Some might not like the generalization, but overall, it isn't incorrect. Everyone has made overstyled cars in the past several years, but some of the most egregious seem to hail from certain areas. It might not be a new thing, either, Japanese cars of the 70s could be pretty wacky, too. Now they are seen as goofy and fun. I don't know if modern overstyling will be seen the same, probably because most of the 70s era Japanese cars didn't try to look bold and menacing.
The latest generation of MB has a lot less clutter, and it seems that brand reached peak styling volume (in the modern era) around 2010. As Europe is usually the design leader these days, we will see/hope this trickles down.
Not to overgeneralize, but my impressions are that the Japanese go over the top a bit with the techno look. Probably does appeal to young people and computer people. The Koreans are similar, but bring it down a notch. American cars are made to look solid and fast.....sometimes aggressive especially in the grill area. European usually keeps some of the old world flavor....simple lines, usually carried over from the past.
Very general and only my impressions.
Talk about edgy. This Prius is very techno looking, I can't imagine any American or European car maker coming out with a design like this;
Another favorite trick was to tell them he was sending them a check that week. Then the supplier would call me on Tuesday or Wednesday and say he promised to send a check last week and it didn't arrive. I found out later that he would go to the post office at 5 minutes to five, get a post mark for Friday, then put it in the mail to stretch the delivery time.
. Then he would get a cheque produced (which of course had not been sent in the first place), get an envelope addressed, and run it through the postage meter after he had gone in and changed the dates to roll it back to the stated day in order to cover his lie. He was just a miserable person and everybody who worked there had stories to tell about how terribly he treated them.
And, these people will never change. They will get caught and promise it won't happen again.....but, it will. It is best just to avoid these people, they aren't worth the time or trouble.
I know rentals are really hard to get right now. Our State Farm folks get taken care of first but many walk-ins now are just being told to check back with us later in the day. Between Harvey and Irma, we're stretched to the limit! Heck, we're paying an obscene price for our one way rental soon but going from airport to airport was just bat [non-permissible content removed] crazy! My employee discount does really help but the one way part is about a few weeks to early it seems. Checking with other rental companies just in case.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Not being truthful is a lie even if you cover it up with a nice word like "recommend".
A synonym for recommend is suggest. A suggestion, by definition, can't be a lie.
Now, the service advisor who was making up stories about what would happen if they did not perform the recommended service? She was just chock full of lies.
I suppose then all recommendation and suggestions should be put under cross examination to see if they would still make the recommended suggestion if the car was their own, or their mother's. That should put an end to false recommendations. Shouldn't they be treating others how they would want to be treated?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Hey, anyone have a source for car residual values? I know there are some sites that dealers subscribe to but a quick google search didn't lead to anything helpful. Just articles about "the top ten high residuals" etc.
Gee, I think I can help you here.
What'cha need?
Nothing specific, just wanted to poke around and compare various cars. I know dealers use ALG but I believe that's a subscription service.
It looks to have better visibility than most CUV type things, yeah. Too bad those quarter windows on the Subaru are fixed, not tiltable like an old "wing window" (or retractable, like in 70s Lincolns).
In contrast, outward visibility is pretty good on the '17 and/on Subaru Impreza. It has those little slant windows connecting up to the A-pillars, like my first car, the lovable 1965 Ford Mustang.
At least the illusion of tech. Local experience has many of the fans of those being the same people who had a VCR and microwave blinking 12:00 in 1985
The Prius is at least memorable from the rear, in the dark. The front end design of most new generation Toyotas is just silly me, leering frowny faces suggesting aggression, when the cars and usually the drivers are anything but. Might be a safety feeling thing.
Last year we rented a car using Costco to get from Tampa airport to our place in Florida 24 hr rental -$65! This year, it would be $140! Might use a limo service....$50!
At least the illusion of tech. Local experience has many of the fans of those being the same people who had a VCR and microwave blinking 12:00 in 1985
The Prius is at least memorable from the rear, in the dark. The front end design of most new generation Toyotas is just silly me, leering frowny faces suggesting aggression, when the cars and usually the drivers are anything but. Might be a safety feeling thing.
I believe the Aztek was ahead of its time. Had it been introduced 10-15 years later, I bet it would have sold much better, even with the odd looks. It's an awkward thing, but I respect it for being ahead of its time. Same for the Isuzu Vehicross of the same era - just too far ahead of the curve.
