Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

jmonroe

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

Exterior Color Race Red

Or as the state troopers I know call it "Pull me over red".

I've found being at the wrong place at the wrong time has far more impact on whether you get pulled over than does your actual speed traveled, or color of car.

Can you elaborate on that please.

Well, I'll give a few examples.

1) CHP pulled over on the side of the road, busy and distracted by the fact they are already issuing a ticket. They probably won't even notice you zooming by at 80, 90, or even 100 MPH, and even if they do, there's nothing they will do about it.

2) I never see people pulled over for tickets when the weather is bad (raining). Beware nice sun shiny days in CA; which is often!

3) CHP on an emergency call will pass you at 95 with emergency lights on while your doing 85 and as long as you get out of their way they don't even bat an eye.

4) Sheriff with nothing better to do on drug patrol on Interstate 8 from San Diego to Arizona will pull you over for 80 in a 70 zone; something the CHP wouldn't dare do. 10 MPH is way too tight. Going to traffic classes in person the question is often asked and almost all hands raised are 15MPH and up violators of speed, very little in the 10 MPH and under range.

5) If a Bugatti Veyron and Nissan GTR are racing at 125 MPH+ on an Arizona highway, the poor sap in the Chevy doing 90 in a 75 will be more likely to be pulled over as it's the easier "catch" Humans take the path of least resistance to their jobs; especially lazy traffic enforcement officers. I'd bet huge on that.

6) Per #5 above, the Chevy is also more likely to be pulled over because they can be caught from behind as well as from in front. The traffic doing very high speeds can't be caught from behind; only from the front; if that.

Andres3,

I agree with all you points. I'm not going to comment on all of them, only 1 and 2.

(1) When I've been on vacation trips with Son #1 and his family he always comments about how people create hazards when they see the lights on by a trooper who has someone pulled over and they slow way down. He says, "that's EXACTLY when you don't have to worry about being pulled over because they are already busy". When I say be careful, that doesn't mean there isn't another smookie just ahead, he says of course it doesn't but you don't have to slow down 20 MPH under the speed limit !

(2) About 4 years ago I talked to a PA trooper at a Bob Evans while we were both in line. It was raining and he commented how he hated working the PA pike when it's raining. I said something like, "yeah, you probably get a little wet on days like this" and he said, "not as much as you'd think because unless someone is a real hazard I let them go, within reason. He follows that up and says, "if you make me get wet because you're driving like a nut there is no way in hell you're not going to get a ticket from me. I am never going to listen any sob story that day". When I asked if all the troopers felt that way he looked me right in the eye and said, "every damn one of us" !!!

jmonroe

stever

jmonroe said:

I've never heard of the shoe-money-trick before but I have heard of taking your shoe off to pound on the desk to get your point across and even women crying.

The shoe trick was probably more common back in the day before credit cards and financing used cars was so common. In my teens I met a car salesman who worked in, iirc, Houston. The store was on a long straightaway and you could see cars coming from a mile away. This guy would check the service calls in the morning and see if any of his customers had dropped off their car for service. Around 5 pm he'd move the customer's car to the front of the lot and start watching traffic. Either he'd spot a turn signal or recognize the dealer shuttle and then he'd grab his hanky and start polishing the hood. When the owner pulled into the lot, he'd see good old Fred wiping down his car. That salesguy thrived on repeat business.

andres3

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Message for the I-75 Traffic Watch Team:

What is happening there? We are headed back (North of course) a week from Friday....April 1st.

No traffic moving today past Pioneer NB on I75. Tomorrow would be the 3-week deadline for the company having one lane open per the contract that TDOT let.

I'll be able to give a complete report next Monday. I'll do a drive-by on our way to Pigeon Forge and let everyone know if the northbound has been opened to one lane. Hopefully it'll be open by Thursday when we plan to come back north, probably among a lot of people from Florida traveling north along with us. LOL

I'm expecting a backup where the road narrows down to 1 lane. I wish people would use the zipper. I get tired of watching people zoom past all the people who have politely merged to flow through smoothly and then cutting in line. This causes dead stops which ripple and amplify back through those patiently going 25 mph in line.

People should be able to zipper at 55 to 70 MPH in my opinion. Failure to do so results in people that are too impatient to wait for their incompetence.

driver100

stickguy said:

My dog is on insulin now. Made a huge difference. I give him a shot every 12 hours.

