Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

imidazol97

I'm watching to see if the Honda coverup being exposed gets the same kind of negative talk the GM problems (deservedly to a degree).

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/01/08/honda-fined-70m-for-not-reporting-death-injury-complaints/
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-fines-honda-70-million-for-failing-to-report-safety-issues-1420740250

From Fox:
"for not reporting to regulators some 1,729 complaints that its vehicles caused deaths and injuries, and for not reporting warranty claims.

""How many other deadly defects are concealed in the 1,729 death and injury claims not reported by Honda?" he asked. "The company must waive all statutes of limitations at the state and federal level over potential recalls or lawsuits arising out of defects concealed in the unreported claims.""

I have been somewhat more positive toward GM than most because I've had good experiences with their vehicles, and with the dealers I have chosen. Despite what we think about Honda, how does this fly with regard to their
reliability reputation people have afforded them.

We've seen Hyundai/Kia and their exaggerated horsepower and gas mileage exposed. GM had a downfall
and exposure with lots of changes. Toyota had their unintended acceleration and a coverup there exposed after
their long saga of covering up sludging in their engines (sorry, I guess they called it "gelling") due to engineering problems and overeager oil change interval recommendations.

Has Ford had a major exposé?

All companies put their wheels on one lug nut at a time (actually at the factory I saw they did 5 lug nuts at a time with a tool that even Cardoc3 wouldn't have in his shop).

graphicguy

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

Q...AB....don't know if you guys had a chance to work with the Caddy iPhone app. But, I just noticed that I can start my car with the Caddy/OhStar app from my office to warm it up (looking at it now from the window in my office getting warm and toasty as I head out the door). I can also lock, and unlock it with my iPhone.

Was thinking the other day, I haven't seen any of those pesky legal warnings to approve on CUE to sue any of its functions. Could Caddy be trusting their clientele not to wreck while using CUE? That would be something of a first for a car manufacturer.

I could be wrong but the warning doesn't come up on the MB either. I think they found a way around having to "agree" each time you turn the car on. I guess the car companies can now assume we are intelligent enough to watch where we are going, and not the buttons on the instrument panel.

driver....talked to my dealer service manager in passing about this. He thinks the car companies (at least Cadillac and Mercedes) are viewing this as just another gage or texting in the car. If you have an accident and you try the defense you were looking at your GPS in the dash, just like you look at the fuel gage, it's still your fault if you rear end someone.

That takes the car companies off the hook.

Just found another feature last night. Just like Mercedes, Audi's and BMW's touch pad to write things out, Cadillac has theirs except it's on the touch screen instead of a pad. Coming to the conclusion that as good as the CTS is in the dry and warm conditions, it's just as good as a winter car. Warms seats and steering wheel.....a heater than doesn't blast hot air in your face but spreads the warmth throughout the cabin. Warms quickly. Drives with confidence in the snow, wet.

I keep being more impressed....particularly given my other experiences with Cadillac. This is a total 180º turn for them.

nelsonf

All of the ads I see are for places I've been to online. Mostly BMW ads.

henryn

robr2 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

robr2 said:

Is everyone else seeing lots of ads that have nothing to do with autos? I have Verizon, Tax Act, some online college and a charity.

Yes. Appear amongst the posts. Annoying. I make a mental note not to buy from any of them. Kind of like when you get email spam. I realize Edmunds has to make a buck but ticking off your customers isn't a good idea in dealerships or online.

Well we really aren't "customers." We are here freeloading on their forums. Now if I were paying to post here, I'd be upset.

I would have to disagree with you on this one.

Edmunds is probably selling the ad space via Google AdSense. The way that works, Google sends them a check every quarter (3 months) based on the number of “page hits” for their ads. The more people who come here, the more “page hits”, the greater the revenue stream. And this can amount to a very large amount of money if you have a busy web site.

Just as a for instance, POF (the largest “free” online dating site) brings in around 3 million dollars per month from Google AdSense. I don’t think Edmunds is anywhere near that amount, but it still adds up. And it is our “eyes” that drive the revenue.

