Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

ab348

News story up here today about lawsuits against Ford for the Focus and Fiesta "Powershift" transmissions:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ford-transmission-fiesta-focus-class-action-lawsuit-1.4243571

graphicguy

ab348 said:

News story up here today about lawsuits against Ford for the Focus and Fiesta "Powershift" transmissions:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ford-transmission-fiesta-focus-class-action-lawsuit-1.4243571

When my son had his Fiesta (which he traded for the current GTI), he had all sorts of problems with that "dual clutch" automatic transmission. He took it into the dealer many, many times which in turn was greeted with "works as designed". I drove it several times and it was bad.....very bad. It would lurch, hesitate to find a gear (not jus the right gear, but ANY GEAR), it would clunk, it would feel like gear teeth were missing. It was just awful.

I offered to help him with a lemon law case (seeing as I had some experience). But, he just wanted to be rid of it.

Now, even though he's had the GTI nearly two years, he's getting offers from lawyers to join in a class action.

C'est la vie!

roadburner

qbrozen said:

driver100 said:

Picture of a Fox Body convertible.

Good answer....I learned something.
How much do you want for your Little Fox Mustang? (kinda joking but what is a ballpark number those would be worth)
I like that model...especially as a convertible.

You wouldn't like it if you drove it. Nothing good about those cars, IMHO. At least not in stock form.

In 1992 I drove a 1991 LX 5.0 automatic convertible; it was a slug.

fintail

This morning on some odd 90s or similar Sirius channel, they played "2 Legit 2 Quit", which suits a car like that.

Those will always be associated with a classic TV show for me:

nyccarguy said:

I know I've told you this before, but this was THE car I wanted when I was in High School (I wanted a White '92 GT or LX 5.0 Fastback with those wheels)  Yours looks great!

nyccarguy

@fintail

Peg (reading a "quiz" from Cosmopolitan):  "Al.  Would you, A rather spend a romantic evening with your wife? Or..."

Al:  "B"

graphicguy

@oldfarmer50....was clicking around car sites this weekend and ran across this.....

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCdEczn3MVkx_4PnMZ10MVFA

Thought of you. I think I wasted an hour looking at all the hoopties.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

carnaught said:

abacomike said:

carnaught said:

Mike, sounds like you made a good call on not having Plan A go into effect. You may need more than just transportation to and from the outpatient surgery facility, as they will ask you who is staying with you those first several hours following your procedure. Often times they either will not release you or will postpone the procedure if their pre-op questioning of you reveals no one will be supervising you. Facilities simply do not want to be liable for anything that could happen immediately after a patient is released, such as a fall.

That's why we decided to have the procedure at the hospital rather than an outpatient surgical center.  I'll get someone to pick me up there - maybe one of the guys I walk with every morning at the mall.

Mike, you still need your plan choregraphed out prior to your procedure. What I said as applied to any outpatient facility applies equally to any hospital. Plans for discharge can't be vague but must be very specific.

Sounds like I need to develop a "real" plan for the surgery date.  I'll talk with one of the guys I walk with to see if they can pick me up and drive me both ways.

Thanks carnaught and FF.  Good advice.

I'd almost be willing to come down there for the opportunity to drive you home in your 7 series.


"Come on down!"

abacomike

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

carnaught said:

abacomike said:

carnaught said:

Mike, sounds like you made a good call on not having Plan A go into effect. You may need more than just transportation to and from the outpatient surgery facility, as they will ask you who is staying with you those first several hours following your procedure. Often times they either will not release you or will postpone the procedure if their pre-op questioning of you reveals no one will be supervising you. Facilities simply do not want to be liable for anything that could happen immediately after a patient is released, such as a fall.

That's why we decided to have the procedure at the hospital rather than an outpatient surgical center.  I'll get someone to pick me up there - maybe one of the guys I walk with every morning at the mall.

Mike, you still need your plan choregraphed out prior to your procedure. What I said as applied to any outpatient facility applies equally to any hospital. Plans for discharge can't be vague but must be very specific.

