Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Not sure of this ad....what's the trick?

If you buy a new Nissan Altima you get a free Sentra or Rogue...it's a BOGO sale (buy one get one free)

I can't read the fine print but there must be a catch!

https://youtu.be/jEzcnddFtEE?t=17

I went to full screen on the ad - the catch is that the Sentra or Rogue (Select - the old body style) is a 24 month lease when you purchase the Altima.

Thanks, I can't see it on my small screen laptop. So you buy an Altima, and they are going to let you have a Sentra or Rogue for 12 months which must be at least $3000 a year or $6000 for 2 years.....does that seem possible? Also, who would take the Sentra over the Rogue?

Maybe the trick is the buy back price of the leased car...or that you agree to lease it longer. There has to be even more of a catch.

My neighbors looked at a Civic, lease deal was $119 a month. Salesman told them up front they never lease a car for that, by the time they did the add ons it came to $250 a month. I could have told them there is no way they would get a lease for $1500 a year.

No, you get the second car for 24 months ... but, I'd also guess that you have to pay MSRP for the Altima.

Right, or MSRP for the Altima, and $2500 DOC fee.

Which reminds me, we haven't had a good DOC fee discussion for a long time.

driver100

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Depending on price of Altima, that would have worked for me and the kid last year!

No it wouldn't .. you'd still have a gap of a year where someone wouldn't have a car.

And, paying full price for an Altima is folly, no matter what the incentives might be.

I somehow think when they bundle these deals together I am going to lose.

roadburner

The only new Nissans I would consider are the Xterra and the 370Z- everything else is ugly, has a CVT, or both...

driver100

roadburner said:

The only new Nissans I would consider are the Xterra and the 370Z- everything else is ugly, has a CVT, or both...

I saw a 2016 Maxima at the car wash and I thought it looked pretty good. They took some risks and came up with a pretty unique design, especially the interior.



Then I read the review on Edmunds and by the time you get it the way you would want it you may as well buy a Euro luxury car with much better handling, RWD, has CVT. Are they joking, anyone who knows anything about cars wouldn't settle for a Maxima.

driver100

Took the Passat in today for the last free oil change....it is 3 years old. It has 5000 miles on it, runs nicely. Good little engine with the 5 speed manual. Slow off the mark but not bad from about 20 mph on up.

It was a great little car for $23k. But, sure glad we don't use it for long trips, that would be tiring. It just doesn't smooth out the road especially in the steering wheel, like the E400 does.

When I got home I got a post card in the mail, call a 1-800-number and win a free Norwegian cruise. I have to go and call before it is all booked. Hah, I am sure it will cost more than if I paid for a trip.

qbrozen

roadburner said:

The only new Nissans I would consider are the Xterra and the 370Z- everything else is ugly, has a CVT, or both...

I think the GTR might be my only consideration these days. The Z has been bypassed by so many other capable vehicles while they let it stay stagnant.

oldfarmer50

venture said:

Honey Bees

I was starting to think the bees are coming back. I spend all day, every day outside during the spring and summer and have noticed more honey bees this year than in the past few years. I read an article yesterday that says I'm wrong.

Neonicotinoids are used by farmers on about 140 different crops, including corn, canola and soy. But despite truth-twisting marketing from producers, there is little evidence that neonicotinoids actually improve yields. They do, however, kill bees by damaging their nervous systems, weakening their memories and impeding their ability to forage and fly.

Copyright 2015 U.S. News & World Report

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/opinion-honeybees-are-dying-and-our-food-supply-will-go-with-them/ar-BBmXQ52?li=AA4Zjn

Maybe Old Farmer, or others who spend a lot of time outdoors, can chime in - Am I just having hallucinations?

Hard to say if nicotine base pesticides are the cause of honey bee decline. It certainly is toxic to humans. I do know that Carbamate pesticides are really really toxic to bees and are sold over the counter at Walmart. Have been for 50 years. If anything was going to do it that would be my guess but I think mite infestation is a bigger problem for domestic hives.

I gave up my pesticide applicators license years ago when the re-certification requirements became too burdensome. While I still use some OTC bug killers I found that my wife feeding the birds in winter took care of a lot of bugs when they started sticking around all year.

I think the days of farmer's carpet bombing fields with chemicals are over. The new trend is toward biologicals, beneficial insects and IPM.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

Saw a Vette that put a spring in my step this morning at the Chevrolet dealer. I asked the sales manager if it was a Chick Magnet. He said it was but he didn't know if they would be able to get up out of the seat once they got in because of their age... Price $104 K.




