Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

suydam

Took the Encore in for service today. It’s the first one I’ve paid for, as the first two years were free. Has a shade under 29000 miles, but oil life was showing low. Everything else running perfectly at the moment. Tires and brake pads still good. So far after 3 1/2 years I have spent a total of $40. And it’s still under warranty for another several months.

graphicguy

Re: Insurance.

Someone mentioned State Farm. I had them. After having to use them, they were the most arrogant, obstinate and unhelpful insurance company I’ve ever encountered. I dropped them like a hot potato. Don’t believe their ads. If they can try to misdirect, misinterpret, launch into legal jumbo jumbo to keep from paying a claim, they will.

It’s not just their local people who succumb to this. This stems from corporate on down.

@iluvmysephia1 ...no surprise the dealer is taking that Sentra to auction. I would like to see what it sells for with a “manufacturer buy back title”. Some dealer will take another chance on it. But, I’d be willing the selling price will be south of 5 figures. Still not sure that would be any sort of deal on that car.

Speaking of Buy Backs, as if on cue, I got a call from the guy who sold me my last CTS last night to tell me about all the programs Cadillac has going on right now. Understand, this guy not only sold me the car (to replace the other Cadillac with problems) and worked with me on all the paperwork that needed for a couple of weeks. He also was involved with me for the months my other Cadillac was in their shop and all the paperwork GM wanted before writing me the buy back check. In brief, we had spent quite a bit of time together.

Anyway, I asked him why he would even think of calling me to try to get me into the dealership for a new car. He feigned ignorance and claimed he didn’t know about the troubles I had with my CTS(s). I replayed all the troubles, transactions, the paperwork we had to go through, the weeks and months we communicated back and forth. He said he remembers none of it.

I left him with “I don’t think you’re senile. But, make it a point to erase my phone number, my email, my address from your list”. Anyone who doesn’t remember that entire fiasco, isn’t someone I’d likely do business with again.” I did tell him to have a good day, and wished him good luck. But, didn’t wait around for any reply before I hung up.

dino001

Most likely none of franchise dealers will take it. At best it will land in those large "buy here-pay here" places or worse, local small used car loca may be tempted, if the price is low enough. You know the guy, one that doesn't have Carfax (you have to bring one yourself).

Mr_Shiftright

Ah, dealers with "mouse houses" (dealer acting as the bank).

abacomike

driver100 said:

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 :@

Ditto

abacomike

henryn 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.

I have tried to get USAA insurance for my car for 7 years now - but they want over $4000 a year for full coverages.  That’s twice what I pay Liberty Mutual.  Additionally, they are $1500 more than all that other major insurers.  Their rates for south Florida are humongous.  And i am a member of USAA.

henryn

abacomike said:

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.

I have tried to get USAA insurance for my car for 7 years now - but they want over $4000 a year for full coverages.  That’s twice what I pay Liberty Mutual.  Additionally, they are $1500 more than all that other major insurers.  Their rates for south Florida are humongous.  And i am a member of USAA.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It does have a lot to do with where you live. When I lived out in the boonies, my car insurance was really cheap. Now, inside the loop, it is much more expensive. But that's actually understandable. I lived out in the boonies for 10 years, never had a single claim. 8 years in the city, 3 claims (twice I was ran over, and once had the hood stolen). People living in the city, especially the inner city, are going to have more claims. Therefore, you're going to pay more for car insurance.

USAA was the cheapest when I lived out in the boonies, by quite a margin. Now they're not, but they are within reasonable distance of the cheapest quotes. So I will just stay where I am, and keep enjoying their great service.

I have no idea why USAA doesn't like South Florida. I know that a lot of their members are retired military living in Florida, so I would think they would favor Florida.

dino001

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

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 :@

Ditto

They really got aggressive. I wasn't getting these calls, I I'm getting them, too. In my case, it's not a person, just a robot. I tried to get off (sometimes, if you wait to the end, it gives you opportunity to be removed from their list), but this scammer wanted me to press 1 "NOW". When I didn't, it just hang up.

abacomike

I had to run over to Publix (super market) yesterday for a few things.  It’s a very busy store so finding a parking space is not easy.  I circled the entire parking lot and finally found someone getting ready to back out of a spot.  So I put my flashers on waiting for them to put their groceries into their trunk.

