Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

snakeweasel

suydam said:

And the fact that the rear seat and headliner were set on fire!!

Hey I was once part of a group that set a school bus (decommissioned) on fire then drove it 1,500 miles over a long weekend (after we put out the fire of course).

One day I must tell you that story.

snakeweasel

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

abacomike

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

One of these?   

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

One of these?   

I had issues getting the picture to post but it's there now.

abacomike

snakeweasel said:

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

One of these?   

I had issues getting the picture to post but it's there now.

Thanks - what is it?  Looks a little like a Ford, Porsche, Toyota - obviously a roadster of some kind.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

One of these?   

I had issues getting the picture to post but it's there now.

Thanks - what is it?  Looks a little like a Ford, Porsche, Toyota - obviously a roadster of some kind.

It's an X-1/9 designed by Bertone and produced by Fiat then by Bertone. The one I saw was a Bertone model so it was from the mid to late 80's

stickguy

It is either a late Fiat X1/9, or a Bertone version of it.

neat car. piece of crap though.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Tales from Craigslist.

Thought this car might be tempting until I asked myself "why would a car need shocks at 39,000 miles"?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5300397884.html

It's not the 39,000 miles but the fact that the car is 19 years old. Parts do wear out with time, my issue would be what other parts will fail due to being 19 years old.

Nice looking car and good price. The shocks seem to be a minor problem compared to:

mavis tire was replacing the shocks and used a torch and set the rear seat on fire and the headliner. I have a cover over rear seat. Headliner is about $600 for a new one. Seat cover is about $500 or throw a blanket over it and youll never know. baby on the way and need a different vehicle. THE VEHICLE ITSELF IS MINT MINUS THE HOLE IN SEAT AND HEADLINER ISSUE

Drive around with a hole in the seat! Why need a new car because a baby is on the way...that seat with a hole in it may come in handy.

driver100

abacomike said:

Driver, you are coming down to Florida this weekend - be prepared for summertime weather and temperatures.  For the past two weeks, temps have been averaging 8-10 degrees above normal and the forecast is for continued above average temps.

Usually by the time we get to November, I can turn off the A/C in the evenings and open up the windows and sliding glass doors on the terrace and get some fresh air into the condo.  But not this year.  Humidities have been in the 70%-75% range and temps in the evening in the high 70's and low 80's.

The meteorologists attribute this heat wave to a huge wave of high pressure off the southeast coast of the U.S.  It is blocking cold fronts from coming south to Florida. 

Thanks for the heads up Mike. It is unusually warm here too.....about 70 tomorrow (Normal would be around 50F). But, only high 40s by Sunday....we are getting out just in time. Expect to arrive in Tampa area late Sunday afternoon. Hope it cools off a bit by then.

I always laugh when people in Florida complain if it is 65F or less. I love 65, in fact anything over 60 is a bonus.

abacomike

@driver100:

Typically at this time of the year, I rarely run air conditioning.  Unfortunately, there hasn't been a day where I could turn it off. Right now, it's 9:00 PM and 84 degrees outside with 70% humidity.  Got to have A/C on.  Days have been in the upper 80's.  In the Tampa area, probably a tad cooler, but not much.

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100:

Typically at this time of the year, I rarely run air conditioning.  Unfortunately, there hasn't been a day where I could turn it off. Right now, it's 9:00 PM and 84 degrees outside with 70% humidity.  Got to have A/C on.  Days have been in the upper 80's.  In the Tampa area, probably a tad cooler, but not much.

That's hotter than I would like it to be. But, the good news is, if I planned this right - arrive early Nov, head back early April - I won't see any snow this year!

abacomike

driver100 said:

@driver100:

Typically at this time of the year, I rarely run air conditioning.  Unfortunately, there hasn't been a day where I could turn it off. Right now, it's 9:00 PM and 84 degrees outside with 70% humidity.  Got to have A/C on.  Days have been in the upper 80's.  In the Tampa area, probably a tad cooler, but not much.

