Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

I don't think I see BLIS on that list........or on the list in the ad, though it says in the article it had been added to all models.

bwia

@jipster, perhaps this number one rated midsize sedan might float your boat. And the price is right too.
https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/optima/2020/mep/safety-video/kia_optima_2020_mep_tab-bottom_look-and-feel_spacious-cabin.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/desktop.jpg

roadburner

stickguy said:

NJ doesn’t sniff the tailpipe, but they do plug into the OBD port. I’m guessing that would rat you out big time.

Not if you put spark plug anti-foulers on the downstream sensor(s). My E24 was OBD I and only had the upstream sensor. I replaced the cat with a Jet Hot coated H-pipe. Boy it sounded nice.

pensfan83

tjc78 said:

I give you credit Jip.. I can’t go into dealers like this anymore. I do all negotiations via email, text and phone.

Ditto

driver100

bwia said:

@jipster, perhaps this number one rated midsize sedan might float your boat. And the price is right too.
https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/optima/2020/mep/safety-video/kia_optima_2020_mep_tab-bottom_look-and-feel_spacious-cabin.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/desktop.jpg

Love that interior....can't find which model Optima would have it. How much is that model. KBB ranks the Optima as about equal to the Accord.

driver100

Pens and tjc....you must go to test drive or at least look around. What happens then?

stickguy

Driver, the LX got Honda sensing. That is adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, stuff like that. But it does not include BLIS. Need to be EX or above for that.

Acura does the same thing on the TLX. Need tech package for BLIS

stickguy

driver100 said:

Pens and tjc....you must go to test drive or at least look around. What happens then?

You test drive and look at stuff on the lot, then leave.

roadburner

Geezer Sleeper or Rat Racer?

So now that the Stinger is off the table I'm facing a dilemma; I really like how the 540i is optioned, but I definitely want the M Performance Power and Sound Kit; the horsepower/torque bump would make it just about as quick as a Bullitt or M2(but only to about 90 mph, sadly). Bob Harper writes for BMW CAR and he tried an F30 340i fitted with the MPPSK; he said that the kit transforms the car in terms of throttle response and the great exhaust sound- complete with pops and crackles on the over run.

Yet... For about the same money I can get a 2018 M2. A really great car, but I'm thinking I really won't have any time for track days for a few years and unlike the M2 Competition-which is out of my price range-the base M2 is really quite similar to my M235i(aside from some muscular fender flares, 19" wheels, and the Active M differential- not to mention the LCI-facelift-interior)

Or maybe wait a year and pick up an M2C.

pensfan83

Simple, I go to dealers just to test drive cars. I try to schedule time during the week and make very clear I'm only there to take a test drive. So far the only brand to not respect those wishes was the Jeep dealer. We indulged them and it only reminded me how much I loathe trying to work out a deal in the store.

graphicguy

I find it more efficient and quicker to be sitting at the dealers’ where I make my offer and it’s a “yea or nay” decision. I either have bought a car, or I go home. The choices are simple and I don’t waste any time doing the “if we, will you” dance...even if it’s via email.

To each their own, though.

houdini1

driver100 said:

bwia said:

@jipster, perhaps this number one rated midsize sedan might float your boat. And the price is right too.
https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/optima/2020/mep/safety-video/kia_optima_2020_mep_tab-bottom_look-and-feel_spacious-cabin.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/desktop.jpg

Love that interior....can't find which model Optima would have it. How much is that model. KBB ranks the Optima as about equal to the Accord.

I checked local prices and equipment on Cargurus. Optima EX Premium has almost everything, incl. navigation, leather, all the safety stuff. List price $32,300. sale price $24,000. Brand new. Jip should definitely drive one of these. 5 year bumper to bumper too. Consumer Reports rates it above Accord and Mazda.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

I find it more efficient and quicker to be sitting at the dealers’ where I make my offer and it’s a “yea or nay” decision. I either have bought a car, or I go home. The choices are simple and I don’t waste any time doing the “if we, will you” dance...even if it’s via email.

To each their own, though.

Me too.

tjc78

I go on a weeknight to test drive and/or walk the lots on Sunday when they are closed.

