When my son was home for a few days we spoke about cars a little. He is just about ready to get something to replace his Land Rover. He has always bought new cars.
One interesting thing he said was that he is seriously considering buying from Carvana because of all the garbage you have to go through when buying from a dealer. He mentioned the negotiation process as well as the silly, senseless, unnecessary forms in the F&I office - among other things.
Just say no. I don't recall, in relatively recent memory at least, having to spend too much time in F & I. I smile and say no to the mop & glo/scotchgard/extended blinker fluid warranties. Several times, the Finance dude simply said no for me, he knew I wasn't a buyer.
But, not always... ex-wife's 535xi, she wanted the wheel/tire warranty; I reviewed with my independent tire shop, they said it probably would pay for itself. Last I knew, pre-divorce, one wheel/tire replaced, so perhaps that was a win?
And, mandatory mop/glo (ceramic sealant) with the current X3. Salesdude noted earlier it was earlier simply a Covid $1k ADM, it was his idea to include the ceramic so as not to incense hopefully returning customers. As they were discounting the '22 during Covid, it still seemed a good deal, so we bought the X3 (yeah, like I had a choice. She wanted it and whatever Lola wants...).
Maybe shopping more upscale marques eases the F&I pitch?
'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...)
Just say no. I don't recall, in relatively recent memory at least, having to spend too much time in F & I. I smile and say no to the mop & glo/scotchgard/extended blinker fluid warranties. Several times, the Finance dude simply said no for me, he knew I wasn't a buyer.
But, not always... ex-wife's 535xi, she wanted the wheel/tire warranty; I reviewed with my independent tire shop, they said it probably would pay for itself. Last I knew, pre-divorce, one wheel/tire replaced, so perhaps that was a win?
And, mandatory mop/glo (ceramic sealant) with the current X3. Salesdude noted earlier it was earlier simply a Covid $1k ADM, it was his idea to include the ceramic so as not to incense hopefully returning customers. As they were discounting the '22 during Covid, it still seemed a good deal, so we bought the X3 (yeah, like I had a choice. She wanted it and whatever Lola wants...).
Maybe shopping more upscale marques eases the F&I pitch?
Buying for me? No F & I shenanigans. Buying for the ladies, well, I've deferred to their desires. Chose my battles!
'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...)
Some car owners when they renewed their insurance they received shocking premium increases. One fellow facing a 21% jump asked why and was given a report, 130 pages long covering every trip taken in his GM car over the last 6 months. 640 trips were detailed and the data included instances of speeding, hard braking and sharp acceleration. In the fine print (that nobody reads) of a subscription to OnStar and Smart Driver apps, there is language allowing for the sale of the data to insurance companies.
Just wondering if it is true....asking for a friend.
I don't know about OnStar etc... but when my rates went up 20% (while I was still a one-car owner), I called Amica and asked what the heck??? A lovely CSR told me it was completely due to the sins of others, nothing in my record was to blame. She said she went through the same WTH? I switched, through my agent. New rate/insurer down by almost 40%, slowly creeping back up.
'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...)
@driver100 said:
Does anyone know anything about this?
Some car owners when they renewed their insurance they received shocking premium increases. One fellow facing a 21% jump asked why and was given a report, 130 pages long covering every trip taken in his GM car over the last 6 months. 640 trips were detailed and the data included instances of speeding, hard braking and sharp acceleration. In the fine print (that nobody reads) of a subscription to OnStar and Smart Driver apps, there is language allowing for the sale of the data to insurance companies.
Just wondering if it is true....asking for a friend.
Don't know if it's true but it is extremely possible. Your data is being sold by anyone and everyone that knows the slightest bit about you.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
surprisingly, Geico raised ours very very little. Roughly 4%. Paying ~$4550 annually for 5 vehicles across 3 drivers, including an 18-yr-old boy, with high limits across the board and including comprehensive on 4 of the 5 vehicles is a screaming bargain, IMHO.
'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
When my son was home for a few days we spoke about cars a little. He is just about ready to get something to replace his Land Rover. He has always bought new cars.
One interesting thing he said was that he is seriously considering buying from Carvana because of all the garbage you have to go through when buying from a dealer. He mentioned the negotiation process as well as the silly, senseless, unnecessary forms in the F&I office - among other things.
The nut didn't fall far from the tree.
I haven’t financed since 2015 but as I remember the Ford dealer didn’t even mention extended warranties, mop&glo or any other nonsense. The latest dealer tried to slip in mandatory VIN etching but i said no thanks
I did buy a used car for my son at a Chevy dealer and they unfurled an encyclopedia of add-ons that would have tripled the cost of the car.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Some car owners when they renewed their insurance they received shocking premium increases. One fellow facing a 21% jump asked why and was given a report, 130 pages long covering every trip taken in his GM car over the last 6 months. 640 trips were detailed and the data included instances of speeding, hard braking and sharp acceleration. In the fine print (that nobody reads) of a subscription to OnStar and Smart Driver apps, there is language allowing for the sale of the data to insurance companies.
