Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

berri

Why the Chevy "must have" copied the MB

snakeweasel

fintail said:

Protip: when calling out someone on language, only use quotes when showing what they actually said. I never said "fair share" in any context but pointing out that the Tax Foundation can be questionable. As many would say, especially those in lucky demographics, almost always lacking self-awareness, who have had a life that was more than fair, life isn't fair.

Using same language, words like "fair share" are to create envy and resentment. Cuts both ways.

There is no such thing as a "Fair Tax" as no matter how its structured someone gets the gold mine and someone gets the shaft.

snakeweasel

fintail said:

Three seasons - damp, blowtorch, smokescreen.

Actually, here in Seattle we have two seasons. The Rainy Season and August!

We only have two seasons, cold and construction.

snakeweasel

Mr_Shiftright said:

I had a minor health scare a couple years ago, too, which no doubt helps me along these lines. Sure, I could be more "responsible" or miserly, but life isn't all about how much you can save. You earn it, enjoy it a little.

I have to agree @fintail. I almost kicked the bucket last summer and it was a real wake-up. Not saying that I use that as a reason to spend irrationally and irresponsibly, but if I'm not taking time to enjoy life now AND save for later, what is the point?

One of the worst "sayings" is that "time is money" No. Money is elastic--you can "get" more if you need it, or spend less and have more money. Time is inelastic--you never had less time in your life than you have now available to you. You can't "get" more time. These two things can't be equal or "balanced".

I am going to challenge you on this. Time is money because we exchange our time for money, for some of us our time is more valuable then others and some can maximize the value of their time.

Case in point, on Friday my employer will deposit money into my bank account. They are doing it because I gave them my time. Now as you say I can get more money but to do that I must spend time. 

Now this is time I am giving to someone else doing what they want me to do in exchange for money. If I want more money I have to either make my time more valuable or expend more time.

Remember that this is time I am not spending on myself. 

So since we exchange our time for money time is money.

berri

I think he maybe meant that in the economic sense of "elasticity". On many things you can purchase or postpone, you can trade up or down on what you purchase within your ability, you can borrow to make a purchase or defer until you have the cash. etc.

sda

ab348 said:

thebean said:

Is it just me, or does the Benz GLE really look very similar to the Chevy Traverse?

It's just you.

You're not alone though.

That advertising campaign was such a stretch, I can't imagine anyone taking the bait. I did like the ESS look, but Ford did nothing to improve how it drove, horribly.

abacomike

What ever happened to jmonroe?  I really miss his intellect as well as his wry sense of humor.  His knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of automobiles and SUV’s is outstanding.  Come out, come out, wherever you are! 

berri

software change victim???

stickguy

maybe the 2 of them got into a fight and busted each other up?

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

Protip: when calling out someone on language, only use quotes when showing what they actually said. I never said "fair share" in any context but pointing out that the Tax Foundation can be questionable.

As many would say, especially those in lucky demographics, almost always lacking self-awareness, who have had a life that was more than fair, life isn't fair.

dino001 said:

Using same language, words like "fair share" are to create envy and resentment. Cuts both ways.

More to the subject of economics + cars, this is interesting:

"Borrowers in the U.S. are defaulting on subprime auto loans at a higher rate than during the financial crisis, according to Fitch Ratings. (5.8% default rate, highest since 1996).

Lenders are responding by pulling back on financing to applicants with shaky credit histories and requiring higher standards for loans that they bundle and sell on to investors."

Most financial institutions aren't alarmed by this, as asset back securities don't make up a large part of the auto credit market.

ab348

abacomike said:

What ever happened to jmonroe?  I really miss his intellect as well as his wry sense of humor.  His knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of automobiles and SUV’s is outstanding.  Come out, come out, wherever you are! 

Yeah, we need to get him back. He was having a lot of issues with the SSO switch and I don't know if they ever cleared that up. Does anyone know how to contact him outside of the forums?

cdnpinhead

abacomike said:

What ever happened to jmonroe?  I really miss his intellect as well as his wry sense of humor.  His knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of automobiles and SUV’s is outstanding.  Come out, come out, wherever you are! 

Speaking of which, what ever became of that pedestrian bridge that fell down in FL? Jmonroe & I exchanged some thoughts on that, and I never heard how it turned out.

fintail

It's the C-pillar and rear side window shape, there's a definite resemblance.

