Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fintail

You're still paying a lot for image and exclusivity with the new G. It has a lot of differences from the prior/current model, but looks very much like the 1979 original to the layman.

driver100

stickguy said:

Sandy, you are near west palm, right? We have family here that are heading down that way today (they drove down yesterday to catch a flight today to W. Palm out of Philly). Supposed to have been 85 recently. We are getting snow this evening, so I want to go with them!

It will be in the 80s for at least the next week....with little chance of rain. Has been in the 80s almost every day in February....average is 70.

driver100

roadburner said:

suydam said:

Wow, it takes a whole 60 seconds max to put in the plug! And I don’t plug mine in but every 3 Days or so. Some parking garages have charging stations so I can recharge while I’m out. Last I looked I never saw any gas stations in a public parking garage. If I had a longer range Tesla or Bolt, I might only plug it in once a week. And hey! I’m not driving anywhere to get gas! Seriously, I think it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

it takes all of five seconds using the BMW ConnectedDrive app. I've filled it up with gas(2.0 gallons) twice; once the day I picked it up and the second time over one year later.

If you have a phone with data....and have an app.

I have a prepaid phone......I use about 4 minutes a month of time....and, the rest of the time I don't want to be reached.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

tbirdmarco said:

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

OK I'll admit that MB has the right to make an ugly car but this is an abuse of that right.

You haven't lived until you have sat in a G Wagon. I love the look, nice and boxy, with BIG WINDOWS. None of that flattened and round bubbly look to try and make it aerodynamic. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I find it beautiful in a classic way.

driver100

ab348 said:

So, remember last week's story about my $22 microwave oven light bulb?

The damn thing blew last night. I turned on the lights and noticed only the right one was working. Opened up the housing and there was a dark stain on the inside of the bulb glass. Tried reinstalling a few times but no go, dead. Unreal.

Fortunately, I had taken @imidazol97 's advice after my experience last week and found a pair of LED lamps on Amazon Canada. I needed some other stuff there anyway so I ordered all of it and it arrived yesterday morning. I was going to just stash them for a while but last night I pressed them into service.

They seem to work great but are rather bright. The hi/low function for the switch on the oven has only a minimal effect. But fortunately I have some dimming film from Lightdims.com here, and a bit of that on the inside of the lens of the lamp cover brings it down to an acceptable level. Brilliant! The best part is that 2 of these LED lamps were $12 or per bulb about 1/4 of what the other bulb cost.

You could have bought a new microwave by now. If it goes again just spring for a new one....they have got better and are more compact.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

fintail said:

A salesman told me "the cars sell themselves", which might be true -

It's true to an extent, Most people can sell a BMW but only a true salesman can sell a used Yugo and make a profit.

Yeh, but will he get any repeat customers?

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

OF...I’ve known at least 3 people who own PT Cruisers. They all love them. They say they are as reliable as screwdriver and cheap to own/operate. They too bemoan they were never updated and are no longer made.

Rental Hondas.....I rent a lot of cars for my work travel. I think over the last 20 years or so, I’ve seen one in a Hertz fleet.....a CRV. I assumed it was bought from a dealer as sort of a “one off”.

Other than that, seen no others. Lots of Camrys, Corollas, and RAVs out there for rent, though.

Hertz will upgrade me every once in a while given how many cars I rent from them (not nearly as many recently because of UBER). It’s usually a Q50 with the 2.0, or the Mercedes CLA, sometimes a Jag. They are all ordinarily the low to medium optioned cars, though.

A few weeks ago, had a Toyota 4Runner. Had one in the GG fleet many years ago and loved it. Aside from the cosmetics and tech, they don’t drive a whole lot different these days. That’s not a knock. Toyota made a good vehicle and didn’t mess with it too much.

I have mixed emotions on the PT. on one hand it is a handy little grocery getter that handles ok and has nice pickup down low. On the other hand it was obsolete tech even back in 2009 and that becomes more and more evident. Chronic problems with brake rotors and suspension parts are becoming really annoying. The fact that it's starting to rust at 40k miles is a big disappointment. If I had it to do over again I would gave bought something different.

As to rental cars they all seem to drive about the same. The only one so far that impressed me was the Ford Focus. Maybe I'll get to drive an Audi some day but the last time one came around the young guys were fighting over it.

What is that all about? Are you hinting you want us to buy you a new Pro Series Ace hardware screwdriver?

ab348

driver100 said:

You could have bought a new microwave by now. If it goes again just spring for a new one....they have got better and are more compact.

