Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

OF....$30 is a pretty good price for an all hand wash, dry, vac, windows, tire dressing. That's what my guy charges me. It takes him about an hour, too. I give him $35, and if the car is particularly dirty, or there's a lot of tree sap or bird droppings, I'll pay even more. That's unusual, given I keep my rides garaged. But, when I park at the airport, or in other public areas (especially under trees) on occasion my cars get pretty dirty.

In the summer, Fall, Spring, I tend to do my own washes and details....but only when it's not too hot, not too cold, and just right. When it's too cold (or cool), too hot, too humid, I take it to "my guy". So, he's working in the worst or most miserable conditions.

Let's say on average, taking a little time for a breather every now and then, maybe eat a sandwich for lunch, he does 5 cars/day...most are $30/ea, but throw in the $150-$175 jobs that takes him a few hours. Average? 5@$75/car, closed if it's raining, snowing or below freezing....maybe 200 days/year. That's $75K/year. Subtract supplies, garage rent/taxes, insurance, etc...figure net $50K.

He ain't gettng rich.

stickguy

I only go to a car wash if need to get salt off in winter, and not getting a warm enough day. And I use the touch less one like that. No, not as effective, but gets the worst of it off. They also have a soft touch tow through. I don't like that at all.

qbrozen

wow. $30 for an hour cleaning is crazy cheap. Costs me $25 just to go to the autowash and have a crew towel dry it and give a quick 10 min run through the interior with a vacuum and windex.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

OK, it's over Son #1 won't be going to the slammer. Being this was Son #1 you guys should have guessed that it had something to do with cars, though. Actually @driver100 wasn't too far off when he said something like "waxing cars".

Here it goes or should I say here it went:

Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you, at an option price of course, clad in as skimpy as the law allowed, bikini/tong bathing suits.

After he got to thinking more about it he could see that this very seasonable endeavor would not work. Maybe if he lived where Mike lives he'd still be considering it but not anymore. For all I know they might already exist around Mike's place.

Now, since the car wash is out, he is thinking about flipping houses and he even has one in mind but he has to do more homework before he decides on that.

I'm shaking my head about that too but not to the point it hurts. If nothing else his mother no longer has to be scraped off the ceiling.

Sorry @oldfarmer50, no pictures unless you want to see updated kitchens/bathrooms and maybe some saw dust and 2X4's as the work proceeds.

Just thought you guys would want to know.

jmonroe

Why not buy the car wash sans the girls? I use to work at one in college and the owner built it into a multi-location business. When you say do it yourself is this the kind where you actually work the hose or is just an automatic thing where you put money in the machine and drive it through? There are some new brushless washes near me where you don't have to deal with any people just drive in and the machines circle around your car. Seems like something a person could own with very little labor expense.

On house flipping be careful of where you do it. I've read that the real sucessful flips are done only where real estate values are rapidly rising. So Florida or Texas might be good but old rust belt cities not so much. Was talking to a couple who tried flipping in my area and are still paying off the loses.

As for the pictures, you could have at least slipped into a thong and posted a few selfies after leading us on like that.

The car wash he WAS interested in is the type where you squirt the hose yourself and bring your own bucket, soap and sponges. Around here they used to be called Wishy Washies. To be honest, the place seems to do a decent business. Almost every time I pass it on my way to or from Son #1's place, regardless of the weather, unless it is downright frigid there is at least one car there even after 10 or 11 o'clock. I think there are about 8 bays and they are pretty much filled on nice days. I don't know what they charge but it must be reasonable. However, that is out. He is onto flipping houses now.

The place he has his eye on is in a pretty old small town just a couple miles from me. The owner is selling it themselves and they seem to just want to get rid of it. They inherited it when a cousin died and willed it to them. One of the main things it has going for it is that it is in the same school district he is in. This small town merged into this school district many years ago. The way I understand it, this school district has people flocking to it because of its reputation even this old small town.

Anyway, he is having the home inspector he used when he bought his second house a couple years ago (same school district he was in because he wasn't leaving it) inspect it next week. Then he will know what he is in for, at least on the surface. This place was build in the mid 50's and the electric service is only 60 amps and it has fuses. So, he already knows he has to upgrade that to a minimum of 100 amps with circuit breakers and that will be at least $800 maybe even a grand. What he tells me is that the owners want to unload it so bad it is priced a little more than half of what it is appraised at. Something seems to be a little fishy here but hopefully the inspector can sniff it out. This inspector is VERY thorough, when he inspected my Son's second house he was there 7 hours and that house was only 12 years old.

If you want selfies in a thong, I have to get approval from the Mods and if they grant it, I'll come up with another excuse.

jmonroe

jmonroe

qbrozen said:

wow. $30 for an hour cleaning is crazy cheap. Costs me $25 just to go to the autowash and have a crew towel dry it and give a quick 10 min run through the interior with a vacuum and windex.

30 bucks? I won't even walk into my garage unless I tip myself 50 bucks and it's air conditioned in there.

jmonroe

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

P

graphicguy said:

If it's an automated car wash, the initial investment is steep, just for the equipment. Maintenance is high, and the land they sit on has to be in a high traffic area, which means relatively high bucks for real estate.

Plus, you're at the mercy of weather. You get a year with a lot of cold, or snow, or rain, etc....you're going to be looking to outlay a lot of cash, with no income coming in, sometimes for a long period of time.

