Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

houdini1 said:

jmonroe said:

roadburner said:

jmonroe said:

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Just came back from the Credit Union which had offered me a lower rate on my car loan. The monthly figures the hey quoted indicated a savings of about $12 a month. I was half way through signing the papers when I noticed the term was for 36 months not the 33 months I had left on the old loan. When i had her recalculate the figures it turned out they were saving me 64 cents a month. She had almost pulled the old F & I trick of lowering the monthly by extending the term.

You can't trust anyone any more.

We had a dimwit come in with a pre-approved CU loan; the CU loan had a prepayment penalty AND charged a $199 "origination fee." We offered her a loan with no fees or penalties with a lower APR than the CU and she still insisted on using he CU.
You can't fix stupid.

In a way, I'm surprised a BMW Genius couldn't get through to her but even a Genius can't fix real stupid.

jmonroe

She wasn't my client; I heard about it later.

That should have been the time they called in their Genius.

Maybe the F&I guy ain't all that bright either.

jmonroe

I think I have mentioned before that my wife insists that we only pay cash when we buy a car. A few years ago as we were closing a transaction, the salesman said we could get 36 months financing at 0% interest. I said great, I can make a little interest for 3 years. Wife says nope, I don't want any payments and I don't want a lien on the car. We'll pay cash. I put my foot down and countered with, "Yes dear".

So how do you bring the money, in a shopping bag or a suitcase. I only pay cash under $5,000

That reminds me, the guy I bought the Mustang Cobra from wanted cash....not a cashier’s check....CASH. I told him to meet me at my bank, but for some reason, he said he couldn’t. So, here I go with a stack of Benjamins, tucked in a brown paper bag, from my bank to his house. Weird carrying that amount of money on me. I kept thinking...”what happens if I have an accident and have to go to the hospital and have my car towed? Will I remember having that money?”

How about “someone saw me come out of the bank with a brown paper bag and assume I have cash it in and they try to Rob me?”.

Strange thoughts.

For the TLX, I took the check I got from Cadillac on the buy back, and signed it over to the dealership. They gave me another check back for the rest of the refunded amount.

You're lucky you didn't end up as part of his basement floor.

Meeting some one with cash is a standard CL robbery scenario. I've brought cash to some car transactions but leave it hidden in the car just in case. I've always met at the sellers home or workplace.

oldfarmer50

dino001 said:

imidazol97 said:

jmonroe said:

jmonroe

15 miles per gallon!!!

I thought all Hyundai were more fuel efficient than motorcycles even. But it does get 23 on the highway if you drive it nice. WOW.

This one has 5-liter naturally aspirated ("old school") 420 hp V8 and AWD. What do you think is gas mileage of a similar power, engine type and vehicle size vehicles? Audi A8L with 450 hp 4.0 l turbo (I think) V8, also AWD is 16/26. Benz has S560 4-matic, 4.0 l turbo V8 with more hp , gets 17/27. Both are better, but not earthshattering. I think the difference sits in naturally aspirated vs. turbo. The closest would be Inifiniti Q70L with 5.6L V8 AWD, 413 hp, getting 16/23 and Lexus LS 460L, 4.6l V8, "only" 386 hp, gets 16/23 mpg. It's all the same in my book.

The Mustang is listed at 15/25 I think but i get about 24 average around town and over 30 on a steady cruise. The only way I could see it getting 15 is if you were drag racing at every light. I bet that Genny would do better too.

oldfarmer50

iluvmysephia1 said:

Man, those Michelin X-Ice ie3 snow tires are awesome. Yesterday, we took off from the rental house in Manson in about 3" of wet, slushy snow that formerly I would've have to have at least been aware of. Not so much now. With there Michelin snows you can just go about your business at regular speed and you'll just mow your way through everything! I came up to a stop sign down at the bottom of the hill near the Red Apple Grocery store to test it's stopping ability and bop! Came to a complete stop like it was dry pavement. It's nice when the reviews you read are 100% accurate. This one X-Ice buyer said she goes skiing a lot in the Rockies and with these tires they're as good as gold scooting her along. So, gentlemen, and I know some of you have tried them and at least one of you have them now, feel safe spending the $500 on these. My bill came to $508 at the Wenatchee Discount Tire, but especially after the trouble I had on Manson backroads Sunday November 4th, I was all right with parting with that money for these tires! I highly recommend them.