You mean you give the dog a good scotch

driver100

stickguy said:

Andre, as I get older, I find it more relaxing to just use the 9 over rule. 74 in a 65 zone is fast enough to get me where I am going quick enough, without undue stress, and can pretty much pay no attention that cops. Especially when getting passed by plenty of others in a big hurry.

Oddly, on I85 in the trees of NC where the SL is 70, I still keep it to around 75. Lots of hiding places and little traffic makes it easy to get picked off, and 79 just seems too high, even though still just 9 over!

On I-75 in Florida the speed limit is generally 70, but if you go slower than 78 you are going to be in everyone's way. I am not sure how fast you would have to be going to actually get pulled over. I try not to go over 80, but sometimes you get in the middle of a pack all going about 84!

abacomike

I got home from shopping for my weekly replenishment of foodstuffs about 3 hours ago.  I find that it is less crowded and finding a nearby parking space is much easier.

As I was approaching my car with my loaded shopping cart, I noticed two middle aged gentlemen eying my car and looking in the windows to get a look at the seats and the dash.  I put my foot under my rear bumper to get the trunk to open and one of the guys asked me how I opened the trunk without the key or by pressing the unlock latch.  I responded that it is part of the keyless go option - with the key in your pocket you can have the electronic trunk opener raise the lid by sticking your foot under the rear bumper.

These two guys were awed by the MB CLS - they said they had never seen one.  I pressed the trunk close button and the trunk lid lowered and locked itself.  They asked if I minded if the took a look at the inside and I said - no problem.  After explaining some of the systems in the car they said it was the most gorgeous car they both had ever seen.

They asked me where I bought the car and I told them across the street at the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.  I gave them a business card with the manager's name and suggested they speak directly with him.  They asked me if I minded asking me what I paid for the car.  I said MSRP was $78485 and I paid $67100 with a couple of fleet discounts I had.  Both guys had USAA insurance so I told them they could get $3500 additional incentives and buy the car under invoice.  They loved the Diamond White exterior and the light porcelain interior.  I said I had to run because I had milk and some frozen food in the trunk.

About 10 minutes ago, I got a call from the manager who thanked me for referring some customers to him.  One of them bought a CLS400 and the other one bought an E350.  He told me to see him tomorrow - he wanted to arrange a 3 year prepaid service agreement for me.

When I see him, hopefully he'll think of something else - free maintenance on my car doesn't do anything for me, if you know what I mean.  But I am somewhat overwhelmed that two strangers would buy new cars after seeing my CLS up close.  I guess I haven't lost my touch after 7 years. 

stickguy

swap the maintenance for a gift card to someplace. Or an envelope full of cash.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

He told me to see him tomorrow - he wanted to arrange a 3 year prepaid service agreement for me.

When I see him, hopefully he'll think of something else - free maintenance on my car doesn't do anything for me, if you know what I mean.

LOL. Three-years is a lifetime in Abacomike vehicle lives.

stickguy

and for at least 3 vehicles.

driver100

I think the manager knew the 3 year maintenance gift card would never get used.

What you should get is the salesman's commission for selling those two cars

btw....how is the naked guy in the bathtub doing?

abacomike

driver100 said:

I think the manager knew the 3 year maintenance gift card would never get used. What you should get is the salesman's commission for selling those two cars btw....how is the naked guy in the bathtub doing?

Remember, this is the new dealership, so I have only bought one car from them - but the did know I bought 12 from the Delray dealership as both dealerships are AutoNation and they had my history in their computer base.  So they really don't have any first-hand experience with me as a frequent buyer.

As for the neighbor downstairs who fell in love with his bathtub, I met both sons yesterday and we went over the incident.  It seems their mother called the sons and they both flew down.  I think they are looking into an assisted living facility for both of them.  I shared with them some of the places I looked into for my Dad prior to his passing.

Getting old and "losing it" is not something I am looking forward to, to say the least.  My doctor told me that I should keep my mind sharp by doing word jumbles, crosswords, trivia games, word searches. Etc., every single day.  He said that research has shown that people in their 60's, 70's and 80's who constantly work with puzzles, word searches and patterning tend to have fewer memory problem as they age.  So I follow his advice and spend 60-75 minutes every morning solving puzzles and playing Suduko.  I sure hope it works.  I am not a bath lover - strictly a shower man, thank goodness!

stickguy

good to hear. I do the jumble and crossword every day in the paper after breakfast. I leave the suduku for my wife. I don't care for that.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

I got home from shopping for my weekly replenishment of foodstuffs about 3 hours ago.  I find that it is less crowded and finding a nearby parking space is much easier.

