Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

jmonroe1 said:

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Honda says every 3 years. Some makers treat it as lifetime. Same with trans fluid. Up to each owner what you are comfortable with. Even doing it once in an 8-10 year ownership term is probably enough, and better than nothing. Plus cheap when amortized!

The other logical move is just do it when you have a rake job done. Usually cheaper then anyway.

I tend to agree. Most service work is overstated. I had the cabin filter changed one year ago.....and I have gone 6000 miles, they put on my bill recommend I do it again in 2020 - next year, that will be after 12000 miles! They also want me to do an oil change after 5000 miles or in 6 months.....even Mercedes doesn't recommend that. Brake lines flushed in 2021......after 12000 miles.

I am using my own schedule, try to be on the safe side but not be obsessive. The battery seems fine, but, it could be 6 years old, and it is in Florida heat, and by then the car will have 36000 miles on it, so I'll have it checked and probably replaced. At least when you buy new you know what you have done....unless you get all the records with the car. I like the indie Euro mechanic, they only do what I ask....not try to get me to do a lot of extra stuff.

If you can see your battery, you can check if it's mercedes brand or another brand. The other brand would indicate it's been replaced. Batteries can be tested quickly for deterioration status. I wouldn't be surprised if your lasted longer in Florida if it's not abused.

If you're not driving in an area with lots of dust from construction on roads or buildings, your cabin filter last a nominal 3 years.

BTW Fram has been big in the cabin filters with all kinds of lipstick on pig features such as carbon treatment supposedly to remove aromas. I feel the same about those as I do about their oil filters.

I always get the OEM AC Delco filters for my 3 vehicles.

The oil filters used to be made in nearby Greenville decades ago. More of the jobs that were sent overseas by the big corps but still tried to sell them based on a US name.

Good idea checking the battery to see if it is the original. If I can't tell I will have them test it next year, get the mechanics...or is it technicians opinion? I had the cabin filter done last year, since we only use the car for half a year I suppose it should last for 6 years....thanks for mentioning they have a 3 year lifespan.
I am trying to make notes about what has been done when, and what the schedule will be for getting things done...I don't want to pay for a A Service and have them oil all the locks and turn everything on and off to see if it is working.
The indie garage seems very fair, but one thing they listed under labor was "and put a sticker on the window for the next servicing"! Do they actually charge me to do that? Checking fluid levels I like...the power steering feels better, wonder if they added some P.S. fluid?

Hint: If they added power steering fluid and your "power steering feels better", you either have a good imagination or your reservoir was way down and you have a leak that needs servicing. So your car may have a steering problem and a brake system that needs flushing. Maybe you should have bit on the extended warranty the dealer surely offered you when you bought it.

jmonroe

That went through my mind too. The whole car drives better after an oil change.....it even drives better when it has been washed! I was thinking......even a slight top up, could make a difference! Probably all in the head!

While I've never thought so after an oil change I do definitely feel it after washing my car. And yes it is definitely on our heads, but still a nice feeling.

jmonroe1

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe1 said:

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Honda says every 3 years. Some makers treat it as lifetime. Same with trans fluid. Up to each owner what you are comfortable with. Even doing it once in an 8-10 year ownership term is probably enough, and better than nothing. Plus cheap when amortized!

The other logical move is just do it when you have a rake job done. Usually cheaper then anyway.

I tend to agree. Most service work is overstated. I had the cabin filter changed one year ago.....and I have gone 6000 miles, they put on my bill recommend I do it again in 2020 - next year, that will be after 12000 miles! They also want me to do an oil change after 5000 miles or in 6 months.....even Mercedes doesn't recommend that. Brake lines flushed in 2021......after 12000 miles.

I am using my own schedule, try to be on the safe side but not be obsessive. The battery seems fine, but, it could be 6 years old, and it is in Florida heat, and by then the car will have 36000 miles on it, so I'll have it checked and probably replaced. At least when you buy new you know what you have done....unless you get all the records with the car. I like the indie Euro mechanic, they only do what I ask....not try to get me to do a lot of extra stuff.

If you can see your battery, you can check if it's mercedes brand or another brand. The other brand would indicate it's been replaced. Batteries can be tested quickly for deterioration status. I wouldn't be surprised if your lasted longer in Florida if it's not abused.

