Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

laurasdada

Online savings now at 1.65%! Now, I can consider retiring.

jmonroe1

kyfdx said:

iBonds are great.. but, it's a very limited amount of money that you can put into them.

I agree with @dino001 about bond funds. I would avoid them, as you have no control on when the manager sells/buys, etc..

If you truly want to invest in bonds (and you have $100K or more), then it's best to set up your own "bond ladder" with 20% of the bonds maturing, each year. Then, you'll never sell your bond at a loss, and you keep current with the best rates.

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Thanks. Now I know what to do with that extra lumpy mattress that I have to keep flipping all the time.

jmonroe

dino001

oldfarmer50 said:

I understand what you’re saying which is why I’m primarily invested in stock mutual funds. I never understood the old rule of owning your age in bonds as a percentage of investments.

What’s your opinion of ibonds?

Just bought 10 grand yesterday, maximum for this year... Should have done it months ago. I think they'll pay at least couple of years of decent interest, until inflation subsides. Since 1-5 years the penalty is only last 3 months of interest, it's also no big deal when inflation goes back down, so they can be liquidated at fairly low penalty. I think everybody who can should buy them.

dino001

oldfarmer50 said:

dino001 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

The old saying is that a Chrysler will run bad longer than a fancy foreign car will run at all.

Sound like something made up by the Chrysler execs to make themselves feel better.

I have some experience running high mile Chrysler products and many of them ran bad and fell apart but kept running. Some of the horror stories I’ve heard about catastrophic failures on high price foreign models seems to confirm the saying.

Then I heard stories of domestic cars quitting shortly after warranty expiration, or even worse in warranty, but refused to be paid by them for some phony reasons. I think the difference may be in availability of spare parts from junk yards and more ease of repair that can extend life of these domestic cars are more reasonable price, even if the life itself is still quite miserable.

laurasdada

Local Audi dealer is offering a $500 gas card with every in-stock Q5 purchased. Nice, a second tank of free gas.

dino001

laurasdada said:

Online savings now at 1.65%! Now, I can consider retiring.

1.65 percent of $100M is surely decent chunk of change, so enjoy!

Amex Savings did 1.25%, but I'm sure it's not their last word. They typically keep it close to the leaders. I'm expecting 1.5 percent in couple of weeks.

dino001

laurasdada said:

Local Audi dealer is offering a $500 gas card with every in-stock Q5 purchased. Nice, a second tank of free gas.

What are you driving? M1A1 Abrams?

explorerx4

Did a video walk though of our new house with the construction manager today.
First time we've seen it with the carpet installed.
A surprise in the master closet was the 4k closet upgrade which we did not ask for.
He is supposed to send us the final allowance/overage numbers.
We'll see if the closet upgrade is on there.

henryn

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

Other then that one incident, the S4 has been exactly as it should, very Honda-like. Just push the button and it starts every morning. No lights, no errors. No issues.

ah, so other than a new engine, its been perfect. So all those Chrysler minivans of the '90s were like Hondas aside from the transmission. Those previous owners will be pleased. ;b

I've known Honda, and I've know Chrysler.

Chrysler is no Honda, transmission aside.

Chrysler's problems extend to poor fit and finish, poor build quality, bad head gaskets, bad A/C's/Compressors, poor product quality/durability, rattles galore, power/battery system problems, including alternator/starter cables, O-ring issues, 02 sensor issues, fuel pump issues (though a tow truck from not starting is preferable to blowing the engine), oozing adhesives on window trim, wind noise intrusion due to bad seals/trim, rubber belts that snap prematurely, and I'm sure I've forgotten a lot.

IMHO they are not even playing the same sport or in the same ballpark.

In recent years, I owned a 2106 Town & Country, and now a 2019 Pacifica. I have had none of the above problems, not a single one.

If you say you have, I'm not going to doubt your word. But your personal experience is not a universal truth.

explorerx4

Oh crap! I hope this doesn't hit our new house(or anyone else's).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rocket-crash-saturday-will-it-land-in-ohio/ar-AA107ibc?cvid=8c173a18e3614551bf73977fcd723ce2

andres3

henryn said:

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

Other then that one incident, the S4 has been exactly as it should, very Honda-like. Just push the button and it starts every morning. No lights, no errors. No issues.

ah, so other than a new engine, its been perfect. So all those Chrysler minivans of the '90s were like Hondas aside from the transmission. Those previous owners will be pleased. ;b

I've known Honda, and I've know Chrysler.

Chrysler is no Honda, transmission aside.

Chrysler's problems extend to poor fit and finish, poor build quality, bad head gaskets, bad A/C's/Compressors, poor product quality/durability, rattles galore, power/battery system problems, including alternator/starter cables, O-ring issues, 02 sensor issues, fuel pump issues (though a tow truck from not starting is preferable to blowing the engine), oozing adhesives on window trim, wind noise intrusion due to bad seals/trim, rubber belts that snap prematurely, and I'm sure I've forgotten a lot.

