Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

tjc78

They make decent wireless setups these days.  It would be worth a shot. 

I love having the rear speakers when watching a movie.  Even my kids turn around to look in the back when an effect hits those speakers.   Believe it or not some of the kids movies have great soundtracks

When I put the new TV and sound bar in the bedroom I spring for the rear channel kit.   It’s wireless to the source but the speakers plug into the receiver box.  I tucked that behind the bed and sat the tiny speakers on our night table.  Can barely see them, wife didn’t even care so that’s a plus.  

venture

My daughter and her new husband close on their new house today and are moving out of the one I bought for her and the grandkids after her original husband turned out to be a skunk. There are two girls her new husband has that are staying at their present house occasionally. They are bursting at the seams having 6 people in a 3 bedroom house.

Now I can finally sell the old house and, hopefully, recoup my costs. I spent about $25k getting it ready for them to move in. I doubt I will, but one house is plenty.

driver100

stickguy said:

I could see someone looking at a Mustang ending up with 4 5 door like the Stinger. If their desire is for something really fast, good handling, etc. the extra doors aren't going to matter (other than for image if that is the real criteria). But few people that need a 4 door are going to cross shop a pony, unless they really had no need for using the back seat in the first place.

If you are in Florida, and if you go to early bird dinners and other places with another couple....then you can't use a Mustang.....most of these people would never get in, and if they did you'd never get them out

Then again, I don't think the Stinger is going to do it either.

driver100

tjc78 said:

They make decent wireless setups these days.  It would be worth a shot. 

I love having the rear speakers when watching a movie.  Even my kids turn around to look in the back when an effect hits those speakers.   Believe it or not some of the kids movies have great soundtracks

When I put the new TV and sound bar in the bedroom I spring for the rear channel kit.   It’s wireless to the source but the speakers plug into the receiver box.  I tucked that behind the bed and sat the tiny speakers on our night table.  Can barely see them, wife didn’t even care so that’s a plus.  

How come wives aren't crazy about.........speakers?

driver100

venture said:

My daughter and her new husband close on their new house today and are moving out of the one I bought for her and the grandkids after her original husband turned out to be a skunk. There are two girls her new husband has that are staying at their present house occasionally. They are bursting at the seams having 6 people in a 3 bedroom house.

Now I can finally sell the old house and, hopefully, recoup my costs. I spent about $25k getting it ready for them to move in. I doubt I will, but one house is plenty.

You are generous venture. With that money you could have bought a slightly used NISMO and had enough left over for a nice vacation.

graphicguy

driver100 said:

venture said:

My daughter and her new husband close on their new house today and are moving out of the one I bought for her and the grandkids after her original husband turned out to be a skunk. There are two girls her new husband has that are staying at their present house occasionally. They are bursting at the seams having 6 people in a 3 bedroom house.

Now I can finally sell the old house and, hopefully, recoup my costs. I spent about $25k getting it ready for them to move in. I doubt I will, but one house is plenty.

You are generous venture. With that money you could have bought a slightly used NISMO and had enough left over for a nice vacation.

Had to go there, didn’t you?

driver100

jmonroe1 said:

abacomike said:

tjc78 said:

You can’t make this stuff up Mike!!!

Nope - I should write a book! 

And it would be a best seller too. But I can tell you who not to ask for help with finding a publisher. I had a million word book almost ready to go and got no help from that guy.

:@

jmonroe

A Million WORD book! That is the last thing the world needs...maybe a million seller book would be good.

I only get involved if the book has some merit or value....like if it is enjoyable to read or teaches people something.

Putting them to sleep doesn't count.

driver100

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

venture said:

My daughter and her new husband close on their new house today and are moving out of the one I bought for her and the grandkids after her original husband turned out to be a skunk. There are two girls her new husband has that are staying at their present house occasionally. They are bursting at the seams having 6 people in a 3 bedroom house.

Now I can finally sell the old house and, hopefully, recoup my costs. I spent about $25k getting it ready for them to move in. I doubt I will, but one house is plenty.

You are generous venture. With that money you could have bought a slightly used NISMO and had enough left over for a nice vacation.

Had to go there, didn’t you?

Well, no news lately and many are waiting to hear when the trigger will be pulled.

pensfan83

Last night we went to Fleetwood Mac with my in laws, my FIL is a huge Steve Nicks fan and Fleetwood is a band that's been on my bucket list for years. It was an incredible show even without Lindsey Buckingham. They did a Tom Petty tribute that was beautiful, people were tearing up. Just a tremendous show.

tjc78

driver100 said:

tjc78 said:

They make decent wireless setups these days.  It would be worth a shot. 

I love having the rear speakers when watching a movie.  Even my kids turn around to look in the back when an effect hits those speakers.   Believe it or not some of the kids movies have great soundtracks

When I put the new TV and sound bar in the bedroom I spring for the rear channel kit.   It’s wireless to the source but the speakers plug into the receiver box.  I tucked that behind the bed and sat the tiny speakers on our night table.  Can barely see them, wife didn’t even care so that’s a plus.  

How come wives aren't crazy about.........speakers?

My Wife's Dad was a stereo nut so she grew up with it. I get a pass for my obsession with sound. She enjoys rocking out as much as I do.

I have everything setup tastefully, with no wires showing (through walls/floor) so that helps.

I'm hoping my kids enjoy it too, but so many younger ones are happy with little bluetooth speakers running off their phones.

bwia

Thought I'd share this piece of advice from Edmunds as published in the Boston Globe.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT

Once you and the salesperson have agreed on terms, the next step is to sign the purchase documents. This process usually happens in the finance and insurance office and is a common bottleneck, particularly on the weekend. A dealership might have 30 salespeople but only four finance managers.

Instead of waiting around for your turn with the finance manager, make the most of this slowdown by asking your salesperson to teach you how to use the features of your new car. This phase, often called the “delivery,” typically happens after you’ve signed your purchase or lease agreement. Flipping the order won’t inconvenience the dealership, and it will make better use of your time.

stickguy

I did that with my Elantra, and my daughters Jetta, while we were waiting to get in to finance. Then when papers signed, got the keys and headed home.

dino001

abacomike said:

On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store.  I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00).  The number they were serving at the time was #91.

I waited patiently, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99... etc.  After waiting 15 minutes, the server yelled “next”!  I said “here” and walked up to the counter.  This little old lady yelled, “...he’s not next, I am!”  I showed the server my number “00” ticket but the lady had “01”!  She said she was next again.  The server told her that “00” comes before “01”.  She started screaming at the server and at me that “00” is not a number.

Why is it that it’s always little old ladies I end up tangling with at these stores.  These are viscous people down here - tough as nails!  I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing.  You just can’t win against little old ladies! 

I noticed aging people get either friendly (I've seen it all, nothing will surprise or or enrage me), or they get bitter (my life sucks and it's your fault). You can see predispositions to that when they're young, but people sometimes can change drastically, too. Also, illness can reveal parts of personality (or change it chemically) that were dormant. I remember my late dad, generally friendly person to strangers, became rude and unkind, but only when he was in delirious state from bacterial infection. He became friendly once the bacteria was gone.

venture

driver100 said:

venture said:

My daughter and her new husband close on their new house today and are moving out of the one I bought for her and the grandkids after her original husband turned out to be a skunk. There are two girls her new husband has that are staying at their present house occasionally. They are bursting at the seams having 6 people in a 3 bedroom house.

Now I can finally sell the old house and, hopefully, recoup my costs. I spent about $25k getting it ready for them to move in. I doubt I will, but one house is plenty.

You are generous venture. With that money you could have bought a slightly used NISMO and had enough left over for a nice vacation.

LOL. That's funny.

I could have bought a new NISMO for every day of the week, with a lot left over, counting the initial price of the house.

graphicguy

https://jalopnik.com/here-is-why-some-dealerships-aren-t-actually-interested-1830149834/amp

abacomike

driver100 said:

I could see someone looking at a Mustang ending up with 4 5 door like the Stinger. If their desire is for something really fast, good handling, etc. the extra doors aren't going to matter (other than for image if that is the real criteria). But few people that need a 4 door are going to cross shop a pony, unless they really had no need for using the back seat in the first place.

If you are in Florida, and if you go to early bird dinners and other places with another couple....then you can't use a Mustang.....most of these people would never get in, and if they did you'd never get them out Then again, I don't think the Stinger is going to do it either.

I haven’t been to a restaurant down here that still offers early bird menus in many, many years.  It’s full price or leave, so to speak.

So now, the oldsters order one meal with an extra plate - which the restaurants now charge $5.00 extra for.  It is what it is!

abacomike

bwia said:

Thought I'd share this piece of advice from Edmunds as published in the Boston Globe. GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT Once you and the salesperson have agreed on terms, the next step is to sign the purchase documents. This process usually happens in the finance and insurance office and is a common bottleneck, particularly on the weekend. A dealership might have 30 salespeople but only four finance managers. Instead of waiting around for your turn with the finance manager, make the most of this slowdown by asking your salesperson to teach you how to use the features of your new car. This phase, often called the “delivery,” typically happens after you’ve signed your purchase or lease agreement. Flipping the order won’t inconvenience the dealership, and it will make better use of your time.

From my experience in auto sales, once the buyer goes to finance, the salesman rushes to get another customer, or as we call it an “up”!  Most dealerships now have delivery specialists who deliver the new car to the customer and take them through the basics of the car’s operation and answer all questions. This is done in order to increase customer satisfaction on surveys.But the idea of learning the car’s operation while waiting to get into finance is a great idea when possible.

abacomike

driver100 said:

They make decent wireless setups these days.  It would be worth a shot. 

I love having the rear speakers when watching a movie.  Even my kids turn around to look in the back when an effect hits those speakers.   Believe it or not some of the kids movies have great soundtracks

When I put the new TV and sound bar in the bedroom I spring for the rear channel kit.   It’s wireless to the source but the speakers plug into the receiver box.  I tucked that behind the bed and sat the tiny speakers on our night table.  Can barely see them, wife didn’t even care so that’s a plus.  

How come wives aren't crazy about.........speakers?

They aren’t good “listeners!” 

suydam

abacomike said:

bwia said:

Thought I'd share this piece of advice from Edmunds as published in the Boston Globe.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT

Once you and the salesperson have agreed on terms, the next step is to sign the purchase documents. This process usually happens in the finance and insurance office and is a common bottleneck, particularly on the weekend. A dealership might have 30 salespeople but only four finance managers.

Instead of waiting around for your turn with the finance manager, make the most of this slowdown by asking your salesperson to teach you how to use the features of your new car. This phase, often called the “delivery,” typically happens after you’ve signed your purchase or lease agreement. Flipping the order won’t inconvenience the dealership, and it will make better use of your time.

From my experience in auto sales, once the buyer goes to finance, the salesman rushes to get another customer, or as we call it an “up”!  Most dealerships now have delivery specialists who deliver the new car to the customer and take them through the basics of the car’s operation and answer all questions. This is done in order to increase customer satisfaction on surveys.But the idea of learning the car’s operation while waiting to get into finance is a great idea when possible.


So far, I’ve never bought or leased a car without the salesperson showing me the various features. Each of them was careful to state that they would be happy for me to return in case I forgot something, and just to ask for them. Which I did. Today’s cars are complicated! I would be put off by being handed over to some “delivery specialist” myself. That would feel like, “oh, once you bought the car I’m done with you now”.

roadburner

tjc78 said:

My Wife's Dad was a stereo nut so she grew up with it. I get a pass for my obsession with sound. She enjoys rocking out as much as I do.

I have everything setup tastefully, with no wires showing (through walls/floor) so that helps.

I'm hoping my kids enjoy it too, but so many younger ones are happy with little bluetooth speakers running off their phones.

My wife doesn't mind either, and my sub and surround speakers are fairly big.

xwesx

henryn said:

When they do this properly, they have a large display. The counter help punch up the next number on the display, there is no question who is next to be served. Don't know about Einstein's Bagels, never been in one, although I know they do exist here.

Maybe that "little old lady" thought that having one of these bagels might help improve her intelligence beyond '00'.

driver100

bwia said:

Thought I'd share this piece of advice from Edmunds as published in the Boston Globe.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT

Instead of waiting around for your turn with the finance manager, make the most of this slowdown by asking your salesperson to teach you how to use the features of your new car. This phase, often called the “delivery,” typically happens after you’ve signed your purchase or lease agreement. Flipping the order won’t inconvenience the dealership, and it will make better use of your time.

Not a bad idea. We waited about an hour and a half to sign the paperwork....very aggravating. That reminds me though....now all the signing is done on a tablet in many dealers. My neighbors got a new Honda Odyssey and he said the desk is a giant computer screen and he signed right on the desk.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

I could see someone looking at a Mustang ending up with 4 5 door like the Stinger. If their desire is for something really fast, good handling, etc. the extra doors aren't going to matter (other than for image if that is the real criteria). But few people that need a 4 door are going to cross shop a pony, unless they really had no need for using the back seat in the first place.

If you are in Florida, and if you go to early bird dinners and other places with another couple....then you can't use a Mustang.....most of these people would never get in, and if they did you'd never get them out

Then again, I don't think the Stinger is going to do it either.

I haven’t been to a restaurant down here that still offers early bird menus in many, many years.  It’s full price or leave, so to speak.

So now, the oldsters order one meal with an extra plate - which the restaurants now charge $5.00 extra for.  It is what it is

!

Sorry to see the early bird specials are becoming extinct, like us dinosaurs. We still have them here and one place I go to one early bird special is two drinks for the price of one before 6 p.m. I always forget and get 2 beers when I really only want one...and our friends got 2 glasses of wine when they wanted one

Like they say now, seniors are the ones who go to dinner early, but it is the young people who don't make very much that really need the discount.

driver100

abacomike said:

bwia said:

Thought I'd share this piece of advice from Edmunds as published in the Boston Globe.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT

Once you and the salesperson have agreed on terms, the next step is to sign the purchase documents. This process usually happens in the finance and insurance office and is a common bottleneck, particularly on the weekend. A dealership might have 30 salespeople but only four finance managers.

Instead of waiting around for your turn with the finance manager, make the most of this slowdown by asking your salesperson to teach you how to use the features of your new car. This phase, often called the “delivery,” typically happens after you’ve signed your purchase or lease agreement. Flipping the order won’t inconvenience the dealership, and it will make better use of your time.

From my experience in auto sales, once the buyer goes to finance, the salesman rushes to get another customer, or as we call it an “up”!  Most dealerships now have delivery specialists who deliver the new car to the customer and take them through the basics of the car’s operation and answer all questions. This is done in order to increase customer satisfaction on surveys.But the idea of learning the car’s operation while waiting to get into finance is a great idea when possible

.


Come to think of it....that is how it went with our last few cars. The salesman runs off to get another sale, the specialist takes over. Nice if they would let the specialist do his thing while you are waiting....but, they like to stick to their formula. Maybe they worry that once you see all the controls and see what you will have to learn...you will change your mind and back out.

There is a rule of sales that says, once you have their signature, stop talking, you may talk your customer out of the deal with one wrong remark.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

tjc78 said:

They make decent wireless setups these days.  It would be worth a shot. 

I love having the rear speakers when watching a movie.  Even my kids turn around to look in the back when an effect hits those speakers.   Believe it or not some of the kids movies have great soundtracks

When I put the new TV and sound bar in the bedroom I spring for the rear channel kit.   It’s wireless to the source but the speakers plug into the receiver box.  I tucked that behind the bed and sat the tiny speakers on our night table.  Can barely see them, wife didn’t even care so that’s a plus.  

How come wives aren't crazy about.........speakers?

They aren’t good “listeners

!” 

I am glad you said that.....they make it sound like we are the one's who never listen.

laurasdada

Cambridge Soundworks bookshelf speakers, pumping classic rock from my Insignia receiver. I rock!
Made up for with the B&W setup in the XF; sounds great!

stickguy

When we had young kids we always went out to eat early. To beat the crowd, and the kids get hungry.

driver100

suydam said:

abacomike said:

bwia said:

Thought I'd share this piece of advice from Edmunds as published in the Boston Globe.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT

Once you and the salesperson have agreed on terms, the next step is to sign the purchase documents. This process usually happens in the finance and insurance office and is a common bottleneck, particularly on the weekend. A dealership might have 30 salespeople but only four finance managers.

Instead of waiting around for your turn with the finance manager, make the most of this slowdown by asking your salesperson to teach you how to use the features of your new car. This phase, often called the “delivery,” typically happens after you’ve signed your purchase or lease agreement. Flipping the order won’t inconvenience the dealership, and it will make better use of your time.

From my experience in auto sales, once the buyer goes to finance, the salesman rushes to get another customer, or as we call it an “up”!  Most dealerships now have delivery specialists who deliver the new car to the customer and take them through the basics of the car’s operation and answer all questions. This is done in order to increase customer satisfaction on surveys.But the idea of learning the car’s operation while waiting to get into finance is a great idea when possible.

So far, I’ve never bought or leased a car without the salesperson showing me the various features. Each of them was careful to state that they would be happy for me to return in case I forgot something, and just to ask for them. Which I did. Today’s cars are complicated! I would be put off by being handed over to some “delivery specialist” myself. That would feel like, “oh, once you bought the car I’m done with you now”

.

I have seen it done both ways....I don't mind having a specialist because they are usually more knowledgable about certain things, like hooking up blue tooth etc. Salesmen are good too, but, I found the specialist was trained to do this...wheras salespeople are usually better at selling than being helpful with electronics and gadgets.

and, why do I have to keep going back and shading in the post I am replying to?

driver100

graphicguy said:

https://jalopnik.com/here-is-why-some-dealerships-aren-t-actually-interested-1830149834/amp

Interesting perspective....I think it is true,

Michaell

We have a BMW dealer here in Denver that advertises "One price, one person, one hour".

However, they are a one-price dealer that does not tack on a dealer fee...

roadburner

At my dealer the salespeople were expected to deliver the car. On a busy day like a Saturday I helped out quite a bit as some salespeople would have several deliveries waiting on F&I.

henryn

Now this is why I don't want to live in the frozen northern wastelands:




https://popularmechanics.com/cars/g1042/winter-beaters-pms-favorite-snow-cars/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_pop&utm_medium=email&date=100118

ab348

Sad day - the ATS summer-only tires (and OE wheels) are in hibernation until April. Winter rims and X-Ice 3s put on today.

sda

ab348 said:

Sad day - the ATS summer-only tires (and OE wheels) are in hibernation until April. Winter rims and X-Ice 3s put on today.

Brrr. I like the clean look of your winter wheels, great looking car.

ab348

Thank you kindly!

Michaell

ab348 said:

Thank you kindly!

I've been drawn to some pretty good deals on the used ATS with the 2.0T engine - high teens, low 20's here in Denver. Was hoping to get out and take a test drive last weekend, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps this weekend?

stickguy

That’s a car I might splurge on a killer lease offer, but don’t think I would buy one. If I buy something now, it needs to be something I’m keeping for a long time.

xwesx

henryn said:

Now this is why I don't want to live in the frozen northern wastelands:




https://popularmechanics.com/cars/g1042/winter-beaters-pms-favorite-snow-cars/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_pop&utm_medium=email&date=100118

Hahhahah! Gotta love freezing spray. It was a helluva windy storm that produced that result!

It has been around -15C here over night warming up to maybe -8 to -10C during the day. Not terrible for the time of year, but it sorta feels terrible considering that it went from an amazingly balmy month of October that saw only a couple of nights even below freezing to suddenly being more season-appropriate literally overnight.

driver100

henryn said:

Now this is why I don't want to live in the frozen northern wastelands:




https://popularmechanics.com/cars/g1042/winter-beaters-pms-favorite-snow-cars/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_pop&utm_medium=email&date=100118

My goal was not to see any snow this year. I guess a picture doesn't count.

driver100

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

Thank you kindly!

I've been drawn to some pretty good deals on the used ATS with the 2.0T engine - high teens, low 20's here in Denver. Was hoping to get out and take a test drive last weekend, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps this weekend?

Abs ATS looks pretty nice. What year are you hoping to get for hi teens low 20s Michaell. Mileage????

stickguy

Actually, at the price, maybe it is worth buying. If not too old, and CPO!

explorerx4

A lot of he younger kids at work are buying Subaru Imprezas and Crosstreks.
Most of the people who use to have the Forresters and Outbacks switched to something else due to the engine issues.

ab348

Michaell said:

I've been drawn to some pretty good deals on the used ATS with the 2.0T engine - high teens, low 20's here in Denver. Was hoping to get out and take a test drive last weekend, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps this weekend?

Avoid the 2013 (1st year) model. Avoid anything that has aftermarket tunes or mods, as those are the ones that have engine problems with the 2.0T.

bwia

ab348 said:

Sad day - the ATS summer-only tires (and OE wheels) are in hibernation until April. Winter rims and X-Ice 3s put on today.

Isn't it a bit early to switch to snow tires? I thought that was done after turning the clock back, or perhaps you guys don't recognize daylight savings time in Canada. 

By the way, the ATS looks pretty fine in red. From the side profile it kinda looks like a Stinger. And oh shucks, I am beginning to have Stinger evy. Time to bring out the EpiPen.

Michaell

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

Thank you kindly!

I've been drawn to some pretty good deals on the used ATS with the 2.0T engine - high teens, low 20's here in Denver. Was hoping to get out and take a test drive last weekend, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps this weekend?

Abs ATS looks pretty nice. What year are you hoping to get for hi teens low 20s Michaell. Mileage????

I just found a red 2016 with 28,000 miles on it for $22,600

Michaell

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

I've been drawn to some pretty good deals on the used ATS with the 2.0T engine - high teens, low 20's here in Denver. Was hoping to get out and take a test drive last weekend, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps this weekend?

Avoid the 2013 (1st year) model. Avoid anything that has aftermarket tunes or mods, as those are the ones that have engine problems with the 2.0T.

I didn't see any 2013's in my search – I guess that's a good thing?

driver100

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

Thank you kindly!

I've been drawn to some pretty good deals on the used ATS with the 2.0T engine - high teens, low 20's here in Denver. Was hoping to get out and take a test drive last weekend, but it didn't happen.

Perhaps this weekend?

Abs ATS looks pretty nice. What year are you hoping to get for hi teens low 20s Michaell. Mileage????

I just found a red 2016 with 28,000 miles on it for $22,600

We got our 2014 C250 exactly 2 years ago and paid $25000 and it had 12000 miles on it, with remainder of a 5 year extended warranty.....from a Mercedes dealer. The CTS probably has more equipment, but, it doesn't sound like enough depreciation considering one has a track record, one not so much.

The 2013s were probably all buy backs (just joking...honestly)

berri

Aba - was there a marble rye involved

tjc78

Re: early birds.  

Living the Diner capital of the USA I can confirm that the early bird is alive and well

@stickguy
Can vouch for it! 

abacomike

berri said:

Aba - was there a marble rye involved

No “Bobka” berri, just salted and onion bagels an bialies!