Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

isellhondas

I'm taking $1,000 bucks in cash with me, and that's it!

Of course, if I had the old Car Buyer's Crystal Ball, I'd probably see that by the time I add up every little receipt for what I do to the old truck, plus all my labor, I could have just gone out and bought a clean one for $4000.

Mr_Shiftright said:

I'm off today to look at a Dodge Dakota 4X4---older one, 2001. Advertised as "impossible to get smogged", make offer. I always like a challenge. I'm going to definitely low-ball it, so that I can flip it if I hit a stone wall with it. Best case scenario? ignition issues or a new Cat. Worst case? low compression. 5.2V8, automatic.

Mostly I want it to haul trash and to be my "sentinel". When I'm out of town it helps to have a vehicle in the driveway so that it looks like someone's home.

If that Dakota has low enough compression to fail a smog test, you'll know it!

I'll bet you can buy that truck for a song considering the fact most people would pass because of the smog issue. Good luck!

explorerx4

The distance to empty in my Fusion is really bad. I've driven over 30 miles with it on zero. It's supposed to have a 16.5 gallon tank, but the most I've ever put in is 15 gallons. The amount consumed seems to be more accurate, but I keep forgetting to check it when I fill up. Filling up tomorrow, so I hope I remember to check it.

roadburner

My son has left the X3 in the garage with the OBC DTE reading 0. I know that there is at least a mile left.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

In my experience at any rate, if you "love" a car when you buy it, you'll forgive any little stumbles and faults that you may discover. But if you were in doubt when standing at the altar saying "I do", I think you'd tend to be far more critical when the car hiccups and burps and doesn't do what you want it to. I guess it's a form of "buyers remorse" but it's not about the money, it's about the car itself.

roadburner said:

Spent some quality time with the 2002 today; the turn signal switch has never worked right, so I dug through the trunk full of parts that came with the car and found another switch. Used, but it looked OK and cancelled properly. Plugged it in and it worked! Next I cleaned the bulb sockets so now I have turn signals that cancel properly, working signal bulbs at all four corners AND a functioning turn signal light in the instrument cluster!!!

In my declining years I'm noticing that it takes less and less to make me excited...

Well, not only do I like the '02, but I cut it some slack since it has traveled over 200k and it is 39 years old. And, when the car does have a problem, the fix is usually simple and inexpensive.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

Now it is 4:00 and I call the tow company again. The dispatcher is really nice & says they will be here in 25 minutes tops. I see their company's wrecker haul the crashed moving truck & then another truck towing a car that was damaged in the accident.

4:45 pm help arrives! The driver is super nice & apologized sincerely up & down for the wait. He loads me on to the flat bed & hauls me to the next exit (this is the way to travel) which is about 1 mile away. He drops me down at the pump & even waits for me to fill up to make sure my car starts up. I pull out of the gas station at 5:06 pm. 3 hours later.

I was talking to the driver. He said to me. "I heard it was a Subaru, I figured it must be out of gas." I asked him why. "They don't break down & last forever."

So season learned. Light goes on, go get gas. Thank-you ladies & gentlemen, I'll be here all night. Don't forget to tip your waitress. You've been a wonderful audience.

A few years ago I played that gasoline roulette coming back from DC in the PT Cruiser. After the 30 MTE I got the dreaded -------- signal. Got into a rest area on the Jersey TP in time.

On any road controlled by the NYSTA it's a royal PITA to get proper service because tow companies bid for "exclusive" contracts. It's a monopoly so they have no incentive to provide good service. I've had some rude interactions and horrendous charges from these guys. You're lucky they showed up at all.

ab348

@oldfarmer50 - I met a couple of buddies today for lunch and afterwards they wanted to go look at the new Mustang, as the nearby dealer had received a couple this week. One was in the showroom but they were closed, but the other was outside for us to look at. It was Race Red with the Ceramic interior.

My impressions: the exterior design is very busy, especially in the front end. Lots going on there. None of us liked the look from straight-on although we thought we might get used to it. One commented that it looked like something Hyundai might put out. In profile the front of the car seems rather "thick" and heavy. I also thought the side quarter windows were strange, as the front half is blacked-out. Out back things were a bit more conventional although the taillight lenses were rather convoluted-looking.

We couldn't get inside of course but peering through the windows the dash had a lot of bright bits on it and looked slightly better than the outgoing model. The "Ceramic" interior is really a black interior with light tan or beige leather on the seating surfaces of the seats, with the rest of the seat and interior remaining black. I don't particularly like that treatment but in fairness it didn't look awful either.

This one had nav and an automatic trans as its only options and stickered at $47K here in Canada. They had a 2014 GT there that you could get for about $7K less. Most interesting of all: they still had a brand-new 2013 GT convertible there with no price on it - I wonder what kind of money they were looking to get for that? We were wondering how they managed to keep it unsold for 2 model years.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

Oh c'mon---you'll look like a Shriner driving one of those little things.

oldfarmer50 said:

I can't remember now why you were looking to do this move, since you seem to actually like your current car. Just got the new car itch, or some fascination with Mustangs?

