Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

abacomike

jmonroe said:

verdugo said: I went by where home plate used to be. Obviously Forbes field was way before my time. However, I did go to the O quite a bit. Nowadays there's an O at the CMU campus, so students don't even have to make the trek down to Oakland. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Kids today have it way too easy. They should be walking off those calories from O hotdogs and probably fries too instead of having them practically delivered to them. The last time I went to the O was last August when my SIL had a hip replacement at Magee Women's Hospital. My brother and I walked from the hospital down and back. After that walk I didn't feel too guilty about the 2 dogs I ate. jmonroe

By BIL did his residency at the Magee Lying In Hospital and Pittsburgh Children's Hospital.  Excellent hospitals.  On one of our visits to Pittsburgh to see my BIL, we discovered the Park Schenley and their great cheesecake.  Magnificent!

28firefighter

I love Seattle, but Pittsburgh will always be my favorite city - I was ready to settle down there after grad school. In fact my now-wife and I had already started house hunting in Shadyside, Squirrel Hill and Mt. Lebanon. My wife worked at UPMC in Oakland while I was in school. 

Alas, life and the job market had other plans. 

imidazol97

jmonroe said:

Mike,

It's a pretty sad day for Chevy stylists when they take their styling queues for the rear end of their newly re-designed Malibu from a Hyundai Genesis.

I'm serious, the first person that says to me, "nice Malibu", I going to smack them.

jmonroe

The Malibu was redesigned from the Eighth edition and made to look more like the 2014 Impala design.
For convenience I posted new Ninth generation Malibu and 2014 Impala along with a 2014 Genesis.
Looks to me like the Malibu design is an Impala.

Just a sidenote, many felt GM had used the Opel chassis and modified it to keep the Malibu slightly smaller than the coming '14 Impala because it would take sales from the full-sized Impala--at least that was speculation. So the naysayers chose the rear seat as a complaining point even though it was longer in rear legroom than the Hyundai/Kia midsizers.

Now the Malibu is longer and has much more rear legroom, so I'm waiting for the complaints about other midsize cars with less legroom to be a major negative in their reviews. LOL Oh wait, that'll never happen.

imidazol97

Many cars begin to show similarity in design.


The Genesis has a very nice design to the whole car...

PF_Flyer

Interesting "incident" on my way home from the gym this morning. Going through a residential development when I came up on a Nissan Leaf that was going REAL slow and the driver stuck his hand out the window and waved me past. Either a problem, or judging by his look, low on juice. Can't carry a can in the car to walk to the gas station I guess. Maybe he needs a looong extension cord

driver100

Actually I think they copied the lights from our 2013 Passat!


Naw, just joking, so many cars have similar lights I have no idea who is copying who. I guess there are only so many designs one can use.

I will say, the Malibu was a nice looking car but by changing a few lines and changing the shape they really improved on the original design.

suydam

The Malibu may have rear legroom but the previous one did feel rather claustrophobic in the front. My tall son couldn't get comfortable in it. The Impala was a better fit for him. I think there's still quite a differentiation between them. The problem for the 'bu is that there are so many established models that are satisfactory that there isn't a reason to look elsewhere.

stickguy

I think the Passat, Malibu (now), sonata are all full size cars anyway. Actually on the too-big size. Anything bigger is just a barge.

As always, YMMV.

suydam

Too big for me. The "compact" cars seem like midsizers now.

driver100

PF_Flyer said:

Interesting "incident" on my way home from the gym this morning. Going through a residential development when I came up on a Nissan Leaf that was going REAL slow and the driver stuck his hand out the window and waved me past. Either a problem, or judging by his look, low on juice. Can't carry a can in the car to walk to the gas station I guess. Maybe he needs a looong extension cord

Which reminds me, when we entered Canada and got on Highway 401 I saw a EV Charging station that had about 20 stations for EV cars to charge at (I didn't see any cars charging).

