Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

sda

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

Mike, time for you to check in.

Just walked in after seeing the doctor.  He cut my blood pressure medication again.  It was touch and go there for awhile.  If I am sitting or laying down, I am fine.  It's just the standing and walking that gets to me.  I had no problem driving the 1/2 mile to the doctor's office.

I did a laundry before leaving for the doctor.  When I have the strength, I'll fold and put the laundry away.

I just have to do things in tiny steps so I don't get so weak I feel dizzy.

Thanks for the heads up, driver!  

...And you got to drive your new car, if ever so briefly. I bet that put a smile on your face. Glad to hear you are making progress though I know not fast enough.

driver100

Good to hear from you Mike.

Progress is a good thing!

abacomike

sda said:

driver100 said:

Mike, time for you to check in.

Just walked in after seeing the doctor.  He cut my blood pressure medication again.  It was touch and go there for awhile.  If I am sitting or laying down, I am fine.  It's just the standing and walking that gets to me.  I had no problem driving the 1/2 mile to the doctor's office.

I did a laundry before leaving for the doctor.  When I have the strength, I'll fold and put the laundry away.

I just have to do things in tiny steps so I don't get so weak I feel dizzy.

Thanks for the heads up, driver!  

...And you got to drive your new car, if ever so briefly. I bet that put a smile on your face. Glad to hear you are making progress though I know not fast enough.

Yes, the car is gorgeous and handles beautifully.  I am getting used to that porcelain interior - more of an off-white color than grey or beige.

I finished unloading the dryer and mailed Christmas Cards to my son and grandsons.  So, as soon as I rebuild my strength, I'll make some lunch.

Thanks for caring!  

driver100

Yesterday I got an official letter from VW, that said it was "about our recent service visit". So, I opened it, thinking it would be a survey, or possibly a notice as there is a recall coming.

No, it was advertising for Sirius. 2 months free. Well, my wife only uses the car to get to tennis and back and has 5000 miles over 3 years, and she doesn't need Sirius, she is happy to listen to a news station for her 15 minute drive to the tennis courts.

I don't think it is nice that VW passes our info along to Sirius. I get it a bit, Sirius gives them a feature that helps sell the car...free radio.......in exchange for getting a new customer. But, that should have ended when the trial period ended.

oldfarmer50

tjc78 said:

I am so scared of when my Daughter will date.  Luckily she is only 2 months old and I have plenty of time to prepare lol.  

I was doing my afternoon pick up at the high school yesterday and a group of girls were standing just outside my bus. They were discussing sex education (and sex in general) and the talk was incredibly graphic. This ain't your grandma's generation. The gross way that referred to other girls was shocking.

In more pleasant news, I past a MB SL400 today and thought it was a really sharp looking car.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

I am so scared of when my Daughter will date.  Luckily she is only 2 months old and I have plenty of time to prepare lol.  

I was doing my afternoon pick up at the high school yesterday and a group of girls were standing just outside my bus. They were discussing sex education (and sex in general) and the talk was incredibly graphic. This ain't your grandma's generation. The gross way that referred to other girls was shocking. In more pleasant news, I past a MB SL400 today and thought it was a really sharp looking car.

As you know, I was a school principal and private school headmaster for over 25 years.  In Middle School and High School, the girls are as graphic about sex as the boys.  No, this isn't even our generation, let alone grandmother's generation.

As for the MB SL400, it has the same engine as my CLS400 (V6 3.0 L twin turbo) which generates 329 hp and 354 lb ft of torque.  329 hp is more than enough power for my new car but the big advantage is 20/30 mpg city/highway.  The V8 is unnecessary (402 hp) especially when you give up 20% fuel economy over the turbo V6.

Besides, when would I ever need 402 hp? My 2014 CLS550 has the V8 and was over-powered IMHO.

But that SL400 is on beautiful car, to be sure!  

graphicguy

Here you go ladies and gents....
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/08/2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-feature-video/

abacomike

graphicguy said:

Here you go ladies and gents.... http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/08/2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-feature-video/

Beautiful interior on the 2017 E Class.  But I decided to wait at least until the 2018's come out out so they could address the inevitable "bugs" that are inherent in any brand new model.  

In the meantime, I plan to enjoy my 2016 CLS 400.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

Geesh, another set of new wheels!