Just wondering if it is true....asking for a friend.
Wow. So those times I sped up to 80 to get ahead of trucks in a 70 mph zone to merge to the right lane may be used by State Farm to identify me as a high risk EDIT thanks to General Motors.
Wow. So those times I sped up to 80 to get ahead of trucks in a 70 mph zone to merge to the right lane may be used by State Farm to identify me as a high risk?
———————————————— And folks wonder why I’m not set up with anyone to do automatic bill pay every month and more importantly why I don’t do any on-line banking.
I mentioned to a friend that I was thinking about telling my bank not to authorize any cash withdrawals from either my checking or savings account unless I was doing it in person. He told me he didn’t think I could do that but I’ll have to go to my bank to see if that is true.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Some car owners when they renewed their insurance they received shocking premium increases. One fellow facing a 21% jump asked why and was given a report, 130 pages long covering every trip taken in his GM car over the last 6 months. 640 trips were detailed and the data included instances of speeding, hard braking and sharp acceleration. In the fine print (that nobody reads) of a subscription to OnStar and Smart Driver apps, there is language allowing for the sale of the data to insurance companies.
Just wondering if it is true....asking for a friend.
It’s true.
@oldfarmer50 Wow! Thanks for the comments about this but the video makes it pretty clear it is true. A real eye opener. That is why I didn't want the 15% discount from Allstate if I allowed them to track me. There can be lots of reasons for stopping fast or even speeding.....like on I-75 the limit is 70 but people are all passing you if you go 80.
Some car owners when they renewed their insurance they received shocking premium increases. One fellow facing a 21% jump asked why and was given a report, 130 pages long covering every trip taken in his GM car over the last 6 months. 640 trips were detailed and the data included instances of speeding, hard braking and sharp acceleration. In the fine print (that nobody reads) of a subscription to OnStar and Smart Driver apps, there is language allowing for the sale of the data to insurance companies.
Just wondering if it is true....asking for a friend.
That story was all over the automotive boards. Three weeks ago...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Several of my murder cases depended on cell phone data to place the defendant at the crime scene. Note however, that a search warrant is required to obtain that information. That said, a real treasure trove of information can be found on jail calls. Attorney-client calls are not recorded, but everything else is- and inmates receive a message at the start of their calls that they are being recorded. It doesn't matter; we still get a ton of incriminating evidence- all of which is admissible at trial.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@tjc78 said:
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
You can always turn off that GPS location device on your phone. Also on the Illinois tollway for short distances you may only go through one toll booth so they couldn't calculate speed.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@roadburner said:
Several of my murder cases depended on cell phone data to place the defendant at the crime scene. Note however, that a search warrant is required to obtain that information.
That said, a real treasure trove of information can be found on jail calls. Attorney-client calls are not recorded, but everything else is- and inmates receive a message at the start of their calls that they are being recorded. It doesn't matter; we still get a ton of incriminating evidence- all of which is admissible at trial.
With that cell phone data are you getting the data from the phone itself or off of tower pings?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I recall a technical article a decade or so ago about turning the location off on a phone. The tech group set up a fake connection for the phone. Even with the location off, the phone eventually sent in a a packet of data that was the travel history for the phone while the location was turned off. No privacy there!!!
IOW. That data is the phone company's just like the social media groups consider all info their property. I think I eventually figured out that photobucket used people's photos from the users in their promo pages and advertising even without the owners knowing. REmember all those nice scenic photos for instance that used to pop up to get you to want to save more of your photos on their site?
@roadburner said:
Several of my murder cases depended on cell phone data to place the defendant at the crime scene. Note however, that a search warrant is required to obtain that information.
That said, a real treasure trove of information can be found on jail calls. Attorney-client calls are not recorded, but everything else is- and inmates receive a message at the start of their calls that they are being recorded. It doesn't matter; we still get a ton of incriminating evidence- all of which is admissible at trial.
With that cell phone data are you getting the data from the phone itself or off of tower pings?
Both.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@tjc78 said:
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
You can always turn off that GPS location device on your phone. Also on the Illinois tollway for short distances you may only go through one toll booth so they couldn't calculate speed.
Doesn’t matter they can compute your locations based on what towers you phone is connecting to.
If your phone is on and connected to cellular the data is there.
As for one toll booth… true. But I’d wager most roads have time stamped video along the way and at tool booths which could do the same thing
I stand by my comment that in today’s day and age it is virtually impossible to keep from being tracked.
@tjc78 said:
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
You can always turn off that GPS location device on your phone. Also on the Illinois tollway for short distances you may only go through one toll booth so they couldn't calculate speed.
