Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

All three ponycars appeal to me in different ways.

I love the 6.4 engine in the Scat Pack Challenger, as well as the very comfortable and well-equipped retro-themed interior. The major downside is the size and weight.

I could also live with an SS 1LE- the handling is really exceptional, but like others have said, outward visibility is an issue.

The GT? I'm torn. It feels as big as the R/T from behind the wheel, but it is actually significantly lighter. I also don't understand why you have to give up heated seats when you spec Recaros; the Fiesta ST and Focus ST Recaros are heated. If I'm pushing close to $40k for one I might as well pick up a used Boss 302...

I've read reviews where they say skip the Recaros. The standard seats are better. They are nicely bolstered. Wish I could have afforded the leather. Much better looking.

BTW, I didn't ask enough for the Eclipse. Can you believe they offered $7300?

http://morrisfordinc.com/Glenville/For-Sale/Used/?MakeId=33

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

All three ponycars appeal to me in different ways.

I love the 6.4 engine in the Scat Pack Challenger, as well as the very comfortable and well-equipped retro-themed interior. The major downside is the size and weight.

I could also live with an SS 1LE- the handling is really exceptional, but like others have said, outward visibility is an issue.

The GT? I'm torn. It feels as big as the R/T from behind the wheel, but it is actually significantly lighter. I also don't understand why you have to give up heated seats when you spec Recaros; the Fiesta ST and Focus ST Recaros are heated. If I'm pushing close to $40k for one I might as well pick up a used Boss 302...

I've read reviews where they say skip the Recaros. The standard seats are better. They are nicely bolstered. Wish I could have afforded the leather. Much better looking.

BTW, I didn't ask enough for the Eclipse. Can you believe they offered $7300?

http://morrisfordinc.com/Glenville/For-Sale/Used/?MakeId=33

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

All three ponycars appeal to me in different ways.

I love the 6.4 engine in the Scat Pack Challenger, as well as the very comfortable and well-equipped retro-themed interior. The major downside is the size and weight.

I could also live with an SS 1LE- the handling is really exceptional, but like others have said, outward visibility is an issue.

The GT? I'm torn. It feels as big as the R/T from behind the wheel, but it is actually significantly lighter. I also don't understand why you have to give up heated seats when you spec Recaros; the Fiesta ST and Focus ST Recaros are heated. If I'm pushing close to $40k for one I might as well pick up a used Boss 302...

I've read reviews where they say skip the Recaros. The standard seats are better. They are nicely bolstered. Wish I could have afforded the leather. Much better looking.

BTW, I didn't ask enough for the Eclipse. Can you believe they offered $7300?

http://morrisfordinc.com/Glenville/For-Sale/Used/?MakeId=33

What they ask and what they get are two different things. I think they are dreamers.....very big dreamers.
Probably will start high and go lower.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

My dealership did a stupendous job of detailing my car.  First, it was hand washed.  Next, they used a kind of clay on the painted surfaces which removed hidden grime and dirt.  Then, the car was washed again.  They applied two coats of wax, rubbed in and buffed by hand - no swirling machines.  Then they used a special leather cleaner and then a leather protectorant.  Then they waxed and buffed all the wood on the dash, console and doors.  

It it took them 3 hours and the final bill was around $110.00.  Car looked great.  But on the way home, the skies opened and we had 2-1/2 inches of rain in less than an hour which flooded streets and my car is no longer clean and shiny thanks to the dirty road grime from the streets.  But that will come off next time I have the car washed.

I used to do my own detailing on my cars, but I no longer have the strength or the patience.  At that cost, it sure was a great value for the money.

110 bucks? That is a bargain. Even cheap old me would consider that.

Once those magic bullets finish their job I'm sure you'll have the energy to detail cars for the whole community. Maybe get in good with a rich widow. Who knows, now that you are cured you won't have to use "protection".

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Speaking of teen girls.....

My 18yo niece graduated high school last month. Her graduation party for the old folks is tomorrow. I was thinking I'd bring the new car down to show her. I taught her to drive and she was so technically proficient that I let her drive her boyfriend to a car show in the Corvette. I was very proud.

Then she smashed up both her parents' cars.

So I think I'll leave it home.

Probably wise.

