Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

Mr_Shiftright

Well it's a scotch for newbies--maybe for regular bourbon drinkers.

tbirdmarco

 Interesting above with the cars and the houses yes the cars are hell of a lot cheaper than houses true just potentially you can get your money back from the house the car will depreciate like nothing just my two cents ha ha Ha hope that everyone had a good weekend quiet weekend over here rained all weekend it is what it is have a good upcoming week everyone 

stickguy

Sandy, from what you have said about your back issues, it does sound nuts to work 6 days per week, if you aren't desperately trying to make ends meet to feed the kids or keep roof over your head.

Plus, you drive for a living. So if you ever get bored on off days, you can just, go for a drive! And if you really want to drive something different, drive over to a dealer and take a test drive.

driver100

Sandy...it would be crazy to work 55 hours a week at this time in your life. We all love cars, but, there is more to life than driving cars. Do some things you want to do with that time (besides drive).

nyccarguy

isellhondas said:

I am amazed at how well Hondas hold their value.  Forget year old Honda's.  I got $10,500 for my wife's Pilot that was 6 1/2 years old & had 102K miles on it.  What did they do, sell it to one of their mechanics for $12K?  To a local BHPH lot for $11,500?

My guess would be that they did any deferred maintenance that was needed. They detailed it inside and out to make it sparkle. They probably dropped 1500.00 into it and retailed it for close to 14,000. The question is did they REALLY give you 10,500 for it or did they over or underallow to show you a trade value that you liked or a price on the new car that you really liked? 10,500 sounds about right. Wasn't it due for a timing belt etc?

I can tell you that I ran the Pilot through the car wash & Polished the hood with my orbital before I took it in for the dealer to look at.  It was literally "glowing in the dark."  Well as much as Polished Metal Metallic can glow.

The guy I dealt with was the sales manager.  Before I even set foot in the dealership, he gave me a below invoice price on the new Pilot.  He asked me what I was looking for as far as a trade in value.  I told him $10,500 (expecting to settle at $10K).  He said:  "that's on the high side, but not outrageous. You'll have to bring it in so I can take a look at it."

i brought it in.  He started it up.  Listened to the engine.  Checked to see if any maintenance was over due.  Told me it's a "very clean cAr."  Checked his computer again and said "you got your $10,5."  

The Pilot was 3K-4K away from the maintenance minder calling for a timing belt.  There was a problem with the front axles that was going to wRrant them being replaced.  He never drove the car.  If he would have moved it in the parking lot, he'd have noticed the grinding.

tbirdmarco

 Send man yes something to really think about what you’re gonna do work two jobs or just stick with the one you have now feel better your health is most important 

tbirdmarco

 New York car guy but it all worked out in the end with the trade-in for you 

tbirdmarco

 Happy Monday all supposed to be nice weather in the 50s here most of the week 

graphicguy

nyccarguy said:

isellhondas said:

nyccarguy said:

I am amazed at how well Hondas hold their value.  Forget year old Honda's.  I got $10,500 for my wife's Pilot that was 6 1/2 years old & had 102K miles on it.  What did they do, sell it to one of their mechanics for $12K?  To a local BHPH lot for $11,500?

My guess would be that they did any deferred maintenance that was needed. They detailed it inside and out to make it sparkle. They probably dropped 1500.00 into it and retailed it for close to 14,000. The question is did they REALLY give you 10,500 for it or did they over or underallow to show you a trade value that you liked or a price on the new car that you really liked? 10,500 sounds about right. Wasn't it due for a timing belt etc?

I can tell you that I ran the Pilot through the car wash & Polished the hood with my orbital before I took it in for the dealer to look at.  It was literally "glowing in the dark."  Well as much as Polished Metal Metallic can glow.

The guy I dealt with was the sales manager.  Before I even set foot in the dealership, he gave me a below invoice price on the new Pilot.  He asked me what I was looking for as far as a trade in value.  I told him $10,500 (expecting to settle at $10K).  He said:  "that's on the high side, but not outrageous. You'll have to bring it in so I can take a look at it."

i brought it in.  He started it up.  Listened to the engine.  Checked to see if any maintenance was over due.  Told me it's a "very clean cAr."  Checked his computer again and said "you got your $10,5."  

The Pilot was 3K-4K away from the maintenance minder calling for a timing belt.  There was a problem with the front axles that was going to wRrant them being replaced.  He never drove the car.  If he would have moved it in the parking lot, he'd have noticed the grinding.

