Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

jmonroe1

imidazol97 said:

@abacomike
Obviously we're all thinking inside the box. We think in terms of replacing the wiper blades.

Instead, the acceptable solution is to just replace the car when it needs new wiper blades.

That reminds me of something like we used to tell some fellow workers back in the 70's when it sounded like they had a serious car problem. We said, "what you need to do is jack up the radiator cap and drive a new car under it". Some of those guys took our advice since all they needed was an excuse to get another car.

jmonroe

driver100

stickguy said:

WOW...is that ever U-G-L-Y!

driver100

This place sells wiper blades for a 2018 S450:
19 2019 Mercedes S450 Wiper Blade Set Genuine

Our List Price:
$192.73
with FREE Shipping
Quantity:
1
(2) In Stock
Product SKU: 222 820 11 45
Product Note: Wiper Blade Set -- For cars with Heated Washer System (Code 874).
Condition: New


18 2018 Mercedes S450 Wiper Blade Set Bosch

Click to Enlarge
(Read reviews)
Our List Price:
$45.73
Quantity:
1
(5) In Stock
Product SKU: 222 820 13 45
Product Note: Wiper Blade Set -- Not for cars with Heated Washer System (Code 874).
Condition: New

Shipping Options:
Ground

If you don't need the heaters, maybe the $45 pair will work!

BUY WIPER BLADES - PARTS GEEK

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

suydam said:

You can climb the lighthouse too. Great way to see the wild horses. Did not work for me with my fear of heights thing, but the kids loved it. OTOH I loved the small plane ride out over the water. Beautiful!

My son has a deathly fear of ice cubes and shirt buttons.

I always had this fear I would never find a normal job and I would have to be a waiter. My biggest fear was I would spill food all over the customers and I would be carrying all these plates and drop them....I have no idea how waiters and waitresses balance trays or plates. Don't even mention carrying a tray of beers.

jmonroe1

abacomike said:

Just got a bottle of Glenfiddich single malt 12 year old scotch as a gift from the local casino. I don’t think I ever had a bottle. Thinking of opening it tonight for a nightcap.

Didn't they tell you that you were not to open it untill you sent me the airfare money to come visit you, or did you conveniently forget that part of the deal? :@

jmonroe

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

explorerx4 said:

@jmonroe1,
I think that Brew Thru location is where my kids annually buy their tee shirts.
We stay down around MM 70 on Route 12.
If you are looking for a day trip, drive down there and take the free ferry over to Okracoke Island.
If weather is good kids will love the ferry.

Thanks for that suggestion but this vacation is already planned out.Tomorrow is day-trip day and we are going about 40 miles north to see the wild horses that live on the island up there. By the time we get back after stopping to eat dinner, the only water we'll be getting in will be at this condo village's pool. Nice pool, we went there last night but it ain't no ocean. :@

jmonroe

Why would you want to go in the ocean? Didn’t you hear a poor 21 yo girl got chewed to pieces by 3 sharks yesterday?

I heard something like that a few days before we came down here last Friday. Young girls are a lot more tender to chew on that a senior male. Almost sounds like a good excuse to find a young lady to go into the ocean with. All I have to do now is convince Mrs. j this ain't something I just made up as opposed to being scientific fact. Maybe I shouldn't even care since there are no dining room tables at the beach to worry about doing any table laps.

Since I have you here I think I should have asked you about a friends/family discount for renting a van for our vacation. Son #2 does not have a van anymore so he decided to rent one for our vacation since there are four adults and 2 kids plus all of our luggage. Say what you want about vans but they can't be beat for doing the vacation thing when you have a family. Anyway, he got his best price from Enterprise. All in it cost just under 600 bucks for a Dodge Grand Caravan for a week. The next best Enterprise location wanted almost $400 more. I never thought there could be that much of a difference within the same company. My Son said he has run into this when he rents a car for business purposes. He said this is because each Enterprise location is a franchise not company owned. I never knew that. If that is actually true would a friends/family discount even exist?

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

I don’t know much about the operation of individual offices but I don’t believe they are franchises. I think cost depends on where you return the vehicle (same as original rental office would be cheaper) and where you rent the vehicle (airport would be more expensive). I remember some rental agent telling me the minivans rent for about $200 a day so $600 for a week would be pretty good.

driver100

I don't know for sure but I think they are franchises. I think they try to keep pricing similar, but, sometimes a location is slow or something so they give you a deal. The location near us in Florida has rented a car to us for $40 a day...less than the airport limo, but, next time they wanted $110....better to take the limo for $80.

