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He should have said, "Lots of miles, but all highway".
Driven only by a retired librarian to church and the grocery store.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Auto tech
Just thought I'd share this tidbit.
Panasonic which was once well known for its affordable TVs and cheap audio gear has raised the bar and is now a major player in the auto tech industry. I saw a recent TV commercial which prompted me to check out their their boastful tech know-how.
It would appear that they have an impressive number of auto companies in their portfolio. Ford and MyLink, Hyundai and Uconnect, Acura and ELS; and Volkswagen and Fender. Still, they have plans to join forces with Tesla to produce a new battery.
Which begs the question, why would an auto company try to develop its own telematics when it can partner with a tech company that already has that expertise and capability?
By the way, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles were recalled due to a faulty passenger side airbag problem. Isn't Ford the Jag's airbag supplier?
Last I looked Panasonic was going out of regular consumer products all together and getting into things like what you describe. A business service company.
A shame to me because their consumer products were very good to spectacular.
Those were called "Suicide Knobs" for a couple of reasons.
They would sometimes break off while in a tight turn or they would get caught in a person's shirt sleeve.
They are common on Semi Trucks. they use metal heavy duty units with ball bearings.
oldfarmer, found your Mustang. Don't know why, but Katy, TX has always been the first town to get the newest Mustangs.
http://www.cars4sale.pro/detail/us/ocAUBcBUpnUAArUorYBn/2015-Ford-Mustang-GT-Premium-automatic-20-wheels-navigation
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Price $42,400
Wonder if they give a 4% discount!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sure....in a former taxi cab.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sweet! But $42k? That's too rich for me. The way I configure a basic GT on the Ford site comes out to $35,500.
Good news is that today while at my credit union I sat down with their auto loan person to see what kind of rates I could expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find my credit score (Experian) was back up to 806 and I can get financing for as little as 1.74%.
One step closer.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Sweet! But $42k? That's too rich for me.
olfarmer, my 2013 was $37 something without NAV, but I gotta tell you I think those 20 inch wheels look tacky. I would pass on an even trade for that one.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Those might not even be the wheels that come with the car. Did you notice the caption "pre production image shown"?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Speaking of Ford, yet another recall on the Escape, and also the Focus ST. From Automotive News:
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. has issued its 11th recall on the 2013 Escape crossover, this time because a wiring problem could cause the engine to hesitate or stall.
The recall covers 159,395 Escapes and Focus ST hatchbacks from the 2013 and 2014 model years with turbocharged 2.0-liter engines in North America. Ford said the engine wiring harnesses may have “splices that were insufficiently compressed during the supplier manufacturing process,” which can affect engine performance by sending incorrect signals to the powertrain control module.
The defect could result in problems including stalling, reduced engine power, hesitation or illumination of the engine-malfunction indicator light, Ford said. No injuries or crashes are linked to the problem. Dealers are being instructed to replace the wiring splices.
Flaws that other recalls on the Escape have addressed include fluid leaks that could cause an engine fire, doors that can open while the vehicle is moving and rollover airbags that may not deploy quickly enough.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
@ab348, That's what Ford gets for using a GM supplier(Delphi). Ignition switches might ring a bell.
GM hasn't owned Delphi in a decade. I don't think anyone put a gun to Alan Mulally's head to force him to use them regardless.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
How come we are now picking on Ford? I stopped driving a bmw because they catch on fire.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I thought 11 recalls on a single vehicle was worthy of some kind of an award.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Speaking of Ford, there was a good article about the 2015 Lincoln MKC....how could anyone remember that name. It was written by David Booth, and says the MKC is just a tarted up Escape, though there are some good things about it.
btw...this is a good article to read to understand the concept of "feel of the road".
Here are some comments at random:
Oh, to be sure, the push-button transmission thing is an arriviste’s attempt at class (not to mention a blatant rip-off of Ford’s yesteryear) and I still find the Sync system’s graphics a little cheap.
Buy into the EcoBoost myth because Ford’s turbocharging augments performance if you must, but only a fool would believe that you’ll also conserve gasoline.
But the steering still feels more isolated than a North Korean dictator. You know you’re in control because the horizon tilts less when you attack corners, but there’s so little feedback through the wheel that you don’t know whether the economy is really booming or you just ran over a scurry of innocent squirrels.
As much as Lincoln has balanced the ride and handling equation, driving the MKC still feels a little video-game-ish; your mind manages the direction through visual cues but there’s absolutely no tactile feedback.
That said, it probably doesn’t matter much to the average crossover buyer; Acura’s MDX feels equally disassociated and it has remained a best-seller for years.
Lincoln’s brand is so thoroughly tarnished that really good and solid are simply not strong enough adjectives to start getting people out of their Audis.
Full article at;
-review-2015-lincoln-mkc-2
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Odd they have the car listed and have a VIN but the Ford dealer does not have this or any
2015 Mustangs in their inventory.
http://autonationfordkaty.com/
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
@ab348, @ driver100. Have your fun, maybe there is some kind of climate change effect going on north of the border.
We drove our 2013 Escape with 2.0, 2500 miles last week and it's a great vehicle.
But the Mustangs are ok, right? Huh? Huh?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think the worst thing Lincoln did was to abandon the traditional names for the letters. I can't tell a MKC from a MKZ or an MKX. Caddy does the same thing.
When I heard Eldorado or Town Car I could visualize a specific car. Now it's just alphabet soup.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Farmer, mustangs are fine. Since you are a senior make sure to get whitewall sand a vinyl roof.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I think David Booth liked the Escape and he found many good things he liked about the MKC as well. He didn't cut up the Escape or MKC, and I can't give any opinion since I know nothin. From what I know and see I like them both........but, both cars don't have "the feel of the road" many of us are looking for. Not a problem if you are one of the 80% of drivers who don't find that to be important.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Spokes would be nice too!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was wondering about that too. I doubt if they have the car in stock since they haven't really shipped it seems. My guess is she or he....whoever Katey is, has ordered the car but hasn't actually got it yet. Maybe even testing the waters to see what he/she can get for it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The Big Three, or 2.5, still doesn't get it. When you tarnish or cheapen or debase a brand or product name, you can never restore it to former glory (see Cadillac, Lincoln, Imperial, Packard, Thunderbird).
exception: Mustang did make a comeback, but it was never a luxury or prestigious vehicle.
Don't laugh but when I bought the Lincoln it had a couple of white walls still on it. I thought they kind of looked good. I might have completed the set if white walls weren't so rare these days.
The vinyl roof however, is ugly as sin.
I am planning on visiting the dealer wearing plaid pants pulled up to my chest just to confuse them.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Driver, Katey is a town in Texas.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Oh, thanx, I thought Katey was the little old lady who owned the dealership.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was just looking at that picture of the MKC again and I was thinking, how did they find that particular field to park it. They must have found an electical field grid that services half of the country....check behind the car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
For some reason the domestics believe the alpha numeric nomenclature enhances the prestige of the brand but the opposite is true. That works for the G3 because it differentiates them as European brands and as such charged and received premium prices for their products.
The D3 justified this branding approach arguing it is easier to emphasize the brand than the model thus creating a halo effect. No matter how mediocre a model it would benefit from the brand name. Yea right. Ask Acura about the Legend to RLX debacle.
By the way, Cadillac has introduced a crest-less ATS coupe to help pick up the sales slide in the ATS four sedan which is down 21% this year. As a result they will, or have stopped production for three weeks to help dealers move their bloated inventories.
Good theory but not so sure it is completely correct. Hyundai came back after the Pony and in particular old Sonatas weren't very good. Pretty successful now.
GM tried bringing back the Firenza.name, I think they were both disasters. Maybe that proves your point.
I think Ford could bring back the Thunderbird and they could have a big hit on their hands. Luxury car market is growing, and people would probably love a 4 door, 4 seater, luxury type car. Then again, the people who bould want to buy it, won't be able to get in or out of it....especially the backseat.
There are probably a few others that made it back. Cadillac certainly did, they are selling really well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Interesting theory. I think numbers or letters can sound more luxurious, but, they have to be the right combinations. I always liked the Galaxie XL. It sounds like excel and is easy to remember.......MKC or MKZ hmm, not so much. I guess MK is supposed to stand for Mark.
You mentioned the ATS sales being down this year. Cadillac sales are down a bit overall, but they are selling fewer fleet cars (not sure which company buys fleets of Caddies besides Mary Kay) and more single sales.
Very interesting article at cnbc(even if it is left wing propoganda)
Cadillac stuck in neutral while luxury autos zoom
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
...and there is a refresh coming with the 2015 ATS. I suspect some may be waiting for the new models. I was reading the wiki information about the ATS. I note that it outsold CLA and the A3. That has to be a positive indicator.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_ATS
Was behind a black ATS at a busy stop sign with windows down. The sound of that motor was exciting as that driver zipped out between rush hour goin' home traffic and accelerated.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Cadillac has a continuing problem with their pricing; while the ATS and CTS are very competitive with their European counterparts the public perception of the Cadillac brand has yet to reach that lofty pinnacle.
The suits at Cadillac reason: "We're in the same ballpark as Audi/BMW/M-B, we should be able to set our prices accordingly." Unfortunately, the typical customer in that segment tends to think: "Why buy a Cadillac when I can buy an Audi/BMW/M-B for similar money?" We were in a somewhat similar position in 2005; buy a 16k mile CPO 2004 X3 with 84k miles and five years of warranty remaining or buy a new Escape or Xterra for the same money- or a new SRX for a few grand more. Yeah, that was a tough call...
The result is that Cadillac has to offer big rebates or aggressive lease rates, etc., to move their product- thereby devaluing the prestige of brand to some extent. Me, I'd price the cars where they would sell and still make a profit, and gradually build up the brand equity. Unfortunately, the suits at GM(like most of the execs in the automobile industry) are much like the people I have dealt with in state and local government; their idea of long-range planning is deciding what they are going to have for lunch...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, yes and no; the ATS is aimed at the A4/3 Series/C Class segment; the CLA and A3 are one rung down.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
You mentioned that the ATS outsold the CLA - I would hope so, imid. The CLA, IMHO, was a very big mistake for MB. Their market research, I believe, was incorrect. Ask a person if they would rather buy a MB or a Cadillac for the same or less money. Their response would be MB, I suspect, however if you asked them would you rather buy a downsized, downscaled MB or a Cadillac ATS. I suspect the response would be quite different.
I've seen and driven both cars and the Cadillac is a far superior product when compared to the Mercedes CLA.
The new C Class has received rave reviews from what I have read over the past few weeks. That new engine (3.0 L, 329 hp, 340 torque) is a screamer, to be sure, and is the same engine that is in the new 2015 E400 Mercedes.
If Cadillac would bring out a redesigned CTS and ATS that is a departure from current styling and more in line with sleeker lines, etc., Cadillac would compete nicely with any luxury brand out there. But the Cadillac styling on its ATS/CTS is a bit worn out, don't you agree?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@driver100
Ah, I didn't state my theory clearly enough. I was referring more to prestigious brands that were deliberately downgraded by the company in order to either boost sales or pursue some other marketing illusion. It's hard to make a comeback once you've done that.
On the other hand, if you initially produce a crummy product, but then IMPROVE your brand name (gee, think Subaru, Jaguar, et al), you can definitely change the game in your favor.
But if Jaguar had re-badged a Hillman and put the big cat on the hood, that would have been the end. Fortunately they didn't, and also fortunately, Ford bought them and got them out of the British Motor Car Loony Bin.
If you like Galaxie XL --- how about a Galaxie 500 XL. My Dad bought a new 65 Coupe with a 390 new. The 64's actually look much nicer and fetch a premium on the classic car market.
We had a 65 regular Galaxie 500 four door sedan....with bench seats. I talked my Dad into getting a 64 Galaxie 500 with bucket seats and he said it was killing his back...traded it in on the 65 which he loved.
A 65 Galaxie 500 XL with a 390 sounds good to me.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
LOL.....got it now. I would have to agree completely...good point. That's why you are the boss.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>
I had a great time driving my Grandpa's 61 Hillman Minx. Lot's of road feel and looking back at the flimsy nature of the build-- even a small accident would mean serious injury or death. Those were the days.
CAR SHOPPING IN THE DESERT?
When my son's SO found out I was in the car business, she asked me if I would help her buy a new car while I am out here and have some spare time. I said of course I'd help. She currently drives a Jaguar XJ, about 3 years old, and she wanted something a little more comfortable in the rear for her two kids as they are getting bigger. From what we discussed, it sounded like she did not want a Mercedes or an Audi, but was interested in a Lexus LS460, with or without the "L" (longer) body.
So we went over to the Lexus Dealer and test drove both of them, the regular and the L. For the money and the fact that it is the end of the model year, she preferred the regular sedan over the L.
I had looked up her car on Manheim and when their first offer came back, they were light about $2000 on her trade, which is to be expected. The car was a dark Maroon (Matador Red) with saddle (Flaxen) perforated leather, walnut wood, and quite loaded, MSRP was $83,719. I researched the invoice on the car and it was $79,900 and I assumed there was trunk money available due to the new models coming out in a few weeks. So brought the trade value up another $2000 and offered them $1400 behind invoice on the car, or $78,500 to be exact. Well, that did not sit well with the salesman, so he goes to the manager who comes out and "cries" that I am asking him to sell her a car for less than he paid for it. I said, "YES". He said he could not do it.
I countered by stating that he had 10 LS460's out there, all loaded like this one, and mentioned that LS buyers usually don't buy red or close to red cars with saddle interiors. He said he couldn't do it.
So, we left and went out for breakfast.. While we are eating, my son's SO get a call on her cell phone that they would do the deal for $78,950 less her trade, which remained the same as I had requested. She looked all excited and when she was about to tell him she would take the deal, I stopped her and said, "NO"! I told her to tell him we are at $78,500, and not a penny more. She told him what I requested and, of course, the manager accepts the deal.
She dropped me off at the house, and my son and his SO went over to finish signing paperwork etc. I haven't heard from them, so I am assuming everything went well.
The car is a gift from her parents so there won't be any funny business in the Finance Dept. with rates or fees. But they seem to deal out here just as they deal back home. What can I say.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My mother had a 56 Hillman Californian that I learned to drive on, and took my drivers test in.
Probably not quite the same but this is about a 61;
I remember the transmission worked in reverse. They were part of the Rootes Group. Cute little things!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
10 of a low volume model on the lot when the next year is rolling out means dealing no matter where you are.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yep the shifting was "foreign" and I have to say that I smoothed out the transmission by grinding the edges of most of the gears. I have no idea where he bought it and as far as parts and warranty concerns -- must not have been on his mind.
"10 of a low volume model on the lot when the next year is rolling out means dealing no matter where you are."
No question about it. They just drove in with the new car. It really is beautiful with that Flaxen leather. It's a dark saddle color. It has every conceivable option including that 19 speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Beautiful looking car. I just hope she has no problems with it.
My son picked out a great SO, looks, money and sweet as sugar! I asked her if she has any 50-65 year old acquaintances like her. What a lovely young woman. Sometimes you luck out the second time around.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@jayrider
I have a fondness for crappy British cars of the 60s and 70s. They are just so....quaint...and eccentric. Back then, Rootes and BL and BMC (who can remember who became what and when?) had no concept of fit and finish and interior trim. The Imp, the Stag, the Marina---one disaster after another. And the strikes and the mediocrity of the management....ay, ay, ay....no wonder the Germans rolled right over them in the marketplace.
I think the Brits woke up when Rolls Royce went bankrupt in '71. That was scary.
"I have a fondness for crappy British cars of the 60s and 70s."
In 1974, I bought a Triumph TR-6 right off the showroom floor. Had an inline 6 cylinder engine and was the epitome of the British Roadster. It leaked oil no matter what I did or what the dealership attempted to do. It was a great car, but one summer afternoon, instead of putting the convertible top up, I hooked up the toneau cover - heavy thunderstorm - 3" of water in the foot wells. It began to rust almost immediately. Also owned an orange MGB-GT. Great sounding engine, but about the slowest thing on the road at that time.
Yep, I know about British sports cars - not perfect to be sure.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
>
Way to go Mike! They say salesmen are the easiest people to sell to, since you are selling all the time salespeople don't like to give other salesmen a hard time. You weren't a pushover.
I think you had the situation sized up pretty good. Ten cars to get rid of and this particular one would be slow. Like the Audi salesman said to me, you can get a good deal on last years models when the new ones come out, they don't want to lease 2014s right now. If, you have cash that is King...you got real bargaining power.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I had a 1960 Sprite, gutless, no trunk, burned through a gallon of oil a week. But it was fun!
Amazing what we can put up with when we were younger.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250