NYC....Must be a Honda Product thing. I’ve had one Civic, 3 Accords and 3 Acuras. They brought what I thought was crazy (good) money when it was time to trade or sell them.

OF....like everyone else, the price of the used Civic you mentioned isn’t outrageous given how well they hold their value. But, from a purely financial point of view, buying new makes more sense. But, if you’re being generous, and only want to help out a family member, that Civic can be driven around for a few years and you’ll get most of your purchase price back when you sell it, too.

ab348

driver100 said:

Sandy...it would be crazy to work 55 hours a week at this time in your life. We all love cars, but, there is more to life than driving cars. Do some things you want to do with that time (besides drive).

Well, it gets him out of the house and away from SWMBO. And it keeps him out of the bars and pool halls.

driver100

Good point Ab! I sometimes think, when it is all over, and I look back on my life, do I want to say I worked until the end (usually for the company), OR, do I want to say I had fun in those last years and I did all the things I really wanted to do.

carnaught

It might boil down to if you have enough hobbies.

isellhondas

ab348 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

c'mon, it's very good for the price.

Not a product I've ever been a fan of. The 15 is miles better.

I'll admit it! All of that 12 year and better scotch tastes about the same to me. Last August on a cruise my son and I paid (that means I did) for a scotch tasting event. We sampled four or five scotches. Each one had a story and (to me) each one tasted pretty much the same! Five shot glasses later we made our way back to our cabin!

abacomike

carnaught said:

It might boil down to if you have enough hobbies.

Or, it might all boil down to...do you have sufficient financial resources to participate in your hobbies, travel, etc., when you finally retire.

So why do people who are at or very close to retirement still work hard?  Here are the possibilities from my perspective:

1. Insufficient financial resources.
2. Not enough hobbies or pastimes to keep busy.
3. Spouse drives you nuts so you need an escape.
4. You are a polygamist and have several mouths to feed and mortgages to pay.
5. You are so used to a work schedule that you can’t survive without one.
6. You have one or more mistresses (if a male) or boyfriends on the side (if a female) that are very needy.
7. You want to build up your 401k or IRA’s while there are still tax benefits.
8. You need to build up more quarters for Social Security.

Those are the ones that come to mind.  There is one more that is psychiatric or psychological in nature, and that is “YOU ARE NUTS”!

isellhondas

OK ...reasons number 2,3, and 5 are the reasons I volunteer at our local Food Bank 2-3 days a week. Usually around 40 hours a month. In addition, our Kiwani's Club would like me to volunteer for a number of projects. These, I pick and choose.

I wish I were paid but alas, I am not but the work is satisfying and I work with great people!

carnaught

abacomike said:

carnaught said:

It might boil down to if you have enough hobbies.

Or, it might all boil down to...do you have sufficient financial resources to participate in your hobbies, travel, etc., when you finally retire.

So why do people who are at or very close to retirement still work hard?  Here are the possibilities from my perspective:

1. Insufficient financial resources.
2. Not enough hobbies or pastimes to keep busy.
3. Spouse drives you nuts so you need an escape.
4. You are a polygamist and have several mouths to feed and mortgages to pay.
5. You are so used to a work schedule that you can’t survive without one.
6. You have one or more mistresses (if a male) or boyfriends on the side (if a female) that are very needy.
7. You want to build up your 401k or IRA’s while there are still tax benefits.
8. You need to build up more quarters for Social Security.

Those are the ones that come to mind.  There is one more that is psychiatric or psychological in nature, and that is “YOU ARE NUTS”!


In my case, like what I'm doing, too young, not enough hobbies and I'm nuts . (Not in order)

driver100

Mike, I think your list is pretty accurate, I can't add anything.

I loved working and running our business. But, when the SIL asked for it Mrs D felt it was an opportunity to get out.

I wouldn't have left at that point, it was too much fun. But, looking back over the last 6 years, it was the right move to make. I am sure glad I didn't keep working and I am glad not to be part of the rat race. I can read 2 or 3 newspapers a day, read books, watch Netflix/Amazon, play tennis/pickleball, go to movies, day trips, meet friends, go to the pool, etc. There is more than work to life

Mr_Shiftright

Marriage is so great. You have this one, special person to annoy for the rest of your life.

roadburner

abacomike said:

carnaught said:

It might boil down to if you have enough hobbies.

Or, it might all boil down to...do you have sufficient financial resources to participate in your hobbies, travel, etc., when you finally retire.

