There was a story on Tesla's new NV factory on CNBC and they mention that the factory is located in an industrial park owned by the same guy who owns the Mustang Ranch brothel.
The head of Tesla said NV's quick permitting process was a major factor because they needed the factory to be ready on time.
Makes you wonder why they didn't just throw in with Mitsubishi. They have a plant in Normal, Indiana with a capacity of 250k cars that is about 2/3 unused.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
There was a story on Tesla's new NV factory on CNBC and they mention that the factory is located in an industrial park owned by the same guy who owns the Mustang Ranch brothel.
The head of Tesla said NV's quick permitting process was a major factor because they needed the factory to be ready on time.
Makes you wonder why they didn't just throw in with Mitsubishi. They have a plant in Normal, Indiana with a capacity of 250k cars that is about 2/3 unused.
I think the plant is located in Normal, Illinois near Bloomington. My daughter graduated from Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal, and I remember seeing that plant there. Check it out.
I just looked it up, and it is Normal, Illinois. They build the new Outlander there along with other models. And yes, the plant is at 1/3 capacity.
However, I don't think that plant could handle the Tesla Models unless they did some major overhauling of the plant. In the end, it might be more cost effective to just build a new plant in a state where taxes are more reasonable. California and Illinois have some of the highest corporate tax rates in the country, not to mention real estate taxes. Remember, Illinois is so far in debt they may never be able to handle it in the long run.
From what my research revealed to me over the past few hours is giving me some hope for my son. He specifically requested a change in venue from the hospital and doctors in the desert to Loma Linda Medical Center near Riverside, CA because he thought they knew more about treating his brain tumor.
Well, it would appear that Loma Linda specializes in Proton Radiation Treatment and was the first Medical Center to offer that treatment in the country back in the early 1990's. They are fairly well known for the Proton Radiation Labs they have at the hospital.
He is supposed to hear from the Doctors and the Treatment Center there at the hospital today or Monday for a schedule as to when he will undergo radiation treatments. I sure hope they hurry up as we don't want this tumor to enlarge or spread.
But it seems that Loma Linda is a preferred Medical Center for this Proton Radiation.
> @graphicguy said: > Even those "drunk driving" commercials that they run showing police hiding, blending in with the background, waiting for you to do something wrong, remind me of a "[non-permissible content removed]-esk" totalitarian society. I don't care what message they're trying to send. It's not a very good one and really flies in the face of what we all believe. IT's almost like they're saying "watch your every move, because we certainly are." I thought we fought wars to thwart that behavior and thinking?
So you are against police doing undercover work?
Also I have never understood how red light cameras can be unconstitutional.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Speaking of these mega dealerships that offer all these services and perks for their customers, there is no doubt that it costs money and the bottom line of their dealerships is probably affected by these special facilities. But, remember, all those extras are a cost of doing business and are therefore tax deductible in the eyes of state and federal taxes. So, assume the tax rate is 35% - which means that for every dollar they spend on these perks or facilities, it only costs them 65 cents.
My Mercedes Dealership does not have the perks that driver's dealership has. All they offer is free coffee and cookies. They used to offer bagels and cream cheese, but not any more. But they do offer free cars washes, no matter how often you want them. That alone saves me over $1000 a year. Their service department is outstanding and they offer Mercedes loaners whenever the car is in for service.
But the dealership I used to work for in Margate, FL (Lexus) has an entire floor located above its service department which is the size of 1/2 a football field, for customers to relax, use the fitness facilities, etc. They also offer complimentary finger foods such as sandwiches, sweet rolls, all kinds of coffee, etc. It cost them a fortune - but they can afford it - they are the number one volume Lexus dealers in the country and are owned by Southeast Toyota and the Moran Family.
@ab348 said: instead of spending that money building a spa. I will never use the spa, but I may well appreciate them covering something on my car that I might otherwise need to pay for
I
The case of a bottle of booze accidentally breaking is another excellent example. We've all seen a broken bottle of something at the grocery store...and of course, staff clean it up and the customer isn't charged. Why charge $3 for a bottle of ketchup on a $400 grocery bill?
The spa thing is a bit different. I assume women hate to get a car serviced and to think that a day is wasted. But, get nails and a massage while the car is being fixed....especially at a high end luxury car dealer......that's ingenious. Now, she will probably be volunteering to take her husbands car in for him too.
Ab...you won't get much out of the spa, but, a lot of women will, though you could try getting a manicure and you may like it.
@snakeweasel said:
Also I have never understood how red light cameras can be unconstitutional.
I would imagine it is in conflict of one of the Bill of Rights - The Right To Pass Red Lights is part and parcel of the Right To Happiness (You know, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness).
