That 2010 Elantra that my son has been babysitting for his Army buddy looks like it’s fixed. Seems from lack of use the shifter shaft going into the transmission got all rusty and wasn’t working properly. They had to hammer the old parts off to replace them. It also needed a new battery cable which might explain the no start condition. They’re going to do an oil and transmission fluid change as well for a total cost of about $450. That’s a bit less than the dealer’s estimate of $2000 plus $150 diagnostic fee.
It sure pays to have a “guy” for this kind of stuff.
————————————————-
If you have to hammer off rusted on tranny shift linkage parts due to infrequent use, you’ve convinced me that youz guys have the nastiest salt in the country.
jmonroe
The body on this car isn’t rusty which is surprising for a 12 year old car but there must be some corrosion underneath. When I was fooling around trying to diagnose the problem I had part of the brake dust shield crumble off in my hand.
The formula in my area is: 1 inch of snow requires two inches of salt.
Update: just got a call from the transmission shop. When they went to change the tranny fluid they found the transmission pan to be almost rusted through. A chunk came off with the drain plug.
So much for driving in the rust belt.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
In NJ, the stations with cash/credit differences are the rarity. And I simply don’t go to those stations.
Agreed. In my travels, I've never had an issue with finding cash/credit same price stations. And, Costco is a chip tap station, one price.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
That 2010 Elantra that my son has been babysitting for his Army buddy looks like it’s fixed. Seems from lack of use the shifter shaft going into the transmission got all rusty and wasn’t working properly. They had to hammer the old parts off to replace them. It also needed a new battery cable which might explain the no start condition. They’re going to do an oil and transmission fluid change as well for a total cost of about $450. That’s a bit less than the dealer’s estimate of $2000 plus $150 diagnostic fee.
It sure pays to have a “guy” for this kind of stuff.
————————————————-
If you have to hammer off rusted on tranny shift linkage parts due to infrequent use, you’ve convinced me that youz guys have the nastiest salt in the country.
jmonroe
The body on this car isn’t rusty which is surprising for a 12 year old car but there must be some corrosion underneath. When I was fooling around trying to diagnose the problem I had part of the brake dust shield crumble off in my hand.
The formula in my area is: 1 inch of snow requires two inches of salt.
Update: just got a call from the transmission shop. When they went to change the tranny fluid they found the transmission pan to be almost rusted through. A chunk came off with the drain plug.
So much for driving in the rust belt.
I remember the first time that I really spent any time in the northern half of the US. That was the summer of 1970, and I was doing construction work, helping to build the atomic energy plant in Palo, Iowa. Every one that I met had a "beater" that they drove in the winter time, to keep the salt off of their better car.
I also remember the number of gravel roads there. Those roads were wide, and well maintained, and people drove around 40 or 50 mph on gravel roads, which was not something I was used to.
@laurasdada said:
Agreed. In my travels, I've never had an issue with finding cash/credit same price stations. And, Costco is a chip tap station, one price.
Can you even use cash for gas at Costco?
It’s pretty rare to see different prices for cash vs credit here, and I just go where I can use plastic for the same price as cash. Top tier is more important.
@stickguy, If you are thinking of renting a trailer to put behind your Maverick, you have to think about your reversing skills with a trailer. I practiced at the local school parking lot, with not great results. Was pretty happy that I backed it up to a garage bay at my house on the 3rd try.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
We looked at a bunch of flooring over a couple of visits to a couple of suppliers, Pro Source and LL Flooring. Did some close looking at the description of the one I really liked, a distressed dark Hickory. It said that some of the pieces could be as small as 9 inches. Have to cross that one off the list, which has me disappointed.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
So today my wife lets our dog out and he disappeared. We called for him and walked around the general area. No dog. I posted his picture on my FB page as well as some local pages. Next, I drove around some of the surrounding streets but no joy. About 2:00 I was preparing to search the woods, but I wasn’t optimistic based on the area I had to cover. I checked FB again and one of my friends had seen the dog’s picture on another page. He had been found about a half mile away running around in the parking lot of a supermarket. To get there he had to cross a busy four lane. Fortunately, some Good Samaritans had corralled him- even bought him some dog treats.