Actually I was looking at them online when all this began last week. The over-the-range models all look pretty much the same as what I have right now. In fact the Frigidaire line (which is what I have) looks almost identical except for the logo being changed. Mine still has the cool retro script logo, which was part of the reason I bought it.

driver100

Beautiful, and unique;

tbirdmarco

Lol lol

tbirdmarco

Q b   Very nice on the old car  slowly you will get it done 

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

OF...I’ve known at least 3 people who own PT Cruisers. They all love them. They say they are as reliable as screwdriver and cheap to own/operate. They too bemoan they were never updated and are no longer made.

Rental Hondas.....I rent a lot of cars for my work travel. I think over the last 20 years or so, I’ve seen one in a Hertz fleet.....a CRV. I assumed it was bought from a dealer as sort of a “one off”.

Other than that, seen no others. Lots of Camrys, Corollas, and RAVs out there for rent, though.

Hertz will upgrade me every once in a while given how many cars I rent from them (not nearly as many recently because of UBER). It’s usually a Q50 with the 2.0, or the Mercedes CLA, sometimes a Jag. They are all ordinarily the low to medium optioned cars, though.

A few weeks ago, had a Toyota 4Runner. Had one in the GG fleet many years ago and loved it. Aside from the cosmetics and tech, they don’t drive a whole lot different these days. That’s not a knock. Toyota made a good vehicle and didn’t mess with it too much.

I have mixed emotions on the PT. on one hand it is a handy little grocery getter that handles ok and has nice pickup down low. On the other hand it was obsolete tech even back in 2009 and that becomes more and more evident. Chronic problems with brake rotors and suspension parts are becoming really annoying. The fact that it's starting to rust at 40k miles is a big disappointment. If I had it to do over again I would gave bought something different.

As to rental cars they all seem to drive about the same. The only one so far that impressed me was the Ford Focus. Maybe I'll get to drive an Audi some day but the last time one came around the young guys were fighting over it.

What is that all about? Are you hinting you want us to buy you a new Pro Series Ace hardware screwdriver?

No, GG said that PT Cruisers were as "reliable as a screwdriver".

OK, I am biased against them but only because of one incident that I experienced.

I was at a local body shop helping a client supervise the body restoration on his Mercedes. I was standing by the overhead when I heard a loud BANG! -- like a hammer hitting concrete or something. I walked out into the street and saw a PT cruiser stopped in the middle of the road--just sitting there silently.

But suddenly I noticed something ROLLING down the street towards me. As it got closer, I saw it was a roller bearing, in its race. It rolled to the curb, did a twirl, and flopped right at my feet.

I just couldn't believe in. I still laugh when I think about it, and can't NOT think about it whenever I see a PT Cruiser.

tbirdmarco

Was the over. Heating issue.  Ever sorted out  q  b 

snakeweasel

imidazol97 said:

..."Lady, you don't need a Jaguar with the extra cool pink roof and the Princess package from London--you need a Cavalier to get to and from work at the fast food place. That's all you can afford. Now get out of my booth so I find someone who can actually afford to buy one of our cars."

Did you at one time sell suits? I walked into a mens clothing store once many decades ago and the salesman walked up to me and the first thing he said was that their suits were expensive and that I might not be able to afford them. My response was that I knew how much their suits cost because I have bought several from them over that last few years, but you have convinced me that I may wish to reconsider where I spend my money, thank you.

tbirdmarco

Agree with all  above on the m b posted  above 

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

fintail said:

A salesman told me "the cars sell themselves", which might be true - so many people want the badge, and there are enthusiasts out there too, that it might not be the worst. But around here anyway, people can sometimes be a little entitled, and I might not have patience for it. But as you say, most shoppers in that price range probably have some idea what they want, and are more shopping p rice and features/colors, so it might not be the hardest sell. Although I don't adore every model, I still have some enthusiasm for the brand, and it might be worth it for the demo alone.

Cold calling would be another tough one, too. Come to me, I am not going to beg. But if the cars sell themselves, maybe one doesn't have to

driver100 said:

You are very knowledgeable about MBs and I think that would be a great asset. I don't think good salesmen use "hard selling" these days. The best approach is to find out what your customer wants, and then help him to get there. Like the Audi salesman told us...the people buying in this market are pretty sophisticated, it is better to be upfront, give a good discount off the top, and go from there. Few people will buy a car they don't want because the salesman does a hard sell on them. If what you got doesn't suit them, then you probably won't sell to them anyway.