I think there's a new GLE coming for next year, I have seen interior renders with some weird designs.

thebean said:

Is it just me, or does the Benz GLE really look very similar to the Chevy Traverse?

fintail

I've always thought cars were pretty low risk - a well-run BHPH lot can probably make a fortune. Take down payments, high monthly payments, repo and repeat. I think there's been talk about subprime auto lending for awhile, but without much red alert.

Mr_Shiftright said:

More to the subject of economics + cars, this is interesting:

"Borrowers in the U.S. are defaulting on subprime auto loans at a higher rate than during the financial crisis, according to Fitch Ratings. (5.8% default rate, highest since 1996).

Lenders are responding by pulling back on financing to applicants with shaky credit histories and requiring higher standards for loans that they bundle and sell on to investors."

Most financial institutions aren't alarmed by this, as asset back securities don't make up a large part of the auto credit market.

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

What ever happened to jmonroe?  I really miss his intellect as well as his wry sense of humor.  His knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of automobiles and SUV’s is outstanding.  Come out, come out, wherever you are! 

Speaking of which, what ever became of that pedestrian bridge that fell down in FL? Jmonroe & I exchanged some thoughts on that, and I never heard how it turned out.

They just published new photos of that bridge days before it collapsed.  There were huge cracks in the concrete supports of the crossmembers which, according to investigators, was the major cause of the collapse.  Huge lawsuits have resulted against the General Contractor.

The investigation is not completed as of this date - but the finger pointing has begun.

If you Google FIU Bridge Collapse you will see the new photos of the huge cracks in the concrete of the  crossmember.

abacomike

ab348 said:

What ever happened to jmonroe?  I really miss his intellect as well as his wry sense of humor.  His knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of automobiles and SUV’s is outstanding.  Come out, come out, wherever you are! 

Yeah, we need to get him back. He was having a lot of issues with the SSO switch and I don't know if they ever cleared that up. Does anyone know how to contact him outside of the forums?

I would think driver100 should have that info.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

Oh, dear. Try not to re-post large posts with photos. It makes reading a lot harder for everyone. Thanks!

Yeh, it uses up way to much cyberspace........leave some for future generations!

driver100

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

abacomike said:

What ever happened to jmonroe?  I really miss his intellect as well as his wry sense of humor.  His knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of automobiles and SUV’s is outstanding.  Come out, come out, wherever you are! 

Yeah, we need to get him back. He was having a lot of issues with the SSO switch and I don't know if they ever cleared that up. Does anyone know how to contact him outside of the forums?

I would think driver100 should have that info.

I don't....I wish I did. I miss jmonroe....never shy. If you are lurking jm just come in under a new name and between these guys and the mods maybe we can get you back on track.

driver100

berri said:

Why the Chevy "must have" copied the MB

I think the MB has had that unique rear roof pillar design longer than the Chev model. That is all that is similar though....I think most people would recognize which one is which.

graphicguy

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

I know that Q traced my old Caddy to Columbus, OH but I never did find out how they branded the buyback or if they resold it at all. IF they did, I can see them describing the reason for buy back as “new wiring harness”....no mention of it catching on fire, or that they couldn’t make a wiring harness that would fit, etc, etc, etc!/blockquote>

I recall I traced that VIN using BMV records and the title showed it registered to GM in Columbus. I speculated it might have been put in service at a vocational school where cars are donated by manufacturers? If you still have the VIN, let's give it a try again. See where the title is, if still in Ohio

IMID....sorry, I thought it was @qbrozen who traced the Caddy. After Cadillac’s buy back check cleared, I shredded all the paperwork what went with it. I’m sure somewhere in the nether regions of these threads, the VIN# is stated somewhere by me. I’m just too lazy to look for it.

Thanks!

thebean

Gosh, I hope Mrs @jmonroe didn't finally chase him down around the dining room table and catch him.

imidazol97

I found the cause of one of my quirks about the new login for Forums.

When I cleared my cookies and other extra files to speed up my old OS and laptop, the first login when I type "forums.edmunds.com" was not recognized and instead the chrome was logging into the home page I had designated which was to the OLD Forums with the login box on the left side of the page instead the right side.

