Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

stickguy

both are nice features. but I guarantee now that many women (especially, but plenty of men) now consider Keyless Go a non-negotiable must have.

the headlights mean nothing to me though.

fezo

On the plastic wheel covers - I'm pretty sure it came that way. My wife couldn't care less. I may have to look around...

explorerx4

@isell, Once you have push button start, you don't want to back to inserting a key into the ignition. Maybe it is because of muscle memory, but using a key to start my Escape seems to be a pain compared to the Explorer I swapped out for it. My Fusion with push button start is just easy.
I also like having an automatic on/off setting for the lights and keypad entry
Maybe I've just gotten accustomed to those pampering features Fords have.

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

@isell, Once you have push button start, you don't want to back to inserting a key into the ignition. Maybe it is because of muscle memory, but using a key to start my Escape seems to be a pain compared to the Explorer I swapped out for it. My Fusion with push button start is just easy.

And if and when you all have had Keyless Entry with Push Botton Start where all you do is go to the car, touch the handle and push the start button, you'll never want anything else!

jayrider

fezo said:

On the plastic wheel covers - I'm pretty sure it came that way. My wife couldn't care less. I may have to look around...

On the 2010's, they have decent alloys under the plastic. That has changed but you can get nice aftermarket wheels for not a lot of money. Wheels aren't a factor for me.

explorerx4

@abacomike, Yes, I have that too, plus remote start. Press the lock button on the fob twice, then the start button.

venture

fezo said:

On the plastic wheel covers - I'm pretty sure it came that way. My wife couldn't care less. I may have to look around...

According to the ad on AutoTrader it has 17" Split 5-Spoke PLUS Forged Alloy (PPO) Wheels.

These:

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

@abacomike, Yes, I have that too, plus remote start. Press the lock button on the fob twice, then the start button.

I've never had remote start on a car, however up north with the extreme cold temps, I sure can appreciate why remote start would be a big plus to drivers.

At the other extreme, living in the low desert in California during the summer (105 F +), remote start would also be a boon to drivers.  Here in South Florida, I don't need that option because we leave early every morning (9:00 AM) to go for our walk and do any necessary shopping and we get home before noon.  We rarely go out during the afternoon and only once or twice a week we go out in the evening for dinner.

But if I lived up north or back out in Palm Desert, I'd definitely have that option.  It's not available on the Mercedes E Class or CLS Class or C Class, but I did hear it will be available on the 2017 models.

jayrider

venture said:

fezo said:

On the plastic wheel covers - I'm pretty sure it came that way. My wife couldn't care less. I may have to look around...

According to the ad on AutoTrader it has 17" Split 5-Spoke PLUS Forged Alloy (PPO) Wheels.

These:

I have 15 inch wheels on my 2010 that look very similar.

driver100

stickguy said:

I have done in the past what Michael just did. Basically just picked out an incoming unit, and called "dibs" on it. though once I worked out a price. But, if you haven't seen the car, you can't really work a deal!

I ordered a 2015 before they came out. But, I worked out a price before I signed the contract. How do you know how much they are going to charge you once the car comes in, and it will be hard to negotiate a discount once the car arrives.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

I think Driver100 was the one who I remember recommending Michael Connelly's books. Since then, I have read all his books, and am currently reading 'The Burning Room'.
Big news is, Amazon has made a Harry Bosch TV series.
Do a search and you can watch the first episode.

I haven't read the Burning Room yet though I have a copy of it. I have been into a few other authors lately...catching up on the best Grishams. I read all the early one's and then he wrote some really bad one's, so I hadn't read any for awhile. I looked up a list and found the best to worst, so I just finished Sycamore Row and have started the Chamber. Will get back to Connelly soon.

driver100

isellhondas said:

OK, I forgot some cars unlock themselves when approached and the key fob is nearby.

Another one of those "extras" that I couldn't care less about just like auto headlights.

I may be getting old but I can still turn on my own headlights!

Isell, you would probably be happy driving a 1995 Lada, with no extras

I wouldn't want to go without a keyless car, and automatic headlights are a must these days....even the $23k Passat has that. But the rear camera and blind spot warnings are absolute necessities that I wouldn't want to be without.......and probably a built in GPS too.

