Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

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Comments

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,154
    Well....shucks! I was looking forward to that outing to @oldfarmer50 ’s massive estate!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594

    Well....shucks! I was looking forward to that outing to @oldfarmer50 ’s massive estate!

    Me too! I wanted a ride in the hooptie :D

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,395
    It will no doubt be unpleasant and possibly messy, but I agree with the other opinions above.

    Unless the BBB is different there than it is up here, they have been shown here to be absolutely useless in dealing with consumer issues with their members.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,978
    Michaell said:

    andres3 said:

    https://amp.timeinc.net/thedrive/opinion/9171/why-radars-detectors-matter-more-than-ever?source=dam

    Great read on why Waze is lame on its own, you have to be a power user of all technology information available in order to be the BEST driver you can be!

    What is your definition of BEST?

    Fastest?
    Fewest tickets?
    Fewest accidents?
    Fastest - only on the track.
    Fewest tickets? Never -irrelevant the way enforcement is executed in the US.
    Fewest accidents - This one for sure. I can't think of a better way to rate a driver, but for sure, every time I have a claim or hear of others' claims, I have less and less faith in the ability of insurance companies to determine fault accurately. I don't believe they have any interest in accuracy, only rubber-stamping their profits.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,154
    ab348 said:

    It will no doubt be unpleasant and possibly messy, but I agree with the other opinions above.

    Unless the BBB is different there than it is up here, they have been shown here to be absolutely useless in dealing with consumer issues with their members.

    While it took a bit of prodding, and I got the distinct feeling that they didn't want to really be in the mediation business, the local BBB here was instrumental in getting my Caddy lemoned and bought back. They facilitated the mediator. They oversaw all the paperwork that had to be done (and there was a lot). They provided a professional environment for the hearing. And, true to their word, they remained neutral (although it frustrated me at times when the bar for a buyback had been obvious, many times over). Plus, it didn't cost me a dime (except for my time, which they had Cadillac reimburse me for, also).

    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,236
    stickguy said:

    Someone asked why I didn’t wait for the new TLX-S since I’ve been waiting for its release for quite some time.

    Living in OH, and being in the embedded tech industry, I know some of the people who design, price and manufacture both Honda and Acura vehicles. They all stay pretty close to the vest regarding future products, but stitching together the many conversations I’ve had with them, I can guess at what’s coming....some obvious, some speculation.

    The 2021 base TLX will get the 2.0 4 cyl turbo that comes in the Civic R (slightly detuned) and the Accord Sport. The S-Type isn’t as clear. RLX electric/combustion drivetrain is expensive to make, and would put the S-Type price the same as the RLX (which barely sells). More likely, S-Type will get a turbo V6. Launch pricing will be 10% higher than the current A-Spec V6, which means around $50K.

    Stinger had me smitten the first test drive over a year ago. Almost pulled the trigger then. At what I bought mine for ($thousands under $40K), totally loaded, and performance to be better or at least the same as the S-Type, I pulled the trigger. Wasn’t planning on it. Opportunity met desire.

    My understanding is that a 2.0 4 cylinder turbo is becoming the engine of choice in many models across most makes.
    A 2.0t seems to be the most common motor there is now. Most are excellent too. I’m a big fan.
    The ones that have rolled out in the last 10 years or so are all DI and low-boost, which gives a great combo of power delivery and MPG. Reliability is where the results have varied the most, and the greatest question mark whenever I go shopping next.
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594

    ab348 said:

    It will no doubt be unpleasant and possibly messy, but I agree with the other opinions above.

    Unless the BBB is different there than it is up here, they have been shown here to be absolutely useless in dealing with consumer issues with their members.

    While it took a bit of prodding, and I got the distinct feeling that they didn't want to really be in the mediation business, the local BBB here was instrumental in getting my Caddy lemoned and bought back. They facilitated the mediator. They oversaw all the paperwork that had to be done (and there was a lot). They provided a professional environment for the hearing. And, true to their word, they remained neutral (although it frustrated me at times when the bar for a buyback had been obvious, many times over). Plus, it didn't cost me a dime (except for my time, which they had Cadillac reimburse me for, also).