Airport locations can cost more than double. Once we took a taxi to an off airport location and saved $100s. Some people who go to Florida and rent a car for 1,2 or 3 months take a taxi to a rental location away from the airport.....can be $1000 difference for a 3 month vacation.

imidazol97

Want a NEW 66 Mustang GT convertible. I love the colors and the wheels on this puppy.




https://revologycars.com/car/1966-mustang-gt-convertible/

I am sure payment terms can be arranged. Note that the engine and transmissions are not original.
My question is about the body..., steel?

https://revologycars.com/

sda

imidazol97 said:

Want a NEW 66 Mustang GT convertible. I love the colors and the wheels on this puppy.




https://revologycars.com/car/1966-mustang-gt-convertible/

I sure payment terms can be arranged. Note that the engine and transmissions are not original.
My question is about the body..., steel?

https://revologycars.com/

I like that as well, very sharp. Dad’s 66 Galaxie 500 4 dr sedan company car was the same color. I believe the color is “Tahoe Turquoise”.

stickguy

Too expensive, but I would love one. I suppose you could build your own if desired.

fintail

Fun thing, it probably cost twice that 17 years ago. Not exactly the pinnacle of the Monte Carlo nameplate - this is the old GM that so many people dislike.

oldfarmer50 said:

I’m watching a Barrett-Jackson auction and one that caught my eye was a 2002 Monte Carlo SS Dale Earnhardt signature edition with 300 miles. This means someone bought this car and never drove it.

What struck me was that the car was sold for only $15,000. I can’t imagine that it cost less than that in 2002. The seller stored this car for 17 years and never got to enjoy it....for what? To break even or lose money?



Oh oh, can’t post a pic.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

I don't know for sure but I think they are franchises. I think they try to keep pricing similar, but, sometimes a location is slow or something so they give you a deal. The location near us in Florida has rented a car to us for $40 a day...less than the airport limo, but, next time they wanted $110....better to take the limo for $80.

Airport locations can cost more than double. Once we took a taxi to an off airport location and saved $100s. Some people who go to Florida and rent a car for 1,2 or 3 months take a taxi to a rental location away from the airport.....can be $1000 difference for a 3 month vacation.

Sorry driver100 but your dreams of running a car rental franchise will have to be put on hold unless you want to travel overseas.

https://www.enterprise.com/en/global-franchise-opportunities.html

Even at that I learned something I never knew about the company before.

ruking1

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/old-car-youre-not-alone-110059001.html

Average USA age of the PVF (278 M) cars 11.8 years old. The average age of the West’s PVF is @ 12.4 years. It can be up to 16..6 years in Montana.

Cars are less affordable is one reason why cars are kept longer. 2017 PVF=290.4 M.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

Want a NEW 66 Mustang GT convertible. I love the colors and the wheels on this puppy.




https://revologycars.com/car/1966-mustang-gt-convertible/

I am sure payment terms can be arranged. Note that the engine and transmissions are not original.
My question is about the body..., steel?

https://revologycars.com/

That’s a high price for nostalgia. $175k would buy a lot more interesting cars. FWIW, the ‘67 model in that same color was my dream car in my youth.

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

Fun thing, it probably cost twice that 17 years ago. Not exactly the pinnacle of the Monte Carlo nameplate - this is the old GM that so many people dislike.

oldfarmer50 said:

I’m watching a Barrett-Jackson auction and one that caught my eye was a 2002 Monte Carlo SS Dale Earnhardt signature edition with 300 miles. This means someone bought this car and never drove it.

What struck me was that the car was sold for only $15,000. I can’t imagine that it cost less than that in 2002. The seller stored this car for 17 years and never got to enjoy it....for what? To break even or lose money?



Oh oh, can’t post a pic.

I feel bad for whoever it was that never enjoyed driving his car in the hopes of some big collector payday only to find out he lost half of it’s value plus storage costs. Cars are meant to be driven.

oldfarmer50

ruking1 said:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/old-car-youre-not-alone-110059001.html

Average USA age of the PVF (278 M) cars 11.8 years old. The average age of the West’s PVF is @ 12.4 years. It can be up to 16..6 years in Montana.