BTW, you need to update your signature to replace the listing of the Eclipse with the Mustang.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

My dealership did a stupendous job of detailing my car.  First, it was hand washed.  Next, they used a kind of clay on the painted surfaces which removed hidden grime and dirt.  Then, the car was washed again.  They applied two coats of wax, rubbed in and buffed by hand - no swirling machines.  Then they used a special leather cleaner and then a leather protectorant.  Then they waxed and buffed all the wood on the dash, console and doors.  

It it took them 3 hours and the final bill was around $110.00.  Car looked great.  But on the way home, the skies opened and we had 2-1/2 inches of rain in less than an hour which flooded streets and my car is no longer clean and shiny thanks to the dirty road grime from the streets.  But that will come off next time I have the car washed.

I used to do my own detailing on my cars, but I no longer have the strength or the patience.  At that cost, it sure was a great value for the money.

110 bucks? That is a bargain. Even cheap old me would consider that. Once those magic bullets finish their job I'm sure you'll have the energy to detail cars for the whole community. Maybe get in good with a rich widow. Who knows, now that you are cured you won't have to use "protection".

At this point in my life, I don't need protection - I'm no danger to anyone - although a rich widow might be able to take care of my needs quite well.  Do you know any? (Rich widows that is)!

Mr_Shiftright

What I do offline is none of your business

driver100 said:

ray80 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think a Camaro is like a woman's high heel shoe---you endure a certain amount of torture when you wear it, for the sake of fashion.

(Struggling not to comment on Mr Shifty's thoughts)

While I haven't owned a ford product I have always liked the looks of the Mustang (except for that poor excuse of one that carried the name for a while) and would like to have one, but equally would like to have Camaro.

ray80 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think a Camaro is like a woman's high heel shoe---you endure a certain amount of torture when you wear it, for the sake of fashion.

(Struggling not to comment on Mr Shifty's thoughts)

While I haven't owned a ford product I have always liked the looks of the Mustang (except for that poor excuse of one that carried the name for a while) and would like to have one, but equally would like to have Camaro.

My Mr Shifty thought is...how does he know what it is like to wear high heals?

Actually, just joking, I agree with that comment regarding the Camaro. Give up comfort and vision to relive the past....I don't think so.

I bought my wife one of those poor excuse for a Mustangs, but don't feel bad, I can take it. Actually, it was an ex-wife so it was probably a good thing....I got the last laugh.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Speaking of teen girls.....

My 18yo niece graduated high school last month. Her graduation party for the old folks is tomorrow. I was thinking I'd bring the new car down to show her. I taught her to drive and she was so technically proficient that I let her drive her boyfriend to a car show in the Corvette. I was very proud.

Then she smashed up both her parents' cars.

So I think I'll leave it home.

Probably wise.

BTW, you need to update your signature to replace the listing of the Eclipse with the Mustang.

Already did that. On my profile it shows the Mustang but here it still says Eclipse. Don't know why.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Speaking of teen girls.....

My 18yo niece graduated high school last month. Her graduation party for the old folks is tomorrow. I was thinking I'd bring the new car down to show her. I taught her to drive and she was so technically proficient that I let her drive her boyfriend to a car show in the Corvette. I was very proud.

Then she smashed up both her parents' cars.

So I think I'll leave it home.

Probably wise.

BTW, you need to update your signature to replace the listing of the Eclipse with the Mustang.

Already did that. On my profile it shows the Mustang but here it still says Eclipse. Don't know why.

I think you have to change "signature settings" listed on the far left side of the page.
OR
Do what Mike does, buy a car every 6 months so you won't forget how to do it.

imidazol97

oldfarmer50 said:

Already did that. On my profile it shows the Mustang but here it still says Eclipse. Don't know why.

Try logging out. Next to your name is a gear with logout on a computer or on phone it's in a three horizontal bar icon on first page. Then when you sign back onto Edmunds, it may have read your new profile into screen data.

graphicguy

It's funny how you treat cars that you consider good ones vs those who have given you tribulations.

I used to wash/clay/wax/leather treatment all of my cars. The CTS? DId it when I first got it. Now it gets the "machine" wash, and only when it's so dirty I am embarrassed to be seen in it.

3 hours for that is about right for all that. And $110 is a good price...throw in an extra $20 for a tip to the detailer, and you're still in the "good deal" area.

