Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

roadburner said:

I've used the network adapters with sucees on my aincient Samsung BD player in the basement HTS/Gaming setup, but I have a Sony BD player in my main HTS and the wi-Fi works great- ditto for the Amazon Fire Stick and Chromecast streaming dongles.

I didn't understand most of that last post except for the ancient Samsung ? ? player

driver100

roadburner said:

Today I helped a customer learn to use the Parking Assistant is his G12 7er; I set up a 3er and an X5 so I could demonstrate how it can parallel(or perpendicular) park with no input from the driver aside from pressing one button. Wild. I also performed a CPO X3 delivery as well as two lease turn-in inspections. So far I'm still having a ball...

I wonder how often people using parking assist....I have used it once in a year and a half. It took me a while before I learned to use it....watching Youtube. Then, I had to find the right situation, and I didn't want to do it when there were cars behind me waiting to get by. In 18 months I have parallel parked about 6 times, used self-parking once, and find it easier just to do it myself.

If you are capable of remembering how to use the feature, you are probably capable of parallel parking. A feature I would use a lot more is backing into a parking space. I back in to a space a lot (about 8 times a week)....much prefer backing in most of the time (unless lots of groceries or suitcases going into the trunk), and it would be nice if the car was equidistance from the two cars on each side, and would stop before hitting something. Now that feature could get a lot of use.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

Over the years, I've 86'd more and more of my credits cards. Currently, I have an AMEX that I use for business travel, and a Visa I use at Costco. That's it.

Granted, the AMEX costs me $450/year. But, since it's for business, I write it off. Costco Visa I pay off every month.

That said, I have about $50K in cars sitting on the GG estate, and neither of them are appreciating in value. So, I'm losing money on them. Still, I consider them my hobby....expensive hobby, but a hobby nonetheless.

Question for you GG - my travel has increased substantially and after having been stuck for hours in different airports at least 3 times in as many weeks, I was wondering what your opinion of the AMEX Platinum is? Is it worth the annual fee in your mind?

FWIW, I'm on pace to fly about 100k domestic this year.

I highly recommend the Platinum Card. That's the one I use. It allows access to a bunch of airport premium lounges, in addition to all of Delta's Sky Clubs (must be flying Delta for access). Most of the lounges have free snacks (Delta actually has bagels, yogurt, soups and salads,etc), juices and drinks (and beer, wine, well liquor), plus TVs, quiet areas, power plugs, free WiFi, and comfy chairs with plenty of room.

Platinum also gives you up to $200 to spend on "fees" like luggage, on plane wifi, etc.

I take a yearly "cash back" on my points that pretty much covers the annual fee.

The customer service on their Platinum card is outstanding, too.

To me, well worth it. Some others are similar, but I've been so pleased with Platinum, I've had no reason to look elsewhere.

That said, I'm a Million Miler on Delta, and fly about 100K/year, too. They offer some benefits to me as a very frequent flyer.

Up to you, but I recommend the Platinum Card.

graphicguy

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

Over the years, I've 86'd more and more of my credits cards. Currently, I have an AMEX that I use for business travel, and a Visa I use at Costco. That's it.

Granted, the AMEX costs me $450/year. But, since it's for business, I write it off. Costco Visa I pay off every month.

That said, I have about $50K in cars sitting on the GG estate, and neither of them are appreciating in value. So, I'm losing money on them. Still, I consider them my hobby....expensive hobby, but a hobby nonetheless.

And a nice combination of cars you have there on the estate!

Why thank you, IMID!

Michaell

Since we're on the subject of travel, my new job will require occasional trips to the Bay Area .... and, the lease on my Elantra GT is up in October / November.

What does one have to do with the other? The wife and I were talking and, since I've also "retired" from the pizza delivery job, I don't really need a car full-time. Wife and daughter work at the same employer, and 95% of the time commute together, so there is an extra car at the house when I do need to run errands.

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

qbrozen

well, another Uber driver was just convicted of sexual assault. That's about all I know.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

That said, I'm a Million Miler on Delta, and fly about 100K/year, too. They offer some benefits to me as a very frequent flyer.