Once you get used to a new gadget you don't want to be without it.

Although I had a chance to use the automatic parking feature today, but forgot how to get it going, and I am not sure I trust it.

Mr_Shiftright

I fixed it for you Fezo.

fezo said:

Gotta relearn my html. That car is as close to an exact match of what my wife wants as you're ever going to get.

driver100

abacomike said:

explorerx4 said:

@isell, Once you have push button start, you don't want to back to inserting a key into the ignition. Maybe it is because of muscle memory, but using a key to start my Escape seems to be a pain compared to the Explorer I swapped out for it. My Fusion with push button start is just easy.

And if and when you all have had Keyless Entry with Push Botton Start where all you do is go to the car, touch the handle and push the start button, you'll never want anything else!

Mike, I agree......it is so easy and intuitive. One more step for me though, press the off on button so the engine won't go off every time I stop. But, what I do like, compared to the BMW is that if I have the on/off feature off, and I stop for an extra long light or a train, I can press the button on again and the engine will shut off. I couldn't do it after the fact in the 535.

I do have a question for you. I still have my free Sirius for another 2 months. I was headed to Sarasota and the GPS lady told me there was heavy traffic on Highway 301 between Main and Jackson streets. Traffic is moving at 10 mph in that area. Is that part of the GPS feature or is that an extra I have to pay for from Sirius?

fezo

I'd hate to think that they are covering nice wheels like that with plastic. Of course that makes for an easy fix.

They now have a level they call a Persona that's like between a 3 and a 4. It has wheel covers but they look much better.

I got my wife a remote start for her birthday. She's out on the road every day no matter what the weather. She just loves that.

I see they offer it as an option on the Prius but a $399 option. I can get the local guy to do it for $150. Of course on a Prius that would only turn the electric motor on but I think the heater in them works off the electricity.

If you want an amazing author who wrote more boos than you'll read in a few years try Elmore Leonard. Wrote like nobody else.

stever

fezo said:

I'd hate to think that they are covering nice wheels like that with plastic.

It's all about the mileage though.

fezo

I'll live with the few extra drops of $2 gas it costs me...

fezo

Thanks, Shifty. I distinctly remember in the early days of Edmunds, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth (that's why gas had cost so much; we had to wait for them to die) you sent me a query as to how to post a picture. What goes around comes around.

abacomike

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

@isell, Once you have push button start, you don't want to back to inserting a key into the ignition. Maybe it is because of muscle memory, but using a key to start my Escape seems to be a pain compared to the Explorer I swapped out for it. My Fusion with push button start is just easy.

And if and when you all have had Keyless Entry with Push Botton Start where all you do is go to the car, touch the handle and push the start button, you'll never want anything else!

Mike, I agree......it is so easy and intuitive. One more step for me though, press the off on button so the engine won't go off every time I stop. But, what I do like, compared to the BMW is that if I have the on/off feature off, and I stop for an extra long light or a train, I can press the button on again and the engine will shut off. I couldn't do it after the fact in the 535. I do have a question for you. I still have my free Sirius for another 2 months. I was headed to Sarasota and the GPS lady told me there was heavy traffic on Highway 301 between Main and Jackson streets. Traffic is moving at 10 mph in that area. Is that part of the GPS feature or is that an extra I have to pay for from Sirius?

That is provided by Sirius via satellite as part of your Traffic and Weather package.  My car came with 3 full years of Traffic and Weather services from Sirius AT NO CHARGE!  The music and news services are for 6 months after which I would have to pay.  I don't know if Canadian cars come with the 3 year free package for traffic and weather, but my guess is that you have the 3-year free package.  You should still have your MSRP window sticker and it should show it as a standard feature as mine does.  Or you can call your Canadian dealer to double check.

If you don't have the 3-year free pkg., it costs about $70 a year which is what o paid on the CLS550.

Let me know how you make out.

jayrider

fezo said:

I'll live with the few extra drops of $2 gas it costs me...

Toyota works hundredths of a gallon in engineering mpg improvements in the Pruis. The wheel covers are part of that quest.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

explorerx4 said:

@isell, Once you have push button start, you don't want to back to inserting a key into the ignition. Maybe it is because of muscle memory, but using a key to start my Escape seems to be a pain compared to the Explorer I swapped out for it. My Fusion with push button start is just easy.

