Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

I was thinking last night, the busted up suspension could have been a result of someone going on a test drive, hitting something, and not telling the dealership. Although, you'd have to hit something pretty hard to bend a control arm. I guess it's possible to do that and not have any physical damage on the body be visible. But, wouldn't that show up during the pre-delivery inspection?.

Hitting something hard enough to change dimensions on other strong parts of the structure would have bent the wheels and damaged the tires, in my thinking. There's a story here on why something is very wrong. If wrong parts were assembled, such as meant for a different model at the factory, the car would not have met alignment specs.

I agree IMID...something, somewhere, went pretty far afield.

I'm hoping that something serious happened and there's a likely explanation. If not, that would point to a wreck, and the dealership or Cadillac selling it as new. I don't like that thought in the least, though.

I did not look closely enough to see any paint work done.

Given that the Regional Rep was involved, I have to think that was not the case, though.

The more likely scenario, it either slipped through the inspection cracks, or someone dropped it from a carrier or lift and didn't tell anyone.

If it's still there this afternoon when I go to redo the paperwork, maybe I'll do a little detective work. Now, I'm curious.

Speaking of companies and products that over deliver, the wife and I like to juice fruit, veggies, make fresh soups, etc.. We had one of those Ninja blenders. It's powerful, but would leave some pretty large chunks of food no matter how long you let it blend. Plus, for soups, you have to microwave after blending to make the soup hot. That doesn't bother me. but my wife still thinks microwaves may cause all sorts of health problems somewhere down the road.

Recently, it seems some of the parts are somehow getting into our morning smoothies, as we're finding little plastic specs in them when there should only be fruits and veggies.

I've seen those Costco demos of the EXPENSIVE Vitamin blenders. I really like what they do.....but not $400 or $500 worth of like. I've seen them blend soups that were tasty and the friction of the veggies caused the soup to come out hot.

They also have the other big blender company, Blendtec. That's the company who does youtube vids of "Does it Blend?". They blend cell phones, broom sticks, all kinds of crazy things to prove how good their blenders are.

Again, still staring at a $400 bill for one.

Did a little online shopping the last several days and found one of the Blentec models for well below the $400 they usually sell for on Overstock.com. Well, come to find out, overstock made a pricing faux pas, and instead of honoring the price, they won't let me cancel, nor will they tell me when they'll ship.

How do I know the pricing was wrong? I called Blendtec directly. Overstock's price was about $150 less than even the refurbished units Blendtec sells.

So, not sure what the purpose is for Overstock to stonewall me. But, I'm ready to cancel the charge with AMEX since Overstock won't let me cancel. Blendtec said they'd ship one out to me with some accessories for my trouble. Not their fault, but they're willing to compensate for another company's mistake.

driver100

Message for Mike....First, really hope you like the E. It might take getting used to, it is going to be different.

Next, I used the GPS after my tutorial with the GPS lady and she got it perfect. I don't know who programmed her the first time........but, she wasn't even close.

My wife traded in her old clunky phone for a Galaxy 2. Not the latest but it is pay as you go and will do everything she needs while we are in Florida. We hooked up the Bluetooth for the E400 and for the Passat. There is hope for the technologically challenged!

driver100

"graphicguy">
Talked with the dealer this a.m. I told him I'd accept the one I have now. He said no rush. Just give their business manager a call when I'm ready to come in and he'll have the paperwork ready...shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to transfer Vin. He said to make sure to bring title and the extra keys to the other one


Sounds like a plan.

I am considering trading in the Audi for an ATS with that kind of attitude. That dealer and GM are unbelievable.

I don't think we are going to find out what really happened, but, maybe the car was loaded onto the truck wrong. Alignments are probably done at the factory, and the dealer just cleans the car up. If it was someone test driving it would probably have shown up before now, and there would be some other damage. I guess the wrong parts could have been used too....look at Mikes E400 with missing options.

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

Since I got my new cable setup, I have a bunch of new channels I can watch.
Last night I watched a couple of episodes of some show called Car Matchmaker.
One episode, the 3 choices picked for the buyer were an Escalade, Explorer Sport, and Range Rover Sport. The guy ended up picking the Explorer.
Next episode the 3 choices were Audi A4, Lincoln MKZ, BMW 3 series.
All models were AWD. The guy ended up picking the Lincoln.
Part of the episode had Jerry Seinfeld. I have never big a fan of his, but he was great.
Relaxed and real, and really funny.
Overall, it made me wonder if the show is sponsored by Ford, although the host seemed disappointed in the final choices.
The transmission pump in my Explorer is whining more often, so I guess I have no choice but to look for something else. It needs a bunch of other stuff, too.
The major decision will be to drop a vehicle. If I do, I'll be driving the same vehicle all the time.

