Tonight we were on our way to meet friends for dinner. We were almost there and we came to an intersection, and the light changed to amber. I had a fair bit of time and easily stopped, but a large waste type truck plowed into the back of us. It sent us flying across the road and up onto the sidewalk on the opposite side of the road. Thankfully, we seem to be OK physically, but we are shaken up and very tired. We have dealt with police and the towing company, filed reports, and I was on hold with the the insurance company claim department for about 30 minutes while being told "I am a priority". how long do you wait when you aren't a priority?
Any ideas how you can get fair value for your car.....tow truck driver said don't trust the insurance company.
*Driver, I hope both you and your wife are okay. I was away from the board for the past two weeks totally absorbed with the Rio Olympics and just now catching up with the posts that I missed.
Don't know if the insurance company has already settled. More than likely they will offer fair value if deemed a total loss. Not sure how the E-400 ranks in resale value but it should be near the top minimizing your potential loss. Nonetheless, stay safe and minimize night time driving.
Thanks for writing bwia. Actually, I did take the advice of many here who said to see my doctor. I went yesterday, and he said a fuzzy head was normal because I hadn't slept (I believe it is true I had such an adrenaline rush that youo can't possibly sleep), if I hadn't lost conscious, felt dizzy, felt sick, and if I had no pain that should mean I am OK....but, he is glad I came in.
The accident happened in broad daylight, perfect conditions, at 4:45 p.m. But, we avoid traveling at night time as much as possible as the even crazier drivers are out there at that time.
Insurance company hasn't actually settled yet, but, on the phone they did say we paid for full value coverage, meaning, if your car is in an accident within the first 2 years (car is 22 months old) we will get whatever we paid for the car.
We have chosen a new 2017 E400 and the MSRP was about $400 less than that, however now they give me only 3% off list instead of 4% off.....dealers getting squeezed more.........so now I will be paying out about $300 extra.
Thanks again, I feel pretty much back to normal which to me is a miracle.
*Driver, thank goodness there were no injuries and both you and your wife walked away unscathed. And with MB's obsession with safety that outcome is not surprising.
Can't tell from the picture but did any of the airbags deploy? Or that recognizing that there was no one sitting in the back seat the rear and curtain airbags remained mute.
bwia, No airbags went off, and I don't believe they are supposed to as all the impact was from the rear bumper and trunk area. I think the seatbelts really did their job, they tighten up like a straightjacket. You can hardly breathe, and my wife has a bruise where the strap crosses her chest. I think that keeps you from being thrown forward and then back...resulting in whiplash. For some reason the headrests fall apart......maybe it cushions the blow, like a crumple zone for your head.
I don't think airbags would help, and they may make it worse if you could steer, but I think the car shut down.
IMPORTANT QUESTION: I am wondering, are there black boxes in the truck and my car? Can they check to see what speed we were both going, and whether he applied his brakes? Would they use that information to decide on charges?
All our school buses have GPS systems that record speed and breaking. Depending on how new the truck was it might have the info you want.
Are you thinking of a lawsuit?
Not thinking of a lawsuit at this time, as long as there are no hassles. If I get the full cost of the car back, and if we don't have lasting injuries, and if my insurance rates don't increase then I am not out. If the moron cop gives input that I am partially at fault because I didn't know the idiot driving the truck was going to try to beat the light, I'd like some back up information. That's where his speed and whether he hit the gas would help, and they could see what my speed was and when I hit the brakes........it would print a pretty good picture.
One friend has a dash cam and I thought that was a bit much. That would have really helped in this case, but, I would probably show it to a lawyer before I showed it to the cops!
I think a dash cam would be 10 X more useful than any other cam in a car. I certainly would rather have a "built-in" one than an aftermarket one too. You may never need it, but when you do, you do.
Would also be useful for recording traffic stops. I'd love to have video tape contradicting an officer's testimony in court.
Like I said, there was a local fellow who liked to do that.
He wound up dead.
But, but.....we all do.
Touché. But we all don't end up that way in a Mexican hotel room, a fugitive from the law with a heroin overdose.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Explorer....I agree. 28K miles on a one year old car (or less) has been driven a lot.
OF....those ELRs are sell proof. I know my Caddy dealer still has at least one 2015 he can't get rid of. It's now a service loaner. I've driven it a couple of times. It really is a nice car. It's just not $80,000 nice, nor $60K, nor $50K,.....you get the picture.
I have to admit that since Caddy went to alphabet soup names I can't tell which is which. I didn't know the ELR was just a tarted up Chevy Volt. $80k? No way.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
If the moron cop gives input that I am partially at fault because I didn't know the idiot driving the truck was going to try to beat the light, I'd like some back up information. That's where his speed and whether he hit the gas would help, and they could see what my speed was and when I hit the brakes........it would print a pretty good picture.
Really? You were partially at fault because you didn't know that the truck driver was going to try to beat the light? That's like saying the Poland was responsible for WWII because they didn't get out of the way of those German tanks.
