Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fintail

I like the wheels on that car, a pain to keep clean, but they look cool. If I keep my car, I'll think about a set like that when the runflats wear out (I won't replace them with runflats).

The only 4 I want in a car of that mass and price is a diesel. E43 is also going to be quite expensive, likely more than I would feel comfortable with (I also don't like these new watered down "AMG" cars, too much like the watered down M BMWs and S Audis). I'd prefer that car as an E220d, but we might not even get it at all in NA.

driver100 said:

Thanks for clearing up about the do-dads on that poor E350. We checked E300s and found one similar at the dealer, but, of course it just has the 4 cylinder engine which is supposed to be quite a technical marvel, but, people haven't been entirely pleased with a 4 cyl in such a large heavy car. Mike said they won't have an E400 in the US, will have an E43 with 396 hp (vs 330 hp) in 2017.

Mine should look something like this:

fintail

I think exterior-wise, the pre-facelift W212 (2010-2013) is better looking, although the facelift interior is nicer in a few ways, and I like the updated optional LED lighting. That design, like the C of the era, has aged extremely well, and should look good for some time.

Even as an enthusiast, I get thrown off by the C and E looking so similar - I differentiate them from a distance by the side crease, which is higher on the E. I prefer a little more angularity/uprightness too, but the design isn't too bad in that way to me - I think the car is boxier than it looks. The interior is also quite nice.

ab348 said:

One thing that struck me about the 2012 (likely) E350 I saw yesterday was that when it made a left turn into the parking lot, the best feature for me of that generation's styling came into view, the rather prominent wedge shape from low in front to higher in the back. I really like that, the same as I liked it on that era's C300. I am not so impressed with the soft-curve bar of soap design on the current C/E/S models, though I have not seen all that many on the road so maybe it will grow on me.

driver100

ab348 said:

One thing that struck me about the 2012 (likely) E350 I saw yesterday was that when it made a left turn into the parking lot, the best feature for me of that generation's styling came into view, the rather prominent wedge shape from low in front to higher in the back. I really like that, the same as I liked it on that era's C300. I am not so impressed with the soft-curve bar of soap design on the current C/E/S models, though I have not seen all that many on the road so maybe it will grow on me.

I like that wedge shape too, and the more squared off lines on the last edition of the E Series, especially the slab sides and the square rear window. I like the last edition of the C Series too, because of that wedge shape. That wedge shape also leads to larger side windows which is something I really like. For looks, I am thinking a BMW 3 Series may look better to me than an MB C Class......it is boxier looking with larger windows.

driver100

Thanks guys....nice to have a victory for the little guy.

It would be nice to have had that money a month earlier, car won't be in until Dec so 3 months of interest even at 1% would be a fair bit of change. Since the check will take about a week to arrive, and since we head to Florida on Sunday (have to fly), we just had the check sent to the Mercedes dealer....we won't be here to sign it anyway. When we fly back in mid December we just go and sign the check, add a bit more for registration and the pre-Service contract and we are home free.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

Thanks guys....nice to have a victory for the little guy.

It would be nice to have had that money a month earlier, car won't be in until Dec so 3 months of interest even at 1% would be a fair bit of change. Since the check will take about a week to arrive, and since we head to Florida on Sunday (have to fly), we just had the check sent to the Mercedes dealer....we won't be here to sign it anyway. When we fly back in mid December we just go and sign the check, add a bit more for registration and the pre-Service contract and we are home free.

You're a lot braver than I am.

I would never send a check that is made out to me to anyone.

Too many things can go wrong with doing that. The one that comes immediately to mind is that it get's lost. If you think you had fun getting that first check you'll have us in suspense for at least another 3 more months hearing about what you are having to do to get the second check. I'm not sure we can take that.

Nope, not the way I'd do business.

jmonroe

stever

I wonder how an autonomous car would handle this one.

A Tree Grows in BrookPortland (Washington Post)

Mr_Shiftright

Well I'll go out on a limb here and guess that the car would treat it the same as a normal pedestrian. If the tree refused to move, though, or maneuvered to counter the car's moves, then I guess the car would be trapped.

henryn

On that 2008 Mustang, that is a lot of money for an 8 year old (now 9 year old?) car. And that will be the 4.6 V8, much weaker than the 5.0, a world of difference. I would pass on that one, go for at least a 2011, when they switched to the new 5.0 engine.

stever

The puns in the article comments were good too.

Mr_Shiftright

You think that's bad? How about colliding with THIS autonomous vehicle?

Meet OTTO

stever

Mr_Shiftright said:

You think that's bad? How about colliding with THIS autonomous vehicle?

Meet OTTO

Busch league....

Mr_Shiftright

So what if it crashes. Lousy beer anyway.

dino001

Recently my BMW dealer sent me his "personalized VIP offer". Did some math, it was nothing special. Zero "wow". Basic BMW consumer credits and couple grand off. They even marked up APR vs. published offer (1.9% vs. 0.9%). All they got was "we reduced your payment" headline. I'm two payments for the final payoff, so you can imagine, how "attractive" extra 5 years at $150 less sounds. Just lame.

nyccarguy

dino001 said:

Recently my BMW dealer sent me his "personalized VIP offer". Did some math, it was nothing special. Zero "wow". Basic BMW consumer credits and couple grand off. They even marked up APR vs. published offer (1.9% vs. 0.9%). All they got was "we reduced your payment" headline. I'm two payments for the final payoff, so you can imagine, how "attractive" extra 5 years at $150 less sounds. Just lame.

I love those letters. They'll get me into a new car for less than I'm currently paying for my 2011 Honda Pilot (which they will give me $19,785 for). I paid the Pilot off in June. My current monthly payment is zero.

2 payments from the final payoff? Good job!

If I had purchased my E90 instead of leasing, it would have 90 K miles on it & I'd still have 5 payments left.

Michaell

My daughter and I get mail from the MINI dealer, suggesting she can trade in her 2014 Countryman S ALL4 for a new 2016, with a payment that's "only" $35/mo higher. Right, but she's made 2 1/2 years worth of payments already.

And, I am not certain that her next car will be a MINI, anyway. She's mentioned to my wife how she likes the new Infinitis - not sure which model, to be honest.

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Thanks guys....nice to have a victory for the little guy.

It would be nice to have had that money a month earlier, car won't be in until Dec so 3 months of interest even at 1% would be a fair bit of change. Since the check will take about a week to arrive, and since we head to Florida on Sunday (have to fly), we just had the check sent to the Mercedes dealer....we won't be here to sign it anyway. When we fly back in mid December we just go and sign the check, add a bit more for registration and the pre-Service contract and we are home free.

You're a lot braver than I am.

I would never send a check that is made out to me to anyone.

Too many things can go wrong with doing that. The one that comes immediately to mind is that it get's lost. If you think you had fun getting that first check you'll have us in suspense for at least another 3 more months hearing about what you are having to do to get the second check. I'm not sure we can take that.

Nope, not the way I'd do business.

jmonroe

Sometimes, you have to trust. The check is made out co, to Mrs Driver and I, and to the dealership. The dealership needs us to sign the check. We will be in Florida by the time it arrives. I think there is more chance it could get lost if it sits at the post office until we get back, or if it is mailed to Florida.

I understand your concern, and it is of some concern, but it is in the dealers best interest to take good care of that check until we get back. If it doesn't arrive within a week, they can stop payment on it, and issue a new one.... there is a month and a half for them to get this right.

I think it is the best of a few options which would be even riskier. The dealer has been very good to us, I ordered the car on August 18th and since we are good customers they haven't asked for any money as a down payment, since August 18th!

driver100

I wonder how an autonomous car would handle this one.

A Tree Grows in BrookPortland (Washington Post)

Just like it would for any other tree that is in the middle of the road.

What is that guy trying to prove........is that some kind of Halloween costume?

jmonroe

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Thanks guys....nice to have a victory for the little guy.

It would be nice to have had that money a month earlier, car won't be in until Dec so 3 months of interest even at 1% would be a fair bit of change. Since the check will take about a week to arrive, and since we head to Florida on Sunday (have to fly), we just had the check sent to the Mercedes dealer....we won't be here to sign it anyway. When we fly back in mid December we just go and sign the check, add a bit more for registration and the pre-Service contract and we are home free.

You're a lot braver than I am.

I would never send a check that is made out to me to anyone.

Too many things can go wrong with doing that. The one that comes immediately to mind is that it get's lost. If you think you had fun getting that first check you'll have us in suspense for at least another 3 more months hearing about what you are having to do to get the second check. I'm not sure we can take that.

Nope, not the way I'd do business.

jmonroe

Sometimes, you have to trust. The check is made out co, to Mrs Driver and I, and to the dealership. The dealership needs us to sign the check. We will be in Florida by the time it arrives. I think there is more chance it could get lost if it sits at the post office until we get back, or if it is mailed to Florida.

I understand your concern, and it is of some concern, but it is in the dealers best interest to take good care of that check until we get back. If it doesn't arrive within a week, they can stop payment on it, and issue a new one.... there is a month and a half for them to get this right.

I think it is the best of a few options which would be even riskier. The dealer has been very good to us, I ordered the car on August 18th and since we are good customers they haven't asked for any money as a down payment, since August 18th!

I hear you but if it were me I'd take my chances having it mailed to my Florida address.

The way I look at it is that it's my money and no one will protect it better than me. Sitting in a dealerships safe isn't safe enough for me. It's my money and I want it. Case closed.

jmonroe

henryn

For what it's worth, I agree with driver100 and vote against jmonroe's plan.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

A friend sent me this:

http://www.listingallcars.com/details/2008-Ford-Mustang-Used/7309485159848088080?mode=photos#

I notice it said Roush upgrades and wasn't sure what that meant. I know at one time Roush had several different levels of upgrades ranging from just air intake/ muffler/badges type stuff up to performance suspension/superchargers/performance tuning etc. They were listed according to asending stages with each stage being more involved than the last. IIRC, one of them bumped that 4.6L up to 415hp.

Anyone know how to tell the real performance version from the mainly cosmetic one?

I checked on the Roush website by VIN #---it's not real.

I emailed my friend a copy of the posts you guys made and I think it broke his heart. He may have thought he was getting a true Roush Mustang for a nice price. Now he has to think about it.

The dealer is asking $16,900. NADA says $15,700. I told him to offer $14,000 and a guy who use to manage a Ford dealership said offer $13,000.

However it turns out I thank you guys for your expert opinions.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Just heard from insurance company.....all set, paying for the Tech Packages so they will pay full replacement value for the 2017, just a few things I have to cover like registration etc....probably $2000 to get a brand new 2017.

Was it worth it, not really, but not bad, probably worth about $30000 trading from a 2015 to a 2017.

Man, that was like pulling teeth and we all felt your pain.

Good luck with the new one. Let us know how you like it after about 5K miles.

I'd run early yellow lights to avoid having it happen again.

jmonroe

Yeah, and then he can tell the story of how he got T-boned.

oldfarmer50

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

sda

OF--did your son like his 'new' ride?

28firefighter

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

I wouldn't go with Safelite - they seem to be most expensive when you aren't filing an insurance claim. I'd see if there is a local glass place that will do it cheaper.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

How about $5? ;b

ab348

My buddy today was lamenting that his '02 Intrigue's windshield (bought it new, scrupulously maintained, 100K miles, uses it now as a winter car) spontaneously cracked. Quote from the local glass place to replace was $345, installed. I thought that was pretty good.

dino001

nyccarguy said:

I love those letters. They'll get me into a new car for less than I'm currently paying for my 2011 Honda Pilot (which they will give me $19,785 for). I paid the Pilot off in June. My current monthly payment is zero.

2 payments from the final payoff? Good job!

If I had purchased my E90 instead of leasing, it would have 90 K miles on it & I'd still have 5 payments left.

The thing is, I'm not a payment buyer at the first place, so none of those $X less per month would impress me, regardless how many payments I have left. But with two payments left, it's just funny. My plan is to buy something next Spring or Summer, 430 or 440 Grand Coupe, enjoy some payment-less period for the time being, unless they come up with something great, which I doubt, judging by the quality of the current set of offers they're sending.

Mr_Shiftright

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

Well first of all determine if you're getting a voltage signal to the connector at the rear glass. If you are, then maybe you can TRY THIS.

dino001

henryn said:

For what it's worth, I agree with driver100 and vote against jmonroe's plan.

I once traded a car, bought a new one and asked for a check for the equity (loan was 0% APR). The dealer said OK, but will send it to you when the bank clears the loan payment. OK. Next week I got the check. No problems. As Driver says, you got to trust somebody. I'm coming from a country when nobody trusts anybody with anything (and everybody tries to cheat, if just a little). It's hell, believe me. It all starts in the first grade, when unreasonable school tests evoke cheating and A-students are expected to pass on the solutions and you're an outcast if refuse (in fact that's the only way to be socially tolerated if you're an A student). In response, knowing that this is going on, the teachers give even more unreasonable tests to keep A students busy enough. The arms race continue and everybody thinks it's normal. Then those attitudes extend toward rest of the life.

I always say to my fellow countrymen that it will never improve until small scams stop being the way of life even for so-called good people. They often don't even understand what I'm talking about. I have this friend from my part of the world (different country) - his wheels are constantly spinning in quest for cracks in the system he could "save" some money. Little things, unimportant. But the satisfaction of "beating the man" is worth it for him.

Americans and American businesses are exceptionally honest in comparison to the rest of the world. In aggregate of course - not necessarily in particular.

explorerx4

Close but not exactly the same.

snakeweasel

nyccarguy said:

dino001 said:

Recently my BMW dealer sent me his "personalized VIP offer". Did some math, it was nothing special. Zero "wow". Basic BMW consumer credits and couple grand off. They even marked up APR vs. published offer (1.9% vs. 0.9%). All they got was "we reduced your payment" headline. I'm two payments for the final payoff, so you can imagine, how "attractive" extra 5 years at $150 less sounds. Just lame.

I love those letters. They'll get me into a new car for less than I'm currently paying for my 2011 Honda Pilot (which they will give me $19,785 for). I paid the Pilot off in June. My current monthly payment is zero.

2 payments from the final payoff? Good job!

If I had purchased my E90 instead of leasing, it would have 90 K miles on it & I'd still have 5 payments left.

I get those letters too, they can get me into a new car for less than I am paying now, I haven't had a payment in over a year. Strange they send out that letter but they don't want to pay me to drive one of their cars.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

OF--did your son like his 'new' ride?

Yes he does. He's been driving the LaSabre since we bought it off his grandmother in 2005. He was ready for something newer.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

I wouldn't go with Safelite - they seem to be most expensive when you aren't filing an insurance claim. I'd see if there is a local glass place that will do it cheaper.

Yeah, I'll shop around and gets some quotes.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

How about $5? ;b

Ha ha. He had that option on his old car.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

Well first of all determine if you're getting a voltage signal to the connector at the rear glass. If you are, then maybe you can TRY THIS.

That's interesting. My mechanic mention that "kits" we're available. There is power to the window so evidently the problem is in the little wires in the glass. That looks like a splicing kit. Might give that a try first.

stickguy

Was browsing on this lot today (mostly newer MBs), and saw this hotrod Mustang in person. At least it is factory. Looked OK to me from a quick once over. Not pristine, but neither am I...

no clue if the price is good bad or indifferent.

http://www.aviautosales.com/2001_Ford_Mustang SVT Cobra_Magnolia_NJ_5383735.veh

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

Close but not exactly the same.

That's really nice. Are those the same wheels? Sharp.

bwia

driver100 said:

Just heard from insurance company.....all set, paying for the Tech Packages so they will pay full replacement value for the 2017, just a few things I have to cover like registration etc....probably $2000 to get a brand new 2017. Was it worth it, not really, but not bad, probably worth about $30000 trading from a 2015 to a 2017.

Congrats on the insurance settlement. Now, let's hope you get the car you ordered. Sometimes the options ordered are not stand alone options. So to get what you want you either have to pay more or get less car. But then again you can't look a gift horse in the mouth. 

driver100

henryn said:

For what it's worth, I agree with driver100 and vote against jmonroe's plan.

Thanks. I think the dealership wants that check and will hold onto it until we come in and sign it.......I can think of lots of things that can go wrong with a check mailed by this particular insurance company, that has to go across a border, and then U.S. Mail has to deliver it to our address. Then, we have to remember to bring it back with us.
Interesting too, we aren't allowed to take out or bring in over $10,000 without declaring it. We could explain it and declare it, but, if they don't believe our story, they can take a large portion of the check as a fine.

Either plan can fail, but I think the simple plan is the best (and I hope I don't have to eat those words)

bwia

Why didn't you do an electronic deposit on your smartphone. At least you would have earned a few cents in the interim. 

explorerx4

@oldfarmer,
This car is the same as the one my daughter bought.
Fusion SE
Lux Pkg
Tech Pkg
Moonroof
Mach wheels

Except
Color(Gray not Black)
No Nav
No AWD
No 2.0 turbo(1.5 turbo)

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

In other news:

Found out the rear window defroster (electric) in the Merc Sable I bought for my son doesn't work. My mechanic said it's in the glass so that means rear window replacement. Guess you can't even trust grandma when it comes to buying a used car.

Anybody know what I can expect to pay Safelite for a fix? This is a new one on me.

Find Safelite online.....get a free estimate with no obligation. Easy and smooth to use.

Or, read how to repair rear window defogger. Lots of sites, like this one:
HOW TO REPAIR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

LOL about having a story about getting T-Boned.

roadburner

dino001 said:

Recently my BMW dealer sent me his "personalized VIP offer". Did some math, it was nothing special. Zero "wow". Basic BMW consumer credits and couple grand off. They even marked up APR vs. published offer (1.9% vs. 0.9%). All they got was "we reduced your payment" headline. I'm two payments for the final payoff, so you can imagine, how "attractive" extra 5 years at $150 less sounds. Just lame.

I was grounding a lease turn-in today and the lessee asked about buying the car. Her client advisor("salesperson" in premium speak) and I both strongly advised against it.

qbrozen

That Cobra is between $9k-$10k at the block. With winter fast upon us, I would think $11k-$11.5k.

driver100

dino001 said:

henryn said:

For what it's worth, I agree with driver100 and vote against jmonroe's plan.

I once traded a car, bought a new one and asked for a check for the equity (loan was 0% APR). The dealer said OK, but will send it to you when the bank clears the loan payment. OK. Next week I got the check. No problems. As Driver says, you got to trust somebody.

Americans and American businesses are exceptionally honest in comparison to the rest of the world. In aggregate of course - not necessarily in particular.

I just read a very good book about con men and how they prey on their victims. They say most people (I assume in U.S. and other very civilized countries), are basically honest, that is what makes civilization work. That is how business operates, or very little would get done. It is estimated that 1 to 4% are capable of being con men. You can't live your life only thinking of them....you have to accept most business people are going to be honest, just don't be entirely trusting because of the 1 to 4%. Have a back up plan or at least some security. Mine is the dealer needs that check cashed just as much as I do.

bwia

bwia said:

Why didn't you do an electronic deposit on your smartphone. At least you would have earned a few cents in the interim. 

Oops, *driver I posted that before reading your subsequent post that the check is payable to both you and the dealer. 

driver100

bwia said:

Why didn't you do an electronic deposit on your smartphone. At least you would have earned a few cents in the interim. 

I'd consider that if I had a Smartphone and knew how to do that? I have a pay as you go phone that I pay $100 a year for.....I probably use about $15 a year worth of calls. I think the insurance company likes checks, that is what they offered....a check.

roadburner

In other news, I had an older(70s) couple come in to look at a 5er and a 7er. I helped the salesperson with some demos. The husband told us that it was refreshing to meet people who knew about the cars they were selling. They had just come from a Hyundai dealer to look at a new Genesis sedan and he said that the sales guys there were just hopeless. He also mentioned that they looked at Maseratis and the sales guy and service manager both said that the Masers had rock-solid reliability. The customer said he scratched that dealer off his list for lying outright.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

@oldfarmer,
This car is the same as the one my daughter bought.
Fusion SE
Lux Pkg
Tech Pkg
Moonroof
Mach wheels

Except
Color(Gray not Black)
No Nav
No AWD
No 2.0 turbo(1.5 turbo)

That is a great looking car Explorer. Fusions look like expensive cars. I understand when the designer at Aston Martin saw the Fusion grill he said we should get a royalty.

explorerx4

@driver100,
Considering Ford owned A-M at that time, they already paid.