Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

Michaell

houdini1 said:

As someone correctly pointed out, the car is selling slowly, and that helped me get a great deal on my lease. Also, they aren't extremely commonplace. Appreciate the comments!

Gorgeous, my favorite color. Doesn't it have something like 470 hp ?

That is the RC F. The F-Sport is the body package but the standard motor with 306HP

imidazol97

Richard has asked me to share with his friends here
on our forum about a tragedy and to ask for your prayers.
A few days ago, he struck an elderly, perhaps impaired,
pedestrian who stepped in front of his truck in an
unavoidable accident and did not survive. Witnesses behind
him verified that it was unavoidable even though Richard
swerved and did all he could to avoid the gentleman.

Richard is haunted by the images and by the terror of the accident.
He is afraid to drive although he did drive the Cadillac carefully
one day to his office. His truck is being sold by a dealer
as soon as it's repaired; he can't drive it again. His life
is totally upset day and night by the memory, and
he asked for prayers to help him through this terrible time in his life.

ab348

@carnaught , that is a beautiful color combo. Exactly the way I would have ordered it.

suydam

Oh that's so awful. Some friends of ours had a young man high on something throw himself into the path of their car and bounce off their windshield. Although he ultimately lived, they were completely traumatized by this event and had a great deal of trouble driving again. My prayers are with him. I can't even imagine what he is going through. Hope he gets the help he needs to deal with this terrible accident.

houdini1

imidazol97 said:

Richard has asked me to share with his friends here
on our forum about a tragedy and to ask for your prayers.
A few days ago, he struck an elderly, perhaps impaired,
pedestrian who stepped in front of his truck in an
unavoidable accident and did not survive. Witnesses behind
him verified that it was unavoidable even though Richard
swerved and did all he could to avoid the gentleman.

Richard is haunted by the images and by the terror of the accident.
He is afraid to drive although he did drive the Cadillac carefully
one day to his office. His truck is being sold by a dealer
as soon as it's repaired; he can't drive it again. His life
is totally upset day and night by the memory, and
he asked for prayers to help him through this terrible time in his life.

I would just add that Richard's wonderful wife, Anne, was riding as a passenger when this accident happened. Fortunately they were not physically injured, but emotional injury also hurts. Please remember to include Anne in your thoughts and prayers.

roadburner

houdini1 said:

imidazol97 said:

Richard has asked me to share with his friends here
on our forum about a tragedy and to ask for your prayers.
A few days ago, he struck an elderly, perhaps impaired,
pedestrian who stepped in front of his truck in an
unavoidable accident and did not survive. Witnesses behind
him verified that it was unavoidable even though Richard
swerved and did all he could to avoid the gentleman.

Richard is haunted by the images and by the terror of the accident.
He is afraid to drive although he did drive the Cadillac carefully
one day to his office. His truck is being sold by a dealer
as soon as it's repaired; he can't drive it again. His life
is totally upset day and night by the memory, and
he asked for prayers to help him through this terrible time in his life.

I would just add that Richard's wonderful wife, Anne, was riding as a passenger when this accident happened. Fortunately they were not physically injured, but emotional injury also hurts. Please remember to include Anne in your thoughts and prayers.

How terrible; will do!

driver100

imidazol97 said:

Richard has asked me to share with his friends here
on our forum about a tragedy and to ask for your prayers.
A few days ago, he struck an elderly, perhaps impaired,
pedestrian who stepped in front of his truck in an
unavoidable accident and did not survive. Witnesses behind
him verified that it was unavoidable even though Richard
swerved and did all he could to avoid the gentleman.

Richard is haunted by the images and by the terror of the accident.
He is afraid to drive although he did drive the Cadillac carefully
one day to his office. His truck is being sold by a dealer
as soon as it's repaired; he can't drive it again. His life
is totally upset day and night by the memory, and
he asked for prayers to help him through this terrible time in his life.

I think I can speak for everyone here that we really miss Richard.

What an awful experience to go through. Sometimes when a pedestrian walks out I have thought how devastating that would be to hit them, even if I wasn't at fault.