I know the chains (Mike's Car Wash, Mr Clean Car Wasth, etc) make it work because they have economies of scale.

I have a "guy" that does hand washes and details. He's very good. But, he's in a single bay garage that he owns, and his business comes from word of mouth. On a good day, he can hand wash and/or detail about 10 cars. A wash is $40. A wash and wax is $125. A full detail where the leather is cleaned and treated, carpets shampoo, Q-tips get the dust out of the vents, etc...will run $175 and up (more for trucks and SUVs). Hard way to make a living.

But, he can only work about 100-150 days out of the year. Tough business, regardless of the way you wash the vehicles.

That doesn't include those little "accidents' where wheels might have scuffs, and the car wash has to take the blame because it can't be proven it was already that way when brought in ($250 wheel eats up the profit for an entire day).

A guy I know does details for car lots and gets about $30 a car. He says it takes about an hour so I don't know if it involves much more than vacuuming the French fries off the floor and cleaning foot prints off the ceiling. He says trades from families with kids or dogs are the worst.

I avoid those places with brushes because they can do a number on your paint. The one I use has no brushes, no rails to scratch your rims. You pull in on a flat floor and the sprayers move around your car. Doesn't clean quite as well as a brush system but less chance of damage. Friend at work had $1000 in damage done to her 350Z when a brush ripped of her rear wiper and beat dents into the trunk with it.

If I was the car-wash I'd of argued Nissan's quality is too low if parts and pieces can be broken off by a mere brush. Of course, I think there's two methods to operating a car wash, one is where the customer is always right, and the other is where the MO is to deny all claims.

suydam

Costs me $20 to get the Volt or Encore washed and cleaned inside. They do a good job.
Haven't priced detailing here but it was at least $80 in Ohio. It was very thorough.

Mr_Shiftright

oldfarmer50 said:

andres3 said:

Anyone seen live footage of the Oroville,CA dam spilling over? Never underestimate mother nature.

Isn't your governor still claiming CA is in a severe drought? That must be dust coming over the damn.

Governor is correct. Northern California is now pretty even-up on water levels but middle and southern California are still under severe drought conditions.

driver100

oldfarmer.....apparently there is very little Daimler influence in the latest version of the Chrysler 300.

With so much attention focused on Sergio Marchionne and Fiat, the story behind the 2011, second-generation Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans has been lost.

Neither car is a warmed-over version of the previous-generation sedan, merely dressed up with new sheet metal and a spiffed-up interior.

And the Daimler link? With one exception, it's gone, and that remaining connection is on its way out, too.

When the first-generation 300 appeared in 2004, and when the Charger followed, much was made of the fact that the sedans shared a range of Mercedes-Benz E- and C-class components.

The steering column, front seat frames, five-speed automatic transmission, rear suspension architecture and more came from the Mercedes parts bin.

The collaboration was done to improve the perception of the 300 and Charger and allow some of Chrysler's lineup to bask in the glow of Mercedes' engineering excellence.

But because of the late introduction of some of its 2011 models, and budget cuts that have downsized fleets for media, many journalists still have not driven Chrysler's 16 new or revamped models.

The 2011 300 and Charger have a new rear suspension, steering column, seat frames, wiring harnesses and switches. The list goes on. Even the chassis is new.

"I think a lot of people just assumed it was a carryover chassis from the previous car," he said. "It is not. It is all new."

While development of the second-generation 300 and Charger started under Daimler, the Mercedes connection is nearly gone -- the lone exception is the five-speed automatic transmission. That comes from the German automaker. But that soon will be replaced with a ZF transmission, which Automotive News reported more than a year ago.

Both cars have been redesigned with fresh parts.

So no, the new Chryco 300 does not resemble a 2000 Mercedes or any Mercedes............please!

FULL ARTICLE

sda

Thanks for the clarification as I was also under the impression that the current 300/Charger had MB roots. I have to say that I've been impressed with the 300C that I have as a rental. It feels solid, has plenty of power, is quiet and very nicely equipped. The huge panoramic sunroof is wonderful, and the shade for the sunroof is of a solid material so that when you close it no light comes thru. Very nice for our hot southern summers.

driver100

sda said:

Thanks for the clarification as I was also under the impression that the current 300/Charger had MB roots. I have to say that I've been impressed with the 300C that I have as a rental. It feels solid, has plenty of power, is quiet and very nicely equipped. The huge panoramic sunroof is wonderful, and the shade for the sunroof is of a solid material so that when you close it no light comes thru. Very nice for our hot southern summers.

sda, I had a Chryco 300 rental car for 3 days after my car was demolished in August. I could never bring myself to actually buy such a car. It felt kind of luxurious like a big Caddie or Lincoln would have felt in the 80s. The one I had was dangerous to drive because the steering would want to turn the wheel about every half hour and I had to hold on tight and try to keep the car on course.....the rental car company took it back right away and exchanged it for a very basic X1 which was lively, had great steering, was a lot of fun to drive, and though it had no extras on it....I would take it any time over that oversize lumbering barge the 300.

When the roof is closed on all cars no sunlight comes in. On the Mercedes if you have the roof back and just the glass it is made so sunlight comes in, but it the suns rays are blocked off so no direct sun or heat.