Yes, all of the above. Ha ha.

Now I'm thinking Miata convertibles. How's that for being all over the place?

Yeah, what was I thinking. 160 hp.??

I haven't given up on the Mustang yet. As driver100 said I am going to try an automatic and see if it was just not being used to the shifter that threw me. Maybe even try a 2014. If the visibility is better I might be able to live without a "must have" color/ option package for a $6000 discount. I'd miss the IRS but I'll never drive it at the limits so....

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

@oldfarmer50 - I met a couple of buddies today for lunch and afterwards they wanted to go look at the new Mustang, as the nearby dealer had received a couple this week. One was in the showroom but they were closed, but the other was outside for us to look at. It was Race Red with the Ceramic interior.

My impressions: the exterior design is very busy, especially in the front end. Lots going on there. None of us liked the look from straight-on although we thought we might get used to it. One commented that it looked like something Hyundai might put out. In profile the front of the car seems rather "thick" and heavy. I also thought the side quarter windows were strange, as the front half is blacked-out. Out back things were a bit more conventional although the taillight lenses were rather convoluted-looking.

We couldn't get inside of course but peering through the windows the dash had a lot of bright bits on it and looked slightly better than the outgoing model. The "Ceramic" interior is really a black interior with light tan or beige leather on the seating surfaces of the seats, with the rest of the seat and interior remaining black. I don't particularly like that treatment but in fairness it didn't look awful either.

This one had nav and an automatic trans as its only options and stickered at $47K here in Canada. They had a 2014 GT there that you could get for about $7K less. Most interesting of all: they still had a brand-new 2013 GT convertible there with no price on it - I wonder what kind of money they were looking to get for that? We were wondering how they managed to keep it unsold for 2 model years.

Yes, think and heavy is exactly the right term. The front of the 2014 is much better. I did like the look of the back end.

There's a local dealer advertising new 2013 Hyundai Velosetors so there are some around. What would you need...a 35% discount for a 2 year old car?

imidazol97

I saw Motorweek's "testing" of the Mustang on Saturday. They show various colors being driven, so some clips were from elsewhere, not just their own driving. But the profile looks more like the Camaro to my eye.

nyccarguy

@oldfarmer50‌

I saw a beautiful, Black, (2013 or 2014) Mustang GT. I heard that sexy V8 rumble from the other side of the road. It's a nice car. It's kept @qbrozen entertained for about 2 years now, so you know it's no slouch!

abacomike

@nyccarguy‌

Bradd, I never considered you to be SUPER MACHO but after that episode with "running on empty" I have changed my opinion of you.  Running out of gas is one of the most "macho" things a guy could do.

you say to yourself, as you look at your fuel gauge below the E in your instrument cluster, "...go ahead, make my day - I dare you to run empty on me!"  Then, low and behold, "cough, choke, splat, stall!"  

Macho, macho, macho!!!

Mr_Shiftright

So I looked at that Dodge Dakota pickup that was "impossible to smog". I'll be damned if the body wasn't really clean, and the interior, too. HOWEVER, like all of you, I "do the math" and suddenly what seems to be a good deal, starts to circle the drain.

Consider:

Needs 4 tires 31X10.5----with wheel alignment, mounting balancing, etc we have to be in $700 bucks there --- KA-CHING

AC no work. $250 for a seal and recharge?

Expired registration---so that means you pay for the back year PLUS an 80% penalty fee---so that's easy $300. No escaping DMV.

Sales Tax and title fees ---figure 10% of selling price. $100?

Smog -- the BIG UNANSWERED. Engine seems to run all right, no dead hole. Catalytic is intact. So figure $300 there to throw parts at it.

Front End -- signs of severe toe-in. Hmmm.....what's that about?

So $1750 just to get this thing on the road? If you wanted to be completely rational and calculating about it, the value of this truck as it sits where it is is about $500 bucks, tops.

OR I could get smart for a change and buy this very clean, ready to roll Ford Ranger I saw for $3500.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

@oldfarmer50 - I met a couple of buddies today for lunch and afterwards they wanted to go look at the new Mustang, as the nearby dealer had received a couple this week. One was in the showroom but they were closed, but the other was outside for us to look at. It was Race Red with the Ceramic interior.

My impressions: the exterior design is very busy, especially in the front end. Lots going on there. None of us liked the look from straight-on although we thought we might get used to it. One commented that it looked like something Hyundai might put out. In profile the front of the car seems rather "thick" and heavy. I also thought the side quarter windows were strange, as the front half is blacked-out. Out back things were a bit more conventional although the taillight lenses were rather convoluted-looking.

We couldn't get inside of course but peering through the windows the dash had a lot of bright bits on it and looked slightly better than the outgoing model. The "Ceramic" interior is really a black interior with light tan or beige leather on the seating surfaces of the seats, with the rest of the seat and interior remaining black. I don't particularly like that treatment but in fairness it didn't look awful either.

