license from Florida? Way back many Ohioans kept their Ohio license because eye testing apparently wasn't required. I recall an elderly lady mowing down pedestrians in a crosswalk who couldn't see well enough to drive but had maintained an Ohio license. Ohio upgraded their testing after that. But probably not enough.I would be offended at having to take an actual driving test regularly on renewal but I'd have to understand it. My comment would be that youthful drivers need retesting on-the-road as well.
How do foreign visitors who live in Florida on long term visits have their driver licenses? In Canada, e.g.? Or do they apply for and obtain a Florida license.
I was laughing to myself about the snowbirds this week who pass through Dayton area. There were lots of campers and smaller mobile homes being towed north on I75 instead of March and November.
Then I realized it's the Country Music Festival (Woodstock like) at Ft. Loramie. Many live in their campers on the property. Blake Shelton is one of several country music stars this weekend.
http://www.countryconcert.com/
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
RELATIVELY. Very important distinction. In Cali, we'd probably be homeless. ;b
My wife asks "do you think we're the hicks of the neighborhood and they all look down on us?" Haha. As if I would care.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We are less than 5 minutes away from several groceries and restaurants. It's perfect for me and my family. If I don't want to cut the grass more often than every 10-12 days I don't have any annoying old coots asking me if my mower is broken. If my son and I want to watch a BD on the main HTS at 12:00 am at near Reference Level there's no one to complain. Ditto for working on one of the cars and leaving it on jack stands for a day or two. We have a "stealth" entrance so we almost never get any unwanted visitors.
I subscribe to the belief that if you can't take a leak in your front yard then your neighbors live too close.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
City water could be a problem too....as in Flint, but moving to a town just seems to have fewer hassles.
Another problem we had at the farm....it was just a tree farm was some guy would park in our driveway, drink buttermilk for some unknown reason, and throw the carton onto the lane when it was empty. Others would leave old tires or chesterfields in the trees near the road. Lots of reasons for moving, a big one was as we got older we wanted to be closer to doctors, hospitals and ambulances.
Some things look ideal......but, you really have to live it to find out!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There are bad drivers everywhere, and it is getting worse every day. The biggest problem was DUI, then it was distraction - phones etc., now it is aggressive driving. But, Florida is truly the worst place to drive. Talking on a cell is basically legal....only a small fine but you have to be pulled over for some other reason to charge. You have the older people who are slow, then the young people who drive obeying no rules, anything goes....and when they are mixed together it is very volatile.
Friends who have lived in Florida all their lives say it has become extremely crazy on the roads.......people being aggressive and taking chances people didn't ever do before.
People can drive in Florida with an out of state license. You can get a Florida license if you want one, you save going to some parks that way. If you keep your own car in Florida for over 6 months (in our case, shorter depending on insurance company) your insurance won't be in force....you need a Florida plate and insurance company.
A few years ago the license department said you would need a Florida drivers license if you want to drive in Florida. There was a big fuss made because millions of people rent cars every year, so they promptly went back to all drivers licences are honored.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6