Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

Michaell

roadburner said:

henryn said:

I'm not advocating that you give up the farm. I appreciate country living (and city living). My point was, if you only need a jeep once or twice a year, why spend 30 or 40 thousand on a new one when you have a perfectly serviceable used one sitting there? Spend that money buying a new car that will please you 363 days out of 365, not 2 out of 365.

We've been discussing several possible scenarios. One idea is to get a vehicle for my wife that can replace the Clubman as well as the Wrangler; so far a JK/JL Wrangler is the only vehicle that really ticks all the boxes. Another idea was to simply replace the Clubman with a newer CUV; in that case the X1, Clubman, and CX-5 are the leading candidates.
Maybe we should check out a Sentra SR, as it apparently eclipses most every four wheeled vehicle on the market. Hmm...

Speaking of Sentras, my mom and sister are in Waco, TX for a few days, and got a Sentra as their rental in Dallas. My sister kinda likes it....

...but likely not enough to ditch her Lexus RX hybrid.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

slackers. I already offered $175,000 and the greedy old guy turned it down!

You offered that pittance to me, not the judge. We call guys like you “pikers” out here in the country. Don’t know why, we just do.

stickguy

well, I don't want to move to Kentucky though (make that, I would the wife wouldn't!). So I will only be able to offer $199.95 for the farm.

OF, you get a bigger offer because the wife would be happy to move up there for some odd reason.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

slackers. I already offered $175,000 and the greedy old guy turned it down!

You offered that pittance to me, not the judge. We call guys like you “pikers” out here in the country. Don’t know why, we just do.

well, it is not a nice ethnic stereotype/slur basically. But contextually, it fits!

berri

roadburner - good luck on whatever you decide , but PLEASE STOP those snowy, cold winter pictures. Winter is already too early this year

stickguy

If I never saw snow again in person, I would be perfectly content. I also have no need for it to be cold. ever.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

roadburner said:

henryn said:

I'm not advocating that you give up the farm. I appreciate country living (and city living). My point was, if you only need a jeep once or twice a year, why spend 30 or 40 thousand on a new one when you have a perfectly serviceable used one sitting there? Spend that money buying a new car that will please you 363 days out of 365, not 2 out of 365.

We've been discussing several possible scenarios. One idea is to get a vehicle for my wife that can replace the Clubman as well as the Wrangler; so far a JK/JL Wrangler is the only vehicle that really ticks all the boxes. Another idea was to simply replace the Clubman with a newer CUV; in that case the X1, Clubman, and CX-5 are the leading candidates.
Maybe we should check out a Sentra SR, as it apparently eclipses most every four wheeled vehicle on the market. Hmm...

Speaking of Sentras, my mom and sister are in Waco, TX for a few days, and got a Sentra as their rental in Dallas. My sister kinda likes it....

...but likely not enough to ditch her Lexus RX hybrid.

It was several months ago, but I rented a Sentra while in Austin for work. IIRC, it didn’t have more than 5K miles on it, but it was a pretty dismal driving vehicle. It wouldn’t be on any short list (well, except for one person).

Even if it was faster with the turbo motor, it still wouldn’t be something I’d be able to find a good reason to buy....or to even rent, again.

Have they done a redesign on it?

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

henryn said:

I'm not advocating that you give up the farm. I appreciate country living (and city living). My point was, if you only need a jeep once or twice a year, why spend 30 or 40 thousand on a new one when you have a perfectly serviceable used one sitting there? Spend that money buying a new car that will please you 363 days out of 365, not 2 out of 365.

We've been discussing several possible scenarios. One idea is to get a vehicle for my wife that can replace the Clubman as well as the Wrangler; so far a JK/JL Wrangler is the only vehicle that really ticks all the boxes. Another idea was to simply replace the Clubman with a newer CUV; in that case the X1, Clubman, and CX-5 are the leading candidates.
Maybe we should check out a Sentra SR, as it apparently eclipses most every four wheeled vehicle on the market. Hmm...

How about an AWD Subaru? Don’t they have a good reputation for off road/snow capabilities?

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

slackers. I already offered $175,000 and the greedy old guy turned it down!

You offered that pittance to me, not the judge. We call guys like you “pikers” out here in the country. Don’t know why, we just do.

well, it is not a nice ethnic stereotype/slur basically. But contextually, it fits!