This one had nav and an automatic trans as its only options and stickered at $47K here in Canada. They had a 2014 GT there that you could get for about $7K less. Most interesting of all: they still had a brand-new 2013 GT convertible there with no price on it - I wonder what kind of money they were looking to get for that? We were wondering how they managed to keep it unsold for 2 model years.

Yes, think and heavy is exactly the right term. The front of the 2014 is much better. I did like the look of the back end.

There's a local dealer advertising new 2013 Hyundai Velosetors so there are some around. What would you need...a 35% discount for a 2 year old car?

That's exactly what it should be....35% off. I just read a few articles on that, lose about 20% the first year and 15% every year after. Those were the same articles that said it was better to buy new than used...if you calculate the price and warranty compared to the life left in a used car.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

So I looked at that Dodge Dakota pickup that was "impossible to smog". I'll be damned if the body wasn't really clean, and the interior, too. HOWEVER, like all of you, I "do the math" and suddenly what seems to be a good deal, starts to circle the drain.

Consider:

Needs 4 tires 31X10.5----with wheel alignment, mounting balancing, etc we have to be in $700 bucks there --- KA-CHING

AC no work. $250 for a seal and recharge?

Expired registration---so that means you pay for the back year PLUS an 80% penalty fee---so that's easy $300. No escaping DMV.

Sales Tax and title fees ---figure 10% of selling price. $100?

Smog -- the BIG UNANSWERED. Engine seems to run all right, no dead hole. Catalytic is intact. So figure $300 there to throw parts at it.

Front End -- signs of severe toe-in. Hmmm.....what's that about?

So $1750 just to get this thing on the road? If you wanted to be completely rational and calculating about it, the value of this truck as it sits where it is is about $500 bucks, tops.

OR I could get smart for a change and buy this very clean, ready to roll Ford Ranger I saw for $3500.

</blockquote

And your repairs could be on the low side....and then there are the unknowns!

The Ranger seems like a bargain in comparison.

Mr_Shiftright

Exactly! Sometimes the cheapest car turns out to be the most expensive one!


Here's the Ranger:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4734516639.html

Seems like the owner put a fair amount of money into it. I might hit it at $3000, which really is dealer retail pricing. But it's clean, has lots of goodies on it. Somebody obviously loved it.

this looks like a truck you could actually drive somewhere.

stickguy

that one does look pretty nice. I would certainly look into that instead of a rat Dakota.

Mr_Shiftright

The Ranger V-6s like to crack cylinder heads, though. You gotta check 'em out.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

Exactly! Sometimes the cheapest car turns out to be the most expensive one!


Here's the Ranger:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4734516639.html

Seems like the owner put a fair amount of money into it. I might hit it at $3000, which really is dealer retail pricing. But it's clean, has lots of goodies on it. Somebody obviously loved it.

this looks like a truck you could actually drive somewhere.

That is a cutey! I know, that's the last thing a guy wants to hear about a truck....so, I am just joking...though, it is kinda, well, cute.

If it checks out it sounds like a steal at $3000. Keep in mind the driver method of rationalizing a purchase....if you have to go to $3300 or even $3600 that is just an extra $100 or $200 a year over 3 years....and if it is a good truck that's like nothing...less than $10 a month!

GM has some "what they call hilarious" video ads for truck buyers. It was amazing to me the reason people want trucks......a lot has to do with freedom and power.
>Hilarious (?) GM Truck Ads

abacomike

@driver‌

I would think that you and Mrs. driver are getting ready for your annual trek to Florida this coming weekend.  I have a few suggestions for you in order to have a more relaxed and enjoyable drive down here to the Sunshine State.

I have been driving Mercedes Benz's for quite some time and have mastered most of its quirks and German accent.

First of all, you must remember that you are no longer driving your "passive" BMW on US highways - you are driving the Mercedes Benz which is far more "headstrong".  When you use your voice recognition,  always preface your commands with the word "please".  The Mercedes is a little pompous and tends to react negatively to "demands".

Once you have set your destination in the GPS, you better not veer from that destination or you will hear "dumkopf" from your audio system along with the comment, "...you vill follow mein route or I villl call for panzer reinforcements...vee do not tolerate mistakes from amateurs like you!"

Another suggestion is to never change FM or Satellite Radio Channels in the middle of a Vienese Waltz.  If you do, the Mercedes will declare war on you and Mrs. Driver and refuse to allow you to pull in to a gas station to take a potty break.  And make very sure you put only petrol in the gas tank pumped at a "Hess" station.  The response from your Mercedes if you use anything but "Hess" petrol is too gory to even mention here.

Finally, make sure you never start or stop the Mercedes on a street with a Russian name without stating into the voice command system, "bitta" - it will save you a barrage from a V2 rockets.

Remember, this is the car that the fuhrer rode in - it demands respect or it will invade something.  Be careful out there driver - you don't want to insult the vehicle imported from "der fahderland"!