They finally pull out and I turned off my flashers on put on my right directional signal to let the car behind me that I was making a right turn into that spot.  Before I knew it, this young man pulls around me and drives into the spot.  I missed hitting him by inches.

I got out of my car to confront him for “stealing” my parking space.  An employee who picks up shopping baskets in the lot saw the whole thing and as I begin to admonish him along with the Publix employee, he gives both of us the “bird” and told us to f..k ourselves and left to go into the store.

The Publix employee said that this happens frequently in the parking lot and had often missed being hit by cars rushing into parking spaces.

When he left, I seriously thought of revenge - taking my house key and carving a response to his actions and foul mouth using his side door for my message.  But, I got realistic about the possible consequences to that revenge strategy and got back in my car and found another spot in the next row of cars.

Now I ask you all - don’t thoughts of mayhem against a “felonious crumb” like that young man dash through your thoughts in order to punish someone for treating you badly and taking what was rightfully yours?  I so badly wanted to get even with that jerk - it took tremendous willpower on my part to stop myself from a step below murder! 

dino001

abacomike said:

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.

I have tried to get USAA insurance for my car for 7 years now - but they want over $4000 a year for full coverages.  That’s twice what I pay Liberty Mutual.  Additionally, they are $1500 more than all that other major insurers.  Their rates for south Florida are humongous.  And i am a member of USAA.

They really hate your gut there, Mike. My insurance never crossed equivalent of $1450/yr (typically my insurers sell 6 month coverages), but for years I've had more like 1100-1200, sometimes less. My coverages are typically highest offered liability, standard 500 deductible and reduced uninsured. My PIP portion is usually the smallest.

But there are some insurers that hate me, too. Liberty has never come with anything remotely competitive, Geico has always been higher. One or two other also came with some rates out of their rear ends. I've had best prices with Progressive, Travelers and Ameriprise, until the last one jacked up my premium by 50 percent on nothing other than me refinancing the house. I think they just simply wanted out, as later they pulled out from new policies altogether. There was a ramp up in fraud in Florida in both home and auto policies and some insurers drastically pulled their horns. It seems to have normalized since, at least here. One time I got Allstate, but they jacked up prices after a year by 20 percent, then another 20 on the very next renewal (just 6 months after the first jackup), so I thanked them.

I always wondered how different businesses can have so different risk models that come up with 50-100 percent spreads in rates for the same product for the same people.

dino001

abacomike said:

I had to run over to Publix (super market) yesterday for a few things.  It’s a very busy store so finding a parking space is not easy.  I circled the entire parking lot and finally found someone getting ready to back out of a spot.  So I put my flashers on waiting for them to put their groceries into their trunk.

They finally pull out and I turned off my flashers on put on my right directional signal to let the car behind me that I was making a right turn into that spot.  Before I knew it, this young man pulls around me and drives into the spot.  I missed hitting him by inches.

I got out of my car to confront him for “stealing” my parking space.  An employee who picks up shopping baskets in the lot saw the whole thing and as I begin to admonish him along with the Publix employee, he gives both of us the “bird” and told us to f..k ourselves and left to go into the store.

The Publix employee said that this happens frequently in the parking lot and had often missed being hit by cars rushing into parking spaces.

When he left, I seriously thought of revenge - taking my house key and carving a response to his actions and foul mouth using his side door for my message.  But, I got realistic about the possible consequences to that revenge strategy and got back in my car and found another spot in the next row of cars.

Now I ask you all - don’t thoughts of mayhem against a “felonious crumb” like that young man dash through your thoughts in order to punish someone for treating you badly and taking what was rightfully yours?  I so badly wanted to get even with that jerk - it took tremendous willpower on my part to stop myself from a step below murder! 

Karma, Mike, karma. Let the fellow bask in his short "victory". One day it will all pay him back.

abacomike

dino001 said:

henryn 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.

