Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

dino001 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

OTOH, I have to disagree on the PT Cruiser. I get letters constantly from dealers telling me my wife's car is in "high demand" and offering "top dollar" if I trade.

And you believe them? I would really like to see that "top dollar". BTW, do they acknowledge in the letter that it is indeed a PT Cruiser, or is that a generic letter that doesn't even mention the actual vehicle?

Of course not, this old boy didn't just fall off the turnip truck. I'm so cynical that when my wife says "good morning" I look out the window first before responding. Most of the offers are from the original dealer so they get the car right.

Top dollar? LOL I'd like to see what that is too. Edmunds says $3100 PP and $4100 dealer with 40 k miles and average condition. Area dealers are asking $6k for higher milage so maybe they know something I don't.

My favorite solicitation is from the third party warranty companies that warn me that my factory warranty on my 9 year old car is "about to expire".

I can't exactly say my favorite solicitation is from third party warranty companies but I did get a guy that was pretty upbeat when he called last year for Mrs. j's 21012 Subie. When I told him I didn't have that car anymore and bought a new one, therefore, I was covered by the factory warranty so I didn't need any warranty. Without any hesitation he said, "hey, I can get you extended coverage for your new car for less than a dealer charges". When I told him I didn't even tell him what car I now have he said, "doesn't matter we cover all cars at almost any age or mileage". I'll bet they do too, just don't want to hear the price.

The mailings I seem to get at least once a month for the Subie only shows the different extended month periods without a price but tells me to hurry before I am out of warranty and will have expensive repairs when that happens.

I'm almost tempted to tell them I'm @jmonroe not @driver100.

i almost always baby my "good" car so much that I run out of warranty on time rather than milage. So when Ford recently sent me a warranty offer which allowed to extend time only, I was intrigued. If I understand the chart correctly there is one option where I can get 84 month while keeping the milage at 36.

Depending on the cost that might be a good option for me

More than likely you won't like the cost but if you want to aggregate yourself give them a call and get back to us.

jmonroe

explorerx4

If I feel the need for speed from a stoplight, I put the locker on and that's usually provides enough traction.

explorerx4

Good video on high tech cars and their interaction with car washes(i.e. what can go wrong).
http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/video/reasons-your-high-tech-car-hates-the-car-wash/vi-BBJ5QXu?ocid=DELLDHP

tbirdmarco

 Yes or dealers are all very slimy there’s a couple of good ones out there true 

tbirdmarco

 Don’t post in here often guys hope everyone’s doing well I just post my daily car video that’s about it I don’t say much finally put this group on my phone as an icon on the home screen so I can look at it quickly any time 

tbirdmarco

 Enjoyed the link you posted above explore 

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ASGBQMjCoY

imidazol97

fintail said:

The low roof 6 window look is what I call Fauxdi syndrome - many makers want to emulate Audi, a brand which many normal consumers see as a vanguard of style and design. Form over function. As you know, at least MB still makes a few somewhat traditional sedans. And some low roof cars too, the "coupes" like CLS and CLA.

I noticed that when a Chevy has a style with a wind-swept slope to the rear window, it's a problem. When a Civic has the same slope and an Audi has the same slope, it's trendy? Do I need to check the rear seat legroom in some of these cars to compare again.

The aerodynamics has to be a big factor in the shape of the roof and rear window.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Good video on high tech cars and their interaction with car washes(i.e. what can go wrong).
http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/video/reasons-your-high-tech-car-hates-the-car-wash/vi-BBJ5QXu?ocid=DELLDHP

Good things to remember....I try to remember to put wipers back into NOT AUTOMATIC rain sensor mode.

driver100

oldfarmer i almost always baby my "good" car so much that I run out of warranty on time rather than milage. So when Ford recently sent me a warranty offer which allowed to extend time only, I was intrigued. If I understand the chart correctly there is one option where I can get 84 month while keeping the milage at 36.