I will say, for the first half hour driving the 300 I felt like the king of the road and all I needed was a cowboy hat and a big stogie and I felt good, and they do load it up....but, after it seemed like a dinosaur. I'd find it hard to blow $40k on one.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

OK, it's over Son #1 won't be going to the slammer. Being this was Son #1 you guys should have guessed that it had something to do with cars, though. Actually @driver100 wasn't too far off when he said something like "waxing cars".

Here it goes or should I say here it went:

Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you, at an option price of course, clad in as skimpy as the law allowed, bikini/tong bathing suits.

After he got to thinking more about it he could see that this very seasonable endeavor would not work. Maybe if he lived where Mike lives he'd still be considering it but not anymore. For all I know they might already exist around Mike's place.

Now, since the car wash is out, he is thinking about flipping houses and he even has one in mind but he has to do more homework before he decides on that.

I'm shaking my head about that too but not to the point it hurts. If nothing else his mother no longer has to be scraped off the ceiling.

Sorry @oldfarmer50, no pictures unless you want to see updated kitchens/bathrooms and maybe some saw dust and 2X4's as the work proceeds.

Just thought you guys would want to know.

jmonroe

Why not buy the car wash sans the girls? I use to work at one in college and the owner built it into a multi-location business. When you say do it yourself is this the kind where you actually work the hose or is just an automatic thing where you put money in the machine and drive it through? There are some new brushless washes near me where you don't have to deal with any people just drive in and the machines circle around your car. Seems like something a person could own with very little labor expense.

On house flipping be careful of where you do it. I've read that the real sucessful flips are done only where real estate values are rapidly rising. So Florida or Texas might be good but old rust belt cities not so much. Was talking to a couple who tried flipping in my area and are still paying off the loses.

As for the pictures, you could have at least slipped into a thong and posted a few selfies after leading us on like that.

The car wash he WAS interested in is the type where you squirt the hose yourself and bring your own bucket, soap and sponges. Around here they used to be called Wishy Washies. To be honest, the place seems to do a decent business. Almost every time I pass it on my way to or from Son #1's place, regardless of the weather, unless it is downright frigid there is at least one car there even after 10 or 11 o'clock. I think there are about 8 bays and they are pretty much filled on nice days. I don't know what they charge but it must be reasonable. However, that is out. He is onto flipping houses now.

The place he has his eye on is in a pretty old small town just a couple miles from me. The owner is selling it themselves and they seem to just want to get rid of it. They inherited it when a cousin died and willed it to them. One of the main things it has going for it is that it is in the same school district he is in. This small town merged into this school district many years ago. The way I understand it, this school district has people flocking to it because of its reputation even this old small town.

Anyway, he is having the home inspector he used when he bought his second house a couple years ago (same school district he was in because he wasn't leaving it) inspect it next week. Then he will know what he is in for, at least on the surface. This place was build in the mid 50's and the electric service is only 60 amps and it has fuses. So, he already knows he has to upgrade that to a minimum of 100 amps with circuit breakers and that will be at least $800 maybe even a grand. What he tells me is that the owners want to unload it so bad it is priced a little more than half of what it is appraised at. Something seems to be a little fishy here but hopefully the inspector can sniff it out. This inspector is VERY thorough, when he inspected my Son's second house he was there 7 hours and that house was only 12 years old.

If you want selfies in a thong, I have to get approval from the Mods and if they grant it, I'll come up with another excuse.

jmonroe

Tell him to be careful. The plumbing and electric may not be the only problem. Environmental laws have changed since the 50s and if any nasty stuff was dumped in the ground way back when you son could be buying a huge expense. A local woman bought a property that was a previous dry cleaner. The state equivilant of the EPA knew that there was extensive chemical pollution in the ground which had migrated extensively. The information was withheld by both state and local officials. The minute she closed on the property she was handed a bill for $2 million for clean up. Now everybody is suing everbody and whatever she was planning to do is never going to happen.

Another person I know sold a house on Long Island. She had an underground oil tank. Friends told her to just fill it with concrete and forget about it. The new owners got wind of it and sued her for cleanup costs which exceeded what she got for the house.

Do soil tests and get protections written into the contract.

graphicguy

Gonna throw this out to the peanut gallery, so all comers are welcome.

UPDATE on the CTS.....BBB said they found my paperwork, and the clock starts over again at 40 days from yesterday for a resolution. IF there is no resolution, then they have to schedule an arbitration hearing. Not sure how long that will take. But, I'm pretty sure it won't be quick. Once again, Cadillac's strategy is to grind this out, and delay as much as possible.

Dealer called today asking me to bring back the loaner as they have to re-do paperwork, or maybe swap me out for another loaner given I've had it so long. Not sure what that has to do with anything. But, I suspect the loaner is going to go away soon without a resolution in place with Cadillac.

The dealer also said they have some, not all, of the parts needed to fix the CTS, stating with the new parts and some temporary rigging of wiring, the car can be driven. But, the engine is already out. And, if they put it back in to let me take the car, they might have to pull it out again when the rest of the parts come in. The dealer doesn't want to do that. Don't blame them. I don't want them to do that, either.

I have some (not a lot) of time before I'm going to need another car, regardless of what resolution comes about with the CTS.

So, as you can probably tell, I'm pretty fed up with tying up $50K-$60K into cars that for a variety of reasons, can't stay on the road.

Here's the challenge, recommend a NEW car, sedan (required by my employer), that you would spend your OWN money for, that can be bought between $30K-$40K on. MSRP can be higher, if you can show it would actually sell between $30K-$40K. The recommendations have to have a reasonable chance of being reliable based on either EXTENSIVE personal experiences, or some sort of empirical data you can point me to.