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver‌

I would think that you and Mrs. driver are getting ready for your annual trek to Florida this coming weekend.  I have a few suggestions for you in order to have a more relaxed and enjoyable drive down here to the Sunshine State.

I have been driving Mercedes Benz's for quite some time and have mastered most of its quirks and German accent.

First of all, you must remember that you are no longer driving your "passive" BMW on US highways - you are driving the Mercedes Benz which is far more "headstrong".  When you use your voice recognition,  always preface your commands with the word "please".  The Mercedes is a little pompous and tends to react negatively to "demands".

Once you have set your destination in the GPS, you better not veer from that destination or you will hear "dumkopf" from your audio system along with the comment, "...you vill follow mein route or I villl call for panzer reinforcements...vee do not tolerate mistakes from amateurs like you!"

Another suggestion is to never change FM or Satellite Radio Channels in the middle of a Vienese Waltz.  If you do, the Mercedes will declare war on you and Mrs. Driver and refuse to allow you to pull in to a gas station to take a potty break.  And make very sure you put only petrol in the gas tank pumped at a "Hess" station.  The response from your Mercedes if you use anything but "Hess" petrol is too gory to even mention here.

Finally, make sure you never start or stop the Mercedes on a street with a Russian name without stating into the voice command system, "bitta" - it will save you a barrage from a V2 rockets.

Remember, this is the car that the fuhrer rode in - it demands respect or it will invade something.  Be careful out there driver - you don't want to insult the vehicle imported from "der fahderland"!

lol.......hilarious and creative. I appreciate your vast knowledge and expertise on the subject.
Yes, we are headed to Florida on Friday. Good thing it wasn't last Friday...quite a bit of snow in Georgia and South Carolina....and cold weather all over the SE USA.

We will only drive 3 hours on Friday, as far as Windsor. For some reason my wife didn't start the travel insurance until Saturday, so best not to cross the border until then. Total trip is about 23 hours of real driving time, so it would be nice to do 12 hours on Sat and 8 hours on Sun, and arrive late afternoon Sunday. It's about 1500 miles. When you look at a map it is hard to believe you can drive that far in one or two days.

There are some basic differences between the bmw and the Mercedes. I would probably prefer the BMW if I was age 55 or less probably. I would say the Merc is more refined. Steering, suspension and handling are softer, but don't give up on feel of the road. Merc is more solid, and is more comfortable. Controls are a little easier to use, catering more to us more elderly drivers. Even the controls and gauges are easier to operate and interpret. The GPS system is more precise, spelling out what to do earlier and in more detail (though those could be improvements over the last 3 years), and the voice on the GPS is very nice...not like the school marm in the bmw.........who actually sounds angry if I don't obey.

I like listening to music but I am not a real audiophile...often listen to AM stations and it doesn't matter....but, the music in the Merc surpasses the sound I have heard in any car, and I love listening to my USB, Disc or Satelite Radio music...it takes on a whole new dimension.

Most days I come along a fairly bumpy twisting paved road for about 5 miles, and though the bmw speeds through the curves like nothing, you do notice the bumps a lot more in it. The Merc softens the bumps and has it's own unique feel of the road....softer but still pretty firm.

The Merc has an adjustment so I can see mph on the speedometer, that makes it easier than trying to convert kilometers all the time. 100 kph = 60 mph. One thing is, you learn a lot about a new car on a long trip...but, you learn a lot of things you don't know how to do too.

driver100

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold. She seems to like the new car too, there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

abacomike

driver100 said:

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold. She seems to like the new car too, there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

A dachshund would love you even more now that you drive the epitome of German Luxury!

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

The Ranger V-6s like to crack cylinder heads, though. You gotta check 'em out.

Gee if I had know you were into beaters I could have put you in a 1997 s-10 with 180k that was sitting in my side yard for a few weeks. Picked up by my son's scrapper friend. Ran fine except the ac compressor was getting ready to seize up. Nothing a shorter bypass belt wouldn't fix.

Had a guy from work interested but he dithered and low balled until it went for the full $800 asking price.

Interesting to read about CA smog regulations. You have to pay a penalty if the registration expires? Makes NY look down right reasonable.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold. She seems to like the new car too, there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

A dachshund would love you even more now that you drive the epitome of German Luxury!

Dang! That dog is actually smiling!

Mr_Shiftright

Well no, not "beaters"---I'd tackle mechanical issues but not bodywork. Well maybe if the truck were an old 50s model, we could allow some "patina" but on a more modern truck, faded paint and dents just make you look unemployed.

RE: TRUCK ADS --- nobody wants to say the real reason: "If we have a collision, you're goin' down, not me".

oldfarmer50 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

The Ranger V-6s like to crack cylinder heads, though. You gotta check 'em out.

Gee if I had know you were into beaters I could have put you in a 1997 s-10 with 180k that was sitting in my side yard for a few weeks. Picked up by my son's scrapper friend. Ran fine except the ac compressor was getting ready to seize up. Nothing a shorter bypass belt wouldn't fix.