At least these new wheels don't need oil changes.

stickguy

That is a sharp looking interior. If it debuts in Detroit, they should have it at philly 2 weeks later. Probably up on a turntable though.

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

Geesh, another set of new wheels!

At least these new wheels don't need oil changes.

This is true!  "A" Service not due on this car until 11/23/16.  

Interesting tire sizes on this car:

Front = 255/35 ZR19 96Y XL 
Rear = 285/30 ZR19 96Y XL

Very low profile Pirelli PZero Maximum Performance summer tires.  I suspect these will wear about the same as the 19" tires I had on the E400.

PF_Flyer

driver100 said:

Geesh, another set of new wheels!

That reminds me... on the first leg or my trip out to the Edmunds offices last Monday, I was flying on a Dash 8. On landing, the wheels look like this

Note the little shimmy of the landing gear from side to side. When WE landed, the outboard tire REALLY distorted and was obviously out of balance (worn I assume), didn't look round at all, and caused a serious vibration and shimmy that made some serious vibration in the cabin.
Time to rotate those things Cap

abacomike

PF_Flyer said:

Geesh, another set of new wheels!

That reminds me... on the first leg or my trip out to the Edmunds offices last Monday, I was flying on a Dash 8. On landing, the wheels look like this Note the little shimmy of the landing gear from side to side. When WE landed, the outboard tire REALLY distorted and was obviously out of balance (worn I assume), didn't look round at all, and caused a serious vibration and shimmy that made some serious vibration in the cabin. Time to rotate those things Cap

Those Bombardier Dash 8's (previously built by deHavilland) are not my favorite puddle jumpers.  US Air used to fly those almost exclusively for short-range trips.  When I lived in Hazelton PA, I would fly out of Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia to pick up non-stop flights to LAX.  They were always Dash 8's.  They have long wing landing gears that tend to "give" more than most gears.

stickguy

The weirdest stuff ends up on YouTube.

driver100

graphicguy said:

Here you go ladies and gents....
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/08/2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-feature-video/

Thanks for the link GG.........the 2017 E400 looks awesome...and, I want one!
Realistically, I will probably wait 2 years when my warranty will be over and I will have about 50000 miles on my 2015........unless they make ma a deal I can't say no to.

driver100

PF_Flyer said:

driver100 said:

Geesh, another set of new wheels!

Note the little shimmy of the landing gear from side to side. When WE landed, the outboard tire REALLY distorted and was obviously out of balance (worn I assume), didn't look round at all, and caused a serious vibration and shimmy that made some serious vibration in the cabin.
Time to rotate those things Cap

I have been on a plane during a landing and the whole plane seems to wobble and shake. I have often told my wife this plane needs a wheel balance.

iluvmysephia1

Very low profile Pirelli PZero Maximum Performance summer tires. I suspect these will wear about the same as the 19" tires I had on the E400.

Mike, those Pirelli's ought ta last ya about 15,000-20,000 miles. I thought they were decent tires-I had that kind on my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Might've lasted me 20,000 miles.

ab348

graphicguy said:

Here you go ladies and gents....
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/08/2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-feature-video/

That first pic in particular is very attractive.

Funny how dashboard design has come full circle and now it again has a large rectangular pod on the left and center of the dash like Fords and Oldsmobiles did in the 1970s.

abacomike

iluvmysephia1 said:

Very low profile Pirelli PZero Maximum Performance summer tires. I suspect these will wear about the same as the 19" tires I had on the E400. Mike, those Pirelli's ought ta last ya about 15,000-20,000 miles. I thought they were decent tires-I had that kind on my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Might've lasted me 20,000 miles.

Thanks for your feedback.  I don't know about 20,000 miles (not that I ever drive a car that many miles)!  My car is about 4200 lbs. equipped the way it is.  Add to that a 329 hp twin turbo V6 and I suspect the front tires will wear faster than the rears.  Cornering and stopping wears those tires quickly.

driver100

abacomike said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

Very low profile Pirelli PZero Maximum Performance summer tires. I suspect these will wear about the same as the 19" tires I had on the E400.

Mike, those Pirelli's ought ta last ya about 15,000-20,000 miles. I thought they were decent tires-I had that kind on my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Might've lasted me 20,000 miles.