Richard did everything possible and he is not responsible for what happened, I know he will feel badly, being the caring compassionate person that he is, but he should not feel responsible - there are some things we can't control. I hope he can overcome those images and get his life back to normal....many people rely on him for his wisdom and expertise.

abacomike

What an awful experience to live through.  My heart goes out to Richard and Anne.  They will be in my prayers that they can somehow find peace after such a terrible accident.  Richard and Anne have to realize that this was not his fault.  I know I would feel the same as they do if it ever happened to me.  Send them both our love Houdini.

fezo

That's an emotional scar that follows you. I still remember 33 years ago maneuvering like nothing I've ever done because a kid on a bike dated out in front of me. I didn't hit him but I can still see the look on that kid's face when he thought he was going down.

Richard's experience has to be a million times worse. I can't imagine. Have them in my thoughts and prayers.

abacomike

carnaught said:

As someone correctly pointed out, the car is selling slowly, and that helped me get a great deal on my lease. Also, they aren't extremely commonplace. Appreciate the comments!

That gray exterior is gorgeous.  A neighbor of mine has a new GS 350 in that same color.  I wish Mercedes had a color exactly like that.  Magnificent looking car!

houdini1

Michaell said:

houdini1 said:

carnaught said:

As someone correctly pointed out, the car is selling slowly, and that helped me get a great deal on my lease. Also, they aren't extremely commonplace.

Appreciate the comments!

Gorgeous, my favorite color. Doesn't it have something like 470 hp ?

That is the RC F. The F-Sport is the body package but the standard motor with 306HP

Thanks Michael. 306 horses in a car that size is still very potent, and probably much better for a daily driver.

driver100

carnaught said:

As someone correctly pointed out, the car is selling slowly, and that helped me get a great deal on my lease. Also, they aren't extremely commonplace.

Appreciate the comments!

Carnaught, my theory about the slow sales would be because 2 door coupes seem to sell much slower than 4 door sedans these days. Also, and I am only guessing, the Lexus product had been marketed to older people, who wanted more comfort than sport in their driving.

Most reviews including Edmunds gives the RC 350 4 1/2 stars out of 5...impressive!

I can't find much written about the F Sport option. Here are Edmunds pros and cons:


Pros

Impeccable interior craftsmanship; sophisticated ride quality; quiet at speed; precise steering in standard form; V6 engine's smooth power.

Cons

Lackluster acceleration; small backseat; distracting touchpad controller

Yhe small backseat is really not an issue the way I see it, if it mattered you wouldn't have bought the car. Not sure about lackluster acceleration....306 hp sounds sufficient. Not sure about distracting touchpad controller. But, these must be minor issues if the car gets 4.5 out of 5.

28firefighter

imidazol97 said:

Richard has asked me to share with his friends here on our forum about a tragedy and to ask for your prayers. A few days ago, he struck an elderly, perhaps impaired, pedestrian who stepped in front of his truck in an unavoidable accident and did not survive. Witnesses behind him verified that it was unavoidable even though Richard swerved and did all he could to avoid the gentleman. Richard is haunted by the images and by the terror of the accident. He is afraid to drive although he did drive the Cadillac carefully one day to his office. His truck is being sold by a dealer as soon as it's repaired; he can't drive it again. His life is totally upset day and night by the memory, and he asked for prayers to help him through this terrible time in his life.

Oh my gosh. I can only imagine what they're going through. My thoughts are with them. 

robr2

Thoughts to Richard and his wife.

robr2

On a happier note, check out the new Edmunds comparison of the Honda Odyssey vs. Tartan Prancer...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsof-2aHSOU

stever

No flat floor = fail for the Odyssey. My brother uses plywood to make a level (albeit raised) platform in his for road trips. No sliders on the Prancer = fail.

That leaves, oh, I don't know. Stow n Go?

cdnpinhead

Richard has asked me to share with his friends here
on our forum about a tragedy and to ask for your prayers.

Tell Richard that our thoughts and prayers are with him and that we miss him.

stever

Have to wonder if a system like @tyguy's Subaru Eyesight would have made any difference.

graphicguy

Prayers are with everyone involved in what sounds like a tragic situatuation with Richard.

On a side note, for some unkown reason, I want to drive a Prancer. Maybe because it sounds similar to my CTS.

driver100

robr2 said:

On a happier note, check out the new Edmunds comparison of the Honda Odyssey vs. Tartan Prancer...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsof-2aHSOU

That was a riot. For those who don't know the Prancer will be featured in the new Vacation movie, but robs video shows what is supposed to be a real comparison between the Odyssey and a Prancer, and it is hilarious.

