Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

I cleaned those up for you

Michaell

Breaking out the destination charge is borderline deceptive - it's part of the MSRP, everybody pays it, and it's part of the number subject to residual.

Most lease ads exclude dealer doc fee, taxes, registration, etc. And, likely to include a very small mileage allowance. And, a hefty down payment or trade equity.

FWIW, Honda does not offer allowances lower than 12K, except in the greater NYC area, where 10K is available.

Lastly, this isn't just on basic transportation - I get folks in the luxury brand lease threads asking about $299 for a BMW 3-series or C-Class. Same provisions apply.

There are exceptions, however. Had someone post recently in the Jaguar F-Type thread about a deal they made - something like $700-800/mo for a car that stickered north of $100K. Was a very good deal.

jmonroe

venture said:

This Is Why You Should Never Drive Alongside a Truck Here's what they don't teach you in driver's ed. FULL ARTICLE It does make a lot of sense. The main point being; "Do not (and I can't stress this enough) ride alongside a truck, ever," the driver wrote Reddit. "If the truck loses control or has to change lanes quickly, you're going to get crushed because the truck has nowhere else to go." Cars often get stuck behind other vehicles that don't pass trucks quickly enough, and in the case that the driver has to move suddenly or avoid an accident, the car stuck next to it will be in danger. If you have to pass a truck, do it as fast as possible. The longer you stay beside the truck, the more likely you are to experience problems. Other reasons are sudden braking and blowouts.

Exactly right! My wife has asked a few times why I hang behind a truck if someone is slowly passing it. When they finally get finished passing the truck, then I pass it as quickly as I can.

I've said this before, "your wife and Mrs. j had to be twins separated at birth". Mrs. j has asked me the same question. When I tell her she has said, "I know, I know but I think you use it as an excuse to fly way over the speed limit. One of these days you are going to get a ticket and I'd like to hear you give that excuse to the cop".   :@

I have to ask this question, does Mrs. Venture also have a good left hook? 

jmonroe

dino001

driver100 said:

...I could have saved you a trip and the aggravation, did you really expect to drive a brand new car for 3 years for about $1400 a year, more than the cost to rent a car for a month in many places?

I guess it's because of people like your friend, who don't know or don't bother to apply first-grade math (division, addition, multiplication) into real-life problems, those guys can run ads like those. I guess the principles are always the same - promise way more than you can deliver, cause nobody will bother to check the math. No matter, whether you sell a car, or a politician. Throw the numbers against the wall, nobody understands them anyway, so why not.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

It handled like a German engineered luxury vehicle, but the responsiveness of that 3.0 L Twin Turbo 400+ hp engine is phenomenal. It roared off the traffic light and attained 50 mph in what seemed like a nano-second.

On the highway, this car performed flawlessly. The only noticeable negative was the stiffness of the ride in the normal or comfort setting. When I put it into SPORT, it got even stiffer. ...
But I am not currently looking for one.

Cadillac has done what was needed in a luxury car - a German engineering feel to it with muscle!  I like it. 

@abacomike Thank you for a test drive and a clear, unbiased evaluation, especially of a GM vehicle. I've hoped more people would do these here. Not all of us drive a car at the maximum g-force on the skid pad or the acceleration meter. I many discussions among folks here, who are more enthusiasts than most samples, GM vehicles aren't even mentioned. Indeed, as soon as something positive is given, the negatives start pouring on. That doesn't happen with most other brands despite engine problems or transmission problems and other group problems.

It would be interesting to see how the DT6 did on a long highway cruise at speed without having to speed up the large mass of the vehicle. Sometimes the driver info readings on mileage aren't as accurate as we'd like. Too, I'm trying to figure out how much difference 2, 3, or 4 mpg makes when the car's already getting 33 mpg and more at cruising speeds. I know some fans of a brand consider a EPA reading of 1 mpg difference proof one vehicle is superior.

I wish more folks would do test drives of loaded vehicles. Often the comparisons are made to the lesser-equiped vehicles that are in a rental experience.

isellhondas

fintail said:

Go back 50+ years, and most of west Bellevue and "the points" were relatively normal houses. Average shy quarter acre lots in decent areas seem to have a land value only exceeding 1MM now - that's without a view and certainly without waterfront. Insanity.

isellhondas said:

My cousins grew up on Hunts Point in a nice but modest home. Drove by a few years ago and it's been long torn down and replaced by a Mega Mansion. Can't imagine what it's worth today.

Back in the 40's my uncles dad owned the entire Hunt's Point. He sold a modest house to my uncle in 1949 for 4500.00. It was overgrown with trees and blackberries. Back in those days Bellevue was "The Sticks" and people didn't care much about waterfront property. The old man was not a wealthy man when he died.

Pretty amazing huh?

driver100

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

...I could have saved you a trip and the aggravation, did you really expect to drive a brand new car for 3 years for about $1400 a year, more than the cost to rent a car for a month in many places?