I have tried to get USAA insurance for my car for 7 years now - but they want over $4000 a year for full coverages.  That’s twice what I pay Liberty Mutual.  Additionally, they are $1500 more than all that other major insurers.  Their rates for south Florida are humongous.  And i am a member of USAA.

They really hate your gut there, Mike. My insurance never crossed equivalent of $1450/yr (typically my insurers sell 6 month coverages), but for years I've had more like 1100-1200, sometimes less. My coverages are typically highest offered liability, standard 500 deductible and reduced uninsured. My PIP portion is usually the smallest. But there are some insurers that hate me, too. Liberty has never come with anything remotely competitive, Geico has always been higher. One or two other also came with some rates out of their rear ends. I've had best prices with Progressive, Travelers and Ameriprise, until the last one jacked up my premium by 50 percent on nothing other than me refinancing the house. I think they just simply wanted out, as later they pulled out from new policies altogether. There was a ramp up in fraud in Florida in both home and auto policies and some insurers drastically pulled their horns. It seems to have normalized since, at least here. One time I got Allstate, but they jacked up prices after a year by 20 percent, then another 20 on the very next renewal (just 6 months after the first jackup), so I thanked them. I always wondered how different businesses can have so different risk models that come up with 50-100 percent spreads in rates for the same product for the same people.

Has nothing to do with hate, Dino.  I don’t know anyone who has USAA auto or home insurance down here.  They won’t even quote me a rate for condo insurance because they are not insurers in this market.

USAA wanted $2100 for 6 months coverage on my S450 driven under 9000 miles a year, no accident, tickets and a FICO score of 826+ on all credit agency reports.  I pay half that amount!

stickguy

just going to 4 insurers the last 2 days (bigger names, not online only), the spread is huge. As in roughly double, but it is hard to compare "features". so apples to apples, annualized roughtly $1,200-2,200.

I just can't understand why it varies so much for what is basically a commodity. And we are about as boring (insurance wise) as you can get. They should be fighting to get us!

pensfan83

@abacomike you should really think of going to a different grocery store at this point

driver100

GG no surprise the dealer is taking that Sentra to auction. I would like to see what it sells for with a “manufacturer buy back title”.

I suppose that car will be purchased by a small indie dealer, and he won't have to mention the car was a Buy Back. That is one reason I find buying a used car from a small dealer is a real gamble, unless the dealer has a great record of reviews.

driver100

Mike I so badly wanted to get even with that jerk - it took tremendous willpower on my part to stop myself from a step below murder!

That was probably my son-in-law driving that car....sounds like him. Like I say.....forgive and forget is nonsense....the best way to get even is revenge! But, you can't in this case, but, like me, what you have to remember is this moron will go through life with no conscience, no remorse, no empathy or feelings for others....., so he doesn't have much of a life. It is sad when the world would be a better place....if he wasn't around.....hope that ends up on his gravestone.

jmonroe1

graphicguy said:

Re: Insurance.

Someone mentioned State Farm. I had them. After having to use them, they were the most arrogant, obstinate and unhelpful insurance company I’ve ever encountered. I dropped them like a hot potato. Don’t believe their ads. If they can try to misdirect, misinterpret, launch into legal jumbo jumbo to keep from paying a claim, they will.

It’s not just their local people who succumb to this. This stems from corporate on down.

@iluvmysephia1 ...no surprise the dealer is taking that Sentra to auction. I would like to see what it sells for with a “manufacturer buy back title”. Some dealer will take another chance on it. But, I’d be willing the selling price will be south of 5 figures. Still not sure that would be any sort of deal on that car.

Speaking of Buy Backs, as if on cue, I got a call from the guy who sold me my last CTS last night to tell me about all the programs Cadillac has going on right now. Understand, this guy not only sold me the car (to replace the other Cadillac with problems) and worked with me on all the paperwork that needed for a couple of weeks. He also was involved with me for the months my other Cadillac was in their shop and all the paperwork GM wanted before writing me the buy back check. In brief, we had spent quite a bit of time together.

