Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

andres3

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

These are two issues which have some similarities, but some differences. GG gets no communication from Cadillac. In theory they could keep his car in the garage and hand it back to him at the end of the warranty period if that is what a warranty means....it is OK as long as you have a loaner. He has had no communication about how long this part will take to make and install or what they are actually doing.

The testing on the E400 got slowed down because the government is involved........and wants to do their testing.
There isn't an actual fault with the car.....they probably get tuned to the specifications once the government starts mucking about. btw...my warranty time doesn't start until I pick up the car, Gigi;s car has spent a quarter of it's life in a garage.

I totally disagree. If you were in Canada I can only think you would be renting a car or driving your wife's car while you await your new $80K vehicle to be delivered. If your dealer there treated you like Cadillac is treating GG they would give you a new S-class to drive while you wait for your car to be released from impound. Only you can answer whether they are likely to do that. We also are not privy to the communication between him and the company, only what he posts here. There may have been much more that we do not know about. That is no reflection on him; I would not expect him to post every communication here. It is not unheard of for manufacturers to take cars with a serious problem off the roads and provide alternate transportation. Even in the VW debacle it took over 18 months for people to be made whole for their actions.

I doubt many view the VW deal that way. Customers were given 1,000 bucks right away which really made them $1,000 over whole immediately. No one was out a car, and the car functioned exactly the same as always for everyone but the EPA, which discovered their tests were inadequate and easily bypassed.

I agree with Driver100 here.

The typical lemon law rule of 30 days out of service defining a lemon in the first 18,000 miles is a good rule, and one that was created for many reasons. I know that's the way it is in CA from a long time ago, and it seems other States follow the same reasonable time period of being "out of service." If a car is out of commission 30 days or more in the first 18,000 miles for any reason, then it isn't a car, it is a lemon.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Wow - glad you're OK, GG. Ringing endorsement for the safety of a Mazda3 if I've heard of one.

andres3

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.

I remember back in '06 when I got my first Audi, the '06 A3 - that an Inspector on my project mentioned slightly condescendingly how Audi didn't have quite have the panache or prestige of Mercedes or BMW.

I really didn't care, as that prestige and panache cost big money; which made the $30K out the door A3 a super bargain compared to other German vehicles at the time.

I'd rather keep up with those V6 Accord's in a straight line at the time than have some sort of intangible status symbol. Getting smoked by V6 Camry's forced the German car makers to raise their game.

jmonroe

andres3 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

"driving dynamics", as if you really need that on public roads.

I can't think of a more important active safety feature than driving dynamics. The ability to make an emergency lane change or avoidance maneuver without spinning out or spinning off the road is essential to me.

Like all safety features, you don't "need" it until you really NEED it, and then you'll wish while waiting for a tow-truck to pick up the wreckage, that you had it if it could have prevented the wreck you just got into.

For the same reason, I don't like skimping on cheap tires because that could lengthen an emergency braking stop, or lessen the amount of G-force you can pull when trying to avoid someone.

Any car I have ever owned has had enough "driving dynamics" to keep me out of trouble but I don't push my cars to the limit to see what they can do.

I use the accelerator peddle to keep me out of trouble not put me in harms way. Kinda explains why I have had no collisions or speeding tickets.

I will agree with you on tires. I buy the better ones when the OEM junk is used up.

You should try the @jmonroe method of driving, it's a lot safer.

jmonroe

jmonroe

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Man, you sure are snake bit.

You might have some insurance problems but it is good to hear you are alright.

jmonroe

driver100

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Glad your OK but what a thing to happen.....too bad you weren't driving your CTS.!

I hear about more and more of these things happening, I think driving is dangerous and is getting more so every day.

oldfarmer50

venture said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

explorerx4 said:

I was pretty disappointed with the interior of the Fusion Sport.
Seems like they ran out of money or something.
The seat material looks cheap and the center stack controls are from the 2016 Fusion.
My 2017 SE has a completely different center stack layout.

Like Fintail, I checked the inventory of a local Benz dealer. They have 28 E class listed. 26 E300's and 2 E400 coupes. I thought maybe they are holding back the 6 cylinder models because they are selling so many CUV/SUV's and are trying to keep their CAFE numbers up.

You have to add the Sport Upgrade Package to get the newer looking center stack. That includes the 2 - 4.2" LCD displays and the 8" center stack display, and the Sony 12 speaker sound system among other stuff. If you restrain yourself and don't get adaptive cruise, lane keep, BLIS, etc., you can have one for mid-30s. That's really not bad for a 325 HP, 380 lb./ft., AWD car.

The seats being only available in dark gray, and being suede and leather, made me not interested. I'm not a suede seat guy.

I took my Titanium out tonight and turned off the radio to listen to the squeeks and rattles. The only thing I heard was engine and tires. Couldn't find much hard plastic either except for the console top.

Impressive. Which engine is that?

That's the engine in the Fusion Sport.

OK wise guy I looked it up myself.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-ford-fusion-sport-first-drive-review

Even more impressive. I figured the 3.5 Ecoboost but all that horsepower comes from a 2.7.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Wow - glad you're OK, GG. Ringing endorsement for the safety of a Mazda3 if I've heard of one.

28FF...JM.....thanks!.....the Mazda 3 is the first small car I've actually enjoyed driving. Maybe a little on the loud side on the highway, but that could be because of my ears still ringing. The car did it's job, and did it well.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

My goodness you are having a bad run. I think whatever gremlin that's been vexing Mike has taken up housekeeping with you. Glad you weren't hurt.

