Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fordfool

oldfarmer50 said:

They charged that truck driver in NY with manslaughter.

Yes, I saw that on the news last night. Because of the egregiousness of online shopping while driving,
the charge was upgraded from vehicular manslaughter to manslaughter 2 (up to 15 years).
http://www.wgrz.com/news/crime/trucker-accused-of-shopping-online-before-fatal-accident/465124736

nyccarguy

Fantastic job @dino001.  It's always nice to hear a happy ending!  How's the GC so far?  

dino001

nyccarguy said:

Fantastic job @dino001.  It's always nice to hear a happy ending!  How's the GC so far?  

Waiting for me in Spartanburg. Still two weeks to go, now I'm driving a lovely rental Kia Forte.

dino001

The whole experience also tells me it's worth the effort, order, pay and wait for whatever you really want rather than accepting a "deal" from a lot. If you care, of course. There are many more people out there who would buy what I bouught, but dealers are unwilling to take the chance. Huge inventory and selection becomes all silver and white with beige interior and generic options. I don't blame them, it's just a fact of life. "They don't sell" becomes "can't find them". At least most BMW dealer are willing to take an order, unlike many others, when you get that blank stare after mentioning something that they don't have on the lot and willing to order.

thebean

oldfarmer50 said:

thebean said:

thebean said:

Mike, good luck on your procedure. Sending good thoughts your way.

I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most. I'll start. A few years ago, I had an endorectal coil balloon MRI. The surgeon wanted a better look at my prostate before surgery. So, I had a coil mechanism in a balloon inserted you know where. They inflated the balloon and put me in the MRI machine. The real bad part (!!) was that they had to pull me out of the MRI to reposition the coil so things would show up better. Not just once - they had to pull me out SEVEN times and reposition it before they finally did the MRI. They said my surgeon was a real perfectionist. After it was all over, I told the technicians if they were pranking me and this showed up in YouTube, I would be back to pummel them. After that, everything was a breeze.

Oh no!! I jinxed myself. I just got a call from one of my doctor's offices and he wants me to do this STUPID invasive MRI again. NOOOO!! I'm considering telling him I won't do it, but that will mean a big argument with the wife. I wonder how much of this is real need for me versus needing to be sure they make their revenue goal this quarter. :@

What's involved in an invasive MRI? Curious because I just came back from an MRI on the wife because of a possible small stroke.

Boy getting old sucks. That's why I decided to get younger every day instead.

Must be working because my wife calls me childish all the time.

I described it a bit in my initial post. But, in a nutshell, in this case they put a coil thingie in a small balloon, insert it where the sun don't shine, inflate the balloon and do the MRI. Nice, huh? Apologies to those that read the initial post.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
People like their dignity, even if it isn't the easiest thing for you.

A retirement home isn't the preferred way to live. Now he lives on his own in an apartment, in a retirement home there are people who can help him if he gets sick or if he falls and can't reach a phone, it could be very serious - serious as in life or death if something happens. Not an easy decision, but we have spent hours checking places and going over the advantages and disadvantages...my head is spinning. It is 10:30 and I am usually asleep by now!

roadburner

driver100 said:

Why would you not want one of the greatest inventions of all time? Do you know little kids get run over every year....because you can't see directly behind you.

I hope you are joking- some "invention." Anyway, where I live there are no little kids. And my cars are all equipped with some difficult to use devices known as mirrors.

driver100

Dino....it is like in the book business. We sometimes bought remainder books (print overuns, returned to publisher, damaged books) and sometimes they were just odds and ends....sometimes great titles but sometimes something like "Polish Folk Dancing" (that is the real title). I thought who am I going to sell this book to...how will I find the exact right customer. A guy who bought books to sell on E Bay thought the book was just what he was looking for....that is the kind of book someone who really wants it will look for on the internet and they will pay more to have it. Sometimes the rare unique gem sells better than the most popular best seller that you can find anywhere.

I think your manual BMW estate wagon is like that....if someone wants it they really want it, and will pay a premium for it. Now, a brown Aztec, not so much

dino001

There are limits for rarity, for sure. Brown Aztek - perhaps Mr. White, aka Heisenberg.

thebean

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
People like their dignity, even if it isn't the easiest thing for you.

A retirement home isn't the preferred way to live. Now he lives on his own in an apartment, in a retirement home there are people who can help him if he gets sick or if he falls and can't reach a phone, it could be very serious - serious as in life or death if something happens. Not an easy decision, but we have spent hours checking places and going over the advantages and disadvantages...my head is spinning. It is 10:30 and I am usually asleep by now!

Driver, I wish you the best of luck with your older brother's situation. This is one of those times when it appears there is no good answer. You want what is best for him, even though he may not be able to see that. I feel for you. Family issues like this are really stress monsters.

sb55

oldfarmer50 said:

sb55 said:

My 535d needed service, so it went to the dealer. Our loaner is an X-1 with 370 miles on it. White with light beige interior (Oyster?) but at least it does have black carpet. I don't know what options it has, but it does not have nav.. I can't tell if the seats are leather or not, so maybe no premium package.
I only drove it home from the dealer (25 miles), but first impressions are that it's not for me. Rear visibility isn't very good through the odd shaped rear window, and no back up camera! It rides OK, but it is small and the short, flat seats didn't feel as nice as I would have hoped for in a BMW.
I think that my wife may return it (if my car is ready today) so I don't know if I'll get more seat time.