Thanks for your feedback.  I don't know about 20,000 miles (not that I ever drive a car that many miles)!  My car is about 4200 lbs. equipped the way it is.  Add to that a 329 hp twin turbo V6 and I suspect the front tires will wear faster than the rears.  Cornering and stopping wears those tires quickly

.

And how many miles should I expect to get out of my regular E400 tires?
I'm at 18000 now.

abacomike

driver100 said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

Very low profile Pirelli PZero Maximum Performance summer tires. I suspect these will wear about the same as the 19" tires I had on the E400. Mike, those Pirelli's ought ta last ya about 15,000-20,000 miles. I thought they were decent tires-I had that kind on my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Might've lasted me 20,000 miles.

Thanks for your feedback.  I don't know about 20,000 miles (not that I ever drive a car that many miles)!  My car is about 4200 lbs. equipped the way it is.  Add to that a 329 hp twin turbo V6 and I suspect the front tires will wear faster than the rears.  Cornering and stopping wears those tires quickly

.

And how many miles should I expect to get out of my regular E400 tires? I'm at 18000 now.

I believe those all-season performance tires should last 30,000 miles.

abacomike

I was reading in the newspaper today that "Volkswagen" has investigated CO2 emissions in 5 of its models and found, per the results of testing, that the engines emit CO2 at levels almost identical to what they reported to EPA which allowed them to begin selling those cars once again.  As for diesel emissions, VW said that they are not as bad as originally thought/found.

What surprises me is that VW seems to be determining what acceptable emissions levels are in their cars, not the EPA.

Can someone who is familiar with this newsflash explain to me what is the truth and what are the falsehoods?  How does VW determine when their cars and SUV's can be sold?  Isn't the EPA the determiner here?

Thanks.  

iluvmysephia1

And how many miles should I expect to get out of my regular E400 tires?

What kind a tires are they, driver100? I am by no means a tire expert. I just know that I liked the ride of my '08 Lancer GTS with those Pirelli P-Zero Nero's on the wheels. That car handled so well. Wish it's engine didn't blow up around the 130,000 mile mark.

I really didn't like how fast my Lancer's tires wore out - but the experts told me that since my Lancer GTS ran high-performance, low profile tires, they were made ta grip well and, because of that and some other automotive engineering obviosees, I should not expect much more than 20,000 miles on my tires. They ran me about $200 a tire, and, to a guy that spends pretty thriftily like me, that hurt. But I didn't really have a choice.

graphicguy

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

Here you go ladies and gents....
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/08/2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-feature-video/

Thanks for the link GG.........the 2017 E400 looks awesome...and, I want one!
Realistically, I will probably wait 2 years when my warranty will be over and I will have about 50000 miles on my 2015........unless they make ma a deal I can't say no to.

You're welcome. While I was reading the article, I kept thinking...."Cadillac? You want to play in this league? Here's your competition!

driver100

I believe those all-season performance tires should last 30,000 miles.

I would be satisfied with that. I know some people love the superior handling, but I wouldn't want to change tires every 20k miles. Then again, if I traded as often as you do Mike, then I wouldn't even have to think about it!

abacomike

driver100 said:

I believe those all-season performance tires should last 30,000 miles.

I would be satisfied with that. I know some people love the superior handling, but I wouldn't want to change tires every 20k miles. Then again, if I traded as often as you do Mike, then I wouldn't even have to think about it!     

Summer performance tires also give you a much stiffer ride which makes long distance trips less comfortable.  

driver100

iluvmysephia1 said:

And how many miles should I expect to get out of my regular E400 tires?

What kind a tires are they, driver100? I am by no means a tire expert. I just know that I liked the ride of my '08 Lancer GTS with those Pirelli P-Zero Nero's on the wheels. That car handled so well. Wish it's engine didn't blow up around the 130,000 mile mark.

I really didn't like how fast my Lancer's tires wore out - but the experts told me that since my Lancer GTS ran high-performance, low profile tires, they were made ta grip well and, because of that and some other automotive engineering obviosees, I should not expect much more than 20,000 miles on my tires. They ran me about $200 a tire, and, to a guy that spends pretty thriftily like me, that hurt. But I didn't really have a choice.

The E400 has ContiPro Contacts All Season Tires, cost about $232 at Tire Rack. 245-40R X 18 in.

