@bwia said:
My other alternative was to ship a vehicle from Boston for much less, but it would have been a left-hand drive. Since they drive on the left side of the road in the English-speaking Caribbean islands I wanted a reliable right-hand drive vehicle; thus the complicated procedure of buying directly from Japan. Wish me luck
Best wishes on your new purchase. Hope it turns out to be exactly what you wanted.
NYCCARGUY used to worry about me disappearing. Now he seems to have disappeared. Has anyone heard from him lately? I miss his posts. I also miss Jmonroe. He hasn't posted in a long time.
@sterlingdog said:The NBC story can't be true because my '09 Cadillac SRX has NOT been recalled.
>
I can't find anything on the NBC website to clarify what they said. Maybe, what they meant was.......every GM brand has been recalled, except for the 3 they said weren't recalled. I believe there are 36 brands. So, maybe not necessarily every car....but every brand name has been recalled over the last year. Just guessing, because they saiod it fast and it was a short story, but, I can't find anything to confirm what they said.
Good to hear from you....we were all getting worried about you. Your BIL is fortunate to have such nice caring people watching over him. Hope it goes as well as possible.
@driver100 said:
There may be some advantages. Bwia likes to go there to get away from it all. Maybe no highways, traffic, dog eat dog society has some advantages. I don't think it is for me, but, maybe low gross national productivity and a stagnant economy is more enjoyable to some people.
We first stumbled on St. Lucia many years ago on a Caribbean cruise. The island is beautiful and close to what Hawaii looked like 30 years ago. What we like most is the warm days and cool nights (because of the constant trade winds) and the ability to go to nearby Martinique for a cozy French lunch or dinner.
The stagnant economy syndrome is a product of the World Bank and IMF. These impoverished and developing countries borrow heavily for infrastructural development and education and to repay these loans they tax the local citizenry at unconscionable rates.
@sterlingdog said:
NYCCARGUY used to worry about me disappearing. Now he seems to have disappeared. Has anyone heard from him lately? I miss his posts. I also miss Jmonroe. He hasn't posted in a long time.
Richard
Richard - nyc is around; he's been posting lots of questions in various leasing discussions as he begins his search to replace the BMW that comes off lease at the end of September.
Sorry to hear Richard, but in this situation it is good you had time together, and with all the pain the end really is a relief, especially for him. Hospice is wonderful people.
And NYC is around. Probably just busy out test driving since he needs a car this summer! Monroe wanders by occasionally.
Idid another search and found out what NBC did mean. They actually meant that of the 36 major lines GM sells, every model has been recalled except for 3. nbcnews-nearly-every-gm-model-touched-recalls-year-n145961
So, not every car, just every line has been recalled except for 3, Terrain, Equinox and Volt.
Not sure why that would really get mentioned...it doesn't mean a lot really, but, does make the situation look worse.
Now THAT is something I can park in the GG grand auto estate!
Man, do I ever want to get behind the wheel of that car. Of course, that's going to be one of those cars that the dealers won't let you test drive unless you give them some sort of deposit. And, that's something I just won't do.
@oldfarmer50 said:
"Although the starting price was U.S. $2,550 but after transportation, import duties, environmental tax, and broker's fee, the final drive-off price will be U.S. $13,100. And that is a bargain versus buying locally."
Wow! Over $10k in fees and taxes on a $2500 car.
I hope transportation was a big part of that.
OK...we were gone over the 4th so I must have missed bwia's purchase.
So, help me understand.....you bought a ~$2,500 from Japan to send to somewhere in the Caribbean....for $13,000 due to taxes and fees?
I'm ignorant of laws and regs of most island countries, but there isn't an easier, better, cheaper way to do that? Why buy it in Japan?
@bwia said:We first stumbled on St. Lucia many years ago on a Caribbean cruise.
We have Florida friends who do something similar. They live in Florida all year and they find July, August and September get just too hot and humid. So they rent a beautiful home in the mountains in Costa Rica for 3 months....about $1600 a month for a luxurious home, swimming pool, maid etc. Temperatures are in the 70s constantly, no need for heat or air conditioning. They walk into town and get a beautiful meal for $4!
We are planning on visiting one year. I'd like to see some of the wildlife....nature kind,....those colorful frogs and birds!
I don't know if most Americans would want to live that way constantly, but, it could make a nice break from our hectic pace of life. Even a slow life. I remember once the only numbers I needed to remember was my house and phone numbers. Now I have a few phone numbers (home, business, cell), various passwords and PIN numbers, social insurance number, cell phone numbers for my wife and friends (don't know how to add them to memory), 100 years ago you just had to get up, plough your fields, come home, have dinner and go to sleep, today we make 100s of decisions every day....hmm, like now I am thinking what I will eat for lunch.