Gee, a free car and you aren't out flogging it, or at least enjoying it? I'm sure the lòt boy at the dealership is enjoying your 5.

I guess that I will get to flog this X-1. It turns out that the dealer needs to keep mine for a week since they found metal shavings in the fuel tank and it needs injectors! The car has 60K miles and runs great, but it threw a CEL. I didn't get to talk to the service manager for more info., but don't diesels have fuel filters? Seems odd,,,,,

oldfarmer50

How's this for a crime against nature?



To make it even better the seller says it needs fuel pump, cats and new tires which you can buy for $350 total.

I supose that anyone who would buy a Jag with a vinyl top would fall for that.

oldfarmer50

thebean said:

oldfarmer50 said:

thebean said:

thebean said:

Mike, good luck on your procedure. Sending good thoughts your way.

I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure they have had that they hated the most. I'll start. A few years ago, I had an endorectal coil balloon MRI. The surgeon wanted a better look at my prostate before surgery. So, I had a coil mechanism in a balloon inserted you know where. They inflated the balloon and put me in the MRI machine. The real bad part (!!) was that they had to pull me out of the MRI to reposition the coil so things would show up better. Not just once - they had to pull me out SEVEN times and reposition it before they finally did the MRI. They said my surgeon was a real perfectionist. After it was all over, I told the technicians if they were pranking me and this showed up in YouTube, I would be back to pummel them. After that, everything was a breeze.

Oh no!! I jinxed myself. I just got a call from one of my doctor's offices and he wants me to do this STUPID invasive MRI again. NOOOO!! I'm considering telling him I won't do it, but that will mean a big argument with the wife. I wonder how much of this is real need for me versus needing to be sure they make their revenue goal this quarter. :@

What's involved in an invasive MRI? Curious because I just came back from an MRI on the wife because of a possible small stroke.

Boy getting old sucks. That's why I decided to get younger every day instead.

Must be working because my wife calls me childish all the time.

I described it a bit in my initial post. But, in a nutshell, in this case they put a coil thingie in a small balloon, insert it where the sun don't shine, inflate the balloon and do the MRI. Nice, huh? Apologies to those that read the initial post.

Oh! Yeah, I'd call that invasive alright. Sorry I made you repeat the details. You have my deepest sympathy.

qbrozen

sb55 said:

My 535d needed service, so it went to the dealer. Our loaner is an X-1 with 370 miles on it. White with light beige interior (Oyster?) but at least it does have black carpet. I don't know what options it has, but it does not have nav.. I can't tell if the seats are leather or not, so maybe no premium package. I only drove it home from the dealer (25 miles), but first impressions are that it's not for me. Rear visibility isn't very good through the odd shaped rear window, and no back up camera! It rides OK, but it is small and the short, flat seats didn't feel as nice as I would have hoped for in a BMW. I think that my wife may return it (if my car is ready today) so I don't know if I'll get more seat time.

Gee, a free car and you aren't out flogging it, or at least enjoying it? I'm sure the lòt boy at the dealership is enjoying your 5.

I guess that I will get to flog this X-1. It turns out that the dealer needs to keep mine for a week since they found metal shavings in the fuel tank and it needs injectors! The car has 60K miles and runs great, but it threw a CEL. I didn't get to talk to the service manager for more info., but don't diesels have fuel filters? Seems odd,,,,,

In the fuel TANK? I have to wonder what directed them to look in the tank. And how shavings got in there. Yes, they have fuel filters but not for fuel going into the tank, just for what comes out of the tank.

driver100

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

Why would you not want one of the greatest inventions of all time? Do you know little kids get run over every year....because you can't see directly behind you.

I hope you are joking- some "invention." Anyway, where I live there are no little kids. And my cars are all equipped with some difficult to use devices known as mirrors.

Roadburner....I would say 99% of the people I talk to love having 1) a rear camera, and 2) blind spot warnings. They certainly can't hurt, and they may do some good. Don't know why you think it isn't necessary...is it the $100 the camera costs?

driver100

thebean said:

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
People like their dignity, even if it isn't the easiest thing for you.

A retirement home isn't the preferred way to live. Now he lives on his own in an apartment, in a retirement home there are people who can help him if he gets sick or if he falls and can't reach a phone, it could be very serious - serious as in life or death if something happens. Not an easy decision, but we have spent hours checking places and going over the advantages and disadvantages...my head is spinning. It is 10:30 and I am usually asleep by now!

Driver, I wish you the best of luck with your older brother's situation. This is one of those times when it appears there is no good answer. You want what is best for him, even though he may not be able to see that. I feel for you. Family issues like this are really stress monsters.

