Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

abacomike

ab348 said:

The Mustang has had sequential turn signals since 2013, IIRC. They were first introduced on the Thunderbird in 1964. The Cougar followed suit in 1967- as did the Shelby Mustangs.

I found this: Published on Oct 21, 2013. On the 2010-2014 Mustangs, Ford added sequential tail lights as standard equipment but they only got it partially right. Ford only sequenced the turn signal function of the tail lights. I thought they had them before that. Guess not. I remember them on late 60s Cougars and even older T-birds.

I don't understand that first part. I remember reading that those '60s Ford sequential turn signals were a bit of an electromechanical nightmare, with relays and points and some such thing. I suppose the modern ones are just controlled by a computer. I remember as a kid seeing them operate on a '67 Cougar and thought that was just the coolest thing. I seem to remember that Mercury advertised them as being like the flicking of a cougar's tail.

I remember exactly what I paid for that 1967 Cougar 3-speed stick - $2750.00 OTD.  I admit it was a basic car - no A/C.  But it was a looker - picked up lots of lady friends with that car. 

js06gv

sda said:

oldfarmer50 said:

js06gv said:

Wife's year old Mustang got hit in the Target parking lot a couple of days before Christmas (no note...Merry Christmas to me!). I dropped it off for repairs today and picked up a rental, a 2015 Altima 3.5 SL. First impressions - what a great engine crying out for a proper transmission. I can't understand Nissan's obsession with CVTs. I'm sure part of it is me not being used to them, but the car just doesn't drive "right." The power is immediate and seemingly always on tap, but the tranny lurches, whines and drones. When sitting still, the engine is smooth as silk.

Other than that, nice ride. I still prefer my daughter's Optima Turbo in terms of looks, handling, features, trans and interior quality. Ride is about equal. Altima has the edge with less road noise and better stereo quality and touchscreen IMO.

The Mustang!!! Noooooooooooooooo!





BTW, on the Altima my BIL has a 3.5L 2015 with the CVT. seems to shift smoothly (it really doesn't shift but you know what I mean) no lurching or whining. He has the paddle shifters so he can approximate the feel of shifting. Very strong motor.

That commercial makes me smile everytime I see it and I can relate. Sorry about your Mustang, however. It is bad enough it got dinged, but no note--just wrong.

Yes, hardly the end of the world considering what else it could've been but still maddening. Total damage was just under $1,100. I pick it up tomorrow morning.

Trying to figure out which commercial it is that you mentioned. Don't think I've ever seen it.

roadburner

When I was thinking of buying a 1967 Cougar XR-7(Garage Queen- less than 10k miles) a few years ago I did some research and learned that at least one company made a plug-and-play solid state replacement for the motor driven sequential turn signal module.

fezo

explorerx4 said:

the only cool 4 door convertible

It's a beaut!

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

isellhondas said:

I wouldn't buy any individual stocks. Every time I did I either lost money or they went stagnant.

I would invest as much money as possible into several well run mutual funds.

For over 20 years we've had good luck with our Edward Jones guy although I'm sure some are better than others. It took me a long time to totally trust him but he has never steered us wrong.

Anyway, I'm sure others would disagree.

That's what we've done, except we use a local independent financial advisor. No complaints.

Any opinions on the current stock market downturn? Looking for another 350 points today. Is it time to panic?

fordfool

> I remember exactly what I paid for that 1967 Cougar 3-speed stick - $2750.00 OTD.  
> I admit it was a basic car - no A/C.  

The sticker from my 1968 Cougar XR-7: Base $2933.42, Select Shift Auto $206.65, deluxe wheel covers,
oxford roof, power steering, tinted glass, AM radio $328.54, and transportation $59 = $3527.61

Oh, for those old time prices! Anyone remember Blue Grass Mercury on Shelbyville Road, Louisville?

bwia

oldfarmer50 said:

I wouldn't buy any individual stocks. Every time I did I either lost money or they went stagnant. 