And if and when you all have had Keyless Entry with Push Botton Start where all you do is go to the car, touch the handle and push the start button, you'll never want anything else!

Mike, I agree......it is so easy and intuitive. One more step for me though, press the off on button so the engine won't go off every time I stop. But, what I do like, compared to the BMW is that if I have the on/off feature off, and I stop for an extra long light or a train, I can press the button on again and the engine will shut off. I couldn't do it after the fact in the 535.

I do have a question for you. I still have my free Sirius for another 2 months. I was headed to Sarasota and the GPS lady told me there was heavy traffic on Highway 301 between Main and Jackson streets. Traffic is moving at 10 mph in that area. Is that part of the GPS feature or is that an extra I have to pay for from Sirius?

That is provided by Sirius via satellite as part of your Traffic and Weather package.  My car came with 3 full years of Traffic and Weather services from Sirius AT NO CHARGE!  The music and news services are for 6 months after which I would have to pay.  I don't know if Canadian cars come with the 3 year free package for traffic and weather, but my guess is that you have the 3-year free package.  You should still have your MSRP window sticker and it should show it as a standard feature as mine does.  Or you can call your Canadian dealer to double check.

If you don't have the 3-year free pkg., it costs about $70 a year which is what o paid on the CLS550.

Let me know how you make out.

Thanks for the information Mike. I am sure my Sirius expires after 6 months. The traffic warning is nice, but, I am not sure it is worth $70 a year. If I was in business, had to get to appointments on time, and could write it off I would get it for sure. Maybe, they throw in the traffic warning when I subscribe in April. At least I'll know to ask about it. (FYI my MSRP window sticker is long gone....when I picked the car up it was in the new car delivery room. It's a special room where you pick up your new car, get a lesson in how things work, do an inspection. It's like going to the hospital to see your new baby for the first time, and probably just as hygenic)

driver100

fezo said:

2012 Prius Four

There is something funny about those wheels!

Looks good in Cadillac Red!


It could be my imagination, but it seems it has a fresh coat of paint, and I am not sure but there could be some ripples in the side looking like it may have had some body work done. Could be the lighting etc. The car is in what looks like a body shop.

fezo

I think it's the lighting. I'll certainly look closely at it.

nelsonf

"explorerx4 said:
I think Driver100 was the one who I remember recommending Michael Connelly's books. Since then, I have read all his books, and am currently reading 'The Burning Room'.
Big news is, Amazon has made a Harry Bosch TV series.
Do a search and you can watch the first episode."

Thanks for the tip on the Bosch series. I've read most of the books, and didn't realize Amazon made a show about him. Watched the first episode last night.

ab348

jayrider said:

Toyota works hundredths of a gallon in engineering mpg improvements in the Pruis. The wheel covers are part of that quest.

I'd rather pay for the hundredth of a gallon of gas.

houdini1

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

I think Driver100 was the one who I remember recommending Michael Connelly's books. Since then, I have read all his books, and am currently reading 'The Burning Room'.
Big news is, Amazon has made a Harry Bosch TV series.
Do a search and you can watch the first episode.

I haven't read the Burning Room yet though I have a copy of it. I have been into a few other authors lately...catching up on the best Grishams. I read all the early one's and then he wrote some really bad one's, so I hadn't read any for awhile. I looked up a list and found the best to worst, so I just finished Sycamore Row and have started the Chamber. Will get back to Connelly soon.

I have also read all the "Bosch" books. Try Connelly's Lawyer books also.

For all of you with a Kindle or some other type of "E" reader, check out a site called "Daily Free Books". You can sign up for free and they will send you an email every day listing all the new free books that are available by genre. I have gotten hundreds of great free books there.

fezo

ab348 said:

jayrider said:

Toyota works hundredths of a gallon in engineering mpg improvements in the Pruis. The wheel covers are part of that quest.

I'd rather pay for the hundredth of a gallon of gas.

