Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I think I just got the same scam text that driver100 was talking about. It says:

WAL shipment tracking: Hi, your package with shipping numberPA386Z12 is waiting for you to check the shipping address: dreadprovide.com/rQuMky7.

Since I have ordered nothing where I would give my cell number as a contact, I’m assuming this is some way of getting you to download malware or give up financial information.

Merry Christmas from the Nigerian prince.

There have been so many data breaches out there over the last couple of years, I’m surprised more haven’t been targeted. I know as soon as I change a password, I get a message that it’s been found in another data breach a month later.

I know my cell phone number must have been involved in one of those breaches. As I get the scam texts on my iPhone, too. I should change my phone number, but I’ve had it so long I am reluctant.

Good news, iPhOS allows you to hide your email address when one is required. I know that feature alone has cut down on email spam by about 75%.

I find it interesting in that my TracPhone seldom gets bogus texts because I only use it for work. I occasionally get spam texts from TracPhone promoting this or that but nothing else. This was the first spam text. If my cell phone can get emails I wouldn’t know how to retrieve them.

I occasionally get the spam warranty calls because the dealer where I bought my son’s call obviously sold my number.

My home phone land line luckily can’t get texts but is flooded with spam robocalls, particularly Medicare enrollment baloney.

roadburner

@stickguy said:
at the Honda dealer today looking at the Si (manual trans of course) the sales guy (younger, maybe still 20s, possibly 30ish) was pointing out some things different on the Si vs. regular Civic. some of it was manual related (things the safety nannies didn't do). But his big thing he just had to point out was it did not come with remote start.

when I told him I did not care because I would never use it anyway, he looked like I told him his mother was a wildebeest. He just could not understand anyone that did not think this was the greatest invention ever, and wanted to use it all the time.

I might have broken his spirit entirely if I told him I also never use auto climate either.

I have encountered similar responses when I’ve told salespeople I want the RWD model- even when they offered me an AWD car for the same price.
The funniest response I received was at a BMW dealer back in the ‘90s; I told the sales guy I was looking for an ///M car. He pointed me to an M Technic convertible. I told him that it had to be a real ///M car- and it couldn’t be a convertible because it was going to be my track car. His face fell and he said, “So you’re one of those guys.”

tjc78

I don’t think giving your cell number out means anything or gets you targeted more. The spammers just use chunks of numbers to make their calls.

My work cell gets tons of spam calls and that number hasn’t been given to anyone other than direct business contacts.

My personal cell which is over 20 years old and been given out numerous times gets less.

28firefighter

I get an uptick in spam calls after a new data breach. I just assume it’s because it got posted on the dark web somewhere again. Our credit reports are locked by PIN, so I don’t even worry about it anymore.

laurasdada

Just one man's opinion, but it's pretty simple. If you get a call, text or email from an unknown source, and there is any mention of, direct or indirect, $ or personal info, it is most certainly (and obviously) a scam. Although I took a chance once and have a new bestest buddy in Nigeria.

snakeweasel

tjc78 said:

@explorerx4

I’ve heard Samsung will fix it, but not sure I apply because I’m not the original owner (came with house)

Re:remote start

I’ve in the past said I don’t use it… well I really don’t use it now since we have the garage and WFH. BUT, In the summer once we pack up all our beach gear I start the car with the phone and when we get to it to load our stuff it’s all nice and cool.

Bouchée I know

I'm not sure if I would ever use a remote start. I have never had one nor have I ever desired one. In the summertime I usually like to use 4/40 A/C (love the fresh air) so in my car i just roll down the windows and go, the car cools off enough for me. Now the wifes car does have a way to turn on the cars vents to vent in outside air to cool off the car in the summer without turning the engine on.

On the bike it doesn't make any difference.

snakeweasel

mjfloyd1 said:

@stickguy said:

at the Honda dealer today looking at the Si (manual trans of course) the sales guy (younger, maybe still 20s, possibly 30ish) was pointing out some things different on the Si vs. regular Civic. some of it was manual related (things the safety nannies didn't do). But his big thing he just had to point out was it did not come with remote start.

when I told him I did not care because I would never use it anyway, he looked like I told him his mother was a wildebeest. He just could not understand anyone that did not think this was the greatest invention ever, and wanted to use it all the time.

I might have broken his spirit entirely if I told him I also never use auto climate either.

It seems like a remote start with a manual transmission could end poorly if you forget to leave it in neutral….