As I was approaching my car with my loaded shopping cart, I noticed two middle aged gentlemen eying my car and looking in the windows to get a look at the seats and the dash.  I put my foot under my rear bumper to get the trunk to open and one of the guys asked me how I opened the trunk without the key or by pressing the unlock latch.  I responded that it is part of the keyless go option - with the key in your pocket you can have the electronic trunk opener raise the lid by sticking your foot under the rear bumper.

These two guys were awed by the MB CLS - they said they had never seen one.  I pressed the trunk close button and the trunk lid lowered and locked itself.  They asked if I minded if the took a look at the inside and I said - no problem.  After explaining some of the systems in the car they said it was the most gorgeous car they both had ever seen.

They asked me where I bought the car and I told them across the street at the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.  I gave them a business card with the manager's name and suggested they speak directly with him.  They asked me if I minded asking me what I paid for the car.  I said MSRP was $78485 and I paid $67100 with a couple of fleet discounts I had.  Both guys had USAA insurance so I told them they could get $3500 additional incentives and buy the car under invoice.  They loved the Diamond White exterior and the light porcelain interior.  I said I had to run because I had milk and some frozen food in the trunk.

About 10 minutes ago, I got a call from the manager who thanked me for referring some customers to him.  One of them bought a CLS400 and the other one bought an E350.  He told me to see him tomorrow - he wanted to arrange a 3 year prepaid service agreement for me.

When I see him, hopefully he'll think of something else - free maintenance on my car doesn't do anything for me, if you know what I mean.  But I am somewhat overwhelmed that two strangers would buy new cars after seeing my CLS up close.  I guess I haven't lost my touch after 7 years. 

Do high end dealers typically offer bird dog spiffs to customers or are you in a special category? My last two new car purchases the salesperson offered it.

iluvmysephia1

I am not a bath lover - strictly a shower man, thank goodness!

Same here, abaco. I can't remember the last bath I took.

jmonroe

abacomike said:

I got home from shopping for my weekly replenishment of foodstuffs about 3 hours ago.  I find that it is less crowded and finding a nearby parking space is much easier.

As I was approaching my car with my loaded shopping cart, I noticed two middle aged gentlemen eying my car and looking in the windows to get a look at the seats and the dash.  I put my foot under my rear bumper to get the trunk to open and one of the guys asked me how I opened the trunk without the key or by pressing the unlock latch.  I responded that it is part of the keyless go option - with the key in your pocket you can have the electronic trunk opener raise the lid by sticking your foot under the rear bumper.

These two guys were awed by the MB CLS - they said they had never seen one.  I pressed the trunk close button and the trunk lid lowered and locked itself.  They asked if I minded if the took a look at the inside and I said - no problem.  After explaining some of the systems in the car they said it was the most gorgeous car they both had ever seen.

They asked me where I bought the car and I told them across the street at the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.  I gave them a business card with the manager's name and suggested they speak directly with him.  They asked me if I minded asking me what I paid for the car.  I said MSRP was $78485 and I paid $67100 with a couple of fleet discounts I had.  Both guys had USAA insurance so I told them they could get $3500 additional incentives and buy the car under invoice.  They loved the Diamond White exterior and the light porcelain interior.  I said I had to run because I had milk and some frozen food in the trunk.

About 10 minutes ago, I got a call from the manager who thanked me for referring some customers to him.  One of them bought a CLS400 and the other one bought an E350.  He told me to see him tomorrow - he wanted to arrange a 3 year prepaid service agreement for me.

When I see him, hopefully he'll think of something else - free maintenance on my car doesn't do anything for me, if you know what I mean.  But I am somewhat overwhelmed that two strangers would buy new cars after seeing my CLS up close.  I guess I haven't lost my touch after 7 years. 

Mike, why would you buy a car with old technology that requires you to balance yourself on one foot and wave the other under the bumper to open the trunk? Carrying a couple packages can really test a senior citizens balance alright. My new '15 Genny has what they call Smart Trunk. All I have to do is stand behind the car for 3 seconds with the fob in my presence and wala the truck opens all by itself with the auto open mechanism like you have on your low tech MB. Of course I can close and lock it with the push of a button just like your MB .

I will admit that you got me with those guys who wanted to gawk inside your MB though. No one so far has wanted to take a look inside of my throw-away Hyundai. I think I have a pretty decent car, although I feel like Rodney Dangerfield. You know, "I don't get no respect".