Any opinions on the current stock market downturn? Looking for another 350 points today. Is it time to panic?

It depends on your risk tolerance. The market has an amazing way of self correcting itself so no need to panic unless you are heavily invested in Chinese equity securities.

driver100

"oldfarmer50

Any opinions on the current stock market downturn? Looking for another 350 points today. Is it time to panic?

Never time to panic! Market has always come back, and if it doesn't we are all doomed anyway.

I like using an independent adviser as they are not emotionally involved. People who do their own portfolio need nerves of steel, or they will buy and sell at the wrong time.

I like the attitude that this downturn is a buying opportunity. And, I saw a clever add which said usually when things go on sale you buy them, but, people don't buy stocks when they are on sale.

When markets are like this I hope there is cash in the account and our advisers are buying. And it I didn't have advisers good index funds outperform most brokers. I know people who bought into gold and lost big time, and people who kept buying oil thinking it could only go up. A good index fund generally rises because the market rises over time.....but individual stocks and market sectors can change on a dime, examples, oil, gold, VW, Chipotle............

driver100

I got two insurance questions.
1) If I get a stone chip in my windshield will insurance pay for that - less deductible? Will it affect my insurance rates?

2)What amount of liability coverage makes sense? In Canada $1million is normal, some people are getting $3million because you could hit a bus or something and injure or kill a number of people.

In Florida they said $300k was the most they would sell, because they can't take away your house and most people would have less than that in savings. I think they also insinuated awards rarely exceed $300k. We got $1 million 3 years ago because that is what we are used to....this year our insurance company said the max is $300k, but they will give us $1 million as we are grandfathered in.

driver100

Whenever the topic of sequential tail lights come up I love posting this picture:

driver100

Others had it too!

bwia

Blame the Fed for the current market turmoil. They cut interest rates to zero forcing investors to move their money from banks and money market funds to stocks for better returns. 

Fast forward to December 2015. The Fed in their eminent wisdom raised interest rates creating uncertainty and volitility in the equity markets. Ergo - China, Holland and US financial panic.

carnaught

abacomike said:

roadburner said:

The Mustang has had sequential turn signals since 2013, IIRC. They were first introduced on the Thunderbird in 1964. The Cougar followed suit in 1967- as did the Shelby Mustangs.

I had a 1967 Cougar 3-speed stick and it had the sequential turn signal lights in the rear.  Imagine, a 3-pedal Cougar with a 3-speed stick.  I loved it - white with red interior.

Loved those cars! You had one of my favorite color combos. Was yours an XR7?

abacomike

driver100 said:

I got two insurance questions. 1) If I get a stone chip in my windshield will insurance pay for that - less deductible? Will it affect my insurance rates? 2)What amount of liability coverage makes sense? In Canada $1million is normal, some people are getting $3million because you could hit a bus or something and injure or kill a number of people. In Florida they said $300k was the most they would sell, because they can't take away your house and most people would have less than that in savings. I think they also insinuated awards rarely exceed $300k. We got $1 million 3 years ago because that is what we are used to....this year our insurance company said the max is $300k, but they will give us $1 million as we are grandfathered in.

I carry 250,000/500,000 for liability down here.  As for window chip, if it's the front windshield, most policies cover it 100% under comprehensive even if you have a deductible.  All other comprehensive claims are subject to your deductible - I carry $500 deductible comp but my windshield is covered at 100%.

BTW, I have $100,000 property damage and $100,000:$300,000 uninsured/underinsured driver.

abacomike

carnaught said:

roadburner said:

The Mustang has had sequential turn signals since 2013, IIRC. They were first introduced on the Thunderbird in 1964. The Cougar followed suit in 1967- as did the Shelby Mustangs.

I had a 1967 Cougar 3-speed stick and it had the sequential turn signal lights in the rear.  Imagine, a 3-pedal Cougar with a 3-speed stick.  I loved it - white with red interior.

