Are you a current Michigan-based car shopper? A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/2 for details.
Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)
Not me. Hondas may be good but the kind of crazy money they go for used is insane. I'd ride that perception straight to the bank.
Well @oldfarmer50, the CCBA card (punched in '07, '08, '09, '11, '12, & '14) I carry is constantly begging to be used. Hey, if I can trade in my Pilot (I owe just about $12K), pocket $10K (for my kitchen renno), & lease a new family hauler for $300 - $350 per month less than I'm currently paying to finance the car ($678.66), then why shouldn't I? I know my wife REALLY wants a power rear lift gate.
Then there's the practical side of me that says the Pilot will be paid off in 18 months, it's only got 57,000 miles, runs great, only gets about 12K per year now so having it as a 5/10 vehicle (finance for 5 years, keep it for at least 10 years) is entirely possible. Having an extra $700 per month in my pocket will be really sweet.
There's also nothing out there that I gotta have. The 2015 Pilot is basically the same as my 2011 (except the EX-L w/ Nav does have a power lift gate), I like the Pathfinder Platinum (not as much 3rd row/ cargo room as my Pilot), an AWD Sienna would make the most sense.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Id also like to add the Pilot has its fair share of minor dings, scrapes, & scratches so I don't have to go through the "Neurotic, OCD, New Car Phase" when I get in the truck to drive it over the weekend and I see crumbs on the floor or a door ding and go nuts:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
More than likely, in with the owner's manual is a book just for CUE. I got one with my Explorer for MyFord. It should have a complete list of phrases and words that will get the system to do what you want.
I am enjoying CUE although the learning curve is very steep. I was able to get it to respond to voice commands when playing music from my iPhone the other day - "play Bruce Springsteen" I said, and it did. But I couldn't figure out how to get it back to playing the rest of the music library after a while without shutting everything off! I have begun to enjoy using the phone as my music source in the car, and even made my first iTunes purchases to add to the selections available.
More than likely, in with the owner's manual is a book just for CUE. I got one with my Explorer for MyFord. It should have a complete list of phrases and words that will get the system to do what you want.
Oh, I have read it, more than once. It is incomplete on certain points though. Somethings only work at certain times also. And I am not good at memorizing over 100 pages.
Keep hose prayers rolling. They work. Shrinking is definitely what we want to hear.
On my front the platelets are down again. This is discouraging but we are basically at holding pattern, so far no change in any medication. Will test every two weeks and hope for the best. This what happened late June into July and almost cost me the trip to see Carl my donor. Like then, I feel somewhat worn down but have to stay the course.
gg has me thinking ATS. That's just not right... Nothing happening for a couple of years. Have no car payments. Would like to keep it that way.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
AB....I only use CUE voice recognition to enter NAV adresses and POIs, to choose iPhone/iPod music and podcasts to play, and to make phne calls. The rest of the cimmands I don't use. Good voice recognition....the best I've ever used.
GG - have you encountered the issue I did, with a voice command to play an artist (or song) and then getting it to return to shuffle play? I tried "play shuffle" but that failed.
I am enjoying CUE although the learning curve is very steep. I was able to get it to respond to voice commands when playing music from my iPhone the other day - "play Bruce Springsteen" I said, and it did. But I couldn't figure out how to get it back to playing the rest of the music library after a while without shutting everything off! I have begun to enjoy using the phone as my music source in the car, and even made my first iTunes purchases to add to the selections available.
More than likely, in with the owner's manual is a book just for CUE. I got one with my Explorer for MyFord. It should have a complete list of phrases and words that will get the system to do what you want.
Oh, I have read it, more than once. It is incomplete on certain points though. Somethings only work at certain times also. And I am not good at memorizing over 100 pages.
Do you have a manual built in to the car media center? The only problem is you have to know how to operate the media center to get to the right section of the electronic manual.
AB....yeah...have had CUE recognize the song/artist I voiced, repeat it, and play something else. Will take it in and mention it to my dealer when I go in for an oil change.
AB....yeah...have had CUE recognize the song/artist I voiced, repeat it, and play something else. Will take it in and mention it to my dealer when I go in for an oil change.
Like I said, my GPS lady never recognizes a city or street. I have to repeat the city about 4 times, then she asks if I want spell it out, if I spell it she gets it. Then I go through the same with the street name. And, I have to do the numbers myself. I think they gave me a German lady who doesn't understand English too well.