@driver100 said:
Idid another search and found out what NBC did mean. They actually meant that of the 36 major lines GM sells, every model has been recalled except for 3. nbcnews-nearly-every-gm-model-touched-recalls-year-n145961
So, not every car, just every line has been recalled except for 3, Terrain, Equinox and Volt.
Not sure why that would really get mentioned...it doesn't mean a lot really, but, does make the situation look worse.
Thanks for checking on that news item. Though it is a tremendous amount of recalls, perhaps Barr has the right idea. If she recalls them all now, then maybe GM can start with a clean slate once the repairs are all completed. With the lawsuits and repairs, GM will have to unload many, many big bucks. I hope that they can survive, though I would have to vote against another bailout. I do think that GM has some nice styling in several of their new models. I also believe that they are capable of building good cars. They certainly did it for many decades.
@stickguy said:
Sorry to hear Richard, but in this situation it is good you had time together, and with all the pain the end really is a relief, especially for him. Hospice is wonderful people.
And NYC is around. Probably just busy out test driving since he needs a car this summer! Monroe wanders by occasionally.
If you run into either one of them, let them know that we miss them here. Thanks.
I was watching MotorWeek yesterday and they profiled the new Z28 Camaro. Wimpy little 505hp. but it looked to be screaming fast. It is so track oriented that AC is optional.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Now THAT is something I can park in the GG grand auto estate!
I know what you mean. I don't have much interest in any Chrysler products at this time, but that Challenger is something I wouldn't mind trying out. I have been having dreams about driving one.
Unfortunately, I think if I bought one of those I won't have a home to come back to again, I may have to live in it.
@graphicguy said:I'm ignorant of laws and regs of most island countries, but there isn't an easier, better, cheaper way to do that?
It can cost $900 transportation cost to ship a car from Detroit to Dayton Ohio. $4000 for shipping from Japan to St Lucia doesn't seem so out of line. Also, if you take a car to Florida and register it there that could cost a few $100. You pay state tax based on the value, I think it is 5% so easily $1000. At least there is no DOC fee, but we are up to about $3000 in fees in the US to get a car too.
> @sterlingdog said: > Your post reminds me of a good friend who purchased a new BMW in 1970. He bragged about the quality, performance, outstanding materials and workmanship, etc.
Back in the 70'same my sister and her husband were the same way about BMW, always talking them up about how great they are.
Today they drive Buicks
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Hello Richard! I'm still around. I see they changed the topic name. That means you must have hit 100K posts on the old SFTSF. Mazel-Tov! I'm still around and posting very actively on other discussions here on edmunds. I'm keeping the hosts busy by asking them lease rates and money factors on a variety of different cars.
Truth be told, I grew tired of opening up 3 pages of "Fox News This," "NBC is better because," "CNN tells it like it is," as well as the political banter. I didn't have anything to productive or insightful to add, so I stopped watching the discussion. It is good to know I'm missed:)
I'm doing well. Thanks for asking. Just dropped back in to say a quick hello. I'll post some more during lunch:)
The hunt for my next car (Sales Story Here, Punch over on CCBA) is as wide and varied as the landscape and people who make up this great nation. I'm in the process of trying to renovate my kitchen. With me providing 85 - 90 % of the material, labor costs are going to run a lot higher than my wife and I anticipate. Once we receive our tax refund next year (for 2014) and save up some more money, then we should be good to go by next spring.
So the plan is to lease something for my wife who does mostly around town driving. I can safely lease her a car with 12K per year as opposed to the 20K plus I need and still keep the price reasonable.
I will take her Pilot as my daily driver and use my Prelude as often as I can on beautiful Spring and Summer days.
I'll "pretend" I'm still making BMW payments. When I make the new car payment, I'll put the balance of my "BMW payment" into my savings account.
Obviously if she needs the Pilot for any reason (shuttling all 3 kids somewhere), it is hers.
Redoing my kitchen and cutting down on my car payment also helps me in the long run. As of yesterday, we've officially been Connecticut residents for 4 years. Once I redo the kitchen & show a lower debt to income ratio, I can apply to refinance my house for 25 years (maybe 20, but I won't push my luck). I'll qualify for a lower mortgage rate (Currently paying 5.125%). I'll be able to stop throwing away money every month on PMI (mortgage insurance).
So far, I've only test driven a 2014 VW Passat TDI which I really liked. I'm also going to give the Honda CRV EX AWD as well as a Civic EX sedan a test drive too. If I go with the VW or the Civic, I'll have to buy snow shoes for it. The CRV is AWD, so it sill get me through the winter without problems.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Check out the Mazda CX-5 too if looking at the crv. Much nicer to drive. And the 6 vs. passat, though the accord is very nice too. Civic, just to small, tinny and poor driving for family duty.