We have those red light cameras down here in Broward County and, for some strange reason, the municipalities and county are not realizing the windfall of money they expected from catching these red light passers. Many have gotten attorneys who successfully get them off. I have not done any research into this, but I would imagine it may be based on imperfections in the timing of the infraction. But I do know that some of the municipalities have been taking these systems out of play due to the cost overruns.
> @abacomike said: >But they do offer free cars washes, no matter how often you want them. That alone saves me over $1000 a year. Their service department is outstanding and they offer Mercedes loaners whenever the car is in for service.
The dealer we got the wife's car from does offer free washes as long as you own the car but it is far enough away that the gas used and the wear and tear on the car negates any savings by it being free. So I wash it myself.
The convertible stays away from automatic washers.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@abacomike said:He specifically requested a change in venue from the hospital and doctors in the desert to Loma Linda Medical Center near Riverside, CA
You can't leave these matters completely up to others these days. You were smart to do this research and it sounds like you came up with a very worthwhile plan.
You used someone else's quote & attributed it to me.
Either way, when you look at your "My Bookmarks" list it shows number of views and replies. On many boards they're quite close; on this one they're nowhere near -- a lot more people view than reply.
@snakeweasel said:
Also I have never understood how red light cameras can be unconstitutional.
Because you have the constitutional right to face your accuser.
I'm not taking a stand on this - just telling you the basis for legal challenge.
Also, not sure about elsewhere, but in Missouri there was a big to-do about it (which I think is still under review), because the OWNER of the vehicle was the one responsible for the ticket. So, if you own your kids' car and they run red lights, you're still responsible. That's a bit messy, charging someone for an illegal act they didn't personally commit.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
> @Kirstie_H said: >Because you have the constitutional right to face your accuser. I'm not taking a stand on this - just telling you the basis for legal challenge.
And how does that make it unconstitutional? You still retain that right.
>Also, not sure about elsewhere, but in Missouri there was a big to-do about it (which I think is still under review), because the OWNER of the vehicle was the one responsible for the ticket. So, if you own your kids' car and they run red lights, you're still responsible. That's a bit messy, charging someone for an illegal act they didn't personally commit.
Not much different than say your car is in a hit and run and someone reports that your car was involved. It's your car so you are responsible, either accept responsibility or produce the one that is.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"Not much different than say your car is in a hit and run and someone reports that your car was involved. It's your car so you are responsible, either accept responsibility or produce the one that is."
Boy, you sure can't put one over on you, snake. You have a legal answer for everything. Ever thought of becoming a lawyer or a judge?
@cdnpinhead said:
You used someone else's quote & attributed it to me. Either way, when you look at your "My Bookmarks" list it shows number of views and replies. On many boards they're quite close; on this one they're nowhere near -- a lot more people view than reply.
Actually, it was your quote I was replying to in that part of my post. It's from the previous page:
@imidazol97 said: As fast as posts are flying onto this forum again, we'll have to start a new one in a couple of months. This one's going to be too big quickly.
It's going to take awhile to get another 97K posts, given how long it's taken to get to 2800. It's interesting that there are ten times as many people reading this forum as there are people posting. Much higher ratio than with most of the boards.
But, that's OK, even if it wasn't, it seems you will get credit for a reply.
@cdnpinhead said: Either way, when you look at your "My Bookmarks" list it shows number of views and replies. On many boards they're quite close; on this one they're nowhere near -- a lot more people view than reply.
That's interesting, I had no idea they kept score.
@graphicguy: The red light cameras have never been ruled unconstitutional, but the penalties tend to be defined by the local government as "administrative" not criminal, which is a way to make an end run around any constitutional safeguards. Like speed cameras they are in essence nothing more than a revenue stream and has little to no effect on traffic safety.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@Kirstie_H said:
Because you have the constitutional right to face your accuser. I'm not taking a stand on this - just telling you the basis for legal challenge.
In Ohio, the previous governor leaving had a bill in front of him that he vetoed, calling it a "gift to the townships and cities" to paraphrase. He meant he was leaving them a way to generate income.
Of course some of those cities cited safety as the big reason for the cameras. However, there still are people running red lights, so I fail to see how they have made things safer. The cities cite that at those intersections the number of red light accidents went down. Of course at other intersections, not so much, since the locals know which ones have cameras and which don't.
Then recently bills went through the legislature and the same cities citing "safety" as the big cause for the money-making cameras complained that they were going to lose money and it would mean real problems for their local taxpayers to lose that income. The senate of Ohio is still holding up the bill, hoping I suspect that a couple of court cases working their way to the highest court will take the pressure off them to kill the red light/speed cameras against the wishes of their lobbyist friends.
So which is it money or safety?
Further, as I understand, the catch to outlawing them was that Ohio is "home rule." So the cameras weren't gong to be outlawed but rather a real policeman had to be present as each camera was snapping pictures of hundred dollar bills. That requirement meant most cameras would not be useable with no policeman for the violator to face as his accuser.