Do you have a manual built in to the car media center? The only problem is you have to know how to operate the media center to get to the right section of the electronic manual.
I have that problem all the time.
It has some limited help, but not the actual manual. I do have a pdf of the manual on the laptop but as I say, it is silent on more than a few things. There is a Cadillac forum I now belong to, and I will ask there.
AB....yeah...have had CUE recognize the song/artist I voiced, repeat it, and play something else. Will take it in and mention it to my dealer when I go in for an oil change.
Like I said, my GPS lady never recognizes a city or street. I have to repeat the city about 4 times, then she asks if I want spell it out, if I spell it she gets it. Then I go through the same with the street name. And, I have to do the numbers myself. I think they gave me a German lady who doesn't understand English too well.
Driver, there is a training program you can use that is in one of the settings menus. Check your owner's manual. It "teaches" your voice recognition program to respond to "your" pronunciation of words and numbers. The training program takes about 20-25 minutes to complete - but it "learns" your dialect, slurs, drawls, etc. Try it and let me know how it worked for you. It sure worked for me once I "trained" it.
Went to a tree farm with the family last Sunday for a Christmas tree. Fantastic day, cold, crisp and sunny. Light dusting of frost/snow everywhere. X3 is fabulous, smooth, comfortable, fast.
All went well, a got an awesome tree.
Monday night I notice an amazingly loud knock in the dash at low speeds over bumpy roads, I mean you can't miss it. Get home and wife says "yes, I noticed that today as well.
I feel around, nothing loose, mirror is solid, no items in the console. I call the dealer and set an appointment for next week.
So Tuesday night I make one more pass through the car....hello, what's this....I did not clip the sun visor back in! With all the sun I had flipped the visor to the side...forgot to clip it back. Sure enough knock gone.
I cancelled the appointment. I am sure the would have diagnosed it as ESO, "equipment smarter than operator". Wife did have a good laugh tho.
Just got a call from my son, Justin. The results of his MRI Tuesday showed a 1.5 millimeter reduction in size of his malignant brain tumor thanks to the radiation treatments. The oncologist wants to add several more additional treatments to hopefully shrink the tumor out of existence.
The only problem is the severe side effects of these very intense radiation treatments. But living with those side effects is far and away better than the alternative.
Thanks for all your prayers for Justin - keep them coming!
Keep hose prayers rolling. They work. Shrinking is definitely what we want to hear.
On my front the platelets are down again. This is discouraging but we are basically at holding pattern, so far no change in any medication. Will test every two weeks and hope for the best. This what happened late June into July and almost cost me the trip to see Carl my donor. Like then, I feel somewhat worn down but have to stay the course.
gg has me thinking ATS. That's just not right... Nothing happening for a couple of years. Have no car payments. Would like to keep it that way.
Keep up the faith, fezo. I'm sending good thoughts your way, as well as to Mike's son.
Wow! I missed one week and there are 180 new posts to read. Don't know if I get through in one sitting but I am going to have some lunch and come back to read....
AB....yeah...have had CUE recognize the song/artist I voiced, repeat it, and play something else. Will take it in and mention it to my dealer when I go in for an oil change.
Like I said, my GPS lady never recognizes a city or street. I have to repeat the city about 4 times, then she asks if I want spell it out, if I spell it she gets it. Then I go through the same with the street name. And, I have to do the numbers myself. I think they gave me a German lady who doesn't understand English too well.
Driver, there is a training program you can use that is in one of the settings menus. Check your owner's manual. It "teaches" your voice recognition program to respond to "your" pronunciation of words and numbers. The training program takes about 20-25 minutes to complete - but it "learns" your dialect, slurs, drawls, etc. Try it and let me know how it worked for you. It sure worked for me once I "trained" it.
But, I don't have an accent, nor do I have any dialect issues, slurs, drawls, etc.  
But, I will check it out. I pronounce the words very clearly...it is hard to make S-A-R-A-S-O-T-A into Winter Haven.
But, thanks, I will see if I can set aside 25 minutes for a language tutorial. You really have been very helpful...and I do appreciate it. Just getting the garage door opener working has been a help....cost me $500 though.
Keep hose prayers rolling. They work. Shrinking is definitely what we want to hear.
On my front the platelets are down again. This is discouraging but we are basically at holding pattern, so far no change in any medication. Will test every two weeks and hope for the best. This what happened late June into July and almost cost me the trip to see Carl my donor. Like then, I feel somewhat worn down but have to stay the course.
gg has me thinking ATS. That's just not right... Nothing happening for a couple of years. Have no car payments. Would like to keep it that way.