I see Prius as rolling blockades, rolling pylons, rolling cones, you get the picture Yeah, as in after they got hit by a vehicle and are flying all over the place
I personally don't care for the Prius but I don't really think much about them more than any other car I'm not interested in. There are many here. They don't seem any different than any other car on the road.
I personally don't care for the Prius but I don't really think much about them more than any other car I'm not interested in. There are many here. They don't seem any different than any other car on the road.
When I see one I think it is just weird.......it looks like it was designed by about 12 different designers....who never coordinated their efforts.
Never been a Prius lover...even when they first hit the market. I had ridden in one as a rental while doing business in AZ a couple of years ago. I think it was from Enterprise as I don’t remember ever seeing any at Hertz or Avis.
Just weird....not in a good way. Weird looking...weird driving.
When I test drove a Volt several months back when I was looking for the Caddy replacement, I felt it was revolutionary.....instead of weird, like the Prius was.
I think the Aztec had more than just weird looks going against it. I remember the interior looking like it was assembled with legos, except Legos had better build quality.
I read a review on the Volt from a guy who loves gasoline pwered cars. Loved driving the Volt, but, it doesn't make sense to him Cost was $44000 CDN but he gets a $14000 subsidy from the government Electricity is expensive in Ontario Canada but it cost him $7 to go charge the car, $11 if he did it at peak hours. Gas to go the same distance would have cost $17, but 1/3rd of the gas was taxes which he wouldn't have paid for the electricity used. He says it is a great car to drive if you like being subsidized by the government and don't want to contribute taxes which help pay for roads etc...and the government will need to find that money anyway. If we all converted to e-cars we would need 100s of nuclear reactors or something to supply enough electricity. :@
I remember getting an Aztek as a rental years ago, back around 2001 or so for a couple of days to do a long road trip work assignment. If you recall, after introduction when they were universally mocked by just about everyone for their looks, they were stacking up like cordwood on dealer and GM holding lots. GM assigned a bunch to Detroit staff to drive, and they unloaded many more onto rental fleets. I got one of those.
It was painted white, so at least it wasn't one of those eye-popping green or yellow shades they came in. I recall sitting in traffic in it and having kids in other cars nearby pointing and looking askance at it. But remarkably, I actually really liked how it drove. It was a nice size, not too big nor too small, had tons of room inside, and the road dynamics were not bad at all. The interior was OK for GM at the time though it was one of their "sea of grey" designs. Had more than adequate power, comfortable seats, and a good sound system. I remember thinking if only it had different styling it wouldn't be a bad choice. I guess that what led to the Buick Rendezvous.
Interior quality was a big issue on Azteks no doubt, and GMs of the era in general - Pontiac seemed to get the worst of it, with brash design and acres of hard plastic. Eventually, GM learned this needed to change, and newer cars have more competitive interiors. Don't cut corners on what the driver is looking at 98% of the time.
I remember getting an Aztek as a rental years ago, back around 2001 or so for a couple of days to do a long road trip work assignment. I guess that what led to the Buick Rendezvous.
People loved their Rendezvouz and it was actually a pretty nice looking car. I remember Tim Hortons had a roll up the rim contest and some of the prizes were Azteks....I guess they got them for a really low price.
One more thing that guy found with the Volt. It said it had 60 miles left of electric power, but, because the a/c was on high he only got 40 miles out of it. He said it would be the same if he had the heat on full, I am not so sure since I don't think heat uses nearly as much power.
I read a review on the Volt from a guy who loves gasoline pwered cars. Loved driving the Volt, but, it doesn't make sense to him Cost was $44000 CDN but he gets a $14000 subsidy from the government Electricity is expensive in Ontario Canada but it cost him $7 to go charge the car, $11 if he did it at peak hours. Gas to go the same distance would have cost $17, but 1/3rd of the gas was taxes which he wouldn't have paid for the electricity used. He says it is a great car to drive if you like being subsidized by the government and don't want to contribute taxes which help pay for roads etc...and the government will need to find that money anyway. If we all converted to e-cars we would need 100s of nuclear reactors or something to supply enough electricity. :@
Nah, just put a windmill on the roof and make some rich guy pay for it.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Just thinking about residuals and resale value and was wondering why certain domestics are always higher priced as used cars. Corvettes and other halo types I can see but prices for old Jeep Wranglers and any pickup are much higher than a similar aged car. I'm talking pretty miled up vehicles (150k miles +). I've got my own theories but why do you folks think that is?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One of my credit cards has a bonus if you transfer your rewards earnings into one of the bank or brokerage accounts. The bonus is denoted as .75. I wasn't quite sure what that meant, but I transferred $350 into another account. Turns out the .75 meant 75%, so my $350 turned into over $600. Not bad, although I'm assuming I will get a 1099 for it.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
One of my credit cards has a bonus if you transfer your rewards earnings into one of the bank or brokerage accounts. The bonus is denoted as .75. I wasn't quite sure what that meant, but I transferred $350 into another account. Turns out the .75 meant 75%, so my $350 turned into over $600. Not bad, although I'm assuming I will get a 1099 for it.