But with all of that said, the ads don’t really bother me. I agree with the other poster who said the “pop-ups” or “page overs” are the real nuisance. PC-Mag is the world’s worst web site, just for that reason.

imidazol97

nelsonf said:

All of the ads I see are for places I've been to online. Mostly BMW ads.

The advertisers are reading the cookies left on your computer to see determine where you've been. They then
send ads to you that are related to those when possible. I clean out my cookies with two different cleaners
that I use carefully deleting only part of what they can delete.

I discovered even the emails I get as spam are related to cookies left on my computer by
sites whom I've visited. E.g., if I visit Amazon, I start getting the Amazon fake gift card
offers. If I visit UPS or FedEx, I start getting the package waiting for my information.
If I visit the Ford website, I start getting advertisements for cars in email as well as online.

graphicguy

No matter....that AdBlock app worked great. Thanks for the heads up. Not sure if this thread is monitored by Karen or Kirstie anymore. If it is, if you guys could pass along the backlash for the ads, even if it doesn't matter, Edmunds might find it helpful to know the people who view their site most, hate the ads. That can't be good for the advertisers. They want to be viewed positively, not negatively. I would hope Edmunds feels the same.

abacomike

A former salesman and associate I know well who works for a big Cadillac dealership down here told me that Cadillac has reduced the price (MSRP) by up to $3000 depending on options and model on its 2015 CTS.  He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.  This move is being made to bring the net cost to consumers down to attract more interest in the line.

He also said that sales of 2014's were good because of the 20% off MSRP at the end of last year, but they are out of 2014's and sales traffic on the 2015's is very slow.

I hope this price reduction works for Cadillac - their CTS and ATS are strong competitors in the luxury car market.

stever

@graphicguy, the comments in here were (first) noted the other day.

In other news, BMW won bragging rights for 2014.

isellhondas

The vast majority of recalls amount to a "tempest in a teapot".

Some wire "could" slip out if it's clip which "could" result in a fire under "certain" conditions.

In this sue happy world we live in trial lawyers are itching to make a big deal (and big money) out of everything.

isellhondas

Those Porsche engines that blew up at 40,000 miles wouldn't have been a "recall" since that wouldn't have been considered a safety situation. Those should have been a warranty problem.

roadburner

abacomike said:

A former salesman and associate I know well who works for a big Cadillac dealership down here told me that Cadillac has reduced the price (MSRP) by up to $3000 depending on options and model on its 2015 CTS.  He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.  This move is being made to bring the net cost to consumers down to attract more interest in the line.

He also said that sales of 2014's were good because of the 20% off MSRP at the end of last year, but they are out of 2014's and sales traffic on the 2015's is very slow.

I hope this price reduction works for Cadillac - their CTS and ATS are strong competitors in the luxury car market.

That's the thing, Cadillac has to put customers in seats and move the metal in order to elevate the status of the marque. And Cadillac dealers simply MUST wean themselves off of the huge rebate/screamer ad method of doing business if they want to be mentioned in the same breath as Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.
The Cadillac product is excellent. The marketing and dealer side of the equation needs to catch up...

stever

A little help please. Thanks!

driver100

stever said:

A little help please. Thanks!

Hello. A trusty driver crashed into my daughter's parked 1997 Camry while texting. It is totaled... Problem starts with replacing it with a comparable car (mechanically) for under $3K (I realize it is a tall order but the cash flow is what it is). I am sick over it. The car has been IMMACULATELY maintained and only has 70K miles. It was a gem... She is about to go off to college across the country and I am in need of some advice about where to start looking (makes and models). Thanks in advance.

Regards, SICK Dad

That will be almost impossible, unless you live somewhere near oldfarmer.

You probably won't find it at CL or on EBay. Unless you know the seller is trustworthy I think you would be better putting that money towards a little more expensive car. A good car for $3000 is almost an oxymoron.
It can be done, but it is almost impossible.

driver100

isellhondas said:

driver100 said:

NOW LITTLE INNOCENT HONDA GETS FOUND OUT!

