Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

I went to get my rental car today, they wanted to give me a Cruze (they love renting those) but I got a Chrysler 300. Not bad considering, fairly solid, fairly comfortable, OK steering and handling, good sitelines, it even has Sirius.

I was amused at the gear shift selector, it is one of those round dials. What is kind of funny is it used to be a gear shift. Now that they have the wheel, they kept the slot for where the gear shifter was, and you can use it to store something, like paper or toast.



You would think they could have redesigned the console....that slot doesn't do much.

driver100

I went to the Mercedes dealership to see if they had any 2017 E300s. They had one. He showed me the automatic parking assist, and it works different now. If you are looking for a place you press the parking assist button, when the car finds a space it lets you know. Now, it does not only parallel parking but will go into perpendicular spaces, you can choose whether to go in frontwards or backwards.

I really like the all digital one piece glass instrument panel!

driver100

I would never trust the Toronto (Red) Star for truthful information. I think the studies were so convoluted that they missed the point. Obviously, the trucking companies don't want to spend $2000 to outfit the trucks properly. Hidden in that story was this gem;

"The Canadian report did admit that deaths and serious injuries from collisions with heavy vehicles have gone down in Europe since side guards were introduced. But it concluded that “it is not clear if this reduction is entirely related to side guards or if side guards are but one of the contributing factors.”

That seems to be stretching it a bit....just argue for what you want the outcome to be.

Mr_Shiftright

This is the classic case you often find in medical research when people start "shotgunning" the problem. So you have a tumor, and you get chemo, surgery, vitamins, acupuncture, exercise, new diet and meditation, and then you get to pick the one that "cured" you.

So was it crosswalks, sideguards, bike lanes, rider training, driver training, better mirrors, sideview cameras, or previous elimination of the totally reckless that caused the decrease in fatalities?

ab348

driver100 said:

You would think they could have redesigned the console....that slot doesn't do much.

Looks like the place you would put a smartphone. But I dunno if ones with rotary dials like yours would fit there, Driver.

houdini1

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

You would think they could have redesigned the console....that slot doesn't do much.

Looks like the place you would put a smartphone. But I dunno if ones with rotary dials like yours would fit there, Driver.

Maybe that slot was left over from the 8-track days.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

This is the classic case you often find in medical research when people start "shotgunning" the problem. So you have a tumor, and you get chemo, surgery, vitamins, acupuncture, exercise, new diet and meditation, and then you get to pick the one that "cured" you.

So was it crosswalks, sideguards, bike lanes, rider training, driver training, better mirrors, sideview cameras, or previous elimination of the totally reckless that caused the decrease in fatalities?

"But it concluded that “it is not clear if this reduction is entirely related to side guards or if side guards are but one of the contributing factors.”

Yeh, and what exactly are the other factors that "may" have contributed to fewer deaths, fewer drivers under 5'6"?

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

You would think they could have redesigned the console....that slot doesn't do much.

Looks like the place you would put a smartphone. But I dunno if ones with rotary dials like yours would fit there, Driver.

I happen to have bought a new flat type phone (gave up the clam shell about a year ago)....pay as you go. I fill it up for $100 a year...I use it twice a month to let my wife know what time I will be home if running late. Guess my slim phone could fit in there, but, I doubt that is why they designed it that way.

driver100

houdini1 said:

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

You would think they could have redesigned the console....that slot doesn't do much.

Looks like the place you would put a smartphone. But I dunno if ones with rotary dials like yours would fit there, Driver.

Maybe that slot was left over from the 8-track days.

Sounds about right....the 300 feels like it came right out of the 80s. Maybe the slot could hold a taco or falafel sandwich.

fintail

I think the current 300 still uses a platform based on the prior LX, which was rooted in the MB W210, which entered production in 1995. Nice rental if one can get a loaded unit, but there are very basic ones out there too.

fintail

I think the greenie weenie class works similarly, but in terms of ignoring problems they don't want to become involved with. Like trying to force people out of private cars, but not doing any real work about commercial shipping pollution that pollutes even more (nor being willing to give up their own private cars). They have a solution, and tailor data for it.

