Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

tjc78

driver100 said:

The chicken chain reports that it receives more than 20,000 inquiries from franchisee candidates every year. Of those candidates, Chick-fil-A selects just 75 to 80 new franchisees annually, It is one of the cheapest franchises to manage.....but not own. Just $10000 if accepted compared to $750,000 for McDs, but you never own it and can't pass it on or sell it. It always belongs to the company.

I know someone who went through the whole process and was offered a location.  Well, he didn't like the location (northeast Philadelphia) and passed.  He kicks himself quite often for that.  

With CFA you can only have one, unlike like the others where you can have as many as you want. 

@jmonroe
I no longer eat fast food, but when I did every CFA I had ever been to was run as you describe.  Locations in NJ one down to Richmond VA are my examples. 

jmonroe

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

fintail said:

You get the German options ethos - everything is optional. I've read old jokes that in the past people would say even the fluids in newly delivered cars were extra-cost options.

You get a badge, styling that usually ages very well, and usually also receive driving dynamics and tactile feel that can be hard to beat.

jmonroe said:

If @driver100 did not get what you described I am pretty surprised, maybe even shocked, that an 80 grand car of whatever make does not have that. Even my dinky '15 Genesis has it.

Just what is it that you get with German cars, other than a badge?

jmonroe

Do you really expect me to believe you only get that with German cars. I'm surprised you didn't throw in the "it holds it's value longer". That may be true but aren't you paying up front for that?

All of this driving dynamics is lost on me. I never felt that I had to take corners quickly and have the car hold the road like that. I also never felt that it took a lot of skill to mash down on an accelerator peddle that someone else designed for you. I'm more of the type that wanted to design the accelerator peddle and what was behind it.

When I was a kid I always felt better throwing a ball (football or baseball) better than the other kids and especially the kids that ran their father's car's on Friday night to impress the girls how fast it was in the quarter mile.

While they were doing that, I was in the back of my fathers station wagon.

Some thing are more fun than others.

jmonroe

You're right JM, if it means nothing to you then it is a waste of money buying a fine automobile if it doesn't matter to you.
The Genesis is a fine car with a lot of toys on it for the money, but, it won't be quite the same. Some people appreciate fine wine, a good cigar, premium beer, steak instead of hamburger and a true German luxury car - compared to the wannabe car.

I'm always right. I thought you knew that by now. Mrs. j calls me a "know it all" and I'm not going to argue with her.

I don't care for wine, even some of the expensive ones I've tried over the years. I don't smoke. When I drink beer I stick to the almost local Yuengling's and I like steak and hamburgers.

Now about owning a true "German luxury car":

I don't want one, although I'm pretty sure I can afford most of them. At least up to an E Class. I admit I own a wannabe. I know my place in life and I can live with that. Some can't and some pretend that they must have "driving dynamics", as if you really need that on public roads.

jmonroe

abacomike

jmonroe said:

You get the German options ethos - everything is optional. I've read old jokes that in the past people would say even the fluids in newly delivered cars were extra-cost options. You get a badge, styling that usually ages very well, and usually also receive driving dynamics and tactile feel that can be hard to beat.

If @driver100 did not get what you described I am pretty surprised, maybe even shocked, that an 80 grand car of whatever make does not have that. Even my dinky '15 Genesis has it. Just what is it that you get with German cars, other than a badge? jmonroe

Do you really expect me to believe you only get that with German cars. I'm surprised you didn't throw in the "it holds it's value longer". That may be true but aren't you paying up front for that? All of this driving dynamics is lost on me. I never felt that I had to take corners quickly and have the car hold the road like that. I also never felt that it took a lot of skill to mash down on an accelerator peddle that someone else designed for you. I'm more of the type that wanted to design the accelerator peddle and what was behind it. When I was a kid I always felt better throwing a ball (football or baseball) better than the other kids and especially the kids that ran their father's car's on Friday night to impress the girls how fast it was in the quarter mile. While they were doing that, I was in the back of my fathers station wagon. Some thing are more fun than others. jmonroe

You're right JM, if it means nothing to you then it is a waste of money buying a fine automobile if it doesn't matter to you. The Genesis is a fine car with a lot of toys on it for the money, but, it won't be quite the same. Some people appreciate fine wine, a good cigar, premium beer, steak instead of hamburger and a true German luxury car - compared to the wannabe car.

