Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fintail

Another one might be prestige brand used or CPO. That's all I could think about when seeing the 60K+ Equus and K900 - this, or a nice CPO S/7er/A8? I know where I'd go. It may not be apples to apples, but I have no doubt some of the market goes that way.

Mr_Shiftright said:

In any event it'll be competing price wise with some interesting iron from Europe.

fintail

Too bad for them, build quality and reliability or longevity weren't equal. That being said, there was a Tempo in my family that made it to 190K miles before it was sold on - original engine and transmission were virtually untouched. That's a 1 in 1000 car I am sure.

stickguy said:

The tempo (and ford overall) being the best built NA cars says a lot about the state of car world in 1984.

roadburner

fintail said:

Another one might be prestige brand used or CPO. That's all I could think about when seeing the 60K+ Equus and K900 - this, or a nice CPO S/7er/A8? I know where I'd go. It may not be apples to apples, but I have no doubt some of the market goes that way.

In any event it'll be competing price wise with some interesting iron from Europe.

That’s the way I’d see it- I would rather have a 1-2 year old CPO 440i GC than a new Stinger GT2. The thought of having to deal with the local Kia dealers for sales and service is a huge disincentive from my standpoint. 

ab348

Jackie Stewart, being the canny Scot that he was, knew what side his bread was buttered on during his contract with Ford. Since by then he was retired from racing and was better known as a commentator these were probably perceived as more of a celebrity spot than an endorsement of the handling.

Though based on my experience driving my brother's Topaz I wonder how it even went that fast on the track.

28firefighter

I've assisted with two Kia transactions up here (both Soul EVs), and the cars are great. The dealer experience though was absolutely awful. Classic Kia dealer tactics.

I know @tifighter had a generally good experience with a different dealer group, so there is some hope there - but generally I'm not sure I'd even waste my time.

driver100

fintail said:

Every time I see a racing driver hawking a mainstream car, I think of this:

https://youtu.be/u4Ws_Bp7WYA

(I have yet to see a Tempo in real life with those cool wheels)

Those into motorsport will know Fittipaldi, but people in general, I doubt it. Of course, the Stinger, especially in fancier trim, isn't meant to be for the average buyer. But still, these spots can be iffy - who believes a millionaire celebrity in his field drives one of these or is wild about it?

Definitely agree about the dealers and apparent production numbers. Most of the dealers in my area have a rep, one that precedes them with their awful-at-best TV spots. Many who are used to laying down 50K+ on a car will be put off. And the GT2 is in ample supply at all local dealers, maybe meaning it is being overproduced. I smell some lease deals popping up in a few months, which may be the way to do it.

I'd also link Stinger to Audi Sportback or fancier 4er GC. You're going to pay more for the Germans, but most will do it just for the badge, even if they are down on power. When you have the badge, ideas like competing based on size or utility go out the window - interior quality matters a lot, and these are emotional purchases.

dino001 said:

Don't forget the Ernest Fittipaldi at the race track ad. I'm sure lot's of Americans know who this gentleman is, considering how long it took for F1 to get its (hopefully) permanent home track in the US. Stinger ads are clearly not directed to the same audience as those hamster Soul ads (which I find pretty entertaining, BTW).


I hope it will stick around (hopefully improve) at least to time I'm ready to replace my 430 GC, so I can actually try it out.

That ad is hilarious. They must have paid Jackie Stewart a lot of buck$ to give such a good endorsement to a Tempo. I don't even think you could drive a Tempo like that....must have had a Mustang V8 under the hood.

nyccarguy

OK - Kia Stinger. At my local dealer in Stamford, it shows they have 18 Stingers in inventory. 3 GT2 ($50K Plus), 2 GT1 ($48K Plus), 4 GT ($43K Plus).

Mr_Shiftright

qbrozen said:

I've read pretty much nothing but praise for the Stinger. Some better praise than others, but nobody I have read seems to think it is not worth the price. 

Re: NY auto show: I may actually get to go this year. As the wife pointed out, I'm working in NYC once or twice a week so I can go after work. 

That seems to be the case. The only observation I can make so far is that many automotive "journalists" (read YouTube) insist that people are going to massively cross-shop the Stinger with BMW and Audi.

I am skeptical of that.

Where do you think the Stinger will steal most of its sales from? I'm thinking Acura.

fintail

No doubt he was fulfilling a contract.

We still had the Tempo in the family (held on until 1999) when I got the fintail - I am pretty sure the old car could dust it in a 0-60 or on-ramp run.

ab348 said:

Jackie Stewart, being the canny Scot that he was, knew what side his bread was buttered on during his contract with Ford. Since by then he was retired from racing and was better known as a commentator these were probably perceived as more of a celebrity spot than an endorsement of the handling.