Anyway, I asked him why he would even think of calling me to try to get me into the dealership for a new car. He feigned ignorance and claimed he didn’t know about the troubles I had with my CTS(s). I replayed all the troubles, transactions, the paperwork we had to go through, the weeks and months we communicated back and forth. He said he remembers none of it.

I left him with “I don’t think you’re senile. But, make it a point to erase my phone number, my email, my address from your list”. Anyone who doesn’t remember that entire fiasco, isn’t someone I’d likely do business with again.” I did tell him to have a good day, and wished him good luck. But, didn’t wait around for any reply before I hung up.

WOW, you have to be a pretty miserable person to get a robot ticked-off enough that it hangs up on you.

jmonroe

Edit: this site is more screwed up than I thought. This post was supposed to go to @dino001 not GG. :@

xwesx

abacomike said:

Now I ask you all - don’t thoughts of mayhem against a “felonious crumb” like that young man dash through your thoughts in order to punish someone for treating you badly and taking what was rightfully yours?  I so badly wanted to get even with that jerk - it took tremendous willpower on my part to stop myself from a step below murder! 

Yep. Back when I drove my C20 on a regular basis, and cars were generally more durable, I dealt a few times with people who would steal a designated parking spot I had for a couple years. I got to where I would just park behind them with my bumper to theirs, go into my building and call the local police shop to ticket them. They would get a $75 fine, which was a lot back in the 90s (comparatively), then wait for them to return. When they would, I would go down, admonish them for their actions, move out of the way, let them go, and then park.

I had a lot more time on my hands back then.

Another time, I had this little car park so close to me that I couldn't get into my truck. I had to go around the passenger side and slide over. Once I was in, I backed out, pulled up behind them, and pushed the car over the bump stop. It was a low car, so it rested on the stop (e.g., likely high-centered). I got a great laugh about that one, but did not stick around to see what the reaction was.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

;Before I knew it, this young man pulls around me and drives into the spot.  I missed hitting him by inches

Today had an MDX pass on the right because I and the two cars sort of behind me were only going 70 in the 65 zone immediately outside the 55 zone on the interstate. He zoomed around, I guess showing everyone how fast his dealer plates on the car were. He then made two more lane changes 1 mile up and I was stopped behind him at the stoplight on the ramp to go to one of the Walmarts. I just smiled, hoping he would see me in his otuside rearview mirror.

My wife was laughing at him. The OSP occasionally catches folks zooming through at the exit before he got off. I was hoping...

qbrozen

Just once when someone parked too close to me that I had to get in the passenger side did I leave a note under their wiper. That is the whole extent of my "parking lot rage."

imidazol97

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

imidazol97

My new barber was talking about her mother in Florida having trouble getting insurance on her doublewide in Daytona. The company sent the check back. Apparently they'd decided they were covering in that area.
Hurricanes?

Mr_Shiftright

Mobile homes are risky--they tend to disintegrate in storms.

ab348

imidazol97 said:

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

I've had my retirement account parked in (low) interest-bearing securities ever since the last blip in the spring. Now I know the markets have recovered all that and more in the months since, but that's OK. I feel there is a big correction due soon.

ab348

jmonroe1 said:

WOW, you have to be a pretty miserable person to get a robot ticked-off enough that it hangs up on you.

jmonroe

Edit: this site is more screwed up than I thought. This post was supposed to go to @dino001 not GG. :@

Welcome back, @jmonroe ... er, @jmonroe1 !!

jmonroe1

Mr_Shiftright said:

Mobile homes are risky--they tend to disintegrate in storms.

I have a theory about mobile homes and storms and hurricanes. Since they seem to attract bad weather, if they passed a law banning them, there would be no reason for bad weather to exist. That being the case, the world would a better place to live.

@jmonroe1 for president.

jmonroe

kyfdx

imidazol97 said:

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

If I knew that, I'd be rich.

Not getting into politics, it seems there is a lot of political risk in the world, right now. So, it's not what you think will probably happen, it's the level of chance that something negative will happen.