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

My dealership did a stupendous job of detailing my car.  First, it was hand washed.  Next, they used a kind of clay on the painted surfaces which removed hidden grime and dirt.  Then, the car was washed again.  They applied two coats of wax, rubbed in and buffed by hand - no swirling machines.  Then they used a special leather cleaner and then a leather protectorant.  Then they waxed and buffed all the wood on the dash, console and doors.  

It it took them 3 hours and the final bill was around $110.00.  Car looked great.  But on the way home, the skies opened and we had 2-1/2 inches of rain in less than an hour which flooded streets and my car is no longer clean and shiny thanks to the dirty road grime from the streets.  But that will come off next time I have the car washed.

I used to do my own detailing on my cars, but I no longer have the strength or the patience.  At that cost, it sure was a great value for the money.

110 bucks? That is a bargain. Even cheap old me would consider that.

Once those magic bullets finish their job I'm sure you'll have the energy to detail cars for the whole community. Maybe get in good with a rich widow. Who knows, now that you are cured you won't have to use "protection".

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

What I do offline is none of your business

Hey, nothing wrong with another set of shoes......as Woody Allen would say, it adds more options to your wardrobe and you will have more to choose from.

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

My dealership did a stupendous job of detailing my car.  First, it was hand washed.  Next, they used a kind of clay on the painted surfaces which removed hidden grime and dirt.  Then, the car was washed again.  They applied two coats of wax, rubbed in and buffed by hand - no swirling machines.  Then they used a special leather cleaner and then a leather protectorant.  Then they waxed and buffed all the wood on the dash, console and doors.  

It it took them 3 hours and the final bill was around $110.00.  Car looked great.  But on the way home, the skies opened and we had 2-1/2 inches of rain in less than an hour which flooded streets and my car is no longer clean and shiny thanks to the dirty road grime from the streets.  But that will come off next time I have the car washed.

I used to do my own detailing on my cars, but I no longer have the strength or the patience.  At that cost, it sure was a great value for the money.

110 bucks? That is a bargain. Even cheap old me would consider that.

Once those magic bullets finish their job I'm sure you'll have the energy to detail cars for the whole community. Maybe get in good with a rich widow. Who knows, now that you are cured you won't have to use "protection".

Shoot, he wouldn't have to do the actual work, just pick up the car, take it to his dealer and have the work done. Charge about $200. Everyone is happy and Mike has another income stream. Hmmm, I might try it myself.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

Got results from my blood tests from last week.  Hepatitis C Virus is no longer detectable in my blood..

That's great news. The wonder of modern medicine.

snakeweasel

bwia said:

Pardon the blasphemy but is it me or I am mistaken

to believe that most here have a stronger preference for the Mustang than the Camaro. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to warm up to the Mustang. The Camaro on the other hand elicits an orgasmic response and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

To me it's the other way around, the Mustang elicits the response for me while the Camaro really does nothing for me.

It's something about the way the Mustang congers up a feeling of Americana that no other Pony car can. And lets face it, the Mustang was the original without it we wouldn't have the Camaro or a lot of the other bad a** cars from the 60's and early 70's.

snakeweasel

graphicguy said:

I don't know about either appealing to different demographics. I know I've priced out a Mustang GT 'vert and came up with an MSRP tht was tickling the high $40s. I know you can get a Camaro to that level with all the goodies, too.

So, at that price, I would think that puts it out of the price range of most Millenials.

Me and she who must be obeyed were talking about someday replacing the Sebring with the Mustang ragtop. But we would likely go with the V6 (powerful enough for me as my zoom zoom days are over) and forgo a lot of the bells and whistles which would keep the price well under the above mentioned price. I just did a "build your own" at the Ford site and came up with price of just under $33K. very doable.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

If everyone had the same tastes, we'd all be driving the same car from one car manufacturer.  

Sorry but if everyone had the same tastes we would all be driving two different cars from two different manufacturer. One car would be the perfect car for everyone and one would be for hipsters and non-conformists who wouldn't be seen dead in what everyone else has even though it is the perfect car for them.

snakeweasel

stever said:

Drive a minivan for a few years and then get back to us.

