Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

28firefighter

BMW renewal in January was $525. Outback was $515 for the first year.

houdini2

ab348 said:

Just picked up my mail and a couple of interesting things were there. First, the registration renewal for the Cadillac comes due end of September, marking 2 years of ownership. It costs $221.00 in worthless Canadian dollars for 2 years, so $110/yr. How does that compare to where others live?

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

If the ship got in trouble, at least you might have a chance to wade/swim to shore.

ronsteve

ab348 said:

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

The usual conversation in our house about Viking River Cruises goes something like this (captioned A and B because roles are interchangeable):

A: Hey, a Viking River Cruise might be really enjoyable some day.

B: I know. Of course that probably won't happen til we retire.

A: We'll probably still be the youngest couple on the boat.

PF_Flyer

ab348 said:

Just picked up my mail and a couple of interesting things were there. First, the registration renewal for the Cadillac comes due end of September, marking 2 years of ownership. It costs $221.00 in worthless Canadian dollars for 2 years, so $110/yr. How does that compare to where others live?

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

PA registration went up to $37/year sometime in the last 18 months or so

ronsteve

Here in KY the actual registration is $21 a year, but you're also on the hook for personal property tax, which back in January was around $275 for the RDX and $75 for the Jetta.

imidazol97

Cost for license plates in my county of Ohio is about $60. There's a $10 or $15 bridge tax that the county added on that's included in that number. There is no other property tax on pleasure automobiles in Ohio.

jmonroe1

sda said:

jmonroe1 said:

explorerx4 said:

@jmonroe1,
Don't want to use that fallback, my dining room table isn't big enough. Maybe I should expand the leafs "just in case".

Well, that depends on whether you have straight away speed or speed in the turns. When Mrs. j started gaining on me on the straight aways I took the leafs out of the table because I figured I could get away from her in the turns and I was right. Which got me to thinking that if we had a round table I could lap her but I'm not really sure I should do that.

jmonroe

You haven’t bought that new dining room suite for her yet? No wonder she cases you with a switch!

Funny you should mention that. About two weeks ago she said something about her dining room suite and how she doesn't even want to replace it anymore. I couldn't leave well enough alone and I said something like, "I know that and because you've been so good about that, I decided to buy you a car". That did it, she said, "huh, you bought me a car"? And she said it again, "you bought me a car? You bought that car because YOU wanted it. I was satisfied with my old car".

For a second there, I thought I was in for a few laps.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

ronsteve said:

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

@ronsteve,
Well there is a dedicated bike lane connected to a brand new bridge crossing the same road a 100 yards t their right.
If they had bunched up a bit, a vehicle could get by, but they spread themselves out so you had to wait behind them.
Not the end of the world, but inconsiderate of others.

I see them too, they ride in 2s or 3s and take up a whole lane. Cars coming from behind have to wait to pass or try to pass and hope cars going in the opposite direction will move over a bit.
They live in their own little world and think they are saving the planet, but, they don't care about your safety.

For a motorist to pass a cyclist safely, they need to leave 3 feet of clear space. If the lane is too narrow for that, a savvy cyclist will move out toward the center so a driver will see that it's not safe to pass. When a cyclist rides all the way against the white line, stupid motorists will try to squeeze past in the same lane and that's when you get overly close passes or even collisions.

If oncoming traffic makes it impossible to pass a cyclist with 3 feet of clearance, the obvious solution is to WAIT UNTIL IT IS SAFE TO PASS. Usually it's a matter of a few seconds, rarely does it end up being even a minute. Is a few seconds of your time actually more valuable than another person's life?!

Excellent points. My problem is I go along a very busy 2 lane windy road with lots of hills and curves in the morning. I am just going to tennis so not in a rush, other people are trying to get to work. Someone can come around a curve at 50 or go over a hill....sometimes both, and there is the cyclist and the car has no choice but to try and squeeze around the cyclist. There must be roads with less traffic around.

As a bicyclist I avoid roads like that like the plague. When it comes down to it the safety of the cyclist lies on the cyclist.

pensfan83

28firefighter said:

BMW renewal in January was $525. Outback was $515 for the first year.

🤮

fintail

Wagon was over $600, but the fintail is $0 due to vintage plates, so it evens out a little, and insurance just went down $10/month for some reason, so it could be worse.

snakeweasel

ab348 said:

Just picked up my mail and a couple of interesting things were there. First, the registration renewal for the Cadillac comes due end of September, marking 2 years of ownership. It costs $221.00 in worthless Canadian dollars for 2 years, so $110/yr. How does that compare to where others live?

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

It's right around 110 yankee green backs for the cars and 45 for the bike.

snakeweasel

ronsteve said:

ab348 said:

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

The usual conversation in our house about Viking River Cruises goes something like this (captioned A and B because roles are interchangeable):

A: Hey, a Viking River Cruise might be really enjoyable some day.

B: I know. Of course that probably won't happen til we retire.

A: We'll probably still be the youngest couple on the boat.

I have always wanted to do a riverboat cruise along one of th major rivers here.