The black Vette they had on the floor the last time I was there was bought by a fellow in middle 70s who traded in a 2011 Orange (Gold) Mustang--3000 miles on it. Manual transmission. Hope it's had an annual oil change. But it's not really due, based on mileage. LOL

Forget the Vette (as beautiful as it is) and grab that Mustang. Something like that is my holy grail; low miles driven gently by an old coot. I doubt a guy in his 70s was spinning it around in the high school parking lot to impress the girls or taking it to the track on weekends.

Besides, Driver100 say that one out of three Vettes is a lemon.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

Took the Passat in today for the last free oil change....it is 3 years old. It has 5000 miles on it, runs nicely. Good little engine with the 5 speed manual. Slow off the mark but not bad from about 20 mph on up.

It was a great little car for $23k. But, sure glad we don't use it for long trips, that would be tiring. It just doesn't smooth out the road especially in the steering wheel, like the E400 does.

When I got home I got a post card in the mail, call a 1-800-number and win a free Norwegian cruise. I have to go and call before it is all booked. Hah, I am sure it will cost more than if I paid for a trip.

Ahh, another low mile car driven by an old coot. By the time I retire to Florida you should be ready to sell. I can't wait to see your CL ad.

explorerx4

@henryn,
I'm planning on getting a hard folding cover, we can get a lot if snow.
I had a soft cover on my last pickup and it could kind of collapse from the weight of the snow.
Looking at some 3 piece hard covers.
Read the manual for a bit, and it has memory seats which store the setting for a bunch of things.
Lifted up the rear seat and there is a box under it that has 700W on it.
Reviewing the sticker, it has a 36 gallon tank! I can go for a while on that.

Speaking of security, I hope you keep your tailgate locked. Theft of them is pretty common.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

Took the Passat in today for the last free oil change....it is 3 years old. It has 5000 miles on it, runs nicely. Good little engine with the 5 speed manual. Slow off the mark but not bad from about 20 mph on up.

It was a great little car for $23k. But, sure glad we don't use it for long trips, that would be tiring. It just doesn't smooth out the road especially in the steering wheel, like the E400 does.

When I got home I got a post card in the mail, call a 1-800-number and win a free Norwegian cruise. I have to go and call before it is all booked. Hah, I am sure it will cost more than if I paid for a trip.

Ahh, another low mile car driven by an old coot. By the time I retire to Florida you should be ready to sell. I can't wait to see your CL ad.

I am saving it for you....not for free, I mean first crack at it!

2 things I really miss on the Passat compared to our newer cars, 1) rear camera and 2) blind spot warning.

Once you get used to those features it is hard to drive without them. Backing up the Passat I can line it up pretty good, but not to easy in a lot where it is hard to see the white lines. But, what is really nice with a rear camera is the distance....you can see where the rear of the car is.

About the Mustang, I would probably prefer it to the Vette, I think I am just practical enough to want rear seats just in case, at least a bit of a trunk, and easier access getting in and out. And 1 in 3 chances of getting a lemon is not very good odds.

imidazol97

oldfarmer50 said:

said:

The black Vette they had on the floor the last time I was there was bought by a fellow in middle 70s who traded in a 2011 Orange (Gold) Mustang--3000 miles on it. Manual transmission. Hope it's had an annual oil change. But it's not really due, based on mileage. LOL

Forget the Vette (as beautiful as it is) and grab that Mustang. Something like that is my holy grail; low miles driven gently by an old coot. I doubt a guy in his 70s was spinning it around in the high school parking lot to impress the girls or taking it to the track on weekends.

I believe the Mustang is manual. $27000 asking. The son talked the Vette buyer into taking the one that was automatic in black that had been on the showroom floor because he didn't drive the Mustang because of the manual trans.

The red Vette can't even be driven here now because it has racing tires. No good below 30 deg F. But the warranty on the Vette is good even if you race it, because the car and options are designed for racing. No thanks.

Mr_Shiftright

Theft of what....the tonneau?

explorerx4 said:

@henryn,
I'm planning on getting a hard folding cover, we can get a lot if snow.
I had a soft cover on my last pickup and it could kind of collapse from the weight of the snow.
Looking at some 3 piece hard covers.
Read the manual for a bit, and it has memory seats which store the setting for a bunch of things.
Lifted up the rear seat and there is a box under it that has 700W on it.
Reviewing the sticker, it has a 36 gallon tank! I can go for a while on that.

