Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

stickguy

Hey Isell, my wife was talking about going to Seattle to visit. A friend of hers just got back from a long weekend (extended trip for a wedding) and was raving about how many fun things there were to do, and how nice it was. But expensive!

explorerx4

I just renewed my Sirius and got their 6 month free deal. Renewed my daughter's subscription at the same time. On Sunday, I was able to listen to the Pats/Dolphins, then the 49er's/Cowboys and finally Bronco's/Colt/s game. We spent a lot of time in the car.

abacomike

@isellhondas said:

"Great news Mike!

I've heard nothing but good things about Loma Linda. I lifelong (kindergarten) friend lives in La Quinta and she's a Critical Care Nurse at Eisenhower Hospital."

I know Eisenhower Medical Center very well. I used to live in Palm Desert and that was the hospital I used. The Betty Ford Center and the Barbara Sinatra Cancer Center are part and parcel of that hospital.

It's located in Rancho Mirage.

The oncologist radiologist wants him at Loma Linda because they are the best in radiology oncology in the southeastern California Desert. Los Angeles is just too much of a trip from the desert - but Loma Linda was the first research and teaching hospital to use "proton" radiation to treat tumors of the brain.

Yep, know the area very well and miss living out there.

Thanks for the kind words.

abacomike

@bwia said:

"Very good news Mike. Stay Blessed."

Thanks bwia - I pray every chance I get.

driver100

@abacomike said:when I drive at night, I found the rear tinted window reduces my visibility, thus another reason for not tinting.
I hope that answers your questions .

Yes, it does completely. I was looking into a car that had the side windows tinted and I didn't like it...if someone was in the car I wouldn't even be able to make them out. I can just see a cop coming up and shooting because he doesn't know who is driving, or what they may have in their hands...as in a weapon!

I am glad you mentioned the rear window, I don't like reduced visibility.

I'll have to see how weather works, it sounds like it may be worthwhile and traffic could be worthwhile, especially for the Florida trip (that will be a good test), but the 6 months of Sirius will be nice for me...I'll have to remember to cancel my subscription on the 535.

abacomike

@driver100:

You are going to like the new voice controlled systems. When you set a destination, you say the house number, street name and town/city/state in one sentence now. Tgere is also a voice training system for improving the computer's ability to better recognize your voice patterns.

The weather is nice because it is in multi-colors and show rain and storm intensity. The radar updates every 5 minutes. I like that and the traffic better than the music and news channels.

As for tint, I just don't want it due to visibility problems at night out the rear window.

28firefighter

@stickguy‌ Of all the things about our move to Seattle, the thing that is and was the biggest adjustment is the cost. I would say COL out here is about 25% higher at a minimum compared with where we lived in Pittsburgh. Things get a bit more reasonable once you move out to the Suburbs, but even then, it is still pricey.

Still worth a visit, though I recommend between coming June and September. On either end, you run the risk of hitting mist season.

Let me know if you make it out this way. We live in a neighborhood a few miles NW of downtown.

stickguy

thanks. at this point, probably not happening any time soon. But I have it on the list.

I almost had a business trip back in August out there, but I ended up just phoning in for my part. Still a chance before year end, but probably not.

28firefighter

It's a great trip for a long weekend - Thursday - Sunday and airfare to and from Philly/NY usually drops into the high 200s or low 300s a bunch over the year.

@abacomike‌ Cautiously good news about your son! Thoughts continue to be with you and your family.

murphydog

Ugh,

Just yanked my smoldering viking dishwasher out on to the back porch. Wife hears a "pop" and it starts smoking. Stupid thing was new in 2008

Keeping this car related I wonder if a new dishwasher will fit in the back of the Lexus...?

nelsonf

@28firefighter said:

Let me know if you make it out this way. We live in a neighborhood a few miles NW of downtown.

Hey firefighter,
Where do you live? I'm in Greenwood.

Just curious,

Nelson

driver100

@explorerx4 said:I just renewed my Sirius and got their 6 month free deal.

Mike gets free Sirius....he just buys a new car every 6 months.

robr2

Regarding tint - Llumar makes a clear tint that blocks 99% of harmful UV rays. I had installed in my Passat back in 2005 (side/rear/sunroof). No issues with reduced visibility at night.

driver100

@roadburner said:my son and I have switched to the Dorco 4 Blade System. $5.50 for the razor, and 16 cartridges for $18.70

I don't know if I want to use a blade called a Dork - O!

driver100

@stever said:We've been shopping hatches and the current front runners are the Soul and Prius V (note that both offer big honking holes in the roof as options).