Had a guy from work interested but he dithered and low balled until it went for the full $800 asking price.

Interesting to read about CA smog regulations. You have to pay a penalty if the registration expires? Makes NY look down right reasonable.

venture

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

@driver‌

I would think that you and Mrs. driver are getting ready for your annual trek to Florida this coming weekend. br>

There are some basic differences between the bmw and the Mercedes. I would probably prefer the BMW if I was age 55 or less probably. I would say the Merc is more refined. Steering, suspension and handling are softer, but don't give up on feel of the road. Merc is more solid, and is more comfortable. Controls are a little easier to use, catering more to us more elderly drivers. Even the controls and gauges are easier to operate and interpret. The GPS system is more precise, spelling out what to do earlier and in more detail (though those could be improvements over the last 3 years), and the voice on the GPS is very nice...not like the school marm in the bmw.........who actually sounds angry if I don't obey.

I like listening to music but I am not a real audiophile...often listen to AM stations and it doesn't matter....but, the music in the Merc surpasses the sound I have heard in any car, and I love listening to my USB, Disc or Satelite Radio music...it takes on a whole new dimension.

Most days I come along a fairly bumpy twisting paved road for about 5 miles, and though the bmw speeds through the curves like nothing, you do notice the bumps a lot more in it. The Merc softens the bumps and has it's own unique feel of the road....softer but still pretty firm.

The Merc has an adjustment so I can see mph on the speedometer, that makes it easier than trying to convert kilometers all the time. 100 kph = 60 mph. One thing is, you learn a lot about a new car on a long trip...but, you learn a lot of things you don't know how to do too.

Have a safe trip. Don't be fiddling with all the new gadgets. They're nuts out there.

ab348

driver100 said:

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold. She seems to like the new car too, there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

Forgive my ignorance, but I am surprised you can take pets across the border. I always thought they had a quarantine period. Learned something new.

Cute dog!

imidazol97

driver100 said:

there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

It doesn't look like Gigi takes up much room. The extra room in back may go to waste?

Michaell

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

It doesn't look like Gigi takes up much room. The extra room in back may go to waste?

Gigi might be small, but, like a toddler, there is lots of other stuff - toys, treats, food, water, blankets, etc. - that are necessary.

And, she might ride on the passenger's lap up front.

robr2

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold. She seems to like the new car too, there seems to be more room in the back for her. One thing I really like about dogs....they love their masters....no matter what car they drive.

Forgive my ignorance, but I am surprised you can take pets across the border. I always thought they had a quarantine period. Learned something new.

Cute dog!

I think all that is needed is proof of a rabies vaccine and a license.

driver - I hope your dog rides in a crate in the back seat. That little "barking cat" would become quite the projectile in case of an accident.

imidazol97

robr2 said:

driver - I hope your dog rides in a crate in the back seat. That little "barking cat" would become quite the projectile in case of an accident.

Don't they have harnesses to secure the dog to the seat belts in case of an accident? She needs
to be protected, pretty little thing that she is. Love that smile.

driver100

Mike said "A dachshund would love you even more now that you drive the epitome of German Luxury!"

I'm not going to trade Gigi in for a dacshund to match a German car. She is probably French, so I have limited choices...I am not going to buy a Peugot (like Columbo) or a Citroen.

Oldfarmer said "Dang! That dog is actually smiling!"

Gigi is a pretty happy go lucky dog. Of course, if you just lied around all day you'd probably be smiling too.

venture said "Have a safe trip. Don't be fiddling with all the new gadgets. They're nuts out there."

That is something you really have to watch. I was driving and trying to set the time to DST. Glad I am still around. I guess I am a little obssessive/compulsive about the switch over - I like to do it the day before while I am thinking about it......my wife wants me to do it Sunday morning....guess that's compulsive too - in a different way.

ab348 said "Forgive my ignorance, but I am surprised you can take pets across the border. I always thought they had a quarantine period. Learned something new."

We get all her medical stuff done before we go, but, the only one they seem to care about is a rabis shot. Gigi sleeps on the backseat for the whole trip, so the the customs guys have never asked to see her papers...they don't know she is there. We fly back at Christmas time for 2 weeks and she can stay in her case under the seat in the cabin with us. Gigi can bark but she only barks about once a year when I chase her.

imid said "It doesn't look like Gigi takes up much room. The extra room in back may go to waste?"

Most years, the car gets pretty loaded up, even the back seat. This year shouldn't have as much....we really have a full set of everything in Florida. Just transfer a few things but we do need to take some stuff in the back....water, snacks, boots.......

michaell said "Gigi might be small, but, like a toddler, there is lots of other stuff - toys, treats, food, water, blankets, etc. - that are necessary.
And, she might ride on the passenger's lap up front.

