Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

dino001

ruking1 said:

One REAL perspective. IF one gets IRS/STATE refunds, one is loaning the governments (fed, state, county, local & worlds) interest FREE ! ?

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

Absolutely, they do. Why do you think they charge you a penalty, when situation is reversed? People get so giddy and happy when they get a big refund, Government not so much. Whose attitude reflects the economic calculus, whose just uninformed good feelings, like it’s a gift?

That’s why best tax return is you owe maximum amount not triggering the underpayment penalty. If you are cashflow challenged, then the second best is you owe fifty bucks - you don’t hurt, you didn’t five them a free loan.

oldfarmer50

suydam said:

No real keys either nowadays.

The other day we were taking cars out of service at a local office. The key fob or the car battery was dead because I couldn’t unlock the door. There was no key slot to insert a key anywhere. The youngsters running the office marched outside eyes rolling no doubt thinking I was senile. To their surprise they couldn’t find a slot either. Later I was thinking what would an owner do if stranded like that. How would AAA even be able to pop the hood for a jump. Scarey.

ruking1

Unfortunately, RTFM. The problem with that is that the multiple manuals have so MANY total pages and leave a LOT to (not real clear) one having to go through the actual procedures & protocols.

driver100

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

tjc78 said:
All this talk of the striped shirt made me go back and find it!

How about going back and finding me in the Batman costume.....that kept them all quiet for awhile.

I actually came across that searching for the original picture

.  

Well tjc, what are you waiting for?

stickguy

well, can't read the manual on how to unlock the car, if it is locked in the car! Though I imagine 5 minutes on Google and you will have the answer.

I know the acura and the VW both have a metal key and a key slot in the driver's door. The Jetta they did a pretty good job of hiding, but the salesman made a special point of showing my daughter where it was.

oldfarmer50

venture said:

The dealer body shop that has my Legacy called yesterday. After they dismantled it they discovered a few other things that need fixed. Now, instead of 3 or 4 days, it's going to be 2 weeks. He also said the estimate is up to $4,000. Great googally moogally!

Just for giggles I looked at the Nissan site to see what the Murano I am renting sells for (MSRP anyway). It starts at over $43,000. I'm absolutely amazed anyone would spend that much money for one of them...I don't care how much they can be bought for under retail. I can hardly wait to get my Legacy back.

Steep depreciation or screaming bargain?

https://www.enterprisecarsales.com/list/buy-a-car-1/text=2018 nissan murano+sort=distance,asc,,display_price,asc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE&CUR=Google_Brand&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSA_G_US_SE_Group3_B_EXM_NTL_EN_US-_-search_used_car_inventory-SL&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!264757827114!e!!g!!enterprises car sales

stickguy

speaking of Manuals, I was surprised that the TLX one was much skinnier than I expected. I think they were just more concise, but some places I think it was basically "go into the menu and do it"

driver100

tyguy said:

dino001 said:

So Tesla lowers its Model 3 price, but plans to close almost all of its retails stores. Online sales only. So buy completely sight unseen, untried. I know a few believers will, but majority of those already got one, the rest of us wants to at least see a car and see how it drives. How is that going to work? But I know, Musk is a genius, don't you dare ask questions. You'll be a pedo, evil short seller, or even worse. You won't us all drown in ocean water after it rises 20 feet...

Definitely a big development, but I think your conclusion about "unseen" is incorrect. According to the news articles I read there will still be galleries open to look at the car in-person. Regarding untried, it does come with a 7-day, 1000-mile return policy, so the risk is low for the buyer. Personally I hate the traditional dealership model and prefer this version, but I may be in the minority.

Do they keep your trade in for 7 days until you are sure? How do you undo the deal and all the paperwork if you return the car? And, this is a car, not like returning shoes to amazon...license, taxes, insurance.......

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

driver100 said:

tjc78 said:
All this talk of the striped shirt made me go back and find it!

How about going back and finding me in the Batman costume.....that kept them all quiet for awhile.

I actually came across that searching for the original picture.  

WARNING: Stop the search and if you found it DON'T post it. None of us want to see it again. Failure to heed this warning will force us to recommend a whopping dues bump. :@

jmonroe

stickguy

I assume they have to keep your trade in. Carvana advertised the whole 7 day bring it back policy (like Carmax), but you also are able to trade in at the same time. so if they absorb your trade right away, that could get messy. Poof, your trade in credit vaporizes! I never looked at the fine print, but I assume you can just get your money back and walk away, and don't have to take a replacement car instead.