Honda fined for failing to report injury, death complaints

WASHINGTON - In the largest civil penalty ever administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the agency is fining Honda Motors (HMC) $70 million for failing to notify the government of complaints that its vehicles caused deaths and injuries.

The Japanese automaker received more than 1,700 reports of problems related to its cars and trucks, but did not disclose them to the Transportation Department as required by law, according to the agency, which also said that Honda failed to report warranty claims.

Honda disclosed the reporting failure in November, admitting that company officials had waited three years after finding out about the reporting failure before making the disclosure to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

HONDA FINED FOR FAILING TO REPORT INJURY AND DEATH COMPLAINTS

So, what was causing these injuries and deaths?

I don't think we have too many details yet, except this:

The Honda complaints include incidents related to air bags made by Japanese auto supplier Takata Corp., as well as other defective parts.

stever

driver100 said:

That will be almost impossible, unless you live somewhere near oldfarmer.

Don't tell me - tell the OP.

/hint

driver100

isellhondas said:

There are some people who LOVE hearing about " little innocent" Honda having problems.

I think you are accusing me, but actually I thought Honda was a very reliable and reputable car maker...probably the most trustworthy in my opinion. I just helped my IT friend buy a new FIT.

If I wanted to buy what I considered to be the most reliable car I could buy in the mid-range price, I would definitly choose Honda.

That is why I am surprised at this particular incident....witholding crash data for over 3 years. Pretty soon there won't be anyone left to trust. I don't think Nissan or Mazda have been linked to a coverup yet.

driver100

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

Q...AB....don't know if you guys had a chance to work with the Caddy iPhone app. But, I just noticed that I can start my car with the Caddy/OhStar app from my office to warm it up (looking at it now from the window in my office getting warm and toasty as I head out the door). I can also lock, and unlock it with my iPhone.

Was thinking the other day, I haven't seen any of those pesky legal warnings to approve on CUE to sue any of its functions. Could Caddy be trusting their clientele not to wreck while using CUE? That would be something of a first for a car manufacturer.

I could be wrong but the warning doesn't come up on the MB either. I think they found a way around having to "agree" each time you turn the car on. I guess the car companies can now assume we are intelligent enough to watch where we are going, and not the buttons on the instrument panel.

driver....talked to my dealer service manager in passing about this. He thinks the car companies (at least Cadillac and Mercedes) are viewing this as just another gage or texting in the car. If you have an accident and you try the defense you were looking at your GPS in the dash, just like you look at the fuel gage, it's still your fault if you rear end someone.

That takes the car companies off the hook.

Thanks for the info, that is interesting to know. On the 2012 535 I always had to agree I read the instructions, now I gut can start and go. Now I know why.

driver100

stever said:

driver100 said:

That will be almost impossible, unless you live somewhere near oldfarmer.

Don't tell me - tell the OP.

/hint

But, you can pass it on (just joking...I'll do it)!

stever

driver100

stever said:

That was a short post.....right to the point.

Anyway, I went and gave my advice for what it is worth:

Steve sent your post to Buying and Selling cars. Unfortunately, all I can tell you is
You probably won't find it at Craigs List or on EBay. Unless you know the seller is trustworthy I think you would be better putting that money towards a little more expensive car. A good car for $3000 is almost an oxymoron. It can be done, but it is almost impossible.

I just had a friend who was rear ended in his 2002 Honda Civic. His car had 90k miles and no problems, but the insurance company is going to right it off. We know he won't find a comparable car for the $2500 the insurance company will give him.

He has bought a 2015 Honda Fit or he could have got a Civic. It costs $18000 and he will probably get 6 to 10 years use out of it with his mileage. It has heated front seats, a service monitor system, rear camera, all the latest safety equipment.

I have a feeling it will cost less to drive a car like that than a $3000 car that will be a total gamble....it may work but may need costly repairs. That $3000 can become $5k or $6k very quickly, and you still have a car worth less than you put into it.

I know I have had to buy used cars because of my finances. Any I paid too little for weren't even worth what I paid. Few people get rid of cars in that price range that are running well. That's just my opinion.

driver100

No one likes ads. But, someone has to pay the freight. I am glad to see Edmunds getting ad revenue, so that we can carry on. Maybe they will even start to pay us for our knowledgeable posts!

driver100

isellhondas said:

The vast majority of recalls amount to a "tempest in a teapot".