As luck would have it; I've posted pictures and stories about this dog’s hijinks for years; he was the Official Campaign Mascot in my last race(it annoyed my opponent to no end- she whined that I wasn’t taking the election seriously). So anyway, his notoriety was definitely a plus.
Amazing how pets suddenly decide to go off on an adventure. Probably smelled something interesting and took off to investigate.
We have a cat that likes to get out at night and refuses to come home until he’s good and ready. Meanwhile my wife is fretting over which variety of animal is eating him.
When I was a kid we had a cat that would disappear for a few weeks the come home for a few weeks then start over. He would spend half of his time with us the disappear again over and over again. We think he had another family he was seeing on the side.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well yesterday was the finish of tax season and it never ceases to amaze me that people are still lined up at 10PM on tax day to get their taxes done. Anyway this was t brutal tax season and I am glad it's over. Had a lot of difficult clients heading down the home stretch
Well I woke up the bike today, dropping it off at the Honda dealership Thursday night to get the sprockets and chain replaced. While one tire maintained it's pressure over the winter the other was about 4 or 5 pounds.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@laurasdada said:
Agreed. In my travels, I've never had an issue with finding cash/credit same price stations. And, Costco is a chip tap station, one price.
Can you even use cash for gas at Costco?
It’s pretty rare to see different prices for cash vs credit here, and I just go where I can use plastic for the same price as cash. Top tier is more important.
No! They accept ONLY Visa credit or debit cards. Cash 💷 💵 💰 is not accepted.
@stickguy, If you are thinking of renting a trailer to put behind your Maverick, you have to think about your reversing skills with a trailer. I practiced at the local school parking lot, with not great results. Was pretty happy that I backed it up to a garage bay at my house on the 3rd try.
Strangely, it’s easier to back a large trailer than a short one. I was able to parallel park a 35’ school bus bus but when I try it with my lawn tractor and garden cart I just about tie it in knots.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@stickguy, If you are thinking of renting a trailer to put behind your Maverick, you have to think about your reversing skills with a trailer. I practiced at the local school parking lot, with not great results. Was pretty happy that I backed it up to a garage bay at my house on the 3rd try.
Strangely, it’s easier to back a large trailer than a short one. I was able to parallel park a 35’ school bus bus but when I try it with my lawn tractor and garden cart I just about tie it in knots.
Isn't it because the bus moves as one object in a straight line....but a trailer is joined, and can go one way or the other as you back in....and you have to calculate which way it will go and by how much.
Most people can get a trailer started in the right direction. Then they forget that they have to just follow the trailer. They start messing with the steering wheel.
And, yes. The shorter the tongue on the trailer, the harder seems to be.
When I was a kid we had a cat that would disappear for a few weeks the come home for a few weeks then start over. He would spend half of his time with us the disappear again over and over again. We think he had another family he was seeing on the side.
I had a cat, Fred, who was like that. Every so often he would go on walkabout and disappear for days or weeks. I also thought he must have been staying somewhere because when he returned he would be none the worse for wear and very normal, not starving or anything. In fact that was how I acquired him, one day he appeared on my deck and when I opened to door to talk to him, he just walked in like he owned the place. At first when he would disappear I would be concerned and worried that he was accidentally locked in a garage or worse, but no. He was a bit of a character, if cats can be like that.
I haven't backed a trailer for 30 years , but then I learned to just hold the steering wheel with one hand at the 6 o'clock and move my hand in the direction I wanted the rear of the trailer to go. Maybe that's how I did it, it was 30 years ago.
Backing up a trailer has never been my strong suit, but I can manage. I do improve with practice, when I'm doing it regularly, but I never get very good. I always manage to get the job done, even if it takes 3 or 4 tries, so I guess that's what counts.
@stickguy, If you are thinking of renting a trailer to put behind your Maverick, you have to think about your reversing skills with a trailer. I practiced at the local school parking lot, with not great results. Was pretty happy that I backed it up to a garage bay at my house on the 3rd try.
Strangely, it’s easier to back a large trailer than a short one. I was able to parallel park a 35’ school bus bus but when I try it with my lawn tractor and garden cart I just about tie it in knots.
Isn't it because the bus moves as one object in a straight line....but a trailer is joined, and can go one way or the other as you back in....and you have to calculate which way it will go and by how much.