This is what I found out:
The company says over 20 of the fastest level two chargers available have been installed every 30 to 60 miles of the corridor.
Kent Rathwell, president of Sun Country Highway. “The 401 highway is the busiest highway in North America and now business travelers and eco-tourists have the option to travel emission-free. The stations are on 401 between Detroit/Windsor and Montreal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PF, your story illustrates why I am leery about electric powered cars. Gas, you can usually find a station or a truck can bring you a 5 gallon can of gasoline.......with an EV you probably have to get towed to a power outlet.

imidazol97

suydam said:

The Malibu may have rear legroom but the previous one did feel rather claustrophobic in the front. My tall son couldn't get comfortable in it. The Impala was a better fit for him. I think there's still quite a differentiation between them. The problem for the 'bu is that there are so many established models that are satisfactory that there isn't a reason to look elsewhere.

When you say "previous," is that the Gen 7 or Gen 8 (2013-2015) model? The '16 has a different feel when I sat in it. More like an ATS seat position. And the Impala does feel more open.

The '16 Malibu has 3.1 inches more legroom in the rear than the Genesis sedan per Edmund's specification page.

I looked over the option packages for the Malibu and the 2.0 L Turbo is a part of the higher packages. Not sure I want that speedster motor to drive to Kroger and Pigeon Forge.

suydam

I meant the 2013 year model. I just was pointing out that many people don't really even consider the rear seat.

jmonroe

imid said:

The Genesis has a very nice design to the whole car...
___________________________________________________________________________

Thanks.

Since I can't copy the photo you posted with the above comment, you guys will have to back up and see that photo of the Genny. It sure does look like my car color and all (Empire State Gray) but I don't remember parking it in that driveway.

Mrs. j still likes the color of my '09 Genny (Cabernet Red Pearl) more than my new one ('15). She says the new one looks like a typical "old mans" car.

As for the design of cars today, I think they all look pretty much alike. I'm not positive why this is but it probably has a lot to do with aerodynamics so as to get better gas mileage. I liked it a lot more the way it was, you know, a Chevy looked like a Chevy, a Ford looked like a Ford, a Buick looked like a Buick, a ...you get the idea.

I always have to laugh when people ask me what kind of gas mileage I get with my V8. I tell them that anybody who buys a V8 has no business being concerned with gas mileage and that I really don't keep track of the mileage of my car. They then proceed to tell me their car gets 35 MPG, and sometimes more, on the highway. My response to that is, "my car couldn't get that kind of mileage if it was being towed down hill with the wind".

A man has to know his limitations.

jmonroe

jpp75

abacomike said:

What a great picture Mike! It makes me happy to see a dog rescued!

jpp75

Michaell said:

Yes, that's the new Malibu. There has been commercials airing with the same concept .. show the car to "consumers" without the badging and ask them to guess the brand.

It's a good marketing strategy. The Malibu name has very little brand equity but the new one seems like a fine car.

On some level I understand what they are hoping to accomplish, but if the unbadged Malibu is all that, why buy a Buick or Cadillac? I'm not slamming the brand.

@imidazol97 You seemed offended by a post I made a while back, but you misunderstood. GM has a long way to go in terms of perception, not quality.

abacomike

jmonroe said:

imid said:

The Genesis has a very nice design to the whole car...
___________________________________________________________________________

Thanks.

Since I can't copy the photo you posted with the above comment, you guys will have to back up and see that photo of the Genny. It sure does look like my car color and all (Empire State Gray) but I don't remember parking it in that driveway.

Mrs. j still likes the color of my '09 Genny (Cabernet Red Pearl) more than my new one ('15). She says the new one looks like a typical "old mans" car.

As for the design of cars today, I think they all look pretty much alike. I'm not positive why this is but it probably has a lot to do with aerodynamics so as to get better gas mileage. I liked it a lot more the way it was, you know, a Chevy looked like a Chevy, a Ford looked like a Ford, a Buick looked like a Buick, a ...you get the idea.

I always have to laugh when people ask me what kind of gas mileage I get with my V8. I tell them that anybody who buys a V8 has no business being concerned with gas mileage and that I really don't keep track of the mileage of my car. They then proceed to tell me their car gets 35 MPG, and sometimes more, on the highway. My response to that is, "my car couldn't get that kind of mileage if it was being towed down hill with the wind".