That's hotter than I would like it to be. But, the good news is, if I planned this right - arrive early Nov, head back early April - I won't see any snow this year!

I still have problems understanding the word "snow!"  I told oldfarmer that, but he ignored me - snow is interference in the TV signal that causes distortion in reception - right?

imidazol97

@Driver100
I have been seeing a larger number of northerners heading for cover down south somewhere during the last 7 days or so. Many pickups and large SUVs pulling campers along with others pulling small trailers and a few cars/SUVs bare but loaded with possessions. Probably heading to Florida for the winter. Lucky guys. But we're sitting with a forcast here of warmer than average and less precipitation (snow) than average. Looking good in SW Ohio.

I'll watch for the white Mercedes late Friday on I-75. Have a safe trip.

imidazol97

My wife is recovering from having her "trigger finger" tendon released like a small carpal tunnel surgery on Wednesday morning. Painful but should be shorter severe pain period than the carpal tunnel surgery 3 years back and the then arthroplasty done on thumb joint done 2 years ago.

The talk about shoulder problems by several on here, Fezo for one, prompts me to talk about my wife's visit to the arm orthopedist Tuesday. Previous year had trouble with right shoulder and joint. This year it's the left. The gardening starting in April through the summer exacerbated it. Worried about rotator cup; same symptoms as right shoulder has and had last year. Pain was so bad we switched to earlier appointment Tuesday near Middletown to see doctor at a different location where he wasn't booked up with the 5-week wait. As her pain kept becoming unbearable I kept thinking about our friend Fezo and his shoulder problem.

His theory is that if it came on slowly, the treatment should be to relieve it slowly such as therapy and then injections, if needed. If it came on quickly, then MRI and quicker treatment, surgery, may be needed.

venture

stickguy said:

It is either a late Fiat X1/9, or a Bertone version of it.

neat car. piece of crap though.

I can verify that statement. I had one. Really fun to drive - when it isn't being fixed which was a LOT.

tjc78

My rule with A/C is simple. If the house is over 74 degrees, it goes on.

graphicguy

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

Fiat (or Bertone) X1/9....sister had one. At the time, pretty radical, but that wedge design could also be found on the British TRs, too (TR7/TR8?).

My sister had one. I remember driving it. Handled like nothing I've ever driven before, or since. Slow as a snail. Mid-engine with the motor right behind the cockpit. Made great sound, too.

But, as noted, extremely poor reliability. I think my sister only kept it a year and got so fed up with it after the warranty period (12 mos/12K mile), she traded it for a Saab.

Speaking of reliability, got this note from Cadillac yesterday....

Hi Daniel,

As I mentioned on the phone, I have received the case to repurchase your 2014 Cadillac CTS. In order to proceed, I will need the following documentation from you either by email (XXXXXXXXXXXX) or fax (XXXXXXXXXX). If faxing, please make sure your case number, XXXXXXXX, is listed on each fax page.

· Copy of Driver’s Licenses (for all on Title)

Once I have all the documents I need from you, I’ll be able to proceed with processing your case. My process can take about 7-10 business days depending how quickly I get the documents needed. After I’m able to process your case, I will send you a settlement offer to review, sign, and send back to me. The dealership involved will also receive a letter to review, sign and send back to me. Once I receive the last signed letter, I’ll be able to get a closing packet sent out to the dealership. The dealership should receive the closing packet about four days from when I get the last signed letter.

Please let me know if you have any questions.


MXXX RXXXX | Repurchase Coordinator
GM RVDC"

So again, my understanding is they are buying my car back for exactly what I paid for it, including all fees, with no deductions for mileage or wear and tear. And, I agree to take that money and buy a new '16 CTS with the same MSRP, with no money out of pocket.

We'll see once they send this letter.

driver100

I still have problems understanding the word "snow!"  I told oldfarmer that, but he ignored me - snow is interference in the TV signal that causes distortion in reception - right?

I am going to ignore you too!