Mr_Shiftright said:

This is the classic case you often find in medical research when people start "shotgunning" the problem. So you have a tumor, and you get chemo, surgery, vitamins, acupuncture, exercise, new diet and meditation, and then you get to pick the one that "cured" you.

So was it crosswalks, sideguards, bike lanes, rider training, driver training, better mirrors, sideview cameras, or previous elimination of the totally reckless that caused the decrease in fatalities?

fintail

If one can't park perpendicular, it might be time to seek additional training

The full digital gauges are very cool - a must-have if I was ordering a W213.

driver100 said:

I went to the Mercedes dealership to see if they had any 2017 E300s. They had one. He showed me the automatic parking assist, and it works different now. If you are looking for a place you press the parking assist button, when the car finds a space it lets you know. Now, it does not only parallel parking but will go into perpendicular spaces, you can choose whether to go in frontwards or backwards.

I really like the all digital one piece glass instrument panel!

berri

A few years back I drove the Pacific Coast Hwy (CA Hwy 1) in a rented Chrysler 300 Hemi. Worked well and was quite enjoyable.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

All the trucks I saw in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria had flat front ends. Probably makes them not as powerful, and I would think gives better vision.


They all had bars under the trailer so cars can't go under. Trucks always stay to the right, except to pass. Truck drivers really do seem much better there.
Their hours must be closely monitored too. Many service areas could have 50 to 70 trucks pulled over, mostly in the evening and at night. One morning our bus driver had to start 2 hours later because we got back 2 hours later than expected, so he needed the required hours off before driving again.

(a) 13 hours of driving time in the day; or

(b) 14 hours of on-duty time in the day.

Mandatory off-duty time
7 (1) Unless a driver has taken at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before driving again, a carrier must not request, require or allow the driver to drive and the driver must not drive again after the driver has accumulated: (a) 13 hours of driving time or (b) 14 hours of on-duty time.

There are a lot of rules and regulations for trucks and their drivers.

The U.S. is even tougher. I have a 10 hr. driving limit and a 15 hr. on duty before a mandatory 8 hr. rest period. 70 hr. maximum week. I'm pretty sure truckers have the same limits.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

All the trucks I saw in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria had flat front ends. Probably makes them not as powerful, and I would think gives better vision.


They all had bars under the trailer so cars can't go under. Trucks always stay to the right, except to pass. Truck drivers really do seem much better there.
Their hours must be closely monitored too. Many service areas could have 50 to 70 trucks pulled over, mostly in the evening and at night. One morning our bus driver had to start 2 hours later because we got back 2 hours later than expected, so he needed the required hours off before driving again.

(a) 13 hours of driving time in the day; or

(b) 14 hours of on-duty time in the day.

Mandatory off-duty time
7 (1) Unless a driver has taken at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before driving again, a carrier must not request, require or allow the driver to drive and the driver must not drive again after the driver has accumulated: (a) 13 hours of driving time or (b) 14 hours of on-duty time.

There are a lot of rules and regulations for trucks and their drivers.

The U.S. is even tougher. I have a 10 hr. driving limit and a 15 hr. on duty before a mandatory 8 hr. rest period. 70 hr. maximum week. I'm pretty sure truckers have the same limits.

That sounds pretty similar, but, from what I could observe truck drivers drove more carefully in Switzerland/Austria/Germany. I think there was a lot more pride in commercial driving. Every truck was in immaculate condition, all with fresh paint and no rust or dents. We were on a bus (unfortunately) for 4, 6 or 8 hours a day, and I didn't see any careless or aggressive truck driving....in fact everyone seems to be polite and obey the rules, and I am sure people get to their destination just about as fast. It was a different attitude.