    No one should have been put through that. The Lemon Laws are quite clear, and it would have taken a Houdini for them to have denied your claim.(not our houdini....the real one)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989

    I suspect the repair shop's definition of OEM is a rebuilt Honda starter from a rebuilder. It was a Honda starter on a Honda and then failed. Now it has been rebuilt.

    Clearly someone didn't know how to check the clearances on the starter's engagement with the engine. Shims are a part of getting the right mesh clearance.

    Sounds like the Honda garage is a bit over dramatic about the potential of a "foreign source" starter (not from their parts bin) being potentially damaging to a Honda. The teeth on the starter can be inspected... The mesh with the ring gear is adjustable with shims.

    This sounds a little like a ship shod local mechanic.

    I recall in the 90s where the big push from the relatively new foreign brands was that no one else could work on the certain foreign brands. They had to always be brought back to the original dealer for any work. I recall some implying they wouldn't honor warranty unless all service visits had been to Honda or toyota stores. No one else was capable of working on them.

    Any one who has ever changed a starter knows the importance of using shims properly. I've changed my share of starters in my day (my cars and friends cars) and it's a mount, start and most of the time remove and play with the shims. My '75 Grand Prix was the worst. I had to do that mount, test and remount about 4 times before I was satisfied. Son #1 was driving when I did that car so he was old enough to help me. That was his first experience doing that and he got a real education that day. I remember him saying something like, "geeze, there has to be a better way or cars would never get off the assembly line". I agree but I don't know what the trick is.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,978
    edited January 2020
    I was wrong. There is life and fairness in the insurance industry. I was found "not at fault" by my own insurance company, Progressive Insurance. Based on both parties testimony and vehicle damage pictures, the claims handler determined the other driver to definitely be 100% at-fault for the parking lot snafu.

    It took her all of 1 minute to determine that after looking at the photos I texted to them (after reviewing our stories).

    USAA is in for a big subrogation battle if they want to stick to their absurd and truly "bad faith" 70% finding. It's doubly bad faith because it took them over 40 days to reach that conclusion. I believe I could get them a slap on the wrist for taking longer than 30 days per State regulation to make a determination or decision of some sort on a basic straight-forward claim.

    Didn't even have to bring out the video tape, the photos were enough.

    Props to Progressive. It seems to be the exception rather than the rule to have fair fast claims handling.

    They made this decision in less than 24 hours too, funny!
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,344
    edited January 2020

    Well....shucks! I was looking forward to that outing to @oldfarmer50 ’s massive estate!

    I know, I spent the whole afternoon skimming the dead varmints out of the swimming hole. :@

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989

    Well....shucks! I was looking forward to that outing to @oldfarmer50 ’s massive estate!

    I know, I spent the whole afternoon skimming the dead varmints out of the swimming hole. :@
    I wasn't worried about the dead ones; they can't bite anybody any more. I'd say your job is only half done. :o

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,655
    don't worry. the live ones are pretty well frozen now.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,344
    Here’s a weird car delivery story.

    I was told to deliver a one year old Impala to a dealer. Right off the bat it went south. “I didn’t buy any car from you” says the dealer.

    He calls the company salesman and they talk out of ear shot for awhile and he comes back to me. “I didn’t buy this car but I’ll take a look at it”. It’s becoming apparent that our salesman jumped the gun.

    I hand over the keys and get ready to pull the plates when the manager’s assistant says “pop the trunk”. He feels around, pulls up the mat and says “just like I thought”. He showed me a considerable amount of frozen water in the trunk.

    Needless to say, the car went back to us.

    Got me wondering, do Impalas have a problem with water leaks? I know some cars have leaky sunroofs and I remember Mitsu had problems with leaks through the front vent but I thought that kind of stuff was a thing of the past.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,876
    I guess we'll just have to 'relive' going to the farm.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKdsRWhyH30
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    stickguy said:

    don't worry. the live ones are pretty well frozen now.