Some people like snow though, some actually like to ski. I'm with Joan Rivers on that one though, "I don't do any sport where there is an ambulance waiting for me at the bottom of the hill".

imidazol97

driver100 said:

I'm with Joan Rivers on that one though, "I don't do any sport where there is an ambulance waiting for me at the bottom of the hill".

That's a good one.

jwm40517

Hey GG
As I mentioned the other day there is probably a big difference between a repurchase and then a sale compared to an even swap. Swap = no sales tax. Sale = lots of sales tax.

driver100

imidazol97 Crossroads of America:

I have been seeing a larger number of northerners heading for cover down south somewhere during the last 7 days or so. Many pickups and large SUVs pulling campers along with others pulling small trailers and a few cars/SUVs bare but loaded with possessions. Probably heading to Florida for the winter. Lucky guys. But we're sitting with a forcast here of warmer than average and less precipitation (snow) than average. Looking good in SW Ohio.

I'll watch for the white Mercedes late Friday on I-75. Have a safe trip.

Imid, thanks for the update. The beginning or the month is a time when people start heading South, and the first weekend is even more popular. That is kind of the mating call to Snowbirds that the time has arrived to migrate.

I'll honk when I am driving through!

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

I still have problems understanding the word "snow!"  I told oldfarmer that, but he ignored me - snow is interference in the TV signal that causes distortion in reception - right?

I am going to ignore you too! Some people like snow though, some actually like to ski. I'm with Joan Rivers on that one though, "I don't do any sport where there is an ambulance waiting for me at the bottom of the hill".

I personally think that people who like snow don't have driveways to shovel. 

As for skiing; I think that anyone who gets on top of a wet slippery mountain with sleds on their feet is insane. 

iluvmysephia1

Y'all were supposed to stop by for coffee before you bugged out for Washington. I didn't even get a chance to eyeball your Soul.


Yeah, I know. I was on this nutty crazy-train ta get back up to Washington because my Mom got cancer. I ended up being glad I did it but you're right, we were supposed to meet for coffee.

Maybe if they finally finish that Main Street project in Cruces (yeah, right) we can meet up later on for coffee somewhere. Don't they have a Dunkee's there (Dunkin' Donuts)?

driver100

graphicguy said:

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

So again, my understanding is they are buying my car back for exactly what I paid for it, including all fees, with no deductions for mileage or wear and tear. And, I agree to take that money and buy a new '16 CTS with the same MSRP, with no money out of pocket.

We'll see once they send this letter.

It sounds promising. Probably the BBB told them there was no way they could stall any longer or the Attorney General would come after them. Read the documents carefully. We may not hear more as you may have to sign off that you won't disclose the settlement.

This could be it, but be on guard, they can't be trusted!

stever

>>As for skiing; I think that anyone who gets on top of a wet slippery mountain with sleds on their feet is insane.

I miss it. My wife is undergoing 10 weeks of physical therapy to work on her broken leg from a skiing fall back in, oh, '09. Her bad leg is a tad longer than her good one now and so she just got an 8mm lift to compensate (or re-compensate).

There's still a board stashed away in the closet here. May have to take it to the sand dunes. Skiing on the flats was a lot of fun too.

@iluvmysephia1, they are getting close to finishing up the Main Street project and we do have a DD. Have to go to El Paso for KKs. Much better are the good sopapilla places though.

A Cadillac gag order wouldn't surprise me any.

iluvmysephia1

Cool - it's either SE NM or AZ for us but, why wait until retirement for a coffee meetup. The iA gets 41mpg on the highway, if I'm not too sore to shift it's gears after the Mrs. gets through with me.

graphicguy

jwm40517 said:

Hey GG
As I mentioned the other day there is probably a big difference between a repurchase and then a sale compared to an even swap. Swap = no sales tax. Sale = lots of sales tax.

JW...I'm a little skeptical about that, too. In OH, if it's treated like a trade, like for like, with the same purchase price on both vehicles, with no money changing hands, the net tax result should be ZERO. We only pay taxes on the difference. That's one way they could do it.

Driver....not overjoyed about this whole thing to begin with. So, I'm viewing this with a very healthy dose of skepticism. We'll see how it plays out. They asked for a copy of my title, which shows the purchase price. I sent them a copy of the purchase agreement which shows the purchase price and all taxes. They showed a $250 doc fee, but they reduced it by the same amount on the other end, deducted from the purchase price amount. Curious about how they're going to account for the price differential between the incentives on the '14 vs the incentives on the '16. If on paper, they just show the purchase price as even, and then give the dealer a couple hundred for acting as the delivery vehicle, that's how it SHOULD work.

Again, hope to see this done in the next week or two.

stever

Unless I get a beater Miata, I don't think we'll be driving any more manuals here. I want my MP3 gadgets more now anyway. C'mon down!

carnaught

GG, if you reject and don't sign their agreement, I wonder if you can make counter offers. Or, is it a "take it or leave it situation"?

Michaell

Snow - growing up in Southern California, that's what folks would put up their nose.

Skiing - snow, gravity and trees do not make a good combination. Ask Sonny Bono. And one of the Kennedys.

Lived in CO 22 years now and the only time I've been to the slopes is to take my son snowboarding. I stayed at the bottom of the hill the entire day.

snakeweasel

carnaught said:

GG, if you reject and don't sign their agreement, I wonder if you can make counter offers. Or, is it a "take it or leave it situation"?

He can always make a counter offer, what cadillac does when they receive it is a different matter. 

imidazol97

graphicguy said:

Driver....not overjoyed about this whole thing to begin with. So, I'm viewing this with a very healthy dose of skepticism. We'll see how it plays out. They asked for a copy of my title, which shows the purchase price. I sent them a copy of the purchase agreement which shows the purchase price and all taxes. They showed a $250 doc fee, but they reduced it by the same amount on the other end, deducted from the purchase price amount. Curious about how they're going to account for the price differential between the incentives on the '14 vs the incentives on the '16. If on paper, they just show the purchase price as even, and then give the dealer a couple hundred for acting as the delivery vehicle, that's how it SHOULD work.

Again, hope to see this done in the next week or two.

Fingers crossed that this can get resolved fairly. It has dragged out far too long on the part of the
dealers and Cadillac to have any good feeling when it's over.

driver100

graphicguy said:

jwm40517 said:

Hey GG
As I mentioned the other day there is probably a big difference between a repurchase and then a sale compared to an even swap. Swap = no sales tax. Sale = lots of sales tax.

JW...I'm a little skeptical about that, too. In OH, if it's treated like a trade, like for like, with the same purchase price on both vehicles, with no money changing hands, the net tax result should be ZERO. We only pay taxes on the difference. That's one way they could do it.

Driver.... They showed a $250 doc fee, but they reduced it by the same amount on the other end, deducted from the purchase price amount. Curious about how they're going to account for the price differential between the incentives on the '14 vs the incentives on the '16. If on paper, they just show the purchase price as even, and then give the dealer a couple hundred for acting as the delivery vehicle, that's how it SHOULD work.

Again, hope to see this done in the next week or two.

They should be able to make the two cars equal in value...with whatever incentives they need to use. Their portion will be probably get deducted as some kind of expense (maybe Snake will know), so they won't be out as much as it would seem.

If this goes through it must break their heart.....they stalled, ignored, fought back every way possible and had to give in in the end.

I wonder if the dealer is one who takes photos of new car deliveries....if they take your picture make yourself look as angry as possible with a finger.