PMI drives me absolutely BONKERS. When I bought my house 4 years ago, I only had 10% to put down. So I have to pay PMI - 2% tacked on to the back end of my mortgage plus $230 every month.
Then they changed the rules. Rates plummeted significantly not too long after I closed (1%+ lower). They only tacked 1% on to the back end of the mortgage, but then the monthly was over $500. So even with a full 1% cheaper interest rate, my mortgage payment would have gone up.
So I really hope I can redo my kitchen, then refinance next year with a "traditional" mortgage. Have a cheaper payment plus NO PMI!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@snakeweasel said:
Saw an ad for a local Hyundai dealership that must have been following this forum. They were advertising cars for only $7.00 a day.
That actually sounds like a great promotional idea for a car dealer to use to promote new cars. $7 a day is probably not enough to cover real costs but $20 a day probably would. Say I needed a rental car for 5 days. I see my local Hyundai dealer and get a new Sonata for 5 days or $100. I might really like it or recommend it to someone....seems like a good way to advertise cars and drum up business.
@snakeweasel said:Back in the 70'same my sister and her husband were the same way about BMW, always talking them up about how great they are.
Today they drive Buicks
Maybe they have dementia !
Tastes change but I kind of went the other way. I didn't know what a BMW was in the 70s and I lusted for a Buick back then.......but today I would say a Buick is a fine car, but I really lust for a BMW or similar car.
What one person likes at a particular point in time doesn't mean too much. They may like the Buick because it is more comfortable or performance and handling just aren't as important to them. Or they feel more secure and don't need a BMW to keep up with the neighbors. Or, maybe they are living on their retiremant savings and are trying to be more economical. I don't think it means Buicks are better cars necessarily.
> @driver100 said: >$7 a day is probably not enough to cover real costs but $20 a day probably would. Say I needed a rental car for 5 days. I see my local Hyundai dealer and get a new Sonata for 5 days or $100.
They were promoting it as a purchase or lease which would put it at $210/month.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> @driver100 said: > Tastes change but I kind of went the other way. I didn't know what a BMW was in the 70s and I lusted for a Buick back then.......but today I would say a Buick is a fine car, but I really lust for a BMW or similar car.
I think with my sister it's more of them thinking that the BMW while a better car it isn't so much better as to warrant the additional costs.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"They were promoting it as a purchase or lease which would put it at $210/month."
Don't ya just luv car dealers and their approaches to sell or lease you a car? I wonder if their lease contracts are written showing $7.00 a day. That would make for a very interesting "2-page fine print" reader's nightmare!
Hello Richard! I'm still around. I see they changed the topic name. That means you must have hit 100K posts on the old SFTSF. Mazel-Tov! I'm still around and posting very actively on other discussions here on edmunds. I'm keeping the hosts busy by asking them lease rates and money factors on a variety of different cars.
Truth be told, I grew tired of opening up 3 pages of "Fox News This," "NBC is better because," "CNN tells it like it is," as well as the political banter. I didn't have anything to productive or insightful to add, so I stopped watching the discussion. It is good to know I'm missed:)
I'm doing well. Thanks for asking. Just dropped back in to say a quick hello. I'll post some more during lunch:)
Speaking of, is abacomike still posting?
It's so nice to hear from my fine young friend. I was getting a bit worried because I'm the one who usually disappears. Don't worry about the political talk here. When the new thread began, we all agreed to forego political topics. It has been working out fine.
As usual, you are thinking about your future financial goals. I'm very proud of you for doing that. The lease at this point sounds like a smart move. It will save you money in order to plan for the kitchen redo. I can understand your frustration with that pmi payment. The important thing is that you purchased a home which builds equity down the road. Keep working and planning as you are now; it will all come together in a couple of years.
Do post your lease story here. We'll all be interested in what you decide. Don't be a stranger and thanks for reporting in to us. Best of luck to you.
I agree the CX5 might be a better drive, but it is very hard to ignore the CRV's 62% residual value & cheapo money factor.
A civic for my wife to drive 2 1/2 miles to & from work either by herself or with our 2 boys would be fine. Or if she's running errands around town with our daughter on her day off would work too. If I've got to take it, it can't be an noisier than my Prelude.
I'm also going to look at Subarus. Foresters have very high residuals right now (65%), but very poor money factors (close to 4%). The current lame duck Legacy & Outbacks aren't being backed by crazy incentives - yet.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I think with my sister it's more of them thinking that the BMW while a better car it isn't so much better as to warrant the additional costs.
Actually, I would agree with that statement. Each of us has a point where we say, "This is too much. It simply isn't worth that much." Each one of us is going to draw that line in the sand at a different point, it might be for the BMW, or for the Lamborghini, or for the Rolls Royce. But there is a point beyond which we will not go.
I can understand your frustration with that pmi payment.
At one point, quite a few years back, I was stuck with a PMI. I didn't think too much about it when I first got the mortgage, but with every passing year it bothered me more and more. The house (and land) appreciated rapidly, and after 5 years I had much more than 20% equity, probably around 35 to 40%. But the mortgage company would not yield, I had to refinance to get out of the PMI. And the fees on the refinance cost me nearly $5,000.
The mortgage industry is a racket. They make car dealers look like innocent school boys.
I agree the CX5 might be a better drive, but it is very hard to ignore the CRV's 62% residual value & cheapo money factor.
The resale value on a CR-V is crazy high. I can't imagine who would pay that much for a used one (instead of just buying it new), but obviously people do it every day.
The mortgage industry is a racket @henryn. They find a way to take money from you in every single way possible. It isn't enough that they literally make hundreds of thousands of dollars off 1 single loan (in interest), they make you pay for insurance to make sure THEY get paid. You need a copy of a payoff statement faxed to you? $20. Yes, $20 each time you call someone, they pull up your file on the computer, & hit send. Now that many people are refinancing, there is a $120 processing fee from the current mortgage company. They get you coming and going.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@henryn said: "This is too much. It simply isn't worth that much." Each one of us is going to draw that line in the sand at a different point,
Very true. I just happen to know some cases of people who could afford a better car, but, saving money is more important. It is nice to be practical and not overspend, but there is a point when some people also don't spend enough. In the case I am thinking about, the person lives without many nice things that could add enjoyment to his life, but saving money is more important, so he will leave a few $million to relatives who he doesn't really even like.
Me, I am going to leave my loved ones with all my overdo bills!
@nyccarguy said:
The mortgage industry is a racket henryn. They find a way to take money from you in every single way possible.
I could not agree more. We have all been through it, but when we bought our current home 8 years ago, we were thankfully able to pay cash. I was shocked when we went to the title company to close. We gave them a check for the house and another check for about $75. for recording fees etc...and that was it.
Since then my son and I have bought and rehabbed 4 additional houses, paying cash for all of them and selling each one for a nice profit. Only used a realtor once. The old saying that it takes money to make money is true, so start saving while you are young. Still have to pay those darn real estate taxes each year though...and they keep increasing. Grrrrr.
I don't have a problem with taxes here in the mountains of Virginia. My problem is with insurance. Seems like only a few years ago it was 3 or 4 hundred per year. All of a sudden it's closer to $800 per year for house insurance and of course they have disclaimers about water damage and acts of nature (not included).
Hey, I have a facebook page if anyone else has one. Dave Rodham is mine and if you can't see my pics, just friend me with your edmunds handle and I'll friend you back so you can see all.
I have not fared as well as you in the real estate market;) We sold our condo in the NYC suburbs for a loss of approximately $80K. That money we lost (even if we could have just broken even) was the extra 10% we needed to make the "standard" 20% down payment. So I'm stuck making PMI payments until I can refinance. I wish I had the time & the capital to flip houses. Being in the plumbing supply business gives me access to so many things at cost.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I have not fared as well as you in the real estate market;) We sold our condo in the NYC suburbs for a loss of approximately $80K. That money we lost (even if we could have just broken even) was the extra 10% we needed to make the "standard" 20% down payment. So I'm stuck making PMI payments until I can refinance. I wish I had the time & the capital to flip houses. Being in the plumbing supply business gives me access to so many things at cost.
Yikes! How could you lose money in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world? Wait? You sold 4 or 5 years ago at the bottom of the market, right? Ouch! Timing is everything.
I keep track of condos for sale down in Largo as one of my retirement fantasies. In this one particular development the $160k condos cost $50k in 2009 but have crept back up to $80k today. I guess I missed my moment.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"I have not fared as well as you in the real estate market;) We sold our condo in the NYC suburbs for a loss of approximately $80K."
Don't feel bad, Bradd, the Condo we live in here in FL was worth $175,000 in 2007 - today they are selling for $75,000-$85,000 on the market. That's a 50% loss right now even with rising values. We bought the condo in 1991 for $85,000.
We really need to redo the kitchen and all appliances, both bathrooms and all the flooring - about $50,000 investment. I'd rather sell the condo and move into a rental when Dad passes. Not worth updating this place.
I have not fared as well as you in the real estate market;)
Don't worry Brad, you are young and have plenty of time to make your way. You would have made a good partner for my son and me. I supplied the capital, he supplied the labor and know how, and you could have supplied the materials. Maybe you should find someone you know and trust to team up with.
@abacomike said:
We really need to redo the kitchen and all appliances, both bathrooms and all the flooring - about $50,000 investment. I'd rather sell the condo and move into a rental when Dad passes. Not worth updating this place.
We just closed on the sale of my wife's grandmother's townhome yesterday. She passed in March and the house had been transferred to my FIL and his brother many years ago. Sadly, my FIL passed 8 years ago so his half ownership transferred to my wife and her sister.
