Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

Thanks, IMID.....what a nice thing to say. Appreciate it!

I need some off topic info from @roadburner.

RB....trying to find another hometheater sub woofer. Had an 18" Epik Phoenix, but the amp is causing me some concnern (running hot all of a sudden). As you know, Epik is out of business. And, there are too many fan boys at the AVS place.

Any thoughts about SVS Ultra (Sealed)? They're a drive for me, but I know their reputation and I could test listien and bring one home with me if I liked it.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

@graphicguy:

I totally agree with your assessment of the GLA.  I reviewed that car over a year ago and found it to be much like an over-inflated balloon - it looks like a Mercedes but, like the balloon, it blows up in terms of quality and handling once you try to (the head of a pin) to enter its environs.

Just got home - bottom line is I have to learn to live with this!

Glad you're home. I hoped for better news.

stickguy

GG, good write-up. Seems like a fair assessment of the Sonata. Of course, gets better when you add all the bells and whistles, but the underlying goodness is the same.

when I took the wife to the MB dealer last weekend (I still can't believe she got out of the car and went inside!) we sat in a CLA and C back to back. C was definitely nicer, and was a better "fit" with the extra room up front. If I get into a MB sedan, it would be the C.

driver100

abacomike said:

@graphicguy:

I totally agree with your assessment of the GLA.  I reviewed that car over a year ago and found it to be much like an over-inflated balloon - it looks like a Mercedes but, like the balloon, it blows up in terms of quality and handling once you try to (the head of a pin) to enter its environs.

Just got home - bottom line is I have to learn to live with this!

Glad to hear you are home and back to normal Mike.

GG: I enjoyed your review of the two cars too....no one has probably compared a Sonata to an MB before.

From all the reviews I have read about the CLA it is a disappointment, and isn't up to Mercedes standards. The bmw 1 or 2 is always rated better and the A3 is by far way ahead of the pack. A CLA would have been a logical choice for my wife for the amount of driving she does, but, it did nothing for us. Interior was disappointing, and seating position and vision were poor.

I think Mercedes has to work on that one a bit more. Probably not bad for Europe where people like smaller cars, and it gets people in the door to look at a $30k MB, and get sold up to a C Class.

andres3

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

suydam said:

snakeweasel said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

stever said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

Even though I haven't even test-driven an Audi or a BMW before, I could see how I might like one. An S4 perhaps - I just tread carefully with costs

Audi just blew the doors off in the 2016 Consumer Reports best car brands report. "They need to have consistency across a range of models in reliability and drive quality to get to the top," (USA Today)

So everything we thought we knew about spotty reliability of Audis is wrong.

Kia came in at number 9, a couple of spots ahead of Hyundai, which surprised me.

Doesn't say what the basis for this "reliability" is, but apparently, using the same testing methods, the top single car was the Chevrolet Impala. So I guess we can say Chevrolets are better than Audis?

Doesn't CR use self reporting surveys to make these reliability lists? If so those surveys are notoriously inaccurate.

The database is huge and extends over many years. If they don't have enough data (new model, not enough buyers reporting), they won't make an evaluation.

It may be huge and extend over many years but it still is a self reported survey and self reported surveys are unreliable.

Depends what you are self reporting about. That is an overly blanket generalization that just doesn't pass muster.

Sorry it doesn't depend on what you are self reporting. In any self reporting surveys there is a strong bias of those doing the reporting. People replying to surveys like this can either respond based on perception , on idealized views, with wishful thinking, on frustrations and a few other things that can cloud judgment in these areas participants can even be lying. Even something like timing can cloud a persons reporting. Say a minor electrical issue with a car happing now could cause the respondent to give the car bad marks. Yet six months down the road that same person may have a different view on the situation and think it's not as bad.

It's not a overly blanket generalization since groups that do such surveys go through extensive steps to weed out issues with self reporting surveys. And some just won't do them because of issues with them. Just remember that a few years ago there was such a survey that showed that about 10% of the UK's pregnant teenagers were virgins.

