Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

Boy does the BBB try to keep Cadillac's cases out of the courts.

I've had not one, but two calls from the BBB today explaining why I should let them take care of the case (which so far, they've not done a very good job of) instead of going the legal route against Cadillac.

So, this make me wonder, does BBB get paid based on the number of cases they keep out of the courts? Or, do they only get paid if someone takes their case ONLY to the BBB process?

Either way, it's clear to me their main function isn't to resolve the case to my satisfaction but to Cadillac's satisfaction. Sort of a "They win, I lose, BBB gets paid" scenario.

No wonder that's how Cadillac wants to push this to completion.

Customer service and satisfaction is just lip service for them. They are concepts that only come into play if you don't need either.

nelsonf

I never buy any car whose name I can't pronounce !! Much less spell !

Yeah, 'BMW M3' is a whole lot easier than 'Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio' for sure!

abacomike

Here's an update on Dad.  He is currently at a rehab but they want to discharge him ASAP because of his behavior and dementia.  They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times.

I am placing him in an assisted living facility about 15 miles from where I live.  They have 2 categories - one of them is for Alzheimer's patients and the other is for patients who do not suffer from that debilitating illness.  He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

I am exhausted and drained.  I am going to check out the AL facility tomorrow morning.

Thanks again for you thought and prayers.

suydam

So sorry for your situation. I went through this with my dad the last few years. I hope your dad will be in a competent and caring environment with people trained to deal with such patients and who aren't torn apart by it like the near relatives are. Prayers.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times....He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

Is the drastic change from side effects of drugs he's being given to try to control his behavior?

explorerx4

@NYC, I posted those Ford incentives for your benefit. I'm keeping the Fusion. I am looking for something else, although the Escape is great. Realized I gave up the space and towing ability the Explorer had and miss that.

@abacomike, Tough decision and I'm not looking forward to making the same one regarding my Mom, but it does seem like his care has gone beyond your control.

@oldfarmer, it seems the Mustang GT has changed into more of a Grand Touring car than a Getinto Trouble car.

driver100

nelsonf said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

nelsonf said:

I've been thinking about buying a used BMW M4 next year, maybe someone's 2 year lease return, just as a fun weekend/Summer/Track day car.

Then this showed up:

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1506-alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-arrives-with-510-hp/

Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.

I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.

Nelson

It looks more like bmw 3 series than a 3 series...I wonder if they worked with bmw on it. The rear quarter window and the lines on the side are direct copies of a 3.






Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?

Looks pretty nice though................

My understanding is that existing Fiat dealers will have the opportunity to sell Alfas as well.

What's hilarious is that Marchionne expects to sell 150K Alfas by 2018 in the US alone, and 400K worldwide. They sold 90K all of last year.

I think it is brilliant! Not too many people can afford an Alfa, but, if these are more popularly priced then it will make an Alfa available to way more people.

There aren't too many European luxury cars to choose from these days, and the Alfa will offer something a little more unique.

I wonder where they will be on the JD Powers and CR reliability surveys...but other than that, they should sell really well.

There is a lot to consider. If you were looking at the Alfa vs. an M3, assuming competitive pricing, the BMW wins out for dealer support, aftermarket support, and club support.

The Alfa wins out for looks in my opinion, and engine sound. Here's the promotional video. The first 20 seconds or so is fluff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=17&v=cCPYmVZwXc4

nelsonf said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

nelsonf said:

I've been thinking about buying a used BMW M4 next year, maybe someone's 2 year lease return, just as a fun weekend/Summer/Track day car.

Then this showed up:

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1506-alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-arrives-with-510-hp/

Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.

I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.

Nelson

It looks more like bmw 3 series than a 3 series...I wonder if they worked with bmw on it. The rear quarter window and the lines on the side are direct copies of a 3.






Not available until 2016 so you have some time to think it over. Who is going to sell them, and more importantly, who is going to service them?

Looks pretty nice though................

My understanding is that existing Fiat dealers will have the opportunity to sell Alfas as well.