A man has to know his limitations.

jmonroe

As I said I would do, I stopped off at the local Hyundai Dealership up the road from me to eyeball the 2016 Genesis and find out if I would give up on Mercedes on my next purchase and go for a Genesis.

I pulled into the customer parking area and before I could get out of my car, a tall gentleman was standing right by my driver's door. I opened the window and asked if he would be so kind as to step back a little so I could open my door and get out of my car. I guess he did not hear me (doubtful since he was two feet from my open window) so I merely opened my door and pushed it against his legs. He then decided to step back. He asked me if I needed any help? I responded that the only help I need at the moment was for him to step back about 5 feet so I could have some "personal space" before locking my door.

So, as you can see, things did not get off to a good start - but I was not about to let this guy push me around - after all, I've been "around" too many times to let a car salesman do that to me. I started walking toward the displayed Genesis Sedans and he started right in on me - "...are you thinking of trading your Mercedes CLS for a Hyundai?" I turned around and asked him if he could give me some "space" to walk around, look at the cars, and that if I needed any help, could he please give me the name of a salesman I might be able to speak with if I was interested in taking a test drive. He offered me his business card - but I responded, "...no, not you, someone else who works here - perhaps a sales manager?" He backed off immediately so I was able to reconnoiter the new cars.

They had two different models, from what I could see - a 3.8 L V6 and a 5.0 L V8. From what JM said, I decided to concentrate on the 5.0 L V8 model. MSRP was $54,900 on most of the V8's I saw. Since I was already there, I walked into the showroom and made sure I avoided this "vulture" I met outside and found a nice young man who was polite and accommodating. I merely asked him if I could test drive a V8 Genesis - he asked for my dirver's license, copied it, and brought around a Casablanca White one with Gray leather interior. He drove it off the lot and then pulled over to allow me to drive. He explained the NAV, Voice, and most of the other features and we got onto the Sawgrass Expressway heading toward Miami so I could get a feel for the car on the road. This car was fast - I mean very fast. I got up to 70 mph in under 5 seconds from 30 mph. The car is smooth riding and the handling was quite good - remember, I'm used to driving a CLS400, so I was not about to compare the two in terms of ride and handling. For $25,000 less than my CLS, this car is definitely a keeper. It actually had more features and equipment than my CLS has.

I mentioned to the salesman that I usually buy a new car every year and that when the CLS approaches 1-year old, I will be giving him a call. He thanked me - opened the door to my CLS for me and shook my hand. The manager came outside to ask if there was anything he could do to make a deal on a new car today and I responded, "...sure, if you could write me a check right now for $15,000 and let me have a new V8 Genesis in Red with gray or black interior, we'd have a deal!" He said he might be able to do that. So I gave him my telephone number and I said he should call me if he can do the deal. I told him I could be back in 10 minutes - he hasn't called me back and it's been 2 hours since I was there.

If he did the deal, he would be giving me the Genesis for $50,000 and giving me $65,000 for my CLS trade (car currently has 2506 miles on it). I really don't expect him to call me back, but I can tell you that my next car is going to be a new Genesis V8.

Thanks jmonroe for helping me make a big decision - to Mercedes or not to Mercedes - that was the question - and you helped me answer it with - no Mercedes!

[Deleted User]

jpp5862 said:

abacomike said:

What a great picture Mike! It makes me happy to see a dog rescued!

Great photo indeed. I've adopted three golden retrievers in my adult life, and I've learned it's not me doing the rescuing, but rather the pooch.

abacomike

jpp5862 said:

abacomike said:

What a great picture Mike! It makes me happy to see a dog rescued!

Yep - my first thoughts about "Indio" were unkind and insensitive - I said she was "ugly". Well, beauty and ugliness are only "skin deep". This dog is so lovable and so obedient and so hungry for love, I can see why Justin picked her. How can you not love a dog like that - or a son like that, for that matter!

[Deleted User]

abacomike said:

.... but I can tell you that my next car is going to be a new Genesis V8.

Thanks jmonroe for helping me make a big decision - to Mercedes or not to Mercedes - that was the question - and you helped me answer it with - no Mercedes!

Wow!! I have to say I wasn't expecting that result, Mike. You have terrific taste in vehicles, so Hyundai must have done a fabulous job with the latest Genesis. I do love to have options from which to choose.

abacomike

tyguy said:

jpp5862 said:

abacomike said:

What a great picture Mike! It makes me happy to see a dog rescued!

Great photo indeed. I've adopted three golden retrievers in my adult life, and I've learned it's not me doing the rescuing, but rather the pooch.

So right you are, tyguy, so right you are! Actually, my son's SO "texted" two pictures to me. I just saved the two pictures and posted one of them right from my phone to here. I continue to be amazed at what these iPhones and smart phones can do today. I am AWED!

abacomike

tyguy said:

abacomike said:

.... but I can tell you that my next car is going to be a new Genesis V8.

Thanks jmonroe for helping me make a big decision - to Mercedes or not to Mercedes - that was the question - and you helped me answer it with - no Mercedes!

Wow!! I have to say I wasn't expecting that result, Mike. You have terrific taste in vehicles, so Hyundai must have done a fabulous job with the latest Genesis. I do love to have options from which to choose.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Mercedes CLS. But I have to begin to dial it down a little now - especially considering the economy, my health, the cost of my drugs and Rx's. I do not expect to be ready for a new car until the first of next year or a bit later (unless this sales manager decides to give away a new Genesis, which I know he can't do). But I would definitely recommend driving a new Genesis before making a decision to buy any premium luxury vehicle. It just makes common sense, that's all.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

Picture above shows my son and his new dog that he adopted.  Definitely a love affair!

That's cute.

laurasdada

" It just makes common sense, that's all."
Common sense and cars. Yeah, good one, Mike!

Great picture of your son and granddog!

oldfarmer50

suydam said:

Too big for me. The "compact" cars seem like midsizers now.

Funny you say that. This morning I passed an antique Honda (probably early 70s) and it was so tiny that it looked like one of those little clown cars.

Mr_Shiftright

oldfarmer50 said:

suydam said:

Too big for me. The "compact" cars seem like midsizers now.

Funny you say that. This morning I passed an antique Honda (probably early 70s) and it was so tiny that it looked like one of those little clown cars.

Ironically, the Big Three executives thought that, too, when they first saw them.

stever

@abacomike, sounds like you were happy with the driving experience but from your initial contact, I'd be a bit concerned that the dealership wouldn't meet your current expectations.

Michaell

abacomike said:

tyguy said:

abacomike said:

.... but I can tell you that my next car is going to be a new Genesis V8.

Thanks jmonroe for helping me make a big decision - to Mercedes or not to Mercedes - that was the question - and you helped me answer it with - no Mercedes!

Wow!! I have to say I wasn't expecting that result, Mike. You have terrific taste in vehicles, so Hyundai must have done a fabulous job with the latest Genesis. I do love to have options from which to choose.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Mercedes CLS. But I have to begin to dial it down a little now - especially considering the economy, my health, the cost of my drugs and Rx's. I do not expect to be ready for a new car until the first of next year or a bit later (unless this sales manager decides to give away a new Genesis, which I know he can't do). But I would definitely recommend driving a new Genesis before making a decision to buy any premium luxury vehicle. It just makes common sense, that's all.

Mike, don't be surprised if you get a call from SM with an aggressive offer .. perhaps not what you are looking for, but pretty close. Hyundai is working hard to sell the Genesis, and it would be a feather in the cap of the dealership to flip an owner of a CLS.

My only concern is the level of service after the sale. You are very used to 'white glove' treatment from MB; not 100% certain you'll get the same from Hyundai.

abacomike

stever said:

@abacomike, sounds like you were happy with the driving experience but from your initial contact, I'd be a bit concerned that the dealership wouldn't meet your current expectations.