All the problems with self-reporting you cite are resolved with sheer numbers. Having a large enough sample size does wonders. It equalizes those that are skewed "due to a recent problem" with those that are loving their vehicle because of no recent problems in short-term memory. Unless one car is giving more "recent" problems to make a larger percentage of the population give bad marks, it should be the same across the board; great for comparing results.

andres3

roadburner said:

stickguy said:

isn't every survey self reporting though, since only the people that want to respond will? Telephone, mail, whatever. And it can't be random, since it has to be owners.

In my opinion the self-reporting aspect essentially means that the CR reliability results are only useful as a very rough estimate of how a given car will hold up- at best. The fact that only CR subscribers participate skew the results even more. I don't have the time or inclination to do a complete analysis, but I've noticed that CR's Owner Satisfaction ratings don't track the reliability ratings all that well either.

The road test scores do correlate closely with the satisfaction ratings. Cars like the Corvette and VW Golf outperform in satisfaction, given their great road test scores, even if the Corvette has bad reliability and the Golf average.

This is consistent and a trend over many decades now; good cars that are valuable in ways other than reliability (fun factor, luxury) can still get high satisfaction scores despite spending a lot of time in the shop.

andres3

tjc78 said:

Insurance.... as you all know like many of us other posters I live in NJ and pay crazy car insurance. I was doing the bills the other night and saw my renewal of $2900 (2 clean drivers, 2 cars full coverage) and thought about taking collision off the 04. Well it's only about $275 a year so I decided to leave it. What I did find was a $100 yearly fee for a "vehicle warranty" on the '15 Enclave. What? Why do I need a warranty for a vehicle that will never be out of warranty while I own it (leased 3yr). So bottom line all, double check your policies to see if anything is on there that you don't need.

In my case, when I bought the Enclave I called to add it on right at the dealer and the cost was within a few dollars of the Lacrosse I was replacing so never looked line by line. The Gecko is sneaky, but I'm sure other insurance companies do it too. I'm going to shop around and see if I can do better, I've been with Geico for a long time maybe I can get a cheaper quote.

Geico does seem to have a SOP to add-on all of the almost useless insurance add-ons and surcharges to any quote you get. They should give you the same coverages you already have for a new car quote, but they like to do this for some reason. Maybe they find a lot of people are too lazy or too busy to take the extra minute to say "why'd you do that? remove it!."

andres3

nyccarguy said:

I heard on the news (CBS Evening News) that the government doesn't want Apple to hack into the iPhone or develop software to hack into the iPhone.  The government wants the software that locks the phone after 10 tries to be disabled.  Once that happens, the government says it wants to use its own software to crack the 4 digit pin code on the iPhone.

I agree with arguments to both sides here.  I also don't trust either side either (large multi billion dollar international corporation or the government).

Let's say it would cost Apple $1 million to unlock the phone. Is it worth it? IF so, to whom? Who's going to pay this bill. Maybe the 60% in favor of cracking the phone should pay, leaving the other 40% out of this wasted effort.

imidazol97

@driver100 and anyone planning to travel I75 in north TN:

I noticed today there was some traffic on a section of I75 in TN up to where the rockslide was. Turns out that's local traffic only.

So I checked more. On Feb 29 the contract for removal of the rubbish was let. Southbound side is due to be finished and open in 2 weeks. Northbound is due to have ONE lane open in 3 weeks per the contract from the date of Feb 29.

Traffic on the detours backs up at times as shown on TN 511.

Did you know interstates in TN have their own twitter accounts? LOL

https://twitter.com/tninterstate75

explorerx4

I have a CR subscription. How do they know what vehicles I own?

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

The sky active is really a nice engine. And well matched to a great AT.

Still think they should offer the 3.7L 6cyl. From what I can see 2012 was the last year for that.

BTW, found out one of the women drivers at work owns a Hellcat. Asked her if she is happily married. Nah, she was driving it on salty roads. We're too incompatible.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

@driver100 and anyone planning to travel I75 in north TN:

I noticed today there was some traffic on a section of I75 in TN up to where the rockslide was. Turns out that's local traffic only.

