Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

isellhondas

oldfarmer50 said:

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Ok here's a trivia stumper. In in last year of production how many of the 2004 Olds Aleros produced were sold to rental agencies and what trim level?

I've been told it was 100% but there were 4 trim levels listed for 2004 so I'm doubtful. I have an aquaintence who is considering a GL2 trim and I want to warn him if it was a fleet beater.

Why be afraid of an ex rental? We've owned two ex Avis cars in the past and they were both just fine!

I feel about ex rentals like you feel about vinyl roofs.

I used to rent a lot of cars and I never once abused one and I suspect the vast majority of people don't either.

As far as vinyl roofs there are some cars from the sixties that actually look good with a vinyl top. I had a beautiful yellow 1965 Buick Riviera that had a black vinyl roof. It was one sharp looker that got constant compliments. I saw the identical car without the top that just didn't look right. What I despise is these thick padded aftermarket vinyl tops that people stick on modern cars when this was never an option.

Same applies to the chrome thick wheel lip mouldings, gold kits and wide white walls.

Nor am I a fan of old cars that people throw continental kits and fender skirts on!

But, as they say in the car business..." There's a "butt" for every seat!"

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

I can't explain why I like this. Odd color, square lines IDK. Maybe it's the T-tops. Never had T-tops.



https://glensfalls.craigslist.org/cto/d/1982-chrysler-cordoba-rare/6380787720.html

Nice looking car. The only thing it is lacking is Corinthian Leather.

ab348

Interesting article in Automotive News, apparently Toyota corporate has fired a shot across the bow of their Georgetown, KY plant by saying that it is cheaper for them to build Camrys in Japan and ship them to N.A. than build them in the USA.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20171120/OEM01/311209948/toyota-puts-u-s-workers-on-alert-made-in-japan-camrys-cheaper?cciid=email-autonews-daily

Toyota Motor Corp. issued an unsettling warning to Kentucky workers building its top-selling Camry sedan: Cut costs now or face an uncertain future.

The automaker can build a Camry in Japan, ship it all the way to Kentucky and make more money selling that car than from one built at Toyota's factory in the state, the plant's president told employees in a 2 1/2 minute-long internal video obtained by Bloomberg News.

"I'm not sharing this to scare you, but to heighten your awareness of the current risk we now have," Wil James, who has managed the plant for more than seven years, said in the video dated this month. He said Toyota isn't planning to close the factory and continues to invest in it for the next 30 years. "But all of this is on the assumption that we can make as much progress in cost reduction and efficiency as we've made in quality and safety."

The video provides a glimpse into the cost-cutting drive spearheaded by President Akio Toyoda aimed at freeing up resources for a record research-and-development budget. While Toyota is spending heavily to cultivate electrification and artificial intelligence -- technologies that have the potential to transform the auto industry -- the company is squeezing its vaunted production system for more savings.

Earlier this year, Toyoda set up a cost-saving task force comprised of four executive vice presidents and charged them with ensuring any new outlays are funded from cuts to other programs. James said in the video that Kentucky workers would be hearing more about cost-cutting efforts over the next few weeks.

Cut costs or else? This seems a rather heavy-handed approach.

houdini1

tjc78 said:

28firefighter said:

Any of the NJ folks here Eagles fans?  We are looking mighty good this year...trying not to get my hopes up. 

Bleed green here!  Wow what a game.  I must admit I was nervous at the end of the half, but we took care of business in the second half.  

I also really enjoyed the NO / WAS game.  What a comeback by Brees and company. 

In contrast was the KC Chiefs vs N.Y. Giants game. It was so painful to watch, in order to get some relief, I stopped watching and went to the dentist instead.

houdini1

abacomike said:

I’m leaving for Ponte Vedra Florida tomorrow morning after rush hour.  I always have to enter my brother’s address into my car’s navigation system before leaving because he lives in a remote area of the Nocatee Community which requires many turns and traffic circles.

So I entered his address into my “Mercedes Me” App and sent it to the car.  Tomorrow morning, the voice command will ask me if I want to start route guidance - i’ll respond yes and off I go.

I’m proud of myself after learning how to start a massage in my driver’s seat; pull up weather for the day and week; listen to internet radio; ventilate my seat; reset mileage on trip odometer and reset the computer’s average mpg, etc.  i’m Getting there. 

Is that massage as good as the old "magic fingers" from the 1960s?

abacomike

houdini1 said:

abacomike said:

I’m leaving for Ponte Vedra Florida tomorrow morning after rush hour.  I always have to enter my brother’s address into my car’s navigation system before leaving because he lives in a remote area of the Nocatee Community which requires many turns and traffic circles.