So why do people who are at or very close to retirement still work hard?  Here are the possibilities from my perspective:

1. Insufficient financial resources.
2. Not enough hobbies or pastimes to keep busy.
3. Spouse drives you nuts so you need an escape.
4. You are a polygamist and have several mouths to feed and mortgages to pay.
5. You are so used to a work schedule that you can’t survive without one.
6. You have one or more mistresses (if a male) or boyfriends on the side (if a female) that are very needy.
7. You want to build up your 401k or IRA’s while there are still tax benefits.
8. You need to build up more quarters for Social Security.

Those are the ones that come to mind.  There is one more that is psychiatric or psychological in nature, and that is “YOU ARE NUTS”!

When I fully retired at 57 I had plenty of things to do but I was just bored- so I took the Genius gig. Lots of fun, but I hated working weekends and holidays. When I was offered the job of city attorney I found the flexible hours and the increase in salary to be too good to pass up. The political campaign is much less stressful than my past ones as my job/income won't be adversely affected if I lose. If I win my term will end when I'm 68- at which point I'm done; my dad was 67 when he began to serve his eight year term as Circuit Judge...

stickguy

I just need the money. I can take care of all those other issues just fine.

tbirdmarco

Lol lol   Lol

xwesx

driver100 said:

xwesx Fairbanks, Alaska....welcome to the party. you seem very knowledgeable. Tell us about yourself and how come 4 vehicles. And, where have you been hangin out...over 11000 posts and most of us don't know you.

Welcome aboard.

Hope you know something about dishwashers and ice cream if you are going to stay.

LOL

Well, I started out in the Subaru boards in 2004, and then I started wandering a bit after the "vanilla forums" came about and the Subaru Crew bailed. Mostly post on the CCBA board and related, but our convos over there were such that it started to be the unofficial "Cars and Conversations," and so a host mentioned as much. Viola, I found out about this thread!

Four vehicles.... is that all? Hmm.... I think I have six right now. I have a vehicle for every task!

Let's see.... my '69 Econoline was my first vehicle. Hoarder mentality keeps me hanging onto it. '69 C20 is just a wonderful vehicle, and I still use it for all the heavy duty work as needed, but it also sees few miles now. 1,000 miles is a big year for it. '76 F250 is a worn out plow truck that sees plow duty every winter. I last used it yesterday!

Plus, if not for that truck, I wouldn't have a constant project vehicle. Latest is that a u-joint failed at the front left wheel hub and destroyed both of the axle shafts there, so I'll have to replace the whole length when I get around to it. Thankfully, I have a detroit locker on that axle, so I still get power out of the right side.

The Foresters are our daily drivers ('13 wife, '08 me), except that I bought a Q7 TDI last year as part of the VW scandal. Sadly, the gubmint decided that about 7% of TDI owners didn't deserve the option of a buyback, so I had to settle for the "fix" restitution. Less money, but I get to keep vehicle. So, now it is just a matter of selling it. I'm getting somewhat attached, though, and the thought of going back to the 08 Forester is just not appealing at all....!

Dishwashers... not unless its the human kind. Ice cream? Yep. I am all about the ice cream!

xwesx

stickguy said:

if you need to know about swapping out the differential in an old Ford PU plow truck, in a driveway in the snow, he is your man driver. that and taking 20 years to finish building a house.

Hey.... it hasn't been quite twenty years yet! But, I better get on the ball if I don't want it to turn into that.

ab348

On ice cream - I usually have a package of these in the freezer:



I like them but they have a design problem. The come individually wrapped in a paper sleeve that peels off. When you do that, invariably some of the little chocolate sprinkles you see on the top and sides fall off. The things are like tiny ball bearings and just about as hard. It is a certainty that when I walk past the scene of the crime later on in my sock feet, I will step on one of the things, which is quite painful.

Think I might win a lawsuit?

cdnpinhead

In the U.S. maybe, but not up there.

Mr_Shiftright

Is "chocolatey" a word?

xwesx

It is good that they are individually wrapped! Otherwise, you wouldn't likely get any sprinkles at all. I find the trick for keeping the loose ones contained is to open the package with the tip of the sugar cone up, then just lift the whole thing out; the sprinkles that don't stick stay in the bottom.

abacomike

Last week, I had my maintenance contractor come out and fix my AC unit that was causing loads of water on my floor - it seemed close to a gallon or so. So, he fixed a cracked head gasket on one of the condensation drains and then "blew out" the condensation piping that leads into the wall and finally into a main drain for the apartments above and below me - it drains out to the back of the building. Well, he found some algae (maroon color) and cleaned that out. He blew the line with nitrogen. About a few days after he left, I found horizontal water stains in the wall just below the unit. I could hear dripping behind th wall.