If you're not driving in an area with lots of dust from construction on roads or buildings, your cabin filter last a nominal 3 years.

BTW Fram has been big in the cabin filters with all kinds of lipstick on pig features such as carbon treatment supposedly to remove aromas. I feel the same about those as I do about their oil filters.

I always get the OEM AC Delco filters for my 3 vehicles.

The oil filters used to be made in nearby Greenville decades ago. More of the jobs that were sent overseas by the big corps but still tried to sell them based on a US name.

Good idea checking the battery to see if it is the original. If I can't tell I will have them test it next year, get the mechanics...or is it technicians opinion? I had the cabin filter done last year, since we only use the car for half a year I suppose it should last for 6 years....thanks for mentioning they have a 3 year lifespan.
I am trying to make notes about what has been done when, and what the schedule will be for getting things done...I don't want to pay for a A Service and have them oil all the locks and turn everything on and off to see if it is working.
The indie garage seems very fair, but one thing they listed under labor was "and put a sticker on the window for the next servicing"! Do they actually charge me to do that? Checking fluid levels I like...the power steering feels better, wonder if they added some P.S. fluid?

Hint: If they added power steering fluid and your "power steering feels better", you either have a good imagination or your reservoir was way down and you have a leak that needs servicing. So your car may have a steering problem and a brake system that needs flushing. Maybe you should have bit on the extended warranty the dealer surely offered you when you bought it.

jmonroe

That went through my mind too. The whole car drives better after an oil change.....it even drives better when it has been washed! I was thinking......even a slight top up, could make a difference! Probably all in the head!

While I've never thought so after an oil change I do definitely feel it after washing my car. And yes it is definitely on our heads, but still a nice feeling.

If you and @driver100 think that washing your car makes it drive better, then you've hit on why I wax my cars so much. And you're right, the feeling you get when you see your superbly waxed car in parking lots next to run of the mill clean cars can't be matched. Way better than a mere oil change.

jmonroe

ab348

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

jmonroe1

ab348 said:

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

Ain't that what @driver100, @snakeweasel and I have been sayin?

jmonroe

imidazol97

ab348 said:

The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

This reminded me of "mind" advertising...: didn't Fram advertise the Pay Me Now Or Pay Me Later slogan for buying their oil filters?

imidazol97

@driver100
I'd almost bet they adjusted the tire pressure up a little, perhaps a couple over recommended. That will make the steering feel so much better to me.

I checked and your 250 appears to have hydraulic power steering assist. But I doubt adding fluid affects the feel from that. I was suspicious it might have electric assist.

jmonroe1

imidazol97 said:

ab348 said:

The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

This reminded me of "mind" advertising...: didn't Fram advertise the Pay Me Now Or Pay Me Later slogan for buying their oil filters?

You're right, that was Fram that coined that often used phrase. Too bad their filters didn't exibit that quality. More proof that marketing sells. Reminds me of all the containers of wax on the shelf at auto parts. The prettier the package the more it sells. The wax I use comes in a bottle that is so plain it stands out because of that. Maybe that is the marketing ploy of that company.

jmonroe

imidazol97

jmonroe1 said:

imidazol97 said:

ab348 said:

The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

This reminded me of "mind" advertising...: didn't Fram advertise the Pay Me Now Or Pay Me Later slogan for buying their oil filters?

You're right, that was Fram that coined that often used phrase. Too bad their filters didn't exibit that quality. More proof that marketing sells. Reminds me of all the containers of wax on the shelf at auto parts. The prettier the package the more it sells. The wax I use comes in a bottle that is so plain it stands out because of that. Maybe that is the marketing ploy of that company.

jmonroe

A short, funny story about Fram. The Fram plant in Greenville sponsored a car show for 3 years or so early in the spring. The judges were from the Fram group that was sponsoring the car show on the Fram property.

Apparently, the cars got points for having Fram filters installed for the engines where filters were visible. Fram would supply "socks" that were orange and printed with the Fram labeling normally on filters. The car owners could just pull that "sock" over their filter to earn points in the judging.

PS. I have no idea what is made at that Fram plant anymore. But quick search says it's still oil filters. 400,000 a day after a 2015 plant expansion/upgrade.