Seriously want to see what all of you recommend.

sda

How about a loaded Ford Fusion Sport? It will be quick, comfortable and has awd. Like most domestics depreciation will be high, not sure if that matters. You can't go wrong with the Accord Touring. A long shot, a Chrysler 300 top trim level? They are discounting them pretty heavily and from my experience with the rental that I have it seems to be a very nice car. CR gives it a good rating with an average repair record. I know Driver100 is not a fan of the 300.

stickguy

Based on my likes/needs, not yours? Ok. Guessing slightly on price, and might have to go light on options!

1. Smaller, I like my sons A3. But that is small
   
2. Loaded accord.
   
3. Lexus ES (though might be too pricey now)
   
4. Volvo S60
   
5. Acura TLX (4 cyl)
   
6. Maxima
   
7. Too cheap, but a loaded civic.
   
8. Big, a base genesis (if price worked)
   
9. Big, Hyundai Azera
   

Big list. I (for me) would not look at the last 2 big options. And the Audi is probably too small. So my short list from this would be Acura, Honda x2, and volvo. Just sticking with sedans.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

Gonna throw this out to the peanut gallery, so all comers are welcome.

UPDATE on the CTS.....BBB said they found my paperwork, and the clock starts over again at 40 days from yesterday for a resolution. IF there is no resolution, then they have to schedule an arbitration hearing. Not sure how long that will take. But, I'm pretty sure it won't be quick. Once again, Cadillac's strategy is to grind this out, and delay as much as possible.

Dealer called today asking me to bring back the loaner as they have to re-do paperwork, or maybe swap me out for another loaner given I've had it so long. Not sure what that has to do with anything. But, I suspect the loaner is going to go away soon without a resolution in place with Cadillac.

The dealer also said they have some, not all, of the parts needed to fix the CTS, stating with the new parts and some temporary rigging of wiring, the car can be driven. But, the engine is already out. And, if they put it back in to let me take the car, they might have to pull it out again when the rest of the parts come in. The dealer doesn't want to do that. Don't blame them. I don't want them to do that, either.

I have some (not a lot) of time before I'm going to need another car, regardless of what resolution comes about with the CTS.

So, as you can probably tell, I'm pretty fed up with tying up $50K-$60K into cars that for a variety of reasons, can't stay on the road.

Here's the challenge, recommend a NEW car, sedan (required by my employer), that you would spend your OWN money for, that can be bought between $30K-$40K on. MSRP can be higher, if you can show it would actually sell between $30K-$40K. The recommendations have to have a reasonable chance of being reliable based on either EXTENSIVE personal experiences, or some sort of empirical data you can point me to.

Seriously want to see what all of you recommend.

First off I don't believe they want to "swap out" your loaner. I think they want to get it out of your hands and then tell you to walk home since you have now become their adversary.

Secondly, didn't you once own an Acura TL? Why not another.

If I'm wrong on you owning a TL the only other car I can reccommend would be a gently used 1995 Lincoln which I could give you for $1000. It will get you where you want to go and anything that's likely to break has already broken so no surprises.

Oh wait, I re-read and you said NEW car. Too bad.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

OK, it's over Son #1 won't be going to the slammer. Being this was Son #1 you guys should have guessed that it had something to do with cars, though. Actually @driver100 wasn't too far off when he said something like "waxing cars".

Here it goes or should I say here it went:

Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you, at an option price of course, clad in as skimpy as the law allowed, bikini/tong bathing suits.

After he got to thinking more about it he could see that this very seasonable endeavor would not work. Maybe if he lived where Mike lives he'd still be considering it but not anymore. For all I know they might already exist around Mike's place.

Now, since the car wash is out, he is thinking about flipping houses and he even has one in mind but he has to do more homework before he decides on that.

I'm shaking my head about that too but not to the point it hurts. If nothing else his mother no longer has to be scraped off the ceiling.

Sorry @oldfarmer50, no pictures unless you want to see updated kitchens/bathrooms and maybe some saw dust and 2X4's as the work proceeds.

Just thought you guys would want to know.

jmonroe

Why not buy the car wash sans the girls? I use to work at one in college and the owner built it into a multi-location business. When you say do it yourself is this the kind where you actually work the hose or is just an automatic thing where you put money in the machine and drive it through? There are some new brushless washes near me where you don't have to deal with any people just drive in and the machines circle around your car. Seems like something a person could own with very little labor expense.

On house flipping be careful of where you do it. I've read that the real sucessful flips are done only where real estate values are rapidly rising. So Florida or Texas might be good but old rust belt cities not so much. Was talking to a couple who tried flipping in my area and are still paying off the loses.

As for the pictures, you could have at least slipped into a thong and posted a few selfies after leading us on like that.

The car wash he WAS interested in is the type where you squirt the hose yourself and bring your own bucket, soap and sponges. Around here they used to be called Wishy Washies. To be honest, the place seems to do a decent business. Almost every time I pass it on my way to or from Son #1's place, regardless of the weather, unless it is downright frigid there is at least one car there even after 10 or 11 o'clock. I think there are about 8 bays and they are pretty much filled on nice days. I don't know what they charge but it must be reasonable. However, that is out. He is onto flipping houses now.