Sounds like we've stolen yet another show from the Brits. Mike Brewer had a show like that I used to watch back-to-back with Wheeler Dealers. I can't quite remember the name of it off the top of my head. He would know about the buyer coming in and have 3 choices lined up in the showroom for him/her to drive and analyze. The thing I liked about the show is that he was very honest with them and would point out bad/good things about each car that might not be obvious (this model eats transmissions, etc).

robr2

Last night, my wife and I along with my SIS and BIL took in in-laws out for dinner to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. They are still so much in love after all this time.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

explorerx4 said:

Since I got my new cable setup, I have a bunch of new channels I can watch.
Last night I watched a couple of episodes of some show called Car Matchmaker.
One episode, the 3 choices picked for the buyer were an Escalade, Explorer Sport, and Range Rover Sport. The guy ended up picking the Explorer.
Next episode the 3 choices were Audi A4, Lincoln MKZ, BMW 3 series.
All models were AWD. The guy ended up picking the Lincoln.
Part of the episode had Jerry Seinfeld. I have never big a fan of his, but he was great.
Relaxed and real, and really funny.
Overall, it made me wonder if the show is sponsored by Ford, although the host seemed disappointed in the final choices.
The transmission pump in my Explorer is whining more often, so I guess I have no choice but to look for something else. It needs a bunch of other stuff, too.
The major decision will be to drop a vehicle. If I do, I'll be driving the same vehicle all the time.

Sounds like we've stolen yet another show from the Brits. Mike Brewer had a show like that I used to watch back-to-back with Wheeler Dealers. I can't quite remember the name of it off the top of my head. He would know about the buyer coming in and have 3 choices lined up in the showroom for him/her to drive and analyze. The thing I liked about the show is that he was very honest with them and would point out bad/good things about each car that might not be obvious (this model eats transmissions, etc).

Q....I liked that show, too. It was a little hard to figure real value, given some of the cars I was not familiar with. And, he was dealing in used cars. Fun to watch, though.

Driver....jump on in with Caddy. The water's warm.

laurasdada

I've watched a few of the Car Matchmaker shows. Most of us here would watch just about any show about cars I imagine. One episode that caught my eye was about a guy who wanted a new, and let's all say it together,...Jag!

Strange show in that he had an '11 or '12 XJ, but wanted something sportier, but still family friendly. Ok, so the premise is Spike lines up three choices and currently the Jag lineup has four (although the lovely XK is taking its curtain call just about now, so really three current) lines, so really not a head scratcher in choices: F-Type (everybody's favorite family hauler), XFR-S and XJL.

I believe his favorite was the F-Type, but surprisingly he found it less than ideal as a family car. Go figure. The XJ he liked, but already had. He did note it was much nicer/more refined than his, but too grande for him. Yup, don't want the family to be too comfy. So, the very, very, very limited edition XFR-S (with the incongruous looking, almost "Superbird" like deck spoiler) was his choice. Well done, grasshopper.

Viva la difference!

Of course, my fave show had Spike showing "stylish" cars to a lovely young redhead actress. Can't recall the cars she looked at though...

ab348

driver100 said:

I am considering trading in the Audi for an ATS with that kind of attitude. That dealer and GM are unbelievable.

I don't think we are going to find out what really happened, but, maybe the car was loaded onto the truck wrong. Alignments are probably done at the factory, and the dealer just cleans the car up. If it was someone test driving it would probably have shown up before now, and there would be some other damage. I guess the wrong parts could have been used too....look at Mikes E400 with missing options.

Still loving my ATS, driver. Just don't be looking to carry anyone in the back seat. It's really tight. But what a little pocket rocket this thing is! I was out yesterday and had great fun on a couple of occasions on the expressway making slow traffic disappear in my rear-view after I got past them. It really scoots. One time I floored it and actually scared myself.

As for GG's issue: I remain mystified. IIRC, this was the General Manager's car, with some miles on it, was it not? I wonder if there is anything in that history. GG, is the replacement one brand-new from inventory?

driver100

I thought Mike would have raced back by now....to tell us about his new E!

Hope they got it right this time.

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

I am considering trading in the Audi for an ATS with that kind of attitude. That dealer and GM are unbelievable.