I looked up my tires on one site and it said:
"Tuned performance indicators disappear when tire is no longer tuned for optimal performance"
Where are these wear indicators?

driver100

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

Here you go ladies and gents....
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/08/2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-feature-video/

Thanks for the link GG.........the 2017 E400 looks awesome...and, I want one!
Realistically, I will probably wait 2 years when my warranty will be over and I will have about 50000 miles on my 2015........unless they make ma a deal I can't say no to.

You're welcome. While I was reading the article, I kept thinking...."Cadillac? You want to play in this league? Here's your competition!

We drove to Sarasota and back today, about an hour each way. I keep thinking the E400 is about as perfect as a car can be, and then I see that 2017 model. I think they outdid themselves.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I believe those all-season performance tires should last 30,000 miles.

I would be satisfied with that. I know some people love the superior handling, but I wouldn't want to change tires every 20k miles. Then again, if I traded as often as you do Mike, then I wouldn't even have to think about it!     

Summer performance tires also give you a much stiffer ride which makes long distance trips less comfortable.  

No thanks then, I prefer the more luxurious ride. But, the E400 is no Easy Boy......it has terrific handling and steering qualities....you can get the feel of the road and you know what the pavement is like, but you don't feel any jarring bumps through the car or steering.

I'll take the more comfortable all season tires for my needs. 1500 miles twice a year - I am looking for comfort man.

You sound like you are feeling a little better tonight.

abacomike

driver100 said:

And how many miles should I expect to get out of my regular E400 tires? What kind a tires are they, driver100? I am by no means a tire expert. I just know that I liked the ride of my '08 Lancer GTS with those Pirelli P-Zero Nero's on the wheels. That car handled so well. Wish it's engine didn't blow up around the 130,000 mile mark. I really didn't like how fast my Lancer's tires wore out - but the experts told me that since my Lancer GTS ran high-performance, low profile tires, they were made ta grip well and, because of that and some other automotive engineering obviosees, I should not expect much more than 20,000 miles on my tires. They ran me about $200 a tire, and, to a guy that spends pretty thriftily like me, that hurt. But I didn't really have a choice.

The E400 has ContiPro Contacts All Season Tires, cost about $232 at Tire Rack. 245-40R X 18 in. I looked up my tires on one site and it said: "Tuned performance indicators disappear when tire is no longer tuned for optimal performance" Where are these wear indicators?

They will appear on the tread both front and rear as the tires wear down.  All quality tires have wear indicators as the tire reaches its usable life.  If you look closely at your tread, you can usually spot them.

driver100

They will appear on the tread both front and rear as the tires wear down.  All quality tires have wear indicators as the tire reaches its usable life.  If you look closely at your tread, you can usually spot them

.

Thanks.........what am I looking for? Or, what do they look like?

abacomike

driver100 said:

driver100 said:

I believe those all-season performance tires should last 30,000 miles.

I would be satisfied with that. I know some people love the superior handling, but I wouldn't want to change tires every 20k miles. Then again, if I traded as often as you do Mike, then I wouldn't even have to think about it!     

Summer performance tires also give you a much stiffer ride which makes long distance trips less comfortable.  

No thanks then, I prefer the more luxurious ride. But, the E400 is no Easy Boy......it has terrific handling and steering qualities....you can get the feel of the road and you know what the pavement is like, but you don't feel any jarring bumps through the car or steering. I'll take the more comfortable all season tires for my needs. 1500 miles twice a year - I am looking for comfort man. You sound like you are feeling a little better tonight.  

Actually, I think I am having slight pain on my left side.  I was told that as the heart heals itself, to expect a little angina.  If I get up tomorrow and the intermittent slight pains are still there, I will call my doctor to get a referral to a cardiologist.

stickguy

run your finger around inside one of the main tread channels. Every few feet there will be a little rectangular "bump" on the bottom of the channel. When that is even with the flat part of the tread, they are done.

laurasdada

One of the many channels in my ever more expensive cable package is called, "Buzzr." It plays olde-timey game shows, notably "Let's Make a Deal." On one of tonight's episodes, they offered three fabulous cars, two couples won the following:

A new Triumph Stag, valued at $7000!
A new Renault 10, valued at $2300!

Would love if there was a follow up a year later to see how their fabulous prizes fared in the real world!

The third car, not won as one of The Big Deals was a new Plymouth Duster! Might have been the best choice of the three!