Loved those cars! You had one of my favorite color combos. Was yours an XR7?

No, carnaught.  It was a base Cougar with an AM radio, 3-speed stick on the floor, white with red vinyl interior and a small 6 cylinder engine, IIRC. 

driver100

abacomike"
I carry 250,000/500,000 for liability down here.  As for window chip, if it's the front windshield, most policies cover it 100% under comprehensive even if you have a deductible.  All other comprehensive claims are subject to your deductible - I carry $500 deductible comp but my windshield is covered at 100%.

BTW, I have $100,000 property damage and $100,000:$300,000 uninsured/underinsured driver.

Thanx, good info Mike.

BTW...in case you are curious, Safelite would replace my window for $750 for a generic one that is the exact window used by Mercedes. For the real thing, with Mercedes written on it, it would cost $1500.

Do you know if a generic windshield would affect trade-in value...would someone even notice? And, is this something the dealer does...seems like very specialized work.

Safelight did a good job of patching my windshield for $100, and I thought I might get it replaced before trading in, but don't want to replace it now and then have it happen again. I seem to get stones thrown at the windshield on I-75.

nyccarguy

Driver - I'd insist on a genuine OEM Mercedes-Benz windshield if I were you.  You are driving a $70K (CDN) plus E400.  

graphicguy

driver100 said:

abacomike"
I carry 250,000/500,000 for liability down here.  As for window chip, if it's the front windshield, most policies cover it 100% under comprehensive even if you have a deductible.  All other comprehensive claims are subject to your deductible - I carry $500 deductible comp but my windshield is covered at 100%.

BTW, I have $100,000 property damage and $100,000:$300,000 uninsured/underinsured driver.

Thanx, good info Mike.

BTW...in case you are curious, Safelite would replace my window for $750 for a generic one that is the exact window used by Mercedes. For the real thing, with Mercedes written on it, it would cost $1500.

Do you know if a generic windshield would affect trade-in value...would someone even notice? And, is this something the dealer does...seems like very specialized work.

Safelight did a good job of patching my windshield for $100, and I thought I might get it replaced before trading in, but don't want to replace it now and then have it happen again. I seem to get stones thrown at the windshield on I-75.

driver100 said:

abacomike"
I carry 250,000/500,000 for liability down here.  As for window chip, if it's the front windshield, most policies cover it 100% under comprehensive even if you have a deductible.  All other comprehensive claims are subject to your deductible - I carry $500 deductible comp but my windshield is covered at 100%.

BTW, I have $100,000 property damage and $100,000:$300,000 uninsured/underinsured driver.

Thanx, good info Mike.

BTW...in case you are curious, Safelite would replace my window for $750 for a generic one that is the exact window used by Mercedes. For the real thing, with Mercedes written on it, it would cost $1500.

Do you know if a generic windshield would affect trade-in value...would someone even notice? And, is this something the dealer does...seems like very specialized work.

Safelight did a good job of patching my windshield for $100, and I thought I might get it replaced before trading in, but don't want to replace it now and then have it happen again. I seem to get stones thrown at the windshield on I-75.



Driver...I'm not an insurance expert, but I'm thinking no one would ever look at the windshield to notice what the brand was. I've dealt with Safelite in the past....good products, great service. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again for a repair or replacement.

OldFarmer.....ask your market question in another 90 days. The last vestiges of "big returns" are going away (no more sub prime mortgage houses, no more artificially inflated oil futures, no more artificially inflated tech startups, etc). Most of the new money is going into Kickstarter companies. Contact one that suits your fancy directly and I'm sure they'd gladly take your money for some equity. In brief, you become a small time, mini "Shark Tank" if you're willing to take the risk. That said, I'm batting 50-50 on startups these days. The ones that have succeeded, have paid off handsomely. The ones that have failed, have done so spectacularly. Then there are the ones who tread water, and sometimes send a check as an ROI, and sometimes stall to send anything.