I don't think we are going to find out what really happened, but, maybe the car was loaded onto the truck wrong. Alignments are probably done at the factory, and the dealer just cleans the car up. If it was someone test driving it would probably have shown up before now, and there would be some other damage. I guess the wrong parts could have been used too....look at Mikes E400 with missing options.

Still loving my ATS, driver. Just don't be looking to carry anyone in the back seat. It's really tight. But what a little pocket rocket this thing is! I was out yesterday and had great fun on a couple of occasions on the expressway making slow traffic disappear in my rear-view after I got past them. It really scoots. One time I floored it and actually scared myself.

Glad you are really enjoying your ATS. That was a big step you made going for it. Back seat is a consideration for us. We have just the one car back home now (the Audi our daughter uses). The problem is if we go somewhere with people they usually need a pretty large back seat area. We fly back next Wednesday for 2 weeks.
But Cadillac is 3 for 3 here counting Richards, and Audi is 0 for 2. Those are pretty impressive statistics.

abacomike

driver100 said:

I thought Mike would have raced back by now....to tell us about his new E! Hope they got it right this time.

Still at dealership - and no the dealer ordered the wrong size tires- did not fit the car - I will relate this mess when I get home!

ab348

"It's always sumpthin'!"

graphicguy

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

I am considering trading in the Audi for an ATS with that kind of attitude. That dealer and GM are unbelievable.

I don't think we are going to find out what really happened, but, maybe the car was loaded onto the truck wrong. Alignments are probably done at the factory, and the dealer just cleans the car up. If it was someone test driving it would probably have shown up before now, and there would be some other damage. I guess the wrong parts could have been used too....look at Mikes E400 with missing options.

Still loving my ATS, driver. Just don't be looking to carry anyone in the back seat. It's really tight. But what a little pocket rocket this thing is! I was out yesterday and had great fun on a couple of occasions on the expressway making slow traffic disappear in my rear-view after I got past them. It really scoots. One time I floored it and actually scared myself.

As for GG's issue: I remain mystified. IIRC, this was the General Manager's car, with some miles on it, was it not? I wonder if there is anything in that history. GG, is the replacement one brand-new from inventory?

AB...it was the GM's car (old one). It had a few thousand miles on it. That's how I got it for mid $40K.

The new one had 16 miles on it when they put me in it. Not sure how many now, as I've been running around in it.

They close at 6 today and the owner's son, who I have been dealing with, is leaving early today. I just texted him to let him know that I wouldn't be out of my office until 5, getting to his store about 5:30-ish (maybe more with Friday traffic). He said he's gone tomorrow for some off-site meeting.

So, he said we should huddle up next week sometime on a date/time at my convenience. I'm really liking these guys.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

We were talking about pin stripes and vinyl roofs recently. Today as my wife and I were exiting the eye center I saw what looked to be a fairly new Buick LaCrosse with both a vinyl roof AND a pin stripe.

I would take it those items are a sign that the owners of the LaCrosse needed to be at the eye center for some new glasses.

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

ray80

'I'm really liking these guys. '


I am thinking any of us would GG

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I thought Mike would have raced back by now....to tell us about his new E!

Hope they got it right this time.

Still at dealership - and no the dealer ordered the wrong size tires- did not fit the car - I will relate this mess when I get home!

Mike, did you insult a shaman or a voodoo priest? Seems like someone put the evil eye on you.

imidazol97

oldfarmer50 said:

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

That was my experience when I went to the nearby office or the surgery center for the group that I had do my cataract and astigmatism correction. I called them when we decided that my son would have his eyes treated with Lasik. But didn't like their pricing or the response.

I didn't like having him go there for Lasik because I never saw anyone under 65 there. Instead we used the Ohio State University Medical Center's Ophthalmology group and they did the Lasik at a suburban office in Dublin adjacent to Columbus.

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

We were talking about pin stripes and vinyl roofs recently. Today as my wife and I were exiting the eye center I saw what looked to be a fairly new Buick LaCrosse with both a vinyl roof AND a pin stripe.

I would take it those items are a sign that the owners of the LaCrosse needed to be at the eye center for some new glasses.

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

OldFarmer....While I'm a fair bit younger, I was told I needed cataract surgery about a month ago.

I went to the place that is probably one of the two the biggest lasik provider in Cincinnati since they did my lassie surgery 10 years ago. They don't do cataracts, but they recommended another Dr for cataracts.

Went to see him and really was kind of put off. I saw the optometrist first, who did a battery of tests. It probably took 40-45 minutes to get through all of them.

