Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

OK.........We paid $130k 5 years ago. Will sell for $180k.

Prices will really drop once Canadians start leaving....bottom may fall out as economy in US tanks with loss of jobs from Tariffs. Canada, is the largest buyer for some states, such as Ohio.

I'll go as high as 122K all in. It sits for half a year deteriorating, got to factor in no maintenance for that period. Very good offer. Airlines won't even want to fly you in come next November. Then it will be too late because I'll have found another place by then. Going once, going twice...going.

jmonroe

I am pulling it off the market...I wouldn't sell it for $180k and I wouldn't sell it for $300k, I couldn't replace it for that. For my good friend JMonroe and only him, I would let it go for $500k.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
I was thinking more like people who live there full time would be able to afford to be homeowners, rather than renters due to being out priced by part timers.

There are way more full timers than part-timers...probably about 90% compared to 10%, so you want the home prices to collapse for 90% of the population....and probably sink the whole state?

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

OK.........We paid $130k 5 years ago. Will sell for $180k.

Prices will really drop once Canadians start leaving....bottom may fall out as economy in US tanks with loss of jobs from Tariffs. Canada, is the largest buyer for some states, such as Ohio.

Yeah. That almost 300% tariff on dairy products from Ohio's farms and businesses like Dannon really helps sell Ohio products before Canada added any. I thought NAFTA meant no tariffs.

It is 275% and is really fake news. The tariff is added because dairy farming is subsidized in the US. That means the government pays farmers to produce product, there is an oversupply, a lot of it gets dumped into the ground, but, prices are kept artificially low.

I am so amazed that only the facts that support the one side....are presented, and the other side doesn't even get a chance to debate the issue.

driver100

berri said:

Sorry if I came across as political because I'm actually very much a split ticket, independent voter and voted for neither one of them. But I think the discussion about Canada v US is very relevant to the auto industry as it is potentially the biggest victim if things go haywire. Some think the auto industry is bluffing, but I think the warnings of large impacts on the industry and consumer are very valid. Companies can absorb for awhile, but eventually it has to be passed on through price increases, employee reductions, new product delays or cancellations, etc.

Price of cars will go up substantially in the US. Companies in the US are not set up to make many parts, these parts will have tariffs charged on them. Some parts can cross the border 8 times before a car is finished, how many times will tariffs be collected.

the whole system has been set up for years....for maximum flow, now one guy thinks he knows better!

Imid made a good point....we pay more, but who collects all this tariff money...maybe the government.....a new source of income maybe?

Mr_Shiftright

snakeweasel said:

Now what is this new sign in thing where we have to register as an insider? I have spent my life perfecting the art of avoiding being an insider now you want me to become one? 

Resistance is futile. Your weapons are useless against us. Submit. It will be painless.

It's just a more secure way to sign in and will clear up login difficulties for a number of members (perhaps not you, per se). Also you can update your profile more easily, as well as save your favorite vehicles and store your past appraisals.

Mr_Shiftright

abacomike said:

Back to politics I see.  That’s all folks - see you guys when this stops - I’m done!

Some posts have been removed for obvious reasons. It always seem to veer out of control. (sigh).

imidazol97

driver100 said:

I am so amazed that only the facts that support the one side....are presented, and the other side doesn't even get a chance to debate the issue.

I was just thinking the same thing. The stories I read are about how the dairy board in Canada protects the producers from imports to keep the price of the products high. That cost Canadian consumers more money.


Is this article wrong?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canadas-dairy-industry-is-a-rich-closed-club/article25124114/

driver100

tommister2 said:

driver100 said:

OK.........We paid $130k 5 years ago. Will sell for $180k.

Prices will really drop once Canadians start leaving....bottom may fall out as economy in US tanks with loss of jobs from Tariffs. Canada, is the largest buyer for some states, such as Ohio.

This makes me think, I bet someone measures the impact of snowbirds on FL. I don't think I could begin to guess how much it is...also makes me wonder how many have cars they keep in FL like you do? Do you think anyone tracks that? Heck, maybe FL doesn't even know you are Canadian

I think they do have numbers. IIRC foreigners make up just over 20% of home ownership in Florida. By far, Canadians make up most of that total. Florida would definitely be in trouble without us. Not too many Canadians buy cars, but some do. But, we all buy food, gas, pay maintenance fees, keep up our homes, pay taxes, etc....20% is a huge factor.

stickguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

snakeweasel said:

Now what is this new sign in thing where we have to register as an insider? I have spent my life perfecting the art of avoiding being an insider now you want me to become one? 