All that said, there have been startups that I thought were sure fire hits, only to see them crash and burn. Others I was luke warm about and they paid off in multiples.

Same with the stock market. It will equalize. It's been so long since the Fed raised interest rates, the money chasing returns is still getting used to that move. After the carnage of the last 5-6-7 years, I think a lot of money is leaving the market for higher ground. A rise in interest rates has a tendency to draw money that had been in the market.

Of course, all this depends on what vehicle(s) you're invested in.

How's that for a bunch of GG gobbledegook investment advice??????

qbrozen

driver100 said:

Do you know if a generic windshield would affect trade-in value...would someone even notice? And, is this something the dealer does...seems like very specialized work.

Does your windshield carry anything special in it? For example, a rain sensor or heating elements or even tinting or UV protection? And would the generic safelite have this?

stever

I've been sitting on more cash than usual through three drops now. Really should buy something, and just finance the car we intend to buy "soon" instead of paying cash. Car loans are still under 2% or so, depending.

driver100

nyccarguy said:

Driver - I'd insist on a genuine OEM Mercedes-Benz windshield if I were you.  You are driving a $70K (CDN) plus E400.  

Just to clarify NYC. The windshields are made the same way and are from the same place, one has the word Mercedes written in the lower passenger side corner....looks nice like a polo shirt logo. But, other than that exactly the same.

stickguy

Driver, if you want more coverage, you can get a million dollar umbrella policy, usually quite cheaply.

The fed only raised rates .25%. That alone didn't really do much. Oil and China probably had a much bigger impact!

driver100

GG Driver...I'm not an insurance expert, but I'm thinking no one would ever look at the windshield to notice what the brand was. I've dealt with Safelite in the past....good products, great service. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again for a repair or replacement.

I was really happy with Safelite repairing the bullet hole in the windshield, esp for $100 which can be applied to a new windshield at any time in the future.

Appraisers don't seem to go over cars that closely, but this would be somewhat noticeable if it was something they looked for. My repaired windshield is almost unnoticeable, unless it is a very sunny day and you are viewing it just right. When I buy a new one I'll do it on a dull cloudy day.

driver100

="qbrozen"

Does your windshield carry anything special in it? For example, a rain sensor or heating elements or even tinting or UV protection? And would the generic safelite have this?</</p>

blockquote>

A 2015 E400 has about as much electronics in the window as you can get. Safelite can do all that. I wonder if the dealer does it....seems like a lot of specialized knowledge and equipment for a dealer to have...for something they wouldn't use very often.

driver100

stickguy said:

Driver, if you want more coverage, you can get a million dollar umbrella policy, usually quite cheaply.

The fed only raised rates .25%. That alone didn't really do much. Oil and China probably had a much bigger impact!

What is an umbrella policy stick? Is that separate from the car insurance?

Agree about .25% increase........seems to be economy in China is remaining stagnant and Middle East is in turmoil again.
I don't look at my stock portfolio during bad times....I may get tempted to sell

stickguy

Dealers farm out windshields. Basically same guys that would show up in your driveway.

Umbrella policy is extra liability insurance. It would pay out on a judgement that exceeded your car or homeowners coverage. Usually costs a few $100 per year.

Mr_Shiftright

What with $200,000 cars now roaming the streets, it might behoove one to check on their property damage limits.

stickguy said:

Driver, if you want more coverage, you can get a million dollar umbrella policy, usually quite cheaply.

The fed only raised rates .25%. That alone didn't really do much. Oil and China probably had a much bigger impact!

oldfarmer50

js06gv said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50"
I found this:
Published on Oct 21, 2013.
On the 2010-2014 Mustangs, Ford added sequential tail lights as standard equipment but they only got it partially right. Ford only sequenced the turn signal function of the tail lights.