Many people actually believed that, especially in 1939-40, especially in the US. They were truly mad at Poland for being so pesky about their sovereignty. The recent one was Pat Buchanan, who said something to the effect of Poland being an instigator for the attack, because they didn't agree to a very reasonable (in his mind) demand for an exterritorial highway cutting off the north part of the country and not consenting for full germanization of Free City Danzig (which was still a separate entity from both countries and had relicts of government shared by both nationalities). Because, who cares, right?
Dipped my toe into the new vehicle possibility. Local dealer has a new 2016 Escape Titanium for 25% off list. Sent the salesguy I bought a few vehicles from an inquiry for more details. To be continued...
Could be a demo with around 5K miles on it. Dealers still consider it new because it's never been titled. That doesn't mean it's not a good deal but with demo miles and it being a '16, that's about what you should expect.
jmonroe
My wifes car was a demo with about 6K miles on it. They were pricing it like it only had 6 miles on it stating that it was "new" since it was never titled. I countered that I could go down the street to Jr Samples auto sales and get the exact same car with approximately the same number of miles as a used car for thousands less and the instant I drove it off the lot I wouldn't know the difference between the new one that's never been titled and the used one that has been titled.
To me it was used, titled or not, and should have been priced as such. In the end they came down to my price.
I never understood that mind set. A used car is a used car. 6k miles from people "demoing" the heck out of it is probably worse than 6k miles from grandma rolling to church on Sunday. Yet dealers act as if demo miles don't count.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I too plan to retire next year. My wife retired two years ago and for a while there, I thought she had regretted that decision; but no more. She no longer relies on me to travel or do fun things.
Thank God, we have a comfortable retirement nest egg but we have not yet made our last will and testament but last week we had "the talk" and that was an emotional moment. The entire family talked about my last wishes and how our real estate property should be divided. Frankly, I hadn't thought much about these details but after watching how quickly my wife's brother-in-law deteriorated after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, it's given me a new appreciation for end of life planning.
Now the hard part. I want to leave something substantial for my two grandchildren but also want to set up and endowment at my Alma mater. Any thoughts?
Speaking of wills my sister last week gave me a folder, in it was her will and as luck would have it I am her executor. This will be fun.
It is an honor that your sister trusts you to do this important task. For you it is a pain, a lot of work and a big responsibility. If you make a mistake, you are responsible! My wife just did this for departed friends....and it was a huge amount of work, dealing with lawyers, banks, realtors, etc.
I have seen them on CLA and C in the US, but I have seen them on E in Europe. Just a weird market thing, like how Canada had the W212 E300 which was never seen in the US. The US also had a basic premium package with many extra ala carte options, where in Canada there were more group option packages as was the case in the UK. With W213, this has changed again. Canada also gets models like a SWB S-class and gasoline B-class, not seen in the US.
I drive the diesel version of your now departed E400. It'll be interesting to see when the 6cyl W213 arrives
.
I can understand the option packages being grouped in Canada....with 10% of the population of the US you have to narrow down the choices customers have. Also, small cars sell better in Canada, so more choices with the B-Class.
In taste, we prefer European a little more than the US would, so maybe they put Euro wheels on our cars. It is all marketing, and I am sure they figure it out.
If I ordered normally, the car would arrive in January, but, the dealer bounced one of their dealer cars and inserted mine in it's place...now scheduled for late November or early December. They built 4 cyl engines first, now started 6's.
@ab348 and @roadburner Thanks guys. Have an optical cable on order (didn't have one long enough) and I'll report in. I'm thinking everything will be fine.
@graphicguy / @roadburner Quick electronics question... Getting conflicting advice on the net. Will a TV's optical (Toslink) output pass through digital audio it is receiving from HDMI? I believe it will, but was curious if either of you have tried. I'm in a tough connectivity situation with my bedroom TV.
Thanks!
It depends on the TV. Most newer ones will output a digital surround signal(at least 5.1). My 2008 Kuro Elite only outputs stereo from an HDMI source.
Yep.....if the TV has its own 5.1 (7.1) decoder it can output, it will output the audio format via either TOSLINK or HDMI (version 1.3a and above).
Not sure that's what you're asking though.
But, you're going from HDMI (assuming 1.3a) to TOSLINK? I'm not aware of any cables that can do that.
HDMI will pass both video and audio. TOSLINK will only pass digital audio. If you want audio only from TOSLINK, and video only from HDMI, it will take two cables....one for each format.
How old is your TV and what are you trying to connect it to?
Explorer....I agree. 28K miles on a one year old car (or less) has been driven a lot.
OF....those ELRs are sell proof. I know my Caddy dealer still has at least one 2015 he can't get rid of. It's now a service loaner. I've driven it a couple of times. It really is a nice car. It's just not $80,000 nice, nor $60K, nor $50K,.....you get the picture.
I have to admit that since Caddy went to alphabet soup names I can't tell which is which. I didn't know the ELR was just a tarted up Chevy Volt. $80k? No way.
That it is. Someone (or some group) within GM should be working 3rd shift, sweeping floors, for coming up with "old GM thinking" believing they could sell a loaded VOLT for $80K. Thinking Cavalier to Cimmeron debacle.