Up to you, but I recommend the Platinum Card.

Thanks, GG - very helpful. I fly split between Alaska, Delta and American - Delta and American because they code share with Alaska, so all my points credit backwards. That Platinum Card would give me access to the Centurion Studio at SeaTac as well as Delta lounges when I fly them, and Alaska Boardroom with Priority Pass.

For me the big thing is being able to get something to eat/drink and use a clean(er) restroom. They're offering me 50,000 points to upgrade, so I suppose I can just give it a try and cancel in a year if I don't like it.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

That said, I'm a Million Miler on Delta, and fly about 100K/year, too. They offer some benefits to me as a very frequent flyer.

Up to you, but I recommend the Platinum Card.

Thanks, GG - very helpful. I fly split between Alaska, Delta and American - Delta and American because they code share with Alaska, so all my points credit backwards. That Platinum Card would give me access to the Centurion Studio at SeaTac as well as Delta lounges when I fly them, and Alaska Boardroom with Priority Pass.

For me the big thing is being able to get something to eat/drink and use a clean(er) restroom. They're offering me 50,000 points to upgrade, so I suppose I can just give it a try and cancel in a year if I don't like it.

Cool....are you talking about the Delta Platinum AMEX? While they're good when using Delta, some of the benefits of the the "normal" AMEX Platinum don't transfer to the Delta branded one.

That said, take their 50,000 points and transfer in a year.

Delta Sky Clubs will fit the bill for you. Actually, the Centurion Clubs are nicer than Delta. But, there aren't as many of them around. Priority Clubs are nice, too. You'll have access to all of them with the Platinum. Check on the Delta branded card, as they may limit your access to the Delta Sky Club, only. Not sure of that, though.

graphicguy

Michaell said:

Since we're on the subject of travel, my new job will require occasional trips to the Bay Area .... and, the lease on my Elantra GT is up in October / November.

What does one have to do with the other? The wife and I were talking and, since I've also "retired" from the pizza delivery job, I don't really need a car full-time. Wife and daughter work at the same employer, and 95% of the time commute together, so there is an extra car at the house when I do need to run errands.

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

I use UBER all the time. Matter of fact, UBER has cut down on my renting a car by over 1/2 when I travel.

Getting UBER from my house to the airport is a bit of a challenge, especially if I'm leaving early in the a.m. (say around 4-5 a.m.) and late at night from the airport to home (say 10-11 p.m.). But, I live about 50 minutes to an hour away from the airport. For that reason alone, I usually drive myself.

In bigger cities I go to like Chicago, L.A., San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, NYC, Boston, etc...UBER is much more reliable. Unfortunately, another city I travel to frequently, Austin, UBER was run out of town. So, the taxi lobby may have won the fight, but not the battle, as I rent cars in Austin and refuse to use a taxi

Rental agencies are benefitting, not the taxi companies, as they had hoped.

suydam

Michaell said:

Since we're on the subject of travel, my new job will require occasional trips to the Bay Area .... and, the lease on my Elantra GT is up in October / November.

What does one have to do with the other? The wife and I were talking and, since I've also "retired" from the pizza delivery job, I don't really need a car full-time. Wife and daughter work at the same employer, and 95% of the time commute together, so there is an extra car at the house when I do need to run errands.

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

I've used Uber in Philly and San Francisco and I love it. The incidents that make the news are a tiny tiny fraction of Uber experiences. People have been assaulted and robbed by taxi drivers and bus drivers too, and yet people still use them. Uber is fantastic and it's especially good in San Francisco which is its home city. So much cheaper than taxis. I think it depends how many places you need to go in one day and how far apart they are to see if it would beat the cost of a rental car. Personally I hate driving in either city anyway. It's very fast-- drivers usually appear within a minute or so-- and the app is easy to use.

Michaell

suydam said:

Michaell said:

Since we're on the subject of travel, my new job will require occasional trips to the Bay Area .... and, the lease on my Elantra GT is up in October / November.

What does one have to do with the other? The wife and I were talking and, since I've also "retired" from the pizza delivery job, I don't really need a car full-time. Wife and daughter work at the same employer, and 95% of the time commute together, so there is an extra car at the house when I do need to run errands.