I'm always right. I thought you knew that by now. Mrs. j calls me a "know it all" and I'm not going to argue with her. I don't care for wine, even some of the expensive ones I've tried over the years. I don't smoke. When I drink beer I stick to the almost local Yuengling's and I like steak and hamburgers. Now about owning a true "German luxury car": I don't want one, although I'm pretty sure I can afford most of them. At least up to an E Class. I admit I own a wannabe. I know my place in life and I can live with that. Some can't and some pretend that they must have "driving dynamics", as if you really need that on public roads. jmonroe

JM, there's a big difference between "WANT" and "NEED".  I've addressed this many times on this forum.  We all agree that someone's desire or need often differs from someone else's desire or need - it's all a matter of perception (and understandably so).

Each to his or her own, so to speak - and we should all respect that in our fellow human beings.  

fintail

Not to mention, "driving dynamics" isn't always about aggressive driving, or driving that isn't suitable for a public road. Simply tuning ride to be not too soft but not too harsh is an ideal that some makes historically understand better than others.

abacomike said:

JM, there's a big difference between "WANT" and "NEED".  I've addressed this many times on this forum.  We all agree that someone's desire or need often differs from someone else's desire or need - it's all a matter of perception (and understandably so).

Each to his or her own, so to speak - and we should all respect that in our fellow human beings.  

jmonroe

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

fintail said:

You get the German options ethos - everything is optional. I've read old jokes that in the past people would say even the fluids in newly delivered cars were extra-cost options.

You get a badge, styling that usually ages very well, and usually also receive driving dynamics and tactile feel that can be hard to beat.

jmonroe said:

If @driver100 did not get what you described I am pretty surprised, maybe even shocked, that an 80 grand car of whatever make does not have that. Even my dinky '15 Genesis has it.

Just what is it that you get with German cars, other than a badge?

jmonroe

Do you really expect me to believe you only get that with German cars. I'm surprised you didn't throw in the "it holds it's value longer". That may be true but aren't you paying up front for that?

All of this driving dynamics is lost on me. I never felt that I had to take corners quickly and have the car hold the road like that. I also never felt that it took a lot of skill to mash down on an accelerator peddle that someone else designed for you. I'm more of the type that wanted to design the accelerator peddle and what was behind it.

When I was a kid I always felt better throwing a ball (football or baseball) better than the other kids and especially the kids that ran their father's car's on Friday night to impress the girls how fast it was in the quarter mile.

While they were doing that, I was in the back of my fathers station wagon.

Some thing are more fun than others.

jmonroe

You're right JM, if it means nothing to you then it is a waste of money buying a fine automobile if it doesn't matter to you.
The Genesis is a fine car with a lot of toys on it for the money, but, it won't be quite the same. Some people appreciate fine wine, a good cigar, premium beer, steak instead of hamburger and a true German luxury car - compared to the wannabe car.

I'm always right. I thought you knew that by now. Mrs. j calls me a "know it all" and I'm not going to argue with her.

I don't care for wine, even some of the expensive ones I've tried over the years. I don't smoke. When I drink beer I stick to the almost local Yuengling's and I like steak and hamburgers.

Now about owning a true "German luxury car":

I don't want one, although I'm pretty sure I can afford most of them. At least up to an E Class. I admit I own a wannabe. I know my place in life and I can live with that. Some can't and some pretend that they must have "driving dynamics", as if you really need that on public roads.

jmonroe

JM, there's a big difference between "WANT" and "NEED".  I've addressed this many times on this forum.  We all agree that someone's desire or need often differs from someone else's desire or need - it's all a matter of perception (and understandably so).

Each to his or her own, so to speak - and we should all respect that in our fellow human beings.  

OK Chicken Freak @abacomike, I respect it but you guys are still phonies.

jmonroe

abacomike

jmonroe said:

jmonroe said:

You get the German options ethos - everything is optional. I've read old jokes that in the past people would say even the fluids in newly delivered cars were extra-cost options. You get a badge, styling that usually ages very well, and usually also receive driving dynamics and tactile feel that can be hard to beat.