Talk about double speak, slight of hand, marketing spider web of marketing jargon, I finally went to shop for a new mattress last night.
First, even going from store-to-store, trying to compare models and pricing, of the "big guys" Seally, (who now owns Tempurpedic, who knew?), Sterns and Foster (which used to be made about 20 miles from me), Serta, etc....all have different models depending on which store you shop, although the different models look identical from store to store.
So much for taking advantage of any "price matching".
Came home to look at online mattress stores. They're just as bad. Bed in a Box, Casper, Tuft and Needle, and probably 6-10 others. OF course, they all have the "best" mattress.
I have come to the conclusion, as tempting as it is to buy on line and save a few bucks, you really do have to lay down on one to know if it's right for you.
I wasted 2 hours last night going to 3 different stores. I'm more confused now than I was when I started.
Talk about double speak, slight of hand, marketing spider web of marketing jargon, I finally went to shop for a new mattress last night. ... So much for taking advantage of any "price matching".
The Original Mattress Factory store is where we ended up for the last 3 mattresses. They show cut aways of other guys' products. Theirs were double sided so they can be turned. Variety of price levels. They're made in Fairfield. https://www.originalmattress.com/
Recently I noticed they have started selling foam mattresses. When we were buying, they didn't venture into that mess.
The other mattress companies change the names of mattresses and put a different cloth on the outside so there's no price competition store-to-store. That's like a car company giving each dealer a different model number for the same vehicle. To me that's corruption from the corporations.
I read somewhere (maybe CR) that they use the same first letter to denote the same basic mattress, at different stores. So Sally, Susie, Sandy models at 3 different retailers are the same mattress, but you can price match.
After much travail dealing with mattress buying I reached a conclusion that the entire industry is corrupt. What I will do in the future is determine which store convenient to me has the largest selection of mattresses available. When I am again in shopping mode I will wait until they advertise a periodic big sale (as they all do) then I will go there and there alone to try the various models they have and pick the one I like. You simply cannot compare store to store.
We got our last one at a small regional family department store chain (Boscovs). Decent selection, comparable prices, and much more pleasant experience.
In our area there is a CVS and Walgreens, often directly across from each other at almost every major street intersection. Similarly mattress stores are popping up everywhere and are using the same across the street presence. I don't understand the strategy, and for mattresses, surprised by the demand. We have purchased 3 mattresses from Original Mattress Factory and have been satisfied.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I have a feeling MB is doing it based on cost rather than preference, as you say, all marketing Having less ala carte options, or bundling more popular options in groups is probably cheaper, which helps with the weaker Loonie. Looking at the MB Canada site, it appears W213 option groupings are again different than in the US.
I'm not sure when E400 will be in the US, likely at the same time, but it's one I would hold out for - I am not convinced about a 4cyl gas engine in a car of that size or class/price point, at least not in this market. A lot of the E300 I have seen are also not particularly highly optioned. If i am choosing a car like this, I want some of the toys, especially the full LED gauges.
I like my W212 diesel a lot. It's a fairly small engine, but it has a lot of torque, and is adequate for normal driving. The mileage is exceptional, hitting 45 mpg on the highway isn't difficult, which is impressive in a 2 ton + AWD car.
I can understand the option packages being grouped in Canada....with 10% of the population of the US you have to narrow down the choices customers have. Also, small cars sell better in Canada, so more choices with the B-Class.
In taste, we prefer European a little more than the US would, so maybe they put Euro wheels on our cars. It is all marketing, and I am sure they figure it out.
If I ordered normally, the car would arrive in January, but, the dealer bounced one of their dealer cars and inserted mine in it's place...now scheduled for late November or early December. They built 4 cyl engines first, now started 6's.
Talk about double speak, slight of hand, marketing spider web of marketing jargon, I finally went to shop for a new mattress last night. ... So much for taking advantage of any "price matching".
The Original Mattress Factory store is where we ended up for the last 3 mattresses. They show cut aways of other guys' products. Theirs were double sided so they can be turned. Variety of price levels. They're made in Fairfield. https://www.originalmattress.com/
Recently I noticed they have started selling foam mattresses. When we were buying, they didn't venture into that mess.
The other mattress companies change the names of mattresses and put a different cloth on the outside so there's no price competition store-to-store. That's like a car company giving each dealer a different model number for the same vehicle. To me that's corruption from the corporations.
We got our last one at a small regional family department store chain (Boscovs). Decent selection, comparable prices, and much more pleasant experience.
We just bought a new mattress and that was our method too. There's no way to price compare, so we went to a small furniture store near us during a sale, tried their selection, and picked the one we liked best. We love the one we got. It was expensive but you get what you pay for. It's as if every car dealer named their models slightly differently so there's really no way to tell which models you're comparing. The best you can do is pick a price point -- good, better, best -- and pick what suits you.
Ugh .. mattress shopping. We're in need of a new mattress and dread the process.
Michaell - we were able to touch and feel a Casper at the local West Elm store. Going to order one after Labor day, and after 30 days if we don't love it will get a refund and try something else.