Well the old reference to Irish gypsies is passe’ but the modern iteration is somewhat appropriate for your offer:

According to Webster
piker noun
pik·​er | \ˈpī-kər \
Definition of piker
1 : one who gambles or speculates with small amounts of money
2 : one who does things in a small way
also : TIGHTWAD, CHEAPSKATE

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

How about an AWD Subaru? Don’t they have a good reputation for off road/snow capabilities?

I absolutely despise CVTs.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

How about an AWD Subaru? Don’t they have a good reputation for off road/snow capabilities?

I don’t think they move large trees very well, and 30” of water might be a bit much.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

roadburner said:

henryn said:

I'm not advocating that you give up the farm. I appreciate country living (and city living). My point was, if you only need a jeep once or twice a year, why spend 30 or 40 thousand on a new one when you have a perfectly serviceable used one sitting there? Spend that money buying a new car that will please you 363 days out of 365, not 2 out of 365.

We've been discussing several possible scenarios. One idea is to get a vehicle for my wife that can replace the Clubman as well as the Wrangler; so far a JK/JL Wrangler is the only vehicle that really ticks all the boxes. Another idea was to simply replace the Clubman with a newer CUV; in that case the X1, Clubman, and CX-5 are the leading candidates.
Maybe we should check out a Sentra SR, as it apparently eclipses most every four wheeled vehicle on the market. Hmm...

Speaking of Sentras, my mom and sister are in Waco, TX for a few days, and got a Sentra as their rental in Dallas. My sister kinda likes it....

...but likely not enough to ditch her Lexus RX hybrid.

It was several months ago, but I rented a Sentra while in Austin for work. IIRC, it didn’t have more than 5K miles on it, but it was a pretty dismal driving vehicle. It wouldn’t be on any short list (well, except for one person).

Even if it was faster with the turbo motor, it still wouldn’t be something I’d be able to find a good reason to buy....or to even rent, again.

Have they done a redesign on it?

I don’t understand why everyone dumps on Sentras. Granted they don’t have the ride or capabilities of higher end cars but then again, those higher end cars cost twice as much. For what they are they do a pretty good job.

If I was shopping Nissans as I’ve said before, I’d take the Altima. Much better in my opinion.

If I was on a limited budget (as I usually am) I wouldn’t mind owing any of these small cars Focus, Cruise, Elantra, Sentra etc.

dino001

oldfarmer50 said:

I don’t understand why everyone dumps on Sentras. Granted they don’t have the ride or capabilities of higher end cars but then again, those higher end cars cost twice as much. For what they are they do a pretty good job. .

You just answered yourself - those dumping on them usually can’t imagine driving such a vehicle in this price range or type, not really, or even if they can, the scenario is usually because they want to, not because they have to. In those scenarios, 15, 20, or 25 grand will feel as „same price range” and the favorite “economy” car will push 30 grand after all is said and done.

I have my list of likes and dislikes, I even make myself go think what I would buy if I could only spend X, Y, or Z dollars. Sentra is not on the list of favorites, but I totally understand why somebody would take one, especially if they can get it for a grand, two or three less than say Civic, or Mazda3, or whatever I may fancy, and they value their money more than whatever feel they get from throttle, suspension, or styling. Nissans usually offer reliability, gas mileage and overall interior design features feel closer to Hondas and Toyotas, but pricing, especially used, is much closer to domestic, making it hell of a value proposition for those who need just that.

stickguy

good post Driver. Also different priorities for different people, which should be respected. And most of the less expensive cars these days are really impressive on their own merits. And like you said, many people are on a tight budget, so compromises need to be made.

My sport might not quite be a GLI, but it is not far off in capabilities, and comparable in function. certainly in the same class, and even better equipped on the base models. It just happened to cost a whole boatload less money (comparably equipped, probably close to 10K), but is still quick and fun to drive in normal use.

I never drove a Sentra turbo (not even sure I ever drove a base one), but at least it takes care of 2 weak spots. No CVT, and no pokey little puppy engine! Driving dynamics, well, that is a personal decision.

jmonroe1

henryn said:

I'm not advocating that you give up the farm. I appreciate country living (and city living). My point was, if you only need a jeep once or twice a year, why spend 30 or 40 thousand on a new one when you have a perfectly serviceable used one sitting there? Spend that money buying a new car that will please you 363 days out of 365, not 2 out of 365.

Read his lips; he WANTS a new car.

jmonroe

ronsteve

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

How about an AWD Subaru? Don’t they have a good reputation for off road/snow capabilities?