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

wow the scammers are working overtime today. So far today I have 2 voicemails that's a robotic voice stating that they are from the Department of Social Security Administration stating that due to suspected fraud they have suspended my SSN. 

Well, if you had my “excellent credit history” you’d be getting calls offering zero interest loans instead.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The dealer body shop that has my Legacy called yesterday. After they dismantled it they discovered a few other things that need fixed. Now, instead of 3 or 4 days, it's going to be 2 weeks. He also said the estimate is up to $4,000. Great googally moogally!

Just for giggles I looked at the Nissan site to see what the Murano I am renting sells for (MSRP anyway). It starts at over $43,000. I'm absolutely amazed anyone would spend that much money for one of them...I don't care how much they can be bought for under retail. I can hardly wait to get my Legacy back.

Steep depreciation or screaming bargain?

https://www.enterprisecarsales.com/list/buy-a-car-1/text=2018 nissan murano+sort=distance,asc,,display_price,asc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE&CUR=Google_Brand&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSA_G_US_SE_Group3_B_EXM_NTL_EN_US-_-search_used_car_inventory-SL&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!264757827114!e!!g!!enterprises car sales

OF, it just links to the generic Enterprise page.

jmonroe1

abacomike said:

cdnpinhead said:

It's becoming clearer and clearer why Richard is no longer here. When you get older, fewer things are tolerable.

We teach our children at home and in school how to be tolerant of situations they will eventually find themselves in as their lives progress.  We do the same when it comes to people who are difficult to tolerate.  We teach strategies to our children, in both cases, to best deal with intolerable situations and/or people.

When I was a kid, my parents and teachers taught me to IGNORE those intolerable situations and/or people.  So, I have become adept at “scrolling quickly” through posts that I am either disinterested in or that are abhorrent to me (intolerable to the point of disgust).  I have learned much from my parents and teachers, but it’s the strategies I have learned and acquired throughout life that have helped me overcome the urge to commit horrendous sin - i.e. “murder”!

Needless to say, I'm sure you've never used the scroll wheel on any of my posts regardless of content or length.

jmonroe

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

suydam said:

No real keys either nowadays.

The other day we were taking cars out of service at a local office. The key fob or the car battery was dead because I couldn’t unlock the door. There was no key slot to insert a key anywhere. The youngsters running the office marched outside eyes rolling no doubt thinking I was senile. To their surprise they couldn’t find a slot either. Later I was thinking what would an owner do if stranded like that. How would AAA even be able to pop the hood for a jump. Scarey.

Do you remember what kind of car? Is it possible you would hold the key close to the door handle...maybe it still works with a bit of power if held close.......that is how one of my cars would start if the battery was too weak.

driver100

stickguy said:

I assume they have to keep your trade in. Carvana advertised the whole 7 day bring it back policy (like Carmax), but you also are able to trade in at the same time. so if they absorb your trade right away, that could get messy. Poof, your trade in credit vaporizes! I never looked at the fine print, but I assume you can just get your money back and walk away, and don't have to take a replacement car instead.

But, how do I get around if I don't want their car and my trade in is gone? I suppose they could let you drive their new model for a week under their ownership...then transfer once the week is over - hopefully they can't sell your car until the deal is consummated.

driver100

Needless to say, I'm sure you've never used the scroll wheel on any of my posts regardless of content or length.

jmonroe

No, I just use the slider on the right hand side...it is much faster.

abacomike

jmonroe1 said:

cdnpinhead said:

It's becoming clearer and clearer why Richard is no longer here. When you get older, fewer things are tolerable.

We teach our children at home and in school how to be tolerant of situations they will eventually find themselves in as their lives progress.  We do the same when it comes to people who are difficult to tolerate.  We teach strategies to our children, in both cases, to best deal with intolerable situations and/or people.

When I was a kid, my parents and teachers taught me to IGNORE those intolerable situations and/or people.  So, I have become adept at “scrolling quickly” through posts that I am either disinterested in or that are abhorrent to me (intolerable to the point of disgust).  I have learned much from my parents and teachers, but it’s the strategies I have learned and acquired throughout life that have helped me overcome the urge to commit horrendous sin - i.e. “murder”!

Needless to say, I'm sure you've never used the scroll wheel on any of my posts regardless of content or length. jmonroe

You are correct, as usual, jmonroe! 

While we’re on the subject of content of posts, how come we’ve never discussed speed limits or speeding tickets or traffic light cameras, etc.?  I am surprised these topics have never been brought up!

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

suydam said:

No real keys either nowadays.