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

I've used Uber in Philly and San Francisco and I love it. The incidents that make the news are a tiny tiny fraction of Uber experiences. People have been assaulted and robbed by taxi drivers and bus drivers too, and yet people still use them. Uber is fantastic and it's especially good in San Francisco which is its home city. So much cheaper than taxis. I think it depends how many places you need to go in one day and how far apart they are to see if it would beat the cost of a rental car. Personally I hate driving in either city anyway. It's very fast-- drivers usually appear within a minute or so-- and the app is easy to use.

I'd really only use it to get to/from the airport in Denver. Like @graphicguy I am a good 45 minutes from the airport. I'm trying to schedule my travel to avoid early mornings and late nights, but I realize I may not always have that luxury.

When I am in CA, I'll rent a car.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

That said, I'm a Million Miler on Delta, and fly about 100K/year, too. They offer some benefits to me as a very frequent flyer.

Up to you, but I recommend the Platinum Card.

Thanks, GG - very helpful. I fly split between Alaska, Delta and American - Delta and American because they code share with Alaska, so all my points credit backwards. That Platinum Card would give me access to the Centurion Studio at SeaTac as well as Delta lounges when I fly them, and Alaska Boardroom with Priority Pass.

For me the big thing is being able to get something to eat/drink and use a clean(er) restroom. They're offering me 50,000 points to upgrade, so I suppose I can just give it a try and cancel in a year if I don't like it.

Cool....are you talking about the Delta Platinum AMEX? While they're good when using Delta, some of the benefits of the the "normal" AMEX Platinum don't transfer to the Delta branded one.

That said, take their 50,000 points and transfer in a year.

Delta Sky Clubs will fit the bill for you. Actually, the Centurion Clubs are nicer than Delta. But, there aren't as many of them around. Priority Clubs are nice, too. You'll have access to all of them with the Platinum. Check on the Delta branded card, as they may limit your access to the Delta Sky Club, only. Not sure of that, though.

Nope - the regular AMEX Platinum. I have the Green Card now and they have an upgrade offer available with 50k membership rewards points.

stever

One of the shuttle vans at LAX last night had a sign on the door - "no Uber/Lyft riders". Wasn't able to make sense of the shuttle or its destination but they must of gotten tired of passengers getting off beyond the terminal to meet their Uber ride.

Two night trip, easy non-stops, easy security. Wish I didn't have to fly anywhere again though.

Called the Cap One people today and talked to a nice manager about the recent fraud. Looks like I get to keep my card and my wife will get a new one (same account but the card issuers are going to different numbers for the individual card holders to better track fraud). I just paid cash for the airport parking and managed to avoid using the spare card.

The big takeaway from the meeting is that leasing is pushing half of the new car sales and most people are just payment buyers - they don't know or care about capital cost or RV or MF, they just focus on the monthly number.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

That said, I'm a Million Miler on Delta, and fly about 100K/year, too. They offer some benefits to me as a very frequent flyer.

Up to you, but I recommend the Platinum Card.

Thanks, GG - very helpful. I fly split between Alaska, Delta and American - Delta and American because they code share with Alaska, so all my points credit backwards. That Platinum Card would give me access to the Centurion Studio at SeaTac as well as Delta lounges when I fly them, and Alaska Boardroom with Priority Pass.

For me the big thing is being able to get something to eat/drink and use a clean(er) restroom. They're offering me 50,000 points to upgrade, so I suppose I can just give it a try and cancel in a year if I don't like it.

Cool....are you talking about the Delta Platinum AMEX? While they're good when using Delta, some of the benefits of the the "normal" AMEX Platinum don't transfer to the Delta branded one.

That said, take their 50,000 points and transfer in a year.

Delta Sky Clubs will fit the bill for you. Actually, the Centurion Clubs are nicer than Delta. But, there aren't as many of them around. Priority Clubs are nice, too. You'll have access to all of them with the Platinum. Check on the Delta branded card, as they may limit your access to the Delta Sky Club, only. Not sure of that, though.