I don't mind customers who come to me...what I don't like is cold calling...unless I have a great product that I know people will want. I can explain the advantages and sell something...but, I can't sell something I don't believe in.

Anything that "sells itself" doesn't need a salesman.

Actually, it does. You still have to get the word out there, and a good salesperson can get his foot in the door enough...to explain why you have to have the item. For major items, face to face selling can still be very effective.

Getting the word out there and manufacturing explaining why you have to have one is the job of marketing.

explorerx4

Marco, I'm with you on the lol!

tbirdmarco

 Very cool explore for club someone is with me   Lol lol lol

tbirdmarco

Explore four or so looking

tbirdmarco

 To sell the fusion I thought you mentioned it once and months ago in another thread if I remember correctly could be wrong though figured I’d ask what the heck 

tbirdmarco

 That’s a funny story on what happened with the PT cruiser posted above hilarious 

fintail

What gets me most is the door action. They use old fashioned door hardware, and opening and closing the doors is like a vintage car. The first time I examined a G up close, I must have opened and closed the door a dozen times. It felt just like my fintail. That's a big attraction to something like this, it's like a new vintage MB.

If I don't re-up my lease, buy out the car (which I have been told isn't a good deal), or find another rare car, I might look to a used G. Unfortunately, the depreciation floor is comically high.

driver100 said:

You haven't lived until you have sat in a G Wagon. I love the look, nice and boxy, with BIG WINDOWS. None of that flattened and round bubbly look to try and make it aerodynamic. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I find it beautiful in a classic way.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

Beautiful, and unique;

It's a face even a mother would hate.

snakeweasel

roadburner said:

suydam said:

Wow, it takes a whole 60 seconds max to put in the plug! And I don’t plug mine in but every 3 Days or so. Some parking garages have charging stations so I can recharge while I’m out. Last I looked I never saw any gas stations in a public parking garage. If I had a longer range Tesla or Bolt, I might only plug it in once a week. And hey! I’m not driving anywhere to get gas! Seriously, I think it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

In our garage it's so easy to plug in/unplug the car that we don't even think about it anymore; it takes an additional 10 seconds at most- and in the i3 at least, the car won't move if it is still connected to the charger. As for the incredibly difficult and complex chore of checking the state of charge of the battery, it takes all of five seconds using the BMW ConnectedDrive app. I've filled it up with gas(2.0 gallons) twice; once the day I picked it up and the second time over one year later.

Gas tends to go bad in well under a year so unless you are using a gas stabilizer I would use the gas up a lot faster.

jmonroe

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

OF...I’ve known at least 3 people who own PT Cruisers. They all love them. They say they are as reliable as screwdriver and cheap to own/operate. They too bemoan they were never updated and are no longer made.

Rental Hondas.....I rent a lot of cars for my work travel. I think over the last 20 years or so, I’ve seen one in a Hertz fleet.....a CRV. I assumed it was bought from a dealer as sort of a “one off”.

Other than that, seen no others. Lots of Camrys, Corollas, and RAVs out there for rent, though.

Hertz will upgrade me every once in a while given how many cars I rent from them (not nearly as many recently because of UBER). It’s usually a Q50 with the 2.0, or the Mercedes CLA, sometimes a Jag. They are all ordinarily the low to medium optioned cars, though.

A few weeks ago, had a Toyota 4Runner. Had one in the GG fleet many years ago and loved it. Aside from the cosmetics and tech, they don’t drive a whole lot different these days. That’s not a knock. Toyota made a good vehicle and didn’t mess with it too much.

I have mixed emotions on the PT. on one hand it is a handy little grocery getter that handles ok and has nice pickup down low. On the other hand it was obsolete tech even back in 2009 and that becomes more and more evident. Chronic problems with brake rotors and suspension parts are becoming really annoying. The fact that it's starting to rust at 40k miles is a big disappointment. If I had it to do over again I would gave bought something different.

As to rental cars they all seem to drive about the same. The only one so far that impressed me was the Ford Focus. Maybe I'll get to drive an Audi some day but the last time one came around the young guys were fighting over it.

What is that all about? Are you hinting you want us to buy you a new Pro Series Ace hardware screwdriver?

No, GG said that PT Cruisers were as "reliable as a screwdriver".

OK, I am biased against them but only because of one incident that I experienced.

I was at a local body shop helping a client supervise the body restoration on his Mercedes. I was standing by the overhead when I heard a loud BANG! -- like a hammer hitting concrete or something. I walked out into the street and saw a PT cruiser stopped in the middle of the road--just sitting there silently.