The other day we were taking cars out of service at a local office. The key fob or the car battery was dead because I couldn’t unlock the door. There was no key slot to insert a key anywhere. The youngsters running the office marched outside eyes rolling no doubt thinking I was senile. To their surprise they couldn’t find a slot either. Later I was thinking what would an owner do if stranded like that. How would AAA even be able to pop the hood for a jump. Scarey.

I'm willing to bet that a tow truck driver could get into just about any car with their slim-jim or whatever tool they use today and probably faster than using a key.

jmonroe

henryn

ruking1 said:

One REAL perspective cab be. IF one gets IRS/STATE refunds, etc,. one is loaning the governments (fed, state, county, local & worlds) interest FREE ! ?

Doesn't one think it insulting enough when one gets the refund, (of one’s OWN money) that IT is considered INCOME for the next year?

Say what??? Did you just say that a tax refund is considered taxable income?????

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

The X3 I sat in was reasonably well equipped I think, but probably what you would considered "the basics" for something in this class, and sticker was in the $53K range.

before I bought, I tried out a loaner X1, and was really gung ho to see it and work out a deal. But ended up not caring for it all that much, and my wife was not all that enthused by it either. I liked the Outback a lot more (pretty sure she would have taken that too given a choice).

Murano looks bigger on the outside but doesn’t seem much bigger on the inside than the Rouge. Maybe BMW has a better ergonomic design.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

well, can't read the manual on how to unlock the car, if it is locked in the car! Though I imagine 5 minutes on Google and you will have the answer.

I know the acura and the VW both have a metal key and a key slot in the driver's door. The Jetta they did a pretty good job of hiding, but the salesman made a special point of showing my daughter where it was.

IIRC, this was a Toyota. I wasn’t Googling anything in sub zero windchills on a Trac phone.

driver100

Next time take a photo!

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

The X3 I sat in was reasonably well equipped I think, but probably what you would considered "the basics" for something in this class, and sticker was in the $53K range.

before I bought, I tried out a loaner X1, and was really gung ho to see it and work out a deal. But ended up not caring for it all that much, and my wife was not all that enthused by it either. I liked the Outback a lot more (pretty sure she would have taken that too given a choice).

Murano looks bigger on the outside but doesn’t seem much bigger on the inside than the Rouge. Maybe BMW has a better ergonomic design.

X1 could be smaller....but, it feels fine.......well designed and a lot of fun to drive. Way more enjoyable to drive than the Chrysler 300 it replaced as a rental.

ruking1

henryn said:

ruking1 said:

One REAL perspective cab be. IF one gets IRS/STATE refunds, etc,. one is loaning the governments (fed, state, county, local & worlds) interest FREE ! ?

Doesn't one think it insulting enough when one gets the refund, (of one’s OWN money) that IT is considered INCOME for the next year?

Say what??? Did you just say that a tax refund is considered taxable income?????

Absolutely YES!

So for example, if one don’t believe, try NOT reporting/ leaving it off last year‘s refund on this year‘s forms or this years refund on next years form. You will get slapped/penalized! Has anybody ever tried it ?

Indeed don’t/DO NOT try this at home! One will wind up blaming me for telling folks I forced them to or was practicing CPA, Enrolled agent US tax law without a license? 😱🤑

imidazol97

snakeweasel said:

My income barely increased over 2017 but my taxable income shot up. My deductions for 2017 were almost 27K but due to the 10k limit for taxes paid I had to take the 24k standard deduction. That right there increased my taxable income by almost 3k. Add to that the loss of the personal exemptions makes it over an 11k increase in taxable income. Yeah I am hurting over this, I went from a 1,500 refund to a 200 refund even though I kept my withholdings the same.

Ohio has been cutting their state taxes for several years. They cut what they send back to the local entities. Then over a period of years, the local entities have had to justify tax increases on property to the voters or they didn't get the increases. Many had been getting money from the State passing out the taxpayers' monies to the local communities and had been getting local tax monies and were operating in a wealthy rather than tax efficient style.

I understand your pain, however. When my son quit being a deduction as he ended college and got a real job, I also lost some ancillary college expenses under the education deductions. Taxes went up. Tangled web along with the 529 plan or whatever the right number was for prepaid college costs.

stickguy

tax refund is not taxable income at the federal level. The only way is if you itemized your state taxes, then got a refund. That becomes taxable the next year (because you claimed the state tax WH but did not end up paying that much). Doesn't matter though if you took the standard deduction.

your federal refund is just money you get back. Not taxable.

cdnpinhead

jmonroe1 said:

Needless to say, I'm sure you've never used the scroll wheel on any of my posts regardless of content or length.