Though based on my experience driving my brother's Topaz I wonder how it even went that fast on the track.

dino001

Mr_Shiftright said:

qbrozen said:

I've read pretty much nothing but praise for the Stinger. Some better praise than others, but nobody I have read seems to think it is not worth the price. 

Re: NY auto show: I may actually get to go this year. As the wife pointed out, I'm working in NYC once or twice a week so I can go after work. 

That seems to be the case. The only observation I can make so far is that many automotive "journalists" (read YouTube) insist that people are going to massively cross-shop the Stinger with BMW and Audi.

I am skeptical of that.

Where do you think the Stinger will steal most of its sales from? I'm thinking Acura.

You may be right, but that's a fairly small pool, especially considering apparent production output. It made me think - $50k+ is definitely an ambitious sticker, even with the size, equipment and speed. Also, cranking out so many GTs vs. 2.0 models seems ill-considered. Most other cars have ratio of 5:1 to 20:1 for their low to high trims, especially when it also means engine change. The more I think about it, the more out of balance it looks.

abacomike

There are "pros" and "cons" when it comes to buying gasoline at Costco. The "pro" has to do with the price of gasoline - especially around here - 30+ cents a gallon less than other gasoline stations. This morning I paid $279.9 for premium while other stations are selling premium for $310.00 a gallon and more. That's the only "pro" I could come up with.

Now for the "cons" of purchasing gasoline at Costco - at least the Costco here in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. The waiting time is about 20 minutes, if you are lucky. The best time to buy their gas is early in the morning before the store opens - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM - no wait at all.

This morning, after going to the Dermatologist, I went up to Boca to do a little walking - then, since I was up there, I went to the Boca Costco. I pulled in and got behind 7 cars. As I inched closer to the pump, there seemed to be a complete shutdown - we weren't moving an inch. After 20 minutes of this (I would have backed out of that line, but one in a line, your stuck in that line), I got out of my car and walked up to the pumps. The first pump was occupied by an 80+ year old woman who could hardly walk. She had no idea how to work the pumps or put in the Member Card and then her Credit Card. She kept forgetting the zip code she lived in - so I asked her if I could see her license to pull her zip code so I could enter it after she inserted her credit card. She told me she didn't have a license - the DMV wouldn't give her one since she couldn't see well enough - but she refuses to stop driving. SO THAT WAS THE CAR AT THE FRONT PUMP! :@ Since she couldn't remember her darn zip code, I asked her if she had a letter with her. She said she did - I took the zip code off her address and entered it and filled her car up with regular gas.

I went back to my car and moved up a spot - there were now two cars in front of me - both at the pumps. This guy in a Jeep with a New Jersey License Plate, is swiping every card he had in his wallet to try to get the pump to allow him to gas up his vehicle. After about 5 minutes of watching this and horns blowing behind me, I got out of my car once again and walked over to him. Rather than yelling at him at the top of my lungs, I had noticed his Jersey plates - and I know they do not sell self-serve gasoline in Jersey - so my guess was that this man was a tourist and was totally unfamiliar with all the requirements at Costco gas stations before they will allow you to gas up your car. First, I asked him if he had a Costco card. He said yes - "...that's what I have been trying to use, but nothing happens," he says. I look at the card and it's a Costco Credit Card, not a membership card. I asked him if he had a Costco Membership card. He did, and I inserted it. I next asked him for a credit card. He gave me one and after swiping it, the screen asks to type in the zip code before it with authorize the credit card. He gives me a zip code, but the transaction is canceled. Something told me he had not given me the correct zip code. So I swiped the Member card again and the credit card again and this time I asked him again for his zip code - and he gives me that same zip code. I said that won't work, is there another zip code. He says yes, but it's my home zip code, not the store's zip code. GOOD GRIEF! WE HAVE IDIOTS EVERYWHERE! I said that they want your home zip code, the one where the bills for the credit card are sent. He gives me his home zip code and after selecting a button for a receipt, I leave him as he begins filling up his car with gas. By this time, the pump in front of him is open, so I pull around him and back up a bit, and fill my car up with premium. But the pump shuts off for the guy behind me and he asks me for help. I responded, in a very kind manner, "...I'M ALL OUT OF HELP - IT'S ALL USED UP!"

Now that is what I call a very strong "con" for filling up with gas at Costco when it's busy. These people have no idea how to use the pump technology or they can't see worth a darn. Some don't even have driver's licenses. I'd rather pay the additional 30 cents a gallon that go through that hour I spent at the Costco Gas Station this morning. Ugh! :@

dino001

Costco Credit Card has membership coded in it, so the guy should have been able to use one card. I go to exclusively to my Costco at Brandon, but the store isn't generally that busy, in comparison to other Costco stores. I also choose to go at times I know traffic is low, like evenings. Usually get to the pump directly, or have to wait one car.