Then, I was handed off to someone else, who sort of did the "sales job" on me. In short, or at least what I heard, they can do a crappy cataract job, which the surgeon cuts the lens and then pulverizes the cataracts. But, recovery time is long and I'd have to go back to wearing glasses, again. Insurance covers all of it.

Then, you can have a "regular" cataract job, where they use a laser to cut your lens and then pulverize the cataracts. I'd still need glasses, but recovery time is less. That one costs $3,000 in addition to the insurance payment

IF you want them to do a good job, where they use lasers to cut the lens and implant a lens where you don't need glasses and recovery time is less, you pay them $6,000 in addition to the insurance payment.

So, in short, they'll do a crappy job if they just get insurance money. They'll do a mediocre job if you pay them $3K. But, if you want them to do a good job, it costs $6K plus insurance.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to shop around. That sounds insane.

Imid....my son works for Oho State. I'm wondering if it would behoove me to take a hundred mile trek north to visit their opthamologists, given that's where a lot of them train?

Mike...sorry about your car. Sounds like it's been a comedy of errors.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I thought Mike would have raced back by now....to tell us about his new E!

Hope they got it right this time.

Still at dealership - and no the dealer ordered the wrong size tires- did not fit the car - I will relate this mess when I get home!

Oh geez!

That's why I would have just taken the tires that came with it. If there's anything done that could screw it up....it will get screwed up.

I once took a business course and they said if you want a letter to get there on time just send it regular mail. If you send it special delivery or something the driver will put it on the instrument panel so he'll remember it....but, of course then it isn't in his normal course of action, so he'll leave it sitting there and forget it.

Anyway, the problem sounds solvable, and you're almost home free.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

That was my experience when I went to the nearby office or the surgery center for the group that I had do my cataract and astigmatism correction. I called them when we decided that my son would have his eyes treated with Lasik. But didn't like their pricing or the response.

I didn't like having him go there for Lasik because I never saw anyone under 65 there. Instead we used the Ohio State University Medical Center's Ophthalmology group and they did the Lasik at a suburban office in Dublin adjacent to Columbus.

I had Lasik in 1996 just to correct distance so I wouldn't need glasses. I love it, no glasses getting steamed up in the cold, no lost glasses, no buying new styles, no looking for glasses all the time, no falling asleep with them on, no sore nose.....one of the best things I ever did.

fezo

Lasik is great as long as you aren't one of that tiny percentage of folks for whom it isn't. A friend of mine was one of the unfortunate ones. It created repairable glare and she has to wear glasses anyway.

Me, I don't have to worry about such things. There's not a doctor alive that would do that on my eyes. Some is that I only have one working one but the possibility of infection puts it strictly off limiits.

abacomike

ab348 said:

"It's always sumpthin'!"

Ain't it da truth, ain't it da truth (as the lion would say from the Wizard of Oz)!

abacomike

Just got home with the new car. I ended up having them put back the 18" AMG wheels and 18" tires. I noticed that the tires that came with the car were staggered front to rear which means when they built the car, they put on the optional performance tires anyway.

The parts guy ordered the right wheels, but the wrong size tires. They are supposed to be 245/35 R19 (front) and 275/30 R19 (back). He ordered them in 45 and 40 which would explain why the tires and wheels did not fit. There was an inch space between the tires and the car's wheel well, but when he put the car down from being raised, the tires hit in the rear wheel wells. That was the first sign that he ordered the wrong tires. With the correct tire size, the wheels and tires would have fit perfectly.

The ordered wheels were gorgeous, just as I expected and looked great on the car. The standard AMG wheels are also nice.

You may remember that when I got the first car they built for me, I felt that the handling was not as it should have been (tires were all-seasons, but the same sizes). This car has the staggered sized tires which corner and handle much better than the first car.

So, I decided to just leave the standard rims on with the tires that came from the factory. I am not disappointed at all. Maybe the best thing that could have happened is that he ordered the wrong sizes - who knows.

Now, my experiences with the new car:

As I got on the Turnpike, I reset the mpg computer to zero to see what kind of mileage I was getting at 70 mph in cruise control. It got the exact same mpg's as the first car I had - 35.6 mpg at a constant 70 mph. I have my transmission set for "ECONOMY" not sport, as driver sets his car for. When I put it into sport mode, my mpg's dropped to 32 mpg's. So it does make a difference.

The visibility in the car is outstanding. The sound system is extraordinary as it was in the CLS - same system and same wattage. The iPod connector in the console fits my iPhone 6 perfectly so now I can use it as an iPod rather than having to use Bluetooth. It also charges the phone when it is plugged in.