Did the truck driver at least stop?

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

These are two issues which have some similarities, but some differences. GG gets no communication from Cadillac. In theory they could keep his car in the garage and hand it back to him at the end of the warranty period if that is what a warranty means....it is OK as long as you have a loaner. He has had no communication about how long this part will take to make and install or what they are actually doing.

The testing on the E400 got slowed down because the government is involved........and wants to do their testing.
There isn't an actual fault with the car.....they probably get tuned to the specifications once the government starts mucking about. btw...my warranty time doesn't start until I pick up the car, Gigi;s car has spent a quarter of it's life in a garage.

I totally disagree. If you were in Canada I can only think you would be renting a car or driving your wife's car while you await your new $80K vehicle to be delivered. If your dealer there treated you like Cadillac is treating GG they would give you a new S-class to drive while you wait for your car to be released from impound. Only you can answer whether they are likely to do that. We also are not privy to the communication between him and the company, only what he posts here. There may have been much more that we do not know about. That is no reflection on him; I would not expect him to post every communication here. It is not unheard of for manufacturers to take cars with a serious problem off the roads and provide alternate transportation. Even in the VW debacle it took over 18 months for people to be made whole for their actions.

I totally disagree with your totally disagreeing. I bought the car in August. They told me it would be delivered in early December. It was delayed....there are a lot of new electronics and although it has the same engine the engine has been tweaked quite a bit.....9 more horsepower and a ton more torque.

That was all my risk, Mercedes can't do any more than they have been doing. The car has been in Canada since mid December and the government has taken it's time testing the car....nothing to do with Mercedes, I am sure they would love to be selling cars that are sitting on the lot. What we don't know is how long the testing takes, and whether the adjustments are always made in the country the car is sent to....I got a feeling that is what happens.

Mike said something interesting in his review of GGs car:

About 2 weeks ago, IIRC, the parts came in and they repaired the CTS. From my understanding, they had to remove the engine to complete the repairs. You get your car back and, on the way home, you hear clanking from underneath the car and the car is not responding to driver input correctly - something with steering or the like. You take your car back to the dealership and they give you a different CT6 to drive.

Since a lot of us seem to be surmising, I would like to know how they mysteriously did fix his car, he picks it up, and now something else has gone terribly wrong. Either they had the part or they didn't....what was that all about.

My case is pretty clear, there was a delay mostly beyond MBs control. I am sure they would have sold me a 4cyl E300 instead, or let me buy a C300 or something since the car is paid for and wasn't delivered in a timely fashion....I will take my situation over GGs any time.

driver100

I use the accelerator peddle to keep me out of trouble not put me in harms way. Kinda explains why I have had no collisions or speeding tickets.

jmonroe

Since you know nothing about "driving dynamics" you probably drive so slow you don't get in an accident, but, they seem to happen all around you.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

My Mercedes rep got back to me....I'll just copy and paste what he said:

The certification delay was to do with the emission system. All that has to be installed is the latest software to the computer system on the vehicle. No physical part needs to be installed.

For the intelligent drive package, there is a delay on that package as there is a part shortage on one of the parts required to build the package. It costs an additional $2700.00. If you were to order one you would be looking at August or September arrival.

Houdini and a few others were right, no need to go ballistic, first get a logical explanation. btw....I got a nicer explanation in 24 hours from Mercedes than GG has received in almost 2 months from Cadillac.

Isn't that the truth?  Pathetic!

Still surprised that Mercedes did not plan for this problem before building the car.  Also seems like it is just a technical problem which their engineers are still working on.  If I had to wait until September to get a Driver Assistance Package, I'd either order a 2018 or be satisfied with the one sitting in Halifax.

At least you'll have your new car shortly. 

I told my rep to go with the original plan....not worth waiting until August. You are right though, if I was to do that I would definitley go for a 2018. There is a way I could do that very nicely, but, my wife wouldn't like it. Drive the C250 back to Canada, use it until approx Oct or Nov when the 2018s are out. Pick up the 2018, drive the C250 back in November.

WHOA, slow down, you're rushing though life.

However, if you do decide to drive the C250 back to Canada get a dash cam and turn it towards Mrs. Driver. You can use it to show the judge how you got all marked up during the journey back home.

jmonroe

Mr_Shiftright

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

nyccarguy said:

Then he went to the Subaru Dealer and is picking up a 2017 Outback 2.5i Limited on Thursday.  He wants to buy (4 years @ 0% financing).  I told him to look into leasing because of the Outback's high residual.  

This part of your post made me look at Subaru Canada's website for the first time in years. I have not been a fan of Subarus generally in the past but figured maybe they make sense on a lease. Turns out, not here. They don't list the residual outright but you can derive it from what they tell you and the Canadian branch is giving their vehicles ridiculously low residuals. I priced an Outback 3.6 on a 3-year lease and it was $612/month. A Forester was $550 or so. Crazy.

Can't be more rediculious than a lease on a Dodge Dart which had a 38% residual after 3 years. Something like $390 U.S.

You are too kind to the Dart, sir.

I just looked up the 36 month, 15,000 mile residuals for the 2016 Darts - they range from a high of 34% to a low of 27%.

And, the standard MF is being used.

There must be a ton of lease cash on these, but I don't see that information.

I'm going on what the salesman told my in-laws when they ended up buying last year.

27% after 3 years is dismal. Are these car that unreliable? Is there any other car that drops like that?