I guess it's because of people like your friend, who don't know or don't bother to apply first-grade math (division, addition, multiplication) into real-life problems, those guys can run ads like those. I guess the principles are always the same - promise way more than you can deliver, cause nobody will bother to check the math. No matter, whether you sell a car, or a politician. Throw the numbers against the wall, nobody understands them anyway, so why not.

I would avoid the $129 a month car dealer....sounds like I will have to watch for a scam.

Most people will see $129 a month for a new car.......I better see that dealer first in case I end up paying too much.

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

Both open houses are done, hopefully for good. We had 51 parties through between both days including several repeat visits from people taking measurements. We have at least one offer already and expect more before our review deadline on Wednesday.

Man, 51 people, that's a lot. I've sold 3 houses and I doubt I've had even half that many people come through all of those houses.

I hope you allowed for replacing your carpeting.  

Good luck but I don't think you'll need it.

jmonroe

isellhondas

Just be careful that your buyers are qualified. A lot of flakes and house flippers out there!

28firefighter

100% on qualified buyers. We are asking for pre-approval letters and a mortgage broker contact for any offers.

qbrozen

driver100 said:

Another Honda dealer offers this lifetime warranty. Does this sound possible? If you bought a car here...new or used, you could probably drive it forever with no major expenses.

How long is the Lifetime Warranty really good?
The Lifetime Warranty is valid for as long as you own the vehicle--for an unlimited time, unlimited miles.

How much will it cost?
Zero. We're trying to build "Customers for Life" so the Lifetime Warranty comes standard with every qualifying vehicle meeting the criteria above and is included at no extra charge. Please see details below for more information on qualifying vehicles.

Is there any extra maintenance required to maintain the warranty?
No extra maintenance is required. You must simply follow the manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance as referred to in the owner's manual.

DETAILS OF COVERAGE
The components covered will be the exact same as the Factory "Powertrain" Warranty and including: Engine: Cylinder block and head and all internal parts, intake manifold, timing gears and gaskets, timing chain/belt and cover, flywheel, valve covers, oil pan, oil pump, engine mounts, turbocharger housing and all internal parts, supercharger housing and all internal parts, engine control computer, water pump, fuel pump, seals and gaskets. Transmission & Transaxle: Case and all internal parts, torque converter, clutch cover, transmission mounts, transfer case and all internal parts, engine control computer, sales and gaskets, Front Wheel Drive System: Final drive housing and all internal parts, axle shafts, drive shaft, constant velocity joints, front hub and bearings, seals and gaskets. Rear Wheel Drive System: Axle housing & all internal parts, propeller shaft, u-joints, axle shaft, drive shaft, bearings, supports, seals and gaskets.

Valid on any new vehicle purchased from Tampa Honda. Valid on most used vehicles 5 years old or newer and with 50,000 miles or less purchased at Tampa Honda.

My guess is you have to have all your maintenance performed at that dealer, and there is very likely an escape clause that they can opt to offer you the trade value of your car rather than make the repair (if the repair exceeds the value of the vehicle). So, basically, you could drive the car down to where it is worth a couple grand and they buy it from you, but they would have made thousands from you in maintenance over the years.

Again, just my guess.

imidazol97

A local greasy store advertises the same lifetime warranty for their toyota and their Hyundai stores, which as side-by-side.
I wondered what the catch is.

venture

jmonroe said:

venture said:

driver100 said:

This Is Why You Should Never Drive Alongside a Truck
Here's what they don't teach you in driver's ed.

FULL ARTICLE

It does make a lot of sense. The main point being;
"Do not (and I can't stress this enough) ride alongside a truck, ever," the driver wrote Reddit. "If the truck loses control or has to change lanes quickly, you're going to get crushed because the truck has nowhere else to go." Cars often get stuck behind other vehicles that don't pass trucks quickly enough, and in the case that the driver has to move suddenly or avoid an accident, the car stuck next to it will be in danger. If you have to pass a truck, do it as fast as possible. The longer you stay beside the truck, the more likely you are to experience problems.

Other reasons are sudden braking and blowouts.

Exactly right!

My wife has asked a few times why I hang behind a truck if someone is slowly passing it. When they finally get finished passing the truck, then I pass it as quickly as I can.

I've said this before, "your wife and Mrs. j had to be twins separated at birth". Mrs. j has asked me the same question. When I tell her she has said, "I know, I know but I think you use it as an excuse to fly way over the speed limit. One of these days you are going to get a ticket and I'd like to hear you give that excuse to the cop".   :@

I have to ask this question, does Mrs. Venture also have a good left hook? 

jmonroe


I don't know about her left hook, but quite a few times you mentioned something that Mrs. jmonroe said and it sounds very familiar. She has also said I just like to go fast.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

Another Honda dealer offers this lifetime warranty. Does this sound possible? If you bought a car here...new or used, you could probably drive it forever with no major expenses.

