Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

Well, it is close enough for you to go over and check. Big dent behind passenger door. I might be too picky but looks like a larger gap than it should be on the hood. It is easy to be skeptical...might be OK. See if the guy has some steaks he can sell you.

abacomike

pensfan83 said:

@abacomike - congratulations on the new car, even with some of the technology roadblocks it sounds like you are very pleased with the decision and it looks great. May you enjoy it for however long you have it!

Thanks pensfan - kind of you to pass along wishes!

abacomike

driver100 said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I bought a Vizio in December of 2016 with surround sound speakers including sound bars, 4K, etc.  It’s phenomenal and also made in the USA.  Their consumer hot line has helped immensely in helping me set up Netflix and WiFi with Bluetooth.  I suggest you give it a look see.

WARNING: Every make is good until you have a major problem with it. We liked our Audi, until they treated us badly. We liked BMW, until the dealer valued our trade-in at $4000 below KBB (saying they had so many of them in stock), and I liked our VIZIO until we tried to use the SMART feature and it wouldn't work and then I got the run around and outright lies from their hopeless customer service department - who I am sure are told to get rid of any customers as quickly as you can, never admit it is the TVs fault. I had to test the equipment each time which takes about 40 minutes and I did it about 6 times before they admitted there was nothing they could do. Blame it on the cable company, blame it on Netflix, anything but their TV....when it was the TV. I told them I would never buy another one of their TVs again, which of course means nothing to them. We have never had problems with our Samsungs, and all that I have said here is FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Driver - that’s why I purchased a 5-year warranty from BestBuy when I bought it for around $150.  I had the same problem so I called their GeekSquad and 48 hours later they had it solved.  They told me they will come out to assist whenever I had a problem.  When you invest $1500 on a TV, sound system and installation, it often pays to get an extended warranty like I did with all my Apple phones.  

I guess you are jinxed when it comes to some electronics and any car that’s NOT a Mercedes. 

qbrozen

driver100 said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I bought a Vizio in December of 2016 with surround sound speakers including sound bars, 4K, etc.  It’s phenomenal and also made in the USA.  Their consumer hot line has helped immensely in helping me set up Netflix and WiFi with Bluetooth.  I suggest you give it a look see.

WARNING: Every make is good until you have a major problem with it. We liked our Audi, until they treated us badly. We liked BMW, until the dealer valued our trade-in at $4000 below KBB (saying they had so many of them in stock), and I liked our VIZIO until we tried to use the SMART feature and it wouldn't work and then I got the run around and outright lies from their hopeless customer service department - who I am sure are told to get rid of any customers as quickly as you can, never admit it is the TVs fault. I had to test the equipment each time which takes about 40 minutes and I did it about 6 times before they admitted there was nothing they could do. Blame it on the cable company, blame it on Netflix, anything but their TV....when it was the TV. I told them I would never buy another one of their TVs again, which of course means nothing to them. We have never had problems with our Samsungs, and all that I have said here is FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Haha. And my 42" Samsung in my bedroom has been problematic. Back when it was 2 years old, it quit working. I had an extended warranty from best buy so they came to the house and found it popped a resistor or transistor or something like that. Now a few years later, it squeals when turned on and flashes on and off for about 5 mins till it "warms up."

our newest, a 55" Vizio in the family room, has never worked smoothly. The wifi is slow and sketchy so we stopped using the built in smart functions entirely. Sometimes it also will flash off and on. That behavior has decreased greatly since I bought new HDMI cables, however. Seems to be overly sensitive in that regard.

oddly enough, our cheapo Westinghouse has performed flawlessly and is the oldest one in the house.

driver100

Qb and Mike. It seems qbrozen has even more problems with electronics than I have!

I like buying a TV at Costco because they look after the warranty...they deal with the supplier and they have clout! We got an extended warranty also - though I usually don't believe in them, because it offers in home service...I don't want to ship a 65 inch TV back to the supplier.

Warranties are a big help, but aren't 100%. You still have to spend time and meanwhile your without your TV while you try to get service.

Sometimes the cheap TVs are reliable...but, they often have more basic components, and don't deliver as good a picture or have all the features...kinda reminds me of Toyotas.

suydam

I’ve had 2 Samsungs now and have had great luck with them. I only sold the first one because we were moving across Country and at 6 years old, I wanted a newer one. The picture quality is phenomenal. Costco is a great place to buy them but selection is small. I got mine at Best Buy along with a sound bar with subwoofer. I’m not handy with electronics so I got their Geek Squad package (it was on sale) and I’ve used it twice to help with setup and connectivity problems. Neither problem was with the TV, but with the crappy internet system we have to use here. Black Friday will be the day to get one at a great price.
4K is great but if your cable company doesn’t have much available it won’t make much difference.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

Sometimes the cheap TVs are reliable...but, they often have more basic components, and don't deliver as good a picture or have all the features.

