Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

All I know is the Safelite guy told me a new Safelite windshield would cost $700 installed. An official Mercedes windshield with a decal would cost $1300. According to him they were made exactly the same and came from the same factory.

If I got a new windshield installed I'd probably get the Safelite $700 windshield, and the $5 decal you guys suggested....from EBay. It will look and be as good as new!

Safelite replaced the windshield on my leSabre with the antenna and interior coating for the HUD. Couldn't see any difference between them. The windshield carried a marque of a different company that I'd not seen before. Probably the same supplier who made the windshields for GM originally. It's sensible to extrapolate the same occurs with other "special" cars and the replacements.

Since dealers don't usually have the equipment and expertise to replace windshields this work is probably farmed out...to reputable dealers like Safelite.

From my experience in the remainder book business, I found there are legitimate dealers who worked with the publishers to sell off their excess inventory....and they want to follow the rules so they can stay in business for the long term. Then there are the guys who sell the illegitimate product, they are eventually reported, have law suits, and go out of business. Safelite seems to be in business for the long term.

tjc78

I used the word "aftermarket", the guy at the shop said it was the same manufacturer as OEM without the logo.

driver100

tjc78 said:

I used the word "aftermarket", the guy at the shop said it was the same manufacturer as OEM without the logo.

OEM and OEE should be identical. There are only a few OEM glass manufacturers, and glass could be made by one for a certain brand...say Chevrolet, then it gets switched half way through the year because another manufacturer will do it for less. I would trust OEE glass from a reputable company, if I had any doubt I would want to see the warranty, it should be 100% satisfaction. It might even be better than OEM!

bwia

The 2017 Kia Sportage in bronze looks really nice. But how about interior refinement and NVH?

Where would you place Kia on the  luxury and prestige scale in terms of compact CUV's? The size is just right and the price for the top of the line SX model is well into premium pricing territory. Kia fans, stand up and testify.

qbrozen

Insurance covers my glass here in NJ, but it is an add-on. Comprehensive coverage and you can have a different deductible than Collision. So I carry $100 ded comprehensive and $500 on collision. So a broken windshield runs me just $100.

roadburner

Safelite may be just fine, but if I only have to pay $200-$300 more for OEM parts and installation it will be worth it.
And if it turns out I'm not out any extra $$$ why would I even consider a non OEM windshield?

driver100

roadburner said:

Safelite may be just fine, but if I only have to pay $200-$300 more for OEM parts and installation it will be worth it.
And if it turns out I'm not out any extra $$$ why would I even consider a non OEM windshield?

Agree 100%. I think if the difference in cost is an issue, I would let Safelite put in a new windshield, and I wouldn't lose one bit of sleep over it. Might lose sleep because of something else, but, not that.

If insurance covers it, or if it makes you feel better, and the cost is not a factor...by all means get OEM.

abacomike

I noticed on my TPM's that pressures in the tires had dropped from 33 psi to 31 psi "cold" in the last three months.  After being driven awhile, pressures increased to 35 psi.  I mentioned this to my service mgr. and he said to add 2 psi to each tire so that when cold, the pressures would be 33 psi again.  He said that the tires on my car are super low profile and very soft.  When driving on the interstate in these 90 degree temps, the tires should show 37-38 psi for best handling, fuel economy and tire wear. He said it is normal for tires to lose about 1 psi a month.

So, he had a mechanic check the tires and add the 2 psi.  Now I'm running 33 and 34 psi in the tires when cold and 37-38 psi on the interstate.

He also suggested that I put on Continentals or Michelins when I need new tires.  They wear better than the Pirrelli's I have on the car now.

Michaell

abacomike said:

He also suggested that I put on Continentals or Michelins when I need new tires.  They wear better than the Pirrelli's I have on the car now.

Ha! When you need new tires?

Puh-leeze.

stever

No green caps?

tjc78

stever said:

No green caps?

Oh here we go.  Pass the popcorn.  

stever

Sorry.

berri

I'm thinking if you just have an average vehicle, a windshield is probably $200-300 to replace. You can often get the insurance company discount without filing a claim. Since the typical insurance deductible is $100, the delta isn't that high. If you file a claim you may see an insurance policy rate hike the next year. Might just make sense to handle it alone unless it an expensive windshield.

abacomike

stever said:

No green caps?