I love the instrument panel with all the buttons....a knife and fork and one with a duck!!!!!!

fezo

I really, really wanted the Odyssey to win but in this day and age how can you market a van with no duck button?

Mr_Shiftright

Yep, the Prancer got the drop on the Americans and Koreans on that one. Actually the early Ford econolines had a rudimentary form of the duck button, although it was mechanical and not electronic, operated by a cable.

fezo said:

I really, really wanted the Odyssey to win but in this day and age how can you market a van with no duck button?

isellhondas

I can't begin to fathom the horror that Richard and his wife are going through.

Somehow, they HAVE to come to grips with the fact they did nothing wrong.

Hopefully our prayers can help.

This could require professional counseling. I know I would need it!

jpp75

Michaell said:

nyccarguy said:

@robr2 - I agree.  I am not a fan of the "baby S-Class" look of the new C either.  It looks like a big car from the outside.  I don't like the iPad stuck on the dash look either.

Not that I plan on shopping in that price range anytime soon, but I'll second (third?) the notion that the iPad on the dash is decidedly aftermarket looking.

Someone, somewhere has got to be working on an interface where you simply plug your phone (Android, iPhone or Windows phone) and a large display that is built into the dash lights up.

I completely agree, the iPad stuck on the dash looks like an afterthought.

jpp75

fezo said:

That's an emotional scar that follows you. I still remember 33 years ago maneuvering like nothing I've ever done because a kid on a bike dated out in front of me. I didn't hit him but I can still see the look on that kid's face when he thought he was going down.

Richard's experience has to be a million times worse. I can't imagine. Have them in my thoughts and prayers.

My condolences and thoughts to Richard and his wife. I was driving by Vanderbilt University one night in a driving rainstorm when an elderly couple tried to cross the street against the light. My 1996 Accord didn't have ABS so my attempt to steer onto the curb was futile. Thankfully they got out of the way just in time, but I still remember them hurrying through the rain as I approached.

oldfarmer50

Poor Richard.

From his postings I can tell he's the type to internalize blame for this even though he did nothing wrong. I hope he can get past this. For all anyone knows this individual may have been suicidal. Damn shame.

qbrozen

It may not even be a matter of blame ...more like PTSD.

Several years ago, a driver who worked for my dad had something similar happen. It was a bit more obvious in this case, though. A disturbed man stopped his vehicle in the middle of a highway, got out and ran toward the driver's rig like a linebacker. Driver tried swerving, but man just went with the swerve.

bwia

oldfarmer50 said:

Poor Richard. From his postings I can tell he's the type to internalize blame for this even though he did nothing wrong. I hope he can get past this. For all anyone knows this individual may have been suicidal. Damn shame.

Sorry to hear such unpleasant news. While Richard may not be at fault he feels a lot of guilt in that his huge truck might have contributed to the fatality. 
And that's why big trucks and SUV'S pose significant risk to pedestrians and smaller automobiles. For those who drive these trucks be careful out there. Spend a little extra and buy a model with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. 

[Deleted User]

Wow. My heart felt sympathies and prayers go out to Richard, Anne, and the family of the individual struck. What an awful incident and surely they should bear no feelings of guilt.

Very good friends of ours went through something similar. They pulled out of our shared neighborhood onto a 25-mph road, and a motorcycle doing 60 mph came around a corner and hit them from behind hard enough to push their SUV up and off the wheels, wedging the bike under the chassis. The rider didn't survive. Their feelings reflected those of Richard, but in time, rational logic prevailed and they moved on with their lives, raising a beautiful family and contributing to the world around them.

Regarding the question of Eyesight, it could have only prevented the impact if there was enough distance for the tires and brakes to do their respective job. In all reality the system likely would have reacted faster than an average human would, gaining a bit more time and distance, but still, there's only so much brakes and tire traction can do. Physics still apply. Sounds like this is a situation where speed could only be reduced before impact. Terribly sad incident for one of our friends to have to live through.

Michaell

tyguy said:

Wow. My heart felt sympathies and prayers go out to Richard, Anne, and the family of the individual struck. What an awful incident and surely they should bear no feelings of guilt.

Very good friends of ours went through something similar. They pulled out of our shared neighborhood onto a 25-mph road, and a motorcycle doing 60 mph came around a corner and hit them from behind hard enough to push their SUV up and off the wheels, wedging the bike under the chassis. The rider didn't survive. Their feelings reflected those of Richard, but in time, rational logic prevailed and they moved on with their lives, raising a beautiful family and contributing to the world around them.