I absolutely despise CVTs.

The weekend I spent with a Rogue just before I started serious car shopping was almost enough to make me cross the Outback off my list based on the CVT alone. But I actually test drove an Outback and didn't think it was ALL that bad.

I still went with the RDX, even though I still have to decide on my rack options before we start dragging bikes around again in the spring. Maybe getting that done will make it more "mine" (doesn't feel like it yet, after those years as a "recovering" CCB) and cure those occasional moments of Outback envy that I get. For now I'll enjoy the power, which I know an Outback doesn't have.

stickguy

I test drove a new Altima a few years back, and did not really notice the CVT (that is a good thing). And the Accord I spent a lot of time in was fine to drive, as were the Subes I drove. But, never drove a Rogue, and the Altima was a fairly short test drive. Though I don't like most normal ATs anyway, so the CVT has a low bar to clear for me.

stickguy

Ron, what are you deciding about the rack? We had a hitch put on (not Acura, I think it is a hidden hitch) that works well. Pretty well tucked up underneath. I can't stand hitches that droop way down. Works great with our Thule hitch rack. A nice bonus (compared to that rack on our Odyssey) is that it is a lot higher off the ground for clearance. Helps that the RDX has a fairly short rear overhang.

bwia

SCAM

"This is very clever.  `I would probably fall for it if not warned.  Give this wide distribution.  This scam is actually very clever.  Just when you thought you'd heard it all.  Beware of people bearing gifts.

The following is a recounting of the incident from the victim:

Wednesday a week ago, I had a phone call from someone saying that he was from some outfit called: "Express Couriers," (The name could be any courier company).  He asked if I was going to be home because there was a package for me that required a signature.

The caller said that the delivery would arrive at my home in roughly an hour. Sure enough, about an hour later, a uniformed delivery man turned up with a beautiful basket of flowers and a bottle of wine. I was very surprised since there was no special occasion or holiday, and I certainly didn't expect anything like it. Intrigued, I inquired as to who the sender was.

The courier replied, "I don't know, I'm only delivering the package."

Apparently, a greeting card was being sent separately (the card has never arrived!).  There was also a consignment note with the gift.

He then went on to explain that because the gift contained alcohol, there was a $3.50 "delivery/ verification charge," providing proof that he had actually delivered the package to an adult (of legal drinking age), and not just left it on the doorstep where it could be stolen or taken by anyone, especially a minor.

This sounded logical and I offered to pay him cash. He then said that the delivery company required payment to be by credit or debit card only, so that everything is properly accounted for, and this would help in keeping a legal record of the transaction.

He added, "Couriers don't carry cash to avoid loss or likely targets for robbery."

My husband, who by this time was standing beside me, pulled out his credit card, and 'John,' the "delivery man," asked him to swipe the card on a small mobile card machine with a small screen and keypad. Frank, my husband, was asked to enter his PIN number and a receipt was printed out. He was given a copy of the transaction.

The guy said everything was in order, and wished us good day.

To our horrible surprise, between Thursday and the following Monday, $4,000 had been charged/withdrawn from our credit/debit account at various ATM machines.

Apparently the "mobile credit card machine," which the deliveryman carried now had all the info necessary to create a "dummy" card with all our card details including the PIN number.

Upon finding out about the illegal transactions on our card, we immediately notified the bank which issued us a new card, and our credit/debit account was closed.

We also personally went to the Police, where it was confirmed that it is definitely a scam because several households had been similarly hit.

WARNING: Be wary of accepting any "surprise gift or package," which you neither expected nor personally ordered, especially if it involves any kind of payment as a condition of receiving the gift.

PLEASE pass this on; it may just prevent someone else from being swindled."

dino001

Well, movie “Matchstick Men” starts with Cage’s character saying “People always want something for nothing, so I give them nothing for something”. I don't expect gift basket, I don’t take a gift basket.

henryn

If someone showed up with a gift basket for me, I would be very, very suspicious. I've never received such a thing in my life, and I wouldn't expect to suddenly get one now.

In addition, anyone who tells me they don't accept cash gets looked at with a very high degree of suspicion. Yes, I have encountered such things, but VERY rarely. And for the most part, I passed them by.

dino001

henryn said:

If someone showed up with a gift basket for me, I would be very, very suspicious. I've never received such a thing in my life, and I wouldn't expect to suddenly get one now.