In Germany it can take about a year to get a license:
Speaking of driving instructors: Signing up for driving lessons in Germany can become very expensive, as the law requires candidates to take a lot of mandatory 101 classes

You can get a temporary license in Germany if you have a license from one of these states:
Drivers with licenses from the following US states or territories do not need to take any test, either:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

I wonder why people from New York state can't drive there?

driver100

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

driver100

berri said:

A few years back I drove the Pacific Coast Hwy (CA Hwy 1) in a rented Chrysler 300 Hemi. Worked well and was quite enjoyable.

Yeh, I could live with the 300. It is comfortable, has power, creature comforts. Not bad, but a pretty old design compared to the Impala etc.

verdugo

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Thank you for the update driver. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything turns out well and he's back here soon.

driver100

Yes verdugo, he has had a rough time.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

All the trucks I saw in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria had flat front ends. Probably makes them not as powerful, and I would think gives better vision.


They all had bars under the trailer so cars can't go under. Trucks always stay to the right, except to pass. Truck drivers really do seem much better there.
Their hours must be closely monitored too. Many service areas could have 50 to 70 trucks pulled over, mostly in the evening and at night. One morning our bus driver had to start 2 hours later because we got back 2 hours later than expected, so he needed the required hours off before driving again.

(a) 13 hours of driving time in the day; or

(b) 14 hours of on-duty time in the day.

Mandatory off-duty time
7 (1) Unless a driver has taken at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before driving again, a carrier must not request, require or allow the driver to drive and the driver must not drive again after the driver has accumulated: (a) 13 hours of driving time or (b) 14 hours of on-duty time.

There are a lot of rules and regulations for trucks and their drivers.

The U.S. is even tougher. I have a 10 hr. driving limit and a 15 hr. on duty before a mandatory 8 hr. rest period. 70 hr. maximum week. I'm pretty sure truckers have the same limits.

That sounds pretty similar, but, from what I could observe truck drivers drove more carefully in Switzerland/Austria/Germany. I think there was a lot more pride in commercial driving. Every truck was in immaculate condition, all with fresh paint and no rust or dents. We were on a bus (unfortunately) for 4, 6 or 8 hours a day, and I didn't see any careless or aggressive truck driving....in fact everyone seems to be polite and obey the rules, and I am sure people get to their destination just about as fast. It was a different attitude.

In Germany it can take about a year to get a license:
Speaking of driving instructors: Signing up for driving lessons in Germany can become very expensive, as the law requires candidates to take a lot of mandatory 101 classes

You can get a temporary license in Germany if you have a license from one of these states:
Drivers with licenses from the following US states or territories do not need to take any test, either:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

I wonder why people from New York state can't drive there?

From what I hear about Massachusetts drivers I am surprised that they are on that list.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

All the trucks I saw in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria had flat front ends. Probably makes them not as powerful, and I would think gives better vision.


They all had bars under the trailer so cars can't go under. Trucks always stay to the right, except to pass. Truck drivers really do seem much better there.
Their hours must be closely monitored too. Many service areas could have 50 to 70 trucks pulled over, mostly in the evening and at night. One morning our bus driver had to start 2 hours later because we got back 2 hours later than expected, so he needed the required hours off before driving again.

(a) 13 hours of driving time in the day; or

(b) 14 hours of on-duty time in the day.

Mandatory off-duty time
7 (1) Unless a driver has taken at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before driving again, a carrier must not request, require or allow the driver to drive and the driver must not drive again after the driver has accumulated: (a) 13 hours of driving time or (b) 14 hours of on-duty time.

There are a lot of rules and regulations for trucks and their drivers.

The U.S. is even tougher. I have a 10 hr. driving limit and a 15 hr. on duty before a mandatory 8 hr. rest period. 70 hr. maximum week. I'm pretty sure truckers have the same limits.

That sounds pretty similar, but, from what I could observe truck drivers drove more carefully in Switzerland/Austria/Germany. I think there was a lot more pride in commercial driving. Every truck was in immaculate condition, all with fresh paint and no rust or dents. We were on a bus (unfortunately) for 4, 6 or 8 hours a day, and I didn't see any careless or aggressive truck driving....in fact everyone seems to be polite and obey the rules, and I am sure people get to their destination just about as fast. It was a different attitude.