I think the Fed is doing a great job with interest rates. Some call it tightening, but as you mentioned, I think of it as normalizing rates. For exactly the reason you mention.

I play around with trading around the edges, but I still have a 35 year investment horizon. I have no interest in getting to a certain point, then putting everything in cash or bonds to mitigate risk. My first 35 years of investing tell me to stay invested through ups and downs.

I'm pretty aggressive, though. Easily 85%+ in equities.

So, if the market takes a hit, I will be sad.. but, still fully invested.

Mr_Shiftright

ab348 said:

imidazol97 said:

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

I've had my retirement account parked in (low) interest-bearing securities ever since the last blip in the spring. Now I know the markets have recovered all that and more in the months since, but that's OK. I feel there is a big correction due soon.

I think the U.S. dollar getting stronger is not necessarily a good thing--it's complicated. This strengthening might put a big strain on some foreign economies, and the global economy is a lot more fragile than people might think--if things go south in one place, then the whole structure starts to react.

I'm holding tight in a very diversified portfolio and leaning more toward fixed income investments. I feel this "strong economy" is too debt-driven, not productivity-driven, and stocks are leveraged way out and over-valued.

dino001

abacomike said:

Has nothing to do with hate, Dino.  I don’t know anyone who has USAA auto or home insurance down here.  They won’t even quote me a rate for condo insurance because they are not insurers in this market.

USAA wanted $2100 for 6 months coverage on my S450 driven under 9000 miles a year, no accident, tickets and a FICO score of 826+ on all credit agency reports.  I pay half that amount!

I know, it's not a literal hate, it was a figurative speech.

jmonroe1

ab348 said:

jmonroe1 said:

WOW, you have to be a pretty miserable person to get a robot ticked-off enough that it hangs up on you.

jmonroe

Edit: this site is more screwed up than I thought. This post was supposed to go to @dino001 not GG. :@

Welcome back, @jmonroe ... er, @jmonroe1 !!

Thanks.

I have some catching up to do but I have a dilemma. I'm not sure the best way to go a about it. Should I do blitz posting like @andres3 or some long posts like @iluvmysephia1? Maybe I should let you guys decide.

jmonroe

suydam

Or follow your usual practice and do both.

stickguy

I vote quantity over quality.

stickguy

Took the plunge and switched back to Allstate. If they screw with me in 6 months, can always back. And talked myself into the fancy plan to get the rebate check. What a sucker.

oldfarmer50

Well, I like that! Jmonroe comes back as his alter ego and gets a hero`s welcome while I struggle back to crickets. Mr.monroe probally has a whole IT department to help him while I have to wait until my son goes out to steal his tablet like a thief in order to enter the Edmunds inner sanctum. How about some love people?

I have half a mind not to tell you guys that I bought my convertible. It`s a 2000 Sebring, the last year with the Mitsu 6cyl engine. Sebrings were sludgemobiles for the next 6 years and were off my list. It`s a silver over black Limited trim level with leather and Infinity stereo. Even has a CD player which is cool for an 18 yo car. Paid about 8% of MSRP which is whereI like to be. Has 80,000 miles so I`m hoping it still has 50% of it`s life left for 8% of sticker. Appeals to my cheap nature.

I had to go 3 hours away to MA because the local offerings were junk including one where the seller took pictures from just the right angles to hide all the dents and defects.

That Mass Pike is the WORST road to travel and I`ve driven rt. 287 in NJ. Anyway, i know the top doesn't leak because it poured all the way home.

I'd post pictures but don't have that capibility from this tablet.

dino001

imidazol97 said:

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

I don't know what happens in next months. However, I know that no matter who was in power or what the economic policies were, if you take any 20-year period, stock market beats every market class. Take a 20-year ruler and slide it along the time line on Dow or S&P500 chart and you'll see it. This means of course that fortunately, so those two parties differ by a lot, yet not that much after all, in the grandest scheme of things. We didn't have anybody like Chavez or Mugabe in power, thank God (those numbers would have been different then). At least until now and let's how it stays that way.