I think they have safeguards for that. Like it won't start if in gear.

cdnpinhead

Mainly the clutch needs to be disengaged, one of the first safety nannies.

My MGB didn't have that "feature," so I always started the car in neutral without depressing the clutch pedal. Back in about '72 I rented a car in Winnipeg on a business trip, and it happened to have a manual transmission. After my first call in town I couldn't get the damn thing to even turn over. I called the rental outfit (Budget, I think), and the guy asked if I had pushed in the clutch -- it wouldn't start otherwise. And so it began.

mjfloyd1

@snakeweasel said:
I think they have safeguards for that. Like it won't start if in gear.

I kid. I kid.

I see sarcasm as “value added”

venture

tjc78 said:

I don’t think giving your cell number out means anything or gets you targeted more. The spammers just use chunks of numbers to make their calls.

My work cell gets tons of spam calls and that number hasn’t been given to anyone other than direct business contacts.

My personal cell which is over 20 years old and been given out numerous times gets less.

Off the subject, but I was looking at Volvos for my daughter-in-law. She is interested in a 3-row so I am in the process of learning about the configurations, etc. of the XC90. I noticed that the optional running boards cost $2775. Yikes!

Not a concern for them, but I took a break after that.

explorerx4

I don't think I've ever seen running boards on an XC90.
Are they at least power folding?

stickguy

not on that car. But it does seem overly expensive. I don't think the XC90 is high enough to need them. My wife hates them since she always ends up getting her pants cuffs dirty on them. Plus they are usually not deep enough to actually be useful.

venture

stickguy said:

not on that car. But it does seem overly expensive. I don't think the XC90 is high enough to need them. My wife hates them since she always ends up getting her pants cuffs dirty on them. Plus they are usually not deep enough to actually be useful.

I agree that it doesn't seem to be high enough to need them.

I also noticed that the standard configuration is seating for 7. If you want seating for 6 instead, the cost is $7,900. In the wise words of Bart Simpson, "Aye carumba!!"

jmonroe1

venture said:

stickguy said:

not on that car. But it does seem overly expensive. I don't think the XC90 is high enough to need them. My wife hates them since she always ends up getting her pants cuffs dirty on them. Plus they are usually not deep enough to actually be useful.

I agree that it doesn't seem to be high enough to need them.

I also noticed that the standard configuration is seating for 7. If you want seating for 6 instead, the cost is $7,900. In the wise words of Bart Simpson, "Aye carumba!!"

Get a hack saw.

jmonroe

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

Is this a scam?
I get a notice from Legacy.com with a candle on it and it says "John Doe" has died. Do you want to leave a message or donate for a tree.
The name sounds familiar but I don't really know who this guy is.
Legacy.com is a real company. I looked on their site and they don't list any John Does.
It is probably a scam but if it is it is very clever, it makes you curious to know who John Doe is!

That seems a rather tasteless way to solicit business even if it’s for something legit. My question is how did they get your email in the first place? Did John Doe get up out of the coffin and give them a list of acquaintances?

Good point. Maybe they check John Doe's hard drive once he is gone.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

tjc78 said:

@explorerx4

I’ve heard Samsung will fix it, but not sure I apply because I’m not the original owner (came with house)

Re:remote start

I’ve in the past said I don’t use it… well I really don’t use it now since we have the garage and WFH. BUT, In the summer once we pack up all our beach gear I start the car with the phone and when we get to it to load our stuff it’s all nice and cool.

Bouchée I know

I'm not sure if I would ever use a remote start. I have never had one nor have I ever desired one. In the summertime I usually like to use 4/40 A/C (love the fresh air) so in my car i just roll down the windows and go, the car cools off enough for me. Now the wifes car does have a way to turn on the cars vents to vent in outside air to cool off the car in the summer without turning the engine on.

On the bike it doesn't make any difference.

Yes, a remote starter for the bike would be pretty pointless

oldfarmer50

venture said:

tjc78 said:

I don’t think giving your cell number out means anything or gets you targeted more. The spammers just use chunks of numbers to make their calls.

My work cell gets tons of spam calls and that number hasn’t been given to anyone other than direct business contacts.

My personal cell which is over 20 years old and been given out numerous times gets less.

Off the subject, but I was looking at Volvos for my daughter-in-law. She is interested in a 3-row so I am in the process of learning about the configurations, etc. of the XC90. I noticed that the optional running boards cost $2775. Yikes!

Not a concern for them, but I took a break after that.