So I checked more. On Feb 29 the contract for removal of the rubbish was let. Southbound side is due to be finished and open in 2 weeks. Northbound is due to have ONE lane open in 3 weeks per the contract from the date of Feb 29.



Did you know interstates in TN have their own twitter accounts? LOL

https://twitter.com/tninterstate75

Thanks for the update. I don't twitter or tweet so can I still use that twitter account? Soulds like the repair will take awhile.

graphicguy

Mike...glad to hear you're in the comfort of your home. Having to "live with it" sux. But, that certainly beats the alternative

roadburner

graphicguy said:

Thanks, IMID.....what a nice thing to say. Appreciate it!

I need some off topic info from @roadburner.

RB....trying to find another hometheater sub woofer. Had an 18" Epik Phoenix, but the amp is causing me some concnern (running hot all of a sudden). As you know, Epik is out of business. And, there are too many fan boys at the AVS place.

Any thoughts about SVS Ultra (Sealed)? They're a drive for me, but I know their reputation and I could test listien and bring one home with me if I liked it.

I like SLS subs, I think it would be a good choice. Have you thought about the Hsu VTF-15H MK2? 600W continuous amp with a frequency response of 22 Hz-200 Hz +/- 2dB. And you can run it sealed or in two ported modes. Attractive pricing as well: $899 in black or $1049 with real rosebud veneer.

driver100

dino001 said:

Just got scraped today on a parking lot The bozo drove away before I was able to realize what had happened Unbelievable, people have no sense of decency, whatsoever.

The damage looks superficial, it was a rear bumper tapping my driver door, scraping it a little. Some residue from the bumper, couple of scratches and what looks like top coat "sanded off" Hopefully, buffing will be enough.

My condolences dino....I hate when that happens.

I got an owee too.....just a slight scrape above the rear wheel well.......probably some slobs door hit it. :@

imidazol97

https://twitter.com/tninterstate75

Thanks for the update. I don't twitter or tweet so can I still use that twitter account? Sounds like the repair will take awhile.

They're aiming for the northbound to be open with 1 lane before you are planning to travel. Just hit it before noon would be my plan. I think we'll go to Pigeon Forge for a couple days that week after they hope to have it open to 1 lane. Big relief.

imidazol97

https://twitter.com/tninterstate75
I don't twitter or tweet so can I still use that twitter account? Soulds like the repair will take awhile.


The twitter page updates as I watch it and shows new tweets (posts). The information posts are posted manually about the rockslide status, but those other accident locations are automated. They probably show up on GPS units and your navigation.

We're planning to go through that area the week after Easter, so I'm glad to hear they hope to have it open.

driver100

imidazol97 said:

https://twitter.com/tninterstate75

Thanks for the update. I don't twitter or tweet so can I still use that twitter account? Sounds like the repair will take awhile.

They're aiming for the northbound to be open with 1 lane before you are planning to travel. Just hit it before noon would be my plan. I think we'll go to Pigeon Forge for a couple days that week after they hope to have it open to 1 lane. Big relief.

One lane open still isn't that great, will add 30 to 60 minutes probably. Have to watch.

our best bet is that 511 number I think.

carnaught

Mike, all the best to you.

abacomike

carnaught said:

Mike, all the best to you.

Thanks, carnaught and everyone else for your support.

Had a fever last nigh - I call it up to, "...if you're not too sick when you go to a hospital, you will leave sicker!"  Fever broke early this morning and now I am making my way over to my primary care doc.  Catch up with everyone later.

Michaell

Mike, I truly hope you get well. This in-and-out of the hospital can't be good.

I've been contemplating this post for a couple of days now ... I've been on Edmunds forums since the late 1990's, This particular discussion - and its antecedents - have covered a tremendous range of topics. Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, appliances, home improvement. You name it, we've probably discussed it.

So, for something perhaps completely different - I got a layoff notice from my employer earlier this week. I've been given 90 days notice; my last day is set for 5/31 unless I find something else. If not, I'll get one month's severance. Am meeting with the outplacement folks on Monday, but have gotten on-line and registered with them and will start their on-line programs today.