So I'm not concerned about next rate hike, or next "correction" (BTW, why do we call a fall correction? What's so "correct" about a fall vs. raise, especially if the natural move is actually up?) or even "bear market". My accumulation and return period is still over 20 years.

Now, about rates - it's about time. I think it was quite unfair to punish savers in favor of spenders and deadbeats (this is a "color" commentary, I know it's more complicated than that) for this long. It's really not a matter of market returns, it's about fairness.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

imidazol97 said:

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

I've had my retirement account parked in (low) interest-bearing securities ever since the last blip in the spring. Now I know the markets have recovered all that and more in the months since, but that's OK. I feel there is a big correction due soon.

I heard today that analysts say there is still 25-50% possible upside before the market turns. My money is in the same value type mutual funds that pay 2-5% dividends for the last 9 years. Since I retired we take the dividends instead of reinvesting them. My investments don`t have the big up side potential but they don't drop as much in pullbacks. I've averaged 10% yearly gains since 2009.

driver100

Mike I so badly wanted to get even with that jerk - it took tremendous willpower on my part to stop myself from a step below murder!

jmonroe1 said:

graphicguy said:

Re: Insurance.

Someone mentioned State Farm. I had them. After having to use them, they were the most arrogant, obstinate and unhelpful insurance company I’ve ever encountered. I dropped them like a hot potato. Don’t believe their ads. If they can try to misdirect, misinterpret, launch into legal jumbo jumbo to keep from paying a claim, they will.

It’s not just their local people who succumb to this. This stems from corporate on down.

@iluvmysephia1 ...no surprise the dealer is taking that Sentra to auction. I would like to see what it sells for with a “manufacturer buy back title”. Some dealer will take another chance on it. But, I’d be willing the selling price will be south of 5 figures. Still not sure that would be any sort of deal on that car.

Speaking of Buy Backs, as if on cue, I got a call from the guy who sold me my last CTS last night to tell me about all the programs Cadillac has going on right now. Understand, this guy not only sold me the car (to replace the other Cadillac with problems) and worked with me on all the paperwork that needed for a couple of weeks. He also was involved with me for the months my other Cadillac was in their shop and all the paperwork GM wanted before writing me the buy back check. In brief, we had spent quite a bit of time together.

Anyway, I asked him why he would even think of calling me to try to get me into the dealership for a new car. He feigned ignorance and claimed he didn’t know about the troubles I had with my CTS(s). I replayed all the troubles, transactions, the paperwork we had to go through, the weeks and months we communicated back and forth. He said he remembers none of it.

I left him with “I don’t think you’re senile. But, make it a point to erase my phone number, my email, my address from your list”. Anyone who doesn’t remember that entire fiasco, isn’t someone I’d likely do business with again.” I did tell him to have a good day, and wished him good luck. But, didn’t wait around for any reply before I hung up.

WOW, you have to be a pretty miserable person to get a robot ticked-off enough that it hangs up on you.

jmonroe

Edit: this site is more screwed up than I thought. This post was supposed to go to @dino001 not GG. :@

Yehhhh! He's back, but now jmonroe1 is as grouchy as the original.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

Mike I so badly wanted to get even with that jerk - it took tremendous willpower on my part to stop myself from a step below murder!

That was probably my son-in-law driving that car....sounds like him. Like I say.....forgive and forget is nonsense....the best way to get even is revenge! But, you can't in this case, but, like me, what you have to remember is this moron will go through life with no conscience, no remorse, no empathy or feelings for others....., so he doesn't have much of a life. It is sad when the world would be a better place....if he wasn't around.....hope that ends up on his gravestone.

I bet he was driving his ex-wife`s car and was hoping you`d trash it.

driver100

jmonroe1 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Mobile homes are risky--they tend to disintegrate in storms.

I have a theory about mobile homes and storms and hurricanes. Since they seem to attract bad weather, if they passed a law banning them, there would be no reason for bad weather to exist. That being the case, the world would a better place to live.

@jmonroe1 for president.

jmonroe

And he has a better sense of humor!

dino001

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

imidazol97 said:

Without bringing politics into the thinking please,
what do folks here who invest in equities and cash equivalents feel about the markets for the next many months?

Any ideas? I do hear financial commentators say another rate hike by the independent Fed will bring the rates into what's considered the normal range for first time in 10 years approx. Rates being in that position allows the Fed to raise or lower rates to control the economy.

I've had my retirement account parked in (low) interest-bearing securities ever since the last blip in the spring. Now I know the markets have recovered all that and more in the months since, but that's OK. I feel there is a big correction due soon.

I heard today that analysts say there is still 25-50% possible upside before the market turns. My money is in the same value type mutual funds that pay 2-5% dividends for the last 9 years. Since I retired we take the dividends instead of reinvesting them. My investments don`t have the big up side potential but they don't drop as much in pullbacks. I've averaged 10% yearly gains since 2009.

A few observations (by others):
1. Markets go up further then they fall, but they fall much faster than they climb.
2. Markets go up higher than we think is possible and they fall lower than we can imagine.

General dividend strategy is good, but one has to recognize dividends are not equal. You may have a hard reset in some industries that pay good dividends for a period of time, but face hardship. Oil companies recently. Essentially anybody who is highly cyclical (commodities) and/or has a lot of debt (REITs, consumer staples, telecoms) may at certain point face to need to cut a dividend. A mutual fund will hopefully ease the pain.

explorerx4

@oldfarmer50,
Try I-75 between Toledo and Detroit, if you are talking worst road quality.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Well, I like that! Jmonroe comes back as his alter ego and gets a hero`s welcome while I struggle back to crickets. Mr.monroe probally has a whole IT department to help him while I have to wait until my son goes out to steal his tablet like a thief in order to enter the Edmunds inner sanctum. How about some love people?

Geez, I didn't know you were gone or shut out... maybe you need to be more vocal like @jmonroe was about it. Anyway, glad you are back. I have found a message to help@edmunds.com usually gets some action.

oldfarmer50 said:

I have half a mind not to tell you guys that I bought my convertible. It`s a 2000 Sebring, the last year with the Mitsu 6cyl engine. Sebrings were sludgemobiles for the next 6 years and were off my list. It`s a silver over black Limited trim level with leather and Infinity stereo. Even has a CD player which is cool for an 18 yo car. Paid about 8% of MSRP which is whereI like to be. Has 80,000 miles so I`m hoping it still has 50% of it`s life left for 8% of sticker. Appeals to my cheap nature.

I had to go 3 hours away to MA because the local offerings were junk including one where the seller took pictures from just the right angles to hide all the dents and defects.

That Mass Pike is the WORST road to travel and I`ve driven rt. 287 in NJ. Anyway, i know the top doesn't leak because it poured all the way home.

I'd post pictures but don't have that capibility from this tablet.

Congrats! Hopefully you get your online status cleared up so you can post some pics. Would like to see it.

Get some sheepskins or other light-colored covers for those black leather seats. Don't want them on a sunny day with the top down.

carnaught

A new low on scam phone calls. First of all yesterday, we got blitzed with an “IRS call”, but on my home phone, my cell phone, and Mrs. Carnaught’s cell phone. They were robo-calls with male and female voices, saying the IRS was taking me to court, and this was the last warning, and to call this number. Actually my wife called it, but her cell had a message, “scam likely”, and she went no further.. Have to admit I was kind of hoping there was a live body at the other end so I could bait them.

Today was the new low. Twice our home phone got a call showing on caller i.d., my name and phone number! Once we answered and no one was there. The second one was not answered and went to voicemail where no message was left. I did what I always do, I blocked the number. So, watch out for this new version.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

I have half a mind not to tell you guys that I bought my convertible. It`s a 2000 Sebring, the last year with the Mitsu 6cyl engine. Sebrings were sludgemobiles for the next 6 years and were off my list. It`s a silver over black Limited trim level with leather and Infinity stereo. Even has a CD player which is cool for an 18 yo car. Paid about 8% of MSRP which is whereI like to be. Has 80,000 miles so I`m hoping it still has 50% of it`s life left for 8% of sticker. Appeals to my cheap nature.