Sounds like I need to develop a "real" plan for the surgery date.  I'll talk with one of the guys I walk with to see if they can pick me up and drive me both ways.

Thanks carnaught and FF.  Good advice

.

Mike, if the walking group doesn't work get one of those senior services, they have lots in Florida, where they take you for groceries and things. They can drive and also stay with you for a few hours. Seniors for Seniors is one, but there are some that specialize in helping with day to day things.

Thanks for the "heads up" driver. I saw a couple of my friends at the mall this morning and one of them was more than willing to pick me up in the early AM and pick me back up when I am discharged. So I think I have it covered. I am second on the surgical list that morning, so I would assume they would want me at the hospital around 6:00 or 6:30 AM, maybe even sooner. I am guessing that they will discharge me 3 or 4 hours after the surgical procedure since the incision is going to be 5-6 inches in length. I meet with my doctor on Wednesday morning and I will request that I have a "dressing" nurse come to see me once each day to change dressings.

suydam

A social worker at the hospital should be able to help you make arrangements.

bwia

Gadgets and Apps. Here is a link to some 34 gadgets and Apps to keep your car up to date with the latest tech. https://www.pcmag.com/article/347026/39-ways-to-soup-up-your-current-car-with-tech

I especially like the FRiEQ Car Air Freshener and Ionic Air Purifier

Enjoy.

abacomike

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

Picture of a Fox Body convertible.

Good answer....I learned something.
How much do you want for your Little Fox Mustang? (kinda joking but what is a ballpark number those would be worth)
I like that model...especially as a convertible.

I had a 1989 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 liter hatchback with 3 pedals. Fast car, but not as stable as the newer, more refined Mustangs. It was too powerful an engine for the small body and wheelbase. Boy, that car would really move. But the most powerful car I've ever owned was a 1967 Corvette 427 cu in fastback coupe with the Muncie stick and spring loaded clutch in racing blue with red line tires and 435 horsepower. No air conditioning. Boy, you could get whiplash in that thing if you popped the clutch at a traffic light and let her roar.

abacomike

Just picked up my new eye glasses this morning. When I put them on, I felt like I was "reborn" or something because I could actually see for the first time in months. Right after my surgery last September, I noticed I was having more trouble seeing road signs - and it was getting worse and worse. That's why I decided to have another eye check up to see if I needed new glasses or if it was just caused by all the medications I take. Well, it was not due to the medications - it was due to getting "OLD"!

driver100

qbrozen said:

driver100 said:

Picture of a Fox Body convertible.

Good answer....I learned something.
How much do you want for your Little Fox Mustang? (kinda joking but what is a ballpark number those would be worth)
I like that model...especially as a convertible.

You wouldn't like it if you drove it. Nothing good about those cars, IMHO. At least not in stock form.

I test drove an 84 Mustang at the time and I was underwhelmed.....sluggish and not very solid feeling - not much feel of the road. I ended up with an 84 Camaro.....a few steps up from the Mustang, but still had a lot lacking.

oldfarmer50

Took the Mustang into the dealer this morning and the body shop confirmed it was Aluminium corrosion. The guy said occasionally the fold over seams on the hoods would get contaminated with iron dust during painting prep and the galvanic interaction causes the paint to bubble. He got the authorization from Ford to do a proper prep and repaint under warranty.

I've read TSB 16-0028 and it's quite an involved process that requires sand blasting, sealing and painting. I take it in next week. He said it isn't a common problem but happens from time to time.

In researching the issue I've seen complaints from other manufacturers who use Aluminium hoods including MB so I guess painting this metal can be tough.

https://www.f150forum.com/attachments/f118/418162d1456767151-2015-16-ford-f-150-tsb-recall-listing-tsb16-0028.pdf

graphicguy

driver100 said:

1956 Imperials were a bit odd....seemed they forgot to build in tailights....and added them on at the last minute.


By 1959 the Imperial looked much better;


By 1962 the Imperial went weird again, it looks like they forgot the rear lights again, and they added on the front lights at the last minute;

Driver....thanks for the pics.