Perhaps you are right.  There is another dealership about 15 miles from me that provides discounted gas, free car washes and is a much more pleasant place to do business.  I will weigh all the variables when the time comes.  Don't forget, I believe the 2017 Genesis is going to be relabeled as a G80.  Should be interesting.

stever

My preference would be to buy online and never see the dealer. Hm, maybe Tesla would sell me a Bolt....

abacomike

abacomike

The above photos are from this morning.  It's a new Rolls Royce Wraith they just put on display at the mall.  Gorgeous car!

driver100

abaco
I pulled into the customer parking area and before I could get out of my car, a tall gentleman was standing right by my driver's door. I opened the window and asked if he would be so kind as to step back a little so I could open my door and get out of my car.

Well, at least this guy didn't pull down his pants to get your attention.

The Genesis must have been very impressive if you consider it to be that good. I would do it too if I liked the car that much and if the MB is out of my price range. I hadn't even considered a Genesis that much before, probably would have thought more of a Jaguar if my budget becomes more limited.

You have given me a good Plan B if I need it.

stever

Nice pics, but going to the mall is an even worse chore than going to the dealer.

At least you go there when the stores are closed.

driver100

Now, on the other hand, if I win the lottery I'll consider that RR.
Does that door open from the front......how cool is that?

abacomike

driver100 said:

abaco I pulled into the customer parking area and before I could get out of my car, a tall gentleman was standing right by my driver's door. I opened the window and asked if he would be so kind as to step back a little so I could open my door and get out of my car.

Well, at least this guy didn't pull down his pants to get your attention. The Genesis must have been very impressive if you consider it to be that good. I would do it too if I liked the car that much and if the MB is out of my price range. I hadn't even considered a Genesis that much before, probably would have thought more of a Jaguar if my budget becomes more limited. You have given me a good Plan B if I need it.

We all need a plan B - trust me!

abacomike

driver100 said:

Now, on the other hand, if I win the lottery I'll consider that RR. Does that door open from the front......how cool is that?

Yes - a 2-door coupe with suicide doors - I would not like that - those doors are huge.

abacomike

stever said:

Nice pics, but going to the mall is an even worse chore than going to the dealer. At least you go there when the stores are closed.

Most of the time, yes.

stickguy

I planned to consider a Genesis when my lease is up. If I want a bigger car. And an expensive one! Probably just the V6 though.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

stever said:

@abacomike, sounds like you were happy with the driving experience but from your initial contact, I'd be a bit concerned that the dealership wouldn't meet your current expectations.

Perhaps you are right.  There is another dealership about 15 miles from me that provides discounted gas, free car washes and is a much more pleasant place to do business.  I will weigh all the variables when the time comes.  Don't forget, I believe the 2017 Genesis is going to be relabeled as a G80.  Should be interesting.

Reminds me of the Kia salesman trying to upselll me to a Cadenza. That was about the time the K-9 was coming out. He told me how it's a special car compared to the Optima and how he interfaced with the service department to get things done for his customers. What he really was telling me was that the service department is not receptive to 100% service to the customer and the salesman had to pull strings to get things done for the customers. I was used to listening to what people don't say and to what they say between the lines. That's a Kia store I don't want to buy from.

How is the Kia K-9 related to the Genesis?

jmonroe

Mike said:

This car was fast - I mean very fast. I got up to 70 mph in under 5 seconds from 30 mph.

and then he said:

Thanks jmonroe for helping me make a big decision - to Mercedes or not to Mercedes - that was the question - and you helped me answer it with - no Mercedes!
________________________________________________________________________________

Gee, what kind of a monster did I create? You sure are full of surprises but I'll have to see it to believe it.

Remember when I said that the V8 can get away from you until you get used to it. I have almost mastered it by now so I know you were surprised. Maybe very surprised.

As for the deal that you want, and as 'Michael the Mod' said, it is probably doable. FWIW, my SIL who lives in Delray Beach could not do business with the Delray Beach Hyundai store but had no problems with the Deerfield Beach store. I'm pretty sure that is her dealer. And you more than most people know that no one dealer is best for everyone.

Right now it's pretty early in the month so getting a skinny sale now may not appeal to a dealer. Getting a few irons in the fire can only help for later in the month but like I said you already know that.