Normally, we don't use a seatbelt for Gigi, but for this long trip we do use it. It goes around her body and clips onto the seatbelt. We don't want her hitting the windshield at 70 mph. We do have to take her food, a blanket, treats, dog dishes etc...the back can get pretty filled up. The first few years I was glad we got the 535 instead of a 335....we used every inch of extra space.

robr2 said "I think all that is needed is proof of a rabies vaccine and a license.
driver - I hope your dog rides in a crate in the back seat. That little "barking cat" would become quite the projectile in case of an accident.

You are correct, all she needs is a rabbis shot...though she has all papers for a full physical which is done a few days before we leave. Pups can't be taken across the border because they don't have their shots yet. Gigi sleeps on a blanket and has a case for flying (has to be under certain dimensions) but not a crate. She isn't left alone too much...Bichons love being with people and they aren't happy if left alone for too long. She does have a seatbelt though.

imid said "Don't they have harnesses to secure the dog to the seat belts in case of an accident? She needs to be protected, pretty little thing that she is.

Most people assume she is a puppy but Gigi is 10 1/2 years old. We definitely use a seatbelt on the Florida trip. Every year we hear on the news about little dogs getting eaten by alligators in Florida. Gigi is always kept on a leash outdoors here and in Florida.

Michaell

driver100 said:

Mike said "A dachshund would love you even more now that you drive the epitome of German Luxury!"

I'm not going to trade Gigi in for a dacshund to match a German car. She is probably French, so I have limited choices...I am not going to buy a Peugot (like Columbo) or a Citroen.

Oldfarmer said "Dang! That dog is actually smiling!"

Gigi is a pretty happy go lucky dog. Of course, if you just lied around all day you'd probably be smiling too.

venture said "Have a safe trip. Don't be fiddling with all the new gadgets. They're nuts out there."

That is something you really have to watch. I was driving and trying to set the time to DST. Glad I am still around. I guess I am a little obssessive/compulsive about the switch over - I like to do it the day before while I am thinking about it......my wife wants me to do it Sunday morning....guess that's compulsive too - in a different way.

ab348 said "Forgive my ignorance, but I am surprised you can take pets across the border. I always thought they had a quarantine period. Learned something new."

We get all her medical stuff done before we go, but, the only one they seem to care about is a rabis shot. Gigi sleeps on the backseat for the whole trip, so the the customs guys have never asked to see her papers...they don't know she is there. We fly back at Christmas time for 2 weeks and she can stay in her case under the seat in the cabin with us. Gigi can bark but she only barks about once a year when I chase her.

imid said "It doesn't look like Gigi takes up much room. The extra room in back may go to waste?"

Most years, the car gets pretty loaded up, even the back seat. This year shouldn't have as much....we really have a full set of everything in Florida. Just transfer a few things but we do need to take some stuff in the back....water, snacks, boots.......

michaell said "Gigi might be small, but, like a toddler, there is lots of other stuff - toys, treats, food, water, blankets, etc. - that are necessary.
And, she might ride on the passenger's lap up front.

Normally, we don't use a seatbelt for Gigi, but for this long trip we do use it. It goes around her body and clips onto the seatbelt. We don't want her hitting the windshield at 70 mph. We do have to take her food, a blanket, treats, dog dishes etc...the back can get pretty filled up. The first few years I was glad we got the 535 instead of a 335....we used every inch of extra space.

robr2 said "I think all that is needed is proof of a rabies vaccine and a license.
driver - I hope your dog rides in a crate in the back seat. That little "barking cat" would become quite the projectile in case of an accident.

You are correct, all she needs is a rabbis shot...though she has all papers for a full physical which is done a few days before we leave. Pups can't be taken across the border because they don't have their shots yet. Gigi sleeps on a blanket and has a case for flying (has to be under certain dimensions) but not a crate. She isn't left alone too much...Bichons love being with people and they aren't happy if left alone for too long. She does have a seatbelt though.

imid said "Don't they have harnesses to secure the dog to the seat belts in case of an accident? She needs to be protected, pretty little thing that she is.

Most people assume she is a puppy but Gigi is 10 1/2 years old. We definitely use a seatbelt on the Florida trip. Every year we hear on the news about little dogs getting eaten by alligators in Florida. Gigi is always kept on a leash outdoors here and in Florida.

Driver, thanks for the low down on Gigi and her travels.

The only time my dogs ride in the car is when we go to the vet .. they are all Dachshunds. None of them like the car that much and want to be in my lap while I'm driving. Since it's only a few miles (and they're sort of small) I can manage it.

Have a safe trip!

I assume you use the bridge when crossing over from Canada to the US in Windsor / Detroit.

robr2

Sad to hear - Car Talk's Tom Magliozzi died today at 77 from complications due to Alzheimer's.

He and Ray did their last live show 2012 but their shows are still on NPR every Saturday. It's a sad day for us lovers of automobiles and acerbic wit.

Sleep Well Click or Clack whichever you are and don't drive like my brother.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

Every year we hear on the news about little dogs getting eaten by alligators in Florida. Gigi is always kept on a leash outdoors here and in Florida.

OMG

Michaell

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Every year we hear on the news about little dogs getting eaten by alligators in Florida. Gigi is always kept on a leash outdoors here and in Florida.