How long is the Lifetime Warranty really good?
The Lifetime Warranty is valid for as long as you own the vehicle--for an unlimited time, unlimited miles.

How much will it cost?
Zero. We're trying to build "Customers for Life" so the Lifetime Warranty comes standard with every qualifying vehicle meeting the criteria above and is included at no extra charge. Please see details below for more information on qualifying vehicles.

Is there any extra maintenance required to maintain the warranty?
No extra maintenance is required. You must simply follow the manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance as referred to in the owner's manual.

DETAILS OF COVERAGE
The components covered will be the exact same as the Factory "Powertrain" Warranty and including: Engine: Cylinder block and head and all internal parts, intake manifold, timing gears and gaskets, timing chain/belt and cover, flywheel, valve covers, oil pan, oil pump, engine mounts, turbocharger housing and all internal parts, supercharger housing and all internal parts, engine control computer, water pump, fuel pump, seals and gaskets. Transmission & Transaxle: Case and all internal parts, torque converter, clutch cover, transmission mounts, transfer case and all internal parts, engine control computer, sales and gaskets, Front Wheel Drive System: Final drive housing and all internal parts, axle shafts, drive shaft, constant velocity joints, front hub and bearings, seals and gaskets. Rear Wheel Drive System: Axle housing & all internal parts, propeller shaft, u-joints, axle shaft, drive shaft, bearings, supports, seals and gaskets.

Valid on any new vehicle purchased from Tampa Honda. Valid on most used vehicles 5 years old or newer and with 50,000 miles or less purchased at Tampa Honda.

There's a nearby used car dealer that does something similar.

fintail

Bidding war? That would be cool. I'd like to see some relatively normal people benefit from this insanity.

28firefighter said:

100% on qualified buyers. We are asking for pre-approval letters and a mortgage broker contact for any offers.

oldfarmer50

pensfan83 said:

Most people don't read the disclosure attached to those offers. For example in the emails I now get from my Acura dealer one of their current specials is a 36/10 lease on a TLX A-Spec for $459/month for zero down. That sounds great except it doesn't include 10% PA Sales/Lease tax so that $459 is actually $504. If you need more miles it's higher still. It's all about getting unwitting people into the showroom.

Reading these stories I couldn't figure what would stop people from walking right out of a store like that. Then I thought about my in-laws who just sat there and let the salesman 4 square them into taking a poor deal.

fintail

I rode along with a friend in a CT6 test drive. It was a genuinely NICE car. I'd drive one, but it might be a bit big for what I need or want to park. Unfortunately for my friend, the local dealer was a bit sketchy, and even refused to honor the deals on the corporate site. He walked, and went back to Lincoln.

For the rental stuff, the makers need to work on getting better models into fleets. I notice Ford rentals aren't always basic models, for instance. It also depends on the fleet - my personal experience with Hertz has more base models than National.

imidazol97 said:

@abacomike Thank you for a test drive and a clear, unbiased evaluation, especially of a GM vehicle. I've hoped more people would do these here. Not all of us drive a car at the maximum g-force on the skid pad or the acceleration meter. I many discussions among folks here, who are more enthusiasts than most samples, GM vehicles aren't even mentioned. Indeed, as soon as something positive is given, the negatives start pouring on. That doesn't happen with most other brands despite engine problems or transmission problems and other group problems.

I wish more folks would do test drives of loaded vehicles. Often the comparisons are made to the lesser-equiped vehicles that are in a rental experience.

fintail

I can believe it. I don't think Hunts Point was developed until the 50s, that makes sense. Yarrow Point and Evergreen Point have some older houses. This area was pretty isolated until the 520 bridge was built, even if you crossed 90, it was still a trek north to get to those tony areas. I have seen old pics where what is now Bellevue Square was a rustic looking gas station.

I read an old Seattle paper not long ago, from 1964. There was a Hunts Point house listed - no address, but the ad claimed 3500 sq ft (big in those days), with enough waterfront "for a yacht or floatplane". Price - 35K. A lot then, but you'd be past 5MM now. Into the 80s you could pick up postwar bungalows or smaller rambler/ranch style houses in west Bellevue or maybe even the less ritzy parts of Medina for under 100K.

isellhondas said:

Back in the 40's my uncles dad owned the entire Hunt's Point. He sold a modest house to my uncle in 1949 for 4500.00. It was overgrown with trees and blackberries. Back in those days Bellevue was "The Sticks" and people didn't care much about waterfront property. The old man was not a wealthy man when he died.

Pretty amazing huh?

explorerx4

Those lifetime warranties from the dealer are good as long as they stay in business.

stickguy

In the mid/late 80s I was reading about how cheap Seattle was, and jobs being created (plus my wife was a newly minted electrical engineer). And thought about moving. I would easily be sitting on 7 figures of home equity by now I think. And probably a much more interesting job! Her too. Oh well.

stickguy

Those teaser offers are actually a reason leasing is better. Just ask for 3/36, sign and drive, what are the remaining 35 payments? Skip all of he shimmy shammy flim flam business. Real easy to compare dealers that way.