The place he has his eye on is in a pretty old small town just a couple miles from me. The owner is selling it themselves and they seem to just want to get rid of it. They inherited it when a cousin died and willed it to them. One of the main things it has going for it is that it is in the same school district he is in. This small town merged into this school district many years ago. The way I understand it, this school district has people flocking to it because of its reputation even this old small town.

Anyway, he is having the home inspector he used when he bought his second house a couple years ago (same school district he was in because he wasn't leaving it) inspect it next week. Then he will know what he is in for, at least on the surface. This place was build in the mid 50's and the electric service is only 60 amps and it has fuses. So, he already knows he has to upgrade that to a minimum of 100 amps with circuit breakers and that will be at least $800 maybe even a grand. What he tells me is that the owners want to unload it so bad it is priced a little more than half of what it is appraised at. Something seems to be a little fishy here but hopefully the inspector can sniff it out. This inspector is VERY thorough, when he inspected my Son's second house he was there 7 hours and that house was only 12 years old.

If you want selfies in a thong, I have to get approval from the Mods and if they grant it, I'll come up with another excuse.

jmonroe

Tell him to be careful. The plumbing and electric may not be the only problem. Environmental laws have changed since the 50s and if any nasty stuff was dumped in the ground way back when you son could be buying a huge expense. A local woman bought a property that was a previous dry cleaner. The state equivilant of the EPA knew that there was extensive chemical pollution in the ground which had migrated extensively. The information was withheld by both state and local officials. The minute she closed on the property she was handed a bill for $2 million for clean up. Now everybody is suing everbody and whatever she was planning to do is never going to happen.

Another person I know sold a house on Long Island. She had an underground oil tank. Friends told her to just fill it with concrete and forget about it. The new owners got wind of it and sued her for cleanup costs which exceeded what she got for the house.

Do soil tests and get protections written into the contract.

Thanks for the heads up @oldfarmer50. This place has always been a residential community so it is very unlikely there is industrial ground contamination but I'll tell him to have it checked.

Since this home was built in the mid 50's, he is aware of the probable existence of asbestos so he going to have the house tested for this and he is going to have it tested for Radon Gas. I'm pretty sure he said the asbestos test and Radon test is included in the home inspectors charge which will be around $350.

Something tells me if he buys this place I won't be here as often as I have been because I'll be pounding nails and trying not to electrocute myself.

jmonroe

PF_Flyer

If you want selfies in a thong, I have to get approval from the Mods and if they grant it, I'll come up with another excuse.

Too much information?? LOL

driver100

GG, I said I wouldn't say it again but I think the Attorney Generals office should know about your problems with THEIR lemon law program.

Suggested list....trying for price range but not sure.....also I think reliability good for these;
Accord
Avalon or Lexus,
Suburu

(got guests, will add more later)

nyccarguy

@graphicguy - UGH!

ab348

stickguy said:

Based on my likes/needs, not yours? Ok.

But you like everything.

suydam

Toyota Avalon? 
How big/small?

andres3

graphicguy said:

Gonna throw this out to the peanut gallery, so all comers are welcome.

UPDATE on the CTS.....BBB said they found my paperwork, and the clock starts over again at 40 days from yesterday for a resolution. IF there is no resolution, then they have to schedule an arbitration hearing. Not sure how long that will take. But, I'm pretty sure it won't be quick. Once again, Cadillac's strategy is to grind this out, and delay as much as possible.

Dealer called today asking me to bring back the loaner as they have to re-do paperwork, or maybe swap me out for another loaner given I've had it so long. Not sure what that has to do with anything. But, I suspect the loaner is going to go away soon without a resolution in place with Cadillac.

The dealer also said they have some, not all, of the parts needed to fix the CTS, stating with the new parts and some temporary rigging of wiring, the car can be driven. But, the engine is already out. And, if they put it back in to let me take the car, they might have to pull it out again when the rest of the parts come in. The dealer doesn't want to do that. Don't blame them. I don't want them to do that, either.

I have some (not a lot) of time before I'm going to need another car, regardless of what resolution comes about with the CTS.

So, as you can probably tell, I'm pretty fed up with tying up $50K-$60K into cars that for a variety of reasons, can't stay on the road.

Here's the challenge, recommend a NEW car, sedan (required by my employer), that you would spend your OWN money for, that can be bought between $30K-$40K on. MSRP can be higher, if you can show it would actually sell between $30K-$40K. The recommendations have to have a reasonable chance of being reliable based on either EXTENSIVE personal experiences, or some sort of empirical data you can point me to.

Seriously want to see what all of you recommend.

I think you could get a decently equipped FWD Audi A4 for $40K (is this supposed to include taxes and fees?). If AWD is important, you'd probably have to forgo all options or add-ons to get the re-designed '17 A4, but it is one heck of a car from what I've heard. Bound to live up to Audi's latest reliability rankings, and has the latest version of their famous, tried and true 2.0T, along with standard DSG transmission.

andres3

driver100 said:

sda said:

Thanks for the clarification as I was also under the impression that the current 300/Charger had MB roots. I have to say that I've been impressed with the 300C that I have as a rental. It feels solid, has plenty of power, is quiet and very nicely equipped. The huge panoramic sunroof is wonderful, and the shade for the sunroof is of a solid material so that when you close it no light comes thru. Very nice for our hot southern summers.

sda, I had a Chryco 300 rental car for 3 days after my car was demolished in August. I could never bring myself to actually buy such a car. It felt kind of luxurious like a big Caddie or Lincoln would have felt in the 80s. The one I had was dangerous to drive because the steering would want to turn the wheel about every half hour and I had to hold on tight and try to keep the car on course.....the rental car company took it back right away and exchanged it for a very basic X1 which was lively, had great steering, was a lot of fun to drive, and though it had no extras on it....I would take it any time over that oversize lumbering barge the 300.