Doesn’t matter they can compute your locations based on what towers you phone is connecting to.
If your phone is on and connected to cellular the data is there.
As for one toll booth… true. But I’d wager most roads have time stamped video along the way and at tool booths which could do the same thing
I stand by my comment that in today’s day and age it is virtually impossible to keep from being tracked.
If by the tower all they can do is get you in the general location of the tower. If by cell phone data by the GPS they can get you within 16 feet if you have clear sky's, Any interference can extend that range. Currently my phone has me in my neighbors house.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
I recall a technical article a decade or so ago about turning the location off on a phone. The tech group set up a fake connection for the phone. Even with the location off, the phone eventually sent in a a packet of data that was the travel history for the phone while the location was turned off. No privacy there!!!
IOW. That data is the phone company's just like the social media groups consider all info their property. I think I eventually figured out that photobucket used people's photos from the users in their promo pages and advertising even without the owners knowing. REmember all those nice scenic photos for instance that used to pop up to get you to want to save more of your photos on their site?
People are slow learners. Real easily fooled.
I was at a friend's home a few months ago and had a very interesting conversation about this with a gentleman who works for the big cable/internet company in South/Central NJ/Philly. He works with law Enforcement once they provide him with the proper documentation. He explained to me that what is on your phone/computer is YOURS, but the cable company owns the wifi and the network, and it is easier for law enforcement to deal with the company.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
Yeah, I thought it was the stupid cat scratching the back of my chair but then my wife said “what was that?”. Very mild but we’re 150 miles from the epicenter in NJ.
Funny how folks who rarely experience earthquakes perceive them. Years ago we had one in upstate NY that shook the house. My first reaction was “why are my kids wrestling in the hall at 6 am.?”
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...)
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
Quoting Archie Bunker, “I’m not paranoid!! Why are you all trying to get me?”
In other news, on my iPad now the emojis are once again inserting themselves as the first item in any post.
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
Quoting Archie Bunker, “I’m not paranoid!! Why are you all trying to get me?”
In other news, on my iPad now the emojis are once again inserting themselves as the first item in any post.
That’s the government letting you know they control everything.😂
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
What do you think they will do with the info?
Nothing….until they want to.🫣 I’m not really that paranoid, it’s just my normal contrarian nature. My reading of history tells me not to trust government or car salesman.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
What do you think they will do with the info?
Nothing….until they want to.🫣 I’m not really that paranoid, it’s just my normal contrarian nature. My reading of history tells me not to trust government or car salesman.
I've saved $300 in credit card rebates already this year...
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
————————————————- Brace yourself, I’ve now changed my SS number to yours so the IRS can’t get me.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
Which is why I don’t use EZpass and do use an old Garmin nav that’s connected to nothing. When the CIA comes for me they’ll have a harder time doing it.😳 I do expect they’ll catch up to me getting gas at Sam’s Club since that’s the only place I can’t use cash.
But where are you getting your cash? If you're taking it out through an ATM, you're on closed circuit video and your location is tagged through the ATM's identifier. If you're using the PIN pad at a grocery store and taking out cash, that data is being captured. I can still track general movement and activities of individuals who favor cash, albeit not as easily as those who use their credit or debit cards.
I have never used an ATM or PIN pad at a grocery store. I guess they could track my monthly cash withdrawal from the bank but they wouldn’t know exactly what day to stake out the branch since I vary that too. I know if they want me they can do it but why make it easy?
What do you think they will do with the info?
Nothing….until they want to.🫣 I’m not really that paranoid, it’s just my normal contrarian nature. My reading of history tells me not to trust government or car salesman.
I've saved $300 in credit card rebates already this year...
I’ve probably save $300 in interest charges/fees by not using mine. My mechanic charges a 3.9% service fee for credit cards and most gas station charge 10 cents more. I’ll make large individual purchases on the card and get the points but I see lots of people using cards for a cup of coffee. I never understood that. I’d feel funny not having enough cash to a least buy lunch.
Yeah I know I a dinosaur.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Brace yourself, I’ve now changed my SS number to yours so the IRS can’t get me.
Better keep an eye out for the IRS agents invading your backyard armed with picks and shovels looking for the hermetically sealed canisters of cash buried there.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
One interesting thing he said was that he is seriously considering buying from Carvana because of all the garbage you have to go through when buying from a dealer. He mentioned the negotiation process as well as the silly, senseless, unnecessary forms in the F&I office - among other things.
The nut didn't fall far from the tree.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I don't recall, in relatively recent memory at least, having to spend too much time in F & I. I smile and say no to the mop & glo/scotchgard/extended blinker fluid warranties.
Several times, the Finance dude simply said no for me, he knew I wasn't a buyer.
But, not always... ex-wife's 535xi, she wanted the wheel/tire warranty; I reviewed with my independent tire shop, they said it probably would pay for itself. Last I knew, pre-divorce, one wheel/tire replaced, so perhaps that was a win?