I thought they had them before that. Guess not. I remember them on late 60s Cougars and even older T-bird

s.

Thanks roadburner and oldfarmer for the info about sequential rear lights.

Out of curiosity, I read this sentence and wondered, where else would you use them?

Ford added sequential tail lights as standard equipment but they only got it partially right. Ford only sequenced the turn signal function of the tail lights

Mike had those other dates, 64 T-Bird and 67 Cougar.




Info is correct. They came "back" with the 2010 restyle. My 2011 had them. Before that, I didn't remember seeing them since the 60s and the Cougar is the one that seemed the most popular at the time. I had the same question as you about that strange comment in the quote. Only thing I can think of is maybe on the old Cougars and T-Birds, the sequential thing also happened when the brakes were applied? I can't remember.



I think that means the tail lights don't sequence when you use the flashers, only the turn signals. I'll have to uncover baby and see.

I also read somewhere that if you turn on the flashers and then engage the turn signal both sides will sequence.

abacomike

I just got scammed on my PC. An update for Windows 10 insstalled. Once that happened, my Norton Anti-virus stopped working. I clicked on support, and a number appeared. I called that number. They ended up reinstalling Norton, but they are NOT NORTON. They are hackers. I finally reached Norton this morning and they took out the malware and virus and reinstalled my original Norton 360. I paid the scammer $249.99 for Norton anti virus. When the Norton produce the scammers installed would not respond correctly - like get to technical support, I knew I was cheated.

I called my credit card company, and they said the charge already went through before they could cancel my card. So I just cancelled my account. Then, I had to call AMEX and they had to freeze my account until my new card comes through. I have about 8 auto charge compaies I deal with - ATT for phone, TMobile for phone, my Comcasst Cable, and several others. AMEX said they would allow the auto charges to go through for 45 days, but that I should contact all companies charging monthly to my account and give them the new card number.

I have been in a mess since last night. Be careful guys. These scammers were able lto bypass the NOrton Security through a phoney Windows 10 update

oldfarmer50

js06gv said:

sda said:

oldfarmer50 said:

js06gv said:

Wife's year old Mustang got hit in the Target parking lot a couple of days before Christmas (no note...Merry Christmas to me!). I dropped it off for repairs today and picked up a rental, a 2015 Altima 3.5 SL. First impressions - what a great engine crying out for a proper transmission. I can't understand Nissan's obsession with CVTs. I'm sure part of it is me not being used to them, but the car just doesn't drive "right." The power is immediate and seemingly always on tap, but the tranny lurches, whines and drones. When sitting still, the engine is smooth as silk.

Other than that, nice ride. I still prefer my daughter's Optima Turbo in terms of looks, handling, features, trans and interior quality. Ride is about equal. Altima has the edge with less road noise and better stereo quality and touchscreen IMO.

The Mustang!!! Noooooooooooooooo!





BTW, on the Altima my BIL has a 3.5L 2015 with the CVT. seems to shift smoothly (it really doesn't shift but you know what I mean) no lurching or whining. He has the paddle shifters so he can approximate the feel of shifting. Very strong motor.

That commercial makes me smile everytime I see it and I can relate. Sorry about your Mustang, however. It is bad enough it got dinged, but no note--just wrong.

Yes, hardly the end of the world considering what else it could've been but still maddening. Total damage was just under $1,100. I pick it up tomorrow morning.

Trying to figure out which commercial it is that you mentioned. Don't think I've ever seen it.

It's a commercial for Nationwide Insurance. Google "Nationwide Baby" or check UTube. As a Mustang owner you'll love it.

driver100

stickguy said:

Dealers farm out windshields. Basically same guys that would show up in your driveway.

Umbrella policy is extra liability insurance. It would pay out on a judgement that exceeded your car or homeowners coverage. Usually costs a few $100 per year.