(When I worked for a division of Warner Brothers they bought 1000s of cars a year. They made their deal through GM head office, and the dealer would get about $150 for predelivery services. When I came in to pick up my car they pretty well through the keys at me and got me out of the showroom as fast as possible, not worth spending any time with me).

laurasdada

Lifelong skier here, love it. Knock wood, never been hurt...much. But, I do know people who haven't been as fortunate. You can get hurt doing anything, might as well do the things that put a smile on your face. As long, of course, as they are not illegal, immoral or fattening!

graphicguy

I'm in uncharted waters, here. I don't know what happens if the paperwork is delivered to me and it's not what we agreed to? I guess I go back to the drawing board and just go down the list of available options to me.....


-Dealer service? Yes, two dealers...neither could fix.
-Cadillac Customer Service (they reached out to me in these forums)? Pretty worthless. They called the dealer and said my car was broke. That's it!
-BBB...filed. They were the "go-between" with Cadillac and myself. Don't know why GM funds them. They had to eventually deal with me directly, anyway.
-GM repurchase center (where I am currently).


I guess if they don't live up to the agreement they originally made with me, I'm back to hiring a lawyer for a buy back + my time and aggravation + all the time lost at their service depts + any fees, fuel, etc I can tack on.

driver100

GG, That is what you would have to have done anyway. If the trade seems in order it will save everyone a lot of time, money and frustration.

OTOH, if you do get a lawyer you could probably recover a lot more than the value of the car. Not to mention they have stalled and inconvenienced you by telling you they would be complying.

Also, if this offer isn't what it seems, you hould be able to go back to BBB and say this is not an acceptable solution. I will go to the media to show how incompetent the whole arbitration process is. Let the AG know too. I still say the media love these kind of stories.

stickguy

My SIL had ski accident 2 years ago. Lucky to survive. Tree busted up her face pretty good. Multiple surgeries around her orbital socket. I think still has a few more to do, and still suffers from after affects.

suydam

Lotta people in car accidents. Some pretty serious. Does that mean we shouldn't drive?

stickguy

No, but they should install airbags on the trees

henryn

suydam said:

Lotta people in ca accidents. Some pretty serious. Does that mean we shouldn't drive?

Yes, obviously. (Ducking and running for cover)

laurasdada

stickguy said:

My SIL had ski accident 2 years ago. Lucky to survive. Tree busted up her face pretty good. Multiple surgeries around her orbital socket. I think still has a few more to do, and still suffers from after affects.

So sorry to hear that. I hope the best possible outcome is what manifests. I hate to hear of anyone getting hurt skiing (or doing anything!), as it is such a great sport! My son loves it, took to it pretty quickly. Daughter took to it, too, but stopped a few years ago when her swim coach said her swimmers couldn't ski.

stickguy

my rule on AC in the house is even simpler. If the dog is hot, I turn it on. People, they can just sweat and fan themselves.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

@driver100:

Typically at this time of the year, I rarely run air conditioning.  Unfortunately, there hasn't been a day where I could turn it off. Right now, it's 9:00 PM and 84 degrees outside with 70% humidity.  Got to have A/C on.  Days have been in the upper 80's.  In the Tampa area, probably a tad cooler, but not much.

That's hotter than I would like it to be. But, the good news is, if I planned this right - arrive early Nov, head back early April - I won't see any snow this year!

I still have problems understanding the word "snow!"  I told oldfarmer that, but he ignored me - snow is interference in the TV signal that causes distortion in reception - right?

I wasn't ignoring you I was crying.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

snakeweasel said:

Since people are reporting unusual car sightings I will report mine. the other day going to work I saw one of these;

Fiat (or Bertone) X1/9....sister had one. At the time, pretty radical, but that wedge design could also be found on the British TRs, too (TR7/TR8?).

My sister had one. I remember driving it. Handled like nothing I've ever driven before, or since. Slow as a snail. Mid-engine with the motor right behind the cockpit. Made great sound, too.

But, as noted, extremely poor reliability. I think my sister only kept it a year and got so fed up with it after the warranty period (12 mos/12K mile), she traded it for a Saab.

Speaking of reliability, got this note from Cadillac yesterday....