Cars are less affordable is one reason why cars are kept longer.

Interesting, the average age of my fleet is just over 10 years old. Guess I’m doing pretty good.

ruking1

oldfarmer50 said:

fintail said:

Fun thing, it probably cost twice that 17 years ago. Not exactly the pinnacle of the Monte Carlo nameplate - this is the old GM that so many people dislike.

oldfarmer50 said:

I’m watching a Barrett-Jackson auction and one that caught my eye was a 2002 Monte Carlo SS Dale Earnhardt signature edition with 300 miles. This means someone bought this car and never drove it.

What struck me was that the car was sold for only $15,000. I can’t imagine that it cost less than that in 2002. The seller stored this car for 17 years and never got to enjoy it....for what? To break even or lose money?



Oh oh, can’t post a pic.

I feel bad for whoever it was that never enjoyed driving his car in the hopes of some big collector payday only to find out he lost half of it’s value plus storage costs. Cars are meant to be driven.

I would totally agree & practice that idea, cars should be driven.

There are truly very few collectors that truly like & more importantly would buy what I truly liked/like, years ago to NOW, now.

ruking1

oldfarmer50 said:

ruking1 said:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/old-car-youre-not-alone-110059001.html

Average USA age of the PVF (278 M) cars 11.8 years old. The average age of the West’s PVF is @ 12.4 years. It can be up to 16..6 years in Montana.

Cars are less affordable is one reason why cars are kept longer.

Interesting, the average age of my fleet is just over 10 years old. Guess I’m doing pretty good.

One real secret to keeping cars longer & letting them get older is just to keep them clean! One can DIY, to sending it to gas station wash, to a top draw detail shop.

Another is fixed the little things, before they become big things.

fintail

I don't feel bad at all, in fact, I have a bit of snark and schadenfreude. What a waste of both resources and a useful car. In 17 more years it won't appreciate, either, speculators sometimes get what they have coming to them. As you say, cars are meant to be driven, especially something as mass market as what was effectively a 2 door Impala with a decal kit.

oldfarmer50 said:

I feel bad for whoever it was that never enjoyed driving his car in the hopes of some big collector payday only to find out he lost half of it’s value plus storage costs. Cars are meant to be driven.

fintail

Average age of my fleet is 27.5 years - both cars are far outliers.

Cars aging better also helps the fleet survive - any modern car should be able to go 100-150K miles with just routine servicing, and rust is more contained these days as well. A generation ago it wasn't so easy.

Not sure if it is car prices to blame, or the lack of income progress.

ruking1 said:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/old-car-youre-not-alone-110059001.html

Average USA age of the PVF (278 M) cars 11.8 years old. The average age of the West’s PVF is @ 12.4 years. It can be up to 16..6 years in Montana.

Cars are less affordable is one reason why cars are kept longer. 2017 PVF=290.4 M.

ruking1

fintail said:

Average age of my fleet is 27.5 years - both cars are far outliers.

Cars aging better also helps the fleet survive - any modern car should be able to go 100-150K miles with just routine servicing, and rust is more contained these days as well. A generation ago it wasn't so easy.

Not sure if it is car prices to blame, or the lack of income progress.

ruking1 said:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/old-car-youre-not-alone-110059001.html

Average USA age of the PVF (278 M) cars 11.8 years old. The average age of the West’s PVF is @ 12.4 years. It can be up to 16..6 years in Montana.

Cars are less affordable is one reason why cars are kept longer. 2017 PVF=290.4 M.

It’s interesting that you would now agree with what I’ve been saying all along: that any modern car should be able to go 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles with just routine maintenance.

@ that time a MAJOR tune up would be due fo the second 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
Indeed one’s 27.5 year old samples illustrate some of those points.

The data really shows what is going on. Whether one wants to spin it or not can be very different stories. The (new) auto industry is in cost savings alarm alert mode, regardless of what one seems not to be sure of.

VW A bought back two of my 2009/2012 cars for a bit more than what I paid new. I posted app 180,000 miles. If not for the buybacks, I still would’ve kept the cars, 10 years/ 7years old. I also enjoyed not paying the operating costs for multiple vehicles.

PF_Flyer

imidazol97 said:

Want a NEW 66 Mustang GT convertible. I love the colors and the wheels on this puppy.




https://revologycars.com/car/1966-mustang-gt-convertible/

I am sure payment terms can be arranged. Note that the engine and transmissions are not original.
My question is about the body..., steel?

https://revologycars.com/

I like the overall look. Nice color. The wheels are nice and not overdone!

fintail

I can find no data of me disagreeing with that 100-150K maintenance claim, and I welcome anything to show that to be incorrect

My fleet is a 0 year old car and a 55 year old car. The newbie should need nothing but scheduled maintenance during my tenure, the old one needs a million things, so I pick and choose what best keeps it roadworthy.

ruking1 said:

<

It’s interesting that you would now agree with what I’ve been saying all along: that any modern car should be able to go 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles with just routine maintenance.

@ that time a MAJOR tune up would be due fo the second 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
Indeed one’s 27.5 year old samples illustrate some of those points.

The data really shows what is going on. Whether one wants to spin it or not can be very different stories.

VW A bought back two of my cars for a bit more than what I paid new. I posted app 180,000 miles. If not for the buyback, I still would’ve kept the cars, 10 years/ 7years old.

snakeweasel

ruking1 said:

Indeed, because the EV engine is perceived as less pollutive than the ICE, (it’s actually MORE pollutive) the trend to bigger vehicles with higher passenger capacities will continue. I’m guessing that EV power packs will need to be interchangeable.

Many studies show that an EV has a smaller impact on the environment. How great of that difference depends on battery size and how the electricity is produced. Yes the creation of the EV does have a greater impact but its operation typically has a smaller impact so over time the EV is actually less polluting than the ICE.

ruking1

fintail said:

I can find no data of me disagreeing with that 100-150K maintenance claim, and I welcome anything to show that to be incorrect

My fleet is a 0 year old car and a 55 year old car. The newbie should need nothing but scheduled maintenance during my tenure, the old one needs a million things, so I pick and choose what best keeps it roadworthy.

ruking1 said:

<

It’s interesting that you would now agree with what I’ve been saying all along: that any modern car should be able to go 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles with just routine maintenance.

@ that time a MAJOR tune up would be due fo the second 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
Indeed one’s 27.5 year old samples illustrate some of those points.

The data really shows what is going on. Whether one wants to spin it or not can be very different stories.

VW A bought back two of my cars for a bit more than what I paid new. I posted app 180,000 miles. If not for the buyback, I still would’ve kept the cars, 10 years/ 7years old.

The 100k-150k is a “higher bar” set by the better quality by OEM’s. I won’t buy a car that won’t go 150,000 miles. (to 200,000 to 300,000 miles)

snakeweasel

ruking1 said:

https://www3.forbes.com/business/vehicles-with-the-best-resale-values/30/

The markets say...

I would like to know what they consider original value.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

My S450’s odometer now reads 14,001 miles after 19 months. I never knew odometers displayed over 12,000 miles - you learn something new every day in ones lifetime. I wonder how high it will go before displaying 00000 again? 🤪😜

I would presume you mean the "tripdometer" and not the odometer as odometers show 6 digits.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

Indeed, because the EV engine is perceived as less pollutive than the ICE, (it’s actually MORE pollutive) the trend to bigger vehicles with higher passenger capacities will continue. I’m guessing that EV power packs will need to be interchangeable.

Many studies show that an EV has a smaller impact on the environment. How great of that difference depends on battery size and how the electricity is produced. Yes the creation of the EV does have a greater impact but its operation typically has a smaller impact so over time the EV is actually less polluting than the ICE.

Neither makes measurable differences, which was the real point. LA county agencies where there are the biggest fleets of hybrids % EV products show NO measurable differences. Indeed massive changes to hybrids & EV will still exceed pollution levels. So hybrids & EV while “good concepts” are overpriced PIPE DREAMS!

But any grid upgrade will MASSIVELY increase costs.

So here I am driving in Palo Alto, California. I finally realize that EVERY block on every street with power lines (on public lands & access) will require/need massive branch/tree cutting. The branch/tree cutting needed almost defies imagination both in task & $’s! Then the next real question is: what are you gonna do with all the wood waste? Then it needs to keep being done every 5 to 10 years.

snakeweasel

dino001 said:

abacomike said:

I called several auto parts retailers and they all indicated that only Mercedes Parts Departments carry the replacement wiper blades made specifically for the 2018 S Class due to the specificity of the holes in the rubber blades for the direct transfer of washer fluid right onto the windshield. The part is made by Bosch, but not available for retail by non-MB sources.

I know - buy regular ones and drill some holes Now I'm being cruel...

Can't have $180 wiper blades. Too much money. Imid already gave you an answer: new car :laughing:

I'm sure Red Green can find a work around.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

explorerx4 said:

@jmonroe1,
I think that Brew Thru location is where my kids annually buy their tee shirts.
We stay down around MM 70 on Route 12.
If you are looking for a day trip, drive down there and take the free ferry over to Okracoke Island.
If weather is good kids will love the ferry.

Thanks for that suggestion but this vacation is already planned out.Tomorrow is day-trip day and we are going about 40 miles north to see the wild horses that live on the island up there. By the time we get back after stopping to eat dinner, the only water we'll be getting in will be at this condo village's pool. Nice pool, we went there last night but it ain't no ocean. :@

jmonroe

Why would you want to go in the ocean? Didn’t you hear a poor 21 yo girl got chewed to pieces by 3 sharks yesterday?

You could come to the Great Lakes, we are celebrating our 10,000th shark free year.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

suydam said:

You can climb the lighthouse too. Great way to see the wild horses. Did not work for me with my fear of heights thing, but the kids loved it. OTOH I loved the small plane ride out over the water. Beautiful!

Nicely limited phobia. The much greater height of an airplane didn’t trigger it.

We have several drivers who have a fear of driving over bridges. That phobia was shared by my wife’s relative who was a millionaire telecom executive. Amazing how our brains work to compartmentalize our anxiety.

My son has a deathly fear of ice cubes and shirt buttons.

I have a phobia of German sausage, that's right I fear the wurst.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

suydam said:

You can climb the lighthouse too. Great way to see the wild horses. Did not work for me with my fear of heights thing, but the kids loved it. OTOH I loved the small plane ride out over the water. Beautiful!

Nicely limited phobia. The much greater height of an airplane didn’t trigger it.

We have several drivers who have a fear of driving over bridges. That phobia was shared by my wife’s relative who was a millionaire telecom executive. Amazing how our brains work to compartmentalize our anxiety.

My son has a deathly fear of ice cubes and shirt buttons.

I have a phobia of German sausage, that's right I fear the wurst.

I like da WURST!👍

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

I’m watching a Barrett-Jackson auction and one that caught my eye was a 2002 Monte Carlo SS Dale Earnhardt signature edition with 300 miles. This means someone bought this car and never drove it.

What struck me was that the car was sold for only $15,000. I can’t imagine that it cost less than that in 2002. The seller stored this car for 17 years and never got to enjoy it....for what? To break even or lose money?



Oh oh, can’t post a pic.

I saw one in the wild just the other day. At least that guy enjoyed the car.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

https://www3.forbes.com/business/vehicles-with-the-best-resale-values/30/

The markets say...

I would like to know what they consider original value.

Typically that means OFF of MSRP.

qbrozen

imidazol97 said:

Want a NEW 66 Mustang GT convertible. I love the colors and the wheels on this puppy.




https://revologycars.com/car/1966-mustang-gt-convertible/

I am sure payment terms can be arranged. Note that the engine and transmissions are not original.
My question is about the body..., steel?

https://revologycars.com/

But where are the iconic side chromes? No pic of the rear valance.

Hell, I’m pretty darned sure you could buy a super nice original 6-cyl version and do the mods for far less.

ruking1

qbrozen said:

imidazol97 said:

Want a NEW 66 Mustang GT convertible. I love the colors and the wheels on this puppy.




https://revologycars.com/car/1966-mustang-gt-convertible/

I am sure payment terms can be arranged. Note that the engine and transmissions are not original.
My question is about the body..., steel?

https://revologycars.com/

But where are the iconic side chromes? No pic of the rear valance.

Hell, I’m pretty darned sure you could buy a super nice original 6-cyl version and do the mods for far less.

Yes! Just a quick look at the specifications indicate that this one in a line of “Frankenstein/d” 66 Mustang’s. (from Orlando, Fl.)

snakeweasel

fintail said:

I can find no data of me disagreeing with that 100-150K maintenance claim, and I welcome anything to show that to be incorrect

My fleet is a 0 year old car and a 55 year old car. The newbie should need nothing but scheduled maintenance during my tenure, the old one needs a million things, so I pick and choose what best keeps it roadworthy.

ruking1 said:

<

It’s interesting that you would now agree with what I’ve been saying all along: that any modern car should be able to go 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles with just routine maintenance.