You being retired, should be able to figure out less busy time there, shouldn't you Mike? Or are you one of those retired folks who just have to come the same time as all of us, working people ?

That New Jersey guy must have been a riot. Trying to put store's zip code - wow.

abacomike

dino001 said:

Costco Credit Card has membership coded in it, so the guy should have been able to use one card. I go to exclusively to my Costco at Brandon, but the store isn't generally that busy, in comparison to other Costco stores. I also choose to go at times I know traffic is low, like evenings. Usually get to the pump directly, or have to wait one car.

You being retired, should be able to figure out less busy time there, shouldn't you Mike? Or are you one of those retired folks who just have to come the same time as all of us, working people ?

That New Jersey guy must have been a riot. Trying to put store's zip code - wow.

I actually like the Costco up in Boca Raton because it has twice the number of pumps as the Pompano Beach Costco. Besides, for some strange reason, the Pompano Costco was selling premium for $289.9 and Boca was $279.9 a gallon. So, since I needed about 15 gallons of gas and I was in the Boca Raton area, it made sense (cents too) to buy gas while I was up there. Have I learned my lesson - you bet!

P.S. I use the Gas Buddy App on my phone to check prices of gas before I purchase gas. It does help.

driver100

A day in the life with Mike. You should have a head cam so we could watch all this stuff......it is better than watching "Parking Police".

I would rather pay 30 cents a gallon more and not have to waste my life away like that.

driver100

My brother took a day to think about the JEEP and trailer and decided against, mainly because of these issues:

There was a post about a more serious structural concern (axles) that got me looking deeper for owner manuals and warranties. The warranty (something you had also suggested we look at closer) was a concern! Once you did your delivery inspection you couldn't claim some things under warranty. There was also a lot of things they didn't cover under warranty, like things they didn't manufacture like frame and axles among other things.
I can understand not covering items like appliances because they have their own warranties, but frame and axles? What do you do if you're in the middle of Nowhere New Mexico and your axle breaks? Who are you supposed to call? They also seem to put a lot of responsibility on the dealer you bought it from, pointing out that they are totally independent from the trailer company. If you think you have a warranty issue you have to send the manufacturer a registered letter obtaining a delivery signature and they'll tell you where to take it, presumably if they agree it's a warranty issue

It seems like buying a trailer could lead to a lot of frustration. If the manufacturer doesn't stand behind their own product then it is asking for problems. And dealing with an indie dealer could be like fighting a stone wall.

driver100

He also found out this info about BMW CPO cars..... he bought one about a year ago.

It also makes you think about how good cars and their warranties are these days. You don't really question the warranty on a car any more and if you have a problem you can take it to any dealer in North America. However, we found out that BMW doesn't provide the same used car Certified BMW warranty as they used to. When we bought our 320 the original bumper to bumper and engine/drive train warranty was extended for an additional two years. Now they're like any other used car lot - you get whatever original warranty is left and they'll sell you a third party aftermarket warranty

That is in Canada. I wonder if they found out repairs on CPO BMWs can get too costly, and they can't afford to warranty them like they used to?

dino001

This is something. The braking must have been violent.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2018/3/15/camper_hanging_over_.html

dino001

void

Mr_Shiftright

I see the reason for the high proportion of GTs. The idea is for the buyer to think: "Hey, this car is X dollars cheaper than a similar Audi"

Whether the buyer will actually think that, is another matter.

laurasdada

My local dealer group includes Alfa Romeo and Kia (across the street, Jeep/Chryler/Buick/GMC) sharing a space. Two different small showrooms, one bigger parking lot. That'll make it easy to compare/contrast the cars and the experience.

I have no complaints about my Costco, $2.64/gal Premium. Usually no/a few minute wait. Of course, filling up with the pending blizzards, the wait has been a bit longer.

Funny, Mike. My dad used to always go down to Deerfield for gas, he said just over the Boca line, always at least a .10/gal cheaper. Boca cheaper than Pompano? Dogs and cats, living together...

My tire/repair shop is offering buy 3 get 1 free Nokian tires and an $88.88 discount off any other brand 4 tires (Conti DWS 6...). Do I re-sneaker the Jag? Or buy new tires attached to a new car? I think I can get through the next few months on the, at last measure, 4/32 Contis, should only be a few more snow storms this season!

dino001

Mr_Shiftright said:

I see the reason for the high proportion of GTs. The idea is for the buyer to think: "Hey, this car is X dollars cheaper than a similar Audi"

Whether the buyer will actually think that, is another matter.