From BITOG:

"The Fram facility on Jackson Street in Greenville has the capability of producing 400 different models of oil filters. A $5.4 million, 20,000 square-foot expansion announced in 2015 was set to add a fourth line to boost production to more than 400,000 filters a day in total with a crew of 380 employees.

":Fram has had operations in Greenville since 1951.

"In 2011, the plant employed 180 workers and produced about 40 million filters a year when Rank Group Ltd. acquired Fram from Honeywell International."

jipster

Question: When is a $19.95 oil change a $34.58 oil.change?
Answer: When you go to places like Meineke and Big O.

Took car #4 in the fleet in for an oil change the other deal. Pretty good deal. $19.95 for oil and filter change with Mobil Synthetic Blend, 23 point inspection, air pressure check. All is fine until I get the bill. $34.58? O.k, well, the car does need 6 quarts of oil instead of 5. That's an extra $4. I tell the service rep guy that I think I was overcharged. He's looking at his computer, says he doesn't know why it keeps charging this amount, gets on the phone to make a phone call, no answer... then says he corrected the invoice. $29.55. I look at invoice. $1.95 oil filter recycling. $2.07 shop fees. Adds up, but can't help feel this guy was purposefully trying to get more money out of me (happened at Big O with a much higher overcharge). How hard can it be to ring up a simple oil change? Checked the oil level this morning. Looks to be about a quart low.

stickguy

They don’t ring it up now. They scan a code or hit the coil change button and the computer decides what to charge.

Michaell

I got a mailer yesterday from the Hyundai dealer where I leased my Elantra GT - in 2013. In the envelope was a mock check in the amount of $6150, and an exhortation that "they need my car TODAY!", and they'll buy my car for that amount (miles and condition dependent, of course).

I traded that car in for the Jetta in 2016.

houdini2

I think oil filters are somewhat like my wife's purses. She tends to like very expensive purses. I once asked her what the difference was between a moderately priced purse and an expensive purse. She replied, "The Price".

ab348

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

Ain't that what @driver100, @snakeweasel and I have been sayin?

jmonroe

Well, since it was you and driver who were touting it, I figured those views needed validation by someone credible. :laughing:

snakeweasel

ab348 said:

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

Ain't that what @driver100, @snakeweasel and I have been sayin?

jmonroe

Well, since it was you and driver who were touting it, I figured those views needed validation by someone credible. :laughing:

OK, so just when is this credible person going to show up and chime in?

driver100

imidazol97 said:

ab348 said:

The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

This reminded me of "mind" advertising...: didn't Fram advertise the Pay Me Now Or Pay Me Later slogan for buying their oil filters?

https://youtu.be/FNAt3n5pLh8

PF_Flyer

Coming back up from Harrisburg the other day I spied a vehicle parked along a road along side US 322 that was painted candy apple red. Wasn't a '57 Chevy or anything interesting, just a car. Struck me that it was from the early 2000's, but I only had a glimpse after the color caught my eye. Been a loooong time since I've seen that color out in the wild.

It MIGHT have been a Civic

driver100

imidazol97 said:

@driver100
I'd almost bet they adjusted the tire pressure up a little, perhaps a couple over recommended. That will make the steering feel so much better to me.

I checked and your 250 appears to have hydraulic power steering assist. But I doubt adding fluid affects the feel from that. I was suspicious it might have electric assist.

They definitely checked the tires and could have added air. It was a 30 minute drive home after the oil and brake fluid change.....mostly on I-75 which was fairly quiet, so I was driving about 84 mph on the way back....car moved well and felt good......probably better performance and steering were all in my head. Plus, like JMonroe said, the tech guy drove the car up to the building where I was waiting, and the C250 looked gorgeous all clean and the red was brilliant in the bright sunshine

driver100

ab348 said:

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

Ain't that what @driver100, @snakeweasel and I have been sayin?

jmonroe

Well, since it was you and driver who were touting it, I figured those views needed validation by someone credible. :laughing:

He's a legend in his own mind

driver100

ab348 said:

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

Ain't that what @driver100, @snakeweasel and I have been sayin?

jmonroe

Well, since it was you and driver who were touting it, I figured those views needed validation by someone credible. :laughing:

This reminds me, a friend "sold me" a book he was promoting for a friend of his who wrote this true story about The Mayflower II, - the original came to America 400 years ago in 20120. He asked me if I would do a review.