That’s part of it but I work with some former tractor-trailer drivers and they say it’s easier to maneuver a 53’ box than a small u haul.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I haven't backed a trailer for 30 years , but then I learned to just hold the steering wheel with one hand at the 6 o'clock and move my hand in the direction I wanted the rear of the trailer to go. Maybe that's how I did it, it was 30 years ago.
Well that was those old trailers, it’s much more complicated today. Now you have to turn off all the safety nannies, make sure your satellite radio is tuned to trucker songs and send selfies of your skills to your friends.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I found backing wagons and trailers easy growing up on a farm. Especially when I could just turn the tractor around, connect the hitch to the front of the tractor, and then push the wagon, trailer into whatever slot it needed to fit. When the front of the tractor moved left or right, it was so easy to see the reaction of the wagon or trailer and make corrections. LOL
IIRC the last time I rented a two-wheel trailer and backed it up, it was a lot harder than when I was back home on the farm.
A V90 R Wagon..... Volvo..... I saw it with my own eyes but I couldn't believe it. Even had the blue tag indicating their "performance" trim and model line right? What do they call that again?
So Volvo is making a big fast wagon? I thought they topped out at the V60 Cross Country thing.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
@andres3 said:
A V90 R Wagon..... Volvo..... I saw it with my own eyes but I couldn't believe it. Even had the blue tag indicating their "performance" trim and model line right? What do they call that again?
So Volvo is making a big fast wagon? I thought they topped out at the V60 Cross Country thing.
Just an R Design, which has nothing to do with performance.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
$11,000 just for a new complete Amana a/c unit. Single stage. No furnace.
Additional $1,800 for the reme halo u.v light
$16,000 for single stage a/c and furnace.
$18,000 for 2 stage a/c and furnace. High efficiency.
$19,000 for even more efficiency.
Salesman says due to supply problems may be 6 weeks before they could get the higher efficiency system. If a basic system, may be able to get there hands on a system in a week or two.
Looks like to remain cool we may have to go live in a nearby cave, if other hvac companies have similar delays. Suppose to warm up here in a couple of days.
$11,000 just for a new complete Amana a/c unit. Single stage. No furnace.
Additional $1,800 for the reme halo u.v light
$16,000 for single stage a/c and furnace.
$18,000 for 2 stage a/c and furnace. High efficiency.
$19,000 for even more efficiency.
Salesman says due to supply problems may be 6 weeks before they could get the higher efficiency system. If a basic system, may be able to get there hands on a system in a week or two.
Looks like to remain cool we may have to go live in a nearby cave, if other hvac companies have similar delays. Suppose to warm up here in a couple of days.
Holy moly. That’s eye popping.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Also, a new furnace with a variable speed blower will add more comfort/efficiency than a 2-stage A/C unit. Definitely would not drop $2K extra for a 2-stage A/C.
Picked up a bunch of new 2022 Mitsubishi's at the dealer yesterday. Tuesday, it was new 2022 Mazda CX-5's so, we're buying vehicles. Lately, a mess of Ford Escape's & Edge's have come in for us to take to the wash lines. And our lot where we put the sold vehicles is emptying down at a quick clip. Folks do seem to be traveling again & people are going to continue to have accidents which means they'll need a rental till things are all sorted out. Now, the last piece of the puzzle will be when the chip shortage comes to an end. And everyone has a different answer to that! Still no word from that Toyota sales guy I spoke with in Delray Beach so either my so called unicorn hasn't come in yet or he's no longer working there. Anyways, plan on waiting at this point. Just not ready to make any kind of move.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@jipster
What size unit? This seems awfully high even in this environment. Was this a large contractor or small local company.
I know here in NJ the large companies advertise they have units on the ground ready to go. Typically they are more expensive than a small guy but in your case those quotes can’t get much worse.
I can’t imagine that prices have gone up that much since August. Like I said the PO paid $4200 for a 2 ton unit installed with the line sets and coil flushed in late August last year.
At any rate since this is an insurance claim you are only on the hook for your deductible so I’d try and find a place that has a quicker turnaround time. I wonder if the insurance company would pay for temp cooling for you?
$11,000 just for a new complete Amana a/c unit. Single stage. No furnace.
Additional $1,800 for the reme halo u.v light
$16,000 for single stage a/c and furnace.