I changed my homepage to forums.edmunds.com, so it will take me properly to the Insider login.

stickguy

Shopped car insurance today now that down a driver. And renewal up on 9/1. Allstate actually came in over 20% less than current (AAA). Was surprised. But 6 month not 12. Annualized though, less than $1,200 for full coverage on both cars. I can live with that. Plus comes with an agent a 1/2 mile from my house to talk to.

Homeowners also drops about the same %.

Will probably call liberty this afternoon to get a comparison, but likely going back to Allstate.

Man, ditching the kid and her car made a big difference.

Mr_Shiftright

Be careful, though. Many insurance companies low-ball you to get you in, and then jack you up after a year or two.

28firefighter

As long as you're incident free, Allstate is great. If you have a minor anything, prepare for your rates to go up 25-40%.

driver100

stickguy said:

Shopped car insurance today now that down a driver. And renewal up on 9/1. Allstate actually came in over 20% less than current (AAA). Was surprised. But 6 month not 12.

We have Allstate in Florida....one of the few insurers who will write up a Canadian. Most don't want to be bothered trying to check past history, they don't get that Canadians want at least $1 million liability, and we don't conform in other ways....home ownership, etc.

The problem I find with Allstate is I have no idea what their invoices mean.....they give you a high rate, then subtract for all kinds of things, having ABS, having blind spot monitoring, no accidents, having air bags, for being a long term customer (sucker) etc....and with all the extra savings........my rates keep going up and I think they are higher than if I switched...if I could find someone.

Then I tried AARP and went through a lengthy questionaire and they ended up being $90 more. The guy said but "Don't you want to support AARP". I said "Not really, I couldn't care less about AARP except the discounts I get at hotels and restaurants" :@

Mr_Shiftright

I often wonder what AARP actually does for seniors in any meaningful way.

xwesx

Mr_Shiftright said:

I often wonder what AARP actually does for seniors in any meaningful way.

He just told you! Discounts at hotels and restaurants!

ab348

imidazol97 said:

I found the cause of one of my quirks about the new login for Forums.

When I cleared my cookies and other extra files to speed up my old OS and laptop, the first login when I type "forums.edmunds.com" was not recognized and instead the chrome was logging into the home page I had designated which was to the OLD Forums with the login box on the left side of the page instead the right side.

I changed my homepage to forums.edmunds.com, so it will take me properly to the Insider login.

How is "forums.edmunds.com" different from "forums.edmunds.com"?

thebean

Mr_Shiftright said:

I often wonder what AARP actually does for seniors in any meaningful way.

Excellent question. I don't believe it's anything much at all. If it weren't for the hotel discounts, I wouldn't bother with them.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

I often wonder what AARP actually does for seniors in any meaningful way.

They also have great ads for very simple computers that seniors can use.....and cell phones with large buttons that have huge numbers....and you can only use them for actually calling people.

driver100

thebean said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I often wonder what AARP actually does for seniors in any meaningful way.

Excellent question. I don't believe it's anything much at all. If it weren't for the hotel discounts, I wouldn't bother with them.

For my $10 a year I get a nice insulated bag to carry drinks etc., and I save on hotels....and 15% at Denny's. The Canadian version, called CARP, does do some lobbying for seniors, and does try to pass legislation that is beneficial to seniors. The Canadian one has gotten some beneficial legislation passed.......and, I think it is a good idea to have someone looking out for our interests. To be fair, they do have some excellent articles in their newspaper too....about managing money and health issues.

stickguy

If I switch and they decide to jack my rates up later, I just search anew and switch again. I really would rather just stay with my current place through AAA, but they are higher (a lot) across the board on both policies. Guess because I have been with them for 4 years, I am old news.

could call them back to ask for a better rate, but have never had luck with that. They would rather let you walk than negotiate.

stickguy

we were with Allstate for years actually in the past. Only switched when our son got his license. Stopped at the agent to have him added, and they gave me the new amount. Was a little higher than hoped for, but not too much, so I was going to live with it. Until I discovered that was the increase for him, not the total. I almost had a heart attack. Switched to Liberty for barely any increase.

I forget the exact numbers, but something like we were paying $2000/yr, and they wanted an additional $3,000 just for him.

