Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

oldfarmer50 said:

(Full story over at CCBA)

Oh no, you don't get to pull that over here. When I reported my punch on the Mustang over there a few months ago I referenced this board. They got all snippy with me and told me to post the story over there because they "couldn't be bothered" chasing over here to read it.

So post the whole story here mister! :@

You have me confused, OF.  Do you have some beef with CCBA about a recent post or what?  Could you be a little more specific?  I saw that henryn got a new F150 when I went over there to try to figure out what you meant by your post.  Still confused.

Sorry to confuse you. When I bought my new car in July I listed the full story here and then a brief announcement on CCBA and referred readers back to Buying and Selling for the full story. A poster on CCBA took exception and demanded I post the full story there as well (which I did).

I just figured that it worked both ways when henryn did the reverse.

Actually I was kidding but I'm glad he was a good sport and gave us the full story here as well.

abacomike

@oldfarmer50:

OK.  Gotcha!  By going over to CCBA and then reading here what henryn posted, I now know what you were talking about.  The guys over on CCBA are great guys and many of their regulars post here as well.  I, personally, do not follow that board very much.

I wanted to ask you how you are enjoying your Mustang.  You don't mention how you use it.  How's the power and performance?

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

Part 2: The Deal and the Aftermath

This is not only the end of the month, but also the end of the quarter, and (almost) the end of the model year, so an excellent time to find deals.

I received $5,050 in rebates and incentives, and with the dealer discount, my final price was slightly more than $10k off of the MSRP of $41k. My 2013 brought $25,000 as a trade in, against an auction value of $26,000 (thanks to @qbrozen for the information). Which is about as expected, no surprises. And really quite nice, considering I only paid $26.1k 24 months ago, brand new. (Over $7k on rebates and incentives at that time).

The finance office had a new gimmick, one of the computer screens built into the desk top, with a touch interface. And there were many more papers, and many more signatures required, both electronic and ink. Which I now strongly suspect was a deliberate ploy. By the end of the process, I had lost track of what I was signing, what I had already signed, and just what the H-E-double-L was going on.

After I got home, I went over everything very thoroughly, and found a mysterious $700 charge. The line item said something about “xxxxx insurance”. So this morning, I was at their front door at 9 a.m. when they opened, and asked about this mysterious $700. Turns out to be “gap insurance”. Now get this, ladies and gentlemen: I financed a small amount, $14k, just in order to get their “finance incentive” ($750 if memory serves). $14k loan against a brand new truck with an MSRP of $41k, and they stick me with “gap insurance” to the tune of $700. Without telling me, without asking me, just stick it in the paperwork.

The Sales Manager tells me they will take care of it, right away. And we only have to change 1 paper, only 1 signature. I say, “No. We do it all again. Every bit of it. From beginning to end. And you explain every line on every document, every number, every single piece of paper.” Took about an hour, and two of the forms they had to call someone else to ask questions, no one at the dealership actually knew what they were doing.

Way for them to spoil an otherwise great experience. My Ford dealer never tried to sell me anything extra. They only had me sign a paper saying I was declining GAP insurance.
Like you I had a substantial trade and so would never be upside down.

Wonder if the regular Joe would have just paid up without knowing what he was being charged for.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

@oldfarmer50:

OK.  Gotcha!  By going over to CCBA and then reading here what henryn posted, I now know what you were talking about.  The guys over on CCBA are great guys and many of their regulars post here as well.  I, personally, do not follow that board very much.

I wanted to ask you how you are enjoying your Mustang.  You don't mention how you use it.  How's the power and performance?

I'm enjoying it just fine. I haven't really pounded on it because it still only has barely 1000 miles. After the first oil change I might get more frisky.

The car is wicked fast but doesn't really "feel" that fast. I think Ford made a mistake making it so quiet. The only way I can perceive the speed is when I look in the mirror and all the other cars are in the distance. Handling is good but not spectacular. The all-seasons just aren't made for corners. I'm thinking of buying a set of summer ultra performance tires for sure and perhaps going for some upgraded sway bars. Fortunately there are tons of upgrade parts for Mustangs from Ford and aftermarket suppliers. Have to get some throaty exhaust in there too.

carnaught

Have to get some throaty exhaust in there too.