But suddenly I noticed something ROLLING down the street towards me. As it got closer, I saw it was a roller bearing, in its race. It rolled to the curb, did a twirl, and flopped right at my feet.

I just couldn't believe in. I still laugh when I think about it, and can't NOT think about it whenever I see a PT Cruiser.

Left or right outer front wheel bearing?

jmonroe

snakeweasel

OK an update on the wifes mirror, the dealership wanted just under $400 to fix it and a body shop wanted just over $400. I found it online for around $50 painted to the cars color and it took be about 25 minutes to replace.

I'm in the wrong business.

imidazol97

ab348 said:

So, remember last week's story about my $22 microwave oven light bulb?

The damn thing blew last night. I turned on the lights and noticed only the right one was working. Opened up the housing and there was a dark stain on the inside of the bulb glass. Tried reinstalling a few times but no go, dead. Unreal.

Fortunately, I had taken @imidazol97 's advice after my experience last week and found a pair of LED lamps on Amazon Canada. I needed some other stuff there anyway so I ordered all of it and it arrived yesterday morning. I was going to just stash them for a while but last night I pressed them into service.

They seem to work great but are rather bright. The hi/low function for the switch on the oven has only a minimal effect. But fortunately I have some dimming film from Lightdims.com here, and a bit of that on the inside of the lens of the lamp cover brings it down to an acceptable level. Brilliant! The best part is that 2 of these LED lamps were $12 or per bulb about 1/4 of what the other bulb cost.

The color on those is 3000 Kelvin. My microwave had one. The previous bulb with 40W tungsten was too yellow. This one is whiter than I like. And the dim switch doesn't dim it much like the original dimmed for leaving it on at night as a light. But the dim color is a little more normal.

A dimmable version of that same bulb may be available at a much higher cost currently.

I'm happy with the compromise. It was cheaper than the replacement bulb from Whirlpool and environmentally much friendlier at 4 watts.

imidazol97

graphicguy said:

OF...I’ve known at least 3 people who own PT Cruisers. They all love them. They say they are as reliable as screwdriver and cheap to own/operate. They too bemoan they were never updated and are no longer made.

fintail

I remember when the PT first hit dealers in the spring of 2000, way back when I was still in school. I was riding around with a friend, and we spotted a couple at the local dealer. We pulled over to take a look, and a salesman insisted we take it for a test drive. Couldn't say no to that, we took it out for a 15 minute spin. It was really a new thing then, people turned heads and pointed etc, it was really different. I didn't ride in another until 2009, when I visited my mom and she had one as a rental (her Corolla had just been totaled). She didn't like it at all, said it was too loud and harsh or something, and the window switches really irked her. As a rental, it hadn't been babied. She is the "active boomer" demographic who would have bought this kind of thing, but she likes a car with a trunk.

abacomike

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

explorerx4

@marco.,
Decided to keep the Fusion for now. I like it and I'm way upside down on my loan.
On the other hand my F150 is paid for so, I'm looking into replacing that instead.
May or may not do anything for now.

roadburner

snakeweasel said:

Gas tends to go bad in well under a year so unless you are using a gas stabilizer I would use the gas up a lot faster.

I can count on one hand the number of times one of us has run the battery down far enough to activate the gas motor; the car is designed to start and run the engine for a ten minute "Maintenance Cycle" every 90 days or so if it has not been activated. As a matter of fact, the only reason I filled it up the second time was because the Maintenance Cycle wouldn't start because the tank was down to 50%(one gallon).

jmonroe

abacomike said:

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

Gee, it's a shame wasting all that technology. You'd have been better off with a wannabe.

jmonroe

abacomike

jmonroe said:

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

Gee, it's a shame wasting all that technology. You'd have been better off with a wannabe. jmonroe

I have a wannabe!  It wants to be a Rolls Royce Ghost II.  Just can’t cut it.  Close - but no cigar! 

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

You could have bought a new microwave by now. If it goes again just spring for a new one....they have got better and are more compact.

Actually I was looking at them online when all this began last week. The over-the-range models all look pretty much the same as what I have right now. In fact the Frigidaire line (which is what I have) looks almost identical except for the logo being changed. Mine still has the cool retro script logo, which was part of the reason I bought it.

I remember that logo but haven't seen it for decades.
You do realize, microwave doors can get loose and warped, and you could catch some rays.

suydam

abacomike said:

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

My Volt also has those features and I haven’t used them either. Guess neither of us are candidates for self-driving cars!

driver100

Left or right outer front wheel bearing?

jmonroe

What difference does it make to the story...would the outer be funnier?

jmonroe

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

Gee, it's a shame wasting all that technology. You'd have been better off with a wannabe.

jmonroe

I have a wannabe!  It wants to be a Rolls Royce Ghost II.  Just can’t cut it.  Close - but no cigar! 

