We've got 2 incomes, 3 kids, a mortgage payment, & 1 car payment. It ain't easy.
wait until you have college tuition payments too.
only positive, if you are used to paying for hockey or other expensive sports, day care, summer camp, etc. (not that you necessarily are, but we did), it costs damned near as much as sending them to college!
I can't wait to be 2 incomes, kids out on their own. And no payments. Once we get there (soon!), can start the countdown clock. Once the mortgage is paid off, I can retire!
AB...we just view it differently. I feel like a pinata...smacked around by Cadillac....2+ mos being without my car because I don't matter enough for them to pull parts to fix the car I bought.
Probably going to have to start shopping quickly. I know as soon as I file Lemon Law, Cadillac won't reimburse the dealership for the loaner. So, will need something once they want their loaner back.
I don't even know what I want.
Don't give it back. If they are contesting it, then you still own the car, and they are saying they still plan to fix it. so really, until you get a judgement, nothing changes. if they ask, ignore them!
AB...we just view it differently. I feel like a pinata...smacked around by Cadillac....2+ mos being without my car because I don't matter enough for them to pull parts to fix the car I bought.
I don't think they have parts they can pull and that's the problem. The TSB was for a relatively small number of cars built around the time yours was. Later cars used a different design, for good reason as we now see. So they have to start from scratch and design/build something that won't do what yours did while also being compatible with whatever else is different about that group of cars, test it, ramp up production and get it out into the field. I think that's why they are treating you differently this time than they did before in terms of loaners.
Anyone a tax expert? Do I have to or can I factor in my mortgage and HOA fee costs in claiming losses? Could we be blamed for the extremely long pending sale? Most of the delay was due to the VA vetting our condo and HOA because they don't accept FHA vetting. So the buyer's subsidized financing caused the delay. The reason he didn't pay rent for all of the delays was that our HOA was blamed for some of the delay with the VA; of course, the documents they wanted and scrutinized were excessive (I was on the HOA board!).
As for the mortgage you can deduct the interest expense from your taxes against any rent income. You can also deduct property taxes and HOA fees as well as depreciate the property. You can also deduct any other costs associated with renting the property (property management fees, renter finder fees, cleaning the condo for renting, insurance, repairs and any mileage you drive for rental business). These all go against rental income that you received.
Who is to blame for the long pending sale is immaterial to the tax preparation.
Can I also deduct the loss on the sale of the condo as follows:
Amount Paid back in 2004 + Improvements paid for in 2015/2016 - Amount Sold for in 2016 = Loss Deduction from Income?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
AB, if that is really the case, they should proactively just offer a replacement, and worry about fixing and reselling his car when the fix is finally available. At minimum, give him a straight answer, apologize, and tell him to keep the nice loaner as long as possible.
Heck, might be the first guy that had to bring his loaner back for an oil change!
AB...we just view it differently. I feel like a pinata...smacked around by Cadillac....2+ mos being without my car because I don't matter enough for them to pull parts to fix the car I bought.
Probably going to have to start shopping quickly. I know as soon as I file Lemon Law, Cadillac won't reimburse the dealership for the loaner. So, will need something once they want their loaner back.
I don't even know what I want.
You should make them put you on one of those Repossession reality shows in order to get their loaner back.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
AB, if that is really the case, they should proactively just offer a replacement, and worry about fixing and reselling his car when the fix is finally available. At minimum, give him a straight answer, apologize, and tell him to keep the nice loaner as long as possible.
Heck, might be the first guy that had to bring his loaner back for an oil change!
I'd want a new loaner if I had to bring my loaner back for an oil change!
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Anyone a tax expert? Do I have to or can I factor in my mortgage and HOA fee costs in claiming losses? Could we be blamed for the extremely long pending sale? Most of the delay was due to the VA vetting our condo and HOA because they don't accept FHA vetting. So the buyer's subsidized financing caused the delay. The reason he didn't pay rent for all of the delays was that our HOA was blamed for some of the delay with the VA; of course, the documents they wanted and scrutinized were excessive (I was on the HOA board!).