Resistance is futile. Your weapons are useless against us. Submit. It will be painless.

It's just a more secure way to sign in and will clear up login difficulties for a number of members (perhaps not you, per se). Also you can update your profile more easily, as well as save your favorite vehicles and store your past appraisals.

I am very concerned what this is going to do to poor IsellHondas!

And I never quite understood what the insider was, or remembered there was some other area of Edmunds where people chatted.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

It is 275% and is really fake news. The tariff is added because dairy farming is subsidized in the US. That means the government pays farmers to produce product, there is an oversupply, a lot of it gets dumped into the ground, but, prices are kept artificially low.
.

Fake news is for items that are left out of the articles or twisted facts. I said "nearly" 300%. Close enough.

I do find articles about US producers dumping milk. But I don't see anything about farmers being paid to produce.

The government agency has bought some products to reduce the amount of dumping. But that's not subsidizing. Subsidizing is where the farmers are paid to produce and the processors are paid to produce reducing their costs so the product can be sold more cheaply to other countries, e.g., Canada. Note: I also saw that China is dumping milk products into the ground. Interesting.

Subsidizing would be like Korea and Japan paying part of the costs to produce cars which are then shipped to the US at a lower price than they would have been. And the government keeping the exchange rate of their currency low so as to reduce the selling price in dollars of the same vehicle in the US or Canada. This is called "dumping" and has nothing to do with dumping milk products into disposal sites.


https://www.wsj.com/articles/americas-dairy-farmers-dump-43-million-gallons-of-excess-milk-1476284353

Mr_Shiftright

You all might find this article about tariffs quite interesting, and it could clear up a number of misconceptions:

The Economic Effect of Tariffs

The article doesn't mention automobile industry tariffs per se, but I think the reader could extrapolate from the examples given about Canadian softwoods.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

I am so amazed that only the facts that support the one side....are presented, and the other side doesn't even get a chance to debate the issue.

I was just thinking the same thing. The stories I read are about how the dairy board in Canada protects the producers from imports to keep the price of the products high. That cost Canadian consumers more money.


Is this article wrong?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canadas-dairy-industry-is-a-rich-closed-club/article25124114/

I would basically agree. The milk board is a very influential voting group, so no party wants to aggravate them. This gives a good picture of why Canada uses this system to protect our dairy farmers. It does make prices artificially high.

But, U.S. dairy prices are artificially low, because the farmers are subsidized. You actually pay more for dairy products, if you added in the subsidy. Subsidy's lead to over supply, leads to dumping....not a great system either. Of course U.S. farmers would prefer to sell their low priced subsidized milk into Canada.

driver100

Imid....I have to go to sleep....but, I am trying to find info about subsidies and the use of undocumented farm workers in the US.
Mr S: I am saving the article about tariffs until tomorrow...when I can look at it while I am awake.

laurasdada

Pensfan,sorry about the TLX. My Jag got similar treatment back in March in a parking lot. I was hit both on the side and in the grille! No witnesses, cameras or, of course, a note. I've had the side fixed, but am living with the hole in the grille. High deductible, saving that $ for the new tires I probably should have bought in June for the Continental $70 gift card.... Tires are fine to get me into the fall, will get new sneaks before Winter comes. Or new tires attached to a new car...

iluvmysephia1

driver100 - you're dead tired at only 9:34PM Eastern Daylight Time? And ready for bed. You got a big racquetball tournament in the morning?

roadburner

iluvmysephia1 said:

tjc78 and roadburner - you guys are cracking me up! No, when I am not in pain and have acquired enough sleep, I'm just fine having my car brand besmerched! Kia is doing very well building long-lasting cars and SUV's with a great Warranty and reasonable prices. The '02 Kia Spectra, though, nuff said!

roadburner - your summation on the little hot hatch is a keeper. I'm gonna write that test's name down and know what it is, and be ready to get it. I agree with your summation, and I didn't see anything resembling mass terror done on the body or it's mechanicals. The sheet on the windshield doesn't say that the person has modded it super-silly in any way. I don't think the price is high, do you? It's listed for $11,500. It's got 61,000 miles on it.