Not the right time for an ATS for you right now fezo...you have enough on your platelets so to speak. Get this a little bit out of the way and then you might consider an ATS, besides, you seem to be enjoying your current car and there is something to be said for not worrying about payments for awhile.
Listening to all the poster's problems with these high tech features makes me realize I should stick to low tech versions of any new car I buy in the future. I'd end up like Richard and his computer, standing there fuming with a hand full of torn out wires.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Listening to all the poster's problems with these high tech features makes me realize I should stick to low tech versions of any new car I buy in the future. I'd end up like Richard and his computer, standing there fuming with a hand full of torn out wires.
You know what, OF? I was just thinking about how important these technologies are to me at this point in my life.
GPS - I use 2-3 times a year
VOICE COMMAND - rarely except to set a destination which I usually "send" to my car's GPS via my Mercedes Benz Mbrace app.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS - I guess they will come in handy one day when I lose air pressure in a tire.
SATELLITE TRAFFIC & WEATHER - I use the weather function frequently because it shows rain and storms via radar right on my NAV screen (in colors showing severity). But I do not use the traffic screens very often - rarely is more likely.
LANE TRACKING AND BLIND SPOT MONITORS - I have those systems on all the time and have avoided many accidents over the past 2 years I have had those options.
CRUISE CONTROL - I rarely use it with the type of driving I do.
SUPERIOR AUDIO/BLUETOOTH - I use these features all the time.
SATELLITE RADIO - I never use it.
PARKING ASSIST - the only parts of the system I use are the back-up camera with moving navigational lines and the front, rear and side sensors which light up and beep as you approach an object or pedestrian. We don't have parallel parking down here, so I have never even tested the self-parking feature - nowhere to test it or learn how to use it.
The new car will have many more features which I will probably never use.
So with a few exceptions, the many technologies included with my car not used frequently.
I agree that the blind spot and backup cams are great features I would not want to be without. I do use XM though. But not traffic/weather monitoring (not even sure if I have it). Bluetooth is a must of course. Anything beyond that, can live without.
LANE TRACKING AND BLIND SPOT MONITORS - I have those systems on all the time and have avoided many accidents over the past 2 years I have had those options
- Apparently you fit right in there where you live. The nanny state is about to dictate that everyone gets to pay for such things in the next few years. Maybe that's a good thing.
I'll be keeping my present car for quite some time.
No, only those I haven't run into - that is unless you frequent southern Florida, cdnpinhead, and have narrowly missed hitting me as I infiltrated your lane!
Listening to all the poster's problems with these high tech features makes me realize I should stick to low tech versions of any new car I buy in the future. I'd end up like Richard and his computer, standing there fuming with a hand full of torn out wires.
Oldfarmer, you have to embrace the new technologies. I don't know how half the things work on my car, but, I am slowly learning and do appreciate some of the new devices.
GPS isn't for everyone but I get a lot of use out of it. We are always meeting people at places or look for a place by the address. I do like to take a real hard copy of a google map with me too just in case.
Blind spot is one of the best safety features made. It is a must. I almost always check back first but the blind spot monitor is a good triple check, after 1) looking, 2) using the mirrors, and 3) triple check with BSM.
Rear camera is going to be mandatory since they are so useful. Easy to back into a wagon, toy or kid. It also makes backing into a parking spot easier. It has markings so you know the distance between you and an object. Bells, whistles and lights go off if you get too close.
Bluetooth is also a must item if you use a phone at all in your car. I like having satelite radio for the cost, about $2 a week....less than a juke box.
The Passat has bluetooth but not the other things. I miss the rear view camera and blind spot monitor the most when I drive it.
Monday night I notice an amazingly loud knock in the dash at low speeds over bumpy roads, I mean you can't miss it. Get home and wife says "yes, I noticed that today as well.
I feel around, nothing loose, mirror is solid, no items in the console. I call the dealer and set an appointment for next week.
So Tuesday night I make one more pass through the car....hello, what's this....I did not clip the sun visor back in! With all the sun I had flipped the visor to the side...forgot to clip it back. Sure enough knock gone.
I cancelled the appointment. I am sure the would have diagnosed it as ESO, "equipment smarter than operator". Wife did have a good laugh tho.