I know the feeling.

jmonroe

stickguy

I would never use the self parking features either most likely. I too am skeptical of stuff like that. Heck, I get nervous just using cruise control.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

Left or right outer front wheel bearing?

jmonroe

What difference does it make to the story...would the outer be funnier?

Yes. :@ :@

jmonroe

tbirdmarco

 Of the Moxie styling of those G wagons to remind me of the last generation jeep commander and liberty 

tbirdmarco

 Found a super low mileage 06 Nissan Xterra trim Audi dealer ready to take out a small loan and buy it but the only thing is since I don’t drive what would I do with it would love to have it crazy about those has under 30 K or fax one order at a dealer here we have to get a mechanic inspection obviously 

tbirdmarco

 I can dream that’s all it’s going to be after 61 bird off for now ha ha Ha 

tbirdmarco

 Sounds good explorer for what truck would you replace it with eventually another Ford or switch it up to a different brand? Can go with you we could look at a bunch of stuff ha ha Ha always up for that just getting there would be the issue from New York to Connecticut ha ha Ha 

roadburner

abacomike said:

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

I was a bit nervous the first few times that I demonstrated self-parking in the new 7 Series, but after a while it became routine. Our i3 will parallel park itself, but in my opinion if you cannot parallel park a 158” long car without assistance then you should be required to use public transit.

tbirdmarco

 Anyone doing any car looking this weekend Presidents weekend? 

abacomike

suydam said:

Just got back from my appointment with my Mercedes dealer’s concierge - or what BMW calls their genius.  She is the “guru” of each model’s technology.  The reason for my appointment?  I had reached the level of technology knowledge necessary to learn how to use the parallel and the perpendicular self-parking feature on my S450 - in other words, I had overcome my fears and anxieties about letting the car park itself with me in it! 

She got in the passenger seat and we drove over to an area in West Palm Beach where there are both types of parking spaces.  I had not parallel parked a car in over 20 years so I was a bit skiddish about this whole process.  She had me stop the car, press the self-parking button on the console, and I was instructed by the vehicle to release the brake pedal.  After traveling 50 feet or so, the car alerted me to apply the brake and stop the car.  An animation appeared on my screen prompting me to select “forward” or “reverse”, which I did.  I was then prompted to put the gear selector into reverse and release the brake pedal.  GOOD GRIEF!!!

The car backed into the parking space (parallel parking spot) while it self-steered itself.  It stopped, went forward while continuing to steer and came to a stop.  I was really into some heavy anxiety throughout the process.  Voila - it parked itself.

Next, we drove to the next block and pulled into a parking lot.  I followed the same procedures as before, but this time the car was searching for a perpendicular parking space.  This time I selected “forward” and sure enough it pulled straight in.  In fact, it backed up by itself and steered me into the lane so I could drive to the next parking spot.  This time I selected “reverse” at a parallel parking space.  The car backed itself into the parking spot, momentarily going forward to adjust the angle of approach.  I was apoplectic throughout the process!!!

OK - I now know how to use the parking feature - something I will never, ever use again.  Can’t take the stress involved in letting this 4500 pound behemoth park itself.  As soon as I walked in the door to my condo, I opened a new bottle of Glenlivet Scotch and poured a stiff drink.  I’m still shaking after the experience.  Let’s face it, I’m just not cut out to let my beautiful car park itself - I just don’t trust the technology to work perfectly every time.  I’ll struggle with manually parking my baby and limit the chances of another heart attack while sitting behind the wheel of a car parking itself. 

My Volt also has those features and I haven’t used them either. Guess neither of us are candidates for self-driving cars!

Actually, I like the adaptive cruise control and self-steering feature.  On my way to and from Palm Beach, I used those features.  Car slows itself when traffic is heavy and automatically increases speed to the speed setting when traffic allows.  It even changes lanes by itself, traffic permitting.  Just hold the directional signal stalk a bit and it changes lanes for you.  Nice feature.

But parking is another thing!!!

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

OF...I’ve known at least 3 people who own PT Cruisers. They all love them. They say they are as reliable as screwdriver and cheap to own/operate. They too bemoan they were never updated and are no longer made.