Honestly, I can't think of many cars I'd want to drive exclusively for 300k miles- Kia or not. I'd ask over in the Real World Trade-In Values topic about a fair purchase price.
PPI stands for Pre Purchase Inspection. Lots of shops claim to do them, but the key is to find a shop that knows the strengths and weaknesses of the make/model you are considering.
All I've heard on the ST is that the sychros in the transaxle don't tolerate bad shifting techniques, but a thorough drive should expose that issue. Most all of the motors that have blown have been due to bad tunes, and virtually no car gets a tune without changing the intake and/or exhaust. If the car has a Mountune power kit on it, so much the better, as that was a Ford approved modification in most cases.
Recall that my Mazdaspeed 3 had an intake and tune and was running great at 158k miles, I only sold it because I wanted something faster with RWD.

nyccarguy

Thanks everyone for carefully reading and giving your much needed advice on my AC system.  I’m very happy to report that the system has been humming along beautifully and it has been nice and cool here from this AM until we got back here about an hour ago.  I appreciate your feedback as I really don’t know all that much about AC systems.

Heres what’s been done recently:

5/14/2018 - System Low on refrigerant & showing signs of restriction.  Found 2 liquid line filter driers at condenser & a TXV that had to be hit a couple times for pressures to improve slightly.  Performed complete AC preventative maintenance on system.  

2 1/2 lbs of R22 Freon - $237.50
2 hours - $325

plus tax for a grand total $598.22

8/31/2016 - NO A/C.  Condenser fan not running.  Replaced popped dual run capacitor.  

1 Hour, 1 lb R22 Freon, 1 40/5 MFD 440v dual capacitor

$358.30

How Old is the system?  I’m not entirely sure.  I’ve been here 8 years.  Say the previous owner replaced it 7 or so years before that.  Could be around 15ish years old.  Less than 20 years old.  I should START thinking about replacing it sooner rather than later.

iluvmysephia1

At 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, I can't imagine needing to tune it at all nor add a power kit of any flavor. Fast enough by far for this '11 Kia Soul 5-speed base driver.

I could listen for a synchro problem while shifting about during a long test drive. 

As to a PPI, I'd need to ask around to see where I could get a decent one done for that car.

Pricing of $11,500 for this car with 61,000 miles is competitive as it is. I did a CarGurus search of Focii ST and that price is perhaps $4,000 low as it stands. Priced to sell! 

Thanks for the very helpful information, roadburner. This sport-tuned hatchback may highlight the bumps and all, but I bet I'd be cool with it and wouldn't be annoyed with the ride. I would thoroughly test-drive it to really look for anything I didn't like or feel annoyed by. 

roadburner

The Recaro seats are pretty polarizing; I like them in the ST but some people hate them- a good test drive should reveal weather they suit you or not.

iluvmysephia1

Yeah, the Recaro seats. The guy test-driving a '13 Focus ST on YouTube loved the Recaro seats. He said his friend, who was a bigger, chubbier guy, wasn't comfortable with the Recaro's because they pinched his thighs in too much.

I betcha I'd know right away if I'd be comfortable with them or not.

Michaell

@nyccarguy - hope you are able to get the AC issues sorted out. My wife would be absolutely nuts if this happened to us.

Got a plumbing question for you. We've been in our new house now for about 6 weeks. Lots and lots of projects are done or scheduled. Wife has now fixated on replacing both the kitchen and master bath faucets.

Kitchen sink is on an island with a granite countertop. Single faucet that simply doesn't have a high enough arc, nor have a long enough reach on the pull out, to wash our dachshunds.

The master bath has a double sink, and the faucets there don't come out far enough horizontally.

She doesn't want to go the Lowes/HD route, this time. What brands do you recommend?

xwesx

oldfarmer50 said:

Previous owner abuse is always a concern with performance cars. That's why I wouldn't buy one used. I'd have that Focus looked at top to bottom by a professional.

