I took the Kia into the dealer this morning to deal with two recalls. Typical dealer upsell experience. The car has only 20k miles but they recommended a throttle body cleaning service every 15k miles (basically a can of Seafoam sprayed into it) and engine air filter once a year (every 5k miles for my annual use). Can’t imagine what that would have cost but I declined so who knows. They even asked about an oil change even though I did that 800 miles ago. I contrast that with my visit to the Ford dealer last week where they did a recall fix and other maintenance and never tried to upsell me on anything.
While I was there I browsed the lot to see how much the Kia Soul went up in price from 4 years ago. I was surprised to see they had only gone up a few thousand during that time. It’s a little hard to make direct comparison since they changed the names of trims and added/subtracted some and eliminated the base 1.6L NA engine as well as the 1.6L turbo.
No dealer “market adjustments” seen but they did slap some dealer installed rip-off options. The most outrageous was putting wheel locks on the base trim with steel wheels. Is there a big black market demand for stolen steelies?
They needed to focus on locks on the ignition systems and steering columns rather than the dealers adding useless wheel locks.
My Malibu came from wheel locks from the dealer with whom my local dealer did an exchange to get the car back in 2014. Totally unnecessary and a big pain in the rump. The other dealer didn't even leave the lug nuts they removed with the car. So I have to buy lug nuts if I leave the locks off.
Is there a big market for stolen 18-inch Malibu rims?
My Malibu came from wheel locks from the dealer with whom my local dealer did an exchange to get the car back in 2014. Totally unnecessary and a big pain in the rump. The other dealer didn't even leave the lug nuts they removed with the car. So I have to buy lug nuts if I leave the locks off.
Is there a big market for stolen 18-inch Malibu rims?
I don't totally hate my GM dealer but they have a standard list of useless things they do to new cars in inventory and wheel locks are one of those. When I got my 2011 Regal it had them installed and I didn't want them, so I wanted 4 lug nuts reinstalled. Same story as you seemed to get - "they just throw them all into a box when they take them off so we can't give them back". I raised a big stink and they ended up ordering me 4 through GM parts.
I think they are not all the same, though I agree that it wouldn’t be too onerous to take one off the car and match it up with 4 identical ones in the box. As it was, a week or so later 4 little GM Parts plastic bags with one lug nut apiece arrived.
seems cheaper to just fish 4 out of "the box". but what do I know.
———————————————— The more logical solution would be not to mess with the car until the customer said he/she wanted them.
My ‘15 Genny came with locking lug nuts…4 of them including the removal tool in a bubble pack, in the glove box. They’re now in the same unopened bubble pack but I moved them to a box in the trunk.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I have some leftover lugnuts from former cars in a box in the garage. Unless I threw them out when I moved. the ones for the RDX are (I think) in the back, unless they are part of the box collection.
seems cheaper to just fish 4 out of "the box". but what do I know.
———————————————— The more logical solution would be not to mess with the car until the customer said he/she wanted them.
My ‘15 Genny came with locking lug nuts…4 of them including the removal tool in a bubble pack, in the glove box. They’re now in the same unopened bubble pack but I moved them to a box in the trunk.
jmonroe
You’re not thinking like a dealer. Better to slap all those useless overpriced things on a car and count on the majority of buyers not to walk out over $125 wheel locks. After all, what are you paying those salespeople for if not to talk your customers into high profit extras.
Going back to my Kia and Ford dealers, the Kia store was full of people while I was the only one in the low pressure Ford store.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It looks like the DW discussion ran out of juice....what's next bourbon?
———————————————— I’ll let you know when I’m close to my last bottle.
jmonroe
I don't know a thing about bourbon, but I like a Bloody Caesar with my dinner, so I had to buy 1.14 bottle at home, it was $45. In Florida it costs $22! btw, a Bloody Caesar is Canadian, it is made using Clamato juice instead of tomato juice. It doesn't seem to exist in the U.S.
It's usually made with vodka too.
Oh yeh, I forgot to mention...that was what I was buying...vodka.
I drove by my MB dealer today and they had about 20 new cars parked outside in front of the showroom. For months they had no cars on display...they were bought up as soon as they arrived. I mentioned before, I got a ride home in a courtesy GLB. The driver told me it didn't have power seats, they didn't have enough chips. A new MB with manual seats! I said I guess they'll put the chip in when they have them. He said he doubts it.....too bad for the next owner.