Depending on the cost that might be a good option for me

I haven't heard of that...but, I like it. I am at home for 7 months so the E400 only goes about 8000 miles a year. The Florida C250 gets 5 months of driving or about 6000 miles and will be at 24000 when we leave in April. I'd consider those EWs, but not if it is from slimy 3rd party fake insurance company.

explorerx4

Not sure if I posted this before, but this truck has some great automatic wipers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O40K2FluTUA

driver100

tbirdmarco said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ASGBQMjCoY

Some good information in this edition. I learned.......at 4 minutes and 25 seconds a guy says EVs won't replace combustion engines for 25 to 40 years. The reason is the batteries cost $12000 and a gas tank is $100 - it takes a long time to make that $12k back.
I like that AMG Mercedes G wagon....but, looks a little too military for me.
GM is cutting operations around the world, selling off factories in Russia, Europe, Tailand, S Korea, Australia.
These are losing money operations.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

fintail said:

The low roof 6 window look is what I call Fauxdi syndrome - many makers want to emulate Audi, a brand which many normal consumers see as a vanguard of style and design. Form over function. As you know, at least MB still makes a few somewhat traditional sedans. And some low roof cars too, the "coupes" like CLS and CLA.

I noticed that when a Chevy has a style with a wind-swept slope to the rear window, it's a problem. When a Civic has the same slope and an Audi has the same slope, it's trendy? Do I need to check the rear seat legroom in some of these cars to compare again.

The aerodynamics has to be a big factor in the shape of the roof and rear window.

It seems the Malibu rear window is narrower from top to bottom (actual viewing space) than most other cars. Probably not important to most people, but very important to my wife and I.


I would rather have better rear vision, and less aerodynamics personally.

explorerx4

Malibu has a rear view camera and proximity sensors.
Too bad you don't have those.

tbirdmarco

 Driver 100 I’m good you joined then addition I posted above of oral line I know some of them are boring figured post of Billy if someone finds them of interest great if I can’t hurt right 

ab348

explorerx4 said:

If I feel the need for speed from a stoplight, I put the locker on and that's usually provides enough traction.

I don't have a locker, but I had a funny experience today.

The sun was out, the temps were cool but after nearly a week of mild, wet weather the roads were clear, dry and salt-free, so I went and got a few groceries and then decided to tool around in the ATS for a while since it's been a bit since I just drove it for the fun of it. As I made my way home I got on the expressway that leads to my neighborhood. There was some slow traffic so I got in the left lane and blew past it at a good rate of speed. I noticed a car a ways back also in the left lane that was keeping up with me. It stayed there all the way until we got to a traffic light that marks the edge of my 'hood. I was at the front of the line in the left lane and this guy pulls alongside in the right lane. I then recognized the car as a new Toyota Avalon.

The light turns green and this guy just leaps off the line with some intent. Well, I cannot abide that so I put my foot in it and the Caddy takes off and just leaves him in the dust. Totally juvenile, I know. But I could not stand having an Avalon dust me.

qbrozen

ab348 said:

If I feel the need for speed from a stoplight, I put the locker on and that's usually provides enough traction.

I don't have a locker, but I had a funny experience today. The sun was out, the temps were cool but after nearly a week of mild, wet weather the roads were clear, dry and salt-free, so I went and got a few groceries and then decided to tool around in the ATS for a while since it's been a bit since I just drove it for the fun of it. As I made my way home I got on the expressway that leads to my neighborhood. There was some slow traffic so I got in the left lane and blew past it at a good rate of speed. I noticed a car a ways back also in the left lane that was keeping up with me. It stayed there all the way until we got to a traffic light that marks the edge of my 'hood. I was at the front of the line in the left lane and this guy pulls alongside in the right lane. I then recognized the car as a new Toyota Avalon. The light turns green and this guy just leaps off the line with some intent. Well, I cannot abide that so I put my foot in it and the Caddy takes off and just leaves him in the dust. Totally juvenile, I know. But I could not stand having an Avalon dust me.