Funny my Ford dealer had one on his lòt back in 2015 and they wanted a lot more than 27% of MSRP for a 2 yo model.

There have been cars with worse residual, but I can only think of some a few years old---the Volvo S80, the Linclon MKS, Chrysler 200, Chevy Impala

uplanderguy

I'd hope that's the 'old' Impala, or Impala 'Limited' which they built after the new one--which CR said tested higher than anything they'd ever tested besides a Tesla, when it came out.

Hard to believe the current Impala would have lower residuals than, say, a Taurus.

tjc78

@graphicguy

I think you should book yourself a last minute cruise and get out of dodge for awhile.  The last thing you needed was an accident too

Thankfully you walked away from it. 

abacomike

I see Fox News is broadcasting a Town Hall Meeting from Ponte Vedra, FL.  From what I understand, it's just a few blocks from where my brother lives.

They have lots of evergreens up there, but they also have beautifully leaf-colored trees as well - something we just don't have here in South Florida.

sda

jmonroe said:

uplanderguy said:

I love Chick-Fil-A. Sometimes during a work day (I work at home), I've actually driven to the nearest one, probably six or seven congested miles away, just because I've been hungry for one.

jmonroe, is the Chick-Fil-A you mention the one near Robinson Town Centre? When I go to our Pittsburgh office, that's the one I eat at.

No. The one I go to is in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Monroeville.

A little story about the building it is in:

The building was built as the home of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts not too long after they came to the Burgh area. It didn't last too long because people around here know what a REAL doughnut is and Krispy Kreme ain't it. They are very small compared to the mom and pop bakeries that are still around here and they aren't as tasty. It was a little novel though, you could see the doughnuts being made. I remember taking my oldest grandson there when he was about 3 to watch the process (he turned 15 two days ago). Of course he got a kick out of watching the doughnuts flip to the opposite side as they progressed down the assembly line.

The first time I went there I ordered 2 doughnuts the Burgh way. Which is a raised doughnut that has granulated sugar not the glazing. I see the girl ring it up and it is more than the price of 2 doughnuts per their overhead sign. I ask what is going on and I'm told, "oh, those doughnuts are our premium doughnuts just like if you ordered a jelly doughnut. They are more than our signature glazed doughnuts. That's why they are 10 cents more each." I was pretty surprised by that and asked her if she was from around here. She said "yes, and I know what you are getting at. A lot of people are surprised by that upcharge. I know that is how my parents and grandmother eat doughnuts."

You can't come barging into this area and pull stuff like that. You won't get away with it too long and they didn't.

Now tell me, you had to know I could not just give you a YES or NO answer, right? @driver100 knows that.

jmonroe

Is Monroeville named after you? My dear friend that passed last summer worked one summer while he was in high school at the VW dealer in Monroeville. IIRC it was Ted McWilliams VW.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

I use the accelerator peddle to keep me out of trouble not put me in harms way. Kinda explains why I have had no collisions or speeding tickets.

jmonroe

Since you know nothing about "driving dynamics" you probably drive so slow you don't get in an accident, but, they seem to happen all around you.

I don't drive slow. In fact, I drive a little over the speed limit but not too much. Now, if you'd listen to Mrs. j she would say I'm always speeding. Driving 5 MPH over the limit is speeding to her so that is why she says I'm always speeding. I'd be willing to bet her Subie never hit 2300 RPM with her driving. Of course that is not the case when I drive it.

Some day I'll have to tell you guys how she recognizes her Silver Subie from all the other Silver Subie's in parking lots. Kinda clever when you think about it.

I never said "accidents seem to happen all around me". Can't remember the last time I even saw one.

I have to drive into the Burgh tomorrow morning around rush hour so maybe I shouldn't be saying that now.

jmonroe

imidazol97

graphicguy said:

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Glad you're okay!

jmonroe

sda said:

jmonroe said:

uplanderguy said:

I love Chick-Fil-A. Sometimes during a work day (I work at home), I've actually driven to the nearest one, probably six or seven congested miles away, just because I've been hungry for one.

jmonroe, is the Chick-Fil-A you mention the one near Robinson Town Centre? When I go to our Pittsburgh office, that's the one I eat at.

No. The one I go to is in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Monroeville.

A little story about the building it is in:

The building was built as the home of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts not too long after they came to the Burgh area. It didn't last too long because people around here know what a REAL doughnut is and Krispy Kreme ain't it. They are very small compared to the mom and pop bakeries that are still around here and they aren't as tasty. It was a little novel though, you could see the doughnuts being made. I remember taking my oldest grandson there when he was about 3 to watch the process (he turned 15 two days ago). Of course he got a kick out of watching the doughnuts flip to the opposite side as they progressed down the assembly line.

The first time I went there I ordered 2 doughnuts the Burgh way. Which is a raised doughnut that has granulated sugar not the glazing. I see the girl ring it up and it is more than the price of 2 doughnuts per their overhead sign. I ask what is going on and I'm told, "oh, those doughnuts are our premium doughnuts just like if you ordered a jelly doughnut. They are more than our signature glazed doughnuts. That's why they are 10 cents more each." I was pretty surprised by that and asked her if she was from around here. She said "yes, and I know what you are getting at. A lot of people are surprised by that upcharge. I know that is how my parents and grandmother eat doughnuts."

You can't come barging into this area and pull stuff like that. You won't get away with it too long and they didn't.