Probably farmed out to Safelite and $200 additional charge.
Never heard of an umbrella policy before...sounds good though....thanx.

driver100

abacomike said:

I just got scammed on my PC. An update for Windows 10 insstalled. Once that happened, my Norton Anti-virus stopped working. I clicked on support, and a number appeared. I called that number. They ended up reinstalling Norton, but they are NOT NORTON

I have been in a mess since last night. Be careful guys. These scammers were able lto bypass the NOrton Security through a phoney Windows 10 update

Mike, that is awful. Does Windows 10 have it's own security? I am wondering if it happened some other way (I am not a computer person but it would seem if Windows 10 shut down Norton, you still should have been protected by W10 - I think).

What a thing to happen.....easily done. I keep filtering out messages about Russian Women wanting to meet me but they keep trying, every day.

abacomike

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

I just got scammed on my PC. An update for Windows 10 insstalled. Once that happened, my Norton Anti-virus stopped working. I clicked on support, and a number appeared. I called that number. They ended up reinstalling Norton, but they are NOT NORTON

I have been in a mess since last night. Be careful guys. These scammers were able lto bypass the NOrton Security through a phoney Windows 10 update

Mike, that is awful. Does Windows 10 have it's own security? I am wondering if it happened some other way (I am not a computer person but it would seem if Windows 10 shut down Norton, you still should have been protected by W10 - I think).

What a thing to happen.....easily done. I keep filtering out messages about Russian Women wanting to meet me but they keep trying, every day.

Norton does not know how they got into my computer - but they said they were able to bypass Norton Security - which makes me think that these guys used to work for Norton and know how to by pass it's security. They installed another Norton Product, but when I contact Norton this morning, they said I had NOrton 360, not plain Norton, and that they do no sell that product.

She scanned for malware and found three items that were potential risks - all in the registry of Windows 10 + a malware whereby they can enter my computer at any time.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

I just got scammed on my PC. An update for Windows 10 insstalled. Once that happened, my Norton Anti-virus stopped working. I clicked on support, and a number appeared. I called that number. They ended up reinstalling Norton, but they are NOT NORTON

I have been in a mess since last night. Be careful guys. These scammers were able lto bypass the NOrton Security through a phoney Windows 10 update

Mike, that is awful. Does Windows 10 have it's own security? I am wondering if it happened some other way (I am not a computer person but it would seem if Windows 10 shut down Norton, you still should have been protected by W10 - I think).

What a thing to happen.....easily done. I keep filtering out messages about Russian Women wanting to meet me but they keep trying, every day.

They just want you for your fancy car.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

I just got scammed on my PC. An update for Windows 10 insstalled. Once that happened, my Norton Anti-virus stopped working. I clicked on support, and a number appeared. I called that number. They ended up reinstalling Norton, but they are NOT NORTON I have been in a mess since last night. Be careful guys. These scammers were able lto bypass the NOrton Security through a phoney Windows 10 update

Mike, that is awful. Does Windows 10 have it's own security? I am wondering if it happened some other way (I am not a computer person but it would seem if Windows 10 shut down Norton, you still should have been protected by W10 - I think). What a thing to happen.....easily done. I keep filtering out messages about Russian Women wanting to meet me but they keep trying, every day.

They just want you for your fancy car.

That's the least of my problems.  What about bank and credit cards?  Cancelled two already. 

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

I just got scammed on my PC. An update for Windows 10 insstalled. Once that happened, my Norton Anti-virus stopped working. I clicked on support, and a number appeared. I called that number. They ended up reinstalling Norton, but they are NOT NORTON

I have been in a mess since last night. Be careful guys. These scammers were able lto bypass the NOrton Security through a phoney Windows 10 update

Mike, that is awful. Does Windows 10 have it's own security? I am wondering if it happened some other way (I am not a computer person but it would seem if Windows 10 shut down Norton, you still should have been protected by W10 - I think).

What a thing to happen.....easily done. I keep filtering out messages about Russian Women wanting to meet me but they keep trying, every day.

They just want you for your fancy car.

That's it, they probably read Cars and Conversation and decided they wanted a ride in the E. They never wrote when I had my Cavalier.

berri

A few months ago I was having a windshield wiper issue on my Camry. Right off the bat the service guy noticed my windshield wasn't original. However, very honestly I prefer the new one because it hasn't seemed to affect noise, but it has a nicer blackout area behind the rearview mirror location to filter sun where the sun visors don't cover. I wouldn't sweat the replacement windshield.

berri

Sometimes I wonder if you're just as well off with a basic no cost virus detector like Avira. The ones you pay for seem to slow things down over time and really have never seemed any more effective at catching new virus, spoofs or scams.

driver100

berri said:

A few months ago I was having a windshield wiper issue on my Camry. Right off the bat the service guy noticed my windshield wasn't original. However, very honestly I prefer the new one because it hasn't seemed to affect noise, but it has a nicer blackout area behind the rearview mirror location to filter sun where the sun visors don't cover. I wouldn't sweat the replacement windshield.

Makes sense.....just replace it with the generic one which is exactly the same as the original...without the logo.

I felt another stone and I think it left a small mark, hardly noticeable, so I am going to wait before replacing.

RE ANTIVIRUS: My computer expert guy who is very good hates the commercial anti-virus guys....likes a few free ones and the one he suggest I use, Avast has been great.

stickguy

Car companies buy glass anyway, so places like safe lite are getting it from the same source. If you pick the right unit, it is exactly OEM without possibly the logo.

bwia

Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender which I'm told is very effective. However if you install Norton or similar product it will de-activate Defender thus leaving you vulnerable and susceptible to virus attacks.

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

isellhondas said:

I wouldn't buy any individual stocks. Every time I did I either lost money or they went stagnant.

I would invest as much money as possible into several well run mutual funds.

For over 20 years we've had good luck with our Edward Jones guy although I'm sure some are better than others. It took me a long time to totally trust him but he has never steered us wrong.

Anyway, I'm sure others would disagree.

That's what we've done, except we use a local independent financial advisor. No complaints.

Any opinions on the current stock market downturn? Looking for another 350 points today. Is it time to panic?

If your home suddenly lost 20% of its value, would you rush out and sell it?

stever

Bummer Mike. I've had good luck over the years just with Microsoft's free stuff. Defender or Security Essentials or whatever they call it now.

I've seen a few posts that claim that, for some brands, OEM glass really is different and better than Safelite or other brands.

Since windshields are an important part of the crash structure, probably the best thing is to try to avoid having to replace the original glass in the first place.

houdini1

driver100 said:

I got two insurance questions.
1) If I get a stone chip in my windshield will insurance pay for that - less deductible? Will it affect my insurance rates?

2)What amount of liability coverage makes sense? In Canada $1million is normal, some people are getting $3million because you could hit a bus or something and injure or kill a number of people.

In Florida they said $300k was the most they would sell, because they can't take away your house and most people would have less than that in savings. I think they also insinuated awards rarely exceed $300k. We got $1 million 3 years ago because that is what we are used to....this year our insurance company said the max is $300k, but they will give us $1 million as we are grandfathered in.

1. In the U.S. most ins. companies will allow you to fix a small star chip and not charge you anything or invoke the deductible. They force a resin into the affected area and it looks good as new. So fix for free. Should not affect your rates.

2. If you are super poor you don't have anything to lose and if you are super rich you don't have to worry. Most of us fall somewhere in between. I have $500,000. primary limits and a $1mil umbrella over that.

cdnpinhead

I have no doubt that the same two or three manufactureres make most, if not all, of the world's windshields. The inspection step divides them into OEM quality vs. the junk that I've had to deal with over the years. Optical distortion, especially when you're looking through the passenger side of the windshield, can be very noticeable. The only way to avoid it is for the two surfaces of the piece of glass to be perfectly (and I mean really, really perfectly) parallel. That means dead flat surfaces before they bend the thing into the shape that's required. It's hard. It costs money.

