Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

venture

Michaell said:

verdugo said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell‌

I think HUSKY makes a better product than weather tech. Much easier to deal with as well. Everything ships at the same time from the same place (WT has different factories & fulfillment centers around the country).

I had Weathertec in my old Grand Cherokee, but I bought Husky's X-act Contour for the new one after reading reviews on another forum.

I like that the Husky has a higher edge than the WT and that it feels less slippery than the WT.

Timely discussion about the mats. Wife called me this morning, asking that I look into getting all weather mats for the daughters MINI - it only came with the carpeted mats.

She wants WT but now I'm going to look at the Husky brand as well.

You may want to have a gander at 3D Maxpider mats too. I have them in my fusion and the wife wanted them in her Forester as well.

Michaell

venture said:

Michaell said:

verdugo said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell‌

I think HUSKY makes a better product than weather tech. Much easier to deal with as well. Everything ships at the same time from the same place (WT has different factories & fulfillment centers around the country).

I had Weathertec in my old Grand Cherokee, but I bought Husky's X-act Contour for the new one after reading reviews on another forum.

I like that the Husky has a higher edge than the WT and that it feels less slippery than the WT.

Timely discussion about the mats. Wife called me this morning, asking that I look into getting all weather mats for the daughters MINI - it only came with the carpeted mats.

She wants WT but now I'm going to look at the Husky brand as well.

You may want to have a gander at 3D Maxpider mats too. I have them in my fusion and the wife wanted them in her Forester as well.

Too late ... already ordered the WT mats for the MINI.

If we pick up the Subaru next week, the wife and I may talk about a better set of mats .. but @nyccarguy‌ likes his basic mats in his Legacy just fine.

[Deleted User]

Michaell said:

If the deal happens next week, I'd like to find a Saturday where I could come up and do the paint sealant.

You got it. One topic to research, then, is which brand of paint coating you want (autogeek.net is a good place to start). Optimum discontinued my favorite product and replaced it with Optimum Gloss-Coat, which is pretty new and untested for durability. Pinnacle, DP, and Optimum are all brands you can trust. The new Optimum Gloss-Coat will be the easiest to apply and offers a very glossy finish. Here's the typical process:
1. Wash and examine the paint for paint correction level needed. Swirls, halos, scratches, contaminants, etc...
2. Clay bar the paint.
3. If there's iron contamination, apply a product like Iron-X to remove it. With a new car this really isn't necessary provided the car was protected during rail transport. That will be the case with yours, so this can be skipped. I did apply Iron-X to our Outback, but it was obvious during application there was no contamination to worry about. The product goes from clear to purple in the presence of iron and the only place I found iron was on the wheels from the brake pads.
3. Correct the paint with either 1 or 2 steps using a dual-action polisher, depending on the condition we're starting with. I typically use Optimum compounds and polishes since they don't leave any residues to interfere with the final paint coating.
4. Apply a cleaning product to remove all oils and residue, which will leave the paint totally clean and ready for the final step. There are commercial products available, but I've found a 10% to 15% isopropyl alcohol solution works great.
5. Apply the paint coating one small section at a time.
6. Cure. We'll want to pick a Saturday that is warm and dry. The coating will need a few days to cure before getting wet.

It's an all-day thing, but totally worth it in the end. Dirt is less likely to stick, and when it does, it washes off much easier. The paint will bead water for years.

What color did you go with?

-Ty

stever

Interesting about the rail dust - complaints about that are way down the last few years.

Michaell

tyguy said:

Michaell said:

If the deal happens next week, I'd like to find a Saturday where I could come up and do the paint sealant.

You got it. One topic to research, then, is which brand of paint coating you want (autogeek.net is a good place to start). Optimum discontinued my favorite product and replaced it with Optimum Gloss-Coat, which is pretty new and untested for durability. Pinnacle, DP, and Optimum are all brands you can trust. The new Optimum Gloss-Coat will be the easiest to apply and offers a very glossy finish. Here's the typical process:
1. Wash and examine the paint for paint correction level needed. Swirls, halos, scratches, contaminants, etc...
2. Clay bar the paint.
3. If there's iron contamination, apply a product like Iron-X to remove it. With a new car this really isn't necessary provided the car was protected during rail transport. That will be the case with yours, so this can be skipped. I did apply Iron-X to our Outback, but it was obvious during application there was no contamination to worry about. The product goes from clear to purple in the presence of iron and the only place I found iron was on the wheels from the brake pads.
3. Correct the paint with either 1 or 2 steps using a dual-action polisher, depending on the condition we're starting with. I typically use Optimum compounds and polishes since they don't leave any residues to interfere with the final paint coating.
4. Apply a cleaning product to remove all oils and residue, which will leave the paint totally clean and ready for the final step. There are commercial products available, but I've found a 10% to 15% isopropyl alcohol solution works great.
5. Apply the paint coating one small section at a time.
6. Cure. We'll want to pick a Saturday that is warm and dry. The coating will need a few days to cure before getting wet.