I drove by my MB dealer today and they had about 20 new cars parked outside in front of the showroom. For months they had no cars on display...they were bought up as soon as they arrived. I mentioned before, I got a ride home in a courtesy GLB. The driver told me it didn't have power seats, they didn't have enough chips. A new MB with manual seats! I said I guess they'll put the chip in when they have them. He said he doubts it.....too bad for the next owner.
———————————————— Did they unplug the backup camera too?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I drove by my MB dealer today and they had about 20 new cars parked outside in front of the showroom. For months they had no cars on display...they were bought up as soon as they arrived. I mentioned before, I got a ride home in a courtesy GLB. The driver told me it didn't have power seats, they didn't have enough chips. A new MB with manual seats! I said I guess they'll put the chip in when they have them. He said he doubts it.....too bad for the next owner.
———————————————— Did they unplug the backup camera too?
jmonroe
Since backup cameras are mandatory these days, my guess is it had a backup camera. I am probably one of the few people left in North America that can backup a car without a camera.
@driver100 said:
Since backup cameras are mandatory these days, my guess is it had a backup camera. I am probably one of the few people left in North America that can backup a car without a camera.
————————————————
I’ll give you credit for being better than most but based on all the rear bumpers I see with many scuff marks there are lots of folks who backup using the feel method.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I assume the feature left off was the memory function, not the power operation. That would require entirely different seat structures, not just leaving off a little electronic module.
————————————————
That’s what happens when you’re speeding in reverse without a backup camera.
That reminds me of the old story I heard about a Priest who ran into a Rabbi:
Fortunately no one was hurt and when the Irish Catholic cop showed up he was a little confused as to how to write his traffic report. After a good bit of thinking he finally went to the Priest and asked, “father, about how fast would you say the Rabbi was going when he backed into you”?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
we went out and picked up a couple of planter boxes so the wife can finally have a garden. I want nothing to do with it but I know I will end up having to move the yards of dirt at some point!
missed the pickup. boxes were 6' x 3' (12" high). Could just jam it into the RDX if we pushed the seats way forward (and I drove plastered up on the steering wheel) but because of the "stylish" (and highly impractical) roofline, could only fit one box in and get the hatch closed. So, had to make 2 trips. thankfully not too far away.
too long to fit in the Maverick's bed but drop the tailgate, grab some straps, and just let them hang out the back! Or stand them on end. Unlimited headroom back there!
we went out and picked up a couple of planter boxes so the wife can finally have a garden. I want nothing to do with it but I know I will end up having to move the yards of dirt at some point!
missed the pickup. boxes were 6' x 3' (12" high). Could just jam it into the RDX if we pushed the seats way forward (and I drove plastered up on the steering wheel) but because of the "stylish" (and highly impractical) roofline, could only fit one box in and get the hatch closed. So, had to make 2 trips. thankfully not too far away.
too long to fit in the Maverick's bed but drop the tailgate, grab some straps, and just let them hang out the back! Or stand them on end. Unlimited headroom back there!
Dude, Wayfair and Amazon are your friends! Order on-line, have them shipped right to the house. A little assembly and you're done. No truck needed.
About the only thing we don't buy on-line regularly is food.
Wife has one Amazon account for home, and another for the studio. Everything for the studio goes onto the CC, so we can rack up the points for later use.
we went out and picked up a couple of planter boxes so the wife can finally have a garden. I want nothing to do with it but I know I will end up having to move the yards of dirt at some point!
missed the pickup. boxes were 6' x 3' (12" high). Could just jam it into the RDX if we pushed the seats way forward (and I drove plastered up on the steering wheel) but because of the "stylish" (and highly impractical) roofline, could only fit one box in and get the hatch closed. So, had to make 2 trips. thankfully not too far away.
too long to fit in the Maverick's bed but drop the tailgate, grab some straps, and just let them hang out the back! Or stand them on end. Unlimited headroom back there!
———————————————— Yep, you sure screwed up when you got rid of that little hauler. Shoulda kept it until the other one arrived. Convenience alone makes those things pay for themselves and the more convenience’s you look for (especially when you move) the more valuable they become.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I find battery powered mowers appealing. They’re quiet, make good torque and no more last minute trips to fill an empty gas container. My primary concern is longevity of the battery and replacement cost. I have several battery powered lawn tools and the batteries seem to last about 3 years. Replacement batteries cost practically the same as buying a new tool that includes the battery.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
we went out and picked up a couple of planter boxes so the wife can finally have a garden. I want nothing to do with it but I know I will end up having to move the yards of dirt at some point!
missed the pickup. boxes were 6' x 3' (12" high). Could just jam it into the RDX if we pushed the seats way forward (and I drove plastered up on the steering wheel) but because of the "stylish" (and highly impractical) roofline, could only fit one box in and get the hatch closed. So, had to make 2 trips. thankfully not too far away.
too long to fit in the Maverick's bed but drop the tailgate, grab some straps, and just let them hang out the back! Or stand them on end. Unlimited headroom back there!