As for the mortgage you can deduct the interest expense from your taxes against any rent income. You can also deduct property taxes and HOA fees as well as depreciate the property. You can also deduct any other costs associated with renting the property (property management fees, renter finder fees, cleaning the condo for renting, insurance, repairs and any mileage you drive for rental business). These all go against rental income that you received.
Who is to blame for the long pending sale is immaterial to the tax preparation.
Can I also deduct the loss on the sale of the condo as follows:
Amount Paid back in 2004 + Improvements paid for in 2015/2016 - Amount Sold for in 2016 = Loss Deduction from Income?
First thing I would look at is how long you have had the condo vs how long you rented it. You also need to take into consideration any depreciation you wrote off in calculating loss on the sale.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Any AARP members here? If not, why not? If so, what benefits are there.
I've been getting mail from them pretty regularly and another envelope showed up today. Thinking about it but wanted to solicit opinions.
BTW, just flew back from Cincinnati today .... had Skyline Chili for lunch. Man, I missed that.
well, I joined. probably don't take enough advantage though. Get a nice couple of magazines every month. And many discounts, but you need to remember to ask for them. If I had not joined, doubt I would miss it.
Once I get the last kid out on her own policy, will see if they can get me a better deal on car insurance.
and I do love good chili. Usually just have my wife's, which is actually very good.
Any AARP members here? If not, why not? If so, what benefits are there.
I've been getting mail from them pretty regularly and another envelope showed up today. Thinking about it but wanted to solicit opinions.
BTW, just flew back from Cincinnati today .... had Skyline Chili for lunch. Man, I missed that.
We have been AARP members for a few years and because of the discounts you get, it easily pays for the AARP dues.
One of the discounts is for Outback. We like that place and go quite a few times. I like their prime rib at the one we go to. Up until just last night when we went there the discount was 15% now it is 10%. So, like everything else, things change but I think it is still worth it for the other discounts.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
For a good credit score, a person needs to do a few things.
First, have a variety of credit accounts. Have installment loans, like a car loan. Also have some revolving credit lines, like credit cards. You do not need to have a balance on the credit cards. Just having the account is sufficient.
This represents around 10 percent of a credit score.
Second, pay all your accounts when due. A good approach is to set up automatic payments. This is particularly easy for a car loan. Most finance sources have an option to set up automatic car payments.
Paying on time represents about 35 percent of a credit score.
Third, be careful when closing an account. Keep them open if possible. The reason, one of the criteria in a credit score is the percentage of available credit used. The credit limits on all accounts, new and old,comprise the total available credit.
About 30 percent of a credit score is the amount of available credit used. The more available credit can make the available credit used lower. Try to keep the percentage of available credit used low. Never higher than 30 percent. Below 10 percent is optimum.
I, for example, have about 40 accounts most of which I never used. These are credit cards, store accounts, etc. My total available credit is around $150K. I use a cash back card daily and usually have a monthly balance of $3 -$5K. However, with a $150K amount of available credit, my percentage of credit used never exceeds 4 percent. If my total available credit was $30K, my credit used would be closer to 20 percent which would loer my credit score.
Also, about 15 percent of a credit score is the length of credit history. Keeping old accounts open, even if not used, will increase this period.
The final component is new credit. This represents around 10 percent of a credit score. Opening too many accounts in a short period of time, say two years, is a negative. This includes not only opening new accounts but all hard inquiries of your credit from retailers, like car dealers. However, having multiple inquiries from car dealers over a short period of time, say two weeks, is usually viewed as only one inquiry.
There are benefits to having a good credit score beyond low finance rates. Auto insurance, for example. Most auto insurers include a persons credit score in computing premiums. For example, I receive a 35 percent reduction on my auto insurance each year for having a credit score over 800. For me that is a savings of about $700 a year.
Any AARP members here? If not, why not? If so, what benefits are there.
When AARP got involved in big politics on gov't medical care 8 years back, I took a good look at their operation. They are in business to make older folks think they are in business to benefit the older folks. Instead, they're in business to benefit AARP. They mostly just rake off a commission on selling services to older folks, whether insurance products, investment products, and so on. Note, I don't say "senior citizens" because long ago AARP expanded their base by starting at age 50 or so, so it's "older folks."