Wonder if fitment would work on a Toyota Yaris iA that runs 185/60R-16 Toyo Proxes A27 tires straight from the factory. At least while Scion sold the small sedans that was the brand and size they used. My all-seasons for the Soul are Goodyear Cooper Starfire 195/65 R 15's. That wheel size is just 1" difference. Which tire company lets you try out different wheels - Tire Rack? Wonder if you can swap out sizes and find out if a different sized tire fits on the vehicle you're interested in. Because if they fit on the iA, I'd hang on to them and use them in the winter. Or the Toyota Corolla iM, or the Subaru Impreza 2.0i, or the VW Jetta, on and on.

With this great tire fix, I am going to just try and settle down and run our 2011 Kia Soul along. It's got just north of 92,000 miles, doesn't need oil or squirter fluid, a tune-up at 100,000 miles would be in order, changing out not only the standard oil filter but also the air filter, too. The cabin filter was recently changed. The car is such a trooper and now I feel that it's competent for any weather Washington tosses me.

The latest valuation is $2,795 - $3,500 for the car, and I owe about $7,100. Even the most gratuitous Toyota, Subaru or VW dealer isn't going to blush over that and not add at least $3,500 to my purchase order. Which does favor the Toyota Yaris iA, which is being sold in manual tranny form for only $15,975 now. Toyota actually dropped the little gaper down a $1,000 when it took the reigns of selling Scion automobiles as Toyota's.

Anyone wanna guess what they'd tell me if traded in the Soul - keeping in my mind that I owe just a titch north of $7,000 on the car. $2,950? $3,000? $3,500? My guess is they'd credit me $3,500 and tack $3,500 on to my new car purchase order.

Unless you worry about the mechanicals it doesn't make sense to trade a fully depreciated car. It will be worth more to you as a back up vehicle than as additional negative equity.

Pay it off as quick as possible then get your new Subie in the spring. Spare it one salt season.

iluvmysephia1

Here's how it looks from the driver's seat of the Kia Soul looking south out over Lake Chelan five minutes ago. Grey with socked in clouds.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVErlGd1po

abacomike

abacomike

abacomike

abacomike

I woke up this morning with this horrible "itch"! I could not figure out what was causing it. I drove up to West Palm Beach to test drive the new S450. As soon as I got behind the wheel to drive the car, the "itch" disappeared! It drove beautifully and handled just like I remember Mercedes vehicles handle. I got out of the car to go into the dealership to sit down and talk about options, etc., and that "itch" came back as soon as I stepped out of the car.

I put 2 and 2 together and it came up - "...I have an itch; it goes away when I'm behind the wheel of the S450; when I get out of the car, the itch returns with a vengeance. I need to do something about this!"

The rest is history!

28firefighter

@abacomike!! Hahaha. Seriously?

ab348

I knew that second oil change would push Mike over the edge.

Congrats!

iluvmysephia1

abacomike - are you gonna pull the trigger again, man?

explorerx4

@iluv,
I think something already transpired.

abacomike

All done!  Parked outside of my Condo. 

I need a psychiatrist!

abacomike

28firefighter said:

@abacomike!! Hahaha. Seriously?

Seriously!

abacomike

ab348 said:

I knew that second oil change would push Mike over the edge. Congrats!

Thanks!

driver100

dino001 said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

Yeah, I didn't actually read the whole article. How do they make the psychopath/drink their coffee black connection? I mean really! My Dad drank his coffee black and unless he kept the bodies hidden I never knew him ta be a psychopath.

If you are a psychopath, you like your coffee black. If you like your coffee black, you may or may not be a psychopath.