Actually, a Triumph Stag was a part of my car youth; a family I babysat for had one. They would pick me up and take me to their home. I thought it was pretty cool, all lit up in green inside (IIRC!). But, I much preferred other friend's dad's red Jag E-Type convertible. Yup, that one really stuck with me.

abacomike

laurasdada said:

One of the many channels in my ever more expensive cable package is called, "Buzzr." It plays olde-timey game shows, notably "Let's Make a Deal." On one of tonight's episodes, they offered three fabulous cars, two couples won the following: A new Triumph Stag, valued at $7000! A new Renault 10, valued at $2300! Would love if there was a follow up a year later to see how their fabulous prizes fared in the real world! The third car, not won as one of The Big Deals was a new Plymouth Duster! Might have been the best choice of the three! Actually, a Triumph Stag was a part of my car youth; a family I babysat for had one. They would pick me up and take me to their home. I thought it was pretty cool, all lit up in green inside (IIRC!). But, I much preferred other friend's dad's red Jag E-Type convertible. Yup, that one really stuck with me.

I loved my 1974 Triumph TR6.  It was royal blue with black interior and light oak wood trim with red striped tires.  It was the last year they made the TR6.  The stick shift "clicked" as I put it into gear.  Different life and different time!  

iluvmysephia1

abacomike - did you ever own a Triumph TR-4? Always loved those little British rigs of the early 60's. The TR-3 was no slouch, either.

abacomike

iluvmysephia1 said:

abacomike - did you ever own a Triumph TR-4? Always loved those little British rigs of the early 60's. The TR-3 was no slouch, either.

No I did not.  But I did have an MGB-GT in orange and a red Lancia Beta.  My favorite was the TR6.

driver100

abacomike"

You sound like you are feeling a little better tonight.  

Actually, I think I am having slight pain on my left side.  I was told that as the heart heals itself, to expect a little angina.  If I get up tomorrow and the intermittent slight pains are still there, I will call my doctor to get a referral to a cardiologist.

How are you this morning?
At least you are posting, that takes some mental and physical strength.

driver100

stickguy said:

run your finger around inside one of the main tread channels. Every few feet there will be a little rectangular "bump" on the bottom of the channel. When that is even with the flat part of the tread, they are done.

Good info stick.....I'll remember that. I had no idea!(even gave you a like - if I pressed the right button)

abacomike

driver100 said:

abacomike" You sound like you are feeling a little better tonight.  

Actually, I think I am having slight pain on my left side.  I was told that as the heart heals itself, to expect a little angina.  If I get up tomorrow and the intermittent slight pains are still there, I will call my doctor to get a referral to a cardiologist.

How are you this morning? At least you are posting, that takes some mental and physical strength. 

"How are you this morning? At least you are posting, that takes some mental and physical strength."

Better, driver, thanks.  Still get weak after a few minutes of standing and have to sit or lay down.  At least I lost about 15 pounds which is a drop in the bucket considering what I need to lose.  25 more pounds and I would be in much better straights.

I am going to try to drive over to my dealership (1.5 miles) and get a car wash this morning while I am still strong enough.  I have to gradually increase my activity as my body permits.  If I find it is too much for me, I will immediately return home.  

driver100

"abacomikeI am going to try to drive over to my dealership (1.5 miles) and get a car wash this morning while I am still strong enough.  I have to gradually increase my activity as my body permits.  If I find it is too much for me, I will immediately return home

.  


That sounds like a good plan.....do some activity but only what you can handle.

abacomike

Today it is supposed to get to 82 degrees with partly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of rain.  We had almost 10 inches of rain last week and this is supposed to be our dry season.  El Niño is affecting our entire country's weather.

PF_Flyer

stickguy said:

run your finger around inside one of the main tread channels. Every few feet there will be a little rectangular "bump" on the bottom of the channel. When that is even with the flat part of the tread, they are done.

I'm sure this exists on other brands in some form, but the Cooper tires we have also have a small square in the tread. Each side of the square is a different depth, so as the tire wears, the square will start to lose sides one at a time. The last side of the square turns into an exclamation point to let you know, HEY, it's time!

abacomike

Well, I now have 48 miles on the new car.  At this rate, I'll have under 5000 miles on the car when it's a year old, if I'm lucky.