Now tell me, you had to know I could not just give you a YES or NO answer, right? @driver100 knows that.

jmonroe

Is Monroeville named after you? My dear friend that passed last summer worked one summer while he was in high school at the VW dealer in Monroeville. IIRC it was Ted McWilliams VW.

Yep, they named this Burgh after me.

Ted McWilliams. Now that is a name out of the past the bad old past. When you think of slime ball dealerships he's what you'd think of and he'd be at the top of the list. I had an Aunt that worked in their business office. She quit about 3 months into the job. Just couldn't put up with the antics of that place. But, for only working 3 months she sure did have stories.

It's a wonder that guy wasn't shot.

There is a Pep Boys where that crook used to be and across the huge parking lot was a Circuit City (now gone).

jmonroe

jmonroe

@driver100 said:

That was all my risk, Mercedes can't do any more than they have been doing. The car has been in Canada since mid December and the government has taken it's time testing the car....nothing to do with Mercedes, I am sure they would love to be selling cars that are sitting on the lot. What we don't know is how long the testing takes, and whether the adjustments are always made in the country the car is sent to....I got a feeling that is what happens.

You are way too forgiving. If that was a GM dealer they would be crucified for doing something like that; just ask @imidazol97.

Mercedes should never have built a car that wouldn't meet specs for any country where it would be sold, let alone shipping it knowing full well it would have to sit somewhere until it could meet specs. I've said it before, your car will have its first birthday, or damn close to it, by the time you get it. If nothing else they should discount it for being that old when you eventually get.

That is what you should be talking to them about.

jmonroe

sda

imidazol97 said:

graphicguy said:

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Glad you're okay!

X2

nyccarguy

@graphicguy - glad you are ok.  

Sandman6472

My CPA wife has a second gig for the third year now, she works for Turbo Tax, in fact, she's on duty as we speak in her office here in the house. They asked her to work full time for 6 months this year but timing wasn't right with her other gigs. Maybe next year she said.
But from 8 to midnight, she's on her webcam and answering tax questions for folks who use it and make mistakes. I can't bother her during those hours and try to be super quiet so she doesn't have any background noise. She definitely enjoys working for Turbo Tax and also helps keeping her abreast of what's new with taxes.
Hasn't done ours yet though the kids are already done. Ours usually go last but aren't to complicated, though still waiting on some brokers to send our statements. We usually break close to even each year which works for us. We live well below our means and owe no one. We take care of all our needs and some of the wants. Since I took no vacation this year, rewarded myself with a new iPad Air and last years iPhone, a 6s Plus. Luckily won an eBay auction for a brand new phone in the last second actually. My kid synced my iTunes account with it, the iPad and my MacPro and life is now applesauce!
Very glad I took an HR Block tax class a few years back as I wanted a general basic knowledge of doing ones taxes. She was very helpful explaining stuff I didn't understand and was very very impressed with her tax knowledge. I always knew I married someone smarter than myself but until then, never understood her intellect. But I now understand when we talk about the tax forms so I just am not blindly signing the form each year. They say "knowledge is power"...I now understand the full meaning of it!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

I've found in life, being too aggressive and drawing lines in the sand are not always the best way to go. Demanding things may not get you what you really want and in fact, might get you even less in some cases. That's why it's best to write one's thoughts down on paper as clear and factual as possible. Then, put it aside and sleep on it. Sometimes in the light of a new day, one can see that the "demanding" approach just isn't the right way to go. Clearer heads may sometimes calm the situation down a bit so a more rational and thought out approach can be taken. As my grandmother always said, "one can get more with honey than with vinegar". And she was right.
So, come up with some viable alternatives to get to an outcome which is fair to both sides, where both walk away feeling good about the whole situation. That is what's called a "win/win outcome" and then move on to the next thing because in time, this will all be forgotten and something else will take it's place. Positive energy is more fulfilling than negative and when a situation is not life or death, best to take the positive route. The calmer piece of mind will lead to much happiness going forward. And in such a situation like this, anything negative will be remembered each and every time you open the door. Why turn a positive and fun thing into something negative...just ain't worth it!!

From The Sandman's book of living a happy life because positive energy is much better than negative, and happy folks seem to enjoy life more!

The Sandman

fintail

Glad you're OK. What a run of luck, things must be ready to change. Buy some Powerball tickets!

graphicguy said:

28FF...JM.....thanks!.....the Mazda 3 is the first small car I've actually enjoyed driving. Maybe a little on the loud side on the highway, but that could be because of my ears still ringing. The car did it's job, and did it well.

fintail

Did the car not meet specs, or are arrogant regulators dragging their feet and looking for problems that don't actually exist?

The engine is already on sale, on dealer lots. The platform is already on sale, on dealer lots. For some reason, the marriage between engine and platform seems to have the so-called authorities perplexed. MB should do something out of goodwill (heaven knows they can afford it), but I don't see how it is the fault of the manufacturer.

jmonroe said:

You are way too forgiving. If that was a GM dealer they would be crucified for doing something like that; just ask @imidazol97.

Mercedes should never have built a car that wouldn't meet specs for any country where it would be sold, let alone shipping it knowing full well it would have to sit somewhere until it could meet specs. I've said it before, your car will have its first birthday, or damn close to it, by the time you get it. If nothing else they should discount it for being that old when you eventually get.

That is what you should be talking to them about.

jmonroe

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

My goodness you are having a bad run. I think whatever gremlin that's been vexing Mike has taken up housekeeping with you. Glad you weren't hurt.

Did the truck driver at least stop?