Nope - the regular AMEX Platinum. I have the Green Card now and they have an upgrade offer available with 50k membership rewards points.

That's the one I think you want. I forget how the points translate to dollars, but I think it's $100 for every 20,000 points. So, looks like you're in for about $250 in an AMEX gift card just by signing up.

Mr_Shiftright

So nothing has changed in bad automobile buying habits in the last 50 years? That's comforting.

graphicguy

stever said:

One of the shuttle vans at LAX last night had a sign on the door - "no Uber/Lyft riders". Wasn't able to make sense of the shuttle or its destination but they must of gotten tired of passengers getting off beyond the terminal to meet their Uber ride.

Two night trip, easy non-stops, easy security. Wish I didn't have to fly anywhere again though.

Called the Cap One people today and talked to a nice manager about the recent fraud. Looks like I get to keep my card and my wife will get a new one (same account but the card issuers are going to different numbers for the individual card holders to better track fraud). I just paid cash for the airport parking and managed to avoid using the spare card.

The big takeaway from the meeting is that leasing is pushing half of the new car sales and most people are just payment buyers - they don't know or care about capital cost or RV or MF, they just focus on the monthly number.

stever....for good or ill, that doesn't surprise me. Let's see if it will fit in my monthly nut, and to hell with how they get there, or the stipulations that come with it (MF, RV, mileage restrictions, acquisition fees, disposal fees, wear/tear fee, etc). That usually turns into a surprise for some at the end of the lease, or when they try to get out of the lease early and find they can only do so by dipping deep into their pockets.

stever

The surprises mostly go away though if you lease again. Especially if you lease the same brand again - the dealer will overlook the wear and tear items and maybe even eat some of the miles if you go over. Just like rolling over negative equity in a new car loan eh?

My frugal side keeps telling me that people will figure out that leasing is overly complex and not a cheap way to own a car at some point, but everyone else finances for six years now and keeps paying through the nose for cars, so it's really not much different.

It was a lot fun talking cars yesterday in person with various online co-workers - it kind of floors me how many people (like @Kirstie_H) have extra cars "just because". Working couples who both work at home, yet have three cars to share, and often one of them gets driven just 1,000 miles a year.

The other thing I can't figure out is how new cars sales keep growing. I thought they'd taper off the second half of the year, but Edmunds is predicting another boom year. With the continued urbanization of the country, more transit (went to downtown LA on a train. LA!), more Uber -- why are people still buying and driving cars?

And get off my lawn.

suydam

What about leasing newer tech cars like the Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf? The odds are that they will be improved 3 years from now.

Michaell

stever said:

The surprises mostly go away though if you lease again. Especially if you lease the same brand again - the dealer will overlook the wear and tear items and maybe even eat some of the miles if you go over. Just like rolling over negative equity in a new car loan eh?

My frugal side keeps telling me that people will figure out that leasing is overly complex and not a cheap way to own a car at some point, but everyone else finances for six years now and keeps paying through the nose for cars, so it's really not much different.

It was a lot fun talking cars yesterday in person with various online co-workers - it kind of floors me how many people (like @Kirstie_H) have extra cars "just because". Working couples who both work at home, yet have three cars to share, and often one of them gets driven just 1,000 miles a year.

The other thing I can't figure out is how new cars sales keep growing. I thought they'd taper off the second half of the year, but Edmunds is predicting another boom year. With the continued urbanization of the country, more transit (went to downtown LA on a train. LA!), more Uber -- why are people still buying and driving cars?

And get off my lawn.

Our household may be going in the opposite direction. Two cars for three drivers, once my Hyundai lease is up in November.

Decent public transportation in Denver - light rail station about 5-6 miles from the house, will take you downtown, and could transfer to a train to the airport. They are continuing to build out the system, but revenues are coming up short, so some of the legs are being deferred. This naturally irks the cities who signed up for the grand plan but aren't getting anything in return - for now.

What did you think of the new offices?

stever

The new digs are nice, lots of access to the interior courtyard (a boon for someone like me who isn't overly fond of air conditioning 24/7). I only tried to walk through one plate glass window getting to the courtyard but I blame that on the margarita at the evening cocktail party.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

So nothing has changed in bad automobile buying habits in the last 50 years? That's comforting.

That's so sad. The standard question salespeople now ask you is "what payment were you looking for?". When an educated buyer won't discuss payments that must be the signal to leave the 4-square and the fancy tricks in the drawer and actually negotiate.

cdnpinhead

One hopes.

snakeweasel

Ok I am sitting in my car on the side of the road with a cop behind me and another car in front of me. The car in front of me struck me as I was making a left turn in front of her. It was at a two way stop where we both had the stop sign and she admitted to the officer that I was stopped before she was and that she didn't see me making the left turn. 

More to follow. 

28firefighter

Hope you're OK, snake!

andres3

snakeweasel said:

Ok I am sitting in my car on the side of the road with a cop behind me and another car in front of me. The car in front of me struck me as I was making a left turn in front of her. It was at a two way stop where we both had the stop sign and she admitted to the officer that I was stopped before she was and that she didn't see me making the left turn. 

More to follow. 

With both of you having stop signs, it shouldn't of mattered whether you made a left turn or not, she should have been stopped.

snakeweasel

28firefighter said:

Hope you're OK, snake!

Yeah, I am OK, car not so. But only minor damage.

snakeweasel

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

Ok I am sitting in my car on the side of the road with a cop behind me and another car in front of me. The car in front of me struck me as I was making a left turn in front of her. It was at a two way stop where we both had the stop sign and she admitted to the officer that I was stopped before she was and that she didn't see me making the left turn. 

More to follow. 

With both of you having stop signs, it shouldn't of mattered whether you made a left turn or not, she should have been stopped.

Yep, she told the officer the same thing that I told him, that I was first at the intersection. I was actually sweating that one out a little, all she had to do was lie and it would be a "he said/she said" situation. She told the officer that she had right of way because she was going straight, the officer said "nope, right of way goes to the one that stops first". And then he cited her.

If we would have entered the intersection at the same time I would have just creeped forward and turned behind her, but I was already turning when she started out.

Well home now, the car is driveable and the insurance company has been notified. Next step is to fill out the accident report and get to the auto body shop. Her insurance should pay for this.

andres3

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

Ok I am sitting in my car on the side of the road with a cop behind me and another car in front of me. The car in front of me struck me as I was making a left turn in front of her. It was at a two way stop where we both had the stop sign and she admitted to the officer that I was stopped before she was and that she didn't see me making the left turn. 

More to follow. 

With both of you having stop signs, it shouldn't of mattered whether you made a left turn or not, she should have been stopped.

Yep, she told the officer the same thing that I told him, that I was first at the intersection. I was actually sweating that one out a little, all she had to do was lie and it would be a "he said/she said" situation. She told the officer that she had right of way because she was going straight, the officer said "nope, right of way goes to the one that stops first". And then he cited her.

If we would have entered the intersection at the same time I would have just creeped forward and turned behind her, but I was already turning when she started out.

Well home now, the car is driveable and the insurance company has been notified. Next step is to fill out the accident report and get to the auto body shop. Her insurance should pay for this.

We're you signaling left? No mention was made.

Funny she tried to argue for right of way when she had a stop sign. Some people truly are clueless. The going straight argument only works if you have unimpeded progress; a Stop sign obviously Trumps that.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

Today I helped a customer learn to use the Parking Assistant is his G12 7er; I set up a 3er and an X5 so I could demonstrate how it can parallel(or perpendicular) park with no input from the driver aside from pressing one button. Wild. I also performed a CPO X3 delivery as well as two lease turn-in inspections. So far I'm still having a ball...

I wonder how often people using parking assist....I have used it once in a year and a half. It took me a while before I learned to use it....watching Youtube. Then, I had to find the right situation, and I didn't want to do it when there were cars behind me waiting to get by. In 18 months I have parallel parked about 6 times, used self-parking once, and find it easier just to do it myself.

If you are capable of remembering how to use the feature, you are probably capable of parallel parking. A feature I would use a lot more is backing into a parking space. I back in to a space a lot (about 8 times a week)....much prefer backing in most of the time (unless lots of groceries or suitcases going into the trunk), and it would be nice if the car was equidistance from the two cars on each side, and would stop before hitting something. Now that feature could get a lot of use.