Once I decide, I then find dealers with units in the configuration I want then ask for quotes with the stock number from their website.

Usually after the email I send I get a phone call from them to “qualify” me and have numbers shortly there after.

tjc78

graphicguy said:

I find it more efficient and quicker to be sitting at the dealers’ where I make my offer and it’s a “yea or nay” decision. I either have bought a car, or I go home. The choices are simple and I don’t waste any time doing the “if we, will you” dance...even if it’s via email.

To each their own, though.

Tough to shop multiple dealers that way. I’m also a leaser and at times to get a good lease you really have to walk them through how you got to the payment you are looking for. In all honesty many times the salesperson doesn’t even understand the math and it becomes a bit unnerving. At least if I’m not there I’m doing other things while conversing with them via email/text.

jipster

At the dealership now. I like this car. Nice. Original MSRP is $32,000. Asking price is $26,500 on this certified EXL. 1,200 miles. Salesman is bringing me the numbers now.

andres3

Michaell said:

Gas prices - I filled up our Outback last week. Last fill up was early March.

I paid $1.52/gal for mid-grade, which is 87 octane here in CO.

87 is low octane. What the heck is premium if 87 is midgrade? And I thought CA was bad!

stickguy

Mile high elevation. Octane ratings are lower for comparable grades.

jmonroe1

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

Talking laundry detergents: does anyone here use liquids that are higher than 2X concentration? This new machine has settings for 4X, 6X, 8X, 10X for the concentration of detergents. I've figured out that on higher settings it dumps in smaller portions of the detergent from the bulk dispenser. It thinks it has a higher power detergent and needs less.

I've decided this machine is close to being a self-driving car. You just push one button once others have been chosen on previous runs, and it just expects to go by itself unless it hits something, like an unbalanced load. I was used to being able to modify settings with my previous Cabrio model on the run; this one expects to be set free to do its own thing. LOL

I may lourd it over you guys with my Pfister but imid has it over us with his new washer that can decide what wash to use with any concentration of soap.....suppose it has a starch underwear setting too!

Don't know too much about that kinda stuff since that's woman's work. If it craps out, I'll look at but when it's working I keep my hands off of that machinery. The less I know about that stuff the less likely I'll be asked to use it. Same goes for the dryer and dishwasher. In a way I look at that stuff like leasing cars. While it might be mine it really ain't.

jmonroe

houdini1

Be sure to let them know that you are sending out a live play by play recap of your car buying and dealer experience to thousands of car buying prospects.

jipster

I'm at $27,500. They're at $28,800

benjaminh

With apologies to Jefferson Airplane and Jipster, but yet again in celebration of an epic car purchase that we hope will soon find success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8zUawrwyAg

If the car's original price is found to be—lies
And all the joy within you—dies
Don't you want some car to love
Don't you need some car to love
Wouldn't you love some car to love
You'd better find some car to love

When your Mercury's transmission is almost dead,
Yes and your mind, your mind, is so full of red
Don't you want some car to love....

Your Accord, I say your Accord, may look like his
Yeah but in your head baby I'm afraid
You don't know where your Accord is...

Accords are running down and down your street
And your friends on Edmunds because of the quarantine may never meet....

jipster said:

At the dealership now. I like this car. Nice. Original MSRP is $32,000. Asking price is $26,500 on this certified EXL. 1,200 miles. Salesman is bringing me the numbers now.

jipster

Houdini I said I was an Edmunds member. They said $500 more. :-(

stickguy

Split the difference territory and get out of there with the new wheels. Worth the extra to make the wife happy!

houdini1

jipster said:

I'm at $27,500. They're at $28,800

If this doesn't work out, go check out that Optima.

stickguy

Got a link to it?

stickguy

Would it be mean if I called the dealer and started asking about that Accord?

stickguy

This is a nice looking car. Well equipped for the price too.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?zip=08510&trimNames=EX Turbo FWD&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=homePageNewCarTab_false_0&distance=50&sortType=PRICE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c29522#listing=261206784

Michaell

stickguy said:

Mile high elevation. Octane ratings are lower for comparable grades.

Correct.

RUG - 85
Mid - 87
PUG - 91

In New Mexico, it's 86/88/91.