What's hilarious is that Marchionne expects to sell 150K Alfas by 2018 in the US alone, and 400K worldwide. They sold 90K all of last year.

I think it is brilliant! Not too many people can afford an Alfa, but, if these are more popularly priced then it will make an Alfa available to way more people.

There aren't too many European luxury cars to choose from these days, and the Alfa will offer something a little more unique.

I wonder where they will be on the JD Powers and CR reliability surveys...but other than that, they should sell really well.

There is a lot to consider. If you were looking at the Alfa vs. an M3, assuming competitive pricing, the BMW wins out for dealer support, aftermarket support, and club support.

The Alfa wins out for looks in my opinion, and engine sound. Here's the promotional video. The first 20 seconds or so is fluff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=17&v=cCPYmVZwXc4

Apparently they will be using the Fiat dealership network. That was part of the plan of combining with Fiat.

Unfortunately the promo video doesn't work in Canada...would like to see it.

driver100

graphicguy said:

Boy does the BBB try to keep Cadillac's cases out of the courts.

I've had not one, but two calls from the BBB today explaining why I should let them take care of the case (which so far, they've not done a very good job of) instead of going the legal route against Cadillac.

So, this make me wonder, does BBB get paid based on the number of cases they keep out of the courts? Or, do they only get paid if someone takes their case ONLY to the BBB process?

Either way, it's clear to me their main function isn't to resolve the case to my satisfaction but to Cadillac's satisfaction. Sort of a "They win, I lose, BBB gets paid" scenario.

No wonder that's how Cadillac wants to push this to completion.

Customer service and satisfaction is just lip service for them. They are concepts that only come into play if you don't need either.

With these matters I always wonder how companies get paid.

In the case of BBB they get paid selling memberships to businesses. You as an individual don't do them much good.

They would rather sell a BBB membership to GM and GM can say they are a member of the BBB and you can get your case settled thru arbitration with BBB......ha ha ha!

driver100

abacomike said:

Here's an update on Dad.  He is currently at a rehab but they want to discharge him ASAP because of his behavior and dementia.  They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times.

I am placing him in an assisted living facility about 15 miles from where I live.  They have 2 categories - one of them is for Alzheimer's patients and the other is for patients who do not suffer from that debilitating illness.  He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

I am exhausted and drained.  I am going to check out the AL facility tomorrow morning.

Thanks again for you thought and prayers.

Mike, you are doing everything you can possibly do. It is a draining process, but your Dad is very fortunate to have you there.

stever

@abacomike, hope the AL facility works out okay. My mom landed in a good one close to my brother's house. Just got this email showing off today's "activity" - music and a mini car show.

nyccarguy

Thank-you for the update Mike. You are doing everything humanly possible! Stay strong!

ab348

Good thoughts to you Mike. Don't let the situation wear you down.

houdini1

nelsonf said:

I've been thinking about buying a used BMW M4 next year, maybe someone's 2 year lease return, just as a fun weekend/Summer/Track day car.

Then this showed up:

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1506-alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-arrives-with-510-hp/

Supposed to compete against the M3. Looks pretty impressive, but I haven't seen any pricing info or interior shots. It would be great if a 6 speed was available. Looking forward to the car magazine reviews.

I prefer the 2 doors of the M4, but this is a pretty good looking sedan.

Nelson

I never buy any car whose name I can't pronounce !!

abacomike said:

Here's an update on Dad.  He is currently at a rehab but they want to discharge him ASAP because of his behavior and dementia.  They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times.

I am placing him in an assisted living facility about 15 miles from where I live.  They have 2 categories - one of them is for Alzheimer's patients and the other is for patients who do not suffer from that debilitating illness.  He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

I am exhausted and drained.  I am going to check out the AL facility tomorrow morning.

Thanks again for you thought and prayers.