I just want some type of assist that will assist my wife in putting her car in the garage so that there is enough room for me to park in there.

snakeweasel

Deleting second posting of my previous post. Sorry not sure how that happened.

snakeweasel

Michaell said:

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

My only experience with Uber is that a couple of my tax clients do it, they don't make much from it but that could just be them. Other than that Uber has been under fire for price surging, raising prices significantly at certain times in order to "bring more drivers out".

The times (few that they are) that I go to the airport I call a cab company. The one I use usually sends a Towncar and is reasonably priced. I rather ride to the airport in the leather seats and big legroom of a Towncar than the cramped confines of a Focus. Which reminds me I need to reserve a ride as I am going to Orlando Thursday evening.

snakeweasel

stever said:

One of the shuttle vans at LAX last night had a sign on the door - "no Uber/Lyft riders". Wasn't able to make sense of the shuttle or its destination but they must of gotten tired of passengers getting off beyond the terminal to meet their Uber ride.

Could be a liability issue as the shuttle vans are supposed to be shuttling people between the parking lots?rental cars places and the terminal and not in and out of the airport.

Doesn't LA let Uber drivers pick up and drop off at the airport? They do here in Chicago and the cars have a special decal that they have to display to do it. Driving around you can see the cars with the decals.

oldfarmer50

stever said:

The surprises mostly go away though if you lease again. Especially if you lease the same brand again - the dealer will overlook the wear and tear items and maybe even eat some of the miles if you go over. Just like rolling over negative equity in a new car loan eh?

My frugal side keeps telling me that people will figure out that leasing is overly complex and not a cheap way to own a car at some point, but everyone else finances for six years now and keeps paying through the nose for cars, so it's really not much different.

It was a lot fun talking cars yesterday in person with various online co-workers - it kind of floors me how many people (like @Kirstie_H) have extra cars "just because". Working couples who both work at home, yet have three cars to share, and often one of them gets driven just 1,000 miles a year.

.

Speaking of 1000 miles a year, how old do you think the gas in the tank is?

Would you call this too much of a good thing even for a milage fanatic like me?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5701867101.html

snakeweasel

andres3 said:

We're you signaling left? No mention was made.

Yes I was signalling for a left turn and the front blinkers were working.

andres3 said:

Funny she tried to argue for right of way when she had a stop sign. Some people truly are clueless. The going straight argument only works if you have unimpeded progress; a Stop sign obviously Trumps that.

Well if we stopped at the same time or if she stopped first she would have had right of way, and I would have yielded it.

But you are right some (a lot) of people are truly clueless. Maybe I'll just move to Mackinac Island.

oldfarmer50

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

We're you signaling left? No mention was made.

Yes I was signalling for a left turn and the front blinkers were working.

andres3 said:

Funny she tried to argue for right of way when she had a stop sign. Some people truly are clueless. The going straight argument only works if you have unimpeded progress; a Stop sign obviously Trumps that.

Well if we stopped at the same time or if she stopped first she would have had right of way, and I would have yielded it.

But you are right some (a lot) of people are truly clueless. Maybe I'll just move to Mackinac Island.

Glad you're ok, it's getting brutal out there. Had a numbskull change lanes on the highway yesterday and almost take the front bumper off my bus. Luckily the old reflexes still work.

At 2 way stops I almost always wave the other driver ahead so I can make my turn without worrying if they are going to gun it into me.

suydam

snakeweasel said:

Michaell said:

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

My only experience with Uber is that a couple of my tax clients do it, they don't make much from it but that could just be them. Other than that Uber has been under fire for price surging, raising prices significantly at certain times in order to "bring more drivers out".

The times (few that they are) that I go to the airport I call a cab company. The one I use usually sends a Towncar and is reasonably priced. I rather ride to the airport in the leather seats and big legroom of a Towncar than the cramped confines of a Focus. Which reminds me I need to reserve a ride as I am going to Orlando Thursday evening.

You get a lot of good rides with Uber. Don't think I've ever been in a Focus. A Nissan Maxima, a Buick LaCrosse, and Honda Accord were the most recent.

Mr_Shiftright

oldfarmer50 said:

stever said:

The surprises mostly go away though if you lease again. Especially if you lease the same brand again - the dealer will overlook the wear and tear items and maybe even eat some of the miles if you go over. Just like rolling over negative equity in a new car loan eh?

My frugal side keeps telling me that people will figure out that leasing is overly complex and not a cheap way to own a car at some point, but everyone else finances for six years now and keeps paying through the nose for cars, so it's really not much different.

It was a lot fun talking cars yesterday in person with various online co-workers - it kind of floors me how many people (like @Kirstie_H) have extra cars "just because". Working couples who both work at home, yet have three cars to share, and often one of them gets driven just 1,000 miles a year.

.

Speaking of 1000 miles a year, how old do you think the gas in the tank is?

Would you call this too much of a good thing even for a milage fanatic like me?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5701867101.html

No way to really tell....just take it for a good long test drive and if you don't see smoke when you're driving, or masses of liquid on the pavement after you've stopped, and the tires didn't blow out---you're probably OK!

Speaking of tires, you should learn how to read tire date codes on that puppy...23 year old tires are scary.

imidazol97

oldfarmer50 said:

No way to really tell....just take it for a good long test drive and if you don't see smoke when you're driving, or masses of liquid on the pavement after you've stopped, and the tires didn't blow out---you're probably OK!

Speaking of tires, you should learn how to read tire date codes on that puppy...23 year old tires are scary.

If you need a spare for that 1993, I have an original tire on original rim from my 1993 leSabre. A General if I recall the brand right, if you want to buy it!

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

Would you call this too much of a good thing even for a milage fanatic like me?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5701867101.html

Brings back unpleasant memories of my father-in-law's series of Park Avenues with fake convertible tops, gold trim, and wire wheel covers. He always offered to let me drive them and couldn't understand why I always politely declined...

stever

Uber is available at LAX; no clue why the van had the no riders sign on it. Probably because Uber has a dedicated ride pickup location and people didn't want to lug their baggage to that spot and were freeloading on a van shuttle.

Stale gas, dead batteries. Dunno, rather use stuff up than let it sit. After all, you never know when someone is going to bang into your pride and joy so you may as well enjoy it while you can (bummer Stick). Big talk - we have way too much junk here gathering dust.

And yeah, there's been some software glitches today; slow posting and duplicates. Not sure what that's about.

graphicguy

stever...thanks for the pics on your HQ. Pretty darned cool. And, BTW...Kirstie is a bonafied member of the CCBA club. She hasn't been around in a while, so thinking she's been too busy adding to her fleet.

Snake...good to hear you're OK. Looks like a qtr panel, bumper cover, maybe struts/wheel/tire? They might be able to pull out/smooth the dent, but I'd not want that sort of fix. For sure, some paint.

OF....if it runs, hard ot argue with $3,500. You'd at least think they'd wash it and throw a coat of wax on it before putting pics of it on line to sell it. Doesn't do any good to say it has always been garaged if it looks dirty. Are those dents in the hood, or just dirt spots?

Would like to hear how it looks/runs if you decide to investigate more.

imidazol97

roadburner said:

Brings back unpleasant memories of my father-in-law's series of Park Avenues with fake convertible tops, gold trim, and wire wheel covers.

I don't think Buick was alone with vinyl roofs...



http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1247918-Black-Vinyl-Roof-Anybody-Tried-It






And while looking for the gold packages popuar with some foreign car stores in the area at times... I found this.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

Ok I am sitting in my car on the side of the road with a cop behind me and another car in front of me. The car in front of me struck me as I was making a left turn in front of her. It was at a two way stop where we both had the stop sign and she admitted to the officer that I was stopped before she was and that she didn't see me making the left turn. 

More to follow. 

Usually the car going straight through has more right of way then cars turning, if they entered at the same time. If you were there first it might help, but, generally the car turning has to give way to the car going straight.....good luck on that one! It is upsetting, it is a hard one to solve....the signal light is a factor too! A witness could help.