No, I noticed that I did not have nitro-fill in my tires. I did not want to wait around for them to fill all the tires with nitro-fill (takes almost an hour) so I am going to call and make an appointment to have it done at no charge. I am surprised I never noticed that. They have to deflate the tires and fill and deflate three times while putting in the nitro-fill. Just didn't have the time to have it done. :@

henryn

If they are completely deflating the tires, then they have to remove all of the weight. Which means either removing them from the car, or else suspending the car using a chassis lift.

abacomike

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

He also suggested that I put on Continentals or Michelins when I need new tires.  They wear better than the Pirrelli's I have on the car now.

Ha! When you need new tires?

Puh-leeze.

Funny! But at this moment in time, I have no desire nor do I want to spend the money to buy a new car this year or next. I'm just going to "have to" live with what I've got - and that's not too shabby an ordeal, is it? I just turned 3,800 miles on the 2016 CLS400 that I bought on November 22, 2015. So I am putting less and less mileage on my car than ever before - 600 miles a month is peanuts. I could probably use Uber for my transportation needs instead of driving an $80,000 car.

But seriously, there is absolutely no reason or available money to spend on new cars any more. It is what it is!

berri

Is there really anything all that compelling out there anyway? Too much styling seems to be getting goofy and too many vehicles are getting overloaded with techno crap and user unfriendly dashboards. If you like it and it's in good shape, why change really!

abacomike

Not wanting to venture up to the Boca Mall today being that it is Memorial Day and the place will be a madhouse, I decided to go up to visit my Dad's resting place in Lake Worth, FL - about 26 miles each way. The cemetery was jammed, as I suspected. They had color guards at each area of the cemetery and had placed American Flags by each grave and under each vault (where ashes were kept). Each section of the cemetery (huge place - South Florida National Cemetery) had Veterans assisting families arriving in case they did not know where the deceased veteran's remains were buried or vaulted. At noon, there was a gun firing ceremony at the main office.

They really keep the cemetery and vaults immaculate and trees and grass beautifully trimmed. It was an invigorating experience as I stood by my Dad's remains to bring him up-to-date on what has been happening with the family, me, etc. Talking to him helps me to relieve my sorrow.

abacomike

berri said:

Is there really anything all that compelling out there anyway? Too much styling seems to be getting goofy and too many vehicles are getting overloaded with techno crap and user unfriendly dashboards. If you like it and it's in good shape, why change really!

No question about it. I've always enjoyed buying and driving brand new cars. As I have been getting older and driving less, it doesn't give me the "kick" I used to get from the process/activity. I enjoy engaging in the act of pricing and buying a new car - it's a skill I have learned to develop meticulously from many years of experience. I just need to learn to be happy with what I've got - and aging has made that an easier goal to accomplish.

berri

Aba, all anyone can do is live for the day. Tomorrow is never certain. Middle Eastern terrorism and extremism has at least brought Americans back to understanding the importance of a strong military. I think we kind of lost that for awhile after Korea and Vietnam.

berri

I think general morals and self centeredness entered into all of that too. Sadly, if financial pressures continue, I think it actually increases the quickness of using nuclear weapons in a major confrontation. We're not going to surrender and neither is China or Russia.

But back to my comment, I was talking about respect for members of the military and their sacrifices.

stever

Some wag was pondering Saturday about how the US honors its Vets by holding big sales at the malls and the car dealers. Kind of skewed values.

roadburner

berri said:

Is there really anything all that compelling out there anyway? Too much styling seems to be getting goofy and too many vehicles are getting overloaded with techno crap and user unfriendly dashboards. If you like it and it's in good shape, why change really!

I rarely flip cars any more; we've had the 1995 3 Series for going on 21 years, the Jeep for 14 years, and the X3 for 11 years. I had the Mazda for 8 years before I traded it for the 2 Series- a car I plan to keep for at least 10 years.

berri

Too much waste though - trying to get a redundant base closed is about impossible and that's hurting the Pentagon's ability to respond

...and when they do close a base it is often not the smartest business move. I think the BRAC process is all about congressional politics and the personal whims of general officers, not economic sense.