Speaking of which, I thought this was a relative bargain until I read the CarFax:

https://www.listingallcars.com/vdp/3816886919972164340/Used-2013-Ford-Focus-ST-for-sale-in-Lincoln-NE-68521-by-LAX-Auto

Well, that flood washed away 50,000 miles of use, too! That's not a bad deal!

xwesx

iluvmysephia1 said:

At 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, I can't imagine needing to tune it at all nor add a power kit of any flavor. Fast enough by far for this '11 Kia Soul 5-speed base driver.

I could listen for a synchro problem while shifting about during a long test drive. 

As to a PPI, I'd need to ask around to see where I could get a decent one done for that car.

Pricing of $11,500 for this car with 61,000 miles is competitive as it is. I did a CarGurus search of Focii ST and that price is perhaps $4,000 low as it stands. Priced to sell! 

Thanks for the very helpful information, roadburner. This sport-tuned hatchback may highlight the bumps and all, but I bet I'd be cool with it and wouldn't be annoyed with the ride. I would thoroughly test-drive it to really look for anything I didn't like or feel annoyed by. 

Priced to sell can sometimes mean, "I'm done dickering for the best price," or it could mean, "hopefully I'm selling it cheaply enough that you won't ask about its history...." PPI and Carfax are for the latter!

tommister2

driver100 said:

OK.........We paid $130k 5 years ago. Will sell for $180k. Prices will really drop once Canadians start leaving....bottom may fall out as economy in US tanks with loss of jobs from Tariffs. Canada, is the largest buyer for some states, such as Ohio.

This makes me think, I bet someone measures the impact of snowbirds on FL. I don't think I could begin to guess how much it is...also makes me wonder how many have cars they keep in FL like you do? Do you think anyone tracks that? Heck, maybe FL doesn't even know you are Canadian

I think they do have numbers. IIRC foreigners make up just over 20% of home ownership in Florida. By far, Canadians make up most of that total. Florida would definitely be in trouble without us. Not too many Canadians buy cars, but some do. But, we all buy food, gas, pay maintenance fees, keep up our homes, pay taxes, etc....20% is a huge factor.

Wow, 20%. I was thinking single digit %. I was way off!

driver100

iluvmysephia1 said:

driver100 - you're dead tired at only 9:34PM Eastern Daylight Time? And ready for bed. You got a big racquetball tournament in the morning?

Not sure what time you are on iluv but it was 10:34 Eastern Time. I am up at 6, will have a power breakfast with the beautiful Mrs D., and play TENNIS at 7:30...it is 30 minutes away. Can't write much this a.m., the fans have to wait until this afternoon.

NYC, glad you got the a/c working....even if it gets you through for this year it will be worth having it fixed. I would start planning to replace it though, especially if it has another breakdown - hope it doesn't, but, you never know.

houdini1

fintail said:

There are zero instances in history of trade wars producing anything positive for real people. There's also zero reason to think things will be different this time. It's almost like none of the mouthpieces have any real credentials or credibility in economics or running a business that wasn't gifted by daddy. Oh yeah, because it's true. And this time, old allies may be able to simply steer around the bluster and carry on.

I'm tellin ya, things are going to get dicey again in the next 24 months, tops.

berri said:

Remember "Stagflation"? If we don't start getting some common sense I think we may be headed there again. Trade wars lead to shortages, price increases, etc. They will likely also lead to an economic slowdown. I'm quickly losing confidence in our leadership's economic skills. As for Canada and Mexico, they will be hurt too. If it goes far enough down the road, the US may see Chinese warships visit ports in those two countries like we do in Asia. You can only play the "negotiation" card so far before it becomes volatile and potentially out of your control. And remember those school school bullies; eventually someone stronger or smarter than them bloodies their nose.

Some of you guys are awful pessimistic in the face of the best economy and best outlook we have had for the last several years. Jobs are up, unemployment is down, stock market is up, consumer confidence is at the highest point since 2000, illegal border crossings are down 40%.

If that is not enough to brighten your outlook, consider that fact that some scientists say that on average, optimists outlive pessimists by about 8 years !

houdini1

Forbes is not generally known as an automotive expert, but some surprising 2018 models showed up on its list of cars to avoid: Ford Taurus, Acura ILX, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Maserati Ghibli.

qbrozen

houdini1 said:

Forbes is not generally known as an automotive expert, but some surprising 2018 models showed up on its list of cars to avoid: Ford Taurus, Acura ILX, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Maserati Ghibli.