Hi Daniel,

As I mentioned on the phone, I have received the case to repurchase your 2014 Cadillac CTS. In order to proceed, I will need the following documentation from you either by email (XXXXXXXXXXXX) or fax (XXXXXXXXXX). If faxing, please make sure your case number, XXXXXXXX, is listed on each fax page.

· Copy of Driver’s Licenses (for all on Title)

Once I have all the documents I need from you, I’ll be able to proceed with processing your case. My process can take about 7-10 business days depending how quickly I get the documents needed. After I’m able to process your case, I will send you a settlement offer to review, sign, and send back to me. The dealership involved will also receive a letter to review, sign and send back to me. Once I receive the last signed letter, I’ll be able to get a closing packet sent out to the dealership. The dealership should receive the closing packet about four days from when I get the last signed letter.

Please let me know if you have any questions.


MXXX RXXXX | Repurchase Coordinator
GM RVDC"

So again, my understanding is they are buying my car back for exactly what I paid for it, including all fees, with no deductions for mileage or wear and tear. And, I agree to take that money and buy a new '16 CTS with the same MSRP, with no money out of pocket.

We'll see once they send this letter.

I don't know GG, unless I'm missing something this deal has a bad smell. Did this settlement guy specifically say they would put you in a new 16' for no extra cost? I wouldn't count on this guy standing by anything that was said by previous contacts.

I hope I'm wrong.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

They should be able to make the two cars equal in value...with whatever incentives they need to use. Their portion will be probably get deducted as some kind of expense (maybe Snake will know), so they won't be out as much as it would seem.

GM Already expensed any cost they will incur with this trade back in 2014. There is a concept in accounting called the "Matching Principle" which states that any expenses associated with a product are expensed in the same accounting period that they receive the revenue. Hence expenses match related revenue and gives a proper picture of the profitability and financial health of the organization. The problem with this is that with products like cars where there will be warranty work done years after the initial sales it is hard to determine what those costs are. So companies like GM use past experiences to estimate what those costs are and expenses them in the year of sale. The expense of future warranty work creates a sort of prepaid warranty expense account which any payout for warranty work gets credited to.

How it will likely work out is that some accountant will work out the price of the new Caddy and the fair market value of the old caddy and any difference would be charged to the "prepaid warranty expense" account. However Cadillac would not be able to expense any costs involved seeing that it would have been included in their warranty estimate that was written off in the year of sale.

The dealership would likely get something from Cadillac which would be considered income for tax purposes.

snakeweasel

suydam said:

Lotta people in car accidents. Some pretty serious. Does that mean we shouldn't drive?

The thing is most people who drive do it mostly because it's a mode of transportation to get them from point 'A' to point 'B' and back again. This might be for things such as work, doctors appointments, seeing family and the like. How many people ski for basic transportation.

PF_Flyer

stickguy said:

my rule on AC in the house is even simpler. If the dog is hot, I turn it on. People, they can just sweat and fan themselves.

AC in our house is simple. The unit in the bedroom is on to cool off a place to sleep. Fans are generally adequate anywhere else.

driver100

snakeweasel
GM Already expensed any cost they will incur with this trade back in 2014.

I kind of get it! I will never really understand taxes or math, especially Trigonometry, but it seems they already expensed it in the warranty coverage.
Thanks for the explanation....it won't be a total loss to GM.

suydam

snakeweasel said:

suydam said:

Lotta people in car accidents. Some pretty serious. Does that mean we shouldn't drive?

The thing is most people who drive do it mostly because it's a mode of transportation to get them from point 'A' to point 'B' and back again. This might be for things such as work, doctors appointments, seeing family and the like.

Not this group!

driver100

suydam said:

snakeweasel said:

suydam said:

Lotta people in car accidents. Some pretty serious. Does that mean we shouldn't drive?

The thing is most people who drive do it mostly because it's a mode of transportation to get them from point 'A' to point 'B' and back again. This might be for things such as work, doctors appointments, seeing family and the like.

Not this group!

This group definitely need a car for doctor appointments!