When the roof is closed on all cars no sunlight comes in. On the Mercedes if you have the roof back and just the glass it is made so sunlight comes in, but it the suns rays are blocked off so no direct sun or heat.

I will say, for the first half hour driving the 300 I felt like the king of the road and all I needed was a cowboy hat and a big stogie and I felt good, and they do load it up....but, after it seemed like a dinosaur. I'd find it hard to blow $40k on one.

$40K will get you a nicely equipped new X1, so yeah, doesn't seem to pass the smell test for you. For $40K I expect excellence.

andres3

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

OK, it's over Son #1 won't be going to the slammer. Being this was Son #1 you guys should have guessed that it had something to do with cars, though. Actually @driver100 wasn't too far off when he said something like "waxing cars".

Here it goes or should I say here it went:

Since the Spring is not too far off my Son was thinking of buying one of those do it yourself car washes. There is one not too far from him for sale, but he was going to put a twist on that. He was thinking about, weather permitting, he'd hire some ladies to wash the car for you, at an option price of course, clad in as skimpy as the law allowed, bikini/tong bathing suits.

After he got to thinking more about it he could see that this very seasonable endeavor would not work. Maybe if he lived where Mike lives he'd still be considering it but not anymore. For all I know they might already exist around Mike's place.

Now, since the car wash is out, he is thinking about flipping houses and he even has one in mind but he has to do more homework before he decides on that.

I'm shaking my head about that too but not to the point it hurts. If nothing else his mother no longer has to be scraped off the ceiling.

Sorry @oldfarmer50, no pictures unless you want to see updated kitchens/bathrooms and maybe some saw dust and 2X4's as the work proceeds.

Just thought you guys would want to know.

jmonroe

Why not buy the car wash sans the girls? I use to work at one in college and the owner built it into a multi-location business. When you say do it yourself is this the kind where you actually work the hose or is just an automatic thing where you put money in the machine and drive it through? There are some new brushless washes near me where you don't have to deal with any people just drive in and the machines circle around your car. Seems like something a person could own with very little labor expense.

On house flipping be careful of where you do it. I've read that the real sucessful flips are done only where real estate values are rapidly rising. So Florida or Texas might be good but old rust belt cities not so much. Was talking to a couple who tried flipping in my area and are still paying off the loses.

As for the pictures, you could have at least slipped into a thong and posted a few selfies after leading us on like that.

The car wash he WAS interested in is the type where you squirt the hose yourself and bring your own bucket, soap and sponges. Around here they used to be called Wishy Washies. To be honest, the place seems to do a decent business. Almost every time I pass it on my way to or from Son #1's place, regardless of the weather, unless it is downright frigid there is at least one car there even after 10 or 11 o'clock. I think there are about 8 bays and they are pretty much filled on nice days. I don't know what they charge but it must be reasonable. However, that is out. He is onto flipping houses now.

The place he has his eye on is in a pretty old small town just a couple miles from me. The owner is selling it themselves and they seem to just want to get rid of it. They inherited it when a cousin died and willed it to them. One of the main things it has going for it is that it is in the same school district he is in. This small town merged into this school district many years ago. The way I understand it, this school district has people flocking to it because of its reputation even this old small town.

Anyway, he is having the home inspector he used when he bought his second house a couple years ago (same school district he was in because he wasn't leaving it) inspect it next week. Then he will know what he is in for, at least on the surface. This place was build in the mid 50's and the electric service is only 60 amps and it has fuses. So, he already knows he has to upgrade that to a minimum of 100 amps with circuit breakers and that will be at least $800 maybe even a grand. What he tells me is that the owners want to unload it so bad it is priced a little more than half of what it is appraised at. Something seems to be a little fishy here but hopefully the inspector can sniff it out. This inspector is VERY thorough, when he inspected my Son's second house he was there 7 hours and that house was only 12 years old.

If you want selfies in a thong, I have to get approval from the Mods and if they grant it, I'll come up with another excuse.

jmonroe

Tell him to be careful. The plumbing and electric may not be the only problem. Environmental laws have changed since the 50s and if any nasty stuff was dumped in the ground way back when you son could be buying a huge expense. A local woman bought a property that was a previous dry cleaner. The state equivilant of the EPA knew that there was extensive chemical pollution in the ground which had migrated extensively. The information was withheld by both state and local officials. The minute she closed on the property she was handed a bill for $2 million for clean up. Now everybody is suing everbody and whatever she was planning to do is never going to happen.

Another person I know sold a house on Long Island. She had an underground oil tank. Friends told her to just fill it with concrete and forget about it. The new owners got wind of it and sued her for cleanup costs which exceeded what she got for the house.

Do soil tests and get protections written into the contract.