I have an idea for you about what to get in place of a 3 year maintenance plan. See if the guy will give you another leg.

jmonroe

stickguy

My sonata has that smart trunk feature. First thing I did with the car is find out how to disable it. Drove me nuts that if I stood behind the car (often in the garage) next thing I knew the trunk was open.

snakeweasel

stickguy said:

Andre, as I get older, I find it more relaxing to just use the 9 over rule. 74 in a 65 zone is fast enough to get me where I am going quick enough, without undue stress, and can pretty much pay no attention that cops. Especially when getting passed by plenty of others in a big hurry.

Oddly, on I85 in the trees of NC where the SL is 70, I still keep it to around 75. Lots of hiding places and little traffic makes it easy to get picked off, and 79 just seems too high, even though still just 9 over!

I tend to stay 5+ or under on surface streets and 10+ or under on the Interstate or rural roads where you are out of a town and there are no homes nearby and I can't remember the last time I was pulled over.

However there are a few places that due to their reputation or what I have observed I will do under the speed limit.

driver100

I sweep my foot under the bumper and I can seldom get my trunk to open that way. If the key is on me I can press the button, that is easier and more reliable.

Occasionally I walk behind the car and Gigi runs just below the bumper and the trunk opens when I don't want it to....these modern conveniences

abacomike

Spiffs/Bird-dogs - Yes - it's a common practice!  Usually about $100-$150 for each successful referral.

Baths vs. Showers - I agree!  I don't like sitting in dirty soapy water and trying to get clean.  But you can't splash water in a shower now, can you?

Hyundai vs. Mercedes Respect - I respect you JM, Hyundai or Mercedes - it doesn't matter.  So stop picking on my left foot.  Both my hands were full of groceries.  

driver100

JMonroe, your car may have 475 horsepower but it is only fractionally faster from 0 to 60....there's a lot of heavy metal built into those Gennies.

I don't know if standing behind the trunk for 3 seconds is an advantage, I have stopped there to talk or wait and I don't always need the trunk opening.

OTOH, they made the new edition of the Gennie a really smart looking car....it is a lot of car for the money.




Nice interior too!

jmonroe

stickguy said:

My sonata has that smart trunk feature. First thing I did with the car is find out how to disable it. Drove me nuts that if I stood behind the car (often in the garage) next thing I knew the trunk was open.

I never had that problem because when the car is in the garage I always leave the key in the cup holder. I've never had an unintended opening yet.

jmonroe

PF_Flyer

First mowing/cleanup of the lawn today, so I hopped in the car and went on a little photo expedition in the afternoon. After shooting in an apple orchard, I came back to the car and took a shot with the camera held up high on my monopod. I gotta to find some more scenic locations to shoot cars... or models!!

abacomike

jmonroe said:

My sonata has that smart trunk feature. First thing I did with the car is find out how to disable it. Drove me nuts that if I stood behind the car (often in the garage) next thing I knew the trunk was open.

I never had that problem because when the car is in the garage I always leave the key in the cup holder. I've never had an unintended opening yet. jmonroe

You mean a premature trunk projection? 

ab348

driver100 said:

JMonroe, your car may have 475 horsepower but it is only fractionally faster from 0 to 60....there's a lot of heavy metal built into those Gennies.

I always thought it was because those Korean ponies were rather diminutive. Not as much pulling power.

abacomike

@driver100:

My car gets from 0-60 in just over 5.0 seconds.  Faster than most V8's!

snakeweasel

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

Andre, as I get older, I find it more relaxing to just use the 9 over rule. 74 in a 65 zone is fast enough to get me where I am going quick enough, without undue stress, and can pretty much pay no attention that cops. Especially when getting passed by plenty of others in a big hurry.

Oddly, on I85 in the trees of NC where the SL is 70, I still keep it to around 75. Lots of hiding places and little traffic makes it easy to get picked off, and 79 just seems too high, even though still just 9 over!

What you just described is often what a lot of drivers do. You ignore the under posted limits and have more "respect" for the more appropriate speed limits. I noticed this in AZ. They have 65 MPH and 75 MPH speed limits, but no 70 MPH zones. The traffic pretty much moved at exactly the same speed whether it was 65 or 75. The lower speed limit had no effect, and people didn't suddenly go up to 85.

However, in CA you have lots of straight flat highway, like large sections of Interstate 8, where the speed limit could very well be 80 or 85 MPH safely almost the entire length.

It doesn't sound like stickguy was describing ignoring the speed limits but rather paying attention to them and keeping his speed within a reasonable variance.