Did you know that they do cruises on the Great Lakes?

ab348

driver100 said:

Love the brewery, especially their blueberry wheat beer with 5 blueberries floating in it.

I don't like floaties in anything I'm drinking, unless it's an ice cube.

ab348

28firefighter said:

BMW renewal in January was $525. Outback was $515 for the first year.

Geez, how much would it be if they used road salt in the winter? :laughing:

explorerx4

In CT passenger vehicles are $100 for 2 years. Trucks can be by GVW over a certain limit or if you register as a combination(business/personal).
We do pay property tax based on vehicle value and town property tax rate.
Even my 28 year old Mustang gets charged about $60 a year.

carnaught

thebean said:

Big congrats, Mike!

Ditto Mike, and I’m glad the office let you know before the weekend. Less worry time.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

Just got a call from my doctor - PET-Scan shows no evidence of cancer or any other anomalies. Whewwwww! Made it through another year cancer-free. So it’s been 3-years now that I am a cancer survivor. Yeah! ✋👋🙏🤙😀

That’s great news Mike!😃

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Just picked up my mail and a couple of interesting things were there. First, the registration renewal for the Cadillac comes due end of September, marking 2 years of ownership. It costs $221.00 in worthless Canadian dollars for 2 years, so $110/yr. How does that compare to where others live?

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

About $60-70 a year in NY. Based on weight not value.

I get the same cruise mailers.

28firefighter

Great news, @abacomike. Be well.

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

ronsteve said:

ab348 said:

The second thing was a glossy catalog from Viking River Cruises. How they got my name I dunno but I guess I'm in their demographic. If I was ever going to take a cruise it would probably be one like that rather than an ocean cruise. But man, they aren't cheap. 5 figures for a lot of them.

The usual conversation in our house about Viking River Cruises goes something like this (captioned A and B because roles are interchangeable):

A: Hey, a Viking River Cruise might be really enjoyable some day.

B: I know. Of course that probably won't happen til we retire.

A: We'll probably still be the youngest couple on the boat.

I have always wanted to do a riverboat cruise along one of th major rivers here.

Did you know that they do cruises on the Great Lakes?

I think you can also catch a cruise of the Erie Canal that starts in NYC and ends in the Great Lakes.

explorerx4

Hey Mike, glad your checkup had good results.

graphicguy

Those of us who are Acura fans might find this interesting. This is what I’m waiting for.....

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/acura-type-s-sedan-teaser-monterey-car-week/

pensfan83 said:

Speaking of maintenance the Acura reminded me it's time for it's oil change/tire rotation and this time the rear differential fluid is to be changed. Called the indie shop that services the Prelude and with coupon the dealer is actually cheaper for the rear diff fluid change.

My Acura dealer is super competitive on most services. Replacing filters? Not so much. I do those myself.

explorerx4

My Ford's are so cheap to maintain, I like to throw the tech a bone.
Taking the Fusion in for 'The Works' and going to ask to change cabin air filter.
I'm sure I could do it myself.
Not up to 20k yet, but have had it for almost 3 years.

stickguy

one of the few things in NJ that are reasonable is car registration. Depends on class (I assume weight based) but I think the RDX is about $65/year, and we don't pay personal property tax on cars. Of course, that is made up for by the ridiculous property taxes on houses!

explorerx4

Here in CT we pay lots of property taxes on our homes.
I just noticed after going to the grocery store last Sunday, we get taxed on any discount we get with a loyalty card.
Bought 3 cases of water and saved $5, but got taxed on the $5 discount.

abacomike

Thanks everyone for your kind and meaningful thoughts and words. Some of you are also cancer survivors and know what it’s like to wake up every morning wondering if the cancer has returned. It’s a constant irritant.

Thanks again.

snakeweasel

explorerx4 said:

Here in CT we pay lots of property taxes on our homes.
I just noticed after going to the grocery store last Sunday, we get taxed on any discount we get with a loyalty card.
Bought 3 cases of water and saved $5, but got taxed on the $5 discount.

I do believe that most states tax that discount, that discount is considered a rebate and most states tax you on the pre rebate price as they view it as a payment from the seller and not a price discount.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

Thanks everyone for your kind and meaningful thoughts and words. Some of you are also cancer survivors and know what it’s like to wake up every morning wondering if the cancer has returned.

Indeed this is great news for you. Best of all is that the doctor called you with results as soon as the scan results were read by the radiologist. So you didn't have to wait and wonder.

fezo

Great news, Mike. I'm at 7 years. HAve met people that are better than 20-year survivors. All good.

I'm still aiming to live to 100. So far so good.

sda

The Accord is wondering who this sassy white girl wearing 4 rings is doing in Pilot's crib.

sda

Hopefully this is legible. My Audi customer service was able to provide the original window sticker.

benjaminh

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

oldfarmer50

benjaminh said:

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

I can see from the picture of the rocks on the train tracks why it says “enter at your own risk”. I’ve been in a few bars that should have had that sign.

omarman

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

I can see from the picture of the rocks on the train tracks why it says “enter at your own risk”. I’ve been in a few bars that should have had that sign.

oldfarmer50

omarman said:

oldfarmer50 said:

benjaminh said:

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

I can see from the picture of the rocks on the train tracks why it says “enter at your own risk”. I’ve been in a few bars that should have had that sign.