In Tampa they were going to get rid of red light cameras. Mainly because they seem to just be a way to increase revenue, and they may be causing more accidents than they prevent as people jam on their brakes trying to stop..
And how does that make it unconstitutional? You still retain that right.
The "accuser" is a camera. You can't engage in a back and forth with a camera.
Not much different than say your car is in a hit and run and someone reports that your car was involved. It's your car so you are responsible, either accept responsibility or produce the one that is.
But you're not allowed to produce the one that is. Your car, your ticket.
Again, I'm not the one arguing any of these points - just stating those that are being debated.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
> @Kirstie_H said: > The "accuser" is a camera. You can't engage in a back and forth with a camera.
Sorry but the camera cannot accuse anyone of anything, all the picture is is evidence. It is the jurisdiction that makes the accusation. I.e. the city/county/state makes the accusation the camera just supplies the evidence.
Take your argument then any conviction where security video is used should be thrown out.
>But you're not allowed to produce the one that is. Your car, your ticket
That's why it's an administrative proceding, if it were criminal you would have to produce the driver or be the presumed driver. When my son was accused of a hit and run I either had to tell the police he was driving or have them presume that I was driving.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
OK, I'm confused. Not arguing either side here because I'm not a lawyer. But let's say Kirstie gets a red light camera summons in the mail. She opens the envelope and sees a picture of her car being driven through a red light by snakeweasel, who had visited on the weekend a month ago and wanted to try out her car. He is now 5 states away. His face is clearly identifiable in the picture.
You threaten to appeal the ticket and the city drops it because they are making too much money to fool around with the few malcontents who think they have an argument why they aren't responsible for the ticket.
We've discussed satellite radio many times on this forum as well as the Stories Forum. Back in May, I decided to not subscribe to Sirius radio, but continue my traffic and weather services for $70.00 a year.
Over the past several days, Sirius/XM has been streaming their music stations to all receivers with the objective being getting many non-subscribers to renew their satellite radio services. They seem to do this every few months so I guess they have realized some success with this marketing approach.
In any case, I was quickly reminded why I do not subscribe for $10.00 or so a month - there is only one channel I listen to (LOVE channel 17) and the rest of the 170+ channels are totally uninteresting to me.
Down here in South Florida we have 13 high definition FM stations with 3 of them being easy listening rock. Additionally, I have my iPhone which I use either as an iPod or on Bluetooth. So subscribing to satellite radio does nothing for me since I do not drive out of the local area ever.
I know driver likes it as do other posters here. Any other thoughts?
I have sirius in the Mustang, but with less than 10,000 miles in 2 years don't get a lot of use out of it. However, my truck came with XM which over a year now is still working thanks to the last owner forgetting to cancel. So it all works out. If I was Canadian I'd track him down like dudley do right and tell him I'm enjoying his radio, but since I'm American, we just fuggetaboutit.
@abacomike said:In any case, I was quickly reminded why I do not subscribe for $10.00 or so a month - there is only one channel I listen to (LOVE channel 17) and the rest of the 170+ channels are totally uninteresting to me.
I listen to LOVE 17 too, but then it switches to Christmas music in November...just when we head to Florida. I like the 50s on 5, but evry other song seems to be Chuck Berry who I am not crazy about. I like 60s music if it isn't too loud, and some early 70s....maybe they need to divide the 70s, 70 to 74 and 75 to 79.
I pay about $90 a year and it is worth it to me for long drives just for something that is decent, and I like the fact it travels with you...you don't have to keep looking for new stations as you get out of range. But, with hard drives, CDs, USB sticks I could live without Satellite Radio quite well. I believe I heard they were getting more subscribers and they were doing quite well.
After all that, I could live without it, but, for $100 bucks a year, the cost of 2 coffees a week, I'll just continue on with it....esp because of the Florida trip.
@abacomike said:
We've discussed satellite radio many times on this forum as well as the Stories Forum. Back in May, I decided to not subscribe to Sirius radio, but continue my traffic and weather services for $70.00 a year.
Over the past several days, Sirius/XM has been streaming their music stations to all receivers with the objective being getting many non-subscribers to renew their satellite radio services. They seem to do this every few months so I guess they have realized some success with this marketing approach.
In any case, I was quickly reminded why I do not subscribe for $10.00 or so a month - there is only one channel I listen to (LOVE channel 17) and the rest of the 170+ channels are totally uninteresting to me.
Down here in South Florida we have 13 high definition FM stations with 3 of them being easy listening rock. Additionally, I have my iPhone which I use either as an iPod or on Bluetooth. So subscribing to satellite radio does nothing for me since I do not drive out of the local area ever.