    Then they wouldn't be alive anymore. Just large ice chunks.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594

    Here’s a weird car delivery story.

    I was told to deliver a one year old Impala to a dealer. Right off the bat it went south. “I didn’t buy any car from you” says the dealer.

    He calls the company salesman and they talk out of ear shot for awhile and he comes back to me. “I didn’t buy this car but I’ll take a look at it”. It’s becoming apparent that our salesman jumped the gun.

    I hand over the keys and get ready to pull the plates when the manager’s assistant says “pop the trunk”. He feels around, pulls up the mat and says “just like I thought”. He showed me a considerable amount of frozen water in the trunk.

    Needless to say, the car went back to us.

    Got me wondering, do Impalas have a problem with water leaks? I know some cars have leaky sunroofs and I remember Mitsu had problems with leaks through the front vent but I thought that kind of stuff was a thing of the past.

    I did a quick check and couldn't find anything about water leaks on newer Impalas. But, the 2014s seem to have major problems.....you can see some of them if you check this google page.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=do+new+impalas+have+leaky+trunks&rlz=1C1GGRV_enCA767US768&oq=do+new+impalas+have+leaky+trunks&aqs=chrome..69i57.12773j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
    Maybe an old problem has come back again.
    How do you make cars with leaky trunks......it seems like something that should not happen?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    jmonroe said:

    stickguy said:

    don't worry. the live ones are pretty well frozen now.

    Then they wouldn't be alive anymore. Just large ice chunks.

    jmonroe
    We can thaw them and roast them on an open pit.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,785

    Here’s a weird car delivery story.

    I was told to deliver a one year old Impala to a dealer. Right off the bat it went south. “I didn’t buy any car from you” says the dealer.

    He calls the company salesman and they talk out of ear shot for awhile and he comes back to me. “I didn’t buy this car but I’ll take a look at it”. It’s becoming apparent that our salesman jumped the gun.

    I hand over the keys and get ready to pull the plates when the manager’s assistant says “pop the trunk”. He feels around, pulls up the mat and says “just like I thought”. He showed me a considerable amount of frozen water in the trunk.

    Needless to say, the car went back to us.

    Got me wondering, do Impalas have a problem with water leaks? I know some cars have leaky sunroofs and I remember Mitsu had problems with leaks through the front vent but I thought that kind of stuff was a thing of the past.

    Did he say anything about a leak? I thought your story was leading to “flood car.”

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    JustinS said:

    We don't have any plans to get rid of our forums community! If anything, we are wanting to expand our community :)

    When management shows up stating that all is ok when there's rumors of demise total collapse is imminent.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,418
    One of my assistants was conferencing a case with an attorney who is also a car enthusiast. The attorney told me that we are the only Commonwealth's Attorney Office he knows of that always has a BMW, Mini, or Porsche in the employee parking. B)

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    andres3 said:

    https://amp.timeinc.net/thedrive/opinion/9171/why-radars-detectors-matter-more-than-ever?source=dam

    Great read on why Waze is lame on its own, you have to be a power user of all technology information available in order to be the BEST driver you can be!

    Technology cannot make you a better driver, it can mask poor driving skills, it can minimize the consequences of bad driving but it cannot make you a better driver.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    driver100 said:

    jmonroe said:

    stickguy said:

    don't worry. the live ones are pretty well frozen now.

    Then they wouldn't be alive anymore. Just large ice chunks.

    jmonroe
    We can thaw them and roast them on an open pit.
    That may be the most ingenious thing I've heard from you in 10 years. ;)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,655
    just like pulling a box of fish sticks out of the freezer!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Michaell said:

    andres3 said:

    https://amp.timeinc.net/thedrive/opinion/9171/why-radars-detectors-matter-more-than-ever?source=dam

    Great read on why Waze is lame on its own, you have to be a power user of all technology information available in order to be the BEST driver you can be!

