Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

abacomike

driver100 said:

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes. After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

No, they had your name, etc., and did not want you to fill out the survey - I wonder why?  Clutch?

oldfarmer50

Just caught up on a weeks worth of posts.

Enjoyed the border crossing discussion. I'm not very well traveled but in the old days (1971) I went to Montreal with buddies on a whim. No passports, no hassles getting in and agents friendly. On the way back into the U.S. we were all hauled out while they searched the car. We were young and dumb and thought the whole thing was funny.

In the late 70s went up again with my wife and can't remember any problems other than no one spoke English until they saw US currency.

In the 80s I flew into Ottawa on business and there was a definite tension at customs.

I couldn't even get in today as I have no passport. No matter, my eyes only look south these days.

Stever, you say that Stingray is for the long term fleet...yours or Edmunds?

graphicguy

firefighter.....I sort of wished I would have gone for the GlobalEntry pass vs the TSA pass I got. I kept thinking I wouldn't use international flights much. But, when I do, it would have saved me an awful lot of time and aggravation. That said, TSA Pass saves me a ton of time when traveling within the U.S.

The kicker to this whole thing, I didn't know my AMEX card would pay for the fees to get a Global Pass. I thought it only paid for TSA. Problem there is, they only pay for one or the other, not both. And, they only pay for it every 5 years. So, I've got a couple more years to go to "re-up" and get a Global Pass.

Aside from Canadian Customs, DeGaul is worse. Only time I saw visible armed security was when I went to Caracas, Venezuela at the height of Chavez's saber rattling.towards the U.S. The Venezuelan Customs agents were very polite to me. But, all around were soldiers with AKs who made themselves very visible at the airport.

graphicguy

stever said:

I got a Kill-A-Watt free in Michigan through some energy program and have yet to plug it in. Extra fridges in the garage are notorious energy suckers. I've just begun replacing the 65 watt floods here with LEDS. Only ten more to go....

Vette fans? Editorial here just got a 1966 Stingray for the long term fleet.

ooooweee...Baby!

stever

oldfarmer50 said:

Stever, you say that Stingray is for the long term fleet...yours or Edmunds?

It's for the Edmunds test fleet. Haven't spotted anything on the site about it yet, just a lot of excited tweets on our Twitter feed.

abacomike

stever said:

Stever, you say that Stingray is for the long term fleet...yours or Edmunds?

It's for the Edmunds test fleet. Haven't spotted anything on the site about it yet, just a lot of excited tweets on our Twitter feed.

I had a 1967 Corvette Stingray fastback coupe just like that one in the identical color with the 427/435 hp 4-speed Muncie stick.  That spring-loaded clutch took a tremendous amount of pressure to push to the floor.  It was a fast car - took a long time to get used to all that power.

stever

But did it have this all-important feature?

dino001

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

No, they had your name, etc., and did not want you to fill out the survey - I wonder why?  Clutch?


The surveys have become scams to perpetuate whatever the company wants them to perpetuate. Carefully worded questions, so God save you had any opportunity to really tell them what you think. Or they became a pretext to deny employees promised incentives (when any grade other than 10/10 is considered "a failure", under the guise of strive to provide exceptional experience, it's a prosecution tool and people adapt.

BTW, same thing happened to political polling. I recently got a phone call from one of those marketing agencies working for a political cause. Being a student of politics, I got excited that finally somebody will be asking questions. After the third one I terminated the interview, as it became clear to me it was constructed in such a way that one cannot answer honestly on the phone. Each question was something like five highly convoluted sentences, followed up with yes/no. I have a fairly sophisticated mind, quite decent knowledge of political system, so if I couldn't understand what the question was, who can? It's clear that it was done to confuse one to simply say yes to whatever they were proposing. I decided I would have none of that. I don't care, if your cause is just or not, this was not a proper way to poll people. No background, no nothing, just a long, convoluted question in hope you say "yes", so they can later claim 80% of Floridians are for fill the blank. Absolutely disgusting.

BTW, from what I understood, it was something about regulation of utilities influencing development of home-installed solar power. The only thing transparent was the agenda for to say "yes".

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

No, they had your name, etc., and did not want you to fill out the survey - I wonder why?  Clutch?

I didn't even think of that, guess I am not skeptical enough, but good answer - I think you are right.