I know driver likes it as do other posters here. Any other thoughts?
Some of our Lot Attendants loved to set XM radio to Channel 66 and turn the volume up. It's a
Rap station and every other word is something BAD. When the ignition was turned on this stuff would blare from the radios. Horrible station!
@abacomike said:
We've discussed satellite radio many times on this forum as well as the Stories Forum. Back in May, I decided to not subscribe to Sirius radio, but continue my traffic and weather services for $70.00 a year.
In any case, I was quickly reminded why I do not subscribe for $10.00 or so a month - there is only one channel I listen to (LOVE channel 17) and the rest of the 170+ channels are totally uninteresting to me.
Down here in South Florida we have 13 high definition FM stations with 3 of them being easy listening rock. Additionally, I have my iPhone which I use either as an iPod or on Bluetooth. So subscribing to satellite radio does nothing for me since I do not drive out of the local area ever.
My subscription that came with the new Fusion recently expired. I called SiriusXM and said I would renew if they offered me a better rate. Like you, I usually only listen to one channel.
They offered me $89 a year plus the "royalty fee". Anywho - it came to just over $100. Of course the lady wanted a credit card to bill it to. I said I would only pay an invoice with a check so they couldn't automatically renew me at the full rate next year. She then said about the $2 fee to send an invoice. I refused to pay the $2 since they already sent me 3 letters asking me to renew the subscription. She waived that fee.
I do use a USB stick for music and occasionally my phone, but it's just easier to listen to Sirius.
Oddly enough, I did the opposite of you. I renewed the radio, but dropped the traffic and weather alerts. It was cool to just say, "Weather map" and have it pop up on the NAV screen, but I can see radar on my phone. In my area there are very few roads (if any) that they cover as far as grid-lock or accident occurrences so I didn't need that. And I don't really care where the cheapest gas is.
@stever said:
You threaten to appeal the ticket and the city drops it because they are making too much money to fool around with the few malcontents who think they have an argument why they aren't responsible for the ticket.
Back to "follow the money".
Exactly. It's all about the $$$
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I have 10 presets for sat 1-4 in the Mustang. 6,7,32,25,26,50,61,99,CNBC and NPR (I forget their numbers). The sirius list has Steeler football listed as channel 824, but my numbers don't go that high. When I'm driving and my wife says "you must be deaf with the radio so loud" I just turn on 129 (Catholic Radio) or 130 (EWTN) for her, then she says turn that up.
I may be a heathen, but when Rock The Casbah by the Clash comes on I want to really hear it.
graphicguy: The red light cameras have never been ruled unconstitutional, but the penalties tend to be defined by the local government as "administrative" not criminal, which is a way to make an end run around any constitutional safeguards. Like speed cameras they are in essence nothing more than a revenue stream and has little to no effect on traffic safety.
Unfortunately, much of law and regulatory enforcement has become a revenue source for government too cowardly to raise taxes officially or cut services to favored constituents.
In the city I grew up in there was a little mom & pop pharmacy that threw away a box of Medicaid receipts after 5 years instead of 6 which the state required. Instead of fining them for the one error the state fined them $500 for EACH piece of paper in the box--a total of $2.8 million.
In an interview state health department officials admitted they were tasked with "generating revenue" from such errors.
Makes a mockery of the cop hiding in the bushes for "safety".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
_ Here in NY it took 6 months to put a card table up in front of my farm._
I had an above ground 9 x 18 swimming pool up for years before the tax assessor came by to inspect some other work and said I have no permit for the pool listed. I had to pay $35 to city hall for the pool permit just as I was about to dismantle it so I put in a bigger one just to get my 35 bucks worth.
I have XM and like it at the $90 or so bucks a year it costs me. I keep it on Classic Rewind (ch 25) most of the time. But yesterday I got a haircut and the barber was playing some swing jazz that I liked. I tried to find a station on XM that might have that with no luck. Maybe I just searched at a bad time.
@ab348 said:
I have XM and like it at the $90 or so bucks a year it costs me. I keep it on Classic Rewind (ch 25) most of the time. But yesterday I got a haircut and the barber was playing some swing jazz that I liked. I tried to find a station on XM that might have that with no luck. Maybe I just searched at a bad time.
driver - you might want to check out "The Bridge" on SXM - good early 70's music. I'll occasionally listen to "Coffee House", which are acoustic versions of popular (and obscure) songs. Even though it's my parents era, I'll also put on the Sinatra channel when the mood strikes. Sometimes I'll listen to BBC World or CBC for a different take on the news.
But mostly I'll listen to 1st Wave (80's New Wave), Classic Rewind, 80's on 8, and the PGA Tour channel when tournaments are on.
If you think watching golf on TV is boring, try listening to it on the radio ...
In other words, I feel like I get my money's worth out of my satellite radio subscription. The wife, OTOH, listens to either the Pulse or the Blend.
Well, well, well, a long lost pilgrim returns to Plymouth Rock where he first set foot on posting at Edmunds. Good to hear from you, firefighter. How's things out there in the great northwest?
This condo we're renting has Sirius on the Dish TV. Seems to me the Coffee channel changed a couple of years ago and isn't as good as it was a few years back. Mostly I just play Groove Salad or KRCW Eclectic on the net radio. I have a stick for the car but we did abut 8,000 miles in the "new" minivan since June and anymore the radio mostly stays off.
@stever said:
This condo we're renting has Sirius on the Dish TV. Seems to me the Coffee channel changed a couple of years ago and isn't as good as it was a few years back. Mostly I just play Groove Salad or KRCW Electic on the net radio. I have a stick for the car but we did abut 8,000 miles in the "new" minivan since June and anymore the radio mostly stays off.
Speaking of the van, wasn't there a plan at one point to ditch it once you got settled in NM and replace it with something like a Soul?
Yeah, but we hope to buy a house by year end and will keep the "truck" to move in. And we'll probably will use our cash for the down payment and go with a car payment for the first time since '82, and I don't want any weirdness on the credit report until we lock in a mortgage.
That said, I threatened to rent a car for the weekend to cruise neighborhoods in since this van is harder to maneuver in traffic than the Quest was - even getting into the parking space here is a pain.
I'm a bit concerned about the pano roof that we want - have yet to see one (and there are lots of Souls here). The heat may just be a deal killer on that. But that would let me keep my Yakima racks.
Comments
For you Tesla fans:
There was a story on Tesla's new NV factory on CNBC and they mention that the factory is located in an industrial park owned by the same guy who owns the Mustang Ranch brothel.
The head of Tesla said NV's quick permitting process was a major factor because they needed the factory to be ready on time.
Makes you wonder why they didn't just throw in with Mitsubishi. They have a plant in Normal, Indiana with a capacity of 250k cars that is about 2/3 unused.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think the plant is located in Normal, Illinois near Bloomington. My daughter graduated from Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal, and I remember seeing that plant there. Check it out.
I just looked it up, and it is Normal, Illinois. They build the new Outlander there along with other models. And yes, the plant is at 1/3 capacity.
However, I don't think that plant could handle the Tesla Models unless they did some major overhauling of the plant. In the end, it might be more cost effective to just build a new plant in a state where taxes are more reasonable. California and Illinois have some of the highest corporate tax rates in the country, not to mention real estate taxes. Remember, Illinois is so far in debt they may never be able to handle it in the long run.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
From what my research revealed to me over the past few hours is giving me some hope for my son. He specifically requested a change in venue from the hospital and doctors in the desert to Loma Linda Medical Center near Riverside, CA because he thought they knew more about treating his brain tumor.
Well, it would appear that Loma Linda specializes in Proton Radiation Treatment and was the first Medical Center to offer that treatment in the country back in the early 1990's. They are fairly well known for the Proton Radiation Labs they have at the hospital.
He is supposed to hear from the Doctors and the Treatment Center there at the hospital today or Monday for a schedule as to when he will undergo radiation treatments. I sure hope they hurry up as we don't want this tumor to enlarge or spread.
But it seems that Loma Linda is a preferred Medical Center for this Proton Radiation.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
> Even those "drunk driving" commercials that they run showing police hiding, blending in with the background, waiting for you to do something wrong, remind me of a "[non-permissible content removed]-esk" totalitarian society. I don't care what message they're trying to send. It's not a very good one and really flies in the face of what we all believe. IT's almost like they're saying "watch your every move, because we certainly are." I thought we fought wars to thwart that behavior and thinking?
So you are against police doing undercover work?
Also I have never understood how red light cameras can be unconstitutional.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Speaking of these mega dealerships that offer all these services and perks for their customers, there is no doubt that it costs money and the bottom line of their dealerships is probably affected by these special facilities. But, remember, all those extras are a cost of doing business and are therefore tax deductible in the eyes of state and federal taxes. So, assume the tax rate is 35% - which means that for every dollar they spend on these perks or facilities, it only costs them 65 cents.
My Mercedes Dealership does not have the perks that driver's dealership has. All they offer is free coffee and cookies. They used to offer bagels and cream cheese, but not any more. But they do offer free cars washes, no matter how often you want them. That alone saves me over $1000 a year. Their service department is outstanding and they offer Mercedes loaners whenever the car is in for service.