Local Mattress stores feel like the worst used car lot I can imagine, so this seems easier (and cheaper too). Will keep you posted on results...
@graphicguy / @roadburner Quick electronics question... Getting conflicting advice on the net. Will a TV's optical (Toslink) output pass through digital audio it is receiving from HDMI? I believe it will, but was curious if either of you have tried. I'm in a tough connectivity situation with my bedroom TV.
Thanks!
It depends on the TV. Most newer ones will output a digital surround signal(at least 5.1). My 2008 Kuro Elite only outputs stereo from an HDMI source.
Yep.....if the TV has its own 5.1 (7.1) decoder it can output, it will output the audio format via either TOSLINK or HDMI (version 1.3a and above).
Not sure that's what you're asking though.
But, you're going from HDMI (assuming 1.3a) to TOSLINK? I'm not aware of any cables that can do that.
HDMI will pass both video and audio. TOSLINK will only pass digital audio. If you want audio only from TOSLINK, and video only from HDMI, it will take two cables....one for each format.
How old is your TV and what are you trying to connect it to?
Just trying to pass a stereo signal through. The new Comcast boxes only have an HDMI out and I was used to using the redundant output they used to have to feed a receiver. The TV is about 4 years old or so.
I'd ask that dealer to at least make it EVEN-STEVEN; no cash beyond the insurance settlement. Especially considering they won the sale due to someone else driving negligently.
Why is it the dealerships responsibility to make it "even-steven"? They didn't do anything wrong, they should do the deal like any other deal.
It's called goodwill and smart companies employ it to their loyal customers. They have a right to say no, just like I have a right to ask for a lower price. Ultimately the customer has to say yes for the dealership to be in the business of selling cars rather than storing them.
I like the idea of insurance working to make the damaged victims whole. I like the idea of being made whole by insurance, unfortunately, I think there are too many holes the way insurance laws are written to be made whole in real life.
It doesn't pay for lost time. It doesn't pay for inconvenience. It doesn't pay for inflation. It doesn't pay for an equivalent rental car if you own something real nice (how many rental Audi's have you seen at your local Hertz?). They don't want to pay for diminished value. They don't want to pay legitimate claims if they can get away with it. Lastly, the art of craftsmanship and workmanship is gone from the auto repair/body shop industry. I'd rather a robot repaint my car.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
The E400 crash from driver100 is interesting too - talk about a crumple zone. A testament to MB and to the W212, that looks like a good 40 mph crash, even if hit by a truck. The car is also interesting to me - those wheels aren't offered in the US market, and later Canadian market E offerings have been substantially different from US offerings, closer to UK style option packages.
Good estimate.....the truck was going between 40 and 50 mph. When I bought the 2015 E400 my salesman said Mercedes offers more different models in Canada....than in the US. They could have chosen European wheels for the Canadian market for some reason........
And if the speed limit was 39 or less they will incorrectly and unfairly attribute the accident as caused by speeding, when in fact we know that had nothing to do with it (unless they were going 80-100 and couldn't stop in time due to that). Sounds like that wasn't the case, it was just a matter of not hitting the brakes when they were supposed to. They have to pad the "speed kills" myth with cases like yours to the statistics.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
@graphicguy / @roadburner Quick electronics question... Getting conflicting advice on the net. Will a TV's optical (Toslink) output pass through digital audio it is receiving from HDMI? I believe it will, but was curious if either of you have tried. I'm in a tough connectivity situation with my bedroom TV.
Thanks!
It depends on the TV. Most newer ones will output a digital surround signal(at least 5.1). My 2008 Kuro Elite only outputs stereo from an HDMI source.
Yep.....if the TV has its own 5.1 (7.1) decoder it can output, it will output the audio format via either TOSLINK or HDMI (version 1.3a and above).
Not sure that's what you're asking though.
But, you're going from HDMI (assuming 1.3a) to TOSLINK? I'm not aware of any cables that can do that.
HDMI will pass both video and audio. TOSLINK will only pass digital audio. If you want audio only from TOSLINK, and video only from HDMI, it will take two cables....one for each format.
How old is your TV and what are you trying to connect it to?
Just trying to pass a stereo signal through. The new Comcast boxes only have an HDMI out and I was used to using the redundant output they used to have to feed a receiver. The TV is about 4 years old or so.
If you have HDMI on both ends (Comcast box and the TV) you should be good to go with just one HDMI cable. It will carry both video and audio. Whatever audio signal is broadcasted by Comcast, is the one that will be played through your TV speakers....that is, unless you're using a seperate AMP and pre-processor, or an AVR, or some sort of a sound bar.
After much travail dealing with mattress buying I reached a conclusion that the entire industry is corrupt. What I will do in the future is determine which store convenient to me has the largest selection of mattresses available. When I am again in shopping mode I will wait until they advertise a periodic big sale (as they all do) then I will go there and there alone to try the various models they have and pick the one I like. You simply cannot compare store to store.
A few years ago, when one of my sons worked in a large furniture store that also sold mattresses, ALL the salespeople wanted to work in the mattress dept. The salespeople made huge commissions on mattresses.