That's silly. The seller should have disclosed what they did to the buyer, and they might not have cared. Maybe the seller was desperate.

nyccarguy

@graphicguy -

Writing a check for a car at any price is a big decision. As much as I complain about my Legacy's lackluster acceleration, I think you should give the Legacy 3.6R Limited a test drive. With an MSRP of just $34,055 you get a 3.6L H6 engine that's good for 256 hp & 247 lb-ft of torque, leather, sunroof, Torque Vectoring AWD, Navigation, & EYESIGHT. It has a comfortable, compliant ride, a very spacious interior, and a big trunk. Have a Subaru 19 mm rear anti roll bar installed and the car handles very well. The current platform, engine, & transmission have been working together for over 2 full model years. The service department has treated me as well as the excellent service I received at my previous BMW dealer.

oldfarmer50

Anybody know anything about these cars? I'm ignorant of Japanese cars, particularly anything this old. Was this a desirable car? I like the style. I'd have to get driver100 to take a day trip to pick it up for me.



https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/cto/6000911053.html

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Anybody know anything about these cars? I'm ignorant of Japanese cars, particularly anything this old. Was this a desirable car? I like the style. I'd have to get driver100 to take a day trip to pick it up for me.



https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/cto/6000911053.html

Run, do not walk, away from this one.

These older convertible conversions are hopeless when it comes to convertible parts. Cars like the Cutlass convertible of the same vintage are in desperate need of things like top weather strips, which are unobtainium. I suspect this is no different.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-01-11/topic/9601090832_1_infiniti-m30-convertible-top-ragtop

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

Gonna throw this out to the peanut gallery, so all comers are welcome.

UPDATE on the CTS.....BBB said they found my paperwork, and the clock starts over again at 40 days from yesterday for a resolution. IF there is no resolution, then they have to schedule an arbitration hearing. Not sure how long that will take. But, I'm pretty sure it won't be quick. Once again, Cadillac's strategy is to grind this out, and delay as much as possible.

Dealer called today asking me to bring back the loaner as they have to re-do paperwork, or maybe swap me out for another loaner given I've had it so long. Not sure what that has to do with anything. But, I suspect the loaner is going to go away soon without a resolution in place with Cadillac.

The dealer also said they have some, not all, of the parts needed to fix the CTS, stating with the new parts and some temporary rigging of wiring, the car can be driven. But, the engine is already out. And, if they put it back in to let me take the car, they might have to pull it out again when the rest of the parts come in. The dealer doesn't want to do that. Don't blame them. I don't want them to do that, either.

I have some (not a lot) of time before I'm going to need another car, regardless of what resolution comes about with the CTS.

So, as you can probably tell, I'm pretty fed up with tying up $50K-$60K into cars that for a variety of reasons, can't stay on the road.

Here's the challenge, recommend a NEW car, sedan (required by my employer), that you would spend your OWN money for, that can be bought between $30K-$40K on. MSRP can be higher, if you can show it would actually sell between $30K-$40K. The recommendations have to have a reasonable chance of being reliable based on either EXTENSIVE personal experiences, or some sort of empirical data you can point me to.

Seriously want to see what all of you recommend.

Boy, that's tough. I only got one ... the S60. I see I can get a 2017 T5 FWD with tech, vision, and nav (I know you like your toys) for under $34k through Truecar. Might be less because the incentives don't seem to be working. They show $1k conquest cash for other luxo owners, including Caddy, but when I click on it, the truecar price isn't changing. Weird.

ooohhh... even better. LWB S60 T5 Inscription Platinum with climate pack for $37k.

Can't really help you much with reliability data other than my owner personal experience, but that's with a different generation of Volvos. Depreciation is also pretty bad, but you bought a Caddy, so that shouldn't matter.

explorerx4

@graphicguy,
Not what you are looking for, but will be a fun drive.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/692006610/overview/
BTW, I'm hoping you drive and give a review.
I'm too sceered.

suydam

I think Lexus is generally at the top of the reliability list if that's a main concern.

Michaell

@graphicguy - my .02 ....

1. Accord Touring - you've already mentioned it on these boards, so why not give it a drive?
2. Lexus ES / Toyota Avalon - same thing, one is just more blingy than the other
3. Legacy 3.6R - I'll second @nyccarguy. As an owner of an Outback with that same drivetrain, I can attest how nice it is (the software programming masks the fact that the transmission is a CVT). Pretty well loaded for mid 30's. Across the street from me are a Legacy 3.6 and an S60 T6. They look awful similar; speaking of which...
4. S60 - as @qbrozen states, there are some phenomenal deals to be had here. But, not sure about the long term viability of Volvo in the NA market. And, reliability.
5. Nissan Maxima - another car with some great deals available. I personally like the styling of this latest generation.

sda

One other car comes to mind, VW Passat SEL V6. A nice loaded overall package with good power and driving dynamics.

qbrozen

sda said:

One other car comes to mind, VW Passat SEL V6. A nice loaded overall package with good power and driving dynamics.

buuuut, he asked for reliable. ;b

suydam

I'd say no to Vee Dub.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Anybody know anything about these cars? I'm ignorant of Japanese cars, particularly anything this old. Was this a desirable car? I like the style. I'd have to get driver100 to take a day trip to pick it up for me.



https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/cto/6000911053.html

Run, do not walk, away from this one.