I buy my services elsewhere. AAA. State Farm, Aetna, Voya.
Any AARP members here? If not, why not? If so, what benefits are there.
I've been getting mail from them pretty regularly and another envelope showed up today. Thinking about it but wanted to solicit opinions.
BTW, just flew back from Cincinnati today .... had Skyline Chili for lunch. Man, I missed that.
Positives: For $15 a year you get a monthly newsletter that has some good articles. Lots of ads for hearing aids, cell phones and computers that are easy for seniors to use. Discounts at some establishments like Denny's....15% off (delicious bourbon skillet chicken). You are helping to advance causes for seniors. If you sign up using the right ad, you get a free gift, like a thermal bag for carrying drinks.
Negatives: You'll be out $15. They keep sending you reminders to keep your subscription going 6 months before....write down date for renewal. Gifts get better the longer you wait. I checked the car insurance and it was more than my rate now...but, I am sure some people do OK with it.
My son was born this morning via C-Section. 7 lbs 2 ozs, 20.25 inches long. Mom and Baby are doing great!
So, the next phase of life begins!
How wonderful! As long as he is healthy - 10 fingers, 10 toes, and the manly appendages are intact. My sincerest congratulations to you and your wife on the arrival of your son.
Any AARP members here? If not, why not? If so, what benefits are there.
I've been getting mail from them pretty regularly and another envelope showed up today. Thinking about it but wanted to solicit opinions.
BTW, just flew back from Cincinnati today .... had Skyline Chili for lunch. Man, I missed that.
I used to be an AARP member back in the 2000's. But once the organization became more interested in politics, making money off their members (health insurance, auto insurance, Affordable Health Care support, etc.), I dropped my membership. Their auto insurance is more expensive than I pay for my own auto insurance; their Health Insurance is less comprehensive than what I have now; and their political support of the ACA was not in the best interests of their membership, IMO.
Even though their membership dues are insignificant ($10.00 a year I believe), it is low so they can acquire millions of retired folks to show muscle in their lobbying efforts.
Edit: @driver100 reminded me of the money-making tactics. They constantly bombard you with mailings for this "service" and that service. AND they sell your name to every Tom, Dick, and a few others to mail you. Remember, they make their money renting out their mailing lists for companies pretending to be AARP when in reality it's the big healthcare company with which they associate that's doing the mailing and selling: AARP just sits back and takes a cut. And they sell out your info to local companies. I still believe they gave out my phone number. I did subscribe to AARP back when I was in my 50's. Then I terminated, and the selling stuff got even worse.
My wife and I tracked selling of our names by using distinct variations on the middle initials or spelling of first names. Imidy Azol, Imid C. Zole, Imid Azolt. It's amazing how you could trace back the origin of those odd mailings like the river cruise booklets that are ads for European cruises and who gave them your name. It's a big business made even bigger as data mining has come into vogue.
Regarding credit reports and scores (FICO, etc.), prior to my buying my new car, my score was in the 800's for the Beacon Score (care buying score) and my FICO was 798. Now that I have a new loan ($25,000) on the new car, my FICO score dropped to 769 even though I have 0 balances on all my revolving credit. I guess they consider me a bit more risky to lend money to. From what I understand, in about 6 months, as I make payments on the car, my score should go up again. I have no mortgage and I purposely pay off my balances on my credit cards before the closing date to show 0 balances.
I've been reading your posts about your Cadillac as well as the posts of others who have opinions about the fiasco. If I had the problems with 3 Cadillacs like you have had, I think you already know that I would probably be at GM Headquarters in Detroit by now slamming on doors and yelling at the top of my lungs about their lousy handling of my problem(s). But I know you are not that type of individual.
I would definitely ask for a NEW 2017 replacement car (not a refund as it probably would delay things even more) and immediately trade it in for a new car - a 2017 to be sure. BMW has a new 5 series about to be unveiled at local dealerships in a month or so and from what I read and hear, it is supposed to have the updated technology that the 7 series has. You might want to look into that.