I just had the maintenance department for my community inspect the problem and they said that probably when the AC guy blew out the line with high pressure nitrogen, it caused either a crack in the feeder line behind the wall or it jarred the connection loose and thus you can hear the dripping behind the wall. The water stain was not there before the AC guy finished his work last Monday. The maintenance guys said that I am responsible for piping "to the main drainage line" and the building is responsible for the main drainage line and the connection to t he main drainage line. If the leak is in a feeder line behind the wall, I am responsible. Maintenance told me that my contractor will probably deny fixing the line because it is behind the wall. Do I am in deep "DOO-DOO"!

My AC contractor is due here sometime this afternoon, hopefully before the maintenance guys leave for the day so if he refuses to fix it per my contract, they will talk to him. Otherwise, I am in "DEEPER DOO-DOO!" My life has become one crisis after another - broken windshields (two of them this year alone), AC condensation leaks, two wax seals in the toilets needed to be replaced, my microwave bit the dust, etc. This is just in the last 6 months. I hate to think what the rest of this year will bring.

graphicguy

Forgot to throw this little tidbit in given we’re looking at floods along the OHIO river banks. KYFDX, IMID and I are out of the water’s way. I’ve lived here (this time around) for 24 years, and this is as bad as I’ve seen it.

Anyway, the tidbit.....one of my son’s friends knows how much I like Acuras. He really likes mine, but itsn’t willing to head into that price point (yet).

Anyway, called my Acura guy and asked him what the least expensive TLX was on the lot. He had a base model, that according to him, are tough to come by.

We went and looked at it....a pretty steel grey with black interior. Pretty drab in my opinion, but I’m not buying it. Didn’t get to drive it much because it was raining pretty hard. He actually let me test drive it, too. Fun car. Obviously lighter than mine, which is a good thing. 4 cyl, which was a fun motor, in need of more power (who doesn’t want more power?). But, as Acura engines go, they’re all silky smooth and they very willingly love to rev. Trans is good...I think it’s the Acura double clutch trans. No issues at all with it. Performs similarly to mine, which is a good thing.m. It steers, handles, rides, feels like a high quality car (which it is, actually).

It’s more softly sprung, and doesn’t have the handling mine has. It understeers (although I’ve had ones understeer a lot worse). Then again, the one he’s looking at is a FWD 4 Cyl. Seats aren’t as good, not even close. Same goes for the base stereo vs the ELS in mine. All the safety tech is there, though. That puts it on par with a lot of high buck cars on the market.

Told the sales guy to be nice. He said he would put him in it for $30K. To me, that sounds like a pretty good price, but again, not my money.

I suggested he wait until he could look and drive it again when it’s not raining.

For me, very impressed with the “base” model TLX.

stickguy

4 cyl is a DCT. I drive one. Feels and steers lighter. Not slow, but feels it driven back to back with a V6.

Tell him to CPO. My local guy had some strong deals last I looked. A 2017 v6 tech, miles below 10, for about that money. Way more car.

carnaught

@graphicguy, out of curiosity, what is the msrp on that base TLX?

stickguy

$33,950

pensfan83

I'm pretty sure most if not all of the trunk money on the TLX is for lease so for purchase that's a pretty healthy discount on a brand new 2018.

tbirdmarco

Nice list 

tbirdmarco

Nice on the t l x test drive with your sons frend we shal see what he does end up doing

tbirdmarco

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

oldfarmer50

sandman_6472 said:

OF, doubt that I will take the Enterprise gig as they want me for 25/week but am already doing over 30 for Hertz. That means working every day except Sunday which is going to be an issue. As much as I want the extra income for very personal reasons, putting my health on the line just doesn't make sense. Have had much time to think since I've been in bed with the flu since Monday night, at my age just seems nuts to spread myself that way. Plus, my spinal issues basically tell me what I can and cannot do very quickly...and they're telling me to stay the course going forward.
Will give this decision a couple days to perculate as my family thinks I'm a bit nuts even thinking about adding any more hours, but do enjoy these driving gigs so much!! So will think hard and ask G-d for his guidance going forward as he will show me the way, the way he wants it to be!!