That was more or less my point.

houdini1

Shoes

This is one of the few subjects that we haven't covered here. I am diabetic and have a lot of trouble finding comfortable casual shoes. I recently found a shoe made by Skecher's called "Go Walk 2". They come in many styles, cost around $50. and are the most comfortable shoes I have ever found. You can find them in local stores but I have found some great deals on Amazon. The secret is in the sole. Very flexible and like walking on air.

abacomike

houdini1 said:

Shoes This is one of the few subjects that we haven't covered here. I am diabetic and have a lot of trouble finding comfortable casual shoes. I recently found a shoe made by Skecher's called "Go Walk 2". They come in many styles, cost around $50. and are the most comfortable shoes I have ever found. You can find them in local stores but I have found some great deals on Amazon. The secret is in the sole. Very flexible and like walking on air.

Have to try a pair on - I've always bought Rockport Walkers which used to be great, but looking for something easier on my feet due to the diabetic nerve damage (neuophia or something that sounds like that).  Skechers, huh!  Maybe tomorrow.

abacomike

@driver100‌

Driver, I am sure you have a 3-year free subscription to traffic and weather.  All 2015 Mercedes E400 Sedans have it.  You need to double-check it driver.  Don't be negative - be positive!!!

houdini1

abacomike said:

houdini1 said:

Shoes

This is one of the few subjects that we haven't covered here. I am diabetic and have a lot of trouble finding comfortable casual shoes. I recently found a shoe made by Skecher's called "Go Walk 2". They come in many styles, cost around $50. and are the most comfortable shoes I have ever found. You can find them in local stores but I have found some great deals on Amazon. The secret is in the sole. Very flexible and like walking on air.

Have to try a pair on - I've always bought Rockport Walkers which used to be great, but looking for something easier on my feet due to the diabetic nerve damage (neuophia or something that sounds like that).  Skechers, huh!  Maybe tomorrow.

Skechers makes a lot of shoes. Make sure it is the Go Walk 2 with the air bubble sole. There is a newer 'model' called the go walk 3, but I haven't tried it.

abacomike

@houdini1‌

OK.  Will definitely try them both!!!  Thanks for posting that info - means a lot to me, to be sure!!!

jayrider

ab348 said:

jayrider said:

Toyota works hundredths of a gallon in engineering mpg improvements in the Pruis. The wheel covers are part of that quest.

I'd rather pay for the hundredth of a gallon of gas.

"Hey big spender ....." you know the melody.

stever

Here's another Amazon Kindle Ebook freebie search site. Notable today is How to Detail Microsuede, Ultrasuede, or Alcantara in your Car.

thebean

Shoes - now you're in my wheelhouse 

If you want shoes as good as your Mercedes, check out Mephisto.  They are very pricey (most are made in Europe), but super supportive and comfortable.  They last a long time and you can get them refurbished and they feel like new.  

Ecco are also good shoes but they are now made in China and very few folks can refurbish them.  The problem I have had with shoes like Sketchers and Rockport is the insoles and soles tend to compress quickly and they are then not comfy at all.  I bought Rockport when they first came out in the early 80's before Reebok bought them (and they were made in the USA) - they were great and lasted a long time.  Now I haven't had much luck with them. 

Shoes are are one thing I never skimp on.  Being pre-diabetic, I do not want to risk any foot problems.  I may drive a Honda, but my shoes are luxury all the way.

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100‌

Driver, I am sure you have a 3-year free subscription to traffic and weather.  All 2015 Mercedes E400 Sedans have it.  You need to double-check it driver.  Don't be negative - be positive!!!

I wrote an email to my salesman's assistant...the one I am supposed to go through for help. He is away from Feb 11 to March 5th. Now you can see how the negative attitude developed. It also developed when I found out if you buy a bmw in the US you get a 7% discount if you pick it up in Germany....in Canada you get zilch!

Audi Canada likes to worm their way out of warrantying a clutch...I have read of cases in the US where they honor these warranty problems. I know my Sirius is free for 6 months....and yours is good for 3 years.

In Canada we pay 20% more for the exact same car.

Now, do you see where the negative attitude came from?