So I entered his address into my “Mercedes Me” App and sent it to the car.  Tomorrow morning, the voice command will ask me if I want to start route guidance - i’ll respond yes and off I go.

I’m proud of myself after learning how to start a massage in my driver’s seat; pull up weather for the day and week; listen to internet radio; ventilate my seat; reset mileage on trip odometer and reset the computer’s average mpg, etc.  i’m Getting there. 

Is that massage as good as the old "magic fingers" from the 1960s?

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

abacomike

ab348 said:

Interesting article in Automotive News, apparently Toyota corporate has fired a shot across the bow of their Georgetown, KY plant by saying that it is cheaper for them to build Camrys in Japan and ship them to N.A. than build them in the USA.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20171120/OEM01/311209948/toyota-puts-u-s-workers-on-alert-made-in-japan-camrys-cheaper?cciid=email-autonews-daily

Toyota Motor Corp. issued an unsettling warning to Kentucky workers building its top-selling Camry sedan: Cut costs now or face an uncertain future.

The automaker can build a Camry in Japan, ship it all the way to Kentucky and make more money selling that car than from one built at Toyota's factory in the state, the plant's president told employees in a 2 1/2 minute-long internal video obtained by Bloomberg News.

"I'm not sharing this to scare you, but to heighten your awareness of the current risk we now have," Wil James, who has managed the plant for more than seven years, said in the video dated this month. He said Toyota isn't planning to close the factory and continues to invest in it for the next 30 years. "But all of this is on the assumption that we can make as much progress in cost reduction and efficiency as we've made in quality and safety."

The video provides a glimpse into the cost-cutting drive spearheaded by President Akio Toyoda aimed at freeing up resources for a record research-and-development budget. While Toyota is spending heavily to cultivate electrification and artificial intelligence -- technologies that have the potential to transform the auto industry -- the company is squeezing its vaunted production system for more savings.

Earlier this year, Toyoda set up a cost-saving task force comprised of four executive vice presidents and charged them with ensuring any new outlays are funded from cuts to other programs. James said in the video that Kentucky workers would be hearing more about cost-cutting efforts over the next few weeks.

Cut costs or else? This seems a rather heavy-handed approach.

2-1/2 minute internal video telling the U.S. production facilities to cut costs or else. The Japanese have never been guilty of mincing words - short and sweet!

roadburner

abacomike said:

I’m leaving for Ponte Vedra Florida tomorrow morning after rush hour.  I always have to enter my brother’s address into my car’s navigation system before leaving because he lives in a remote area of the Nocatee Community which requires many turns and traffic circles.

So I entered his address into my “Mercedes Me” App and sent it to the car.  Tomorrow morning, the voice command will ask me if I want to start route guidance - i’ll respond yes and off I go.

I’m proud of myself after learning how to start a massage in my driver’s seat; pull up weather for the day and week; listen to internet radio; ventilate my seat; reset mileage on trip odometer and reset the computer’s average mpg, etc.  i’m Getting there. 

The BMW Connected app will also send an address to your car.
Just sayin'...

cdnpinhead

I just got another of the frequent Subaru e-mails that are supposed to give me a warm and fuzzy about being part of the "Subaru family." I can't figure out (though I really haven't spent much time on the effort) how the Crosstrek is supposed to fit into the mix with the Forester and Outback. The Forester is a compact/intermediate SUV and the Outback appears to me to be a gussied-up station wagon. Since there are no active Subaru boards on here (go figure), I thought I'd ask you lot.

I'm not feeling buyer's remorse or anything, just curious.

isellhondas

Funny story....Quite a few years ago I stayed at a cheap motel in Red Bluff CA. If was all I could find or afford.

The guy at the front desk spoke very little English but I managed to book the room. When I got into the room I saw the bed had the Magic Fingers box on the wall by the bed. Since I had a sore back I popped in a quarter and crawled into bed. A half hour went by and the thing was still vibrating and making noise! I had had enough!

Another fifteen minutes passed and it was still going. I was going to unplug it but it had been hard wired into the wall! I put my clothes on and went down to the office. " I know nothing about that...too bad for you!"

After another fifteen minutes I put my foot against the wall and yanked it out of the wall! This resulted in a torrent of sparks and the lights went out! Looking out my window I saw that half of the motel including the neon sign were out! I crawled back in bed and got the heck out of there around 5 AM!

explorerx4

@cdnpinhead,
Crosstrek's are the one the most popular Subaru's around here.
If you want something lifted but not too big and has more storage space than a sedan, there you go.
I looked into them, but couldn't get manual with heated seats and sunroof.

abacomike

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

I’m leaving for Ponte Vedra Florida tomorrow morning after rush hour.  I always have to enter my brother’s address into my car’s navigation system before leaving because he lives in a remote area of the Nocatee Community which requires many turns and traffic circles.