You sure showed grandpa!

;b
j/k

fintail

I think it is trendy, yes. Audi has been pushing the low roof rakish rear design with the A6 for 20 years, and cars like the CLS make it a little chic, too. There may be aerodynamics behind it, but if it was just that, others would have ran with it earlier.

Heck, in a dumb "real people" ad, one of the "not actors" even claims the Malibu looks like an Audi.

imidazol97 said:

I noticed that when a Chevy has a style with a wind-swept slope to the rear window, it's a problem. When a Civic has the same slope and an Audi has the same slope, it's trendy? Do I need to check the rear seat legroom in some of these cars to compare again.

The aerodynamics has to be a big factor in the shape of the roof and rear window.

stickguy

I am not an engineer, but I think if they were that concerned about aero, you would see more Kammback styles. think Prius.

Pretty sure it is more about style than function. And that includes perceived safety (the tank slit window look). Good thing for backup cameras and BLIS, because cars (sedans and CUVs) with little to no visibility to the rear and rear quarters are way too common these days. Small rear windows, bulky headrests, high trunks, all contribute.

explorerx4

@ab348,
My wife is a very conservative driver but drives an MKC with the upgrade 2.3.
A couple of weeks ago, she told me someone tailgated her all the way down a long hill.
At the light, they tried to jump ahead when it turned green heading into a one lane merge.
She saw it was a Nissan Rogue and thought, Really? A Rogue? No way that's going to happen. Hit the gas and wow this thing's really fast.

fintail

In one of my crazier thoughts, when contemplating what I might do when my current lease is up, buying a (used, of course) G is on the list. Very high depreciation floor with these, vintage MB flair, maybe good for decaying roads, hilariously bad mileage - it might be on the list.

driver100 said:

I like that AMG Mercedes G wagon....but, looks a little too military for me.
GM is cutting operations around the world, selling off factories in Russia, Europe, Tailand, S Korea, Australia.
These are losing money operations.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Malibu has a rear view camera and proximity sensors.
Too bad you don't have those.

Sometimes I like to actually look through the back window.......for example when I am on the highway and I want to change lanes.......or check the mirror to see if there is a big garbage truck behind me when I come to a yellow light.

stickguy

question for the experts. Any opinions on brand of garage door opener? And Belt over chain? My older unit (about 15 YO) has been getting pretty noisy and rattly for a while now, and yesterday, kept jamming part way down and reversing. Most likely the gear set is just shot at this point, causing issues. So, I could live with noise, but not closing, well, that can be an issue! So, need to do something.

Not leaning toward trying to rebuild an old Craftsman at this point (plus the keypad and door button seem to be wearing out, because they also are erratic). So, going to bite the bullet I think and get a new one instead.

so, looking for opinions in case anyone feels like sharing. Definitely won't be another craftsman.

Oh, I have single doors (might be 8', but I would have to measure) and the current units are 1/2 HP, which seems fine. I don't see a need to go up on that at this point.

driver100

tbirdmarco said:

 Driver 100 I’m good you joined then addition I posted above of oral line I know some of them are boring figured post of Billy if someone finds them of interest great if I can’t hurt right 

Marco....it is better to post than not....we can ignore what we don't want to watch....but, a lot of your posts have some very interesting facts I wouldn't know about if you didn't post them.

driver100

qbrozen said:

ab348 said:

explorerx4 said:

If I feel the need for speed from a stoplight, I put the locker on and that's usually provides enough traction.

I don't have a locker, but I had a funny experience today.

The sun was out, the temps were cool but after nearly a week of mild, wet weather the roads were clear, dry and salt-free, so I went and got a few groceries and then decided to tool around in the ATS for a while since it's been a bit since I just drove it for the fun of it. As I made my way home I got on the expressway that leads to my neighborhood. There was some slow traffic so I got in the left lane and blew past it at a good rate of speed. I noticed a car a ways back also in the left lane that was keeping up with me. It stayed there all the way until we got to a traffic light that marks the edge of my 'hood. I was at the front of the line in the left lane and this guy pulls alongside in the right lane. I then recognized the car as a new Toyota Avalon.