Wonder what their issues were with the Dodges that are magically absent in Pacifica. And isn't the ILX the same as a Civic? And what could possibly be wrong with the Taurus at this point, other than resale value?

tjc78

iluvmysephia1 said:

tjc78 and roadburner - you guys are cracking me up! No, when I am not in pain and have acquired enough sleep, I'm just fine having my car brand besmerched! Kia is doing very well building long-lasting cars and SUV's with a great Warranty and reasonable prices. The '02 Kia Spectra, though, nuff said!

roadburner - your summation on the little hot hatch is a keeper. I'm gonna write that test's name down and know what it is, and be ready to get it. I agree with your summation, and I didn't see anything resembling mass terror done on the body or it's mechanicals. The sheet on the windshield doesn't say that the person has modded it super-silly in any way. I don't think the price is high, do you? It's listed for $11,500. It's got 61,000 miles on it.

Never said anything about the quality of Kia... just that I don't think I would pick a Spectra (nor my 2017 Elantra for that fact) to put 600K on.

Actually.. at the rate I drive that would take me about 60 years to rack up that kind of mileage! Hell even if I combined both my cars it would still be 30!

ab348

houdini1 said:

Some of you guys are awful pessimistic in the face of the best economy and best outlook we have had for the last several years. Jobs are up, unemployment is down, stock market is up, consumer confidence is at the highest point since 2000, illegal border crossings are down 40%.

If that is not enough to brighten your outlook, consider that fact that some scientists say that on average, optimists outlive pessimists by about 8 years !

Back earlier this year the big collapse of the markets was something I was expecting so I got most of my investments parked for a while. But over the last few months the market has recovered and not only made up all of those losses but reached new highs. I remain unconvinced that this is based on much other than irrational optimism. Am I way off base expecting a big correction soon, like this fall (when they always seem to happen)?

houdini1

ab348 said:

houdini1 said:

Some of you guys are awful pessimistic in the face of the best economy and best outlook we have had for the last several years. Jobs are up, unemployment is down, stock market is up, consumer confidence is at the highest point since 2000, illegal border crossings are down 40%.

If that is not enough to brighten your outlook, consider that fact that some scientists say that on average, optimists outlive pessimists by about 8 years !

Back earlier this year the big collapse of the markets was something I was expecting so I got most of my investments parked for a while. But over the last few months the market has recovered and not only made up all of those losses but reached new highs. I remain unconvinced that this is based on much other than irrational optimism. Am I way off base expecting a big correction soon, like this fall (when they always seem to happen)?

What concerns me about the market is how easily it can be manipulated. One day last week the Dow was up 280 points when some "financial expert" mentioned interest rates might increase and Dow lost all gains and ended up down for the day.

iluvmysephia1

driver100 - I'm out west in the old cowboy and Indian Land of Geronimo, south-central New Mexico, Mountain Time. Seems ta me it was 8:34PM when you went ta bed on the east coast last night. Which means EARLY ta this Padre! Enjoy your delicious breakfast and fast-paced tennis match!

tjc78 and roadburner - this online buddy's Mom drove that Kia Spectra ta deliver documents in some delivery job she had. She literally drove that Kia Spectra till it's wheels fell off. And that was 600,000-odd miles. My buddy swears it was true. That family is all about Kia. He claims that he came up with the Kia Soul Hamsters idea, too. I know Right.

This 2013 Ford Focus ST idea would need ta come with a Suze Ormon-Dave Ramsey style finance plan that makes sense to Mrs. iluvmysephia1as well, or the Mrs. will slap the poop outta me in the 6.2 seconds it will take me to get to 60 mph in that little golden rocket. Here's serious work to do now, gentlemen!

graphicguy

AB....I did the same. I pulled all of my investments out of stocks. I’m in more conservative investments, but they’re certainly safer. Given the financial oversights have been lifted on banks, I see more lending snafus in the real estate market.

Like you, I’m expecting a crash. I expect the price of cars to go up (as well as many other things) and inflation to rear its ugly head. Gas prices are headed up, with little in the way of a rational reason for the rise.

I think we’re headed for another recession. It’s coming sooner rather than later.