So I entered his address into my “Mercedes Me” App and sent it to the car.  Tomorrow morning, the voice command will ask me if I want to start route guidance - i’ll respond yes and off I go.

I’m proud of myself after learning how to start a massage in my driver’s seat; pull up weather for the day and week; listen to internet radio; ventilate my seat; reset mileage on trip odometer and reset the computer’s average mpg, etc.  i’m Getting there. 

The BMW Connected app will also send an address to your car.
Just sayin'...

That is true, RB, but the first few times I did that, I could never find and/or access the memo sent from my phone. For some reason, you have locate and/or find the "memos" section (something I didn't learn for 5 or 6 months after getting the 740i) and click on the memo. Then, you are in business. In the Mercedes, it appears on the screen as soon as the car is started showing the address with a voice command asking if I want to start route guidance. One step, it's done.

I'm not being negative about the BMW, RB - I loved the car. I think the Voice Command Recognition in the 740i is far superior to the Mercedes Voice Command. In the Mercedes, unless I give a command that is in the format the computer requires, I get, "...sorry, I didn't get that..."! In the BMW, you just told the computer what you wanted, and voila - it complied.

It is difficult to compare the two vehicles - 740i vs. S450 - because both are outstanding automobiles. The ride and handling in the S450 is superior to the 740i. The luxury in the S450 is also superior. But when it comes to technology and electronics and the ease with which you can access and/or utilize them, the BMW takes the cake. The camera systems in the BMW are also superior in every way. I prefer the styling and stance of the S450 and the interior layout and luxury of the S Class.

Too bad they don't make a car that is a marriage of the S Class and 7 Series in this price range. I would assume the Rolls and the Bentley would be great contenders, but not in terms of cost.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV.
Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out.

@Bradd,
Congrat on the 100k with the Pilot.
My '02 Explorer got it's best back to back fuel mileages tanks @120k. Beside air filter replacement, only other thing replaced on the engine at that point was the PCV($15 did it myself).

@Oldfarmer50,
Just over 40k on the Mustang in 291 months.

137 vs 250 a month. I better cut back.

sda

I look forward to a detailed review of your S450 after you get back. Perhaps a comparison of likes/dislikes compared to your BMW. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
Do you know how many gallons of gas you have used? 2024 as of last fill up.

abacomike

sda said:

I look forward to a detailed review of your S450 after you get back. Perhaps a comparison of likes/dislikes compared to your BMW. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks sda.  I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, but at least i’ll Have my iPhone so I can keep up with the board.  

oldfarmer50

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Ok here's a trivia stumper. In in last year of production how many of the 2004 Olds Aleros produced were sold to rental agencies and what trim level?

I've been told it was 100% but there were 4 trim levels listed for 2004 so I'm doubtful. I have an aquaintence who is considering a GL2 trim and I want to warn him if it was a fleet beater.

Why be afraid of an ex rental? We've owned two ex Avis cars in the past and they were both just fine!

I feel about ex rentals like you feel about vinyl roofs.

I used to rent a lot of cars and I never once abused one and I suspect the vast majority of people don't either.

As far as vinyl roofs there are some cars from the sixties that actually look good with a vinyl top. I had a beautiful yellow 1965 Buick Riviera that had a black vinyl roof. It was one sharp looker that got constant compliments. I saw the identical car without the top that just didn't look right. What I despise is these thick padded aftermarket vinyl tops that people stick on modern cars when this was never an option.

Same applies to the chrome thick wheel lip mouldings, gold kits and wide white walls.

Nor am I a fan of old cars that people throw continental kits and fender skirts on!

But, as they say in the car business..." There's a "butt" for every seat!"

Here's one that'll give you nightmares.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

Ok here's a trivia stumper. In in last year of production how many of the 2004 Olds Aleros produced were sold to rental agencies and what trim level? I've been told it was 100% but there were 4 trim levels listed for 2004 so I'm doubtful. I have an aquaintence who is considering a GL2 trim and I want to warn him if it was a fleet beater.

Why be afraid of an ex rental? We've owned two ex Avis cars in the past and they were both just fine!

I feel about ex rentals like you feel about vinyl roofs.

I used to rent a lot of cars and I never once abused one and I suspect the vast majority of people don't either. As far as vinyl roofs there are some cars from the sixties that actually look good with a vinyl top. I had a beautiful yellow 1965 Buick Riviera that had a black vinyl roof. It was one sharp looker that got constant compliments. I saw the identical car without the top that just didn't look right. What I despise is these thick padded aftermarket vinyl tops that people stick on modern cars when this was never an option. Same applies to the chrome thick wheel lip mouldings, gold kits and wide white walls. Nor am I a fan of old cars that people throw continental kits and fender skirts on! But, as they say in the car business..." There's a "butt" for every seat!"