The light turns green and this guy just leaps off the line with some intent. Well, I cannot abide that so I put my foot in it and the Caddy takes off and just leaves him in the dust. Totally juvenile, I know. But I could not stand having an Avalon dust me.

You sure showed grandpa!

;b
j/k

Picking on an Avalon....ab should be ashamed.

driver100

fintail said:

I think it is trendy, yes. Audi has been pushing the low roof rakish rear design with the A6 for 20 years, and cars like the CLS make it a little chic, too. There may be aerodynamics behind it, but if it was just that, others would have ran with it earlier.

Heck, in a dumb "real people" ad, one of the "not actors" even claims the Malibu looks like an Audi.

imidazol97 said:

I noticed that when a Chevy has a style with a wind-swept slope to the rear window, it's a problem. When a Civic has the same slope and an Audi has the same slope, it's trendy? Do I need to check the rear seat legroom in some of these cars to compare again.

The aerodynamics has to be a big factor in the shape of the roof and rear window.

The CLS is probably worth $20k more than my E400.....I wouldn't trade even. I have sat in one, and I find it claustrophobic, and very poor site lines. Low roofs with narrow windows don't appeal to me.

driver100

stickguy said:

I am not an engineer, but I think if they were that concerned about aero, you would see more Kammback styles. think Prius.

Pretty sure it is more about style than function. And that includes perceived safety (the tank slit window look). Good thing for backup cameras and BLIS, because cars (sedans and CUVs) with little to no visibility to the rear and rear quarters are way too common these days. Small rear windows, bulky headrests, high trunks, all contribute.

I also like light...the brighter the better. The narrow slit windows make the car look dark inside. Taurus is a good example...looks like a dark pit inside.

driver100

Stick...I know what not to buy...a Wayne Dalton!

stickguy

not an issue, since I have never heard of it. But thanks for heads up!

ab348

driver100 said:

Picking on an Avalon....ab should be ashamed.

Hey! He started it!!

fintail

I am the same regarding the CLS. I am just tall enough where it impacts my outward visibility. Funny thing, the new ones are improved in that regard compared to the original, which had more slit-like windows - and that was before backup cameras were a factory installed item. I remember sitting in a CLS when they first arrived, and didn't warm up to it.

I like some headroom, some light entering the car, and a feeling of extra space.

driver100 said:

The CLS is probably worth $20k more than my E400.....I wouldn't trade even. I have sat in one, and I find it claustrophobic, and very poor site lines. Low roofs with narrow windows don't appeal to me.

roadburner

A few nights ago I had a guy in an old Magnum SRT who wanted to play, but my wife was along. If I had been alone or with my son I would have roasted him but good...

andres3

dino001 said:

Michaell said:

I'm sure everybody has a limit as to what constitutes reasonable profit and what constitutes greed.

It's even more funny - same people will fight dealer's unreasonable (in their opinion) profit and then not even blink at groceries, an electronic device, piece of software, furniture, or jewelry sold at markups that dealers could only dream of. Argument being that those are much smaller prices, so dollars lost are not big, to which I say how many of those one buys cumulatively vs. the car.

Then I also know some people completely convinced that vehicles cost about couple of thousand bucks to make and the rest is profit. I guess you can't cure those.

There are some cars from the 90's I suspect had a parts cost in the hundreds rather than thousands Of course, I know the labor was overpaid.

andres3

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

One other thing I remembered. When I bought my 2008 BMW 328 hardtop convertible I ordered it in August for November. The dealer was allotted 2 a month, 2 in October were sold and one in November was sold. I got the last one allotted for November, but, the dealer wouldn't give me a discount saying they would sell it for full price anyway. Fair enough, I to this day question whether that was true, but, it has the sound of truth behind it. But, I don't think I would have paid more than list price for the car.........I would check elsewhere first. It would be too upsetting to be taken advantage of..............and I haven't bought another car from that dealer.