I don't know if it is so much a scam as it is a big profit industry.
I live in a town of maybe 30,000 people and there are countless places where you can get a mattress in this town. I've often commented to Mrs. j that there can't be too many people in this town that are tired. On one small stretch alone (less than 1/4 mile) of the main shopping area leading to the mall, there are at least 7 seven mattress stores. Two of them are Mattress Firm and they are only about 150 yards from each other on the same side of the road.
Mattress Firm bought a building that housed several restaurants over the years and the one up the road was another mattress company that was bought out by them before they bought the old restaurant place. I'm guessing that when the lease expires on the smaller place that was bought out they will only have one store along that stretch. I've looked at a mattress there but before I buy I'm going to look at The Original Mattress Factory store that is also along this stretch of road. For some reason I will probably buy at The Original Mattress Factory because I have heard good things about that place other than what @imidazol97 said. However, if that doesn't work out I'll probably buy at the Mattress Firm store that used to be a restaurant because I might get lucky and find an old rib bone in it that hasn't been chewed over too much.
EDIT: Damn, I see that @houdini1 beat me to the send button by one minute. Now he is going to look like the mattress guru in here. :@
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I think it's a scam because you can't compare models across product lines.
Kind of like how the same stereo will have different SKUs and model numbers at Target, Best Buy or Walmart. I just got new Continental tires - I'm pretty sure the same tire is sold at Discount Tire, but under a different name.
I think it's a scam because you can't compare models across product lines.
Kind of like how the same stereo will have different SKUs and model numbers at Target, Best Buy or Walmart. I just got new Continental tires - I'm pretty sure the same tire is sold at Discount Tire, but under a different name.
Cars are much better in that respect.
OK, I agree with you about that point but I still get partial credit, right?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
There is a local company not too far from me called NORWALK MATTRESS COMPANY. They manufacture and stuff their own mattresses. I do need a new mattress. Our current one is approximately 11 years old. I want to buy from them. We currently have a Queen Sized bed. Wife wants to upgrade to a King Size which would require a furniture reconfiguration (read: new furniture).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
For some reason I will probably buy at The Original Mattress Factory because I have heard good things about that place other than what @imidazol97 said. jmonroe
That sounds llike @jmonroe would buy there despite my recommendation? LOL Now have I ever led anyone wrong?
I liked seeing what little construction and materials were involved in the mattresses I'd seen while shopping a few of the other stores. The Original Mattress Factory (OMF) cuts off a corner of the competitor's mattress. So the $8000 mattress and box springs at the 3-store local chain marked down to $4500 on their Super Duper Washington's Birthday Sale had less content than the $900 OMF, just as an example form 10 years ago. The OMF store was sort of like Consumer Reports on steroids. A year exchange if you don't like the mattress IIRC but under some strict requirements.
I guess I buy cars using the same method of evaluating the steak rather than buying the sizzle. No pressure. Joe Webb--"just the facts" from the salesman and owner of that location on other visits. Plus it's next to a Chipotle. (Humor.) You can hear the customers through the store wall.
I have a feeling MB is doing it based on cost rather than preference, as you say, all marketing Having less ala carte options, or bundling more popular options in groups is probably cheaper, which helps with the weaker Loonie. Looking at the MB Canada site, it appears W213 option groupings are again different than in the US.
I'm not sure when E400 will be in the US, likely at the same time, but it's one I would hold out for - I am not convinced about a 4cyl gas engine in a car of that size or class/price point, at least not in this market. A lot of the E300 I have seen are also not particularly highly optioned. If i am choosing a car like this, I want some of the toys, especially the full LED gauges.
I like my W212 diesel a lot. It's a fairly small engine, but it has a lot of torque, and is adequate for normal driving. The mileage is exceptional, hitting 45 mpg on the highway isn't difficult, which is impressive in a 2 ton + AWD car.
Reviews are good for the 4 cyl engine, but, I can't go from a 6 to a 4, 330 hp to 240!
The car is $4000 more than my 2015, but the CDN $ is off about 25%, so it is amazing they can hold the line that much.
I didn't want the self driving feature, I am not ready to trust my life to a computer yet.
Thought about @driver100 and his wife's accident on my drive to a car show on I75 Sunday. I saw a car crosswise in front of a semi. The semi's bumper was against the driver's door and the side was bashed in. Looked like an Acura or Accord from across the wide median. Imagine the driver's panic as the truck pushed the car sideways down the road! On the way back it looked like the truck was in middle lane of 3 and slammed on brakes briefly and then I could see car tires leaving streaks as the car turned sideways in front of the truck. I assume the truck hit the rear of the car and the car skewed in front of the truck. The sideways marks of the car tires went about 300 ft or more from the middle lane to the berm. WOW.
Strange things were a complete semi tire and wheel lying in the center lane of 4 on the I75/I71 Bent Spent Bridge in downtown Cincy. Then on the return north 3 miles south of the earlier truck accident, a Ford Taurus on the right berm facing against traffic with a police car facing his grill. Apparently the older chap got onto the interstate going the wrong way at the exit 1/2 mile north from there.