Here's one that'll give you nightmares.

Had one of those in brown w/brown vinyl roof “sans” the rear spare compartment.  Beautiful car, but the suspension was so soft and “loosey-goosey” it was like driving a flying carpet.

oldfarmer50

Bad news for Toyota.

My wife who couldn't tell a Continental from a cop car just saw a Toyota commercial and muttered "what the heck did they do to the front of that car".

No wonder they have to cut costs.

stickguy

what, the Camry ad that was just on MNF where they are romping around to the song "wild one" didn't get her on board?

driver100

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

Interesting article in Automotive News, apparently Toyota corporate has fired a shot across the bow of their Georgetown, KY plant by saying that it is cheaper for them to build Camrys in Japan and ship them to N.A. than build them in the USA.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20171120/OEM01/311209948/toyota-puts-u-s-workers-on-alert-made-in-japan-camrys-cheaper?cciid=email-autonews-daily

Toyota Motor Corp. issued an unsettling warning to Kentucky workers building its top-selling Camry sedan: Cut costs now or face an uncertain future.

The automaker can build a Camry in Japan, ship it all the way to Kentucky and make more money selling that car than from one built at Toyota's factory in the state, the plant's president told employees in a 2 1/2 minute-long internal video obtained by Bloomberg News.

"I'm not sharing this to scare you, but to heighten your awareness of the current risk we now have," Wil James, who has managed the plant for more than seven years, said in the video dated this month. He said Toyota isn't planning to close the factory and continues to invest in it for the next 30 years. "But all of this is on the assumption that we can make as much progress in cost reduction and efficiency as we've made in quality and safety."

The video provides a glimpse into the cost-cutting drive spearheaded by President Akio Toyoda aimed at freeing up resources for a record research-and-development budget. While Toyota is spending heavily to cultivate electrification and artificial intelligence -- technologies that have the potential to transform the auto industry -- the company is squeezing its vaunted production system for more savings.

Earlier this year, Toyoda set up a cost-saving task force comprised of four executive vice presidents and charged them with ensuring any new outlays are funded from cuts to other programs. James said in the video that Kentucky workers would be hearing more about cost-cutting efforts over the next few weeks.

Cut costs or else? This seems a rather heavy-handed approach.

2-1/2 minute internal video telling the U.S. production facilities to cut costs or else. The Japanese have never been guilty of mincing words - short and sweet!

Shipping across an ocean has become fairly inexpensive....compared to the rest of the costs involved in making a car. I would ship books from the US to Canada, for about 10 cents a book, and from the UK for about 14 cents a book....it wasn't much of a factor.

Don't they have to build cars in the USA if they want to be able to sell cars in the USA? Aren't there trade regulations and agreements in place...you can't just keep shipping products to the US?

driver100

explorerx
There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV.
Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out.

Not sure if I said they were the number 1 seller of TVs. Number 1 at amazon usually, number 1 at Walmart, could sell more if they could make them faster. If not #1 they are way up there, for a company few have ever heard of.

Sceptre oCosmo TVs

jmonroe

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Ok here's a trivia stumper. In in last year of production how many of the 2004 Olds Aleros produced were sold to rental agencies and what trim level?

I've been told it was 100% but there were 4 trim levels listed for 2004 so I'm doubtful. I have an aquaintence who is considering a GL2 trim and I want to warn him if it was a fleet beater.

Why be afraid of an ex rental? We've owned two ex Avis cars in the past and they were both just fine!

I feel about ex rentals like you feel about vinyl roofs.

I used to rent a lot of cars and I never once abused one and I suspect the vast majority of people don't either.

As far as vinyl roofs there are some cars from the sixties that actually look good with a vinyl top. I had a beautiful yellow 1965 Buick Riviera that had a black vinyl roof. It was one sharp looker that got constant compliments. I saw the identical car without the top that just didn't look right. What I despise is these thick padded aftermarket vinyl tops that people stick on modern cars when this was never an option.

Same applies to the chrome thick wheel lip mouldings, gold kits and wide white walls.

Nor am I a fan of old cars that people throw continental kits and fender skirts on!

But, as they say in the car business..." There's a "butt" for every seat!"