I’d say if you’re going to buy a car, now is the right time.

@iluvmysephia1 ...I think it’s fine to be financially conservative. But, everyone I’ve ever talked to who has been a Dave Ramsey follower, none of them are what I’d call “well off”. That’s not a bad thing. But, point is, unless there’s a payoff by paying cash for everything, then what’s the point?

Using loans when interest rates are what they are (and again, they’re starting to go up), is a smart way to manage money. Not talking credit card interest rates here. But, when you can buy a car for little to no interest on a loan, use the car manufacturer’s money. Same goes for housing. I think you just bought a home when you got your new job, right? I’m sure that interest rate is attractive. Might not be for long, though.

graphicguy

@laurasdada ...had lunch with my sister yesterday. She’s shopping for another Jag. I know Mercedes has fans in here. But, she said she misses the “feel” of a Jag. Not sure what that is, but her Mercedes is 4 years old. She only has 22K miles on it. If she gives me a family discount, I may buy it from her.

iluvmysephia1

@iluvmysephia1 ...I think it’s fine to be financially conservative. But, everyone I’ve ever talked to who has been a Dave Ramsey follower, none of them are what I’d call “well off”. That’s not a bad thing. But, point is, unless there’s a payoff by paying cash for everything, then what’s the point?

Using loans when interest rates are what they are (and again, they’re starting to go up), is a smart way to manage money. Not talking credit card interest rates here. But, when you can buy a car for little to no interest on a loan, use the car manufacturer’s money. Same goes for housing. I think you just bought a home when you got your new job, right? I’m sure that interest rate is attractive. Might not be for long, though.

Yeah, Suze is Suze, her mantra is hold on ta money, don't spend. Right. Doesn't work in the real world ta me. As far as Dave Ramsey goes, the Mrs. and I took his Financial Peace University course about 5 years ago when this 2013 Ford Focus ST would've been sitting on the Ford dealer's lot. I am really impressed with the plan he's come up with to pay off debt. It works great! Now, I disagree with Dave as far as spending our money with credit. He won't even have one credit card and he's worth 55 million dollars. He did it by buying real estate and reselling it. Nothing new there. But my point is, for the Mrs. and I, if we want to rent a hotel or something, we need a credit card. For lots of different reasons in this world today, people need credit cards. To establish good credit, if for no other reason! Dave's rules are kind if ridiculous as far as using credit. It's because he went bankrupt when he was in his 20's. He hates using credit of any kind. He pays cash for everything. Fine, but, most of us need credit. Now, we oughta be careful how we spend with credit, though. Only when necessary.

Yeah, graphicguy, we used credit with a low interest rate when buying this home. And we're thrilled with the loan package and this home. We love it.

As far as me trying to finagle a deal ta get out of the 2011 Kia Soul (2 years of payment left - I owe about $1,750 more than the car is worth by my estimation) and instead buy the 2013 Ford Focus ST for $11,500, I am on vacation now and I have the time ta deal with it. There's our bank, Wells Fargo, to try and cut a deal with or any number of great credit unions in the town we could work a deal out with. I would try and sell the Kia Soul myself - it just passed 100,000 miles. Unless there's another way to roll that car into the deal somehow. I can't have two car payments going on at once, though. It's a little hard starting at times - might need plugs and possibly plug wires. Or something. That hard starting is not the reason I'm enamored with the Ford Focus ST, however.

I have a strong feeling I'd absolutely love driving that car. I know, it's 5 years old. But with 61,000 miles and it's seller claiming it's in excellent condition, I would be really interested in having the car checked out. My wife would tell me that "that's just stupid." She is coming up with some good retirement structuring ideas for the two of us, I love her ideas. Combinations of my Boeing retirement (when to start receiving them, etc.), Social Security for us both(same deal - when to begin to draw it, etc.), IRA Annuities, 401K plans of mine that are building up and that we have already transferred over to another plan and need to move to other plans making more interest, etc. We'll do fine in retirement, but we won't be able ta just hop jets to worldwide locations on vacations and such. That's just fine with me - I'd rather have a little gold Ford rocket to enjoy driving hard around the desert, eh? One day that Ford Focus ST might be sold, that would remove the idea from my head.

suydam

Just curious — how long was that loan on the Soul?

tommister2

houdini1 said:

Forbes is not generally known as an automotive expert, but some surprising 2018 models showed up on its list of cars to avoid: Ford Taurus, Acura ILX, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Maserati Ghibli.

Maserati Ghibil gets no respect. I had never even heard of it so I have no problem staying away from it  

fintail

I am optimistic that...the local RE market will probably not crash like it did in 08, but beyond that I am also amused that the positive economic factors some would mention a couple years ago were called fake news by the detractors, but are now gospel

I remember the 2000 optimism, as I graduated from college in 2001. The bust was already in action, not the best memories as a new job seeker. I think we're in a dangerous spot, with the type of aid usually reserved to help an ailing economy being used to keep a relatively healthy economy moving along. When things slow again, and they always do, what will the strategy be to lessen the crash? Tax cuts etc are already done, and spending really can't go up.

I just have an uneasy feeling, especially 18-24 months out, We're overdue, there are still many soft points in the economy, and there are no cases in economic history of trade wars creating positive impacts.

houdini1 said:

Some of you guys are awful pessimistic in the face of the best economy and best outlook we have had for the last several years. Jobs are up, unemployment is down, stock market is up, consumer confidence is at the highest point since 2000, illegal border crossings are down 40%.

If that is not enough to brighten your outlook, consider that fact that some scientists say that on average, optimists outlive pessimists by about 8 years !

fintail

I can imagine the FCA cars can be iffy.

I think the Caravan, Journey, Taurus are mostly fleet now.

houdini1 said:

Forbes is not generally known as an automotive expert, but some surprising 2018 models showed up on its list of cars to avoid: Ford Taurus, Acura ILX, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Maserati Ghibli.

abacomike

Thanks everyone for moving away from political posts.  One of my walking buddies is totally opposite, politically, from my other walking buddy.  We all stay friends by never discussing anything that could be construed as political.  It’s worked for us for 6 years now. 

iluvmysephia1

suydam, the Soul has a 6-year note that started in August of 2014. We owe $5,925 and it's worth is approximately $4,000. It worth will be the big negotiating sticking point. 

abacomike

@driver100:

I didn’t realize that 20% of all home/condo owners in the State of Florida are from foreign countries.  I would have thought that figure was closer to 10% with another 10% owned by out of State US citizens who winter in Florida.  

I see a few Canadian license plates in my condo community, but not 10% of the owners - perhaps less than 5% - none of them in my 48 unit building.

snakeweasel

Michaell said:

@nyccarguy - hope you are able to get the AC issues sorted out. My wife would be absolutely nuts if this happened to us. Got a plumbing question for you. We've been in our new house now for about 6 weeks. Lots and lots of projects are done or scheduled. Wife has now fixated on replacing both the kitchen and master bath faucets. Kitchen sink is on an island with a granite countertop. Single faucet that simply doesn't have a high enough arc, nor have a long enough reach on the pull out, to wash our dachshunds. The master bath has a double sink, and the faucets there don't come out far enough horizontally. She doesn't want to go the Lowes/HD route, this time. What brands do you recommend?

I recommend replacing the dog with a cat, they are self cleaning. 

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

Thanks everyone for moving away from political posts.  One of my walking buddies is totally opposite, politically, from my other walking buddy.  We all stay friends by never discussing anything that could be construed as political.  It’s worked for us for 6 years now. 

I am in a similar situation except that we do talk politics at times. We keep it civil, address the issues and no personal attacks, been working well for us.

andres3

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

So my lawyer scheduled the trial for November, at the County Seat. That's a fair bit of advanced scheduling. Hopefully my opposition transfers to a more lucrative law enforcement agency far far away by that time.

https://www.motorists.org/issues/speed-limits/langlotz/

Great study on how the IIHS can post studies with more holes than the Titantic in 2018.

I thought the whole case was tossed out. Guess I read the post wrong.

The whole "El Cajon" East County case was put in the proper place, with a Change of Venue to the County Seat. The failure to appear at a Court I never signed to appear at is what was thrown out. The original speeding ticket that started the whole charade still has to be litigated.

Lot of goverment wheels turning for a lousy $250 or so (low over speed on speeding).;

You know you can save yourself a lot of this time and frustration by just slowing down a bit.