IMHO they are not even playing the same sport or in the same ballpark.

In recent years, I owned a 2106 Town & Country, and now a 2019 Pacifica. I have had none of the above problems, not a single one.

If you say you have, I'm not going to doubt your word. But your personal experience is not a universal truth.

No, not a universal truth, just a Neon truth. I've seen plenty of other mid 90's Neon's with the similar fates and flaws. I didn't feel better knowing other Neon's had similar problems; it made me angrier.

Yes, about 1 in 100 Neons ran like a Honda apparently, but the proof is in the reliability, media, and user reviews, market share, and market value. Bring back the black dots CR!

andres3

dino001 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

dino001 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

The old saying is that a Chrysler will run bad longer than a fancy foreign car will run at all.

Sound like something made up by the Chrysler execs to make themselves feel better.

I have some experience running high mile Chrysler products and many of them ran bad and fell apart but kept running. Some of the horror stories I’ve heard about catastrophic failures on high price foreign models seems to confirm the saying.

Then I heard stories of domestic cars quitting shortly after warranty expiration, or even worse in warranty, but refused to be paid by them for some phony reasons. I think the difference may be in availability of spare parts from junk yards and more ease of repair that can extend life of these domestic cars are more reasonable price, even if the life itself is still quite miserable.

Yes, I remember a cousins story of a Ford motor blowing between 36 and 40K miles with a 36K warranty and Ford was no help.

Then I remember my brothers GF that swore off Land Rovers because of transmission failure at about 51,000 miles on the 50k WARRANTY. They had no wish to retain her business and refused to help.

Then there was a co-workers GM horror story many years ago.

Some companies make more of an effort to retain customers, that's all there is to it. The market speaks, and bailouts sway the market.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Oh crap! I hope this doesn't hit our new house(or anyone else's).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rocket-crash-saturday-will-it-land-in-ohio/ar-AA107ibc?cvid=8c173a18e3614551bf73977fcd723ce2

If I was you I’d be more worried about getting chopped and run over in triangle park.

sda

I remember dad filing with the BBB and going through arbitration to be reimbursed for the thousands of dollars spent constantly repairing his Eldorado diesel. It was always maintained at the correct intervals at the Cadillac dealer. Initially he tried going to Cadillac but he was told to pound sand. He ended up with a $2500 settlement, better than nothing but not near what he spent keeping the car functional. He got $1500 trade in for it when the trade in value for gas Eldos was $6k. His next car was a Mercury Grand Marquis LS and mom’s Olds 98 traded for a top of the line Ford Taurus. It would be 10 years before he bought another GM car which I thought he had sworn off.

Sandman6472

My folks went from Cadillac & Lincoln to Pontiac, with one of them having that horrible Oldsmobile diesel engine, to her going to the top of the line Mercury Grand Marquis, at least 3 that I know of in the white with blue vinyl top and the fake spare tire on the rear bumper. Was shocked that each time I saw her in those years, which wasn't even 5 times, she kept buying a newer version of the same Grand Marquis. Our relationship had soured once my dad passed and she was basically out of our lives for the most part.

mjfloyd1

@andres3 said:
400 HP in the '18's and older before CARB cracked down further. So yes, about a 45-50 HP bump compared to Stage 1 TTS, but that's in a light car, so makes a difference. Also, comparing stage 1 to stage 1 (fair is fair right?) it's closer to 150 HP I believe. And the 5 cylinder soundtrack is superior. The transmission is superior with 7 dual clutched gears to my 6 (something recent model TTS' corrected).

Compared to stock RS has much better brakes than S. Tighter suspension settings typically, bigger rear wing (and we all know a bigger wing is worth +25 HP LOL), higher top speed. RS's tend to hold value better. All good things.

Does APR have a stage 2 or higher for your tts? Wonder how the hp/ torque compares? You could do a lot of upgrades for $30k

mjfloyd1

More EV battery issues. BMW iX and i4 owners asked not to drive or charge their vehicles.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmw-recalls-ix-and-i4-for-battery-issue-owners-shouldn-t-drive-or-charge-their-evs-194768.html

qbrozen

Pretty humorous they only produced 137 of the vehicles in the affected 7 mos.

driver100

mjfloyd1 said:

More EV battery issues. BMW iX and i4 owners asked not to drive or charge their vehicles.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmw-recalls-ix-and-i4-for-battery-issue-owners-shouldn-t-drive-or-charge-their-evs-194768.html

.....another reason why I am not ready to convert yet!