In Germany it can take about a year to get a license:
Speaking of driving instructors: Signing up for driving lessons in Germany can become very expensive, as the law requires candidates to take a lot of mandatory 101 classes

You can get a temporary license in Germany if you have a license from one of these states:
Drivers with licenses from the following US states or territories do not need to take any test, either:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

I wonder why people from New York state can't drive there?

If you saw some of the drivers around here you'd understand.

roadburner

While I was waiting to have my final evaluation yesterday my NCM called and asked if I could come in today. I didn't really want to since I had been at training all week but it seemed that the GM had set up a customer loyalty event and wanted all hands on deck. It turned out to be a relatively entertaining day(especially since I was being paid overtime). I performed three evaluation(aka TEST) drives, delivered two cars and clocked in four Encores(BMW's term for a second delivery). The last drive(a CPO i3) should count as a sale- I took the up, performed a walkaround, conducted the evaluation drive, and turned them over to a Client Advisor who had a deal in a about 10 minutes. I finished the day up by delivering the i3. What a fun little car. I hope BMW FS has some good lease deals during the holidays. My wife and I want to lease one BAD...
And it was a good sales day too; despite questionable weather and the UL home game against FSU four new cats and two CPO cars went over the curb.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

While I was waiting to have my final evaluation yesterday my NCM called and asked if I could come in today. I didn't really want to since I had been at training all week but it seemed that the GM had set up a customer loyalty event and wanted all hands on deck. It turned out to be a relatively entertaining day(especially since I was being paid overtime). I performed three evaluation(aka TEST) drives, delivered two cars and clocked in four Encores(BMW's term for a second delivery). The last drive(a CPO i3) should count as a sale- I took the up, performed a walkaround, conducted the evaluation drive, and turned them over to a Client Advisor who had a deal in a about 10 minutes. I finished the day up by delivering the i3. What a fun little car. I hope BMW FS has some good lease deals during the holidays. My wife and I want to lease one BAD...
And it was a good sales day too; despite questionable weather and the UL home game against FSU four new cats and two CPO cars went over the curb.

If you go around buying up all the cars you deliver you'll need a lot more overtime.

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

You would think they could have redesigned the console....that slot doesn't do much.

Looks like the place you would put a smartphone. But I dunno if ones with rotary dials like yours would fit there, Driver.

graphicguy

RB....how willing is Swope to do skinny deals on BMWs, say a 2, 3 or 4 series?

jmonroe

driver100 said:

henryn Sorry to hear about your f-150, that is so weird. I have heard of guys that go out and steal parts custom orders - probably get them for a body shop.

It would be interesting to know what your Ford dealer thinks happened.

I think I told this story in SFTSFL years ago:

I was visiting my brother in the hospital and when we got back to where I parked the car, it was gone. This happened in about 1986 IIRC. The car I had back then was a 1980 Park Ave and it was in the traditional jmonroe shape for any of his cars, it was damn near perfect. The police called me in the wee hours of the morning about 5 hours after I reported it gone. The cop said it was up on concrete blocks in one of the finest hoods in the Burgh and all that appeared wrong with it was the wheels were gone and the steering column was busted. I told him to have it taken to the pound and I'd have it towed from there.

Fast forward to the Buick dealer body shop that did the repair work. They had the car for about a week and called to say come and get it. I go to get the car and I refused to take it because the rims were junk and so were the new tires that they had on the junk rims. The guy at the shop said since my car was more than 3 years old I couldn't expect to get new rims and I'd have to take the car. I refused again and went home and called my insurance company and told them the rims were nowhere near reflective of the condition of my car and I shouldn't have to accept them and I wanted a better grade of tires too. He told me he'd send an adjuster to the shop and the adjuster would get back to me. About 4 hours later the adjuster called and started to laugh and said, "I can see why you don't want those rims on your car because they are pretty bad". He told me he gave the shop 48 hours to find better rims or he was going to authorize new rims be put on the car along with the type of tires that I had, that only about 15K miles on them. Of course I was hoping that they wouldn't find rims to satisfy me but they did. I was very surprised.

Son #1 was washing the car the following weekend and comes running into the house and said, "those rims on your car are your original rims". I told him I knew they looked pretty good but they couldn't be my rims. He gets all excited and said, "OH YES THEY ARE. I see the same scratch on one of the rims just like one of your rims had and I see other small marks on the other rims that are the same too, so I KNOW THESE ARE YOUR OLD RIMS. I OTTA KNOW BECAUSE I HAVE WASHED THAT CAR MORE TIMES THAN YOU HAVE". Well, I don't know about that washing thing but I went down to the car and he points out all the minor flaws on the rims, and dammit, I think he was right.

Fast forward again to about 6 or 7 months after I got my car back. The junk yard where my rims came from was a very large yard in the Burgh that had been in business since around the time cars started using junk parts. However, they were put out of business because they were caught selling known stolen parts. I remember talking to the father of a friend of Son #2 who happened to be a cop in our town (not the Burgh where the yard was shut down) about what happened with my rims and he said it happens all the time. He then tells me that the cops in the Burgh are probably going to shut down another yard in the Burgh because they are being investigated for selling stolen parts too. He said it's a simple operation really...all the yard has to do is put word out on the street for what they want and just sit back and wait for someone to go get it. In my case the thieves already had the parts so they just sat and waited for a call. So I guess it can work both ways like create a need and wait for a buyer.

In any case the cop was right...it happens all the time.

FWIW, about a month after the cop told me about a yard in the Burgh about to be shut down, they did shut down another yard in the Burgh for selling stolen parts. So, putting 2 and 2 together, I guessed that it was the one he was talking about.

jmonroe

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

henryn Sorry to hear about your f-150, that is so weird. I have heard of guys that go out and steal parts custom orders - probably get them for a body shop.

It would be interesting to know what your Ford dealer thinks happened.

. I see the same scratch on one of the rims just like one of your rims had and I see other small marks on the other rims that are the same too
.all the yard has to do is put word out on the street for what they want and just sit back and wait for someone to go get it. In my case the thieves already had the parts so they just sat and waited for a call.

jmonroe

One morning I came out and found two of my tires were slashed. It made me think, probably a slow week for some tire dealer in the neighborhood......a good way to drum up a bit of business.

In your case JM, the thieves should have been a little smarter and not stolen them and then sell them back to the same guy they stole them from.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Thanks for the update.

Hey guys, it looks like our prayers are working so now is no time to stop.

jmonroe

houdini1

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Thanks for the update.

Hey guys, it looks like our prayers are working so now is no time to stop.

jmonroe

Yes driver, thank you for keeping us posted. Mike is about as tough as they come and hopefully he will be back soon.

oldfarmer50

Moral dilemma.

Woman I know has a 2004 Chevy Express cargo van 114,000 miles. Says she got a new one and asks if I'm interested in the old one. How much I ask? Says she has no idea what it's worth and throws out $1000.

I'm no car appraiser but I know a 2004 anything that moves is worth more than a thousand. Edmunds 'average' is $2350 and KBB 'fair' is $3900. Quite a range but much higher than the figure she threw out.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

Mr_Shiftright

If she's happy and you're happy, what's not to like here? If "average" is $2300 and it needs tires and brakes and a few odds and ends, then the price is fair. It's probably not pristine, right?

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

We have a small used book store in town. The owner was telling me he had these original leather bound books for sale for $400. Some teenager found them in his grandmothers attic and the book dealer gave him $35. The kid was happy to get some cash, the book dealer scored big time.

I imagine you will check the truck out pretty carefully...maybe the lady is a CL curbsider and she does this for a living If it looks good ask her if she is OK with $1000! If she has thought it over and is happy then I would say it is OK.

If I were doing it, and the truck really did look good, I would throw in another $200 or so just so I would feel extra good about it too - and everyone is a winner....but, that is just the kind of guy I am

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Hey guys, it looks like our prayers are working so now is no time to stop.

jmonroe

I think our prayers are helping. Once Mike goes in I won't be able to contact him for awhile, but I will try to get news out as soon as possible.

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Woman I know has a 2004 Chevy Express cargo van 114,000 miles. Says she got a new one and asks if I'm interested in the old one. How much I ask? Says she has no idea what it's worth and throws out $1000.

I'm no car appraiser but I know a 2004 anything that moves is worth more than a thousand. Edmunds 'average' is $2350 and KBB 'fair' is $3900. Quite a range but much higher than the figure she threw out.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

If she is offering it to you for $1,000. the dealer probably offered her $750. Offer $800. cash.

henryn

I'm pretty sure that I won't be getting my same parts back for my F150 (hood, head light assembly). The thieves knew exactly what they wanted, and took that and only that. The most common theft on newer pickups is the tail gate (more common that wheels/tires, surprisingly). And they did not take my tail gate. As professional as they were, it would have only taken them about 60 seconds more to get the tail gate.

No, they had a very specific list, and that is what they took.

driver100

henryn said:

I'm pretty sure that I won't be getting my same parts back for my F150 (hood, head light assembly). The thieves knew exactly what they wanted, and took that and only that. The most common theft on newer pickups is the tail gate (more common that wheels/tires, surprisingly). And they did not take my tail gate. As professional as they were, it would have only taken them about 60 seconds more to get the tail gate.

No, they had a very specific list, and that is what they took.

Those guys were like the McDonalds of auto thieves........no waste, nothing extra, just take exactly what is needed, no more and no less. Highly efficient operation. If I could invest..............

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

We have a small used book store in town. The owner was telling me he had these original leather bound books for sale for $400. Some teenager found them in his grandmothers attic and the book dealer gave him $35. The kid was happy to get some cash, the book dealer scored big time.

I imagine you will check the truck out pretty carefully...maybe the lady is a CL curbsider and she does this for a living If it looks good ask her if she is OK with $1000! If she has thought it over and is happy then I would say it is OK.

If I were doing it, and the truck really did look good, I would throw in another $200 or so just so I would feel extra good about it too - and everyone is a winner....but, that is just the kind of guy I am

I don't think she's a curbstoner. Fellow farmer at the market. Makes killer gelato which she gives me for free. Sweet woman. I'd feel bad taking advantage which I would be unless the van is total junk. I think tossing in a few hundred extra would help me sleep at night.

Unless....the free gelato is just a ploy.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

RB....how willing is Swope to do skinny deals on BMWs, say a 2, 3 or 4 series?

It's now BMW of Louisville; the Swope dealer group was bought by AMSI. They would probably be willing to really deal on any of the 2016 cars- but advertised discounts run anywhere from $1600-$5000 depending on the model.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Woman I know has a 2004 Chevy Express cargo van 114,000 miles. Says she got a new one and asks if I'm interested in the old one. How much I ask? Says she has no idea what it's worth and throws out $1000.

I'm no car appraiser but I know a 2004 anything that moves is worth more than a thousand. Edmunds 'average' is $2350 and KBB 'fair' is $3900. Quite a range but much higher than the figure she threw out.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

Well if you think it would keep you up at night to take that price talk to her about the van and offer her more. You will sleep at night and still get a good deal and she will be happy to get more than she thought. It's a win win.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

We have a small used book store in town. The owner was telling me he had these original leather bound books for sale for $400. Some teenager found them in his grandmothers attic and the book dealer gave him $35. The kid was happy to get some cash, the book dealer scored big time.

I imagine you will check the truck out pretty carefully...maybe the lady is a CL curbsider and she does this for a living If it looks good ask her if she is OK with $1000! If she has thought it over and is happy then I would say it is OK.

If I were doing it, and the truck really did look good, I would throw in another $200 or so just so I would feel extra good about it too - and everyone is a winner....but, that is just the kind of guy I am

I don't think she's a curbstoner. Fellow farmer at the market. Makes killer gelato which she gives me for free. Sweet woman. I'd feel bad taking advantage which I would be unless the van is total junk. I think tossing in a few hundred extra would help me sleep at night.

Unless....the free gelato is just a ploy.

Ah, the old gelato trick!

I was just reading a book about con artists, I wanted to try and understand my SIL better. First, they find your weakness, and they use that to edge their way into your life. They are like fortune tellers, they pick up on things and when they zero in on your weakness they take advantage. Most people are basically fairly honest, so we can walk around with money in our pocket, leave our house for hours at a time, and be civilized. However, there are the 1% (according to the book, but I think it is more like 4 or 5%) who will swoop in and hook you once they figure out how to do it.

I think the farm lady found your weakness, gelato and old trucks!

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

We have a small used book store in town. The owner was telling me he had these original leather bound books for sale for $400. Some teenager found them in his grandmothers attic and the book dealer gave him $35. The kid was happy to get some cash, the book dealer scored big time.

I imagine you will check the truck out pretty carefully...maybe the lady is a CL curbsider and she does this for a living If it looks good ask her if she is OK with $1000! If she has thought it over and is happy then I would say it is OK.

If I were doing it, and the truck really did look good, I would throw in another $200 or so just so I would feel extra good about it too - and everyone is a winner....but, that is just the kind of guy I am

I don't think she's a curbstoner. Fellow farmer at the market. Makes killer gelato which she gives me for free. Sweet woman. I'd feel bad taking advantage which I would be unless the van is total junk. I think tossing in a few hundred extra would help me sleep at night.

Unless....the free gelato is just a ploy.

I can see it all now. You'll give her a few hundred extra so that you can feel better sleeping, then when the tranny acts up in 2 months the shop will ask you why you put saw dust in it. Of course you'll never tell us that tale.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Moral dilemma.

Now maybe she'll smarten up by next time I see her but if she's willing to take $1000 should I take advantage of the bargain of the century or offer her more than she's asking?

Anyone else ever have this happen?

We have a small used book store in town. The owner was telling me he had these original leather bound books for sale for $400. Some teenager found them in his grandmothers attic and the book dealer gave him $35. The kid was happy to get some cash, the book dealer scored big time.

I imagine you will check the truck out pretty carefully...maybe the lady is a CL curbsider and she does this for a living If it looks good ask her if she is OK with $1000! If she has thought it over and is happy then I would say it is OK.

If I were doing it, and the truck really did look good, I would throw in another $200 or so just so I would feel extra good about it too - and everyone is a winner....but, that is just the kind of guy I am

I don't think she's a curbstoner. Fellow farmer at the market. Makes killer gelato which she gives me for free. Sweet woman. I'd feel bad taking advantage which I would be unless the van is total junk. I think tossing in a few hundred extra would help me sleep at night.

Unless....the free gelato is just a ploy.

I can see it all now. You'll give her a few hundred extra so that you can feel better sleeping, then when the tranny acts up in 2 months the shop will ask you why you put saw dust in it. Of course you'll never tell us that tale.

jmonroe

Oh I don't know, I went on for a week about my tire trauma. I can be pretty whiney sometimes.

isellhondas4

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Hey guys, it looks like our prayers are working so now is no time to stop.

jmonroe

I think our prayers are helping. Once Mike goes in I won't be able to contact him for awhile, but I will try to get news out as soon as possible.

Thanks for the update on Mike. Since I can no longer get in here as isellhondas I'm not posting anymore.

I do miss all of you.

jmonroe

isellhondas4 said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Hey guys, it looks like our prayers are working so now is no time to stop.

jmonroe

I think our prayers are helping. Once Mike goes in I won't be able to contact him for awhile, but I will try to get news out as soon as possible.

Thanks for the update on Mike. Since I can no longer get in here as isellhondas I'm not posting anymore.

I do miss all of you.

Man that is a lot of seniority to lose.

Maybe you can get a dues discount for coming back. It wouldn't hurt to try.

You really ought to reconsider your retirement and I'm sure others feel the same.

jmonroe

stickguy

4 or otherwise, you are here. We know who you are that's all that matters.

thebean

stickguy said:

4 or otherwise, you are here. We know who you are that's all that matters.

+1.  Craig, I always enjoyed your posts and wish you would come back and post regularly.

houdini1

isellhondas4 said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Mike update.

Mikes blood tests came back OK for surgery. He will go in September 22nd. His brother will help him for a few days. Then 2 months of rest - no driving - and then 5 to 7 days of rehab.

I know we are all hoping for the best possible results.

Hey guys, it looks like our prayers are working so now is no time to stop.

jmonroe

I think our prayers are helping. Once Mike goes in I won't be able to contact him for awhile, but I will try to get news out as soon as possible.

Thanks for the update on Mike. Since I can no longer get in here as isellhondas I'm not posting anymore.

I do miss all of you.

I thought you got that problem fixed !!! Are our pensions from here based on # of posts and tenure?

ab348

Road trip today about 2 hours out of town to a small town in the middle of nowhere, or close to it at least. The reason: my buddy the Oldsmobile devotee bought an old house there about 10 years ago that he and his wife are slowly restoring with the goal of leaving their beautiful mid-century suburban split-level here in town in a couple of years time. I think it is crazy given that access to nearby shopping, medical care, hospitals and the like becomes more important as one gets older and this place is nowhere near anything, but it is their life, not mine. I'm not a fan of their country house - one can take only so much of looking at country-style decor from the 1930s and '40s - but they seem to like it. Whatever.

Part of the reason for the trip as to see the "collection" of someone up there they met several years ago. I put the word in quotes because it is more of a hoarder's stash than a collection. A large storage building on a back road in town revealed piles and piles of junk - old furniture and appliances, lots of old store fixtures from the owner's previous life running a drug store, just all sorts of stuff, most of which belongs in a dumpster. It was packed in everywhere. Scattered among it were several vehicles, only one of which actually runs at the moment, a mid-80s Toyota Supra in decent condition. There was an absolutely gigantic motorhome that has sat in the building for 20 years. Probably would cost more to get it in usable order than it would be worth. A '63 Ford Galaxie 2-door hardtop, small-block V-8 with 20,000-some miles, rust-free and not on the road since 1977. Not the most desirable car but attractive enough in two-tone white over light blue metallic with a blue interior that looked near-perfect through the layer of dust that covered the car - there was junk packed in around it that prevented opening any doors. Then there was a '72 4-4-2 that has not been driven since the early '90s, obviously needs to be revived with fresh fluids, belts, hoses and cleaning/flushing as required - but totally rust-free with great original paint and interior, never abused, but just wasting away. Hopefully the engine is not stuck. The building is heated and appears secure but the whole thing was depressing. The owner is 73, currently in hospital recovering from a major farm accident that almost killed him, and will never get these things running. But he will never part with anything as per the hoarder mindset. Damn shame.

driver100

thebean said:

stickguy said:

4 or otherwise, you are here. We know who you are that's all that matters.

+1.  Craig, I always enjoyed your posts and wish you would come back and post regularly

.

+1 and you write better and you sound smarter with your new name.

Come on back....you can't let something like that get you down (I know, until it happens to me). I really don't think it would stop me, just start anew, you don't need your past to post.

stever

Isell, don't you have a 12 year old kid on your block who can fix your computer issues?

@ab348, maybe you can suggest to your friends that they rent out their current house for a year or two while they enjoy the country. Then after moving all their junk to the new house, sell it completely furnished and move back to the old place. When they wonder why in the world they'd do something crazy like that, remind them of the hoarder's junk wasting away.