Regarding the question of Eyesight, it could have only prevented the impact if there was enough distance for the tires and brakes to do their respective job. In all reality the system likely would have reacted faster than an average human would, gaining a bit more time and distance, but still, there's only so much brakes and tire traction can do. Physics still apply. Sounds like this is a situation where speed could only be reduced before impact. Terribly sad incident for one of our friends to have to live through.

@tyguy - speaking of Eyesight, I got my recall notice via email today. Have to take the Outback to the dealer for reprogramming. I'll combine a couple of other niggling things into the service visit as well.

graphicguy

Haven't thought about this in a long, long while.

While not as tragic as RIchard's scenario, quite a few years ago I was driving along a 4 lane road. It was sunny. I was probably going UNDER the speed limit as it was rush hour (30 MPH in a 35 MPH zone). I was taking my Father home after his visit to the cardiologist.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, in my peripheral vision, I caught the site of a group of kids running across the same four lane, not even at a cross walk, but darting in the middle of a block to the other side of the street. I was in the far right lane. They came from the far left. They covered 3 lanes until they got to my lane.

3 of them stopped in the middle of the street. One, however, kept running across until I caught sight of her.....too late. I slammed on the brakes (no ABS at the time) and my car actually swerved towards her. She bounced up onto my hood, then rolled off the front of the car.

I just sat in the driver's seat, stunned. My Father, who was even more stunned, wide eyed, turned to me and had the wherewithall to tell me to get out of the car and check on the girl. At first, I thought it was a deer I had hit. All I recall seeing was hair (or what I thought was fur) weaving across my windshield.

Probably was no more than 10 seconds time that had passed, but by the time I got out of the car, several people behind and in front of me were jumping out of their cars, too.

I got to the girl. She was 12 but big for her age. She lay on her back. I asked her to talk, which she did. I didn't see any blood, but really wasn't sure what the extent of her injuries were. I requested that my Father go to the convenice store a 1/2 block away and call for an ambulance. I stayed with the girl. She was awake but silent and motionless. I whispered to her that we had help coming. Her friends had scattered, probably scared, but odd to leave their friend on the street, I thought.

So, no friends around, I thought immediately of trying to contact her parents, but didn't want to go searching for any ID on her.

Someone must have called the police as they got there before the ambulance. You know how they say time either slows way down, or speeds way up when faced with a tragedy? My internal clock slowed way down as it seemed like an hour had passed before the police arrived. In truth, it was about 5 minutes, with the ambulance behind by about a minute or two.

Ambulance got there, put the girl on a board with a brace around her neck. I don't remember her crying, or even emitting any sound, which scared me as I wasn't sure if she was still alive. The ambulance was loaded. I went to the crew to ask about her condition and her identity. They said they found a wallet on her with a school ID and that they would contact her parents. I mentioned I thought I should be the one who contacted her parents, but they said "no...not a good idea" (correct advice as I look back).

4 Police officers were on the scene. One was measuring skid marks. One was re-directing traffic around the accident scene. One was interviewing witnesses. One was interviewing me. I pretty much reconted the scenario as I did above. My Father, as a witness, said he didn't see anything....just a blur running across the street.

Don't know what the rest of the witnesses said, but there seemed to be a lot of them. My Father sat on the curb while the police took statements. They put me in the back of one of the cruisers (not a pleasant place to be when faced with the possibility serious charges being leveled against me). That was a very lonely feeling. The only thing I could think of was how I hoped the girl was OK, that 30 minutes earlier, she was happy-go-lucky with her friends, then BOOM! I had hit someone with my car.

After wondering about the girl, I then started thinking about prison. How much time I would have to serve. About how my parents...how the rest of my family would react knowing they had a son who had killed someone, and was sitting in jail as a result....a fate no family wishes for. In short, I would become the "blot" in the family tree...the "bad apple". This was before my son was born, and I think I had just started dating my former spouse. That's when I felt really guilty....thinking about myself when there's a person, a child no less, who was either dead, or seriously injured because of my actions.

Finally, the officer who put me in the back of his cruiser sat in the front seat. I asked about the girl. He radioed what I'll assume was the ER of the local hospital to find out the the girl had a broken leg and a concussion, but would be OK. After that, he said according to their measurements of the skid marks, and eye witnesses, they determined I wasn't speeding. Further, they determined that the girl was "jay walking" by crossing in the middle of a block of a 4 lane street. So, I was free to go.