While changing the speed limit may not have an effect on how fast people drive in the short run, I do think that there is an effect in the long run. Back when the speed limit was 55 I would travel sections of the Illinois Interstates at 70 and be faster than most cars. However when the speed limit was increased to 65 I noticed that after a few years the average speed of traffic slowly crept up to where doing 70 was either average or slightly below average. Now the Illinois increased the speed limit to 70 fifteen months ago I am starting to see traffic move a little faster than it was 2 years ago.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

I think the manager knew the 3 year maintenance gift card would never get used.

What you should get is the salesman's commission for selling those two cars

btw....how is the naked guy in the bathtub doing?

Remember, this is the new dealership, so I have only bought one car from them - but the did know I bought 12 from the Delray dealership as both dealerships are AutoNation and they had my history in their computer base.  So they really don't have any first-hand experience with me as a frequent buyer.

As for the neighbor downstairs who fell in love with his bathtub, I met both sons yesterday and we went over the incident.  It seems their mother called the sons and they both flew down.  I think they are looking into an assisted living facility for both of them.  I shared with them some of the places I looked into for my Dad prior to his passing.

Getting old and "losing it" is not something I am looking forward to, to say the least.  My doctor told me that I should keep my mind sharp by doing word jumbles, crosswords, trivia games, word searches. Etc., every single day.  He said that research has shown that people in their 60's, 70's and 80's who constantly work with puzzles, word searches and patterning tend to have fewer memory problem as they age.  So I follow his advice and spend 60-75 minutes every morning solving puzzles and playing Suduko.  I sure hope it works.  I am not a bath lover - strictly a shower man, thank goodness!

Doing puzzles is great but here is another thing you can do. Do your daily routines differently, like taking a different route to your doctor or the car dealership, shop at different stores or just change the pattern of your shopping. If you like eating at say Denny's then occasionally go a different on. Doing something differently stimulates unused or rarely used sensory and motor pathways in your cortex and improves brain function.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

JMonroe, your car may have 475 horsepower but it is only fractionally faster from 0 to 60....there's a lot of heavy metal built into those Gennies.

I don't know if standing behind the trunk for 3 seconds is an advantage, I have stopped there to talk or wait and I don't always need the trunk opening.

OTOH, they made the new edition of the Gennie a really smart looking car....it is a lot of car for the money.




Nice interior too!

Driver,

I'd like it to have 475 HP...maybe my next one. The '15 V8 only has 420 HP but I can still get into a lot of trouble with that.

Well, when you have a Genny with Smart Trunk you'll have to change your stopping and gabbing habits behind the trunk when the fob is in your pocket. Not a lot to ask for, really. FWIW, there is a warning sound and the brake lights flash a couple of times when you pass by just to let you know not to linger too long. That's why you have to stand there for three seconds.

Thanks for the complements on the Genny. It serves my purposes.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

<<br>
Baths vs. Showers - I agree!  I don't like sitting in dirty soapy water and trying to get clean.

That would depend on who is "trying to get clean" with you.

abacomike

snakeweasel said:

<

Baths vs. Showers - I agree!  I don't like sitting in dirty soapy water and trying to get clean.

That would depend on who is "trying to get clean" with you.

My bathtub is barely large enough for me!  My stall shower - now that another thing! 

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

<

Baths vs. Showers - I agree!  I don't like sitting in dirty soapy water and trying to get clean.

That would depend on who is "trying to get clean" with you.

My bathtub is barely large enough for me!  My stall shower - now that another thing! 

We have a fairly sizable soaker tub where two can fit comfortably. Comes in great when your muscles ache after an afternoon of heavy lawn work or bicycle riding.

coldinohio

driver--re drive to ontario from tampa

we drove back to cleveland area from orlando : i75 to chattanoga, then to Nashville, then back to lexington to i75; added about an hour but did not have to deal with then closed i75 in tennessee;
nice drive through kentucky

andres3

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

Andre, as I get older, I find it more relaxing to just use the 9 over rule. 74 in a 65 zone is fast enough to get me where I am going quick enough, without undue stress, and can pretty much pay no attention that cops. Especially when getting passed by plenty of others in a big hurry.

Oddly, on I85 in the trees of NC where the SL is 70, I still keep it to around 75. Lots of hiding places and little traffic makes it easy to get picked off, and 79 just seems too high, even though still just 9 over!