Drove over to my new dealership this morning and had the car washed.  The valet who took my car kept trying to get the accurate miles on the car.  He turned to me and asked how long I have had the car.  I responded "3 weeks"!  He said that my odometer must not be working correctly.  I told him the 38 miles were correct.  He just smiled at me and said, "...OK, if you say so!"

Car rides and handles like a dream and the power is stupendous.

Now, just resting.  Will make lunch shortly. Have a good day everyone.  

henryn

Speaking of tires, I just bought a new set of Michelins for my 2006 DTS. The car only has 38k miles, and the tread looked good, but the left front has been leaking for a while now, and last Saturday I discovered a small bulge in the sidewall. 3 of the 4 tires are original equipment Goodyear Eagles, now 9 years old going for 10.

I decided to just bite the bullet and put on a new set of Michelin Defenders. I called around, Discount Tire was at $823, and the Firestone just down the street was at $901, and the manager threw in a front end alignment. Firestone being more convenient (2 blocks from my house), I went with them. Big mistake.

I get the car home, and check the tire pressures via the DIC and the TPMS. 3 of the 4 tires are between 32 and 34 pounds, the left rear is at 38. Really?

So I get out my digital tire gauge (which I have cross checked against 2 analog tire gauges), and start adjusting tire pressures. Turns out it is the left front that is at 38, not the left rear, indicating that Firestone moved wheels around and did not reset the TPMS systems.

So I go back to Firestone, and ask them to reset the TPMS. “No, problem, Mr. Nettles, we’re sorry to have overlooked that.” Ten minutes later, I’m back in my car and staring at a warning light on the dash for underinflated tires. Seriously? I drive the two blocks to my house, and find that all 4 tires are inflated to 26 pounds.

So straight back to Firestone. The employee who “reset” my TPMS comes out, wants to know the problem, I tell him. He gives me attitude, whips out his tire gauge and shows me the reading of 30 pounds. I go in the store, get the manager, have him come out and check the tire pressure. 26 pounds, all 4 corners. So much for Firestone, I don’t care how convenient they are. If they can’t manage to air up tires correctly, then …

abacomike

@henryn

Any company or business, in order to be successful, must retain outstanding, skilled employees and provide outstanding products and services.  If any of those attributes are lacking, a business cannot be successful!

Unfortunately, you found one of those businesses with poor service - and now there is no chance for repeat business.

If my Mercedes Dealership in Delray had not failed to provide exceptional service to me, they would have sold me the car I bought locally.  Same problem - poor customer service.  

bwia

I'm probably due for a set of tires. I have 31.5k miles on the original Goodyear RSA low profile tires but they are five years old and the road noise is beginning to enter the cabin of my whisper quiet Lacrosse.

On the sales front, I bought a laptop yesterday. It is a 15.6" Toshiba, with 5th Gen Intel Core i7 with processor speeds of 2.40 GHz ~ 3.00 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost. A 1 TB hard drive and 12 GB memory completes the package.

Net price at Staples, $449 after trade-in of my 2-year old, working but slow laptop. Here's how the deal went down. Original list $849 less $150 trade (after some serious haggling), $200 store discount and $50 rebate debit card.

But here is the catch, the system came with no software except for Windows 10. Not a big deal as my company set me up with Office 365, Adobe Pro and the unnecessary anti virus programs. I deleted those and hope Windows Defender keeps me protected.

abacomike

Good grief!  Stock market took a beating today (-309 points) and oil is at $35.42 a barrel.  Not only that, but Fox Business reports some possible major problems with junk bonds.

The Fed is ready to raise interest rates (about 1/4 point) next week.  Retail sales have not been as strong as originally projected.

I think it's more about fear regarding terrorism.  Oil hasn't been this low since 2009.  Very unpredictable at this point.  

isellhondas

I've become numb to the extreme highs and lows and I try to always remember that the stock market traditionally go's up 10% a year. Still, I hate it when it takes a dip like today.

ab348

@bwia - That's a screaming deal on that laptop. I haven't seen anything close to that up here in the Great White North. My first two laptops were Toshibas and I really liked them. Then I had an Asus (garbage) and am currently using a Dell (OK after the screen was replaced under warranty). I have the old 10 year old Toshiba still here in a box. Maybe I'll check out Staples after Christmas and see if they offer any deals.