I have the same bonus with Bank of America credit card. The condition is a transfer to my BoA checking. What's really nice (almost crazy), it compounds with bonus categories, like gas (3%), or warehouse/supermarket (2%). In other words, the final rebate on some of the spending may be as high as 1.75*3% = 5.25%!
No, you should not get 1099 for it. It is a rebate, on items you already purchased, not income, so it is not taxable. If that were the case, you'd need to get 1099 for every manufacturer's rebate coupon you ever used. At least that's my story I've had my rewards card for several years, just like other cash cards before and never got a 1099 for any of those realized bonus reward checks or direct bank transfers.
Aztek was so hideus, it was almost beautiful. Another big plus is Walter White owned one, and as we all know, he was quite smart, so he wouldn't buy one without reason.
Just thinking about residuals and resale value and was wondering why certain domestics are always higher priced as used cars. Corvettes and other halo types I can see but prices for old Jeep Wranglers and any pickup are much higher than a similar aged car. I'm talking pretty miled up vehicles (150k miles +). I've got my own theories but why do you folks think that is?
Trucks are always useful....even older one's....cars not so much. There are always people who can use a truck to haul stuff around....some want a cheap one some a newer more expensive one....but, always a demand. One friend wants an older 50s type truck with the 3 windows in the back...middle one straight, side ones curve around the sides of the roof. Also, trucks are tough....frame body and higher up, not as prone to rust......last longer and hold up better.
Which one would break down more and which would cost more to fix?
Doesn't matter......it is worth the extra cost and inconvenience.
Interesting...I actually saw an Aztek today.....and it was ugly!!!!!!
I think they are around, out of mind out of sight kind of thing.
As amazing as it seems, I saw a yellow one, like the one in the previous picture, backing out of a garage down the street from me this morning. I never knew they had one - or never noticed before. I tried to get a picture, but was unsuccessful.
Which one would break down more and which would cost more to fix?
Doesn't matter......it is worth the extra cost and inconvenience.
Interesting...I actually saw an Aztek today.....and it was ugly!!!!!!
I think they are around, out of mind out of sight kind of thing.
As amazing as it seems, I saw a yellow one, like the one in the previous picture, backing out of a garage down the street from me this morning. I never knew they had one - or never noticed before. I tried to get a picture, but was unsuccessful.
I floated the idea some time ago of buying up every Aztec you could find and storing them until the world changed enough to appreciate them. Sort of like the Edsel or the Cord which were not popular in their day.
I was roundly poo pooed by less forward thinking minds but just for refference, consider that this is the second time the Aztec has come up for discussion.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@dino001, Yes, gas works out to 5.25%! It just seems too good to be true. What am I going to do with it? I'm sure I'll think of something.
It’s legit. You need to remember there is a limit, but it’s quite big, a few thousands per quarter. I have continuous $25 trigger set up, i.e. when I collect $25 on the reward account, $43.75 is deposited on my checking the same cycle.
Just thinking about residuals and resale value and was wondering why certain domestics are always higher priced as used cars. Corvettes and other halo types I can see but prices for old Jeep Wranglers and any pickup are much higher than a similar aged car. I'm talking pretty miled up vehicles (150k miles +). I've got my own theories but why do you folks think that is?
As driver stated, trucks serve a larger purpose. Commercial users are always in need of them. I can't explain Wranglers. It baffles me.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Which one would break down more and which would cost more to fix?
Doesn't matter......it is worth the extra cost and inconvenience.
Interesting...I actually saw an Aztek today.....and it was ugly!!!!!!
I think they are around, out of mind out of sight kind of thing.
As amazing as it seems, I saw a yellow one, like the one in the previous picture, backing out of a garage down the street from me this morning. I never knew they had one - or never noticed before. I tried to get a picture, but was unsuccessful.