$18,000 for 2 stage a/c and furnace. High efficiency.
$19,000 for even more efficiency.
Salesman says due to supply problems may be 6 weeks before they could get the higher efficiency system. If a basic system, may be able to get there hands on a system in a week or two.
Looks like to remain cool we may have to go live in a nearby cave, if other hvac companies have similar delays. Suppose to warm up here in a couple of days.
Geez-Louise…..that’s crazy. I wonder if my HVAC people will come down to Loo-ahh-vllll, and install cheaper. Those prices seem outrageous.
Mentioned previously, my son is kicking tires on trading/selling his 6 year old GTI, given how crazy the car biz is right now.
His love for the GTI has waned a bit given he’s now had to pay for some out of warranty repairs on the GTI (which isn’t really unusual, except for the pricing). He likes the Accord Sport. He’s also interested in the new Integra.
Monday, we went shopping for him. Firs, pre-research…..VROOM, Carvana, Carmax quotes for his GTI. Threw mine in with his at CARMAX for giggles (My 1+ year old TLX is worth $2,200 more than I paid for it right now).
His GTI is worth about $800 more than the last time we checked last year.
The flip side of that, there is stock of the cars he’s interested in. But, it ain’t nearly what it was when I bought my TLX. Integra has a waiting list with a $500 non-refundable deposit. That’s a non-starter.
We drove both a Honda Sport 2.0T (same motor that’s in my TLX) and, what was even more impressive, an Accord Touring HYBRID. Is the HYBRID fast? Nope, but it’s plenty quick enough. But, I’ll go out on a Lim b and say it has more refinement than my TLX. Plus, it’s better equipped. As you can tell, I was impressed….especially for the price.
Funny, the Honda store we visited over the weekend is owned by the same guy who owns the one we went to Monday. Totally different experience. The one we visited Monday had no MSRP markups. No stupid flashing brake lite add on. No non-refundable deposits. No pressure. Someone needs to have a chat with the GM at the previous Honda store.
While not in the market (at least I don’t think I am), I did use the opportunity to look at some vehicles I’ve been interested in. First up, Tesla Y. Exactly what I thought it would be. No BS. Here’s the test drive to see if you like it. If you do, give us some money and we’ll order one. Pretty straight forward.
Next up, Chevy Bolt. Ya’ know, I’m really surprised Chevy can’t sell every one they make. For the price, the content, and a free charger install, it’s a compelling vehicle if you don’t do a lot of highway driving. Well, they would have to overcome the whole….”I’m on fire”….debacle. But, it sounds like they’re addressing that.
I know eventually I’ll get there, I’m just not ready to electrify just yet.
Went to a Ford store that had a Bronco, which I saw perusing their WEB Site, now sitting on the showroom floor. Not much in the way of options, which is probably the way I’d like it. Had a $42K MSRP. Mildly interested, but Broncos have had their own issues with their roofs. Not exactly confidence inspiring for something that’s supposed to be “rugged”.
No test drives allowed. Seriously? Again, non-refundable deposit required before they were offering test drives. Not today.
They did have a Bronco Sport sitting outside they said they’d let me test drive without a deposit. Quick check on my iPhone with the VIN in the sticker, and the dealership was showing the one I was spying, as well as 3 others they had in stock. Sure….I’ll take it for a spin.
I realize it’s really a rebodied Escape with a tweaked suspension and some electronic trickery for it’s AWD modes. But, aside from it being plasticky (as is the regular Bronco), it’s not a bad piece. Yes, there’s lots of road and wind noise driving it. Torque steer is there….on an AWD vehicle. That’s a first for me. And, the Synch 3 system in it is pretty woeful. But, if you aren’t going to the deep outback, the Bronco Sport would work.
They said if I were to make a deal “today”, they’d “only” charge $2,500 over sticker for either the Bronco or the Bronco Sport. Uh….what? I showed them their own WEB site advertising both vehicles at MSRP. They said those prices were wrong. “Wait, the prices are wrong, on two separate vehicles, on your own WEB site advertisement”? Apparently so.
Bait and Switch, non-refundable security deposits…not interested. And, I told them pretty much the same. They called back on Tuesday wanting to know if I’d be interested in either with “only” $1,000 over MSRP. I laughed and told them to lose my contact information and to never call me again.