If @driver100 did not get what you described I am pretty surprised, maybe even shocked, that an 80 grand car of whatever make does not have that. Even my dinky '15 Genesis has it. Just what is it that you get with German cars, other than a badge? jmonroe

Do you really expect me to believe you only get that with German cars. I'm surprised you didn't throw in the "it holds it's value longer". That may be true but aren't you paying up front for that? All of this driving dynamics is lost on me. I never felt that I had to take corners quickly and have the car hold the road like that. I also never felt that it took a lot of skill to mash down on an accelerator peddle that someone else designed for you. I'm more of the type that wanted to design the accelerator peddle and what was behind it. When I was a kid I always felt better throwing a ball (football or baseball) better than the other kids and especially the kids that ran their father's car's on Friday night to impress the girls how fast it was in the quarter mile. While they were doing that, I was in the back of my fathers station wagon. Some thing are more fun than others. jmonroe

You're right JM, if it means nothing to you then it is a waste of money buying a fine automobile if it doesn't matter to you. The Genesis is a fine car with a lot of toys on it for the money, but, it won't be quite the same. Some people appreciate fine wine, a good cigar, premium beer, steak instead of hamburger and a true German luxury car - compared to the wannabe car.

I'm always right. I thought you knew that by now. Mrs. j calls me a "know it all" and I'm not going to argue with her. I don't care for wine, even some of the expensive ones I've tried over the years. I don't smoke. When I drink beer I stick to the almost local Yuengling's and I like steak and hamburgers. Now about owning a true "German luxury car": I don't want one, although I'm pretty sure I can afford most of them. At least up to an E Class. I admit I own a wannabe. I know my place in life and I can live with that. Some can't and some pretend that they must have "driving dynamics", as if you really need that on public roads. jmonroe

JM, there's a big difference between "WANT" and "NEED".  I've addressed this many times on this forum.  We all agree that someone's desire or need often differs from someone else's desire or need - it's all a matter of perception (and understandably so).

Each to his or her own, so to speak - and we should all respect that in our fellow human beings.  

OK Chicken Freak @abacomike, I respect it but you guys are still phonies. jmonroe

Doesn't sound very respectful to me, JM.

jmonroe

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

fintail said:

You get the German options ethos - everything is optional. I've read old jokes that in the past people would say even the fluids in newly delivered cars were extra-cost options.

You get a badge, styling that usually ages very well, and usually also receive driving dynamics and tactile feel that can be hard to beat.

jmonroe said:

If @driver100 did not get what you described I am pretty surprised, maybe even shocked, that an 80 grand car of whatever make does not have that. Even my dinky '15 Genesis has it.

Just what is it that you get with German cars, other than a badge?

jmonroe

Do you really expect me to believe you only get that with German cars. I'm surprised you didn't throw in the "it holds it's value longer". That may be true but aren't you paying up front for that?

All of this driving dynamics is lost on me. I never felt that I had to take corners quickly and have the car hold the road like that. I also never felt that it took a lot of skill to mash down on an accelerator peddle that someone else designed for you. I'm more of the type that wanted to design the accelerator peddle and what was behind it.

When I was a kid I always felt better throwing a ball (football or baseball) better than the other kids and especially the kids that ran their father's car's on Friday night to impress the girls how fast it was in the quarter mile.

While they were doing that, I was in the back of my fathers station wagon.

Some thing are more fun than others.

jmonroe

You're right JM, if it means nothing to you then it is a waste of money buying a fine automobile if it doesn't matter to you.
The Genesis is a fine car with a lot of toys on it for the money, but, it won't be quite the same. Some people appreciate fine wine, a good cigar, premium beer, steak instead of hamburger and a true German luxury car - compared to the wannabe car.

I'm always right. I thought you knew that by now. Mrs. j calls me a "know it all" and I'm not going to argue with her.

I don't care for wine, even some of the expensive ones I've tried over the years. I don't smoke. When I drink beer I stick to the almost local Yuengling's and I like steak and hamburgers.

Now about owning a true "German luxury car":

I don't want one, although I'm pretty sure I can afford most of them. At least up to an E Class. I admit I own a wannabe. I know my place in life and I can live with that. Some can't and some pretend that they must have "driving dynamics", as if you really need that on public roads.

jmonroe

JM, there's a big difference between "WANT" and "NEED".  I've addressed this many times on this forum.  We all agree that someone's desire or need often differs from someone else's desire or need - it's all a matter of perception (and understandably so).