Rental Hondas.....I rent a lot of cars for my work travel. I think over the last 20 years or so, I’ve seen one in a Hertz fleet.....a CRV. I assumed it was bought from a dealer as sort of a “one off”.

Other than that, seen no others. Lots of Camrys, Corollas, and RAVs out there for rent, though.

Hertz will upgrade me every once in a while given how many cars I rent from them (not nearly as many recently because of UBER). It’s usually a Q50 with the 2.0, or the Mercedes CLA, sometimes a Jag. They are all ordinarily the low to medium optioned cars, though.

A few weeks ago, had a Toyota 4Runner. Had one in the GG fleet many years ago and loved it. Aside from the cosmetics and tech, they don’t drive a whole lot different these days. That’s not a knock. Toyota made a good vehicle and didn’t mess with it too much.

I have mixed emotions on the PT. on one hand it is a handy little grocery getter that handles ok and has nice pickup down low. On the other hand it was obsolete tech even back in 2009 and that becomes more and more evident. Chronic problems with brake rotors and suspension parts are becoming really annoying. The fact that it's starting to rust at 40k miles is a big disappointment. If I had it to do over again I would gave bought something different.

As to rental cars they all seem to drive about the same. The only one so far that impressed me was the Ford Focus. Maybe I'll get to drive an Audi some day but the last time one came around the young guys were fighting over it.

What is that all about? Are you hinting you want us to buy you a new Pro Series Ace hardware screwdriver?

I think he's suggesting that I use it to ensure that next time I get the Audi.

isellhondas

qbrozen said:

isellhondas said:

Looking for an appropriate auto sales job is not as easy as one might think. Seems like (and of course it makes sense once you think about it) many of the available positions that DON'T require previous experience are stores you really don't want to work at. For example, I came upon an internet sales role that sounded promising... until I realized where it is, which is a dealer we visited once a couple of years ago where we were presented a sales contract at full asking price PLUS a $1k "dealer prep fee." We obviously exited quickly.

I've tagged a few possibilities at this point. A VW dealer that I have been to only twice: once just browsing the lot and nobody came out to see me and the other time to turn in my TDI (turn-in was fine but a salesperson behind the front desk was quite rude when he found out I didn't need a replacement vehicle). A Chevy dealer I never even heard of, but the ad mentions sales and entry-level finance, so that's interesting. The third is with an internet aftermarket parts site. I'd imagine the pay there is quite limited.

Still not totally sold on the whole idea. Doing something new and different and that obviously incorporates something I love is exciting. But trolling for customers and dealing with difficult people goes with the territory and would get old very quick. Oh, not to mention the crazy hours.

The store you choose will be the most important thing you do. I got very lucky. You want to look for a family owned store if you can find one with a long standing good reputation. Check the Yelp reviews but remember there will always be some bad ones. Feel free to call me if you would like or email me and I can fill you full of information.
Craig

I absolutely agree. If I go to check any places out that I'm not familiar with, I would walk if I see ADM and dealer added equipment stickers on all the windows or salespeople using 4-squares, for example. Thank you for your offer, Craig. I actually was already figuring I'd bother you if I had any questions. 
My wife asked me if I knew any successful salesman who were also car guys. I explained I recall just a handful because I think it is a very rare breed, but only 1 was still active on the boards, and he retired and said the biz was getting to him in the end. 

You might do a lot of walking. Most stores will add popular add ons such as wheel locks and all season mats to the sticker. Two reasons for this. Of course a little extra profit and the second reason is that most people want these items anyway. As far as a four square, we never called the forms we used "four squares" but we used a form that had four different sections to make it easy. Price, trade, down payment etc. ALL stores have to use something like that. DO NOT go to work in a Liner-Closer store. That's where Mr. Friendly the Liner meets you with a smile and attempts to get you focused "on" a car. Then the Closer comes in nd does his best to make the sale. When my son bought his Jeep Wrangler a few years ago, they didn't know who they were messing with and they sent in FOUR separate closers. Finally I had had enough and I came clean as to my background. i finally told them. " This is what we are willing to pay...I want a YES or a NO. I do NOT want another "manager" This place was a typical car dealership part of a big group! Yes, he bought his Wrangler and he still loves it1 I think it is the most uncomfortable, underpowered, primitive POS I have ever been in but I don't have to drive it everyday! I don't get the excitement. They do have tremendous resale too. It was a Seller's Market and I knew it at the time.

ab348

driver100 said:

I remember that logo but haven't seen it for decades.
You do realize, microwave doors can get loose and warped, and you could catch some rays.

That would really make my blood boil.