Imagine.

houdini1

driver100 said:

GG Driver...I'm not an insurance expert, but I'm thinking no one would ever look at the windshield to notice what the brand was. I've dealt with Safelite in the past....good products, great service. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again for a repair or replacement.

I was really happy with Safelite repairing the bullet hole in the windshield, esp for $100 which can be applied to a new windshield at any time in the future.

Appraisers don't seem to go over cars that closely, but this would be somewhat noticeable if it was something they looked for. My repaired windshield is almost unnoticeable, unless it is a very sunny day and you are viewing it just right. When I buy a new one I'll do it on a dull cloudy day.

Bullet hole???

iluvmysephia1

Bullet hole???

Yeah, I second that emotion.

tjc78

@driver100
FWIW I had to replace the windshield on the Lacrosse. My car had the "Heads Up Display" which makes the windshield expensive. Local glass people (Safelight wouldn't touch it) wanted IIRC $1300 for OEM, or $700 for generic. I naturally went with generic and it looked perfect (actually better than the original which had a very tiny defect brand new in the upper corner).

After I had it replaced, I was like "Oh s***" this car is leased and they are going to hammer me when I turn it in. Well, they didn't even mention it. In other words, I wouldn't worry about it.

abacomike

tjc78 said:

@driver100 FWIW I had to replace the windshield on the Lacrosse. My car had the "Heads Up Display" which makes the windshield expensive. Local glass people (Safelight wouldn't touch it) wanted IIRC $1300 for OEM, or $700 for generic. I naturally went with generic and it looked perfect (actually better than the original which had a very tiny defect brand new in the upper corner). After I had it replaced, I was like "Oh s***" this car is leased and they are going to hammer me when I turn it in. Well, they didn't even mention it. In other words, I wouldn't worry about it.

You are 100% correct, tjc!  I must have appraised 5000+ cars in my lifetime as a sales manager, and I can honestly say I never looked closely at the vehicle's glass unless there was an obvious crack or projectile nick in the windshield.

The only caution is if a windshield or rear window glass is replaced, watch out for minor leaks in heavy rain or ice/snow.  True professionals install the glass using sufficient silicone sealer/cement after all the old silicone is completely removed and acetone used to ensure it is well cleaned and free of residue. 

driver100

houdini1 said:

driver100 said:

GG Driver...I'm not an insurance expert, but I'm thinking no one would ever look at the windshield to notice what the brand was. I've dealt with Safelite in the past....good products, great service. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again for a repair or replacement.

I was really happy with Safelite repairing the bullet hole in the windshield, esp for $100 which can be applied to a new windshield at any time in the future.

Appraisers don't seem to go over cars that closely, but this would be somewhat noticeable if it was something they looked for. My repaired windshield is almost unnoticeable, unless it is a very sunny day and you are viewing it just right. When I buy a new one I'll do it on a dull cloudy day.

Bullet hole???

Wanted to see how closely you read my posts

Then there is this info from a site which advertises Safelite:

Which Windshield to Choose?

Given the three main choices a person has to choose from, it can become frustrating to find the perfect choice for the vehicle. In order to make this decision, the car owner should consider the following:

Quality: aftermarket windscreens are not held to the same standards as dealer or OEM.
Safety: OEM and dealer glass is made to fit a vehicle perfectly. These windscreens are designed to ensure a snug fit and are safer. The OEM will pass all regulations set into place by government.
Price: aftermarket windscreens are usually far less expensive than the other two options.

Automotive professionals will often suggest going with OEM or dealer windshield replacement, regardless of the cost, out of the heightened safety that they offer.

Windshield information
- See more at: http://www.carwindshields.info/windshield-manufacturers-oem-dealer-and-aftermarket#sthash.WvXqetSh.dpuf