    What is your definition of BEST?

    Fastest?
    Fewest tickets?
    Fewest accidents?
    Speed does not equate to skill.
    The number of tickets one receives has more to do with luck, be it good or bad.
    The number of accidents, well see above. Also one has to consider circumstances such as who was at fault and which is the striking vehicle.

    What really defines a good driver is someone that is predictable, doesn't become an unreasonable obstacle on the road and operates within the reasonable constraints of the abilities of the car, the driver and the road.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    qbrozen said:

    Here’s a weird car delivery story.

    I was told to deliver a one year old Impala to a dealer. Right off the bat it went south. “I didn’t buy any car from you” says the dealer.

    He calls the company salesman and they talk out of ear shot for awhile and he comes back to me. “I didn’t buy this car but I’ll take a look at it”. It’s becoming apparent that our salesman jumped the gun.

    I hand over the keys and get ready to pull the plates when the manager’s assistant says “pop the trunk”. He feels around, pulls up the mat and says “just like I thought”. He showed me a considerable amount of frozen water in the trunk.

    Needless to say, the car went back to us.

    Got me wondering, do Impalas have a problem with water leaks? I know some cars have leaky sunroofs and I remember Mitsu had problems with leaks through the front vent but I thought that kind of stuff was a thing of the past.

    Did he say anything about a leak? I thought your story was leading to “flood car.”
    I was hoping that it would be a flood car too and that old farmer had to skim it out of his swimming hole.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    stickguy said:

    rule of thumb, if you get honked at, cursed at, and bird flipped at, on a regular basis, you are not a good driver.

    Or that your driving in NYC.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,096
    Or Boston.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,785
    At one of my past positions, following defeat at the hands of an FDA review board, the president addressed the staff. She said there was nothing to worry about, we had another indication in the pipeline we’d be applying for shortly, lots of other things going on, plenty of work to be done. The next day, 90% of the staff had packing boxes waiting at our desks upon our morning arrival.just randomly sharing that story for no particular reason.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,154
    OF...your delivery story reminds me of one when I was young...maybe 10 or 11.

    My Dad always liked Mercury/Lincoln cars, while my Mom was a straight up Cadillac person.

    Anyway, my Dad had his own business. As such, he depreciated his cars from his business assets. Every 2-3 years, he bought a new one.

    He was getting ready to sell his “old” Grand Marquis for a new Town Car. He never traded as he thought dealers ripped him off. He always did a private sale.

    He always just stuck a “For Sale” sign in the car as he drove around town. His cars always looked good as they were always garaged, and they always had low mileage. Getting a buyer didn’t seem to be an issue for him. Anyway, for some reason I was with him when a prospective buyer came to look at the GM he had for sale. He told me to go with in the back of the car while the prospective driver looked under the hood. It was raining and a puddle began to form at my feet in the back seat. I kept trying to get my Dad’s attention buy he kept giving me the “shush” sign.

    My Dad finally got in the passenger side and gave me the “shush” sign again. Buyer got into the driver’s side to test drive. It went fine. The prospective driver haggled a little, but they agreed on a price.

    Finally, the prospective driver, trying to make small talk with me, called into the back seat that I seemed mighty fidgety. I blurted out....”Dad, there’s a puddle back here”.

    Needless to say, that was a “no sale”. My dad was PO’d at me. I related the story at dinner time to my Mom, who gave me an approving “good boy”.

    Don’t recall why there was water in the back floor, but I know it was outside the warranty period and it cost my dad to have the issue fixed.

    Not fun at the time, but a great story to tell at family get togethers when I got older.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,344
    edited January 2020
    driver100 said:

    Here’s a weird car delivery story.

    I was told to deliver a one year old Impala to a dealer. Right off the bat it went south. “I didn’t buy any car from you” says the dealer.

    He calls the company salesman and they talk out of ear shot for awhile and he comes back to me. “I didn’t buy this car but I’ll take a look at it”. It’s becoming apparent that our salesman jumped the gun.

    I hand over the keys and get ready to pull the plates when the manager’s assistant says “pop the trunk”. He feels around, pulls up the mat and says “just like I thought”. He showed me a considerable amount of frozen water in the trunk.

    Needless to say, the car went back to us.

    Got me wondering, do Impalas have a problem with water leaks? I know some cars have leaky sunroofs and I remember Mitsu had problems with leaks through the front vent but I thought that kind of stuff was a thing of the past.

    I did a quick check and couldn't find anything about water leaks on newer Impalas. But, the 2014s seem to have major problems.....you can see some of them if you check this google page.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=do+new+impalas+have+leaky+trunks&rlz=1C1GGRV_enCA767US768&oq=do+new+impalas+have+leaky+trunks&aqs=chrome..69i57.12773j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
    Maybe an old problem has come back again.
    How do you make cars with leaky trunks......it seems like something that should not happen?
    I did a quick search too and found some discussion of 2014 Impalas leaking through the taillight assembly. If I ever bought an Impala that’s one item I would check. The other is the oil change history as I understand poor routine maintenance on the 3.6L engine causes the timing chain to stretch causing all sorts of havoc.

    I must say, working this job teaches me a lot of valuable information.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594

    JustinS said:

    We don't have any plans to get rid of our forums community! If anything, we are wanting to expand our community :)

    When management shows up stating that all is ok when there's rumors of demise total collapse is imminent.
    I gave you a strong "like" snake because in every merger or buy out I know of...management gives the same speech about it making us stronger, and then the layoffs come afterwards.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594

    driver100
    We can thaw them and roast them on an open pit.

    That may be the most ingenious thing I've heard from you in 10 years. ;)

    jmonroe

    I come up with them every once in awhile!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,978
    edited January 2020

    andres3 said:

    https://amp.timeinc.net/thedrive/opinion/9171/why-radars-detectors-matter-more-than-ever?source=dam

    Great read on why Waze is lame on its own, you have to be a power user of all technology information available in order to be the BEST driver you can be!

    Technology cannot make you a better driver, it can mask poor driving skills, it can minimize the consequences of bad driving but it cannot make you a better driver.
    Disagree. A driver needs as much information as they can in order to remain alert and situationally aware of their surroundings. Not using tools/technology/gauges is just remaining ignorant of the available information surrounding you.

    Granted, if you can't take in the information from your gauges, instrument panel, and maintain sufficient awareness and attention to the roadway, then by all means ignore your guages, instrument panel, car, and other conditions surrounding you. At some point it is time to recognize the lack of congnitive ability, and hand in your license voluntarily.

    :smile:

    P.S. Accidents are not accidents. They are negligent collisions. Usually by one party being at fault. While not-at-fault collisons can be swayed by good or bad luck, at-fault collisions are not by chance, luck, or accident. There are people out there without at-fault collisions out on the roadway, for 10, 20, 30, 40 years. Even a whole lifetime. This is no accident. Those drivers (if they have a lot of miles under their belts) have developed skills and habits that makes their impressive results and driving record predictable, expected, and highly likely.

    Those with bad driving habits do and will cause collisions. It is inevitable, and that is why I don't see the distinction DA's make between vehicular manslaughter and "negligent vehicular manslaughter." To me all vehicular manslaugther (if you are found at fault) should be treated as criminally negligent. Get those drivers off the road! Jail time!
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,344

    qbrozen said:

    Here’s a weird car delivery story.

    I was told to deliver a one year old Impala to a dealer. Right off the bat it went south. “I didn’t buy any car from you” says the dealer.

    He calls the company salesman and they talk out of ear shot for awhile and he comes back to me. “I didn’t buy this car but I’ll take a look at it”. It’s becoming apparent that our salesman jumped the gun.

    I hand over the keys and get ready to pull the plates when the manager’s assistant says “pop the trunk”. He feels around, pulls up the mat and says “just like I thought”. He showed me a considerable amount of frozen water in the trunk.

    Needless to say, the car went back to us.

    Got me wondering, do Impalas have a problem with water leaks? I know some cars have leaky sunroofs and I remember Mitsu had problems with leaks through the front vent but I thought that kind of stuff was a thing of the past.

    Did he say anything about a leak? I thought your story was leading to “flood car.”
    I was hoping that it would be a flood car too and that old farmer had to skim it out of his swimming hole.
    I doubt the company would try that kind of scam. I’ve seen them total out vehicles that were better than most that I drive. Those cars go to some wholesale auction where I suppose an unscrupulous repair shop could misrepresent them but the company itself wouldn’t pull that.

    Water leaking through the taillight wouldn’t be something I would check for but the Chevy dealer must know his product’s weak points.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,589
    Some tech like ABS, ESC, traction control etc can make one a better driver in specific situations. Some old Luddites may disagree, but those are often the same types who think they can shift faster than the newest breed of automatics, and think they had it worse and worked harder than anyone under 40.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,978
    stickguy said:

    rule of thumb, if you get honked at, cursed at, and bird flipped at, on a regular basis, you are not a good driver.

    I'd add "if you get tailgated a lot" to that list. Many above average drivers report that tailgating is a non-issue when you maintain situational awareness (as you are supposed to) and observe proper lanes for your driving.

    There are hours long You Tube clips with entire long trips being made with front and back dash cams showing tailgating to be nonexistant. A total non-issue.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,344
    ab348 said:
    That sounds fishy. Propane tanks are built not to leak. Unless he dropped it on the valve it shouldn’t have leaked enough gas into the car to explode. I wonder if this was a botched suicide attempt. I mean, propane has a foul odorant that would be impossible to miss. And what’s with taking a nap before lighting a ciggy? Sounds like he tried to gas himself and when that didn’t work he decided to go out in a blaze of glory.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,395


    That sounds fishy. Propane tanks are built not to leak. Unless he dropped it on the valve it shouldn’t have leaked enough gas into the car to explode. I wonder if this was a botched suicide attempt. I mean, propane has a foul odorant that would be impossible to miss. And what’s with taking a nap before lighting a ciggy? Sounds like he tried to gas himself and when that didn’t work he decided to go out in a blaze of glory.

    Could be. Rough way to go though.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,589
    I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that proclaimed "Manual Transmission - If I roll back into you, you are too close". No buddy, it means you can't drive a stick. It was on a WRX, probably with plenty of vape smoke film on the windows.

    I'd wager if one thinks they are being tailgated a lot, they are the problem. Reminds me of the person who has been married 6 times complaining about how hard it is to find a good spouse - to find the issue, look in a mirror.
    andres3 said:



    I'd add "if you get tailgated a lot" to that list. Many above average drivers report that tailgating is a non-issue when you maintain situational awareness (as you are supposed to) and observe proper lanes for your driving.

    There are hours long You Tube clips with entire long trips being made with front and back dash cams showing tailgating to be nonexistant. A total non-issue.

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,589
    IMNSHO, if one drives for many years for at least average annual mileages, and can continue to not have an at-fault accident, they are far more than "lucky", as one might claim above. They are skilled both in their driving and avoiding the lowest common denominator clogging the roadways.

    And yeah, that someone can take a life via bad driving and receive less of a sentence than for many drug offenses (especially in less than first world parts of Murka) is disgustingly sad.
    andres3 said:


    P.S. Accidents are not accidents. They are negligent collisions. Usually by one party being at fault. While not-at-fault collisons can be swayed by good or bad luck, at-fault collisions are not by chance, luck, or accident. There are people out there without at-fault collisions out on the roadway, for 10, 20, 30, 40 years. Even a whole lifetime. This is no accident. Those drivers (if they have a lot of miles under their belts) have developed skills and habits that makes their impressive results and driving record predictable, expected, and highly likely.

    Those with bad driving habits do and will cause collisions. It is inevitable, and that is why I don't see the distinction DA's make between vehicular manslaughter and "negligent vehicular manslaughter." To me all vehicular manslaugther (if you are found at fault) should be treated as criminally negligent. Get those drivers off the road! Jail time!

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,395
    There was an article by Michael Lamm in Hemmings the other day on the subject of driving and avoiding accidents. It is a nice read and I recommend it.

    Here is the gist of it:

    "Last Saturday, I took my teenaged grandson, Benjamin, out for a driving lesson. As we pulled up the street, I asked him, “Ben, what’s the most important thing to remember when you drive a car?” He hesitated and then answered, “To keep my hands on the steering wheel, I guess.”

    “No,” I said, “That’s not it at all. Want to try again?”

    “Come on, grandpa, just tell me!”

    “Okay,” I said, “The most important thing to remember when you’re driving a car is that you’re driving a car. Anytime you’re not consciously aware that you’re driving, your mind starts to wander, and when that happens, you might as well close your eyes. You’re in imminent danger. So yes, you have to constantly remind yourself that you’re in a car, driving, not doing anything else. When you’re behind the wheel, moving, the act of driving is the most important thing in your life—and the lives of those with you and around you. End of sermon.”

    I enjoy driving—always have. So I don’t find it a chore to remind myself that I’m in a car, controlling it, and that I’m essentially in a chess game on wheels. To win—that is, to keep from running into things or getting run into—I have to predict what might happen as I move through two-dimensional space. And that’s what I mean about experience, because the longer you’ve been driving, the better you become at predicting and being able to react to the dangers, real or potential, around you.

    For example, the danger in driving in freeway traffic at 70 mph usually isn’t with the cars immediately around you. It’s with the cars or trucks three or four ahead. Most drivers keep an eye on the vehicles just in front of them but tend not to pay much attention to traffic ahead of those. When something goes wrong with the car four or five cars ahead, it’s going to impact you in one way or another, so you have to focus on those vehicles, too."


    Full article here: https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2020/01/28/wheelingeezers-hair-raising-tales-of-driving-back-in-the-day/

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,625
    ". . . the same types who think they can shift faster than the newest breed of automatics, and think they had it worse and worked harder than anyone under 40"

    That chip on your shoulder (which has been evident for years) will get heavier and heavier as time passes. Enjoy.

    The advantage of a 3-pedal manual transmission has nothing to do with shift speed. It has to do with the ability to put the car in the gear you want, when you want, how you want. Going down long downgrades is an instance where I want to be able to put the transmission into a gear that allows the car to proceed with no need to use the brakes. I realize that I may as be speaking Swahili, but there are a few on here who may know what I'm talking about.

    Then there's the maintenance/replacement cost. I realize that most people on here would rather be drawn and quartered instead of keeping a vehicle for a long time, but manual transmissions don't break, as a rule. A clutch is required from time to time (I'm 160K miles on my original), but replacing one is a much less onerous situation than dealing with automatic transmission repair/replacement.

    Or, as I'm sure you're aware, I could talk to the hand.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,868
    One of the things I love about the i3 is the regenerative braking - I can better govern my speed in traffic, grades, etc much like I can in a manual.
    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE, 2024 BMW i5 M60, 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,133
    I have zero desire to ever own a manual, especially with as good as the modern automatics are.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,589
    If someone prefers a manual, that's awesome, but it isn't ideal for many.

    My driving environment is primarily hills and gridlock. Not seeing the benefit of a manual for my own use case. I suppose it is a wash when on a long higher speed road trip (just set cruise on a downhill stretch, no need for brakes), but the convenience of an automatic in dense traffic along with not wearing out my left leg seals it for me. I don't need to put the car in the gear I want when averaging 12 mph day in day out. Not to mention a gear when a driver wants, how they want it etc might not be the optimal choice anyway. Moot for me though, as few cars I want are offered with a manual. Vintage car for sunny Sundays? Sure. Everyday commuter and daily driver/trip car? I'm good. I've also owned the same automatic car for just shy of 25 years now, the car is heading for 60 years old. I maintain it, and it works fine. No traditional torque converter though, which may help that.

    Regarding that chip, well...takes one to know one, you're not exactly innocent in that regard :p



    That chip on your shoulder (which has been evident for years) will get heavier and heavier as time passes. Enjoy.

    The advantage of a 3-pedal manual transmission has nothing to do with shift speed. It has to do with the ability to put the car in the gear you want, when you want, how you want. Going down long downgrades is an instance where I want to be able to put the transmission into a gear that allows the car to proceed with no need to use the brakes. I realize that I may as be speaking Swahili, but there are a few on here who may know what I'm talking about.

    Then there's the maintenance/replacement cost. I realize that most people on here would rather be drawn and quartered instead of keeping a vehicle for a long time, but manual transmissions don't break, as a rule. A clutch is required from time to time (I'm 160K miles on my original), but replacing one is a much less onerous situation than dealing with automatic transmission repair/replacement.

    Or, as I'm sure you're aware, I could talk to the hand.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,655
    I’ll get a stick again eventually. But likely on a toy at this point.

    I think the whole class”ATs can shift a microsecond quicker” argument is a red herring. I, like I’ll bet darn near everyone else, am not racing my DD, nor am I reclining and power shifting on the way to target. It’s extremely rare that. Would ever be in a situation where that fraction would ever matter. More common to find the AT lugging along in way too high a gear.

    The traffic and hills in gridlock, that’s legit. As is liking the control and engagement of having 3 pedals. But F1 going to automatics is not really relevant to any driving I do!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 265,277

    ". . . the same types who think they can shift faster than the newest breed of automatics, and think they had it worse and worked harder than anyone under 40"

    That chip on your shoulder (which has been evident for years) will get heavier and heavier as time passes. Enjoy.

    The advantage of a 3-pedal manual transmission has nothing to do with shift speed. It has to do with the ability to put the car in the gear you want, when you want, how you want. Going down long downgrades is an instance where I want to be able to put the transmission into a gear that allows the car to proceed with no need to use the brakes. I realize that I may as be speaking Swahili, but there are a few on here who may know what I'm talking about.

    Then there's the maintenance/replacement cost. I realize that most people on here would rather be drawn and quartered instead of keeping a vehicle for a long time, but manual transmissions don't break, as a rule. A clutch is required from time to time (I'm 160K miles on my original), but replacing one is a much less onerous situation than dealing with automatic transmission repair/replacement.

    Or, as I'm sure you're aware, I could talk to the hand.

    I get it. When I met my wife, she only knew how to drive stick (she did have one of those semi-automatic VW Bugs way back when).

    The first car she had with a true automatic transmission was the '99 Expedition we leased. Her commute at the time included a road that went down a canyon, which can be treacherous in the winter. We had to have a talk about how to use the transmission lever to 'downshift' the transmission to use engine braking.

    Now, with flappy paddles, it's a bit easier to mimic the function of a true stick shift.


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    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,978
    edited January 2020
    I'm spoiled when it comes to automatics. I really, really, REALLY prefer a dual clutch to an 8-speed slush box. 7 gears is actually enough, and perfect.

    While I'm not often "racing" and HPDE's are not "racing" either, I do like the sound of the lightning quick shifts under heavy throtlle when an open straight presents itself, and I leave traffic at the last stop light in the distant rear view mirror within seconds.

    I like the mechanical feel, quickness, and efficiency of them.

    I've never had one break on me, so I can't comment as to replacement costs that I have heard are quite high. The A3's exhibited no signs of issues at over 100,000 miles. And you know the way those 100,000 miles were driven @oldfarmer50 would never have bought my A3.

    If I was to entertain a 2-series, it'd have to be the DSG version of the M2. Now, all I need to know is, does BMW's dual clutch work fantastically like Audi/VW's, or does it work more stone-age like, such as the Kia Optima's?
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
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