I did and while the driving dynamics were bland at best it was the best vehicle I have had for creature comfort. I am 6 foot 2 and over 200 pounds with a wider than normal frame. The space around me in the drivers seat was great, I never felt cramped. Plus it was easier to get into and out of than any sedan I have had (it was great not having to get up as I got out). Plus I had a great view of the road.

snakeweasel

roadburner said:

Out on the road it was a hoot. With a 4.8 second 0-60 it can just barely be described as fast;

Since traffic normally takes 20-25 seconds to get to 45 MPH and that the vast majority of cars take more than 4.8 seconds to get to 60 I would say that 4.8 seconds to 60 is plenty fast.

snakeweasel

Well the Misses and me went looking for a new set of wheels this afternoon. We will likely pull the trigger either late this fall or early next spring. We were at the dealership this afternoon looking and found the one we wanted, sat on it and played around with the infotainment system (all voice activated) and all in the prettiest blue you have ever saw. Chatted about it with the salesman and did everything but the test ride (something I will do in a month or two).

All and all it was a pleasant experience.

js06gv

Bottom line, get what you want and don't let anyone tell you your choice is wrong unless they are willing to pay the note.


Congrats on the new Mustang. Let me know when you swap out the mufflers, as I know from previous discussions that is on your to-do list.

Still love ours, although out of 6,000+ miles so far I doubt I've driven more than about 1,500 of them!

oldfarmer50

Let's see if this works. Good it did. New car is on the list. Amazing what you can do if you push enough buttons.

isellhondas

I'm with Snake here. I just happen to think the new Camaros are hideous from all angles but, that's me.

I sat in once and I honestly thought I was sitting in a hole and I'm 5' 11.

stever

Funny that no one has mentioned the Charger or Challenger.

jipster

Congrats on the Mustang oldfarmer. Careful though, those things are chick magnets I'm told.

sda

Careful though, those things are chick magnets I'm told.

Now that's a problem!

driver100

snakeweasel said:

Well the Misses and me went looking for a new set of wheels this afternoon. We will likely pull the trigger either late this fall or early next spring. We were at the dealership this afternoon looking and found the one we wanted, sat on it and played around with the infotainment system (all voice activated) and all in the prettiest blue you have ever saw. Chatted about it with the salesman and did everything but the test ride (something I will do in a month or two).

All and all it was a pleasant experience.

But, what was it?

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

graphicguy said:

I don't know about either appealing to different demographics. I know I've priced out a Mustang GT 'vert and came up with an MSRP tht was tickling the high $40s. I know you can get a Camaro to that level with all the goodies, too.

So, at that price, I would think that puts it out of the price range of most Millenials.

Me and she who must be obeyed were talking about someday replacing the Sebring with the Mustang ragtop. But we would likely go with the V6 (powerful enough for me as my zoom zoom days are over) and forgo a lot of the bells and whistles which would keep the price well under the above mentioned price. I just did a "build your own" at the Ford site and came up with price of just under $33K. very doable.

Be sure to check out the Ecoboost 4. About the same hp/torque as the old GT and not too much more money than the six.

oldfarmer50

jipster said:

Congrats on the Mustang oldfarmer. Careful though, those things are chick magnets I'm told.

So are old bald fat men...or so I've heard.

That makes me a double threat.

roadburner

stever said:

Funny that no one has mentioned the Charger or Challenger.

I did; I said I liked the Scat Pack Challenger's 6.4 Hemi and the comfortable interior- but didn't like the size and heft. If the Challenger was 10"-12" shorter and 500 lbs. lighter I'd pick it over the GT PP and SS 1LE every time.

bwia

@stever "Funny that no one has mentioned the Charger or Challenger.

@roadburner I did; I said I liked the Scat Pack Challenger's 6.4 Hemi and the comfortable interior- but didn't like the size and heft. If the Challenger was 10"-12" shorter and 500 lbs. lighter I'd pick it over the GT PP and SS 1LE every time.


I like the Police Pursuit version but neutral on the civilian version. I believe the police version comes in a tame 292-hp 3.6-liter V-6 or a more virile 370-hp Hemi V-8.

Fortunately, Police Departments won't (at least for the moment) put the 707-hp Hellcat V-8 Pursuit on their options list as we ordinary drivers wouldn't have a prayer in a high speed chase.

stever

Thanks @roadburner, figured I'd miss at least one comment about the FCA stuff.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

stever said:

Funny that no one has mentioned the Charger or Challenger.