I don't remember my Father having any of those.

I remember one like this....

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1966/chrysler/imperial/100822117


And one like this.....


https://myclassicgarage.com/marketplace/cars/all/Chrysler-Imperial/203924

ab348

driver100 said:

1956 Imperials were a bit odd....seemed they forgot to build in tailights....and added them on at the last minute.

(pictures snipped)

By 1962 the Imperial went weird again, it looks like they forgot the rear lights again, and they added on the front lights at the last minute;

Those used to be called "microphone taillights" for obvious reasons.

Some people also called them "sparrow strainers".

ab348

Some explosive news out of Florida:

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/florida/suv-carrying-grill-blows-up-when-woman-lights-cigarette/464130900

I didn't smell any propane, but do smell a possible lawsuit...

andres3

ab348 said:

Some explosive news out of Florida:

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/florida/suv-carrying-grill-blows-up-when-woman-lights-cigarette/464130900

I didn't smell any propane, but do smell a possible lawsuit...

Seems like a painful way to get out of a Kia lease!

thebean

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

1956 Imperials were a bit odd....seemed they forgot to build in tailights....and added them on at the last minute.


By 1959 the Imperial looked much better;


By 1962 the Imperial went weird again, it looks like they forgot the rear lights again, and they added on the front lights at the last minute;

Driver....thanks for the pics.

I don't remember my Father having any of those.

I remember one like this....

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1966/chrysler/imperial/100822117


And one like this.....


https://myclassicgarage.com/marketplace/cars/all/Chrysler-Imperial/203924

GG, I like both of those. The '66 was the Mr Drysdale model. Was the '69 a unibody car (anyone know)? I don't remember when they went to that from body on frame. Lots of iron in those two.

thebean

andres3 said:

ab348 said:

Some explosive news out of Florida:

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/florida/suv-carrying-grill-blows-up-when-woman-lights-cigarette/464130900

I didn't smell any propane, but do smell a possible lawsuit...

Seems like a painful way to get out of a Kia lease!

Only lawsuit should be against the blockhead that lit up a heater with the grill turned on in the back.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Some explosive news out of Florida:

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/florida/suv-carrying-grill-blows-up-when-woman-lights-cigarette/464130900

I didn't smell any propane, but do smell a possible lawsuit...

You mean they couldn't smell the propane? When they use to fill the propane tanks for my greenhouses that stuff would stink to heaven.

If a 20 pounder that usually comes on a grill could do that much damage I hate to think what carnage my 1000 GALLON tanks would do.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

If a 20 pounder that usually comes on a grill could do that much damage I hate to think what carnage my 1000 GALLON tanks would do.

Aim them towards North Korea and watch.

ab348

Just picked up the mail and there was an envelope from OnStar. Inside was a form letter congratulating me on upgrading the hardware in my ATS - the current one, not the phantom one I allegedly purchased. It also says this entitles me to 5 free years of their Basic Plan.

Only trouble is, the hardware upgrade was done at least a year ago, and I still get billed every month by OnStar.

How bizarre, how bizarre.

dino001

I'm a terrible salesman. I was not prepared for this one. First prospect (out-of-state) wanted $1000 off, serious offer as asking was $17.5k. Second prospect (in-state) bid at $17k, indicating he might go up to asking, but no more. I shook virtual hands at $300 off (which I proposed), but the first bidder is now countering at full asking. I'm still going with the "local" guy, because I shook hands. $17.2k, pending financials and final inspection. This was much faster than I ever thought...

stickguy

You shook hands, and not enough $ involved to become a welsher. Plus in state should be easier if can come in person. Good job.

Oh, don't worry about me. I don't think I would have gone that high on it!

thebean

stickguy said:

You shook hands, and not enough $ involved to become a welsher. Plus in state should be easier if can come in person. Good job.

Oh, don't worry about me. I don't think I would have gone that high on it!