Dodged a bullet, but it still didn't aleviate the guilt of hitting someone with my car.

Went straight to the hospital to see the girl. She was sleeping but her Mother was there and took me out to the hall to give me a tongue lashing. I never said anything other than I was "sorry" and left. Never saw either of them again. Although, I did call the hospital a couple of times to check with the nurses on her condition. As far as I know, she made a full recovery.

I know the parents tried to sue my insurance company, and then me. At the time, I didn't have much, but I did have my very first house and thought about having my wages garnished for the rest of my life. But,their suit was thrown out of court......3 times.

Guess there's a lesson learned there. You can never be too careful while on the road.

imidazol97

graphicguy said:

Went straight to the hospital to see the girl. She was sleeping but her Mother was there and took me out to the hall to give me a tongue lashing. I never said anything other than I was "sorry" and left.

I know the parents tried to sue my insurance company, and then me. At the time, I didn't have much, but I did have my very first house and thought about having my wages garnished for the rest of my life. But,their suit was thrown out of court......3 times.

Guess there's a lesson learned there. You can never be too careful while on the road.

They had the nerve to sue you? Wow!

andres3

suydam said:

You have to admit it would be a downer to be excited over a new purchase and have people laughing their asses off over the make. It was rude, so just fess up, folks, and move forward.

I'd be laughing my [non-permissible content removed] off when someone buys a new Chrysler and ends up needing a tow truck frequently more so than someone buying a car I find less than attractive. In person I don't mind the Lexus look, at least they are trying. I think better than Acura really. Although Acura has more recently gone the conservative Toyota "bold" route.

I wasn't laughing @graphic_guy @graphicguy and his recent situation with his new Cadillac problems. It was sort of an "I told you so!" moment though. Then again, some people are extremely lucky and their Cadillac's are as reliable as Honda.

Mr_Shiftright

I think there's a difference...a big difference...between making suggestions before someone buys a certain car as opposed to later punishing them for not listening to you. I will sometimes try to steer someone away from a purchase but I try to base my bias on at least some shreds of evidence. Do 150K miles Audis perform well? Probably not.

But if someone buys that 150K miles Audi anyway, then I support them with advice and direction, if I have anything useful to impart. If they have good luck, well...SWELL. If they get in a jam, then help 'em out.

roadburner

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

Went straight to the hospital to see the girl. She was sleeping but her Mother was there and took me out to the hall to give me a tongue lashing. I never said anything other than I was "sorry" and left.

I know the parents tried to sue my insurance company, and then me. At the time, I didn't have much, but I did have my very first house and thought about having my wages garnished for the rest of my life. But,their suit was thrown out of court......3 times.

Guess there's a lesson learned there. You can never be too careful while on the road.

They had the nerve to sue you? Wow!

A secretary in our law firm hit a 6 year old kid back in the '80s- he wasn't hurt bad but his mom came on the scene drunk and obnoxious- she had been asleep(passed out?) in a lawn chair. She sued, but received zip.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think there's a difference...a big difference...between making suggestions before someone buys a certain car as opposed to later punishing them for not listening to you. I will sometimes try to steer someone away from a purchase but I try to base my bias on at least some shreds of evidence. Do 150K miles Audis perform well? Probably not.

But if someone buys that 150K miles Audi anyway, then I support them with advice and direction, if I have anything useful to impart. If they have good luck, well...SWELL. If they get in a jam, then help 'em out.

Back in the '80s a friend was buying a used Spitfire 1500; I told him to buy a fire extinguisher and NOT to call me when it broke. Two years later I found out it actually did catch fire(the entire harness from the firewall forward ignited) and he didn't call me because of my prediction...

andres3

driver100 said:

tyguy said:

Subaru Eyesight saved my bacon the other week.   I was southbound on I-25 heading to the airport cruising at the 75 MPH speed limit behind another car with no traffic.  I don't remember the moment before, but I distinctly recall the audible alert from the car beeping followed by the feeling of my body pressing hard into the seat belt.  

The car I was following came to a dead stop in the freeway with no other cars stopped in front.  Bizarre.  Thank goodness for Eyesight as it reacted before I did and brought me to a stop safely behind the car.

That seals it.  I'm even more sold on the technology.