I had a '68 Olds 2 dr. Delta 88 Custom that was yellow with a black vinyl top. It doesn't sound like a good looking car but it was. IIRC the window sticker without A/C was almost $4600 which in '68 wasn't chump change, at least not for me. It had the Olds Rocket 88, 455 cid V8 with black vinyl bucket seats that were real bun warmers in the Summer months and just the reverse in the Winter. Back in those days we knew how to rough-it. But, it had get this...the Wonder Bar AM/FM radio, that was not roughing-it. Lots of passengers liked playing with that thing.

Like I said, that color combo didn't sound right but I got my share of compliments with it just like you did with your yellow 1965 Buick Riviera with a black vinyl roof.

jmonroe

cdnpinhead

stickguy said:

what, the Camry ad that was just on MNF where they are romping around to the song "wild one" didn't get her on board?

Something about the target demographic comes to mind. These days I take a certain amount of pleasure in not being included, even though a fair number of the shows I watch spend quite a lot of time on topics that I don't need. . .yet.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV.
Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out.

@Bradd,
Congrat on the 100k with the Pilot.
My '02 Explorer got it's best back to back fuel mileages tanks @120k. Beside air filter replacement, only other thing replaced on the engine at that point was the PCV($15 did it myself).

@Oldfarmer50,
Just over 40k on the Mustang in 291 months.

137 vs 250 a month. I better cut back.

I can't beat @explorerx4's 137 miles per month average but I can beat your miled up 29 month old Mustang with an average of 250 miles per month. My '15 Genny has just under 6300 miles on it and it is also 29 months old. I don't want to embarrass you but do the math and you'll see I'm right.

FWIW, if this post makes it on page 1942, I should get a dues reduction, since that is my birth year. Most of you guys have to wait awhile for your reduction.

jmonroe

qbrozen

jmonroe said:

There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV. Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out. @Bradd, Congrat on the 100k with the Pilot. My '02 Explorer got it's best back to back fuel mileages tanks @120k. Beside air filter replacement, only other thing replaced on the engine at that point was the PCV($15 did it myself). @Oldfarmer50, Just over 40k on the Mustang in 291 months.

137 vs 250 a month. I better cut back.

I can't beat @explorerx4's 137 miles per month average but I can beat your miled up 29 month old Mustang with an average of 250 miles per month. My '15 Genny has just under 6300 miles on it and it is also 29 months old. I don't want to embarrass you but do the math and you'll see I'm right. FWIW, if this post makes it on page 1942, I should get a dues reduction, since that is my birth year. Most of you guys have to wait awhile for your reduction. jmonroe

Oh, you share the year with my father.

jmonroe

qbrozen said:

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV.
Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out.

@Bradd,
Congrat on the 100k with the Pilot.
My '02 Explorer got it's best back to back fuel mileages tanks @120k. Beside air filter replacement, only other thing replaced on the engine at that point was the PCV($15 did it myself).

@Oldfarmer50,
Just over 40k on the Mustang in 291 months.

137 vs 250 a month. I better cut back.

I can't beat @explorerx4's 137 miles per month average but I can beat your miled up 29 month old Mustang with an average of 250 miles per month. My '15 Genny has just under 6300 miles on it and it is also 29 months old. I don't want to embarrass you but do the math and you'll see I'm right.

FWIW, if this post makes it on page 1942, I should get a dues reduction, since that is my birth year. Most of you guys have to wait awhile for your reduction.

jmonroe

Oh, you share the year with my father.

And Mrs. j. That was a great year.

jmonroe

cdnpinhead

By the way, this site is often a royal PITA for me as well. Given the recent posts, it's almost certainly due to the advertising, much of which involves videos that take ages to load and display and/or God knows what else. I've learned that if I have two websites up and running that each have heavy-duty ad content, Explorer, more often than not takes a, well, let's say, dump. If I want a pleasant Edmunds experience, I connect while I'm on my company network with its ad-blockers and other stuff, with nothing else running. Usually, all goes well.

On the other hand, if I'm connected directly to the internet (not through the company firewall) and happen to have another ad-happy website running, it can get really ugly.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

isellhondas said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Ok here's a trivia stumper. In in last year of production how many of the 2004 Olds Aleros produced were sold to rental agencies and what trim level?

I've been told it was 100% but there were 4 trim levels listed for 2004 so I'm doubtful. I have an aquaintence who is considering a GL2 trim and I want to warn him if it was a fleet beater.

Why be afraid of an ex rental? We've owned two ex Avis cars in the past and they were both just fine!

I feel about ex rentals like you feel about vinyl roofs.

I used to rent a lot of cars and I never once abused one and I suspect the vast majority of people don't either.

As far as vinyl roofs there are some cars from the sixties that actually look good with a vinyl top. I had a beautiful yellow 1965 Buick Riviera that had a black vinyl roof. It was one sharp looker that got constant compliments. I saw the identical car without the top that just didn't look right. What I despise is these thick padded aftermarket vinyl tops that people stick on modern cars when this was never an option.