Heh heh. That reminds me. I kept hearing a noise that sounded like it was coming from somewhere to the right of me. Sort of sounded like a plastic CD case going from one side and banging against something on the opposite side - like it was in the door pocket. It made the sound if I turned right or left. I was considering taking it to the dealer to have them rip apart the door panel.
I finally realized that I had a roll of quarters in the center console.
Went out looking at new cars today. Since many dealers are open on Sunday here, a nice cold breezy day pretty much guarantees you can walk the lot by yourself. I keep looking at the MKZ Hybrid, so when I got home I checked the incentives, as this car would be a budget stretch for me. The incentives looked good, but I found an conquest incentive of $2500. That ticks me off, I've been a loyal Ford customer for a long time, though think and thin for the company. It sort of like car insurance companies, the longer you stay with them, the more they up your rates.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Went out looking at new cars today. Since many dealers are open on Sunday here, a nice cold breezy day pretty much guarantees you can walk the lot by yourself. I keep looking at the MKZ Hybrid, so when I got home I checked the incentives, as this car would be a budget stretch for me. The incentives looked good, but I found an conquest incentive of $2500. That ticks me off, I've been a loyal Ford customer for a long time, though think and thin for the company. It sort of like car insurance companies, the longer you stay with them, the more they up your rates.
You should be able to get a great deal on a CPO MKZ ===== just read an article that used ones are almost unsellable even though the car is well regarded. Get grinding.
Yesterday my wife and I were at the BMW dealer to pick up a couple of gifts and there was a M235i on the showroom floor. I mentioned to my wife that it was just about the only new BMW that I truly likes and she said, "Why don't you just bite the bullet and order one? I know you will wind up keeping it for a decade or more."
So that was a surprise. The thing is, MSRP is $47,625 with just the CWP and H-K, and that still doesn't include approximately $2,800 for the mandatory port-installed locking diff. Yuk . I looked at a Mustang GT today; MSRP with the Performance Package and a listenable audio system is $41,215. I have a $500 voucher from Ford and I can get the X-Plan price through my uncle- so I'm e-mailing the sale guy I talked with to see what the final cost would be. Not too encouraged however- seeing the sled in the metal was pretty underwhelming. I'm definitely not feeling the love right now...
I configured a Challenger to my liking and an R/T Plus is $39,970 with all the go-fast goodies and decent sound. I know it's a pig, but I think I like it better than the GT.
Audi? No RWD M-B- Missing a pedal VW- See Audi FR-S/BRZ- Too slow
I'm just thankful that I don't NEED to buy a car. I did find a 2012 Boss 302 with 7214 miles and equipped all the goodies(Recaros, helical diff) for $39,990. Sticker wasn't much more- $43,575. It might be the more practical proposition as depreciation will probably remain low.
Oh well...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Went out looking at new cars today. Since many dealers are open on Sunday here, a nice cold breezy day pretty much guarantees you can walk the lot by yourself. I keep looking at the MKZ Hybrid, so when I got home I checked the incentives, as this car would be a budget stretch for me. The incentives looked good, but I found an conquest incentive of $2500. That ticks me off, I've been a loyal Ford customer for a long time, though think and thin for the company. It sort of like car insurance companies, the longer you stay with them, the more they up your rates.
Yeh, I hate that....aggravate your loyal customers! What are you trading in....an Explorer for an MKZ....that should count as a conquest. Getting you to spend more than you were planning on is a conquest.
Good luck....hope you find something that works out, we can use a sales story...it's a slow day.
Today is the anniversary of the date that will live in infamy, per FDR. Let's take a minute to remember those heroes who lost their lives serving their country and fighting to keep our country safe from those who were and are intent on destroying her.
I configured a Challenger to my liking and an R/T Plus is $39,970 with all the go-fast goodies and decent sound. I know it's a pig, but I think I like it better than the GT.
Audi? No RWD M-B- Missing a pedal VW- See Audi FR-S/BRZ- Too slow
I'm just thankful that I don't NEED to buy a car. I did find a 2012 Boss 302 with 7214 miles and equipped all the goodies(Recaros, helical diff) for $39,990. Sticker wasn't much more- $43,575. It might be the more practical proposition as depreciation will probably remain low.
Oh well...
Few people NEED to buy a car....we do it because we want to. RB, you are very limited in what is acceptable......manual with RWD. It seems the Challenger, Mustang, Camaro and M235i are about your only alternatives. Weren't you considering a 135 at one time?