28firefighter

@fintail “relatively normal” is the operant phrase there. 

fintail

If you had bought in the right area, you could have.

I know of a boomer aged couple who bought in "Bridle Trails" (an equestrian-themed area, where Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland collide) in 1987. They paid around 230K, I think - a lot then, but I think they had 2-3 acres. They sold out a couple years ago, for nearly 10x their purchase price.

I have a friend who's parents bought a house in Medina in 1992, I think. Not waterfront or view, just a nice 50s rambler. Always a good neighborhood, I think they paid something like 240K for it, and have updated it over the years. It's worth maybe 2MM now, and would be razed and replaced by a mcmansion if it sold.

stickguy said:

In the mid/late 80s I was reading about how cheap Seattle was, and jobs being created (plus my wife was a newly minted electrical engineer). And thought about moving. I would easily be sitting on 7 figures of home equity by now I think. And probably a much more interesting job! Her too. Oh well.

fintail

I tried for that

You're not a flipper or money launderer or trust fund dilettante, that's enough for me.

28firefighter said:

@fintail “relatively normal” is the operant phrase there. 

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=208s&v=5HRZaMJQQ2s

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

It handled like a German engineered luxury vehicle, but the responsiveness of that 3.0 L Twin Turbo 400+ hp engine is phenomenal. It roared off the traffic light and attained 50 mph in what seemed like a nano-second. On the highway, this car performed flawlessly. The only noticeable negative was the stiffness of the ride in the normal or comfort setting. When I put it into SPORT, it got even stiffer. ... But I am not currently looking for one.

Cadillac has done what was needed in a luxury car - a German engineering feel to it with muscle!  I like it. 

@abacomike Thank you for a test drive and a clear, unbiased evaluation, especially of a GM vehicle. I've hoped more people would do these here. Not all of us drive a car at the maximum g-force on the skid pad or the acceleration meter. I many discussions among folks here, who are more enthusiasts than most samples, GM vehicles aren't even mentioned. Indeed, as soon as something positive is given, the negatives start pouring on. That doesn't happen with most other brands despite engine problems or transmission problems and other group problems. It would be interesting to see how the DT6 did on a long highway cruise at speed without having to speed up the large mass of the vehicle. Sometimes the driver info readings on mileage aren't as accurate as we'd like. Too, I'm trying to figure out how much difference 2, 3, or 4 mpg makes when the car's already getting 33 mpg and more at cruising speeds. I know some fans of a brand consider a EPA reading of 1 mpg difference proof one vehicle is superior. I wish more folks would do test drives of loaded vehicles. Often the comparisons are made to the lesser-equiped vehicles that are in a rental experience.

When kudos are deserved, they should be delineated.  The CT6 is a gorgeous luxury automobile.  That twin turbo V6 engine is throaty and responsive with no turbo lag discernible.  

It’s the tremendous amount of technology that seems overwhelming, but no more so than a 7 series BMW or an S Class Mercedes.

Speaking of S Class Mercedes Benz’s, my brother just bought a new S Class Coupe (S550) and is trading in his BMW 740i and his 430i coupe.  It’s due at the port next week.  So he’ll be back to one car in the garage.  He had a 2015 S Class Coupe which I really liked.  This new one is gray w/light gray interior.

I’m driving up there for Thanksgiving so I’ll be better able to share my impressions once I Drive it.  At least I’ll be able to put my car in his garage now that he’s down to one car again.

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

If you had bought in the right area, you could have.

I know of a boomer aged couple who bought in "Bridle Trails" (an equestrian-themed area, where Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland collide) in 1987. They paid around 230K, I think - a lot then, but I think they had 2-3 acres. They sold out a couple years ago, for nearly 10x their purchase price.

I have a friend who's parents bought a house in Medina in 1992, I think. Not waterfront or view, just a nice 50s rambler. Always a good neighborhood, I think they paid something like 240K for it, and have updated it over the years. It's worth maybe 2MM now, and would be razed and replaced by a mcmansion if it sold.

stickguy said:

In the mid/late 80s I was reading about how cheap Seattle was, and jobs being created (plus my wife was a newly minted electrical engineer). And thought about moving. I would easily be sitting on 7 figures of home equity by now I think. And probably a much more interesting job! Her too. Oh well.

The stock market generally outperforms real estate. It has consistently produced more booms and busts than the housing market, but it has also had better overall returns as well. How much better depends a great deal on what time period you are talking about.

On the other hand, you can't live in your stock portfolio!

imidazol97

abacomike said:

At least I’ll be able to put my car in his garage now that he’s down to one car again.

There's no hurricane this time...

fintail

Yep, and it's also pretty hard to get subsidized loans to cover stock gambles, not to mention wacky tax deductions for interest

My examples were people buying houses for living, rather than speculation. That made me think of another.

A friend of mine's parents bought a house in Kirkland in 1985, west of Market (a block or two from the water, now a hot neighborhood), brand new, for 125K. It's worth 10x that now, maybe even a little more. 1980s style house, can't be much more than 2000 sq ft, and the old houses are being removed for mcmodern boxes.

And it is very localized. My parents house that sold in 1991 or so for about 90K is worth maybe 160K on a good day now, but it is a few hours from private sector employment centers, and is seen by most here as being close to the edge of civilization, if not past it.

Mr_Shiftright said:

The stock market generally outperforms real estate. It has consistently produced more booms and busts than the housing market, but it has also had better overall returns as well. How much better depends a great deal on what time period you are talking about.

On the other hand, you can't live in your stock portfolio!

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

If you had bought in the right area, you could have.

I know of a boomer aged couple who bought in "Bridle Trails" (an equestrian-themed area, where Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland collide) in 1987. They paid around 230K, I think - a lot then, but I think they had 2-3 acres. They sold out a couple years ago, for nearly 10x their purchase price.

I have a friend who's parents bought a house in Medina in 1992, I think. Not waterfront or view, just a nice 50s rambler. Always a good neighborhood, I think they paid something like 240K for it, and have updated it over the years. It's worth maybe 2MM now, and would be razed and replaced by a mcmansion if it sold.

stickguy said:

In the mid/late 80s I was reading about how cheap Seattle was, and jobs being created (plus my wife was a newly minted electrical engineer). And thought about moving. I would easily be sitting on 7 figures of home equity by now I think. And probably a much more interesting job! Her too. Oh well.

fintail said:

If you had bought in the right area, you could have.

I know of a boomer aged couple who bought in "Bridle Trails" (an equestrian-themed area, where Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland collide) in 1987. They paid around 230K, I think - a lot then, but I think they had 2-3 acres. They sold out a couple years ago, for nearly 10x their purchase price.

I have a friend who's parents bought a house in Medina in 1992, I think. Not waterfront or view, just a nice 50s rambler. Always a good neighborhood, I think they paid something like 240K for it, and have updated it over the years. It's worth maybe 2MM now, and would be razed and replaced by a mcmansion if it sold.

stickguy said:

In the mid/late 80s I was reading about how cheap Seattle was, and jobs being created (plus my wife was a newly minted electrical engineer). And thought about moving. I would easily be sitting on 7 figures of home equity by now I think. And probably a much more interesting job! Her too. Oh well.

My place is worth about 8x our original investment from the 80s. If you invest right all you have to do is live long enough.

fintail

Buying in at the right time of mortgage to income ratios can help too At least locally, I have sincere doubts that places bought today will be worth 10x as much in another 30 years.

Probably few places in the country have seen such appreciation, without massive improvements to the land/house and a solid local economy.

oldfarmer50 said:

My place is worth about 8x our original investment from the 80s. If you invest right all you have to do is live long enough.

berri

One problem that can arise, even with prequalified buyers, is the appraisal given to the mortgage company/bank, particularly if the down payment is below 20%. But with that much interest, I doubt it is a risk for 28. Someone else will just go to the front of the line.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

Another Honda dealer offers this lifetime warranty. Does this sound possible? If you bought a car here...new or used, you could probably drive it forever with no major expenses.

How long is the Lifetime Warranty really good?
The Lifetime Warranty is valid for as long as you own the vehicle--for an unlimited time, unlimited miles.

How much will it cost?
Zero. We're trying to build "Customers for Life" so the Lifetime Warranty comes standard with every qualifying vehicle meeting the criteria above and is included at no extra charge. Please see details below for more information on qualifying vehicles.

Is there any extra maintenance required to maintain the warranty?
No extra maintenance is required. You must simply follow the manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance as referred to in the owner's manual.

DETAILS OF COVERAGE
The components covered will be the exact same as the Factory "Powertrain" Warranty and including: Engine: Cylinder block and head and all internal parts, intake manifold, timing gears and gaskets, timing chain/belt and cover, flywheel, valve covers, oil pan, oil pump, engine mounts, turbocharger housing and all internal parts, supercharger housing and all internal parts, engine control computer, water pump, fuel pump, seals and gaskets. Transmission & Transaxle: Case and all internal parts, torque converter, clutch cover, transmission mounts, transfer case and all internal parts, engine control computer, sales and gaskets, Front Wheel Drive System: Final drive housing and all internal parts, axle shafts, drive shaft, constant velocity joints, front hub and bearings, seals and gaskets. Rear Wheel Drive System: Axle housing & all internal parts, propeller shaft, u-joints, axle shaft, drive shaft, bearings, supports, seals and gaskets.

Valid on any new vehicle purchased from Tampa Honda. Valid on most used vehicles 5 years old or newer and with 50,000 miles or less purchased at Tampa Honda.

There's a nearby used car dealer that does something similar.

I'd like to see the details in the bottom right corner.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Those lifetime warranties from the dealer are good as long as they stay in business.

Sears just went bankrupt in Canada. No employee pensions...no money left, and extended warranties will not be honored.

driver100

abacomike said:

imidazol97 said:

abacomike said:

It handled like a German engineered luxury vehicle, but the responsiveness of that 3.0 L Twin Turbo 400+ hp engine is phenomenal. It roared off the traffic light and attained 50 mph in what seemed like a nano-second.

On the highway, this car performed flawlessly. The only noticeable negative was the stiffness of the ride in the normal or comfort setting. When I put it into SPORT, it got even stiffer. ...
But I am not currently looking for one.

Cadillac has done what was needed in a luxury car - a German engineering feel to it with muscle!  I like it. 

@abacomike Thank you for a test drive and a clear, unbiased evaluation, especially of a GM vehicle. I've hoped more people would do these here. Not all of us drive a car at the maximum g-force on the skid pad or the acceleration meter. I many discussions among folks here, who are more enthusiasts than most samples, GM vehicles aren't even mentioned. Indeed, as soon as something positive is given, the negatives start pouring on. That doesn't happen with most other brands despite engine problems or transmission problems and other group problems.

It would be interesting to see how the DT6 did on a long highway cruise at speed without having to speed up the large mass of the vehicle. Sometimes the driver info readings on mileage aren't as accurate as we'd like. Too, I'm trying to figure out how much difference 2, 3, or 4 mpg makes when the car's already getting 33 mpg and more at cruising speeds. I know some fans of a brand consider a EPA reading of 1 mpg difference proof one vehicle is superior.

I wish more folks would do test drives of loaded vehicles. Often the comparisons are made to the lesser-equiped vehicles that are in a rental experience.

Speaking of S Class Mercedes Benz’s, my brother just bought a new S Class Coupe (S550) and is trading in his BMW 740i and his 430i coupe.  It’s due at the port next week.  So he’ll be back to one car in the garage.  He had a 2015 S Class Coupe which I really liked.  This new one is gray w/light gray interior.

I’m driving up there for Thanksgiving so I’ll be better able to share my impressions once I Drive it.  At least I’ll be able to put my car in his garage now that he’s down to one car again.

So your brother went from Mercedes to BMW and back to Mercedes. What is going on?

explorerx4

@finyail,
Can't you tell? It runs in the family.

driver100

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

Another Honda dealer offers this lifetime warranty. Does this sound possible? If you bought a car here...new or used, you could probably drive it forever with no major expenses.

How long is the Lifetime Warranty really good?
The Lifetime Warranty is valid for as long as you own the vehicle--for an unlimited time, unlimited miles.

How much will it cost?
Zero. We're trying to build "Customers for Life" so the Lifetime Warranty comes standard with every qualifying vehicle meeting the criteria above and is included at no extra charge. Please see details below for more information on qualifying vehicles.

Is there any extra maintenance required to maintain the warranty?
No extra maintenance is required. You must simply follow the manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance as referred to in the owner's manual.

DETAILS OF COVERAGE
The components covered will be the exact same as the Factory "Powertrain" Warranty and including: Engine: Cylinder block and head and all internal parts, intake manifold, timing gears and gaskets, timing chain/belt and cover, flywheel, valve covers, oil pan, oil pump, engine mounts, turbocharger housing and all internal parts, supercharger housing and all internal parts, engine control computer, water pump, fuel pump, seals and gaskets. Transmission & Transaxle: Case and all internal parts, torque converter, clutch cover, transmission mounts, transfer case and all internal parts, engine control computer, sales and gaskets, Front Wheel Drive System: Final drive housing and all internal parts, axle shafts, drive shaft, constant velocity joints, front hub and bearings, seals and gaskets. Rear Wheel Drive System: Axle housing & all internal parts, propeller shaft, u-joints, axle shaft, drive shaft, bearings, supports, seals and gaskets.

Valid on any new vehicle purchased from Tampa Honda. Valid on most used vehicles 5 years old or newer and with 50,000 miles or less purchased at Tampa Honda.

There's a nearby used car dealer that does something similar.

I'd like to see the details in the bottom right corner.

Interesting, Fogg's website doesn't give prices....that makes me a bit wary.
FOGGS FOR LIFE
And yoou have to contact them to know the details of their lifetime warranty!

imidazol97

MB just announced a recall involving a lot of models.

An electrostatic discharge, coupled with a broken clock spring and insufficient grounding of steering components, can lead to inadvertent deployment of the driver side front air bag in vehicles subject to the recall, the company said.

A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman in the United States said there had been "a handful of instances where drivers suffered minor abrasions or bruises" due to the air bag problem.

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/daimler-recalls-over-1-million-mercedes-benz-vehicles-worldwide-for-air-bag-fix-1763904

dino001

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

Those lifetime warranties from the dealer are good as long as they stay in business.