Here’s the bottom like right now. Some dealers are pretty straight forward and not playing “scammy” type games. Some, are pulling out all the old “car biz” tricks (overpriced mop and glo, market adjustment, etc). As I told the Ford Sales Manager, “sooner rather than later, you’re going to be flooded with inventory. Those people who you tried to take advantage of? Yeah, we aren’t going to ever grace your doors, again!”.
A guy in our neighborhood just posted that he went to Shawnee Mission Ford because they had 2 Mavericks for sale. He knew the msrp was around $27,000. They were both used (demos I imagine). The salesman told him the price for each one was $69,000. He posted this on our neighborhood forum. Salesman told him since they were used, they could charge any price they wanted.
@houdini1 said:
A guy in our neighborhood just posted that he went to Shawnee Mission Ford because they had 2 Mavericks for sale. He knew the msrp was around $27,000. They were both used (demos I imagine). The salesman told him the price for each one was $69,000. He posted this on our neighborhood forum. Salesman told him since they were used, they could charge any price they wanted.
@graphicguy I enjoy reading your reviews. I get more out of them than I do with most reviews. You notice the things I am interested in finding out, and it is written in a clear, concise and interesting way.
A guy in our neighborhood just posted that he went to Shawnee Mission Ford because they had 2 Mavericks for sale. He knew the msrp was around $27,000. They were both used (demos I imagine). The salesman told him the price for each one was $69,000. He posted this on our neighborhood forum. Salesman told him since they were used, they could charge any price they wanted.
Tell him....you'll know where not to buy your next car, when things return to normal.
I did see a Ford lot with a lot of Lincoln SUVs and Ford trucks in stock. I was wondering if they are selling them or waiting for chips? Does the dealer install chips? I checked - this new Bronco is $51k CDN....maybe $42 - $45K USD I checked the website....most are 2021 Lincoln Corsairs....most in mid $50s, one 2022 for mid $60s, deduct about 20% for USD price.
I’ve been with USAA for insurance for more years than I care to remember. But I think that’s about to come to a screeching halt. They are raising my home insurance rates, again, which inspired me to do a little comparison shopping. Which is actually tougher than I expected. Insurance companies, for the most part, are acting more like it’s 1950 than 2022. They’re making it almost impossible to get an actual quote without spending an inordinate amount of time talking on the phone with some sleazoid commissioned sales person.
So far, I’ve managed to get one actual quote from Progressive. They came in at a little under $1,800 a year where USAA is a little over $3,100 for basically the same coverage. Now that is a big difference. And the USAA price is discounted for having two cars also covered, and the Progressive isn’t. I think I need to get another quote from Progressive including the two cars.
@houdini1 said:
A guy in our neighborhood just posted that he went to Shawnee Mission Ford because they had 2 Mavericks for sale. He knew the msrp was around $27,000. They were both used (demos I imagine). The salesman told him the price for each one was $69,000. He posted this on our neighborhood forum. Salesman told him since they were used, they could charge any price they wanted.
Paging @stickguy . Call that dealer and tell them you’ve got an AMAZING deal for them on yours for the rock bottom, friends and family price of $50k!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
@graphicguy. Out of curiosity at what mileage and what kind of repair did the GTI require? I think Honda is bringing a revised Accord for 2023, might be worth the wait.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I’ve been with USAA for insurance for more years than I care to remember. But I think that’s about to come to a screeching halt. They are raising my home insurance rates, again, which inspired me to do a little comparison shopping. Which is actually tougher than I expected. Insurance companies, for the most part, are acting more like it’s 1950 than 2022. They’re making it almost impossible to get an actual quote without spending an inordinate amount of time talking on the phone with some sleazoid commissioned sales person.
I had a similar experience in 2020 with my former insurer, but with the car policy (the house insurance was always quite reasonable with them). When I decided to go elsewhere I used a local independent agent office and they were very good to deal with. She got 4 or 5 quotes almost instantly and presented me with the choices the next day. I saved a lot of money going with her recommendation.
I did see a Ford lot with a lot of Lincoln SUVs and Ford trucks in stock. I was wondering if they are selling them or waiting for chips? Does the dealer install chips? I checked - this new Bronco is $51k CDN....maybe $42 - $45K USD I checked the website....most are 2021 Lincoln Corsairs....most in mid $50s, one 2022 for mid $60s, deduct about 20% for USD price.