We always tell folks shopping for BMW's to target 7% off sticker, before applying any available incentives.

But, Canada is a different market, so those guidelines may not apply.

I will suggest that an ordered car isn't going to be discounted as much by the dealer. Why? Because of that "floorplan" loan that the dealer took out to buy the car to begin with. If the dealer knows it's going to be sold within a day or two of arriving, that loan will be paid back that much quicker.

That's something I never understood. Why a higher price when the loan is paid right off? Doesn't that save the dealer some interest payments?

Or am I misunderstanding the floor plan system?

That's a great question. I often see sale price but it only applies to cars in stock. I get the feeling the dealer is losing money every day the car sits on the lot, there comes a point when it is better to try and sell it off, make a smaller profit before it becomes a loss. But, when you order in a car......they know you want it and are willing to pay to get it your way, and those cars they make their full profit on. They have to make money where they can.

Except you can still "order" a competition's model too!

I don't believe in paying more on an "order." At least not significantly.

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

One other thing I remembered. When I bought my 2008 BMW 328 hardtop convertible I ordered it in August for November. The dealer was allotted 2 a month, 2 in October were sold and one in November was sold. I got the last one allotted for November, but, the dealer wouldn't give me a discount saying they would sell it for full price anyway. Fair enough, I to this day question whether that was true, but, it has the sound of truth behind it. But, I don't think I would have paid more than list price for the car.........I would check elsewhere first. It would be too upsetting to be taken advantage of..............and I haven't bought another car from that dealer.

We always tell folks shopping for BMW's to target 7% off sticker, before applying any available incentives.

But, Canada is a different market, so those guidelines may not apply.

I will suggest that an ordered car isn't going to be discounted as much by the dealer. Why? Because of that "floorplan" loan that the dealer took out to buy the car to begin with. If the dealer knows it's going to be sold within a day or two of arriving, that loan will be paid back that much quicker.

That's something I never understood. Why a higher price when the loan is paid right off? Doesn't that save the dealer some interest payments?

Or am I misunderstanding the floor plan system?

A Floor Plan is the financing of a new car dealer’s inventory.  It is usually financed through a fairly large financial institution such as Wells Fargo, Chase, etc.  Sometimes, a vehicle manufacturer finances a dealer’s inventory, especially large volume dealerships.  The dealer pays interest on the loan but does not usually pay the bank any principal.  The interest rate is variable and tied to market funds.

Ordered vehicles generally are not discounted as much as vehicles in stock because of delayed final sales - 3-8 weeks.  Selling a car in stock does not necessarily mean it will be discounted because the dealer pays off the loan - which is not how it works.  When an in-stock vehicle is sold, it is quickly replaced by an incoming vehicle that becomes part of the floor plan financing.

Thus, better discounting has to do more about moving a vehicle now rather than dealer-trading for a vehicle or waiting for an ordered vehicle to arrive.

So basically there is less interest payment on an in stock unit vs. an ordered unit?

Of course - if it is not in stock, interest is not being paid on the ordered vehicle.  HOWEVER, remember an ordered vehicle is not a sold vehicle.  “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush!”  The reason for discounting the in stock vehicle more than an ordered vehicle has more to do with selling a car NOW rather than later.  The ordered vehicle may not get sold.

The floor plan is a constantly changing collateralized standing loan.  A dealership wants to sell in stock vehicles for floor plan reasons, but it also has to do with NOW sales rather than LATER sales.

That seems counter intuitive to me but my wife tells me I only THINK I know everything.

I know that dealers always want to sell TODAY because people flake and pull out of deals. I could never do that particularly on an ordered car. I would be personally embarrassed to go back on my word. I have to realize that many people have no sense of honor and would have no qualm sticking the dealer.