It's an all-day thing, but totally worth it in the end. Dirt is less likely to stick, and when it does, it washes off much easier. The paint will bead water for years.

What color did you go with?

-Ty

If it's an all day thing, I'll bring the beer.

The wife wanted - and we found - a Wilderness Green with Ivory leather interior.

Heard from our salesguy today - he's been out a day or two under the weather - and told me where to go to complete the on-line credit app. I'll work on that over the weekend then email him when it's complete.

Am also thinking that I'll use that opportunity to float the quote to him - $33,750 + $499 prep + 7.9% sales tax. Keep the trade a separate, but up front, part of the deal.

Wife may want to look into extended warranties, so we'll keep our ears open in the F&I office.

fezo

imidazol97 said:

Michaell said:

stever said:

My wife wants the V. Well the five in a V. Something like that. The Prii naming conventions are as bad as they get.

Wouldn't that be a "Prius V V"?

Maybe a Prius 5 V as opposed to a 4 V or a 5 IV? LOL

I tried looking up a used Prius 4 for Fezo in this area.
Whichever was the category of the red 2012. Some autotrader
listings were clear as to which option package was on the
particular model. Looks like Fezo could fly into Dayton
International Airport, buy a new car he wants in the area and
drive back to his home happy as a lark.

Road trip!

I think it's between the silver 2011 and the blue 2010. The silver is a III, the blue a IV. Arguments to be made both ways. The blue is a nicer color and it comes with an upgraded stereo. Heated leather in the IV vs cloth in the III - almost a wash.

berri

Markets are regional. I think more people ought to look at the economics of buying in a different market before paying too much locally (but that means looking at both your total travel costs and the value of your time, and also remember that if you have a trade and have traveled somewhere, they now kind of have some leverage over you on trade-in price). Your local dealer will generally service the car regardless of where you purchase it because 1) it has contract agreements with the manufacturer and 2) it likely makes more money in service than sales these days.

dorissmith

I bought  an 03 Pontiac Montana from bulldogs in east Alton Illinois I had it two weeks the heat stop working we took it  back they did a raditor flush now all of a sudden its over  heating .I took it to the shop they say I have a blown head gasket but they said they want know for sure until they take the care apart and see , I been calling the place where I got it and they changed they number, but other people told me I needed a thermostat

carnaught

Had my '10 Prius IV for three years, not a single problem with it. The only reason I traded it was I'm a member of the CCBA. I loved the luxury option package on it, and found the premium audio to be great even though not at the level of the HK of my BMW's or the Nakamichi or ML on the Lexuses. What I really found to be neat was the solar powered roof ventilation system which in my climate really worked lowering the car's interior temp. to acceptable levels when parked in the summer sun. Also really enjoyed the 46-53 mpg, the room and the comfort. The center dash and interior felt like a small spaceship, actually quite novel and surprisingly satisfying and fun to drive, again not being in a premium or sport-sedan category.

Good luck with your choice.

jayrider

carnaught said:

Had my '10 Prius IV for three years, not a single problem with it. The only reason I traded it was I'm a member of the CCBA. I loved the package on it, and found the premium audio to be great even though not the HK of my BMW's or the Nakamichi's or ML's of the Lexi. What I really found to be neat was the solar powered roof ventilation system, which in my climate rally lowered the car's interior temp. to acceptable levels when packed outside in the summer. Also really enjoyed the 46-53 mpg, the room and the comfort. The center dash and interior felt like a small spaceship, actually quite novel and fun to drive, again not being in a premium or sport-oriented auto. Good luck with your choice.

Will own my Prius IV for 5 years this August. Other than a rattle in the glove box [minor] it has been flawless.

carnaught

jayrider said:

carnaught said:

Had my '10 Prius IV for three years, not a single problem with it. The only reason I traded it was I'm a member of the CCBA. I loved the package on it, and found the premium audio to be great even though not the HK of my BMW's or the Nakamichi's or ML's of the Lexi. What I really found to be neat was the solar powered roof ventilation system, which in my climate rally lowered the car's interior temp. to acceptable levels when packed outside in the summer. Also really enjoyed the 46-53 mpg, the room and the comfort. The center dash and interior felt like a small spaceship, actually quite novel and fun to drive, again not being in a premium or sport-oriented auto. Good luck with your choice.

Will own my Prius IV for 5 years this August. Other than a rattle in the glove box [minor] it has been flawless.

I haven't gotten as hyper about rattles with my non-luxury, non-highline cars.

fezo

I'm leaning to the IV for several reasons. A lot of it is just more luxurious - way better driver's seat - and I'll admit the upgrade on the stereo enters into it. Doesn't hurt that it's blue - one of our desired colors as opposed to silver which is an I can live with it color.