Looks identical to the one we looked at. Only the one we saw had a $38K and change MSRP. Which the dealership advertised. But, walk into the store and try to buy it, and there isn’t even an addendum sticker. They tell you it’s really $41K (U.S.).
@graphicguy. Out of curiosity at what mileage and what kind of repair did the GTI require? I think Honda is bringing a revised Accord for 2023, might be worth the wait.
Not sure his exact mileage. Want to say 75K-80K miles. He needs shocks, CV joints and tie rod ends. At that mileage, it’s not unusual. Just going to be a chunk of change. Probably need tires in the next 5K-10K miles, too.
Since we live near (relatively) to their Marysville plant and R&D facility, rumors around here tend to have a bit of substance. So, rumor is, because of COVID, Accord/TLX refresh won’t happen until 2024 MY. IS that gospel? No. But, as I told my son, you can wait and see if there’s something coming up you like. Or, if you really want something now, if the dealers aren’t playing games with you, might be worth a serious offer if it’s something you really want.
Of all the stores I would think would warrant bait and switch or playing sales games, Ford would have to be the least justified in doing so….particularly after their Fiesta/Focus transmission debacle, as well as their Bronco leaky roof debacles. They aren’t doing themselves any favors in generating long term customers.
Of all the stores I would think would warrant bait and switch or playing sales games, Ford would have to be the least justified in doing so….particularly after their Fiesta/Focus transmission debacle, as well as their Bronco leaky roof debacles. They aren’t doing themselves any favors in generating long term customers.
The problem here is that you are not dealing with Ford, you are dealing with the dealership. Ford has little to no control over what the dealership does. Indeed, Ford has wanted for many years to eliminate dealerships entirely.
Soaring car prices have set off a battle between automakers and independent dealers, with consumers routinely paying hundreds, often thousands, more than the listed price amid a protracted vehicle shortage.
Ford and General Motors recently upbraided dealers for ignoring the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP, a practice that was practically unheard of a year ago and GM calls “unethical.” They’ve threatened to withhold deliveries of their most popular offerings, including Ford’s buzz-generating F-150 Lightning pickup, and other forthcoming electric vehicle models.
But data shows such markups are pervasive across the industry: More than 80 percent of U.S. car buyers paid above MSRP in January, according to auto market research firm Edmunds.
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Also, almost all of the pumps have chip readers vs. swiping.
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BTW, the cheapest I saw diesel was $5.039 and saw up to $5.639 in my travels.
In NJ, the stations with cash/credit differences are the rarity. And I simply don’t go to those stations.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The formula in my area is: 1 inch of snow requires two inches of salt.
Update: just got a call from the transmission shop. When they went to change the tranny fluid they found the transmission pan to be almost rusted through. A chunk came off with the drain plug.
So much for driving in the rust belt.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I remember the first time that I really spent any time in the northern half of the US. That was the summer of 1970, and I was doing construction work, helping to build the atomic energy plant in Palo, Iowa. Every one that I met had a "beater" that they drove in the winter time, to keep the salt off of their better car.
I also remember the number of gravel roads there. Those roads were wide, and well maintained, and people drove around 40 or 50 mph on gravel roads, which was not something I was used to.
Can you even use cash for gas at Costco?
It’s pretty rare to see different prices for cash vs credit here, and I just go where I can use plastic for the same price as cash. Top tier is more important.
If you are thinking of renting a trailer to put behind your Maverick, you have to think about your reversing skills with a trailer.
I practiced at the local school parking lot, with not great results.
Was pretty happy that I backed it up to a garage bay at my house on the 3rd try.
I rented a trailer to bring my golf cart back to the campground when we were still there. Backing up was not my strong suit.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Did some close looking at the description of the one I really liked, a distressed dark Hickory.
It said that some of the pieces could be as small as 9 inches.
Have to cross that one off the list, which has me disappointed.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well I woke up the bike today, dropping it off at the Honda dealership Thursday night to get the sprockets and chain replaced. While one tire maintained it's pressure over the winter the other was about 4 or 5 pounds.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
No! They accept ONLY Visa credit or debit cards. Cash 💷 💵 💰 is not accepted.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And, yes. The shorter the tongue on the trailer, the harder seems to be.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Maybe that's how I did it, it was 30 years ago.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think my neighbor wants me to pay for their deductible. LOL.