Each to his or her own, so to speak - and we should all respect that in our fellow human beings.  

OK Chicken Freak @abacomike, I respect it but you guys are still phonies.

jmonroe

Doesn't sound very respectful to me, JM.

To quote an old phrase and one that you have mentioned, "different strokes for different folks" or to put it another way, you German car owners aren't in touch with the commoners in this world. :@

jmonroe

Michaell

(moderator voice)
Lets pull back on these comments before things go completely off the rails.

There are enough choices in the market for everyone to be happy. No reason to denigrate someone else's choice.
(/moderator voice)

berri

People should spend their money however they want. No one else's business unless maybe they are BK court proceedings or hurting family member basic needs.

driver100

I respectfully want to explain to JMonroe is he didn't want certain qualities in the car he owns he may settle for a Civic, an Elantra, or, maybe a Dodge 200.

I doubt if he would be satisfied with those cars, they just aren't up to the standard of car that he needs or wants. He is satisfied if he drives a Genesis, it has all the features he wants and he is satisfied with the ride and performance.

Some people want more refinement and are willing to pay the price. Nothing to do with badge or needing a fancy car necessarily. I get a lot of satisfaction out of driving a $25k 2014 C250, but I get even more satisfaction out of driving a 6 cylinder E400. I don't want to settle for less......I enjoy it, I earned it, and I want it....NOW!!!!!!!

ab348

Michaell said:

(moderator voice)
Lets pull back on these comments before things go completely off the rails.

There are enough choices in the market for everyone to be happy. No reason to denigrate someone else's choice.
(/moderator voice)

It's amazing how rowdy a bunch of old dudes can get, isn't it?

berri

Honestly, these days what you drive doesn't mean much anymore. Many can lease a MB or BMW and not be all that well to do. Meanwhile more than a few wealthy people drive unobtrusive vehicles. I like cars, but they don't seem to drive any status today compared with a few decades ago. Ironically, most vehicles are probably more open to consumers than most other areas of life and economy in the US because of lease alternatives.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

I like the idea of ordering a fresher car, then it won't sit in the freezing cold for 6 months and it will have this part installed at the factory. There may be problems with paperwork etc.....I need to see what they say first.

Is there anything that's unique to your vehicle making it less desirable for them to sell to someone else? I.e., my second car was a Mustang Grande with a V8 and manual 3 speed AND air conditioning.

No, I am sure it is a car they would love to put in the showroom, it would sell instantly. It is white, pano roof, beige interior. I think it would be an advantage for them, they could sell it immediately then sell me mine in April when I get there. That is a good point though, it would be a win-win for both of us.

I've kind of lost track of driver's car saga. I understand it's been sitting waiting for government approval for some months and it needs a part to get this certification.

Did he do European delivery? Is this why it didn't arrive in Canada with everything it needed?

If not, this seems to be a screw up on a par with GG's Caddy. To buy a car and have to take it at full price dispite a year of deprecation seem unfair.

berri

A year's depreciation is a chunk of change on that MB too

driver100

Briefly oldfarmer: Supposed to arrive by early Dec. Changed to mid Jan as it needed government certification - probably different engine. Now it needs a part, ready in March sometime. Been sitting on a lot in Halifax N.S. since December. It was ordered in August.

driver100

berri said:

A year's depreciation is a chunk of change on that MB too

OTOH, people do order 2017 cars in the spring and through the summer. I go back in April and can't wait for the 2018s which probably won't be any different, and will probably come out in about November.

stickguy

got ambitious today, and finished doing my taxes. Pretty simple these days with the tax software. And of course, lack of fancy investment income! Almost nailed it again this year. Had to pay the Feds $51 (up from $19 last year) but that's probably within rounding. At least the state will send me some cash back. Sadly, not enough to buy a new car with...

mostly glad to have them done and out of the way. And thanks to changes to timing this year, got the FAFSA filed last year, and never have to do that task again thankfully. Won't miss that.

stickguy

driver, not really sure what you are looking for now (or more so, why). This was the agreement you came to with them at the beginning, right? Car comes in, they sit on it, you get in April? Sounds like all that is still supposed to happen. I guess the only real difference is the car sat in Halifax instead of at your local dealer? Even if they ordered another one you are still getting a 2017, just might not have it when you get home.