I read the book, and it was pretty good....not War and Peace, but a good book. Normally I would have given it 3.5 on Amazon, but I generously gave him 4 stars out of 5.

The author asked my friend if I couldn't change it to 5 stars....he only wants 5 star reviews. I said I am not going to change it, every author thinks they wrote a N,Y, Times #1 Best Seller and I think I was very fair.

He asked me to change it again.

I wrote back and said, it was a good book, I generously gave it 4 stars, I save 5 Stars for books that are outstanding. If you want an example of a 5 Star non fiction book read Devil in the White City, written in 2003, it has sold millions of copies, it is still in the top 800 books on Amazon....if I give his book 5 stars what would I give to White City.....are they the same?

So, no ab......we will survive without that extra layer of credibility.

driver100

PF_Flyer said:

Coming back up from Harrisburg the other day I spied a vehicle parked along a road along side US 322 that was painted candy apple red. Wasn't a '57 Chevy or anything interesting, just a car. Struck me that it was from the early 2000's, but I only had a glimpse after the color caught my eye. Been a loooong time since I've seen that color out in the wild.

It MIGHT have been a Civic

My guess would be a Civic...though I think the V Tech stickers are aftermarket. Red can look really nice on the right car......and, it feels really special driving a red car....makes me feel 30 years younger.

Friend/neighbor down here just got a new red 2 door Cadillac ATS Coupe. Looks really smart in red. The inside looks luxurious. I do find the vision lacking....low roof line especially to the rear. The trunk is high...almost reaches my shoulders....but, the car looks impressive.

28firefighter

It is a 6th Generation Civic (1996-2000 MY).

ab348

snakeweasel said:

ab348 said:

jmonroe1 said:

ab348 said:

Back when I was a little kid there was only one automatic car wash in our city, one of the older style where there were guys outside with steam wands who did the wheels and rocker panels before someone got behind the wheel and guided it on to the chain apparatus that pulled it through the wash, while the occupants got out and walked alongside, watching the proceedings behind a glassed-in wall. They had someone get inside and wipe everything down too. The motto emblazoned on their sign was "A Clean Car Works Better... Lasts Longer!"

Ain't that what @driver100, @snakeweasel and I have been sayin?

jmonroe

Well, since it was you and driver who were touting it, I figured those views needed validation by someone credible. :laughing:

OK, so just when is this credible person going to show up and chime in?

Hey! Didn't you notice I left you out of this? I was responding to @jmonroe1 's jab. I try not to get into disagreements with snakes or weasels.

stickguy

https://images.app.goo.gl/vr6bhQSdXtX7uJ8s6

driver100

stickguy said:

https://images.app.goo.gl/vr6bhQSdXtX7uJ8s6

Is yours red?

We should list the colors of our cars too.

PF_Flyer

Oh, that was just a stock photo I was using to show the color on a Civic. I didn't have a chance to take a photo, and I have to REALLY anticipate if I want the wife to get her phone out to take a picture of something

jmonroe1

Michaell said:

I got a mailer yesterday from the Hyundai dealer where I leased my Elantra GT - in 2013. In the envelope was a mock check in the amount of $6150, and an exhortation that "they need my car TODAY!", and they'll buy my car for that amount (miles and condition dependent, of course).

I traded that car in for the Jetta in 2016.

That's nothing. I still get mailings for the '06 Sonata I bought for Mrs. j in '06. Traded that for Genny #1 in '09.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

I got a mailer yesterday from the Hyundai dealer where I leased my Elantra GT - in 2013. In the envelope was a mock check in the amount of $6150, and an exhortation that "they need my car TODAY!", and they'll buy my car for that amount (miles and condition dependent, of course).

I traded that car in for the Jetta in 2016.

I just got a mailer full of coupons urging me to “keep your Eclipse in tip top shape”. Sold that car in 2015.