Sears just went bankrupt in Canada. No employee pensions...no money left, and extended warranties will not be honored.

That's a bit unusual - when Circuit City and other retailers went bust, their extended warranties usually were underwritten by outside parties and they would be honored to their term. I guess Sears warranties were "backed" by Sears alone, hence they're now worth nothing. I'm sure I can register claim in bankruptcy court, but the order of payment is probably such that there is no chance of seeing a dime.

Regarding dealers "lifetime" warranties, I don't think financial stability is the first concern here. Car dealers are usually failry stable businesses, but things can certainly go wrong. In my area, most of those dealerships offering those "lifetime warranty" deals are part of much larger networks, like Autonatoion. However, they'll have ample opportunity to deny a claim simply on owner's "negligence" - when the vehicle is say six or eight years old with say 80-120 thousand miles, there will be able to find service you didn't do, did too late, etc. Also it will come up that while engine and transmission are covered, some hose, seal, or ring are not, as those are "wear and tear" items with limited life in them. So the effective range for such "lifetime warranty" is probably couple of years beyond standard warranty, perhaps a bit little more, if you are one of those religiously following the manual. It becomes essentially unenforceable just around 100k, just like any other extended warranty.

nyccarguy

@dino001 - it is just a tool to get people into their door. A Honda dealer near me offers a Lifetime Warranty on all of their new Hondas and used Japanese Cars: Here's a list of what it includes:

graphicguy

@pensfan83 ....What do you think of your Acura ASpec now that you've had a chance to live with it for a while?

fintail

A clock spring, that's a new one. I am pretty sure the clock in the car isn't a mechanical winding clock.

It must be connected to a specific steering wheel design, as the sales of those models over that time period are higher than the recall number. I wonder if mine will be called back.

imidazol97 said:

MB just announced a recall involving a lot of models.

An electrostatic discharge, coupled with a broken clock spring and insufficient grounding of steering components, can lead to inadvertent deployment of the driver side front air bag in vehicles subject to the recall, the company said.

A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman in the United States said there had been "a handful of instances where drivers suffered minor abrasions or bruises" due to the air bag problem.

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/daimler-recalls-over-1-million-mercedes-benz-vehicles-worldwide-for-air-bag-fix-1763904

snakeweasel

fintail said:

A clock spring, that's a new one. I am pretty sure the clock in the car isn't a mechanical winding clock. It must be connected to a specific steering wheel design, as the sales of those models over that time period are higher than the recall number. I wonder if mine will be called back.

MB just announced a recall involving a lot of models. An electrostatic discharge, coupled with a broken clock spring and insufficient grounding of steering components, can lead to inadvertent deployment of the driver side front air bag in vehicles subject to the recall, the company said. A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman in the United States said there had been "a handful of instances where drivers suffered minor abrasions or bruises" due to the air bag problem. https://auto.ndtv.com/news/daimler-recalls-over-1-million-mercedes-benz-vehicles-worldwide-for-air-bag-fix-1763904

A clock spring is a long flat piece of metal wound up in a coil that resembles a spring in a clock. It allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connection between what's on or in the steering wheel and components in the rest of the car. 

roadburner

snakeweasel said:

fintail said:

A clock spring, that's a new one. I am pretty sure the clock in the car isn't a mechanical winding clock.

It must be connected to a specific steering wheel design, as the sales of those models over that time period are higher than the recall number. I wonder if mine will be called back.

imidazol97 said:

MB just announced a recall involving a lot of models.

An electrostatic discharge, coupled with a broken clock spring and insufficient grounding of steering components, can lead to inadvertent deployment of the driver side front air bag in vehicles subject to the recall, the company said.

A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman in the United States said there had been "a handful of instances where drivers suffered minor abrasions or bruises" due to the air bag problem.

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/daimler-recalls-over-1-million-mercedes-benz-vehicles-worldwide-for-air-bag-fix-1763904

A clock spring is a long flat piece of metal wound up in a coil that resembles a spring in a clock. It allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connection between what's on or in the steering wheel and components in the rest of the car. 

Yes; the one on my Wrangler makes a scraping noise when it's cold.
Come to think of it, it was built by Daimler Chrysler...

abacomike

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

It handled like a German engineered luxury vehicle, but the responsiveness of that 3.0 L Twin Turbo 400+ hp engine is phenomenal. It roared off the traffic light and attained 50 mph in what seemed like a nano-second. On the highway, this car performed flawlessly. The only noticeable negative was the stiffness of the ride in the normal or comfort setting. When I put it into SPORT, it got even stiffer. ... But I am not currently looking for one.

Cadillac has done what was needed in a luxury car - a German engineering feel to it with muscle!  I like it. 