In fact, that is absolutely correct. Yours are not the posts I scroll through.

And, yes, I edited this to remove a stray character that could have created confusion.

imidazol97

jmonroe1 said:

abacomike said:

cdnpinhead said:

It's becoming clearer and clearer why Richard is no longer here. When you get older, fewer things are tolerable.

We teach our children at home and in school how to be tolerant of situations they will eventually find themselves in as their lives progress.  We do the same when it comes to people who are difficult to tolerate.  We teach strategies to our children, in both cases, to best deal with intolerable situations and/or people.

When I was a kid, my parents and teachers taught me to IGNORE those intolerable situations and/or people.  So, I have become adept at “scrolling quickly” through posts that I am either disinterested in or that are abhorrent to me (intolerable to the point of disgust).  I have learned much from my parents and teachers, but it’s the strategies I have learned and acquired throughout life that have helped me overcome the urge to commit horrendous sin - i.e. “murder”!

Needless to say, I'm sure you've never used the scroll wheel on any of my posts regardless of content or length.

jmonroe

Yeah. I feel hurt that he probably scolls over mine as soon as he sees the picture with my name. I keep changing the picture to confuse people thinking I'm someone else so they'll read my posts. That royalty check from Edmunds every month per thousand words read helps pay the electric bill for my laptop.

imidazol97

stickguy said:

tax refund is not taxable income at the federal level. The only way is if you itemized your state taxes, then got a refund. That becomes taxable the next year (because you claimed the state tax WH but did not end up paying that much). Doesn't matter though if you took the standard deduction.

your federal refund is just money you get back. Not taxable.

My Federal refund got me a 1099 for interest from the Fed this year--I think that's the number on it. We hasselled over a minor error for so long, they actually paid me interest on the refund I had overpaid them and had coming back to me. So I had to count that interest, not the total refund, as income for this year.

snakeweasel

ronsteve said:

snakeweasel said:

dino001 said:

tjc78 said:

I had to do some digging to figure it all out, but in the end we made more money in 2018 and paid less taxes. We saved about 40% of that in the form of lower withholdings (no dependents changed), then the rest we got back in a refund. I'll take it!

Same here - MAGI up by 7 thousand (that's after all 401k/healthcare deductions, but before std. deduction), total tax down by 1 thousand. I even had itemized deduction due to vehicle purchase in 2017 (instead of income, you can deduct sales tax) i.e. my final taxable income was even lower, by a little bit at least. So it was definitely a tax cut for me.

My income barely increased over 2017 but my taxable income shot up. My deductions for 2017 were almost 27K but due to the 10k limit for taxes paid I had to take the 24k standard deduction. That right there increased my taxable income by almost 3k. Add to that the loss of the personal exemptions makes it over an 11k increase in taxable income. Yeah I am hurting over this, I went from a 1,500 refund to a 200 refund even though I kept my withholdings the same.

But how much was withheld? Even if you kept your W-4 the same, I'm betting you had less withheld. The important line is your Tax. (Line 15 on the new 1040, Line 44 on the old one)

The same amount was withheld, I adjusted my W4 to keep the dollar amount the same. My tax liability shot up.

snakeweasel

dino001 said:

My income barely increased over 2017 but my taxable income shot up. My deductions for 2017 were almost 27K but due to the 10k limit for taxes paid I had to take the 24k standard deduction. That right there increased my taxable income by almost 3k. Add to that the loss of the personal exemptions makes it over an 11k increase in taxable income. Yeah I am hurting over this, I went from a 1,500 refund to a 200 refund even though I kept my withholdings the same.

You’d need to clarify, what you mean by keeping withholding the same. If you mean, you kept same number of exemptions, then you got much bigger credit in your paychecks, as withholding new tax rates applied to the income were lower than last year In that case going from $1500 to $200 on the refund means you still paid lower tax on annual basis, just realized that in paychecks, not refund. In that case, saying you’re hurting woukd not be intellectually honest. If, on the other hand, you meant you actually made sure that the withheld tax dollar amounts were the same as before, then if course your taxes did go up, indeed and you have a legitimate reason to complain.

Sorry I wasn't clear on it, the dollar amount stayed the same. If I didn't change my W4 I would be owing.

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

cdnpinhead said:

It's becoming clearer and clearer why Richard is no longer here. When you get older, fewer things are tolerable.

We teach our children at home and in school how to be tolerant of situations they will eventually find themselves in as their lives progress.  We do the same when it comes to people who are difficult to tolerate.  We teach strategies to our children, in both cases, to best deal with intolerable situations and/or people.