We aren't ignoring you....just got surprised by the sudden appearance of Jmonroe.

The 2000 Sebring gets pretty good reviews on Edmunds...overall 4 out of 5 stars. This one would be a good omen:

Review
Ive kept my upkeep on it up to date. Bought with 98k miles 5 years ago. Now has over 265k and its still going strong. Comfortable, and appealing, its a dream to drive!

There are others that aren't nearly as good. With a new car, your chances of a lemon are probably less than .05%, with a used 18 year old car with 80k miles, it is probably more like 40%. But, you did your homework...it will either be the buy of the century, or you will be out a few dollars......Good luck!

EDMUNDS CONSUMER REVIEWS

dino001

carnaught said:

A new low on scam phone calls. First of all yesterday, we got blitzed with an “IRS call”, but on my home phone, my cell phone, and Mrs. Carnaught’s cell phone. They were robo-calls with male and female voices, saying the IRS was taking me to court, and this was the last warning, and to call this number. Actually my wife called it, but her cell had a message, “scam likely”, and she went no further.. Have to admit I was kind of hoping there was a live body at the other end so I could bait them.

Today was the new low. Twice our home phone got a call showing on caller i.d., my name and phone number! Once we answered and no one was there. The second one was not answered and went to voicemail where no message was left. I did what I always do, I blocked the number. So, watch out for this new version.

These guys are getting ahead of the telecoms, unfortunately. Caller ID is no longer useful, unless it's your friend you are waiting for. The spoofing technology is just too good for the authorities. Yesterday a lady called me "who is this", "who IS THIS", "You called me", "No I didn't". Then I explained to her she was probably called by a scammer who spoofed my number.

It's really a bigger and bigger nuisance. Seems like those extended warranty calls are another breed of scammers, not just overly aggressive businesses. I wonder the angle - is it about immediate payment that goes to nowhere? The "IRS People" call me on my home, usually every three months. They usually leave a message with a robovoice. As you said, by the time you call back, the number is already disconnected, so those guys are really ineffective. You'd have to call them right away to be scammed.

driver100

Could somebody give jmonroe and oldfarmer an easy quick way to get on Insider.

I have done it but I don't know how I did it. I know I googled something like:how to sign up for edmunds insider.

It tells me to go on this link:
https://www.edmunds.com/insider/
Mine keeps spinning now....but, I think it is because I am a member.
I think I went on sign up....it asked for an email address, a new password, and I think I was on.
Maybe you can't use Windows 95 like jmonroe has....I don't know.
You guys could try help@edmunds like ab suggested.

driver100

carnaught said:

A new low on scam phone calls. First of all yesterday, we got blitzed with an “IRS call”, but on my home phone, my cell phone, and Mrs. Carnaught’s cell phone. They were robo-calls with male and female voices, saying the IRS was taking me to court, and this was the last warning, and to call this number. Actually my wife called it, but her cell had a message, “scam likely”, and she went no further.. Have to admit I was kind of hoping there was a live body at the other end so I could bait them.

Today was the new low. Twice our home phone got a call showing on caller i.d., my name and phone number! Once we answered and no one was there. The second one was not answered and went to voicemail where no message was left. I did what I always do, I blocked the number. So, watch out for this new version.

I am becoming paranoid about picking up the phone. Mrs Driver just ordered some tennis match tickets for the Madrid Open in Spain for May. The website didn't confirm the tickets were purchased....total $500.

A few minutes later I got a 1-800 call. Almost didn't pick it up. But, I did, it was the credit card company wanting to know if we had bought this item. We confirmed the details and it was our purchase. It was nice that the credit card company checked out the purchase before putting it through, and sometimes it is best to answer the phone....even 1-800 numbers.

suydam

My CC company sends a text or email. Easier to identify and less likely to scam.

dino001

suydam said:

My CC company sends a text or email. Easier to identify and less likely to scam.

Mine only sends transaction confirmations, or bill announcements and only because I asked them to in my settings. If they have any other communication, they post it on the website itself under mailbox tab.

stickguy

nice sounding car Farmer. what does 8% work out to be?