Nicely put....I know a psychopath though and he doesn't drink coffee.

explorerx4

@Marcothecarguy1986,
My wife happens to be driving a 2017 Expedition as a rental.
It has power rear side windows and she realized they were open and couldn't figure out how to close them.
I did an internet search and told her where to look for the switch to close them.
She said she had seen the switch, but thought it was for the sunroof.
Ain't the internet great?

driver100

abacomike said:

I woke up this morning with this horrible "itch"! I could not figure out what was causing it. I drove up to West Palm Beach to test drive the new S450. As soon as I got behind the wheel to drive the car, the "itch" disappeared! It drove beautifully and handled just like I remember Mercedes vehicles handle. I got out of the car to go into the dealership to sit down and talk about options, etc., and that "itch" came back as soon as I stepped out of the car.

I put 2 and 2 together and it came up - "...I have an itch; it goes away when I'm behind the wheel of the S450; when I get out of the car, the itch returns with a vengeance. I need to do something about this!"

The rest is history!

When do you take delivery? Now that is one beautiful car, and the color really suits it. I wasn't crazy about previous S's, but that one is the nicest yet...and the instruments are gorgeous.

driver100

I see you already got it....that is one beautiful car....congratulations.
A new car means a lot to you...you deserve it. Enjoy it.

iluvmysephia1

Mike - I have my constant car-switch thing going as strong as ever. I found one of the above at a car lot in Lynnwood with only 13,291 miles on it -selling for only $9,999. Your car sort of...outshines my choice, but...you know.

Whoa. Passed their inspection process at "Goodyear." $9,999? That's the lowest priced  2016 Scion iA I've seen online. 6-speed stick and clean.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

All done!  Parked outside of my Condo. 

I need a psychiatrist!

Wow. Congratulations. I realize we saw the foreshadowing when you said something about the Mercedes ride several days ago.

And the tires on the BMW must have been worn a little along with those two oil changes. LOL

dino001

abacomike said:

I woke up this morning with this horrible "itch"! I could not figure out what was causing it. I drove up to West Palm Beach to test drive the new S450. As soon as I got behind the wheel to drive the car, the "itch" disappeared! It drove beautifully and handled just like I remember Mercedes vehicles handle. I got out of the car to go into the dealership to sit down and talk about options, etc., and that "itch" came back as soon as I stepped out of the car.

I put 2 and 2 together and it came up - "...I have an itch; it goes away when I'm behind the wheel of the S450; when I get out of the car, the itch returns with a vengeance. I need to do something about this!"

The rest is history!

I knew it! Liar, liar, pants on fire... :laughing:

explorerx4

@Marcothecarguy1986,
Although I didn't watch the whole segment on the new Expedition, I really enjoy listening to what the product/engineering managers have to say.

abacomike

This is a brand new edition to the S Class line from Mercedes Benz. MSRP was $105,750 and it is the exact same body and interior as the S560 is $10,000 more than mine. The S560 has a new 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine. The S450 has a 3.0 liter V6 biturbo which delivers 362 hp and 369 lb ft of torque.

When I drove home from West Palm Beach on the Turnpike, that new 9 speed automatic transmission was great. It handles and accelerates like a V8, not a V6. They sure do get a lot of horsepower and torque out of a 3.0 L V6 with twin turbos.

Car corners and rides beautifully. It delivers a smoother, more relaxed ride in the normal/comfort mode. In the Sport Mode, the shocks stiffen as does the entire suspension due to the "Airmatic" suspension. Steering also stiffens up in Sport Mode. In the Economy Mode, the ride and handling are exactly like Comfort Mode, but the gears change quickly and before you know it, you are in 8th or 9th gear.

I have to drive up there tomorrow morning to drop off the other two keys to my 740i. I won't have as much traffic so I will be able to use the adaptive cruise and self-steering functions.

It comes with run-flat tires again, but hese are a lower profile but provide a smoother ride than the 740i. The tires are 20" with the multi-spoked alloy wheels. They are Pirelli's. As I drive this car, I'll comment on general impressions once I have taught myself all the nanny gadgets and technology.

nyccarguy

WAY TO GO @abacomike!  Mazel-Tov & congrats on the "punch!"

abacomike

nyccarguy said:

WAY TO GO @abacomike!  Mazel-Tov & congrats on the "punch!"