Today is the anniversary of the date that will live in infamy, per FDR. Let's take a minute to remember those heroes who lost their lives serving their country and fighting to keep our country safe from those who were and are intent on destroying her.
I vote for the M235. It just seems like the perfect car for you based on what you seem to like. I really think that the Challenger will be a passing fad, and it won't take long for you to realize that you don't actually want to tool around in a flashy land yacht like that.
the wife is right. The BMW might not be cheap, but spread out over the 10+ years you will have it, the price does not seem so bad.
besides, if you get tired of it in a few years, I'm sure your son will take it off your hands.
Went out looking at new cars today. Since many dealers are open on Sunday here, a nice cold breezy day pretty much guarantees you can walk the lot by yourself. I keep looking at the MKZ Hybrid, so when I got home I checked the incentives, as this car would be a budget stretch for me. The incentives looked good, but I found an conquest incentive of $2500. That ticks me off, I've been a loyal Ford customer for a long time, though think and thin for the company. It sort of like car insurance companies, the longer you stay with them, the more they up your rates.
I've have the opposite problem with Mazda. I have owned a Mazda but never when I wanted to buy a new one. Every time I looked at them they had a rebate for owner loyalty. It's hard for me to buy one when I know I am paying $500 more than some other guy would.
Anyway I feel your pain. I guess it's worse for you since it is the opposite of my problem. That would tick me off too.
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
I vote for the M235. It just seems like the perfect car for you based on what you seem to like. I really think that the Challenger will be a passing fad, and it won't take long for you to realize that you don't actually want to tool around in a flashy land yacht like that.
the wife is right. The BMW might not be cheap, but spread out over the 10+ years you will have it, the price does not seem so bad.
besides, if you get tired of it in a few years, I'm sure your son will take it off your hands.
Good point stick! Buy what you like when you want it. Lots of people have overextended themselves around here lately but everyone is happy they did it. It's the only way....not overextending but getting what you want that you can afford. If you get the Challenger you may never be that satisfied and it will cost you more in the end to get out of it. The M235 will last for many years and really is the car you are looking for.
If you keep it for 10 years, and you could keep it that long...especially since manuals are becoming extinct, it won't cost you much more a year to drive what you really love.
Hah, Mazda. Three times over the past five years we have been in the market for a new compact vehicle. Three times we considered Mazda. Three times we bought Honda. The reason, Mazda's $500 loyalty bonus. As said in a previous post, I will not pay $500 more for a vehicle than someone else.
The last time, a couple of months later, the Mazda salesman contacted me and inquired as to whether I was still interested. When I told him we had bought a competitor, he asked me why. I mentioned the $500 loyalty bonus. His response was something like, well I have never heard that from a customer before. Really? I had stated such to him when we were looking.
Perhaps if Mazda had allowed me that $500 bonus the first time, Mazda would have sold three more vehicles.
Sometimes it seems the marketing folks are a bit to cute.
Hah, Mazda. Three times over the past five years we have been in the market for a new compact vehicle. Three times we considered Mazda. Three times we bought Honda. The reason, Mazda's $500 loyalty bonus. As said in a previous post, I will not pay $500 more for a vehicle than someone else.
The last time, a couple of months later, the Mazda salesman contacted me and inquired as to whether I was still interested. When I told him we had bought a competitor, he asked me why. I mentioned the $500 loyalty bonus. His response was something like, well I have never heard that from a customer before. Really? I had stated such to him when we were looking.
Perhaps if Mazda had allowed me that $500 bonus the first time, Mazda would have sold three more vehicles.
Sometimes it seems the marketing folks are a bit to cute.
Funny, every time I hear dealership sales people say "I've never heard that before" when it comes to their pricing being too high, or when you read in publications that one or other model they sell is a slow mover, I always wonder...."you're in the business...wouldn't it behoove you to keep up with the market on your product, or pricing from your competition??
Driver, did you find that teaching program for the Voice Command? Do the two tutorials (numerals and commands) and your voice command will work fine.
Mike, I just haven't had a chance to do it yet....had to put together a George Foreman Bar BQ grill, and change a light bulb on Sunday - that's my limit for one day - but it is on my to do list.
This morning they had a story about how in Broward Co. There was a major pile-up caused by a....black bear!
What was a bear doing on the highway?
Everybody knows that they are terrible drivers.
Almost as bad as 80 yo ladies.
Not only are the worse drivers in North America in Florida...but, now we have to contend with black bears on the highway too!
Actually, that was a serious accident. An Escalade hit the bear. 3 people got out of a second car to help. They got hit by a third car and they all died. Apparently 8 people injured.
I think the driving down here is getting worse. People yakking on phones and texting all the time. And lots of lane weaving and tailgating. The population is exploding but the roads aren't growing fast enough.
Driver, did you find that teaching program for the Voice Command? Do the two tutorials (numerals and commands) and your voice command will work fine.
Mike, I did the two tutorials. How is any normal human being even supposed to know you can do that? I hope the GPS lady can now understand what I am saying.
Comments
Then there's the practical side of me that says the Pilot will be paid off in 18 months, it's only got 57,000 miles, runs great, only gets about 12K per year now so having it as a 5/10 vehicle (finance for 5 years, keep it for at least 10 years) is entirely possible. Having an extra $700 per month in my pocket will be really sweet.
There's also nothing out there that I gotta have. The 2015 Pilot is basically the same as my 2011 (except the EX-L w/ Nav does have a power lift gate), I like the Pathfinder Platinum (not as much 3rd row/ cargo room as my Pilot), an AWD Sienna would make the most sense.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
On my front the platelets are down again. This is discouraging but we are basically at holding pattern, so far no change in any medication. Will test every two weeks and hope for the best. This what happened late June into July and almost cost me the trip to see Carl my donor. Like then, I feel somewhat worn down but have to stay the course.
gg has me thinking ATS. That's just not right... Nothing happening for a couple of years. Have no car payments. Would like to keep it that way.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I have that problem all the time.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Went to a tree farm with the family last Sunday for a Christmas tree. Fantastic day, cold, crisp and sunny. Light dusting of frost/snow everywhere. X3 is fabulous, smooth, comfortable, fast.
All went well, a got an awesome tree.
Monday night I notice an amazingly loud knock in the dash at low speeds over bumpy roads, I mean you can't miss it. Get home and wife says "yes, I noticed that today as well.
I feel around, nothing loose, mirror is solid, no items in the console. I call the dealer and set an appointment for next week.
So Tuesday night I make one more pass through the car....hello, what's this....I did not clip the sun visor back in! With all the sun I had flipped the visor to the side...forgot to clip it back. Sure enough knock gone.
I cancelled the appointment. I am sure the would have diagnosed it as ESO, "equipment smarter than operator". Wife did have a good laugh tho.
The prayers will continue!
Thanks, isell
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Bean
I know fezo and my son graciously thank you and hope your prayers, our prayers and all our poster friends' prayers continue to be answered.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Wow! I missed one week and there are 180 new posts to read. Don't know if I get through in one sitting but I am going to have some lunch and come back to read....
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I know that when I say something, if it has questions the car lists a bunch of options on the screen to help you out.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But, I don't have an accent, nor do I have any dialect issues, slurs, drawls, etc.  
But, I will check it out. I pronounce the words very clearly...it is hard to make S-A-R-A-S-O-T-A into Winter Haven.
But, thanks, I will see if I can set aside 25 minutes for a language tutorial. You really have been very helpful...and I do appreciate it. Just getting the garage door opener working has been a help....cost me $500 though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
GPS - I use 2-3 times a year
VOICE COMMAND - rarely except to set a destination which I usually "send" to my car's GPS via my Mercedes Benz Mbrace app.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS - I guess they will come in handy one day when I lose air pressure in a tire.
SATELLITE TRAFFIC & WEATHER - I use the weather function frequently because it shows rain and storms via radar right on my NAV screen (in colors showing severity). But I do not use the traffic screens very often - rarely is more likely.
LANE TRACKING AND BLIND SPOT MONITORS - I have those systems on all the time and have avoided many accidents over the past 2 years I have had those options.
CRUISE CONTROL - I rarely use it with the type of driving I do.
SUPERIOR AUDIO/BLUETOOTH - I use these features all the time.
SATELLITE RADIO - I never use it.
PARKING ASSIST - the only parts of the system I use are the back-up camera with moving navigational lines and the front, rear and side sensors which light up and beep as you approach an object or pedestrian. We don't have parallel parking down here, so I have never even tested the self-parking feature - nowhere to test it or learn how to use it.
The new car will have many more features which I will probably never use.