$2775 not a concern? Be nice to them, they may be able to pay for a nursing home upgrade for you some day.

venture

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

tjc78 said:

I don’t think giving your cell number out means anything or gets you targeted more. The spammers just use chunks of numbers to make their calls.

My work cell gets tons of spam calls and that number hasn’t been given to anyone other than direct business contacts.

My personal cell which is over 20 years old and been given out numerous times gets less.

Off the subject, but I was looking at Volvos for my daughter-in-law. She is interested in a 3-row so I am in the process of learning about the configurations, etc. of the XC90. I noticed that the optional running boards cost $2775. Yikes!

Not a concern for them, but I took a break after that.

$2775 not a concern? Be nice to them, they may be able to pay for a nursing home upgrade for you some day.

I think I'm done. I'll let my son take it from here. That site is scary.

tjc78

We have an XC90. My 5’2” wife gets in with zero effort. It is not a tall SUV

driver100

What went wrong? Can you spot it?

It has been fixed, and at least they didn't hand paint the missing letter into the space.

venture

tjc78 said:

We have an XC90. My 5’2” wife gets in with zero effort. It is not a tall SUV

Good to know. I knew you had one, that's why I latched on to your post. Thanks.

venture

driver100 said:

What went wrong? Can you spot it?

It has been fixed, and at least they didn't hand paint the missing letter into the space.

It's amazing how things get that far along without anyone noticing.

qbrozen

@driver100 said:
What went wrong? Can you spot it?

It has been fixed, and at least they didn't hand paint the missing letter into the space.

I know I posted it around here years ago, but a story worth repeating. Every day on my way to work, I would pass a sign in the adjoining town that read “ENGINE BREAKING PROHIBITED.” It remained this way for many years. Finally, one day, I took matters into my own hands and stopped on the side of the road and put white tape over the E to correct it. I guess someone finally got the point and they have since replaced the sign.

abacomike

@snakeweasel said:
I'm not sure if I would ever use a remote start. I have never had one nor have I ever desired one. In the summertime I usually like to use 4/40 A/C (love the fresh air) so in my car i just roll down the windows and go, the car cools off enough for me. Now the wifes car does have a way to turn on the cars vents to vent in outside air to cool off the car in the summer without turning the engine on.

On the bike it doesn't make any difference.

I have remote start on my G90. I have used it to cool off the interior on 90+ degree temperature days if it’s been sitting in the sun for some time. I start it up just as I am about to leave my condo - it takes me 4-7 minutes to walk down to the elevator and then walk over to the car. It shuts down as soon as I approach my car once the computer can “read” my key fob.

I’ve used the feature 10-15 times.

imidazol97

Remote start available from the keyfob is one of two greatest things, along with heated seats, for those of us in the cruel, cold Northland. However, the two go together so nicely. My Malibu and Cruze turn on the seat heaters along with the heated rear window defroster when the outside temp indicates that's needed.

Those in the wonderful, warm South need the AC to temper the inside of the cabin due to the heat.

The remote start runs for 10 min then turns off, and can be repeated 1 time. That can really help with a car that's iced or heavily frosted let alone has snow on it.

stickguy

I park in the garage so I can’t use it. But still wouldn’t if I parked outside. It’s a mental thing I guess!

tjc78

@venture said:
Good to know. I knew you had one, that's why I latched on to your post. Thanks.

I was just looking back. I can’t quite remember, but I don’t think the actual 6 passenger seating cost is $7900 but you have to step up to the T6 in order to get it.

We got the 7 passenger and I was hesitant because we had the captain’s chairs in the Enclave. It is so much more useful. Can fit 5 now and have a huge cargo area behind.

IMO you want the T6 power train. The T5 is only adequate. The sweet spot of the lineup is the T6 momentum with a few packages. Standard adaptive CC with pro pilot, the large moonroof etc

sda

The Passat has remote start. I find its usefulness limited as typically I want to use it to start cooling the car down after I've been shopping and need to load the trunk. Once the trunk is opened the car shuts off. I would like for it to continue to run until I open the driver's door. So instead of using remote start, I just open the car door, start the car to turn on the ac, then load the trunk. Remote start is pretty useless for the most part.

imidazol97

I just tested my GM remote start operation. I could open the trunk with the remote without unlocking the car and the engine was running in remote start mode.

I could unlock the car and the engine keeps running of course. Then I could push the button
on the hidden lip of the trunk to open it.

jmonroe1

@qbrozen said:

@driver100 said:
What went wrong? Can you spot it?