What you just described is often what a lot of drivers do. You ignore the under posted limits and have more "respect" for the more appropriate speed limits. I noticed this in AZ. They have 65 MPH and 75 MPH speed limits, but no 70 MPH zones. The traffic pretty much moved at exactly the same speed whether it was 65 or 75. The lower speed limit had no effect, and people didn't suddenly go up to 85.

However, in CA you have lots of straight flat highway, like large sections of Interstate 8, where the speed limit could very well be 80 or 85 MPH safely almost the entire length.

It doesn't sound like stickguy was describing ignoring the speed limits but rather paying attention to them and keeping his speed within a reasonable variance.

While changing the speed limit may not have an effect on how fast people drive in the short run, I do think that there is an effect in the long run. Back when the speed limit was 55 I would travel sections of the Illinois Interstates at 70 and be faster than most cars. However when the speed limit was increased to 65 I noticed that after a few years the average speed of traffic slowly crept up to where doing 70 was either average or slightly below average. Now the Illinois increased the speed limit to 70 fifteen months ago I am starting to see traffic move a little faster than it was 2 years ago.

How would you explain his reluctance to use the 9 MPH variance on 70 MPH speed limits while not being shy about using it for 65 MPH speed limits? Speed limit goes up 5, his variance goes down to 4; sounds like ignoring the speed limits to me.

It also is natural; people drive what they consider a safe and reasonable comfortable speed for them, not what the two black numbers on an aluminum sign say.

I would agree traffic speeds in general are increasing and speed limits are generally increasing slowly but surely.
I think it is a long awaited pent up demand for higher limits that have long been overdue that is causing it, among many other factors such as:
1) 80 MPH is more comfortable with 6 or more gears; a modern automobile feature.
2) 80 MPH is much more stable and safe with modern vehicles vs. your 1969 GTO.
3) Your average car tends to have more HP these days; though that trend seems to be going the other direction again.

stickguy

yes, the difference is that by 75, I'm good. Plus I sense that the NCSP along that stretch give less of a cushion. And they hide well there, so you can't depend on spotting them to slow down!

I can also get the VCM to kick on at 78, having done it. that is fun! the RDX at 70 or 80 pretty much feels the same, just loafing along.

berri

Aba - that car story - in many parts of the country those guys would be getting ready to do a smash and grab. USAA is a very good insurance company. Never have been nickel or dimed by them. Allstate, boy I'd steer a wide path away!

Now these stories about car salesmen looking for business can't help but make me think back to that classic movie "Used Cars" with the $20 bill on a fishing line

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100:

My car gets from 0-60 in just over 5.0 seconds.  Faster than most V8's!

About the same as the Gennie then....5.2!

driver100

PF_Flyer said:

First mowing/cleanup of the lawn today, so I hopped in the car and went on a little photo expedition in the afternoon. After shooting in an apple orchard, I came back to the car and took a shot with the camera held up high on my monopod. I gotta to find some more scenic locations to shoot cars... or models!!

I see the Versa.....where are the models?

driver100

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

<

Baths vs. Showers - I agree!  I don't like sitting in dirty soapy water and trying to get clean.

That would depend on who is "trying to get clean" with you.

My bathtub is barely large enough for me!  My stall shower - now that another thing! 

We have a fairly sizable soaker tub where two can fit comfortably. Comes in great when your muscles ache after an afternoon of heavy lawn work or bicycle riding.

Was that an invitation for Mike?

driver100

berri said:

Aba - that car story - in many parts of the country those guys would be getting ready to do a smash and grab. USAA is a very good insurance company. Never have been nickel or dimed by them. Allstate, boy I'd steer a wide path away!

Now these stories about car salesmen looking for business can't help but make me think back to that classic movie "Used Cars" with the $20 bill on a fishing line

Yeh Mike, that went through my mind too....these guys could have rolled you and taken off in your CLS400.

driver100

coldinohio said:

driver--re drive to ontario from tampa

we drove back to cleveland area from orlando : i75 to chattanoga, then to Nashville, then back to lexington to i75; added about an hour but did not have to deal with then closed i75 in tennessee;
nice drive through kentucky

Excellent info Coldin. I will see what Imid finds out on his way back on Thursday I think it was.......and then I'll check the day before, and if there is a tie up I would much prefer taking that route....one hour extra I can live with, better than getting stuck for 2 or 3 hours.

coldinohio

ok; keep us posted; could always do bourbon tours in Kentucky

ab348

driver100 said:

berri said:

Aba - that car story - in many parts of the country those guys would be getting ready to do a smash and grab. USAA is a very good insurance company. Never have been nickel or dimed by them. Allstate, boy I'd steer a wide path away!