It sounds like Eyesight could be a great feature. Those features kind of scare me. I haven't used the parking feature in my E400 (parks itself)....I guess somewhere in the back of mind I think, if something can go wrong it WILL probably go wrong. I guess I also feel if I am driving I am responsible, if I cause the accident I can accept that more than having to pay for a mistake the car might make.

The same with the blind spot warnings. I love that feature but I still check and use that only as a double check. I either have trust issues or I am so conservative I feel I am ultimately responsible for the actions of my car.

Actually, you are being a good driver by double-checking the car's indications. If anyone read their car's manual, they'd see that you are supposed to do exactly that. No one is offering a system that takes the responsibility for driving (and liability thereof) away from the driver..... yet....

graphicguy

roadburner said:

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

Went straight to the hospital to see the girl. She was sleeping but her Mother was there and took me out to the hall to give me a tongue lashing. I never said anything other than I was "sorry" and left.

I know the parents tried to sue my insurance company, and then me. At the time, I didn't have much, but I did have my very first house and thought about having my wages garnished for the rest of my life. But,their suit was thrown out of court......3 times.

Guess there's a lesson learned there. You can never be too careful while on the road.

They had the nerve to sue you? Wow!

A secretary in our law firm hit a 6 year old kid back in the '80s- he wasn't hurt bad but his mom came on the scene drunk and obnoxious- she had been asleep(passed out?) in a lawn chair. She sued, but received zip.

I was pleased with my insurance company at the time (Cincinnati Financial). They told me not to worry (at a time when I was very worried) about any lawsuits. They ended up taking care of it and I heard very little other than to reconfirm the statements I had given to the police the day of the accident.

Now, when the family of the girl came after me personally, that was a different story. Fortunately, my lawyer was also a family friend and all I had to cover were his costs for my defense. The rest he did pro bono. It didn't last very long. I think the girl's family thought I had a lot of money. Little did they know I was just shortly out of college and all I had was a mortgage, a car note, and probably just enough money to last me for about 3 months in the bank (and even that wasn't much).

I often wonder how that girl is doing, today. She'd have to be in her late 20s by now.

driver100

That was quite the story GG, and probably a good one for new drivers or any one to read. Even if it was the kids fault you just know you would feel terrible if it happened. Especially all the ramifications, being sued, going to prison, garnisheed wages etc.

I once taught driver ed and one thing they told us is if you are in an accident don't admit anything. You can say you're sorry it happened, but don't say you are sorry you caused it. I think it was the smart thing not to talk to the parents.

And although you meant well going to visit the girl at the hospital.......it is unfortunately better, these days, to minimize contact....just in case it backfires.

The same things that went through your head would have gone through mine......and it was very unfair for the parents to think of sueing you.....but, some people will do whatever they can to make a buck.

abacomike

I was on the receiving end of a car hitting me while I was walking one morning in Palm Desert, CA.

This happened in 1996.  I was taking my early morning walk on Saturday.  I was at an intersection where cars were exiting a country club.  I stopped at the curb and saw that this Honda was stopped at the stop sign waiting to make a right turn.  I stepped into the street to cross over to the sidewalk on the other side.  As I started walking, this women in the Honda steps on the accelerator to make her right turn into the busy 4 lane road when her right front end slams into me and I went onto her hood.  She never looked to see if a pedestrian or car was to her right - she was only lookin left.  I was hit hard and fell to the ground catching my left thigh and leg under her right fender.  I passed out from a concussion and when I regained consciousness, I was in the ER at Desert Hospital in Palm Springs - at the time the only trauma unit in the desert.

I ended up being admitted and had a broken leg.

The driver told police (according to the police report) that a ran into her.  But 4 witnesses to the accident claimed she drove into me.  

I retained a lawyer and a year later, they settled for $150,000 less 30% for the lawyer and $5000+ for his expenses.  It barely paid for my medical expenses and lost time from work.  I think my lawyer was working for the defendant instead of me!

andres3

bwia said:

Customer Goodwill?

Bummer! Would you believe after only 6,700 miles our 2014 Buick Encore had a tire mishap. Apparently my wife hit a curb and sliced the right front tire resulting in a hanging chad.

Resigned to the fact that such road hazards are not covered under warranty she was prepared to pay for a replacement tire; so she reluctantly brought the SUV to the dealership to have a new one installed. To her amazement the tire was replaced with a brand new EOM Continental Pro Contact, free of charge.