Yeah, she stopped immediately...it was a female trucker....seemed relatively new at the job. She had all her CDL papers. She was doing a Chicago to Milwaukee short run, but looked like a heavy load given how much the cab grunted when it drove away.

She admitted up front to the Deputy Sheriff it was her fault. So, don't see any issues.

fintail

Well, it is just a fancy Golf, right? (teasing)

I bet it had good driving dynamics too. The sport model Audis tend to have good driving dynamics,. Driving dynamics are something the Germans have focused on for decades, and for most cases, found success. Whether it be sport, luxury, or usually, varying degrees of both (BMW favoring sport, MB favoring lux, Audo depending on model), driving dynamics are something they understand. This is likely due to driving being a serious business there, and the generally superior condition of their roads. Even my dear old fintail has nice driving dynamics - it floats down the road at speed and handles fairly well (just get used to body roll and the swing axle). I am not sure if I can say more about driving dynamics, but it's fun to use the term

andres3 said:

I remember back in '06 when I got my first Audi, the '06 A3 - that an Inspector on my project mentioned slightly condescendingly how Audi didn't have quite have the panache or prestige of Mercedes or BMW.

I really didn't care, as that prestige and panache cost big money; which made the $30K out the door A3 a super bargain compared to other German vehicles at the time.

I'd rather keep up with those V6 Accord's in a straight line at the time than have some sort of intangible status symbol. Getting smoked by V6 Camry's forced the German car makers to raise their game.

jmonroe

fintail said:

Did the car not meet specs, or are arrogant regulators dragging their feet and looking for problems that don't actually exist?

The engine is already on sale, on dealer lots. The platform is already on sale, on dealer lots. For some reason, the marriage between engine and platform seems to have the so-called authorities perplexed. MB should do something out of goodwill (heaven knows they can afford it), but I don't see how it is the fault of the manufacturer.

jmonroe said:

You are way too forgiving. If that was a GM dealer they would be crucified for doing something like that; just ask @imidazol97.

Mercedes should never have built a car that wouldn't meet specs for any country where it would be sold, let alone shipping it knowing full well it would have to sit somewhere until it could meet specs. I've said it before, your car will have its first birthday, or damn close to it, by the time you get it. If nothing else they should discount it for being that old when you eventually get.

That is what you should be talking to them about.

jmonroe

I can't imagine the Canadian EPA specs changed after the car was built and shipped. If that were the case Mercedes would have a law suit against that agency and would more than likely had it publicized and they would win that battle. We have not heard anything like that.

So, I say it again, this is ALL on Mercedes Benz and nobody else.

jmonroe

ab348

fintail said:

Well, it is just a fancy Golf, right? (teasing)

I bet it had good driving dynamics too. The sport model Audis tend to have good driving dynamics,. Driving dynamics are something the Germans have focused on for decades, and for most cases, found success. Whether it be sport, luxury, or usually, varying degrees of both (BMW favoring sport, MB favoring lux, Audo depending on model), driving dynamics are something they understand. This is likely due to driving being a serious business there, and the generally superior condition of their roads. Even my dear old fintail has nice driving dynamics - it floats down the road at speed and handles fairly well (just get used to body roll and the swing axle). I am not sure if I can say more about driving dynamics, but it's fun to use the term

I think I told the story before, but maybe not. In 1990 I had just sold my MR2 and was shopping for a new car. Honda was red-hot and everybody I knew was buying one and raving about them. So that's where I went. Drove a 1990 Civic, a 1990 Accord, and finally the one I really anted, a 1990 Acura Integra coupe. The Civic was OK but nothing special; the Accord was nicer, and the Acura just left me cold, strangely, with an overly light clutch that seemed to have way too much travel. I was baffled.

I showed up at the VW dealer a few days later and they had a few GTIs on the lot. They gae me the keys and away I went. Within the first 2 blocks I knew this was the car. It just felt totally different from all the Japanese cars I had tried. Those driving dynamics you were talking about was exactly what I felt. It just drove perfectly, and felt planted. I bought it on the spot. They really do feel different.

graphicguy

BTW.....I had a real ball driving this car.....

http://www.infinitiofcincinnati.com/VehicleDetails/new-2016-INFINITI-Q50-3.0t_AWD_Premium-Cincinnati-OH/2789891653

I can buy it for $10K off MSRP, which puts it well under my $40K limit. I like it.....a lot. It's FAST...very fast transmission shifts telepathically, steering is much better than the DAS they have on the sport models. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The 3.0 twin turbo even sounds expensive and handling ranks pretty close to the ATS. Great stereo-BOSE has really upped their game. It's great in the CTS, and in the Q50. Probably pretty darned close to my reference ELS system in the Acura TL.

For $37K, it's a screaming bargain. All I have to do is pull the trigger. It's probably at the top of my list.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is this....which is at the opposite end of the sport spectrum....

http://www.mbcincy.com/inventory/new-2016-mercedes-benz-e-class-e350-4matic-sport-sedan-4matic-sedan-wddhf8jb2gb282114

I know I can buy this for $55K, or what a new CTS costs with a 4 cyl. But, that's a pretty far ways from $40K. It's beautiful, too. I liked the C Class, and I love turbo 4 cyl. But, the one in the C Class and now the E Class sounds course and unrefined for that kind of money. The E350 doesn't have that problem.