Some wire "could" slip out if it's clip which "could" result in a fire under "certain" conditions.

In this sue happy world we live in trial lawyers are itching to make a big deal (and big money) out of everything.

All true, but, not sending in crash and safety data is disturbing. There has to be rules in place and they have to be followed, if we want to have responsible manufacturers. Did Honda forget to hire someone to send this information to the government regulators? How can something like that happen?

graphicguy

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

A former salesman and associate I know well who works for a big Cadillac dealership down here told me that Cadillac has reduced the price (MSRP) by up to $3000 depending on options and model on its 2015 CTS.  He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.  This move is being made to bring the net cost to consumers down to attract more interest in the line.

He also said that sales of 2014's were good because of the 20% off MSRP at the end of last year, but they are out of 2014's and sales traffic on the 2015's is very slow.

I hope this price reduction works for Cadillac - their CTS and ATS are strong competitors in the luxury car market.

That's the thing, Cadillac has to put customers in seats and move the metal in order to elevate the status of the marque. And Cadillac dealers simply MUST wean themselves off of the huge rebate/screamer ad method of doing business if they want to be mentioned in the same breath as Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.
The Cadillac product is excellent. The marketing and dealer side of the equation needs to catch up...

Agreed....product is excellent. At least in my situation, the dealer experience has gone from one of the worst to one of the best. I also agree that marketing levels a lot to be desired. How you paint your product as a performance luxury buy starts first with you getting butts in the seats to drive your cars.

GM used to sponsor "competitive drives". Go to a major city, line up your competitors vehicles and let the invitees test drive them against the competitors.

BMW has been very successful doing that. They offer the participants a $1,000 off coupon for any BMW car they want, if they participate in the test drive. They do that every year.

I just saw a Mercedes ad....."bring us a dollar and you can drive out in a new CLA". That's pretty enticing.

henryn

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

A former salesman and associate I know well who works for a big Cadillac dealership down here told me that Cadillac has reduced the price (MSRP) by up to $3000 depending on options and model on its 2015 CTS.  He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.  This move is being made to bring the net cost to consumers down to attract more interest in the line.

He also said that sales of 2014's were good because of the 20% off MSRP at the end of last year, but they are out of 2014's and sales traffic on the 2015's is very slow.

I hope this price reduction works for Cadillac - their CTS and ATS are strong competitors in the luxury car market.

That's the thing, Cadillac has to put customers in seats and move the metal in order to elevate the status of the marque. And Cadillac dealers simply MUST wean themselves off of the huge rebate/screamer ad method of doing business if they want to be mentioned in the same breath as Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.
The Cadillac product is excellent. The marketing and dealer side of the equation needs to catch up...

Funny this should come up. I just received this earlier today:

driver100

henryn said:

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

A former salesman and associate I know well who works for a big Cadillac dealership down here told me that Cadillac has reduced the price (MSRP) by up to $3000 depending on options and model on its 2015 CTS.  He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.  This move is being made to bring the net cost to consumers down to attract more interest in the line.

He also said that sales of 2014's were good because of the 20% off MSRP at the end of last year, but they are out of 2014's and sales traffic on the 2015's is very slow.

I hope this price reduction works for Cadillac - their CTS and ATS are strong competitors in the luxury car market.

That's the thing, Cadillac has to put customers in seats and move the metal in order to elevate the status of the marque. And Cadillac dealers simply MUST wean themselves off of the huge rebate/screamer ad method of doing business if they want to be mentioned in the same breath as Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.
The Cadillac product is excellent. The marketing and dealer side of the equation needs to catch up...

Funny this should come up. I just received this earlier today:

And, that could really backfire too! What about the people who bought and paid $14000 more? What will that do to resale values?