Good luck and I'm sure you will let us know how it goes although I'd hate to see my distinction of being the only regular on this site to own a Genny go away. I'm terrible about sharing because I'm spoiled. Oh well, I guess all good things have to come to an end.

jmonroe

andres3

snakeweasel said:

laurasdada said:

Is is just the beginning of a very long baseball season. But, today, all is right with the world. For the Boston Red Sox have won every game they've played, whilst the NY Yankees have lost every game that they've played!

Those lovable lug the Cubs have won every game they've played to, only 115 more wins to beat their record for wins in a season. To bad the White Sox have won their games.

laurasdada said:

1986 NY Mets, candidate for one of the greatest teams ever, in one of the greatest MLB seasons!

I'll put the 1906 Cubs as a candidate for one of the greatest teams. They scored nearly two runs for every run scored against them, and ERA of 1.75 and a record of 116 wins against only 36 losses.

1906, the last time the Cubs made it to the World Series right? Being as it looks like the White Sox trounced the Cubs in 6 games in 1906 according to my Google search, I'm going with the White Sox in 1906 as best team that year

In 1989, by the way, it was the SF Giants that trounced the Cubs in the NL playoffs on their way to getting trounced by the A's in 4 straight games in the World Series, not to rub any salt in any wounds.

abacomike

laurasdada said:

" It just makes common sense, that's all." Common sense and cars. Yeah, good one, Mike! Great picture of your son and granddog!

Just read your post again and realized you were being "tongue-in-cheek"!  But you are right - common sense and cars are not compatible with each other! 

henryn

Just read your post again and realized you were being "tongue-in-cheek"!  But you are right - common sense and cars are not compatible with each other! 

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. I think common sense and cars are compatible, or at least they can be. Just not for the regulars in here!!!

abacomike

henryn said:

Just read your post again and realized you were being "tongue-in-cheek"!  But you are right - common sense and cars are not compatible with each other! 

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. I think common sense and cars are compatible, or at least they can be. Just not for the regulars in here!!!

I can agree with that clarification!

berri

Car designers lift from each other, musicians lift from each other, stock pickers lift from each other... Nothing new here. You can only really do so much on a car design today with all the regs on crash standards, fuel consumption, etc.

The only hit I've heard on the new Malibu is road noise, but that's happening on many brands to shed weight in order to meet new EPA requirements.

Aba, you have gotten won over. You didn't label the picture "beauty and the beast" Seriously, the dog sure looks like a winner and a great companion for your son.

ab348

Michaell said:

My only concern is the level of service after the sale. You are very used to 'white glove' treatment from MB; not 100% certain you'll get the same from Hyundai.

Yes, our two local Hyundai dealers offer a unique variation on "white glove" service. I think they call it "back of the hand" treatment.

graphicguy

Just saw that Chrysler announced they will be out of the small and mid-size car business by 2018, resulting in 1,200-1,500 wokers in Detroit losing their jobs.

Got a question for Chrysler MANAGEMENT. How about developing products that are dynamic, desireable, and saleable, inatead of displacing workers?

28firefighter

@abacomike I think they stopped making the V8 Genesis for 2016, so the only ones floating around are 2015s - at least that is how it looks up here in Seattle. I'm seeing some local dealers advertising 2015 Genesis V8 models listing at $52k for $38k + tax - heck of a lot of car for that kind of money....

abacomike

28firefighter said:

@abacomike I think they stopped making the V8 Genesis for 2016, so the only ones floating around are 2015s - at least that is how it looks up here in Seattle. I'm seeing some local dealers advertising 2015 Genesis V8 models listing at $52k for $38k + tax - heck of a lot of car for that kind of money....

I drove one today.  It was a 2016, per the salesman.  Hmmm.  Something is fishy!

28firefighter

abacomike said:

28firefighter said:

@abacomike I think they stopped making the V8 Genesis for 2016, so the only ones floating around are 2015s - at least that is how it looks up here in Seattle. I'm seeing some local dealers advertising 2015 Genesis V8 models listing at $52k for $38k + tax - heck of a lot of car for that kind of money....

I drove one today.  It was a 2016, per the salesman.  Hmmm.  Something is fishy!

Take this for whatever it is worth, but I was looking at the Hyundai website and they only show a 3.8 RWD and a 3.8 AWD for 2016...