When I was a kid, my parents and teachers taught me to IGNORE those intolerable situations and/or people.  So, I have become adept at “scrolling quickly” through posts that I am either disinterested in or that are abhorrent to me (intolerable to the point of disgust).  I have learned much from my parents and teachers, but it’s the strategies I have learned and acquired throughout life that have helped me overcome the urge to commit horrendous sin - i.e. “murder”!

Needless to say, I'm sure you've never used the scroll wheel on any of my posts regardless of content or length. jmonroe

Yeah. I feel hurt that he probably scolls over mine as soon as he sees the picture with my name. I keep changing the picture to confuse people thinking I'm someone else so they'll read my posts. That royalty check from Edmunds every month per thousand words read helps pay the electric bill for my laptop.

I read every word you post, imid!  I even read your punctuation (periods, commas, question marks)!  

abacomike

snakeweasel said:

My income barely increased over 2017 but my taxable income shot up. My deductions for 2017 were almost 27K but due to the 10k limit for taxes paid I had to take the 24k standard deduction. That right there increased my taxable income by almost 3k. Add to that the loss of the personal exemptions makes it over an 11k increase in taxable income. Yeah I am hurting over this, I went from a 1,500 refund to a 200 refund even though I kept my withholdings the same.

You’d need to clarify, what you mean by keeping withholding the same. If you mean, you kept same number of exemptions, then you got much bigger credit in your paychecks, as withholding new tax rates applied to the income were lower than last year In that case going from $1500 to $200 on the refund means you still paid lower tax on annual basis, just realized that in paychecks, not refund. In that case, saying you’re hurting woukd not be intellectually honest. If, on the other hand, you meant you actually made sure that the withheld tax dollar amounts were the same as before, then if course your taxes did go up, indeed and you have a legitimate reason to complain.

Sorry I wasn't clear on it, the dollar amount stayed the same. If I didn't change my W4 I would be owing.

I have $400 per month extra taken out of my pension to cover interest income and my social security.  I should get about $2500 back next year.

snakeweasel

ruking1 said:

One REAL perspective cab be. IF one gets IRS/STATE refunds, etc,. one is loaning the governments (fed, state, county, local & worlds) interest FREE ! ?

Doesn't one think it insulting enough when one gets the refund, (of one’s OWN money) that IT is considered INCOME for the next year?

Do not get too comfortable with the 2018 IRS 1040, & other forms. I’ve read the IRS will change the 1040 form for the 2019 Tax Year!😳😩. I would surmise that subsequent forms will also change with increasing not known before, speed & rapidity. It makes milking the productive and non productive COW herds easier & more profitably.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

StateTax refunds are only considered taxable income if you itemize and wrote off state taxes withheld. In that case all you are doing is shifting the tax on those funds until the next year.

Conversely if you owed taxes on your state return you can write that off if you itemize this year subject to the 10k limit.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

snakeweasel said:

wow the scammers are working overtime today. So far today I have 2 voicemails that's a robotic voice stating that they are from the Department of Social Security Administration stating that due to suspected fraud they have suspended my SSN. 

Well, if you had my “excellent credit history” you’d be getting calls offering zero interest loans instead.

What is considered "excellent credit history"?

abacomike

snakeweasel said:

wow the scammers are working overtime today. So far today I have 2 voicemails that's a robotic voice stating that they are from the Department of Social Security Administration stating that due to suspected fraud they have suspended my SSN. 

Well, if you had my “excellent credit history” you’d be getting calls offering zero interest loans instead.

What is considered "excellent credit history"?

A FICO score of 800+ is considered excellent.  The score takes into consideration credit history, amount of used credit compared to total credit shown as a %, payment history, etc.  The score, itself is what is looked at.  If you had a bankruptcy or missed monthly payments, the score would reflect that,

740-799 is considered GOOD
800+ is considered excellent
Below 700 is considered fair 

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The dealer body shop that has my Legacy called yesterday. After they dismantled it they discovered a few other things that need fixed. Now, instead of 3 or 4 days, it's going to be 2 weeks. He also said the estimate is up to $4,000. Great googally moogally!

Just for giggles I looked at the Nissan site to see what the Murano I am renting sells for (MSRP anyway). It starts at over $43,000. I'm absolutely amazed anyone would spend that much money for one of them...I don't care how much they can be bought for under retail. I can hardly wait to get my Legacy back.

Steep depreciation or screaming bargain?

https://www.enterprisecarsales.com/list/buy-a-car-1/text=2018 nissan murano+sort=distance,asc,,display_price,asc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE&CUR=Google_Brand&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSA_G_US_SE_Group3_B_EXM_NTL_EN_US-_-search_used_car_inventory-SL&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!264757827114!e!!g!!enterprises car sales

OF, it just links to the generic Enterprise page.

Hmmm, odd. When I click on it I briefly get the generic page then it switches to the list of 2018 Muranos. If it’s the car sales page just type in your zip code and any car (ie. Murano) and it will list a bunch of them.

Here’s one for areas near me:

https://www.enterprisecarsales.com/list/buy-a-car-1/vehicle/5N1AZ2MH8JN147141/Used-2018-Nissan-Murano-Milford-CT?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE&CUR=Google_Brand&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSA_G_US_SE_Group3_B_EXM_NTL_EN_US-_-search_used_car_inventory-SL&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!264757827114!e!!g!!enterprises car sales

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

snakeweasel said:

wow the scammers are working overtime today. So far today I have 2 voicemails that's a robotic voice stating that they are from the Department of Social Security Administration stating that due to suspected fraud they have suspended my SSN. 

Well, if you had my “excellent credit history” you’d be getting calls offering zero interest loans instead.

What is considered "excellent credit history"?

A FICO score of 800+ is considered excellent.  The score takes into consideration credit history, amount of used credit compared to total credit shown as a %, payment history, etc.  The score, itself is what is looked at.  If you had a bankruptcy or missed monthly payments, the score would reflect that,

740-799 is considered GOOD
800+ is considered excellent
Below 700 is considered fair 



Yeah I kinda knew that, not sure why I asked. Anyways I am just a few points shy of excellent.

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

snakeweasel said:

wow the scammers are working overtime today. So far today I have 2 voicemails that's a robotic voice stating that they are from the Department of Social Security Administration stating that due to suspected fraud they have suspended my SSN. 

Well, if you had my “excellent credit history” you’d be getting calls offering zero interest loans instead.

What is considered "excellent credit history"?

Mine is 850 out of 850 according to Exquifax. At least it was when I bought the Ford in 2015. If only they knew. Apparently that makes me top tier scam material.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

One REAL perspective cab be. IF one gets IRS/STATE refunds, etc,. one is loaning the governments (fed, state, county, local & worlds) interest FREE ! ?

Doesn't one think it insulting enough when one gets the refund, (of one’s OWN money) that IT is considered INCOME for the next year?

Do not get too comfortable with the 2018 IRS 1040, & other forms. I’ve read the IRS will change the 1040 form for the 2019 Tax Year!😳😩. I would surmise that subsequent forms will also change with increasing not known before, speed & rapidity. It makes milking the productive and non productive COW herds easier & more profitably.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

StateTax refunds are only considered taxable income if you itemize and wrote off state taxes withheld. In that case all you are doing is shifting the tax on those funds until the next year.

Conversely if you owed taxes on your state return you can write that off if you itemize this year subject to the 10k limit.

So I take it you are saying that everything else is exempt ? That is not accurate across different entities/situations. You gloss over the essential point/s. So are you advocating tax free loans to the governments? AOC might love chatting wit you?

I’ve been itemizing for over 45+ years. If non itemizing could yield what itemizing does, I’d stop itemizing! 😎

BUT the operative actions are: do the ones that give back or let one pay ones “fair share” If I were you, & fit the mold, I’d report those items, read the IRS.gov or pay for enrolled agent or CPA’s, tax lawyer interpretion time. I do/did & when audited, got monies back & with interest.

On the broader levels, if not audited, there was NEVER ANY dramas: on/in multiple entities; LLC’S, C Corps, S Corps, businesses, charities, city, county, state & fed entities, personal, etc., with fed, state, county & local requirements. Good enrolled agents, CPA’s CPA Tax lawyers, etc. can be worth it!

As they say, pay ones’ fair share. 👍🤑😉

ruking1

oldfarmer50 said:

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

snakeweasel said:

wow the scammers are working overtime today. So far today I have 2 voicemails that's a robotic voice stating that they are from the Department of Social Security Administration stating that due to suspected fraud they have suspended my SSN. 

Well, if you had my “excellent credit history” you’d be getting calls offering zero interest loans instead.

What is considered "excellent credit history"?

Mine is 850 out of 850 according to Exquifax. At least it was when I bought the Ford in 2015. If only they knew. Apparently that makes me top tier scam material.

In theory, those scores 800-850 are supposed to get the best auto loan “offer” rates, in keeping with the topic. What actually happens is kept pretty close to the vest. Best scam material? Maybe, maybe not?

venture

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The dealer body shop that has my Legacy called yesterday. After they dismantled it they discovered a few other things that need fixed. Now, instead of 3 or 4 days, it's going to be 2 weeks. He also said the estimate is up to $4,000. Great googally moogally!

Just for giggles I looked at the Nissan site to see what the Murano I am renting sells for (MSRP anyway). It starts at over $43,000. I'm absolutely amazed anyone would spend that much money for one of them...I don't care how much they can be bought for under retail. I can hardly wait to get my Legacy back.

Steep depreciation or screaming bargain?

https://www.enterprisecarsales.com/list/buy-a-car-1/text=2018 nissan murano+sort=distance,asc,,display_price,asc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE&CUR=Google_Brand&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSA_G_US_SE_Group3_B_EXM_NTL_EN_US-_-search_used_car_inventory-SL&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!264757827114!e!!g!!enterprises car sales

$43k new and $30-$31k one year old. I don't know what Enterprise buys them for, but I doubt it's MSRP. I wouldn't buy one anyway. I see a lot of them around so someone likes them.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

No real keys either nowadays.

The other day we were taking cars out of service at a local office. The key fob or the car battery was dead because I couldn’t unlock the door. There was no key slot to insert a key anywhere. The youngsters running the office marched outside eyes rolling no doubt thinking I was senile. To their surprise they couldn’t find a slot either. Later I was thinking what would an owner do if stranded like that. How would AAA even be able to pop the hood for a jump. Scarey.

Our Land Rover was the weirdest one I have encountered thus far. Pop out the hidden metal key from the remote, then use that key to pry off the plastic cover of the door handle where the keyhole normally would be, and expose the keyhole that actually is there that you didn’t know about. 

Apparently VW has that, too.

driver100

Every day there are crazy crashes in the Tampa area....and I would say more than half are hit and runs. If you have 90 seconds watch this scene....I see it happen almost every day. I feel really bad for the poor kid in the Audi, he tried to avoid the accident as best as he could.

HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT TAMPA

http://www.fox13news.com/news/392312021-video

snakeweasel

ruking1 said:

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

One REAL perspective cab be. IF one gets IRS/STATE refunds, etc,. one is loaning the governments (fed, state, county, local & worlds) interest FREE ! ?

Doesn't one think it insulting enough when one gets the refund, (of one’s OWN money) that IT is considered INCOME for the next year?

Do not get too comfortable with the 2018 IRS 1040, & other forms. I’ve read the IRS will change the 1040 form for the 2019 Tax Year!😳😩. I would surmise that subsequent forms will also change with increasing not known before, speed & rapidity. It makes milking the productive and non productive COW herds easier & more profitably.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

StateTax refunds are only considered taxable income if you itemize and wrote off state taxes withheld. In that case all you are doing is shifting the tax on those funds until the next year.

Conversely if you owed taxes on your state return you can write that off if you itemize this year subject to the 10k limit.

So I take it you are saying that everything else is exempt ? That is not accurate across different entities/situations. You gloss over the essential point/s. So are you advocating tax free loans to the governments? AOC might love chatting wit you?

I’ve been itemizing for over 45+ years. If non itemizing could yield what itemizing does, I’d stop itemizing! 😎

BUT the operative actions are: do the ones that give back or let one pay ones “fair share” If I were you, & fit the mold, I’d report those items, read the IRS.gov or pay for enrolled agent or CPA’s, tax lawyer interpretion time. I do/did & when audited, got monies back & with interest.

On the broader levels, if not audited, there was NEVER ANY dramas: on/in multiple entities; LLC’S, C Corps, S Corps, businesses, charities, city, county, state & fed entities, personal, etc., with fed, state, county & local requirements. Good enrolled agents, CPA’s CPA Tax lawyers, etc. can be worth it!

As they say, pay ones’ fair share. 👍🤑😉

Wow talk about reading between the lines. All I said was tax refunds are only taxable if it is a state tax refund and only if you itemized state tax withholdings in the prior year.

I don't advocate giving interest free loans to the government (I am presuming that's what you meant by tax free loans), but different people do have different preferences when it comes to taxes.

AOC would hate spending any time with me.

And for what it's worth I am a CPA and I have 25 years experience in doing individual income taxes.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The dealer body shop that has my Legacy called yesterday. After they dismantled it they discovered a few other things that need fixed. Now, instead of 3 or 4 days, it's going to be 2 weeks. He also said the estimate is up to $4,000. Great googally moogally!