There ought to be a better way to do that. Cadillac obviously is making good cars. They just don't have the credibility to price them the same as the main competition. They should build up the price slowly like Hyundai did. Hyundai had to sell their cars for less than they were worth (against Honda and Toyota) until they could prove they were a viable alternative. Cadillac tried to match the competition on price, and it is hard to change from what you know and like to what you aren't too sure of.

isellhondas

As far as these new ads. They wouldn't be so annoying if there were so many and so many repeats.

I mean, I'm getting tired of seeing that same Cadillac ad and that little girl's face.

I guess that's what my scroll wheel is for!

dino001

abacomike said:

He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.

Surprise, surprise. Raise the price by 20% (vs. previous years) and then act surprised when people flee. They were always claiming CTS was a competitor for E-class and 5-series, mostly due to its size, but people shopped them as a larger and cheaper alternative to 3-series, not peer to 5. But it's not that easy just to declare by act of will that your product is like those other ones. The new one, albeit nicer and larger than previous model, needs to transition into higher price. They messed it up.

abacomike

Had to get gas this morning so I looked up on Gas Buddy my favorite gas stations.  Costco was at $2.57.9 per gallon for PUL.  But my Chevron station was at $2.59.9 for PUL.  Since I get 2% cash back on one of my credit cards for gas purchases, I bought the gas at Chevron (Costco is not considered a gas station and does not qualify).

I honestly cannot remember when I last paid a net of $2.54.9 for PUL gasoline.  It would sure be nice to see it go down even more.  It's like getting a raise in my net income of close to $100 a month.  That should have a positive effect on our economy with more people having more spendable income who can use that on consumer goods and services.

Michaell

abacomike said:

Had to get gas this morning so I looked up on Gas Buddy my favorite gas stations.  Costco was at $2.57.9 per gallon for PUL.  But my Chevron station was at $2.59.9 for PUL.  Since I get 2% cash back on one of my credit cards for gas purchases, I bought the gas at Chevron (Costco is not considered a gas station and does not qualify).

I honestly cannot remember when I last paid a net of $2.54.9 for PUL gasoline.  It would sure be nice to see it go down even more.  It's like getting a raise in my net income of close to $100 a month.  That should have a positive effect on our economy with more people having more spendable income who can use that on consumer goods and services.

I think I read somewhere that if gas prices stay at this level the total savings in the US is in the neighborhood of $80 billion for the full year 2015.

abacomike

dino001 said:

He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.

Surprise, surprise. Raise the price by 20% (vs. previous years) and then act surprised when people flee. They were always claiming CTS was a competitor for E-class and 5-series, mostly due to its size, but people shopped them as a larger and cheaper alternative to 3-series, not peer to 5. But it's not that easy just to declare by act of will that your product is like those other ones. The new one, albeit nicer and larger than previous model, needs to transition into higher price. They messed it up.

It's still a premium luxury car and competes with BMW and Mercedes.  The CTS loaded is still $6000-$8000 below the price of a loaded 5 Series or E Class.

Cadillac, in my opinion, will soon be attracting more and more interest because of their more modest pricing.

stever

driver100 said:

Anyway, I went and gave my advice for what it is worth

Thanks, it's nice having reinforcements to call upon.

Gas is $1.73 here for regular.

driver100

abacomike said:

dino001 said:

abacomike said:

He said this is not an incentive, but rather a reduction in actual MSRP.  According to him, sales of the CTS were not as good as expected the last 60 days.

Surprise, surprise. Raise the price by 20% (vs. previous years) and then act surprised when people flee. They were always claiming CTS was a competitor for E-class and 5-series, mostly due to its size, but people shopped them as a larger and cheaper alternative to 3-series, not peer to 5. But it's not that easy just to declare by act of will that your product is like those other ones. The new one, albeit nicer and larger than previous model, needs to transition into higher price. They messed it up.

It's still a premium luxury car and competes with BMW and Mercedes.  The CTS loaded is still $6000-$8000 below the price of a loaded 5 Series or E Class.

Cadillac, in my opinion, will soon be attracting more and more interest because of their more modest pricing.

I'm not so sure Mike. Most people who buy an MB or BMW aren't even going to consider a Cadillac, they probably won't make it to a Cadillac showroom. They will need more good reviews and a big break on price to lure them.

abacomike

@driver100‌

Price has nothing to do with it fo Mercedes and BMW drivers.  