Thanks Mr Bean. Since there are rent controls he lives in a large nice 2 bedroom apartment, for $950 a month. A retirement home has many advantages....safety, meals, doctor on call, social life, etc., but it is hard for him to think of paying $3000 a month! We will do what we can, but, it is his decision. he has the money to go to the RH.....but, it is hard for him to justify the cost.

tjc78

driver100 said:

Why would you not want one of the greatest inventions of all time? Do you know little kids get run over every year....because you can't see directly behind you.

I hope you are joking- some "invention." Anyway, where I live there are no little kids. And my cars are all equipped with some difficult to use devices known as mirrors.

Roadburner....I would say 99% of the people I talk to love having 1) a rear camera, and 2) blind spot warnings. They certainly can't hurt, and they may do some good. Don't know why you think it isn't necessary...is it the $100 the camera costs?

Its certainly not necessary... just a nice safety feature to have especially with some of the poor visibility of today's cars.  

My 04 MGM was easier to back into a space or parallel park without sensors and cameras than the 2012 LaCrosse that had both.  

breld

@dino001 - congrats on getting the sale done on the wagon. All around the same year, we sold my wife's manual wagon, my manual sedan, and a manual E39. For all of them, just as you pointed out, there's a small population who appreciates those models, but I'd say you get very few tire kickers in that group - once you got a call, it's pretty much sold.

Given the relative "unicorn" nature of your wagon, was it a bit difficult to give it up? My wife still gets nostalgic a bit for hers.

Oh, and by the way, regarding your signature, once you get your new BMW, you'll see on the badge on the rear window, it's "Gran" as opposed to "Grand."

tjc78

Manuals are really hard to find, just not a huge market for them.   A few years back a friend from work was looking for a car and she only drives manuals.   She was driving a first gen WRX and wanted something more upscale in a manual of course.  

I did some searching and found a G35 manual with 10k miles for a screaming deal at a local dealer.  I told her to offer even less and they took it.  Car had to be sitting a while.  I can't remember the details but it was thousands less than a compatible auto. 

dino001

breld said:

@dino001 - congrats on getting the sale done on the wagon. All around the same year, we sold my wife's manual wagon, my manual sedan, and a manual E39. For all of them, just as you pointed out, there's a small population who appreciates those models, but I'd say you get very few tire kickers in that group - once you got a call, it's pretty much sold.

Given the relative "unicorn" nature of your wagon, was it a bit difficult to give it up? My wife still gets nostalgic a bit for hers.

Oh, and by the way, regarding your signature, once you get your new BMW, you'll see on the badge on the rear window, it's "Gran" as opposed to "Grand."

Oh, indeed. Will fix. I was a little torn between keeping it and getting new car, but I timed the switch before a cumulative maintenance items kicked in, like brakes, another set of tires, a small oil leak in the filter housing and whatever else can come. This would have been possibly a couple thousands to bring it to perfection, I decided that next owner will take it on and I enjoy a new one. This was also behind my pricing not being overly greedy. I disclosed all those needs and made it clear they were priced in.

driver100

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

Why would you not want one of the greatest inventions of all time? Do you know little kids get run over every year....because you can't see directly behind you.

I hope you are joking- some "invention." Anyway, where I live there are no little kids. And my cars are all equipped with some difficult to use devices known as mirrors.

Roadburner....I would say 99% of the people I talk to love having 1) a rear camera, and 2) blind spot warnings. They certainly can't hurt, and they may do some good. Don't know why you think it isn't necessary...is it the $100 the camera costs?

Its certainly not necessary... just a nice safety feature to have especially with some of the poor visibility of today's cars.  

My 04 MGM was easier to back into a space or parallel park without sensors and cameras than the 2012 LaCrosse that had both.  

I was walking in the parking lot at a large grocery store. A woman in an older Camry started to back up when I was directly behind her car. I pounded on the trunk and she hit the brake before running me over. If she had a camera that probably wouldn't have happened. I did think after, pounding on her trunk may have been the wrong thing to do...may have startled her and she could have put her foot on the gas!!!!!!

Often I park between two vans or SUVs and can't see the aisle in the parking lot very well. It is nice to have that wide angle lens at times......I don't rely on it totally but it sure helps.

Little sport cars are easier to see back. Kids get killed every year from people backing up. Or toys get run over. BTW....the warning sensors are nice to have too.....let you know how close you can get. Everything helps!

driver100

dino001 said:

breld said:

@dino001 - congrats on getting the sale done on the wagon. All around the same year, we sold my wife's manual wagon, my manual sedan, and a manual E39. For all of them, just as you pointed out, there's a small population who appreciates those models, but I'd say you get very few tire kickers in that group - once you got a call, it's pretty much sold.

Given the relative "unicorn" nature of your wagon, was it a bit difficult to give it up? My wife still gets nostalgic a bit for hers.

Oh, and by the way, regarding your signature, once you get your new BMW, you'll see on the badge on the rear window, it's "Gran" as opposed to "Grand."