@ that time a MAJOR tune up would be due fo the second 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
Indeed one’s 27.5 year old samples illustrate some of those points.

The data really shows what is going on. Whether one wants to spin it or not can be very different stories.

VW A bought back two of my cars for a bit more than what I paid new. I posted app 180,000 miles. If not for the buyback, I still would’ve kept the cars, 10 years/ 7years old.

I agree with you on this, cars are far more durable these days and it's not unusual for cars to go 15 years. So it's not surprising to see the average cars age creep up.

snakeweasel

ruking1 said:

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

https://www3.forbes.com/business/vehicles-with-the-best-resale-values/30/

The markets say...

I would like to know what they consider original value.

Typically that means OFF of MSRP.

And there lies the problem. Since cars usually dont sell for MSRP that list starts to be meaningless. I would like to see that based on average sales price.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

snakeweasel said:

ruking1 said:

https://www3.forbes.com/business/vehicles-with-the-best-resale-values/30/

The markets say...

I would like to know what they consider original value.

Typically that means OFF of MSRP.

And there lies the problem. Since cars usually dont sell for MSRP that list starts to be meaningless. I would like to see that based on average sales price.

While I would understand that, because what you say makes practical, logic sense, it would render real data....more senseless.

Another quandary, the taxes are due on title change, new, used. In CA. taxes approach 10%.

So just as a point of discussion suppose the OEM’s sell 17.5 M 2019 units. I’ve read some articles saying the average price is approximately $35,000. So that’s app $ 6.125e11 B in new car sales.

I’m sure the states & fed also have the real $ #’s on the 39 M used car sales & sales taxes collected.

snakeweasel

There is a dealer group near me that is starting it's own luxury car subscription service. For either $1,200 or $1,500 a month you can drive any number of high end cars. The cost provides you 1,500 miles a month, the ability to switch cars 3 times a month, insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

What do you think?

Michaell

snakeweasel said:

There is a dealer group near me that is starting it's own luxury car subscription service. For either $1,200 or $1,500 a month you can drive any number of high end cars. The cost provides you 1,500 miles a month, the ability to switch cars 3 times a month, insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

What do you think?

At the moment, I'm spending just over $1000/mo for payments and insurance on the Jetta and Outback.

Another $200-500/mo to only drive one car (luxury or not) seems like a hefty premium.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

There is a dealer group near me that is starting it's own luxury car subscription service. For either $1,200 or $1,500 a month you can drive any number of high end cars. The cost provides you 1,500 miles a month, the ability to switch cars 3 times a month, insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

What do you think?

While leasing is THE most expensive way to use a car, (in this case, up to $1.00 per mile) IF $1,200 to $1,500 per mo & 1,500 miles per mo works, variety is the spice of life?

snakeweasel

Michaell said:

snakeweasel said:

There is a dealer group near me that is starting it's own luxury car subscription service. For either $1,200 or $1,500 a month you can drive any number of high end cars. The cost provides you 1,500 miles a month, the ability to switch cars 3 times a month, insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

What do you think?

At the moment, I'm spending just over $1000/mo for payments and insurance on the Jetta and Outback.

Another $200-500/mo to only drive one car (luxury or not) seems like a hefty premium.

As it does to me, but there are some who will pay more for the luxury brand and that's who they are marketing to. This might be good for BMW/MB/Audi/etc. drivers who are chronic car buyers.

ruking1

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

snakeweasel said:

There is a dealer group near me that is starting it's own luxury car subscription service. For either $1,200 or $1,500 a month you can drive any number of high end cars. The cost provides you 1,500 miles a month, the ability to switch cars 3 times a month, insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

What do you think?

At the moment, I'm spending just over $1000/mo for payments and insurance on the Jetta and Outback.

Another $200-500/mo to only drive one car (luxury or not) seems like a hefty premium.

As it does to me, but there are some who will pay more for the luxury brand and that's who they are marketing to. This might be good for BMW/MB/Audi/etc. drivers who are chronic car buyers.

As CPA, one could also probably shed more light on this than I. It’s also ideal for corporations and LLCs, that do not want assets nor, more importantly insurance, etc., liabilities that goes with car driving. So for example, if one’s the CEO of Apple Computer, one doesn't want to drive drunk and get caught killing somebody in a car accident in a Apple Computer owned car. Indeed, if one is Apple computer legal GC, one probably doesn't want the CEO to drive at all.

Some of the best used car specimens are from those corporate leases.

imidazol97

What is the link for the topic here about the posting problems?

I saw an Accord A-Spec near a mall in rich red. I immediately thought that maybe GraphicGuy was wandering around Beavercreek (Dayton). But closer inspection showed it was a black interior and his IIRC is a beautiful, strong red interior.

And GG is somewhere on vacation OOC.

Tyres on that were very low profile...

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

explorerx4 said:

@jmonroe1,
I think that Brew Thru location is where my kids annually buy their tee shirts.
We stay down around MM 70 on Route 12.
If you are looking for a day trip, drive down there and take the free ferry over to Okracoke Island.
If weather is good kids will love the ferry.

Thanks for that suggestion but this vacation is already planned out.Tomorrow is day-trip day and we are going about 40 miles north to see the wild horses that live on the island up there. By the time we get back after stopping to eat dinner, the only water we'll be getting in will be at this condo village's pool. Nice pool, we went there last night but it ain't no ocean. :@

jmonroe

Why would you want to go in the ocean? Didn’t you hear a poor 21 yo girl got chewed to pieces by 3 sharks yesterday?

You could come to the Great Lakes, we are celebrating our 10,000th shark free year.

Don’t they have lampreys in those waters that suck your insides out?

Speaking of suckers, I was at the big box store today. They have two 4 way intersections which are 3 way stops with the entrance from the main road having no stop sign and therefore absolute right of way. Several times coming in off the street I’ve been near missed by some dope running his stop sign and assuming I had one too. Frustrating.

Today I was coming from the other side and stopped to allow the traffic with no stop sign to proceed. Of course several dopes rolled up and stopped for the non existent sign on their side which cause traffic to build up behind the other 3 stops. One person just sat there as if she wasn’t able to figure things out and was waiting for permission. Of course as one of the other drivers started to inch forward this person just takes off almost hitting the other car.

Later at the market I parked next to a car with two dogs in the back seat, windows down, motor running with AC on and NO DRIVER. The little dogs though barky didn’t seem capable of stopping a car thief.

The world is getting too much for me.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

I don't know for sure but I think they are franchises. I think they try to keep pricing similar, but, sometimes a location is slow or something so they give you a deal. The location near us in Florida has rented a car to us for $40 a day...less than the airport limo, but, next time they wanted $110....better to take the limo for $80.

Airport locations can cost more than double. Once we took a taxi to an off airport location and saved $100s. Some people who go to Florida and rent a car for 1,2 or 3 months take a taxi to a rental location away from the airport.....can be $1000 difference for a 3 month vacation.

Sorry driver100 but your dreams of running a car rental franchise will have to be put on hold unless you want to travel overseas.

https://www.enterprise.com/en/global-franchise-opportunities.html

Even at that I learned something I never knew about the company before.

I am shocked....I am sure most car rental companies use franchises. I know the ones in Vancouver (NOT Enterprise) were scamming people for dents or inside damage done, charging it to the customers credit card, customer wouldn't find out until they got home......and those were franchise guys.
Thanks, learned something, OR maybe I did think you meant in Europe.

fintail

Depends on the cars. For the right person, a smorgasbord of high spec AMG and M etc cars, Maseratis, Range Rovers etc may be worth it. At the same time, a lot of fleet spec A3s and X1s might not do it.

snakeweasel said:

As it does to me, but there are some who will pay more for the luxury brand and that's who they are marketing to. This might be good for BMW/MB/Audi/etc. drivers who are chronic car buyers.

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

There is a dealer group near me that is starting it's own luxury car subscription service. For either $1,200 or $1,500 a month you can drive any number of high end cars. The cost provides you 1,500 miles a month, the ability to switch cars 3 times a month, insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

What do you think?

I think I wouldn’t want any of those cars used after all the folks got their jollies.

BTW, what did you ever decide to do with your Sebring’s top? I’ve been ripping around in mine every sunny day, getting compliments from strangers and looks from pretty girls.