Mr_Shiftright

I think that people who have not served in the military, especially those who served under duress, really don't understand how the veteran views his own service. It's quite different from the public's perception of it.

Keep in mind that Memorial Day is not the same as Veteran's Day. This day is meant, and was intended to, memorize those who actually died in battle. So, all the more reason not to trivialize it.

imidazol97

About today...


Veterans' Day honors those who served and came home. Memorial Day honors those whose family
did not have a veteran come home: instead they have only a picture, a flag, and a Purple Heart.
And perhaps a Gold Star for the mother.

Michaell

I was very lucky in that all of my relatives who went to war came home:

One uncle served in Europe in WW2
Another uncle served multiple tours in Vietnam
A great uncle also served in WW2, only in the Pacific
A cousin was in the Air National Guard and did a rotation in the Middle East and another at Guantanamo Bay

Nonetheless, today I think about all the families who did lose a loved one protecting our freedoms and way of life in the service of our country.

Did anybody watch the NASCAR race yesterday? Every driver had the name of a fallen service member on their windshield as tribute.

jmonroe

imidazol97 said:

About today...


Veterans' Day honors those who served and came home. Memorial Day honors those whose family
did not have a veteran come home: instead they have only a picture, a flag, and a Purple Heart.
And perhaps a Gold Star for the mother.

Thanks, 'imid'. That cartoon says it all.

I have to remind my 5 grandkids (4 boys and one girl) about this every year and I'll do it again when we have our cookout in a couple hours.

While I am technically a veteran, I almost feel like I am cheating when I say yes when some one asks me if I am a veteran because I served in peace time with no one shooting at me. The closet I came to that was when we were flying in armament to Key West Florida during the Cuban Crisis. Did several of those flights and that was as close as I ever got. Just lucky, I guess.

Thanks again for the post.

jmonroe

Michaell

jmonroe said:

imidazol97 said:

About today...


Veterans' Day honors those who served and came home. Memorial Day honors those whose family
did not have a veteran come home: instead they have only a picture, a flag, and a Purple Heart.
And perhaps a Gold Star for the mother.

Thanks, 'imid'. That cartoon says it all.

I have to remind my 5 grandkids (4 boys and one girl) about this every year and I'll do it again when we have our cookout in a couple hours.

While I am technically a veteran, I almost feel like I am cheating when I say yes when some one asks me if I am a veteran because I served in peace time with no one shooting at me. The closet I came to that was when we were flying in armament to Key West Florida during the Cuban Crisis. Did several of those flights and that was as close as I ever got. Just lucky, I guess.

Thanks again for the post.

jmonroe

My dad was a vet, too - one stint in the Navy back in the 50's. Deployments to Guam and Kwajalein, but based in Southern California.

My uncle who served in Vietnam was career Air Force; however, I learned not long ago that he served in the Navy before joining the Air Force.

jmonroe

Michaell said:

jmonroe said:

imidazol97 said:

About today...


Veterans' Day honors those who served and came home. Memorial Day honors those whose family
did not have a veteran come home: instead they have only a picture, a flag, and a Purple Heart.
And perhaps a Gold Star for the mother.

Thanks, 'imid'. That cartoon says it all.

I have to remind my 5 grandkids (4 boys and one girl) about this every year and I'll do it again when we have our cookout in a couple hours.

While I am technically a veteran, I almost feel like I am cheating when I say yes when some one asks me if I am a veteran because I served in peace time with no one shooting at me. The closet I came to that was when we were flying in armament to Key West Florida during the Cuban Crisis. Did several of those flights and that was as close as I ever got. Just lucky, I guess.

Thanks again for the post.

jmonroe

My dad was a vet, too - one stint in the Navy back in the 50's. Deployments to Guam and Kwajalein, but based in Southern California.

My uncle who served in Vietnam was career Air Force; however, I learned not long ago that he served in the Navy before joining the Air Force.