I did; I said I liked the Scat Pack Challenger's 6.4 Hemi and the comfortable interior- but didn't like the size and heft. If the Challenger was 10"-12" shorter and 500 lbs. lighter I'd pick it over the GT PP and SS 1LE every time.

That was my problem with the Challenger even though I lusted mightly for one as a boy. Speaking of weight, the Mustang only weighs 3635 according to the registration. That's only 256 pounds more than the Eclipse which was itself 150 pounds lighter than the reviews stated.

When they report weight in road tests are they only using figures assuming you order it with every pound packing item available?

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Well the Misses and me went looking for a new set of wheels this afternoon. We will likely pull the trigger either late this fall or early next spring. We were at the dealership this afternoon looking and found the one we wanted, sat on it and played around with the infotainment system (all voice activated) and all in the prettiest blue you have ever saw. Chatted about it with the salesman and did everything but the test ride (something I will do in a month or two).

All and all it was a pleasant experience.

But, what was it?

It was this:

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

Be sure to check out the Ecoboost 4. About the same hp/torque as the old GT and not too much more money than the six.

Looks like in the convertible version the ecoboost is $5,500 more and only gets 2 MPG better fuel economy and around 5% more power. I really don't think it would be worth it.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

snakeweasel said:

Well the Misses and me went looking for a new set of wheels this afternoon. We will likely pull the trigger either late this fall or early next spring. We were at the dealership this afternoon looking and found the one we wanted, sat on it and played around with the infotainment system (all voice activated) and all in the prettiest blue you have ever saw. Chatted about it with the salesman and did everything but the test ride (something I will do in a month or two).

All and all it was a pleasant experience.

But, what was it?

It was this:

So, is that replacing your bike?

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

So, is that replacing your bike?

Nope I will still be peddling around town.

snakeweasel

I have to ask, what do you all have to say about this place http://www.irongatemotorcondos.com/ ?

It's a garage/storage facility for exotic, high end and antique cars. They also have room to set up a man cave in each area. They also have shows and car meets there.

The irony of it all is that they are only 250 feet (as the crow flies) from a CarMax.

laurasdada

Mike: You live in the right area to meet wealthy ladies! Perhaps at the Boca Concours next February!

abacomike

laurasdada said:

Mike: You live in the right area to meet wealthy ladies! Perhaps at the Boca Concours next February!

Actually, the Boca crowd are a bit too snobbish for me.  I like simple and laid-back with no "airs" if you get my drift.  Besides, I'm driving up to visit my brother for a week the second week of August and am going to look at some town homes in the St. Augustine area- about 30-40 miles south of where my brother lives in Ponte Vedra.  I am thinking of selling my Condo here in South Florida after I replace the carpeting.  That should give me a nice down payment on a new town home.

My brother knows lots of nice ladies to socialize with.  I want a simpler life without stress.  I should be able to get $80,000+ for the Condo (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, huge living room, screened-in terrace with hurricane shutters, and a large kitchen w/a nice sized dinette area.  2nd floor inn an elevator building.  Admittedly, it needs a new kitchen and two new bathrooms, but I know buyers of condos here prefer to upgrade to their own tastes and preferences.  I'll put down a new carpet (living room, dining room and both bedrooms) and let the new owners remodel.  If my condo was refurbished by me, units like mine sell for $120,000+,

So I have quite a bit to accomplish and many things to think over and plan.  But no Boca Raton for me.

jipster

sda said:

Careful though, those things are chick magnets I'm told.

Now that's a problem!

Thought Oldfarmer was married? If not... party on oldfarmer! :-)

oldfarmer50

jipster said:

sda said:

Careful though, those things are chick magnets I'm told.

Now that's a problem!

Thought Oldfarmer was married? If not... party on oldfarmer! :-)






Indeed I am married. So married in fact that the young women at work frequently ask me to accompany them on their walks. I have been deemed "safe".

The worst insult a man can get.

dino001

Somebody here had chrysler in their special place. Seems this goes on. We all were picking on GM for the recalls, but Chrysler was in habit of issuing recalls without actually making much of real effort to reach current owners. $100 million fine is significant. I wonder if otherswill follow.

alisa8

i'm totally agree with u

ray80

dino001 said:

Somebody here had chrysler in their special place. Seems this goes on. $100 million fine is significant.

Perhaps more significant is they have to offer buybacks on 500,000 vehicles


http://wtnh.com/2015/07/27/govt-fiat-chrysler-must-offer-to-buy-back-500000-pickups/

driver100

alisa8 said:

i'm totally agree with u

1st post....congratulations and welcome to the club.

dino001

ray80 said:

dino001 said:

Somebody here had chrysler in their special place. Seems this goes on. $100 million fine is significant.

Perhaps more significant is they have to offer buybacks on 500,000 vehicles
http://wtnh.com/2015/07/27/govt-fiat-chrysler-must-offer-to-buy-back-500000-pickups/

I wonder if that's really going to be as big as report say - they have to pay price minus depreciation. Who will decide on the depreciation?

abacomike

dino001 said:

Somebody here had chrysler in their special place. Seems this goes on. $100 million fine is significant.

Perhaps more significant is they have to offer buybacks on 500,000 vehicles http://wtnh.com/2015/07/27/govt-fiat-chrysler-must-offer-to-buy-back-500000-pickups/

I wonder if that's really going to be as big as report say - they have to pay price minus depreciation. Who will decide on the depreciation?

Some old used car manager who is so used to lodepreciating used cars 20% more than their actual value.

abacomike

I guess I was premature about the great detailing job they did at my Mercedes Dealership - I found that they had again chewed up my allow wheels, but this time it was both left front and left rear wheels, not the rightt. This is the 3rd time they have done this to me.

When I took the car in Friday, I made it a point to make sure the supervisor of the valet service was aware that my car had to be washed by hand because they always ruin my wheels when they put it through the automatic car wash. She stated to me, "...we always hand wash cars that are detailed!..." Well, she lied to me or the detailer lied to her because the damage was identical to the first two times they chewed up my wheels.

I drove up there this morning and showed them what happened. So, the GM agreed to once again replace the two wheels (left front and rear which are different sizes). I was so aggravated and upset this morning when I arrived, I believe I blew a gasket there. With all the other stress I've had over the past 2 months, I sure didn't need this.

So, from now on, I will have to have someone else detail the car in six months because I just don't trust the valet service to care for my car. The dealership sub-contracts out all valet greeters, detailers, and drivers to a private company. It's the same company in all the Auto-Nation Mercedes Stores they own down here in South Florida (Delray, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and Miami). I don't blame the dealership for this because they did not do it - it was their Valet Service Company that continually ruins the wheels on my car. You would think after replacing 4 wheels ($3000) they would realize you just can't put a car with low-profile tires and premium sport wheels through the automatic car wash. And then to lie about it to the customer! I was furious. to say the least. I'm still very upset that this is the third time this has happened in less that 4 months.

Mr_Shiftright

75 people burned to death? Yikes.

Michaell

abacomike said:

I guess I was premature about the great detailing job they did at my Mercedes Dealership - I found that they had again chewed up my allow wheels, but this time it was both left front and left rear wheels, not the rightt. This is the 3rd time they have done this to me.

When I took the car in Friday, I made it a point to make sure the supervisor of the valet service was aware that my car had to be washed by hand because they always ruin my wheels when they put it through the automatic car wash. She stated to me, "...we always hand wash cars that are detailed!..." Well, she lied to me or the detailer lied to her because the damage was identical to the first two times they chewed up my wheels.

I drove up there this morning and showed them what happened. So, the GM agreed to once again replace the two wheels (left front and rear which are different sizes). I was so aggravated and upset this morning when I arrived, I believe I blew a gasket there. With all the other stress I've had over the past 2 months, I sure didn't need this.

So, from now on, I will have to have someone else detail the car in six months because I just don't trust the valet service to care for my car. The dealership sub-contracts out all valet greeters, detailers, and drivers to a private company. It's the same company in all the Auto-Nation Mercedes Stores they own down here in South Florida (Delray, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and Miami). I don't blame the dealership for this because they did not do it - it was their Valet Service Company that continually ruins the wheels on my car. You would think after replacing 4 wheels ($3000) they would realize you just can't put a car with low-profile tires and premium sport wheels through the automatic car wash. And then to lie about it to the customer! I was furious. to say the least. I'm still very upset that this is the third time this has happened in less that 4 months.

Let's hope that the dealer is asking (making) the contract company reimburse them for the cost. Nothing like a hit to the bottom line to teach someone a lesson.