But, whatever you decide, it is obviously all up to you in terms of what you need, want and desire. You certainly have had enough time to give thought to what the future holds for you in terms of cars. "...just do it...!"
Thanks to those of you who were concerned that I had not posted since Sunday, but I had a few side-effects from the dye they used in the IV contrast for my CT-Scan on Monday morning. Just felt a bit sluggish and not much in the mood for posting - felt more like crashing, if you know what I mean. But your concerns were/are appreciated.
Have not heard anything back from the doctors about the results of the Scan, which surprises me since it was done 4 days ago. Hopefully, they will not find anything.
AB...we just view it differently. I feel like a pinata...smacked around by Cadillac....2+ mos being without my car because I don't matter enough for them to pull parts to fix the car I bought.
Probably going to have to start shopping quickly. I know as soon as I file Lemon Law, Cadillac won't reimburse the dealership for the loaner. So, will need something once they want their loaner back.
I don't even know what I want.
GG, You've probably already considered this but what about writing a detailed, firm yet diplomatic letter to Mary Barra? She seems fairly sincere in her desire to provide quality product and a high level of customer satisfaction. Of course that could be lip service. Good luck with this, again..
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
AB...we just view it differently. I feel like a pinata...smacked around by Cadillac....2+ mos being without my car because I don't matter enough for them to pull parts to fix the car I bought.
Probably going to have to start shopping quickly. I know as soon as I file Lemon Law, Cadillac won't reimburse the dealership for the loaner. So, will need something once they want their loaner back.
I don't even know what I want.
Come on down to Louisville and let me put you in a BMW today!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Thanks all for the support. I know how this works. First, you go to Cadillac Customer Service to log a complaint. I did that. Interesting note there, they clearly know of the issue. They admit that relatively few cars were affected, insinuating their repair is not high on their priority list. I guess on the positive side, that means they are operating transparently divulging that. Cadillac Customer Service said they escalated the issue to some sort of "grand PooBah", who said there was nothing they could do as it was a manufacturing issue. Customer Service closed the case with me under the designation "unacceptable". There really was nothing to accept to begin with. The CTS needs parts. It's undriveable. They said they wouldn't have parts for over a month (that's on top of the month+ they've already had my car in the dealer service bay). And, it was optimistic they could even get them then. So, not sure what it was I was supposed to accept.
Had a sit down with the Zone Manager. That amounted to little more than lip service.
Dealership has been coopreative, sending me all of their paperwork, complete with the recall notice (similar to the one AB found).
Filed Lemon Law last night. That means Cadillac will pull loaner car support, and the dealer will ask for the loaner to be returned.
I think this will turn into a legan battle, but following their confounding process, I filed with BBB first. They'll contact me in a week or so. But, all they'll do is get a repeate of everything Cadillac has told me. We'll come to an impass and the case will be closed as "unresolved".
@dino001...thanks. That's the best explanation anyone has ever given me. See, this forum is a wealth of info....truly.
Since I have to file expense reports, and then get reimbursed, I try to keep my hands out of my own pockets when it comes to paying my AMEX. Sometimes, I have to, however. Holidays, expense questions (although if I was going to cheat on expenses, I'd make it a whopper. Not a $20 lunch that has a partially obscured restaurant name in question on the receipt), etc cause for delays on reimbursement. In those situations, I try to wait until the due date to pay the AMEX. Then, it comes out of my pocket waiting for reimbursement.
Funny...when I needed credit, when I was just starting out adulthood, I had to jump through burning hoops for a house loan, or a car loan. Now, when I don't need it, credit is so much easier to come by.
A co worker, back in my working days, once told me that he kept his money in one pocket and company money in another pocket. He said, " My money is my money, and their money is some of my money".
GG, good luck. Sounds sad, but it is actually a good thing you are a seasoned vet at this. Fewer surprises, and should be able to move it along quicker (knowing what to anticipate).
I think your idea of getting a loaded mainstream car makes a ton of sense. A nice Accord V6? With discounts, not that expensive. If you can swing that, could just buy it and move one early from Caddy while the process unfolds. If some miracle occurs and you finally get it back, can just take it to Carmax and be done with it.