At least they stopped asking to buy my “in high demand” 2009 PT Cruiser.

explorerx4

My wife still gets service mailings for Saab that we had 01-04.

laurasdada

GF, on 128 this am, got rear-ended (in her new CX-5, which replaced the totaled, T-boned 328xi) by a guy who was rear-ended by a woman. The woman who started the chain said her fault, she wasn't texting, but looking at maps on her phone... Other than cars, no one was hurt, I'm told.
GF car appears OK, other than a banged up rear bumper, she (eventually) continued on to work. The other two cars were towed from the scene, unfortunately. This is the GFs third not at fault accident in 18 months, why do bad things happen to good people???

dino001

jipster said:

Question: When is a $19.95 oil change a $34.58 oil.change?
Answer: When you go to places like Meineke and Big O.

Took car #4 in the fleet in for an oil change the other deal. Pretty good deal. $19.95 for oil and filter change with Mobil Synthetic Blend, 23 point inspection, air pressure check. All is fine until I get the bill. $34.58? O.k, well, the car does need 6 quarts of oil instead of 5. That's an extra $4. I tell the service rep guy that I think I was overcharged. He's looking at his computer, says he doesn't know why it keeps charging this amount, gets on the phone to make a phone call, no answer... then says he corrected the invoice. $29.55. I look at invoice. $1.95 oil filter recycling. $2.07 shop fees. Adds up, but can't help feel this guy was purposefully trying to get more money out of me (happened at Big O with a much higher overcharge). How hard can it be to ring up a simple oil change? Checked the oil level this morning. Looks to be about a quart low.

It may not be "overcharging" by traditional definition, but it's it's certainly deceptive advertising, when "price" is not really THE price, it's some (usually largest) portion of it. Phone companies, car manufacturers and dealers, repair shops and others businesses use it. I call it "price plus" model, where they want you to get your business by throwing you a number that looks really good and later on add miscellaneous junk charges, usually sounding official, suggesting they may even be government-mandated. I remember airlines used to be notorious for this kind of advertising, "New York from $39" with fine print that it was one way based on round trip purchase fees, surcharges and taxes NOT included, after adding it all up it could be $250. It escalated when oil prices spiked and they introduced so-called fuel surcharge, something that was supposed to be transient and variable, to reflect fluctuations of the oil price, leaving the "nominal" price more stable. The problem was they quickly ended up abusing it, especially on longer trips, when those fuel surcharges sometimes double or triple the actual cost. The regulators stepped in and made them advertise full cost, not just one portion of it. I wish they'd do the same in other areas. I'm tired of those deceptive screamers everywhere.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

https://images.app.goo.gl/vr6bhQSdXtX7uJ8s6

Is yours red?

We should list the colors of our cars too.

You know the colors of mine.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

https://images.app.goo.gl/vr6bhQSdXtX7uJ8s6

Is yours red?

We should list the colors of our cars too.

You know the colors of mine.

It should get added to your signature though, my memory isn't as good as it used to be.

driver100

PF_Flyer said:

Oh, that was just a stock photo I was using to show the color on a Civic. I didn't have a chance to take a photo, and I have to REALLY anticipate if I want the wife to get her phone out to take a picture of something

You want us to figure out what kind of car you saw.....from a stock photo?

jipster

dino001 said:

jipster said:

Question: When is a $19.95 oil change a $34.58 oil.change?
Answer: When you go to places like Meineke and Big O.

Took car #4 in the fleet in for an oil change the other deal. Pretty good deal. $19.95 for oil and filter change with Mobil Synthetic Blend, 23 point inspection, air pressure check. All is fine until I get the bill. $34.58? O.k, well, the car does need 6 quarts of oil instead of 5. That's an extra $4. I tell the service rep guy that I think I was overcharged. He's looking at his computer, says he doesn't know why it keeps charging this amount, gets on the phone to make a phone call, no answer... then says he corrected the invoice. $29.55. I look at invoice. $1.95 oil filter recycling. $2.07 shop fees. Adds up, but can't help feel this guy was purposefully trying to get more money out of me (happened at Big O with a much higher overcharge). How hard can it be to ring up a simple oil change? Checked the oil level this morning. Looks to be about a quart low.