Thanks, Bradd.  

iluvmysephia1

2016 Scion iA 6-speed stick

This is the exact car I'm focusing on. I love the color. You get a 7" screen for music and navigation  and a rear-view camera. 13,291 miles and only $9,999. What a deal!

The color is called charcoal. It is like Mike's new car color on his Mercedes-Benz. It really looks good on a Scion iA. I'm going to work Saturday through Monday nights and mine will probably sell. 

But maybe not.

jmonroe

abacomike said:

Congratulations...twice.

Once for getting a new car which really was no surprise to the regulars in here and once for not being afraid to admit you are an "old man". I say that because that color is the same as what I have on my '15 Genny and I have to agree with what Mrs. j said the first time she saw it. It is an "old man's color" and for me that is a BAD thing because I won't be getting a replacement for it any time soon. However, for you, when you tire of it quickly, it will only be a minor inconvenience and will be replaced with a 2019 if not sooner.

I'm jealous, enjoy it for a few months and give us a detailed report before it's gone.

jmonroe

abacomike

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

Congratulations...twice.

Once for getting a new car which really was no surprise to the regulars in here and once for not being afraid to admit you are an "old man". I say that because that color is the same as what I have on my '15 Genny and I have to agree with what Mrs. j said the first time she saw it. It is an "old man's color" and for me that is a BAD thing because I won't be getting a replacement for it any time soon. However, for you, when you tire of it quickly, it will only be a minor inconvenience and will be replaced with a 2019 if not sooner.

I'm jealous, enjoy it for a few months and give us a detailed report before it's gone.

jmonroe

Thanks, JM. As far as color is concerned, my last two cars have been white and I just plain got tired of white. This is a newer gray - Selenite Grey. As far as an old man's color, I always thought Silver and Beige were "Old Man's Colors", not gray. But, after all, I am an old man - 73 and counting!

Mr_Shiftright

abacomike said:

All done!  Parked outside of my Condo. 

I need a psychiatrist!

Get outta town!

I knew you were going to do this. I just knew it.

abacomike

Here's my post from just a few days ago - I must be a pathological liar or something:

"...By the way, you disbelievers out there. My BMW 740 just turned 11,000 miles and is 11 months old (new?). Every time I look at some of the cars out there, the more I know I will be staying with the 740i. I don't feel like taking the big depreciation hit like I am used to taking - and for what it's worth - there really isn't anything out there that is "better than" what I now have. It still rides like a new car and handles like a new car. It has all the creature comforts one would want in a car and its safety features are top-notch.

I'm driving up to my brother's for Thanksgiving and my BMW is a great road car. I don't think I've owned a car with 11,000+ miles on it for over 20 years. It's already had one oil and filter change and will be due for another in 6500 miles. My Michelin tires still have lots of tread on them, so tires won't be a problem for quite some time."

When I posted the above, I really had no intention of getting a new car. But when you are thrown an unbelievable deal and you sniff it out, one becomes helpless. I'm a sucker for new cars, what can I say.

iluvmysephia1

Car purchases are emotional. Period. Sure they're financial. Duh. But they're super emotional. I love cars!

driver100

My friend asked his mechanic about motor mounts going at 59000 miles on a Mercedes. The mechanic doesn't specialize in Mercedes, but what he said may be of interest.

According to my mechanic the Mercedes probably has electronic controlled Motor Mounts. They are filled with a special fluid and depending on the torque force on the Motor Mounts they are programmed to apply less opposition to the torque or more depending on the situation. This will translate into less vibration at the motor and less vibration in the cab. This is quite a sophisticated system and in my humble opinion $1600.00 for 2 sounds ok. and 59,000 miles according to the mechanic is about right for a Mercedes
I don't believe it's possible to have such high-tech super sophistication AND make it last forever. I don't think the weather has a bearing on it's longevity. It is a sealed system. Some people drive their vehicles harder than others and over worse road conditions.

driver100

iluvmysephia1 said:

Car purchases are emotional. Period. Sure they're financial. Duh. But they're super emotional. I love cars!