Michaell

stickguy said:

got ambitious today, and finished doing my taxes. Pretty simple these days with the tax software. And of course, lack of fancy investment income! Almost nailed it again this year. Had to pay the Feds $51 (up from $19 last year) but that's probably within rounding. At least the state will send me some cash back. Sadly, not enough to buy a new car with...

mostly glad to have them done and out of the way. And thanks to changes to timing this year, got the FAFSA filed last year, and never have to do that task again thankfully. Won't miss that.

I am so dreading doing mine this year.

Oh well ... I'll sit down and do them in the next couple weeks. Gonna be ugly, I'm sure.

stickguy

it helps to have not done anything big last year. No moves or job changes. But the software does all the work. Just have to remember what box to check so it asks, and to inventory all your forms (I do that first). Pretty quick once you start plugging in the data entry.

1 more year of saving on taxes with the extra dependent, and her tax credits. Though when that goes away (2018 tax year), the tuition payments are also long gone, as will be many of the carrying costs (car, insurance, phone, etc.). Hey, if she is claiming herself, I better not be supporting her!

28firefighter

We are going to owe about $1500 this year. I'm not amused but it's because of some distributions we took, our reduced mortgage interest from refinancing and because my wife was not eligible to deduct her IRA contribution due to one month of contributing to her old company's pension...

I expected it, but it still stinks. 

nyccarguy

Catching up after a weekend skiing with my family.  @sda - congrats on the new gig & getting your pilot back.  You've taken excellent care of it and that Bali Blue paint really shines.

@graphicguy - we are here for you.  Keep fighting!

Michaell

stickguy said:

it helps to have not done anything big last year. No moves or job changes. But the software does all the work. Just have to remember what box to check so it asks, and to inventory all your forms (I do that first). Pretty quick once you start plugging in the data entry.

1 more year of saving on taxes with the extra dependent, and her tax credits. Though when that goes away (2018 tax year), the tuition payments are also long gone, as will be many of the carrying costs (car, insurance, phone, etc.). Hey, if she is claiming herself, I better not be supporting her!

I've been using Turbo Tax for years - nice that it brings forward all the data from the previous year, so it asks the right questions.

jmonroe

Michaell said:

(moderator voice)
Lets pull back on these comments before things go completely off the rails.

There are enough choices in the market for everyone to be happy. No reason to denigrate someone else's choice.
(/moderator voice)

Thanks for trying to get these "driving dynamics lovers" off my back but I really didn't need your help. I think I drop kicked them to their senses. All they need is a little time to think about it.

jmonroe

jmonroe

berri said:

Honestly, these days what you drive doesn't mean much anymore. Many can lease a MB or BMW and not be all that well to do. Meanwhile more than a few wealthy people drive unobtrusive vehicles. I like cars, but they don't seem to drive any status today compared with a few decades ago. Ironically, most vehicles are probably more open to consumers than most other areas of life and economy in the US because of lease alternatives.

Thanks for proving my point with your quote "Many can lease a MB or BMW and not be all that well to do". If that doesn't define a "badge buyer", I don't know what does. It sure doesn't sound like a buyer that is after "driving dynamics" to me.

jmonroe

jmonroe

berri said:

A year's depreciation is a chunk of change on that MB too

And lets not forget about all of the "driving dynamics" that were also paid for and not received.

They have to tighten the Canadian laws to help car buyers up there.

jmonroe

jmonroe

driver100 said:

Briefly oldfarmer: Supposed to arrive by early Dec. Changed to mid Jan as it needed government certification - probably different engine. Now it needs a part, ready in March sometime. Been sitting on a lot in Halifax N.S. since December. It was ordered in August.

I'm being serious about this. Do you have much confidence that it will be ready in March? If not, what do you plan to do?

jmonroe

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

We are going to owe about $1500 this year. I'm not amused but it's because of some distributions we took, our reduced mortgage interest from refinancing and because my wife was not eligible to deduct her IRA contribution due to one month of contributing to her old company's pension...

I expected it, but it still stinks. 

Don't feel bad. Last year I owed the Feds over $4100, and the state of PA $257. As long as they let me use their money for a year I'm taking it. For the last 2 years my H&R Block program has been telling me that I could have to pay a penalty for not paying the correct Federal taxes and to expect a letter to this affect. So far nothing from the Feds.

The funny part is, I went over the allowable insufficient taxes I owed to the state of PA by $17 and they sent me a letter, about a month ago, stating they want me to file PA state tax quarterly from now on and gave me the forms to do it. H&R Blocks program never mentioned this. I think I'll file another year and see if I get a another letter from the state next year or get a fine later this year.

Maybe all of my problems stem from not cheating enough. Sometimes you just have to try harder.

jmonroe

iluvmysephia1

I've been using Turbo Tax for years - nice that it brings forward all the data from the previous year, so it asks the right questions.

I use TaxAct online and they also bring forward last year's taxes and they guide you along the way. I need to block out about 12-14 hours of time and don't get impatient, and I'll be fine. We're (wife and I) waiting for me to take this big Medical exam and pass it first. The agency that tests is all backed up with re-applicants. They've taken my fee and cashed it outside, now they need to let me know I'm approved to test.

Once that exam is passed all kinds of things will open up for us - it is one of those huge types of events.

driver100

driver100

stickguy said:

driver, not really sure what you are looking for now (or more so, why). This was the agreement you came to with them at the beginning, right? Car comes in, they sit on it, you get in April? Sounds like all that is still supposed to happen. I guess the only real difference is the car sat in Halifax instead of at your local dealer? Even if they ordered another one you are still getting a 2017, just might not have it when you get home.

Stick, you are really the voice of reason....at least for me!

I have an email ready to go to my sales consultant but I am on the borderline of sending it. What you said is true and I have to carefully consider what to do. I guess my concern is:

1) this adding a part thing. It seems that would b e done better at the factory now that they know what they are doing (like in GGs car), and

2) I read an article that said that auto braking feature is going to be on all cars one day. If it saved me from hitting a pedestrian or hitting another car it would be worth it.

It may be hard to switch cars as the insurance company wrote the check to the dealer for that particular car....VIN number and equipment.

I am going to think about it.

driver100

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Briefly oldfarmer: Supposed to arrive by early Dec. Changed to mid Jan as it needed government certification - probably different engine. Now it needs a part, ready in March sometime. Been sitting on a lot in Halifax N.S. since December. It was ordered in August.

I'm being serious about this. Do you have much confidence that it will be ready in March? If not, what do you plan to do?

jmonroe

Worry about it on April 2nd when we return

Seriously though, is Mrs M asking for some new furniture...you are becoming very grumpy lately, I am worried about you.

I will basically worry about it when we get back. You know, people worry about stuff that does not happen 90% of the time. My possible Plan B is to take a C Class instead since I like it and I won t need the larger car for driving to Florida.

houdini1

ab348 said:

Michaell said:

(moderator voice)
Lets pull back on these comments before things go completely off the rails.

There are enough choices in the market for everyone to be happy. No reason to denigrate someone else's choice.
(/moderator voice)

It's amazing how rowdy a bunch of old dudes can get, isn't it?

Just seemed like good natured give and take to me !! I don't think that anyone in the discussion was really being serious.

houdini1

Driver, I would just politely ask for more info and try to find out the details about what the holdup is about. What parts are involved, is it just your car or all those models, etc. Also when they really expect the car to be delivered.

driver100

houdini1 said:

Driver, I would just politely ask for more info and try to find out the details about what the holdup is about. What parts are involved, is it just your car or all those models, etc. Also when they really expect the car to be delivered.

I was thinking of softening my approach too, and your post confirms what I am thinking. My first draft was pretty aggressive, but, I think just a polite exploratory email will accomplish more.

Thanks houdini.....very helpful!

tjc78

@driver100

Does the dealer really have the full payment for the car all this time???

OMG I would never allow a car dealer to hold that kind of money.  I don't care what the insurance company said or did. I would have taken something from the lot or made them find it in a short amount of time

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

One of the "negatives" of my new HDTV is that it is so crystal clear and sharp, I was able to see Leslie Stahl's (60 Minutes reporter) imperfect complexion and the tiniest wrinkles on face and around her eyes.  Scott Pelly's face isn't so perfect either!  

Stage make up hasn't caught up with technology. Give it a while and your celebrities will be perfect again.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

Michaell said:

(moderator voice)
Lets pull back on these comments before things go completely off the rails.

There are enough choices in the market for everyone to be happy. No reason to denigrate someone else's choice.
(/moderator voice)

Thanks for trying to get these "driving dynamics lovers" off my back but I really didn't need your help. I think I drop kicked them to their senses. All they need is a little time to think about it.

jmonroe

Luckily they didn't start knocking Mustangs or I would have had to cast aspersions on their testosterone levels.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

One of the "negatives" of my new HDTV is that it is so crystal clear and sharp, I was able to see Leslie Stahl's (60 Minutes reporter) imperfect complexion and the tiniest wrinkles on face and around her eyes.  Scott Pelly's face isn't so perfect either!  

Stage make up hasn't caught up with technology. Give it a while and your celebrities will be perfect again.

Actually, by seeing the minute flaws in people makes them more human - and we can better relate to our own flaws as well as to other people's humanity and mortality. Just a side benefit to an HDTV - who would have guessed?

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

We are going to owe about $1500 this year. I'm not amused but it's because of some distributions we took, our reduced mortgage interest from refinancing and because my wife was not eligible to deduct her IRA contribution due to one month of contributing to her old company's pension...

I expected it, but it still stinks. 

Don't feel bad. Last year I owed the Feds over $4100, and the state of PA $257. As long as they let me use their money for a year I'm taking it. For the last 2 years my H&R Block program has been telling me that I could have to pay a penalty for not paying the correct Federal taxes and to expect a letter to this affect. So far nothing from the Feds.

The funny part is, I went over the allowable insufficient taxes I owed to the state of PA by $17 and they sent me a letter, about a month ago, stating they want me to file PA state tax quarterly from now on and gave me the forms to do it. H&R Blocks program never mentioned this. I think I'll file another year and see if I get a another letter from the state next year or get a fine later this year.

Maybe all of my problems stem from not cheating enough. Sometimes you just have to try harder.

jmonroe

I usually owe a bit to the Feds but because of some favorable rules for farmers I never had to pay a penalty or pay quarterly. That may change now since my little fight with them over taxable social security benefits. I spanked them pretty good and the tax man holds a grudge. Already got a threatening letter saying I had too many exemptions on my W-2 so I know they're keeping an eye on me.

I've been moving as much money as possible into our Roths which is starting to chip away at taxable dividends and gains. I love those accounts as they are all now tax free piggy banks.

abacomike

Sitting in the dentist's chair waiting for novacaine to work.  Broke that same tooth I had fixed when I was in rehab this past Friday evening.  So, just another chapter in the "Trials and Tribulations of Abacomike!"

He is going to put a crown in rather than try to repair it again which he said would not last very long.  It was another dentist in Boca Raton that fixed (misnomer to be sure) it the last time.  Now, I'm just plain "in a fix" now!  

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

houdini1 said:

Driver, I would just politely ask for more info and try to find out the details about what the holdup is about. What parts are involved, is it just your car or all those models, etc. Also when they really expect the car to be delivered.

I was thinking of softening my approach too, and your post confirms what I am thinking. My first draft was pretty aggressive, but, I think just a polite exploratory email will accomplish more.

Thanks houdini.....very helpful!

If your diplomatic Canadian style doesn't work I would be willing (for a small fee) to go in with my hissy fit American method and toss some furniture about the showroom.

jmonroe

abacomike said:

Sitting in the dentist's chair waiting for novacaine to work.  Broke that same tooth I had fixed when I was in rehab this past Friday evening.  So, just another chapter in the "Trials and Tribulations of Abacomike!"

He is going to put a crown in rather than try to repair it again which he said would not last very long.  It was another dentist in Boca Raton that fixed (misnomer to be sure) it the last time.  Now, I'm just plain "in a fix" now!  

Just a word of caution.

Make sure the dentist has good hands and uses proper "drilling dynamics".

In the end you will have teeth good enough to mash down on if your car's "driving dynamics" are put to the test.

jmonroe

imidazol97

ab348 said:

It's amazing how rowdy a bunch of old dudes can get, isn't it?

We're an amicable bunch, aren't we?

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

houdini1 said:

Driver, I would just politely ask for more info and try to find out the details about what the holdup is about. What parts are involved, is it just your car or all those models, etc. Also when they really expect the car to be delivered.

I was thinking of softening my approach too, and your post confirms what I am thinking. My first draft was pretty aggressive, but, I think just a polite exploratory email will accomplish more.

Thanks houdini.....very helpful!

If your diplomatic Canadian style doesn't work I would be willing (for a small fee) to go in with my hissy fit American method and toss some furniture about the showroom.

And if that doesn't work you can drive your school bus through the showroom window, get out and start throwing around some cars. :@

jmonroe

imidazol97

oldfarmer50 said:

I understand it's been sitting waiting for government approval for some months and it needs a part to get this certification.
If not, this seems to be a screw up on a par with GG's Caddy. To buy a car and have to take it at full price dispite a year of deprecation seem unfair.

How would the commenting go on here if GM had to delay delivery of a current model on sale to the retail customer because one part needed to be installed.

Indeed, if one part installed is all that's needed, that's a one day project unless they're replacing the whole drivetrain. So we're back to what I hypothesize happened with the replacement part on the CTS. Careful re-engineering to be sure it fits and meets govt standards, usw.

I think this is a slip up on the German company's part. Aren't the Germans rumored to be the best at engineering? (Insert friendly smile.)

They knew the requirements for each political division within which they were meeting requirements to sell this vehicle. Why wasn't it done right to begin with? Ein großes Problem:
Ein schweres Versagen.

imidazol97

stickguy said:

1 more year of saving on taxes with the extra dependent, and her tax credits. Though when that goes away (2018 tax year), the tuition payments are also long gone, as will be many of the carrying costs (car, insurance, phone, etc.). Hey, if she is claiming herself, I better not be supporting her!

Yeah. But you'll be doing her taxes too. Another set. That's what I've had to do even after Imid Jr. got a job.

imidazol97

stickguy said:

But the software does all the work. Just have to remember what box to check so it asks, and to inventory all your forms (I do that first).

I tried software for different years over a decade ago. It was more work trying to put in all the various investment incomes, deductions, and all. The software didn't want to categorize certain things the way I did on paper and pencil. I gave up. It was more work. The only thing it would have helped was running taxes as married filing separately versus jointly. Even that seemed to be a mess what with the dependent deduction and govt deductions for college costs.

imidazol97

jmonroe said:

Thanks for trying to get these "driving dynamics lovers" off....

I have really liked the German driving dynamics of my 14 Malibu from GM's Euro operations.

Not to go off topic here, but I had a loaner to take to my son when his Cruze's window was being repaired. It was a base Malibu LS and had replacement tires by Firestone but fairly pedantic in performance tires. With the base interior and the softness of the tire's control of the road, I'd not have liked it if I had test driven that version. It was a '13, and the '14 did have improvements I'm sure. No wonder people who rent and get the lower models, with the GM LT fleet package added, find them not up to snuff.

Another reason I always test drive exactly the series of the car I plan to order or buy. There are variations among model levels.

stickguy

I don't think anyone actually knows what is going on with Drivers car. Sounds quite weird, and I don't think he has gotten a clear explanation from the salesguy. Though the key difference here is, he doesn't need the car so did not have to push the issue.

this is in the category of "stuff happens", Plenty of posters would be up in arms if they were going to stonewall him, but we don't know if that is the case. Maybe they would have told him to go scratch, or maybe bent over backwards to get him into a car (though in this case, he does not actually own that car and in theory could walk in today and ask for his check back).

I agree though that it is a very weird situation, and if as reported, a serious goof on MB part shipping cars to Canada before they were signed off on. Key as always though is not making a goof, but how they react to it to resolve it. My WAG is that any other cars sitting impounded at port are not assigned to specific buyers.

best analogy I can think of is when Abacomike got his car that by mistake was missing some standard features. Instead of fighting him, they bent over backwards to fast track a replacement for him. With IIRC some compensation for his trouble?

This would have gone down differently (but we don't know how) if Driver had gone home in January and needed a car ASAP and they could not deliver.