It, too, needed major updating but the buyer is looking to renovate the property and use it as a rental for college students (property is in Ft. Collins, home of CSU). All cash deal on his end. Now to deal with the proceeds - taxes, lawyers, CPAs, etc.
There might be enough to buy a new car when all is said and done - not that that's what the wife will do with the money, mind you.
Farmer, yeah, pmi is kind of like gap, to protect the lender from taking a loss if they have to repo. The property.
And in terms of losing in a down market, that really only happens usually if you are cashing out. Normally the replacement house is also down in value, so it is basically a wash (or better in % terms if going upmarket)
For some people, living like a pauper despite having millions in the bank, is it's own reward. Not spending money brings them joy. It takes all kinds -- to each his/her own.
@driver100 said:
Maybe, what they meant was.......every GM brand has been recalled, except for the 3 they said weren't recalled. I believe there are 36 brands. So, maybe not necessarily every car....but every brand name has been recalled over the last year. Just guessing, because they saiod it fast and it was a short story
I believe handling all the recalls thoroughly and quickly, even going to the extreme as to what things are recalled has been the best way to handle this.
And it gets people into the doors of the dealerships. Some people get a loaner and decide maybe it's time to trade their car in for service for something newer that they drove for a couple of days. It's helping sales.
"Just the Facts:
GM Dealer Mike Bowsher, the president of Carl Black Automotive Group,
welcomes the chance to help his customers through
the automaker's multiple product recalls.
"This is our time to shine," he told Edmunds.
GM CEO Mary Barra recently singled out GM dealers for
praise in her Congressional testimony, saying: "I can't be more proud
of how our dealers are supporting the customer."
Comments
Best wishes on your new purchase. Hope it turns out to be exactly what you wanted.
Richard
NYCCARGUY used to worry about me disappearing. Now he seems to have disappeared. Has anyone heard from him lately? I miss his posts. I also miss Jmonroe. He hasn't posted in a long time.
Richard
>
I can't find anything on the NBC website to clarify what they said. Maybe, what they meant was.......every GM brand has been recalled, except for the 3 they said weren't recalled. I believe there are 36 brands. So, maybe not necessarily every car....but every brand name has been recalled over the last year. Just guessing, because they saiod it fast and it was a short story, but, I can't find anything to confirm what they said.
Good to hear from you....we were all getting worried about you. Your BIL is fortunate to have such nice caring people watching over him. Hope it goes as well as possible.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We first stumbled on St. Lucia many years ago on a Caribbean cruise. The island is beautiful and close to what Hawaii looked like 30 years ago. What we like most is the warm days and cool nights (because of the constant trade winds) and the ability to go to nearby Martinique for a cozy French lunch or dinner.
The stagnant economy syndrome is a product of the World Bank and IMF. These impoverished and developing countries borrow heavily for infrastructural development and education and to repay these loans they tax the local citizenry at unconscionable rates.
Richard - nyc is around; he's been posting lots of questions in various leasing discussions as he begins his search to replace the BMW that comes off lease at the end of September.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Sorry to hear Richard, but in this situation it is good you had time together, and with all the pain the end really is a relief, especially for him. Hospice is wonderful people.
And NYC is around. Probably just busy out test driving since he needs a car this summer! Monroe wanders by occasionally.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Idid another search and found out what NBC did mean. They actually meant that of the 36 major lines GM sells, every model has been recalled except for 3.
nbcnews-nearly-every-gm-model-touched-recalls-year-n145961
So, not every car, just every line has been recalled except for 3, Terrain, Equinox and Volt.
Not sure why that would really get mentioned...it doesn't mean a lot really, but, does make the situation look worse.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Now THAT is something I can park in the GG grand auto estate!
Man, do I ever want to get behind the wheel of that car. Of course, that's going to be one of those cars that the dealers won't let you test drive unless you give them some sort of deposit. And, that's something I just won't do.
OK...we were gone over the 4th so I must have missed bwia's purchase.
So, help me understand.....you bought a ~$2,500 from Japan to send to somewhere in the Caribbean....for $13,000 due to taxes and fees?
I'm ignorant of laws and regs of most island countries, but there isn't an easier, better, cheaper way to do that? Why buy it in Japan?
We have Florida friends who do something similar. They live in Florida all year and they find July, August and September get just too hot and humid. So they rent a beautiful home in the mountains in Costa Rica for 3 months....about $1600 a month for a luxurious home, swimming pool, maid etc. Temperatures are in the 70s constantly, no need for heat or air conditioning. They walk into town and get a beautiful meal for $4!
We are planning on visiting one year. I'd like to see some of the wildlife....nature kind,....those colorful frogs and birds!
I don't know if most Americans would want to live that way constantly, but, it could make a nice break from our hectic pace of life. Even a slow life. I remember once the only numbers I needed to remember was my house and phone numbers. Now I have a few phone numbers (home, business, cell), various passwords and PIN numbers, social insurance number, cell phone numbers for my wife and friends (don't know how to add them to memory), 100 years ago you just had to get up, plough your fields, come home, have dinner and go to sleep, today we make 100s of decisions every day....hmm, like now I am thinking what I will eat for lunch.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks for letting me know about NYCCARGUY. Glad that he is doing ok. He's a fine young man.
Richard
Thanks for checking on that news item. Though it is a tremendous amount of recalls, perhaps Barr has the right idea. If she recalls them all now, then maybe GM can start with a clean slate once the repairs are all completed. With the lawsuits and repairs, GM will have to unload many, many big bucks. I hope that they can survive, though I would have to vote against another bailout. I do think that GM has some nice styling in several of their new models. I also believe that they are capable of building good cars. They certainly did it for many decades.
Richard
If you run into either one of them, let them know that we miss them here. Thanks.
Richard
I was watching MotorWeek yesterday and they profiled the new Z28 Camaro. Wimpy little 505hp. but it looked to be screaming fast. It is so track oriented that AC is optional.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
To get right hand drive.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Now THAT is something I can park in the GG grand auto estate!
I know what you mean. I don't have much interest in any Chrysler products at this time, but that Challenger is something I wouldn't mind trying out. I have been having dreams about driving one.
Unfortunately, I think if I bought one of those I won't have a home to come back to again, I may have to live in it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It can cost $900 transportation cost to ship a car from Detroit to Dayton Ohio. $4000 for shipping from Japan to St Lucia doesn't seem so out of line. Also, if you take a car to Florida and register it there that could cost a few $100. You pay state tax based on the value, I think it is 5% so easily $1000. At least there is no DOC fee, but we are up to about $3000 in fees in the US to get a car too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Caribbean--- third world ambience, first world plumbing!
> Your post reminds me of a good friend who purchased a new BMW in 1970. He bragged about the quality, performance, outstanding materials and workmanship, etc.
Back in the 70'same my sister and her husband were the same way about BMW, always talking them up about how great they are.
Today they drive Buicks
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@sterlingdog
Hello Richard! I'm still around. I see they changed the topic name. That means you must have hit 100K posts on the old SFTSF. Mazel-Tov! I'm still around and posting very actively on other discussions here on edmunds. I'm keeping the hosts busy by asking them lease rates and money factors on a variety of different cars.
Truth be told, I grew tired of opening up 3 pages of "Fox News This," "NBC is better because," "CNN tells it like it is," as well as the political banter. I didn't have anything to productive or insightful to add, so I stopped watching the discussion. It is good to know I'm missed:)
I'm doing well. Thanks for asking. Just dropped back in to say a quick hello. I'll post some more during lunch:)
Speaking of, is @abacomike still posting?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"Speaking of, is @abacomike still posting?"
He posts all the time.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@abacomike
Haven't heard from you on "CCBA" in a while. I worry about you. Glad to see you are still around.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The hunt for my next car (Sales Story Here, Punch over on CCBA) is as wide and varied as the landscape and people who make up this great nation. I'm in the process of trying to renovate my kitchen. With me providing 85 - 90 % of the material, labor costs are going to run a lot higher than my wife and I anticipate. Once we receive our tax refund next year (for 2014) and save up some more money, then we should be good to go by next spring.
So the plan is to lease something for my wife who does mostly around town driving. I can safely lease her a car with 12K per year as opposed to the 20K plus I need and still keep the price reasonable.
I will take her Pilot as my daily driver and use my Prelude as often as I can on beautiful Spring and Summer days.
I'll "pretend" I'm still making BMW payments. When I make the new car payment, I'll put the balance of my "BMW payment" into my savings account.
Obviously if she needs the Pilot for any reason (shuttling all 3 kids somewhere), it is hers.
Redoing my kitchen and cutting down on my car payment also helps me in the long run. As of yesterday, we've officially been Connecticut residents for 4 years. Once I redo the kitchen & show a lower debt to income ratio, I can apply to refinance my house for 25 years (maybe 20, but I won't push my luck). I'll qualify for a lower mortgage rate (Currently paying 5.125%). I'll be able to stop throwing away money every month on PMI (mortgage insurance).
So far, I've only test driven a 2014 VW Passat TDI which I really liked. I'm also going to give the Honda CRV EX AWD as well as a Civic EX sedan a test drive too. If I go with the VW or the Civic, I'll have to buy snow shoes for it. The CRV is AWD, so it sill get me through the winter without problems.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I forgot all about pmi. Damn, I hated the whole idea of it. What a scam.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Check out the Mazda CX-5 too if looking at the crv. Much nicer to drive. And the 6 vs. passat, though the accord is very nice too. Civic, just to small, tinny and poor driving for family duty.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"Haven't heard from you on "CCBA" in a while. I worry about you. Glad to see you are still around."
Thanks for the kind words, Bradd. I was wondering the same thing about you.
I don't follow CCBA any more as I am no longer a chronic car buyer - just a chronic "wish I could buy" buyer!
Good luck on you new kitchen and car shopping.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@stickguy
PMI drives me absolutely BONKERS. When I bought my house 4 years ago, I only had 10% to put down. So I have to pay PMI - 2% tacked on to the back end of my mortgage plus $230 every month.
Then they changed the rules. Rates plummeted significantly not too long after I closed (1%+ lower). They only tacked 1% on to the back end of the mortgage, but then the monthly was over $500. So even with a full 1% cheaper interest rate, my mortgage payment would have gone up.
So I really hope I can redo my kitchen, then refinance next year with a "traditional" mortgage. Have a cheaper payment plus NO PMI!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
That actually sounds like a great promotional idea for a car dealer to use to promote new cars. $7 a day is probably not enough to cover real costs but $20 a day probably would. Say I needed a rental car for 5 days. I see my local Hyundai dealer and get a new Sonata for 5 days or $100. I might really like it or recommend it to someone....seems like a good way to advertise cars and drum up business.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Today they drive Buicks
Maybe they have dementia !
Tastes change but I kind of went the other way. I didn't know what a BMW was in the 70s and I lusted for a Buick back then.......but today I would say a Buick is a fine car, but I really lust for a BMW or similar car.
What one person likes at a particular point in time doesn't mean too much. They may like the Buick because it is more comfortable or performance and handling just aren't as important to them. Or they feel more secure and don't need a BMW to keep up with the neighbors. Or, maybe they are living on their retiremant savings and are trying to be more economical. I don't think it means Buicks are better cars necessarily.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>$7 a day is probably not enough to cover real costs but $20 a day probably would. Say I needed a rental car for 5 days. I see my local Hyundai dealer and get a new Sonata for 5 days or $100.
They were promoting it as a purchase or lease which would put it at $210/month.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> Tastes change but I kind of went the other way. I didn't know what a BMW was in the 70s and I lusted for a Buick back then.......but today I would say a Buick is a fine car, but I really lust for a BMW or similar car.
I think with my sister it's more of them thinking that the BMW while a better car it isn't so much better as to warrant the additional costs.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"They were promoting it as a purchase or lease which would put it at $210/month."
Don't ya just luv car dealers and their approaches to sell or lease you a car? I wonder if their lease contracts are written showing $7.00 a day. That would make for a very interesting "2-page fine print" reader's nightmare!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
It's so nice to hear from my fine young friend. I was getting a bit worried because I'm the one who usually disappears.
Don't worry about the political talk here. When the new thread began, we all agreed to forego political topics. It has been working out fine.
As usual, you are thinking about your future financial goals. I'm very proud of you for doing that. The lease at this point sounds like a smart move. It will save you money in order to plan for the kitchen redo. I can understand your frustration with that pmi payment. The important thing is that you purchased a home which builds equity down the road. Keep working and planning as you are now; it will all come together in a couple of years.
Do post your lease story here. We'll all be interested in what you decide. Don't be a stranger and thanks for reporting in to us. Best of luck to you.
Richard
@stickguy
I agree the CX5 might be a better drive, but it is very hard to ignore the CRV's 62% residual value & cheapo money factor.
A civic for my wife to drive 2 1/2 miles to & from work either by herself or with our 2 boys would be fine. Or if she's running errands around town with our daughter on her day off would work too. If I've got to take it, it can't be an noisier than my Prelude.
I'm also going to look at Subarus. Foresters have very high residuals right now (65%), but very poor money factors (close to 4%). The current lame duck Legacy & Outbacks aren't being backed by crazy incentives - yet.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I will do that. It's a promise. It could be a while before I make up my mind, but I will sure report back when I do.
Larry C
Actually, I would agree with that statement. Each of us has a point where we say, "This is too much. It simply isn't worth that much." Each one of us is going to draw that line in the sand at a different point, it might be for the BMW, or for the Lamborghini, or for the Rolls Royce. But there is a point beyond which we will not go.
At one point, quite a few years back, I was stuck with a PMI. I didn't think too much about it when I first got the mortgage, but with every passing year it bothered me more and more. The house (and land) appreciated rapidly, and after 5 years I had much more than 20% equity, probably around 35 to 40%. But the mortgage company would not yield, I had to refinance to get out of the PMI. And the fees on the refinance cost me nearly $5,000.
The mortgage industry is a racket. They make car dealers look like innocent school boys.
The resale value on a CR-V is crazy high. I can't imagine who would pay that much for a used one (instead of just buying it new), but obviously people do it every day.
The mortgage industry is a racket @henryn. They find a way to take money from you in every single way possible. It isn't enough that they literally make hundreds of thousands of dollars off 1 single loan (in interest), they make you pay for insurance to make sure THEY get paid. You need a copy of a payoff statement faxed to you? $20. Yes, $20 each time you call someone, they pull up your file on the computer, & hit send. Now that many people are refinancing, there is a $120 processing fee from the current mortgage company. They get you coming and going.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Very true. I just happen to know some cases of people who could afford a better car, but, saving money is more important. It is nice to be practical and not overspend, but there is a point when some people also don't spend enough. In the case I am thinking about, the person lives without many nice things that could add enjoyment to his life, but saving money is more important, so he will leave a few $million to relatives who he doesn't really even like.
Me, I am going to leave my loved ones with all my overdo bills!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I could not agree more. We have all been through it, but when we bought our current home 8 years ago, we were thankfully able to pay cash. I was shocked when we went to the title company to close. We gave them a check for the house and another check for about $75. for recording fees etc...and that was it.
Since then my son and I have bought and rehabbed 4 additional houses, paying cash for all of them and selling each one for a nice profit. Only used a realtor once. The old saying that it takes money to make money is true, so start saving while you are young. Still have to pay those darn real estate taxes each year though...and they keep increasing. Grrrrr.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I don't have a problem with taxes here in the mountains of Virginia. My problem is with insurance. Seems like only a few years ago it was 3 or 4 hundred per year. All of a sudden it's closer to $800 per year for house insurance and of course they have disclaimers about water damage and acts of nature (not included).
Hey, I have a facebook page if anyone else has one. Dave Rodham is mine and if you can't see my pics, just friend me with your edmunds handle and I'll friend you back so you can see all.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
@houdini
I have not fared as well as you in the real estate market;) We sold our condo in the NYC suburbs for a loss of approximately $80K. That money we lost (even if we could have just broken even) was the extra 10% we needed to make the "standard" 20% down payment. So I'm stuck making PMI payments until I can refinance. I wish I had the time & the capital to flip houses. Being in the plumbing supply business gives me access to so many things at cost.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Having never had a mortgage I'm unfamiliar with mortgage insurance PMI.
Is that like gap insurance on cars? Or is it more like life insurance?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yikes! How could you lose money in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world? Wait? You sold 4 or 5 years ago at the bottom of the market, right? Ouch! Timing is everything.
I keep track of condos for sale down in Largo as one of my retirement fantasies. In this one particular development the $160k condos cost $50k in 2009 but have crept back up to $80k today. I guess I missed my moment.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"I have not fared as well as you in the real estate market;) We sold our condo in the NYC suburbs for a loss of approximately $80K."
Don't feel bad, Bradd, the Condo we live in here in FL was worth $175,000 in 2007 - today they are selling for $75,000-$85,000 on the market. That's a 50% loss right now even with rising values. We bought the condo in 1991 for $85,000.
We really need to redo the kitchen and all appliances, both bathrooms and all the flooring - about $50,000 investment. I'd rather sell the condo and move into a rental when Dad passes. Not worth updating this place.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Don't worry Brad, you are young and have plenty of time to make your way. You would have made a good partner for my son and me. I supplied the capital, he supplied the labor and know how, and you could have supplied the materials. Maybe you should find someone you know and trust to team up with.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
We just closed on the sale of my wife's grandmother's townhome yesterday. She passed in March and the house had been transferred to my FIL and his brother many years ago. Sadly, my FIL passed 8 years ago so his half ownership transferred to my wife and her sister.
It, too, needed major updating but the buyer is looking to renovate the property and use it as a rental for college students (property is in Ft. Collins, home of CSU). All cash deal on his end. Now to deal with the proceeds - taxes, lawyers, CPAs, etc.
There might be enough to buy a new car when all is said and done - not that that's what the wife will do with the money, mind you.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Farmer, yeah, pmi is kind of like gap, to protect the lender from taking a loss if they have to repo. The property.
And in terms of losing in a down market, that really only happens usually if you are cashing out. Normally the replacement house is also down in value, so it is basically a wash (or better in % terms if going upmarket)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For some people, living like a pauper despite having millions in the bank, is it's own reward. Not spending money brings them joy. It takes all kinds -- to each his/her own.
I believe handling all the recalls thoroughly and quickly, even going to the extreme as to what things are recalled has been the best way to handle this.
And it gets people into the doors of the dealerships. Some people get a loaner and decide maybe it's time to trade their car in for service for something newer that they drove for a couple of days. It's helping sales.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/gm-dealer-sees-recalls-as-opportunity-to-shine.html
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,