———————————————— Yep, you sure screwed up when you got rid of that little hauler. Shoulda kept it until the other one arrived. Convenience alone makes those things pay for themselves and the more convenience’s you look for (especially when you move) the more valuable they become.
jmonroe
for the $3,000 or so I am ahead of the game, an extra 30 minute round trip was worth it.
I find battery powered mowers appealing. They’re quiet, make good torque and no more last minute trips to fill an empty gas container. My primary concern is longevity of the battery and replacement cost. I have several battery powered lawn tools and the batteries seem to last about 3 years. Replacement batteries cost practically the same as buying a new tool that includes the battery.
the cost is offset by not paying for gas (probably not that much in total, but something) and no more dragging to the shop to get tuned up. or oil changes for the DIY.
but mostly, quieter, and eliminates the annual hassle of trying to get it to work in the spring! Charge the battery, snap it on, away you go. They do cost more but worth it to me. If I have to mow, might as well not be P.O.'d at the equipment all the time. Plus as noted no dragging a gas can around.
Still not sure how to add a photo in here. I took a few on my iPhone but have no clue how to transfer them from the iPhone into here? Folks have said that it's pretty easy to do but being tech challenged like I am, have no clue what to do now that the pics are in my iPhone? There must be an easy way to do this I'd bet!
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)
Click on Insert Image button
Click on choose files
Select “photo library”
Click the picture you want
Click “add”‘upper right
After the pictures load into the posting box you’ll see a lot text. Don’t touch it. Just click post comment as usual.
How do I get the pics I recently took from my iPhone to the Edmunds.com site in the first place? Being as tech challenged as I am, I gave my kids a paper with "turn on" and "turn off" so I could learn how to use a computer years ago. I really had no real formal training on computers so had no clue what to do with the pc we had. So, it's just that I don't know a lot about computers as the reason why I ask a lot of questions about it, stuff that comes easy to others doesn't come so easy to me. Do appreciate all your help though. I'm the kind of person that needs stuff "dumbed down" if you will...never assume that I know what you're talking about because in most cases, I don't! I just need patience and great instructions & I'll eventually "get it"!
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)
we went out and picked up a couple of planter boxes so the wife can finally have a garden. I want nothing to do with it but I know I will end up having to move the yards of dirt at some point!
missed the pickup. boxes were 6' x 3' (12" high). Could just jam it into the RDX if we pushed the seats way forward (and I drove plastered up on the steering wheel) but because of the "stylish" (and highly impractical) roofline, could only fit one box in and get the hatch closed. So, had to make 2 trips. thankfully not too far away.
too long to fit in the Maverick's bed but drop the tailgate, grab some straps, and just let them hang out the back! Or stand them on end. Unlimited headroom back there!
Dude, Wayfair and Amazon are your friends! Order on-line, have them shipped right to the house. A little assembly and you're done. No truck needed.
He could go to Lowe’s garden center. They have these slotted bricks that you use for the corners and then you slide some decking boards into. Instant raised bed that comes in pieces for easy transport.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I read an online review of a DeWalt battery lawn mower, uses 2 20V L-I tool batteries. They said it lasts 40 minutes on a full charge which they said equates to about 8000 Sq ft of mowing. It is self-repelled to boot. $600.
How do I get the pics I recently took from my iPhone to the Edmunds.com site in the first place? Being as tech challenged as I am, I gave my kids a paper with "turn on" and "turn off" so I could learn how to use a computer years ago. I really had no real formal training on computers so had no clue what to do with the pc we had. So, it's just that I don't know a lot about computers as the reason why I ask a lot of questions about it, stuff that comes easy to others doesn't come so easy to me. Do appreciate all your help though. I'm the kind of person that needs stuff "dumbed down" if you will...never assume that I know what you're talking about because in most cases, I don't! I just need patience and great instructions & I'll eventually "get it"!
When I click on “photo library” it automatically goes to the photos on my IPad. Click on the pic you want and then hit “add”. You’ll see a link to the pic appear on your post. That link becomes your picture. Don’t ask me how, maybe it’s little Edmunds elves.