It may not be "overcharging" by traditional definition, but it's it's certainly deceptive advertising, when "price" is not really THE price, it's some (usually largest) portion of it. Phone companies, car manufacturers and dealers, repair shops and others businesses use it. I call it "price plus" model, where they want you to get your business by throwing you a number that looks really good and later on add miscellaneous junk charges, usually sounding official, suggesting they may even be government-mandated. I remember airlines used to be notorious for this kind of advertising, "New York from $39" with fine print that it was one way based on round trip purchase fees, surcharges and taxes NOT included, after adding it all up it could be $250. It escalated when oil prices spiked and they introduced so-called fuel surcharge, something that was supposed to be transient and variable, to reflect fluctuations of the oil price, leaving the "nominal" price more stable. The problem was they quickly ended up abusing it, especially on longer trips, when those fuel surcharges sometimes double or triple the actual cost. The regulators stepped in and made them advertise full cost, not just one portion of it. I wish they'd do the same in other areas. I'm tired of those deceptive screamers everywhere.

The initial charge for the oil change was about 5 bucks more than it should have been. This service tech was not a newbie. He should have known $34.58 was high for a $19.95 oil change, even with all of the add ons. The guys body language and actions, after I called him on the overcharge, left me even more of a suspicious jip. The manager at Big O overcharged me about $12 for a high mileage oil change...and this was with a $25 off coupon. But yeah, the "add on" charges are bogus and is really damaging to any confidence the consumer has to that industry.

stickguy

that is not my TLX. But it is the same model and color. Really a sharp looking car when you see it in person too!

That one is a lot cleaner at the moment.

ab348

PF_Flyer said:

Oh, that was just a stock photo I was using to show the color on a Civic. I didn't have a chance to take a photo, and I have to REALLY anticipate if I want the wife to get her phone out to take a picture of something

If a Civic was painted the same red as that TLX, it was a respray. The TLX paint is a similar metallic premium paint like on my ATS or Mazda’s Soul Red. Civics usually offered a solid red that isn’t metallic.

oldfarmer50

laurasdada said:

GF, on 128 this am, got rear-ended (in her new CX-5, which replaced the totaled, T-boned 328xi) by a guy who was rear-ended by a woman. The woman who started the chain said her fault, she wasn't texting, but looking at maps on her phone... Other than cars, no one was hurt, I'm told.
GF car appears OK, other than a banged up rear bumper, she (eventually) continued on to work. The other two cars were towed from the scene, unfortunately. This is the GFs third not at fault accident in 18 months, why do bad things happen to good people???

Sorry to hear that. Will she take a hit on her insurance for this? I had a couple of not at faults in the last 5 years but neither affected my insurance. One was in a work vehicle, the other in my private car.

roadburner

jipster said:

Question: When is a $19.95 oil change a $34.58 oil.change?
Answer: When you go to places like Meineke and Big O.

Took car #4 in the fleet in for an oil change the other deal. Pretty good deal. $19.95 for oil and filter change with Mobil Synthetic Blend, 23 point inspection, air pressure check. All is fine until I get the bill. $34.58? O.k, well, the car does need 6 quarts of oil instead of 5. That's an extra $4. I tell the service rep guy that I think I was overcharged. He's looking at his computer, says he doesn't know why it keeps charging this amount, gets on the phone to make a phone call, no answer... then says he corrected the invoice. $29.55. I look at invoice. $1.95 oil filter recycling. $2.07 shop fees. Adds up, but can't help feel this guy was purposefully trying to get more money out of me (happened at Big O with a much higher overcharge). How hard can it be to ring up a simple oil change? Checked the oil level this morning. Looks to be about a quart low.

I wouldn't take my Jeep to a quicky lube joint- either find a good indie shop or DIY.

laurasdada

oldfarmer50 said:

laurasdada said:

GF, on 128 this am, got rear-ended (in her new CX-5, which replaced the totaled, T-boned 328xi) by a guy who was rear-ended by a woman. The woman who started the chain said her fault, she wasn't texting, but looking at maps on her phone... Other than cars, no one was hurt, I'm told.
GF car appears OK, other than a banged up rear bumper, she (eventually) continued on to work. The other two cars were towed from the scene, unfortunately. This is the GFs third not at fault accident in 18 months, why do bad things happen to good people???

Sorry to hear that. Will she take a hit on her insurance for this? I had a couple of not at faults in the last 5 years but neither affected my insurance. One was in a work vehicle, the other in my private car.

Thanks, OF. It shouldn't, she told me the woman that caused it was apologetic and open about her fault. So, likely her insurance will be dishing out the $.

driver100

jipster said:

dino001 said:

jipster said:

Question: When is a $19.95 oil change a $34.58 oil.change?
Answer: When you go to places like Meineke and Big O.

Took car #4 in the fleet in for an oil change the other deal. Pretty good deal. $19.95 for oil and filter change with Mobil Synthetic Blend, 23 point inspection, air pressure check. All is fine until I get the bill. $34.58? O.k, well, the car does need 6 quarts of oil instead of 5. That's an extra $4. I tell the service rep guy that I think I was overcharged. He's looking at his computer, says he doesn't know why it keeps charging this amount, gets on the phone to make a phone call, no answer... then says he corrected the invoice. $29.55. I look at invoice. $1.95 oil filter recycling. $2.07 shop fees. Adds up, but can't help feel this guy was purposefully trying to get more money out of me (happened at Big O with a much higher overcharge). How hard can it be to ring up a simple oil change? Checked the oil level this morning. Looks to be about a quart low.

It may not be "overcharging" by traditional definition, but it's it's certainly deceptive advertising, when "price" is not really THE price, it's some (usually largest) portion of it. Phone companies, car manufacturers and dealers, repair shops and others businesses use it. I call it "price plus" model, where they want you to get your business by throwing you a number that looks really good and later on add miscellaneous junk charges, usually sounding official, suggesting they may even be government-mandated. I remember airlines used to be notorious for this kind of advertising, "New York from $39" with fine print that it was one way based on round trip purchase fees, surcharges and taxes NOT included, after adding it all up it could be $250. It escalated when oil prices spiked and they introduced so-called fuel surcharge, something that was supposed to be transient and variable, to reflect fluctuations of the oil price, leaving the "nominal" price more stable. The problem was they quickly ended up abusing it, especially on longer trips, when those fuel surcharges sometimes double or triple the actual cost. The regulators stepped in and made them advertise full cost, not just one portion of it. I wish they'd do the same in other areas. I'm tired of those deceptive screamers everywhere.

The initial charge for the oil change was about 5 bucks more than it should have been. This service tech was not a newbie. He should have known $34.58 was high for a $19.95 oil change, even with all of the add ons. The guys body language and actions, after I called him on the overcharge, left me even more of a suspicious jip. The manager at Big O overcharged me about $12 for a high mileage oil change...and this was with a $25 off coupon. But yeah, the "add on" charges are bogus and is really damaging to any confidence the consumer has to that industry.

These things bother me because of the principle Jip. It sounds like the kid didn't know how to do the discount. I would email or call customer service...head office if it is a chain. If you were upset others will be too, best to see what they say....they may even give you another coupon.

driver100

laurasdada said:

oldfarmer50 said:

laurasdada said:

GF, on 128 this am, got rear-ended (in her new CX-5, which replaced the totaled, T-boned 328xi) by a guy who was rear-ended by a woman. The woman who started the chain said her fault, she wasn't texting, but looking at maps on her phone... Other than cars, no one was hurt, I'm told.
GF car appears OK, other than a banged up rear bumper, she (eventually) continued on to work. The other two cars were towed from the scene, unfortunately. This is the GFs third not at fault accident in 18 months, why do bad things happen to good people???

Sorry to hear that. Will she take a hit on her insurance for this? I had a couple of not at faults in the last 5 years but neither affected my insurance. One was in a work vehicle, the other in my private car.

Thanks, OF. It shouldn't, she told me the woman that caused it was apologetic and open about her fault. So, likely her insurance will be dishing out the $.

It shouldn't affect your GFs insurance if the other driver is at fault.....the problem is the victim has to sign papers, do paper work, get their car fixed and go through all the hassle....when they are the innocent party! You should be compensated for your inconvenience...time and trouble.

qbrozen

Speaking of insurance, Geico sends me periodic updates to let me know the case for my 330 is going nowhere. Apparently the truck driver’s insurance doesn’t respond. They are taking it to arbitration but the arbiters are backed up and it could take 90 days to get an appt. it is baffling to me how/why anyone should have to go through all of this trouble when the police report calls out the at-fault party. It shouldn’t have to go to arbitration or be reviewed or delayed or whatever. An intern at the court should be able to rubber stamp such things.