But the dealership I used to work for in Margate, FL (Lexus) has an entire floor located above its service department which is the size of 1/2 a football field, for customers to relax, use the fitness facilities, etc. They also offer complimentary finger foods such as sandwiches, sweet rolls, all kinds of coffee, etc. It cost them a fortune - but they can afford it - they are the number one volume Lexus dealers in the country and are owned by Southeast Toyota and the Moran Family.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The case of a bottle of booze accidentally breaking is another excellent example. We've all seen a broken bottle of something at the grocery store...and of course, staff clean it up and the customer isn't charged. Why charge $3 for a bottle of ketchup on a $400 grocery bill?
The spa thing is a bit different. I assume women hate to get a car serviced and to think that a day is wasted. But, get nails and a massage while the car is being fixed....especially at a high end luxury car dealer......that's ingenious. Now, she will probably be volunteering to take her husbands car in for him too.
Ab...you won't get much out of the spa, but, a lot of women will, though you could try getting a manicure and you may like it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I would imagine it is in conflict of one of the Bill of Rights - The Right To Pass Red Lights is part and parcel of the Right To Happiness (You know, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness).
We have those red light cameras down here in Broward County and, for some strange reason, the municipalities and county are not realizing the windfall of money they expected from catching these red light passers. Many have gotten attorneys who successfully get them off. I have not done any research into this, but I would imagine it may be based on imperfections in the timing of the infraction. But I do know that some of the municipalities have been taking these systems out of play due to the cost overruns.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
>But they do offer free cars washes, no matter how often you want them. That alone saves me over $1000 a year. Their service department is outstanding and they offer Mercedes loaners whenever the car is in for service.
The dealer we got the wife's car from does offer free washes as long as you own the car but it is far enough away that the gas used and the wear and tear on the car negates any savings by it being free. So I wash it myself.
The convertible stays away from automatic washers.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You can't leave these matters completely up to others these days. You were smart to do this research and it sounds like you came up with a very worthwhile plan.
Hope it works out........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>
I do hope you are bing sarcastic with that pursuit of happiness thing.
Our town had them but got rid of them when they realized few people were running the red lights.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You used someone else's quote & attributed it to me.
Either way, when you look at your "My Bookmarks" list it shows number of views and replies. On many boards they're quite close; on this one they're nowhere near -- a lot more people view than reply.
"I do hope you are bing sarcastic with that pursuit of happiness thing. "
I do dabble in sarcasm every so often. Here on this forum thread, it pays to have a sense of humor and a touch of sarcasm.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike, so sorry to hear such unpleasant news. Don't despair my friend, your son will recover because with God everything is possible. Blessings!
Because you have the constitutional right to face your accuser.
I'm not taking a stand on this - just telling you the basis for legal challenge.
Also, not sure about elsewhere, but in Missouri there was a big to-do about it (which I think is still under review), because the OWNER of the vehicle was the one responsible for the ticket. So, if you own your kids' car and they run red lights, you're still responsible. That's a bit messy, charging someone for an illegal act they didn't personally commit.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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>Because you have the constitutional right to face your accuser. I'm not taking a stand on this - just telling you the basis for legal challenge.
And how does that make it unconstitutional? You still retain that right.
>Also, not sure about elsewhere, but in Missouri there was a big to-do about it (which I think is still under review), because the OWNER of the vehicle was the one responsible for the ticket. So, if you own your kids' car and they run red lights, you're still responsible. That's a bit messy, charging someone for an illegal act they didn't personally commit.
Not much different than say your car is in a hit and run and someone reports that your car was involved. It's your car so you are responsible, either accept responsibility or produce the one that is.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"Not much different than say your car is in a hit and run and someone reports that your car was involved. It's your car so you are responsible, either accept responsibility or produce the one that is."
Boy, you sure can't put one over on you, snake. You have a legal answer for everything. Ever thought of becoming a lawyer or a judge?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Actually, it was your quote I was replying to in that part of my post. It's from the previous page:
But, that's OK, even if it wasn't, it seems you will get credit for a reply.
That's interesting, I had no idea they kept score.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
@graphicguy: The red light cameras have never been ruled unconstitutional, but the penalties tend to be defined by the local government as "administrative" not criminal, which is a way to make an end run around any constitutional safeguards. Like speed cameras they are in essence nothing more than a revenue stream and has little to no effect on traffic safety.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
In Ohio, the previous governor leaving had a bill in front of him that he vetoed, calling it a "gift to the townships and cities" to paraphrase. He meant he was leaving them a way to generate income.
Of course some of those cities cited safety as the big reason for the cameras. However, there still are people running red lights, so I fail to see how they have made things safer. The cities cite that at those intersections the number of red light accidents went down. Of course at other intersections, not so much, since the locals know which ones have cameras and which don't.
Then recently bills went through the legislature and the same cities citing "safety" as the big cause for the money-making cameras complained that they were going to lose money and it would mean real problems for their local taxpayers to lose that income. The senate of Ohio is still holding up the bill, hoping I suspect that a couple of court cases working their way to the highest court will take the pressure off them to kill the red light/speed cameras against the wishes of their lobbyist friends.
So which is it money or safety?
Further, as I understand, the catch to outlawing them was that Ohio is "home rule." So the cameras weren't gong to be outlawed but rather a real policeman had to be present as each camera was snapping pictures of hundred dollar bills. That requirement meant most cameras would not be useable with no policeman for the violator to face as his accuser.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
In Tampa they were going to get rid of red light cameras. Mainly because they seem to just be a way to increase revenue, and they may be causing more accidents than they prevent as people jam on their brakes trying to stop..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"So which is it money or safety?"
It's always the money!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
And how does that make it unconstitutional? You still retain that right.
The "accuser" is a camera. You can't engage in a back and forth with a camera.
But you're not allowed to produce the one that is. Your car, your ticket.
Again, I'm not the one arguing any of these points - just stating those that are being debated.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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> The "accuser" is a camera. You can't engage in a back and forth with a camera.
Sorry but the camera cannot accuse anyone of anything, all the picture is is evidence. It is the jurisdiction that makes the accusation. I.e. the city/county/state makes the accusation the camera just supplies the evidence.
Take your argument then any conviction where security video is used should be thrown out.
>But you're not allowed to produce the one that is. Your car, your ticket
That's why it's an administrative proceding, if it were criminal you would have to produce the driver or be the presumed driver. When my son was accused of a hit and run I either had to tell the police he was driving or have them presume that I was driving.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
OK, I'm confused. Not arguing either side here because I'm not a lawyer. But let's say Kirstie gets a red light camera summons in the mail. She opens the envelope and sees a picture of her car being driven through a red light by snakeweasel, who had visited on the weekend a month ago and wanted to try out her car. He is now 5 states away. His face is clearly identifiable in the picture.
What happens?
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
You threaten to appeal the ticket and the city drops it because they are making too much money to fool around with the few malcontents who think they have an argument why they aren't responsible for the ticket.
Back to "follow the money".
OK. I'll admit it. I am a lurker.
Now I posted.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
"OK. I'll admit it. I am a lurker. Now I posted.
Now that's one gorgeous blush
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Come on - sign in and be counted - we want to welcome you to this forum thread - you are welcome to add your opinions or ask questions about anything.
There are 3 or 4 of us who were deeply involved in the automobile business as sales people and managers.
Stand up and be counted like "sb55" just did!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I'll second that. We could really use some new blood and new opinions here !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Over the past several days, Sirius/XM has been streaming their music stations to all receivers with the objective being getting many non-subscribers to renew their satellite radio services. They seem to do this every few months so I guess they have realized some success with this marketing approach.
In any case, I was quickly reminded why I do not subscribe for $10.00 or so a month - there is only one channel I listen to (LOVE channel 17) and the rest of the 170+ channels are totally uninteresting to me.
Down here in South Florida we have 13 high definition FM stations with 3 of them being easy listening rock. Additionally, I have my iPhone which I use either as an iPod or on Bluetooth. So subscribing to satellite radio does nothing for me since I do not drive out of the local area ever.
I know driver likes it as do other posters here. Any other thoughts?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Alright! Way to go sb55! Good for you coming out (so to speak). Maybe others will too!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have sirius in the Mustang, but with less than 10,000 miles in 2 years don't get a lot of use out of it. However, my truck came with XM which over a year now is still working thanks to the last owner forgetting to cancel. So it all works out. If I was Canadian I'd track him down like dudley do right and tell him I'm enjoying his radio, but since I'm American, we just fuggetaboutit.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
X2
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I listen to LOVE 17 too, but then it switches to Christmas music in November...just when we head to Florida. I like the 50s on 5, but evry other song seems to be Chuck Berry who I am not crazy about. I like 60s music if it isn't too loud, and some early 70s....maybe they need to divide the 70s, 70 to 74 and 75 to 79.
I pay about $90 a year and it is worth it to me for long drives just for something that is decent, and I like the fact it travels with you...you don't have to keep looking for new stations as you get out of range. But, with hard drives, CDs, USB sticks I could live without Satellite Radio quite well. I believe I heard they were getting more subscribers and they were doing quite well.
After all that, I could live without it, but, for $100 bucks a year, the cost of 2 coffees a week, I'll just continue on with it....esp because of the Florida trip.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yeah, I meant Illinois.
You're probably right about the tax situation. That's one reason the foreign companies build their cars in the south.
I thought the comments about getting permits in 30 days astounding. Here in NY it took 6 months to put a card table up in front of my farm.