Some people are flaky, some are not.

That being said, I think most dealers would require a non-refundable deposit on an ordered car.

jmonroe

stickguy said:

question for the experts. Any opinions on brand of garage door opener? And Belt over chain? My older unit (about 15 YO) has been getting pretty noisy and rattly for a while now, and yesterday, kept jamming part way down and reversing. Most likely the gear set is just shot at this point, causing issues. So, I could live with noise, but not closing, well, that can be an issue! So, need to do something.

Not leaning toward trying to rebuild an old Craftsman at this point (plus the keypad and door button seem to be wearing out, because they also are erratic). So, going to bite the bullet I think and get a new one instead.

so, looking for opinions in case anyone feels like sharing. Definitely won't be another craftsman.

Oh, I have single doors (might be 8', but I would have to measure) and the current units are 1/2 HP, which seems fine. I don't see a need to go up on that at this point.

I don't know why you don't want another Craftsman but that is your choice. If it is because you only got 15 years out of the one you have now, that is about how long most of them last before something goes bad. I have never had a problem with a Craftsman until it got to be around that 15 year old point. If you have 8 or 9 foot doors, 1/2 HP is plenty. That is all I have for my 16 foot door.

Son #1 bought a 1/2 HP Craftsman replacement for one of his 9 foot doors about 6 or 7 months ago and it works fine. His only gripe is that he can't use the $2.95 door bell button as his second switch that is mounted on the wall between the 2 doors or the other door bell button mounted on the opposite side of the door. The switch that came with the new opener is mounted on the garage wall before going into the basement. So that is the button he uses to open and close the door other than the Homelink in his car. He says if he wants a second or third control point he will have to buy another Craftsman switch that costs way more than the $2.95 door bell button. He thinks it is because of an upgraded security feature but he isn't sure about that. In any case the simple door bell buttons won't work. I told him I'd glue the car remote that came with the new opener to the wall between the garage doors but he hasn't done that yet. Before I'd spend about $35 each for a second and third special Sears switch that's what I'd do. In fact, if it were me I'd have unbolted that beast and returned it.

Since Sears has their units built by someone, possibly Chamberlain or Genie, if you don't want to go broke buying another switch or two, I'd look into that before I bought a new door opener.

Let us know which one you buy.

jmonroe

andres3

isellhondas said:

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I remember seeing 10K ADMs on the Crossfire and SSR. Seems hilarious now. We all probably know about the big ADMs on loaded early PT Cruisers, too.

ADM is like the kiss of death.

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I remember seeing 10K ADMs on the Crossfire and SSR. Seems hilarious now. We all probably know about the big ADMs on loaded early PT Cruisers, too.

ADM is like the kiss of death.

Why do you feel that way?

MSRP is what the factory "suggests" is a fair price to pay for the car. Some people are happy to pay that. others pay less and some high demand low supply cars will command more. I fully under why a lot of people would never consider paying over MSRP for ANY car in fact, I am one of those people. I never HAVE to have a certain car or even a certain color.

Still, it's always the market that determines pricing and not some sticker on the side window.

In 1990 when Mazda introduced the Miata it was a Grand Slam over the fence HOME RUN! They got this one right and people lined up to snap the up. Mazda grossly underestimated the demand and had to scramble to ramp up production! People were happy to pay 2-3000 dollars over MSRP!

Much harder to believe was the fact the same thing happened when PT Cruisers came out! People went nuts over them and snapped everyone up at over MSRP!

Now, resale on these is worse than horrible.

In 1999 it was the same thing with the new Odysseys! We had people lined up to test drive them and had a devoted college student taking them out. It was NUTS! People were happy to pay over MSRP and wait six weeks! Did they pay too much...? Not to them and I guess that's what matters.

Houses are even worse especially now! A friend listed their house here for 850,000 and it sold the next day with lots of backup offers for 75,000 more than asking! NUTS but that's the market!