Farmer, IMHO, if you're truly "old", you'll get tired of that real fast and wish you had a quieter car.

abacomike

@oldfarmer50:

I totally agree with you on the summer performance tires - but only for May through September upstate New York.  Summer tired should not be used in temperatures below 55 degrees.  You probably won't use the Mustang in late fall, winter and early spring anyway unless you put on winter or all-season tires.

I use summer performance tires year-round of course.  They add a dimension of cornering and handling that all-seasons do not.  They do wear more (lucky to get 12,000-14,000 miles on them). And I do not accelerate or stop or corner quickly.

abacomike

carnaught said:

Have to get some throaty exhaust in there too. Farmer, IMHO, if you're truly "old", you'll get tired of that real fast and wish you had a quieter car.

I have to agree with you.  It's the power, performance and handling that makes the Mustang a great car.  Throaty exhausts sound great for awhile, but the sound can be a little annoying.  My CLS550 had very throaty exhausts (402 hp).  My E 400 has that twin turbo V6 and when the turbos kick in (merging onto an interstate) the exhausts sound very throaty.  Otherwise, it's a nice quiet running engine.

roadburner

I loved the dual-mode exhaust on the 1LE I test drove. I grinned the moment I fired it up.

henryn

carnaught said:

Have to get some throaty exhaust in there too.

Farmer, IMHO, if you're truly "old", you'll get tired of that real fast and wish you had a quieter car.

Everything is relative. The last Mustang I owned, a 2000 GT convertible, was very loud. I purchased it used, and I really liked the VERY loud aftermarket exhaust. For about a week. Then I found a muffler shop which had an OEM take-off exhaust which they sold and installed for very little money, and I was happier with that.

I just traded a 2013 F150 with the 5.0 V8 for a 2015 with the 2.7L twin turbo V6. The new truck is faster, but I do miss the V8 exhaust sound.

abacomike

Just saw a commercial on Fox News Channel paid for by a law firm asking anyone who leased or purchased a VW Diesel (2009-2015 listed by model) to call them for a free consultation, "...your car may be worth thousands less..." and you may be entitled to be compensated, etc.

So, we knew it wouldn't take very long for class action and individual law suits to be brought against VW.  Fraud is a civil tort and once the fraud is proved in a court of law (VW admits to installing that cheat chip in their diesel cars but it still must be brought before a civil court), VW has opened themselves up to a myriad of law suits.

This is just the beginning.  It will take years before this is all settled.

berri

Yep. The class action lawyers will make millions and then distribute $500 vouchers to the litigant owners toward another VW

robr2

abacomike said:

Just saw a commercial on Fox News Channel paid for by a law firm asking anyone who leased or purchased a VW Diesel (2009-2015 listed by model) to call them for a free consultation, "...your car may be worth thousands less..." and you may be entitled to be compensated, etc.

So, we knew it wouldn't take very long for class action and individual law suits to be brought against VW.  Fraud is a civil tort and once the fraud is proved in a court of law (VW admits to installing that cheat chip in their diesel cars but it still must be brought before a civil court), VW has opened themselves up to a myriad of law suits.

This is just the beginning.  It will take years before this is all settled.

My understanding is that there are about 30 firms trying to get enough plaintiffs to go to a court and ask for a class action determination. It'll be one heck of a fight to see which firm gets the case.

jwm40517

Looks like Lexington, Ky is getting a Manheim auction location. It is in the part of a large dealer lot that housed a Fiat dealer. The Fiat dealer moved over a bit to part of the Chrysler dealer.

isellhondas

robr2 said:

snakeweasel said:

isellhondas said:

suydam said:

sandman_6472 said:

Was going to get an all-in-one desktop, as I like having both, but not sure if I should do nothing & stay the course, buy a Windows 10 small all-in-one P C or get an Apple desktop and spend a lot. Just wish I had written down the number of the service pack the guy mentioned so I could try that first.
.

People still buy desktop computers?

I always buy computers with a tower. I have no need to carry a laptop anymore and I use my iPad when I'm downstairs. Trying to convert from Windows 7 to 10 was a disaster for me and I am SO thankful that I was able to restore my Windows 7. Not just me. Other people I know ran into the same thing yet I know at least one person that went from 7 to 10 without a hitch. Go figure!

I went from 7 to 10 without a hitch, a seamless transaction.

Same here - no issues what so ever.