Or a mid size SUV of some kind. You seemed to enjoy the Tahoe, and something like that would pair well with the Cobra! Would just hate to see you press the Cobra into DD duty in the winter.
at least you have some options, unlike someone that is living paycheck to paycheck and has to depend on their only car.
GG, good luck. Sounds sad, but it is actually a good thing you are a seasoned vet at this. Fewer surprises, and should be able to move it along quicker (knowing what to anticipate).
I think your idea of getting a loaded mainstream car makes a ton of sense. A nice Accord V6? With discounts, not that expensive. If you can swing that, could just buy it and move one early from Caddy while the process unfolds. If some miracle occurs and you finally get it back, can just take it to Carmax and be done with it.
Or a mid size SUV of some kind. You seemed to enjoy the Tahoe, and something like that would pair well with the Cobra! Would just hate to see you press the Cobra into DD duty in the winter.
at least you have some options, unlike someone that is living paycheck to paycheck and has to depend on their only car.
Appreciate that Stick. Thanks!
You and I think the same. I'm actually going to go look at an Accord V6 Touring tonight. From what I've read, they're good performers, last year for the V6 (the engine is similar to the one in my previous TL...and that one was smooth as silk). Like you said, all loaded up, radar cruise, all the lane keep/change, etc features. Should be boulder reliable. And, it would be roughly 1/2 the cost of the CTS.
Was thinking last night about checking out the TLX (again). I never noticed any transmission woes when I've tested them in the past. But, I know it has come under fire quite a bit. We'll see. Maybe Acura has addressed the concerns.
I've been interested in Lexus in the past. They offer great reliability and customer service. Might look at them, again.
I really don't want to have that kind of money tied up in two cars (CTS and a new car), but life is full of lemons (pun intended). And, I'm trying to make some lemonade.
I may press the Mustang into temporary duty, as I don't want to buy something just because I am without daily driver wheels. But, wouldn't want that to take over a month. I'll look at some Blizzaks for it tonight, too. Don't want to go sideways if it snows.
Kind of like my Sonata. Not as powerful (but I could have gotten the 2.0T motor), but loaded to the gills with goodies, for way less than the luxo brands. If I get something new or newer later this year, will most likely be something like a loaded Civic/Accord type car (depending on size I want). New Accord will be out by the end of the year too!
at least your Caddy has to be resolved one way or the other in a few months. They have your car apart. So they can't possible trot out the "operating as designed" excuse. No question to fight there. So you hit the time limit, and what can they say? Or they fix it finally, and you get it back and go sell it.
Fighting them to admit a defect when the car still runs must be the real nightmare situation.
@graphicguy - you could go down to Louisville and get a great deal on that "superman 340i" that @roadburner's dealership just picked up. How about a short term lease takeover of a 435xi Coupe/Grand Coupe or an ///M235xi?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
AB...we just view it differently. I feel like a pinata...smacked around by Cadillac....2+ mos being without my car because I don't matter enough for them to pull parts to fix the car I bought.
Probably going to have to start shopping quickly. I know as soon as I file Lemon Law, Cadillac won't reimburse the dealership for the loaner. So, will need something once they want their loaner back.
I don't even know what I want.
Come on down to Louisville and let me put you in a BMW today!
Didn't know you worked out of Louisville Roadburner. Or, maybe I did and I forgot. Sam Swope? What kind of deal can you get me... when I'm ready?
@graphicguy - you could go down to Louisville and get a great deal on that "superman 340i" that @roadburner's dealership just picked up. How about a short term lease takeover of a 435xi Coupe/Grand Coupe or an ///M235xi?
Kind of like my Sonata. Not as powerful (but I could have gotten the 2.0T motor), but loaded to the gills with goodies, for way less than the luxo brands. If I get something new or newer later this year, will most likely be something like a loaded Civic/Accord type car (depending on size I want). New Accord will be out by the end of the year too!
at least your Caddy has to be resolved one way or the other in a few months. They have your car apart. So they can't possible trot out the "operating as designed" excuse. No question to fight there. So you hit the time limit, and what can they say? Or they fix it finally, and you get it back and go sell it.