I would like to think that people in those companies make decisions much more deliberately than their own wishful thinking, but perhaps not. The only surprise here is that Kia has been generally quite successful, which means their marketing guys know their audience well. Stinger, which a great looking car and has some real promise, IMHO, is outside of their normal audience, especially GT trim, and I'm sure they know it. That's why these large production numbers of GT trim and proportion vs. 2.0 trim, is so puzzling to me.

jipster

abacomike said:

There are "pros" and "cons" when it comes to buying gasoline at Costco. The "pro" has to do with the price of gasoline - especially around here - 30+ cents a gallon less than other gasoline stations. This morning I paid $279.9 for premium while other stations are selling premium for $310.00 a gallon and more. That's the only "pro" I could come up with. Now for the "cons" of purchasing gasoline at Costco - at least the Costco here in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. The waiting time is about 20 minutes, if you are lucky. The best time to buy their gas is early in the morning before the store opens - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM - no wait at all. This morning, after going to the Dermatologist, I went up to Boca to do a little walking - then, since I was up there, I went to the Boca Costco. I pulled in and got behind 7 cars. As I inched closer to the pump, there seemed to be a complete shutdown - we weren't moving an inch. After 20 minutes of this (I would have backed out of that line, but one in a line, your stuck in that line), I got out of my car and walked up to the pumps. The first pump was occupied by an 80+ year old woman who could hardly walk. She had no idea how to work the pumps or put in the Member Card and then her Credit Card. She kept forgetting the zip code she lived in - so I asked her if I could see her license to pull her zip code so I could enter it after she inserted her credit card. She told me she didn't have a license - the DMV wouldn't give her one since she couldn't see well enough - but she refuses to stop driving. SO THAT WAS THE CAR AT THE FRONT PUMP! :@ Since she couldn't remember her darn zip code, I asked her if she had a letter with her. She said she did - I took the zip code off her address and entered it and filled her car up with regular gas. I went back to my car and moved up a spot - there were now two cars in front of me - both at the pumps. This guy in a Jeep with a New Jersey License Plate, is swiping every card he had in his wallet to try to get the pump to allow him to gas up his vehicle. After about 5 minutes of watching this and horns blowing behind me, I got out of my car once again and walked over to him. Rather than yelling at him at the top of my lungs, I had noticed his Jersey plates - and I know they do not sell self-serve gasoline in Jersey - so my guess was that this man was a tourist and was totally unfamiliar with all the requirements at Costco gas stations before they will allow you to gas up your car. First, I asked him if he had a Costco card. He said yes - "...that's what I have been trying to use, but nothing happens," he says. I look at the card and it's a Costco Credit Card, not a membership card. I asked him if he had a Costco Membership card. He did, and I inserted it. I next asked him for a credit card. He gave me one and after swiping it, the screen asks to type in the zip code before it with authorize the credit card. He gives me a zip code, but the transaction is canceled. Something told me he had not given me the correct zip code. So I swiped the Member card again and the credit card again and this time I asked him again for his zip code - and he gives me that same zip code. I said that won't work, is there another zip code. He says yes, but it's my home zip code, not the store's zip code. GOOD GRIEF! WE HAVE IDIOTS EVERYWHERE! I said that they want your home zip code, the one where the bills for the credit card are sent. He gives me his home zip code and after selecting a button for a receipt, I leave him as he begins filling up his car with gas. By this time, the pump in front of him is open, so I pull around him and back up a bit, and fill my car up with premium. But the pump shuts off for the guy behind me and he asks me for help. I responded, in a very kind manner, "...I'M ALL OUT OF HELP - IT'S ALL USED UP!" Now that is what I call a very strong "con" for filling up with gas at Costco when it's busy. These people have no idea how to use the pump technology or they can't see worth a darn. Some don't even have driver's licenses. I'd rather pay the additional 30 cents a gallon that go through that hour I spent at the Costco Gas Station this morning. Ugh! :@

Nice of you to help. And WOW...didn't know they didn't have self serve gas in Jersey. Too difficult for them? LOL

dino001

jipster said:

Nice of you to help. And WOW...didn't know they didn't have self serve gas in Jersey. Too difficult for them? LOL

I think it's the union thing. Hey, Jip, why don't you call this Milan guy and offer him four grand? He might be primed by now...

abacomike

To continue with “a day in the life of mike”, I had my echo cardiogram and stress test yesterday - took 4-1/2 hours - no fun at all.

This morning, the Dermatologist changes his diagnosis of Hand Eczema to a sad case of Psoriasis on my fingers, knuckles/hands and elbows.  Most medications are not suitable for me due to my poor immune system and compromised liver.  He is going to contact my insurance carrier to see if he can get approval for laser treatments 3 days a week for a yet to be determined length of time.

It’s just an ongoing assault on what life is remaining for me.

xwesx

abacomike said:

To continue with “a day in the life of mike”, I had my echo cardiogram and stress test yesterday - took 4-1/2 hours - no fun at all.