I think I got it now. Bikes, camping gear, etc, sounds like you really need a van type of vehicle, do bikes fit in a Soul? A sunroof seems very important to you, but, almost everyone here who has one has said they could live without it.

How is this for a unroof?

Not good for bikes and camping gear though

stever

We've really been spoiled with the vans. This last trip was a pain because there was no room inside for the bikes, what with all the stuff we moved in the van. So the bikes got tied to the roof rack and never came off.

I think the trick with a Soul or other hatch will be a hitch rack. We don't tote canoes any more so we can otherwise downsize.

The panoramic roofs look nice but we mostly want the light up front where we sit. The Escape we looked at had a nice sized sunroof but it started so far back from the windshield you couldn't really enjoy it unless you were in the backseat.

(That razor looks fine but shipping kills it).

cdnpinhead

Having lived in the hellhole that is Phoenix for well over three decades, I've learned a few things about window tinting. My most recent tint was expensive, but far superior to anything I've had previously. It's called Huber Optik and originated in Germany. It's not nearly so dark as conventional tints but is every bit as effective.

stever

How do sunroofs sell there, @cdnpinhead?

cdnpinhead

@stever said:
How do sunroofs sell there, cdnpinhead?

Hard to say, really, since most high-end cars come that way unless one goes to great pains to special-order one with no hole in the roof, and sometimes it's not even possible.

I know I don't use mine much, except as a vent during the day with the rear windows cracked and the windshield covers up.

It'd be somewhat interesting to know what the take rate is on more pedestrian vehicles that offer a "moonroof" as an option, but I certainly don't have access to that.

stever

Thanks, didn't think about the vent option. A solar powered van like greenhouses use could be handy.

I have a screen but half the time I forget to stick it in the windshield.

driver100

@stever said: The Escape we looked at had a nice sized sunroof but it started so far back from the windshield you couldn't really enjoy it unless you were in the backseat.

That's the kind of thing I get upset about in a car.....when it is designed poorly. Why have a sunroof if it is behind you? Then there are cars with low seats and high beltlines you can't see out of. Or big pillars blocking off the view. I am not sure how this happens, I think it is a combination of cars built by committees (the engineers don't talk to the designers), restrictions on cost, manufacturers not really caring enough.

That sunroof being behind the driver and passenger should not happen.

driver100

@cdnpinhead said:Hard to say, really, since most high-end cars come that way unless one goes to great pains to special-order one with no hole in the roof, and sometimes it's not even possible.

I want a sunroof in my new Mercedes because I have always wanted a black plastic roof, contrasts nicely with the white!

driver100

@stever said:
I think the trick with a Soul or other hatch will be a hitch rack. We don't tote canoes any more so we can otherwise downsize.

Have you considered one of these?

snakeweasel

> @driver100 asked:
> do bikes fit in a Soul?

Maybe if you remove the front tire but then again that's why God created bike racks.

stever

I'm more partial to the Multipla.

We compared the Escape sunroof to the one on an Edge on the lot and the Edge's was perfect. Don't know why the design idea didn't transfer to the Escape - probably to meet a roof crush standard.

@snakeweasel, front tire removal works but not so well with a tent, bags, cooler and a couple of milk crates with miscellaneous stuff crammed in with them.

snakeweasel

> @driver100 said:
> Have you considered one of these?

A 2CV? Do you know why they have moon roofs? Because removing part of the roof made the car light enough for the engine to move it. It's the only car ever made where 0 to 60 is measured in days.

Michaell

@snakeweasel said:
A 2CV? Do you know why they have moon roofs? Because removing part of the roof made the car light enough for the engine to move it. It's the only car ever made where 0 to 60 is measured in days.

It got to 60?

driver100

@snakeweasel said:
A 2CV? Do you know why they have moon roofs? It's the only car ever made where 0 to 60 is measured in days.

LOL to you and Michael.
Here is the Multipla which I have seen in Europe...pretty popular there,

A very sensible car they could only make...and probably sell....in Europe.

Michaell

@driver100 said:

Kind of like a European Aztek!

stever

I like those older eSpace kind of vans that look like they are rolling on 14" wheels too.

snakeweasel

> @Michaell asked:
> it got to 60?

If memory serves they were made from the early 30's to the very early 80's. Most of that time their top speed was under 50, then by the 60's the top speed slowly increased and by the last few years of production they had a top speed of just over 70.

[Deleted User]

@driver100 said:

LOL, the Multipla. Thanks for that trip down memory lane. I spent quite a bit of time working in Italy when those things were selling. It looks so odd it's almost endearing.....almost. And then Top Gear pimped one out for people rather experienced in life, adding lounge chairs, a giant foam bumper, simplified controls, beige paint, etc... What a riot.

stever

One link said it was Top Gear's car of the year. I saw some over there a few years ago and they do look "even better" in person.

abacomike

@driver:


Driver, what options did you order for your E400 Sedan?

As an example, did you order Lane Tracking and Blind Spot Monitors? Did you order the Premium 1 Package? Sport Model or Luxury Model? 18" Wheels and Tires or standard 17"? Lighting Package with full LED's or not? Ventilated seats or not?

Thanks!

oldfarmer50

@abacomike said:
Just spoke with my son. He starts radiation treatments a week from Friday. He will be receiving double treatments so long as he can handle them. They are using "proton" radiation. He is having one double treatment per month for 3 months (or 2 single treatments per month if he can't handle the double treatments). According to his oncologist, they expect to successfully rid him of this malignant tumor. Once he completes the treatments in 3 months, they will determine if more are needed.

He has to completely shave his head prior to the treatments. His SO will drive him to and from the treatments. He has to go to Loma Linda Medical Center for the radiation - they want closer control over the therapy. It's about a 90 minute drive on I-10 from where he lives in La Quinta to Loma Linda.

So, from what he reports, it seems the cancer is not as aggressive as they originally diagnosed and with God's careful watch, he will be OK, I pray.

That's great news Mike! The proton treatment are superior to x-ray because the beam is very finely focused so it causes little damage to surrounding tissue. Real important when dealing with the brain. It's also very precise as to depth so all the killing ionization occurs in the tumor rather than in a path down to it.

It was developed by a scientist who worked on the A-bomb and felt guilty ever after.

You deserve to finally get good news.

oldfarmer50

@Mr_Shiftright said:
Went to look at a used truck today. I got there and spent about 5 minutes with my mouth open, gazing first at the printed ad, and then at the "very clean, needs nothing" truck. I suppose next time I'll only look at adverts that show BOTH sides of the truck in the photos.

WHEE, Shifty, there goes two more hours of your life!

Well...

What did the other side look like? Any pictures so we can cluck like hens about how people can't be trusted?

driver100

@snakeweasel said: the top speed slowly increased and by the last few years of production they had a top speed of just over 70.

I can't imagine going 70 in one of those Citroens...it just doesn't look balanced right. It is like the scarry feeling I get when I see people pulling a trailer and it has tires that are about 4 inches wide......and usually they are wondering all over in the lane ahead.

oldfarmer50

".... I was looking into a car that had the side windows tinted and I didn't like it...if someone was in the car I wouldn't even be able to make them out. I can just see a cop coming up and shooting because he doesn't know who is driving, or what they may have in their hands...as in a weapon!.."

Driver, just get a bumper sticker that says "Don't Shoot, I'm Canadian" and you'll be fine.

graphicguy

@robr2 said:
Great news Mike.

I had a molar extracted today instead of the planned root canal. The Novocaine is wearing off. It now hurts.

Dr GG recommends Bourbon. I'm on a Bookers kick right now. Try that!

isellhondas

@28firefighter said:
stickguy‌ Of all the things about our move to Seattle, the thing that is and was the biggest adjustment is the cost. I would say COL out here is about 25% higher at a minimum compared with where we lived in Pittsburgh. Things get a bit more reasonable once you move out to the Suburbs, but even then, it is still pricey.

Still worth a visit, though I recommend between coming June and September. On either end, you run the risk of hitting mist season.

Let me know if you make it out this way. We live in a neighborhood a few miles NW of downtown.

I agree about the COL here. Everything is so expensive.

Now, about our rain.

We do have our rainy season but we also have August.

If you think you get a lot of rain here in Issaquah we get twice what you get. It's the lake
and mountains that do this or so I'm told.

driver100

@abacomike said:

Driver, what options did you order for your E400 Sedan?
As an example, did you order Lane Tracking and Blind Spot Monitors? Did you order the Premium 1 Package? Sport Model or Luxury Model? 18" Wheels and Tires or standard 17"? Lighting Package with full LED's or not? Ventilated seats or not?

I'd like to answer but I can only try. There is no information on line and the packages changed from the 2014 to the 2015 models. The only options I added were the sport/wood steering wheel with the flat bottom, always wanted one of those. And the Premium Package I which I believe includes, sunroof, lane tracking and blind spot monitors, and I think keyless drive and pushbutton trunk are part of that package (they just have a sheet at the dealers, I suppose I could have got a copy). I got the Sport Model and they said 90% of the cars are ordered that way. I took the 17 inch standard wheels because if I remember correctly, the 18 inch wheels would not have all season tires. Mine will be 4matic and I believe that is the only way you can order them here.

Those options are locked in, but they don't have a price list yet so I don't know the final cost, but my discount is 4% of whatever it comes out to.

I didn't get full LEDs because I do very little driving at night, and there are few times when I used the ventilated seats so I didn't get them....I have used them less than 10X in 3 years. I have them in the 535 and I don't like the sound of the fan going, makes me think I have left a window open.

If I really like the E400 I'll get them on my next one...it will be something to look forward to. Don't forget, I'll be paying 20% more for this car in Canada, and probably 30% more after all your fancy discounts.

Dark Ashwood trim and Metallic Paint are now no charge. They always used to charge $700 or $800 for metalic paint which made me laugh because they don't charge extra for cars that cost a lot less?????

I saw a white E350 with black spoke type wheels and I don't get that look:

snakeweasel

> @driver100 said:
> I can't imagine going 70 in one of those Citroens...it just doesn't look balanced right.

Can't say either way, but I did date a french girl back in the 80's that had one when she was still in France. She said it wasn't as bad as you might think. Now it you want to find out for yourself you can get a used one for under $18K.

driver100

@oldfarmer50 said:
Driver, just get a bumper sticker that says "Don't Shoot, I'm Canadian" and you'll be fine.

That would probably help...since we aren't really allowed to have guns here....just the bad guys have them.

That was interesting information about the proton treatment and how it came about.

driver100

@snakeweasel said:
Can't say either way, but I did date a french girl back in the 80's that had one when she was still in France. She said it wasn't as bad as you might think.

Guess I could put up with going 70 in one of those Citroens if a French girl was driving it and it was in the 80s. Back then, I wasn't as concerned about my safety.

snakeweasel

> @driver100 said:
> Guess I could put up with going 70 in one of those Citroens if a French girl was driving it and it was in the 80s.

Well she had the 2CV when she was still in France. But she managed to get a gray market Citroen CX when I knew her. It had a one spoke steering wheel.

abacomike

@driver100‌

It sounds like the Canadian cars are very different from the US cars. As an example, ventilated seats and leather seats are standard on the US model as is the Lane Tracking and Blind Spot Monitors. But I paid extra for the metallic paint. They also have only 18" AMG Wheels w/all season tires as standard. They added power retractable mirrors this year as standard in the premium package along with fold down rear seats.

Yes, very different cars.

stever

A reporter would like to speak to a recent car shopper who has shopped on their mobile device while on a dealer's lot. If this is you, and you'd like to share your story, please send your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET on Thursday, 9/11/14.

nyccarguy

@oldfarmer50‌

"Don't Shoot, I'm Canadian"

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

driver100

@abacomike said:It sounds like the Canadian cars are very different from the US cars.

Yes, could be very different...don't forget, you can still buy a 2015 C550 in Canada, but not an E350.

It could even vary from state to state. Don't cars have different pollution controls say in California? How do you pull a car destined for California if you wanted to do a trade in Florida? When we bought the Passat it was advertised nationally as starting from $19999 (so they could offer a model for under $20K). I couldn't find one on a lot in Florida. Finally, a dealer said that was without air conditioning, and they couldn't sell a new car without a/c in Florida. Kind of false advertising in a way.

driver100

@nyccarguy said:
oldfarmer50‌

"Don't Shoot, I'm Canadian"

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

That was a real LOL. It would probably help to wear moose antlers too!