To be fair the reason the PT Cruiser has shockingly bad resale value is because they are extremely expensive to keep in running condition. I'd rather buy an Italian car.

tbirdmarco

On 348 that’s awesome what you did with your Cadillac at yesterday very cool glad you’re having fun out there

tbirdmarco

 Explore for wow a rule on of all things the car your wife’s has a beater car any day I’m glad she did that and left them in the dust then let them cut in front of her have a good day all 

graphicguy

explorerx4 said:

Not sure if I posted this before, but this truck has some great automatic wipers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O40K2FluTUA

Wonder what price that truck hit the market at after it dried out? I’m sure it had a salvage title, but what did the title list as the reason for the salvage? Can’t be flood. Maybe “idiot with a new truck couldn’t back his boat into the water”.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

explorerx4 said:

If I feel the need for speed from a stoplight, I put the locker on and that's usually provides enough traction.

I don't have a locker, but I had a funny experience today.

The sun was out, the temps were cool but after nearly a week of mild, wet weather the roads were clear, dry and salt-free, so I went and got a few groceries and then decided to tool around in the ATS for a while since it's been a bit since I just drove it for the fun of it. As I made my way home I got on the expressway that leads to my neighborhood. There was some slow traffic so I got in the left lane and blew past it at a good rate of speed. I noticed a car a ways back also in the left lane that was keeping up with me. It stayed there all the way until we got to a traffic light that marks the edge of my 'hood. I was at the front of the line in the left lane and this guy pulls alongside in the right lane. I then recognized the car as a new Toyota Avalon.

The light turns green and this guy just leaps off the line with some intent. Well, I cannot abide that so I put my foot in it and the Caddy takes off and just leaves him in the dust. Totally juvenile, I know. But I could not stand having an Avalon dust me.

Juvenile is why you buy a fast car. Otherwise just buy an Avalon.

imidazol97

To improve Cd, designers may make the following changes:

Round the edges of the front end
Tune the grille and fascia openings
Tune the wheel openings
Place spats (small spoilers) in front of the tires to reduce turbulence
Tune the size and shape of the outside mirrors and their attachment arms
Reshape the water channel on the A-pillars
Adjust the front fascia and air dam to reduce drag under the vehicle
Add side skirts
Tune the deck height, length and edge radius
Install a rear spoiler
Adjust the angle of the rear window
Tuck up the exhaust system
Use a diffuser to tune air coming off the underside
Install "belly pans," underbody panels that cover components and smooth airflow
Ford's Wegryn also predicts increased use of active aerodynamic devices in the future, such as:
Active air dams that drop lower at higher speeds (when driveways and speed bumps are not an issue)
Active rear spoilers that pop up to reduce lift at higher speeds, as on the Porsche 911 Carrera
Active ride height that lowers the vehicle at speed, which Ford employed on the Lincoln Mark VIII and which appears on Mercedes-Benz vehicles with Airmatic suspensions. According to Mercedes, "Lowering the ride height at speed results in a 3-percent improvement in drag."

graphicguy

@stickguy .....garage door openers. I’ve been in my current house for 24 years. I’ve had exactly 2 openers in that period of time. First one was a Jenie chain driver. Current one is a Liftmaster belt drive.

Belt drive is quieter, for sure. It’s been installed about 10 years, and aside for the fact it eats light bulbs quicker than I like, it’s been fine.

Now, they have ones that connect to WiFi so you can control them remotely. And, they have the ability to start/stop with less jarring as the old ones.

Still, no problems with either of mine.

This is one of those things where I believe the quality of the installation is more important than brand or type.

driver100

fintail said:

I like some headroom, some light entering the car, and a feeling of extra space.

driver100 said:

The CLS is probably worth $20k more than my E400.....I wouldn't trade even. I have sat in one, and I find it claustrophobic, and very poor site lines. Low roofs with narrow windows don't appeal to me.

And that is another reason I like large windows. Not just for the outward view and the extra headroom, but because large windows allow more light to enter the car.