I floated the idea some time ago of buying up every Aztec you could find and storing them until the world changed enough to appreciate them. Sort of like the Edsel or the Cord which were not popular in their day.
I was roundly poo pooed by less forward thinking minds but just for refference, consider that this is the second time the Aztec has come up for discussion.
Styling aside, the Aztec had some neat optional features such as a beverage cooler, camping tent, party stereo, etc. I think dual sunroofs were available too.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@ab348. A bank credit card that gives 1 or 2(restaurants) or 3%(gas) back, plus the bonus. You have to be a top tier customer. Can't remember what the criteria for that is.
I can send you the after I'm done reading it.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I've got new car residuals. Nothing on used vehicle values.
Apologies.
Can you go back in time and find what the residuals were for the '14 XTS 3 years ago when they first leased them out?
The Prius is at least memorable from the rear, in the dark. The front end design of most new generation Toyotas is just silly me, leering frowny faces suggesting aggression, when the cars and usually the drivers are anything but. Might be a safety feeling thing.
This year, it would be $140!
Might use a limo service....$50!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Someone copied the Aztek
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Typical Seattle hilarity is a Prius in the Carpool lane going 5 under as everyone zips by.
Yeah, as in after they got hit by a vehicle and are flying all over the place
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just weird....not in a good way. Weird looking...weird driving.
When I test drove a Volt several months back when I was looking for the Caddy replacement, I felt it was revolutionary.....instead of weird, like the Prius was.
I think the Aztec had more than just weird looks going against it. I remember the interior looking like it was assembled with legos, except Legos had better build quality.
Loved driving the Volt, but, it doesn't make sense to him
Cost was $44000 CDN but he gets a $14000 subsidy from the government
Electricity is expensive in Ontario Canada but it cost him $7 to go charge the car, $11 if he did it at peak hours.
Gas to go the same distance would have cost $17, but 1/3rd of the gas was taxes which he wouldn't have paid for the electricity used.
He says it is a great car to drive if you like being subsidized by the government and don't want to contribute taxes which help pay for roads etc...and the government will need to find that money anyway.
If we all converted to e-cars we would need 100s of nuclear reactors or something to supply enough electricity. :@
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It was painted white, so at least it wasn't one of those eye-popping green or yellow shades they came in. I recall sitting in traffic in it and having kids in other cars nearby pointing and looking askance at it. But remarkably, I actually really liked how it drove. It was a nice size, not too big nor too small, had tons of room inside, and the road dynamics were not bad at all. The interior was OK for GM at the time though it was one of their "sea of grey" designs. Had more than adequate power, comfortable seats, and a good sound system. I remember thinking if only it had different styling it wouldn't be a bad choice. I guess that what led to the Buick Rendezvous.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
One more thing that guy found with the Volt. It said it had 60 miles left of electric power, but, because the a/c was on high he only got 40 miles out of it. He said it would be the same if he had the heat on full, I am not so sure since I don't think heat uses nearly as much power.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Compared to:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The bonus is denoted as .75.
I wasn't quite sure what that meant, but I transferred $350 into another account.
Turns out the .75 meant 75%, so my $350 turned into over $600.
Not bad, although I'm assuming I will get a 1099 for it.
Hope the new guy is good!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
No, you should not get 1099 for it. It is a rebate, on items you already purchased, not income, so it is not taxable. If that were the case, you'd need to get 1099 for every manufacturer's rebate coupon you ever used. At least that's my story
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Interesting...I actually saw an Aztek today.....and it was ugly!!!!!!
I think they are around, out of mind out of sight kind of thing.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There are always people who can use a truck to haul stuff around....some want a cheap one some a newer more expensive one....but, always a demand.
One friend wants an older 50s type truck with the 3 windows in the back...middle one straight, side ones curve around the sides of the roof.
Also, trucks are tough....frame body and higher up, not as prone to rust......last longer and hold up better.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, gas works out to 5.25%! It just seems too good to be true.
What am I going to do with it? I'm sure I'll think of something.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I was roundly poo pooed by less forward thinking minds but just for refference, consider that this is the second time the Aztec has come up for discussion.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2018 430i Gran Coupe
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
That's a great idea. No need to wait as long as I did to make some money on money.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
A bank credit card that gives 1 or 2(restaurants) or 3%(gas) back, plus the bonus.
You have to be a top tier customer. Can't remember what the criteria for that is.
I can send you the after I'm done reading it.