The ride is smoother than the CLS, but the handling seems almost the same. Of course you don't hear the growl of the engine anymore (CLS had a 4.7 L V8) because the car has a 3.0 L V6 with twin turbos. It is much more powerful than the E350's 3.5 L V6 (330 hp vs 302 hp). Very quiet even as I revved it to get onto the Turnpike. The quality of the interior is outstanding as you would expect for a Mercedes. This car came equipped with massage seats like the CLS had, but accessing the features has been improved in the 2015's. I used to have to feel for or look on my right side of my seat for the buttons and switches to activate all the features. Now, I press a button on the console and up pops a visual in the NAV screen. I just use the "controller mouse" to select the functions I want now. It even has bolsters you can activate on the seat that hold you on left turns or right turns so you don't slide in your seat. That is a great feature.

The fuel economy is the biggest surprise. It's rated by the EPA at 22 and 32, but if I am getting 35.6, that's a economical as most mid-sized diesels or hybrids.

In any case, I love the car but it's no CLS 550 with that big engine. I'm happy, and that's all that counts when driving a car.

stickguy

sounds nice. I want one.

robr2

mike - congrats on the car.

With that being said, I'm setting the over/under for January 2016. Get your bets in now.

robr2

graphicguy said:

OldFarmer....While I'm a fair bit younger, I was told I needed cataract surgery about a month ago.

I was only 36 when I had cataract surgery in one eye.

gg - I think the prices you are seeing might be due to your insurance. I presume they took the information when you checked in. They can very quickly do a pre-treat plan and know pretty well what it will cost you out of pocket.

stickguy

had to look twice to notice the 2016. Sad, but I was debating which way to go when I thought it said 2015.

for some reason, I am going with the over this time. Taking a big risk, I know. But I don't think there is a new model out before then, which is usually the kiss of death. Though after this go around, the dealer may stop calling him.

roadburner

I had implants installed in both eyes in 1995- and I still need glasses.

abacomike

At least the deal I got on the car was outstanding.  MSRP was $71,775 and all I did was give them my trade - no money changed hands.  So I actually paid $61,000 for the new car which is a great deal, no matter what.

As for robr's taking bets, January 2016 could be right, depending on what the 2016 E Class looks like.  Ya never know!

driver100

abacomike said:

My experiences with the new car:

I have my transmission set for "ECONOMY" not sport, as driver sets his car for. When I put it into sport mode, my mpg's dropped to 32 mpg's. So it does make a difference.

I'm happy, and that's all that counts when driving a car.

Mike, I use economy mode about 80% of the time, I have got used to it. But with oil at $58 a barrel I may go back to Sport all the time....have to do my bit to keep the economy on track.

2 things I noticed about my E today. Even the back shelf has a nice flat design, they actually designed the shelf so it looks attractive. Has a nice full length grill across the back...not just a grill for the speakers.

The other thing is the instrument panel comes out close to the driver. You can reach all the buttons and controls very easily, they are very close.

I am glad you noticed the visibility. The windows are huge by today's standards, and seating is lined up with where your sight lines would be. The front windshield is huge and the hood drops away for maximum viewing area. All instrumentation is easy to understand and figure out. The rear view mirrors are very close to the driver - closer than any other car I have driven for superior rear vision. Although your 550 had more power this one has adequate power for every circumstance....I can usually get onto highways or into traffic in economy mode.

I can't imagine a car that could have a better combination of beautiful interior and exterior, along with comfort and ease of driving.

In case you missed my earlier post. The GPS works now with voice activation....since my tutorial lesson which you suggested I do. Mine must have been programmed by a guy with a heavy German accent...how do you get Winter Haven out of Sarasota?

jayrider

Just had my 2012 LaCrosse serviced. I take it to the Cadillac dealer -- oil-filter-tire rotation and 20 point inspection -- $42.51 tax included. Free coffee and fresh fruit too.

abacomike

@driver100‌

When you use "sport", the car starts in 1st gear.  If you are in "economy", the car starts in 2nd gear.  Sport mode holds the gears longer than economy mode.

I have to take some time to set up the Distronic System for cruise control.  On my stalk for cruise control, there is a wheel that moves clockwise or counterclockwise to set the distance you want to maintain between your car and the cars in front of you.  If you get closer than the setting, cruise reduces the speed of the car until the minimum distance setting is again maintained.  If you get too close too fast, it actually applies the brakes for you.  If necessary, it will apply full braking to bring the car to a complete stop.

Same thing happens on streets.  If under 35 mph, if the car's sensors pick up a pedestrian or car moving left to right or right to left, the car brakes if you have not applied the brakes within the allotted time and distance.

What really intrigues me is the overhead view of your car.  It really helps me pull straight into my parking space instead of crooked.  It also shows all the vehicles in front, sides and rear.  It even shows a wall if you are backing up.  Love the lines inset to both from and rear cameras that adjust as you turn your steering wheel.

Yes, this car has so much technology and system redundancies for safety.

ab348

jayrider said:

Just had my 2012 LaCrosse serviced. I take it to the Cadillac dealer -- oil-filter-tire rotation and 20 point inspection -- $42.51 tax included. Free coffee and fresh fruit too.

That seems like a screaming deal. Up here just a straight lube-oil-filter using Dexos at the GM dealer is over $60.

abacomike

@driver100‌

BTW, glad that tutorial taught your voice command how to interpret your speech.  I am going to do the two tutorials tomorrow morning.

Also, you are aware that Mercedes will update your GPS system with current maps for 3 years at no charge.  Each year you bring the car in for an A or B service, you can request a map update - they just put in an update DVD disc into your DVDS player and it will update your hard drive.

One other thing - your traffic and weather services are free for 3 years with SIRIUS.  They operate via satellite.  The music is good for a 6 month trial.

jayrider

ab348 said:

jayrider said:

Just had my 2012 LaCrosse serviced. I take it to the Cadillac dealer -- oil-filter-tire rotation and 20 point inspection -- $42.51 tax included. Free coffee and fresh fruit too.

That seems like a screaming deal. Up here just a straight lube-oil-filter using Dexos at the GM dealer is over $60.

All us GM owners here are getting rich on the money we save on oil changes.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

I am considering trading in the Audi for an ATS with that kind of attitude. That dealer and GM are unbelievable.

I don't think we are going to find out what really happened, but, maybe the car was loaded onto the truck wrong. Alignments are probably done at the factory, and the dealer just cleans the car up. If it was someone test driving it would probably have shown up before now, and there would be some other damage. I guess the wrong parts could have been used too....look at Mikes E400 with missing options.

Still loving my ATS, driver. Just don't be looking to carry anyone in the back seat. It's really tight. But what a little pocket rocket this thing is! I was out yesterday and had great fun on a couple of occasions on the expressway making slow traffic disappear in my rear-view after I got past them. It really scoots. One time I floored it and actually scared myself.

As for GG's issue: I remain mystified. IIRC, this was the General Manager's car, with some miles on it, was it not? I wonder if there is anything in that history. GG, is the replacement one brand-new from inventory?

AB...it was the GM's car (old one). It had a few thousand miles on it. That's how I got it for mid $40K.

The new one had 16 miles on it when they put me in it. Not sure how many now, as I've been running around in it.

They close at 6 today and the owner's son, who I have been dealing with, is leaving early today. I just texted him to let him know that I wouldn't be out of my office until 5, getting to his store about 5:30-ish (maybe more with Friday traffic). He said he's gone tomorrow for some off-site meeting.

So, he said we should huddle up next week sometime on a date/time at my convenience. I'm really liking these guys.

Wait, wait, wait! You bought a car with a few thousands miles on it and now you're getting a replacement with 16 miles for NO extra cost?

You are a god to me now! d

That explains why the quick replacement. The GM must have let his kid drive it and he busted the suspension driving down railroad tracks with his girlfriend.

abacomike

Checking gas prices for premium unleaded here and Costco is now at $2.929 a gallon.  I really cannot remember the last time I paid so little for premium gasoline.

They are selling regular unleaded for $2.499.  I read in the business section that gasoline could drop another 30 cents s gallon by January 30th.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

That was my experience when I went to the nearby office or the surgery center for the group that I had do my cataract and astigmatism correction. I called them when we decided that my son would have his eyes treated with Lasik. But didn't like their pricing or the response.

I didn't like having him go there for Lasik because I never saw anyone under 65 there. Instead we used the Ohio State University Medical Center's Ophthalmology group and they did the Lasik at a suburban office in Dublin adjacent to Columbus.

The guy who did my wife's eyes was great. She has better than 20/20 now. The nurses were so impressed with how good her vision was just hours after the operation that they were high fiving her. Some of the others were not so lucky. One woman was having a lot of pain and others couldn't see as well as my wife. She was very fortunate.