Now these stories about car salesmen looking for business can't help but make me think back to that classic movie "Used Cars" with the $20 bill on a fishing line

Yeh Mike, that went through my mind too....these guys could have rolled you and taken off in your CLS400.

But just imagine what a great series of stories that would have given us!

stickguy

one way to get a new car I guess.

abacomike

coldinohio said:

ok; keep us posted; could always do bourbon tours in Kentucky

Hey, "cold" in Ohio, do you change your handle to "hot" in Ohio during the summer or are you always "coldinohio"?

abacomike

ab348 said:

Aba - that car story - in many parts of the country those guys would be getting ready to do a smash and grab. USAA is a very good insurance company. Never have been nickel or dimed by them. Allstate, boy I'd steer a wide path away! Now these stories about car salesmen looking for business can't help but make me think back to that classic movie "Used Cars" with the $20 bill on a fishing line

Yeh Mike, that went through my mind too....these guys could have rolled you and taken off in your CLS400.

But just imagine what a great series of stories that would have given us!

I'm starting to wonder about you guys - anything for a story?

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

I got home from shopping for my weekly replenishment of foodstuffs about 3 hours ago.  I find that it is less crowded and finding a nearby parking space is much easier.

As I was approaching my car with my loaded shopping cart, I noticed two middle aged gentlemen eying my car and looking in the windows to get a look at the seats and the dash.  I put my foot under my rear bumper to get the trunk to open and one of the guys asked me how I opened the trunk without the key or by pressing the unlock latch.  I responded that it is part of the keyless go option - with the key in your pocket you can have the electronic trunk opener raise the lid by sticking your foot under the rear bumper.

These two guys were awed by the MB CLS - they said they had never seen one.  I pressed the trunk close button and the trunk lid lowered and locked itself.  They asked if I minded if the took a look at the inside and I said - no problem.  After explaining some of the systems in the car they said it was the most gorgeous car they both had ever seen.

They asked me where I bought the car and I told them across the street at the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.  I gave them a business card with the manager's name and suggested they speak directly with him.  They asked me if I minded asking me what I paid for the car.  I said MSRP was $78485 and I paid $67100 with a couple of fleet discounts I had.  Both guys had USAA insurance so I told them they could get $3500 additional incentives and buy the car under invoice.  They loved the Diamond White exterior and the light porcelain interior.  I said I had to run because I had milk and some frozen food in the trunk.

About 10 minutes ago, I got a call from the manager who thanked me for referring some customers to him.  One of them bought a CLS400 and the other one bought an E350.  He told me to see him tomorrow - he wanted to arrange a 3 year prepaid service agreement for me.

When I see him, hopefully he'll think of something else - free maintenance on my car doesn't do anything for me, if you know what I mean.  But I am somewhat overwhelmed that two strangers would buy new cars after seeing my CLS up close.  I guess I haven't lost my touch after 7 years. 

Mike, why would you buy a car with old technology that requires you to balance yourself on one foot and wave the other under the bumper to open the trunk? Carrying a couple packages can really test a senior citizens balance alright. My new '15 Genny has what they call Smart Trunk. All I have to do is stand behind the car for 3 seconds with the fob in my presence and wala the truck opens all by itself with the auto open mechanism like you have on your low tech MB. Of course I can close and lock it with the push of a button just like your MB .

I will admit that you got me with those guys who wanted to gawk inside your MB though. No one so far has wanted to take a look inside of my throw-away Hyundai. I think I have a pretty decent car, although I feel like Rodney Dangerfield. You know, "I don't get no respect".

I have an idea for you about what to get in place of a 3 year maintenance plan. See if the guy will give you another leg.

jmonroe

The guy at the drive-through window at McDonalds thought my Mustang looked COOL.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

Excellent info Coldin. I will see what Imid finds out on his way back on Thursday I think it was.......and then I'll check the day before, and if there is a tie up I would much prefer taking that route....one hour extra I can live with, better than getting stuck for 2 or 3 hours.

I'll post on Wednesday 30th or Thursday as we travel through what kind of backups. Actually we'll be able to
tell from the traffic in early afternoons in the area. Today they opened up the Northbound I75 north of the slide. The traffic shows some cars are getting on at Stinking Creek Road and heading northbound. Stinking Creek Road is just off the Pioneer exit along the highway to Jellico. Most likely locals who commute through that stretch. There had been two work areas north of the slide marked on google maps. I assumed while there was no traffic northbound TDOT was doing some work where it was easier because they didn't have to provide for safety of traffic while working. Now those are gone.