In addition, anyone who tells me they don't accept cash gets looked at with a very high degree of suspicion. Yes, I have encountered such things, but VERY rarely. And for the most part, I passed them by.

I think you can’t pay cash on a plane and some other places, but it usualy makes sense. Others, like buses, they may tell you exact change or you lose the money over.

cdnpinhead

...

qbrozen

bwia said:

SCAM

"This is very clever.  `I would probably fall for it if not warned.  Give this wide distribution.  This scam is actually very clever.  Just when you thought you'd heard it all.  Beware of people bearing gifts.

The following is a recounting of the incident from the victim:

Wednesday a week ago, I had a phone call from someone saying that he was from some outfit called: "Express Couriers," (The name could be any courier company).  He asked if I was going to be home because there was a package for me that required a signature.

The caller said that the delivery would arrive at my home in roughly an hour. Sure enough, about an hour later, a uniformed delivery man turned up with a beautiful basket of flowers and a bottle of wine. I was very surprised since there was no special occasion or holiday, and I certainly didn't expect anything like it. Intrigued, I inquired as to who the sender was.

The courier replied, "I don't know, I'm only delivering the package."

Apparently, a greeting card was being sent separately (the card has never arrived!).  There was also a consignment note with the gift.

He then went on to explain that because the gift contained alcohol, there was a $3.50 "delivery/ verification charge," providing proof that he had actually delivered the package to an adult (of legal drinking age), and not just left it on the doorstep where it could be stolen or taken by anyone, especially a minor.

This sounded logical and I offered to pay him cash. He then said that the delivery company required payment to be by credit or debit card only, so that everything is properly accounted for, and this would help in keeping a legal record of the transaction.

He added, "Couriers don't carry cash to avoid loss or likely targets for robbery."

My husband, who by this time was standing beside me, pulled out his credit card, and 'John,' the "delivery man," asked him to swipe the card on a small mobile card machine with a small screen and keypad. Frank, my husband, was asked to enter his PIN number and a receipt was printed out. He was given a copy of the transaction.

The guy said everything was in order, and wished us good day.

To our horrible surprise, between Thursday and the following Monday, $4,000 had been charged/withdrawn from our credit/debit account at various ATM machines.

Apparently the "mobile credit card machine," which the deliveryman carried now had all the info necessary to create a "dummy" card with all our card details including the PIN number.

Upon finding out about the illegal transactions on our card, we immediately notified the bank which issued us a new card, and our credit/debit account was closed.

We also personally went to the Police, where it was confirmed that it is definitely a scam because several households had been similarly hit.

WARNING: Be wary of accepting any "surprise gift or package," which you neither expected nor personally ordered, especially if it involves any kind of payment as a condition of receiving the gift.

PLEASE pass this on; it may just prevent someone else from being swindled."

FYI, while this incident is apparently true, this email started circulating a decade ago.

driver100

qbrozen said:

bwia said:

SCAM

"This is very clever.  `I would probably fall for it if not warned.  Give this wide distribution.  This scam is actually very clever.  Just when you thought you'd heard it all.  Beware of people bearing gifts.

The following is a recounting of the incident from the victim:

Wednesday a week ago, I had a phone call from someone saying that he was from some outfit called: "Express Couriers," (The name could be any courier company).  He asked if I was going to be home because there was a package for me that required a signature.

The caller said that the delivery would arrive at my home in roughly an hour. Sure enough, about an hour later, a uniformed delivery man turned up with a beautiful basket of flowers and a bottle of wine. I was very surprised since there was no special occasion or holiday, and I certainly didn't expect anything like it. Intrigued, I inquired as to who the sender was.

The courier replied, "I don't know, I'm only delivering the package."

Apparently, a greeting card was being sent separately (the card has never arrived!).  There was also a consignment note with the gift.

He then went on to explain that because the gift contained alcohol, there was a $3.50 "delivery/ verification charge," providing proof that he had actually delivered the package to an adult (of legal drinking age), and not just left it on the doorstep where it could be stolen or taken by anyone, especially a minor.

This sounded logical and I offered to pay him cash. He then said that the delivery company required payment to be by credit or debit card only, so that everything is properly accounted for, and this would help in keeping a legal record of the transaction.

He added, "Couriers don't carry cash to avoid loss or likely targets for robbery."