I used to love silver vehicles because you could drive through the worst dirt and they still looked pretty good. Problem was when you got it washed and waxed it was still pretty good...

imidazol97

fezo said:

I'm leaning to the IV for several reasons. A lot of it is just more luxurious - way better driver's seat - and I'll admit the upgrade on the stereo enters into it. Doesn't hurt that it's blue - one of our desired colors as opposed to silver which is an I can live with it color.

I used to love silver vehicles because you could drive through the worst dirt and they still looked pretty good. Problem was when you got it washed and waxed it was still pretty good...

It sounds like you're going to have a car within the next few days.
I saw a red Prius while waiting at Hobby Lobby today. That would be my color pick.
There seem to be relatively few of them. Does Toyo do that to make the
price point higher for selling them as a new vehicle at the dealer?

fezo

Sigh. Red was the color my wife most wanted and we had the perfect car and hesitated.

We'll see how long this takes. Tomorrow night is a possibility. The dealer is in suburban Philly - maybe an hour and a quarter from here.

My wife's favorite is the red. I like that but think the blue is nicer. Those are the only two real colors.

stever

The FSBO Prius near us is that muted gold color. Not very attractive to my way of thinking. But you could drive it off the pavement here and it would just disappear in the sage and creosote bushes if you needed to hide from the cops for some reason. You can come up with your own impeding traffic joke.

fezo

I've seen thise gold ones. That's when they start looking like appliances.

fezo

Where's stick? Going to a dealer in Conshohocken tonight. That can;t be too far from you.....

Told them just now I didn't want to drive all the way there without an out the door price and named one. Let's see if they bite.

stever

A reporter would like to speak to a new car buyer who is happy with their longer-term loan because of the lower monthly payments. If you were able to get into a new car because a 72- or 84- month loan made the payments easier to swallow, and you would like to share your story, please send your daytime contact info to PR@edmunds.com no later than Friday, February 27, 2015 at noon PT/3 p.m. ET.

stickguy

Other side of Philly. I used to drive past daily when I worked near valley forge. Pretty easy for you to get to. About 1/2 hour from me with no traffic.

A 2010 with 44k miles? I think I would just buy new instead if you can get a strong deal. There are rebates and cheap financing on them. Plus you can get red.

stickguy

Just priced one out. Dang a IV is pricey. That solar and navi package is crazy. A 3 with heated seats, entune with nav and solar has a TMV showing of 26k. Good luck finding one though.

fezo

Finding a new one is easy. Every dealer says they'll trade. End up paying nearly double knowing that it'll depreciate that much before the loan is out. Slightly cheaper 3 year loan vs the 6 year that the new would require to come near the same number.

Only problem is trying to line up car loan. I can get one from Chase at 2.49% but need the wife here since I'm actually putting it in her name. This is a first.

fezo

The "strong deal" at Fitzgerald started having mystery numbers in it. I have nearly as good a deal offered from Gateway in Toms River. The real problem is they couldn't just put in a sunroof - has to be that solar package. Not having a sunroof I may as well be trying to convince her to buy a white car.

stickguy

that is a really expensive sunroof. To me, especially around here, the solar aspect seems like a gimmick or something you just won't use.

Too bad you snoozed on that good deal red one. But, these things happen.

I'm just surprised you are going back as old as 2010. But at least these seem to be long term reliable.

fezo

The darn Prius has a solar package which is what drives up the cost. It includes a solar panel that powers a fan to keep the car at ambient temperature on hot days.

They agreed to my out the door price. If they hadn't I'd likely have gone new with a lease to buy locally.

I'm confident in it lasting a long time. Wouldn't buy it otherwise.

Will let you know when we're leaving in case you want some fun.

I just know that tomorrow the other dealer will call with their sale fallen through....

abacomike

I guess gasoline prices are rising at a faster rate than when they dropped a few months ago.  Costco was selling PUG at $2.49.9 a gallon on Monday and I just went in and I paid $2.71.9.  4 days and the price went up 22 cents a gallon.  But oil is still selling at under $49 a barrel.  So gas went up 9% in 4 days and oil is still where it was a month ago.  Someone is making a killing, that's for sure.  Gas is rxpected to rise another 30 cents a gallon by the middle of March.  I knew these prices were too good to last very long.

2 months ago, Costco was at $239.9 a gallon for PUG - now $271.9.  What can I say.

stickguy

good luck Fezo. Easy to get there. turnpike exit 6, right out the PA turnpike to the blue route south to ridge pike I think.

fezo

Yeah, that seems to be it all right. Tell you when we're leaving. Wife is still working 30 miles from here and not likely out soon. This could get tricky.

stickguy

Traffic will suck at this time. But at least you avoid the Schuylkill. Not sure when the dealer close tonight. EIDT: they are open to 9:00.

why not just go at 9:00 tomorrow morning? If you are running late.

jpp75

Congrats @fezo, you're right, it will last forever.

laurasdada

My Costco bottomed at $2.26 PUG. Now, $2.48 and Gas Buddy notified me prices are going up. Quickly.

fezo

My daughter has a party to get to, We expect to be there about 7:30.

ab348

laurasdada said:

My Costco bottomed at $2.26 PUG. Now, $2.48 and Gas Buddy notified me prices are going up. Quickly.

What's driving this increase? Speculators?

stever

"The Torrance refinery explosion last week, seasonal refinery maintenance and the switch from winter to summer fuel blends has been blamed for the spike." That's specific to California but it's the same old story. Crude prices (or demand) drops and gas prices slowly ease. (nbclosangeles.com)

One headline and pump prices jump twenty cents a gallon overnight. I was going to quote Yakof Smirnoff ("What a country!), but this quote of his may be better. (brainyquote.com)

driver100

Read it and weep guys!

"You earned the Tenth Anniversary badge.

Thanks for sticking with us for 10 years. +5 points"

*I gotta tell you though that 10 years flew by. It seems like only yesterday I came in arguing with Richard and JMonroe about something or other..............................

qbrozen

My badge claims January 2014, but I know that's wrong because I had gotten advice from Brentwood when buying my first '98 Volvo back in 2001. Ah well.

stickguy

I know that I was here back in 1998. Because I was discussing the Quest I bought that year!

stickguy

Good luck Fezo. Though I guess by now, you are at the dealer finalizing the deal.

stever

@qbrozen and @stickguy, when I look at y'all's profiles, they show that both of you joined in 1999 - and it appears to me that you both have 10 year badges. Guess I'm missing something? Oh, all y'all's badges were "earned" in January 2014 - mine too. That's just a date that reflects the roll-out of the new forum software.

28firefighter

Conshy is not far from where I grew up. What dealer did you end up at? Kennedy?

Michaell

Just got a text message from our Subaru dealer – the outback that the wife wants arrived at the dealership tonight. My plan is to go to the dealer tomorrow and see if we can make a deal.

stever

Good luck - maybe you can live blog the whole thing.

stickguy

28, yeah, it is at Kennedy Ford/Mazda on the Pike.

well, by now, it should be in Fezo's driveway!

[Deleted User]

Michaell said:

Just got a text message from our Subaru dealer – the outback that the wife wants arrived at the dealership tonight. My plan is to go to the dealer tomorrow and see if we can make a deal.

Excellent! Good luck and we'll all be wishing for the best. I'll be at Winter Park wrecking my knee a bit more with my daughter. Hopefully I'll come home and read about your successful purchase.

driver100

Michaell said:

Just got a text message from our Subaru dealer – the outback that the wife wants arrived at the dealership tonight. My plan is to go to the dealer tomorrow and see if we can make a deal.

Good luck!

stickguy

I wonder what happened to Fezo. hopefully out with the wife enjoying the new Prius. Would be a shame if he made a wrong turn in Norristown and never got out.

Michaell

At echo park - sonic automotive version of Carmax. Getting quote on the Mazda. They gave me a trade value of $12,500. Off to Carmax now. 

Michaell

Carmax offered me $13,000

henryn

Michaell said:

Carmax offered me $13,000

Funny thing about CarMax. They sell used cars for more than anyone else, but they also tend to pay more (at least for nice clean ones that they intend to sell on their lot).

fezo

All is well with fezo. Just up late and then hitting a bunch of things this morning.

Sale went smooth as silk and we're quite happy. While we're doing paperwork they send it over to detail for a little cleanup and fill the tank. I asked them if they's do that for the Mazda (which actually could have used a couple gallons) which got the expected response - for a fee.....

Wife and kids are out in it now. Will take it down to my SIL's later. Tank still reads full.

Everything went fine. I'd given them an out the door number by phone and they accepted that no problem. Beat my pre-arranged financing by half a point. They should all go this smoothly.

The hard part is doing all the paperwork surrounded by new Mazdas. I'm sure someone will detail off the drool. The 3 hatch is sweet - a little less room than the 6 wagon but a load more gas mileage. If they'd make a 6 wagon or hatchback I might pull that trigger too soon.

Rumors include a turbo diesel engine soon. I could live with that, though I have to say that Mazda really upped their game on mileage with the whole SkyActive thing. They used to lag on gas mileage. Now they lead. Two years maybe...

stickguy

They can get away with it, as long as they are really cherry picking the nicest stuff, and people are confident that they are getting a really primo car for the $. Though plenty of people have no clue what real market pricing is, and just go someplace where the people are nice, and it "feels" good.