Speaking of security, I hope you keep your tailgate locked. Theft of them is pretty common.

explorerx4

@mrshiftright,
Not the tonneau, the tailgate. Mine has a rear view camera and Man Step built into it. Those would be icing on the cake.

Mr_Shiftright

Ahh...this I did not know about. And these are stolen for...what exactly? To replace dented ones? GEEZ, first it was catalytic converters, then airbags, now tailgates. What's next, driver's doors?

stever

They make nice benches.

Mr_Shiftright

Oh, the wife is gonna just LOVE that!

roadburner

I doubt it has "racing" tires; most likely they are what Tire Rack refers to as "Extreme High Performance Summer Tires." That said, some of those tires ARE used in racing, as certain sanctioning bodies require tires with a UTQG Treadwear Grade of at least 200 in their street classes(the Dunlops on my Club Sport are an example of just such a tire). And yes, they are not suitable to drive in freezing temperatures- some manufacturers advise that their tires not even be stored below 40F degrees.

And I'm virtually certain that fender to fender racing will void almost any new car warranty. What I suspect is that the Stingray's warranty remains in effect even if the car is used for HPDEs.

[Deleted User]

Mr_Shiftright said:

Ahh...this I did not know about. And these are stolen for...what exactly? To replace dented ones? GEEZ, first it was catalytic converters, then airbags, now tailgates. What's next, driver's doors?

To sell to people whose tailgates were stolen. It's the auto equivalent of the circle of life...except a thief gets paid in the process.

verdugo

berri said:

I think our problem in the Mideast is we want to fight "politically correct"

Don't forget the fact that we turn a blind eye to "friends" who actively support terrorisms **cough** Saudi Arabia **cough**

It's great to go after the terrorists camps as you said, but let's also go after the logistic infrastructure and the big money backers. After all, there are a lot more naive young men to act as cannon fodder, but big backers and logistical guys are harder to replace. Just look at Al Qeada now.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

Ahh...this I did not know about. And these are stolen for...what exactly? To replace dented ones? GEEZ, first it was catalytic converters, then airbags, now tailgates. What's next, driver's doors?

My son's friend, the car scrapper had a Jeep Wrangler parked at the farm that he was going to restore until someone snuck in one night and stole the doors.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I doubt it has "racing" tires; most likely they are what Tire Rack refers to as "Extreme High Performance Summer Tires." That said, some of those tires ARE used in racing, as certain sanctioning bodies require tires with a UTQG Treadwear Grade of at least 200 in their street classes(the Dunlops on my Club Sport are an example of just such a tire). And yes, they are not suitable to drive in freezing temperatures- some manufacturers advise that their tires not even be stored below 40F degrees.

And I'm virtually certain that fender to fender racing will void almost any new car warranty. What I suspect is that the Stingray's warranty remains in effect even if the car is used for HPDEs.


What happens to those tires if you drive below 40? Do they disintegrate or just lose some performance? Is it only the "Extreme" types or do the "Ultra" high performance suffer the same limitations?

I know the P Zero Nero all seasons on the Ford develop flat spots if the car sits for a few hours below freezing as did the Bridgestone HP AS on my Eclipse. Smoothed out after about a mile. That I could put up with but spitting off chunks of rubber not so much.

Those designations are kind of confusing. Extreme, Ultra, Max performance.

capriracer

oldfarmer50 said:

What happens to those tires if you drive below 40? Do they disintegrate or just lose some performance? Is it only the "Extreme" types or do the "Ultra" high performance suffer the same limitations?....

Tires in the "Extreme" or "Track" categories lose their grip at low temperatures. Some are made of rubber compounds that crack at low temperatures.

Ultra performance tires, not so much.

imidazol97

roadburner said:

...Most likely they are what Tire Rack refers to as "Extreme High Performance Summer Tires." That said, some of those tires ARE used in racing, as certain sanctioning bodies require tires with a UTQG Treadwear Grade of at least 200 in their street classes(the Dunlops on my Club Sport are an example of just such a tire). And yes, they are not suitable to drive in freezing temperatures- some manufacturers advise that their tires not even be stored below 40F degrees.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP
or
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP are part of optional package.
Both are "summer only."

henryn

Mr_Shiftright said:

Theft of what....the tonneau?

explorerx4 said:

@henryn,
I'm planning on getting a hard folding cover, we can get a lot if snow.
I had a soft cover on my last pickup and it could kind of collapse from the weight of the snow.
Looking at some 3 piece hard covers.
Read the manual for a bit, and it has memory seats which store the setting for a bunch of things.
Lifted up the rear seat and there is a box under it that has 700W on it.
Reviewing the sticker, it has a 36 gallon tank! I can go for a while on that.