Michaell,

Your uncle left the Navy for the Air Force, really?

Either he couldn't swim or liked long runways. Which one was it?

jmonroe

stever

I think my Dad must have had some Bilco in him. Taught marksmanship and never left the States, and when the war ended, he convinced the DOD that he had a brother in California and mustered out there and took his time getting back to MS where the GI Bill was waiting for him.

driver100

abacomike said:

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

He also suggested that I put on Continentals or Michelins when I need new tires.  They wear better than the Pirrelli's I have on the car now.

Ha! When you need new tires?

Puh-leeze.

Funny! But at this moment in time, I have no desire nor do I want to spend the money to buy a new car this year or next. I'm just going to "have to" live with what I've got - and that's not too shabby an ordeal, is it? I just turned 3,800 miles on the 2016 CLS400 that I bought on November 22, 2015. So I am putting less and less mileage on my car than ever before - 600 miles a month is peanuts. I could probably use Uber for my transportation needs instead of driving an $80,000 car.

But seriously, there is absolutely no reason or available money to spend on new cars any more. It is what it is!

No one explained what you do if you register low tire pressure and you aren't near a station that has nitro, if that is what you are using. If a service guy comes will he carry nitro?

Air may run out sooner, but at least it is readily available. It sounds like a RFT situation....great idea, until you are stuck in nowhereville USA on Christmas Day, with a flat RFT.

driver100

berri said:

If you like it and it's in good shape, why change really!

Because you can

Although many cars are generic or generation X ugly (Juke, as one example), there are also some beautiful cars available. Also, having the latest safety and comfort equipment, as well as conveniences, like air pressure monitors, rear cameras, blind spot warnings. A new car isn't a must for most people, but, if you can afford it why not....it is one of life's pleasure and rewards.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

He also suggested that I put on Continentals or Michelins when I need new tires.  They wear better than the Pirrelli's I have on the car now.

Ha! When you need new tires?

Puh-leeze.

Funny! But at this moment in time, I have no desire nor do I want to spend the money to buy a new car this year or next. I'm just going to "have to" live with what I've got - and that's not too shabby an ordeal, is it? I just turned 3,800 miles on the 2016 CLS400 that I bought on November 22, 2015. So I am putting less and less mileage on my car than ever before - 600 miles a month is peanuts. I could probably use Uber for my transportation needs instead of driving an $80,000 car.

But seriously, there is absolutely no reason or available money to spend on new cars any more. It is what it is!

No one explained what you do if you register low tire pressure and you aren't near a station that has nitro, if that is what you are using. If a service guy comes will he carry nitro?

Air may run out sooner, but at least it is readily available. It sounds like a RFT situation....great idea, until you are stuck in nowhereville USA on Christmas Day, with a flat RFT.

No one ever said you can't drive a little further if the tire light goes on. But I'm sure the AAA guy will have a N2 bottle for an upcharge.

I don't know why anyone would not have a 12 volt pump in their trunk. Hell, I have two of them, just in case. No, I'm not kidding. I used to be a Boy Scout before I joined the Navy.

jmonroe

suydam

Michaell said:

jmonroe said:

imidazol97 said:

About today...


Veterans' Day honors those who served and came home. Memorial Day honors those whose family
did not have a veteran come home: instead they have only a picture, a flag, and a Purple Heart.
And perhaps a Gold Star for the mother.

Thanks, 'imid'. That cartoon says it all.

I have to remind my 5 grandkids (4 boys and one girl) about this every year and I'll do it again when we have our cookout in a couple hours.

While I am technically a veteran, I almost feel like I am cheating when I say yes when some one asks me if I am a veteran because I served in peace time with no one shooting at me. The closet I came to that was when we were flying in armament to Key West Florida during the Cuban Crisis. Did several of those flights and that was as close as I ever got. Just lucky, I guess.

Thanks again for the post.

jmonroe

My dad was a vet, too - one stint in the Navy back in the 50's. Deployments to Guam and Kwajalein, but based in Southern California.

My uncle who served in Vietnam was career Air Force; however, I learned not long ago that he served in the Navy before joining the Air Force.