If you had paid attention, you'd know I did slow down a bit, that's why this speeding ticket is less than others. 5 over "safe speed" as defined by Mr. LEO (15 over posted limit) isn't as expensive as a speeding ticket for 20 over.

The point being that this is all over an argument of 5 MPH given the basic speed law is subject to the interpretation of "reasonable and prudent" given conditions.

Again if you were going slower you wouldn't have to put yourself through this hassle. I have learned a long time ago going slower doesn't add that much time to my travel (and usually going faster just ment getting to the next traffic light sooner) and saved me so much hassle that comes with getting pulled over.

So slow down you'll live longer.

I've debunked the "speeding doesn't save time, or at least not significant time" many times.
I've debunked it in my own real-world studies.

Occasionally you'll get caught up to at red lights, but occasionally you'll also arrive 15 minutes earlier on a 30 minute drive because the slowpoke got caught by a 20 MPH moving train that's 3 miles long, the train you managed to avoid by mere seconds because you sped for mere seconds. The sucker gets caught by the falling traffic arms by mere seconds.

I'm sure if we graphed the time savings it would be a bell curve like anything else. Multiple 5 minutes saved by thousands of commute days in your lifetime, and suddenly you've lived years longer; at least outside of your car. If you call commuting living, well, then you win.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

@driver100:

I didn’t realize that 20% of all home/condo owners in the State of Florida are from foreign countries.  I would have thought that figure was closer to 10% with another 10% owned by out of State US citizens who winter in Florida.  

I see a few Canadian license plates in my condo community, but not 10% of the owners - perhaps less than 5% - none of them in my 48 unit building.

Technically since we are a republic anyone from outside the state of Florida but from the US would be considered a foreigner in Florida, those from outside the US would be aliens. 

nyccarguy

Michaell said:

@nyccarguy - hope you are able to get the AC issues sorted out. My wife would be absolutely nuts if this happened to us.

Got a plumbing question for you. We've been in our new house now for about 6 weeks. Lots and lots of projects are done or scheduled. Wife has now fixated on replacing both the kitchen and master bath faucets.

Kitchen sink is on an island with a granite countertop. Single faucet that simply doesn't have a high enough arc, nor have a long enough reach on the pull out, to wash our dachshunds.

The master bath has a double sink, and the faucets there don't come out far enough horizontally.

She doesn't want to go the Lowes/HD route, this time. What brands do you recommend?

You are going to want to spend some money on a really nicely crafted, durable faucet for the kitchen. I have a Hansgrohe (http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/) in my kitchen (as does my Dad). You might also want to take a look at grohe (https://www.grohe.com/). Those are European and will be cosly, but well built. I'd see if you can find a plumbing supply showroom somewhere in your area. I deal with a company Huntington Brass out of California that build nice faucets that are MIC (made in China).

pensfan83

Followed up with insurance today, they entered a no fault claim under my collision so I'm at the very least on the hook for my deductible unless they somehow locate the other driver which I have little to no hope of happening. The body shop I wanted to use was able to slot me in for an estimate this evening so things are moving forward.

The title for the Altima came in the mail on Saturday too so we are officially are down to 1 car payment now.

andres3

suydam said:

So it was actually 15 over.

I guess you could say that theoretically. But the Officer wrote on the ticket in the "safe speed" box "65 MPH" I was going 70 MPH according to him (alleged speed). Since it is in writing on the ticket, I'm pretty sure his testimony will follow according to what he wrote, or, if the story changes, it'll be exposed on cross examination that he seems to be telling two tall tales to the Court.

The prima facie speed limit is 65 MPH in my judgement (and the officer's apparently), backed by the 85th percentile. You'll have to ask the government why the sign says 55 is the speed limit. Thankfully, the sign doesn't say Maximum Speed Limit.

nyccarguy

pensfan83 said:

Followed up with insurance today, they entered a no fault claim under my collision so I'm at the very least on the hook for my deductible unless they somehow locate the other driver which I have little to no hope of happening. The body shop I wanted to use was able to slot me in for an estimate this evening so things are moving forward.

The title for the Altima came in the mail on Saturday too so we are officially are down to 1 car payment now.

"The title for the Altima came in the mail on Saturday too so we are officially are down to 1 car payment now."

What are you waiting for?