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

venture said:

For anyone that needs something from Home Depot and doesn't want to go inside the store, try the Curbside Pickup.

I got four 50 pound bags of fertilizer and didn't have to leave the car. Order on line and choose Curbside Pickup at checkout.

I don't know if Lowes and others are doing it too.

That will work quite nicely when HD puts their mulch on sale for $2 per bag. I’m thinking I could get at least 50 bags of Mulch in my truck. Then go back and pick up another 50 bags.

Years ago when I needed that much mulch I had a truck load dropped in my drive way. Today I just call "The Guy". Pretty soon I'm going to call "The Guy" to mow z lawn.

jmonroe

houdini1

stickguy said:

Got a link to it?

I am using a chromebook and don't know how to post a link on it. I just checked Cargu and in my area Kia dealers are consistently knocking $8,000. off a $32,000. sticker price on the Optima EX Premium.

abacomike

pensfan83 said:

Simple, I go to dealers just to test drive cars. I try to schedule time during the week and make very clear I'm only there to take a test drive. So far the only brand to not respect those wishes was the Jeep dealer. We indulged them and it only reminded me how much I loathe trying to work out a deal in the store.

When I get ready to get a new car, I first do my research online (Edmunds, CR, C&D, manufacturer's sites, etc.). In other words, I already know (or at least have narrowed my preferences to 2 or at most 3 modesl) what I want to drive for the next three or four years. I then go in to dealerships in my area and try out the model(s) I want. Once I have completed my dealer visitations and have test-driven the model(s), I know exactly what I want - in other words, I have decided which car I want.

I then go back to continue researching that car. I check for MSRP with the exact options I want, incentives, financing/leasing options, etc. So now I know the exact car I want and have developed a number I will pay for that car out-the-door, including taxes, fees, etc. I then call the manager of the dealership that I want to buy my car from and tell him exactly what I want and what I will pay for it. If it is a lease, I tell him the money factor (cost to the dealership), cap-cost, out-of-pocket at lease signing, number of months and number of miles per year and the amount I will pay per month for the lease. If the manager comes back and tells me he can't do the deal, I tell him I am going shopping for the car at other dealerships. I did this with my current S450 where I went all the way up to Palm Beach and saved $8,400 because they were willing to lease the car at their dealer invoice.

The moral of this approach is:

First fall in love with the car you want - which means you must have narrowed down what you want to the exact car - to go out and have three or four different cars and price them is great when you want to have fun and have the time and patience - but you are not pricing the exact car you want (love) - you are pricing the exact "price you want"! Remember, there are two kinds of buyers - the buyer who knows what he wants and the buyer who shops price (payment buyer).

Because I truly love the Mercedes S450 and because I can get one for almost $20,000 under MSRP once all incentives are considered (manufacturer to dealer incentives, manufacturer to purchaser incentives, and USAA incentives). Incentives amount to $10,000 - so if they are willing to sell me or lease me a car at dealer cost less incentives, I am going to stay with what I have.

driver100

stickguy said:

Driver, the LX got Honda sensing. That is adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, stuff like that. But it does not include BLIS. Need to be EX or above for that.

Acura does the same thing on the TLX. Need tech package for BLIS

Thanks stick..........definitely worth going higher than LX then.

cdnpinhead

andres3 said:

87 is low octane. What the heck is premium if 87 is midgrade? And I thought CA was bad!

At high elevations (like Denver) where the air is thinner, you can drop several octane points with no problem. Unless you have a turbo, which compensates for the lower ambient pressure by running faster. I always run 91 octane in the TSX until I know I'll be above 4-5K feet for the whole tank, then I'll go down to 89 or even 87.

jipster

No deal. $500 apart. I came up $800. Maybe I'm being too jippy?

driver100

stickguy said:

driver100 said:

Pens and tjc....you must go to test drive or at least look around. What happens then?

You test drive and look at stuff on the lot, then leave.

That isn't fair to the poor sales "Guy" or to the dealership. If I am looking at least I fake interest.

Actually, I think they deserve at least a chance. I have heard that salesmen are the most sympathetic listeners to a sales pitch....you have to have lived it to understand.

jipster

Guy said I was trying to steal the car. Lol

stickguy

Do you actually want a car?