It has been fixed, and at least they didn't hand paint the missing letter into the space.

I know I posted it around here years ago, but a story worth repeating. Every day on my way to work, I would pass a sign in the adjoining town that read “ENGINE BREAKING PROHIBITED.” It remained this way for many years. Finally, one day, I took matters into my own hands and stopped on the side of the road and put white tape over the E to correct it. I guess someone finally got the point and they have since replaced the sign.

I think that’s a great sign. Too bad they can’t guarantee it.

jmonroe

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I think I just got the same scam text that driver100 was talking about. It says:

WAL shipment tracking: Hi, your package with shipping numberPA386Z12 is waiting for you to check the shipping address: dreadprovide.com/rQuMky7.

Since I have ordered nothing where I would give my cell number as a contact, I’m assuming this is some way of getting you to download malware or give up financial information.

Merry Christmas from the Nigerian prince.

There have been so many data breaches out there over the last couple of years, I’m surprised more haven’t been targeted. I know as soon as I change a password, I get a message that it’s been found in another data breach a month later.

I know my cell phone number must have been involved in one of those breaches. As I get the scam texts on my iPhone, too. I should change my phone number, but I’ve had it so long I am reluctant.

Good news, iPhOS allows you to hide your email address when one is required. I know that feature alone has cut down on email spam by about 75%.

I find it interesting in that my TracPhone seldom gets bogus texts because I only use it for work. I occasionally get spam texts from TracPhone promoting this or that but nothing else. This was the first spam text. If my cell phone can get emails I wouldn’t know how to retrieve them.

I occasionally get the spam warranty calls because the dealer where I bought my son’s call obviously sold my number.

My home phone land line luckily can’t get texts but is flooded with spam robocalls, particularly Medicare enrollment baloney.

The warranty robo calls seemed to have stopped. I am getting texts stating I've got thousands of dollars worth of money waiting for me if I "clicK" a link highlighted in the text.

But, I've been vehemently blocking as many robots call numbers and fraud text numbers as soon as I get them. Not sure if it has helped, but it does seem I'm getting less and less of either over the last 90-days or so.

I have Verizon. Their spam app (which I pay extra for) doesn't seem to do much. But, maybe it is doing something, and that's why I'm not getting as many fraud voice mail and texts. Who knows?

jmonroe1

@imidazol97 said:
Remote start available from the keyfob is one of two greatest things, along with heated seats, for those of us in the cruel, cold Northland. However, the two go together so nicely. My Malibu and Cruze turn on the seat heaters along with the heated rear window defroster when the outside temp indicates that's needed.

Those in the wonderful, warm South need the AC to temper the inside of the cabin due to the heat.

The remote start runs for 10 min then turns off, and can be repeated 1 time. That can really help with a car that's iced or heavily frosted let alone has snow on it.

I’ve had heated seats on at least 5 of my last cars and I forget to use them most of the time. However, when Mrs. j is in the car she reminds me by saying, “I like heated seats”. Then I turn them on if my butt hasn’t already warmed up my seat.

FWIW, the heated seats in the Subie work much faster than in my wannabe.

jmonroe

graphicguy

$3K for a detail job.....

https://youtu.be/ncbXNp6a-7U

stickguy

Something I won’t ever get.

venture

tjc78 said:

@venture said:

Good to know. I knew you had one, that's why I latched on to your post. Thanks.

I was just looking back. I can’t quite remember, but I don’t think the actual 6 passenger seating cost is $7900 but you have to step up to the T6 in order to get it.

We got the 7 passenger and I was hesitant because we had the captain’s chairs in the Enclave. It is so much more useful. Can fit 5 now and have a huge cargo area behind.

IMO you want the T6 power train. The T5 is only adequate. The sweet spot of the lineup is the T6 momentum with a few packages. Standard adaptive CC with pro pilot, the large moonroof etc

Yeah. I was configuring a T6.

snakeweasel

@graphicguy said:
$3K for a detail job.....

https://youtu.be/ncbXNp6a-7U

What do they say about a fool and his money.

sda

imidazol97 said:

I just tested my GM remote start operation. I could open the trunk with the remote without unlocking the car and the engine was running in remote start mode.

I could unlock the car and the engine keeps running of course. Then I could push the button
on the hidden lip of the trunk to open it.

That's how I would like it to work on the Passat. If started remotely, if any door or trunk is opened the engine shuts off.

driver100

graphicguy said:

$3K for a detail job.....

My neighbor just did the C250. He worked at the car wash detailing cars, then he retired, and he just does detailing on his terms when he feels like it. The car looks like a new car, he did the windows, the mats, the trunk, and the red exterior looks shinier than ever......all for $80 buck$!

explorerx4

My Explorer has remote start. I've only used it to see how far away it will work.
Once you start it, it runs for a selected time or until you turn it off or you can get in and push the brake and start button to go into normal mode.
I also go the 3 seat 2nd row option, which was an extra $500.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

......all for $80 buck$!

Cash, of course?

venture

explorerx4 said:

My Explorer has remote start. I've only used it to see how far away it will work.
Once you start it, it runs for a selected time or until you turn it off or you can get in and push the brake and start button to go into normal mode.
I also go the 3 seat 2nd row option, which was an extra $500.

That's the way my Legacy works too.

The previous Legacy would turn off when a door was opened. They claim it's a safety feature. I claim they didn't know what they were doing.

ab348

imidazol97 said:

I just tested my GM remote start operation. I could open the trunk with the remote without unlocking the car and the engine was running in remote start mode.

I could unlock the car and the engine keeps running of course. Then I could push the button
on the hidden lip of the trunk to open it.

I was going to post the same. My last 3 GM cars have had remote start and it works as you describe. I don't use it much occasionally will do so in the winter to warm things up before going out. Once you're ready to drive you need to push the start button to activate the car fully.

sda

ab348 said:

imidazol97 said:

I just tested my GM remote start operation. I could open the trunk with the remote without unlocking the car and the engine was running in remote start mode.

I could unlock the car and the engine keeps running of course. Then I could push the button
on the hidden lip of the trunk to open it.

I was going to post the same. My last 3 GM cars have had remote start and it works as you describe. I don't use it much occasionally will do so in the winter to warm things up before going out. Once you're ready to drive you need to push the start button to activate the car fully.

That's the correct way to set it up. Even my 2008 HHR allowed the doors and tailgate to be opened without turning off the engine.

stickguy

This weather is absurd. I just went out to run the mower out of gas so I could put it away. Figured I would clean up some leaves too. But once I got going, discovered it had grown so much since the weekend after thanksgiving, the whole lawn needed mowing. So I did that, and worked up a sweat. Not normal for less than 2 weeks until XMas in NJ.

Waiting until Wednesday to wash the car, when it is supposed to be in the mid 60s again. Might even throw a coat of wax on it.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
This weather is absurd. I just went out to run the mower out of gas so I could put it away. Figured I would clean up some leaves too. But once I got going, discovered it had grown so much since the weekend after thanksgiving, the whole lawn needed mowing. So I did that, and worked up a sweat. Not normal for less than 2 weeks until XMas in NJ.

Waiting until Wednesday to wash the car, when it is supposed to be in the mid 60s again. Might even throw a coat of wax on it.

I blew my leaves in the front the other day thinking the lawn could use a quick mow. My guy finished last cut before Thanksgiving. I haven’t used my mower in a while and can’t remember if I ran the gas out of it.

jmonroe1

@graphicguy said:
$3K for a detail job.....

https://youtu.be/ncbXNp6a-7U

I’d say it looks like I ain’t never gonna get one of those.

jmonroe

sda

This is directly copied from the VW Owner's manual. Poorly designed.

Automatic stop or remote start not possible
If one of the following conditions occurs, the remote start feature will stop, the engine will be switched off automatically, or the engine will not start:

The vehicle is unlocked ⇒ Power locking system .
The engine hood or trunk lid is opened

jmonroe1

@imidazol97 said:
Cash, of course?

Of course but he got Green Stamps.

jmonroe

qbrozen

@stickguy and @tjc78 , SHUSH! Both of you. My wife will hear and make me go mow.

imidazol97

The post office lost a first class envelope that just happened to be from a ChickFilA promotion and had a gift card for a free peppermint shake inside. I suspect the locals learned that The Whoopsery is a CFA promotion in the return address.

It had our friend's name on the envelope and our address because the promotion was to get a card for yourself and one for a friend. The one with my name came a couple days earlier. The one for the friend got "lost" between Columbus and here, perhaps because of the different name on the address. The local postmaster stand-in said it should have been delivered despite the different name.

So, Theft? I think so. It was photographed in Columbus on Dec 7 in the sorting machine and still hasn't made it here.

At least it's not expensive watches in a Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce showroom, keeping it car related? Minor loss for me.