Owners are asked not to drive their vehicles or park them near a building or home......another problem to deal with, not my idea of a fun experience.

imidazol97

oldfarmer50 said:

explorerx4 said:

Oh crap! I hope this doesn't hit our new house(or anyone else's).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rocket-crash-saturday-will-it-land-in-ohio/ar-AA107ibc?cvid=8c173a18e3614551bf73977fcd723ce2

If I was you I’d be more worried about getting chopped and run over in triangle park.

I looked at the article and was stunned that it was a crime in Dayton. I don't watch or listen to local stories from local media. Triangle Park is a place I wouldn't visit on the rare trips where I go into the actual city of Dayton. But it's historic.



https://www.daytonlocal.com/blog/community/triangle-park-site-of-first-game-in-the-nfl.asp#:~:text=The full text of the,this field within Triangle Park.

Park decades ago was nice city recreation area with tennis courts (no pickleball I guess) and boating for power boats on the river. But that all went urban with the drugs and other stuff.

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

More EV battery issues. BMW iX and i4 owners asked not to drive or charge their vehicles.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmw-recalls-ix-and-i4-for-battery-issue-owners-shouldn-t-drive-or-charge-their-evs-194768.html

That’s not unique to EVs but what nerve for a manufacturer to put you on foot without offering a loaner while they resolve the problem. Imagine embracing the green lifestyle and spending your last penny to buy an EV only to be stranded and unable to get to work to pay for it.

jmonroe1

driver100 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

More EV battery issues. BMW iX and i4 owners asked not to drive or charge their vehicles.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmw-recalls-ix-and-i4-for-battery-issue-owners-shouldn-t-drive-or-charge-their-evs-194768.html

.....another reason why I am not ready to convert yet!

Owners are asked not to drive their vehicles or park them near a building or home......another problem to deal with, not my idea of a fun experience.

————————————————-
This is getting old very old. I’m beginning to think the only safe battery is one that you can fill with gasoline.

jmonroe

tjc78

I’m such a beach bum… gorgeous today.

tjc78

@snakeweasel
Wife has a conference planned for late September in Chicago. May have an opportunity to spend a quick 2 days. Flying in Sunday morning, out early Tuesday. Other than a few food spots I’d like to hit… is it worth it? I would be by myself from noon to around dinner time on Monday. I am thinking I need more time and wouldn’t be able to do any longer.

houdini1

Has roadburner posted anything since the big flood?

kyfdx

houdini1 said:

Has roadburner posted anything since the big flood?

He doesn't live anywhere near there.

roadburner

kyfdx said:

houdini1 said:

Has roadburner posted anything since the big flood?

He doesn't live anywhere near there.

Correct; we were very blessed to not get any torrential rain. We got so little rain that last night we were able to cut the grass with no issues.

28firefighter

Looks great, @tjc78 !

mjfloyd1

@breld - new Mini looks nice. I’m sure the next owner will enjoy it!🤣😂

imidazol97

Has @snakeweasel been on here? Someone in a Chicago suburb won the Mega Millions 1.xx billion lottery last night. Did everyone check their tickets?

Biggest amount won in Ohio was $10,000 x 5 people. I didn't have a single number on my strip. Not
a single number out of the 6 numbers appeared on my ticket.

Michaell

I spent $9 for 3 sets of numbers and the multiplier.

I hit the extra number on one set, so I won $4.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

I’m such a beach bum… gorgeous today.

———————————————-
I’m about to be called for seating. So I guess it’s on time. An hour and a half flight and I’ll be in Myrtle Beach. That’s not even enough time to get a buzz.

jmonroe

ab348

tjc78 said:

I’m such a beach bum… gorgeous today.

Are those old WWII anti-landing craft defences?

mjfloyd1

Michaell said:

I spent $9 for 3 sets of numbers and the multiplier.

I hit the extra number on one set, so I won $4.

Hmmm, if my math is right, that’s a net loss. The mega millions winner thanks you. 😂

tjc78

@ab348 said:
Are those old WWII anti-landing craft defences?

Lol not quite. Drainage pipes.

tjc78

@jmonroe1 said:
———————————————-
I’m about to be called for seating. So I guess it’s on time. An hour and a half flight and I’ll be in Myrtle Beach. That’s not even enough time to get a buzz.

jmonroe

Hear me out… 3 dirty martinis pre flight. You won’t even need the plane to fly.

Enjoy your vacation!!

jmonroe1

@tjc78 said:

@jmonroe1 said:
———————————————-
I’m about to be called for seating. So I guess it’s on time. An hour and a half flight and I’ll be in Myrtle Beach. That’s not even enough time to get a buzz.

jmonroe

Here me out… 3 dirty martinis pre flight. You won’t even need the plane to fly.

Enjoy your vacation!!

————————————————
Thanks.