Mike, most of us in your age group have gone thru something similar. In your circumstances, what you are doing is absolutely necessary, as heartrending as it may be. As imid mentioned, some of his behavior could be a bad reaction to some medication, etc. Hang in there buddy. Prayers.

thebean

ab348 said:

Good thoughts to you Mike. Don't let the situation wear you down.

I agree.  Good thoughts sent your way, Mike.

roadburner

abacomike said:

Here's an update on Dad.  He is currently at a rehab but they want to discharge him ASAP because of his behavior and dementia.  They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times.

I am placing him in an assisted living facility about 15 miles from where I live.  They have 2 categories - one of them is for Alzheimer's patients and the other is for patients who do not suffer from that debilitating illness.  He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

I am exhausted and drained.  I am going to check out the AL facility tomorrow morning.

Thanks again for you thought and prayers.

The AL unit is where your dad will get the care he needs. Don't beat yourself up- you are obviously a loving son who cares deeply for your dad's welfare and you are making the right decision.

andres3

I know in my recent small claims lawsuit spending the morning hours opting for the court's provided mediation was a complete waste of time. The only value I got from it was experience and practice. However, it made me tired for the afternoon trial that should have happened in the morning had we not opted to do the mediation.

graphicguy

andres3 said:

I know in my recent small claims lawsuit spending the morning hours opting for the court's provided mediation was a complete waste of time. The only value I got from it was experience and practice. However, it made me tired for the afternoon trial that should have happened in the morning had we not opted to do the mediation.

First and most important...Mike, you're doing all the right things. KIND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

Cadillac...It's become clear to me what Cadillac and in turn, GM's stadard operating procedure is.... Admit nothing. Set up only the most rudimentary "checks" in their computer systems. If an issue falls outside of those prarameters, deny...deny...deny any culpability.

Pay BBB to deny any requests regarding culpability, and stay put of the courts.

Once again,memories come flooding back regarding what lengths Cadillac, and probably all of GM, will go to to deny responsibility for the faults (many times safety related) of their products.

stickguy

so, finally had a sales story to report. after a few weeks of crickets, all of a sudden a few people came out of woodwork the last few days with interest on my Volvo. Of course, that coincided with having out power knocked out for 2 days, so not the best timing. But, beggars, choosers, all that.

anyway, guy came, his daughter drove, was impressed by how nice it was (told me that from the ad and email conversations, he really expected it to be and thought it was "the one"). He had cash, I was tired of dealing with it, so we made a deal and they took it away.

Now, need to refocus on actually finding a replacement, and deciding on who gets it (me or the princess). Probably her. Cheaper that way!

graphicguy

Grats...Stick!!!!!!!

fezo

Mike - echoing the many things said here. You are doing the right thing. Do not under any circumstances beat yourself up over it. Most of us have been through similar things. One of the high prices we pay for this magic called life.

Way to go, stick! If I'd seen your ad before I committed to fixing the Camry I might have bought it. Oddly, I have the Mazda back but not the Camry yet. One drive in the Mazda and I take back all the nice things I said about the Charger. It was actually pretty nice for what it was but had an unbearably weak stereo.

28firefighter

Congrats, Stick!  My folks are just east of Philly and said the weather was shockingly bad. Apparently my old station had something like 20+ calls for service over 6 hours.  My kind of weather for car buying. 

Don't rule out the Legacy. A co-worker was able to lease a 2.5i premium with eyesight and nav for about $270 month including 9.8% tax. Only paid doc fee and first month upfront. The sale price worked out to about $900 under invoice. Seems as though there may be deals to be had. 

nyccarguy

congrats @stickguy

bwia

abacomike said:

Here's an update on Dad.  He is currently at a rehab but they want to discharge him ASAP because of his behavior and dementia.  They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times.

I am placing him in an assisted living facility about 15 miles from where I live.  They have 2 categories - one of them is for Alzheimer's patients and the other is for patients who do not suffer from that debilitating illness.  He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

I am exhausted and drained.  I am going to check out the AL facility tomorrow morning.

Thanks again for you thought and prayers.