This morning, the Dermatologist changes his diagnosis of Hand Eczema to a sad case of Psoriasis on my fingers, knuckles/hands and elbows.  Most medications are not suitable for me due to my poor immune system and compromised liver.  He is going to contact my insurance carrier to see if he can get approval for laser treatments 3 days a week for a yet to be determined length of time.

It’s just an ongoing assault on what life is remaining for me.

Hey, at least you still get the opportunity to help those less... able.... at the fueling station now and again!

jmonroe

@dino001, I think you are a civil engineer so you may have a real interest in the pedestrian bridge collapse that happened at FIU in Miami. No one on the bridge but several cars were pancaked when it collapsed. CNN has continuous coverage of this now so you may want to tune in for ongoing info.

They just interviewed a former president of ASCI and he mentioned the ABC (accelerated bridge construction) technique used for design, construction and placement of this bridge.

Bad stuff, just thought you'd be interested.

jmonroe

driver100

xwesx said:

abacomike said:

To continue with “a day in the life of mike”, I had my echo cardiogram and stress test yesterday - took 4-1/2 hours - no fun at all.

This morning, the Dermatologist changes his diagnosis of Hand Eczema to a sad case of Psoriasis on my fingers, knuckles/hands and elbows.  Most medications are not suitable for me due to my poor immune system and compromised liver.  He is going to contact my insurance carrier to see if he can get approval for laser treatments 3 days a week for a yet to be determined length of time.

It’s just an ongoing assault on what life is remaining for me.

Hey, at least you still get the opportunity to help those less... able.... at the fueling station now and again!

That should make him feel much better

thebean

abacomike said:

There are "pros" and "cons" when it comes to buying gasoline at Costco. The "pro" has to do with the price of gasoline - especially around here - 30+ cents a gallon less than other gasoline stations. This morning I paid $279.9 for premium while other stations are selling premium for $310.00 a gallon and more. That's the only "pro" I could come up with. Now for the "cons" of purchasing gasoline at Costco - at least the Costco here in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. The waiting time is about 20 minutes, if you are lucky. The best time to buy their gas is early in the morning before the store opens - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM - no wait at all. This morning, after going to the Dermatologist, I went up to Boca to do a little walking - then, since I was up there, I went to the Boca Costco. I pulled in and got behind 7 cars. As I inched closer to the pump, there seemed to be a complete shutdown - we weren't moving an inch. After 20 minutes of this (I would have backed out of that line, but one in a line, your stuck in that line), I got out of my car and walked up to the pumps. The first pump was occupied by an 80+ year old woman who could hardly walk. She had no idea how to work the pumps or put in the Member Card and then her Credit Card. She kept forgetting the zip code she lived in - so I asked her if I could see her license to pull her zip code so I could enter it after she inserted her credit card. She told me she didn't have a license - the DMV wouldn't give her one since she couldn't see well enough - but she refuses to stop driving. SO THAT WAS THE CAR AT THE FRONT PUMP! :@ Since she couldn't remember her darn zip code, I asked her if she had a letter with her. She said she did - I took the zip code off her address and entered it and filled her car up with regular gas. I went back to my car and moved up a spot - there were now two cars in front of me - both at the pumps. This guy in a Jeep with a New Jersey License Plate, is swiping every card he had in his wallet to try to get the pump to allow him to gas up his vehicle. After about 5 minutes of watching this and horns blowing behind me, I got out of my car once again and walked over to him. Rather than yelling at him at the top of my lungs, I had noticed his Jersey plates - and I know they do not sell self-serve gasoline in Jersey - so my guess was that this man was a tourist and was totally unfamiliar with all the requirements at Costco gas stations before they will allow you to gas up your car. First, I asked him if he had a Costco card. He said yes - "...that's what I have been trying to use, but nothing happens," he says. I look at the card and it's a Costco Credit Card, not a membership card. I asked him if he had a Costco Membership card. He did, and I inserted it. I next asked him for a credit card. He gave me one and after swiping it, the screen asks to type in the zip code before it with authorize the credit card. He gives me a zip code, but the transaction is canceled. Something told me he had not given me the correct zip code. So I swiped the Member card again and the credit card again and this time I asked him again for his zip code - and he gives me that same zip code. I said that won't work, is there another zip code. He says yes, but it's my home zip code, not the store's zip code. GOOD GRIEF! WE HAVE IDIOTS EVERYWHERE! I said that they want your home zip code, the one where the bills for the credit card are sent. He gives me his home zip code and after selecting a button for a receipt, I leave him as he begins filling up his car with gas. By this time, the pump in front of him is open, so I pull around him and back up a bit, and fill my car up with premium. But the pump shuts off for the guy behind me and he asks me for help. I responded, in a very kind manner, "...I'M ALL OUT OF HELP - IT'S ALL USED UP!" Now that is what I call a very strong "con" for filling up with gas at Costco when it's busy. These people have no idea how to use the pump technology or they can't see worth a darn. Some don't even have driver's licenses. I'd rather pay the additional 30 cents a gallon that go through that hour I spent at the Costco Gas Station this morning. Ugh! :@

@abacomike, please don't take this the wrong way, but I can't work up much sympathy for a guy leasing a $100K car going to Costco to save a few bucks on gas.  My time is worth something and I refuse to sit in line for minimal savings.  But, that's just me.