I'm with you, my Alma mater got their money when my tuition was paid. I'd like to be in the position that I had enough to even think about donating to them, but me being me, I'd probably give it to fund some research for a cure for something, anything really.
jmonroe
Yeah, when I first graduated and was making short money at my first couple of jobs I would get the calls and funding appeals in the mail from the 2 universities I had degrees from, and for a while I actually sent them money. But lately, after seeing how much they pay all their hordes of administrators and how much they waste on monumental buildings on ever-expanding campus property, I figure they don't need a dime from me. They seem to have money to burn.
*ab, hyperbole of course. Tuition covers only about a third of a college education. So where does the rest of the money come from, I hope from folks like us. It is true that some colleges have very large endowments, but these monies cannot be spent down. The principal must remain intact and only the income on the principal can be spent. In this low interest rate environment and paltry investment returns colleges must seek alternative sources of revenue.
For my alma mater, it will take a minimum of $100,000 to set up a scholarship endowment. And for that you might have lunch with the provost, but enough to have your name etched on a conference room or have dinner with the president. I am not looking for legacy, but rather to do my part as a proud alumnus and responsible citizen.
@nyccarguy, Yes I am very familiar with the 2.0 engine in the Escape. My wife had a Titanium for about 3 1/2 years. We passed it on to one of the kids. I had an SEL for about 10 months and I'm kind of sorry I traded it in. The 2.0 is a very good engine, it has power all the time. You can also get very decent mileage. Mu wife's Titanium had every option and got about 22 mpg. Mine didn't have a pano moonroof, 19 inch wheels, cross bars, power tailgate, etc... I averaged about 25.5 mpg in the time I had it.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Talk about double speak, slight of hand, marketing spider web of marketing jargon, I finally went to shop for a new mattress last night.
First, even going from store-to-store, trying to compare models and pricing, of the "big guys" Seally, (who now owns Tempurpedic, who knew?), Sterns and Foster (which used to be made about 20 miles from me), Serta, etc....all have different models depending on which store you shop, although the different models look identical from store to store.
So much for taking advantage of any "price matching".
Came home to look at online mattress stores. They're just as bad. Bed in a Box, Casper, Tuft and Needle, and probably 6-10 others. OF course, they all have the "best" mattress.
I have come to the conclusion, as tempting as it is to buy on line and save a few bucks, you really do have to lay down on one to know if it's right for you.
I wasted 2 hours last night going to 3 different stores. I'm more confused now than I was when I started.
Speaking of mattress, my wife just bought a "My Pillow" (as seen on TV) at Walmart for $49.99. The pillow looks and feels normal enough and I look forward to the REM sleep that they promise.
Had to go to FedEx to ship some work stuff. Made a detour to the Matress Factory and a local furniture place on the way home (Furniture Fair).
Mattress Factory is pretty wide open about their business model. They make the mattresses on the premises. Still, they seem to have a commissioned sales force, which they all do, I suppose. The mattress I liked was $2,300 (foam/latex), which was about the same price I paid for my Tempurpedic several years ago.
Furniture Fair is a local place, but more traditional, and they sell furniture, too (obviously from the name). They carry all the brands you hear advertised....Seally, Tempurpedic, Serta, Sterns, and some "house brand".
Won't keep you in suspense. I liked something called an iComfort, which is Serta's take on foam/latex. With promotions (which it seems never go away based on the commercials I've seen), I ended up with a Prodigy III. It was $2K and change. But, something I thought I'd never do, the bed I "demo'd" had a motion platform, which raises/lowers your feet and/or head and offers massage.
They knocked $200 off the mattress because I wasn't going to use their xx months same as cash promo. Plus, since the motion platform was a demo they knocked $800 off of it (regularly $1,900). With tax, I'm in for ~$3,000.
Sales person was good...knowledgeable....laid back....didn't push me...at all.
Not what I was going to spend, but I liked the deal.
They had some $7K beds that I just could not see or feel the difference to the one I bought. Asked about water beds jokingly, and sales guy said they're looking to bring some in, as the advances made are quite different than the one I had in 1984. I miss that bed.
Won't keep you in suspense. I liked something called an iComfort, which is Serta's take on foam/latex. With promotions (which it seems never go away based on the commercials I've seen), I ended up with a Prodigy III. It was $2K and change. But, something I thought I'd never do, the bed I "demo'd" had a motion platform, which raises/lowers your feet and/or head and offers massage.
They knocked $200 off the mattress because I wasn't going to use their xx months same as cash promo. Plus, since the motion platform was a demo they knocked $800 off of it (regularly $1,900). With tax, I'm in for ~$3,000.
Sales person was good...knowledgeable....laid back....didn't push me...at all.
Not what I was going to spend, but I liked the deal.
Last year when I ended up with the Tempurpedic I ended up having to return, the one that was the toss-up choice at the time was a Serta iComfort. I really liked it in the store and in retrospect if I had chosen that I likely still would have it along with a few hundred dollars extra in the bank. Ah well. I think you made a good choice.