Mike--thanks for the update. You and your dad both have strong emotional bonds to one another making the separation painful. But you need a break and putting your dad in an assisted living is perhaps the best option for both of you at this time.

driver100

stickguy said:

so, finally had a sales story to report. after a few weeks of crickets, all of a sudden a few people came out of woodwork the last few days with interest on my Volvo. Of course, that coincided with having out power knocked out for 2 days, so not the best timing. But, beggars, choosers, all that.

anyway, guy came, his daughter drove, was impressed by how nice it was (told me that from the ad and email conversations, he really expected it to be and thought it was "the one"). He had cash, I was tired of dealing with it, so we made a deal and they took it away.

Now, need to refocus on actually finding a replacement, and deciding on who gets it (me or the princess). Probably her. Cheaper that way!

Congrats stick. So, what's on the wish list?

We need a sales story for the weekend, where are we going first?

abacomike

The news is no good - they had to send Dad back to the hospital early this morning.  His blood pressure was dangerously low.  Then they found that his kidneys had shut down (renal failure) due to a kidney infection.  He is now in ICU.  Assisted living is not an option now.  The doctor thinks hospice placement is the only option for placement at this time.  He said Dad was in his final stage of life.

I found all this out at 4:30 AM this morning.  I am going over to the hospital in a few minutes.

Michaell

abacomike said:

The news is no good - they had to send Dad back to the hospital early this morning.  His blood pressure was dangerously low.  Then they found that his kidneys had shut down (renal failure) due to a kidney infection.  He is now in ICU.  Assisted living is not an option now.  The doctor thinks hospice placement is the only option for placement at this time.  He said Dad was in his final stage of life.

I found all this out at 4:30 AM this morning.  I am going over to the hospital in a few minutes.

Michael - thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. While I haven't had these experiences yet, I know it will be coming sooner than later.

Stay strong, my friend, and know that all your on-line friends here at Edmunds are in your corner.

graphicguy

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your Father, Mike!

nyccarguy

Thinking about you always Mike.

stickguy

Sorry to her mike. I went through this last year with my mom. It really does take a toll on the family.

sda

My thoughts and prayers are with you Mike

roadburner

So sorry Mike.

fezo

Thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

so, finally had a sales story to report. after a few weeks of crickets, all of a sudden a few people came out of woodwork the last few days with interest on my Volvo. Of course, that coincided with having out power knocked out for 2 days, so not the best timing. But, beggars, choosers, all that.

anyway, guy came, his daughter drove, was impressed by how nice it was (told me that from the ad and email conversations, he really expected it to be and thought it was "the one"). He had cash, I was tired of dealing with it, so we made a deal and they took it away.

Now, need to refocus on actually finding a replacement, and deciding on who gets it (me or the princess). Probably her. Cheaper that way!

Not going to tell me how much?

isellhondas

Mike, let me add my positive thoughts and prayers to those already expressed. You have been a great son and have always done the best for your father.

laurasdada

A tear to my eye and my thoughts are with you and your family, Mike.

verdugo

abacomike said:

Here's an update on Dad.  He is currently at a rehab but they want to discharge him ASAP because of his behavior and dementia.  They keep him in a wheelchair by the nurse station because he tries to leave on his own.  I saw him for about 10 minutes this morning before meeting with the social worker an admissions director.  He is in pretty bad shape.  He has become mentally incapable - barely lucid at times.

I am placing him in an assisted living facility about 15 miles from where I live.  They have 2 categories - one of them is for Alzheimer's patients and the other is for patients who do not suffer from that debilitating illness.  He is not the man I knew 3 weeks ago - it's like he aged 5 years in a few short weeks.

I am exhausted and drained.  I am going to check out the AL facility tomorrow morning.

Thanks again for you thought and prayers.

Hang in there Mike. Hope the new facility works out.

driver100

abacomike said:

The news is no good - they had to send Dad back to the hospital early this morning.  His blood pressure was dangerously low.  Then they found that his kidneys had shut down (renal failure) due to a kidney infection.  He is now in ICU.  Assisted living is not an option now.  The doctor thinks hospice placement is the only option for placement at this time.  He said Dad was in his final stage of life.

I found all this out at 4:30 AM this morning.  I am going over to the hospital in a few minutes.

Mike, your father has had a good life and he is fortunate to have such a loving and caring son. My thoughts are with you.

jpp75

Mike, sorry to hear of all you're going through, tough times for sure. Hang in there.

28firefighter

Sorry to hear Mike - keep us posted and know that you're in our prayers.

driver100

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

so, finally had a sales story to report. after a few weeks of crickets, all of a sudden a few people came out of woodwork the last few days with interest on my Volvo. Of course, that coincided with having out power knocked out for 2 days, so not the best timing. But, beggars, choosers, all that.

anyway, guy came, his daughter drove, was impressed by how nice it was (told me that from the ad and email conversations, he really expected it to be and thought it was "the one"). He had cash, I was tired of dealing with it, so we made a deal and they took it away.

Now, need to refocus on actually finding a replacement, and deciding on who gets it (me or the princess). Probably her. Cheaper that way!

Stick said: (told me that from the ad and email conversations, he really expected it to be and thought it was "the one"). He had cash, I was tired of dealing with it, so we made a deal and they took it away.

Not going to tell me how much?

He doesn't want to see a grown man cry!

andres3

I will be visiting a VW dealer to find out the SportWagen S and SE trimline Costco prices. The guy hinted they were VERY low and VERY competitive. I hope they don't disappoint.

I've settled into recommending a base model Golf S SportWagen TDI, but I love the Fender Stereo in the SE, which is excellent, possibly as good or a notch better than my $850 upgrade for Bang & Olufsen sound in the S4. Unfortunately you can't get the Fender system without the SE model, and you can't get a car without a panoramic sunroof without settling for the S. What a conundrum! I also like the 17" wheels on the SE as opposed to 16" on the S. The SE also has fog lights. Those are upgrades worth paying for, but the sunroof is expensive (figure 1,000 or more), and it lowers the ceiling height 1-1/2". That's precious headroom for my 6'3" frame.

I'd recommend the midnight blue with beige interior, but my wife will probably chose the TDI SE trim (she doesn't mind low roofs) with black interior and probably some sort of silver exterior.

abacomike

I want to sincerely thank all of you for your continued prayers.  Dad is still in ICU.  His lab results improved in the past 24 hours, but he is still in critical condition.  I am awaiting a call from Hospice to plan a placement for him once he has been  released from ICU and can be safely transferred.

The antibiotics seem to be having an affect on his infection.  They are going to do an echo-cardio gram today because his heartbeat rate was very high.  He is still septic and they are trying to determine it's cause.

Met with the doctor and his nurse at the hospital early this morning.  They have to keep him pretty well sedated because he gets restless and tries to get out of bed and pull at his catheter.

Will have to see how he progresses in the next 24-48 hours, if at all.  He is in God's hands now.

bwia

Mike, from the tone of your post you seem to be at peace with yourself. That's the right attitude and keep the faith till the end. You are a good son and the Lord will bless you abundantly for being there for your father.

Blessings

fezo

I second what bwia just said.

I hope you're at peace with things. You should be.

isellhondas

I agree totally. bwia got it right!

Michaell

Agree with what's been said above ... nothing else you can do for him at this time. Keep us posted.

stickguy

add me to the list. Very familiar from my Mom. all the parts seem to fight each other, but you get to the point where the body is clearly saying it is time.

driver100

And me to the list...agree with all above.

driver100

2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4i Limited Tech (mine), 2013 Acura RDX (wife's) and 2007 Volvo S40 (daughters college car) SOLD, pending replacement.

Stick....I like the way you eliminated the Volvo.

So what is your wish list looking like....or, where to start?

stickguy

posted the latest over on the CCB thread.

as always, start at the beginning, and make a spreadsheet!