For me. a tech challenged person it was a nightmare. At first, I lost all of my favorites but I was able to recover them after a day of frustration. It forced me to use Bing which I despise and, really I didn't see any benefit.

My computer whiz cousin had the eame experience. I'll wait until the dust settles before trying again.

isellhondas

snakeweasel said:

roadburner said:

cdnpinhead said:

He who cares least always wins the negotiation.

Precisely; that's why my current car hunt is relatively stress free- I don't need a new car so I'm not under the gun if I decide to walk.

A few years ago I was at a dealer and a decrepit Grand Marquis pulled in. Husband, wife, and three screaming kids; the motor sounded like a clothes dryer full of billiard balls. When the guy switched the car off it dieseled for a few seconds, then it backfired loudly and belched out a cloud of black smoke. I told my wife, "There's a guy that is REALLY going to get clubbed like a baby seal."

Are you sure it wasn't that you were watching "Uncle Buck"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ibO5kob3OQ

We used to go through tunnels and backfire our cars by switching the ignitions off, wait ten seconds and turn them back on. Lost a few mufflers.

js06gv

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

@oldfarmer50:

OK.  Gotcha!  By going over to CCBA and then reading here what henryn posted, I now know what you were talking about.  The guys over on CCBA are great guys and many of their regulars post here as well.  I, personally, do not follow that board very much.

I wanted to ask you how you are enjoying your Mustang.  You don't mention how you use it.  How's the power and performance?

I'm enjoying it just fine. I haven't really pounded on it because it still only has barely 1000 miles. After the first oil change I might get more frisky.

The car is wicked fast but doesn't really "feel" that fast. I think Ford made a mistake making it so quiet. The only way I can perceive the speed is when I look in the mirror and all the other cars are in the distance. Handling is good but not spectacular. The all-seasons just aren't made for corners. I'm thinking of buying a set of summer ultra performance tires for sure and perhaps going for some upgraded sway bars. Fortunately there are tons of upgrade parts for Mustangs from Ford and aftermarket suppliers. Have to get some throaty exhaust in there too.

You may have gotten lucky with your build date, but mine fell within a timeframe where there was a problem with a screeching brake noise at low speeds, typically when backing out of the garage upon first starting up. It was loud enough to get people to turn their heads. Fortunately, I found a TSB that addressed the problem and the fix was replacing the front pads and rotors. Had it done last week and problem solved. Thought it was worth mentioning in case your Mustang is afflicted with the same issue (built before 2/15 I think).

oldfarmer50

js06gv said:

oldfarmer50 said:

abacomike said:

@oldfarmer50:

OK.  Gotcha!  By going over to CCBA and then reading here what henryn posted, I now know what you were talking about.  The guys over on CCBA are great guys and many of their regulars post here as well.  I, personally, do not follow that board very much.

I wanted to ask you how you are enjoying your Mustang.  You don't mention how you use it.  How's the power and performance?

I'm enjoying it just fine. I haven't really pounded on it because it still only has barely 1000 miles. After the first oil change I might get more frisky.

The car is wicked fast but doesn't really "feel" that fast. I think Ford made a mistake making it so quiet. The only way I can perceive the speed is when I look in the mirror and all the other cars are in the distance. Handling is good but not spectacular. The all-seasons just aren't made for corners. I'm thinking of buying a set of summer ultra performance tires for sure and perhaps going for some upgraded sway bars. Fortunately there are tons of upgrade parts for Mustangs from Ford and aftermarket suppliers. Have to get some throaty exhaust in there too.

You may have gotten lucky with your build date, but mine fell within a timeframe where there was a problem with a screeching brake noise at low speeds, typically when backing out of the garage upon first starting up. It was loud enough to get people to turn their heads. Fortunately, I found a TSB that addressed the problem and the fix was replacing the front pads and rotors. Had it done last week and problem solved. Thought it was worth mentioning in case your Mustang is afflicted with the same issue (built before 2/15 I think).

If I'm reading it right my car was built in June 2015. I got it July 22. Wasn't on the lòt long.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I loved the dual-mode exhaust on the 1LE I test drove. I grinned the moment I fired it up.

Define dual-mode. If it's what I think it sounds interesting.

abacomike

verdugo said:

Why do you have to log into a Microsoft account?  Do you mean MSN?  I use Windows 10 and don't have to log-in to anything.  I turn the computer on and in 30-40 seconds, I start working.

If you mean log-in to view emails, I have to do that with my comcast email account (private) just like I did with Windows 7.

I think I am missing something - forgive me.  Could you explain or re-explain what you mean by logging in to an account?

If you mean a computer user log-in, I have mine set to administrator and automatically logs me in when computer is turned on.  

If you log in with a MSN/Hotmail/Outlook/Microsoft account, your settings can be kept consistent/updated across devices. If you only have one machine, you are totally fine with a local account. Pretty please, make sure you're prompted for a password. Don't set it up so that it automatically logs you in. You have a lot of information on your machine (pictures, personal info -- financial/medical, etc.) that you don't want other people seeing.

I heeded your advice, Verdugo.  I had my cleaning ladies here today (they come every two weeks) so when they needed to get into my bedroom, I took the opportunity to turn on my computer.  I run it in administrator mode.  I went to settings and on start-up mode, it now asks for a password.

The reason I never used a password was because my Dad would occasionally turn on the computer to manage his investments and check the stock market.  He would never remember the password.  Now that I am running Windows 10 which runs much faster than Windows 7, adding the password feature does not add more than 30-40 seconds in start-up time.

So yes, my computer is now password protected.  I use my computer maybe 1-2 hours a week.  I use my iPhone for 95% of my online activities including paying bills, transferring funds from one account to another, etc.  

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

Define dual-mode. If it's what I think it sounds interesting.

There's a flap in the exhaust that opens and closes making the exhausts louder or quieter. I think Ford Racing makes a Boss 302 style exhaust that has baffled side outlets. You can remove the baffles and enjoy the sound, keep them in and stay quiet, or-best of all-fit electric cutouts so you can select either sound with the flip of a switch.

[Deleted User]

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Define dual-mode. If it's what I think it sounds interesting.

There's a flap in the exhaust that opens and closes making the exhausts louder or quieter. I think Ford Racing makes a Boss 302 style exhaust that has baffled side outlets. You can remove the baffles and enjoy the sound, keep them in and stay quiet, or-best of all-fit electric cutouts so you can select either sound with the flip of a switch.

Emissions aren't the only thing VW fakes. They also create fake engine/exhaust sounds with something they call a soundaktor. It's a speaker. LOL. Drivers can put the GTI into sport mode which enhances the exhaust sounds....meaning the speaker is turned up in volume. Pretty cheesy and I was planning to disable it if I purchase a GTI.

cdnpinhead

BMW does it too, not that that makes it right.

driver100

Went to the Mercedes museum today and it was really a great experience. Cost about $9 to get in and seniors are half price....what a bargain. Had models of the early and first cars. Impressive how quickly Daimler went from putting a little gas engine on a bike to putting it on a 4 wheel carriage, and then by the 1920s made a super charger because he was making airplane engines. One fellow loved his cars and he raced them and won a lot, he named his car Mercedes after his daughter. Glad they did that or I would be driving a Daimler.

The museum is 9 stories and you start at the top floor and it is like a circle and you work your way down. Daimler and Benz weren't on friendly terms but they had to join forces to get bank financing.

It is an incredible story and after World War inflation made their cars too expensive and people weren't buying Germany products, and the company came close to going under. Mercedes led way in designing abs, air bags, crumple zones etc. There are probably 200 cars on display, from all years.

Interesting fact I forgot yesterday, very little welding in cars these days....they use super glues instead....carefully applied by robots.

oldfarmer50

tyguy said:

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Define dual-mode. If it's what I think it sounds interesting.

There's a flap in the exhaust that opens and closes making the exhausts louder or quieter. I think Ford Racing makes a Boss 302 style exhaust that has baffled side outlets. You can remove the baffles and enjoy the sound, keep them in and stay quiet, or-best of all-fit electric cutouts so you can select either sound with the flip of a switch.

Emissions aren't the only thing VW fakes. They also create fake engine/exhaust sounds with something they call a soundaktor. It's a speaker. LOL. Drivers can put the GTI into sport mode which enhances the exhaust sounds....meaning the speaker is turned up in volume. Pretty cheesy and I was planning to disable it if I purchase a GTI.

Mustang Ecoboost has the same thing.

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

BMW does it too, not that that makes it right.