28firefighter

Costco is my closest gas station and the savings approach $1.00/gallon relative to other top tier stations nearby. You do have to be strategic though in terms of timing it so you don't wait in line. Going on weekends is a non-starter.

ab348

This business about having to enter your zip code when using a credit card at a gas pump baffled me. We never had to do anything like that here. But then I remembered that the US is way behind Canada and Europe in adopting chip technology in credit cards, so I guess that is a way to try to validate whether a card is stolen or not?

Chip card and a 4-digit PIN, you're good to go.

stickguy

yes, that is a security feature in case someone boosted your card.

stickguy

also. I have a number of chip cards now. And only 1 of them actually has a PIN with it (Target card).

driver100

ab348 said:

This business about having to enter your zip code when using a credit card at a gas pump baffled me. We never had to do anything like that here. But then I remembered that the US is way behind Canada and Europe in adopting chip technology in credit cards, so I guess that is a way to try to validate whether a card is stolen or not?

Chip card and a 4-digit PIN, you're good to go.

Not much different...you have to enter a 5 digit zip code instead of a 4 digit PIN. But, what I don't get is if the thief gets ylur wallet he will likelyhave your ZIP code.

The real inconvenience is in Canada and Europe you can use a VISA machine at your table...just slide the card in, use a PIN, add a tip, machine gives you a receipt, the card is never gone from the table. In the US, they take your card and bring it back to the table.

jipster

dino001 said:

Nice of you to help. And WOW...didn't know they didn't have self serve gas in Jersey. Too difficult for them? LOL

I think it's the union thing. Hey, Jip, why don't you call this Milan guy and offer him four grand? He might be primed by now...

LOL. Thanks Dino. I would call and offer $4,000, but in checking, the Milan is no longer listed. Now that the car is no longer available....I WANT IT!!!!  :@

stickguy

Driver, I loved that in Ireland. And even better, you just told them what part was yours, and that split the tab at the end. very nice.

I won't use a CC in a restaurant, or give it to someone to just take away. So avoid the problem that way.

dino001

jmonroe said:

@dino001, I think you are a civil engineer so you may have a real interest in the pedestrian bridge collapse that happened at FIU in Miami. No one on the bridge but several cars were pancaked when it collapsed. CNN has continuous coverage of this now so you may want to tune in for ongoing info.

They just interviewed a former president of ASCI and he mentioned the ABC (accelerated bridge construction) technique used for design, construction and placement of this bridge.

Bad stuff, just thought you'd be interested.

jmonroe

We learned about it right away. Structures are most vulnerable during construction, when not all elements are in place and not attachments are made. The mode of collapse here is so basic (seems it collapsed under own weight) that it's stunning. It looks to me like a serious error of judgment on the design engineer's part, unless he/she specifically told the contractor not to do what they did, or the contractor used methods of assembly not consulted with the designer. Another possibility is of course some material fault, but I truly doubt it. Collapsing under its weight is simply inexcusable at any stage of construction.

snakeweasel

houdini1 said:

Snake, I'd like to take you with me when I protest the amount of my property valuation assessment !!

That train of though comes from getting a double major in Accounting and Economics.

But there are firms that specialize in contesting property taxes, they usually charge a percentage of what they save you.

tbirdmarco

Did hear  about   That  recall 

explorerx4

@abacomike,
Sorry for your long wait for fuel today, but you did get a couple stories to entertain us with.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ9Uh7Jjg_k

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R3k2Yuvhg7M

jmonroe

dino001 said:

jmonroe said:

@dino001, I think you are a civil engineer so you may have a real interest in the pedestrian bridge collapse that happened at FIU in Miami. No one on the bridge but several cars were pancaked when it collapsed. CNN has continuous coverage of this now so you may want to tune in for ongoing info.

They just interviewed a former president of ASCI and he mentioned the ABC (accelerated bridge construction) technique used for design, construction and placement of this bridge.

Bad stuff, just thought you'd be interested.

jmonroe

We learned about it right away. Structures are most vulnerable during construction, when not all elements are in place and not attachments are made. The mode of collapse here is so basic (seems it collapsed under own weight) that it's stunning. It looks to me like a serious error of judgment on the design engineer's part, unless he/she specifically told the contractor not to do what they did, or the contractor used methods of assembly not consulted with the designer. Another possibility is of course some material fault, but I truly doubt it. Collapsing under its weight is simply inexcusable at any stage of construction.