I've polished up my resume and have already submitted three applications - one external and two internal. I'm trying to stay positive, and I'm very lucky to be married to a woman who is very good with resumes, cover letters and interview techniques.

Such is the circle of life .. this is an annual exercise with my employer, and my number came up this year due to reorganization and consolidation.

While I've only met a couple of you face to face, I consider all of you my friends, and I'm not looking for sympathy, just support as I go through this process.

Everything happens for a reason - this is the second time I've had this happen. Thanks for letting me vent and share this with you all.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming ...

stickguy

That sucks Michael. I went through it back in 2008 (along with some much worse stuff) and not fun. Good news, these days the overall employment market for professionals is supposed to be pretty robust.

Shoot me a resume. Oddly (considering my company likes to do the same constant layoff drill) my just former team may have an opening for a specific skill set.

At least you have 7 other jobs to fall back on!

abacomike

@Michaell:

You are very talented, Michael, and because of that talent, your future is bright.  I will pray for you - may the next job be higher paying and just as much fun! 

28firefighter

@abacomike - Wishing you a speedy recovery. I know how much the in-and-out of the hospital can be, unfortunately, and it really is the worst.

@Michaell - Good luck! You'll land on your feet and then some, I'm sure. Went through the same thing 4 years ago and is what landed the now-wife and I out in Seattle two weeks before we got married.

Michaell

stickguy said:

That sucks Michael. I went through it back in 2008 (along with some much worse stuff) and not fun. Good news, these days the overall employment market for professionals is supposed to be pretty robust.

Shoot me a resume. Oddly (considering my company likes to do the same constant layoff drill) my just former team may have an opening for a specific skill set.

At least you have 7 other jobs to fall back on!

Thanks, stick. Email sent with resume attached.

I've been through this before as well - in 2003. Wasn't nearly as stressful as I made a pretty easy lateral move from education to technical support within the same team.

And, yes, I'll be asking for more pizza delivery shifts as well. Every little bit helps.

houdini1

Michael, it is probably safe to say that most, if not all, of us have been in your shoes. I went thru it back in 2001. I was crushed at first, but it gave me the final shove to start my own business, and the satisfaction of relieving my old employer of much of their business. Built my biz up and sold it 8 years later and it has given me a rather nice retirement. Ended up being my big break. You will be fine.

roadburner

Michaell said:

Mike, I truly hope you get well. This in-and-out of the hospital can't be good.

I've been contemplating this post for a couple of days now ... I've been on Edmunds forums since the late 1990's, This particular discussion - and its antecedents - have covered a tremendous range of topics. Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, appliances, home improvement. You name it, we've probably discussed it.

So, for something perhaps completely different - I got a layoff notice from my employer earlier this week. I've been given 90 days notice; my last day is set for 5/31 unless I find something else. If not, I'll get one month's severance. Am meeting with the outplacement folks on Monday, but have gotten on-line and registered with them and will start their on-line programs today.

I've polished up my resume and have already submitted three applications - one external and two internal. I'm trying to stay positive, and I'm very lucky to be married to a woman who is very good with resumes, cover letters and interview techniques.

Such is the circle of life .. this is an annual exercise with my employer, and my number came up this year due to reorganization and consolidation.

While I've only met a couple of you face to face, I consider all of you my friends, and I'm not looking for sympathy, just support as I go through this process.

Everything happens for a reason - this is the second time I've had this happen. Thanks for letting me vent and share this with you all.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming ...

Sorry to hear that; here's hoping you find a job that suits you to a "T."

suydam

+1. That really sucks.

nyccarguy

@Michaell - good thing you've got this full time gig at edmunds.  Something better will come along!  Unfortunately things like layoffs do happen, but I know that you will come out on top!  Good luck!  Please keep us posted!

bwia

@Michaell, every disappointment is a blessing. Not sure if you are already on facebook or Linkedin, (https://www.linkedin.com). If not, perhaps you should consider joining as social media has transformed HR and recruiting. Be patient my friend, a good job offer will soon come.