The ugly Buick was at the doctor's office when we arrived for our post-op appointment. It was an otherwise nice looking car.

Who would put a vinyl roof on a new car these days? I don't even like the one on my 20 yo Lincoln.

ab348

abacomike said:

Checking gas prices for premium unleaded here and Costco is now at $2.929 a gallon.  I really cannot remember the last time I paid so little for premium gasoline.

They are selling regular unleaded for $2.499.  I read in the business section that gasoline could drop another 30 cents s gallon by January 30th.

I filled the ATS with Shell V-Power PUG yesterday and it was a bit over $40 up here. I am used to filling the Regal for $65-$75 a tankful. I am enjoying the change.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

We were talking about pin stripes and vinyl roofs recently. Today as my wife and I were exiting the eye center I saw what looked to be a fairly new Buick LaCrosse with both a vinyl roof AND a pin stripe.

I would take it those items are a sign that the owners of the LaCrosse needed to be at the eye center for some new glasses.

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

OldFarmer....While I'm a fair bit younger, I was told I needed cataract surgery about a month ago.

I went to the place that is probably one of the two the biggest lasik provider in Cincinnati since they did my lassie surgery 10 years ago. They don't do cataracts, but they recommended another Dr for cataracts.

Went to see him and really was kind of put off. I saw the optometrist first, who did a battery of tests. It probably took 40-45 minutes to get through all of them.

Then, I was handed off to someone else, who sort of did the "sales job" on me. In short, or at least what I heard, they can do a crappy cataract job, which the surgeon cuts the lens and then pulverizes the cataracts. But, recovery time is long and I'd have to go back to wearing glasses, again. Insurance covers all of it.

Then, you can have a "regular" cataract job, where they use a laser to cut your lens and then pulverize the cataracts. I'd still need glasses, but recovery time is less. That one costs $3,000 in addition to the insurance payment

IF you want them to do a good job, where they use lasers to cut the lens and implant a lens where you don't need glasses and recovery time is less, you pay them $6,000 in addition to the insurance payment.

So, in short, they'll do a crappy job if they just get insurance money. They'll do a mediocre job if you pay them $3K. But, if you want them to do a good job, it costs $6K plus insurance.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to shop around. That sounds insane.

Imid....my son works for Oho State. I'm wondering if it would behoove me to take a hundred mile trek north to visit their opthamologists, given that's where a lot of them train?

Mike...sorry about your car. Sounds like it's been a comedy of errors.

Yeah, we got the same sales pitch. I really thought we were in the car dealership. Fortunately my wife was very nervous so the doctor said the laser method wasn't a good fit as she wouldn't be able to remain still enough. I was sold on giving her the best regardless of cost but she choose to go the old-fashioned route. Saved us $5k and the results were outstanding.

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100‌

BTW, glad that tutorial taught your voice command how to interpret your speech.  I am going to do the two tutorials tomorrow morning.

Also, you are aware that Mercedes will update your GPS system with current maps for 3 years at no charge.  Each year you bring the car in for an A or B service, you can request a map update - they just put in an update DVD disc into your DVDS player and it will update your hard drive.

One other thing - your traffic and weather services are free for 3 years with SIRIUS.  They operate via satellite.  The music is good for a 6 month trial.

Excellent info....thanx!

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Oh, no doubt since it was a surgery center for cataracts. My wife got her second eye done today. She turned 65 yesterday and I think she was the youngest one in the place.

That was my experience when I went to the nearby office or the surgery center for the group that I had do my cataract and astigmatism correction. I called them when we decided that my son would have his eyes treated with Lasik. But didn't like their pricing or the response.

I didn't like having him go there for Lasik because I never saw anyone under 65 there. Instead we used the Ohio State University Medical Center's Ophthalmology group and they did the Lasik at a suburban office in Dublin adjacent to Columbus.

Who would put a vinyl roof on a new car these days? I don't even like the one on my 20 yo Lincoln.

You haven't been to Florida for awhile! Honestly, I saw a pretty new CTS with a half vinyl roof the other day. The dealer that installed it must have laughed his head off.

graphicguy

Mike....glad things FINALLY were worked out.

abacomike

graphicguy said:

Mike....glad things FINALLY were worked out.

For the most part, yes.  I just got an email from the sales manager that I deal with and he was very apologetic for the way things went with the tires and wheels.  He said the general manager and he were going to meet and determine some way of making me happy.  My guess is they are going to get the right tires and get them put on the car with the new wheels at no charge to me.  That would be great because they both knew how disappointed I was.