My son also served in the Navy but is now in the Air Guard Reserves. Reason: career change. Very simple.

Michaell

jmonroe said:

Michaell said:

jmonroe said:

imidazol97 said:

About today...


Veterans' Day honors those who served and came home. Memorial Day honors those whose family
did not have a veteran come home: instead they have only a picture, a flag, and a Purple Heart.
And perhaps a Gold Star for the mother.

Thanks, 'imid'. That cartoon says it all.

I have to remind my 5 grandkids (4 boys and one girl) about this every year and I'll do it again when we have our cookout in a couple hours.

While I am technically a veteran, I almost feel like I am cheating when I say yes when some one asks me if I am a veteran because I served in peace time with no one shooting at me. The closet I came to that was when we were flying in armament to Key West Florida during the Cuban Crisis. Did several of those flights and that was as close as I ever got. Just lucky, I guess.

Thanks again for the post.

jmonroe

My dad was a vet, too - one stint in the Navy back in the 50's. Deployments to Guam and Kwajalein, but based in Southern California.

My uncle who served in Vietnam was career Air Force; however, I learned not long ago that he served in the Navy before joining the Air Force.

Michaell,

Your uncle left the Navy for the Air Force, really?

Either he couldn't swim or liked long runways. Which one was it?

jmonroe

I would love to ask him; sadly, he passed away a couple years ago.

He was a tail gunner on a B-52 during Vietnam, and once had to bail out of same over Florida.

I remember watching the "Green Berets" with him - he was a font of information about the weaponry used in the movie.

mlevine

To abacomike,
My father and mother also at veterans cemetery in Lake Worth. I drive by 2 days a week on the way to work and say hello to them.

abacomike

My Dad, as you all know, received a Purple Heart and a Bronze and Silver Star during the Battle of the Bulge.  He was in the Signal Corps.  His unit was usually set up 2-3 miles behind the lines in tents where he would oversee the encoding and decoding of secret messages - usually battle orders and requests for artillery.

When the Germans broke through the lines, they ended up caught a miles "behind" enemy lines.  They were being mortared and several machine gun nests were set up to flush my Dad's unit to surrender.  So he ran out the back side of the operations tent armed with his Thompson Machine Gun, ammo and two strings of grenades.  He managed, singlehandedly to out flank the Germans and eliminated two machine gun positions and two mortar positions.

When he returned to his men, 4 had been killed, 3 severely injured and he had taken a round to his right hand.  He was able to get reinforcements and medical assistance for his men and himself on the radio.

It took him many years to get up enough nerve to tell me about the experience - I am sure he suffered from PTS.  He tried to forget about the blood and guts massacre, but every once in a while, he would break down - luckily my Mom and then I was able to settle him down and listen to his recollections.

War is HELL! 

abacomike

mlevine said:

To abacomike, My father and mother also at veterans cemetery in Lake Worth. I drive by 2 days a week on the way to work and say hello to them.

That's cool.  Yep, was up there early this afternoon.  Nice area - 25-26 miles from me.

imidazol97

jmonroe said:

Thanks again for the post. jmonroe

I just posted what I feel. I owe thanks to those, my brother included, who gave their lives
and to those who give their lives to this day in the wars that have continued without end.

henryn

My father served in WW2, in Italy, and was wounded twice. He was in the Signal Corps, and ran phone lines right up to where the actual fighting was taking place.

My Great Uncle Oscar served in WWI. He was injured by an artillery shell, and his whole face was slightly lopsided. I really admired him when I was a kid, a truly interesting man, a man of many accomplishments.

I never served, but I offer my thanks to all who have served.

abacomike

My Great Uncle Joe was in the infantry in WWI.  He was gassed (mustard gas) by the Germans after 13 months on the lines. He didn't like talking about it, just like my Dad.  He lived to be 75 and died of lung cancer.  He was my favorite relative - was like a father to me.

After being discharged after recuperating from the mustard gas, he got a job in the 1920's with Riverside Memorial Chapels on Amsterdam Avenue in NYC as a Funeral Director.  If you didn't know him and you saw him walking down the street and you were asked what that 6'3" tall skinny man did for a living, you would have responded that he was a funeral director - he looked the part in every sense.  He was very laid back, reserved and quite stoic.