Agent did say that we were the exact demographic they wanted. Old, boring, don't drive much. Pretty much free money to them.

xwesx

stickguy said:

we were with Allstate for years actually in the past. Only switched when our son got his license. Stopped at the agent to have him added, and they gave me the new amount. Was a little higher than hoped for, but not too much, so I was going to live with it. Until I discovered that was the increase for him, not the total. I almost had a heart attack. Switched to Liberty for barely any increase.

I forget the exact numbers, but something like we were paying $2000/yr, and they wanted an additional $3,000 just for him.

Agent did say that we were the exact demographic they wanted. Old, boring, don't drive much. Pretty much free money to them.

That is one thing I find surprising with these companies: They really don't care about your loyalty at all. I have a separate policy on my Q7 than the rest of my fleet, because insuring that car through my primary Allstate policy, which I have had for 21 years, is just insanely expensive. Through State Farm, I pay almost exactly half the amount they wanted for it, and I have better coverage. The only benefit I really see to the Allstate policy is that I have had it so long that I qualify for "unlimited accident forgiveness." Basically, they have fleeced me so much over the years that they won't drop me or raise my rates due to claims (or so they say). Also, when asking about the prospect of adding my son to my policy, it was only about 15% higher than adding a car myself. In other words, shockingly reasonable!

carnaught

Let’s face it. The insurance companies have to charge a lot. They have to pay for all that advertsing, all the commercials coming in between those for medications.

Mr_Shiftright

xwesx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I often wonder what AARP actually does for seniors in any meaningful way.

He just told you! Discounts at hotels and restaurants!

DOH! I knew that.

henryn

From WikiPedia:

According to the group's official history, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP in 1958. AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which Andrus had established in 1947 to promote her philosophy of productive aging, and to promote health insurance for retired teachers. After ten years, she opened the organization to all Americans over 50, creating AARP.[8] Today, the NRTA is a division within AARP.[9]

Critics of AARP offer an alternative version of the group's origins. 60 Minutes reported in a 1978 exposé that AARP had been established as a marketing device by Leonard Davis, founder of the Colonial Penn Group insurance companies, after he met Ethel Percy Andrus.[10] According to critics, until the 1980s AARP was controlled by Davis, who promoted its image as a non-profit advocate of retirees in order to sell insurance to members.[11] Possibly as a result of this report, AARP conducted a competitive bidding process, and, in 1980, shifted the insurance contracts available to members to Prudential Financial.[12]

In the 1990s, the United States Senate investigated AARP's non-profit status, with Republican Senator Alan K. Simpson, then chairman of the United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, questioning the organization's tax-exempt status in congressional hearings. According to Charles Blahous, the investigations did not reveal sufficient evidence to change the organization's status,[13] though in an interview years later by the Des Moines Register, Senator Simpson remained "troubled by AARP's practices", calling AARP "the biggest marketing operation in America and money-maker" and an organization whose practices are "the greatest abuse of American generosity I witnessed in my time in the U.S. Senate".[14]

henryn

I have no opinion on the matter myself, and I don't belong. So take the above for whatever it's worth (or not worth).

henryn

xwesx said:

That is one thing I find surprising with these companies: They really don't care about your loyalty at all.

I would raise an exception to that rule for USAA.

driver100

henryn said:

I have no opinion on the matter myself, and I don't belong. So take the above for whatever it's worth (or not worth).

Of course they will try to be tax exempt and they make money from many services they offer. What organization wouldn't? And sure they mail you lots of ads a week and they push their own products and collect from advertisers....but, the news magazine alone is worth $10 a year, and you can buy their stuff or not. And, they do advocate for seniors. It is what it is.....not a huge fan, but, no reason to mock it either (not you henryn, but 60 Minutes looking for a fake news story etc)

driver100

driver100 said:

henryn said:

I have no opinion on the matter myself, and I don't belong. So take the above for whatever it's worth (or not worth).