PF_Flyer

ab348 said:

PF_Flyer said:

Oh, that was just a stock photo I was using to show the color on a Civic. I didn't have a chance to take a photo, and I have to REALLY anticipate if I want the wife to get her phone out to take a picture of something

If a Civic was painted the same red as that TLX, it was a respray. The TLX paint is a similar metallic premium paint like on my ATS or Mazda’s Soul Red. Civics usually offered a solid red that isn’t metallic.

I assumed it was a respray. Just was sitting in the sun distracting drivers from the road ahead

venture

Speaking about accidents -

If you remember; back in February I backed in to a mail truck which was parked right across from my driveway.

I got notice from the Post Office yesterday, 9 months later, that they want payment for their repairs. They aslo said I have 30 days to comply...LMAO.

All of my insurance information was on the report they got the day it happened.

driver100

qbrozen said:

Speaking of insurance, Geico sends me periodic updates to let me know the case for my 330 is going nowhere. Apparently the truck driver’s insurance doesn’t respond. They are taking it to arbitration but the arbiters are backed up and it could take 90 days to get an appt. it is baffling to me how/why anyone should have to go through all of this trouble when the police report calls out the at-fault party. It shouldn’t have to go to arbitration or be reviewed or delayed or whatever. An intern at the court should be able to rubber stamp such things.

Does your state have No Fault insurance? Most things are designed to rip us off, but, no fault insurance seems to work, in that you seem to get action right away, and then the insurance companies can duke it out between themselves.

driver100

venture said:

Speaking about accidents -

If you remember; back in February I backed in to a mail truck which was parked right across from my driveway.

I got notice from the Post Office yesterday, 9 months later, that they want payment for their repairs. They aslo said I have 30 days to comply...LMAO.

All of my insurance information was on the report they got the day it happened.

Would it be worthwhile asking your insurance company if they are looking after this matter, on your behalf? Possibly ask them "why you got the notice"?

snakeweasel

venture said:

Speaking about accidents -

If you remember; back in February I backed in to a mail truck which was parked right across from my driveway.

I got notice from the Post Office yesterday, 9 months later, that they want payment for their repairs. They aslo said I have 30 days to comply...LMAO.

All of my insurance information was on the report they got the day it happened.

Pay it in stamps.

driver100

PF_Flyer said:

ab348 said:

PF_Flyer said:

Oh, that was just a stock photo I was using to show the color on a Civic. I didn't have a chance to take a photo, and I have to REALLY anticipate if I want the wife to get her phone out to take a picture of something

If a Civic was painted the same red as that TLX, it was a respray. The TLX paint is a similar metallic premium paint like on my ATS or Mazda’s Soul Red. Civics usually offered a solid red that isn’t metallic.

I assumed it was a respray. Just was sitting in the sun distracting drivers from the road ahead

Maybe things have changed, but it always got me, you get colors like silver or a metalic blue...on a KIA, Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, anything it is the same price....get those colors on a BMW or Mercedes, pay $800 extra for it!

tjc78

qbrozen said:

Speaking of insurance, Geico sends me periodic updates to let me know the case for my 330 is going nowhere. Apparently the truck driver’s insurance doesn’t respond. They are taking it to arbitration but the arbiters are backed up and it could take 90 days to get an appt. it is baffling to me how/why anyone should have to go through all of this trouble when the police report calls out the at-fault party. It shouldn’t have to go to arbitration or be reviewed or delayed or whatever. An intern at the court should be able to rubber stamp such things.

This reminds me of when I got hit in the back a few years ago. Guy wouldn't respond to his insurance company after I called them with the police report asking for an adjuster to come out.

Took about 6 weeks before they finally gave up trying to contact him for a statement and took the police report for what it was and settled my claim.

The car was driveable and just cosmetic damage so I didn't go through my company.

jipster

You guys really seem to enjoy your home appliances... vacuum cleaners and such. I've seen this infomercial on the Hoover Smart Wash automatic carpet cleaner for the past couple of months. Hoover says it's their best carpet clean. I actually bought one from Amazon about 4 months ago, slightly better deal.

Good carpet cleaner. Does a really good job and sure beats renting a Rug Doctor from the grocery store. Very simple and easy to use. Push forward to clean, pull back to dry. We have a lot of carpet in the house, so saves the ole jipster a.lot of $$$.