I think my neighbor wants me to pay for their deductible. LOL.
You laugh but he’ll probably win.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
My Explorer turns off the rear facing nannies when you hook up the trailer.
Maybe the next model will tune the radio too.
Especially when I could just turn the tractor around, connect the hitch
to the front of the tractor, and then push the wagon, trailer into whatever
slot it needed to fit. When the front of the tractor moved left or right,
it was so easy to see the reaction of the wagon or trailer and make corrections. LOL
IIRC the last time I rented a two-wheel trailer and backed it up, it
was a lot harder than when I was back home on the farm.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
So Volvo is making a big fast wagon? I thought they topped out at the V60 Cross Country thing.
Just an R Design, which has nothing to do with performance.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Nope.
ML63 needs to be sold but TPMS still on and i have not gotten to take it in. I am kind of down to using a dealer. Ugh.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
First estimate just came in:
$11,000 just for a new complete Amana a/c unit. Single stage. No furnace.
Additional $1,800 for the reme halo u.v light
$16,000 for single stage a/c and furnace.
$18,000 for 2 stage a/c and furnace. High efficiency.
$19,000 for even more efficiency.
Salesman says due to supply problems may be 6 weeks before they could get the higher efficiency system. If a basic system, may be able to get there hands on a system in a week or two.
Looks like to remain cool we may have to go live in a nearby cave, if other hvac companies have similar delays. Suppose to warm up here in a couple of days.
Holy moly. That’s eye popping.
Get some more estimates...
Also, a new furnace with a variable speed blower will add more comfort/efficiency than a 2-stage A/C unit. Definitely would not drop $2K extra for a 2-stage A/C.
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Still no word from that Toyota sales guy I spoke with in Delray Beach so either my so called unicorn hasn't come in yet or he's no longer working there. Anyways, plan on waiting at this point. Just not ready to make any kind of move.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@jipster
What size unit? This seems awfully high even in this environment. Was this a large contractor or small local company.
I know here in NJ the large companies advertise they have units on the ground ready to go. Typically they are more expensive than a small guy but in your case those quotes can’t get much worse.
I can’t imagine that prices have gone up that much since August. Like I said the PO paid $4200 for a 2 ton unit installed with the line sets and coil flushed in late August last year.
At any rate since this is an insurance claim you are only on the hook for your deductible so I’d try and find a place that has a quicker turnaround time. I wonder if the insurance company would pay for temp cooling for you?
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Mentioned previously, my son is kicking tires on trading/selling his 6 year old GTI, given how crazy the car biz is right now.
His love for the GTI has waned a bit given he’s now had to pay for some out of warranty repairs on the GTI (which isn’t really unusual, except for the pricing). He likes the Accord Sport. He’s also interested in the new Integra.
Monday, we went shopping for him. Firs, pre-research…..VROOM, Carvana, Carmax quotes for his GTI. Threw mine in with his at CARMAX for giggles (My 1+ year old TLX is worth $2,200 more than I paid for it right now).
His GTI is worth about $800 more than the last time we checked last year.
The flip side of that, there is stock of the cars he’s interested in. But, it ain’t nearly what it was when I bought my TLX. Integra has a waiting list with a $500 non-refundable deposit. That’s a non-starter.
We drove both a Honda Sport 2.0T (same motor that’s in my TLX) and, what was even more impressive, an Accord Touring HYBRID. Is the HYBRID fast? Nope, but it’s plenty quick enough. But, I’ll go out on a Lim b and say it has more refinement than my TLX. Plus, it’s better equipped. As you can tell, I was impressed….especially for the price.
Funny, the Honda store we visited over the weekend is owned by the same guy who owns the one we went to Monday. Totally different experience. The one we visited Monday had no MSRP markups. No stupid flashing brake lite add on. No non-refundable deposits. No pressure. Someone needs to have a chat with the GM at the previous Honda store.
(Cont.)
While not in the market (at least I don’t think I am), I did use the opportunity to look at some vehicles I’ve been interested in. First up, Tesla Y. Exactly what I thought it would be. No BS. Here’s the test drive to see if you like it. If you do, give us some money and we’ll order one. Pretty straight forward.