Yes, free of charge with the invoice marked CUSTOMER GOODWILL. I did a quick online price check and the cost of the tire is $148. I know the Encore comes with two years of free maintenance but a free tire is a nice gesture especially on my birthday. Sorry GG but that is the customer appreciation we have come to expect from GM.

On the Customer Satisfaction Survey nothing but 10's for my dealership, don't you think?

Well, they should be able to afford excellent customer goodwill given they have the backing of all us taxpayers. That is what is especially infuriating about GG's situation. They take your tax money, and still manage to lose customers over poor service.

oldfarmer50

andres3 said:

suydam said:

You have to admit it would be a downer to be excited over a new purchase and have people laughing their asses off over the make. It was rude, so just fess up, folks, and move forward.

I'd be laughing my [non-permissible content removed] off when someone buys a new Chrysler and ends up needing a tow truck frequently more so than someone buying a car I find less than attractive. In person I don't mind the Lexus look, at least they are trying. I think better than Acura really. Although Acura has more recently gone the conservative Toyota "bold" route.

I wasn't laughing @graphic_guy @graphicguy and his recent situation with his new Cadillac problems. It was sort of an "I told you so!" moment though. Then again, some people are extremely lucky and their Cadillac's are as reliable as Honda.

I'm sure I give plenty of people a laugh at the cars I buy. Someone here once described my choices as "eclectic" which was probably a kind way of saying stupid or crazy. Good for them, have a chuckle. I buy cars because I like them not because I'm trying to impress anyone. We can all be mean sometimes, I'm no exception, it makes us feel superior but it also reveals your own insecurity if you have to disparage someone else to make yourself feel good.

I really like that car that carnaught bought but that means exactly nothing. He's the only one who needs to like it.

I would like to see a front view though.

imidazol97

andres3 said:

bwia said:

Bummer! Would you believe after only 6,700 miles our 2014 Buick Encore had a tire mishap. Apparently my wife hit a curb and sliced the right front tire resulting in a hanging chad.
On the Customer Satisfaction Survey nothing but 10's for my dealership, don't you think?

Well, they should be able to afford excellent customer goodwill given they have the backing of all us taxpayers. That is what is especially infuriating about GG's situation. They take your tax money, and still manage to lose customers over poor service.

That line about government money has worn out a little during the last 6 years. The money has been paid back and some forgiven. Whatever. Time to move on. The jobs were saved and the economy was spared the collapse.

If the store wouldn't have taken care of the tire replacement, I am sure someone would have complained that they shouldn't have done it as a goodwill gesture. LOL

Perhaps talk about the money the government has given to Ford. Or other companies. I assume Chrysler (Fiat) as well. I know Honda has received a lot of largess from the State of Ohio.

And then there's the highly glorified Tesla. Elon Musk is essentially a "government contractor" according to this story with SpaceX, Solar city, and Tesla. I heard a program talking about 8 billion given to him and his companies.
Are we complaining about Musk's receiving federal monies? LOL

Soapbox off:

http://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-always-depended-government-money-up-front-about-it-2015-6

Mr_Shiftright

I was once run into by a car backing up very slowly on a one-way street. I remember this so clearly because it was a Geo Metro and the driver was wearing a football helmet (you couldn't make this up). He lay on the seat groaning. I called the cops and we both couldn't stop laughing. Brooklyn NY, natch. Messed up the grille on my MGA, though. Never got a dime out of him. Never heard of any charges or court appearance either.

driver100

Leasing problem:

Mr. Kling signed a five-year car lease in 2014 when he was 85. He made no down payment. Indeed, the $362.37 monthly payments on his Toyota Corolla were inflated due to "carry-over" charges from a previous lease.

Earlier this year, Kling had a heart attack and bypass surgery and his doctors declared him unfit to drive.

His Toyota dealer has told him it will cost more than $7,500 to get out of his lease.

The article was about a company that sells you a policy for about $250 that will pay off the lease if you get into trouble, lose your job, can't drive anymore.

But, this is the part of the article I found interesting:

"Negative equity is an epidemic today," "That's because terms of contracts are far longer (72 months on average) and little to no money is put down anymore. Indeed, negative equity from a previous vehicle is being rolled (into a new contract) 30 to 40 per cent of the time, at an average debt of nearly $4,000. The result? If something unexpected happens throughout the term of the lease or loan, people will likely be hit with a substantial sum in order to get out of the transaction."