A business investing hundreds of millions of dollars would find that a no brainer.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Some of our Lot Attendants loved to set XM radio to Channel 66 and turn the volume up. It's a
Rap station and every other word is something BAD. When the ignition was turned on this stuff would blare from the radios. Horrible station!
My subscription that came with the new Fusion recently expired. I called SiriusXM and said I would renew if they offered me a better rate. Like you, I usually only listen to one channel.
They offered me $89 a year plus the "royalty fee". Anywho - it came to just over $100. Of course the lady wanted a credit card to bill it to. I said I would only pay an invoice with a check so they couldn't automatically renew me at the full rate next year. She then said about the $2 fee to send an invoice. I refused to pay the $2 since they already sent me 3 letters asking me to renew the subscription. She waived that fee.
I do use a USB stick for music and occasionally my phone, but it's just easier to listen to Sirius.
Oddly enough, I did the opposite of you. I renewed the radio, but dropped the traffic and weather alerts. It was cool to just say, "Weather map" and have it pop up on the NAV screen, but I can see radar on my phone. In my area there are very few roads (if any) that they cover as far as grid-lock or accident occurrences so I didn't need that. And I don't really care where the cheapest gas is.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Exactly. It's all about the $$$
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
You guys....I just threw out the last of my 8 Tracks! Yes , it was hard to do!
CD's are working just fine. Mostly oldies.
I have 10 presets for sat 1-4 in the Mustang. 6,7,32,25,26,50,61,99,CNBC and NPR (I forget their numbers). The sirius list has Steeler football listed as channel 824, but my numbers don't go that high. When I'm driving and my wife says "you must be deaf with the radio so loud" I just turn on 129 (Catholic Radio) or 130 (EWTN) for her, then she says turn that up.
I may be a heathen, but when Rock The Casbah by the Clash comes on I want to really hear it.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Unfortunately, much of law and regulatory enforcement has become a revenue source for government too cowardly to raise taxes officially or cut services to favored constituents.
In the city I grew up in there was a little mom & pop pharmacy that threw away a box of Medicaid receipts after 5 years instead of 6 which the state required. Instead of fining them for the one error the state fined them $500 for EACH piece of paper in the box--a total of $2.8 million.
In an interview state health department officials admitted they were tasked with "generating revenue" from such errors.
Makes a mockery of the cop hiding in the bushes for "safety".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
_ Here in NY it took 6 months to put a card table up in front of my farm._
I had an above ground 9 x 18 swimming pool up for years before the tax assessor came by to inspect some other work and said I have no permit for the pool listed. I had to pay $35 to city hall for the pool permit just as I was about to dismantle it so I put in a bigger one just to get my 35 bucks worth.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I have XM and like it at the $90 or so bucks a year it costs me. I keep it on Classic Rewind (ch 25) most of the time. But yesterday I got a haircut and the barber was playing some swing jazz that I liked. I tried to find a station on XM that might have that with no luck. Maybe I just searched at a bad time.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
driver - you might want to check out "The Bridge" on SXM - good early 70's music. I'll occasionally listen to "Coffee House", which are acoustic versions of popular (and obscure) songs. Even though it's my parents era, I'll also put on the Sinatra channel when the mood strikes. Sometimes I'll listen to BBC World or CBC for a different take on the news.
But mostly I'll listen to 1st Wave (80's New Wave), Classic Rewind, 80's on 8, and the PGA Tour channel when tournaments are on.
If you think watching golf on TV is boring, try listening to it on the radio ...
In other words, I feel like I get my money's worth out of my satellite radio subscription. The wife, OTOH, listens to either the Pulse or the Blend.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
"Lurker checking in here!"
Well, well, well, a long lost pilgrim returns to Plymouth Rock where he first set foot on posting at Edmunds. Good to hear from you, firefighter. How's things out there in the great northwest?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
This condo we're renting has Sirius on the Dish TV. Seems to me the Coffee channel changed a couple of years ago and isn't as good as it was a few years back. Mostly I just play Groove Salad or KRCW Eclectic on the net radio. I have a stick for the car but we did abut 8,000 miles in the "new" minivan since June and anymore the radio mostly stays off.
Speaking of the van, wasn't there a plan at one point to ditch it once you got settled in NM and replace it with something like a Soul?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Yeah, but we hope to buy a house by year end and will keep the "truck" to move in. And we'll probably will use our cash for the down payment and go with a car payment for the first time since '82, and I don't want any weirdness on the credit report until we lock in a mortgage.
That said, I threatened to rent a car for the weekend to cruise neighborhoods in since this van is harder to maneuver in traffic than the Quest was - even getting into the parking space here is a pain.
I'm a bit concerned about the pano roof that we want - have yet to see one (and there are lots of Souls here). The heat may just be a deal killer on that. But that would let me keep my Yakima racks.
Not in "my world"
More like in the real world