On a slightly different note any one can weigh in with any thoughts on this one;
* My wife is executor of an estate. This is the 88 year old who didn't like spending money. No air conditioner, tiny wash/spin dryer, no dishwasher, old furniture, had 2 20 inch black&white TV's until 5 years ago.
* His estate is worth over $2.5 million
* The estate will be split between his only relatives, an obnoxious niece and nephew who had very little to do with him.
* My wife has to sell his car which is a 2008 Chev Uplander. It has 25k miles on it. I looked up book value as a trade in and it said $4400 to $6120. She would sell it for $5000 right away.
* While I was looking it up I noticed I could find the "Asking Price" if selling it and it said it was worth $7431 and that was with 80k miles, with 25k miles it was worth $7900.
* My wife called an appraiser from the dealership where the car was bought. He said it needed one side painted (probably faded - not from an accident) and he would pay $2200. If I was there I would have booted him out the door - that's how little he thinks about his own product!
* She isn't going to put an ad on CL because she doesn't want to have people test driving it or dealing with creeps etc. If it was a legitimate car dealer or friend she would let them test drive it. Anyone know someone who would buy an Uplander for $5000 Cdn, or $4000 US?

Any other ideas on how to get rid of it. She will try to get a fair price, but, she doesn't have to knock herself out trying to get the maximum amount.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Just caught up on a weeks worth of posts.

Enjoyed the border crossing discussion.

In the late 70s went up again with my wife and can't remember any problems other than no one spoke English until they saw US currency.

I

Many people who live in the province of Quebec (where Montreal is) speak English and French, but they like to preserve their language so speak French mostly. If you are visiting Montreal from English speaking Canada - the rest of us - then they act like they can't speak English just to aggravate us. If you are from the US they realize you probably don't speak French, and they will converse in English, no problem.

graphicguy

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Just caught up on a weeks worth of posts.

Enjoyed the border crossing discussion.

In the late 70s went up again with my wife and can't remember any problems other than no one spoke English until they saw US currency.

I

Many people who live in the province of Quebec (where Montreal is) speak English and French, but they like to preserve their language so speak French mostly. If you are visiting Montreal from English speaking Canada - the rest of us - then they act like they can't speak English just to aggravate us. If you are from the US they realize you probably don't speak French, and they will converse in English, no problem.

Driver....maybe they're just trying to aggravate you......;)

driver100

dino001 said:

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

No, they had your name, etc., and did not want you to fill out the survey - I wonder why?  Clutch?

Dino said: The surveys have become scams to perpetuate whatever the company wants them to perpetuate. Carefully worded questions, so God save you had any opportunity to really tell them what you think..

Good info too. It seems most reviews by companies like J.D. Powers don't want to hear bad news. I suppose they are paid by the car companies and only want to give them information they want to hear.

My famous SIL has a company that puts installs phone systems for business's. When he did our business phone he said we would get a survey from an unrelated company, and he told us to fill it out positive. I wondered what good is that going to do him? Now it is clear, doesn't care about what we really think, just wants to use the survey to get new customers. NIce....I am not taking any more surveys....except for maybe the dealers survey to help a nice salesman.

driver100

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Just caught up on a weeks worth of posts.

Enjoyed the border crossing discussion.

In the late 70s went up again with my wife and can't remember any problems other than no one spoke English until they saw US currency.

I

Many people who live in the province of Quebec (where Montreal is) speak English and French, but they like to preserve their language so speak French mostly. If you are visiting Montreal from English speaking Canada - the rest of us - then they act like they can't speak English just to aggravate us. If you are from the US they realize you probably don't speak French, and they will converse in English, no problem.

Driver....maybe they're just trying to aggravate you......;)

There are about 35 million Canadians, I think 6 or 7 million Quebecers. No, they don't like English Canadians who won't speak French. They think since they learn English we should speak French. Quebec is a beautiful place, and if you go to Montreal or Quebec City it is almost like being in Europe. But they resent Canadians who don't speak their main language. I have high school French, but that won't get me too far, maybe to a la salle de bain (bathroom).

btw....every few years they threaten to leave Canada. Most of us think it might be good since they take more than they give in taxes.

abacomike

stever said:

But did it have this all-important feature?

NO!  Back in the 60's, few cars like my Bette came with A/C.  I don't think it was available with the 427 H.O. 435 hp engine.  Just an AM/FM radio - not even stereo.  It did have a 35 gallon gas tank though.

boomchek

I didn't even think of that, guess I am not skeptical enough, but good answer - I think you are right.