So does Lexus.  The GS 350 I bought in 2012 (2013 new model) had enhanced exhaust sounds as well.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

I didn't ask but I thought about Mike's car. I can see how it could happen though. The cars have a sheet of paper on them as they come down the line. Paper has codes for models, and left or right hand drive, etc. Most areas have alarms if a part isn't right, but a piece of paper seems to be problematic, especially when a new model comes down the line.

The guide said each model could have a million permutations, basically no two cars are exactly the same, not sure if that is true but that is what he said.

Mike, if you are there, what was missing from your car?

If your ever near York, PA take the tour of the Harley Davidson factory. When the bike frame comes onto the assembly floor it too has a sheet of paper attached to it, the difference is that that frame goes to a team of 5 or 6 people. That team is with that bike for the entire assembly, no robots making the bikes and no one else touches that bike. Each bike can be traced back to the team that built it and their bonuses are based on how many of the bikes they build go back for warranty work.

snakeweasel

imidazol97 said:

robr2 said:

snakeweasel said:

imidazol97 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Tough times indeed.
http://abc7.com/news/car-stuck-on-cruise-control-goes-airborne-on-210-freeway-in-rialto/994845/

Just turn off the ignition key. Shift into N for neutral.

Shifting into neutral would be the best, however I would turn of the ignition as a last resort. Turning of the ignition would lose you some things like power steering and brakes which you would need.

Since most cars today have electric power steering, it's possible that it would still operate just fine.

Yes--turn off the key for 3 seconds to stop the engine then turn the key back to ON without cranking the engine and all accessories, including power steering, are active again were the steering electric.

That would work fine on a straight road with little traffic but not in a lot of conditions. 3 seconds in a fast moving car is a lot of time to be without power steering or brakes in heavy traffic or where there is anything greater than a slight curve in the road ahead. I say it's better to go into neutral and keep the power steering and brakes all the time.

explorerx4

@henryn,
I need to know more about your F-150. Model, options, color, etc.. Now that you've had it for a few days, how do you like the 2.7?

abacomike

I forgot which one of our poster buddies has a place in the Bahamas.  The Southeastern and the Central Bahamas are getting blasted now from Hurricane Juaquin, still a category 4 storm.

We've been watching that hurricane closely as it is forecast to skirt us as it turns north.  We sure dodged a bullet there.  If a category 4 hurricane ever hit us here in the heavily populated Southeast Coast of Florida, it would affect us like Hurricane Andrew affected the folks down here.

We are currently being hit with terrible flooding along the coastline due to the seasonal "King" tides and the fact that the moon is at its closest orbit (almost 50,000 miles closer to the Earth).  The residents here along the coastline said it's the worst coastal flooding they remember.

bwia

I can"t look back at last week with unkdiluted pleasure. I was raped twice.

First by my Buick dealer who charge me  $275  to replace an $18 ambient ligt sensor. And second by a contractor who was supposed to repair damages from last winter's snow storms.

He charmed his way into our hearts. He asked for a $9,000 deposit on the roof. When the roof was completed he asked for another $4,000 and we have not seen him since.

He does not answer his phone or email. The guy is a con man. We signed a contract to fix all damages inside and out as well as the basement. But he pulled a sleight of hand and switch the contract. Upon close inspection we realized that we had signed a roofing contract instead of a whole-house contract. 

Not sure what to do but the bank and the insurance company are sending inspectors out and I'm afraid the insurance will not relate the rest of the money. 

abacomike

@bwia:

I feel your pain, bwia.  You can't trust anyone these days.  There are preparatory steps one can take prior to contracting with a service provider such as references, the BBB, state license inspections, etc.  But even those precautions do not guarantee you won't end up being taken.

I had to have my condo painted - every room, every wall - a total paint job.  One of my neighbors recommended a guy who has done a lot of work for him and others in my building.  So I met the painter and picked colors and he quoted me $1500 for the total job.  He said it would take 4-5 days.  He said he would move the furniture - all I had to do was remove everything from the walls.

On the 4th day, I noticed he had not painted the doors or the door jambs.  I asked him why.  He said he doesn't do the doors or the jambs.  I was livid!  He wanted $200 more to do the 5 doors and jambs.  I told him no.  When you quote a "complete" paint job, that means everything.  He said to me that he would not finish the job without another $200.

I was caught between a rock and a hard place.  So I paid him another $200 because he had the paint and the selected colors.  I was furious!  I told my neighbor and he agreed with me.  I asked him why he recommended this painter.  He said because he gets a referral fee.  I said to him, "...you mean to tell me you took graft to get him my paint job?"  He just walked away.  I knew the extra $200 was my neighbor's pocket money.

I did get my revenge on my neighbor.  I can't say what that revenge was, but it was just so satisfying seeing him squirm.

thebean

abacomike said:

@bwia:

I feel your pain, bwia.  You can't trust anyone these days.  There are preparatory steps one can take prior to contracting with a service provider such as references, the BBB, state license inspections, etc.  But even those precautions do not guarantee you won't end up being taken.

I had to have my condo painted - every room, every wall - a total paint job.  One of my neighbors recommended a guy who has done a lot of work for him and others in my building.  So I met the painter and picked colors and he quoted me $1500 for the total job.  He said it would take 4-5 days.  He said he would move the furniture - all I had to do was remove everything from the walls.

On the 4th day, I noticed he had not painted the doors or the door jambs.  I asked him why.  He said he doesn't do the doors or the jambs.  I was livid!  He wanted $200 more to do the 5 doors and jambs.  I told him no.  When you quote a "complete" paint job, that means everything.  He said to me that he would not finish the job without another $200.

I was caught between a rock and a hard place.  So I paid him another $200 because he had the paint and the selected colors.  I was furious!  I told my neighbor and he agreed with me.  I asked him why he recommended this painter.  He said because he gets a referral fee.  I said to him, "...you mean to tell me you took graft to get him my paint job?"  He just walked away.  I knew the extra $200 was my neighbor's pocket money.

I did get my revenge on my neighbor.  I can't say what that revenge was, but it was just so satisfying seeing him squirm.

You didn't hit him with the Merc did you?

abacomike

@thebean:

Of course not - why would I want to ruin a perfectly marvelous car?  But rest assured, I got MORE THAN EVEN!!!  Let's just say that he had to pay 5 times the $200 he made!

roadburner

abacomike said:

@thebean:

Of course not - why would I want to ruin a perfectly marvelous car?  But rest assured, I got MORE THAN EVEN!!!  Let's just say that he had to pay 5 times the $200 he made!

When I was in private practice back in the early '80s I had a very nice elderly client come see me about a property line dispute he was having with a neighbor. I did some preliminary research and concluded that a lawsuit would be necessary to settle where the property line actually was. I called him to explain what I had found and his wife(an overbearing you-know-what) got on the line and told him not to pay me a cent because "all lawyers want to do is screw over people." He was obviously intimidated by her so I simply told him to call me if he changed his mind and hung up. Fast forward a couple of years- an attorney calls me and explains that the old man had died and the wife had sold the property with the disputed boundary. The buyer found out about the problem and sued the wife.She was claiming that she never knew that there was a problem with the property. His exact words were, "She seems like such a nice old lady, I can't believe she would have lied about it- she didn't know, did she?" Three guesses what I told him- and the first two don't count...

abacomike

@roadburner:

The old adage, "...he who laughs last laughs best..." sure is true in both our cases.  But yours sounds much more satisfying than mine.  But I take pride in the fact that "getting even" or "worthy retribution" (revenge, in other words) can be most satisfying.

Sandman6472

Got a painting estimate today for 3/4 of the house since the bathrooms were painted recently. Higher than we thought but they did have a charge for baseboards and doors that was separate so we know going in. Also going to get a quote from the guy we used last time if he's still in business...he did an excellent job.
So, not sure what to do first here. Insulation, painting, new toilet...just not sure. Since New York is now canceled, going to Marco Island for a few days to just relax. Just need to veg and think over a few things. Want to enjoy some of the home improvements before we sell but just need to be smart with our choices. Ah, the pleasures of home ownership but really, to rent is usually paying someone else's mortgage which is something we do not want to do unless it is for a short period of time...and down here, rents on most places is a normal mortgage payment. Guess we've been spoiled not having a mortgage for the past 20 years. Just need to decide what things are important with our current projected time frame of being here.

The Sandman

graphicguy

Won't bore you with how the Cadillac thing is going (just more delays). But, had a plumber come out to snake a kitchen drain after my feeble attempts to do the same failed. Only one name came to mind when I needed the work done....Roto Rooter.

My furnace guy came out yesterday to make sure my HVAC was ready for winter. I trust him and he did the HVAC install about 5 years ago. He's done service on it ever since and never "rapes" me.