My husband, who by this time was standing beside me, pulled out his credit card, and 'John,' the "delivery man," asked him to swipe the card on a small mobile card machine with a small screen and keypad. Frank, my husband, was asked to enter his PIN number and a receipt was printed out. He was given a copy of the transaction.

The guy said everything was in order, and wished us good day.

To our horrible surprise, between Thursday and the following Monday, $4,000 had been charged/withdrawn from our credit/debit account at various ATM machines.

Apparently the "mobile credit card machine," which the deliveryman carried now had all the info necessary to create a "dummy" card with all our card details including the PIN number.

Upon finding out about the illegal transactions on our card, we immediately notified the bank which issued us a new card, and our credit/debit account was closed.

We also personally went to the Police, where it was confirmed that it is definitely a scam because several households had been similarly hit.

WARNING: Be wary of accepting any "surprise gift or package," which you neither expected nor personally ordered, especially if it involves any kind of payment as a condition of receiving the gift.

PLEASE pass this on; it may just prevent someone else from being swindled."

FYI, while this incident is apparently true, this email started circulating a decade ago

.

Still worth being reminded of it and to stay on guard for other similar scams. The idea a courier couldn't handle cash is very believable.

driver100

I drove a 2012 Nissan Versa, it was a rental car when I was getting my 2012 bmw 535 repaired.
It was one of the least satisfactory driving experiences I have ever had....no joy, no fun, no driving pleasure.

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

Michaell said:

roadburner said:

henryn said:

I'm not advocating that you give up the farm. I appreciate country living (and city living). My point was, if you only need a jeep once or twice a year, why spend 30 or 40 thousand on a new one when you have a perfectly serviceable used one sitting there? Spend that money buying a new car that will please you 363 days out of 365, not 2 out of 365.

We've been discussing several possible scenarios. One idea is to get a vehicle for my wife that can replace the Clubman as well as the Wrangler; so far a JK/JL Wrangler is the only vehicle that really ticks all the boxes. Another idea was to simply replace the Clubman with a newer CUV; in that case the X1, Clubman, and CX-5 are the leading candidates.
Maybe we should check out a Sentra SR, as it apparently eclipses most every four wheeled vehicle on the market. Hmm...

Speaking of Sentras, my mom and sister are in Waco, TX for a few days, and got a Sentra as their rental in Dallas. My sister kinda likes it....

...but likely not enough to ditch her Lexus RX hybrid.

It was several months ago, but I rented a Sentra while in Austin for work. IIRC, it didn’t have more than 5K miles on it, but it was a pretty dismal driving vehicle. It wouldn’t be on any short list (well, except for one person).

Even if it was faster with the turbo motor, it still wouldn’t be something I’d be able to find a good reason to buy....or to even rent, again.

Have they done a redesign on it?

I don’t understand why everyone dumps on Sentras. Granted they don’t have the ride or capabilities of higher end cars but then again, those higher end cars cost twice as much. For what they are they do a pretty good job.

If I was shopping Nissans as I’ve said before, I’d take the Altima. Much better in my opinion.

If I was on a limited budget (as I usually am) I wouldn’t mind owing any of these small cars Focus, Cruise, Elantra, Sentra etc.

OF....I’d take any of those other cars you mentioned before I’d buy a Sentra. The Sentra I drove handled poorly, was slow and loud. Steering was the very definition of numb. While the car was relatively new, it wandered all over the highway. Any of the “amenities” it had seemed to be the bare minimum they could throw into it (like a weak A/C unit). Materials seemed to be the bare minimum also.

If I’m on a budget, and I’m looking for some transportation that was safe and reliable, I’d look at a used Corolla or Civic, instead.

If it has to be new, the ones you mentioned would be the ones I looked at well before I’d look at a Sentra.

Not denigrating your impressions, as maybe I just didn’t enjoy the week I spent with the Sentra. But, it made a lasting (and not very good) impression.

Onto scams.....the old adages still apply....if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Wine and flowers sent unexpectedly from an unknown source? Sure, take my credit card. People are gullible. We’ll lock our homes every night and make certain our cars are locked in parking lots. But, whenever it comes to allowing solicitors, on our phones, or at our door, promising something for free (or nearly free)...sure...step right up.

Over the weekend, I got a call from someone claiming to be from Bank of America. Now, I’ve done business with BoA, as I had a credit card from them, but it was a long time ago. And, that card is long gone.