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100‌

Price has nothing to do with it fo Mercedes and BMW drivers.  

Agreed! I would consider going Cadillac, but, it wouldn't be easy. I'd have to really feel I was going to be getting something superior. But price would matter because even if the cars are comparable, why change unless the Cadillac is either a better car, or is substantially lower in price? I do believe if it ain't broken don't fix it. I wouldn't change to save a few bucks, but, I would expect to pay less for a car which hasn't got a proven track record.

One friend bought a new Lincoln MKZ. He likes cars and I am sure he has always wanted to own a Lincoln or a Cadillac....those cars have probably always been his dream cars. He is a retired doctor and watches his pennies. I am sure he went with the Lincoln because it got him into a luxury car which he always dreamed of owning, for the best possible price. I doubt if he knows it is a fancy Fusion, and I sure am not going to tell him.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

stever said:

A little help please. Thanks!

Hello. A trusty driver crashed into my daughter's parked 1997 Camry while texting. It is totaled... Problem starts with replacing it with a comparable car (mechanically) for under $3K (I realize it is a tall order but the cash flow is what it is). I am sick over it. The car has been IMMACULATELY maintained and only has 70K miles. It was a gem... She is about to go off to college across the country and I am in need of some advice about where to start looking (makes and models). Thanks in advance.

Regards, SICK Dad

That will be almost impossible, unless you live somewhere near oldfarmer.

You probably won't find it at CL or on EBay. Unless you know the seller is trustworthy I think you would be better putting that money towards a little more expensive car. A good car for $3000 is almost an oxymoron.
It can be done, but it is almost impossible.



As Shifty said get it from some old coot like me who's giving up on driving. But I ain't dead yet.

My reputation as the hooptie master must be spreading beyond this forum as a woman at work told me she was looking for cheap transportation for her daughter and wondered if I was "selling any of your cars". I think she's in the same boat as the guy looking for a $3k car. Gotta start kissing those frogs.

abacomike

driver100 said:

@driver100‌

Price has nothing to do with it fo Mercedes and BMW drivers.  

Agreed! I would consider going Cadillac, but, it wouldn't be easy. I'd have to really feel I was going to be getting something superior. But price would matter because even if the cars are comparable, why change unless the Cadillac is either a better car, or is substantially lower in price? I do believe if it ain't broken don't fix it. I wouldn't change to save a few bucks, but, I would expect to pay less for a car which hasn't got a proven track record. One friend bought a new Lincoln MKZ. He likes cars and I am sure he has always wanted to own a Lincoln or a Cadillac....those cars have probably always been his dream cars. He is a retired doctor and watches his pennies. I am sure he went with the Lincoln because it got him into a luxury car which he always dreamed of owning, for the best possible price. I doubt if he knows it is a fancy Fusion, and I sure am not going to tell him.

Driver, something I have come to grips with since driving Mercedes automobiles is living the experience of being pampered.  I never used to feel that way, however since my buying, driving, service and ambiance experiences have been that of being spoiled rotten, I have learned to live with the "snobbish" pursuit of driving perfection.

Now after coming clean to you and my fellow posters here on this thread, I have a feeling - no a sense - of embarrassment.  When I drive in to the dealership, a valet welcomes me - "hi Mike, car wash today?" I walk into the waiting room and the concierge asks if I'd like a cappuccino or a hazelnut coffee and a bagel or donut.  The general manager passes by and shakes my hand - "how are things, Mike?"  The parts manager welcomes me as does the service manager.

So, I am spoiled rotten and have become a horrible snob.  Sometimes I just hate myself for being so smug - it's not a good feeling but I am slowly getting used to it.  I am becoming the kind of car buyer I have always despised.  So, shoot me before I deviate too far from the norm of reality!

graphicguy

stever said:

@graphicguy, the comments in here were (first) noted the other day.

In other news, BMW won bragging rights for 2014.

Thanks SteveR

stickguy

filled up the Sonata tonight. $1.99.9. Been a long time since I remember paying less than $2 a gallon. This was at the Exxon station too. some of the no-names are cheaper.

though I can remember filling up my Mazda 323 at the same station for $.99.9 some years ago. Small car, good MPG, and a little tank. Didn't spend much on gas back in those days.

fezo

I got $1.87 for Costco yesterday but it's not the one here in town. We're still hovering just above $2 here - $2.05 today.

Under $3K for something like a 97 Camry? I'd be checking all the retirement communities and even then it might be tough. Might have to find like a Buick Century.

oldfarmer50

fezo said:

I got $1.87 for Costco yesterday but it's not the one here in town. We're still hovering just above $2 here - $2.05 today.

Under $3K for something like a 97 Camry? I'd be checking all the retirement communities and even then it might be tough. Might have to find like a Buick Century.

I think you're on to something. Go for the most boring, unsexy car you can find. Very likely owned by someone who's idea of going wild was getting the oil changed. Less likely to have been beaten.

BTW, I see 25 yo Centuries still on the road.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto/4830750873.html

imidazol97

Under $3K for something like a 97 Camry? I'd be checking all the retirement communities and even then it might be tough. Might have to find like a Buick Century.

Are insurance companies responsible for finding a car similar mileage to the one their driver damaged? Or can they
just use black book and pay the trade in value for the hooptie you have?

I wondered when driving my 200 K mi leSabre that had been treated very well and ran great if the insurance company could just pay me $800 or would have to use the search capabilities to replace it with a somewhat similar mileage and engine/transmission condition leSabre?

imidazol97

.

stickguy

yeah, 3k is a tough price point. Need to look at a lot of duds to find a peach. Basically, need someone like Me (or many others here) that over maintains their cars. Going with a less popular make helps.

here's one that (if legit) could be a good option:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4839988679.html

Or, you can go with something that no sane person would even contemplate:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4839709323.html

fezo

Ph, come one! What could possibly go wrong on an Audi?

driver100

Driver, something I have come to grips with since driving Mercedes automobiles is living the experience of being pampered.  I never used to feel that way, however since my buying, driving, service and ambiance experiences have been that of being spoiled rotten, I have learned to live with the "snobbish" pursuit of driving perfection.

Mike, I feel pampered in a different way. I thought my 535 bmw was about as nice as a car can be. The E400 is so much more comfortable and the interior is so much more luxurious, when I am sitting in the car I feel like I am in a dream car. From the fine materials to the well thought out design to the ultimate comfort...I can't believe they could make a car so refined.

The dealership experience adds to that.......truly a Taj Mahal, and you could eat off the service area floor. They answer all questions immediately and politely. I feel like I am treated like a King....by the dealer and just by sitting in my E..

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

fezo said:

I got $1.87 for Costco yesterday but it's not the one here in town. We're still hovering just above $2 here - $2.05 today.

Under $3K for something like a 97 Camry? I'd be checking all the retirement communities and even then it might be tough. Might have to find like a Buick Century.

I think you're on to something. Go for the most boring, unsexy car you can find. Very likely owned by someone who's idea of going wild was getting the oil changed. Less likely to have been beaten.

BTW, I see 25 yo Centuries still on the road.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto/4830750873.html

Kinda like that myself. $1,600? Hard to go wrong!

stickguy

old farmer is probably calling right now.

driver100

stickguy said:

old farmer is probably calling right now.

lol. There is also a Lincoln Town Car sitting on his lawn which looks like it just got a new paint job too.

driver100

Rather than get a $3000 car which may be a money pit, I would consider this 2008 Cadillac for $12000. It is being sold at a Ford dealer, it will be certified, Carfax report. They have a 2008 MKZ for $10k. These are pretty solid cars that can last a long time (hopefully).

bwia

stever said:

Anyway, I went and gave my advice for what it is worth

Thanks, it's nice having reinforcements to call upon. Gas is $1.73 here for regular.

In the Caribbean regular gas is $12.12 EC per Imperial gallon.  That translates to $4.50 US. Ouch! It's a damn shame that these impoverished island nations spend more than half of their income on transportation.