Of course they will try to be tax exempt and they make money from many services they offer. What organization wouldn't? And sure they mail you lots of ads a week and they push their own products and collect from advertisers....but, the news magazine alone is worth $10 a year, and you can buy their stuff or not. And, they do advocate for seniors. It is what it is.....not a huge fan, but, no reason to mock it either (not you henryn, but 60 Minutes looking for a fake news story etc)

Meant to edit......but, I'll add it here.....besides, how would seniors find out about simple to use computers


The big, bright screen is easy to see and push button navigation makes getting around a snap. The touch screen makes learning how to use the WOW! Computer so much more intuitive too - you can simply reach out and touch what you want to do. Also, for people who may have physical challenges like arthritis, for instance, using a keyboard and mouse may prove difficult. These users often find the touch screen much more accessible because they can simply touch the icons on the screen to get going.

berri

Isn't State Farm a mutual insurance company - owned by its members instead of a publicly traded corporation? If so, they may issue dividends to their insured annually which should be considered a reduction in the insured's net out of pocket cost annually. It can be hard to compare these things sometimes. I know USAA issues a dividend to an insured's holder account each year, but the amount varies annually based on overall claims claims payouts and the like for that year.

iluvmysephia1

Dudes, Bill Luke Chrysler of Tempe took the '17 Sentra SR Turbo 6-speed selling for only $11,598 away to auction. That was a nice sample  of what I want next.

Or a 2013 and/on Ford Focus ST. Kia and their Forte sedan and hatch look good, too, with a nice refresh for 2019. One more year then I'll start drawing the Boeing pension - save up a year of pension payments and then buy our next rig with cash. So that makes two more years with our 2011 Kia Soul 5-speed. 

henryn

berri said:

Isn't State Farm a mutual insurance company - owned by its members instead of a publicly traded corporation? If so, they may issue dividends to their insured annually which should be considered a reduction in the insured's net out of pocket cost annually. It can be hard to compare these things sometimes. I know USAA issues a dividend to an insured's holder account each year, but the amount varies annually based on overall claims claims payouts and the like for that year.

Yes, USAA is a non-profit. Any money left over goes back to the members. There are a lot of retired military living in Florida and Hawaii. The hurricane bearing down on Hawaii right now is probably going to cost me money. Sigh.

xwesx

henryn said:

berri said:

Isn't State Farm a mutual insurance company - owned by its members instead of a publicly traded corporation? If so, they may issue dividends to their insured annually which should be considered a reduction in the insured's net out of pocket cost annually. It can be hard to compare these things sometimes. I know USAA issues a dividend to an insured's holder account each year, but the amount varies annually based on overall claims claims payouts and the like for that year.

Yes, USAA is a non-profit. Any money left over goes back to the members. There are a lot of retired military living in Florida and Hawaii. The hurricane bearing down on Hawaii right now is probably going to cost me money. Sigh.

Well, that's okay. You took your turn last year, right? Would you rather it be bearing down there again?

pensfan83

When my body shop let me know the damage was mostly superficial and wouldn't require any replacement parts he went on to share that many insurance companies, particularly the big national won't spring for OEM parts...even if it's the same or last model year. To those who lease that may not matter unless but if a buyout was planned but or if the vehicle was purchased I could see why people would be upset with that policy. My insurance company, which is regional, will allow shops to use OEM parts for the current and past 2 model years so I would have been fine had it needed anything.

driver100

I had a call today from "Dealer Services". I had a bad feeling when I saw the 927 area code.......and when he stumbled and had to look for my name.
Then he said, "This is Dealer services, calling about your Volkswagon Passat....." and that is when I said we traded in that car 2 years ago.....and then hung up.
I didn't waste my time telling him to take me off their list, I have told them that every month for the last 2 years :@

henryn

When the hood was stolen off my new F150 (less than a year old), I took it in to the Ford dealers body shop. They were not "approved" by USAA, which means that an adjuster had to go by the shop, look at the truck, and approve their estimate. But it was fixed, and fixed right, with Ford parts, and USAA had no problem with that. It did take a few extra days (because of the need for the adjuster to go by the body shop), but I was in a rental car and was in no great hurry.

USAA treats you right. It would take a really really big (something?) to make me ever consider any other insurance company.

pensfan83

When my wife and I got married we went with my insurance company, Erie, versus hers which was AAA. We flirted with changing insurance companies a few years ago but the quotes we received for auto, home, personal liability seemed suspiciously low. We obviously don't know for certain but we suspected they were probably teaser rates and it would take very little for the rate to go up.