These are my two top choices.

fintail

To me, it sounds like they are looking for a problem. Maybe they didn't have the model spec'd at all? Again, the engine is already here, the platform is already here, logically, there shouldn't be any holdup. Thankfully it isn't a diesel, who knows what they'd be doing. I haven't seen any evidence that MB did something wrong, and find it hard to give benefit of the doubt to anything "federal" no matter the country.

jmonroe said:

I can't imagine the Canadian EPA specs changed after the car was built and shipped. If that were the case Mercedes would have a law suit against that agency and would more than likely had it publicized and they would win that battle. We have not heard anything like that.

So, I say it again, this is ALL on Mercedes Benz and nobody else.

jmonroe

fintail

That's how those Golfs sold, even if they could be flaky questionably reliable cars - their driving dynamics. Not many cars were as refined, tossable and confident feeling as an old GTI, especially at the price point.

The 90-93 Accord is a favorite of mine too, the pinnacle of the Accord in my eyes. The engines were smooth gems, high build quality, timeless styling.

ab348 said:

I think I told the story before, but maybe not. In 1990 I had just sold my MR2 and was shopping for a new car. Honda was red-hot and everybody I knew was buying one and raving about them. So that's where I went. Drove a 1990 Civic, a 1990 Accord, and finally the one I really anted, a 1990 Acura Integra coupe. The Civic was OK but nothing special; the Accord was nicer, and the Acura just left me cold, strangely, with an overly light clutch that seemed to have way too much travel. I was baffled.

I showed up at the VW dealer a few days later and they had a few GTIs on the lot. They gae me the keys and away I went. Within the first 2 blocks I knew this was the car. It just felt totally different from all the Japanese cars I had tried. Those driving dynamics you were talking about was exactly what I felt. It just drove perfectly, and felt planted. I bought it on the spot. They really do feel different.

fintail

Tough choice, as they are different segments. One a sporty smaller sedan, one the mature larger sedan (with the lightest dash of "sport" just because). The Infiniti is definitely the better value, and the MB is the fancier more substantial car. If you have a hard budget, the Infiniti would be the deal.

graphicguy said:

These are my two top choices.

graphicguy

fintail said:

Tough choice, as they are different segments. One a sporty smaller sedan, one the mature larger sedan (with the lightest dash of "sport" just because). The Infiniti is definitely the better value, and the MB is the fancier more substantial car. If you have a hard budget, the Infiniti would be the deal.

graphicguy said:

These are my two top choices.

We think alike. I'm in total agreeement!

driver100

jmonroe said:

@driver100 said:

That was all my risk, Mercedes can't do any more than they have been doing. The car has been in Canada since mid December and the government has taken it's time testing the car....nothing to do with Mercedes, I am sure they would love to be selling cars that are sitting on the lot. What we don't know is how long the testing takes, and whether the adjustments are always made in the country the car is sent to....I got a feeling that is what happens.

You are way too forgiving. If that was a GM dealer they would be crucified for doing something like that; just ask @imidazol97.

Mercedes should never have built a car that wouldn't meet specs for any country where it would be sold, let alone shipping it knowing full well it would have to sit somewhere until it could meet specs. I've said it before, your car will have its first birthday, or damn close to it, by the time you get it. If nothing else they should discount it for being that old when you eventually get.

That is what you should be talking to them about.

jmonroe

Even if I picked it up in January...or December for that matter it would have sat in the garage until April when we return. t really makes no difference.

The new E400 has lots of new electronics and all new body and interior....sometimes things get delayed. Even if I knew all this I wouldn't have changed my order.

Lots of people will be buying 2017 cars in April, and the 18s will probably be exactly the same car and they will probably get delayed to give the 17s a chance to sell.

Some things are worth waiting for and I think this will be.

jmonroe

graphicguy said:

BTW.....I had a real ball driving this car.....

http://www.infinitiofcincinnati.com/VehicleDetails/new-2016-INFINITI-Q50-3.0t_AWD_Premium-Cincinnati-OH/2789891653

I can buy it for $10K off MSRP, which puts it well under my $40K limit. I like it.....a lot. It's FAST...very fast transmission shifts telepathically, steering is much better than the DAS they have on the sport models. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The 3.0 twin turbo even sounds expensive and handling ranks pretty close to the ATS. Great stereo-BOSE has really upped their game. It's great in the CTS, and in the Q50. Probably pretty darned close to my reference ELS system in the Acura TL.

For $37K, it's a screaming bargain. All I have to do is pull the trigger. It's probably at the top of my list.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is this....which is at the opposite end of the sport spectrum....

http://www.mbcincy.com/inventory/new-2016-mercedes-benz-e-class-e350-4matic-sport-sedan-4matic-sedan-wddhf8jb2gb282114

I know I can buy this for $55K, or what a new CTS costs with a 4 cyl. But, that's a pretty far ways from $40K. It's beautiful, too. I liked the C Class, and I love turbo 4 cyl. But, the one in the C Class and now the E Class sounds course and unrefined for that kind of money. The E350 doesn't have that problem.

These are my two top choices.

It's only money and since it ain't mine I don't have a problem.

That Q50 with the 3.0 twin turbo sounds like it is somewhere near the lethal range.

FWIW, Son #1 bought a used '13 G37 with around 22K miles on it in April of 2015 and that is a pretty good mover and road hugger. The Q50 3.0 twin turbo has to be way better than his.

I can't imagine you'd be disappointed getting it.

Good luck and you deserve it too.

jmonroe

driver100

fintail said:

Did the car not meet specs, or are arrogant regulators dragging their feet and looking for problems that don't actually exist?