Speaking of security, I hope you keep your tailgate locked. Theft of them is pretty common.

One of the nice features, new for 2015 -- the tailgate locks and unlocks along with the doors when using the key fob. Very, very nice.

Also new for 2015, the steering wheel is tilt and telescope, not just tilt.

Added on edit: I'm talking about the 2015 Ford F150, I hate it when I lose track of what people are talking about, so I don't want to do that to anyone else.

suydam

Took my Encore in for its first oil change at a little over 7500 miles. Love the 2 years free maintenance! Especially appreciated after the Honda's maintenance costs last month. Once it's out of warranty I'll take the Honda to a local Firestone shop. Way cheaper and they work on a lot of Hondas.

roadburner

imidazol97 said:

Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP
or
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP are part of optional package.
Both are "summer only."

Okay, PSS runflats. Not really an "Extreme Performance" tire but close enough that it makes no difference, I run conventional Pilot Super Sports as the summer tire on my Mazdaspeed and so far I have run out of courage long before I have run out of grip.

roadburner

Today marks twenty years since I took delivery of my Hellrot 1995 Club Sport from Fields BMW in Chicago. I still love it and have absolutely no plans to ever part with it. It has been incredibly reliable; at 143,000 miles the engine has only required a new thermostat while the suspension has only needed a couple of lower control arm bushings. Other minor repairs were simply a brake light switch, a heater hose fitting and a few light bulbs. Warranty repairs were confined to a fuel tank sending unit(bad US fuel) and a recall of the O2 sensor It is on its second set of pads and rotors, as it served as my HPDE instructor car for many years. The paint is still shiny and the interior looks brand new. I'll have to fix the headliner sooner than later and the passenger seat belt buckle throws an intermittent fault, but I can live with that.
My son will likely have to pry my ti from my cold dead fingers...

Mr_Shiftright

Out of curiousity, did you ever have your front parking lights pop out on the road on that car?

roadburner said:

Today marks twenty years since I took delivery of my Hellrot 1995 Club Sport from Fields BMW in Chicago. I still love it and have absolutely no plans to ever part with it. It has been incredibly reliable; at 143,000 miles the engine has only required a new thermostat while the suspension has only needed a couple of lower control arm bushings. Other minor repairs were simply a brake light switch, a heater hose fitting and a few light bulbs. Warranty repairs were confined to a fuel tank sending unit(bad US fuel) and a recall of the O2 sensor It is on its second set of pads and rotors, as it served as my HPDE instructor car for many years. The paint is still shiny and the interior looks brand new. I'll have to fix the headliner sooner than later and the passenger seat belt buckle throws an intermittent fault, but I can live with that.
My son will likely have to pry my ti from my cold dead fingers...

roadburner

One parking light did it- it had a broken retaining clip(due to getting hit with a piece of retread rubber). I replaced it and there have been no further problems..

Mr_Shiftright

Always reminded me of a dislocated eyeball. Ever mess with the cooling system. I had a 3 series radiator explode on me once---upper radiator connector broke off.

driver100

henryn said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Theft of what....the tonneau?

explorerx4 said:

@henryn,
I'm planning on getting a hard folding cover, we can get a lot if snow.
I had a soft cover on my last pickup and it could kind of collapse from the weight of the snow.
Looking at some 3 piece hard covers.
Read the manual for a bit, and it has memory seats which store the setting for a bunch of things.
Lifted up the rear seat and there is a box under it that has 700W on it.
Reviewing the sticker, it has a 36 gallon tank! I can go for a while on that.

Speaking of security, I hope you keep your tailgate locked. Theft of them is pretty common.

One of the nice features, new for 2015 -- the tailgate locks and unlocks along with the doors when using the key fob. Very, very nice.

Also new for 2015, the steering wheel is tilt and telescope, not just tilt.

Added on edit: I'm talking about the 2015 Ford F150, I hate it when I lose track of what people are talking about, so I don't want to do that to anyone else.