If they are letting you walk in this market, you probably are. Either eat the $500 (consider it $10/month over the loan term), or get less car. But it sounds like you have a good deal sitting in front of you, on a car you both really like.

Ask them to throw in rubber all season mats maybe!

stickguy

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

driver100 said:

Pens and tjc....you must go to test drive or at least look around. What happens then?

You test drive and look at stuff on the lot, then leave.

That isn't fair to the poor sales "Guy" or to the dealership. If I am looking at least I fake interest.

Actually, I think they deserve at least a chance. I have heard that salesmen are the most sympathetic listeners to a sales pitch....you have to have lived it to understand.

Local guy always gets a chance. It may come in form of a call or email though.

stickguy

The salesman also has no say in the deal. Once it’s down to discussing money, he’s just there to keep you from leaving. SM supplies numbers. Sales person gets you a bottle of water.

stickguy

Big day today. First time in a month, about to go to the gas station! But only because the gas can for mower is empty and I need to mow this afternoon.

houdini1

stickguy said:

This is a nice looking car. Well equipped for the price too.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?zip=08510&trimNames=EX Turbo FWD&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=homePageNewCarTab_false_0&distance=50&sortType=PRICE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c29522#listing=261206784

stickguy said:

This is a nice looking car. Well equipped for the price too.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?zip=08510&trimNames=EX Turbo FWD&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=homePageNewCarTab_false_0&distance=50&sortType=PRICE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c29522#listing=261206784

My area code has much better pricing 66220

dino001

cdnpinhead said:

andres3 said:

87 is low octane. What the heck is premium if 87 is midgrade? And I thought CA was bad!

At high elevations (like Denver) where the air is thinner, you can drop several octane points with no problem. Unless you have a turbo, which compensates for the lower ambient pressure by running faster. I always run 91 octane in the TSX until I know I'll be above 4-5K feet for the whole tank, then I'll go down to 89 or even 87.

I wonder if so many new cars have turbo engines, will those numbers have to change that at some point.

driver100

Don't leave until we find out what Jip is doing!

driver100

Stick says he gives the sales guy where he tested/looked a chance......same for tjc and pens?

driver100

stickguy said:

This is a nice looking car. Well equipped for the price too.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?zip=08510&trimNames=EX Turbo FWD&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=homePageNewCarTab_false_0&distance=50&sortType=PRICE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c29522#listing=261206784

Great price for a nice looking car.......under $23k.
But, how much is the one with the red and black seats...that is really beautiful.

dino001

I got "data breach on this site, change your password" warning from Chrome browser. Is that true?

driver100

Jip, I told Mrs D100 we would go for a drive at 1:30. Let me know by then.........

tjc78

Yeah, place I test drove always gets first shot. It's only fair.

Doesn't happen often that they get the sale. On the Volvo I got in August local dealer was way higher than the deal I got and wasn't willing to budge.

Makes sense, they are the only game in town. Closest dealer must be at least 30 miles away. Where I ended up buying had much more competition.

driver100

jmonroe1 said:

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

Talking laundry detergents: does anyone here use liquids that are higher than 2X concentration? This new machine has settings for 4X, 6X, 8X, 10X for the concentration of detergents. I've figured out that on higher settings it dumps in smaller portions of the detergent from the bulk dispenser. It thinks it has a higher power detergent and needs less.

I've decided this machine is close to being a self-driving car. You just push one button once others have been chosen on previous runs, and it just expects to go by itself unless it hits something, like an unbalanced load. I was used to being able to modify settings with my previous Cabrio model on the run; this one expects to be set free to do its own thing. LOL

I may lourd it over you guys with my Pfister but imid has it over us with his new washer that can decide what wash to use with any concentration of soap.....suppose it has a starch underwear setting too!

Don't know too much about that kinda stuff since that's woman's work. If it craps out, I'll look at but when it's working I keep my hands off of that machinery. The less I know about that stuff the less likely I'll be asked to use it. Same goes for the dryer and dishwasher.

How politically incorrect! I suppose you think women have smaller feet so they can get closer to the kitchen sink?