The Scion sounds like a great deal...but, no all wheel drive and you just bought your new snow tires. Sometimes the dreaming about what to get is better than getting it. In Mikes case...it leads to needing another fix.

driver100

Mike, for the record...I think that gray is a great color for that car. Most S's are black. The gray looks formal but adds some life to the car. That car is special..............so nicely designed.

jmonroe

abacomike said:

Here's my post from just a few days ago - I must be a pathological liar or something:

"...By the way, you disbelievers out there. My BMW 740 just turned 11,000 miles and is 11 months old (new?). Every time I look at some of the cars out there, the more I know I will be staying with the 740i. I don't feel like taking the big depreciation hit like I am used to taking - and for what it's worth - there really isn't anything out there that is "better than" what I now have. It still rides like a new car and handles like a new car. It has all the creature comforts one would want in a car and its safety features are top-notch.

I'm driving up to my brother's for Thanksgiving and my BMW is a great road car. I don't think I've owned a car with 11,000+ miles on it for over 20 years. It's already had one oil and filter change and will be due for another in 6500 miles. My Michelin tires still have lots of tread on them, so tires won't be a problem for quite some time."

When I posted the above, I really had no intention of getting a new car. But when you are thrown an unbelievable deal and you sniff it out, one becomes helpless. I'm a sucker for new cars, what can I say.

Yeah, yeah, they held a gun to your head and you chickened out. You could have at least looked into what your poster buddy @oldfarmer50 would have offered for the 740i. Now tell us the dealership wanted it for themselves and would have pulled the trigger if you went to @oldfarmer50.

jmonroe

abacomike

jmonroe said:

Here's my post from just a few days ago - I must be a pathological liar or something: "...By the way, you disbelievers out there. My BMW 740 just turned 11,000 miles and is 11 months old (new?). Every time I look at some of the cars out there, the more I know I will be staying with the 740i. I don't feel like taking the big depreciation hit like I am used to taking - and for what it's worth - there really isn't anything out there that is "better than" what I now have. It still rides like a new car and handles like a new car. It has all the creature comforts one would want in a car and its safety features are top-notch. I'm driving up to my brother's for Thanksgiving and my BMW is a great road car. I don't think I've owned a car with 11,000+ miles on it for over 20 years. It's already had one oil and filter change and will be due for another in 6500 miles. My Michelin tires still have lots of tread on them, so tires won't be a problem for quite some time." When I posted the above, I really had no intention of getting a new car. But when you are thrown an unbelievable deal and you sniff it out, one becomes helpless. I'm a sucker for new cars, what can I say.

Yeah, yeah, they held a gun to your head and you chickened out. You could have at least looked into what your poster buddy @oldfarmer50 would have offered for the 740i. Now tell us the dealership wanted it for themselves and would have pulled the trigger if you went to @oldfarmer50. jmonroe

They gave me $2500 over book value for my trade and priced the new car at invoice less $1500 for USAA fleet discount.  So the numbers were $3000 better than any of the local dealers.

iluvmysephia1

I will no doubt hold with my '11 Kia Soul. I think my age and closer proximity to retirement is driving my car search obsession. I would finance the '16 Scion iA 6-speed stick in charcoal for only five years on a note. 

I would have payments almost exactly to what I have now. And I'd be retiring about a year before the Scion's paid off...and I could try the idea of splitting your monthly payment in half. It rapidly speeds up your payoff time!

Oh, driver, about the snow tires. I would take my snows at trade-in time with me. Now that I've found the very best snow tires I'll just make sure my Scion iA gets Michelin X-Ice Xie snow tires shod on it immediately. I would sell them on eBay or Craigslist if I couldn't fit them on the Scion iA right away. Those Michelin snow tires are incredible in the snow!

abacomike

driver100 said:

Mike, for the record...I think that gray is a great color for that car. Most S's are black. The gray looks formal but adds some life to the car. That car is special..............so nicely designed.

Thanks for the kind words, driver.

stickguy

I really like that color on that car too. Looks sharp.

iluvmysephia1

abacomike - your new car is beautiful man. Enjoy it to the hilt!

jmonroe

driver100 said:

My friend asked his mechanic about motor mounts going at 59000 miles on a Mercedes. The mechanic doesn't specialize in Mercedes, but what he said may be of interest.

According to my mechanic the Mercedes probably has electronic controlled Motor Mounts. They are filled with a special fluid and depending on the torque force on the Motor Mounts they are programmed to apply less opposition to the torque or more depending on the situation. This will translate into less vibration at the motor and less vibration in the cab. This is quite a sophisticated system and in my humble opinion $1600.00 for 2 sounds ok. and 59,000 miles according to the mechanic is about right for a Mercedes
I don't believe it's possible to have such high-tech super sophistication AND make it last forever. I don't think the weather has a bearing on it's longevity. It is a sealed system. Some people drive their vehicles harder than others and over worse road conditions.

In my not so humble opinion, motor mounts like you described is going beyond cute, it's done because it can be done. If you are tracking a car and need better handling to win trophies I could almost understand it. On the everyday luxo grocery getter, it is a money pit that will surprise owners when the warranty runs out.

jmonroe

iluvmysephia1

Another thing about the Scion iA I love are the alloy wheels. I would enjoy washing them, their design allows for one's fingers to get in there and easily wash the spokes. 

sda

abacomike said:

Here's my post from just a few days ago - I must be a pathological liar or something:

"...By the way, you disbelievers out there. My BMW 740 just turned 11,000 miles and is 11 months old (new?). Every time I look at some of the cars out there, the more I know I will be staying with the 740i. I don't feel like taking the big depreciation hit like I am used to taking - and for what it's worth - there really isn't anything out there that is "better than" what I now have. It still rides like a new car and handles like a new car. It has all the creature comforts one would want in a car and its safety features are top-notch.

I'm driving up to my brother's for Thanksgiving and my BMW is a great road car. I don't think I've owned a car with 11,000+ miles on it for over 20 years. It's already had one oil and filter change and will be due for another in 6500 miles. My Michelin tires still have lots of tread on them, so tires won't be a problem for quite some time."

When I posted the above, I really had no intention of getting a new car. But when you are thrown an unbelievable deal and you sniff it out, one becomes helpless. I'm a sucker for new cars, what can I say.

Wow just wow! Enjoy

jmonroe

driver100 said:

Mike, for the record...I think that gray is a great color for that car. Most S's are black. The gray looks formal but adds some life to the car. That car is special..............so nicely designed.

I'm going to try to convince myself that, "The gray looks formal but adds some life to the car". Once I'm convinced, I'll try it on Mrs. j and see if her imagination can play tricks on her too.

jmonroe

abacomike

Thanks sda, stick, iluv, jmonroe and driver and everyone else.  Still no buyer’s remorse. 

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

My friend asked his mechanic about motor mounts going at 59000 miles on a Mercedes. The mechanic doesn't specialize in Mercedes, but what he said may be of interest.

According to my mechanic the Mercedes probably has electronic controlled Motor Mounts. They are filled with a special fluid and depending on the torque force on the Motor Mounts they are programmed to apply less opposition to the torque or more depending on the situation. This will translate into less vibration at the motor and less vibration in the cab. This is quite a sophisticated system and in my humble opinion $1600.00 for 2 sounds ok. and 59,000 miles according to the mechanic is about right for a Mercedes
I don't believe it's possible to have such high-tech super sophistication AND make it last forever. I don't think the weather has a bearing on it's longevity. It is a sealed system. Some people drive their vehicles harder than others and over worse road conditions.

That is so totally German---LOL!

iluvmysephia1

Mike - there's gotta be some kind of rebate you could earn or prize. Your new car turnover rate has got to be in the top 5% of all U.S. drivers.

abacomike

iluvmysephia1 said:

Mike - there's gotta be some kind of rebate you could earn or prize. Your new car turnover rate has got to be in the top 5% of all U.S. drivers.

That statistic is, by no means, anything I am proud of, not to mention the fact that my bank accounts are moaning and groaning all the time!