Next up, Chevy Bolt. Ya’ know, I’m really surprised Chevy can’t sell every one they make. For the price, the content, and a free charger install, it’s a compelling vehicle if you don’t do a lot of highway driving. Well, they would have to overcome the whole….”I’m on fire”….debacle. But, it sounds like they’re addressing that.
I know eventually I’ll get there, I’m just not ready to electrify just yet.
Went to a Ford store that had a Bronco, which I saw perusing their WEB Site, now sitting on the showroom floor. Not much in the way of options, which is probably the way I’d like it. Had a $42K MSRP. Mildly interested, but Broncos have had their own issues with their roofs. Not exactly confidence inspiring for something that’s supposed to be “rugged”.
No test drives allowed. Seriously? Again, non-refundable deposit required before they were offering test drives. Not today.
They did have a Bronco Sport sitting outside they said they’d let me test drive without a deposit. Quick check on my iPhone with the VIN in the sticker, and the dealership was showing the one I was spying, as well as 3 others they had in stock. Sure….I’ll take it for a spin.
I realize it’s really a rebodied Escape with a tweaked suspension and some electronic trickery for it’s AWD modes. But, aside from it being plasticky (as is the regular Bronco), it’s not a bad piece. Yes, there’s lots of road and wind noise driving it. Torque steer is there….on an AWD vehicle. That’s a first for me. And, the Synch 3 system in it is pretty woeful. But, if you aren’t going to the deep outback, the Bronco Sport would work.
They said if I were to make a deal “today”, they’d “only” charge $2,500 over sticker for either the Bronco or the Bronco Sport. Uh….what? I showed them their own WEB site advertising both vehicles at MSRP. They said those prices were wrong. “Wait, the prices are wrong, on two separate vehicles, on your own WEB site advertisement”? Apparently so.
Bait and Switch, non-refundable security deposits…not interested. And, I told them pretty much the same. They called back on Tuesday wanting to know if I’d be interested in either with “only” $1,000 over MSRP. I laughed and told them to lose my contact information and to never call me again.
Here’s the bottom like right now. Some dealers are pretty straight forward and not playing “scammy” type games. Some, are pulling out all the old “car biz” tricks (overpriced mop and glo, market adjustment, etc). As I told the Ford Sales Manager, “sooner rather than later, you’re going to be flooded with inventory. Those people who you tried to take advantage of? Yeah, we aren’t going to ever grace your doors, again!”.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Surprised they don't demo every car on their lot.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I checked - this new Bronco is $51k CDN....maybe $42 - $45K USD
I checked the website....most are 2021 Lincoln Corsairs....most in mid $50s, one 2022 for mid $60s, deduct about 20% for USD price.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So far, I’ve managed to get one actual quote from Progressive. They came in at a little under $1,800 a year where USAA is a little over $3,100 for basically the same coverage. Now that is a big difference. And the USAA price is discounted for having two cars also covered, and the Progressive isn’t. I think I need to get another quote from Progressive including the two cars.
Paging @stickguy . Call that dealer and tell them you’ve got an AMAZING deal for them on yours for the rock bottom, friends and family price of $50k!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
@graphicguy. Out of curiosity at what mileage and what kind of repair did the GTI require? I think Honda is bringing a revised Accord for 2023, might be worth the wait.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Not sure his exact mileage. Want to say 75K-80K miles. He needs shocks, CV joints and tie rod ends. At that mileage, it’s not unusual. Just going to be a chunk of change. Probably need tires in the next 5K-10K miles, too.
Since we live near (relatively) to their Marysville plant and R&D facility, rumors around here tend to have a bit of substance. So, rumor is, because of COVID, Accord/TLX refresh won’t happen until 2024 MY. IS that gospel? No. But, as I told my son, you can wait and see if there’s something coming up you like. Or, if you really want something now, if the dealers aren’t playing games with you, might be worth a serious offer if it’s something you really want.
Of all the stores I would think would warrant bait and switch or playing sales games, Ford would have to be the least justified in doing so….particularly after their Fiesta/Focus transmission debacle, as well as their Bronco leaky roof debacles. They aren’t doing themselves any favors in generating long term customers.