The Sandman

Sandy, no way should you risk your health for a few bucks. I'm retired so working 55 hours a week would be a non starter for me.

nyccarguy

@graphicguy - I'd agree with @stickguy on this one.  The base TLX is a nice ride for $30K no doubt.  Definitely shop CPO as there are some nice cars at that price point or less with plenty of warranty left with very little miles.

a Dad I know from hockey just picked up an L Certified 14 or 15 Es350 with Ultimate Package for just over $21K.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

OF, doubt that I will take the Enterprise gig as they want me for 25/week but am already doing over 30 for Hertz. That means working every day except Sunday which is going to be an issue. As much as I want the extra income for very personal reasons, putting my health on the line just doesn't make sense. Have had much time to think since I've been in bed with the flu since Monday night, at my age just seems nuts to spread myself that way. Plus, my spinal issues basically tell me what I can and cannot do very quickly...and they're telling me to stay the course going forward. Will give this decision a couple days to perculate as my family thinks I'm a bit nuts even thinking about adding any more hours, but do enjoy these driving gigs so much!! So will think hard and ask G-d for his guidance going forward as he will show me the way, the way he wants it to be!! The Sandman

Sandy, no way should you risk your health for a few bucks. I'm retired so working 55 hours a week would be a non starter for me.

I don't know, with the hours I put in during tax season 55 hours a week would be retirement  

stickguy

I saw this one before. barely broken in.

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f52ha000065

a few more miles, but top of the line (short of A spec?)

https://www.acuraturnersville.com/inventory/certified-used-2017-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-sh-awd-with-advance-package-all-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub3f70ha001514

stickguy

a loaded ES for that money, would intrigue me.

explorerx4

Sedans are out of favor, so it's probably a good time to buy one unless you are also trading one in.

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

Sedans are out of favor, so it's probably a good time to buy one.

At this point/stage of my life, comfort is the paramount variable in the selection of my car.  Sedans are the most comfortable in terms of easy-in, easy-out; width and thigh settings; elbow room and comfort for my derrière; trunk capacity for shopping; left and right arm rests; and the physical height of the car.  

I used to to drive only coupes with 4, 5, and 6 speed stick transmissions.  Those were the good old days.  Now, sedans completely meet my needs for a daily driver.

suydam

For me the ingress and egress in a CUV is a little easier, but I still have a sedan too!

graphicguy

Thanks for the advice. Took the base TLX out with my son and his friend tonight. Hard for me to....

A. Give up the sweet Acura V6
B. The “geegaws” the TLX higher specs come with

Not my money, howeve! TLX base is a whole lot of sports sedan for $30K.

But, the V6, SHAWD, ELS stereo, great seats, handling, ride, all of it.....that’s a lot more car for about $10K more.

Dealer had a couple of CPO ‘17 TLX V6 SH AWD cars. One with 6K miles, the other with 8K....practically new.

Personally, I’d take the optioned up CPO cars instead of the new 4 cyl base. But again, these don’t seem to lose much value.

My advice to my son’s friend? Wait unti the ‘19s hit the showroom and see if you can score the new 4 cyl A Specs for high $30s MSRP.

Wouldn’t trade mine for any of the ones we looked at. Was impressed with the 4 cyl for the price, though.

stickguy

I was fine with the FWD version of the V6. Though I never did drive the AWD version!

Right now, I am more fixated on the upcoming RDX! the wife likes that one (from pictures).

stickguy

GG, what about a 4 cyl tech? Adds a bunch of the nice features at least.

driver100

It is a little bit of hat you get used to. At first I found the 4 cyl C250 was lacking, compared to the 6 cyl E400. But, after a few months I find it fine, I could live with this car. I can always use more power, but the 4 cyl with a turbo is adequate for almost all situations.

OTOH....the C250 is a 2014 model and came with 12k miles on it, it now has 22k after two seasons....10 months of driving. I definitely believe in CPOs in a lot of situations, so, if you can get a fully dressed CPO 1 year old TLX for around the price of a new one, IMHO, I think it would be worth it. Ultimately, more satisfying drive, less chance of getting tired of it.

jipster

isellhondas said:

c'mon, it's very good for the price.

Not a product I've ever been a fan of. The 15 is miles better.

I'll admit it! All of that 12 year and better scotch tastes about the same to me. Last August on a cruise my son and I paid (that means I did) for a scotch tasting event. We sampled four or five scotches. Each one had a story and (to me) each one tasted pretty much the same! Five shot glasses later we made our way back to our cabin!

You need to clean your palate first. That's palate...not plate. :-)

jipster

Mr_Shiftright said:

Marriage is so great. You have this one, special person to annoy for the rest of your life.

Speak for yourself Shifty. ;-)