I did write to my sales guy directly...we'll see........

graphicguy

Winter shoes/boots-Vasque
Summer toe covers-Crocs or Sperry
Dress shoes-Allen Edmonds

robr2

Got back from the boy scout "deep freeze" trip. We went up to NH on Friday. The boys and the other adult leader built their quinzees and I set up my tent and built a 4' tall wall around it for wind protection. Overnight on Friday the temp dropped to -14F/-26C. I was warm enough in my 0 degree mummy bag inside of my 0 degree rectangular bag. Big mistake was the air pad under the bag - air doesn't insulate so the cold from the ground made it through 2 layers of ground cloth and tent floor. I woke up with ice crystals in my beard and on the fur of my bomber hat. When I sat up, I shook the tent so it started to "snow" frozen moisture inside.

Overall a great trip. The only downfalls were dehydration (me - 2 liters of water is not enough during the day), not enough food eaten by the boys - they were tired, and double checking small gear - tough to fill a stove fuel tank without a funnel.

fezo

Oh, and the latest on my wife's Camry. Got a letter from Toyota about excessive oil consumption, which this car does in spades even though it does not leak or smoke. They said take it to the dealer, have them fill the oil and they'll seal the system (which basically consisted of putting a piece of tape over the oil cap. The dealer immediately tried to tell me I have a small leak in the oil pan gasket and upper manifold gasket. Fine except my independent mechanic had looked at it after this problem began and said it doesn't leak a drop.

We're supposed to put 1,100 miles on it and bring it back. They also said because of the alleged leaking seals Toyota corporate won't touch it. Stay tuned.

500 miles in and it's down two quarts. The dealer tells me the dipstick was supposed to be sealed and to not put any oil in it. I told him the moment the oil light comes on we call AAA and have the car towed to them.

The warranty is good no matter what the mileage. They're dragging their feet because apparently the defective part that has to be replaced is the engine.

My intention is to hand this car down to my daughter because our ancient. miled up Accord has essentially had it.

Stay tuned.

abacomike

fezo said:

Oh, and the latest on my wife's Camry. Got a letter from Toyota about excessive oil consumption, which this car does in spades even though it does not leak or smoke. They said take it to the dealer, have them fill the oil and they'll seal the system (which basically consisted of putting a piece of tape over the oil cap. The dealer immediately tried to tell me I have a small leak in the oil pan gasket and upper manifold gasket. Fine except my independent mechanic had looked at it after this problem began and said it doesn't leak a drop. We're supposed to put 1,100 miles on it and bring it back. They also said because of the alleged leaking seals Toyota corporate won't touch it. Stay tuned. 500 miles in and it's down two quarts. The dealer tells me the dipstick was supposed to be sealed and to not put any oil in it. I told him the moment the oil light comes on we call AAA and have the car towed to them. The warranty is good no matter what the mileage. They're dragging their feet because apparently the defective part that has to be replaced is the engine. My intention is to hand this car down to my daughter because our ancient. miled up Accord has essentially had it. Stay tuned.

I had a 1972 Chevy Caprice Coupe that would burn a qt. of oil every 250 miles.  They did the same thing - sealed everything and I had to bring the car in every time the oil light went on (once a week).  After 1 month, the have me a loaner and ordered a new short block for the car.  Three months later, I was again burning a qt. of oil every 200-300 miles.  They replaced the car with another new Caprice.  No problems after that.

fezo

Hey, if I can get a new Camry out of this...... Or even a low mileage 07....

jayrider

fezo said:

Hey, if I can get a new Camry out of this...... Or even a low mileage 07....

How about a new engine ?

fezo

Apparently that's exactly the cure which, even though they were the ones that informed me of the potential (!) problem they are ducking trying to fix it. They want $500+ to do those seals. Why bpther when they need to replace the engine?

I'd feel loads better handing the car down to my daughter with a new engine.

verdugo

driver100 said:

Verdugo, Please be patient, but what am I missing? How did you factory order a car and not know what the price was going to be? I may be a klutz or something, but, please explain. Or someone else explain what actually took place on this transaction.

Hi Driver,

I negotiated the price and the dealer would honor the same price wether I bought it or leased it. I didn't have to decide when placing the order.

imidazol97

fezo said:

We're supposed to put 1,100 miles on it and bring it back. They also said because of the alleged leaking seals Toyota corporate won't touch it. Stay tuned.