The engine is already on sale, on dealer lots. The platform is already on sale, on dealer lots. For some reason, the marriage between engine and platform seems to have the so-called authorities perplexed. MB should do something out of goodwill (heaven knows they can afford it), but I don't see how it is the fault of the manufacturer.

jmonroe said:

You are way too forgiving. If that was a GM dealer they would be crucified for doing something like that; just ask @imidazol97.

Mercedes should never have built a car that wouldn't meet specs for any country where it would be sold, let alone shipping it knowing full well it would have to sit somewhere until it could meet specs. I've said it before, your car will have its first birthday, or damn close to it, by the time you get it. If nothing else they should discount it for being that old when you eventually get.

That is what you should be talking to them about.

jmonroe

Exactly....maybe you can get through....I don't seem to.

You are talking to a guy who lost his fight with Hyundai and then went and bought another one.

Lots of products are delayed....possibly parts were a bit slow. I couldn't get the premium white paint job because it wasn't ready yet. Seems a part for Intelligent Driving is in short supply. The new E has had a big revamp, so you have to expect delays are possible. I have a feeling those cars are calibrated once they reach the destination, so first the red tape inspection, then fine calibrating.

The vultures are desperate to make something out of nothing.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

@driver100 said:

That was all my risk, Mercedes can't do any more than they have been doing. The car has been in Canada since mid December and the government has taken it's time testing the car....nothing to do with Mercedes, I am sure they would love to be selling cars that are sitting on the lot. What we don't know is how long the testing takes, and whether the adjustments are always made in the country the car is sent to....I got a feeling that is what happens.

You are way too forgiving. If that was a GM dealer they would be crucified for doing something like that; just ask @imidazol97.

Mercedes should never have built a car that wouldn't meet specs for any country where it would be sold, let alone shipping it knowing full well it would have to sit somewhere until it could meet specs. I've said it before, your car will have its first birthday, or damn close to it, by the time you get it. If nothing else they should discount it for being that old when you eventually get.

That is what you should be talking to them about.

jmonroe

Even if I picked it up in January...or December for that matter it would have sat in the garage until April when we return. t really makes no difference.

The new E400 has lots of new electronics and all new body and interior....sometimes things get delayed. Even if I knew all this I wouldn't have changed my order.

Lots of people will be buying 2017 cars in April, and the 18s will probably be exactly the same car and they will probably get delayed to give the 17s a chance to sell.

Some things are worth waiting for and I think this will be.

C'mon man, if you had the car when they said it would be delivered you would have the car now. It would have been your choice what you wanted to do with it after you had it.

Spin it however you want but I'd want to hear what they say when asked for a discount because you do not have it NOW.

Remember, "if you don't ask, you don't get".

jmonroe

driver100

graphicguy said:

BTW.....I had a real ball driving this car.....

http://www.infinitiofcincinnati.com/VehicleDetails/new-2016-INFINITI-Q50-3.0t_AWD_Premium-Cincinnati-OH/2789891653

I can buy it for $10K off MSRP, which puts it well under my $40K limit. I like it.....a lot. It's FAST...very fast transmission shifts telepathically, steering is much better than the DAS they have on the sport models. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The 3.0 twin turbo even sounds expensive and handling ranks pretty close to the ATS. Great stereo-BOSE has really upped their game. It's great in the CTS, and in the Q50. Probably pretty darned close to my reference ELS system in the Acura TL.

For $37K, it's a screaming bargain. All I have to do is pull the trigger. It's probably at the top of my list.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is this....which is at the opposite end of the sport spectrum....

http://www.mbcincy.com/inventory/new-2016-mercedes-benz-e-class-e350-4matic-sport-sedan-4matic-sedan-wddhf8jb2gb282114

I know I can buy this for $55K, or what a new CTS costs with a 4 cyl. But, that's a pretty far ways from $40K. It's beautiful, too. I liked the C Class, and I love turbo 4 cyl. But, the one in the C Class and now the E Class sounds course and unrefined for that kind of money. The E350 doesn't have that problem.

These are my two top choices.

Talk about white interiors! looks good with the red exterior.
E is nice too, but the Infinity comes in under budget and is a car you would love.
Your a real trooper GG, big write-off accident and still shopping cars.

driver100

graphicguy said:

fintail said:

Tough choice, as they are different segments. One a sporty smaller sedan, one the mature larger sedan (with the lightest dash of "sport" just because). The Infiniti is definitely the better value, and the MB is the fancier more substantial car. If you have a hard budget, the Infiniti would be the deal.

graphicguy said:

These are my two top choices.

We think alike. I'm in total agreeement!

+1

graphicguy

driver100 said:

graphicguy said:

BTW.....I had a real ball driving this car.....

http://www.infinitiofcincinnati.com/VehicleDetails/new-2016-INFINITI-Q50-3.0t_AWD_Premium-Cincinnati-OH/2789891653

I can buy it for $10K off MSRP, which puts it well under my $40K limit. I like it.....a lot. It's FAST...very fast transmission shifts telepathically, steering is much better than the DAS they have on the sport models. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The 3.0 twin turbo even sounds expensive and handling ranks pretty close to the ATS. Great stereo-BOSE has really upped their game. It's great in the CTS, and in the Q50. Probably pretty darned close to my reference ELS system in the Acura TL.