And, mandatory mop/glo (ceramic sealant) with the current X3. Salesdude noted earlier it was earlier simply a Covid $1k ADM, it was his idea to include the ceramic so as not to incense hopefully returning customers. As they were discounting the '22 during Covid, it still seemed a good deal, so we bought the X3 (yeah, like I had a choice. She wanted it and whatever Lola wants...).
Maybe shopping more upscale marques eases the F&I pitch?
'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...)
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
'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...)
Some car owners when they renewed their insurance they received shocking premium increases. One fellow facing a 21% jump asked why and was given a report, 130 pages long covering every trip taken in his GM car over the last 6 months. 640 trips were detailed and the data included instances of speeding, hard braking and sharp acceleration. In the fine print (that nobody reads) of a subscription to OnStar and Smart Driver apps, there is language allowing for the sale of the data to insurance companies.
Just wondering if it is true....asking for a friend.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A lovely CSR told me it was completely due to the sins of others, nothing in my record was to blame. She said she went through the same WTH?
I switched, through my agent. New rate/insurer down by almost 40%, slowly creeping back up.
'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...)
Don't know if it's true but it is extremely possible. Your data is being sold by anyone and everyone that knows the slightest bit about you.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Amica: They get great reviews, but they've never been able to come close to my State Farm rates.
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Yeah but they never said when.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'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
I did buy a used car for my son at a Chevy dealer and they unfurled an encyclopedia of add-ons that would have tripled the cost of the car.
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
So those times I sped up to 80 to get ahead of trucks in a 70 mph zone to merge to the right lane may be used by State Farm to identify me as a high risk EDIT thanks to General Motors.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
And folks wonder why I’m not set up with anyone to do automatic bill pay every month and more importantly why I don’t do any on-line banking.
I mentioned to a friend that I was thinking about telling my bank not to authorize any cash withdrawals from either my checking or savings account unless I was doing it in person. He told me he didn’t think I could do that but I’ll have to go to my bank to see if that is true.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
A real eye opener. That is why I didn't want the 15% discount from Allstate if I allowed them to track me.
There can be lots of reasons for stopping fast or even speeding.....like on I-75 the limit is 70 but people are all passing you if you go 80.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Three weeks ago...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Three weeks ago? I thought this board was up to date on all things current. What am I paying these dues for?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Wait until you all see what they could pull off of your phone!
The vast majority of drivers would be completely screwed if they used the GPS data off of your phone or car.
Heck Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps would do most people in. Also EZPass where you tag in/out like on the NJTP … your speed can be calculated
Big brother is everywhere and you can’t hide
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That said, a real treasure trove of information can be found on jail calls. Attorney-client calls are not recorded, but everything else is- and inmates receive a message at the start of their calls that they are being recorded. It doesn't matter; we still get a ton of incriminating evidence- all of which is admissible at trial.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
You can always turn off that GPS location device on your phone. Also on the Illinois tollway for short distances you may only go through one toll booth so they couldn't calculate speed.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
With that cell phone data are you getting the data from the phone itself or off of tower pings?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
No privacy there!!!
IOW. That data is the phone company's just like the social media groups consider all info their property. I think I eventually figured out that photobucket used people's photos from the users in their promo pages and advertising even without the owners knowing. REmember all those nice scenic photos for instance that used to pop up to get you to want to save more of your photos on their site?
People are slow learners. Real easily fooled.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Both.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Three weeks ago? I thought this board was up to date on all things current. What am I paying these dues for?
For the ambiance.😄
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
Doesn’t matter they can compute your locations based on what towers you phone is connecting to.
If your phone is on and connected to cellular the data is there.
As for one toll booth… true. But I’d wager most roads have time stamped video along the way and at tool booths which could do the same thing
I stand by my comment that in today’s day and age it is virtually impossible to keep from being tracked.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
If by the tower all they can do is get you in the general location of the tower. If by cell phone data by the GPS they can get you within 16 feet if you have clear sky's, Any interference can extend that range. Currently my phone has me in my neighbors house.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Are you saying you can see me when I’m logged in here? I wasn’t offered that dues package.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
(insert evil laugh here, while rubbing hands together)
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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Funny how folks who rarely experience earthquakes perceive them. Years ago we had one in upstate NY that shook the house. My first reaction was “why are my kids wrestling in the hall at 6 am.?”
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'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...)
Oh yeah. We felt it pretty pronounced here in south Jersey at the shore.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
In other news, on my iPad now the emojis are once again inserting themselves as the first item in any post.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I’ll bet not as much as the folks in Taiwan.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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
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Brace yourself, I’ve now changed my SS number to yours so the IRS can’t get me.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Yeah I know I a dinosaur.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I just cashed a ton of points for our flights to Turks in October. Saved over $2500
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6