EDIT: Now I see you were already turning and she started out from the stop sign, so you definitely had the right of way since you were in the intersection all ready. What she said made no sense, you were turning but she thinks she can still go straight....good thing she isn't too bright.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

EDIT: Now I see you were already turning and she started out from the stop sign, so you definitely had the right of way since you were in the intersection all ready. What she said made no sense, you were turning but she thinks she can still go straight....good thing she isn't too bright.

Sounds like something from Judge Judy... I can just hear Judy ridiculing the driver stating that logic that since she was going straight across she had the right away, especially if it's a man on her show.

houdini1

A guy was complaining to his buddy about his visit to his psychiatrist. She had told him that he was narcissistic, arrogant, and living in a complete fantasy world. His buddy said that was ridiculous. He replied, yes... I'm pretty sure she was hitting on me.

jpp75

Michaell said:

Since we're on the subject of travel, my new job will require occasional trips to the Bay Area .... and, the lease on my Elantra GT is up in October / November.

What does one have to do with the other? The wife and I were talking and, since I've also "retired" from the pizza delivery job, I don't really need a car full-time. Wife and daughter work at the same employer, and 95% of the time commute together, so there is an extra car at the house when I do need to run errands.

However, we've discussed the possibility of using Uber when I need rides to/from the airport. Anyone have any experience with them? I've signed up for an account, but would like some honest feedback just so I know what I'm getting into.

I use uber all the time, I'll never take a cab again if I don't have to. The only wrinkle for you is pickups at DIA have to be the UberXL.

Overall Uber will be cheaper than a cab, the cars are MUCH cleaner/nicer and having the payment taken care of with no tip is the icing on the cake.

I've seen a couple of the stories about the assaults, at the end of the day though the app tracks everything so if you have a problem it's well documented who and when and where. Try that with a cab company.

Try it a couple of times and see if you like it, no harm in that.

sda

A very sad reminder. I lost a very dear friend today. He was a great guy and a good mechanic. He was careful when he worked on cars or when he did other projects. Seems he got in a hurry, didn't secure his car correctly and it fell on him. I am devastated. We are an enthusiastic group of car nuts and I know a lot of us work on our cars as well. Please remember to not skip any steps and err on the side of safety.

andres3

sda said:

A very sad reminder. I lost a very dear friend today. He was a great guy and a good mechanic. He was careful when he worked on cars or when he did other projects. Seems he got in a hurry, didn't secure his car correctly and it fell on him. I am devastated. We are an enthusiastic group of car nuts and I know a lot of us work on our cars as well. Please remember to not skip any steps and err on the side of safety.

A good lesson to us all that safety should come first. A few minutes saved here and there just isn't worth a major injury or worse.

I've personally been lucky that all of my injuries have been moderate or mild due to carelessness in the past.

graphicguy

sda said:

A very sad reminder. I lost a very dear friend today. He was a great guy and a good mechanic. He was careful when he worked on cars or when he did other projects. Seems he got in a hurry, didn't secure his car correctly and it fell on him. I am devastated. We are an enthusiastic group of car nuts and I know a lot of us work on our cars as well. Please remember to not skip any steps and err on the side of safety.

So sorry and sad to hear.

I don't do any more knuckle busting these days. Used to...quite a bit, actually. And, can remember plenty of times I took "short cuts", that I was lucky didn't result in a serious injury or worse.

Good advice....careful should rule the day when in, on, under a 1 ton-2 ton, maybe more, vehicle.

jmonroe

sda said:

A very sad reminder. I lost a very dear friend today. He was a great guy and a good mechanic. He was careful when he worked on cars or when he did other projects. Seems he got in a hurry, didn't secure his car correctly and it fell on him. I am devastated. We are an enthusiastic group of car nuts and I know a lot of us work on our cars as well. Please remember to not skip any steps and err on the side of safety.

My condolences on the loss of your friend. That has to be tough to take.

Thanks for sharing this with us because I know several of us do work on our cars from time to time. I try to remind myself to be careful every time I work on a car that is jacked up for any reason even checking brakes or changing a tire. Unfortunately, this is a sad reminder.

jmonroe