On a slightly different note any one can weigh in with any thoughts on this one;
* My wife is executor of an estate. This is the 88 year old who didn't like spending money. No air conditioner, tiny wash/spin dryer, no dishwasher, old furniture, had 2 20 inch black&white TV's until 5 years ago.
* His estate is worth over $2.5 million
* The estate will be split between his only relatives, an obnoxious niece and nephew who had very little to do with him.
* My wife has to sell his car which is a 2008 Chev Uplander. It has 25k miles on it. I looked up book value as a trade in and it said $4400 to $6120. She would sell it for $5000 right away.
* While I was looking it up I noticed I could find the "Asking Price" if selling it and it said it was worth $7431 and that was with 80k miles, with 25k miles it was worth $7900.
* My wife called an appraiser from the dealership where the car was bought. He said it needed one side painted (probably faded - not from an accident) and he would pay $2200. If I was there I would have booted him out the door - that's how little he thinks about his own product!
* She isn't going to put an ad on CL because she doesn't want to have people test driving it or dealing with creeps etc. If it was a legitimate car dealer or friend she would let them test drive it. Anyone know someone who would buy an Uplander for $5000 Cdn, or $4000 US?

Any other ideas on how to get rid of it. She will try to get a fair price, but, she doesn't have to knock herself out trying to get the maximum amount.



-------------------------------------------------------

Driver, I'd get your wife to call a few GM dealers in the area and see who would pay the most money for it. The mileage is good and the year makes it still financeable. Another option would be to send it to a public auto auction and put a minimum reserve on it. Adesa is the auction name and there should be one in your area. The costs are minimal but the car can be sold quickly if it's priced right.

driver100

boomchek said:

I didn't even think of that, guess I am not skeptical enough, but good answer - I think you are right.

On a slightly different note any one can weigh in with any thoughts on this one;
* My wife is executor of an estate. This is the 88 year old who didn't like spending money. No air conditioner, tiny wash/spin dryer, no dishwasher, old furniture, had 2 20 inch black&white TV's until 5 years ago.
* His estate is worth over $2.5 million
* The estate will be split between his only relatives, an obnoxious niece and nephew who had very little to do with him.
* My wife has to sell his car which is a 2008 Chev Uplander. It has 25k miles on it. I looked up book value as a trade in and it said $4400 to $6120. She would sell it for $5000 right away.
* While I was looking it up I noticed I could find the "Asking Price" if selling it and it said it was worth $7431 and that was with 80k miles, with 25k miles it was worth $7900.
* My wife called an appraiser from the dealership where the car was bought. He said it needed one side painted (probably faded - not from an accident) and he would pay $2200. If I was there I would have booted him out the door - that's how little he thinks about his own product!
* She isn't going to put an ad on CL because she doesn't want to have people test driving it or dealing with creeps etc. If it was a legitimate car dealer or friend she would let them test drive it. Anyone know someone who would buy an Uplander for $5000 Cdn, or $4000 US?

Any other ideas on how to get rid of it. She will try to get a fair price, but, she doesn't have to knock herself out trying to get the maximum amount.

-------------------------------------------------------

Driver, I'd get your wife to call a few GM dealers in the area and see who would pay the most money for it. The mileage is good and the year makes it still financeable. Another option would be to send it to a public auto auction and put a minimum reserve on it. Adesa is the auction name and there should be one in your area. The costs are minimal but the car can be sold quickly if it's priced right.



Excellent information boomer. How do you get it to the auction, drive it there. How much would they charge to sell it that way?

dino001

driver100 said:

When he did our business phone he said we would get a survey from an unrelated company, and he told us to fill it out positive. I wondered what good is that going to do him? Now it is clear, doesn't care about what we really think, just wants to use the survey to get new customers.

I think you really hit it. Surveys are not for companies to learn about themselves and improve. I naively used to think that was the case. It's clear to me now that it is simply a marketing tool. Get a good survey, so you can advertise you got 99% (or whatever) customer satisfaction rating. It's basically the same thing as those elections in communist countries when you get 103% voter turnout in some precincts in support for the supreme leader. IBTW, it actually happened in China, N. Korea or Vietnam; the highest in then-communist Poland was 99% turnout in precinct native to the Party's First Secretary.

We live in the land of grade inflation. Yesterday's "C" student, a hard working average guy, who struggles with advanced math, but generally does his coursework on time, even if it's not awe-inspiring quality, is today B, or even B+. Giving somebody a C can cause an emotional breakdown. Companies are like those students - they all are striving for 100% satisfaction, but don't you dare actually tell them what could be better in something. That's not what they paid for when they hired the marketing company.

boomchek

You would probably have to drive it there. They do have pick up service for dealers but not sure about for public sellers as the seller has to go there to sign some papers when dropping off the car.

Selling fee depends on the selling price but if the reserve it set at $5000 and it sells for that much I don't think it would be more than about $350-$400.

Also make sure that it's sold as-is so that no issues come back after the sale should the buyer choose to do an inspection because it'll come out of your selling price.

Nice thing about selling at the auction though is you don't have to deal with callers, tire kickers, and test drivers, and if the car is presentable it should do well.

Here is the link: http://www.adesapublicauctions.ca/toronto/

driver100

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

When he did our business phone he said we would get a survey from an unrelated company, and he told us to fill it out positive. I wondered what good is that going to do him? Now it is clear, doesn't care about what we really think, just wants to use the survey to get new customers.

I think you really hit it. Surveys are not for companies to learn about themselves and improve. I naively used to think that was the case. It's clear to me now that it is simply a marketing tool. Get a good survey, so you can advertise you got 99% (or whatever) customer satisfaction rating. It's basically the same thing as those elections in communist countries when you get 103% voter turnout in some precincts in support for the supreme leader. IBTW, it actually happened in China, N. Korea or Vietnam; the highest in then-communist Poland was 99% turnout in precinct native to the Party's First Secretary.

We live in the land of grade inflation. Yesterday's "C" student, a hard working average guy, who struggles with advanced math, but generally does his coursework on time, even if it's not awe-inspiring quality, is today B, or even B+. Giving somebody a C can cause an emotional breakdown. Companies are like those students - they all are striving for 100% satisfaction, but don't you dare actually tell them what could be better in something. That's not what they paid for when they hired the marketing company.

I have learned something valuable today. I once read most people love to take surveys....I guess most people like to be asked their opinion. Seems a lot of companies do a phone pitch and they start with "we aren't selling you anything, we are just taking a survey", but they end up trying to sell you. If I do take a survey I am going to give them some pretty bizaar answers, that don't add up or that are all negative - then they won't ask me again.

driver100

boomchek said:

You would probably have to drive it there. They do have pick up service for dealers but not sure about for public sellers as the seller has to go there to sign some papers when dropping off the car.

Selling fee depends on the selling price but if the reserve it set at $5000 and it sells for that much I don't think it would be more than about $350-$400.

Also make sure that it's sold as-is so that no issues come back after the sale should the buyer choose to do an inspection because it'll come out of your selling price.

Nice thing about selling at the auction though is you don't have to deal with callers, tire kickers, and test drivers, and if the car is presentable it should do well.

Here is the link: http://www.adesapublicauctions.ca/toronto/

Thanx boomer. That is definitely worth considering. We are putting out some feelers though, because a 2008 with 25k miles on it should be worth $5000 to someone....even if it is an Uplander. There is one on Edmunds with 74k miles and they want $10k for it! Come on oldfarmer....gives you a chance to come up to Canada and find a real bargain. Forget Mustangs and hoopties, this car will fulfill all your fantasies. It is soft gold metallic. A beautiful addition to your fleet.
2008 UPLANDER Edmunds

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

No, they had your name, etc., and did not want you to fill out the survey - I wonder why?  Clutch?

I didn't even think of that, guess I am not skeptical enough, but good answer - I think you are right.

On a slightly different note any one can weigh in with any thoughts on this one;
* My wife is executor of an estate. This is the 88 year old who didn't like spending money. No air conditioner, tiny wash/spin dryer, no dishwasher, old furniture, had 2 20 inch black&white TV's until 5 years ago.
* His estate is worth over $2.5 million
* The estate will be split between his only relatives, an obnoxious niece and nephew who had very little to do with him.
* My wife has to sell his car which is a 2008 Chev Uplander. It has 25k miles on it. I looked up book value as a trade in and it said $4400 to $6120. She would sell it for $5000 right away.
* While I was looking it up I noticed I could find the "Asking Price" if selling it and it said it was worth $7431 and that was with 80k miles, with 25k miles it was worth $7900.
* My wife called an appraiser from the dealership where the car was bought. He said it needed one side painted (probably faded - not from an accident) and he would pay $2200. If I was there I would have booted him out the door - that's how little he thinks about his own product!
* She isn't going to put an ad on CL because she doesn't want to have people test driving it or dealing with creeps etc. If it was a legitimate car dealer or friend she would let them test drive it. Anyone know someone who would buy an Uplander for $5000 Cdn, or $4000 US?

Any other ideas on how to get rid of it. She will try to get a fair price, but, she doesn't have to knock herself out trying to get the maximum amount.





Are you kidding, $4k for a SUV with 25k miles? I'd buy it if I had any more room in my driveway. Does it really need paint? Sounds like a bargain even if it's faded.

Where is the vehicle located? There must be estate sellers who would despose of it for a commission.

kyfdx

@driver100 ....

Just put it in your driveway with a For Sale sign on it... Put "$5900 or best offer" on the sign.. It will be gone in a day or two...

verdugo

jayrider said:

abacomike said:

@verdugo said:  They were very nice, but they were very thorough. At the end they asked me to please never forget the letter again.

I wish they were that thorough at every inch our own borders.  Now the U.S. Government is flying undocumented aliens from Central America right into our country.  Unbelievable how things have changed in 6 short years.

All this thoroughness costs money --- if you want to compare taxes here and taxes in Israel the rates differ significantly.

Not to mention the volumes we're talking about. It's easier to have that level of security in Israel than in the US, regardless of taxes.

Israel has one main/big airport (Eliat in the South is small.) It handled 15M passengers in 2014. That would put it about #18/19 if it was in the US. For reference, Atlanta was the busiest US airport with 45.3M passengers in 2013.

But it's not just about volumes of passengers and cost. It's a different philosophy. In Israel you pass the first security point miles before you get to the terminal. Then the roads are designed so you can't drive fast into the terminal (lots of curves.) There is another security point before you enter the terminal. And of course, you have to get there 3 hours before your flight.

henryn

I have a story about a dealer survey. I’ve probably told this story before, but not recently.

In 1992 I purchased a Dodge Dakota pickup. That was the fastest truck I’ve ever owned or driven, and the only reason I bought it was because it would light up the tires all day long. But I made two serious mistakes, first was buying a Dodge, and the second was buying a dealer demo. I had trouble with that truck from day one, and the dealership was truly terrible, unbelievably bad.

After several run-ins with their service department, one of the managers called me on the phone. He told me I was going to be getting a survey from Chrysler Corporation, and if I would bring him the survey instead of mailing it back to Chrysler he would give me a “one hundred dollar bill”.

Instead, I mailed the survey back to Chrysler, and included a note saying that Crown Dodge was charging them for work that was not being performed, and that I would be happy to testify about that in court. I never heard back from Chrysler, and I eventually sold the truck. I only owned it for about 6 months, and lost several thousand dollars, but it was worth it to get out of that continual headache.

A few months later, the Houston Chronicle ran a story about Crown Dodge. It seems that a great many of the employees there were ex-cons, with felony records. The newspaper did not come right out and say that it was a “criminal enterprise”, but the conclusion was rather obvious. Which made me wonder just how close I came to getting a pair of “concrete overshoes”.

verdugo

28firefighter said:

Verdugo - are you typically in and around Tel Aviv for work?

I changed groups at work and I haven't gone to Israel in a couple of years. I went to the Jerusalem office quite a bit and to the Haifa one a couple of times. We don't have offices in Tel Aviv.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I got a survey from J.D. Powers for the 2012 Audi A4. I got all excited thinking I could tell them about my Audi problems. The email said the survey would take 20 to 25 minutes.

After 4 minutes, I put in the year and verified the model, the survey screen said the survey is over, we have enough information about that model.

No, they had your name, etc., and did not want you to fill out the survey - I wonder why?  Clutch?

I didn't even think of that, guess I am not skeptical enough, but good answer - I think you are right.

On a slightly different note any one can weigh in with any thoughts on this one;
* My wife is executor of an estate. This is the 88 year old who didn't like spending money. No air conditioner, tiny wash/spin dryer, no dishwasher, old furniture, had 2 20 inch black&white TV's until 5 years ago.
* His estate is worth over $2.5 million
* The estate will be split between his only relatives, an obnoxious niece and nephew who had very little to do with him.
* My wife has to sell his car which is a 2008 Chev Uplander. It has 25k miles on it. I looked up book value as a trade in and it said $4400 to $6120. She would sell it for $5000 right away.
* While I was looking it up I noticed I could find the "Asking Price" if selling it and it said it was worth $7431 and that was with 80k miles, with 25k miles it was worth $7900.
* My wife called an appraiser from the dealership where the car was bought. He said it needed one side painted (probably faded - not from an accident) and he would pay $2200. If I was there I would have booted him out the door - that's how little he thinks about his own product!
* She isn't going to put an ad on CL because she doesn't want to have people test driving it or dealing with creeps etc. If it was a legitimate car dealer or friend she would let them test drive it. Anyone know someone who would buy an Uplander for $5000 Cdn, or $4000 US?

Any other ideas on how to get rid of it. She will try to get a fair price, but, she doesn't have to knock herself out trying to get the maximum amount.

Are you kidding, $4k for a SUV with 25k miles? I'd buy it if I had any more room in my driveway. Does it really need paint? Sounds like a bargain even if it's faded.

Where is the vehicle located? There must be estate sellers who would despose of it for a commission.

I don't think it needs paint...he is from the new car dealer and wants it to be perfect so he can sell it for $12000.
It's at what was his house. Hasn't been driven in about a year so the battery has to get charged up, Burlington Ontario.

driver100

kyfdx said:

@driver100 ....

Just put it in your driveway with a For Sale sign on it... Put "$5900 or best offer" on the sign.. It will be gone in a day or two...

That is an excellent idea k-y. One thing is, the car is in the driveway and it helps so that it looks like the house is lived in. He is deseased, so the house is empty, but the car makes it look like someone is there. A sign might not give it the right effect. But, we could maybe move it to another location. There is even a used car lot nearby, maybe he would take it on consignment.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Just caught up on a weeks worth of posts.

Enjoyed the border crossing discussion.

In the late 70s went up again with my wife and can't remember any problems other than no one spoke English until they saw US currency.

I

Many people who live in the province of Quebec (where Montreal is) speak English and French, but they like to preserve their language so speak French mostly. If you are visiting Montreal from English speaking Canada - the rest of us - then they act like they can't speak English just to aggravate us. If you are from the US they realize you probably don't speak French, and they will converse in English, no problem.

Oh I learned all about that situation when I visited Ottawa. Made sense of some things I had experienced in previous visits.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Just caught up on a weeks worth of posts.

Enjoyed the border crossing discussion.

In the late 70s went up again with my wife and can't remember any problems other than no one spoke English until they saw US currency.

I

Many people who live in the province of Quebec (where Montreal is) speak English and French, but they like to preserve their language so speak French mostly. If you are visiting Montreal from English speaking Canada - the rest of us - then they act like they can't speak English just to aggravate us. If you are from the US they realize you probably don't speak French, and they will converse in English, no problem.

Driver....maybe they're just trying to aggravate you......;)

There are about 35 million Canadians, I think 6 or 7 million Quebecers. No, they don't like English Canadians who won't speak French. They think since they learn English we should speak French. Quebec is a beautiful place, and if you go to Montreal or Quebec City it is almost like being in Europe. But they resent Canadians who don't speak their main language. I have high school French, but that won't get me too far, maybe to a la salle de bain (bathroom).

btw....every few years they threaten to leave Canada. Most of us think it might be good since they take more than they give in taxes.

Sounds like upstate/downstate NY.

boomchek

If a dealer is going to resell a low mileage vehicle, they need it to look perfect. Funny enough I've seen quite a few newer low mileage vehicles come into inventory that had the body banged up like crazy because they were driven by inattentive seniors.

Also keep in mind if a vehicle has been sitting idle for a year it'll need more than just a battery. Usually all the fluids will need to be changed, sometimes rubber bushings and hoses can dry up over time if the vehicle hasn't been used etc. So recon costs could be as high as $1000 min addition to any body work that needs to be done.

explorerx4

I don't think I've ever seen a C2 Corvette without exhaust finishers coming through the lower valance panel.
Edit: Now that I think about it, it could have side exhaust pipes.

qbrozen

Its an Uplander. About the ugliest minivan ever made, and that's a helluva family to be the ugliest of. Tough sale.

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

I don't think I've ever seen a C2 Corvette without exhaust finishers coming through the lower valance panel. Edit: Now that I think about it, it could have side exhaust pipes.

Mine had exhaust pipes running along the side panels from the front of the doors to the rear.  That exhaust set-up was only available with the 435 hp version of the 427 cu in engine.  Not available with the 425 hp version.

stever

Yep, pipes. Another Twitter shot.

driver100

boomchek said:

If a dealer is going to resell a low mileage vehicle, they need it to look perfect. Funny enough I've seen quite a few newer low mileage vehicles come into inventory that had the body banged up like crazy because they were driven by inattentive seniors.

Also keep in mind if a vehicle has been sitting idle for a year it'll need more than just a battery. Usually all the fluids will need to be changed, sometimes rubber bushings and hoses can dry up over time if the vehicle hasn't been used etc. So recon costs could be as high as $1000 min addition to any body work that needs to be done.

That is good info. The car hasn't moved much in the last 2 years. I forgot about all those problems in a car that has hardly moved for a period of time. I think the paint is just fading and tree sap, no actual dents. This fellow drove no faster than 50 mph. He never went on the highway, took backroads to go 150 miles to the cottage once a month. Once some young punks passed him and through a full cup of coffee at the car....he was mad, but I got a feeling he was probably crawling along going 35 in a 50 zone.

The lawyer in charge of probate and executor stuff (my wife reports to him) knows of a guy who appraises cars so we'll try that first. Then I thought of a combination plan, taking all your advice into consideration (brainstormed) and we have one used car lot in our town of 25000. He could either buy it outright, for $5000 say, or he could put it on his lot and make 10% commission on anything he gets over $5500 (no risk for him).
That way he can do the paperwork and everything...he is set up for it. That way, he can come and get it and try to start it too.

driver100

qbrozen said:

Its an Uplander. About the ugliest minivan ever made, and that's a helluva family to be the ugliest of. Tough sale.

I agree, but I saw a Pontiac Aztec the other day....someone actually must have bought it. The Uplander gets 3 1/2 stars out of 5 on Edmunds. For someone who wants a low mileage van type vehicle, doesn't care about looks or safety features, hey, for 5 grand what do you expect?

venture

abacomike said:

explorerx4 said:

I don't think I've ever seen a C2 Corvette without exhaust finishers coming through the lower valance panel.
Edit: Now that I think about it, it could have side exhaust pipes.

Mine had exhaust pipes running along the side panels from the front of the doors to the rear.  That exhaust set-up was only available with the 435 hp version of the 427 cu in engine.  Not available with the 425 hp version.

My '67 with the 390 HP engine had the side pipes.

abacomike

venture said:

explorerx4 said:

I don't think I've ever seen a C2 Corvette without exhaust finishers coming through the lower valance panel. Edit: Now that I think about it, it could have side exhaust pipes.

Mine had exhaust pipes running along the side panels from the front of the doors to the rear.  That exhaust set-up was only available with the 435 hp version of the 427 cu in engine.  Not available with the 425 hp version.

My '67 with the 390 HP engine had the side pipes.

What was the carb set up?  Three 2-barrel carbs, a 4-barrel carb or 2-4 barrel carbs?

venture

driver100 said:

qbrozen said:

Its an Uplander. About the ugliest minivan ever made, and that's a helluva family to be the ugliest of. Tough sale.

I agree, but I saw a Pontiac Aztec the other day....someone actually must have bought it. The Uplander gets 3 1/2 stars out of 5 on Edmunds. For someone who wants a low mileage van type vehicle, doesn't care about looks or safety features, hey, for 5 grand what do you expect?

I have to ask. If the money is going to go to his obnoxious niece and nephew, why not just sell it for whatever someone gives you for it and be done with it?

nyccarguy

Hmmm - 1966? I have a little bit of 1966 knowledge buried in my brain. That's what my Dad has in his garage (427 cu /390 hp moss port green over black roadster with 4 on the floor). I can tell they bought a small block (327/350?). Is that Nassau Blue?

driver100

venture said:

driver100 said:

qbrozen said:

Its an Uplander. About the ugliest minivan ever made, and that's a helluva family to be the ugliest of. Tough sale.

I agree, but I saw a Pontiac Aztec the other day....someone actually must have bought it. The Uplander gets 3 1/2 stars out of 5 on Edmunds. For someone who wants a low mileage van type vehicle, doesn't care about looks or safety features, hey, for 5 grand what do you expect?

I have to ask. If the money is going to go to his obnoxious niece and nephew, why not just sell it for whatever someone gives you for it and be done with it?

Good point. The old fellow trusted my wife to properly dispose of his possessions. My wife feels responsible that she should do it as well as she can. She isn't going to care about every penny, but she will try to do her best within reason.

She has to gather together all his stocks, bank accounts, savings accounts, bonds, all the junk in the house and put the house on the market. Technically, she probably could be sued if she didn't do it with proper care. That would be unlikely, but, she still wants to do it as well as she can.

If anyone is looking for a good executor she will do a good job. She is meticulous!

stever

@nyccarguy, don't know when the "official" introduction will be. Assuming this link doesn't scroll off, there's a 30 second video of them backing the Vette out of the enclosed trailer. Special emphasis on the rumble.

fezo

If it helps you make price decisions I wouldn't pay $5K for an Uplander (formerly Venture, formerly Lumina). About the best thing you can say for it is it's visually less bad than those earlier model.

We're back home. Got down as far as Chincateague. Saw the ponies but up on the Maryland piece of Assateague Island. Way cool. The weather wasn't very cooperative but just enough to do what we wanted.

venture

abacomike said:

venture said:

abacomike said:

explorerx4 said:

I don't think I've ever seen a C2 Corvette without exhaust finishers coming through the lower valance panel.
Edit: Now that I think about it, it could have side exhaust pipes.

Mine had exhaust pipes running along the side panels from the front of the doors to the rear.  That exhaust set-up was only available with the 435 hp version of the 427 cu in engine.  Not available with the 425 hp version.

My '67 with the 390 HP engine had the side pipes.

What was the carb set up?  Three 2-barrel carbs, a 4-barrel carb or 2-4 barrel carbs?

It had a single 4 barrel carb.

venture

driver100 said:

venture said:

driver100 said:

qbrozen said:

Its an Uplander. About the ugliest minivan ever made, and that's a helluva family to be the ugliest of. Tough sale.

I agree, but I saw a Pontiac Aztec the other day....someone actually must have bought it. The Uplander gets 3 1/2 stars out of 5 on Edmunds. For someone who wants a low mileage van type vehicle, doesn't care about looks or safety features, hey, for 5 grand what do you expect?

I have to ask. If the money is going to go to his obnoxious niece and nephew, why not just sell it for whatever someone gives you for it and be done with it?

Good point. The old fellow trusted my wife to properly dispose of his possessions. My wife feels responsible that she should do it as well as she can. She isn't going to care about every penny, but she will try to do her best within reason.

She has to gather together all his stocks, bank accounts, savings accounts, bonds, all the junk in the house and put the house on the market. Technically, she probably could be sued if she didn't do it with proper care. That would be unlikely, but, she still wants to do it as well as she can.

If anyone is looking for a good executor she will do a good job. She is meticulous!

I agree that she should get a decent price for the vehicle, but she could also get bogged down over a few thousand dollars compared to an estate worth many million dollars. The work should be worth the reward plus it's one less headache. She will be, more than likely, be hiring an appraiser, or appraisers, to value items. Get it appraised and sell it.

venture

nyccarguy said:

Hmmm - 1966? I have a little bit of 1966 knowledge buried in my brain. That's what my Dad has in his garage (427 cu /390 hp moss port green over black roadster with 4 on the floor). I can tell they bought a small block (327/350?). Is that Nassau Blue?

Yeah. It does appear to be a small block. If so, the side pipes may have been added. All of the frames had the slots under the door to install the side pipes. Of course you had to modify the rear valance then too so you didn't have the holes in it.

'66 was sort of an odd year for Corvette. I had a friend who had a '66 (at least I think it was a '66. I know it wasn't a '67 - it was a long time ago) with a 396 in it.

driver100

venture said:

driver100 said:

venture said:

driver100 said:

qbrozen said:

Its an Uplander. About the ugliest minivan ever made, and that's a helluva family to be the ugliest of. Tough sale.

I agree, but I saw a Pontiac Aztec the other day....someone actually must have bought it. The Uplander gets 3 1/2 stars out of 5 on Edmunds. For someone who wants a low mileage van type vehicle, doesn't care about looks or safety features, hey, for 5 grand what do you expect?

I have to ask. If the money is going to go to his obnoxious niece and nephew, why not just sell it for whatever someone gives you for it and be done with it?

Good point. The old fellow trusted my wife to properly dispose of his possessions. My wife feels responsible that she should do it as well as she can. She isn't going to care about every penny, but she will try to do her best within reason.

She has to gather together all his stocks, bank accounts, savings accounts, bonds, all the junk in the house and put the house on the market. Technically, she probably could be sued if she didn't do it with proper care. That would be unlikely, but, she still wants to do it as well as she can.

If anyone is looking for a good executor she will do a good job. She is meticulous!

I agree that she should get a decent price for the vehicle, but she could also get bogged down over a few thousand dollars compared to an estate worth many million dollars. The work should be worth the reward plus it's one less headache. She will be, more than likely, be hiring an appraiser, or appraisers, to value items. Get it appraised and sell it.

She will get as much as possible for the Uplander, but, not go overboard trying to get it. Completely agree, the estate is worth a few $million, the value of the car is not a big deal. On the other hand, she won't want to sell to someone who tries to take advantage of the situation...like the Chevy dealer appraiser who offered $2200.

Word of mouth has spread and there are two guys who asked to see it. The lawyer overseeing the estate has a car person who specializes in these things. I'll keep you posted.

The fellow who died would only buy Chevs, and he preferred wagons....to carry all their junk around. One of his older cars is also sitting in the driveway, 1) for storage????? and 2) because it looks more like people are home if the car is there.

It is a 1986 Chev Caprice wagon. In terrible shape....rust, brakes don't work....but, someone will take it away for $350. SOLD!!!!!!!

oldfarmer50

stever said:

Yep, pipes. Another Twitter shot.

So what's the deal with Edmunds buying a classic like that? Use it in comparisons with modern cars? Perk for Edmunds executives?

We want to know how our dues money is being spent.

nyccarguy

venture said:

nyccarguy said:

Hmmm - 1966? I have a little bit of 1966 knowledge buried in my brain. That's what my Dad has in his garage (427 cu /390 hp moss port green over black roadster with 4 on the floor). I can tell they bought a small block (327/350?). Is that Nassau Blue?

Yeah. It does appear to be a small block. If so, the side pipes may have been added. All of the frames had the slots under the door to install the side pipes. Of course you had to modify the rear valance then too so you didn't have the holes in it.

'66 was sort of an odd year for Corvette. I had a friend who had a '66 (at least I think it was a '66. I know it wasn't a '67 - it was a long time ago) with a 396 in it.

I didn't think the 396 was available in '66, just '65.

My Dad added the side pipes and still has the holes in the back of his '66.