Same applies to the chrome thick wheel lip mouldings, gold kits and wide white walls.

Nor am I a fan of old cars that people throw continental kits and fender skirts on!

But, as they say in the car business..." There's a "butt" for every seat!"

I had a '68 Olds 2 dr. Delta 88 Custom that was yellow with a black vinyl top. It doesn't sound like a good looking car but it was. IIRC the window sticker without A/C was almost $4600 which in '68 wasn't chump change, at least not for me. It had the Olds Rocket 88, 455 cid V8 with black vinyl bucket seats that were real bun warmers in the Summer months and just the reverse in the Winter. Back in those days we knew how to rough-it. But, it had get this...the Wonder Bar AM/FM radio, that was not roughing-it. Lots of passengers liked playing with that thing.

Like I said, that color combo didn't sound right but I got my share of compliments with it just like you did with your yellow 1965 Buick Riviera with a black vinyl roof.

jmonroe

Our 74 Charger with a white vinyl roof over Aztec gold body was the most beautiful car I've ever driven. 318 motor wasn't a barn burner but it could get 20 mpg if you drove mainly down hill. I installed a 4 speaker 8 track which was pretty fancy for the time.

roadburner

abacomike said:

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

I’m leaving for Ponte Vedra Florida tomorrow morning after rush hour.  I always have to enter my brother’s address into my car’s navigation system before leaving because he lives in a remote area of the Nocatee Community which requires many turns and traffic circles.

So I entered his address into my “Mercedes Me” App and sent it to the car.  Tomorrow morning, the voice command will ask me if I want to start route guidance - i’ll respond yes and off I go.

I’m proud of myself after learning how to start a massage in my driver’s seat; pull up weather for the day and week; listen to internet radio; ventilate my seat; reset mileage on trip odometer and reset the computer’s average mpg, etc.  i’m Getting there. 

The BMW Connected app will also send an address to your car.
Just sayin'...

That is true, RB, but the first few times I did that, I could never find and/or access the memo sent from my phone. For some reason, you have locate and/or find the "memos" section (something I didn't learn for 5 or 6 months after getting the 740i) and click on the memo. Then, you are in business. In the Mercedes, it appears on the screen as soon as the car is started showing the address with a voice command asking if I want to start route guidance. One step, it's done.

I'm not being negative about the BMW, RB - I loved the car. I think the Voice Command Recognition in the 740i is far superior to the Mercedes Voice Command. In the Mercedes, unless I give a command that is in the format the computer requires, I get, "...sorry, I didn't get that..."! In the BMW, you just told the computer what you wanted, and voila - it complied.

It is difficult to compare the two vehicles - 740i vs. S450 - because both are outstanding automobiles. The ride and handling in the S450 is superior to the 740i. The luxury in the S450 is also superior. But when it comes to technology and electronics and the ease with which you can access and/or utilize them, the BMW takes the cake. The camera systems in the BMW are also superior in every way. I prefer the styling and stance of the S450 and the interior layout and luxury of the S Class.

Too bad they don't make a car that is a marriage of the S Class and 7 Series in this price range. I would assume the Rolls and the Bentley would be great contenders, but not in terms of cost.

Yes, I really like BMW's voice recognition- it works great even on my 2014 with iDrive 4.2. The iDrive 5.0(now 6.0) on your 7er is even better. I especially like how you don't have to wait for the car to quit talking to respond or give another command.
That said, in vehicle choice it all boils down to what YOU like; if I was replacing my 2 Series the only German cars I'd consider would be the M2 and the Cayman S(CPO). Italian? Alfa Giulia(lease only and under warranty) American? GT350. Japanese? 370Z NISMO.
Nothing else sub-$65k interests me.
At all.

pensfan83

oldfarmer50 said:

Forgive my ignorance but what's so special? Is it 280hp from a 4.3L 6 that only puts out 195 in my van?

For its time it was one of, if not the most powerful SUV's on the market. Early 90's Corvettes only had 300HP from the LT1 so to get a 280HP SUV in 1992 was eye opening. You could also think of it as the predecessor to all of the hot rod SUV's (SRT-8, X5M, F-Sport, etc) you see today. They only made a few thousand per year over 3 years and most that haven't been thrashed to death fetch a good price due to the limited production run.

The ergonomics are terrible, its based on a then 10 year old body style, the steering wheel probably moved a quarter turn before the wheels responded, and the chassis probably flexes like nobody's business but I'm strangely drawn to them.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV.
Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out.

@Bradd,
Congrat on the 100k with the Pilot.
My '02 Explorer got it's best back to back fuel mileages tanks @120k. Beside air filter replacement, only other thing replaced on the engine at that point was the PCV($15 did it myself).

@Oldfarmer50,
Just over 40k on the Mustang in 291 months.

137 vs 250 a month. I better cut back.

I can't beat @explorerx4's 137 miles per month average but I can beat your miled up 29 month old Mustang with an average of 250 miles per month. My '15 Genny has just under 6300 miles on it and it is also 29 months old. I don't want to embarrass you but do the math and you'll see I'm right.

FWIW, if this post makes it on page 1942, I should get a dues reduction, since that is my birth year. Most of you guys have to wait awhile for your reduction.

jmonroe

Oh oh, my bad math is showing. My car isn't 40 months old only 28 months. I added another year by mistake. Old age I guess. That brings the monthly average up to almost 360. Yikes! I'm mileing the poor thing to death.

You were born in 1942? That makes you...let's see...carry the 2...add the 4...ummm...wow! That makes you almost 56.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

There is a difference between #1 selling TV on Amazon and #1 selling TV.
Didn't have to go by the first sentence to figure that out.

@Bradd,
Congrat on the 100k with the Pilot.
My '02 Explorer got it's best back to back fuel mileages tanks @120k. Beside air filter replacement, only other thing replaced on the engine at that point was the PCV($15 did it myself).

@Oldfarmer50,
Just over 40k on the Mustang in 291 months.

137 vs 250 a month. I better cut back.

I can't beat @explorerx4's 137 miles per month average but I can beat your miled up 29 month old Mustang with an average of 250 miles per month. My '15 Genny has just under 6300 miles on it and it is also 29 months old. I don't want to embarrass you but do the math and you'll see I'm right.

FWIW, if this post makes it on page 1942, I should get a dues reduction, since that is my birth year. Most of you guys have to wait awhile for your reduction.

jmonroe

Oh oh, my bad math is showing. My car isn't 40 months old only 28 months. I added another year by mistake. Old age I guess. That brings the monthly average up to almost 360. Yikes! I'm mileing the poor thing to death.

You were born in 1942? That makes you...let's see...carry the 2...add the 4...ummm...wow! That makes you almost 56.

Nice to know that there is another guy in here who had trouble in the 5th grade but I like your "bad math".

jmonroe

iluvmysephia1

Well, I'm finally off of work for a couple days and I can decide if I want the Stealth 2017 Toyota Yaris iA that Tri-Cities Toyota has in stock, or, behind secret door #2, the Pulse (red) 2017 Toyota Yaris iA. The dealer will have to order the Pulse iA and, what's worse, they want $1,000 deposit from me just to have it shipped to the Tri.

I don't like giving deposits to dealers. It's true I'm getting a great deal through TrueCar, but why should a dealer charge me to order a car that just needs to be shipped over to them? The second sales guy I have says they can refund half of the $1,000 once I take delivery of my car.

Humm...I'm tempted to just get the black one. He said we could get everything done today (Tuesday) if I want the Stealth iA. I don't feel like a delay, and I do love the black on this car, the piano black insert on the grille looks great against the Stealth and so do the alloys. Here they both are.

qbrozen

I'd prefer the red. I can understand them being overly cautious with taking another 2017 into their inventory at this point. If you are sure you are buying it, the deposit should not pose a problem. Although I think $1k is excessive and would probably tell them they can accept $500 or not make a sale. Then again, there is little to no profit in the deal for them so they probably don't care all too much, especially on a unit that isn't already collecting dust on their lot.

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

Bad news for Toyota.

My wife who couldn't tell a Continental from a cop car just saw a Toyota commercial and muttered "what the heck did they do to the front of that car".

No wonder they have to cut costs.

Accord and Camry seem to be in a race to see who can come up with the worst grill.

driver100

iluv....get th one you really want, you will possibly be driving it for 10 years! $1000 deposit is not out of the question, they don't want to order the car and then have you change your mind. There is the cost of shipping and adding another car to their inventory if you don't take it.
Did you find out how much your trade in is worth....don't order until you know that.

driver100

I know we have a red 2014 C250 but in spite of any rumors this is NOT our car:

explorerx4

@driver100,
That was the prior owner.

I'm off to Ohio for a few days. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving, or at least great Thursday.

venture

cdnpinhead said:

I just got another of the frequent Subaru e-mails that are supposed to give me a warm and fuzzy about being part of the "Subaru family." I can't figure out (though I really haven't spent much time on the effort) how the Crosstrek is supposed to fit into the mix with the Forester and Outback. The Forester is a compact/intermediate SUV and the Outback appears to me to be a gussied-up station wagon. Since there are no active Subaru boards on here (go figure), I thought I'd ask you lot.