Now that’s funny.

carnaught

sda said:

Hopefully this is legible. My Audi customer service was able to provide the original window sticker.

Very nicely equipped! I love the B & O audio. One thing that is now a must for me, and on my last two cars, is the surround camera.

sda

benjaminh said:

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

I love exploring new areas, how cool.

kyfdx

Clifty Falls is cool. We used to go there and drink when I was in college, nearby.

qbrozen

benjaminh said:

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

Hey, I didn’t know Mike Wolfe was on this message board. ;b

https://images.app.goo.gl/ES5C2Sxz5ZFFp9GQ6

stickguy

nicely loaded Q5.

benjaminh

sda said:

Hopefully this is legible. My Audi customer service was able to provide the original window sticker.

If you're willing, would you mention how much you ended up paying for this beauty with the original msrp of $49k?

benjaminh

A few more scenes from Madison, Indiana, in a collage made with help from google. The local hair salon is called "Curl Up & Dye Again"! The Madison Fountain is where their farmer's market is held.

kyfdx

Hanover College is a beautiful campus

snakeweasel

benjaminh said:

Today I drove to Madison, Indiana, which is a charming town with a gourmet chocolate shop, good coffee shops and other stuff in the historic downtown, Clifty Falls State Park, etc. For part of the day I went bike riding on my folding bike that's almost always in my trunk. And then for part of the day I hiked up an abandoned railroad line that has been opened to walk "at your own risk." It was fun!

We took a ride to Bishop Hill, IL, a small town about 25 miles south east of the Quad Cities. It has a population of about 125 and is situated in the middle of nowhere. The did a pretty good job at preserving the town and had a few nice shops as well as a lovely little historical park. We ate at a small little restaurant there that had one of the best burgers I have had and a slice of rhubarb pie. When the check came they told us that they dont take credit cards just cash or checks. The waitress told us if we didn't have the cash to pay she would give us the bill and we can mail them a check. We asked about that policy and they told us that everyone sent them the money.

sda

benjaminh said:

sda said:

Hopefully this is legible. My Audi customer service was able to provide the original window sticker.

If you're willing, would you mention how much you ended up paying for this beauty with the original msrp of $49k?

It was listed at a VW dealer where I’ve done a lot of business in the past for $26616. In the end before taxes and fees, it was a difference of $19.6k with the paid for Pilot as trade. The Pilot, though very clean and needed nothing was almost 10 model years old with 139k. It seemed to be fair price overall. The Q5 is like new, one owner lease return. Coincidentally it had 26.6k miles on it when we bought it.

I thought they’d wholesale the Pilot, but they had it on their lot two days later and it was sold within the week!

graphicguy

@sda .....beautiful Q5. Congrats on the punch!

sda

I felt industrious yesterday and hand washed and dried all three cars and then proceeded to weed eat and mow the lawn. Yes, I slept well. The headlights were starting to haze again on the TL so I polished and put a coat of wax on them. Hopefully that will buy me time before I have to repeat.

abacomike

sda said:

benjaminh said:

sda said:

Hopefully this is legible. My Audi customer service was able to provide the original window sticker.

If you're willing, would you mention how much you ended up paying for this beauty with the original msrp of $49k?

It was listed at a VW dealer where I’ve done a lot of business in the past for $26616. In the end before taxes and fees, it was a difference of $19.6k with the paid for Pilot as trade. The Pilot, though very clean and needed nothing was almost 10 model years old with 139k. It seemed to be fair price overall. The Q5 is like new, one owner lease return. Coincidentally it had 26.6k miles on it when we bought it.

I thought they’d wholesale the Pilot, but they had it on their lot two days later and it was sold within the week!

Sounds like you made a great deal on a great SUV. Wishing you many years of driving pleasure! 😁

sda

And while I'm on a roll, one thing I like about the TL that the TLX and Q5 don't have is a soft touch lower door panel. They are hard plastic.

sda

abacomike said:

sda said:

benjaminh said:

sda said:

Hopefully this is legible. My Audi customer service was able to provide the original window sticker.

If you're willing, would you mention how much you ended up paying for this beauty with the original msrp of $49k?

It was listed at a VW dealer where I’ve done a lot of business in the past for $26616. In the end before taxes and fees, it was a difference of $19.6k with the paid for Pilot as trade. The Pilot, though very clean and needed nothing was almost 10 model years old with 139k. It seemed to be fair price overall. The Q5 is like new, one owner lease return. Coincidentally it had 26.6k miles on it when we bought it.

I thought they’d wholesale the Pilot, but they had it on their lot two days later and it was sold within the week!

Sounds like you made a great deal on a great SUV. Wishing you many years of driving pleasure! 😁

Thanks Mike, we are really happy with it. I am so glad about your positive health news and can’t wait until your lease expires to learn what you get next!