Fighting them to admit a defect when the car still runs must be the real nightmare situation.
It definitely ain't running. I saw it a couple of weeks ago. The engine bay looks like Beirut!
Comments
only positive, if you are used to paying for hockey or other expensive sports, day care, summer camp, etc. (not that you necessarily are, but we did), it costs damned near as much as sending them to college!
I can't wait to be 2 incomes, kids out on their own. And no payments. Once we get there (soon!), can start the countdown clock. Once the mortgage is paid off, I can retire!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Amount Paid back in 2004 + Improvements paid for in 2015/2016 - Amount Sold for in 2016 = Loss Deduction from Income?
Heck, might be the first guy that had to bring his loaner back for an oil change!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Any AARP members here? If not, why not? If so, what benefits are there.
I've been getting mail from them pretty regularly and another envelope showed up today. Thinking about it but wanted to solicit opinions.
BTW, just flew back from Cincinnati today .... had Skyline Chili for lunch. Man, I missed that.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Once I get the last kid out on her own policy, will see if they can get me a better deal on car insurance.
and I do love good chili. Usually just have my wife's, which is actually very good.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My son was born this morning via C-Section. 7 lbs 2 ozs, 20.25 inches long. Mom and Baby are doing great!
So, the next phase of life begins!
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
One of the discounts is for Outback. We like that place and go quite a few times. I like their prime rib at the one we go to. Up until just last night when we went there the discount was 15% now it is 10%. So, like everything else, things change but I think it is still worth it for the other discounts.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You are right, life will now take on a new face and you will enjoy it.
There is another bright side, you won't need an alarm clock for a few years.
Glad to hear both your son and wife are doing well.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
First, have a variety of credit accounts. Have installment loans, like a car loan. Also have some revolving credit lines, like credit cards. You do not need to have a balance on the credit cards. Just having the account is sufficient.
This represents around 10 percent of a credit score.
Second, pay all your accounts when due. A good approach is to set up automatic payments. This is particularly easy for a car loan. Most finance sources have an option to set up automatic car payments.
Paying on time represents about 35 percent of a credit score.
Third, be careful when closing an account. Keep them open if possible. The reason, one of the criteria in a credit score is the percentage of available credit used. The credit limits on all accounts, new and old,comprise the total available credit.
About 30 percent of a credit score is the amount of available credit used. The more available credit can make the available credit used lower. Try to keep the percentage of available credit used low. Never higher than 30 percent. Below 10 percent is optimum.
I, for example, have about 40 accounts most of which I never used. These are credit cards, store accounts, etc. My total available credit is around $150K. I use a cash back card daily and usually have a monthly balance of $3 -$5K. However, with a $150K amount of available credit, my percentage of credit used never exceeds 4 percent. If my total available credit was $30K, my credit used would be closer to 20 percent which would loer my credit score.
Also, about 15 percent of a credit score is the length of credit history. Keeping old accounts open, even if not used, will increase this period.
The final component is new credit. This represents around 10 percent of a credit score. Opening too many accounts in a short period of time, say two years, is a negative. This includes not only opening new accounts but all hard inquiries of your credit from retailers, like car dealers. However, having multiple inquiries from car dealers over a short period of time, say two weeks, is usually viewed as only one inquiry.
There are benefits to having a good credit score beyond low finance rates. Auto insurance, for example. Most auto insurers include a persons credit score in computing premiums. For example, I receive a 35 percent reduction on my auto insurance each year for having a credit score over 800. For me that is a savings of about $700 a year.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I buy my services elsewhere. AAA. State Farm, Aetna, Voya.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Negatives: You'll be out $15. They keep sending you reminders to keep your subscription going 6 months before....write down date for renewal. Gifts get better the longer you wait. I checked the car insurance and it was more than my rate now...but, I am sure some people do OK with it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Where have you been?