I'm not feeling buyer's remorse or anything, just curious.

The Crosstrek is, for all practical purposes, an Impreza that sits higher. My daughter had an Impreza and traded it for a Crosstrek. I guess it's smaller than the Outback and Forester. ?

BTW - the Outback is really a Legacy with a station wagon rear end. The owners manual for my Legacy says Legacy/Outback on the cover.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@oldfarmer50,
Do you know how many gallons of gas you have used? 2024 as of last fill up.

No, I'm not that OCD but @ 24 mpg average I'd guess about 461.

However, since I even screwed up the math on how old my car is the math is suspect.

imidazol97

qbrozen said:

I can understand them being overly cautious with taking another 2017 into their inventory at this point.

I thought that when dealers get a car from another dealer, they usually trade something in their own inventory to the other store. So here, I'd guess they would offer one of the '17s out of their own inventory that the other store felt the other store could easily sell. Your store has someone drive the local car to the other dealer, trade invoice sheets, and drive back the car you are wanting to look at for purchase.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
1.That was the prior owner.

2.I'm off to Ohio for a few days. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving, or at least great Thursday.

1. Thanks...much appreciated!

2.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

qbrozen said:

I can understand them being overly cautious with taking another 2017 into their inventory at this point.

I thought that when dealers get a car from another dealer, they usually trade something in their own inventory to the other store. So here, I'd guess they would offer one of the '17s out of their own inventory that the other store felt the other store could easily sell. Your store has someone drive the local car to the other dealer, trade invoice sheets, and drive back the car you are wanting to look at for purchase.

I thihnk trades are done different ways. Often a trade, but, sometimes just a take it off our hands, depends on the situation....that is my understanding. I have heard of some dealers who just won't trade...they know someone wants that car and they don't want it to go to a competitor. Every deal is probably different....from what I have observed.

oldfarmer50

iluvmysephia1 said:

Well, I'm finally off of work for a couple days and I can decide if I want the Stealth 2017 Toyota Yaris iA that Tri-Cities Toyota has in stock, or, behind secret door #2, the Pulse (red) 2017 Toyota Yaris iA. The dealer will have to order the Pulse iA and, what's worse, they want $1,000 deposit from me just to have it shipped to the Tri.

I don't like giving deposits to dealers. It's true I'm getting a great deal through TrueCar, but why should a dealer charge me to order a car that just needs to be shipped over to them? The second sales guy I have says they can refund half of the $1,000 once I take delivery of my car.

Humm...I'm tempted to just get the black one. He said we could get everything done today (Tuesday) if I want the Stealth iA. I don't feel like a delay, and I do love the black on this car, the piano black insert on the grille looks great against the Stealth and so do the alloys. Here they both are.

I wouldn't have a problem with a deposit especially on a car that has to be shipped. Too many flakes who back out. Put it on you CC if necessary. Then if things go south you can let the company fight it out.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

qbrozen said:

I can understand them being overly cautious with taking another 2017 into their inventory at this point.

I thought that when dealers get a car from another dealer, they usually trade something in their own inventory to the other store. So here, I'd guess they would offer one of the '17s out of their own inventory that the other store felt the other store could easily sell. Your store has someone drive the local car to the other dealer, trade invoice sheets, and drive back the car you are wanting to look at for purchase.

But Iluv's store would be trading for a stick shift which he says is a tough sell. No dealer would want to get stuck with it if the deal fell through. Also there may be difference in the invoices which would require out of pocket costs. Also they have to pay the swap driver.

stickguy

I luv, is the total deposit credited to you? You mentioned getting $500 back if you buy. Maybe I misunderstood.

Agreed though that if not 100% refundable, don’t give them money until you know for sure trade quote.

abacomike

driver100 said:

I know we have a red 2014 C250 but in spite of any rumors this is NOT our car:

Sure looks like it! 

ab348

driver100 said:

I thihnk trades are done different ways. Often a trade, but, sometimes just a take it off our hands, depends on the situation....that is my understanding. I have heard of some dealers who just won't trade...they know someone wants that car and they don't want it to go to a competitor. Every deal is probably different....from what I have observed.

In my town we have 2 GM dealers owned by the 2 large dealership groups and they will not trade with each other. I guess the thinking is that if you want something the other outfit has in stock, you go there to buy it. Either that or they just don't like each other.

ab348

driver100 said:

I know we have a red 2014 C250 but in spite of any rumors this is NOT our car:

Yes, we can tell that from the absence of a fellow in a horizontally-striped T-shirt standing next to it.