I wasn't picking on the Malibu, I just really noticed it from the rear view and from sitting in a car level. I would have said the same about the MB, Audi and BMW sport coupes.

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

isellhondas said:

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I remember seeing 10K ADMs on the Crossfire and SSR. Seems hilarious now. We all probably know about the big ADMs on loaded early PT Cruisers, too.

ADM is like the kiss of death.

driver100 said:

fintail said:

I remember seeing 10K ADMs on the Crossfire and SSR. Seems hilarious now. We all probably know about the big ADMs on loaded early PT Cruisers, too.

ADM is like the kiss of death.

Why do you feel that way?

MSRP is what the factory "suggests" is a fair price to pay for the car. Some people are happy to pay that. others pay less and some high demand low supply cars will command more. I fully under why a lot of people would never consider paying over MSRP for ANY car in fact, I am one of those people. I never HAVE to have a certain car or even a certain color.

Still, it's always the market that determines pricing and not some sticker on the side window.

In 1990 when Mazda introduced the Miata it was a Grand Slam over the fence HOME RUN! They got this one right and people lined up to snap the up. Mazda grossly underestimated the demand and had to scramble to ramp up production! People were happy to pay 2-3000 dollars over MSRP!

Much harder to believe was the fact the same thing happened when PT Cruisers came out! People went nuts over them and snapped everyone up at over MSRP!

Now, resale on these is worse than horrible.

In 1999 it was the same thing with the new Odysseys! We had people lined up to test drive them and had a devoted college student taking them out. It was NUTS! People were happy to pay over MSRP and wait six weeks! Did they pay too much...? Not to them and I guess that's what matters.

Houses are even worse especially now! A friend listed their house here for 850,000 and it sold the next day with lots of backup offers for 75,000 more than asking! NUTS but that's the market!

To be fair the reason the PT Cruiser has shockingly bad resale value is because they are extremely expensive to keep in running condition. I'd rather buy an Italian car.

All I can say is that at 40k miles my 2009 PT has had way more repairs than my 2008 Mitsu had at 44k.

stickguy

I have no desire to install myself at this point. I did years ago, and was not fun as I recall. Last one I had the pros do. Much better job! So having them do the new one too, so everything will be adjusted correctly.

They are a lift master dealer so just going with that. Will pay a little extra to have them supply it all. A belt drive unit. Can set up the WiFi app too, but. I likely never will.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

explorerx4 said:

Not sure if I posted this before, but this truck has some great automatic wipers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O40K2FluTUA

Wonder what price that truck hit the market at after it dried out? I’m sure it had a salvage title, but what did the title list as the reason for the salvage? Can’t be flood. Maybe “idiot with a new truck couldn’t back his boat into the water”.

Depending on state it could have Salvage or Rebuilt in the title. Terminology seems to vary by state. In NY I believe it's a salvage title if it's totaled and then sold repaired or unrepaired. If I understand the FL system they call it salvage when totaled and change to rebuilt after it's fixed.

stickguy

Driver, the stinger had such terrible rear visibility might have been a work van with a solid bulkhead. The interior mirror was close to ueseless.

driver100

I-95 driver calls 911 to tell FHP his BMW won't stop; troopers deploy 'stop sticks'

https://youtu.be/OZS2h0-PlV4

911 tells him to use emergency brake. Those are now called parking brakes and they won't help. Best to put car in neutral and turn off key.

oldfarmer50

Here's a few "What the heck" items off the net.

First is a run away BMW on the turnpike in Florida that BMW says couldn't happen.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/gas-pedal-stuck-man-tells-911-barrels-interstate/story?id=53044686

The second is an Internet rumor that Uber will soon allow riders to opt for only women drivers on pick up. This is supposedly because of women fearing attack by male drivers especially if the are alone or drunk.

In my opinion such a provision would be illegal discrimination but maybe I'm misunderstanding Title VIIII.

You folks are smarter than me so what do you say?