[Deleted User]

Michaell said:

Mike, I truly hope you get well. This in-and-out of the hospital can't be good.

I've been contemplating this post for a couple of days now ... I've been on Edmunds forums since the late 1990's, This particular discussion - and its antecedents - have covered a tremendous range of topics. Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, appliances, home improvement. You name it, we've probably discussed it.

So, for something perhaps completely different - I got a layoff notice from my employer earlier this week. I've been given 90 days notice; my last day is set for 5/31 unless I find something else. If not, I'll get one month's severance. Am meeting with the outplacement folks on Monday, but have gotten on-line and registered with them and will start their on-line programs today.

I've polished up my resume and have already submitted three applications - one external and two internal. I'm trying to stay positive, and I'm very lucky to be married to a woman who is very good with resumes, cover letters and interview techniques.

Such is the circle of life .. this is an annual exercise with my employer, and my number came up this year due to reorganization and consolidation.

While I've only met a couple of you face to face, I consider all of you my friends, and I'm not looking for sympathy, just support as I go through this process.

Everything happens for a reason - this is the second time I've had this happen. Thanks for letting me vent and share this with you all.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming ...

Michaell, send me an email with what you're looking for. My org is currently in a high growth mode.

Michaell

bwia said:

@Michaell, every disappointment is a blessing. Not sure if you are already on facebook or Linkedin, (https://www.linkedin.com). If not, perhaps you should consider joining as social media has transformed HR and recruiting. Be patient my friend, a good job offer will soon come.

I am on both FB and linkedin. Using those contacts as well to find the next job.

It's early still, so I'm optimistic that something will turn up. Market is certainly better now than it was 6 or 8 years ago.

iluvmysephia1

As far as car insurance goes, they like to forget your loyalty and just raise your rates year over year. I finally left the Gecko one for American Family Insurance and saved 50% on my premiums with the switcheroo. Probably already get it - just switch companies.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

Mike, I truly hope you get well. This in-and-out of the hospital can't be good.

I've been contemplating this post for a couple of days now ... I've been on Edmunds forums since the late 1990's, This particular discussion - and its antecedents - have covered a tremendous range of topics. Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, appliances, home improvement. You name it, we've probably discussed it.

So, for something perhaps completely different - I got a layoff notice from my employer earlier this week. I've been given 90 days notice; my last day is set for 5/31 unless I find something else. If not, I'll get one month's severance. Am meeting with the outplacement folks on Monday, but have gotten on-line and registered with them and will start their on-line programs today.

I've polished up my resume and have already submitted three applications - one external and two internal. I'm trying to stay positive, and I'm very lucky to be married to a woman who is very good with resumes, cover letters and interview techniques.

Such is the circle of life .. this is an annual exercise with my employer, and my number came up this year due to reorganization and consolidation.

While I've only met a couple of you face to face, I consider all of you my friends, and I'm not looking for sympathy, just support as I go through this process.

Everything happens for a reason - this is the second time I've had this happen. Thanks for letting me vent and share this with you all.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming ...

Ahh the corporate rat race, I remember it well. I was one of my company's top performers until a manager who I thought was a dishonest slimeball was made president. I tried to make the best of things until he made his mistress my boss. Then the head games really began. Was almost glad when they forced me out. My former supervisior who had hired me gave the best advice. He said as bad as I felt now I would feel so much better in 6 months that I would wonder why I ever felt bad in the first place.

Losing a job is like losing a loved one. It takes some time to work through the grief.

Look on the bright side. Getting canned was how I became a farmer and school bus driver.

No matter what, you can do better than that.

stickguy

I have a new career plan, born of dealing with princess drama (the college student) around housing for next year. I am forming a management company, and buying up student rental housing down there. Yes, I want to become a slumlord! She is going to work for me. My 5'2" blond enforcer, that no one will mess with (not twice).

It's a plan. Needs some work. Good news, she was so excited, she wants to do up a business case for it (she is in business fellows program).