Just for giggles I looked at the Nissan site to see what the Murano I am renting sells for (MSRP anyway). It starts at over $43,000. I'm absolutely amazed anyone would spend that much money for one of them...I don't care how much they can be bought for under retail. I can hardly wait to get my Legacy back.

Steep depreciation or screaming bargain?

https://www.enterprisecarsales.com/list/buy-a-car-1/text=2018 nissan murano+sort=distance,asc,,display_price,asc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE&CUR=Google_Brand&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSA_G_US_SE_Group3_B_EXM_NTL_EN_US-_-search_used_car_inventory-SL&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI4Jal0-zf4AIVGrjACh1oVAnuEAAYASABEgKmRfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!264757827114!e!!g!!enterprises car sales

OF, it just links to the generic Enterprise page.

Hmmm, odd. When I click on it I briefly get the generic page then it switches to the list of 2018 Muranos. If it’s the car sales page just type in your zip code and any car (ie. Murano) and it will list a bunch of them.

OK, worked this time. 2018 Murano, 20k miles, $24000 Not bad, but I don't think it excites me enough to actually buy it....not crazy about the looks for one thing.

For the same amount of money I would prefer a brand new Kia Sorento...voted #3 after more expensive Honda Passport and Buick Enclave.

U.S. News

sb55

explorerx4 said:

I wonder if SB55 could see this.
https://electrek.co/2019/02/26/tesla-model-x-mysterious-burning-fire-frozen-lake/

I did see this reported yesterday. Shelburne, VT is about 30 miles south of me. AFIK they have to remove the car's carcass in a certain amount of time, or get fined.
People drive all over the ice this time of year. Last week there was a pickup towing a +/- 20' box trailer holding 2 atv's in front of my place. They had to drive about 5 miles over the ice to get over here. Crazy ice fishermen!

abacomike

driver100 said:

Every day there are crazy crashes in the Tampa area....and I would say more than half are hit and runs. If you have 90 seconds watch this scene....I see it happen almost every day. I feel really bad for the poor kid in the Audi, he tried to avoid the accident as best as he could. HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT TAMPA http://www.fox13news.com/news/392312021-video

It’s bad enough the driver of the van caused this horrible accident, but the fact that the driver at fault drove away from the scene after the accident is not only criminal, but plainly immoral!

It’s “hit-and-runs” like this that cause me to wish there was a death penalty attached to such crimes.  They will eventually catch this jerk given all the surveillance cameras around us in today’s world, not withstanding the fact that if the van driver has his/her vehicle repaired, chances are good the repair shop will report it to police because bulletins are sent out by police with rewards attached for turning in the SOB.

I only mention the “death penalty” in cases like hit and runs that cause serious injuries and/or death(s) because I know of no other way to reduce or stop hit-and-run drivers in their tracks.  Down here in South Florida, we experience huge numbers of hit-and-run accidents and deaths - many of which have been found to be caused by undocumented aliens, drivers with no insurance or license, or DUI’s.

Perhaps I am over-reacting at this moment, but the tragedy also affects families as well.  

ab348

qbrozen said:

Our Land Rover was the weirdest one I have encountered thus far. Pop out the hidden metal key from the remote, then use that key to pry off the plastic cover of the door handle where the keyhole normally would be, and expose the keyhole that actually is there that you didn’t know about. 

Apparently VW has that, too.

I don't recall if I posted this before or not, but the ATS has a similar setup. The one difference is that instead of prying off the keyhole cover on the handle, it slides to the left to remove it. That got me into trouble a couple of years ago with my '14 ATS. I had got into the car at Home Depot and must have inadvertently slid the cover over slightly with my thumb without realizing. The door closed and latched fine and I drove home, but in my driveway the interior door handle did not work. The lock/unlock button clicked as it it was working but it had no effect on the inside door handle. I was baffled. I considered climbing across the console to get out the other side but that would have been difficult given the tight interior.

Finally I got the brainstorm to roll down the drivers window, and by feel discovered that the keyhole cover had slid over just enough to prevent the outside door handle from going back to its fully-closed position. Apparently the design of the internal mechanism is such that in that partly-open state, it disables the interior handle. Whether by design or inadvertently I do not know. I was able to reach out the window to slide the keyhole cover piece into place, the outside handle retracted, and I was able to open the door. Bad design I would say..

ab348

28firefighter said:

Tesla warns firefighters in documentation that it's cars may reignite for an extended period of time.

When Richard Hammond crashed the electric Rimac supercar in 2017, it burned for 5 days because the L-I batteries kept reigniting. "Thermal runaway" apparently.