I told him about the kitchen drain problem. He asked who I got and how much they charged.

Bottom line, it was about $350 for 10 mins of work.

He said he wasn't shocked by what they charged, but I did get clubbed by the Roto Rooter guys. I guess they don't have the best rep around these parts. He said the next time to call him and he'd do it for $75.

Didn't know he could. He said a good portion of HVAC is pipe/plumbing work. He doesn't do plumbing work except for his long time customers.

Good to know.

imidazol97

graphicguy said:

I did get clubbed by the Roto Rooter guys. I guess they don't have the best rep around these parts. He said the next time to call him and he'd do it for $75. .

Many people mistakenly think their name Roto Rooter applies to what they do to the drains. LOL
They don't have a good reputation here, either.

abacomike

My brother just ordered a 2016 Porsche Cayenne S from a dealer in Jacksonville.  Delivery won't be until mid-January.  Build date is mid-December.

He said MSRP was $91,250+ but he got a terrific deal.  The S has the 420 +/- hp in a V6 configuration.  He got it pretty loaded up.  I never thought of him as a Porsche Cayenne enthusiast, so I guess I was wrong.

I'm going up to see him next week so we can spend our birthday together.

Michaell

Ouch - sorry to hear about the home improvement and repair issues.

Just finishing up a major renovation of our new house. Included:

New tile floors (heated on main level) and carpet
New paint on every wall, door jamb and baseboard
New baseboards installed
New electric range
New vanity for basement bathroom
Fence under deck to keep dogs out
Fence off side yard
New window treatments
New kitchen countertops
New outside lighting
New electrical outlet in master bath
New showerheads

Our kids did most of the work - only the carpet, electrical work, window treatments and countertops were handled by outside contractors.

Still have a couple of little things outstanding ... hopefully most will be addressed this weekend.

[Deleted User]

Michaell said:

Ouch - sorry to hear about the home improvement and repair issues.

Just finishing up a major renovation of our new house. Included:

New tile floors (heated on main level) and carpet
New paint on every wall, door jamb and baseboard
New baseboards installed
New electric range
New vanity for basement bathroom
Fence under deck to keep dogs out
Fence off side yard
New window treatments
New kitchen countertops
New outside lighting
New electrical outlet in master bath
New showerheads

Our kids did most of the work - only the carpet, electrical work, window treatments and countertops were handled by outside contractors.

Still have a couple of little things outstanding ... hopefully most will be addressed this weekend.

Sounds like a great renovation.

Earlier in the summer I expedited a home project before the surgery hit, which was building a deck in the backyard. We debated over the type of materials to use for a couple of months in the spring before settling on Ipe. Wow. Ipe is incredibly dense and a 5/8" board is strong than a 2" board of redwood. Perfect for a dog owner, and when oiled the aesthetics are gorgeous. It was challenging to work with, though, requiring strong forces to shape the boards before fastening them down, and every screw had to be pre-drilled. It was a lot of work, but the deck will probably outlast the home as long as we oil it annually (no stains, just oil).

stever

I'm still having fun putting down a clicklock floating floor at our friend's house. My stamina fades after a couple of hours so it's not going fast, but if I pushed harder, I'd mess up more. So far the 15% wastage allowance has barely been touched.

Crawling around on your hands and knees and making a bunch of dust (and staining your hands) seems a lot easier and "cleaner" than pulling a head off an engine or swapping a transmission out, not that I have any experience with that stuff other than oil changes, a few brake jobs and one CV axle swap (and a friend did most of that).

henryn

stever said:

I'm still having fun putting down a clicklock floating floor at our friend's house. My stamina fades after a couple of hours so it's not going fast, but if I pushed harder, I'd mess up more. So far the 15% wastage allowance has barely been touched.

Crawling around on your hands and knees and making a bunch of dust (and staining your hands) seems a lot easier and "cleaner" than pulling a head off an engine or swapping a transmission out, not that I have any experience with that stuff other than oil changes, a few brake jobs and one CV axle swap (and a friend did most of that).

I'm okay with that until you mention "knees". The days when I could work down on my knees are long gone. I can still lean over a fender or work underneath a car on my back fairly well.