Dino, I think you are a civil engineer so you may have a real interest in the pedestrian bridge collapse that happened at FIU in Miami. No one on the bridge but several cars were pancaked when it collapsed. CNN has continuous coverage of this now so you may want to tune in for ongoing info.

They just interviewed a former president of ASCI and he mentioned the ABC (accelerated bridge construction) technique used for design, construction and placement of this bridge.

Just thought you'd be interested.

Thanks for the inside info. Everyone knows the ball was dropped somewhere. The excuse that a decimal point was slid in the wrong direction won't fly with this tragedy.

jmonroe

andres3

28firefighter said:

Do any of you here have experience with adding AC to an existing forced air gas furnace? We are getting bids to have it added to our home and there is a massive spread between them. I am out of my depth here.

Home was built 5 years ago and has a Bryant downdraft single-stage 95.5 efficiency 3.5 ton furnace and blower. Furnace is fully vented, returned and insulated, and apparently is sitting on top of a non-standard empty AC coil box. Furnace is in the garage along the outside wall with a straight shot to both the electrical panel and the location outside where we want to put the AC compressor. All of the bids have been for a 16 SEER 3 ton system.

The 4 bids have literally ranged from $5200 + tax to $8100+ tax, and for the life of me, I can't figure out (1) why this is so expensive, and (2) the explanation behind the spread in cost.

Questions:
(1) The furnace is 5 years old and not especially high end. Is there a benefit here to getting a Bryant/Carrier system vs. say, a Lennox? I've read a lot of mixed bag advice on mismatched systems.

(2) One of the bids suggested that at some point in the future it would be worth installing a multi-stage blower. Is there any point to this if the furnace is only single-stage?

Car related, having the furnace and hot water tank in the garage is why I've lost 3 feet of extra length for parking in my garage...

Your spread isn't really all that large. Residential mechanical is an odd semi-protected industry (sort of like Elevators). I'd say your 4 bids are close. Make sure the low guy has what the other guys have listed as inclusions, and that he's licensed, and not a drug addict. I made those mistakes, although my low bid was less than half the others! Live and learn.

I thought 16 SEER required a multi-stage blower, if not, then 14 SEER.

I'd stick with one system brand, that way you have one brand to point the finger to.

I'm angry at Goodman for selling a drug addict a unit. Some companies won't sell units to unlicensed people. that's probably a good thing.

abacomike

dino001 said:

@dino001, I think you are a civil engineer so you may have a real interest in the pedestrian bridge collapse that happened at FIU in Miami. No one on the bridge but several cars were pancaked when it collapsed. CNN has continuous coverage of this now so you may want to tune in for ongoing info. They just interviewed a former president of ASCI and he mentioned the ABC (accelerated bridge construction) technique used for design, construction and placement of this bridge. Bad stuff, just thought you'd be interested. jmonroe

We learned about it right away. Structures are most vulnerable during construction, when not all elements are in place and not attachments are made. The mode of collapse here is so basic (seems it collapsed under own weight) that it's stunning. It looks to me like a serious error of judgment on the design engineer's part, unless he/she specifically told the contractor not to do what they did, or the contractor used methods of assembly not consulted with the designer. Another possibility is of course some material fault, but I truly doubt it. Collapsing under its weight is simply inexcusable at any stage of construction.

Local news down here is all over this collapse.  FIU has grown into a huge state university over the last 5-6 years.  I don’t get down much to Sweeteater or Southwest Miami-Dade County, but I have read quite a bit in our local newspapers regarding the engineering of that bridge and the huge costs involved in its construction.

The bridge was supposedly designed and engineered to withstand a category 5+ hurricane - so much for the engineering and architecture or the quality of materials and/or workmanship or the construction management for attempting a stress test on an incomplete bridge.

I pray that those 10-14 people who died in this tragic catastrophe went quickly and did not have to suffer much.

We still haven’t gotten over the Parkland shooting massacre and now this.

snakeweasel

stickguy said:

I am sure my wife and I will never be doing any sort of RVing.

Neither will me nor my wife. In the past I used to drive cross country sleeping in a small tent at local campgrounds (KOA, state parts and the like). Those were the days.

jmonroe

snakeweasel said:

houdini1 said:

Snake, I'd like to take you with me when I protest the amount of my property valuation assessment !!

That train of though comes from getting a double major in Accounting and Economics.

But there are firms that specialize in contesting property taxes, they usually charge a percentage of what they save you.

Double major, hmmm, that's an interesting way of putting it. Was that due to repeating the courses or you liked the courses so much you took more of it? With all the trouble I had with 5 th grade, I think I'm going to tell folks from now on that I triple majored that grade.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

There are "pros" and "cons" when it comes to buying gasoline at Costco. The "pro" has to do with the price of gasoline - especially around here - 30+ cents a gallon less than other gasoline stations. This morning I paid $279.9 for premium while other stations are selling premium for $310.00 a gallon and more. That's the only "pro" I could come up with.

Now for the "cons" of purchasing gasoline at Costco - at least the Costco here in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. The waiting time is about 20 minutes, if you are lucky. The best time to buy their gas is early in the morning before the store opens - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM - no wait at all.

This morning, after going to the Dermatologist, I went up to Boca to do a little walking - then, since I was up there, I went to the Boca Costco. I pulled in and got behind 7 cars. As I inched closer to the pump, there seemed to be a complete shutdown - we weren't moving an inch. After 20 minutes of this (I would have backed out of that line, but one in a line, your stuck in that line), I got out of my car and walked up to the pumps. The first pump was occupied by an 80+ year old woman who could hardly walk. She had no idea how to work the pumps or put in the Member Card and then her Credit Card. She kept forgetting the zip code she lived in - so I asked her if I could see her license to pull her zip code so I could enter it after she inserted her credit card. She told me she didn't have a license - the DMV wouldn't give her one since she couldn't see well enough - but she refuses to stop driving. SO THAT WAS THE CAR AT THE FRONT PUMP! :@ Since she couldn't remember her darn zip code, I asked her if she had a letter with her. She said she did - I took the zip code off her address and entered it and filled her car up with regular gas.

I went back to my car and moved up a spot - there were now two cars in front of me - both at the pumps. This guy in a Jeep with a New Jersey License Plate, is swiping every card he had in his wallet to try to get the pump to allow him to gas up his vehicle. After about 5 minutes of watching this and horns blowing behind me, I got out of my car once again and walked over to him. Rather than yelling at him at the top of my lungs, I had noticed his Jersey plates - and I know they do not sell self-serve gasoline in Jersey - so my guess was that this man was a tourist and was totally unfamiliar with all the requirements at Costco gas stations before they will allow you to gas up your car. First, I asked him if he had a Costco card. He said yes - "...that's what I have been trying to use, but nothing happens," he says. I look at the card and it's a Costco Credit Card, not a membership card. I asked him if he had a Costco Membership card. He did, and I inserted it. I next asked him for a credit card. He gave me one and after swiping it, the screen asks to type in the zip code before it with authorize the credit card. He gives me a zip code, but the transaction is canceled. Something told me he had not given me the correct zip code. So I swiped the Member card again and the credit card again and this time I asked him again for his zip code - and he gives me that same zip code. I said that won't work, is there another zip code. He says yes, but it's my home zip code, not the store's zip code. GOOD GRIEF! WE HAVE IDIOTS EVERYWHERE! I said that they want your home zip code, the one where the bills for the credit card are sent. He gives me his home zip code and after selecting a button for a receipt, I leave him as he begins filling up his car with gas. By this time, the pump in front of him is open, so I pull around him and back up a bit, and fill my car up with premium. But the pump shuts off for the guy behind me and he asks me for help. I responded, in a very kind manner, "...I'M ALL OUT OF HELP - IT'S ALL USED UP!"

Now that is what I call a very strong "con" for filling up with gas at Costco when it's busy. These people have no idea how to use the pump technology or they can't see worth a darn. Some don't even have driver's licenses. I'd rather pay the additional 30 cents a gallon that go through that hour I spent at the Costco Gas Station this morning. Ugh! :@

Costco around here is anywhere from 5 to 20 cents a gallon cheaper (there is actually a gas station near me that occasionally has gas cheaper than Costco). But another con for Costco is there are so few of them and most people have to go out of their way to get to one.

carnaught

@abacomike, definitely enjoyed the Costco gas adventure you described even thought it was a P.I.T.A....thanks! At least it’s a “break” from the medical issues, although not your prefered way to spend your time.

Oh, and you must be super proud of that handsome grandson of yours. Congrats!

snakeweasel

jmonroe said:

snakeweasel said:

houdini1 said:

Snake, I'd like to take you with me when I protest the amount of my property valuation assessment !!

That train of though comes from getting a double major in Accounting and Economics.

But there are firms that specialize in contesting property taxes, they usually charge a percentage of what they save you.

Double major, hmmm, that's an interesting way of putting it. Was that due to repeating the courses or you liked the courses so much you took more of it? With all the trouble I had with 5 th grade, I think I'm going to tell folks from now on that I triple majored that grade.

jmonroe

Both the Accounting and Economic degrees had a lot of the same classes, with the Accounting major I was only four classes away from a major in Economics and since I had 4 more electives to take I went for the double major.

snakeweasel

OK what do you guys think? Is it worth the asking price?

https://www.drivechicago.com/cars/2015-mercedes-benz-c-class-chicago_55SWF4KB4FU072570