She already decided she wants to start her own business. Because "people are stupid". I think the company will involve dogs. I'll probably end up retired, working for her!

isellhondas

abacomike said:

I know you are tired of hearing about my hospitalizationS, but I'm being admitted for leg and foot swelling and bruising.  Will be here overnight so they can do a CT-Scan with nuclear medicine.  Could be anything from medications to heart and/or kidney failure or nothing.  Just frustrated by always being in the hospital. 

I hope for the best with your health situation. You've been through a LOT!

iluvmysephia1

Michaell - been there before, too. You're a hardworking guy and you'll pull through this. Explore your opportunities - I was let go from Boeing's Everett plant in 2003 after working for them for 20 years. But I took the Trade Act and went back to school. Uncle Sam paid the books, tuition and the State of Washington paid me unemployment insurance even when I moved to mid-Missouri to go to college. The U.I. payments continued until I got my Associate's Degree. They'll fund up to a 2-year degree. Went in to the Allied Healthcare field and have 10 years in that now.

Point is - you'll get through. gagrice and stever have seen me vent at Boeing on here before - I don't know if they remember, but...yeah.

driver100

Michael.......my thoughts are with you......these days no job is secure.

I have probably set records for the number of jobs I have gone through, voluntarily and non voluntary. I got canned from 3 jobs in 4 years. Like Houdini I went into business for myself and it was the best thing that could have happened.

There is truth in that saying when one door closes another door opens. Very best of luck getting through this time, one day it will be just one of life's experiences you can talk about .

qbrozen

sorry to hear it, Michael. What is your FT profession, anyway?

imidazol97

@Michaell
Sorry to hear about your job. Hoping you'll end up with a new one that's better in the end.

thebean

Wow, all this talk about less-than-stellar companies makes me appreciate the one I worked at for 31 years and then 5 years part-time as a contractor.  They had a lot of layoffs, especially in the defense business part of it.  But, they were generous with the severance and outplacement help.  I was lucky I never got caught in a layoff, but if I had, I think I would still think the world of the company.  Totally ethical and honest, and with me being in Finance, I think I would have seen any shady behavior.  

Michael, good luck finding your next career.  

Michaell

qbrozen said:

sorry to hear it, Michael. What is your FT profession, anyway?

I'm an Operations Manager .. finance and process oriented, for the most part.

graphicguy

Michael....so sorry to hear. Just curious, I've had two resumes hit my email just this week...both IBM-ers...same severence date...May 31. Coincidence?

Mike, glad to hear your health is going in the right direction

Michaell

graphicguy said:

Michael....so sorry to hear. Just curious, I've had two resumes hit my email just this week...both IBM-ers...same severence date...May 31. Coincidence?

Mike, glad to hear your health is going in the right direction

No coincidence. Big layoffs earlier this week. All with the same last day of 5/31.

Need a remote Operations person?

graphicguy

Dino...well that ain't good. Sorry to hear.

RB....

Had a little dust up with Dr Hsu some years ago over some warranty issues with a VTF. WON't do business with them, again. That's what originally drove me to Epik.

Thinking SVS might be the choice.

Thanks for the advice!

abacomike

I had 12 full-time and 4 part-time jobs in my lifetime.  In education, as you move up the ladder from teaching and teacher supervision to administration, job change occurs frequently.  In the automobile business, it is even more frequent.  

I have found that it is very important to network when job-searching.  It sounds like Michael is implementing a networking process - and even more important is having a positive attitude!

carnaught

iluvmysephia1 said:

As far as car insurance goes, they like to forget your loyalty and just raise your rates year over year. I finally left the Gecko one for American Family Insurance and saved 50% on my premiums with the switcheroo. Probably already get it - just switch companies.

Of course Geico has to raise it's rates. They have to pay for all of that advertising....like every third commercial on television.

carnaught

Michaell, sorry to hear about the lay-off. It will end up being a blessing in disguise.

explorerx4

@abacomike,
You hit the nail on the head. Networking is very beneficial.
Hang in there Michaell.

verdugo

abacomike said:

Just got home - bottom line is I have to learn to live with this!

Little late here, but I'm glad you're ok. Hang in there.