For $37K, it's a screaming bargain. All I have to do is pull the trigger. It's probably at the top of my list.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is this....which is at the opposite end of the sport spectrum....

http://www.mbcincy.com/inventory/new-2016-mercedes-benz-e-class-e350-4matic-sport-sedan-4matic-sedan-wddhf8jb2gb282114

I know I can buy this for $55K, or what a new CTS costs with a 4 cyl. But, that's a pretty far ways from $40K. It's beautiful, too. I liked the C Class, and I love turbo 4 cyl. But, the one in the C Class and now the E Class sounds course and unrefined for that kind of money. The E350 doesn't have that problem.

These are my two top choices.

Talk about white interiors! looks good with the red exterior.
E is nice too, but the Infinity comes in under budget and is a car you would love.
Your a real trooper GG, big write-off accident and still shopping cars.

Driver...I have to be. I'm part of this group.

BTW....I really think Mercedes does 6 cyl a whole lot better than 4 cyl motors. I'm probably in the minority, though.

That 2016 E350 is the very definition of what a luxury car should be. It's a darned shame they can't seem to get your car built, because yours would surpass that E350....by a large margin, if I had to guess!

roadburner

graphicguy said:

IMID...I didn't buy the loaner cars. I bought the one that's in the dealer service dept, going on two months, now.

Cadillac can try to spin it any way they want. They can try to duck the law. I think what they've been doing is a total disgrace to a once proud brand.

To make matters worse (and nothing to do with the CTS), I'm in WI for meetings. Had a Mazda 3 for a rental, which is probably the best small car I've ever driven.

Was driving on I94 doing the speed limit, middle lane. All of a sudden, a tractor trailer in the left lane decides to come on over in my space. I had no place to go as there was another car on my left. Yep....I got crushed.

I'm fine. Rental car did it's job, but I doubt it will get a 2nd chance to protect anyone else.

Glad you're okay!

venture

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

explorerx4 said:

I was pretty disappointed with the interior of the Fusion Sport.
Seems like they ran out of money or something.
The seat material looks cheap and the center stack controls are from the 2016 Fusion.
My 2017 SE has a completely different center stack layout.

Like Fintail, I checked the inventory of a local Benz dealer. They have 28 E class listed. 26 E300's and 2 E400 coupes. I thought maybe they are holding back the 6 cylinder models because they are selling so many CUV/SUV's and are trying to keep their CAFE numbers up.

You have to add the Sport Upgrade Package to get the newer looking center stack. That includes the 2 - 4.2" LCD displays and the 8" center stack display, and the Sony 12 speaker sound system among other stuff. If you restrain yourself and don't get adaptive cruise, lane keep, BLIS, etc., you can have one for mid-30s. That's really not bad for a 325 HP, 380 lb./ft., AWD car.

The seats being only available in dark gray, and being suede and leather, made me not interested. I'm not a suede seat guy.

I took my Titanium out tonight and turned off the radio to listen to the squeeks and rattles. The only thing I heard was engine and tires. Couldn't find much hard plastic either except for the console top.

Impressive. Which engine is that?

That's the engine in the Fusion Sport.

OK wise guy I looked it up myself.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-ford-fusion-sport-first-drive-review

Even more impressive. I figured the 3.5 Ecoboost but all that horsepower comes from a 2.7.

Oh. I wasn't sure what you were asking I guess. Sorry. Yes, the 2.7 Ecoboost.

suydam

fintail said:

Tough choice, as they are different segments. One a sporty smaller sedan, one the mature larger sedan (with the lightest dash of "sport" just because). The Infiniti is definitely the better value, and the MB is the fancier more substantial car. If you have a hard budget, the Infiniti would be the deal.

graphicguy said:

These are my two top choices.

Would reliability tip the scales for you? The Infiniti probably wins there

fintail

The 6 is definitely nicer feeling. It's whisper quiet and very smooth - you won't find that in a turbo 4.

graphicguy said:

Driver...I have to be. I'm part of this group.

BTW....I really think Mercedes does 6 cyl a whole lot better than 4 cyl motors. I'm probably in the minority, though.

That 2016 E350 is the very definition of what a luxury car should be. It's a darned shame they can't seem to get your car built, because yours would surpass that E350....by a large margin, if I had to guess!

fintail

I am still curious as to what's really going on. Is it software? Or hardware? Or regulators picking things apart looking for an imagined slight? I just can't see what is going on, as neither the engine or platform are uniquely new. Plenty of W213s on the road now, plenty of the TT6 on the road now. Combining them shouldn't delay a car for months, when it is on sale elsewhere.

driver100 said:

Lots of products are delayed....possibly parts were a bit slow. I couldn't get the premium white paint job because it wasn't ready yet. Seems a part for Intelligent Driving is in short supply. The new E has had a big revamp, so you have to expect delays are possible. I have a feeling those cars are calibrated once they reach the destination, so first the red tape inspection, then fine calibrating.

The vultures are desperate to make something out of nothing.

abacomike

@graphicguy

So, it would seem you have decided on the Infiniti! I was manager of an Infiniti dealership, as you know, and the Q50, a cousin of the original G35, is one of the best cars in the medium size market.  An Infiniti engine is as close to a true marvel as one can get - their turbo 6 cylinder engine is a rocket.  The interior of those cars is plush, yet sporty and the materials used are of top quality.

I owned a 2004 G35 in Black with beige interior.  It was a stupendous vehicle.  My Dad had a 2007 M35 and he kept saying to me it was the best car he ever owned.  It was the last car he ever bought.

I think you will be super happy with that car.  You deserve a break, and the Infiniti will give you the break you need.  Lots of luck with the new car.