OMG

No alligators here in Colorado but we do have other predators that have attacked dogs of all sizes - coyotes, hawks, owls and the occasional mountain lion or bear.

graphicguy

robr2 said:

Sad to hear - Car Talk's Tom Magliozzi died today at 77 from complications due to Alzheimer's.

He and Ray did their last live show 2012 but their shows are still on NPR every Saturday. It's a sad day for us lovers of automobiles and acerbic wit.

Sleep Well Click or Clack whichever you are and don't drive like my brother.

Just heard that. Sad, indeed! I did, and still do, enjoy their show.

Was just pulling in from work. Hearing you snow birds talk, it's 66º and sunny here in the Ohio Valley, in the first week in November. I know winter is coming. It's just going to be shade shorter this year. I like it.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold.

I want to remind the snowbirds to watch for state patrol on I75 north of Dayton. There were a high number of accidents especially due to construction areas so they had a blitz on. Then I heard 3 states were doing a blitz on I70. On my next trip to Columbus I saw several OSP units. Usually see 1.
71. I'd watch for them from north of Lima to Troy.

Thinking it over, there's been several accidents in the Vandalia area, so I'd watch all the way into Dayton. But Dayton should be smoother than the last time you went through.

abacomike

Speaking of temperatures and snowbirds, the weather down here in Southern Florida has been audacious.  Over the weekend, we had highs in the mid 70's and lows in the low 50's.  Today was "perfection" with a high of 78 and expected lows in the low 60's.  There is very low humidity and we are luxuriating in this earlier than usual winter weather.

The he forecast is for sunny skies with highs in the high 70's to low 80's and lows in the mid to upper 60's for the rest of the week.  This is the time of year when we turn off our A/C's and open up our windows and patio doors to the great outdoors.

Ah, it's so great to be alive and living in Florida this time of year!

Mr_Shiftright

I saw snow once in a National Geographic magazine at the dentist's office.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

I saw snow once in a National Geographic magazine at the dentist's office.

Yeah.

I wrecked my car during the first major snowfall after I moved to Colorado.

Learned a lot of lessons since then.

abacomike

Mr_Shiftright said:

I saw snow once in a National Geographic magazine at the dentist's office.

The last time I saw and/or stepped in snow was in 1996 in Lake Arrowhead which is about 6000 feet above and just to the north of San Bernardino California.  Funny thing is that I don't miss it at all.

jayrider

Mr_Shiftright said:

I saw snow once in a National Geographic magazine at the dentist's office.

WISENHEIMER !

explorerx4

One of my kids sent a family email that since it's November, it's just about Christmas. I replied that I had seen my first Christmas themed commercial and it was for Mercedes Benz. I followed it up by writing that I wasn't asking for one for Christmas. My wife followed it up by writing all she wants for Christmas is an MKC!

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

One of my kids sent a family email that since it's November, it's just about Christmas. I replied that I had seen my first Christmas themed commercial and it was for Mercedes Benz. I followed it up by writing that I wasn't asking for one for Christmas. My wife followed it up by writing all she wants for Christmas is an MKC!

We were at the Boca Town Center Mall this morning and I could not believe the total turn-around from yesterday.

Christmas music was being piped in

Santa Claus was seeing kids already in his North Pole setting

The Christmas Train Ride was operating with kids already in the train cars waving at us as we walked by

Holly and Wreaths were already hung above stores

It just doesn't seem Christmassy on November 3rd with 7-8 weeks remaining before we celebrate the holidays.  Thanksgiving is still 3 weeks away.  I really think this is way too early to have Christmas in our daily lives.  Christmas time just doesn't seem the same when the season starts so early.

driver100

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Mike said "A dachshund would love you even more now that you drive the epitome of German Luxury!"

I'm not going to trade Gigi in for a dacshund to match a German car. She is probably French, so I have limited choices...I am not going to buy a Peugot (like Columbo) or a Citroen.

Oldfarmer said "Dang! That dog is actually smiling!"

Gigi is a pretty happy go lucky dog. Of course, if you just lied around all day you'd probably be smiling too.

venture said "Have a safe trip. Don't be fiddling with all the new gadgets. They're nuts out there."

That is something you really have to watch. I was driving and trying to set the time to DST. Glad I am still around. I guess I am a little obssessive/compulsive about the switch over - I like to do it the day before while I am thinking about it......my wife wants me to do it Sunday morning....guess that's compulsive too - in a different way.

ab348 said "Forgive my ignorance, but I am surprised you can take pets across the border. I always thought they had a quarantine period. Learned something new."

We get all her medical stuff done before we go, but, the only one they seem to care about is a rabis shot. Gigi sleeps on the backseat for the whole trip, so the the customs guys have never asked to see her papers...they don't know she is there. We fly back at Christmas time for 2 weeks and she can stay in her case under the seat in the cabin with us. Gigi can bark but she only barks about once a year when I chase her.

imid said "It doesn't look like Gigi takes up much room. The extra room in back may go to waste?"

Most years, the car gets pretty loaded up, even the back seat. This year shouldn't have as much....we really have a full set of everything in Florida. Just transfer a few things but we do need to take some stuff in the back....water, snacks, boots.......

michaell said "Gigi might be small, but, like a toddler, there is lots of other stuff - toys, treats, food, water, blankets, etc. - that are necessary.
And, she might ride on the passenger's lap up front.

Normally, we don't use a seatbelt for Gigi, but for this long trip we do use it. It goes around her body and clips onto the seatbelt. We don't want her hitting the windshield at 70 mph. We do have to take her food, a blanket, treats, dog dishes etc...the back can get pretty filled up. The first few years I was glad we got the 535 instead of a 335....we used every inch of extra space.

robr2 said "I think all that is needed is proof of a rabies vaccine and a license.
driver - I hope your dog rides in a crate in the back seat. That little "barking cat" would become quite the projectile in case of an accident.

You are correct, all she needs is a rabbis shot...though she has all papers for a full physical which is done a few days before we leave. Pups can't be taken across the border because they don't have their shots yet. Gigi sleeps on a blanket and has a case for flying (has to be under certain dimensions) but not a crate. She isn't left alone too much...Bichons love being with people and they aren't happy if left alone for too long. She does have a seatbelt though.

imid said "Don't they have harnesses to secure the dog to the seat belts in case of an accident? She needs to be protected, pretty little thing that she is.

Most people assume she is a puppy but Gigi is 10 1/2 years old. We definitely use a seatbelt on the Florida trip. Every year we hear on the news about little dogs getting eaten by alligators in Florida. Gigi is always kept on a leash outdoors here and in Florida.

The only time my dogs ride in the car is when we go to the vet .. they are all Dachshunds. None of them like the car that much and want to be in my lap while I'm driving. Since it's only a few miles (and they're sort of small) I can manage it.
Have a safe trip!
I assume you use the bridge when crossing over from Canada to the US in Windsor / Detroit.

Michael, how many dachshunds do you have? What is a group of Dachshunds called...it should be a gaggle of Dachshunds? You could put seatbelts on them.

Gigi was whining and standing on her back legs for a food she could smell that was on the counter. She isn't big on vegetables or fruit so I couldn't figure it out. Then I tried giving her some brocholi...she really liked it. It's like a special treat for her.

Yes, we cross at Windsor, the Ambassador Bridge, and get on I-75 almost immediately. then go right through to about St Petes on I-75 all the way.

A slightly shorter route and it would knock off about 1 1/2 hours is to cross at Buffalo, go South through Pittsburg, Roanoke, Winston Salem, Charlotte, Savannah, Jacksonville and cross to I-75 around Ocala. It would take more navigating and more chance of snow in the mountains.

Guess we'll stick to I-75....lots of stops and motels.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

One thing I should add, is Gigi loves to be in Florida. Her feet don't get wet and cold.

I want to remind the snowbirds to watch for state patrol on I75 north of Dayton.
71. I'd watch for them from north of Lima to Troy.

Thinking it over, there's been several accidents in the Vandalia area, so I'd watch all the way into Dayton. But Dayton should be smoother than the last time you went through.

I will definitely be on guard. Tennessee seems to have the most state patrol cars. I have seen them parked sideways in the centre median about every 1/4 mile apart for 20 miles. There is a place on I-75 where the speed limit goes from 70 down to 50 suddenly, and the road goes from 3 lanes to about 6....so 50 seems very slow. The police are lined up and each one has a customer....about 10 of them in a row. I was behind someone and sandwiched so I was forced to go slow....which ended up being a good thing for me.

I got my speeding ticket in Tennessee 3 years ago. That taught me it just isn't worth it to speed. For the time you lose it just isn't worth the strain of trying to outsmart the police. It is so nice to see one go by, or to pass a radar gun, and to know you are driving within the speed limit.

I remember Dayton well and all the crazy lane changes. It will be nice to have that fixed up.

driver100

abacomike said:

.

The he forecast is for sunny skies with highs in the high 70's to low 80's and lows in the mid to upper 60's for the rest of the week.  This is the time of year when we turn off our A/C's and open up our windows and patio doors to the great outdoors.

Ah, it's so great to be alive and living in Florida this time of year!

Sounds good. Did you see pictures of Maine on the weekend. One foot of snow! We haven't had any actual snow yet, but, it will be here one day. Florida is sounding real good about now.
Hi 70s and low 80s sounds perfect to me.

oldfarmer50

So what's this story about Hynduai and Kia getting fined $100 million because they lied about emissions and gas milage? Seem on at least one vehicle the stated highway milage was 6mpg higher than what drivers actually got.

explorerx4

Speaking of OSP, one time on the way to Oxford, they has a relay set up. Several cars in each direction. Sit in the median, pull a southbound car over, drive down to the next crossover and get in line to pull over a northbound vehicle. Repeat over and over.