Glad to have you back...we were going to send out a search party.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Even though their membership dues are insignificant ($10.00 a year I believe), it is low so they can acquire millions of retired folks to show muscle in their lobbying efforts.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My wife and I tracked selling of our names by using distinct variations on the middle initials or spelling of first names. Imidy Azol, Imid C. Zole, Imid Azolt. It's amazing how you could trace back the origin of those odd mailings like the river cruise booklets that are ads for European cruises and who gave them your name. It's a big business made even bigger as data mining has come into vogue.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Anyone want to loan me a few hundred thousand?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I've been reading your posts about your Cadillac as well as the posts of others who have opinions about the fiasco. If I had the problems with 3 Cadillacs like you have had, I think you already know that I would probably be at GM Headquarters in Detroit by now slamming on doors and yelling at the top of my lungs about their lousy handling of my problem(s). But I know you are not that type of individual.
I would definitely ask for a NEW 2017 replacement car (not a refund as it probably would delay things even more) and immediately trade it in for a new car - a 2017 to be sure. BMW has a new 5 series about to be unveiled at local dealerships in a month or so and from what I read and hear, it is supposed to have the updated technology that the 7 series has. You might want to look into that.
But, whatever you decide, it is obviously all up to you in terms of what you need, want and desire. You certainly have had enough time to give thought to what the future holds for you in terms of cars. "...just do it...!"
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Have not heard anything back from the doctors about the results of the Scan, which surprises me since it was done 4 days ago. Hopefully, they will not find anything.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Life takes on an entirely diffuerent hue and meaning, now.
Thanks for the feedback on AARP; I'm still on the fence.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Roughly 25 years of fun lies ahead
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
actually, if that offer is on the table, I'll come out for a long weekend, and do it myself!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Had a sit down with the Zone Manager. That amounted to little more than lip service.
Dealership has been coopreative, sending me all of their paperwork, complete with the recall notice (similar to the one AB found).
Filed Lemon Law last night. That means Cadillac will pull loaner car support, and the dealer will ask for the loaner to be returned.
I think this will turn into a legan battle, but following their confounding process, I filed with BBB first. They'll contact me in a week or so. But, all they'll do is get a repeate of everything Cadillac has told me. We'll come to an impass and the case will be closed as "unresolved".
Then, legal proceedings will begin.
I don't see this resolved until Spring!
Will keep you posted.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I think your idea of getting a loaded mainstream car makes a ton of sense. A nice Accord V6? With discounts, not that expensive. If you can swing that, could just buy it and move one early from Caddy while the process unfolds. If some miracle occurs and you finally get it back, can just take it to Carmax and be done with it.
Or a mid size SUV of some kind. You seemed to enjoy the Tahoe, and something like that would pair well with the Cobra! Would just hate to see you press the Cobra into DD duty in the winter.
at least you have some options, unlike someone that is living paycheck to paycheck and has to depend on their only car.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You and I think the same. I'm actually going to go look at an Accord V6 Touring tonight. From what I've read, they're good performers, last year for the V6 (the engine is similar to the one in my previous TL...and that one was smooth as silk). Like you said, all loaded up, radar cruise, all the lane keep/change, etc features. Should be boulder reliable. And, it would be roughly 1/2 the cost of the CTS.
Was thinking last night about checking out the TLX (again). I never noticed any transmission woes when I've tested them in the past. But, I know it has come under fire quite a bit. We'll see. Maybe Acura has addressed the concerns.
I've been interested in Lexus in the past. They offer great reliability and customer service. Might look at them, again.
I really don't want to have that kind of money tied up in two cars (CTS and a new car), but life is full of lemons (pun intended). And, I'm trying to make some lemonade.
I may press the Mustang into temporary duty, as I don't want to buy something just because I am without daily driver wheels. But, wouldn't want that to take over a month. I'll look at some Blizzaks for it tonight, too. Don't want to go sideways if it snows.
at least your Caddy has to be resolved one way or the other in a few months. They have your car apart. So they can't possible trot out the "operating as designed" excuse. No question to fight there. So you hit the time limit, and what can they say? Or they fix it finally, and you get it back and go sell it.
Fighting them to admit a defect when the car still runs must be the real nightmare situation.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6