Even if it makes power with the turbo, there will be NVH differences. And that a 4 now costs what a smooth V6 cost is an issue too - this is no doubt inflated profit margins or paying for the new platform, as it isn't a brand new engine or anything.
I'd probably want the drivers assist/distronic toys, just to play with. They are pretty uncommon on all but the highest trim E here.
Driver - it is going to be tough for you to go from an E400 with the bi-turbo V6 to a 4cyl. Going to a slower car is no fun. My BMW 328xi had 230 hp, my Legacy has 175.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@nyccarguy, Yes I am very familiar with the 2.0 engine in the Escape. My wife had a Titanium for about 3 1/2 years. We passed it on to one of the kids. I had an SEL for about 10 months and I'm kind of sorry I traded it in. The 2.0 is a very good engine, it has power all the time. You can also get very decent mileage. Mu wife's Titanium had every option and got about 22 mpg. Mine didn't have a pano moonroof, 19 inch wheels, cross bars, power tailgate, etc... I averaged about 25.5 mpg in the time I had it.
Right. I remembered you had the Titanium. Wasn't sure if it was the 2.0 or not. It's hard to go with a less powerful car once you are used to a certain amount of get up & go.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Bradd, just got the latest CR issue today, and they had a bunch of car writeups. Including rankings of midsize sedans. Legacy was top scorer. but easily the slowest (I think they got 10.2 0-60). Accord clocked in at 7.7. Though the Sube was the only AWD model in the list.
I sent an email requesting a quote to another dealer today, actually to a particular salesman. Will have to see where it goes. Also, found another 2016 Escape I could be interested in, so going to look at it early tomorrow morning.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Comments
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have to admit that since Caddy went to alphabet soup names I can't tell which is which. I didn't know the ELR was just a tarted up Chevy Volt. $80k? No way.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks guys. Have an optical cable on order (didn't have one long enough) and I'll report in. I'm thinking everything will be fine.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Not sure that's what you're asking though.
But, you're going from HDMI (assuming 1.3a) to TOSLINK? I'm not aware of any cables that can do that.
HDMI will pass both video and audio. TOSLINK will only pass digital audio. If you want audio only from TOSLINK, and video only from HDMI, it will take two cables....one for each format.
How old is your TV and what are you trying to connect it to?
First, even going from store-to-store, trying to compare models and pricing, of the "big guys" Seally, (who now owns Tempurpedic, who knew?), Sterns and Foster (which used to be made about 20 miles from me), Serta, etc....all have different models depending on which store you shop, although the different models look identical from store to store.
So much for taking advantage of any "price matching".
Came home to look at online mattress stores. They're just as bad. Bed in a Box, Casper, Tuft and Needle, and probably 6-10 others. OF course, they all have the "best" mattress.
I have come to the conclusion, as tempting as it is to buy on line and save a few bucks, you really do have to lay down on one to know if it's right for you.
I wasted 2 hours last night going to 3 different stores. I'm more confused now than I was when I started.
Recently I noticed they have started selling foam mattresses. When we were buying, they didn't venture into that mess.
The other mattress companies change the names of mattresses and put a different cloth on the outside so there's no price competition store-to-store. That's like a car company giving each dealer a different model number for the same vehicle. To me that's corruption from the corporations.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I'm not sure when E400 will be in the US, likely at the same time, but it's one I would hold out for - I am not convinced about a 4cyl gas engine in a car of that size or class/price point, at least not in this market. A lot of the E300 I have seen are also not particularly highly optioned. If i am choosing a car like this, I want some of the toys, especially the full LED gauges.
I like my W212 diesel a lot. It's a fairly small engine, but it has a lot of torque, and is adequate for normal driving. The mileage is exceptional, hitting 45 mpg on the highway isn't difficult, which is impressive in a 2 ton + AWD car.
I know where that place is.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
It's as if every car dealer named their models slightly differently so there's really no way to tell which models you're comparing. The best you can do is pick a price point -- good, better, best -- and pick what suits you.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Local Mattress stores feel like the worst used car lot I can imagine, so this seems easier (and cheaper too). Will keep you posted on results...
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
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Car dealers got nothing on mattress makers.
The Mattress Industry is One Big Scam
I like the idea of insurance working to make the damaged victims whole. I like the idea of being made whole by insurance, unfortunately, I think there are too many holes the way insurance laws are written to be made whole in real life.
It doesn't pay for lost time. It doesn't pay for inconvenience. It doesn't pay for inflation. It doesn't pay for an equivalent rental car if you own something real nice (how many rental Audi's have you seen at your local Hertz?). They don't want to pay for diminished value. They don't want to pay legitimate claims if they can get away with it. Lastly, the art of craftsmanship and workmanship is gone from the auto repair/body shop industry. I'd rather a robot repaint my car.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I live in a town of maybe 30,000 people and there are countless places where you can get a mattress in this town. I've often commented to Mrs. j that there can't be too many people in this town that are tired. On one small stretch alone (less than 1/4 mile) of the main shopping area leading to the mall, there are at least 7 seven mattress stores. Two of them are Mattress Firm and they are only about 150 yards from each other on the same side of the road.