Or they don't include the cost of the known brand's advertising.

nyccarguy

@abacomike - you haven't lived an easy life by any stretch of the word. If you WANT to go out and buy a gorgeous, new, MBS450 after owning the 740Li for 11 months then god bless you. You deserve it. Gorgeous car! Enjoy it until the before the 2nd oil change!

Speaking of TVs, we've got a 10-year-old 46" Samsung LCD in the basement and a 55" Samsung LED in the living room. The biggest problem we've had with the 46" LCD is that a plastic knee hockey stick flew out of my 8 year-old's hand and went flying into the TV. It doesn't work now.

stickguy

TVs now? We have an LG in the bedroom that works great. I even hung that one on the wall myself (and no, has not fallen off). Use the smart features to watch MLB.tv. Probably about 3 YO now, works great.

the bigger Sharp in the family room is now about 6 YO. Still works perfectly. Never an issue (knock wood of course).

No, they are not the latest and greatest tech, but picture is still just fine, and we never usually stream anything (just watch normal TV) on them so don't really need anything fancier.

the old Sony semi-projection TV that is now in the basement, well, the picture on that one is inferior. There is a name for that technology, I just forget what it is. Probably about 15 YO. Got it when plasmas were just out I think (or maybe the first non-plasma flats) and they were way more expensive. Next time the bulb on that one goes, it hits the curb.

pensfan83

I'll throw in my support for Samsung LED TV's; I have the same sizes as @nyccarguy and they have worked flawlessly and the quality is good. I think the older one is the 55 inch and it's probably around 6-7 years old, no issues at all. We have a 42(?) inch Vizio in master bedroom that we picked up years ago on Black Friday and that's also humming along.

Michaell

We have an LG in the family room (with soundbar and subwoofer). 50", IIRC (the space won't allow for anything larger). We use it for both cable and streaming (Amazon, Netfix, Hulu).

In the master bedroom, we have a Samsung - this one is 42" (I dunno, it's decent sized). Also has an Amazon fire stick plugged in.

And, in my office / man cave, I've got a no-name 32" my wife bought me. I just have cable connected to it, with wireless headphones, and works great.

Comcast help set everything up at 1080p - I don't think we're sophisticated enough to appreciate anything higher in definition.

Daughter also has a 32" in the basement (again, space considerations).

28firefighter

Thanks, all. I was particularly interested in the Samsung QLED and LG OLED display TVs, but I went to Best Buy the other day and if you look at any content on them that is less than 4K HD resolution, there is pretty significant motion blur on them. As I am particularly susceptible to motion sickness, it did not seem worth it.

Costco is running a special on the Samsung MU8000 65" 4K HDTV for $1280 with 2 years of Costco warranty and an additional 3 year warranty from Square Trade. Seems like a good balance of $ for picture quality.

qbrozen

I also noticed motion blur in a number of TVs when we were last shopping, and it quickly became the main deciding factor in the purchase.. That is when we wound up with the Vizio from BJs. Seemed to be the best in that regard vs those in its price range.

roadburner

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I'd DEFINITELY check out the TCL 55P607; only a 55", but it's a fantastic TV for a dirt cheap price- $650(!). It even supports Dolby Vision HDR.
The LG OLED65C7P(($2700) is also an excellent choice- I know it's more than you want to spend, but it's one of the very best TVs currently on the market.
Another bargain pick would be the VIZIO M65-E0 at just $800.
Me, I'd have to go with the LG- but the TCL is one heck of a bargain.

tjc78

I've heard good things about the TCL units, but haven't had a chance to check one out.

I'm the market for cheap 46" or so for the playroom. The last one (like @nyccarguy ) fell victim to my son throwing something at it...

My two Sony LCD projections will keep going until the kids are older. I have my eye on a 70" Sony but would be devastated if one of my kids broke it so I'm holding off.

FWIW we have a Vizio in the bedroom that has been great, but it's almost 7 years old so long before any of the Smart TV features.

roadburner

My Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD is going on 10 years old with no issues. I'll spring for a larger high end OLED sooner than later, but it's not a priority.

28firefighter

roadburner said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I'd DEFINITELY check out the TCL 55P607; only a 55", but it's a fantastic TV for a dirt cheap price- $650(!). It even supports Dolby Vision HDR.
The LG OLED65C7P(($2700) is also an excellent choice- I know it's more than you want to spend, but it's one of the very best TVs currently on the market.
Another bargain pick would be the VIZIO M65-E0 at just $800.
Me, I'd have to go with the LG- but the TCL is one heck of a bargain.

I love the LG OLED - I saw one in Best Buy; when it was 4K content the picture was beautiful. However when it was standard 1080p content, the motion blur made me motion sick to look at. As much as I want the OLED, I think I need to pass.

Will look into the TCL - not a huge fan of Vizio from past experiences. Thanks!

Mr_Shiftright

abacomike said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I bought a Vizio in December of 2016 with surround sound speakers including sound bars, 4K, etc.  It’s phenomenal and also made in the USA.  Their consumer hot line has helped immensely in helping me set up Netflix and WiFi with Bluetooth.  I suggest you give it a look see.

Mike that sounds a bit ominous though, that you need a consumer hot line to set up Netflix and Wi-Fi.

abacomike

nyccarguy said:

@abacomike - you haven't lived an easy life by any stretch of the word. If you WANT to go out and buy a gorgeous, new, MBS450 after owning the 740Li for 11 months then god bless you. You deserve it. Gorgeous car! Enjoy it until the before the 2nd oil change!

Speaking of TVs, we've got a 10-year-old 46" Samsung LCD in the basement and a 55" Samsung LED in the living room. The biggest problem we've had with the 46" LCD is that a plastic knee hockey stick flew out of my 8 year-old's hand and went flying into the TV. It doesn't work now.

Bad news on the S430 front. This morning, I drove over to the Window Tint place I usually use to tint the windows in my cars. Down here in Florida, you really need to have tinting to reduce heat and UV. So I parked the car in the front of the place and gave them my key to the new car. They gave me a loaner to use for a few hours. Before I even got home (2 miles), I got a call from the office clerk telling me that when the guy who does the tinting pulled my car back, the front end on the left side (not the right) was pulled away from the chassis. Needless to say, I ran back there and low and behold, sure enough, he had damaged the front left side of my bumper, chrome, and it was pulled out about 3 inches.

I remember when I pulled into that parking apace, my sensors beeped and I parked the car "behind" the front parking stoop. The guy must have pulled forward and then back and turned the steering wheel in order to damage the car like he did. I told them that I was not driving the car when it was damaged - one of their employees was driving the car when the damage took place. So they called one of the local Mercedes shops and Auto-Nation has a collision shop not far from me where they do work on all their dealerships in this area. According to them, the damage was minimal and they will be able to repair the bumper in several hours.

My adaptive cruise control and a myriad of sensors are in the front end of the car. As soon as they tow the car to the collision center, I will stop off on my way food shopping tomorrow morning to make sure it is repaired properly. I am sure they will have to replace the bumper - but I will talk to the manager of their collision center about repairs. According to the tint place, they are going to take care of all the costs. I just want to make sure that it is not repaired improperly or cheaply. I'm worried about vibrations, cruise control, parking sensors, etc.

Never fails - if something is going to happen, it will happen - I just can't catch a break.

What hurts the most is that the car only has 156 miles on it.

Mr_Shiftright

Consider this the "Dent of Liberation". Now you don't have to worry about that first ding anymore.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

roadburner said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I'd DEFINITELY check out the TCL 55P607; only a 55", but it's a fantastic TV for a dirt cheap price- $650(!). It even supports Dolby Vision HDR.
The LG OLED65C7P(($2700) is also an excellent choice- I know it's more than you want to spend, but it's one of the very best TVs currently on the market.
Another bargain pick would be the VIZIO M65-E0 at just $800.
Me, I'd have to go with the LG- but the TCL is one heck of a bargain.

I love the LG OLED - I saw one in Best Buy; when it was 4K content the picture was beautiful. However when it was standard 1080p content, the motion blur made me motion sick to look at. As much as I want the OLED, I think I need to pass.

Will look into the TCL - not a huge fan of Vizio from past experiences. Thanks!

I have the LG OLED in 65” I bought about a year ago (funny, the prices haven’t dropped from what I paid at Best Buy’s Black Friday Sale last year). It’s the B series, not the C series. But, the panel is the same. Unless they changed something in the DSP board that has caused a “motion blur” issue, I haven’t noticed any of that. I suppose they changed something. Not sure how much they could change, though.

TCL is supposed to be quite a good TV for the money. I haven’t seen any of them, yet. VIZIO’s high end (M?) are supposed to be quite good, too.

But, if Samsung’s Q series are too rich price wise, as LG’s OLED still is, I think I might look at the Sony UHD TVs. I’ve always been impressed with their higher end LCDs (they also slap their name on an LG OLED panel, which is even more expensive than LG’s). And, if you aren’t looking for the ultimate in picture quality, for the money, that’s where I’d spend my $$$$.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

roadburner said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I'd DEFINITELY check out the TCL 55P607; only a 55", but it's a fantastic TV for a dirt cheap price- $650(!). It even supports Dolby Vision HDR.
The LG OLED65C7P(($2700) is also an excellent choice- I know it's more than you want to spend, but it's one of the very best TVs currently on the market.
Another bargain pick would be the VIZIO M65-E0 at just $800.
Me, I'd have to go with the LG- but the TCL is one heck of a bargain.

I love the LG OLED - I saw one in Best Buy; when it was 4K content the picture was beautiful. However when it was standard 1080p content, the motion blur made me motion sick to look at. As much as I want the OLED, I think I need to pass.

Will look into the TCL - not a huge fan of Vizio from past experiences. Thanks!

I have the LG OLED in 65” I bought about a year ago (funny, the prices haven’t dropped from what I paid at Best Buy’s Black Friday Sale last year). It’s the B series, not the C series. But, the panel is the same. Unless they changed something in the DSP board that has caused a “motion blur” issue, I haven’t noticed any of that. I suppose they changed something. Not sure how much they could change, though.

TCL is supposed to be quite a good TV for the money. I haven’t seen any of them, yet. VIZIO’s high end (M?) are supposed to be quite good, too.

But, if Samsung’s Q series are too rich price wise, as LG’s OLED still is, I think I might look at the Sony UHD TVs. I’ve always been impressed with their higher end LCDs (they also slap their name on an LG OLED panel, which is even more expensive than LG’s). And, if you aren’t looking for the ultimate in picture quality, for the money, that’s where I’d spend my $$$$.

Thanks, @graphicguy! I think the motion blur issue is probably very subjective. Costco also has the LG OLED B series so I can go take a look at both of them in-store.

Stay tuned.

roadburner

abacomike said:

nyccarguy said:

@abacomike - you haven't lived an easy life by any stretch of the word. If you WANT to go out and buy a gorgeous, new, MBS450 after owning the 740Li for 11 months then god bless you. You deserve it. Gorgeous car! Enjoy it until the before the 2nd oil change!

Speaking of TVs, we've got a 10-year-old 46" Samsung LCD in the basement and a 55" Samsung LED in the living room. The biggest problem we've had with the 46" LCD is that a plastic knee hockey stick flew out of my 8 year-old's hand and went flying into the TV. It doesn't work now.

Bad news on the S430 front. This morning, I drove over to the Window Tint place I usually use to tint the windows in my cars. Down here in Florida, you really need to have tinting to reduce heat and UV. So I parked the car in the front of the place and gave them my key to the new car. They gave me a loaner to use for a few hours. Before I even got home (2 miles), I got a call from the office clerk telling me that when the guy who does the tinting pulled my car back, the front end on the left side (not the right) was pulled away from the chassis. Needless to say, I ran back there and low and behold, sure enough, he had damaged the front left side of my bumper, chrome, and it was pulled out about 3 inches.

I remember when I pulled into that parking apace, my sensors beeped and I parked the car "behind" the front parking stoop. The guy must have pulled forward and then back and turned the steering wheel in order to damage the car like he did. I told them that I was not driving the car when it was damaged - one of their employees was driving the car when the damage took place. So they called one of the local Mercedes shops and Auto-Nation has a collision shop not far from me where they do work on all their dealerships in this area. According to them, the damage was minimal and they will be able to repair the bumper in several hours.

My adaptive cruise control and a myriad of sensors are in the front end of the car. As soon as they tow the car to the collision center, I will stop off on my way food shopping tomorrow morning to make sure it is repaired properly. I am sure they will have to replace the bumper - but I will talk to the manager of their collision center about repairs. According to the tint place, they are going to take care of all the costs. I just want to make sure that it is not repaired improperly or cheaply. I'm worried about vibrations, cruise control, parking sensors, etc.

Never fails - if something is going to happen, it will happen - I just can't catch a break.

What hurts the most is that the car only has 156 miles on it.

I feel for you. I hate to have something like that happen.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

nyccarguy said:

@abacomike - you haven't lived an easy life by any stretch of the word. If you WANT to go out and buy a gorgeous, new, MBS450 after owning the 740Li for 11 months then god bless you. You deserve it. Gorgeous car! Enjoy it until the before the 2nd oil change!

Speaking of TVs, we've got a 10-year-old 46" Samsung LCD in the basement and a 55" Samsung LED in the living room. The biggest problem we've had with the 46" LCD is that a plastic knee hockey stick flew out of my 8 year-old's hand and went flying into the TV. It doesn't work now.