We got in 20 minutes early. Had to gulp the last drink or lose my spot to de-plane. Now I’m feeling something. Waiting for my Son to come get us at the passenger pick up area. Might as well have another one while I’m waiting. No sense wasting any part of this vacation.
jmonroe

Michaell

mjfloyd1 said:

Michaell said:

I spent $9 for 3 sets of numbers and the multiplier.

I hit the extra number on one set, so I won $4.

Hmmm, if my math is right, that’s a net loss. The mega millions winner thanks you. 😂

I don’t care. Lottery money in Colorado is used to preserve open space.

jmonroe1

Michaell said:

mjfloyd1 said:

Michaell said:

I spent $9 for 3 sets of numbers and the multiplier.

I hit the extra number on one set, so I won $4.

Hmmm, if my math is right, that’s a net loss. The mega millions winner thanks you. 😂

I don’t care. Lottery money in Colorado is used to preserve open space.

———————————————-
If you have open space, does that mean the tree huggers weren’t too successful?

jmonroe

tjc78

@jmonroe1 said:

@tjc78 said:

@jmonroe1 said:
———————————————-
I’m about to be called for seating. So I guess it’s on time. An hour and a half flight and I’ll be in Myrtle Beach. That’s not even enough time to get a buzz.

jmonroe

Here me out… 3 dirty martinis pre flight. You won’t even need the plane to fly.

Enjoy your vacation!!

————————————————
Thanks.

We got in 20 minutes early. Had to gulp the last drink or lose my spot to de-plane. Now I’m feeling something. Waiting for my Son to come get us at the passenger pick up area. Might as well have another one while I’m waiting. No sense wasting any part of this vacation.
jmonroe

Agreed!

oldfarmer50

houdini1 said:

Has roadburner posted anything since the big flood?

Which end of the state is he in? I thought the floods were in the eastern part of the state.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

Has @snakeweasel been on here? Someone in a Chicago suburb won the Mega Millions 1.xx billion lottery last night. Did everyone check their tickets?

Biggest amount won in Ohio was $10,000 x 5 people. I didn't have a single number on my strip. Not
a single number out of the 6 numbers appeared on my ticket.

My record of not getting even a single number right in either Mega or Power Ball remains unblemished.

stickguy

not quite the ocean, but we drove over to see out new towns namesake lake. We can walk over to the top of it from the house. And the town boat launch (a little baby one) is only about 1/2 miles (maybe closer to 1 mile) away. Small lake but I did see a motor pontoon boat out there. Maybe I will get some kayaks, and haul them around in the back of thee Maverick!

mjfloyd1

My youngest turned 17 today and she recieived the gymnast of the year award. My heart is full

tjc78

@mjfloyd1 said:
My youngest turned 17 today and she recieived the gymnast of the year award. My heart is full

Congrats! My daughter started gymnastics last year and I was amazed how much she learned in just one season.

oldfarmer50

mjfloyd1 said:

My youngest turned 17 today and she recieived the gymnast of the year award. My heart is full

That’s great.

abacomike

I live 20 minutes from Deerfield and Pompano Beaches but haven’t been to the beach in over 15 years. Always disliked sand - gets into everything. As for the ocean, have no use for it - between sharks, seaweed and pollutants, I have better things to do with my time.

When I was a youngster, my parents always rented a cabana at a Beach Club for the summer on Atlantic Beach, Long Island. Used to go there 5-6 days a week every summer and enjoyed the beach and the swimming pools as well as the volleyball and other beach games. That was then - this is now! 🤪😜

mjfloyd1

New EV charger adapter

https://electrek.co/2022/07/27/siemens-home-ev-charger-adapter/

bwia

roadburner said:

kyfdx said:

houdini1 said:

Has roadburner posted anything since the big flood?

He doesn't live anywhere near there.

Correct; we were very blessed to not get any torrential rain. We got so little rain that last night we were able to cut the grass with no issues.

Great, I was very concerned that you probably were in harm's way when I saw the flood videos on TV. Glad you are alright.

laurasdada

abacomike said:

I live 20 minutes from Deerfield and Pompano Beaches but haven’t been to the beach in over 15 years. Always disliked sand - gets into everything. As for the ocean, have no use for it - between sharks, seaweed and pollutants, I have better things to do with my time.

When I was a youngster, my parents always rented a cabana at a Beach Club for the summer on Atlantic Beach, Long Island. Used to go there 5-6 days a week every summer and enjoyed the beach and the swimming pools as well as the volleyball and other beach games. That was then - this is now! 🤪😜

I have similar feelings about sand; less about the ocean. We lived a one minute walk (just cross A1A) from a Boca beach, but spent most of the time at the pool.

For the fun of it, looked at a new Audi TT convertible yesterday. No memory seats; not that's in any way a deal breaker, but, really? In a 'vert mood, perhaps heat waves and droughts lead to such thoughts.