So with a few exceptions, the many technologies included with my car not used frequently.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Apparently you fit right in there where you live. The nanny state is about to dictate that everyone gets to pay for such things in the next few years. Maybe that's a good thing.
I'll be keeping my present car for quite some time.
No, only those I haven't run into - that is unless you frequent southern Florida, cdnpinhead, and have narrowly missed hitting me as I infiltrated your lane!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
GPS isn't for everyone but I get a lot of use out of it. We are always meeting people at places or look for a place by the address. I do like to take a real hard copy of a google map with me too just in case.
Blind spot is one of the best safety features made. It is a must. I almost always check back first but the blind spot monitor is a good triple check, after 1) looking, 2) using the mirrors, and 3) triple check with BSM.
Rear camera is going to be mandatory since they are so useful. Easy to back into a wagon, toy or kid. It also makes backing into a parking spot easier. It has markings so you know the distance between you and an object. Bells, whistles and lights go off if you get too close.
Bluetooth is also a must item if you use a phone at all in your car. I like having satelite radio for the cost, about $2 a week....less than a juke box.
The Passat has bluetooth but not the other things. I miss the rear view camera and blind spot monitor the most when I drive it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I finally realized that I had a roll of quarters in the center console.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I keep looking at the MKZ Hybrid, so when I got home I checked the incentives, as this car would be a budget stretch for me.
The incentives looked good, but I found an conquest incentive of $2500. That ticks me off, I've been a loyal Ford customer for a long time, though think and thin for the company.
It sort of like car insurance companies, the longer you stay with them, the more they up your rates.
Yesterday my wife and I were at the BMW dealer to pick up a couple of gifts and there was a M235i on the showroom floor. I mentioned to my wife that it was just about the only new BMW that I truly likes and she said, "Why don't you just bite the bullet and order one? I know you will wind up keeping it for a decade or more."
So that was a surprise. The thing is, MSRP is $47,625 with just the CWP and H-K, and that still doesn't include approximately $2,800 for the mandatory port-installed locking diff. Yuk
.
I looked at a Mustang GT today; MSRP with the Performance Package and a listenable audio system is $41,215. I have a $500 voucher from Ford and I can get the X-Plan price through my uncle- so I'm e-mailing the sale guy I talked with to see what the final cost would be. Not too encouraged however- seeing the sled in the metal was pretty underwhelming. I'm definitely not feeling the love right now...
I configured a Challenger to my liking and an R/T Plus is $39,970 with all the go-fast goodies and decent sound. I know it's a pig, but I think I like it better than the GT.
Audi? No RWD
M-B- Missing a pedal
VW- See Audi
FR-S/BRZ- Too slow
I'm just thankful that I don't NEED to buy a car. I did find a 2012 Boss 302 with 7214 miles and equipped all the goodies(Recaros, helical diff) for $39,990. Sticker wasn't much more- $43,575. It might be the more practical proposition as depreciation will probably remain low.
Oh well...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Good luck....hope you find something that works out, we can use a sales story...it's a slow day.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
the wife is right. The BMW might not be cheap, but spread out over the 10+ years you will have it, the price does not seem so bad.
besides, if you get tired of it in a few years, I'm sure your son will take it off your hands.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Anyway I feel your pain. I guess it's worse for you since it is the opposite of my problem. That would tick me off too.
If you keep it for 10 years, and you could keep it that long...especially since manuals are becoming extinct, it won't cost you much more a year to drive what you really love.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
This morning they had a story about how in Broward Co. There was a major pile-up caused by a....black bear!
What was a bear doing on the highway?
Everybody knows that they are terrible drivers.
Almost as bad as 80 yo ladies.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The last time, a couple of months later, the Mazda salesman contacted me and inquired as to whether I was still interested. When I told him we had bought a competitor, he asked me why. I mentioned the $500 loyalty bonus. His response was something like, well I have never heard that from a customer before. Really? I had stated such to him when we were looking.
Perhaps if Mazda had allowed me that $500 bonus the first time, Mazda would have sold three more vehicles.
Sometimes it seems the marketing folks are a bit to cute.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Not only are the worse drivers in North America in Florida...but, now we have to contend with black bears on the highway too!
Actually, that was a serious accident. An Escalade hit the bear. 3 people got out of a second car to help. They got hit by a third car and they all died. Apparently 8 people injured.
I think the driving down here is getting worse. People yakking on phones and texting all the time. And lots of lane weaving and tailgating. The population is exploding but the roads aren't growing fast enough.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250