The lady who called introduced herself as a representative with BoA and stated there was unusual activity on my account. She asked for my account number. I was a little suspicious at first, but told her I had not had an account with them for a while. I also told her I no longer had access to that account, but since they found the “suspicious” activity on the account, surely they know the account number where such activity occurred.

She went on to say that they needed to make certain I was the account holder and they did that by verifying the account with the owner. Again, I said I did not have access to the account any longer. She then asked me for my SS#, so she could identify me as the account holder.


That was what set off the fire alarm. It hit me right at that moment. They are calling a list of people, who may have (or may not have) had a BoA account. Once the person can’t get the account number to them, they ask for their SS#, all under the guise they’re trying to protect the alleged account holder from some sort of fraud.

Ironic, given they’re the ones perpetrating the fraud.

I asked her for her supervisor. She called me an unkind name and hung up on me.

houdini2

roadburner said:

henryn said:

Understood. But how often do you need those abilities? Once or twice a week, or once or twice a year?

Someone in here, in the last few days, was quoting the old proverb about "don't buy a car based on what you're going to be using it for 5% of the time".

It’s one of those situations where you may not need the capability that frequently, but when you do need it you REALLY need. This year alone I had to pull large trees out of the way twice so that my wife could leave for work. 

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

How about an AWD Subaru? Don’t they have a good reputation for off road/snow capabilities?

I absolutely despise CVTs.

RB, I have not seen, or don't remember, you ever considering an Audi A4/S4. Any reason?

dino001

graphicguy said:

That was what set of the fire alarm. It hit me right at that moment. They are calling a list of people, who may have (or may not have) had a BoA account. Once the person can’t get the account number to them, they ask for their SS#, all under the guise they’re trying to protect the alleged account holder from some sort of fraud.

Ironic, given they’re the ones perpetrating the fraud.

I asked her for her supervisor. She called me an unkind name and hung up on me.

I actually received a legitimate call once or twice from Chase regarding unusual transactions (which were btw. mine, but caught by the computer as suspicious), so I know how they should look like. It’s either a computer, or human, but it will involve them saying your name and last four digits of the card, to establish what they’re talking about.

graphicguy

dino001 said:

graphicguy said:

That was what set of the fire alarm. It hit me right at that moment. They are calling a list of people, who may have (or may not have) had a BoA account. Once the person can’t get the account number to them, they ask for their SS#, all under the guise they’re trying to protect the alleged account holder from some sort of fraud.

Ironic, given they’re the ones perpetrating the fraud.

I asked her for her supervisor. She called me an unkind name and hung up on me.

I actually received a ligitimate call once or twice from Chase regarding transactions, so I know how they should look like. It’s either a computer, or human, but it will involve them saying your name and last four digits of the card, to establish what they’re talking about.

Yeah......I know how my AMEX and Chase cards support routine. It isn't "tell me your card number and SS number".

Good rule of thumb, if someone wants you to give your SS# over the phone, you might want to think twice....and then, think again....!!!!!

But, these folks must make money with such a scam, because it's getting worse, not better.

Just need to be a bit more diligent. If someone is sending me anything via courier from some unknown person or source, I'm refusing it.

I even check the connection on my bank's ATMs and gas pump card readers every time I use them to make certain they don't have scimmers.

My son says I'm paranoid. I say I'm smarter than criminals.

qbrozen

driver100 said:

Still worth being reminded of it and to stay on guard for other similar scams. The idea a courier couldn't handle cash is very believable.

Yeah, its a pretty good scam. Gotta wonder, though, if people sending out these mass emails aren't making it worse by giving the idea to those scammers who could never have come up with it on their own.

suydam

Back to Nissans. I had a Versa Note as a rental 2 years ago and liked it very much. It was a versatile vehicle, got terrific gas mileage, and was very nimble. I certainly enjoyed driving it more than the Corollas I’ve also had as rentals. The other compact rental I’ve had was an Elantra, and it was very good as well. Great gas mileage and handling. OTOH the Malibu I got stuck with last time was a truly awful car, but I don’t think it was representative of the brand. Of course my priorities with rentals are somewhat different than a car I expect to live with a long time.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

I even check the connection on my bank's ATMs and gas pump card readers every time I use them to make certain they don't have scimmers.