I assume your phone works the same as an IPad.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We decided to replace the sliding patio door off our breakfast room. It's been getting hard to open and it doesn't want to close without excess pulling. I've adjusted it until I guess it gave up.
@venture said:
We decided to replace the sliding patio door off our breakfast room. It's been getting hard to open and it doesn't want to close without excess pulling. I've adjusted it until I guess it gave up.
We got 2 bids and they are $2,000 apart.
I just got painting quotes. One was double the other. Nature of the beast these days.
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My Malibu came from wheel locks from the dealer with whom my local dealer did an exchange to get the car back in 2014. Totally unnecessary and a big pain in the rump. The other dealer didn't even leave the lug nuts they removed with the car. So I have to buy lug nuts if I leave the locks off.
Is there a big market for stolen 18-inch Malibu rims?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
The more logical solution would be not to mess with the car until the customer said he/she wanted them.
My ‘15 Genny came with locking lug nuts…4 of them including the removal tool in a bubble pack, in the glove box. They’re now in the same unopened bubble pack but I moved them to a box in the trunk.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Going back to my Kia and Ford dealers, the Kia store was full of people while I was the only one in the low pressure Ford store.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I mentioned before, I got a ride home in a courtesy GLB. The driver told me it didn't have power seats, they didn't have enough chips. A new MB with manual seats! I said I guess they'll put the chip in when they have them. He said he doubts it.....too bad for the next owner.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Did they unplug the backup camera too?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
————————————————
I’ll give you credit for being better than most but based on all the rear bumpers I see with many scuff marks there are lots of folks who backup using the feel method.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Have you ever seen the picture of his car after he backed into the garbage truck?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
————————————————
That’s what happens when you’re speeding in reverse without a backup camera.
That reminds me of the old story I heard about a Priest who ran into a Rabbi:
Fortunately no one was hurt and when the Irish Catholic cop showed up he was a little confused as to how to write his traffic report. After a good bit of thinking he finally went to the Priest and asked, “father, about how fast would you say the Rabbi was going when he backed into you”?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Good morning all. Beautiful morning here in North Wildwood. Nice bike ride.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Nice. This is what I woke up to, this morning:
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MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Oh heck no!!!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
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@tjc78 - the roads are fine; I just got back from bringing the girls their morning Starbucks hit at the studio.
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
missed the pickup. boxes were 6' x 3' (12" high). Could just jam it into the RDX if we pushed the seats way forward (and I drove plastered up on the steering wheel) but because of the "stylish" (and highly impractical) roofline, could only fit one box in and get the hatch closed. So, had to make 2 trips. thankfully not too far away.
too long to fit in the Maverick's bed but drop the tailgate, grab some straps, and just let them hang out the back! Or stand them on end. Unlimited headroom back there!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
hopefully I have the truck before I need to go get dirt, otherwise that will getting delivered.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Sometimes buying online is very convenient!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Wife has one Amazon account for home, and another for the studio. Everything for the studio goes onto the CC, so we can rack up the points for later use.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
So, where are the bikes?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Yep, you sure screwed up when you got rid of that little hauler. Shoulda kept it until the other one arrived. Convenience alone makes those things pay for themselves and the more convenience’s you look for (especially when you move) the more valuable they become.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
More hassle. Dragged the mower out. Just about wore out my shoulder but that thing won’t come close to starting.
That’s why I wanted a battery powered mower too. I hate dealing with small engines.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Well I was sitting on mine …😎
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Current view in Florida
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
but mostly, quieter, and eliminates the annual hassle of trying to get it to work in the spring! Charge the battery, snap it on, away you go. They do cost more but worth it to me. If I have to mow, might as well not be P.O.'d at the equipment all the time. Plus as noted no dragging a gas can around.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
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)
One more time with screenshots Sandy…
Click on Insert Image button
Click on choose files
Select “photo library”
Click the picture you want
Click “add”‘upper right
After the pictures load into the posting box you’ll see a lot text. Don’t touch it. Just click post comment as usual.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Do appreciate all your help though. I'm the kind of person that needs stuff "dumbed down" if you will...never assume that I know what you're talking about because in most cases, I don't! I just need patience and great instructions & I'll eventually "get it"!
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)
Debary, about 40 minutes from Orlando Int'l
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I assume your phone works the same as an IPad.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We got 2 bids and they are $2,000 apart.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I would look into new hardware first before replacing the whole door.
I just got painting quotes. One was double the other. Nature of the beast these days.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic