Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

Great review ab. I checked out that shifter and it seems pretty complicated, though once you do it a few times you would get used to it. The XT5 they use has a nice looking interior....the color really helps. That name, XT5, I have trouble remembering that. Here is the 3 minute video about shifting, it would help if I had an engineering degree;
https://youtu.be/mF07SYZIbCI

While different it doesn't seem to difficult, might take a few turns at it to become familiar with it but it doesn't seem to bad.

driver100

ab348 said:

explorerx4 said:

My Fusion has a dial in the center console with P R N D pretty much in the 10 to 2 area of it, with an S button in the center of the dial. Very easy to use.
I will have to look at a picture of what the shift in my 2013 looked like, because I just don't remember.
It also has paddle shifters.

What does the "S" do?

One of the things I forgot in the original post - the XT5 had that auto engine stop/start when you come to a stop and just like in a Malibu I had a while ago, I hated it. In the XT5 I was surprised at how it felt - sort of like the transmission popping out of gear and then back in. It was very noticeable as the car shuddered each time it stopped or started. I looked and could not see any way to turn that thing off either. That might be a deal-breaker if true.

Yeh, what does the S do.....does it stand for Second?

I had the dial in my Explorer rental...it is OK but you really have to look at it...at least with a shifter you usually know by the feel where you are.

I thought the explorer didn't have an OFF button for that auto ON/OFF thing, but I eventually found it. If I remember correctly, if you turned it off it stayed off even if you turned the car off and started it the next day....the E400 I had to start the car then immediately turn off the ON/OFF feature......drives me nuts!

The XT5 must have a way to turn it off......with gas at $2.08 a gallon why bother? Saw it 20 minutes North of here for $1.95!

qbrozen

The new MKC I drove had pushbuttons next to the stereo for the transmission. I commented to the salesman that it is silly and retro at the same time. He said "well, it frees up the center console." Kid was pretty young and I didn't feel like explaining column shifters to him, so I just ignored him.

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

Yeh, what does the S do.....does it stand for Second?

Likely a sport mode where it keeps you in gear longer before an up shift and down shifts more aggressively when slowing down for more spirited driving.

fintail

Exactly. Everything will be OK in the end, even if it looks rough. Even as someone who doesn't like the choice, I have faith in the country. This experiment still works better than others. Kind of bummed gold didn't spike, as I have some stuff I've thought of selling, but my 401K also didn't tank, so it all works out.

On a nicer note, I am in Georgia right now, and the weather is amazingly perfect - upper 60s, mostly sunny, comfort defined. Nice to escape the nonstop rain, and what they call "traffic" here warms my cold bitter Seattle heart. Off to Charleston tomorrow.

28firefighter said:

What it tells us is that the country is not nearly as surprised as everyone thinks.

Time to heal. Time to go car shopping.

explorerx4

@ab348,
S is for Sport mode. I usually have used it for downshifting a gear when going up a hill just after I leave my house, drops trans form 6 to 5.
Yesterday I used it before it got into 6th, and it held the gear it was in, 2 or 3 at the time.
That was not what I wanted, so I'm going back to using the - paddle to drop it a gear.

@gbrozen,
My wife's MKC has the push buttons. There is a piece of 'Chrome' between the buttons.
If I don't drive it for a while, I usually push the 'Chrome' instead of the actual button.
The buttons should have a border to distinguish them.

driver100

Amusing article, this guy likes Chryslers rotary shifter;

Rotary dial shifter

I've tried buttons, rotator, small shifter on E400, BMW beer tap......give me an old fashioned shift on the console that I can rest my hand on.

**Thanks for definition of "S"....I should have known, but I have been without E400 for 3 months now.

oldfarmer50

explorerx4 said:

@ab348,
S is for Sport mode. I usually have used it for downshifting a gear when going up a hill just after I leave my house, drops trans form 6 to 5.
Yesterday I used it before it got into 6th, and it held the gear it was in, 2 or 3 at the time.
That was not what I wanted, so I'm going back to using the - paddle to drop it a gear.


Funny, when I use sport setting it's like a whole different car. The revs stay higher throughout the ranges and it really makes up for my mild 3:15 rear. Turn off the traction control nanny and you can drive around chirping the tires every time you tap the gas. It even mimicks a clutch type downshift burble.

Paddles on the other hand, I have only used once or twice. The auto tranny can shift faster and more smoothly than me.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Great review ab. I checked out that shifter and it seems pretty complicated, though once you do it a few times you would get used to it. The XT5 they use has a nice looking interior....the color really helps. That name, XT5, I have trouble remembering that. Here is the 3 minute video about shifting, it would help if I had an engineering degree;
https://youtu.be/mF07SYZIbCI

FWIW, I have one of those pieces of paper but I'll be damned if I'd want to own a beast that has that kind of a "system".

Talk about doing something because you can, that is the epidemy of that philosophy.

Another FWIW, Mrs. j would never be able to drive a car with that monstrosity. :@

jmonroe

I was thinking of you when I said it would take an engineering degree to be able to manage that shifter. Shifters seem to be something everyone is trying to improve upon. It is great that shifters have become electronic, but someone also has to use that science wisely if they are trying to make it better.

Consumers Reports show some of the odd shifters out there, and says shifters should be intuitive, and designed so they are easy to use.

CONSUMER REPORTS SHIFTERS

I had been driving the BMW rental car, and one night we used Mrs D's GLK. I went to turn on the windshield wipers - which I thought was the stalk on the right of the steering wheel as that was the one I used in the BMW bit somehow I hit the paddle shifter and I put the car into 2nd gear. Had to pull over on a busy road, and turn the car off and on again to get it back into drive. What happened to KISS (keep it simple stupid?)

It sounds like they KISSed it goodbye.

jmonroe

jmonroe

stickguy said:

car related, I would have to decline the presmo job is offered. They aren't allowed to drive! That would never fly.

can you imagine being president, and just popping in to some random car dealer over in Fairfax, to pick up a new set of wheels for yourself? Think the salesmanager is going to put on the hard sell?

I bought my '15 Genny in Fairfax and I didn't have a problem.

Typical sales experience...I wanted a car and they wanted to sell one. Pretty easy, really.

jmonroe

berri

I recall driving a 63 Olds in college that had "S" on the transmission indicator, but it was for second gear, which some evidently referred to as Super.

ab348

Super or "passing gear" - I always thought that term was neat.

I think the XT5 had steering wheel shift paddles but I didn't notice them if it did.

The ATS has a manual mode with the console shifter. I tried it once or twice but I can never seem to remember which way is to upshift and downshift. It is one of those things I seem to have a mental block with because it is not intuitive to me. So I never use it.

jmonroe

berri said:

I recall driving a 63 Olds in college that had "S" on the transmission indicator, but it was for second gear, which some evidently referred to as Super.

When I was in high school my Father had a 1959 Olds Super 88. I seem to remember that the "S" stood for Super. I didn't think the car was all that fast but I didn't have the nerve to tell that to my Father. It sure did have a lot of room though. I remember driving it to my senior prom and my date and the other couple thought the same.

Nice car for drive-ins too.

jmonroe

toomanyfumes

We took a weekend trip in the MKX last weekend, I used the S position and the paddles in some hilly terrain, I like how the tach changes from a vertical ribbon to a large dial when you hit the paddle. I'm guessing not too many MKX drivers use the paddles lol.

jmonroe

toomanyfumes said:

We took a weekend trip in the MKX last weekend, I used the S position and the paddles in some hilly terrain, I like how the tach changes from a vertical ribbon to a large dial when you hit the paddle. I'm guessing not too many MKX drivers use the paddles lol.

That sounds pretty unique. I never even heard of that.

Come on over and give me a test drive, I'd like to see that.

jmonroe

berri

Well, you know that "S" on the Olds tranny got various comments from Super for passing (although that is really just what a downshift does) to Super for starting out in second in snow. But I never really knew because the thing was a tank and plowed right through snow. Never had to fiddle with anything to get it rolling in winter. The winter problem was more getting that 4 bbl to start in below zero weather without flooding the heck out of it.

sda

When I was a kid, mom had a '63 Olds Dynamic 88. Even though we lived in moderate climate, St. Pete, New Orleans, that car was cold natured. It was always difficult to start with continuous cranking and stalling out. Dad had it looked at a couple of times but no improvement. One thing I remember is it had a green COLD light. Once the car would warm up, it would flicker once or twice and then go out. Not sure why, I was always fascinated by that.

I do wish that car manufactures would maintain a standard format for auto transmissions and keep it simple. On the '63 it was PNDSLR while many other manufacturers used PRNDL or PRNDSL. I remember dad always saying he had to be careful when he drove the Olds because it was set up differently than his Ford Galaxie. To prevent confusion in '65 (IIRC) there was a regulation to standardize to PRND.. Though it may not look high tech and it takes up room on the center console I like the simplicity of the shifter in the Accord. One click back from P is R and another two clicks is D. How simple is that? A column mounted shifter is just as simple. My 2c.

fintail

My current rental 300 has the rotary. It's different, but haven't had a problem adapting. It's meant to be easy.

driver100 said:

Amusing article, this guy likes Chryslers rotary shifter;

Rotary dial shifter

I've tried buttons, rotator, small shifter on E400, BMW beer tap......give me an old fashioned shift on the console that I can rest my hand on.

**Thanks for definition of "S"....I should have known, but I have been without E400 for 3 months now.

driver100

fintail said:

My current rental 300 has the rotary. It's different, but haven't had a problem adapting. It's meant to be easy.

driver100 said:

Amusing article, this guy likes Chryslers rotary shifter;

Rotary dial shifter

I've tried buttons, rotator, small shifter on E400, BMW beer tap......give me an old fashioned shift on the console that I can rest my hand on.

**Thanks for definition of "S"....I should have known, but I have been without E400 for 3 months now.

It is pretty easy, but you do have to look at it to make sure you are in the right gear. With most shifters you can do it without looking, just pull down to furthest point and you are in DRIVE, usually

**Note in sda's 63 Olds you'd be in REVERSE!

jipster

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

car related, I would have to decline the presmo job is offered. They aren't allowed to drive! That would never fly.

can you imagine being president, and just popping in to some random car dealer over in Fairfax, to pick up a new set of wheels for yourself? Think the salesmanager is going to put on the hard sell?

I bought my '15 Genny in Fairfax and I didn't have a problem.

Typical sales experience...I wanted a car and they wanted to sell one. Pretty easy, really.

jmonroe

Jmonroe, it's been a few years, but I thought you had written off Hyundai because of your experience with Genny 1? You couldn't find an oil change receipt, and Hyundai wouldn't honor a warranty repair on Genny 1? What brought you back?

jmonroe

jipster said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

car related, I would have to decline the presmo job is offered. They aren't allowed to drive! That would never fly.

can you imagine being president, and just popping in to some random car dealer over in Fairfax, to pick up a new set of wheels for yourself? Think the salesmanager is going to put on the hard sell?

I bought my '15 Genny in Fairfax and I didn't have a problem.

Typical sales experience...I wanted a car and they wanted to sell one. Pretty easy, really.

jmonroe

Jmonroe, it's been a few years, but I thought you had written off Hyundai because of your experience with Genny 1? You couldn't find an oil change receipt, and Hyundai wouldn't honor a warranty repair on Genny 1? What brought you back?

I debated about getting another Hyundai because of what you mentioned. But when I weighed all my options and how I was later treated very well by the offending dealer, getting another Hyundai was now on the table again. I still wasn't thrilled by the idea but it was the best option for me all things considered. However, I got my best deal out of state by going to Fairfax VA, so that is where I spent my money.

FWIW, the old SM and Service Manager at my local dealer are not there anymore and just by going to them for my first oil change at 5000 miles, I could see an even bigger change in how they treated me. Even better than they did after they screwed me.

Like I have said before you got back in here, I might go full luxo with my next purchase but I'll have to clear the Mrs. j hurdle before I can get anything. With still less than 6000 miles on the '15, I've got plenty of time to work up a new strategy for how to do that. One thing for sure, I can't use the retirement present gift thingy again.

jmonroe

driver100

I debated about getting another Hyundai because of what you mentioned. But when I weighed all my options and how I was later treated very well by the offending dealer, getting another Hyundai was now on the table again. I still wasn't thrilled by the idea but it was the best option for me all things considered. However, I got my best deal out of state by going to Fairfax VA, so that is where I spent my money

jmonroe

I have been thinking about that too. After the Audi A4 clutch issue incident I swore off VW/Audi products. But, this little Passat is a really fun car to drive. And I like the design and ride of Audi models. As much as I would hate to give them another try, I think I would if that was the car I decided was best for me. Thank goodness I prefer Mercedes at this point in time...it makes it easier, I have no negative experiences so far

berri

'63 Olds Dynamic 88. Even though we lived in moderate climate, St. Pete, New Orleans, that car was cold natured...

I was lucky sda because the local Shell station (they had service bays back then) was owned by the uncle of a college buddy, so he gave me a break when I needed a jump. He told me the carburetors on the 63 were touchy and the starters were sometimes problematic as well. I put a large battery in mine and that did help a little by extending the starting time limits I guess.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

I debated about getting another Hyundai because of what you mentioned. But when I weighed all my options and how I was later treated very well by the offending dealer, getting another Hyundai was now on the table again. I still wasn't thrilled by the idea but it was the best option for me all things considered. However, I got my best deal out of state by going to Fairfax VA, so that is where I spent my money

jmonroe

I have been thinking about that too. After the Audi A4 clutch issue incident I swore off VW/Audi products. But, this little Passat is a really fun car to drive. And I like the design and ride of Audi models. As much as I would hate to give them another try, I think I would if that was the car I decided was best for me. Thank goodness I prefer Mercedes at this point in time...it makes it easier, I have no negative experiences so far

Well, I figured it was best not to fly off the handle, go home, get a gun and shoot both the SM and the Service Manager. That wouldn't have been good for any of us.

After all, if I let my emotions get away from me you guys would have been reading about me here on the Edmunds Wanted Forum. Would you really have wanted that?

jmonroe

stickguy

so, achieved another milestone on my path to financial independence/being able to get a new car when mine goes back next year.

Filed my last ever FAFSA today (for my babies Sr. year next year). And only 3 more payments towards that left.

the light at the end of the tunnel is dim, but at least it hasn't burned entirely out.

and for you people with college kids, the new FAFSA rules are wonderful. They opened it up 10/1, and now look back 2 years, so this filing "double dipped" using 2015 tax info. So already out there, ready to import.

sda

driver100 said:

fintail said:

My current rental 300 has the rotary. It's different, but haven't had a problem adapting. It's meant to be easy.

driver100 said:

Amusing article, this guy likes Chryslers rotary shifter;

Rotary dial shifter

I've tried buttons, rotator, small shifter on E400, BMW beer tap......give me an old fashioned shift on the console that I can rest my hand on.

**Thanks for definition of "S"....I should have known, but I have been without E400 for 3 months now.

It is pretty easy, but you do have to look at it to make sure you are in the right gear. With most shifters you can do it without looking, just pull down to furthest point and you are in DRIVE, usually

**Note in sda's 63 Olds you'd be in REVERSE!

Reverse it is! I wonder how many mistakenly selected R when they meant L. oops!
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M7e7d0368ebc2b592e90eb76d86f6574eo0&w=191&h=134&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

so, achieved another milestone on my path to financial independence/being able to get a new car when mine goes back next year.

Filed my last ever FAFSA today (for my babies Sr. year next year). And only 3 more payments towards that left.

the light at the end of the tunnel is dim, but at least it hasn't burned entirely out.

and for you people with college kids, the new FAFSA rules are wonderful. They opened it up 10/1, and now look back 2 years, so this filing "double dipped" using 2015 tax info. So already out there, ready to import.

Just think of college cost as an investment. Just when the little darling is making good money she can afford to take care of you in your old age.

Mr_Shiftright

"C'mon dad, let me bring the wheelchair a little closer to the edge so you can see the Grand Canyon better"

Sorry, I've been watching too many episodes of "The New Detectives".

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

"C'mon dad, let me bring the wheelchair a little closer to the edge so you can see the Grand Canyon better"

Sorry, I've been watching too many episodes of "The New Detectives".

My stepdaughter threatens my wife with prunes and Depends when she gets old.

ab348

Trying to get some home renos done and have learned that getting a contractor who will actually commit to doing something in a timely manner is really tough. The first guy dropped off the face of the earth for 2 months, thankfully before he started doing anything, while # 2 seems better that way but is still not great for communication. They all seem to have more business than they can handle.

These involve bathrooms and I have learned that the toilet industry has undergone consolidation and most manufacturing is now in China, naturally. Toto is not available locally, and most places are pushing American Standard or Kohler. I found one place that carried Gerber but I am unfamiliar with them. Apparently Eljer and Crane are no more, both bought by AmStan. Lots of unknown or house brands too. Any recent buying experiences, good or bad?

stickguy

we did our bathrooms about 5 years ago, and the toilets/sinks are Kohler. I do recall with the sinks, having an option, and paying about $20 more to get domestic made vs. made in China. No idea though where the toilets came from!

You need Bradd to weigh in on this one.

houdini1

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

I debated about getting another Hyundai because of what you mentioned. But when I weighed all my options and how I was later treated very well by the offending dealer, getting another Hyundai was now on the table again. I still wasn't thrilled by the idea but it was the best option for me all things considered. However, I got my best deal out of state by going to Fairfax VA, so that is where I spent my money

jmonroe

I have been thinking about that too. After the Audi A4 clutch issue incident I swore off VW/Audi products. But, this little Passat is a really fun car to drive. And I like the design and ride of Audi models. As much as I would hate to give them another try, I think I would if that was the car I decided was best for me. Thank goodness I prefer Mercedes at this point in time...it makes it easier, I have no negative experiences so far

Well, I figured it was best not to fly off the handle, go home, get a gun and shoot both the SM and the Service Manager. That wouldn't have been good for any of us.

After all, if I let my emotions get away from me you guys would have been reading about me here on the Edmunds Wanted Forum. Would you really have wanted that?

jmonroe

If I recall, the problem was not with the Jenny1, it was with Jmonroe's wife's XG300, or some model like that.

qbrozen

The bath fixture industry has indeed seen better days. When it comes to faucets, I have had no better luck with expensive vs cheap brands. For example, we paid quite a bit for a special order Delta faucet that started leaking in just 7 years, while I have installed cheap Price Pfister faucets that are problem free 15 years later.

my only positive suggestion is for a Jacuzzi brand toilet. It was much heavier (thicker) and quieter than the American Standard it replaced. The seat itself actually broke a few years later, but that is easily replaced.

berri

I've become leery of Kohler. Don't seem to hold up as well as they used to. Plus, had an 8 year old Kohler toilet start leaking in the tank. But Kohler no longer made it and evidently no longer sold the part. So for a $40 or so issue, ended up having to buy a new toilet. Plumber installing the new toilet said he wasn't surprised about Kohler already obsoleting, stopping parts support and redesigning in such a way that an alternate part would no longer fit.

jipster

ab348 said:

These involve bathrooms and I have learned that the toilet industry has undergone consolidation and most manufacturing is now in China, naturally. Toto is not available locally, and most places are pushing American Standard or Kohler. I found one place that carried Gerber but I am unfamiliar with them. Apparently Eljer and Crane are no more, both bought by AmStan. Lots of unknown or house brands too. Any recent buying experiences, good or bad?

Al Bundy had pretty good luck with a Furgeson (toilet). Very powerful.

ab348

Yeah, I'm not hearing much good about Kohler. Seems to be high style but not well-engineered. Expensive too, a favourite of the high priced bath places.

nyccarguy

ab348 said:

Trying to get some home renos done and have learned that getting a contractor who will actually commit to doing something in a timely manner is really tough. The first guy dropped off the face of the earth for 2 months, thankfully before he started doing anything, while # 2 seems better that way but is still not great for communication. They all seem to have more business than they can handle.

These involve bathrooms and I have learned that the toilet industry has undergone consolidation and most manufacturing is now in China, naturally. Toto is not available locally, and most places are pushing American Standard or Kohler. I found one place that carried Gerber but I am unfamiliar with them. Apparently Eljer and Crane are no more, both bought by AmStan. Lots of unknown or house brands too. Any recent buying experiences, good or bad?

Ah, bathrooms. No doubt my professional area of expertise. Here's the low down. Toto is expensive & definitely the way to go (that's what the previous owner put in my house). I sell Gerber toilets exclusively & can tell you that they are extremely functional (especially the Viper & Avalanche series toilets), but are just basically styled.

American Standard is a solid brand with lots of choices. Almost like GM, they have sub brands. They sell to Home Depot & they have very high end decorative fixtures as well.

For shower bodies, I'd reccomend Symmons or Hans Grohe. Faucets you can go with Delta, Hans Grohe, or Symmons.

If you really want Toto, I can look into getting it drop shipped to you.

ab348

@nyccarguy , thank you. Question: I assume Grohe and Hansgrohe are separate companies? I was in a place today that sold both and displayed them next to each other. Confusing. I have had a Grohe faucet in the kitchen for 15 years and it has been fine. Is one brand considered better than the others? I picked up a Grohe brochure today and they sure look nice.

I liked the Gerber stuff I saw, mostly because the guy I talked to seemed very good.

nyccarguy

ab348 said:

@nyccarguy , thank you. Question: I assume Grohe and Hansgrohe are separate companies? I was in a place today that sold both and displayed them next to each other. Confusing. I have had a Grohe faucet in the kitchen for 15 years and it has been fine. Is one brand considered better than the others? I picked up a Grohe brochure today and they sure look nice.

I liked the Gerber stuff I saw, mostly because the guy I talked to seemed very good.

Yes. Grohe & Hansgrohe are 2 separate companies. Another plumbing supply I do business with has both in the same showroom.

jmonroe

ab348 said:

Trying to get some home renos done and have learned that getting a contractor who will actually commit to doing something in a timely manner is really tough. The first guy dropped off the face of the earth for 2 months, thankfully before he started doing anything, while # 2 seems better that way but is still not great for communication. They all seem to have more business than they can handle.

These involve bathrooms and I have learned that the toilet industry has undergone consolidation and most manufacturing is now in China, naturally. Toto is not available locally, and most places are pushing American Standard or Kohler. I found one place that carried Gerber but I am unfamiliar with them. Apparently Eljer and Crane are no more, both bought by AmStan. Lots of unknown or house brands too. Any recent buying experiences, good or bad?

I'd go with Kohler (Cimarron model I think). That's what was used for the bath off the bedroom in 2012 when it was enlarged and re-done throughout. It works fine no problems.

Don't ask me why I bought an American Standard (I don't remember the model) when I re-did the first floor powder room in 2013 but I don't like it as much as the Kohler. Not bad but not as good.

Now having said that, Son #1 put an American Standard (Club Cadet model I think) in the basement when he put a family room down there last year. He liked it well enough that he bought the same thing for his first floor powder room just last weekend when he went to Home Depot to get his water heater.

jmonroe

jmonroe

houdini1 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

I debated about getting another Hyundai because of what you mentioned. But when I weighed all my options and how I was later treated very well by the offending dealer, getting another Hyundai was now on the table again. I still wasn't thrilled by the idea but it was the best option for me all things considered. However, I got my best deal out of state by going to Fairfax VA, so that is where I spent my money

jmonroe

I have been thinking about that too. After the Audi A4 clutch issue incident I swore off VW/Audi products. But, this little Passat is a really fun car to drive. And I like the design and ride of Audi models. As much as I would hate to give them another try, I think I would if that was the car I decided was best for me. Thank goodness I prefer Mercedes at this point in time...it makes it easier, I have no negative experiences so far

Well, I figured it was best not to fly off the handle, go home, get a gun and shoot both the SM and the Service Manager. That wouldn't have been good for any of us.

After all, if I let my emotions get away from me you guys would have been reading about me here on the Edmunds Wanted Forum. Would you really have wanted that?

jmonroe

If I recall, the problem was not with the Jenny1, it was with Jmonroe's wife's XG300, or some model like that.

You're right the problem was with the Mrs. j's 2005 XG350 not my '09 Genny. When I read @jipster's post I thought he meant Hyundai in general but I see where he said "Genny 1".

Thanks for keeping me on my toes although @jipster wouldn't know the difference between a Genny or an XG 350.

jmonroe

driver100

We got one of these babies about a year ago. Don't know how the performance reviews are but sure does look sleek and modern, kind of like a sports model. It is a Pfister, sounds impressive!




I got tired of changing flappers so I like these newer technology toilets. And, the self lowering seat really adds to the fun!

imidazol97

This discussion is going down the toilet! LOL

driver100 said:

... kind of like a sports model. It is a Pfister, sounds impressive!


And, the self lowering seat really adds to the fun!

Is this a manual or auto transmission model? Fun? LOL
My laugh for the day.

We've discussed everything from juicers to refrigerators here.
I have had our Whirlpool side-by-side. Some people said they were noisy. The refrigerator is extra quiet.
However, the ice bin is in the door, and if the ice bin has little ice left, when the cubes drop, they fall further
and thus hit with more momentum. The relatively empty plastic bin in the door makes noise and that goes through
the stainless skin of the door and can be heard. It's like the occasional airplane going overhead lower than typical, we got used to it quickly.

jmonroe

imidazol97 said:

This discussion is going down the toilet! LOL

driver100 said:

... kind of like a sports model. It is a Pfister, sounds impressive!


And, the self lowering seat really adds to the fun!

Is this a manual or auto transmission model? Fun? LOL
My laugh for the day.

We've discussed everything from juicers to refrigerators here.
I have had our Whirlpool side-by-side. Some people said they were noisy. The refrigerator is extra quiet.
However, the ice bin is in the door, and if the ice bin has little ice left, when the cubes drop, they fall further
and thus hit with more momentum. The relatively empty plastic bin in the door makes noise and that goes through
the stainless skin of the door and can be heard. It's like the occasional airplane going overhead lower than typical, we got used to it quickly.

OK, if we are now going to talk about refrigerators, then I can say this:

When we re-did the kitchen in 2010 we bought a Samsung French style thingy with the ice in the door feature. At times it sounds like someone is throwing rocks in there it is so loud. The first time it happened I was watching TV in the adjoining family room and I didn't know what it was. Went to the kitchen and finally figured it out. Now it's just amusing.

Otherwise it's a nice fridge and I'm pretty sure the stainless models keep the beer colder.

jmonroe

roadburner

This morning I overheard one of our service advisors going over the results of a vehicle inspection with one of our customers. Among other things, they found that the OEM staggered tires had been rotated so that the wider tires were now on the front...

jmonroe

roadburner said:

This morning I overheard one of our service advisors going over the results of a vehicle inspection with one of our customers. Among other things, they found that the OEM staggered tires had been rotated so that the wider tires were now on the front...

So, what was the outcome of that discussion. Does BMW void the warranty because of that or does the dealer just tell the customer that they took their car to the wrong place and to NEVER go back to those dopes again?

jmonroe

ab348

driver100 said:

We got one of these babies about a year ago. Don't know how the performance reviews are but sure does look sleek and modern, kind of like a sports model. It is a Pfister, sounds impressive!

I have not encountered a Pfister toilet in my travels. Related to Price Pfister faucets? Looking at the pic I wonder how that gets held down to the floor. I do see Delta toilets at HD but nowhere else and they are just a bit above their house-brand stuff in price so I wonder how good they actually are. I always liked Delta faucets but when I see a brand name on something the company traditionally never made I get suspicious.

The plumbing supply house guy I liked who was telling me about toilets advised to stay away from the dual-flush models because they needed frequent cleaning due to the lack of water in the bowl. No idea how true that statement is.

roadburner

jmonroe said:

So, what was the outcome of that discussion. Does BMW void the warranty because of that or does the dealer just tell the customer that they took their car to the wrong place and to NEVER go back to those dopes again?

jmonroe

No warranty issues- but yes, they are told to stay away from Bubba's Tanning Salon, Laundromat, and Tire Shoppe.

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

We got one of these babies about a year ago. Don't know how the performance reviews are but sure does look sleek and modern, kind of like a sports model. It is a Pfister, sounds impressive!

I have not encountered a Pfister toilet in my travels. Related to Price Pfister faucets? Looking at the pic I wonder how that gets held down to the floor. I do see Delta toilets at HD but nowhere else and they are just a bit above their house-brand stuff in price so I wonder how good they actually are. I always liked Delta faucets but when I see a brand name on something the company traditionally never made I get suspicious.

The plumbing supply house guy I liked who was telling me about toilets advised to stay away from the dual-flush models because they needed frequent cleaning due to the lack of water in the bowl. No idea how true that statement is.

One reason my wife liked the pfister model (bought at Lowes in Canada) was because of the plain sides. In that bathroom you see the side of the toilet from the door, and she is a design maven, and she doesn't like those swirly lines they have on most toilets. Looks like it is exposed pipes.


So the smooth sides are actually a skirt, and there are bolts. Not the easiest to install, but it suuuure is pritty!

houdini1

nyccarguy said:

ab348 said:

Trying to get some home renos done and have learned that getting a contractor who will actually commit to doing something in a timely manner is really tough. The first guy dropped off the face of the earth for 2 months, thankfully before he started doing anything, while # 2 seems better that way but is still not great for communication. They all seem to have more business than they can handle.

These involve bathrooms and I have learned that the toilet industry has undergone consolidation and most manufacturing is now in China, naturally. Toto is not available locally, and most places are pushing American Standard or Kohler. I found one place that carried Gerber but I am unfamiliar with them. Apparently Eljer and Crane are no more, both bought by AmStan. Lots of unknown or house brands too. Any recent buying experiences, good or bad?

Ah, bathrooms. No doubt my professional area of expertise. Here's the low down. Toto is expensive & definitely the way to go (that's what the previous owner put in my house). I sell Gerber toilets exclusively & can tell you that they are extremely functional (especially the Viper & Avalanche series toilets), but are just basically styled.

American Standard is a solid brand with lots of choices. Almost like GM, they have sub brands. They sell to Home Depot & they have very high end decorative fixtures as well.

For shower bodies, I'd reccomend Symmons or Hans Grohe. Faucets you can go with Delta, Hans Grohe, or Symmons.

If you really want Toto, I can look into getting it drop shipped to you.

How about kitchen faucets ?