If not, I'll be happy with what I have.  It's a great car and much more comfortable for me.

Thanks for the kind words.

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

I am considering trading in the Audi for an ATS with that kind of attitude. That dealer and GM are unbelievable.

I don't think we are going to find out what really happened, but, maybe the car was loaded onto the truck wrong. Alignments are probably done at the factory, and the dealer just cleans the car up. If it was someone test driving it would probably have shown up before now, and there would be some other damage. I guess the wrong parts could have been used too....look at Mikes E400 with missing options.

Still loving my ATS, driver. Just don't be looking to carry anyone in the back seat. It's really tight. But what a little pocket rocket this thing is! I was out yesterday and had great fun on a couple of occasions on the expressway making slow traffic disappear in my rear-view after I got past them. It really scoots. One time I floored it and actually scared myself.

As for GG's issue: I remain mystified. IIRC, this was the General Manager's car, with some miles on it, was it not? I wonder if there is anything in that history. GG, is the replacement one brand-new from inventory?

AB...it was the GM's car (old one). It had a few thousand miles on it. That's how I got it for mid $40K.

The new one had 16 miles on it when they put me in it. Not sure how many now, as I've been running around in it.

They close at 6 today and the owner's son, who I have been dealing with, is leaving early today. I just texted him to let him know that I wouldn't be out of my office until 5, getting to his store about 5:30-ish (maybe more with Friday traffic). He said he's gone tomorrow for some off-site meeting.

So, he said we should huddle up next week sometime on a date/time at my convenience. I'm really liking these guys.

Wait, wait, wait! You bought a car with a few thousands miles on it and now you're getting a replacement with 16 miles for NO extra cost?

You are a god to me now! d

That explains why the quick replacement. The GM must have let his kid drive it and he busted the suspension driving down railroad tracks with his girlfriend.

Farmer....not sure about all that. But, in a nutshell, that's how it shakes out. Either they weren't just paying lip service to wanting me as a happy customer, or something was way more wrong with the first car than they were telling me. Funny, there is a significant difference between the way the old one handled vs the new one. Not sure why I didn't notice it during my test drive. I think I chalked it up to being a different car than what I was driving.

AB...I was Christmas shopping last night, driving around. I was thinking how the turbo motor just pulls and pulls. This one is much more flingable., too. All these cars in this arena must be going to their versions of torque vectoring. The Audi had it, as did the Acura. Cadillac has their version of it. It sure makes the car more fun to get into the twists and turns with.

Not sure it's related to the first one's maladies, but even the self adjusting headlamps do a better job. Is that somehow related to the front end issues? Kind of made me thnk so.

Back to eye surgery.....did your wife have to wear glasses after the cataract surgery?

driver100

Saturdays can be slow here, so if you are really stuck for something to do, you can listen to this:
BMW OWNER COMPLAINING

venture

Back to eye surgery.....did your wife have to wear glasses after the cataract surgery?



Here's my cataract story.

I had the surgery with lens replacement about 10 -12 years ago. I don't know if they used a laser or an incision. I wonder why it would make any difference? I was one of the youngest they did (at the time). One of the things they asked was if I spent a lot of time out in the sun - which I did.

My insurance paid 100% and recovery time was basically non-existent except they said I should take it easy for a few days and not lift anything heavy for about 2 weeks, if I'm remembering correctly. They also said that some people have the procedure done and go home and mow the lawn.

Since insurance coverage has made radical changes over the last few years, it really isn't surprising that there will be some "out of pocket" expenses now. Of course the cost to do both eyes was about $8,500 then too.

I went from 20-400 vision to 20-15 within about 15 minutes. When I was lying there waiting to go in to surgery there was a blob on the wall. When I was finished they wheeled me back out to the same place and I could see that the blob was a clock...and I could tell the time on it.

Undoubtedly one of the best things I ever did.

I wear glasses only when I want to read something with tiny print in dim lighting. Otherwise no glasses or contacts at all.

nyccarguy

@driver100‌

Can you please change your signature line from Benz E400 to either Mercedes-Benz E400 or Mercedes E400. It drives me nuts.

abacomike

nyccarguy said:

@driver100‌ Can you please change your signature line from Benz E400 to either Mercedes-Benz E400 or Mercedes E400. It drives me nuts.

ME TOO!

houdini1

robr2 said:

Last night, my wife and I along with my SIS and BIL took in in-laws out for dinner to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. They are still so much in love after all this time.

Robert, that is fantastic. Your family is blessed. Here's to them making it to 75 years.