Henryn, I am glad you added the edit as I was wondering what vehicle you were referring to.

I am surprised the earlier 150 wouldn't have a telescopic steering wheel, do they think all truck buyers are 6'2" and 250 pounds?

driver100

suydam said:

Took my Encore in for its first oil change at a little over 7500 miles. Love the 2 years free maintenance! Especially appreciated after the Honda's maintenance costs last month. Once it's out of warranty I'll take the Honda to a local Firestone shop. Way cheaper and they work on a lot of Hondas.

suydam said:

Took my Encore in for its first oil change at a little over 7500 miles. Love the 2 years free maintenance! Especially appreciated after the Honda's maintenance costs last month. Once it's out of warranty I'll take the Honda to a local Firestone shop. Way cheaper and they work on a lot of Hondas.

Suydam, You have confirmed what I am expecting to do too. The Passat just had its last free oil change and inspection (that was for 3 years), and I am thinking when it goes in for service next year it will be too a lube joint, reputable indie garage, or Firestone which is nearby. (If Oldfarmer approves that is).

I have always had the belief the dealer rips you off once the warranty is over. I know my brother could pay $400 or $500 for a yearly inspection for his Honda. For some things I would take the BMW back to the dealer because it has to be done right, and I would do the same for the MB, but for most cars a non-dealer shop should be fine I would think.

Any other thoughts or opinions.......?

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

Always reminded me of a dislocated eyeball. Ever mess with the cooling system. I had a 3 series radiator explode on me once---upper radiator connector broke off.

The only cooling system parts that have been replaced are the thermostat and a heater hose fitting at the firewall. The fours can generally make it to at least 150,000 miles before a rebuild- although I will probably replace the hoses and radiator if I decide to drive it to Monterey next August for BMW's 100th Birthday Celebration.

explorerx4

@driver100,
Prior to 2015, the F150 has a steering wheel that tilts but does not telescope. It does have pedals that can be moved closer or further away. The seats can also be adjusted forward and back!

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

imidazol97 said:

Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP
or
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP are part of optional package.
Both are "summer only."

Okay, PSS runflats. Not really an "Extreme Performance" tire but close enough that it makes no difference, I run conventional Pilot Super Sports as the summer tire on my Mazdaspeed and so far I have run out of courage long before I have run out of grip.

At what temps do you change out to something else?

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

suydam said:

Took my Encore in for its first oil change at a little over 7500 miles. Love the 2 years free maintenance! Especially appreciated after the Honda's maintenance costs last month. Once it's out of warranty I'll take the Honda to a local Firestone shop. Way cheaper and they work on a lot of Hondas.

suydam said:

Took my Encore in for its first oil change at a little over 7500 miles. Love the 2 years free maintenance! Especially appreciated after the Honda's maintenance costs last month. Once it's out of warranty I'll take the Honda to a local Firestone shop. Way cheaper and they work on a lot of Hondas.

Suydam, You have confirmed what I am expecting to do too. The Passat just had its last free oil change and inspection (that was for 3 years), and I am thinking when it goes in for service next year it will be too a lube joint, reputable indie garage, or Firestone which is nearby. (If Oldfarmer approves that is).

I have always had the belief the dealer rips you off once the warranty is over. I know my brother could pay $400 or $500 for a yearly inspection for his Honda. For some things I would take the BMW back to the dealer because it has to be done right, and I would do the same for the MB, but for most cars a non-dealer shop should be fine I would think.

Any other thoughts or opinions.......?

You might ask your neighbors for the name of a reputable indie shop who can do all your routine care as well as any other repairs that might crop up. Oil is oil but some of those quick lube joints are pretty sloppy and I'd bet the filters are not OEM spec.

suydam

I'm a little leery of the quick lube places myself. I've had pretty good luck with my local Firestone. They know the maintenance requirements, don't throw in a lot of add-on service, and charge less. Edmunds service recommendations lists are also really helpful in sorting those out.

stickguy

My Honda, Hyumndai and Acura dealers all have express service. No appointment, drive in, and be out in under an hour. And very competitive pricing (and lots of coupons!). I am fine with that, considering how infrequent the visits are, and I know they are using OEM fluids and filters. Plus I like having all the records there, in case of a post-warranty issue I want comped.

I do use the tire place for tires/brakes/shocks, since there does tend to be a large price differential there.

tjc78

The leased car goes to the dealer regardless.  First two years free then usually one service out of pocket and it goes back needing one.  I tell them "oil change/filter " only and it's only a few bucks more than quick lube or local mechanic.  People pay too much when they say "do the xx mile checkup"  

I had a buddy of mine that did that for his leased Toyotas (before Toyota care), when he told me what he was paying my eyes bugged out. 

nyccarguy

The service departments make a lot of money off of people who just hand them the keys and say:  the service light is on

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
Prior to 2015, the F150 has a steering wheel that tilts but does not telescope. It does have pedals that can be moved closer or further away. The seats can also be adjusted forward and back!

Thanks explorer. Those pedals would help, but in a large vehicle like that with different size people driving them, I would think it should have a telescopic steering wheel. But, I haven't driven one so I don't know if it is all manageable.
I have been a passenger in the backseat and it is extremely comfortable, and feels very solid and safe.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

At what temps do you change out to something else?

When the ambient temperature remains around 45F or below.

driver100

Thanks for the tips on after warranty service. It has been a long time since I have used a non-dealer garage for oil changes etc. I have to say I used the Fast lube place with my Jeep because I was starting my business and wanted the work done as quickly as possible. You reminded me though the work was done by young kids who weren't mechanics and I had to fight off having all the extras done. Then they always recommend oil changes in about 1/4 of the time they needed to be done, and I always needed a new air filter, brake fluid or wipers even if they were new.

I have a really good indie shop nearby and you reminded me about that, so that is where I'll go.

**You also reminded me they found one regional chain of oil change places that totally ripped off customers. Some ex-employees told how they had to sell huge amounts of extras to keep their jobs, and they got commissions (very small but could add up) for selling stuff.

js06gv

explorerx4 said:

@driver100,
Prior to 2015, the F150 has a steering wheel that tilts but does not telescope. It does have pedals that can be moved closer or further away. The seats can also be adjusted forward and back!

The steering wheel on my 2013 F-150 tilts and telescopes, but it is power and that may be the difference.

graphicguy

OK....I think the lemon '14 Cadillac CTS story is about to come to a close.

Last I posted, the dealership (not the original purchasing dealership) who was working with the GM Repurchasing Center had sold the car I wanted....a 2016 CTS Performance model. It was the only one they had in a 2016 (they did have a leftover 2015 that I wasn't interested in).

After a bit of give and take, GM agreed to let me purchase the CTS Luxury model (which was less expensive) and give me the dollar difference. Kind of convoluted because there are all sorts of fees and tax implications, but GM is FedEx-ing me the check (supposed to arrive today). I signed their agreement on Monday with the caveat noted if the check wasn't what we agreed to, or the numbers aren't right when I pick up the new car at the dealership, no deal.

I think Cadillac is somehow reimbursing the new Cadillac dealer for making NO money on the '16, in addition to making me whole on the price difference on the two cars, plus the change in incentives.

Bottom line, I had driven the luxury version of the CTS. Drives about the same as the Performance version given the magnetic shocks come with the Luxury version if you get the upgraded wheels and tires (which are indeed on my car). I did really like the "umber" leather in the original Performance version, but I'm good with the tan leather in the Luxruy version I'm getting. I'm giving up the digital dash, which is OK by me, too. Aside from that, the Perforamnce and Luxruy versions are about the same.

My thought process, I just want to put this behind me, get rid of my still broken '14 with no money out of my pocket. I did that, and then some! Fair? From my perspective, Cadillac corporate fought me tooth and nail. They wouldn't authorize their dealerships to fix my car right. In the end, it probably would have been cheaper for them to just return my money, as I had originally requested. Insteand, they now have my old car, which will be labelled as a Cadillac buy back (not sure if it would be titled a lemon, as car companies try to stay away from that word). In return, they sent me a sizeable check, plus they gave me a car that's two model years newer with no money coming from me.

I'll probably pick up the '16 tomorrow after the dealership gets the PDI done. This could have gone a lot better. Original selling dealer seems to have some sort of "grey area" in which they operate in. Found it with my Mother's Cadillac over 10 years ago, and again with me on the '14 CTS. Can't quite put my finger on it, but they seem to have cars.;....new cars, demo cars, etc that have an inordinate amount of issues. I think this has maifested itself past the point of being coincidence.

Never dealt with the new dealership, except this time. New management came into play and things seemed to get rolling once they were involved.