Bad news on the S430 front. This morning, I drove over to the Window Tint place I usually use to tint the windows in my cars. Down here in Florida, you really need to have tinting to reduce heat and UV. So I parked the car in the front of the place and gave them my key to the new car. They gave me a loaner to use for a few hours. Before I even got home (2 miles), I got a call from the office clerk telling me that when the guy who does the tinting pulled my car back, the front end on the left side (not the right) was pulled away from the chassis. Needless to say, I ran back there and low and behold, sure enough, he had damaged the front left side of my bumper, chrome, and it was pulled out about 3 inches.

I remember when I pulled into that parking apace, my sensors beeped and I parked the car "behind" the front parking stoop. The guy must have pulled forward and then back and turned the steering wheel in order to damage the car like he did. I told them that I was not driving the car when it was damaged - one of their employees was driving the car when the damage took place. So they called one of the local Mercedes shops and Auto-Nation has a collision shop not far from me where they do work on all their dealerships in this area. According to them, the damage was minimal and they will be able to repair the bumper in several hours.

My adaptive cruise control and a myriad of sensors are in the front end of the car. As soon as they tow the car to the collision center, I will stop off on my way food shopping tomorrow morning to make sure it is repaired properly. I am sure they will have to replace the bumper - but I will talk to the manager of their collision center about repairs. According to the tint place, they are going to take care of all the costs. I just want to make sure that it is not repaired improperly or cheaply. I'm worried about vibrations, cruise control, parking sensors, etc.

Never fails - if something is going to happen, it will happen - I just can't catch a break.

What hurts the most is that the car only has 156 miles on it.

As I said, the joy of driving hoopties is you don't worry about that stuff. Bumper scraped, bumper missing, it's all good. For the cost of your MB you could buy a different one every week.






As I said, the joy off Irvin hoop ties is you do 't

Just to give you an idea of what I'm up against i left the original of my first attempt to post.

stickguy

That TCL model is $399 at Walmart and best buy now. Amazing.

pensfan83

As I mentioned previously I'm in Cleveland through tomorrow afternoon before I make my way to Columbus for more interviews. I have sat through 4 today and everyone, in some way shape or form, used it as an opportunity to express how much they hate their current job. One even joked they dislike their current job more than the Browns hate winning. Ouch.

One of them said he's the "king of his region" because of his sales/customer service but in the same breath said he cannot stand the "degenerates" in the neighborhood where he's located, another said his current job is a "dead end" and needs out, and another vented about pay for performance and their current company. The last person talked in the 3rd person at times which was just bizarre. The highlight of my trip thus far was lunch yesterday at Corky & Lenny's.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

As I mentioned previously I'm in Cleveland through tomorrow afternoon before I make my way to Columbus for more interviews. I have sat through 4 today and everyone, in some way shape or form, used it as an opportunity to express how much they hate their current job. One even joked they dislike their current job more than the Browns hate winning. Ouch.

One of them said he's the "king of his region" because of his sales/customer service but in the same breath said he cannot stand the "degenerates" in the neighborhood where he's located, another said his current job is a "dead end" and needs out, and another vented about pay for performance and their current company. The last person talked in the 3rd person at times which was just bizarre. The highlight of my trip thus far was lunch yesterday at Corky & Lenny's.

I'm always baffled by folks who like to trash-talk during interviews like it is some badge of honor. Occasionally it gets under my skin enough that immediately after the comment is made, I'll ask a question like "what could you have done differently to try and improve the atmosphere of your previous team?" Usually the answer ends up being silence or "nothing" - neither of which really showcase creativity and problem solving ability. It is easy to complain, much harder to try and provide a solution.

If you're currently employed and interviewing for a new role, there is probably something bothering you but it has no relevance to the new job and just sets a bad tone right off the bat.

Also very jealous of the Corky & Lenny's visit. My wife grew up not 5 minutes from there.

roadburner

As I mentioned a few days ago, I have an interview with the Governor's General Counsel on Thursday. I know it is just a sham to mollify my supporters, so the hardest part will be disguising my annoyance with the entire process. I believe I have a duty to go through with it out of respect for all those who have gone to bat for me, but if that wasn't the case I'd tell the powers that be to go pound sand.

driver100

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

nyccarguy said:

@abacomike - you haven't lived an easy life by any stretch of the word. If you WANT to go out and buy a gorgeous, new, MBS450 after owning the 740Li for 11 months then god bless you. You deserve it. Gorgeous car! Enjoy it until the before the 2nd oil change!

Speaking of TVs, we've got a 10-year-old 46" Samsung LCD in the basement and a 55" Samsung LED in the living room. The biggest problem we've had with the 46" LCD is that a plastic knee hockey stick flew out of my 8 year-old's hand and went flying into the TV. It doesn't work now.

Bad news on the S430 front. This morning, I drove over to the Window Tint place I usually use to tint the windows in my cars. Down here in Florida, you really need to have tinting to reduce heat and UV. So I parked the car in the front of the place and gave them my key to the new car. They gave me a loaner to use for a few hours. Before I even got home (2 miles), I got a call from the office clerk telling me that when the guy who does the tinting pulled my car back, the front end on the left side (not the right) was pulled away from the chassis. Needless to say, I ran back there and low and behold, sure enough, he had damaged the front left side of my bumper, chrome, and it was pulled out about 3 inches.

I remember when I pulled into that parking apace, my sensors beeped and I parked the car "behind" the front parking stoop. The guy must have pulled forward and then back and turned the steering wheel in order to damage the car like he did. I told them that I was not driving the car when it was damaged - one of their employees was driving the car when the damage took place. So they called one of the local Mercedes shops and Auto-Nation has a collision shop not far from me where they do work on all their dealerships in this area. According to them, the damage was minimal and they will be able to repair the bumper in several hours.

My adaptive cruise control and a myriad of sensors are in the front end of the car. As soon as they tow the car to the collision center, I will stop off on my way food shopping tomorrow morning to make sure it is repaired properly. I am sure they will have to replace the bumper - but I will talk to the manager of their collision center about repairs. According to the tint place, they are going to take care of all the costs. I just want to make sure that it is not repaired improperly or cheaply. I'm worried about vibrations, cruise control, parking sensors, etc.

Never fails - if something is going to happen, it will happen - I just can't catch a break.

What hurts the most is that the car only has 156 miles on it.

I feel for you. I hate to have something like that happen.

+1, I guess it is telling you it is time for a new car.

roadburner

Car and Driver has started putting what they call "In-Depth Reviews" on their website. The reviews do go into more detail than the typical road test; for example, one thing that they objectively measure is visibility- how much of your view is obstructed by the A/B/C pillars as well as how much of the road is obscured in front of and behind the car. These results are compared with vehicles in roughly the same class or segment. For some reason the 2 Series is lumped in with the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang, but the analysis of the visibility in the Dodge Challenger review is very interesting. Notice in particular how little a Camaro driver is able to see. That would drive me crazy.

driver100

pensfan83 said:

As I mentioned previously I'm in Cleveland through tomorrow afternoon before I make my way to Columbus for more interviews. I have sat through 4 today and everyone, in some way shape or form, used it as an opportunity to express how much they hate their current job. One even joked they dislike their current job more than the Browns hate winning. Ouch.

One of them said he's the "king of his region" because of his sales/customer service but in the same breath said he cannot stand the "degenerates" in the neighborhood where he's located, another said his current job is a "dead end" and needs out, and another vented about pay for performance and their current company. The last person talked in the 3rd person at times which was just bizarre. The highlight of my trip thus far was lunch yesterday at Corky & Lenny's.

Don't these people know you paint yourself with negativity when you make negative comments. A negative comment should be changed into a positive one. I like my current job but I would like something more challenging....sounds better than, I hate my job and I hate the degenerates I work with.

People don't want to be around negative people, and I don't think anyone in charge would want to hire them.

carnaught

@abacomike, sorry to hear about the car damage.  Don't worry though, it'll be fixed so you can't tell.  Heck of a way to get the window tint comp.'d.

suydam

Hope the Columbus people like their jobs better.
Jealous of your Corky and Lenny stop! I could not get there when I was in Cleveland a month ago. I did make up for it somewhat at the Reading Market eats in Philly last week.

pensfan83

All of the candidates today with the exception of one didn't make the final list. I really didn't appreciate the comments made by the self-proclaimed "king" and everyone else is just looking for a soft landing at another internal position because they are so dissatisfied. It didn't matter whether I asked direct "yes/no" type questions or behavioral that draw upon actual experience, these folks were just flat out bitter. While none of these people would be directly managed by me they are in my roll-up. One of my managers that accompanied me said she would not want to manage anyone that uses the interview as a venting session.

@28firefighter I'm staying at the Courtyard Marriott right off Chagrin/271 in Beachwood and the office is literally 10 minutes away so C&L is always a must stop when I'm here.

ab348

pensfan83 said:

As I mentioned previously I'm in Cleveland through tomorrow afternoon before I make my way to Columbus for more interviews. I have sat through 4 today and everyone, in some way shape or form, used it as an opportunity to express how much they hate their current job. One even joked they dislike their current job more than the Browns hate winning. Ouch.

One of them said he's the "king of his region" because of his sales/customer service but in the same breath said he cannot stand the "degenerates" in the neighborhood where he's located, another said his current job is a "dead end" and needs out, and another vented about pay for performance and their current company. The last person talked in the 3rd person at times which was just bizarre. The highlight of my trip thus far was lunch yesterday at Corky & Lenny's.