500 miles in and it's down two quarts. The dealer tells me the dipstick was supposed to be sealed and to not put any oil in it. I told him the moment the oil light comes on we call AAA and have the car towed to them.

The warranty is good no matter what the mileage. They're dragging their feet because apparently the defective part that has to be replaced is the engine.

This sounds like the sludge, errr I mean "gel," problem earlier where the company/dealer tries to deny any responsibility.

That fits with this website:
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/trends/excessive-oil-consumption/
"
Having your “oil pressure” light come on halfway through your maintance schedule.
Having you engine burn through as much as 1 quart of oil in 1,200 miles
Being told that your engine burning through oil is “normal” and “nothing to be alarmed of”
Having to come back with a damaged, oil-deprived engine only to be denied warranty coverage"

If you are two quarts down and run the engine low on oil, they'll blame you for the failure and deny.

qbrozen

fezo said:

Apparently that's exactly the cure which, even though they were the ones that informed me of the potential (!) problem they are ducking trying to fix it. They want $500+ to do those seals. Why bpther when they need to replace the engine?

I'd feel loads better handing the car down to my daughter with a new engine.

I'd have them put in writing that if you pay to replace those seals and it STILL loses enough oil in the 1100 mile test to warrant a new engine, they will give you your money back for the seals.

stickguy

Fezo, if you get a new engine, it practically will be a new Camry!

No minor seal leak can go through oil that fast. Plus you would have oil all over the engine compartment, and a major puddle on the garage floor. It's BS and they know it.

fezo

Absolutely true. Not a drop in the driveway and the engine is dry as a bone. Tomorrow I'm going to my independent mechanic to have him verify in writing that there's no leak.

Indeed with a new engine it would be a new car. I'd change the transmission oil and check the air filer and that's about it.

driver100

verdugo said:

driver100 said:

Verdugo, Please be patient, but what am I missing? How did you factory order a car and not know what the price was going to be? I may be a klutz or something, but, please explain. Or someone else explain what actually took place on this transaction.

Hi Driver,

I negotiated the price and the dealer would honor the same price wether I bought it or leased it. I didn't have to decide when placing the order.

Thanks for explaining verdugo...now I get it. I thought they would order it and you would decide if it was for you...without prearranging a price.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

fezo said:

We're supposed to put 1,100 miles on it and bring it back. They also said because of the alleged leaking seals Toyota corporate won't touch it. Stay tuned.

500 miles in and it's down two quarts. The dealer tells me the dipstick was supposed to be sealed and to not put any oil in it. I told him the moment the oil light comes on we call AAA and have the car towed to them.

The warranty is good no matter what the mileage. They're dragging their feet because apparently the defective part that has to be replaced is the engine.

This sounds like the sludge, errr I mean "gel," problem earlier where the company/dealer tries to deny any responsibility.

That fits with this website:
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/trends/excessive-oil-consumption/
"
Having your “oil pressure” light come on halfway through your maintance schedule.
Having you engine burn through as much as 1 quart of oil in 1,200 miles
Being told that your engine burning through oil is “normal” and “nothing to be alarmed of”
Having to come back with a damaged, oil-deprived engine only to be denied warranty coverage"

If you are two quarts down and run the engine low on oil, they'll blame you for the failure and deny.

And I thought Toyotas were bulletproof! Now another one of my icons of perfection has been blown away. If someone asked me to recommend a reliable car Toyota would have been my first choice. Even CR always rates them as most reliable cars.....so this is a shock to me.

In the excellent article you quoted imid, this sounds like exactly what they are doing to fezo:

Unlike a recall, a TSB is basically a set of instructions given to dealership mechanics on repair procedures and warranty information. In this case Toyota says repairs should be covered under the standard Toyota Powertrain Warranty (60 months / 60k miles), but only after a test. The dealer is told to confirm the engine’s oil level, mark the dipstick and then advise the customer to drive for 1,200 miles before returning for an inspection. At that time, only engines that are more than 1 quart low will have their warranties honored.

I saw a few Camry's yesterday and they were totally blck...even the emblems and all the chrome on them was black. I thought to myself, that seems like an oxymoron....a "mean" looking Camry!
Something like this, but even more so....