Mattress Firm bought a building that housed several restaurants over the years and the one up the road was another mattress company that was bought out by them before they bought the old restaurant place. I'm guessing that when the lease expires on the smaller place that was bought out they will only have one store along that stretch. I've looked at a mattress there but before I buy I'm going to look at The Original Mattress Factory store that is also along this stretch of road. For some reason I will probably buy at The Original Mattress Factory because I have heard good things about that place other than what @imidazol97 said. However, if that doesn't work out I'll probably buy at the Mattress Firm store that used to be a restaurant because I might get lucky and find an old rib bone in it that hasn't been chewed over too much.
EDIT: Damn, I see that @houdini1 beat me to the send button by one minute. Now he is going to look like the mattress guru in here. :@
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Kind of like how the same stereo will have different SKUs and model numbers at Target, Best Buy or Walmart. I just got new Continental tires - I'm pretty sure the same tire is sold at Discount Tire, but under a different name.
Cars are much better in that respect.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I liked seeing what little construction and materials were involved in the mattresses I'd seen while shopping a few of the other stores. The Original Mattress Factory (OMF) cuts off a corner of the competitor's mattress. So the $8000 mattress and box springs at the 3-store local chain marked down to $4500 on their Super Duper Washington's Birthday Sale had less content than the $900 OMF, just as an example form 10 years ago. The OMF store was sort of like Consumer Reports on steroids. A year exchange if you don't like the mattress IIRC but under some strict requirements.
I guess I buy cars using the same method of evaluating the steak rather than buying the sizzle. No pressure. Joe Webb--"just the facts" from the salesman and owner of that location on other visits. Plus it's next to a Chipotle. (Humor.) You can hear the customers through the store wall.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Reviews are good for the 4 cyl engine, but, I can't go from a 6 to a 4, 330 hp to 240!
The car is $4000 more than my 2015, but the CDN $ is off about 25%, so it is amazing they can hold the line that much.
I didn't want the self driving feature, I am not ready to trust my life to a computer yet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Strange things were a complete semi tire and wheel lying in the center lane of 4 on the I75/I71 Bent Spent Bridge in downtown Cincy. Then on the return north 3 miles south of the earlier truck accident, a Ford Taurus on the right berm facing against traffic with a police car facing his grill. Apparently the older chap got onto the interstate going the wrong way at the exit 1/2 mile north from there.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
For my alma mater, it will take a minimum of $100,000 to set up a scholarship endowment. And for that you might have lunch with the provost, but enough to have your name etched on a conference room or have dinner with the president. I am not looking for legacy, but rather to do my part as a proud alumnus and responsible citizen.
Yes I am very familiar with the 2.0 engine in the Escape. My wife had a Titanium for about 3 1/2 years. We passed it on to one of the kids.
I had an SEL for about 10 months and I'm kind of sorry I traded it in.
The 2.0 is a very good engine, it has power all the time.
You can also get very decent mileage.
Mu wife's Titanium had every option and got about 22 mpg. Mine didn't have a pano moonroof, 19 inch wheels, cross bars, power tailgate, etc...
I averaged about 25.5 mpg in the time I had it.
Ordered a new bed and mattress for our son on line from amazon. Easy process and price was good. Came by fedex, but on different days.
Mattress Factory is pretty wide open about their business model. They make the mattresses on the premises. Still, they seem to have a commissioned sales force, which they all do, I suppose. The mattress I liked was $2,300 (foam/latex), which was about the same price I paid for my Tempurpedic several years ago.
Furniture Fair is a local place, but more traditional, and they sell furniture, too (obviously from the name). They carry all the brands you hear advertised....Seally, Tempurpedic, Serta, Sterns, and some "house brand".
Won't keep you in suspense. I liked something called an iComfort, which is Serta's take on foam/latex. With promotions (which it seems never go away based on the commercials I've seen), I ended up with a Prodigy III. It was $2K and change. But, something I thought I'd never do, the bed I "demo'd" had a motion platform, which raises/lowers your feet and/or head and offers massage.
They knocked $200 off the mattress because I wasn't going to use their xx months same as cash promo. Plus, since the motion platform was a demo they knocked $800 off of it (regularly $1,900). With tax, I'm in for ~$3,000.
Sales person was good...knowledgeable....laid back....didn't push me...at all.
Not what I was going to spend, but I liked the deal.
They had some $7K beds that I just could not see or feel the difference to the one I bought. Asked about water beds jokingly, and sales guy said they're looking to bring some in, as the advances made are quite different than the one I had in 1984. I miss that bed.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I'd probably want the drivers assist/distronic toys, just to play with. They are pretty uncommon on all but the highest trim E here. Reviews are good for the 4 cyl engine, but, I can't go from a 6 to a 4, 330 hp to 240!
The car is $4000 more than my 2015, but the CDN $ is off about 25%, so it is amazing they can hold the line that much.
I didn't want the self driving feature, I am not ready to trust my life to a computer yet.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Will have to see where it goes.
Also, found another 2016 Escape I could be interested in, so going to look at it early tomorrow morning.