Recently my bank introduced a new feature that allows card free access to its ATM's which eliminates the need to physically insert the card. I simply sign in to the online banking portal and generate a code that is good for 30 minutes. I go to the ATM, punch in the code that was generated, put in my PIN, and out comes the cash. Very convenient way to avoid worrying about skimmers.

dino001

pensfan83 said:

graphicguy said:

I even check the connection on my bank's ATMs and gas pump card readers every time I use them to make certain they don't have scimmers.

Recently my bank introduced a new feature that allows card free access to its ATM's which eliminates the need to physically insert the card. I simply sign in to the online banking portal and generate a code that is good for 30 minutes. I go to the ATM, punch in the code that was generated, put in my PIN, and out comes the cash. Very convenient way to avoid worrying about skimmers.

This is a good one. I assume each code can be used once, so the skimmers can’t intercept it and use it again quickly after you leave.

pensfan83

Correct. Once it's used you would have to go back in and generate another one if you required further services of the ATM.

28firefighter

I LOVE that idea. Hope it comes to my banks here shortly - I'd love to ditch the debit card. It is literally the only card I carry with me that is largely a direct link to cash and I almost never use it, only carrying it for emergencies.

pensfan83

Exactly. I rarely use my debit card for anything other than cash withdrawals so this feature allows us to carry one less card around.

Which reminds me....anytime we dine out at a restaurant where the wait staff processes payments we always pay cash because I refuse to let cards out of my sight.

roadburner

houdini2 said:

RB, I have not seen, or don't remember, you ever considering an Audi A4/S4. Any reason?

We checked out A4s a couple of times in the past, but they never gave us a "gotta have it" vibe.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

Exactly. I rarely use my debit card for anything other than cash withdrawals so this feature allows us to carry one less card around.

Which reminds me....anytime we dine out at a restaurant where the wait staff processes payments we always pay cash because I refuse to let cards out of my sight.

Interesting approach. Since I'm paying with credit (for the points, of course), I'm OK since there is the ability to dispute charges, fraud etc. I do not understand using a debit card as a credit card, which I see all the time.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

Ron, what are you deciding about the rack? We had a hitch put on (not Acura, I think it is a hidden hitch) that works well. Pretty well tucked up underneath. I can't stand hitches that droop way down. Works great with our Thule hitch rack. A nice bonus (compared to that rack on our Odyssey) is that it is a lot higher off the ground for clearance. Helps that the RDX has a fairly short rear overhang.

Thinking about hitch racks, if I can find something where the bike(s) won't just be "hanging." May still bite the bullet and get rails/crossbars put on to accept a roof rack instead, as getting rear-ended with bike(s) on a hitch rack won't end well.

stickguy

I doubt it would end well if I tried to wrestle our bikes way up on the roof. I’ll take my chances with traffic! RDX is nice because the hitch sits pretty high. I’ve never had any issue with dragging. That used to happen with the odyssey since it rode much lower.

stickguy

Pens, glad I’m not the only person that insists on paying cash at restaurants. I wish places here had the units like they used in Ireland. What person brought it to the table, you pop the card in, select items paying for, and done. Receipt on the spot, card never leaves your sight. My understanding is overseas, no one ever hands over the card to be taken away.

I would also never use the debit card to purchase. That only gets used at the banks ATM to get cash.

venture

I saw a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a little while ago.



For some reason I immediately thought of this:

stickguy

Never a good sign when that’s the comp people make to your new car.

graphicguy

I debated about posting this story all weekend, but since no names are involved, and it’s sorta driving related, I’m going to.

One of my best friends (I was Best Man at his wedding many, many years ago) called me at 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning. That has never happened before, particularly with my friend.

He had been picked up for suspicion of driving under the influence. I don’t know if he was drinking, or he wasn’t. But, he’s going through a nasty divorce and I told him a few times recently that drowning his sorrows in a bottle is not a good idea. Doing it and getting behind the wheel is an even worse idea.

He lives in a County just east of me. I’m not THAT familiar with the area, but they had put him, in what looked like to me, a highly secure trailer that they can move around. I guess they use these whenever they set up an checkpoint? Or, when they’re combing an area for DUI drivers?

I don’t know how the whole process works. I thought they took you to the nearest jail, and I don’t even now where that is. Apparently, there’s a different procedure for DUIs?

They picked him up at around 11:00 p.m. and didn’t release him until the next morning (ergo, the phone call I got).

Was he drunk? Didn’t seem like it to me, but I wasn’t with him at 11:00 p.m., either. He said they picked him up for crossing a yellow line. He said it was very dark and if he did cross the yellow line, it was just barely and in a split second. Again, I don’t know how all of this works. He argued with the arresting officer (bad move on his part). I guess he became somewhat defensive when the officer told him why he was pulled over and he would not cooperate with the officer who was trying to give him a field sobriety test.

From that point, I guess it became “assume the position”.

Lots of details I don’t have. I just took him straight home. I didn’t smell any alcohol, but I have not been trained to, either. He went into hiding Saturday and yesterday.

Finally reached him this a.m. He apologized profusely for getting me out of bed to pick him up (was irritated at the time, but what are friends for?). He said he had a beer with a burger at a bar/restaurant he went to listen to a band.

I dunno? Would they arrest you for drinking a beer? Two? Three? I’m thinking he had more than one. But, he’s 6’3”...230#-240#. It would take more than a beer (or even 2 or 3) to get him drunk....especially if he’d also had something to eat.

I don’t know if he took a breathalyzer or failed the physical tests, if he even acquiesced and did any of those tests?

Anyway, he told me he talked to his lawyer who saw the video from the police cam this a.m. He said that it was pretty skimpy evidence for pulling someone over for a DUI. He’s going to try to get the charges reduced. But, for the lawyer to even try? $3K....up front......that’s just for a plea, and not an actual trial. Plus, if guilty, fines and fees would match that. Then there’s the insurance pound of flesh.

As I told my friend, not only are you now going back and forth to court for your divorce, you’ll be going back and forth for what could be a DUI. He can’t wait for this year to be over.

ronsteve

stickguy said:

Pens, glad I’m not the only person that insists on paying cash at restaurants. I wish places here had the units like they used in Ireland. What person brought it to the table, you pop the card in, select items paying for, and done. Receipt on the spot, card never leaves your sight. My understanding is overseas, no one ever hands over the card to be taken away.

When we visited Niagara Falls in September, pretty much every restaurant brought the portable terminal to the table and ran it right there like you described. I think I've seen maybe a handful of establishments do that here in the States, though I can't recall exactly where anymore.

suydam

NOBODY who ever gets caught for DUI is ever guilty — from their point of view. Your friend messed up. Hope he learns a lesson.

ab348

stickguy said:

Pens, glad I’m not the only person that insists on paying cash at restaurants. I wish places here had the units like they used in Ireland. What person brought it to the table, you pop the card in, select items paying for, and done. Receipt on the spot, card never leaves your sight. My understanding is overseas, no one ever hands over the card to be taken away.

I would also never use the debit card to purchase. That only gets used at the banks ATM to get cash.

Those units are pretty much standard in restos here now. I think you need to be somewhere where chip cards are universal.

When debit first came on the scene I used it a lot, but the advent of reward CCs pretty much killed that for me.

qbrozen

New Corolla hatch has 168 hp and 6-speed manual. Interesting combo with some potential. BUT, $23k to start? Yikes! That puts it up against the Golf rather than the Fit/Elantra.

28firefighter

Sorry to hear about your friend's troubles. I am pretty familiar with DUI law and practices in PA, and I imagine it isn't much different in OH.

There is a common misconception that you need to be legally drunk to be arrested for DUI - you do not. There are two parts to every DUI statute in most states and it goes like this: (1) being over the legal limit of .08 is your one-way ticket to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200. If the stop was unlawful to begin with, a good DUI attorney may get it pitched; (2) any level alcohol in your system and being incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle in the opinion of your the arresting officer is grounds for arrest for a DUI. Again, if the stop was unlawful to begin with or the characteristics of unsafe driving that the officer used to make their determination are questionable, a good DUI lawyer can get it tossed.

Further, many states have driver license requirements that state you must submit to a breathalyzer or field sobriety test upon a request from a law enforcement officer. Refusing to do so could lead to a mandatory suspension of your license for a period of time - in some states, up to a year.

Arguing with an arresting officer is a colossal waste of time and energy. Cooperation is key but so is also knowing your rights and what they can/cannot do. Also, as you noted, DUI lawyers are expensive and that's because most of them are experts in DUI and do nothing but. That is the cost of doing business to some extent.

Your friend's best bet is to see if (1) the attorney can get it the stop thrown out; or (2) if everything is lawful, plea and get diversion.

The moral of the story here is if you drink anything and get behind the wheel, you are at risk of a DUI if you get stopped, even if you don't think you are drunk. Yes, it could be tossed later, but at great personal expense and of course time.