This. Your word is worth a lot more than the $300 difference. Congrats on the quick sale. Must have been a real creampuff.

suydam

Well done. Quick and easy.

andres3

dino001 said:

I'm a terrible salesman. I was not prepared for this one. First prospect (out-of-state) wanted $1000 off, serious offer as asking was $17.5k. Second prospect (in-state) bid at $17k, indicating he might go up to asking, but no more. I shook virtual hands at $300 off (which I proposed), but the first bidder is now countering at full asking. I'm still going with the "local" guy, because I shook hands. $17.2k, pending financials and final inspection. This was much faster than I ever thought...

That means you priced it "right" and fairly. I'm of the opinion if you do some due diligence with advertising and getting the word out there, a car should sell in under 7 days when priced correctly. If it didn't sell in 7 days it means you priced it too high probably.

graphicguy

thebean said:

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

1956 Imperials were a bit odd....seemed they forgot to build in tailights....and added them on at the last minute.


By 1959 the Imperial looked much better;


By 1962 the Imperial went weird again, it looks like they forgot the rear lights again, and they added on the front lights at the last minute;

Driver....thanks for the pics.

I don't remember my Father having any of those.

I remember one like this....

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1966/chrysler/imperial/100822117


And one like this.....


https://myclassicgarage.com/marketplace/cars/all/Chrysler-Imperial/203924

GG, I like both of those. The '66 was the Mr Drysdale model. Was the '69 a unibody car (anyone know)? I don't remember when they went to that from body on frame. Lots of iron in those two.

@thebean...I don't really know if those were body on frame or unibody. I do remember sitting in the back seat with my two sisters in both those cars and I had to reach quite a ways to pretend like I was going to pull their hair (just pretended, which I still got into a lot of trouble for).

I remember a lot of bright work....especially in the earlier one. Could have been because I was a tyke, but whenever my Father opened up those gargantuan hoods, the motor looked massive.

I do remember the A/C on the first one hanging down under the dash and I was even in the front seat, my knees froze.

driver100

dino001 said:

I'm a terrible salesman. I was not prepared for this one. First prospect (out-of-state) wanted $1000 off, serious offer as asking was $17.5k. Second prospect (in-state) bid at $17k, indicating he might go up to asking, but no more. I shook virtual hands at $300 off (which I proposed), but the first bidder is now countering at full asking. I'm still going with the "local" guy, because I shook hands. $17.2k, pending financials and final inspection. This was much faster than I ever thought...

Excellent! Everyone came out a winner and it is nice you made good on a handshake. I really think, if someone is really truly serious that should put down a downpayment....but, nice people are honest.

breld

@dino001 -

Well done. I'm the same way - if I accept an offer, I'm not going back on it.

Congrats!

oldfarmer50

dino001 said:

I'm a terrible salesman. I was not prepared for this one. First prospect (out-of-state) wanted $1000 off, serious offer as asking was $17.5k. Second prospect (in-state) bid at $17k, indicating he might go up to asking, but no more. I shook virtual hands at $300 off (which I proposed), but the first bidder is now countering at full asking. I'm still going with the "local" guy, because I shook hands. $17.2k, pending financials and final inspection. This was much faster than I ever thought...

When I bought my son's Sable I was quick and got it for under asking. The next day another caller told the seller he would have offered more. I don't know if the old lady was trying to game me but I told her cash beats promises any day. She shook her head yes and we finished the deal.

If you had reneged on your handshake and the OOS buyer turned out to be a flake then you'd have no money and a POed guy who offered near asking.

You made the right choice and kept your integrity.

ab348

thebean said:

GG, I like both of those. The '66 was the Mr Drysdale model. Was the '69 a unibody car (anyone know)? I don't remember when they went to that from body on frame. Lots of iron in those two.

Imperials were body on frame until the 1967 model, which went unibody. That '69 was the Fuselage bodied-model, which Brock Yates of Car & Driver memorably described as "somehow, it smells like a Plymouth".

My favorite Imperial was always the '67 model for some reason.

explorerx4

Survey says: Not too many Fox Body Mustang fans here.
That's ok, it works for us and that's what counts.

bwia

My daughter was just involved in a fender bender; she was hit from behind. No injuries to her or the offending party. As we all know, the driver that rear ends you is at fault (@driver comes to mind). The negligent driver understands that, but he is panicking knowing the consequences.

Well, he has reason to be scared. He does not want my daughter to file an insurance claim, promising to pay her out of his pocket for the cost of the damages. He said he was in accident last year and changed his insurance provider as a consequence. And now, if this accident is disclosed to his insurance company his policy will be canceled. The poor guy has two jobs and cannot afford to be without a vehicle.

My daughter wants to know what should she do. I told her to give the guy a break and settle the claim privately. Was this good fatherly advice or am I contributing to the delinquency of a habitual law-breaker?

Michaell

bwia said:

My daughter was just involved in a fender bender; she was hit from behind. No injuries to her or the offending party. As we all know, the driver that rear ends you is at fault (@driver comes to mind). The negligent driver understands that, but he is panicking knowing the consequences.

Well, he has reason to be scared. He does not want my daughter to file an insurance claim, promising to pay her out of his pocket for the cost of the damages. He said he was in accident last year and changed his insurance provider as a consequence. And now, if this accident is disclosed to his insurance company his policy will be canceled. The poor guy has two jobs and cannot afford to be without a vehicle.

My daughter wants to know what should she do. I told her to give the guy a break and settle the claim privately. Was this good fatherly advice or am I contributing to the delinquency of a habitual law-breaker?

Is there a police report or some other form of official documentation?

I think a lot of this depends on how much it will cost to repair your daughters car - if it's a grand or two, the other party might have the money to pay it all out of pocket. If it's more, I'd be concerned. If he's already working two jobs just to get by, I'm not confident in his ability to come up with $2-3-4K (or more) to make this whole.

And, what will your daughter drive while her car is in the shop? If she isn't filing a claim, there won't be a rental, unless she pays for that out of pocket (and can get reimbursed).

I get the desire to cut the guy a break, but I'm a bit worried that it will play out as he describes.

explorerx4

@bwia,
Does this person actually have insurance?
Police report?
Have your daughter get medically checked out.
It doesn't sound like a parking lot tap in the bumper.

stickguy

probably need to file to cover herself, and let him deal with the consequences. And maybe learn to drive better.

tjc78

explorerx4 said:

Survey says: Not too many Fox Body Mustang fans here. That's ok, it works for us and that's what counts.

I'd happily take your car.  Right colors, appears fully stock and plus I just like them 

tjc78

@bwia

I almost got burned trying to be a nice guy at an accident.  No more, no matter how minor I get a report and go through insurance. 

dino001

Three more people inquiring just this afternoon. Wow. There are more weird people (like me) around than I thought...

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cI8I21e-l6g

stickguy

was quite upset with the princess today. She leaves to head back south to school Thursday, so this weekend I washed the Jetta all up nice to get it ready. Well, today she comes home, and mentions some sap on the car, so I take a look. Turns out she parked at her friends house under some trees. Which must have been molting, because the car was plastered with crap. Sap blobs, and tons of little black dogs. Was so rough, it looked like it had the mumps. Was afraid the finish might be marred.

so, rubbed it down with the bug and tar (and sap) remover, gave it a good wash, and was pleasantly surprised that it all came off. Maybe luck, likely because was not on their long enough to really set-up, and I just did a wax job about a month ago so I had a layer of protection on it. So IMO dodged a bullet.

28firefighter

bwia said:

My daughter was just involved in a fender bender; she was hit from behind. No injuries to her or the offending party. As we all know, the driver that rear ends you is at fault (@driver comes to mind). The negligent driver understands that, but he is panicking knowing the consequences. Well, he has reason to be scared. He does not want my daughter to file an insurance claim, promising to pay her out of his pocket for the cost of the damages. He said he was in accident last year and changed his insurance provider as a consequence. And now, if this accident is disclosed to his insurance company his policy will be canceled. The poor guy has two jobs and cannot afford to be without a vehicle. My daughter wants to know what should she do. I told her to give the guy a break and settle the claim privately. Was this good fatherly advice or am I contributing to the delinquency of a habitual law-breaker?

I would say if she has a police report and his insurance information as a safety net, then she can give him an opportunity to make it right. 

Get an estimate to get it fixed right and send it to him. Give him until the end of the week to cut a check and if he doesn't pay up, then start the claims process. Make it clear you want to help but need to cover yourself. 

fintail

Endless one liners from that show, most of which probably wouldn't fly here

nyccarguy said:

@fintail

Peg (reading a "quiz" from Cosmopolitan):  "Al.  Would you, A rather spend a romantic evening with your wife? Or..."

Al:  "B"

fordfool

ab348 said:

News story up here today about lawsuits
against Ford for the Focus and Fiesta "Powershift" transmissions:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ford-transmission-fiesta-focus-class-action-lawsuit-1.4243571

Has Ford changed the dual-clutch transmission for the 2017 model year
or is it still the same troublesome model?

And what about the reliability of super-charged or turbo-charged engines?
Do they hold up?

I'm in the market for a compact sized car and reliability is a big factor because
I'd like to get 150,000 miles out of it. Any advice is appreciated.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Survey says: Not too many Fox Body Mustang fans here.
That's ok, it works for us and that's what counts.

Oh, I wouldn't turn it down....if you are offering......

driver100

bwia said:

My daughter was just involved in a fender bender; she was hit from behind. No injuries to her or the offending party. As we all know, the driver that rear ends you is at fault (@driver comes to mind). The negligent driver understands that, but he is panicking knowing the consequences.

Well, he has reason to be scared. He does not want my daughter to file an insurance claim, promising to pay her out of his pocket for the cost of the damages. He said he was in accident last year and changed his insurance provider as a consequence. And now, if this accident is disclosed to his insurance company his policy will be canceled. The poor guy has two jobs and cannot afford to be without a vehicle.

My daughter wants to know what should she do. I told her to give the guy a break and settle the claim privately. Was this good fatherly advice or am I contributing to the delinquency of a habitual law-breaker?

Bwia, I have seen this end so badly on Judge Judy all the time. Usually the real reason they give this excuse is because they don't have insurance. Often they leave promising to pay then have second thoughts. I am too soft hearted, I would want to believe I could trust the guy, but if he is the 1 in 10 who has no conscience you will have a hard time proving your case unless you pursue it now. Maybe he should learn to be more responsible, and maybe bad drivers should not be encouraged.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@bwia,
Does this person actually have insurance?
Police report?
Have your daughter get medically checked out.
It doesn't sound like a parking lot tap in the bumper.

Bwia, explorer makes a very good point. As you mentioned we had our rear ender exactly 1 year and 2 days ago. We were at our lawyers today to make new wills. I mentioned we both could have died 1 year ago. He said go to an accident lawyer...Diamond and Diamond, 1-800-Gary, a big firm that specializes, and file....you have to do it within 2 years in our province. He said problems can take 18 months or even years to show up.

My concern would be, your daughter settles for cash, a problem happens to appear years down the road, and she has no recourse.

btw....I have a bit of a sore neck which may get better or worse, my wife doesn't have her full balance all the time. We will definitely be talking to an accident lawyer.

driver100

fordfool said:

ab348 said:

News story up here today about lawsuits
against Ford for the Focus and Fiesta "Powershift" transmissions:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ford-transmission-fiesta-focus-class-action-lawsuit-1.4243571

Has Ford changed the dual-clutch transmission for the 2017 model year
or is it still the same troublesome model?

And what about the reliability of super-charged or turbo-charged engines?
Do they hold up?

I'm in the market for a compact sized car and reliability is a big factor because
I'd like to get 150,000 miles out of it. Any advice is appreciated.

Any Toyota product, next Hyundai or Honda, or Buick.