I suppose given the amount of cars this group buys and sells, crazy situations are bound to arise.

As we've all suspected, I think Cadillac has a ways to go to match the customer service from the likes of BMW or Lexus.

driver100

GG, great news....that it seems almost over. Of course, it isn't over until it is over but it looks pretty good right now.

My guess is this Caddie dealer you are getting the car from is a top performer, and HO got them to do this as a favor, and they'll get something for doing the prep and paperwork.

The other dealer is probably one HO is planning on dumping, or just is not very high in their books.

You are right in your case it would have been better to solve this earlier and just take back the car or switch it out. However, you are the 1 in 500 who fought to the end, most people would have given up a long time ago and so in their eyes that will continue to ignore their customers....they are still ahead overall.

Hopefully this car will be one of the good ones and you will enjoy it and get a lot of miles and satisfaction from it. Caddies are beautiful, I love the look of them, but, that isn't the way to build a brand.

You fought the battle and won. I think the BBB or arbitration was the tipping point, they probably told GM they weren't going to win this one. If they had won then the whole arbitration lemon law thing would be a total joke.

I think they will sell the lemon off to an auction or an indie lot, GM won't want that car to be connected directly to them.

venture

graphicguy said:

OK....I think the lemon '14 Cadillac CTS story is about to come to a close.

Last I posted, the dealership (not the original purchasing dealership) who was working with the GM Repurchasing Center had sold the car I wanted....a 2016 CTS Performance model. It was the only one they had in a 2016 (they did have a leftover 2015 that I wasn't interested in).

After a bit of give and take, GM agreed to let me purchase the CTS Luxury model (which was less expensive) and give me the dollar difference. Kind of convoluted because there are all sorts of fees and tax implications, but GM is FedEx-ing me the check (supposed to arrive today). I signed their agreement on Monday with the caveat noted if the check wasn't what we agreed to, or the numbers aren't right when I pick up the new car at the dealership, no deal.

I think Cadillac is somehow reimbursing the new Cadillac dealer for making NO money on the '16, in addition to making me whole on the price difference on the two cars, plus the change in incentives.

Bottom line, I had driven the luxury version of the CTS. Drives about the same as the Performance version given the magnetic shocks come with the Luxury version if you get the upgraded wheels and tires (which are indeed on my car). I did really like the "umber" leather in the original Performance version, but I'm good with the tan leather in the Luxruy version I'm getting. I'm giving up the digital dash, which is OK by me, too. Aside from that, the Perforamnce and Luxruy versions are about the same.

My thought process, I just want to put this behind me, get rid of my still broken '14 with no money out of my pocket. I did that, and then some! Fair? From my perspective, Cadillac corporate fought me tooth and nail. They wouldn't authorize their dealerships to fix my car right. In the end, it probably would have been cheaper for them to just return my money, as I had originally requested. Insteand, they now have my old car, which will be labelled as a Cadillac buy back (not sure if it would be titled a lemon, as car companies try to stay away from that word). In return, they sent me a sizeable check, plus they gave me a car that's two model years newer with no money coming from me.

I'll probably pick up the '16 tomorrow after the dealership gets the PDI done. This could have gone a lot better. Original selling dealer seems to have some sort of "grey area" in which they operate in. Found it with my Mother's Cadillac over 10 years ago, and again with me on the '14 CTS. Can't quite put my finger on it, but they seem to have cars.;....new cars, demo cars, etc that have an inordinate amount of issues. I think this has maifested itself past the point of being coincidence.

Never dealt with the new dealership, except this time. New management came into play and things seemed to get rolling once they were involved.

I suppose given the amount of cars this group buys and sells, crazy situations are bound to arise.

As we've all suspected, I think Cadillac has a ways to go to match the customer service from the likes of BMW or Lexus.

If you get it tomorrow morning you should trade it in on something you want tomorrow afternoon. I would like to see the face of the salesman when you trade in a 2016 CTS with 40 miles on it if you do decide to do it.

The probability of you getting two lemons in a row must be about a gazillion to 1, but if it is, you will be kicking yourself for years.

carnaught

Graphic, glad to hear that this "experience" is almost over. Kindly keep us informed of your impressions and where you go from here.

mako1a

GG, Congrats on winning the long battle with Cadillac. Whether you keep it or trade it, I'd sure like to see pics (inside and out) of the one you end up with. Who knows, it just might be a keeper.