These are all internal candidates who already work for your company?

That's actually a bit scary if the poor workplace culture is that widespread.

cdnpinhead

Question: Do you know what time it is?

Correct Answer: Yes

ab348

The TV discussion is interesting from the perspective of how much that market has changed.

Back in the CRT days Sony used to be well-regarded, as were Panasonic, Hitachi, Sharp, JVC and Toshiba. These days Sony is still in the game but the others I mentioned are barely in the business if at all. Meanwhile back around 1990 I bought a Samsung tube TV and soon regretted it. It was just not very good. Around that time I also bought a LG VCR which also was not good. Today though they seem among the leaders in TV tech. Who would have guessed...

In 2005 I bought a Sony rear-projection LCD HDTV and it was good for about a year, but then started having problems. I got rid of it in 2008 after the problems got worse. Swore off Sony after they refused to stand behind their flawed design.

I replaced the Sony in '08 with a Panasonic plasma. It has been great and has a fantastic picture. I always liked Panasonic products. But plasmas are not made any more and when it goes I will have to buy something else since Panasonics are not rated very well in the LCD flat panel world these days. Relatively new brands like TCL and Visio would require me to take a bit of a leap of faith. A brave new world.

driver100

cdnpinhead said:

Question: Do you know what time it is?

Correct Answer: Yes

That group was so negative their answer would be;

If the company paid me more I could afford a decent watch and then I would be able to answer your stupid question.

pensfan83

ab348 said:

These are all internal candidates who already work for your company?

That's actually a bit scary if the poor workplace culture is that widespread.

They were internal and all but 2 were in customer facing roles. I work for a financial services provider and like most other FI's the traditional banker job has and is evolving. Companies like Chase, US Bank, Wells Fargo are all slimming down their branch network, pushing people toward digital banking channels, and displacing thousands of people which means customers who bank through traditional channels choke the remaining branches leading to overburdened offices who are constantly short staffed. Leaders of these companies expect folks on the front line to adapt their ways after years of tradition and the pressure to perform in an evolving environment has lead many to try and flee to risk management groups like mine who are not customer facing and are expanding at a rapid rate. I don't want to make excuses because you can be dissatisfied with your role and still interview well but the fact all who bombed out were from the same line of business within the company is very telling.

I have much higher hopes for tomorrow's candidates.

driver100

roadburner said:

Car and Driver has started putting what they call "In-Depth Reviews" on their website. The reviews do go into more detail than the typical road test; for example, one thing that they objectively measure is visibility- how much of your view is obstructed by the A/B/C pillars as well as how much of the road is obscured in front of and behind the car. These results are compared with vehicles in roughly the same class or segment. For some reason the 2 Series is lumped in with the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang, but the analysis of the visibility in the Dodge Challenger review is very interesting. Notice in particular how little a Camaro driver is able to see. That would drive me crazy.

Those reviews are packed with good information. The visibility is really well done. The Mustang, Camaro, BMW 2 series and Challenger were all close for front visibility, bit the visibility in the Camaro was about half of the others.

28firefighter

I've been dealing with US Bank for our new mortgage and have been very impressed. At least, on its face, it feels like they are doing a really good job of adapting to the "new" way of doing business. Everything has been electronic and their rates are better than most. Then again, I'm one of the people that prefers digital everything for banking and my loan officer has completely revamped his business to accommodate that model.

I can see where it would be hard if you are used to the older way of doing things.

Good luck in Columbus, @pensfan83. My wife went to OSU so I spent a ton of time there, too. Love Raising Canes' chicken fingers.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Good luck in Columbus, @pensfan83. My wife went to OSU so I spent a ton of time there, too. Love Raising Canes' chicken fingers.

RE: Raising Canes' - one of these opened up fairly close to me a month or two ago (right across the street from a Chick-fil-A, don cha know).

Should I try it out? Anything in particular to recommend, or stay away from?

@abacomike - so sorry to hear about your incident. Let's hope everything goes back together correctly. What with all the sensors and electronics all over the car, I'd be worried, too.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

Good luck in Columbus, @pensfan83. My wife went to OSU so I spent a ton of time there, too. Love Raising Canes' chicken fingers.

RE: Raising Canes' - one of these opened up fairly close to me a month or two ago (right across the street from a Chick-fil-A, don cha know).

Should I try it out? Anything in particular to recommend, or stay away from?

@abacomike - so sorry to hear about your incident. Let's hope everything goes back together correctly. What with all the sensors and electronics all over the car, I'd be worried, too.

I'm so jealous. Yes, you should try it. It is all good - the sauce is the X factor, IMHO. I typically got the platter with 5 or 6 fingers, fries, texas toast and sauce.

Now I'm hungry.

oldfarmer50

pensfan83 said:

As I mentioned previously I'm in Cleveland through tomorrow afternoon before I make my way to Columbus for more interviews. I have sat through 4 today and everyone, in some way shape or form, used it as an opportunity to express how much they hate their current job. One even joked they dislike their current job more than the Browns hate winning. Ouch.

One of them said he's the "king of his region" because of his sales/customer service but in the same breath said he cannot stand the "degenerates" in the neighborhood where he's located, another said his current job is a "dead end" and needs out, and another vented about pay for performance and their current company. The last person talked in the 3rd person at times which was just bizarre. The highlight of my trip thus far was lunch yesterday at Corky & Lenny's.

I was guilty of that after my nightmare career with the health care corporation. Got it out of my system on the first interview and then realized that no employer was looking for a bitter person. I guess blasting the previous employer is no-no #1.

But remember, like a used car nobody ever switches because things were running too good.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Michaell said:

28firefighter said:

Good luck in Columbus, @pensfan83. My wife went to OSU so I spent a ton of time there, too. Love Raising Canes' chicken fingers.

RE: Raising Canes' - one of these opened up fairly close to me a month or two ago (right across the street from a Chick-fil-A, don cha know).

Should I try it out? Anything in particular to recommend, or stay away from?

@abacomike - so sorry to hear about your incident. Let's hope everything goes back together correctly. What with all the sensors and electronics all over the car, I'd be worried, too.

I'm so jealous. Yes, you should try it. It is all good - the sauce is the X factor, IMHO. I typically got the platter with 5 or 6 fingers, fries, texas toast and sauce.

Now I'm hungry.

Luckily, the girls work late tonight teaching. Guess where I'm having dinner!

stickguy

michael, any update yet on the new Coopers? wish I knew someone with the Generals. I hate tough decisions like this!

isellhondas

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

28firefighter said:

OK home entertainment gurus. I need some help. 

Going to buy a second, larger TV for our family room in the new house. Looking at roughly a 65” TV for the room. Looking to spend less than $2000 and would ideally like something that is 4K with a 120 hz refresh rate. 

What do you all recommend?  The Samsung MU8000 and MU9000 series look highly recommended but the weird connect box thing apparently bothers some folks. 

I bought a Vizio in December of 2016 with surround sound speakers including sound bars, 4K, etc.  It’s phenomenal and also made in the USA.  Their consumer hot line has helped immensely in helping me set up Netflix and WiFi with Bluetooth.  I suggest you give it a look see.

WARNING: Every make is good until you have a major problem with it. We liked our Audi, until they treated us badly. We liked BMW, until the dealer valued our trade-in at $4000 below KBB (saying they had so many of them in stock), and I liked our VIZIO until we tried to use the SMART feature and it wouldn't work and then I got the run around and outright lies from their hopeless customer service department - who I am sure are told to get rid of any customers as quickly as you can, never admit it is the TVs fault. I had to test the equipment each time which takes about 40 minutes and I did it about 6 times before they admitted there was nothing they could do. Blame it on the cable company, blame it on Netflix, anything but their TV....when it was the TV. I told them I would never buy another one of their TVs again, which of course means nothing to them.

We have never had problems with our Samsungs, and all that I have said here is FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Funny you would say that. We use a highly rated Indy Appliance repair guy and as we are thinking of upgrading everything I asked him if there were any brands to avoid. He said DO NOT buy anything Samsung!

So, go figure...?

Michaell

stickguy said:

michael, any update yet on the new Coopers? wish I knew someone with the Generals. I hate tough decisions like this!

Funny you should ask.

I drove it home from the tire shop on Thursday. Didn't get driven again until yesterday, when my wife took it to work. Got a text message that the tire pressure warning light was on - again. She got home from work, and I took it back to Big O.

We haven't gotten off on the right foot, customer service wise. Tire pressure should be around 35 PSI. Turns out the left front was at 29, and the right front at 39! It's been corrected, so we'll see how it goes. I'll ask her at the end of the week if she's noticed any difference from the OEMs. Likely not - not the kind of thing she pays attention to.

stickguy

Samsung TVs and Appliances are different. I have heard some people worry about issues with repairing Samsung household appliances. We do have that brand WD (thankfully no hiccups yet) and they work well. And last week we got a new Samsung range. Top rated, excellent reviews, and unbeatable price. I will take my chances. And hopefully will be out of the house well before it has a chance to act up!

Fridge is an LG. Those are supposed to be easier to fix. Maybe.

isellhondas

When our son bought his house last year he got a heck of a great deal on all new Samsung appliances at Best Buy. So far, no problems. I not about to tell him what our repair guy said. Keeping fingers crossed.