He worked for Riverside for 40 years.  When he died here in South Florida, we flew his body to NYC and the memorial services were held at Riverside Chapels.  I was amazed at the constant visitation to his open casket by the scores of employees who loved and admired him.  It was held the same day as the services for Fanny Bryce were held.  There were 7 floors in the building and 8 rooms on each floor for funerals.  Even the owners of the funeral home came to pay their respects.

He was a great guy. 

Mr_Shiftright

I wish they would not use the word "fallen" during public ceremonies (families can express themselves however they wish of course). It is important not to use a euphemism IMO, so that people really understand the gravity of sending men into war. My two cents. At least "gave their lives" reflects the reality of the situation.

suydam

I noticed at our Memorial Day Service today that all the wars since 2001 are now called "The Global War on Terror". It used to be that one was a veteran of the First or Second Gulf Wars (my son served in the second, from 2001-2007). I guess they really are now all rolled into one.

Mr_Shiftright

It's a most unfortunate term--once again, obscures the public's mind.

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

He also suggested that I put on Continentals or Michelins when I need new tires.  They wear better than the Pirrelli's I have on the car now.

Ha! When you need new tires?

Puh-leeze.

Funny! But at this moment in time, I have no desire nor do I want to spend the money to buy a new car this year or next. I'm just going to "have to" live with what I've got - and that's not too shabby an ordeal, is it? I just turned 3,800 miles on the 2016 CLS400 that I bought on November 22, 2015. So I am putting less and less mileage on my car than ever before - 600 miles a month is peanuts. I could probably use Uber for my transportation needs instead of driving an $80,000 car.

But seriously, there is absolutely no reason or available money to spend on new cars any more. It is what it is!

No one explained what you do if you register low tire pressure and you aren't near a station that has nitro, if that is what you are using. If a service guy comes will he carry nitro?

Air may run out sooner, but at least it is readily available. It sounds like a RFT situation....great idea, until you are stuck in nowhereville USA on Christmas Day, with a flat RFT.

No one ever said you can't drive a little further if the tire light goes on. But I'm sure the AAA guy will have a N2 bottle for an upcharge.

I don't know why anyone would not have a 12 volt pump in their trunk. Hell, I have two of them, just in case. No, I'm not kidding. I used to be a Boy Scout before I joined the Navy.

jmonroe

Thanks for the info about Nitro being on the AAA truck, or similar service.

How many times have you used your 12 volt pump? If I carried a pump with me something else would go anyway, and you can't be prepared for everything. Blankets, sleeping bags, food rations, lighter, fuses, fan belt, rattle snake bite kit, bottled water, life jacket etc. I have a friend who is ready for almost any emergency he may face on the road, I don't think he has ever used any of it. I could have used a pump, but, not an emergency, just went to a gas station and paid my $1.50. I'd rather do that once every one or two years than have to call for a service truck that has nitro aboard.

abacomike

Last night I watched the movie, "The Intern", starring Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway.  It's the first time I saw DeNiro in the roll of a man who was laid back, kind, caring, loving, fatherly and considerate, all in one character.  He is the most versatile male actor I can think of.  If you haven't seen it on HBO this month, take a couple of hours to put your feet up and settle into a great movie experience. 

abacomike

Watching the new "Top Gear" on BBC America.  First 15 minutes were superb!  2 hour pilot tonight with Matt LeBlanc and Chris Evans.  Humor is still there.

berri

The closet I came to that was when we were flying in armament to Key West Florida during the Cuban Crisis.

You may have been closer than you realize jmonroe. My uncle was in Naval aviation based in Florida during that time and he said the jets were armed and running hot on the runways and taxiways waiting for the order.

roadburner

Several of my friends got together and organized a trip to Germany to take European delivery of their various M cars. They flew over on May 10th and have now driven their new cars across Switzerland and around the Nürburgring and the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Today they were at BMW Welt in Munich and the Welt staff helped them honor Memorial Day: