@isellhondas said:
We were in the market for a new mattress a couple of years ago when we spotted a memory foam
mattress "topper" at Costco. I think it was around 200.00.
Instantly we had a Termpurpedic! Wonderful results!
You just have to make sure your bottom sheet fits.
We did the same for our guest room bed, and it's the most comfortable bed in the house. It's more comfortable than our Tempurpedic knock-off mattress in our own room, actually. You definitely need the deep-pocket fitted sheets, though.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
@driver100 said:
My big problem was it is just so wide, so it isn't as nimbile around the corners or in tight spots. Kind of like comparing an old spongy handling Buick compared to a nimble tight on the corners bmw.
Not old Buicks are spongy. However, the bmw ride is definitely taut until, of course, the shocks wear out. Speaking of the German ride, I'm realizing that may be what I liked about my Malibu. Its Epsilon II platform came from German design with Opel. The Regal I had test driven years back when they first started importing the Regal was really tight. I didn't care for it. But I love my Malibu on the same Epsilon II platform but modified.
Re the Buicks. It's in the maintenance. Let the struts and shocks wear as do many owners thinking as long as it steers down the road, things are fine. But if the struts and shocks were replaced at recommended intervals, the car is much different. Crown Vics, Gran Marquis, Town Cars may also exhibit the same wear with age softening in a ride that is already smooth.
I just had the front struts replaced on our 2003 CRV with 78,000 miles. I wouldn't have replaced them except a shock mount went bad and I was getting a slight clunk at certain times. I know a lot of people wouldn't have even noticed or cared.
The old struts must have been going weaker with time because WOW does the car ever ride better and it tracks like an arrow now!
@isellhondas said:
I just had the front struts replaced on our 2003 CRV with 78,000 miles.
The old struts must have been going weaker with time because WOW does the car ever ride better and it tracks like an arrow now!
I made the same mistake with my 03 and didn't think about replacement until 80K and then took a while to decide what struts to use. The front struts were so soft I could push them in and out with one hand as far as slow speed motions were concerned. The new ones were rock hard by comparison. The replacements are the same for all the Bonnevilles 2000-05 so they were harder than a Buick driver might have wanted. I loved them. Now I'm replacing the replacements them after 65,000 miles with quick struts by Monroe. In fact that was my excitement for the weekend.
Not a sales story, but both struts had the same bolt rusted to the threaded part of the top plate of the strut. Couldn't turn them out because the "nut" was spinning. Had to grind each one off.
Then put the replacement quick struts on and didn't realize the bottom hole was now a slot. So I had way too much camber on both wheels. Had to learn from the internet about that problem and readjust the bolts holding the wheel to the car so it was close to the correct alignment position. Love my shadetree neighbor with all the heavy tools including an electric impact wrench.
What are you guys paying for a set of struts? I'm seeing a need to replace the front air shocks on the Lincoln in the future and their cost is...well...shocking. $300 each just for the part. I can get a coil replacement kit for all four corners for about the same price so I'm wondering what's the advantage of keeping the original air system.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I dunno about you guys, but before I even had a driver's license I was pouring over car trade rags. I started out getting a subscription to Motor Trend. But, after the news came out that they were influenced by their advertisers, I switched to Car and Driver. That's where I found great auto journalists like David E Davis, Brock Yates, and many others. The one I enjoyed reading the most was Jean (Lindamood) Jennings. She was as irreverent as Davis, but wasn't nearly as stuffy....and funnier to boot.
Anyway, she moved onto Automobile Mag as their editor and I lost track of her after that.
I thought she got fired as head of Automobile a few years ago, but maybe they brought her back? The splash page says she runs Automobile Magazine.
I find her a bit hard to take to be honest, though I don't know if I'd go as far as her former boss, David E. Davis did, in a 2009 interview:
“I sometimes dream of a FedEx flight on its way to Memphis flying over Parma where she lives and a grand piano falling out of the airplane and whistling down through the air, this enormous object, and lands on her and makes the damnedest chord anybody has ever heard; this sound of music that has never been heard by the human ear. And the next morning all they can find . . . [are] some shards of wood and a grease spot and no other trace of Mrs. Jennings.”
The reality show she is a judge on is called Motor City Masters and has been on in the US for about a month. She plays the bad guy.
She was one of the first staffers at Automobile when David Davis founded it. She replaced him as editor in 1999 and then publisher - not much love lost there. She resigned from Automobile last month in a shake up at Interlink, the owner of the magazine.
@graphicguy said:Anyway, she moved onto Automobile Mag as their editor and I lost track of her after that.
I never heard of Jean...I guess my days of reading Motor Trend and Car and Driver were before your time GG.
I watched her review of the Genesis and Audi 3. I liked her everymans er, everypersons rfeview of the two cars. She talks about the things I care about or want to know. She is just a bit much to take....don't know why the wild clothes but I guess it is to make an impression.
Worth watching to get some insight about a particular model.
I won't be watching the new show in HD though....same as Jessica Fletcher, better in LD.
What are you guys paying for a set of struts? I'm seeing a need to replace the front air shocks on the Lincoln in the future and their cost is...well...shocking. $300 each just for the part. I can get a coil replacement kit for all four corners for about the same price so I'm wondering what's the advantage of keeping the original air system.
Price them out and then check on Amazon for the same part number as well as Rockauto.com. I've read about a lot of people replacing the air systems on the Lincoln because of problems with them. Them have replaced them with some kind of shock that doesn't require the air. Is your car one of those where if you jack up one corner without disabling the system it screws it up?
I'd sure do some reading before spending lots for the replacement air shocks to find out what has worked for others. Some people replace the rear shocks on leSabre/Bonnevilles which have automatic load-leveling ability because the compressor goes out on them and folks don't want to get a used one or pay for new or even troubleshoot the system. But it's a lot simpler than yours.
@Michaell said:
Thanks to all who responded to my request for information about Sleep Number beds. After careful consideration - including reading unbiased reviews and comparisons on the web - we've decided to stand pat on getting a new bed for the time being.
If anything, we may go the route of a memory foam mattress next time around.
We bought a king size Select Comfort back in '02. The mattress has been near flawless (one time one of the hoses came loose; we just re-seated it). One of the box springs (which are rigid for air mattresses) had an issue with sagging which I fixed by putting in slats underneath.
Overall we're very satisfied. My wife has back issues that I won't go into but the mattress allows her to have a firm surface while I prefer it softer. Occasionally she adjusts if the day leaves her with more back pain.
When we bought we bought a more basic unit. No topper or anything fancy; we just didn't feel it was worth the money (the mattress topper actually muted the air inflation effect).
@graphicguy said:
I dunno about you guys, but before I even had a driver's license I was pouring over car trade rags. I started out getting a subscription to Motor Trend. But, after the news came out that they were influenced by their advertisers, I switched to Car and Driver. That's where I found great auto journalists like David E Davis, Brock Yates, and many others. The one I enjoyed reading the most was Jean (Lindamood) Jennings. She was as irreverent as Davis, but wasn't nearly as stuffy....and funnier to boot.
Anyway, she moved onto Automobile Mag as their editor and I lost track of her after that.
Too funny. I got my first subscription to C&D in 1976, when I was 12. I remember the cover of the first issue I got in the mail ... bunch of staff members in a field surrounding a Jeep (CJ-5 or CJ-7). "Pig of Bronze", or some such.
Been a subscriber off and on ever since.
I also love the automobile writing of P.J. O'Rourke. And Peter Egan, recently retired from R&T.
My son and his SO and my grandsons left here last night for their trip home to LaQuinta, CA. They arrived safely and had a great time visiting Soith Florida.
I am so thankful they decided to fly down here after my daughter's death to not only visit with me and my Dad, but to provide comfort during our mourning period.
My SIL is flying down next week with my other grandchildren to spend some time with my Dad and me. Luckily a brand new hotel opened last month about 10 blocks from where I live. The rooms are beautiful and their suites were perfect for my son and his family. We made reservations for the same accommodations for my SIL and the grand kids.
We 're taking the grand kids and SIL to Disney World for 3 days during their stay as it It will help keep the kids minds off their mother's death. The following week, I'm driving them down to Key West for a 3-day weekend. We reserved a 30' boat which docks right at the hotel. We're going deep sea fishing - hopefully we can catch something the kids can get excited about.
Heartache often brings a family closer than it had been before and that 's exactly what happened. I bonded with the grand kids and will have ample opportunity to bond with my SIL.
It is tragic that I lost my daughter at such a young age and even more tragic for my grandchildren and my SIL.
Life is so fragile - we must never forget the frailty of life and how loss can bring people closer together.
"...Life is so fragile - we must never forget the frailty of life and how loss can bring people closer together..."
So true. When my parents died I became much closer with my brothers who I had not had much contact with for years. I guess that's the way it's suppose to be so that even a tragedy can have a positive side.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@explorerx4 said:
I think the Lincoln has air springs, not air shocks. When they fail, you've got a low rider.
Yeah, that's what I meant. Whatever you call them, they are expensive.
My car has a feature when at 60mph the system lowers the car an inch for better handling but I notice after sitting for a while the front end is a little lower than the back. Probably a slow leak somewhere so I'm probably
looking at replacement at some point.
Imid, yes you have to turn the system off before you lift the car. I put a note to do so on the dash when I have tires or oil changed. Who knows if they do it which may be why I'm seeing problems.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
For several years now, I have become addicted to watching and listening to "Imus In The Morning" broadcast on ABC radio and simulcast on the Fox Business Channel from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
I am not particularly a fan of Don Imus himself (somewhat of an egotistical individual who is self-agrandizing most of the time) but his crew of cronies and guests are quite humorous if not entertaining and I've learned quite a bit about his guests - book authors, entertainers, TV and Movie stars as well as business executives.
If you are interested in a variety show with interspersements of the latest business news, you might want to give it a "look see" in the morning. Quite interesting and enjoyable show.
@oldfarmer50 said:
Imid, yes you have to turn the system off before you lift the car. I put a note to do so on the dash when I have tires or oil changed. Who knows if they do it which may be why I'm seeing problems.
My memory from reading is that some people actually installed real spring instead of the air supports and eliminated the air system. That sounds expensive, but probably isn't now for someone who knows what parts are needed and can cull them from a recycling yard or buy new.
@abacomike said:Life is so fragile - we must never forget the frailty of life and how loss can bring people closer together.
Family can help you through such times. It is a time to reflect on how fragile life is. A few seconds or just one decision can totally change someones life. Hopefully your family will benefit from this time together.
I didn't know Jean Jennings had left/was asked to leave AUTOMOBILE Mag.
I did know that she and Davis had a falling out. Never heard why or how, though. From what I remember, she was his hand picked successor at Automobile.
I think most media types, even local podunk radio DJs have ego issues. I know one of the main reasons I don't listen to guys like Imus, Stern, etc is because they spend more time stroking their own egos on air, while tearing down those who work for them, that it really makes me cringe.
I'm more into podcasts these days. I download them to my iPhone at the beginning of the week, and bluetooth stream them in my car while driving.
I like Adam Carrola, who is supposed to have the most listened to podcast in the world. He's' into things that interest me.....cars, business, and while a bit crude, can be funny. I love NPR podcast features.....on all sorts of topics. Unless my beloved (and beleaguered) Cincinnati Reds are on the radio, I don't listen to the radio at all.
@abacomike said:
Life is so fragile - we must never forget the frailty of life and how loss can bring people closer together.
@driver100 said:
Family can help you through such times. It is a time to reflect on how fragile life is. A few seconds or just one decision can totally change someones life. Hopefully your family will benefit from this time together.
Ditto -- I agree totally.
On a related note, my aunt is hanging in there. She is 97 and her mind is as sharp as ever. However, the same cannot be said of her physical condition. She is blind in both eyes and both legs have been amputated above the knees due to diabetes.
It's amazing to see how she has relinquished herself of material and worldly things. She has given away most of her possessions, listens intently, and always says an encouraging word or two to family members in turmoil. Instead of feeling sorry for her, you leave feeling uplifted.
@bwia said:
Pardon the ignorance, but what is a podcast? Is it like downloading a movie? And how can you stream the podcast without incurring hefty data charges?
A podcast is a pre-recorded discussion that you download to your player - with Apple, you get podcasts through iTunes.
You can then stream it to your car with Bluetooth. No data charges either way.
Late this morning, I was taking Dad for his morning walk at the mall. I pulled up to the main gate and was waiting for the gate to open when all of a sudden, this elderly woman who you could not see behind the steering wheel because she was too short, pulled right through the iron gate, smashing it to smitherines and barely missed hitting me. She stopped the car, opened her door, looked at the damage, and took off! I got her plate number and called 911.
About 2 hours later, the police knocked on my door and asked me to identify the car, the driver and the licence plate number so they could arrest her for leaving the scene of an accident. I went downstairs with them and they drove me to the police station. They asked me if I could identify one of the cars parked outside as the car that hit the gate. I told them which one it was. Then, they asked me to identify the woman from a group of women in a room. I identified her and they said thanks.
I find out that this woman denied having driven through the gate. Furthermore, she was unable to see well out of her left eye. And, to make things even worse, she did not have a driver's licence nor any insurance. She had to be 90 years old, give or take a day or two.
How could the State of Florida allow people like that drive a vehicle. The Condo association told me, on the phone, that there is no way to collect for the damage because she was "squatting" in someone else's condominium who had passed away 4 years ago.
How could she get away with that? What is happening to this country? I am totally mystified as to how someone could be driving a car (that was at least 25 years old) with no insurance, no driver's license, not even an owner of a condo in the community, and was living on her Social Security. From what I understand, she has no family as she has outlived her children. Good Grief. I need to find somewhere else to live. This place is literally driving me crazy.
I've heard many stories of the shrunken old ladies crashing into things in Florida but never of one squatting in someone's condo. Doesn't the condo association have rules against that? Shouldn't they have evicted her long ago? Who's paying her condo fee?
As to the insurance, here in NY you can't register a car without showing a driver's license and proof of insurance. I assume Florida doesn't require that.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"I've heard many stories of the shrunken old ladies crashing into things in Florida but never of one squatting in someone's condo. Doesn't the condo association have rules against that? Shouldn't they have evicted her long ago? Who's paying her condo fee?"
I did not get that info from the Condo Association, but they did say the condo unit had been on the market for sale for quite some time.
As for insurance and driving permits, Florida does require insurance to register a vehicle - but there are always ways around the law.
That is why I carry 100-300 thousand uninsured motorist insurance . With all the undocumented aliens living here in South Florida, one must have uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance.
This woman could barely walk, let alone drive a car. Down here, you take your life in your hands every time you drive your car.
@abacomike said: Florida does require insurance to register a vehicle - but there are always ways around the law.
Happens all the time....everywhere. Almost impossible to sue those morons who do that, and when they are caught they just do it again.
RE: Living in an empty apartment. We had a case here where a guy rented a vacation home for 3 weeks. He stayed for over a week extra without the people renting out knowing. Now they can't kick him out, he automatically became a tenant, rented for over 30 days. Horror story, now they have to take legal action to remove him.
"..This woman could barely walk, let alone drive a car. Down here, you take your life in your hands every time you drive your car.."
Up here it's the arrogant young person in a leased BMW you have to watch out for. Yesterday on my bus run I must have counted a dozen cars run red lights right in front of me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@oldfarmer50 said:it's the arrogant young person in a leased BMW you have to watch out for.
"..
Sounds like racial profiling.
Just joking. The other day I saw a guy trying to get into traffic and no one would let him in. Funny, the guy in the bmw....me.......let him in. Never prejudge.
Wouldn't that be like how the Buick drivers get profiled? Or the GM vehicles get profiled?
In reality lots of BMW drivers in this area a few years ago fit the profile of thinking they are special because of the car in some way. It's as if they expected to be given open road in their lane or they
go Zoom Zoom like certain Mazda drivers.
I recall several years back before the boom in BMW leases/sales hit with the 4-year service included (IIRC), a BMW with LOOK license plate. The "O's" had a black dot added to the center like pupils in two eyes, so the plate was saying "Look at me in my BMW."
And then are people who buy them because they like the car, sort of like I buy what I like that serves my needs.
How much wealth or income does it take to live like a millionaire?
I was perusing my bank statement and was shocked to see that I earned only $0.02 on my checking account for July. (Yes two cents.) How can that be when I keep an average of $2 - $3K in that account?
Which leaves me to wonder how can seniors survive on these measly returns on their savings accounts. You work hard all your life, saved as much as you could, and now you cannot live of the interest. Bummer.
In the sixties and seventies a millionaire lived liked a millionaire. Today, it takes perhaps $20 million or more to live a millionaire. Don't know how many millionaires are there in the U.S. but they are worth about a dime a dozen.
> @imidazol97 said: > And then are people who buy them because they like the car, sort of like I buy what I like that serves my needs.
I wonder what percentage of people who buy cars like BMW do so for the image. I once knew a BMW owner who always had to mention his BMW as soon as he could when meeting someone, like it some how validated him.
One of the guys I do taxes with has a Mercedes Benz salesman as a client. He told us he makes more money selling Benz as an image rather than as a car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@imidazol97 saidWouldn't that be like how the Buick drivers get profiled? Or the GM vehicles get profiled?
A
Probably a good percentage of buyers of a particular brand do have a certain profile. When I drive next to a Buick I try to look at the driver to see how old they are....occassionally I see a young person but usually an older person. Camry owners, Hyundai owners, and Honda owners are careful with their spending. Buyers of luxury cars buy them partly because they want the world to know they are successful...but, like with other things, jewellery, big house, etc., they probably get enjoyment from owning the car. Mustang and pony car owners are people who may want to be trying to stay young...and/or maybe they can finally afford the car of their dreams when they were younger.
People may drive Buicks because they grew up with the impression a Buick was a car that one should aspire to own. It showed success without rubbing it in your face like a Cadillac did. Today it stands for conservativeness and having values. Let's face it, GM kept it going because the Chinese love them. It made more sense keeping the Pontiac nameplate going....that appealed to the young people in America.
BMW, well, sure it says I have money or at lease can afford the lease payments. I know there are many people who buy a BMW because of the image it conveys. The car is a sports car of sorts, so yes it may be driven fast etc. Myself, I just know a bmw is engineered and designed right, passengers love the back seat and the ride.
I agree with your last statement and I believe you buy a Buick because it suits your needs:
"And then are people who buy them because they like the car, sort of like I buy what I like that serves my needs."
btw....a long time ago in the 60s I remember an article in Popular Mechanics where a psychologist explained what characteristics each car make represented.
@snakeweasel said:
One of the guys I do taxes with has a Mercedes Benz salesman as a client. He told us he makes more money selling Benz as an image rather than as a car.
It's interesting to watch some people driving and looking to see if anyone is looking at them in their fancy car. There's a category of folks here who have expensive cars, MB's included, that look to see if anyone is noticing them. I recall years back a person with whom I worked commenting that a lot of folks in her community had larger homes and a really showy car but inside the house they couldn't afford to buy furniture because they spent so much of their income on image. And a number had expensive cars parked in front of shacks.
A number of them worked for the government at the air force base or some other facilities here and had relatively good incomes, but not nearly what's needed for the lifestyle they chose to try to portray.
@snakeweasel said:Never knew that "arrogant young person in a leased BMW" was a race.
Actually for the most part I would agree with oldfarmer but change "BMW" to "any upscale car".
A friend took a new 2015 Genesis out for a spin. The car is $62K, has almost 500 hp, has every option known to man. Beautiful leather interior etc. They are staying pretty firm on the price too....they don't want to discount, want to gain credibility.
My friends comments. The car is amazing, fast, fantastic warranty, comfortable, solid, every option available, very easy to use GPS and media system. Would he buy one? No, it just is not fun to drive the way a bmw or similar car.
If anyone really thinks you only buy a bmw because it is a status symbol you just haven't driven one to understand how satisfying it is to drive a car where you feel you are part of the car, the steering and handling translate through to the driver. You have to drive one to really understand.
Where I live (undercover for the most part) luxury cars are like flower pots--I'd trip over one before I even noticed it anymore. It would take something quite spectacular to cause a stir around here---maybe a McLaren F1 in front of the local Pete's Coffee would do it?
Fortunately, Wine County still has an agricultural atmosphere, at least in this part of wine country, (we also have lots of cows, so we get the occasional authentic smell of farmland)--and so beat up pickup trucks and Lexi and BMWs park side by side, no problem.
It takes a lot of money to be poor in America.
"It's not what you earn, it's what you keep that counts"
@bwia said:
How much wealth or income does it take to live like a millionaire?
I was perusing my bank statement and was shocked to see that I earned only $0.02 on my checking account for July. (Yes two cents.) How can that be when I keep an average of $2 - $3K in that account?
Which leaves me to wonder how can seniors survive on these measly returns on their savings accounts. You work hard all your life, saved as much as you could, and now you cannot live of the interest. Bummer.
In the sixties and seventies a millionaire lived liked a millionaire. Today, it takes perhaps $20 million or more to live a millionaire. Don't know how many millionaires are there in the U.S. but they are worth about a dime a dozen.
No sane person would try to retire using the interest from a savings account.
Inflation hovers around 3% a year and passbook savings is less than 1%.
This is why the Stock Market has become so attractive. a well managed Mutual Fund will traditionally go up about 10% a year.
> @imidazol97 said: > I recall years back a person with whom I worked commenting that a lot of folks in her community had larger homes and a really showy car but inside the house they couldn't afford to buy furniture because they spent so much of their income on image.
The community that I live in is bisected by a moderately busy street. One side has less expensive homes that run between 1,600 and 1,900 square feet. The other side has the more expensive homes going from 2,100 to 2,500 square feet. The higher priced homes almost always have more mainstream cars in their driveways (Ford, Chevy, Honda etc) while the smaller less expensive homes have a higher percentage of high end cars (BMW, MB, Lexus, Caddy etc) in their driveways.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Speaking of driving a car for the status, I suppose a Ferrari is probably about as ostentatious as you can get. This morning, I saw one on the street. I was on foot, downtown, waiting for the light to change, and it was right next to me.
At first I couldn't figure out what I was looking at. It was big, and white, and ugly. Had the longest front (hood) that I have seen on anything since a 69 Thunderbird. I finally spotted the Ferrari badges, but I had a hard time believing a Ferrari could actually be "yugly".
@driver100 said:
If anyone really thinks you only buy a bmw because it is a status symbol you just haven't driven one to understand how satisfying it is to drive a car where you feel you are part of the car, the steering and handling translate through to the driver. You have to drive one to really understand.
Driver...just having been through a lux buying experience with my sister, I think that $62K Hyundai is going to be a hard sale at MSRP.
There's a little place I hang out to watch sports and grab a beer and sandwich with my buds (Silver Spring House for the locals). There's a guy there who bought an Equs and parks it right out front. I don't know the guy but one day I saw him pull up and park. Since he was walking into the place the same time I was, I started making small talk. We ended up sitting at the bar together.
Eventually, I got around to asking him about the Equs. As he put it, it's a nice car. But, paraphrasing him......it's a nice car to buy used when depreciation knocks it down to low $40s, not new in the low $60s. My guess is that few, if any, will buy the Genesis new at $60K+. Dealership can hold out if they want. That's their choice.
Apparently, Hyudais depreciate......a lot.
This guy bought his with 6K miles on it.....previous model year.
So, moral of the story, don't buy that Genesis or Equs new. Wait for the dealership to let it languish for awhile, maybe make it a demo, then save $20K and buy it.
yeah, a Ferrari still makes a pretty big splash, especially if it's running. Nothing quite sounds like that. It's not my idea of a "luxury car" however. It's more "Ultimate Toy" in my perception--more like buying a plane or a 50foot sailboat. Something not used that often, requiring punishing maintenance, and some nifty thrills.
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We did the same for our guest room bed, and it's the most comfortable bed in the house. It's more comfortable than our Tempurpedic knock-off mattress in our own room, actually. You definitely need the deep-pocket fitted sheets, though.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Not old Buicks are spongy. However, the bmw ride is definitely taut until, of course, the shocks wear out. Speaking of the German ride, I'm realizing that may be what I liked about my Malibu. Its Epsilon II platform came from German design with Opel. The Regal I had test driven years back when they first started importing the Regal was really tight. I didn't care for it. But I love my Malibu on the same Epsilon II platform but modified.
Re the Buicks. It's in the maintenance. Let the struts and shocks wear as do many owners thinking as long as it steers down the road, things are fine. But if the struts and shocks were replaced at recommended intervals, the car is much different. Crown Vics, Gran Marquis, Town Cars may also exhibit the same wear with age softening in a ride that is already smooth.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I just had the front struts replaced on our 2003 CRV with 78,000 miles. I wouldn't have replaced them except a shock mount went bad and I was getting a slight clunk at certain times. I know a lot of people wouldn't have even noticed or cared.
The old struts must have been going weaker with time because WOW does the car ever ride better and it tracks like an arrow now!
I made the same mistake with my 03 and didn't think about replacement until 80K and then took a while to decide what struts to use. The front struts were so soft I could push them in and out with one hand as far as slow speed motions were concerned. The new ones were rock hard by comparison. The replacements are the same for all the Bonnevilles 2000-05 so they were harder than a Buick driver might have wanted. I loved them. Now I'm replacing the replacements them after 65,000 miles with quick struts by Monroe. In fact that was my excitement for the weekend.
Not a sales story, but both struts had the same bolt rusted to the threaded part of the top plate of the strut. Couldn't turn them out because the "nut" was spinning. Had to grind each one off.
Then put the replacement quick struts on and didn't realize the bottom hole was now a slot. So I had way too much camber on both wheels. Had to learn from the internet about that problem and readjust the bolts holding the wheel to the car so it was close to the correct alignment position. Love my shadetree neighbor with all the heavy tools including an electric impact wrench.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Re: Struts
What are you guys paying for a set of struts? I'm seeing a need to replace the front air shocks on the Lincoln in the future and their cost is...well...shocking. $300 each just for the part. I can get a coil replacement kit for all four corners for about the same price so I'm wondering what's the advantage of keeping the original air system.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I dunno about you guys, but before I even had a driver's license I was pouring over car trade rags. I started out getting a subscription to Motor Trend. But, after the news came out that they were influenced by their advertisers, I switched to Car and Driver. That's where I found great auto journalists like David E Davis, Brock Yates, and many others. The one I enjoyed reading the most was Jean (Lindamood) Jennings. She was as irreverent as Davis, but wasn't nearly as stuffy....and funnier to boot.
Anyway, she moved onto Automobile Mag as their editor and I lost track of her after that.
However, I just stumbled upon this gem.......
http://www.jeanknowscars.com
The one I enjoyed reading the most was Jean (Lindamood) Jennings. She was as irreverent as Davis, but wasn't nearly as stuffy....and funnier to boot.
Jean will be a judge in a Reality Auto show starting later this year.
I thought she got fired as head of Automobile a few years ago, but maybe they brought her back? The splash page says she runs Automobile Magazine.
I find her a bit hard to take to be honest, though I don't know if I'd go as far as her former boss, David E. Davis did, in a 2009 interview:
“I sometimes dream of a FedEx flight on its way to Memphis flying over Parma where she lives and a grand piano falling out of the airplane and whistling down through the air, this enormous object, and lands on her and makes the damnedest chord anybody has ever heard; this sound of music that has never been heard by the human ear. And the next morning all they can find . . . [are] some shards of wood and a grease spot and no other trace of Mrs. Jennings.”
I guess they had a falling out.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
The reality show she is a judge on is called Motor City Masters and has been on in the US for about a month. She plays the bad guy.
She was one of the first staffers at Automobile when David Davis founded it. She replaced him as editor in 1999 and then publisher - not much love lost there. She resigned from Automobile last month in a shake up at Interlink, the owner of the magazine.
I never heard of Jean...I guess my days of reading Motor Trend and Car and Driver were before your time GG.
I watched her review of the Genesis and Audi 3. I liked her everymans er, everypersons rfeview of the two cars. She talks about the things I care about or want to know. She is just a bit much to take....don't know why the wild clothes but I guess it is to make an impression.
Worth watching to get some insight about a particular model.
I won't be watching the new show in HD though....same as Jessica Fletcher, better in LD.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Price them out and then check on Amazon for the same part number as well as Rockauto.com. I've read about a lot of people replacing the air systems on the Lincoln because of problems with them. Them have replaced them with some kind of shock that doesn't require the air. Is your car one of those where if you jack up one corner without disabling the system it screws it up?
I'd sure do some reading before spending lots for the replacement air shocks to find out what has worked for others. Some people replace the rear shocks on leSabre/Bonnevilles which have automatic load-leveling ability because the compressor goes out on them and folks don't want to get a used one or pay for new or even troubleshoot the system. But it's a lot simpler than yours.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I think the Lincoln has air springs, not air shocks. When they fail, you've got a low rider.
"I think the Lincoln has air springs, not air shocks. When they fail, you've got a low rider."
I know I have an air suspension, but I do not know whether it is air shocks, air springs, or both.
On my console, I have several buttons that adjust the suspension.
*one of them raises and lowers the car several inches
*another one either softens the ride or stiffens the ride (comfort/sport setting)
If it is set for "raised" suspension, it automatically returns to the lower setting when the car reaches 55 mph.
So, I know I have an air suspension, but I don't know if it's shocks, springs, or both.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
We bought a king size Select Comfort back in '02. The mattress has been near flawless (one time one of the hoses came loose; we just re-seated it). One of the box springs (which are rigid for air mattresses) had an issue with sagging which I fixed by putting in slats underneath.
Overall we're very satisfied. My wife has back issues that I won't go into but the mattress allows her to have a firm surface while I prefer it softer. Occasionally she adjusts if the day leaves her with more back pain.
When we bought we bought a more basic unit. No topper or anything fancy; we just didn't feel it was worth the money (the mattress topper actually muted the air inflation effect).
BTW, some Holiday Inns now offer SC beds.
Too funny. I got my first subscription to C&D in 1976, when I was 12. I remember the cover of the first issue I got in the mail ... bunch of staff members in a field surrounding a Jeep (CJ-5 or CJ-7). "Pig of Bronze", or some such.
Been a subscriber off and on ever since.
I also love the automobile writing of P.J. O'Rourke. And Peter Egan, recently retired from R&T.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I started subscribing to car/bike magazines back in the late sixties. I currently subscribe to:
Automobile
Autoweek
BMW Car(British)
Car and Driver
Cycle World
Grassroots Motorsports
Motorcycle Classics
Road & Track
Thoroughbred and Classic Car(British)
There are several others I pick up at the bookstore if they have articles I'm interested in.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My son and his SO and my grandsons left here last night for their trip home to LaQuinta, CA. They arrived safely and had a great time visiting Soith Florida.
I am so thankful they decided to fly down here after my daughter's death to not only visit with me and my Dad, but to provide comfort during our mourning period.
My SIL is flying down next week with my other grandchildren to spend some time with my Dad and me. Luckily a brand new hotel opened last month about 10 blocks from where I live. The rooms are beautiful and their suites were perfect for my son and his family. We made reservations for the same accommodations for my SIL and the grand kids.
We 're taking the grand kids and SIL to Disney World for 3 days during their stay as it It will help keep the kids minds off their mother's death. The following week, I'm driving them down to Key West for a 3-day weekend. We reserved a 30' boat which docks right at the hotel. We're going deep sea fishing - hopefully we can catch something the kids can get excited about.
Heartache often brings a family closer than it had been before and that 's exactly what happened. I bonded with the grand kids and will have ample opportunity to bond with my SIL.
It is tragic that I lost my daughter at such a young age and even more tragic for my grandchildren and my SIL.
Life is so fragile - we must never forget the frailty of life and how loss can bring people closer together.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
"...Life is so fragile - we must never forget the frailty of life and how loss can bring people closer together..."
So true. When my parents died I became much closer with my brothers who I had not had much contact with for years. I guess that's the way it's suppose to be so that even a tragedy can have a positive side.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Yeah, that's what I meant. Whatever you call them, they are expensive.
My car has a feature when at 60mph the system lowers the car an inch for better handling but I notice after sitting for a while the front end is a little lower than the back. Probably a slow leak somewhere so I'm probably
looking at replacement at some point.
Imid, yes you have to turn the system off before you lift the car. I put a note to do so on the dash when I have tires or oil changed. Who knows if they do it which may be why I'm seeing problems.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
For several years now, I have become addicted to watching and listening to "Imus In The Morning" broadcast on ABC radio and simulcast on the Fox Business Channel from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
I am not particularly a fan of Don Imus himself (somewhat of an egotistical individual who is self-agrandizing most of the time) but his crew of cronies and guests are quite humorous if not entertaining and I've learned quite a bit about his guests - book authors, entertainers, TV and Movie stars as well as business executives.
If you are interested in a variety show with interspersements of the latest business news, you might want to give it a "look see" in the morning. Quite interesting and enjoyable show.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I gotta get me one of these.
http://uncrate.com/p/2014/07/polaris-slingshot.jpg
Who can loan me $20k?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My memory from reading is that some people actually installed real spring instead of the air supports and eliminated the air system. That sounds expensive, but probably isn't now for someone who knows what parts are needed and can cull them from a recycling yard or buy new.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Family can help you through such times. It is a time to reflect on how fragile life is. A few seconds or just one decision can totally change someones life. Hopefully your family will benefit from this time together.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
> I gotta get me one of these.
>
> http://uncrate.com/p/2014/07/polaris-slingshot.jpg
>
> Who can loan me $20k?
I saw that the other day, looks like fun but it is classified as a motorcycle so you need a license for that and wear helmets (in most states).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Looks like the British "Atom".
I didn't know Jean Jennings had left/was asked to leave AUTOMOBILE Mag.
I did know that she and Davis had a falling out. Never heard why or how, though. From what I remember, she was his hand picked successor at Automobile.
I think most media types, even local podunk radio DJs have ego issues. I know one of the main reasons I don't listen to guys like Imus, Stern, etc is because they spend more time stroking their own egos on air, while tearing down those who work for them, that it really makes me cringe.
I'm more into podcasts these days. I download them to my iPhone at the beginning of the week, and bluetooth stream them in my car while driving.
I like Adam Carrola, who is supposed to have the most listened to podcast in the world. He's' into things that interest me.....cars, business, and while a bit crude, can be funny. I love NPR podcast features.....on all sorts of topics. Unless my beloved (and beleaguered) Cincinnati Reds are on the radio, I don't listen to the radio at all.
Ditto -- I agree totally.
On a related note, my aunt is hanging in there. She is 97 and her mind is as sharp as ever. However, the same cannot be said of her physical condition. She is blind in both eyes and both legs have been amputated above the knees due to diabetes.
It's amazing to see how she has relinquished herself of material and worldly things. She has given away most of her possessions, listens intently, and always says an encouraging word or two to family members in turmoil. Instead of feeling sorry for her, you leave feeling uplifted.
>
Pardon the ignorance, but what is a podcast? Is it like downloading a movie? And how can you stream the podcast without incurring hefty data charges?
A podcast is a pre-recorded discussion that you download to your player - with Apple, you get podcasts through iTunes.
You can then stream it to your car with Bluetooth. No data charges either way.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED TO ME ON THE WAY TO...
Late this morning, I was taking Dad for his morning walk at the mall. I pulled up to the main gate and was waiting for the gate to open when all of a sudden, this elderly woman who you could not see behind the steering wheel because she was too short, pulled right through the iron gate, smashing it to smitherines and barely missed hitting me. She stopped the car, opened her door, looked at the damage, and took off! I got her plate number and called 911.
About 2 hours later, the police knocked on my door and asked me to identify the car, the driver and the licence plate number so they could arrest her for leaving the scene of an accident. I went downstairs with them and they drove me to the police station. They asked me if I could identify one of the cars parked outside as the car that hit the gate. I told them which one it was. Then, they asked me to identify the woman from a group of women in a room. I identified her and they said thanks.
I find out that this woman denied having driven through the gate. Furthermore, she was unable to see well out of her left eye. And, to make things even worse, she did not have a driver's licence nor any insurance. She had to be 90 years old, give or take a day or two.
How could the State of Florida allow people like that drive a vehicle. The Condo association told me, on the phone, that there is no way to collect for the damage because she was "squatting" in someone else's condominium who had passed away 4 years ago.
How could she get away with that? What is happening to this country? I am totally mystified as to how someone could be driving a car (that was at least 25 years old) with no insurance, no driver's license, not even an owner of a condo in the community, and was living on her Social Security. From what I understand, she has no family as she has outlived her children. Good Grief. I need to find somewhere else to live. This place is literally driving me crazy.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
".. This place is literally driving me crazy..."
Mike, that us so outrageous it's funny!
I've heard many stories of the shrunken old ladies crashing into things in Florida but never of one squatting in someone's condo. Doesn't the condo association have rules against that? Shouldn't they have evicted her long ago? Who's paying her condo fee?
As to the insurance, here in NY you can't register a car without showing a driver's license and proof of insurance. I assume Florida doesn't require that.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"I've heard many stories of the shrunken old ladies crashing into things in Florida but never of one squatting in someone's condo. Doesn't the condo association have rules against that? Shouldn't they have evicted her long ago? Who's paying her condo fee?"
I did not get that info from the Condo Association, but they did say the condo unit had been on the market for sale for quite some time.
As for insurance and driving permits, Florida does require insurance to register a vehicle - but there are always ways around the law.
That is why I carry 100-300 thousand uninsured motorist insurance . With all the undocumented aliens living here in South Florida, one must have uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance.
This woman could barely walk, let alone drive a car. Down here, you take your life in your hands every time you drive your car.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Happens all the time....everywhere. Almost impossible to sue those morons who do that, and when they are caught they just do it again.
RE: Living in an empty apartment. We had a case here where a guy rented a vacation home for 3 weeks. He stayed for over a week extra without the people renting out knowing. Now they can't kick him out, he automatically became a tenant, rented for over 30 days. Horror story, now they have to take legal action to remove him.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The term you're looking for is "judgement proof". They have no assets, nothing to lose.
How could you then justify being judgemental? Not that there's anything wrong with it.
It's the coin of the realm. Many of these boards would collapse otherwise.
"..This woman could barely walk, let alone drive a car. Down here, you take your life in your hands every time you drive your car.."
Up here it's the arrogant young person in a leased BMW you have to watch out for. Yesterday on my bus run I must have counted a dozen cars run red lights right in front of me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sounds like racial profiling.
Just joking. The other day I saw a guy trying to get into traffic and no one would let him in. Funny, the guy in the bmw....me.......let him in. Never prejudge.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sounds like racial profiling.
Wouldn't that be like how the Buick drivers get profiled? Or the GM vehicles get profiled?
In reality lots of BMW drivers in this area a few years ago fit the profile of thinking they are special because of the car in some way. It's as if they expected to be given open road in their lane or they
go Zoom Zoom like certain Mazda drivers.
I recall several years back before the boom in BMW leases/sales hit with the 4-year service included (IIRC), a BMW with LOOK license plate. The "O's" had a black dot added to the center like pupils in two eyes, so the plate was saying "Look at me in my BMW."
And then are people who buy them because they like the car, sort of like I buy what I like that serves my needs.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
How much wealth or income does it take to live like a millionaire?
I was perusing my bank statement and was shocked to see that I earned only $0.02 on my checking account for July. (Yes two cents.) How can that be when I keep an average of $2 - $3K in that account?
Which leaves me to wonder how can seniors survive on these measly returns on their savings accounts. You work hard all your life, saved as much as you could, and now you cannot live of the interest. Bummer.
In the sixties and seventies a millionaire lived liked a millionaire. Today, it takes perhaps $20 million or more to live a millionaire. Don't know how many millionaires are there in the U.S. but they are worth about a dime a dozen.
> Sounds like racial profiling.
Never knew that "arrogant young person in a leased BMW" was a race.
Actually for the most part I would agree with oldfarmer but change "BMW" to "any upscale car".
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> And then are people who buy them because they like the car, sort of like I buy what I like that serves my needs.
I wonder what percentage of people who buy cars like BMW do so for the image. I once knew a BMW owner who always had to mention his BMW as soon as he could when meeting someone, like it some how validated him.
One of the guys I do taxes with has a Mercedes Benz salesman as a client. He told us he makes more money selling Benz as an image rather than as a car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Probably a good percentage of buyers of a particular brand do have a certain profile. When I drive next to a Buick I try to look at the driver to see how old they are....occassionally I see a young person but usually an older person. Camry owners, Hyundai owners, and Honda owners are careful with their spending. Buyers of luxury cars buy them partly because they want the world to know they are successful...but, like with other things, jewellery, big house, etc., they probably get enjoyment from owning the car. Mustang and pony car owners are people who may want to be trying to stay young...and/or maybe they can finally afford the car of their dreams when they were younger.
People may drive Buicks because they grew up with the impression a Buick was a car that one should aspire to own. It showed success without rubbing it in your face like a Cadillac did. Today it stands for conservativeness and having values. Let's face it, GM kept it going because the Chinese love them. It made more sense keeping the Pontiac nameplate going....that appealed to the young people in America.
BMW, well, sure it says I have money or at lease can afford the lease payments. I know there are many people who buy a BMW because of the image it conveys. The car is a sports car of sorts, so yes it may be driven fast etc. Myself, I just know a bmw is engineered and designed right, passengers love the back seat and the ride.
I agree with your last statement and I believe you buy a Buick because it suits your needs:
btw....a long time ago in the 60s I remember an article in Popular Mechanics where a psychologist explained what characteristics each car make represented.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It's interesting to watch some people driving and looking to see if anyone is looking at them in their fancy car. There's a category of folks here who have expensive cars, MB's included, that look to see if anyone is noticing them. I recall years back a person with whom I worked commenting that a lot of folks in her community had larger homes and a really showy car but inside the house they couldn't afford to buy furniture because they spent so much of their income on image. And a number had expensive cars parked in front of shacks.
A number of them worked for the government at the air force base or some other facilities here and had relatively good incomes, but not nearly what's needed for the lifestyle they chose to try to portray.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Actually for the most part I would agree with oldfarmer but change "BMW" to "any upscale car".
A friend took a new 2015 Genesis out for a spin. The car is $62K, has almost 500 hp, has every option known to man. Beautiful leather interior etc. They are staying pretty firm on the price too....they don't want to discount, want to gain credibility.
My friends comments. The car is amazing, fast, fantastic warranty, comfortable, solid, every option available, very easy to use GPS and media system. Would he buy one? No, it just is not fun to drive the way a bmw or similar car.
If anyone really thinks you only buy a bmw because it is a status symbol you just haven't driven one to understand how satisfying it is to drive a car where you feel you are part of the car, the steering and handling translate through to the driver. You have to drive one to really understand.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Where I live (undercover for the most part) luxury cars are like flower pots--I'd trip over one before I even noticed it anymore. It would take something quite spectacular to cause a stir around here---maybe a McLaren F1 in front of the local Pete's Coffee would do it?
Fortunately, Wine County still has an agricultural atmosphere, at least in this part of wine country, (we also have lots of cows, so we get the occasional authentic smell of farmland)--and so beat up pickup trucks and Lexi and BMWs park side by side, no problem.
It takes a lot of money to be poor in America.
"It's not what you earn, it's what you keep that counts"
No sane person would try to retire using the interest from a savings account.
Inflation hovers around 3% a year and passbook savings is less than 1%.
This is why the Stock Market has become so attractive. a well managed Mutual Fund will traditionally go up about 10% a year.
> I recall years back a person with whom I worked commenting that a lot of folks in her community had larger homes and a really showy car but inside the house they couldn't afford to buy furniture because they spent so much of their income on image.
The community that I live in is bisected by a moderately busy street. One side has less expensive homes that run between 1,600 and 1,900 square feet. The other side has the more expensive homes going from 2,100 to 2,500 square feet. The higher priced homes almost always have more mainstream cars in their driveways (Ford, Chevy, Honda etc) while the smaller less expensive homes have a higher percentage of high end cars (BMW, MB, Lexus, Caddy etc) in their driveways.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Except when it goes down 30% ...
Speaking of driving a car for the status, I suppose a Ferrari is probably about as ostentatious as you can get. This morning, I saw one on the street. I was on foot, downtown, waiting for the light to change, and it was right next to me.
At first I couldn't figure out what I was looking at. It was big, and white, and ugly. Had the longest front (hood) that I have seen on anything since a 69 Thunderbird. I finally spotted the Ferrari badges, but I had a hard time believing a Ferrari could actually be "yugly".
Driver...just having been through a lux buying experience with my sister, I think that $62K Hyundai is going to be a hard sale at MSRP.
There's a little place I hang out to watch sports and grab a beer and sandwich with my buds (Silver Spring House for the locals). There's a guy there who bought an Equs and parks it right out front. I don't know the guy but one day I saw him pull up and park. Since he was walking into the place the same time I was, I started making small talk. We ended up sitting at the bar together.
Eventually, I got around to asking him about the Equs. As he put it, it's a nice car. But, paraphrasing him......it's a nice car to buy used when depreciation knocks it down to low $40s, not new in the low $60s. My guess is that few, if any, will buy the Genesis new at $60K+. Dealership can hold out if they want. That's their choice.
Apparently, Hyudais depreciate......a lot.
This guy bought his with 6K miles on it.....previous model year.
So, moral of the story, don't buy that Genesis or Equs new. Wait for the dealership to let it languish for awhile, maybe make it a demo, then save $20K and buy it.
yeah, a Ferrari still makes a pretty big splash, especially if it's running. Nothing quite sounds like that. It's not my idea of a "luxury car" however. It's more "Ultimate Toy" in my perception--more like buying a plane or a 50foot sailboat. Something not used that often, requiring punishing maintenance, and some nifty thrills.