@abacomike Thank you for a test drive and a clear, unbiased evaluation, especially of a GM vehicle. I've hoped more people would do these here. Not all of us drive a car at the maximum g-force on the skid pad or the acceleration meter. I many discussions among folks here, who are more enthusiasts than most samples, GM vehicles aren't even mentioned. Indeed, as soon as something positive is given, the negatives start pouring on. That doesn't happen with most other brands despite engine problems or transmission problems and other group problems. It would be interesting to see how the DT6 did on a long highway cruise at speed without having to speed up the large mass of the vehicle. Sometimes the driver info readings on mileage aren't as accurate as we'd like. Too, I'm trying to figure out how much difference 2, 3, or 4 mpg makes when the car's already getting 33 mpg and more at cruising speeds. I know some fans of a brand consider a EPA reading of 1 mpg difference proof one vehicle is superior. I wish more folks would do test drives of loaded vehicles. Often the comparisons are made to the lesser-equiped vehicles that are in a rental experience.

Speaking of S Class Mercedes Benz’s, my brother just bought a new S Class Coupe (S550) and is trading in his BMW 740i and his 430i coupe.  It’s due at the port next week.  So he’ll be back to one car in the garage.  He had a 2015 S Class Coupe which I really liked.  This new one is gray w/light gray interior.

I’m driving up there for Thanksgiving so I’ll be better able to share my impressions once I Drive it.  At least I’ll be able to put my car in his garage now that he’s down to one car again.

So your brother went from Mercedes to BMW and back to Mercedes. What is going on?

When you have everything you need or want, it ends up as “conspicuous consumption”!  He gets easily bored with his cars.  Just in the last 18 months, he owned a 2015 S550 Coupe, a 2016 E400, a 2016 Hyundai Sante Fe SUV, a 2016 BMW 740i, a 2017 BMW 430i, a 2017 BMW X5, and now 2017 S550 Coupe.  I wonder what’s next? 

abacomike

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

It handled like a German engineered luxury vehicle, but the responsiveness of that 3.0 L Twin Turbo 400+ hp engine is phenomenal. It roared off the traffic light and attained 50 mph in what seemed like a nano-second. On the highway, this car performed flawlessly. The only noticeable negative was the stiffness of the ride in the normal or comfort setting. When I put it into SPORT, it got even stiffer. ... But I am not currently looking for one.

Cadillac has done what was needed in a luxury car - a German engineering feel to it with muscle!  I like it. 

@abacomike Thank you for a test drive and a clear, unbiased evaluation, especially of a GM vehicle. I've hoped more people would do these here. Not all of us drive a car at the maximum g-force on the skid pad or the acceleration meter. I many discussions among folks here, who are more enthusiasts than most samples, GM vehicles aren't even mentioned. Indeed, as soon as something positive is given, the negatives start pouring on. That doesn't happen with most other brands despite engine problems or transmission problems and other group problems. It would be interesting to see how the DT6 did on a long highway cruise at speed without having to speed up the large mass of the vehicle. Sometimes the driver info readings on mileage aren't as accurate as we'd like. Too, I'm trying to figure out how much difference 2, 3, or 4 mpg makes when the car's already getting 33 mpg and more at cruising speeds. I know some fans of a brand consider a EPA reading of 1 mpg difference proof one vehicle is superior. I wish more folks would do test drives of loaded vehicles. Often the comparisons are made to the lesser-equiped vehicles that are in a rental experience.

Speaking of S Class Mercedes Benz’s, my brother just bought a new S Class Coupe (S550) and is trading in his BMW 740i and his 430i coupe.  It’s due at the port next week.  So he’ll be back to one car in the garage.  He had a 2015 S Class Coupe which I really liked.  This new one is gray w/light gray interior.

I’m driving up there for Thanksgiving so I’ll be better able to share my impressions once I Drive it.  At least I’ll be able to put my car in his garage now that he’s down to one car again.

So your brother went from Mercedes to BMW and back to Mercedes. What is going on?

When you have everything you need or want, it ends up as “conspicuous consumption”!  He gets easily bored with his cars.  Just in the last 18 months, he owned a 2015 S550Coupe, a 2016 E400, a 2016 Hyundai SanteFe SUV, a 2016 BMW 740i, a 2017 BMW 430i, and now a 2017 S550 Coupe.  I wonder whst’s next?

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

Those lifetime warranties from the dealer are good as long as they stay in business.

Sears just went bankrupt in Canada. No employee pensions...no money left, and extended warranties will not be honored.

I bet top management retires nicely however.

fintail

I learned something today. Thanks!

snakeweasel said:

A clock spring is a long flat piece of metal wound up in a coil that resembles a spring in a clock. It allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connection between what's on or in the steering wheel and components in the rest of the car. 

Mr_Shiftright

andres3

explorerx4 said:

I'm pretty sure Hyundai dwarfs Honda as a company.
In addition to cars, they build ships and lots of trailers I see being towed by semi trucks.
Probably other things, too.

Honda makes good lawn mowers and motorcycles too. I believe some other off-road vehicles, and probably more.