These older convertible conversions are hopeless when it comes to convertible parts. Cars like the Cutlass convertible of the same vintage are in desperate need of things like top weather strips, which are unobtainium. I suspect this is no different.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-01-11/topic/9601090832_1_infiniti-m30-convertible-top-ragtop

Thanks for that perspective. I guess any low volume car ends up without aftermarket support. I run into that with the Lincoln too.

uplanderguy

Some have said that while the driving experience during the Daimler/Chrysler era in cars like the 300 were positive, quality actually slipped according to some Mopar diehards (I guess there are some).

Daughter's PT Cruiser has "Daimler" markings under the hood.

28firefighter

@graphicguy Golf R. Now selling for less than MSRP according to the guys at Jalopnik. 

abacomike

Well, I made it to Ponte Vedra in 4-1/2 hours - averaging 78 mph all the way with no stops.  36.7 mpg was the average fuel economy in ECO-Pro driving mode - phenomenal considering the speed and the 4200 lb. weight of the 740i.  

Had dinner at "Cantina Laredo" in Jacksonville. Great food and great margueritas.  They hand made guacamole at the table.  I had chicken frajitas.  Great dinner.  I'm very tired and will be hitting the hay shortly.  Have a great week everyone!  

nyccarguy

@Michaell makes some fantastic points.  You can't go wrong with an Avalon, Accord Touring, or Maxima.

I'm also going to suggest leasing.  You seem to do more flying than driving these days.  MB offers 7,500 mile per year leases & BMW offers 10K per year leases.  Put down the maximum MSD and buy the money factor down.  I know a guy at the BMW dealer in Louisville that will get you the right deal on the car YOU want 

I can't in good conscience recommend the TLX SH AWD Advance due to the issues with the 9 Speed Slushbox.  I was speaking to a business colleague who currently drives an AWD Pilot Touring Elite.  He said the car never felt as smooth as his past Pilots have.  Brought it back to the dealer a few times.  Got the "software reflash" once.  Got the "couldn't find problem" another time.  Third time the dealer found the transmission cooler was leaking.  The transmission was not being cooled properly which led to jerky shifting.  Honda replaced the transmission and the transmission cooler.  He said the Pilot drives great now.

stickguy

lots of posts here.

the Infiniti? that was factory. guy up the street from me used to be a sales manager for an infiniti dealer, and had one just like that (same color too). they lost their house and that car sat for years in the driveway decaying, before disappearing one day (not likely under it's own power). From what I understand not a great car.

Volvo? I don't think it is going anywhere anytime soon. And reliability in recent models has been fine from what I understand. and really nice cars these days. I test drove one with my son a few months back, and was shocked by how nice it was.

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell makes some fantastic points.  You can't go wrong with an Avalon, Accord Touring, or Maxima.

Oh, I wholeheartedly disagree. But that is just my opinion.

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell makes some fantastic points.  You can't go wrong with an Avalon, Accord Touring, or Maxima.

Oh, I wholeheartedly disagree. But that is just my opinion.

I think those are worthy vehicles, I just think coming from a luxury caddy, @graphicguy won't be happy with them. 

suydam

I think Maxima or Avalon or Lexus he might.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@graphicguy - UGH!

Agreed- not a lot of fun iron in that segment.
WRX STI?
Focus ST/RS?
Charger R/T Scat Pack?
Chevrolet SS?

roadburner

28firefighter said:

@graphicguy Golf R. Now selling for less than MSRP according to the guys at Jalopnik. 

Yes; that too...

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Anybody know anything about these cars? I'm ignorant of Japanese cars, particularly anything this old. Was this a desirable car? I like the style. I'd have to get driver100 to take a day trip to pick it up for me.



https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/cto/6000911053.html

I doubt if they sold many of those...I don't recall ever seeing one. Looks nice.
I'll pick it up for you OF, but I am on a ship in the middle of the ocean so put the money in my pay pal account.

nyccarguy

roadburner said:

@graphicguy - UGH!

Agreed- not a lot of fun iron in that segment. WRX STI? Focus ST/RS? Charger R/T Scat Pack? Chevrolet SS?

He could go for a WRX Limited.  He'd have to wait for 2018.  Minor suspension revisions and better insulation should make for a more compliant and ever so slightly more grown up WRX.  Plus if he goes for the CVT, he can get it equipped with Eyesight.

stickguy

I am sensing though for this car, GG is likely more interested in something more "mature". Closer to the Caddy than a rally car! He does have the Cobra for fun time duty.

I would like to drive a WRX, but not sure I want to marry one.

Actually, I am kind of curious what would have happened if I had signed up for the Civic Si lease Wonder if I would still love it?

Michaell

stickguy said:

I am sensing though for this car, GG is likely more interested in something more "mature". Closer to the Caddy than a rally car! He does have the Cobra for fun time duty.

I would like to drive a WRX, but not sure I want to marry one.

Actually, I am kind of curious what would have happened if I had signed up for the Civic Si lease Wonder if I would still love it?

Given the price point ($30-40K) and the fact that @graphicguy has the SVT for fun duty, I figure something 1) reliable, and 2) luxurious.

I might also suggest the Kia Cadenza or Hyundai Azera, but only if he leases. The depreciation on those will kill you, but the lease cash almost makes up for it.

@nyccarguy - FYI, you can get 7500 miles per year on the 7-series only.

Honda offers 12K only; so does Toyota. Lexus offers 7500 miles, so the ES would work.

@stickguy - I'm getting to a point where comfort trumps sportiness. Though I am still impressed at the torque the Jetta puts out. I got on the highway today and was at 80 before I knew it.