Oh, indeed. Will fix. I was a little torn between keeping it and getting new car, but I timed the switch before a cumulative maintenance items kicked in, like brakes, another set of tires, a small oil leak in the filter housing and whatever else can come. This would have been possibly a couple thousands to bring it to perfection, I decided that next owner will take it on and I enjoy a new one. This was also behind my pricing not being overly greedy. I disclosed all those needs and made it clear they were priced in.

OK, so how is the new 2018 330i Gran Coupe?

ab348

driver100 said:

Thanks Mr Bean. Since there are rent controls he lives in a large nice 2 bedroom apartment, for $950 a month. A retirement home has many advantages....safety, meals, doctor on call, social life, etc., but it is hard for him to think of paying $3000 a month! We will do what we can, but, it is his decision. he has the money to go to the RH.....but, it is hard for him to justify the cost.

Well, I suppose for $25K a year he could hire someone to prepare his meals, do his cleaning, and be in the house for a few hours each day.

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

pensfan83 said:

Well so much for a weekend of car shopping. A few weeks ago my neighbor started a big project to regrade his yard and install a French drain around his house. His yard is absolutely a mess and apparently we are getting some strong storms (I'm in NC for work). My wife called me to tell me our patio was flooded out and has 2 inches of solid mud caked on it, mulch washed into the grass, mud in the flower beds, and the garden was partially wiped out. So instead of car shopping I'll be spending most of the day cleaning up a mess that quite frankly would have been entirely avoidable had he finished the project instead of left it half completed to work on another day :@

pensfan83 said:

Well so much for a weekend of car shopping. A few weeks ago my neighbor started a big project to regrade his yard and install a French drain around his house. His yard is absolutely a mess and apparently we are getting some strong storms (I'm in NC for work). My wife called me to tell me our patio was flooded out and has 2 inches of solid mud caked on it, mulch washed into the grass, mud in the flower beds, and the garden was partially wiped out. So instead of car shopping I'll be spending most of the day cleaning up a mess that quite frankly would have been entirely avoidable had he finished the project instead of left it half completed to work on another day :@

Depending on how good a neighbor he is you should have the damage repaired professionally and then send him the bill. Has he offered to make you whole?

Your time is worth something.

Possible the neighbors homeowners policy might cover the damage.

suydam

You may not live where there are little kids but I presume you do, um, drive places. Where there may be kids. Every time I'm at the grocery store I'm so glad I have the rear camera. People stroll thru the parking lot assuming drivers are magically going to be aware of them, whether they are blocked by large trucks or not. Rear cameras really do save lives, which is why they will be on all new U.S. Vehicles by 2018.

oldfarmer50

sb55 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

sb55 said:

My 535d needed service, so it went to the dealer. Our loaner is an X-1 with 370 miles on it. White with light beige interior (Oyster?) but at least it does have black carpet. I don't know what options it has, but it does not have nav.. I can't tell if the seats are leather or not, so maybe no premium package.
I only drove it home from the dealer (25 miles), but first impressions are that it's not for me. Rear visibility isn't very good through the odd shaped rear window, and no back up camera! It rides OK, but it is small and the short, flat seats didn't feel as nice as I would have hoped for in a BMW.
I think that my wife may return it (if my car is ready today) so I don't know if I'll get more seat time.

Gee, a free car and you aren't out flogging it, or at least enjoying it? I'm sure the lòt boy at the dealership is enjoying your 5.

I guess that I will get to flog this X-1. It turns out that the dealer needs to keep mine for a week since they found metal shavings in the fuel tank and it needs injectors! The car has 60K miles and runs great, but it threw a CEL. I didn't get to talk to the service manager for more info., but don't diesels have fuel filters? Seems odd,,,,,

sb55 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

sb55 said:

My 535d needed service, so it went to the dealer. Our loaner is an X-1 with 370 miles on it. White with light beige interior (Oyster?) but at least it does have black carpet. I don't know what options it has, but it does not have nav.. I can't tell if the seats are leather or not, so maybe no premium package.
I only drove it home from the dealer (25 miles), but first impressions are that it's not for me. Rear visibility isn't very good through the odd shaped rear window, and no back up camera! It rides OK, but it is small and the short, flat seats didn't feel as nice as I would have hoped for in a BMW.
I think that my wife may return it (if my car is ready today) so I don't know if I'll get more seat time.

Gee, a free car and you aren't out flogging it, or at least enjoying it? I'm sure the lòt boy at the dealership is enjoying your 5.

I guess that I will get to flog this X-1. It turns out that the dealer needs to keep mine for a week since they found metal shavings in the fuel tank and it needs injectors! The car has 60K miles and runs great, but it threw a CEL. I didn't get to talk to the service manager for more info., but don't diesels have fuel filters? Seems odd,,,,,

Wow, that lot boy really went at it. :@ :@

roadburner

driver100 said:

Roadburner....I would say 99% of the people I talk to love having 1) a rear camera, and 2) blind spot warnings. They certainly can't hurt, and they may do some good. Don't know why you think it isn't necessary...is it the $100 the camera costs?

Says the guy who buys $4 HDMI cables...
Cost has nothing to do with it. I don't find either technology useful- despite what your friends think. In most cars blind spot monitoring is unnecessary- assuming you have enough sense to adjust your mirrors correctly- a huge assumption for most vehicle operators, I realize. The parking sensors are at least borderline helpful- and much more useful than a camera as they function at night- but still I consider them to be just another "feature" I'd rarely need.

dino001

driver100 said:

dino001 said:

breld said:

@dino001 - congrats on getting the sale done on the wagon. All around the same year, we sold my wife's manual wagon, my manual sedan, and a manual E39. For all of them, just as you pointed out, there's a small population who appreciates those models, but I'd say you get very few tire kickers in that group - once you got a call, it's pretty much sold.

Given the relative "unicorn" nature of your wagon, was it a bit difficult to give it up? My wife still gets nostalgic a bit for hers.

Oh, and by the way, regarding your signature, once you get your new BMW, you'll see on the badge on the rear window, it's "Gran" as opposed to "Grand."

Oh, indeed. Will fix. I was a little torn between keeping it and getting new car, but I timed the switch before a cumulative maintenance items kicked in, like brakes, another set of tires, a small oil leak in the filter housing and whatever else can come. This would have been possibly a couple thousands to bring it to perfection, I decided that next owner will take it on and I enjoy a new one. This was also behind my pricing not being overly greedy. I disclosed all those needs and made it clear they were priced in.

OK, so how is the new 2018 330i Gran Coupe?

Waiting in Spartanburg. Two weeks left. Now driving a lovely rental Kia Forte.

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

In another listing from a dealer that makes you go..."what are they thinking?"

A new 3 model year old Honda that will never sell at that price....

https://www.performancehondastore.com/new/Honda/2015-Honda-Accord-78c269450a0a00e05e818beaf0b3b039.htm

Am I missing something? A 4cly is a performance car? Does it have a turbo or something? They must be owned by my local Ford dealer.

Then again I've seen some crazy prices on used Hondas.

OF....Performance is the name of the dealership. They own the Toyota store next to the Honda store, and they own both local Lexus dealerships.

I've bought cars from these guys. I like working with them. I can't figure out how this albatross is still sitting on their lot. They aren't known as grinders and it's fairly easy to do a skinny deal with them. This car isn't a bad color. Accord coupes are relatively popular from what I hear. So, how does this one linger?

If it were me? I'd throw a $10K off MSRP sign on it and start there.

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

Thanks Mr Bean. Since there are rent controls he lives in a large nice 2 bedroom apartment, for $950 a month. A retirement home has many advantages....safety, meals, doctor on call, social life, etc., but it is hard for him to think of paying $3000 a month! We will do what we can, but, it is his decision. he has the money to go to the RH.....but, it is hard for him to justify the cost.

Well, I suppose for $25K a year he could hire someone to prepare his meals, do his cleaning, and be in the house for a few hours each day.

It hurts to spend $25000 more, to live in a much smaller place with a lot less privacy and independence. But, things can happen, he could fall down and not get to a phone and no one may know for weeks. There is a unit in the RH available now...they aren't available too often, and obviously not on a regular basis - just if someone dies or moves - and sometimes they aren't available when the day comes you need it.

If it were just a dollars and sense issue there is no doubt, $950 a month is better than $3000, but living a better, longer, happier life is worth something too.

driver100

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

dino001 said:

breld said:

@dino001 - congrats on getting the sale done on the wagon. All around the same year, we sold my wife's manual wagon, my manual sedan, and a manual E39. For all of them, just as you pointed out, there's a small population who appreciates those models, but I'd say you get very few tire kickers in that group - once you got a call, it's pretty much sold.

Given the relative "unicorn" nature of your wagon, was it a bit difficult to give it up? My wife still gets nostalgic a bit for hers.

Oh, and by the way, regarding your signature, once you get your new BMW, you'll see on the badge on the rear window, it's "Gran" as opposed to "Grand."

Oh, indeed. Will fix. I was a little torn between keeping it and getting new car, but I timed the switch before a cumulative maintenance items kicked in, like brakes, another set of tires, a small oil leak in the filter housing and whatever else can come. This would have been possibly a couple thousands to bring it to perfection, I decided that next owner will take it on and I enjoy a new one. This was also behind my pricing not being overly greedy. I disclosed all those needs and made it clear they were priced in.

OK, so how is the new 2018 330i Gran Coupe?

Waiting in Spartanburg. Two weeks left. Now driving a lovely rental Kia Forte.

You may get to like the Forte!

driver100

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

Roadburner....I would say 99% of the people I talk to love having 1) a rear camera, and 2) blind spot warnings. They certainly can't hurt, and they may do some good. Don't know why you think it isn't necessary...is it the $100 the camera costs?

Says the guy who buys $4 HDMI cables...
Cost has nothing to do with it. I don't find either technology useful- despite what your friends think. In most cars blind spot monitoring is unnecessary- assuming you have enough sense to adjust your mirrors correctly- a huge assumption for most vehicle operators, I realize. The parking sensors are at least borderline helpful- and much more useful than a camera as they function at night- but still I consider them to be just another "feature" I'd rarely need.

I gave you the link that said there is no difference between a $1000 HDMI cable and a $4 HDMI cable, they are basically the same unless you can hear like a bat, or want to believe what the guy with the $1000 cable tells you. You can believe your audiophile guy and I will believe what I read...it was well documented, the signal is the signal.

People who don't need or want safety devices usually don't know their own limitations. How can you know someone didn't leave something behind your car....or someone didn't pass out behind your car? Why would you object to something that has no disadvantages, but could do something beneficial....like save a life? As was pointed out....you don't always drive near your home.

Do you not wear seat belts, because you could never be in an accident?

dino001

driver100 said:

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

dino001 said:

breld said:

@dino001 - congrats on getting the sale done on the wagon. All around the same year, we sold my wife's manual wagon, my manual sedan, and a manual E39. For all of them, just as you pointed out, there's a small population who appreciates those models, but I'd say you get very few tire kickers in that group - once you got a call, it's pretty much sold.

Given the relative "unicorn" nature of your wagon, was it a bit difficult to give it up? My wife still gets nostalgic a bit for hers.

Oh, and by the way, regarding your signature, once you get your new BMW, you'll see on the badge on the rear window, it's "Gran" as opposed to "Grand."

Oh, indeed. Will fix. I was a little torn between keeping it and getting new car, but I timed the switch before a cumulative maintenance items kicked in, like brakes, another set of tires, a small oil leak in the filter housing and whatever else can come. This would have been possibly a couple thousands to bring it to perfection, I decided that next owner will take it on and I enjoy a new one. This was also behind my pricing not being overly greedy. I disclosed all those needs and made it clear they were priced in.

OK, so how is the new 2018 330i Gran Coupe?

Waiting in Spartanburg. Two weeks left. Now driving a lovely rental Kia Forte.

You may get to like the Forte!

At least it has free Apple Carplay. BMW wants $300 for it, which I said no way. I still can pony up the outrageous ripoff price for it at any time, if I find it appealing enough. BTW, I got a survey from Strategic Something about my new car. Fairly long, but not too long. In last question I let BMW know what I thought about the price. There is a chance if may go down. Car navigation updates were equally outrageously priced "back in a day", but now you can get codes and downloads for those older models at much more reasonable price (50 bucks or so). I learned it just recently.

roadburner

driver100 said:

I gave you the link that said there is no difference between a $1000 HDMI cable and a $4 HDMI cable, they are basically the same unless you can hear like a bat, or want to believe what the guy with the $1000 cable tells you. You can believe your audiophile guy and I will believe what I read...it was well documented, the signal is the signal.

Your memory fails you; I was comparing your Chinesium cable to a $15 cable with respect to build quality as well as being future-proof.

driver100 said:

People who don't need or want safety devices usually don't know their own limitations. How can you know someone didn't leave something behind your car....or someone didn't pass out behind your car? Why would you object to something that has no disadvantages, but could do something beneficial....like save a life? As was pointed out....you don't always drive near your home.

Do you not wear seat belts, because you could never be in an accident?

Why does it bother you so much that I don't want all of the Helen Keller Nanny Technology? If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

isellhondas

fordfool said:

thebean said:

I think it might be fun for all us old guys to list the procedure
they have had that they hated the most.

I've had my share, but nothing is worse than the preparation for a colonoscopy!
Not the colonoscopy itself (you are twilight sedated), but the preparation
is pure misery.

You think?

I didn't think it was THAT bad. The stuff I had to drink wasn't bad. Just a lot of rides on the Porcelain Pony!

dino001

roadburner said:

If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

You may not know it, but you just made a case for development autonomous vehicles and instating government ban on human operated vehicles as quickly as possible, i.e. those technologies prove to be one order of magnitude more reliable than human population. They don't need to be perfect - all they need is proof they'll reduce accident rate tenfold and there will be no human drivers allowed.

Moreover, autonomous driving will increase the traveling speed, as it is already possible to calculate speed of two objects approaching an intersection on a collision course and missing each other without needing to stop. Autonomous vehicles will be smart enough to calculate such speed and communicate to each other with protocols embedded to "decide" or prioritize who will speed up, who will slow down.

ab348

It is becoming increasingly hard to defend auto makers who demand hundreds or thousands of dollars for items that entry-level brands offer as standard equipment, be it Cadillac making a fold-down rear seat optional on the ATS or BMW asking big bucks for backup cameras and Carplay.

dino001

ab348 said:

It is becoming increasingly hard to defend auto makers who demand hundreds or thousands of dollars for items that entry-level brands offer as standard equipment, be it Cadillac making a fold-down rear seat optional on the ATS or BMW asking big bucks for backup cameras and Carplay.

BMW just relented on the cameras - they're standard from 2018, just one year ahead of the mandate. Yey, BMW. (this was sarcasm of course). My new GC had it as "zero dollar" Essentials Package with audible distance control (F&R). However, they don't have the screen guide rails, I see on all other new cars. Just plain camera view plus the audible signal and corresponding proximity icon changing color when you approach an obstacle (green-yellow-orange-red).

Fold-down seats was my other pet peeve. They are more expensive to make than standard sheetmetal bulkhead. But asking $500 is ridiculous when cheapest models on the market had it standard 10 years ago. BMW still wants that on 320i, don't even offer it as a part of say premium pack, it's a stand alone all others are standard even 2-series. No surprise dealers don't add them into the configs and I can only see dismay of the customers when they discover when their "entry premium" car has a solid bulkhead in the back.

fintail

I still have to sincerely doubt there will be an autonomous vehicle mandate in my lifetime, and that's if I live to be 100. So many legal hurdles, data security/privacy issues, and LEO-based issues, these won't vanish by waving a magic wand.

I also don't understand why someone wouldn't want a backup cam on a modern car. Via dumbo design and sometimes arbitrary-appearing safety regs, we have less visibility than ever. High beltlines, small windows, and thick pillars combine to make mobile isolation chambers. Combine that with distracted drivers, and it's a mess. I'm in my fintail today, and good heavens is it easy to park compared to the E-class.

roadburner

dino001 said:

roadburner said:

If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

You may not know it, but you just made a case for development autonomous vehicles and instating government ban on human operated vehicles as quickly as possible, i.e. those technologies prove to be one order of magnitude more reliable than human population. They don't need to be perfect - all they need is proof they'll reduce accident rate tenfold and there will be no human drivers allowed.

Moreover, autonomous driving will increase the traveling speed, as it is already possible to calculate speed of two objects approaching an intersection on a collision course and missing each other without needing to stop. Autonomous vehicles will be smart enough to calculate such speed and communicate to each other with protocols embedded to "decide" or prioritize who will speed up, who will slow down.

I just hope it happens long after I'm gone...

driver100

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

I gave you the link that said there is no difference between a $1000 HDMI cable and a $4 HDMI cable, they are basically the same unless you can hear like a bat, or want to believe what the guy with the $1000 cable tells you. You can believe your audiophile guy and I will believe what I read...it was well documented, the signal is the signal.

Your memory fails you; I was comparing your Chinesium cable to a $15 cable with respect to build quality as well as being future-proof.

driver100 said:

People who don't need or want safety devices usually don't know their own limitations. How can you know someone didn't leave something behind your car....or someone didn't pass out behind your car? Why would you object to something that has no disadvantages, but could do something beneficial....like save a life? As was pointed out....you don't always drive near your home.

Do you not wear seat belts, because you could never be in an accident?

Why does it bother you so much that I don't want all of the Helen Keller Nanny Technology? If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

Just to clarify:
Are expensive HDMI cables better?
OK, so not all HDMI cables are literally the same. Different manufacturing quality can have a slight affect on the ability to transmit the signal over long distances (50+ feet). ... No matter what, though, there is absolutely no picture or sound quality difference between a $3.50 cable and a $1,000 cable.

I think anything that adds to safety is good.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I see people who think they are the worlds greatest drivers, and they drive too fast for the conditions, and they are a worse danger than the more careful but less capable driver. They scare me more!

dino001

roadburner said:

dino001 said:

roadburner said:

If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

You may not know it, but you just made a case for development autonomous vehicles and instating government ban on human operated vehicles as quickly as possible, i.e. those technologies prove to be one order of magnitude more reliable than human population. They don't need to be perfect - all they need is proof they'll reduce accident rate tenfold and there will be no human drivers allowed.

Moreover, autonomous driving will increase the traveling speed, as it is already possible to calculate speed of two objects approaching an intersection on a collision course and missing each other without needing to stop. Autonomous vehicles will be smart enough to calculate such speed and communicate to each other with protocols embedded to "decide" or prioritize who will speed up, who will slow down.

I just hope it happens long after I'm gone...

Looking at "selfie generation" staring at their phone screens while going 60-70 mph on the local interstate in the commute traffic, I think it's not happening fast enough - even if I had to relinquish my "freedom" of steering the wheel and pressing the pedals.

dino001

driver100 said:

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I see people who think they are the worlds greatest drivers, and they drive too fast for the conditions, and they are a worse danger than the more careful but less capable driver. They scare me more!

Not to bee too specific, I see even some of that attitude among a few of our message board friends. They are so convinced of their absolute superior driving skills and their machines' condition and capabilities, they would make you (or at least themeselves) believe that laws of physics might apply to them, but the time scale somehow moves slower for them than virtually everybody else on the road.

houdini1

roadburner said:

dino001 said:

roadburner said:

If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

You may not know it, but you just made a case for development autonomous vehicles and instating government ban on human operated vehicles as quickly as possible, i.e. those technologies prove to be one order of magnitude more reliable than human population. They don't need to be perfect - all they need is proof they'll reduce accident rate tenfold and there will be no human drivers allowed.

Moreover, autonomous driving will increase the traveling speed, as it is already possible to calculate speed of two objects approaching an intersection on a collision course and missing each other without needing to stop. Autonomous vehicles will be smart enough to calculate such speed and communicate to each other with protocols embedded to "decide" or prioritize who will speed up, who will slow down.

I just hope it happens long after I'm gone...

I think it might happen in Canada first. We'll let them get all the unintended consequences ironed out.

roadburner

driver100 said:

Just to clarify:
Are expensive HDMI cables better?

Sorry; I didn't realize that you considered $15 to be "expensive."

driver100 said:

I think anything that adds to safety is good.

Isn't that special! My views on the subject tend to align with those of Mollie Hemingway:
What Your Neighborhood List-Serv Tells You About The Demise of America.

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

Manuals are really hard to find, just not a huge market for them.   A few years back a friend from work was looking for a car and she only drives manuals.   She was driving a first gen WRX and wanted something more upscale in a manual of course.  

I did some searching and found a G35 manual with 10k miles for a screaming deal at a local dealer.  I told her to offer even less and they took it.  Car had to be sitting a while.  I can't remember the details but it was thousands less than a compatible auto. 

I thought the same thing myself, in a world were fewer and fewer people can drive stick you can be king of the deal. I can see on some high end sports car a standard might be an easy sell but for more mundane car it could be a real drag. NOTE: this post was one I tried to make hours ago but the site glitched and wiped it out. Now it's back as part of a response to another post. What the heck?

roadburner said:

driver100 said:

I gave you the link that said there is no difference between a $1000 HDMI cable and a $4 HDMI cable, they are basically the same unless you can hear like a bat, or want to believe what the guy with the $1000 cable tells you. You can believe your audiophile guy and I will believe what I read...it was well documented, the signal is the signal.

Your memory fails you; I was comparing your Chinesium cable to a $15 cable with respect to build quality as well as being future-proof.

driver100 said:

People who don't need or want safety devices usually don't know their own limitations. How can you know someone didn't leave something behind your car....or someone didn't pass out behind your car? Why would you object to something that has no disadvantages, but could do something beneficial....like save a life? As was pointed out....you don't always drive near your home.

Do you not wear seat belts, because you could never be in an accident?

Why does it bother you so much that I don't want all of the Helen Keller Nanny Technology? If you want to load your car up with every driver assistance system you can buy I'm fine with it. Just don't be surprised when the already sub-par driving skills of the average vehicle operator drop even further.

I realized that the dumbing-down of the typical vehicle operator was virtually irreversible when I had an incompetent fool tell me he couldn't buy a RWD car because he needed a vehicle that he could drive in the rain...

Maybe it was freezing rain.

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

I still have to sincerely doubt there will be an autonomous vehicle mandate in my lifetime, and that's if I live to be 100. So many legal hurdles, data security/privacy issues, and LEO-based issues, these won't vanish by waving a magic wand.

I also don't understand why someone wouldn't want a backup cam on a modern car. Via dumbo design and sometimes arbitrary-appearing safety regs, we have less visibility than ever. High beltlines, small windows, and thick pillars combine to make mobile isolation chambers. Combine that with distracted drivers, and it's a mess. I'm in my fintail today, and good heavens is it easy to park compared to the E-class.

That's my biggest problem with modern cars. If they didn't build them like tombs for safety they might be safer to drive. I like my 90s car because it was more open.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

fintail said:

I still have to sincerely doubt there will be an autonomous vehicle mandate in my lifetime, and that's if I live to be 100. So many legal hurdles, data security/privacy issues, and LEO-based issues, these won't vanish by waving a magic wand.

I also don't understand why someone wouldn't want a backup cam on a modern car. Via dumbo design and sometimes arbitrary-appearing safety regs, we have less visibility than ever. High beltlines, small windows, and thick pillars combine to make mobile isolation chambers. Combine that with distracted drivers, and it's a mess. I'm in my fintail today, and good heavens is it easy to park compared to the E-class.

That's my biggest problem with modern cars. If they didn't build them like tombs for safety they might be safer to drive. I like my 90s car because it was more open.

One of many reasons that I loved my 2002 was because you had almost a 360 degree field of view.

fintail

I think the lack of clear sight lines does contribute to issues, even with distracted drivers. It helps people be less aware of their surroundings. 90s cars were the last of the thin pillars, 90-93 Accord comes to mind as an especially airy car, with a tall greenhouse, low dash, and relatively thin pillars.

This car is quite easy to back into tight spaces:

oldfarmer50 said:

That's my biggest problem with modern cars. If they didn't build them like tombs for safety they might be safer to drive. I like my 90s car because it was more open.

fintail

I could see Britain doing it first, too. I don't know if any of us will be around to see it exist as a mandate anyway.

houdini1 said:

I think it might happen in Canada first. We'll let them get all the unintended consequences ironed out.