There's still the 3-4 mile stretch north of the Pioneer exit with no cars on it. That should open on Thursday of this week.

abacomike

OK, here's a story from my food-shopping activities from today.

At Walmart, they have an Express Checkout Register that can be used by customers who have 20 or less items.  I had about 18 items so I went over to the Express Line.  In front of me is a woman who has at least 90-100 items - I mean her cart looked like a model of Mt. Everest.  I mentioned to her that this line is for 20 items or less.  

She turns around and says to me, "..,would you like to repeat that to my husband who is coming up behind you?"  I turn around and this 280 lb. 6'4" inch Mr. Former Universe type guy says to me, "...have you got a problem, Mr. Wise guy?"

The rest is history - I waited on line behind them for 20 minutes while they checked out her shopping cart and his shopping cart which was filled to the brim as well.  As they paid their $480 grocery bill, the lady turns to me and sticks her middle finger up - more or less giving me the bird, so to speak.  I smiled at them (but I was crying deeply inside).

When I got to the register, the checkout lady says to me, "...sorry, this line is closed - I'm going on break!

It was just one of those days today - I should never have gotten out of bed this morning! 

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

I got home from shopping for my weekly replenishment of foodstuffs about 3 hours ago.  I find that it is less crowded and finding a nearby parking space is much easier.

As I was approaching my car with my loaded shopping cart, I noticed two middle aged gentlemen eying my car and looking in the windows to get a look at the seats and the dash.  I put my foot under my rear bumper to get the trunk to open and one of the guys asked me how I opened the trunk without the key or by pressing the unlock latch.  I responded that it is part of the keyless go option - with the key in your pocket you can have the electronic trunk opener raise the lid by sticking your foot under the rear bumper.

These two guys were awed by the MB CLS - they said they had never seen one.  I pressed the trunk close button and the trunk lid lowered and locked itself.  They asked if I minded if the took a look at the inside and I said - no problem.  After explaining some of the systems in the car they said it was the most gorgeous car they both had ever seen.

They asked me where I bought the car and I told them across the street at the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.  I gave them a business card with the manager's name and suggested they speak directly with him.  They asked me if I minded asking me what I paid for the car.  I said MSRP was $78485 and I paid $67100 with a couple of fleet discounts I had.  Both guys had USAA insurance so I told them they could get $3500 additional incentives and buy the car under invoice.  They loved the Diamond White exterior and the light porcelain interior.  I said I had to run because I had milk and some frozen food in the trunk.

About 10 minutes ago, I got a call from the manager who thanked me for referring some customers to him.  One of them bought a CLS400 and the other one bought an E350.  He told me to see him tomorrow - he wanted to arrange a 3 year prepaid service agreement for me.

When I see him, hopefully he'll think of something else - free maintenance on my car doesn't do anything for me, if you know what I mean.  But I am somewhat overwhelmed that two strangers would buy new cars after seeing my CLS up close.  I guess I haven't lost my touch after 7 years. 

Mike, why would you buy a car with old technology that requires you to balance yourself on one foot and wave the other under the bumper to open the trunk? Carrying a couple packages can really test a senior citizens balance alright. My new '15 Genny has what they call Smart Trunk. All I have to do is stand behind the car for 3 seconds with the fob in my presence and wala the truck opens all by itself with the auto open mechanism like you have on your low tech MB. Of course I can close and lock it with the push of a button just like your MB .

I will admit that you got me with those guys who wanted to gawk inside your MB though. No one so far has wanted to take a look inside of my throw-away Hyundai. I think I have a pretty decent car, although I feel like Rodney Dangerfield. You know, "I don't get no respect".

I have an idea for you about what to get in place of a 3 year maintenance plan. See if the guy will give you another leg.

jmonroe

The guy at the drive-through window at McDonalds thought my Mustang looked COOL.

It's only the women who matter!

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Excellent info Coldin. I will see what Imid finds out on his way back on Thursday I think it was.......and then I'll check the day before, and if there is a tie up I would much prefer taking that route....one hour extra I can live with, better than getting stuck for 2 or 3 hours.

I'll post on Wednesday 30th or Thursday as we travel through what kind of backups.

There's still the 3-4 mile stretch north of the Pioneer exit with no cars on it. That should open on Thursday of this week.

Let me know imid. All these names, like Stinking Creek, who comes up with that stuff. I guess you and Coldin go by this town too:


What's up with that?