Another thing I don't do much of these days is work up on a ladder.

stever

Was it in here that we had the ladder discussion a while back? My (other) TX friend still has a swollen back from falling off a ladder back in the Spring. He worked hard all summer at his AK job (against doctor's orders) and likely has aggravated it. Ladders scare me worse than my table saw!

30 years of kneeling in canoes must have helped mine. After the first couple of days of floor work, I haven't had to hit the Advil again.

The worst job may be trying to fix something under the dash, lying upside down across the front seats.

henryn

explorerx4 said:

@henryn,
I need to know more about your F-150. Model, options, color, etc.. Now that you've had it for a few days, how do you like the 2.7?

XLT crewcab, 145 inch wheelbase, 5.5 feet bed (very short). 302a option package, Bronze Fire Metallic.

40/20/40 bench seat, no console (I hate consoles, they give my right knee a fit)

The 302a package is fairly complete, including:

LED Box Lighting,
4.2" Productivity Screen in Instrument Cluster,
Reverse Sensing System,
Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver,
smart trailer tow connector and 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness,
SYNC w/MyFord Touch, voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity system,
8.0" center-stack touch screen w/audio control and compass,
4.2" productivity screen in instrument cluster and 2 USB charging ports,
SYNC Services receive a complimentary 1 year prepaid subscription,
110V/400W Outlet,
XLT Chrome Appearance Package,
Chrome Billet Style Grille w/Chrome Surround, black mesh insert,
Chrome Step Bars,
Tires: P265/60R18 BSW A/S,
Chrome Door Handles w/Black Strap,
Wheels: 18" Chrome-Like PVD,
Single-Tip Chrome Exhaust,
Rear Under-Seat Storage,
10-Way Power Driver's & Passenger Seats, power driver and passenger lumbar,
Radio: Single-CD w/SiriusXM Satellite
7 speakers,
Power-Sliding Rear Window,
privacy glass,
Rear Window Defroster (Fleet),
Power-Adjustable Pedals,
Heated Front Seats,
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror,
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel,
Rear View Camera,
Power Driver/Passenger Lumbar,
Remote Start System,
Dual Power Glass Heated Sideview Mirrors Manual folding,
turn signal,
auto-dimming feature (driver's side),
black skull caps and interior auto-dimming rearview mirror

The truck has less than 20 miles on it, I can't really tell you much at present. During the week, I drive my Cadillac to work. It fits much better in the parking garage at work, and being 9 years old with a number of very minor scratches and door dings already, I care much less about adding more door dings.

stickguy

Sandy, my rule is paint last if you are likely to mess it up (like doing insulation or electrical). Exception is if the room is gutted, like when we did kitchen and baths, then paint when empty before new install. Much quicker not trimming around stuff!

Easier for me I guess, since I still do interior painting. I hate it, but can handle it and save a bundle!

stever

One for @snakeweasel (and plenty of room for commenting "over there").

driver100

I was caught between a rock and a hard place. So I paid him another $200 because he had the paint and the selected colors. I was furious! I told my neighbor and he agreed with me. I asked him why he recommended this painter. He said because he gets a referral fee. I said to him, "...you mean to tell me you took graft to get him my paint job?" He just walked away. I knew the extra $200 was my neighbor's pocket money

Because he gets a referral fee...it would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic. If the painter explained about the $200 charge up front you probably still would have gone ahead with it, and would think a lot more of him and his work.

Your story reminds me of another scam thing. We went to get groceries today and they want to know if we want to donate a food basket. Well, I just saw a program where these companies do that, then they claim the tax write off. In the case of a Canadian bookstore chain, you donate money so children can have books. Ah, isn't that nice! Until you find out the books they give to the kids are paid for at full retail price. So, I donate $20, the school can choose a book worth $20, and the book store chain makes 40% or $8.

I'm not sure if I am getting more paranoid, but it feels like everything I buy or do should be double checked, and being online doesn't help!

abacomike

@driver100:

Right you are driver.  What do you think about my brother abandoning his E400 Sedan Mercedes for a Cayenne S - and still has to wait 3-1/2 months for it?

That will be his 3rd new car in less than 12 months.  And the rest of the posters here thought I was bad  

The irony here is that I am keeping mine!!!  

explorerx4

@henryn,
So that's a SuperCrew? I've been looking at trucks for a while, but not quite ready to pull the trigger.
One thing I'm debating is whether to get a base truck(XL) and add as I go along, or higher trim like XLT with 302A right from the start.