Michaell

driver100 said:

Leasing problem:

Mr. Kling signed a five-year car lease in 2014 when he was 85. He made no down payment. Indeed, the $362.37 monthly payments on his Toyota Corolla were inflated due to "carry-over" charges from a previous lease.

Earlier this year, Kling had a heart attack and bypass surgery and his doctors declared him unfit to drive.

His Toyota dealer has told him it will cost more than $7,500 to get out of his lease.

The article was about a company that sells you a policy for about $250 that will pay off the lease if you get into trouble, lose your job, can't drive anymore.

But, this is the part of the article I found interesting:

"Negative equity is an epidemic today," "That's because terms of contracts are far longer (72 months on average) and little to no money is put down anymore. Indeed, negative equity from a previous vehicle is being rolled (into a new contract) 30 to 40 per cent of the time, at an average debt of nearly $4,000. The result? If something unexpected happens throughout the term of the lease or loan, people will likely be hit with a substantial sum in order to get out of the transaction."

I'm seeing this in the leasing discussions I moderate. Folks wanting (or needing) to get out of a lease early and putting the negative equity into the next lease.

Ideally, you would stay with your current car long enough to minimize or eliminate the negative equity situation. For leasing, this means simply going until the end of your lease.

I'm in a lease now, set to expire in November 2016. But, I'm sure I'll get the itch to get something new before then. I will have to exercise patience to wait until I've made the last payment before getting my next car.

driver100

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Leasing problem:

Mr. Kling signed a five-year car lease in 2014 when he was 85. He made no down payment. Indeed, the $362.37 monthly payments on his Toyota Corolla were inflated due to "carry-over" charges from a previous lease.

Earlier this year, Kling had a heart attack and bypass surgery and his doctors declared him unfit to drive.

His Toyota dealer has told him it will cost more than $7,500 to get out of his lease.

The article was about a company that sells you a policy for about $250 that will pay off the lease if you get into trouble, lose your job, can't drive anymore.

But, this is the part of the article I found interesting:

"Negative equity is an epidemic today," "That's because terms of contracts are far longer (72 months on average) and little to no money is put down anymore. Indeed, negative equity from a previous vehicle is being rolled (into a new contract) 30 to 40 per cent of the time, at an average debt of nearly $4,000. The result? If something unexpected happens throughout the term of the lease or loan, people will likely be hit with a substantial sum in order to get out of the transaction."

I'm seeing this in the leasing discussions I moderate. Folks wanting (or needing) to get out of a lease early and putting the negative equity into the next lease.

Ideally, you would stay with your current car long enough to minimize or eliminate the negative equity situation. For leasing, this means simply going until the end of your lease.

I'm in a lease now, set to expire in November 2016. But, I'm sure I'll get the itch to get something new before then. I will have to exercise patience to wait until I've made the last payment before getting my next car.

I leased cars for many years, and though I had the itch to get a newer car I wouldn't have the nerve to actually have a negative lease situation....sounds like a bottomless pit (and those were usually 36 month leases). Kind of the equivalent of putting $10000 on a credit card, and paying back the minimum amount monthly.

28firefighter

Michaell said:

I'm seeing this in the leasing discussions I moderate. Folks wanting (or needing) to get out of a lease early and putting the negative equity into the next lease.

Ideally, you would stay with your current car long enough to minimize or eliminate the negative equity situation. For leasing, this means simply going until the end of your lease.

I'm in a lease now, set to expire in November 2016. But, I'm sure I'll get the itch to get something new before then. I will have to exercise patience to wait until I've made the last payment before getting my next car.

I don't think you necessarily NEED to wait, but you should be prepared to wait. I just went through this with my CC, and my rule was that if I could get out of the CC without any negative equity and get into the Escape for a competitive price, I would move forward. Under no circumstances was I willing to roll negative equity.

It was shocking, however, to see how nonchalant dealers were about offering me thousands below what I wanted and just rolling it into the lease price.

stickguy

Driver, difference is, once the new lease is up, can always just finish it out, and at the end all the debt is magically gone.

mako1a

If you like Honda Preludes, this is a retro good atricle on the 4 gens of them.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1994-honda-prelude-2-2-vtec-a-prelude-of-better-things-to-come/#more-164470
Nycarguy should like this.